Marilyn Butler

Happy, Happy, Happy to You!!

2011-12-23T11:34:00.001-06:00

Since my last post, I've enjoyed some fun sewing and crafting (and I have photos of those projects which I hope to show you very soon), but this is a glimpse of what's mostly been going on the past month...

...and more to come. Family and friends, that's what it's all about this time of year:) I hope you're enjoying your days and doing all of your favorite things too! Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season!!

Marilyn

A Challenge and a Swap, the KCMQG Variety

2011-11-12T22:26:00.001-06:00

First, the challenge, The Modern Quilt Guild "Habitat" Challenge, which was to make a quilt using Jay McCarroll's Habitat line of fabric.

At our August meeting of the KC Modern Quilt Guild, we were given 6 fat eighths from the Earth Tones colorway. We could also add any solids and any additional Habitat fabric to make our quilts. I added solids from my fabric stash to create Log Cabin blocks and bought an additional yard of Habitat for the backing--I love having an excuse to make a trip to Bon Bon;-)

The Habitat fabric is a style quite different from what I would usually choose. So, initially, it was indeed a challenge. However, I'm all for stretching myself and trying new things. And it's a good thing because I ended up liking it very much.

The big 'reveal' took place at our November meeting Thursday night. What fun!! I think there were about 50 quilts and every single one of them was incredible!! You can see them too in the Flickr group.

And now, the swap--a potholder swap with members from the Portland Modern Quilt Guild...

Susan Beal was a guest speaker at our September meeting. She is the author of Modern Log Cabin Quilting and a member of the Portland guild. I really enjoyed her presentation--it was very interesting and so inspiring. Using that inspiration, we're making log cabin style potholders for the secret partner swap. But it's only a secret till December--that's when we receive our potholder and our partner is revealed!

Marilyn

I can't deny it, I LOVE a Scrappy Quilt!

2011-07-10T01:20:00.001-05:00

A lot of my sewing this summer has been inspired by traditional quilt blocks. My biggest project is this:

Two quilters, Angela/Fussy Cut and Amanda/msmcporkchopquilts, invited others to join them in making quilt blocks from the book, The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt. I'm going with my favorite scrappy quilt look, using colors and fabrics that call out to me when I start a block. There are 111 different 6.5" block patterns in the book--enough for a queen size quilt. I've made 19 so far:

Definitely a long term project, but that's alright, I've been having a lot of fun with them! The Farmer's Wife Quilt-a-long Flickr group is now at 651 members (after just 6 weeks!), so there is a huge variety of colors and fabrics to be seen in the blocks--fun!!

Here are a few more traditional style blocks (also scrappy).....3.5" for a Bitty Block Swap:

And these (hmmm, again with the scrappy).....also 3.5" for a Bitty Log Cabins Block Swap:

******************************
A follow-up on the string blocks quilt.....

...finished...and delivered about a month ago, to Liam and his parents for their summer activities. I'm pleased to say they are enjoying it.

And I think it received their cat's approval too:)

Marilyn

phwoooh!!

2011-06-07T16:01:00.002-05:00

That's me blowing the dust off my little blog:) Time flies, doesn't it? And life goes on! But enough of that...I'm on summer break! Liam's mommy is off work until August 1st, so I am too.

My first summer project is actually one I started on winter break. I finished my string blocks yesterday,

one hundred of them, and I laid them out on the floor this morning.

I really like it, but I really like scrappy quilts! I think it will end up measuring about 65" x 65" and could be a good picnic quilt. Sooo, off to the sewing room for me--I only have eight weeks to catch up on some projects, lol!!

Marilyn

No Prints Allowed Challenge

2011-03-15T21:59:00.004-05:00

At the KC Modern Quilt Guild meeting last week, I showed the quilt top I made for our No Prints Allowed Challenge...

The challenge started in December with Kona Solids charm packs...one hundred of them, one for each member, generously donated by Robert Kaufman. We got to choose from classic colors, brights, pastels, darks and, my choice, dusty.

We could use our approximately 44 - 5" squares to make any patchwork project, any size, but at least part of every charm in the pack needed to be in it somewhere. I used all of the fabric to initially make a series of 'flying geese'...

They stayed on the coffee table and I continued to move them around for about two weeks until I was safisfied with my design.

We were allowed to use additional fabric as long as it was a solid. I added a medium gray and a dark gray.

The sun from our living room window was making it difficult to photograph the quilt top. But while I was waiting for it shine elsewhere, I noticed this view from the back--kind of a stained glass look;)

You can see more KCMQG challenge quilts in the flickr group, and several from the LA Modern Quilt Guild also...enjoy!

Marilyn

More Scrapbusting

2011-02-25T10:44:00.002-06:00

In my move towards using up fabric scraps this year, my Scrapbusters Challenge 2011 is coming along nicely and feels really good each time I crank out another block!

So now, I've decided to add a second project that uses scraps and joined up with sarah and molly's free piecing study. There were a few other things I needed to complete before starting, but I'm all caught up...

January Mondo Bird block:

January Log Cabin House block:

and only one block for February, a Heart:

The study goes through October and we'll then have 15 completed blocks for a quilt. All of the blocks are 10.5 inches square, but I've been thinking I may add a white border to each one to make them 12 inches, finished.

I'm trying not to overthink the blocks, which isn't so easy for me at times and another good reason for taking on this project!

Marilyn

Blizzards and robins.....it doesn't seem right!

2011-02-01T11:33:00.006-06:00

I love the relaxed feel of a snow day...no place to go, nothing pressing to do.

Strolling by the front door this morning, instead of rushing out of it, I noticed this robin helping herself--I know nature requires male robins as well, but I always seem to refer to them as 'she'--to some berries on our crabapple tree. I was happy she did--we're experiencing a blizzard here in the midwest and I can't imagine how that must feel to our outdoor creature friends.

I was tickled that she seemed to pose for me....."would you like me to turn left? right? or straight on?" Just stay warm little robin, that's what I'd like.

I hope those of you living with snow these days, which seems to be the major part of the country, are staying warm and safe too!!

Marilyn

I'm not calling it a New Year's Resolution...

2011-01-04T23:30:00.007-06:00

...but it could be. The invitation behind Scrapbusters Challenge 2011 is to use up fabric scraps...for me, it's those pieces that accumulate after sewing projects and are tossed into a basket where they mysteriously multiply and take up precious craft room floor space.

When, in fact, those scraps can be turned into patchwork pieces like these:

These blocks were inspired by a post in the flickr group linking to this beauty. And it's really quite relaxing--I just grab strips of fabric to sew together without much thought at all, trim the block to size and move on to the next one.

There are photos in the flickr group of projects other members have completed using fabric scraps. It's quite amazing, really.

Marilyn

Mail Art Received

2010-12-29T21:28:00.010-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, in the midst of Christmas cards, bills and advertisements in our mail box, was this beautiful mail art envelope from Lenna...

And inside, there were three gorgeous postcards from the Creative Swaps Mail Art Swap...

from Rita in Wisconsin...

from Rebecca in Australia...

and from Becky in Arkansas...

Lenna worked at swapping mail art to send back that she thought we would love. I'd say she was right on with her choices for me--it felt like Christmas had arrived early and I definitely love them!!

Thanks so very much for a great swap, Lenna;) And for your incredible art, big thank you's to Lenna, Rita, Rebecca and Becky!!!

Marilyn

A Little More Christmas...

2010-12-27T22:15:00.007-06:00

Karla hosted a lovely holiday craft day about a week or so before Christmas. We crafted and ate a delicious lunch and crafted some more! There was also an ornament exchange. Lucky me got to bring home this beauty that Beth made...I love it!!

I made this one with little girls in mind...

(front)

(back)

...so was pleased when Shawn and her daughter, Bethany received mine;)

A few more ornaments I put together for the girls in our family...

And a glimpse at our tree that I didn't get up and decorated this year until December 20th! But here it is on Christmas Eve all ready for a visit from Santa, which is what really counts, right?

It was a very merry Christmas day at our house---I hope yours was too!

Marilyn

Merry Christmas to You;)

2010-12-24T21:50:00.003-06:00

Sending Happy Holiday wishes with a photo of my recently completed (as in yesterday-recent) bitty blocks mini quilt---made using adorable 3.5" blocks I received in the Traditional Christmas Bitty Block swap!

May hope, peace, joy and love surround you this season and always.

Marilyn xo

Seussisized.....

2010-12-23T09:01:00.001-06:00

Liam loves books...

Liam really loves Dr. Seuss books...

Liam turned ONE last weekend...and the theme for his party? Dr. Seuss, of course;)

Oooohhhh, I said to his mother, I've seen some new Dr. Seuss fabrics recently that are colorful and fun--surely we can think of something to do with them!!

We decided on a cover for the gift table, and that worked out beautifully, but after the party, it could transform into a quilt for the Seuss lovin' boy.

Liam and his book nook...

Seussisized!!

Marilyn

Happy December!

2010-12-01T19:28:00.003-06:00

I think it's amazing that I have some holiday sewing to show you and it's only the first of the month!

For a "Traditional Christmas" bitty block (3.5") swap in the Bitty Block Committee on flickr, I made 12 of these little Rudolph blocks. They were mailed out last month and I've also received back several from the other swappers. When the last few get here, I'll be ready to make them into a Christmas mini quilt for decking the halls!

For the KC Modern Quilt Guild Holiday Swap at November's meeting, I created a holiday placemat:

I was inspired by the Modern Quilted Place Mats by Alissa Haight Carlton in the 2010-2011 issue of Quilting Arts Gifts. This is the back of the placemat:

I was really happy when it went home with Angela! She is the sweetest person and is a genius with her quilting designs!

The swap gift I received is from Jaime...

And just how perfect could it be?! Holiday fabric and a pattern for four different sizes of the most darling duffle bags...hmmmm...gift possibilities? Thank you, Jaime!!!

