Turtle Hill Quilter

Quilts of 2011

2011-12-23T11:31:00.000-08:00

I actually made more quilts this year than I realized...there are a few more that I never took photos of.
I hope every one is doing well and has a wonderful holiday!

Warm cheers,
Cathy

Quilt tops are piling up.....

2011-10-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

I have been piecing quilt tops and the number of unquilted tops is now 6 with 2 more tops almost finished. Thank goodness, 2 of them are small doll quilts.

Love this fabric....I am making a quilt with her Little Apples Line and and am very excited about her third line coming out.

Must have at least one whirlygig in the line up. I have to say that I think this pattern is my very favorite.

And of course, always working on new dolls......

Now that fall is here it is so fun to snuggle under quilts at night.
Have a great weekend,
Cathy
P.S. I hope everyone is doing well!!!

Bitty Bud Giveaway

2011-10-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a wonderful feeling I have right now!! Thank you everyone for entering your name for the new little doll. She is so excited to be coming to: Agnes :-)

I will email you Agnes and get her in the mail as soon as possible. I will be having an October giveaway and will post on my my facebook page when it is, so please come back! I just love having giveaways!!

Take care,

Cathy

P.S. I know how to do screen shots on my Mac but have no clue how to make it larger....any advice please.

Bitty Bud- Waldorf Doll Giveaway.....

2011-09-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

I love trying new things whether it is in quilting or dollmaking. I decided to make a smaller doll than my 10" that I have been making for over a year. This is what I came up, a little 8"/9" doll.

If you would like to have her come live with you, please leave your name and a way to get it touch with you.

I will pull a name on October the 1st. I can not believe that it is almost October, but I love it.....cuddling with quilts is coming up. :-)

Also, Jacque from "The Doodles of My Mind" is having a giveaway for a darling little carrycot for smaller Waldorf Dolls. Please be sure to check it out.........http://browndogprims.blogspot.com
We are looking forward to hearing from everyone!
Cathy and Jacque

A Little Sweetness.......

2011-07-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love Tasha Noel's etsy shop and her fabric that she has designed.......http://www.etsy.com/shop/alittlesweetness. I placed a custom order a little while back and received some of her fabrics. They are as adorable as I knew they would be. I have made 2 doll quilts with it so far and plan on making a baby quilt and a toddler quilt with what I have left. I can just imagine a child picking out the different things in each square that they love.

My little Emma from Moonchild Studio is looking at the little girl in the red cape. :-)

So adorable.....I may just make myself a quilt with it!
Take care,
Cathy

July Doll Giveaway Winner :-)

2011-07-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to everyone that left comments.....I so appreciate it! I will continue having giveaways every month, so please check back.

The number drawn was 20 which is Ruth Wright. Again, I can never figure out how to do a screenshot on my computer(Mac)

Ruth, if you will please email me at clcknits@aol.com, we can discuss hair and eye color. I am looking forward to making a doll for you. :-)

Thank you again everyone,
Cathy

A little Studio Organizing

2011-07-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

I came across this wonderful blog and found this great method for folding fabrics......http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/2011/02/fabric-folding-tutorial.html. Placed an order with Amazon to get 200 comic book backer boards.....free shipping of course and went to work. I am in love. It looks so nice and I am able to store so much more fabric on my shelves. Happy, Happy, Happy!!!

Most of this is doll clothes fabrics but I also use quilting fabrics.

Cute little storage shelf form Target....

Love the way the fatquarters are folded and stored. I believe they are mesh CD bins.

My work table by my sewing table. I have an U shaped work area with the work table on my right, an ironing table on the left and my sewing machine table at the head. That way with a swivel chair everything is at my fingertips. I just have to remember to get up and move around though.

Off to work on a few custom dolls and a quilt for moi!
Take care,
Cathy

July already and a 12" doll giveaway

2011-07-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

I have to say I am more of a winter person than summer person, mainly because of the heat and mosquitoes here in my area of Virginia. But, it is hard to believe that tomorrow will be the 4th of July!