Marilyn

Good Intentions/Excuses and Creative Swaps Mail Art

2010-11-29T10:44:00.001-06:00

Alas, my poor neglected little blog! My intentions are good, but my weekdays are full and my evening energy is pretty much non-existent.....AND I wouldn't change a thing! Remember my sweet grandbaby born almost a year ago? And my new childcare "job"? Well, after having the summer off, we're back at it and I love our time together;)

This is Liam on Thanksgiving (sorry for the sunny glare):

His mommy's little rocking chair came down from the attic and he was trying it out--nice fit, I'd say. I sent it home with them for a second generation of memory making...*sighs* and *smiles*.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So now, after making the proper excuses;) how about some pics of creative stuff?

I think I'll pick up again with another Creative Swaps project...this time, Mail Art.

I started with white 5x7 envelopes and traced mandalas onto the fronts and part of the flaps. I colored them with my favorite prismacolor pencils and filled in the rest of the white space with coordinating chalks. After protecting them with a spray sealer, rubber stamped words and images were added. The postage photo is one I took in Taos, NM and used to create stamps at Zazzle during one of their postage sales.

(backs of the envelopes)
Although it was optional, I decided to include a postcard (which just happened to be the perfect size) in each of the envelopes--more rubber stamping, my contact info and faux postage--very simple. I also included the web address for the mandalas I traced.

All of the envelopes were mailed individually to Lenna so they would go through the postal system. After the Dec. 4th deadline, Lenna will swap out the envelopes and return them to us in a mail art envelope that she creates.

I've been enamored with mail art for a such a long and I was so excited when I read about this mail art swap! I can't wait to see the pieces I receive back and I'll share them with you when they arrive! For now, there are many to see on the Creative Swaps blog and they're wonderful!

Marilyn

Technique Tag Book

2010-10-27T15:40:00.002-05:00

About a week ago I received my tag book from the Creative Swaps Technique Tags Swap...
All of the tags are beautiful and include directions for the techniques used!

From Laura Hummel in Maryland:

Yvette Snowden, also in Maryland:

Lisa Mallette, studiorose, in Florida:

Lenna Andrews, creativelenna, in Florida:

Marianne Baugher, ruffhavenpaper, Maryland:

Sue Stout, who also lives in Missouri (like me):

Kitty Mitchell in New York:

Rena Matus in Connecticut:

Joy Meadows, fifisdaughter, Ohio:

And my tag, which Lenna used for the cover of my book...

...and I imagine she did the same with the other tag books--making each person's tag the cover of their own book--what a fun idea!

Thanks, Lenna, for a wonderful swap and for your time and care to make it so!

Lenna is hosting a new swap for mail-art if you'd like to give it a try. The details are here. I'm looking forward to it. Mail Art has intrigued me for some time and this will be the perfect opportunity to jump in. There are already over 40 artists signed up and it will be great to see what others create.

Marilyn

Creative Swaps - Technique Tag Book

2010-09-30T21:25:00.001-05:00

I met a lot of wonderful artists in the "Your Vintage Gluebook Online Class"...including the lovely Creative Lenna!

One of Lenna's blogs, Creative Swaps, is where she hosts amazing art exchanges--what a find! And lucky for me, sign-ups for the Technique Tag Books Swap had started when I got there.....decorate 10 tags using a particular technique(s)--all the same or each one different--and include directions for the technique(s) on the back of the tags. Then receive back 10 beautiful Technique Tags from other artists--I love this idea!!

I was inspired by a post on iHanna's Blog---"Paint with a Plastic Card".

Using the plastic card, I started with a layer of gesso on both sides of the tag:

Then I added Golden Fluid Acrylic (Raw Sienna) to the front, also with the plastic card. I sprayed a light mist of water onto the paint, let it stand for a moment, then scraped it again.

I added a second layer of paint, repeating the process, this time with Golden Fluid Acrylic (Green Gold).

When the tags were dry, I placed a Tim Holtz Mask (Flourish) on the tag and rubbed Distress Ink (Vintage Photo) around the edges of the mask using a blending tool.

To finish, I added a rubber stamped image with StazOn ink (Timber Brown).

The same paint technique was used on the back of the tag, but green gold for the first layer...

...and Lumiere Pearl Turquoise for the second layer. This time, after spraying the water, I blotted it with a dry terrycloth rag instead of the plastic card. All that was left to do to the backs was add the written technique instructions.

Decorating the envelopes (the actual pages of the tag book) was optional but I was on a roll and had a good mess going already so I started with a layer of gesso to both sides, gold gesso--from Mary who kindly shared some at one of our craft days.

I dry-brushed a metallic blue to the edges of the envelope...

and a metallic red in one corner.

I used white gesso to stamp a swirly design and text around the edges...

and StazOn Jet Black for two more rubber stamp images.

And ta-da, a really fun project!

My Technique Tags are on their way to Lenna and I can now look forward to seeing the completed tag books--I know they're going to be wonderful!

Marilyn

Another Doll Quilt Swap 9 Post-----

2010-09-18T21:57:00.007-05:00

This time to show you what I sent to Anita. The front...

It was really fun "stalking" Anita for ideas as I was planning the doll quilt I wanted to make for her. We have a lot of the same likes, which includes the color red and that is where I started.

This is the back...

I loved that little girl fabric but had a hard time making a lot of it work on the front--how nice that quilt backs have moved away from plain muslin only!

I shared with Anita that I was initially a little nervous when I learned that I'd be making her DQS9 quilt. She is a very talented and accomplished quilter, you see. But I decided to trust the process and follow my intuition and that seemed to work. Anita was very pleased with it;)

Another mini quilt completed with 3.5 inch blocks. The Bitty Block Committee swap theme this time was "Red, Yellow and Blue".

Some darling little blocks, don't you think?
This one is mine...

These bitty block swaps have become so addictive, and FUN!

Marilyn

Doll Quilt Swap 9 Received!!

2010-09-04T06:43:00.002-05:00

I planned for my next blog post (this one) to be about Hoop Up! Round 2 and the embroidered blocks I've stitched so far.....but I received my Doll Quilt Swap 9 package Thursday evening and I couldn't wait to share it with you!!!

All the way from Vancouver, BC, Canada, Janet created "Birds of a Feather", a gorgeous masterpiece of a doll quilt, for me! I am so in love with it and it is perfect in every way! Can you believe the incredible quilting she did on it?!

I swear she is the best "stalker" ever! Doll Quilt Swap is a secret swap--we don't know who is sending to us until the little quilty arrives. To learn about our partner and their likes/dislikes, swappers can secretly check out/"stalk" the partner's flickr photostream and blog (if they have one). Janet definitely got it right when she chose colors and design based on what she learned about me! Amazing!

She also sent a quilt pattern that I love and can't wait to make and a bundle of beautiful fabrics. And a mug rug, the greatest mug rug, so pretty it makes my morning coffee taste better than ever!

When Janet completed my quilt, she blogged about the process here. It's really fun to see her photos all together in one post.

Janet, I cannot thank you enough...here I am, two days later, still gushing, lol! Although, really, who wouldn't be?!

Marilyn

I Hope I Win THIS Giveaway!!

2010-09-01T10:38:00.005-05:00

This is going to be a short little blog post but it's gonna pack a punch.....

My friend, Aneela--the multi-talented Aneela--is having a huge scrap fabric giveaway.....and not just any fabric scraps but pieces from many treasured fabric lines!!

You can check it out here--even if you're not a sew-ist, Aneela writes an entertaining blog:)

Marilyn

P.S. I'll have some Hoop Up! Round 2 embroidery pieces to show you soon. It's a rainy morning here today and difficult to get decent photos.

Happy Quilts...

2010-08-17T10:15:00.012-05:00

Actually, as I think about it, I've yet to meet a quilt that isn't happy--it's kind of the nature of a quilt. That said, look at this little piece of happiness.

It's made with the 3.5" blocks I received from The Bitty Block Committee swap. The theme was "picnic/bbq". Everyone's blocks turned out so cute that I couldn't wait to get them put together. 3.5 inches...amazing, right?

And how about the fabulous quilty Cindy sent to me for the "Landscapes" swap?!

She titled it "The Hour of Bird Song", that hour right before dawn when you can still see stars in the sky but all the birds have started singing.

Hand quilted. Beads.

Beautiful batiks. Strips of chenille (that Cindy created herself).

And generosity...threads and fabric for my stash and chenille pieces for me to try out.

It was a such a good.....no, great, mail day! And this is the landscape quilt I made and sent to Cindy...

I named it "Lavender Fields", inspired by a friend's vacation photo--one of her sitting on a lovely deck with a glass of wine and mounds of lavender in the background. I would call that a fine vacation moment!

I also want to share with you the name of an incredible textile artist. Kim Eichler-Messmer spoke at the KC Modern Quilt Guild meeting last week. She is fun and innovative and her work is gorgeous! She talked about how she came to work with textiles and how she is inspired. It was fascinating. You can see her work on her website and her blog.

Marilyn

English Paper Piecing: Hexagons

2010-07-31T22:46:00.005-05:00

I think everyone is making hexagons. {Handsome} Hexies, a flickr group, shows us that at least 470 have taken up this addictive pastime!

Twice this summer I've made a short three day visit someplace. One might think that three days away from crafting and/or sewing is no big deal. So I'm not sure what it says about me that, even for that short amount of time, I felt it necessary to take handwork with me and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try these hexagons.

I found a tutorial from The Sometimes Crafter and discovered a wonderful way to pass the time while riding in the car.

And I haven't stopped since, can't stop! Like I said, it's addictive!

I'm making 2" hexies...

and 1" hexies...

And I'm not alone. Or rather, I like to think I'm in good company. Britt has posted tips on joining hexagons left in comments from her readers. She asked to use one of my photos for her blog post---she's moving and all of her hexagons are packed up---and in her email to me she happened to mention that it's driving her crazy not having something to do with my hands! Sounds familiar:)

This is how I store and travel with everything I need. I bought this inexpensive storage container. I like it because the sections come apart and it's easy for me to work directly out of them.

When I want to take my hexagons with me someplace, the sections stack up and snap together securely...and the container fits perfectly in my KC Modern Quilt Guild tote--cool, huh?