I have been making dolls as usual and a few baby quilts. I saw a bowtie quilt along and decided to make that a project for this summer. The quilts looks so neat the way a lot of people have their blocks facing.

I am going to have another giveaway....hopefully my doll from June has made her way to her new home. She was caught in Canada's Postal strike. :-(

This time the doll will be a little 12" doll with a smocked dress. The dress will be a different fabric from this ( since I am almost out of this) and the winner is welcome to choose hair and eye color. If you would like to be included please leave your name in the comment section. I will pull a name next Sunday night.

I hope everyone is doing well,
Cathy

First giveaway doll is finished :-)

2011-06-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

This is Paulette's little baby who will be winging her way to Canada on Monday. I didn't make the dress, but had to get it for her when I saw it. I dressed my daughter in lots of smocked dresses that I made for her when she was little, so I decided that this little one needed a smocked dress also.

Oops, trying to take a little tumble there......

I think that I am going to try my hand at a few smocked doll dresses this summer. I hope it is like riding a bike and you don't forget how.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend,
Cathy

Sherbet Pips :-)

2011-05-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

My little great niece had to undergo major surgery so of course a little quilt was in order. She loves dogs and I love Sherbet Pips' little dogs so I made just a simple quilt using white and the pink print.

Do you think she is checking out my quilting to see if it is up to par? ;-)

Really giving it the once over! I think it passed muster though.

Hope everyone is doing well,
Cathy

Petunia Baby Giveaway

2011-05-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much everyone!!! What a nice surprise for me to have so many people commenting! I decided to give away 2 babies instead of just one.

Paulette is the first name chosen.....I think Paulette has been reading my blog since I first started it. She is a fellow quilter and loves fabric as much as I do. I am thrilled that one of my little dolls will be helping her sew.

*****paulette said...

Wow!! SEW adorable! Thanks for the chance to win one!
Paulette

And Berrie is believe it or not my dollmaking mentor. When I first started making dolls, I would look through Berrie's pictures of the dolls she had made over the years. Then I got brave enough to ask for a custom outfit and when she mailed it to me she included dollmaking goodies. Little did she know that she would become my mentor and I would drive her crazy with questions. LOL Now, I shall be making the teacher a doll.....I hope I will make her proud. :-)

*****Berrie Hamby said...

Holy smokes Miss Cathy! Pick me! Pick me!
xoxoB

Please email me at clcknits@aol.com so we can talk about skin, hair and eye color Berrie and Paulette.

Thank you again everyone,

Cathy

May Giveaway :-)

2011-05-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished with this months customs and decided it is time for another giveaway. This one is for my 11" Petunia Bud Baby. You will get to choose the color of the skin, eyes, and hair color.
Here are some pictures of what they look like. The baby has curved arms like she is reaching up for a hug and her legs are curved at the knees.

If you are interested,please leave your name in the comments. I will pull a name on the 21st. Thank you for visiting!
Have a great weekend,
Cathy

Newest Little Dolls

2011-05-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

I have been busy making customs dolls for people and just love how they all turn out with their own personalities. It still amazes me that these creations come from a lump of sheep's wool, cotton stockinette and cotton tricot. No one is alike.....regardless of how scientific I can be weighing and measuring they all still turn out different.

This little one went to a good friend who has had too much sorrow lately.

This little guy will be going to a new home at the end of the week. He is sporting new yarn for his hair.

This one went to a Kindergarten class in Canada....oh to see all her adventures......

This one is going to a lovely lady in the US who is such a delight to work with. Her hair was a happy dyeing accident. It was supposed to be brown, but turned out Plum.

I now have 8 quilt tops to be quilted......they are starting to stack up. In between dollmaking I quilt as much as I can.
What are you working on?
Take care,
Cathy

Carrycot Winner :-)

2011-04-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that I am so pokey picking a name. The weekend got away from me with Easter preparations.
The winner is the last commenter, Susan. If you will please send me your address, I will get it in the mail for you on Wednesday. Also, if you would like a name monogrammed on the pillowcase, please let me know and I will add it.

Thank you so much everyone for visiting my blog and entering.
Take care,
Cathy

Doll Carrycot Giveaway :-)

2011-04-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

I sold my first doll last year on April 23rd. :-) To celebrate I would like to have a little giveaway. I have a carrycot that will fit small dolls. It is made with Alexander Henry fabric and comes with a little pillow, pillowcase and fleece blanket edged with binding.

If you would like to be entered please leave your name in the comments. I will have ~~Brodie~~ um, I mean Mollie pull a name on the evening of the 23rd. And thank you so much for all the support this year.....it is so greatly appreciated.
Take care,
Cathy

New Quilt Tops

2011-04-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have been doing a lot of sewing and getting myself right back in that position of having lots of unquilted tops. LOL But that's okay because I love all parts of quilting.

This one is just a small doll quilt....I got a charm pack from Quilt Taffy on etsy, they have really neat charm packs.

"Happier" from Riley Blake. I am going to add a bird applique to this one.

And what can I say "Sherbet Pips"!! I love this and will plan on making several more quilts from this line.

It is going to be a quilting weekend and I can't wait. What will you be doing this weekend?
Take care,
Cathy

Bliss isn't just for quilts :-)

2011-04-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with "Bliss" by Bonnie and Camille for Moda in a big way. I have made several doll sized quilts with it and have a whirlygig quilt in the works also.

But it also makes the cutest doll dresses.......

I am going to make my great niece an outfit like this in her size.

A few of my dolls for upload on Sunday night.....a little pink aren't they? LOL

I hope everyone has a great weekend,
Cathy

Need Help With Solid Color Fabrics Please

2011-03-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

Most of my quilts are made with a plain white fabric, usually Southern Belle Muslin which I adore. Lately though, the last 2 orders of it have been very disappointing. It used to be a 220 thread count and so soft, now its weave seems a little less and it isn't very soft. I ordered it from 2 different places so I am assuming that it has changed.

I am on a mission to find a new white and actually other solid colors to use. My problem is I don't care for Kona Solids very much. Does anyone know of other manufacturers that you are happy with their solid colors. It seems that Bella Solids are softer than Kona, but still not as soft as Southern Belle.

Thank you so much for any suggestions that you might have!
Cathy

Zig Zag Quilt

2011-03-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

I finally made a zig zag quilt after wanting to make one for a couple of years now. It is just a doll quilt though. :-) I enjoyed making it, but it was a little tricky pressing the seams. I ended up pressing them open.

I think that I will make another one but use Crazy Mom Quilts method. I would love to see your Zig Zag quilts if you have made any.
Have a great weekend,
Cathy

New Whirlygig Doll Quilts

2011-02-23T12:42:00.000-08:00

I had a lot of fun making these little doll quilts. I make them the same way as the Charmed Whirlygig patttern but cut the rectangles 4" by 4.5" and used just 12 squares. I loaded them together on my quilting frame since my machine quilting skills on my domestic machine could use some work. ;-)

"Bliss" by Bonnie and Camille for Moda

"Quite Contrary" by In a Mind's Eye for Riley Blake.

I hope everyone is doing well,
Cathy

Parmesan Peppercorn Bread Recipe

2011-02-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

I just typed this recipe out.....(I am a very slow typist) and thought I would share this yummy recipe here also.

I have a Kitchen Aide and let it do the kneading for me. :-) Told you I was lazy!

Parmesan Peppercorn Bread

1 cup warm water
1 pkg quick rise yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
4 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
fresh ground pepper as much as you would like
3 cups unbleached flour

Mix water and yeast together to dissolve, add 1 cup flour, oil, salt and sugar....mix well.
Slowly add the rest of the flour making sure not to let the dough get too thick. It should take in all the flour but still feel soft. Add in the parmesan cheese. Knead for about 10 minutes.
Leave in your bowl, oiling the top with olive oil so it doesn't dry out. Cover with a dish towel and place in the oven with the oven light on. Let rise for about an hour or until double.
Grease a large bread pan and put the punched down dough in it. Again oil the top and cover with a towel. Let rise in the oven again with the light on until double again about an hour.
Preheat oven 375 degrees and bake the bread for about 40 minutes. Let cool a little and then enjoy!