Are you looking for a reason to give hexagons a try? Or a reason to make more?!

Sign ups have just started for a Modern Holiday 2 1/2 inch square swap. This is the size used for the 1" hexagons in The Sometimes Crafter's tutorial. Send 50 of the same fabric squares and receive back 50 different fabric squares for making something really wonderful for the holidays. ETA 8-11-10: Swap cancelled...perhaps to be offered at a later date.

Marilyn

"Your Vintage Gluebook"

2010-07-29T12:43:00.007-05:00

Craft day at Karla's is always fun and we usually get some good crafting in too. It must be the creative surroundings of her studio and the creative energy of everyone there! On Tuesday, it was Karla, Beth, Mary and me.

I worked on a lesson from Mary's Your Vintage Gluebook Online Class.

It was lesson 8 and one I've been struggling with for weeks. The challenge was to use a photo that was less than perfect in a collage and "make it work". Thanks to that creative energy flowing and bouncing around the studio, I completed the lesson and I think it does work!

I've enjoyed the class immensely! It's self-paced and I learned a lot in nine lessons.

Lesson 1: Color in composition...

Lesson 2: Size in composition/3 piece collage...

Lesson 3: Image and pattern/2 page spread...

Lesson 4: Position in composition...

Lesson 5: Pieces in composition...

Lesson 6: Visual weight in composition...

Lesson 7: Collage with original paper only...

Lesson 8: Making it work...

Lesson 9: Making patterned papers...

This lesson was especially fun--the possibilities are incredible! If you would like to use this background I made in your own collage work, please feel free to do so.

And if you would like to see the work from others in the class, check out Your Vintage Gluebook flickr group.

Marilyn

Quilt Blocks In - Quilt Blocks Out

2010-07-24T15:32:00.004-05:00

It seems I've been making a few quilt blocks recently...

For the Modern Siggy Swap, I sewed up one hundred and one 4.5" squares and signed them with my name, city and state.

In return, I received these!

All made with modern fabrics and all different -- from all over the US, Canada and Australia. I can't wait to start playing with them!!

Two of my virtual quilting bees finished up last month but there is still lots of fun going on in Bee Obsessed! Sara requested orange and pink asterisks for July -- 9.5, 6.5 or 3.5 inch blocks. I got so caught up in them that I ended up making all three sizes. I think I enjoyed the two smaller sizes the most.

KC Modern Quilt Guild started a project last month making baby quilts for the NICU at St. Luke's of KC. The goal is to complete 15-20 quilts by mid-October.

We could sign up for blocks in any of four color schemes:

blue/red/green/yellow
blue/orange
pink/green
purple/lavender/brown/white

I chose to make 3 blocks each in pink/green.....

and purple/lavender/brown/white.....

It was fun to work with girly colors and patterns...I've been limited to colors and patterns geared to boys lately;) But don't you worry, sweet grandbabies, that's no complaint;))))

Marilyn

Completed Quilts--Then and Now

2010-07-10T23:28:00.005-05:00

This is a picture of my first completed quilt (June 2004)...

During part of the KC Modern Quilt Guild meeting this week, we shared a bit about our quilting journeys and our first quilt---either the quilt itself or a photo or sketch. It was really interesting and fun seeing the quilts and hearing the stories.

So, I still had mine out from Thursday night and thought I'd photograph it and show you too.

My grandmother was a quilter and I've always loved quilts. I took a quilting class in 1982 to make a quilt for First Daughter's bed. The class taught hand piecing and quilting, fabric pieces were cut with scissors and cardboard templates--very time consuming. I never finished that quilt:(

Fast forward to 2003...my interest in quilts continued. While planning a trip to Charlotte, NC I remembered an aquaintance telling us about the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY! What a wonderful stop that was--exciting designs and vibrant colors--talk about inspiration!!

I started buying quilting magazines and books, including Glorious Patchwork by Kaffe Fassett. I was even more inspired and was especially drawn to scrappy quilts. So in the fall of 2003 I decided that's where I'd start, hand piecing and quilting it since that's all I knew. It took a while to finish, but I did it!

During that same time I found out about rotary cutters and mats and rulers and sewing quilts on a sewing machine--and now I'm hooked!!

Here is my most recent...a baby quilt, finished today, for a baby shower tomorrow;) The baby is a boy due in September (a someday playmate for Liam) and the theme in his nursery is vintage cowboy--cute!

Front (34 x 44 in.)

Back

Marilyn

Craft Day and Babies

2010-07-03T19:46:00.010-05:00

We had a craft day at Karla's earlier this week.

Mary brought the "Your Vintage Gluebook" swap ATC's to sort for mailing. What an amazing sight, and how lucky was I to be there to see them all!

These are the beautiful ATC's I received in the swap...

Vintage Figments

rosalieackerson

penny4thoughts

friedaquilter

creativelenna

bleintz

Beth brought her new puppy, Button, with her. Between naps, and other necessities, he found plenty of things to do...here, he's helping Karla choose papers;)

We've missed Shawn and Bethany at recent craft days, but they were back this time with their family's newest addition, Ford! His first craft day and, at 8 weeks old, he too filled the afternoon with naps and other necessities. He's a sweet little boy! I can't believe I hardly took any pictures that day but fortunately Shawn took some, including one of Ford on this quilt I made for him...

The question now is whether he will be the productive crafter his big sister has become--Bethany was busy cutting and glueing before Shawn could unload everything from the car to the studio, lol!

Have a safe and happy July 4th!
Marilyn

June Quilting Bees and Swaps

2010-07-01T23:56:00.009-05:00

In Bee Obsessed, one of my virtual quilting bees, June was my month to receive quilt blocks. I requested 12.5" blocks using reds, oranges and blues. Here are some created for me so far:

1. First block-June, 2. Bee Obsessed-June, 3. June "Bee Obsessed" block from Cyndi, 4. Block #2 for Bee Obsessed, 5. Block #1 for Bee Obsessed, 6. June Bee obsessed, 7. June Block - Bee Obsessed, 8. Bee Obsessed block for Marylinkb, 9. Bee Obsessed June Block, 10. Bee Obsessed #6.1, 11. Bee Obsessed #6.2

Aren't they amazing?!

I've had fun making quilt blocks too. For Stash Busting Bee International, Adrienne requested this block in blues and greens:

And in Sew Connected 2, Kristen sent out men's shirting fabrics and asked for Gee's Bend style blocks:

Modern Siggy Swap is something new for me...

I've seen some signature quilts made with blocks signed by members of a group or family, but frankly found them to be kind of ho-hum. They were made with fabrics I considered dull and uninteresting, although I guess my love for vibrant color and/or pattern could be the reason for that.

So when this swap called for fresh, modern fabrics, I was excited...make 101 4.5" blocks (using this tutorial) and receive 100 blocks back! Can't wait:)

Also new is The Bitty Block Committee on Flickr, a group swapping 3.5" quilt blocks with a theme.

June's theme was "Picnic/BBQ"...

...and a "Beach/Underwater" for July/August...

I've also purchased my fabric for Doll Quilt Swap 9.

I have some ideas for it, one I particularly like, but I usually live with an idea for a bit before starting. The deadline is early September so no rush:)

Marilyn

Still Another Way to Play with Fabric

2010-06-17T23:42:00.008-05:00

When it comes to my crafting, there is one constant: more projects on my "want to make" list than I have time! Add grandbabies to the mix and the list gets longer, and even more fun:)

I finished a fabric tag book this week, inspired by Gwen Marston's book, Fabric Picture Books. I got to play with bright colors and fun patterns; the possibilities are practically limitless...

And the rewards are priceless...how sweet is he?!

After a visit with the little guy yesterday, I headed home, having waited out a huge windy, rain storm. Seems we've had way too many of those this summer. But then the rainbows appear and I never tire of those!

Marilyn

Doll Quilt Swap 9!

2010-06-15T09:17:00.009-05:00

Doll Quilt Swap 9 is getting started--sign ups are complete and partners were revealed Sunday!

I'm very excited about my partner! In this swap, our partners are kept secret until the quilts are sent and received---late August/early September for this round. It's really fun to "stalk" Flickr photostreams and blogs to get ideas for the kind of quilt to make for them ;)

And just in case my partner happens to stop by my blog for a stalk, here's a peek at my Inspiration Mosaic--a few quilted works I've seen on Flickr with colors and patterns I love!

1. patchwork for family room, 2. Plain Spoken, 3. baby quilt for Melissa, 4. doll quilt for DQ7, 5. Daisiez quilt, detail, 6. colcha colores aecc, 7. Windmill pillow , 8. Christmas Trees, 9. Synergy - Heather Ross Mini Quilt, 10. DSCN0097, 11. Or maybe this for the doll quilt swap, 12. doll quilt #2, 13. DQS8, 14. Sew2Speak Wonky Neighborhood, 15. Looking up, 16. 18" sofa pillow

But really, dear partner, whatever you make I know I'll love! I hope you'll have fun with it ;)

This will be my sixth round of Doll Quilt Swap, because it's just that FUN! How about a trip down Memory Lane?

Doll quilts I've sent in previous swaps:

Doll quilts I've received in previous swaps:

F-U-N, right?!

Marilyn

Here a Swap, There a Swap...

2010-06-14T17:39:00.011-05:00

Oh my, two weeks since my last post! Where does the time go?!

Most likely fun times spent with these two cuties...

And I've also enjoyed some time in the craft room. I made a couple of potholders for the KC Modern Quilt Guild potholder swap...

(fronts)

(backs)

We swapped them at last week's meeting and I came home with two amazing potholders!!

This one is from Jaime--isn't the fabric adorable?!

And this one is from Alex--I love the purple and gray, and the grommet!

*******************************

An ATC Swap in Mary's Your Vintage Gluebook Online Class is soon and I finished my six cards this afternoon...

This has been the best online class--Mary is an excellent instructor and shares so much information and beautiful images too! I need to show you my lesson pages, and will do that soon, but for now you can see some lovely work in the class Flickr group.