Take care,
Cathy

Charmed Whirlygig Quiltalong

2011-02-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to begin? I have all the necessary materials to begin here. Oh, you don't have any chocolate, we will wait while you zip off to the store. :-) Must. Have. Chocolate!

Then take your background fabric and cut it into 5" strips, you will need 11 strips total

Flip each strip the long way on your cutting mat and subcut into 4.5" rectangles. You will need 84 rectangles.

Take your rectangle and place it on your cutting mat with the 5" side on the bottom and top. Come in with your ruler 2" on the top and mark with a little dot. Do the same on the bottom coming in from the right hand side again measure 2" in and mark. You do not have to mark if you don't want. That is the beauty of this quilt..no templates and no marking. You can just line your ruler up when you make the diagonal cut.

With your ruler on your marked dots or coming in 2"from the left hand side on the top and 2" on the bottom from the right hand side make a cut diagonally upwards.

Take your charm pack and MAKE SURE THAT THE FRONT SIDE OF EACH SQAURE IS FACING UP( ask me how many times I haven't done this and have learned the hard way) If there is a pattern that you want to go in one direction now is the time to make sure that it is facing up now. You will cut off 1/2" of each of your charm squares. I stack a few and cut them all at once, but then I am a lazy quilter! LOL

Now with your charm squares in the center of your cutting mat(mine has 5" square area) with the 5" sides on the top and bottom. come in 2" from the top from the left hand side and 2" on the bottom on the right hand side and mark if you wish or just line your ruler up. Cut this upwards diagonally.

We should stop here, but I am always in a hurry to see how things are going to turn out so we will move ahead a little. Line up your pieces like in the picture to help you keep you from turning them in the wrong direction.

Line up your 2 pieces with a little tip sticking out below.

Chain sew your pieces together until you need a chocolate break. ;-)

Press the seam with the charm square part on the top and then press it open.

This is what your first part of the square will look like. You shouldn't have to trim it but you may with some of them.

On Tuesday we will start putting the parts together to make the whirlygigs. Now Jacque is trying to move to the front of the class and started her cutting early. LOL

Have fun and don't forget to post pictures on the flickr page http://www.flickr.com/groups/1347288@N21/

Cathy

Awesome Sewing Caddy :-)

2011-02-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

I have wanted a sewing caddy to use with my dollmaking and quilt binding for quite a while now. There is a wonderful seller on etsy ( meadoweeds.etsy.com) who I have bought some doll furniture from and I am asked him if he could make me a custom caddy. This is what he came up.....I am in love!! Already , it has made handsewing easier, since I am not constantly looking for my scissors, thread, etc.

I will be offering them in my etsy shop if anyone is interested. They will be $35 plus $6 shipping in the US. The pincushion is 100% wool felt with a little needle felting. I will probably have some red boxes with pink pincushions and red mushrooms needle felted on it. Not trying to be pushy, but I have wanted something like this for a really long time and thought others may have also.

Take care,
Cathy

Fairy Winner:-)

2011-02-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much everyone for entering! I so appreciate it! I tried cutting and pasting the random number box, can never get it to work.

The number is: 39 which is "Why Not Sew"

I will be in touch to get your color hair preferences and your address.

Thank you again,
Cathy

Petunia Bud Fairy Giveaway

2011-01-27T18:24:00.000-08:00

I love all my customers and friends.....and I want to say thank you for almost a year of making these little dolls. I feel so fortunate to have found something in my life that gives me so much pleasure.

The little doll will be a 10" Petunia Bud Fairy made with a soft thick boulce with pink highlights and a little fairy dress/leggings and wool felt fairy wings.