Marilyn

April & May Quilting Bee Blocks

2010-05-31T22:45:00.000-05:00

Hope you've had a great holiday weekend; relaxing and safe...I can't believe it's practically summer already!

Which, I guess, means it's about time I show you my virtual quilting bee blocks from April and May.....

In the Stash Busting Bee International group, we made blocks for Kyra's postage stamp quilt with one inch squares:

And for Corey, blocks using a pattern she designed:

(one inch squares in this one too)

In Bee Obsessed, Kathy requested blocks for a music themed quilt for her teenage daughter who plays guitar, piano and keyboard:

And for Katherine, I had tons of fun making blocks for a "transportation/things that go" quilt she is making for her 4 year old son:

One of the great advantages in virtual quilting bees is making blocks I probably wouldn't have made on my own.....and just look at all the fun I would have missed!

Marilyn

KC Modern Quilt Guild

2010-05-19T11:29:00.001-05:00

Before I went to the very first KC Modern Quilt Guild meeting in January, the only thing I was pretty certain about was that there would probably be other quilters there.

Yep, quilters--35 of them. And since then, we've averaged about 70 at each meeting and I've experienced more than I ever expected.

I've been inspired by many amazing quilts. I've learned new things because of shared tips and information. We had our first "Sewing Saturday" this month--the hum of a room full of sewing machines + chatter and laughing = so fun!

I heard about the Downy Quilts for Kids project and requested a kit that I completed this weekend and mailed back yesterday...

Several of us sewed a quilt block for a quilt we're making for a member's daughter. We all received the darling owl feature fabric to use in a "square in a square" block. I think it will be a fun quilt:)

I even won a door prize at this month's meeting! Our guest speaker was Tia of Camp Follower Bags and Quilts fame and organizer of the Bushfire Quilt Project. I participated in that project (in early 2009) and it was very interesting to hear her talk about it. She also brought along two different project bags and this darling pincushion to give away...

Now, imagine a bride tossing her bouquet...that's what it looked like when Tia stood with her back to the group and tossed a bag over her head to the first section of chairs, another bag to the next section, then the pincushion, the same way...and lucky me, I got to bring it home!

Marilyn

It was a beautiful day today...

2010-05-11T22:10:00.006-05:00

Excellent weather for a lovely drive to Karla's and craft day!

It seems a while since the last time our regular group got together. Karla, Beth, Mary and I were there today. We missed Shawn this time...she delivered a beautiful baby boy a couple of weeks ago! And don't you know we're looking forward to when he gets to join us for the day:)

It also seems a while since I played in my gluebook, but again lucky, because that's what I had a chance to do today.

Especially fun because I've signed up for Mary's Your Vintage Gluebook Online Class and I can't wait for the first lesson on Sunday, May 16th! Nine lessons total and gorgeous images from Mary's incredible collection are provided in the cost of the class.

If it's something you'd like to try too, just go here to register and be ready to learn from a most talented collage artist!

Marilyn

Don't Be a Square...or a Rectangle

2010-05-04T20:47:00.002-05:00

I was never really sure of the official theme name for April's Swap Til You Drop mini quilt swap, but that just added to the fun!

My fabulously good-time-swap-partner, Dolores (deeroo designs), dubbed it "hip to be (not) square, or rectangle". I also saw "Don't Be Square" and "Don't Be a Square" but whatever the official-ity, no doubt you've guessed that our mini's were to take any shape but.....square!

And "square" it isn't---this gorgeous rainbow-shaped, ticker tape style mini that Dolores sent my way:

I'm in love with it...everything about it! Is that binding not perfectly placed?! Amazing!!

And how about these fun gifties she sent too?!

Those four beautiful fat quarters are laying on my ironing board waiting for me to decide what they'll become. I'm leaning towards a tote bag, for summer--wouldn't the fabrics be perfect?

: - : - : - : - : - :

The mini I sewed up for Dolores is, as you can see, octagonal. The 1" squares were cut from a second charm pack of Tula Pink's "Plume" that I ordered after falling in love with it in Project Plume.

And a couple of little extras...

Dolores, you made it the most fun--thanks very much!!!

Marilyn

Hoop Up!

2010-04-26T12:18:00.006-05:00

I realize, as I've been working on the final block for Hoop Up! Stitch & Send Swap, that it's been a while since I shared anything new in that department!

My last block is for Missy. Her theme is Nursery Rhymes...I love "Hey Diddle Diddle" so it was easy for me to choose what to stitch for her.

I'm pleased with it so far, but have some outlining still to do and also some filling in.

**05-04-2010, edited to add** Finished and on it's way to Missy!

The next two blocks are finished and have already made the trip to their new homes...

For Cathy, a fairytale-ish woodland theme:

And for Nicole, a Paris/or France theme:

Two others in our group have added to Nicole's French street scene---a florist's shop and a pet grooming salon---what fun!!

This has been such a great group of stitchers! We all agree how much fun we've had and how sad we are to see it coming to an end. The deadline for finished blocks is April 30th. Maybe there will be a Round 2?

Marilyn

Project Plume

2010-04-16T15:30:00.004-05:00

The KC Modern Quilt Guild meeting last night was so fun! Actually, all of the meetings have been fun...but last night was the runway showing of Project Plume...

Fabric designer, Tula Pink, is a member of the guild--she is everything you would want in a designer--modern, sweet, fun...and also generous in so many ways.

At our February meeting, thanks to Tula and Moda Fabrics, 36 charm packs of her latest line, Plume, were given to members interested in a quilting challenge...oh yes, please and thank you:)

The guidelines were posted:

- use ONE charm pack of Plume fabric
- use only one HALF YARD of additional fabric for the top (any fabric of your choosing, does not have to be Plume)

You do not need to use all of the charm pack pieces or an entire half yard. That's just the maximum you get for the quilt top.

(front)

- any fabric for the back and binding

(back)

- bring it to the April meeting
Not a competition, just a fun challenge. It will be great to see what everyone will come up with!

And it was great to see what everyone came up with. I would say mine was kind of basic next to some of the others, but I like the results and I'm now using it for a table runner.

If I find pics of the challenge quilts, I'll be sure to add the link here so you can enjoy them too!

*04/21/10* Edited to add: Shea (Empty Bobbins) posted these pics--Enjoy!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Marilyn

"Quilting Bee Blocks"..... the Blog

2010-04-10T10:36:00.003-05:00

There's a new blog in town (blog-town, that is). It's Quilting Bee Blocks and it is a great source of information about virtual quilting bees all in one spot.

If you're interested in joining a virtual quilting bee, this is your go-to blog.

If you're already in a bee but have questions, this is the place.

Looking for quilt block tutorials? Looking for quilt block inspiration? Yes, and yes, you can find it there.

Quilting Bee Blocks was started by Erin (Two More Seconds). I first learned about it when she contacted me about my photo of a quilt block I recently made for Stash Busting Bee International. My photo is now located in the blog header.....do you recognize this block on the far left of the header?

Exciting, huh?

Also, exciting is the Grand Opening Giveaway going on...read all about it on this post, then have a look around while you're there;)

Marilyn

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

May all that God has planted within you
rise vibrant and growing this Springtime.

Wishing you a Happy Easter!

(Art, "Awakening Dawn," and greeting by Mary Southard, CSJ...courtesy of Ministry of the Arts)

Marilyn

March Quilting Bee Blocks

2010-03-31T18:00:00.001-05:00

Creating virtual quilting bee blocks this month was really fun...lots of pure, bright colors and three block patterns I made for the first time.

Rita, Sew Connected 2, sent gorgeous shot cotton fabrics and asked for blocks with love, home, family themes...

Barb, Stash Busting Bee International,
was inspired by a Red Pepper Quilts block, bright and scrappy...

And Meg, Bee Obsessed, requested star blocks of pink, purple, orange & yellow on white backgrounds...

Coincidentally, Meg turned out to be one of my DQS8 partners, but I didn't know it at the time I was making her block!

It's looking like April is going to be a good bee block month too with new and different ideas/themes!

Marilyn

Craft Day Shadow Boxes

2010-03-30T21:52:00.009-05:00

Today, thanks to Liam's mom (who wanted me to continue with craft days) and his grandpa (who wanted that too and offered to take care of Liam), I enjoyed time with my regular crafting group at Karla's.

Vicki, (This Art That Makes Me Happy) was so nice to send several of her shadowbox die cutouts and Altered Fairies Creative Scraps to Karla for us to play with...sweet, huh?

Beth's:

Shawn's:

Mary's:

Karla's:

And mine:

What fun to craft the same project but end up with a variety of results...thanks so much, Vicki!!

Marilyn

Sweet Boy.......

2010-03-26T19:09:00.004-05:00

I spent my days this week with this handsome young man...

...our 3 month old grandson, Liam ;)

And I get to do the same thing again next week and for seven more weeks after that...because I am the lucky grandmother providing day care for the little guy.
I love my job!

We had a great week and I'm learning quickly about the new equipment and toys available since my children were babies! Who knows how up to date I'll be by the time summer arrives:)

The change to my schedule is moving around the time I have for crafting, at least initially. But when it comes to prioritizing, there are two things I always find time for, family and creating!

Marilyn

Alice in Wonderland Tags!!

2010-03-16T23:56:00.011-05:00

My package from Karla's "Alice Tag Book Swap"
came in the mail today!

It's beautiful--Karla does such a nice job of choosing tags that look good together.

She also painted the picture of Alice for the covers of all the tag books...and added the little "Drink Me" bottle--cute!

(front)

(back)

From Jessica (Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping!).....

From Cami (Creating Myself).....

From Rochelle (Southern Girl...Northern Woman).....

From Hope (Thoughts of Whimsy).....

(front)

(back)

From Ellie (Ella's Edge).....

(front)

(back)

From Amy (Ruby Moon Designs).....

(front)

(back)

A huge THANKS to all of you for your gorgeous tags!!
*******************************************************

These are the six tags that I made for the swap.....

one for Karla for being a sweet hostess.....

and three for myself.....

because it was such a wonderful theme and I was just having so much fun making them!