Please just leave me a way to get in touch with you if you would like to enter. Everyone is invited to enter. I will have Brodie ~~eat a name,~~ pull a name on Wednesday 2/2. LOL Some of my longtime readers will remember Brodie's way of picking names.
Here are some pictures of my fairies:

Take care,
Cathy

Charmed Whirlygig Quiltalong Fabric Needs

2011-01-26T12:49:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Jacque for posting on the flickr page the fabric requirements when my internet connection was being wonky.
Here is what she posted:
***So...here's what you need to make a whirlygig quilt...
2 charm packs. Yes, two. Of the same fabric collection. Two charms makes one whirlygig. If your charm pack has 42 charms, you'll finish with 42 whirlygigs...for a 6 x 7 square layout.
You'll also need about 1.5 yards of background fabric.
You'll need more fabric for the borders (if desired), backing, and binding.****

Here is my fabric just waiting to be cut into....I am so excited about using the "Bliss" fabric.
I have a yard of the blue for my border and 1/2 of a yard of the red for the binding. I always say this quilt is a "cheap but cheerful" one to make. :-)

Looking forward to seeing you on the 6th of February,
Cathy

Are you ready for a Quiltalong?

2011-01-13T17:20:00.000-08:00

I know that there are football fans that wouldn't miss the Superbowl for love or money , but then there are those of us....who can take it or leave it. LOL

So for those who are interested I thought it would be fun to have the Charmed Whirlygig Quiltalong starting Sunday, February the 6th.

I will get back in a few days with fabric requirements, but if you want to see the pattern now there is a link on the right side of this blog. Please feel free to add your name to the flickr group and check out the beautiful Whirlygig quilts that others have made.

Here is a picture of one that I have made:

Take care all and hope to see you soon!
Cathy

Fabric Stash Sale!

2011-01-01T16:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!!

My friend is having a wonderful fabric stash sale.....her prices are excellent. Just wanted to pass it along in case anyone wants to treat themselves to a New Years present. :-)

The link is: http://moonchilddolls.bigcartel.com/products

Take care all,
Cathy

Mystery Blocks Giveaway

2010-12-21T10:48:00.000-08:00

I am a little late with this....sort of got carried away with wrapping and last minute things. My husband was my random number generator and picked Treasa's number. I will email you Treasa to get your address. It maybe after Christmas before I am able to mail it though.

Take care,
Cathy

Fabric Sale Question

2010-12-18T11:44:00.001-08:00

This is embarrassing but I have lost a couple of emails about buying some of my fabric stash. If you have emailed me and I did not get back to you, will you please email me again. I am so sorry to be such a ditz.
I hope everyone is having a great day!
Cathy

Another Giveaway.....Quilt Kit

2010-12-16T16:39:00.000-08:00

This will be the second time that I have signed up for Fatquarter Shop's Designer Mystery Block of the month and the second time I haven't done a single block! LOL

I am just a simple pattern quilt person and you can't fit a square peg in a round hole. LOL

So, I have the all of the 2009 quilt squares ready to be sewn to give away. I didn't order the finishing kit or the beginning kit. I thought someone could be creative and use the squares another way. The fabric is the gorgeous "Glace" by 3 Sisters for Moda.

I will pull a name on Sunday evening and get it into the mail in the next couple days after that. Just need an email address to get in touch.

Thank you.....we got snow again here in Midlothian, Va! Yea!!!!
Cathy
P.S......I am still chuckling about Jacque asking if I was nuts to suggest a "Charmed Whirlygig" quiltalong right here before Christmas. So, how about in January???? Sound good anyone???

Destash Sale...lots of Moda Figtree and Denise Schmidt

2010-12-13T14:04:00.000-08:00

Geezy peezy.....I have way too much fabric! Actually, I think that I have a little problem with buying fabric. :-)

What has happened is I have changed my preferences for colors in quilts. I love the way bright white and bright contemporary colors look together and that is basically all I use.

All of the fabric has been stored in boxes....I do have pets and they are allowed in my sewing room, but the bookcases where the fabric is away from where they hang out with me. If you are interested in any please email me at clcknits@aol.com and let me know. Shipping will be the actual cost and what I will do is package it and then let you know the total. Paypal, money orders or checks are fine.