Marilyn

Quilts, quilts.....lots of quilts!

2010-03-13T11:04:00.004-06:00

First, let me show you the Doll Quilt Swap 8 beauty I received from my partner, Meg (Boutique NutMeg Designs)!

She picked up on my love of Anna Maria Horner fabrics and put them together in such a fabulous way...and doesn't it look great on the warm tan wall in my craft room?!

Meg is so creative...she also sent the cutest notepad and note cards and wrapped them up so sweetly with ribbon and crocheted flowers!

Thank you so very much, Meg!

******************************************

More quilts? I'm happy to oblige:)

Lots of Show & Tell quilts from the March 11 meeting of
KC Modern Quilt Guild:

and the February 25 meeting:

After seeing these amazing quilts, I went home from both meetings inspired and ready to sew!

However, I'm currently in the midst of a clean-up, re-organize project in the craft room. Maybe I can rush through that and move on to sewing.....OR maybe I can scoot the craft room stuff aside--I'm an expert at making piles--and move on to sewing! Care to wager?

Marilyn

Craft Day Tea Party Baby Shower...

2010-03-11T22:08:00.013-06:00

...sounds fun, and it was!

On Tuesday, Shawn and Bethany and I drove out to Karla's for a craft day with Beth, and Mary (who brought all of us a pack of her French dictionary pages) and

Lauri (who also gave us lovely crafting goodies).

(And the doilies in both photos are from Shawn.)

So why the bunny ears and hats you ask?

Because it was also a Tea Party--an Alice in Wonderland Tea Party--in honor of Karla's Alice Tag Book Swap.

Complete with pretty little tea sandwiches that Shawn made :)

Karla had the table beautifully set...

...and placed a tiny little frozen charlotte doll wrapped in vintage flocked wallpaper at each seat!

The party also honored Shawn who is expecting a new addition to their family next month--she is holding a picture that Karla painted of Bethany holding her new baby brother:)

Even Karla's dog, Twinkle, dressed up for the party!

It was really a special day!!!

Marilyn

Doll Quilt Swap 8 (sent)

2010-03-06T23:55:00.007-06:00

Last week, I finished my little quilt for Doll Quilt Swap 8 and mailed it to my partner............

Jo, (sparkly green knickers) in Melbourne, Australia!

Jo emailed me yesterday to say she received it and she loves it. That is always so nice to hear!

**quilt front (21 x 21 inches)**

**close up of the embroidered tree**

**quilt back**

I usually try to make something for my partner that I think they will like. Jo said she likes nature, green and natural tones.....and I noticed in the inspiration mosaic, that she created for the swap, several quilts that included linen and/or trees. I like to use this information for a jumping off point and then work intuitively, creating as if I'm making it for myself. It's much more fun and I think my work turns out much better this way.

I had several fabric strips leftover when I finished the quilt so I used them to make a matching zip pouch (with this tutorial).

And, of course, I felt compelled to fill it with green goodies!

So, now I'm anxiously checking my mailbox everyday, hoping to see a DQS8 package for me in there ;)

Marilyn

February Quilting Bee Blocks...and more

2010-02-24T10:48:00.006-06:00

Another month almost over...maybe it seemed to zip by because it's a short one??!

Kinda fun to measure a month with quilting bee blocks though...here are the ones I made for February:

In Sew Connected 2, Doris is making a neighborhood quilt and asked for simple houses and, if we wanted, we could add embroidered details.

Ruth is making a similar quilt, "About Town", in Bee Obsessed.

It's my month :) in Stash Busting Bee International and I've asked for blocks for an I-Spy quilt for the grandbabies! Some really cute blocks are being created.....I can't wait to show them to you when they arrive and I've had a chance to lay them out!

Doll Quilt Swap 8 is wrapping up soon and I'm getting close to being finished...here is sneak peek #2. I'm ready to stack, quilt and bind it and it will be on it's way:)

The second meeting of the newly formed KC Modern Quilt Guild is tonight and I'm very excited--it's such a great group quilters! I think they are expecting twice as many as the first meeting.....how FUN!

Marilyn

Craft Day!

2010-02-17T09:37:00.011-06:00

Yesterday was craft day at Karla's with Shawn, Bethany, Beth and Mary...a wonderful way to forget about a cold, dreary day! At craft day, it's our own little world!

We eat lunch at Karla's perpetually beautiful table...

...and the food is always delicious at craft day; we each bring something to share and it turns into an instant feast!

We talk and giggle while we work on whatever projects we brought with us. Yesterday I decided it would be my gluebook...I don't have to think too hard on it or bring a lot of supplies.

(Although.....Shawn, Bethany and I usually ride together and we can pretty quickly load up with lots of crafting supplies...plus our food and other things.)

Sometimes, at craft day, I work on pages for our very casual round robin books, but yesterday I only delivered a page for Mary's that I had done at home...

(front)

(back)

We also talked a lot about Karla's Alice Tag Book Swap...

...and Karla and Beth even started working on their tags (here and here). I think it's going to be a great swap and I'm feeling inspired too--thanks, craft day! (and thanks, Karla!)

Marilyn

Doll Quilt Sneak Peek

2010-02-15T21:40:00.003-06:00

I wanted to give you some peeks at my work in progress for Doll Quilt Swap 8....

1.25" strips lined up on the ironing board ready for piecing:

And a few completed blocks with strips of linen mixed in:

There are 161 quilters playing this round and I've seen some amazing little doll quilts so far. The deadlines for mailing are March 1 for international packages and March 8 for shipping nationally. With that in mind, I'd say that in about a month I should know who is making a quilt for me! Exciting!

Marilyn

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T19:04:00.007-06:00

Smitten? Yep, that's exactly how I feel about this tag book! It's the collaboration of the "Be Smitten" Sweet Tag Swap hosted by Mary Ann McKeating! Twenty-plus pages of Valentine love.....and you can see them all too in a slideshow on Mary Ann's blog.

This is a picture of the tags I made for the swap right before I packaged them up and sent them out...

It was a fun swap---thanks, Mary Ann!!

Rick and I celebrated the day of love with a movie and dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is delightful--all of the tables have painted tops, each of them different. This was ours...

...so cool!!

Wishing you much love in your life,

Marilyn

Hoop Up! Stitching

2010-02-09T13:53:00.009-06:00

The dreary days and cold nights we're experiencing have at least been good for stitching! Once it warms up (notice I didn't say IF), I won't find myself huddled under a blanket so much and my embroidery will probably slow down.

For now though, Hoop Up! Stitch & Send has been the perfect swap to work on!

I finished this one just today for
Aneela...her theme is Little Girls Playing.

Aneela has a tutorial for a fill-in backstitch that I tried and really liked!

For June's theme, Baby Girl Loves, she sent out white fabric to some members in our group and pink fabric to the others to embroider on. I was excited to receive a pink piece--it was really fun!

June is going to use the stitched pieces to make a quilt for her 3 year old daughter...won't that be cute?

I think I showed this one in it's beginning stages, but now it's finished too...it's for Marianne. Her theme is Found in an Oriental Garden.

She is also going to make a quilt, to use as a wallhanging, with her stitched blocks...this is a photo of her own embroidered block and the fabric she's using--lovely!

Thanks for letting me share my stitching with you. In my next post, I hope to share some photos of work-in-progress for Doll Quilt Swap 8. I have my fabric and I have a plan so it's time to start cutting and sewing!

Marilyn

January Quilting Bee Blocks

2010-01-31T18:25:00.003-06:00

After my virtual quilting bees took a December break, it was a bit more fun, even more than usual, to make blocks for January.

In Sew Connected 2, this block is for Beth. I loved her fabrics!

I made this one for Alexis in Stash Busting Bee International. Her fabric colors were fabulous!

Bee Obsessed is a new virtual bee that started in January. Kim is known for her love of black, white and red so it wasn't a surprise that she chose those for her blocks. I can see the appeal.

Looks like I'm ready for February...not a day too soon:)

Marilyn

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2010-01-30T10:04:00.009-06:00

I hope you all are staying warm too!

Marilyn

A Very Fine Day, Indeed!

2010-01-27T09:46:00.009-06:00

Another fun craft day at Karla's yesterday with Beth, Shawn and Bethany and, of course, Karla.

I worked (maybe 'played' is a better description) on a page for Beth in our "casual" Book Round Robin. I added a pocket to the page for a paperdoll tag...

...and one of the dolly's outfits on the back of the page. It seems I don't put as much stuff on the backs---intentional? or too ready to be done? I'm going to call that one a rhetorical question:)

Beth was working on a pretty centerpiece project that involved a cone. Temporarily, however, the cone became a birthday hat while I was being serenaded...

...and blowing out my candle on this adorable little cupcake!

Thanks guys...it was really very sweet of you!!

I finished up the day working in my gluebook. It's been a long time and I always forget how fun it is.

That off white strip in the lower left corner--it's embossed with the letters N-O-P-Q-R-S-T. It didn't scan all that great and I wouldn't want you to think that I just stuck a random strip of blank paper there, hehee! Although, art being in the eye of the beholder--if 'blank' is more your style, alrighty then:)

Marilyn

Yay! for Modern Quilts

2010-01-25T01:00:00.002-06:00

This is where it all started, thanks to Alissa, in October, 2009...and now branches are beginning to pop up all over the country, Canada and Australia!

But the really good news is there's a Kansas City chapter!!! The organizational meeting was Saturday...34 of us squeezed into the studio space at Urban Arts & Crafts and it was incredible!

I got to meet some blogging acquaintances in 'real life'...always a fun thing! I was inspired over and over by members' quilts.

But the most amazing part was the instant connection of 34 people, excitedly chatting and laughing and planning, brought together by a passion for creating and a desire to share it!

Marilyn

P.S. *happy birthday to me* (teehee)

Whole Lotta Lovin' Goin' On

2010-01-21T13:19:00.008-06:00

Soooo, this is one reason why my poor little blog has been neglected lately...

But, really, which one would you choose?! (Can you believe he's one month old already!)

**********************
I am finding time for some embroidery too---for the Hoop Up! Stitch & Send swap. I just started on this block for a group member whose theme is "Japanese Garden"...

...and I just finished this one for a "Whimsical Forest/Woodland" theme.

(pattern by Hannah)

**********************
This one isn't for the swap but it's one I started in early autumn (hence, the leaves, acorns and fall colors) but set aside. I worked on it around the holidays to keep my hands busy and finished it up---not sure what I'll do with it yet?

(pattern from Sublime Stitching)

I hope to get around to my regular blog visits again soon. I've missed seeing what you all are up to and your gorgeous creations!

Marilyn

Staying Warm, Stitching and Swapping

2010-01-11T16:35:00.005-06:00

Too much snow and way too cold temperatures last week weren't good for much of anything except wrapping up in a blanket or snuggling with a baby.

Or stitching...which seems to go hand in hand with wrapping up in a blanket. And the timing is perfect for the latest swap I've taken on...Hoop Up! Stitch & Send Swap.

My theme is "Sweet Dreams" and I put together this flickr mosaic with photos that I like for inspiration...

1. ZZZ's pillowcase, 2. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, 3. Counting Sheep, 4. Pillowcase Fairy, 5. Storybook Collection, 6. cookie loves milk tattoo, 7. Sublime Stitching Sweet, 8. Once Upon A Time..., 9. BLUE MOON week 60, 10. travelers, 11. alarm clock, 12. Sleepy owls - pillow

There are 6 groups participating. Each group has 6/7 stitchers who choose a theme and send out a block of their chosen fabric to the others. Everyone embroiders something according to the theme and sends it back. Some will use the embroidered blocks to make a quilt, wall hanging, pillow, apron, tote bag, etc. I'm very excited to see what my group comes up with--they're all quite gifted and creative!

I finished my piece this weekend...

My idea of stitching up a cozy little bed took on a life of its own and I think it ended up with kind of a Disney-Cinderella feel to it.

Now, on to something for one of my group members! So many ideas and, fortunately, plenty of time--the deadline isn't until April 30th;)

Marilyn

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T12:00:00.004-06:00

Wishing all of you the very best of everything in the coming year!!

Marilyn

Ten...

2009-12-30T13:40:00.011-06:00

(a) Ten snowmen dancing? (b) Ten gingerbread men in need of baking? Or (c) Ten medical play dolls waiting? Ding-ding-ding-ding.....yes, C is the correct answer!

A group of us at church have been making Medical Play Dolls for a local children's hospital. These dolls are used to help hospitalized children express their feelings. The poly-filled fabric dolls have a blank face and body to allow the children to draw on them.

Apparently, the hospital uses about 50 of these dolls per day and was completely out when the group leader contacted them. We worked on the dolls some at church (which was especially fun) then took some home and we'll finish up any that are left this coming Sunday.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Another set of ten...

"I Heart Zines"

From the time I mailed off my swap package of ten zines, I started looking forward to the day when the box of zines from ten other swappers made its way to my doorstep. It arrived on Christmas Eve and what an incredible gift it is!

"Oddball Charm No. 6" by Alma Stoller, whom I consider to be queen of the zine!

"Greetings" by Emily S. Pruitt

"Time Management for Creative People" by Rose Momsen

"Angels on Fire...a Zine of Art Sundries for the Eccentric Artist" by Stephanee

"Gang of Happiness...a know-how manual to create and construct creatures making you happy" by Beate Knappe, complete with a quilted cover!

"Stationary and Envelopes Zine" by Lisa Schramek and Shalene McCollum

"Shape" by Deborah Boschert

"Gypsy Dreams, Paper Trails" by labluegypsy

"Gesso, Issue 3" by Sally Duncan

"Workbooks - the Zine" by Secret Terrabite

Am I going to be in reading/art heaven for a wonderful while?!!

Marilyn

Oh, Christmas Tree...

2009-12-29T18:34:00.002-06:00

I love when Christmas continues even after the actual day has passed!
This oh-so-sweet mini quilt arrived the day after Christmas...

...from Wendy all the way from The Netherlands!

She also included some gorgeous fabric charms that I'm anxious to turn into something:)

And both were wrapped so nicely in adorable polka dot paper (which I will definitely be using in some project one of these days).

Wendy and I were swap partners for the December Swap Til You Drop. This is the mini I made for her...

The theme this month was "Quilts Go Green" and we were to *re-cycle* something in our creating. Wendy made her mini using vintage sheets and vintage buttons. I used fabric scraps from previous projects and vintage buttons (great minds!)

Sending extra goodies with our mini-quilts isn't required but I always like to send a little something...

...and couldn't resist a literal "go green" on the socks!

Marilyn

A Happy Christmas to All!

2009-12-24T22:24:00.005-06:00

Out of deep Longing
and stilled mysterious nights,
God fell into our midst
like a small star twinkling in the dark.
May Christmas fill you with an awareness
of how God is fully in our midst.

"Night Sky" photograph and message by Carol Smith, CSJ
E-Greeting courtesy of Ministry of the Arts

Marilyn

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

2009-12-23T10:02:00.007-06:00

In the midst of Christmas busy-ness, it was fun to have a craft day at Karla's yesterday. What better time of year to be with good friends!

Even Karla's dog, Twinkle, got in on some crafting fun with Beth!

Add in a very nice lunch and an ornament exchange and I'd call it a party!! I brought this ornament...

(front)

(back)

It went home with Beth...and I got Karla's...

AND one from Beth, who brought one for everyone:)

I adore both of them--there's nothing like a handcrafted Christmas ornament!!

Beth also brought two pages for my Round Robin book...talk about feeling like Christmas!!

On the way back home, I made a stop in downtown Lawrence...

"City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, la la la la la la"

Marilyn

Christmas Joy!!!

2009-12-18T12:08:00.006-06:00

Our beautiful new grandbaby!

A boy, Liam, born Friday, 18 December 2009 at 1:41am
7 lbs. 2 oz. ~ 20 inches

SWEET SWEET BABY !!!

Marilyn

Mini-Quilt Swap or Santa?

2009-12-12T23:00:00.004-06:00

Tuesday afternoon, when the weather had turned nasty and was beginning to get nastier--cold rain turning to snow--a Fed Ex truck pulled up in front of my house. The windows in the craft room face our street so I often have a little warning before the driver lays on the doorbell and drops a package on the porch:)

There were a couple of things different about the delivery. I actually couldn't recall if I was expecting anything--could be a gift--but the really unusual part was the driver was walking to the door! I'm glad he was playing it safe in the slick snow, but have you ever seen a Fed Ex driver on foot that wasn't racing?! It was a first for me.

All of that was unimportant, however, when I saw the return address on the box.....I knew chances were good it was going to be a quilt from a mini-quilt swap with John (Quilt Dad)!

And it was! And it's beautiful! The fabric choices, the design of the blocks and the quilting--I love it all!

And all of the extras he included, well, it felt like Christmas...thanks so much, 'Santa' John!

That teeny cup has got to be the cutest one ever...the little critters on it are so adorable:)

Here is the mini quilt that I made and sent to John:

(front)

(back)

I was inspired by ComfortStitching's Half Hexagon Quilt-a-Long and it was really a lot of fun.

Hope you're having a nice weekend during this holiday season...

Marilyn

Snow Scene

2009-12-09T17:20:00.008-06:00

The season's first snow is always so pretty and, at night, so peaceful, especially from the warm, cozy side of our kitchen window. This is the view last night when the snow was just beginning...

Same view, different photo...I played around with this one to add the blue, kind of fun...

We didn't get near the amount of snow that others received just a few miles north of us...I have to admit I wasn't disappointed. I do hope for those of you that are dealing with this winter storm, that you're staying warm and safe!!

Marilyn

Ready...Set...Go!

2009-12-01T15:44:00.014-06:00

Sooo, the holiday season has started. It began in the most wonderful way at our house Thanksgiving Day---all of the kids and kids-in-law and grandbaby were able to be here for the day. It was a fun, fun time spent with all of them:)

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Looking ahead to Christmas, I've decided to make a Christmas-y quilt...

It all started with a Spoonflower fabric designed by Aneela--the tea set, houses, laundry line pieces in the photo--so adorable that I had to buy some of my own! Then yesterday she posted a quilt tutorial in the most perfect style, and off I went! It's been such a fun project that I've had a hard time staying away from it:)

(2 Dec. ETA: Aneela posted the picture of my project on her blog today...I feel like a celebrity, hehee!)

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Also exciting, my copy of the Itty-Bitty Circus book arrived in the mail over the weekend and it's fabulous! Rhonda, the swap hostess for this round, posted a slideshow of the pages on her blog.

I'm not sure if I posted a picture of the Fairytale Itty-Bitty Book when I received it, but it's another cutie!

And so is Tea Time with it's teacup shaped pages. I didn't actually participate in this swap but received one of the books a week after my surgery from one of my itty-bitty swapper friends. It was such a sweet and touching surprise.

Marilyn

Yes, Stuff Happened

2009-11-24T09:33:00.006-06:00

I'm guessing we all have weeks that come and go with little clue of what we did with it. Such was the case for me last week. (Week #47 of the calendar year...I googled that tidbit--I'm kind of a dork that way.) So, to assure myself that last week happened, I'll share with you some of what I sewed.....

For Jill in the Stash Busting International virtual quilting bee, I made two blocks. She requested wonky log cabins.

(10.5" blocks)

For Sudi-Laura in the Sew Connected 2 virtual quilting bee, I also made two blocks. She requested maverick stars.

(12.5" block)

(9.5" block)

And for Debbie in the Swap Til You Drop mini quilt group, I made this. I was some challenged by this one. When I looked at Debbie's blog and Flickr photos, I noticed she used more muted colors so I went that direction. My tendency towards the more saturated colors made it difficult to trust whether it was working or not. But I did hear from Debbie yesterday and she says she loves it. That makes me happy:)

(12x14 inches)

(back)

One of the little extras that I included with Debbie's mini quilt was a fabric luggage tag.