Thank you so much for looking

Figtree by Moda ..a group of Figtree fabric- a layer cake, turnovers and jelly roll-$45 plus shipping

Christmas Bow Tucks Tote kit with pattern, fabric by Michael Miller- $20 plus shipping

A group of Barbara Brandeburg Booklets.....I believe these are out of print $25 plus shipping.

Thank you so much......I will be out this evening but will get back to you as soon as I can.

Cathy

So lazy today!

2010-12-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

I have to apologize that I did not upload the destash fabric today. It has been rainy and cold here and I have a heating pad in my favorite chair.....needless to say , I haven't done much of anything at all but sit here! So, very lazy!!!
Rain or shine, I will upload tomorrow.

Take care,
Cathy

Ahhh...Bliss!

2010-12-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, that is how I feel about Bonnie and Camille's fabric line "Bliss". I bought 4 charm packs and am going to make a Charmed Whirlygig quilt. I have not done any quilting for months and am so excited.

Anyone else up for a mini "quiltalong" at this crazy time of the year. I figured it would be my present to myself with a snuggly quilt at the end. :-) If you aren't familiar with the pattern there is a tutorial on the right side of this blog. I would love to have some company!

Have a great weekend,
Cathy
P.S. Back tomorrow with some destash fabric and a couple of quilt kits.

Waldorf Doll Giveaway Results

2010-12-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much everyone for putting your name in and also all the wonderful comments! It is so greatly appreciated. :-)
The number generator picked 36 which is Melinda- henrymelinda@hotmail.com.
I will email you in a little while Melinda to tell you all the choices.

Have a great weekend everyone,
Cathy

Waldorf Doll Giveaway

2010-12-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone.....I will use a random number generator and choose a name for the custom doll on Friday evening. Thank you to all who have entered. :-)

Also, I have decided to go through my quilting stash and will have some for sale on Saturday if anyone is interested.

Take care,
Cathy

Custom Waldorf Doll Giveaway

2010-12-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

I want to thank everyone for all the wonderful support in my new little business of making Waldorf dolls by having this giveaway. The doll will be made at the beginning of January with your choices for he or she.

I never expected last April when I decided to make a few and see if they would sell ~~all the needle pricks I would get~~....just kidding, how much joy making these dolls would give me. I never realized how wonderful European fabric was and how hard it is to resist buying it. LOL

So, if you would like to have a custom doll made please leave your name and a way for me to contact you...even adults can have dolls...I have 3 of the most wonderful Moonchild Dolls.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Cathy

Latest batch of dolls....

2010-11-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

Still working away on dolls....I think I am denial about how close the holidays are. :-) When my sister was saying that Thanksgiving was less than 2 weeks away I was gobsmacked! That's what you get when you have your head is sheep's wool all day long.

My lastest group of dolls....I am working on my last customs of the year and plan on a "no customs" break for a while. I will just have Ready to Go dolls in the shop. Less pressure that way and lots of fun to do my own thing.

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying cuddling with quilts if they live in cooler areas,
Cathy

Quilt Top Giveaway.....

2010-10-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who participated in the giveaway. I loved seeing everyones names. :-)

This is the result from the Random Number Generator: 49. I never can get the picture of the widget to come up for some reason. So it is Cathy from "My Love of Quilting" I will contact you to get your address.

Take care everyone,
Cathy

Quilt Top Giveaway :-)

2010-10-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

Here is the top for my giveaway...I wish the pictures were better, but we are having rain here and if I don't have a sunny day, I can't get very good pictures.

Please just leave a hi - there are no shipping restrictions....everyone is invited to sign up.

I got the fabric from Hancock's of Paducah but can't remember the name and artist. Anyone know?

Have a great day!
Cathy

It's about time for a giveaway!

2010-10-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

My poor neglected blog needs to have something fun happen. So in honor of the cooler temperatures that are finally coming to my part of the world....Richmond, VA and to sleeping under a quilt again I am going to have a new giveaway. I have a quilt top that needs a new home. I need to take pictures of it tomorrow and then if you are interested in it, please just leave a comment.