It was very easy to make and you can get a free pattern for it here along with four other free patterns for small quilting projects.

OK, before Week 48 (dork!!) becomes a foggy memory I best get on with my day... Project Thanksgiving Readiness--I'm hungry just thinking about it!!

Marilyn

In the Pink Artists Drawing, Everyone Wins!

2009-11-16T12:42:00.016-06:00

For a donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure through The Pink Artists Drawing, Part 2, my name was entered...and drawn for one of the amazing 63 prizes gifted to the Prize Wheel by 63 equally amazing artists!

Specifically, an incredible mixed media piece, "Sailing Through It" by "Nikki" Lee Anne Ghilain, (Sun Soul Art Thoughts)!! It's gorgeous and I can't thank Nikki enough for her generosity!!

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So, this is what it's looked like around here for a couple of days...

(Image from DryIcons)

Oh so dreary! But before the cold rain moved in, it was sunny and warm and I gathered up a few of the autumn leaves from our yard.

I decided to scan them...

...although, I'm not sure what to do with them.

Maybe you have an idea? Please feel free to use them:)

Marilyn

From "I Think I Can" to "All Done"

2009-11-14T11:01:00.011-06:00

I have to admit that the I Heart Zines swap turned out to be a very satisfying project.

(my I Heart Zines front cover)
But I had doubts along the way...

The mere size of the zine was somewhat looming--five folded pages/20 sides (I chose a 8.5 by 5.5 format) and did I have enough in my noggin to fill those pages? If I did, how would I communicate my ideas?

I also was feeling some intimidation, without any basis as I don't know who I'm actually swapping with. But, typically, I was sure the other swappers' zines would shine up against my little first attempt:)

Lastly, would I be able to complete 10 copies before the November 13th deadline? I signed up to participate in mid-July...four months = easy peasy...right? But then that little bump in the road, my August hysterectomy, and a few other swaps I signed up for. I'm usually pretty good about timing my swap participation, but perhaps removing one's uterus affects one's wise swapping judgement! Suddenly it seemed that several swap deadlines were falling very close to one another!

(I Heart Zines back cover)
But this is where the satisfying part comes in...I did it! I finished my zine original, compiled 10 copies and popped them into the mail last Saturday, a full six days ahead of the deadline!

I took it one page at a time and focused on that project, not the twenty page project. I wrote about things I know (duh!). It's amazing how easy it is to fill a page with things you know, lol. And I ignored the intimidation, even if it didn't disappear completely...it was my zine--it could only reflect me--and that had to be good enough.

My pages were done in a cut-and-paste style...collaged backgrounds with printed text cut out and pasted onto the backgrounds. That style allowed me to really play with color and pattern and magazine/catalog pictures that I'd torn out and kept in a "I'll use it someday" file.

I included articles about my own discoveries of inspiration for color and creating...and lessons learned:) I talked about a couple of my favorite books and added a few helpful quotes I've come across. I talked about nature and traveling and laundry (yes, color inspiration in your laundry!)...and pinking shears, teehee. I included a copy of one of my smaller mixed media pieces and some quicky instructions for a patchwork pillow that mixes up four different patchwork blocks. And there are a few things tucked in for the other swappers to play with: fabric, ribbon, decorative paper, etc.

When Alma emailed me earlier this week to let me know that my package had arrived, she said some very nice things about my zine and it gave me just enough confidence to share it with others in my Etsy shop.

This is probably a good time for me to thank all of you for your sweet and encouraging blog comments over the past almost two years. It's the give and take of blogging, and the support of one another's artistic endeavors that gives me the push to try new things. What a gift...thank you!!

Marilyn

I Heart Zines Swap

2009-11-04T13:54:00.006-06:00

I continue to work on my issue for the I Heart Zines Swap...

...and continue to ponder, "Why am I so slow at cutting and pasting?!" I'm Speedy Gonzales when I'm at the sewing machine. I don't get it.

My zine is very close to being finished and I'm starting to get really excited about the swapping part. I'll be sending my ten copies to Alma Stoller soon. She will swap them and send back ten different zines from other swappers. FUN...yes?

OK, back to work!

Marilyn

Block Party Quilt Along

2009-11-02T11:48:00.004-06:00

Alissa, one of my Sew Connected 2 (virtual quilting bee) pals, posted yesterday about a great quilt-along that is getting started over at Block Party Quilting.

Quarterly, there will be a tutorial for a specific quilt block, along with options for improvising it or making it in a different way if there is one. There is also a companion flickr group for posting pictures of the blocks and to see the many variations being created.

Alissa and her co-host, Kristen (another SC2 pal), are extremely talented and I think they will have a lot to offer! I'm looking forward to it!

Meanwhile, they're having a giveaway--two bundles of fabric, 8 fat quarters! Doesn't that make your heart pound?! If so, scoot on over to Block Party to find details about the quilt-along and the giveaway.

Marilyn

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

2009-11-01T17:44:00.008-06:00

Last year, I celebrated Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) by participating in Stephanie's (Rodrigvitz Style) Dia de Bloglandia 2008. This year, Stephanie is again hosting a blog celebration--Dia de Bloglandia 2009.

I didn't sign up to participate again his year because, well, how is it November already?! But I wanted to remember the day in our home and created a Day of the Dead runner for our table.

If you'd like to check out Dia de Bloglandia 2009, you can go here for a list of the participants. I can't wait to visit them!

Marilyn

Trick or Treat!

2009-10-31T22:05:00.002-05:00

Definitely a TREAT!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

Marilyn

It's a Circus Around Here!

2009-10-28T10:57:00.011-05:00

It seems, recently, that many of my regular-blog-reads have noted how long it's been since they last posted.....and here I am thinking the same thing! What's up with that, I can't even explain.

I've been in the craft room and I've been makin' stuff...like these Itty Bitty Circus Book pages:

This is the last Itty Bitty Book Club Swap for a while. The head itty-bitty is taking some much needed time off--through the end of the year. Eleven swappers signed up for the Circus book and we were also invited to make more than one page if we wanted to. I always like a thick itty-bitty...hehee, I really like saying "itty-bitty". I found several great circus images out there on free image sites and decided to make three different pages (3 X 11).

Speaking of great images, for the backs of my pages I used three of them from the Logomachy Cards set I purchased from my friend Mary at her Green Paper Packages Shop. I added my blog information to them, but still a bonus page, don't you think? Mary also shares many wonderful free images on her blog, Green Paper.

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It seems like there is less of this

and more of this

in our backyard today! Raking vs. blogging.....I'll get back to you on that!

Marilyn

Number Twelve

2009-10-20T15:32:00.003-05:00

Rick and I celebrated our wedding anniversary yesterday--our twelfth--and were we ever lucky to have the perfect-weather-day to enjoy it!

We took a day trip to St. Joe (St. Joseph, MO), Rick's growing-up town. I really believe the trees were at their peak just an hour north of us. We saw the most brilliant yellows and oranges! Isn't this one funny? Looks like a hairdo parted down the middle:)

We stopped at a nature park next to the Missouri River where the sun was glistening on the river and the leaves were rustling in the breeze, aahhh:)

There was a nice tree lined path for walking. This bridge crosses a babbling creek.

We ate a really wonderful Cajun meal and drove the beautiful boulevards to ogle lovely historic homes, including Lovers Lane...

How perfect!

Marilyn

Sinister and Sweet

2009-10-19T00:26:00.007-05:00

"Sinister Bird"...the cutest one I've seen!
(6 x 6 inches)
from Katherine, Scootin' Annie

Katherine and I were swap-buddies for the Teeny Tiny Mini Quilt Swap. When she saw this tag on my blog...

...inspiration kicked in and "sinister" became our theme--a great one for October. It was a fun swap...thanks Katherine!

This is the teeny-tiny-sinister-mini that I made for her.
(6 x 6 inches)

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So, now, how 'bout some S W E E T !

These beautiful tags are from Karin, Creative Chaos.

Aren't they gorgeous?! And sweet...like Karin! I just adore them...thanks so very much!!

***********************************************

Most of my time in the ol' craft room this past week was spent working on my issue for I Heart Zines 2009. It's a first for me--fun and a bit of a challenge.
But, Alma Stoller, the swap hostess (and another sweet and talented artist) provided a really helpful tutorial. I've mostly worked on getting my thoughts and ideas organized--ones that I'd noted and/or sketched over the past few months (an interesting variety of scrap paper, napkins, deposit slips, etc.)--but I've been able to create some of my pages too. I'll share more on my progress later:)

Marilyn

Summer at the Beach House

2009-10-10T17:18:00.006-05:00

We've had some nice cool-ish weather here this week...and one very rainy day...but today was overcast and downright cold! I'm not r-r-ready for c-c-cold yet.

However, I did have a nice distraction from it in my craft room today. I worked on finishing quilt blocks for Sew Connected 2.

(10.5 x 10.5 inches)

The blocks are for Sonja. She sent the most beautiful fabrics and her theme is "summer at the beach house".

(8.5 x 9.5 inches)

That theme, and the lovely summer-y colors of the fabrics, made it easy for me to drift into my own little world with thoughts of sun and water and lazy days.

(10.5 x 10.5 inches)

Maybe I should make one of these quilts for myself. Then, when the temps are freezing and the snow is flying, I could climb underneath it and dream of the beach!

Marilyn

Getting Ready For December 20th

2009-10-08T14:41:00.004-05:00

Completed, laundered and ready for...

...first daughter's baby shower last Sunday! It was a lovely afternoon hosted by one of her long time friends.

Can you believe this cake?! It was so adorable and also very tasty!

We asked grandbaby Cole to test out the Bumbo seat (I swear he gets cuter every time I see him)...lots of new baby things available that I've learned about these past several months. It's amazing, and they're all so cute and really some good ideas!

After we took the dozens of wonderful gifts back to first daughter's house, I asked her to pose with baby's quilt.

(By the way, she loves it!)

Marilyn

Where Did September Go?!

2009-10-03T13:09:00.004-05:00

Yep, October already...reminding me yesterday that it was time to quilt the table runner I pieced a couple of weeks ago.

Fortunately it went smoothly and I was able to get it on the table along with my Vintage Spooky Tag Book...

...and, at least in the kitchen, there's a reminder that YES, IT IS OCTOBER ALREADY!

Marilyn

Round Robin Beginnings

2009-09-24T16:13:00.007-05:00

I've added another page spread to my gluebook this week...

it's really become quite addictive! And to further my addiction, I'll now be able to work in books belonging to craft group friends too!

Beth suggested a very casual Book Round Robin. We can bring our books to craft day and work in our own or on a page for someone else. We can also work on other's pages at home and bring them back the next time we're together. No strict rules, just however it works out--and when nobody brings a book to craft day in a while, we're finished. Easy!

Beth, Mary, and I started our books this week. Shawn said she wants to play and I'm hoping Karla will join us later--she has lots of other projects going on right now.

We used book covers that we got from Mary and filled them with blank paper. The pages are hole punched and go into the books using binder rings.

I had a chance yesterday to decorate the cover of mine:

Mary made my first two pages...

(front)

(and back)

This is the front and back page I made for her book,

and the front and back page I made for Beth's book.

What fun! I'm excited for our next craft day!

Marilyn

There's a Housing Boom

2009-09-21T16:50:00.008-05:00

In this economy?!

Yep, it seems to be happening--at least in my quilting bee groups...

In Sew Connected 2, our September blocks are for John who is planning, what I think is going to be, a fabulous Neighborhood Quilt. He has requested 12.5 inch blocks using the Kona Cotton "Ash" that he sent. From our own fabric scraps, we are to make little houses and trees, etc. measuring 3.5 to 5.5 inches.

When the blocks are sewn together, the quilt will be a vast background of pale gray dotted with cute buildings and trees. I can't wait to see it!

Terrie requested houses this month too in Stash Busting Bee International. Houses of a different color, so to speak--Wonky Halloween houses...

And while I had my Halloween fabric stash out and spread all over the craft room, I started putting together several different 6.5 inch blocks until I had fifteen of them.

My plan is for a table runner and now that the blocks are sewn together, all I have to do is quilt it and bind it and hopefully have it ready for October duty!

Marilyn

Bonus Craft Day

2009-09-16T09:29:00.012-05:00

Again yesterday, Shawn and Bethany and I drove out to Karla's for craft day--two weeks in a row! Sadly, Beth and Mary weren't able to be there this time (and were missed).

I worked some more on my gluebook and finished two additional pages. It's really fun to have a project without a deadline attached, one to just play with as the mood hits:)

We started the day with a pitch-in lunch of fresh, tasty dishes...eating outside where the air was pleasant and the surroundings were lovely!

Then after lunch we were treated to a walk in the woods...

or more specifically...

the Fairy Berry Trail!

What a delight!

Also a delight was seeing the journals that Karla made with book covers that Mary brought last week...

Beautiful, aren't they? As was craft day--thank you, Karla!

Marilyn

Can You Really Have Too Much Fun?

2009-09-10T11:28:00.013-05:00

On Tuesday, Shawn and Bethany and I drove to Karla's lovely cottage for a craft day. Actually, we met Mary for lunch first--Mexican food, mmmm--then to Karla's and Beth arrived a little later.

It was the perfect craft day! Lots of chatting and laughing and lots accomplished! I worked on tags for the Sweet & Sinister swap...

a n d

Mary was very nice (and generous) to bring book covers for us to use for collage projects...like this one and this one that she put together--doesn't she do beautiful work?! Then, in no time at all, Karla turned two covers into a beautiful piece too! Amazing!

I also took my gluebook to work on--the one that I started on a craft day back in April, inspired by Mary's gluebook. I didn't get to it on Tuesday but I finished a page yesterday. This is what I have so far...

This is such a fun project and I really don't know why I don't play with it more often. Maybe I'm too busy swapping, hmmm...also fun! What's a crafter to do?!

Marilyn

Doll Quilt Swap 7 - Received AND Sent

2009-09-04T19:49:00.009-05:00

For me, one of the best mail days is when a Doll Quilt Swap package shows up in the mailbox...like today!

It's ADORABLE! And it's from Natalie...and did I say it's adorable?

Taking note of my fancy for Japanese prints, she made a coin pattern quilt with some of the cutest prints I've seen!

I think the brown solid fabric really shows off the prints, and I love the decorative stitch she used for the quilting.

The back is every bit as wonderful!

Along with the doll quilt, Natalie sent some gorgeous fabric (the pink & orange dot is one of my favorite color combos and the other, a Valori Wells design, is another favorite)...

and a fabulous embellished Moleskine sketch book:)

How lucky am I?! Thank you so much, Natalie!!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I also sent my Doll Quilt Swap package today. What do you think about that coincidental timing!

I can't say where it's headed just yet...

but I can show you the matching drawstring bag I made

to hold a graph paper booklet, cute tissue, chocolate and any other necessities he/she may want to add:)

Have a great holiday weekend!

Marilyn

Cutest Photo Ever :-)

2009-08-31T23:28:00.002-05:00

This is first daughter (expecting a baby boy December 20th) holding our little grandbaby, Cole...

Cole patted her stomach and laid his cheek on it as if he knew his cousin was in there--ADORABLE!!

Marilyn

Quilts-I-P

2009-08-29T13:04:00.013-05:00

Works-in-progress would pretty much describe my entire craft room at this time, so I'm narrowing down this post to quilts-in-progress!

The quilt top for Doll Quilt Swap 7 came together this week.

My (secret) partner said she/he likes blues and pastels and is relaxed, not formal...

...so I used a collection of blue Kaffe Fassett fabric and linen. I hope she/he likes it:)

There are only about two more weeks left for this swap and many have already completed and sent off their quilts--some real beauties...you can go here to see them.

I also made a block for my Sew Connected 2 quilting bee group...

This is for Alissa who requested straight lines, no triangles. I had a lot of fun with her fabrics--little tadpoles and frogs in those jars!

Yesterday, I received fabric from Terrie for September's Stash Busting Bee International blocks...

Her request? Haunted Halloween wonky houses!! How great is that?!

Marilyn

What? Me, EARLY?!

2009-08-22T17:38:00.005-05:00

I usually don't give much thought to Halloween in August, but this year is different...thanks to Shawn who told me about Sarah's Vintage Spooky Tag Swap.

And not only have I thought about it, but I finished my 13 tags today, ready to mail to Sarah on Monday.

I like that I'm now in a 'spooky' frame of mind and ready to start on my Sweet & Sinister tags. My supplies are out and that little space on my table is cleared off. I might even have a couple of ideas left too:)

Marilyn

Putting the Pieces Together

2009-08-20T19:46:00.007-05:00

This week I've been clipping, snipping and dyeing--sounds like a hair salon--and pasting to make Halloween tags for Sarah's Vintage Spooky Tag Swap .

Sarah is going to make tag books from everybody's tags (due 8/28), tying them together with a ribbon...13 swappers, 13 pages...how's that for a Halloweeny tag book?! I can't wait to see it!!

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Here's another fun tag book swap...

Sweet & Sinister Tag Swap

It's still open for sign-ups if you want to jump in!
(Tags aren't due until October 10th.)

You can go here or here to sign up.

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This next picture may quite possibly fall into the same category as watching paint dry...

I'm coming right along on my 1000 piece puzzle. But not without help...second daughter and her boyfriend were here last weekend. The three of us worked on it Sunday morning while Rick was cooking up a delicious breakfast--he's not a puzzle person:) But he is a fabulous cook and I swear he added some magic to our breakfast--we really knocked out a lot of this puzzle after we ate!
(edit - 08/22/09...finished this baby last night--yay!!)

Marilyn

Ephemera and Fabric Scraps--Things That Make Me Happy!!

2009-08-15T15:42:00.007-05:00

Yesterday, I received a delightful piece of mail from Mary...it was her July Giveaway package that I was so lucky to win!

Vintage book pages and postcards, a variety of game cards--including Logomachy, vintage calling cards and other bits that are perfect for ATC's and tags, etc.

I was surprised to see that Mary also included a packet of charms--so pretty and unique! These will be great for paper projects too...and/or fabric projects.

As you can probably imagine, lingering over this package of goodies has been muchos fun! Thank you, Mary!!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Today, I was back in front of the sewing machine and it felt goood!!! I made blocks for Rachel in my Stash Busting Bee International group.

She wanted Wonky Stars, either 12.5" or 6.5". I made five 6.5" blocks...

The centers are fabric

Rachel sent from her stash.

The points are from my stash.

Except for this last one, which is made with scraps from her fabrics.

I'd forgotten how fun it is to make these stars--just about anything goes!

Hope you're having a good weekend:)

Marilyn

More Guilty Pleasures

2009-08-13T20:05:00.002-05:00

Ten days post-op and feeling amazing. Minimal pain and, of course, less energy but I'm not complaining. It's a good time for things like coloring...

I love to color! I especially like coloring books that I can get from Dover and Bellerophon; and also mandala coloring pages that can be downloaded from different sites online.

But I really love my prismacolor pencils!

If you use colored pencils, you know what I mean...laying down color with these is practically effortless and even meditative:)

And puzzles...the dining room table is currently covered with 1000 puzzle pieces. Seeing the table reminds me of my grandparents who frequently worked jigsaw puzzles, although I think they used a card table. Guess they used the dining table for crazy things like big meals or something!

So far, the outside border and the cornflakes box are put together. No rush, it's a process, lol! The part of the process I really like is when I walk by the table, pick up a puzzle piece and magically drop it into its proper place! The part I don't like is having 100 or so pieces that seem to all be the same color--green, in the case of this puzzle!

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The fabric I ordered for my Doll Quilt Swap 7 quilt came in the mail on Tuesday. I'm excited to get started!

Marilyn