I also will have some quilting fabric for sale that I will share pictures of if anyone needs a little more fabric in their stash! LOL

One of my latest dolls, but I tell you......I am feeling the itch to quilt again.

Hopefully I will "see" you tomorrow!
Cathy

Another Little One

2010-09-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

This little girl was fun to dress......I think a cotton velour top and pants would be so comfortable! LOL

Have a great day everyone,
Cathy

Way too long!

2010-09-26T07:43:00.001-07:00

Boy am I a slacker......geez! I can not believe that it has been 2 months since I posted. Life has been a little too busy with some family health issues and trying to stay on top of the doll making. But, it finally fall and with some cooler temperatures, I can do one of my favorite things.....sitting on the deck in the sun. Not to get a tan or anything...just to soak up its goodness!I decided if I waited to show a quilt.... before I posted I would be waiting a long time. So my blog is going to just be a blog of my crafty endeavors.
The last group of "Ready to Go" Dolls.....I love having free reign with making them. Customs are okay, but this is my real love. I plan on no more customs for a while so that will free me up to do other things.

I hope everyone has been doing well....I see Carol on facebook sometimes and I have chatted with Jacque when I am not being a bad emailer, but it is good to be back.

Take care all,

Cathy

Still No Quilts ;-)

2010-07-11T17:38:00.001-07:00

I keep waiting until I have a quilt to show before I post, but realized that I haven't posted in month!! I have been working on a little doll quilt for a giveaway, but still making dolls all the time!

I need to make one to keep for myself......I am starting to really love these little guys!
I hope everyone is doing well and keeping cool!

Take care,

Cathy

What I've Been Doing........

2010-06-11T06:52:00.001-07:00

Making dolls without a quilt in sight!But I have been playing with fun fabric......that I wouldn't neccessarily put in a quilt, but makes for such cute doll clothes.
Still loving making them, but do need to make a quilt before long.
I hope everyone is doing well and having fun with children home from school, vacations, etc.

Take care,

Cathy

Another Redhead ;-)

2010-05-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

What is it about redhair and freckles! So cute aren't they. This was a custom order for a little girl's birthday. I sure wish that I could watch her unwrap it.I am staying very busy, but loving it.
Have a great weekend,

Cathy

Maybe it is a Waldorf Doll Blog ;-)

2010-05-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here are my latest.....this one I dyed her hair with orange Koolaid. I haven't done any Koolaid dyeing in a long time. It's still lots of fun!A dress that I made for sale. My serger and I are getting to be great friends. LOL
I hope that everyone is having a great weekend,

Cathy

Leslie.......come on down!!!

2010-05-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

Now, I really don't watch The Price is Right, but I couldn't resist! ;-) Leslie of Fluff and Nonsense is the winner of the jelly roll and Waldorf Doll. I so appreciate everyone that entered. I remember when I had my first giveaway, I think that I had 3 people comment so I made them all winners. I would have everyone win today if that were possible.

Leslie, I will email you later tonight with all the options on the doll.

Take care,

Cathy

Even Babies Like Quilts ;-)

2010-05-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

I had to share this precious picture of my niece and her 4 month old baby Maggie. My daughter had all of us for Mother's Day today and it was actually chilly so Annie wrapped Maggie up in one of the quilts that I made for Mary Elizabeth ( daughter). And Maggie got her own Waldorf Doll....a baby size sleeping one. She is starting to grab things...her face says it all!
I hope that everyone had a wonderful day!

Take care,

Cathy

New Dolls....Told You That I Was Addicted!

2010-05-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

This is really not turning into a doll blog I promise, but I just had to share the last 3 that I made.I am having a blast.......my son says that it is getting creepy having them all sitting there staring at you, but he is a man so what does he know. LOL

I will pick a winner Monday afternoon for the custom dolls......thank you for all the entries, I am loving reading them and then visiting your blog if you have one.

Have a wonderful day,

Cathy- where it is getting into the 40's tomorrow night.....whoo hoo cooler quilt sleeping weather again!!!

Doll Parts Found!

2010-05-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

Brodie said that he feels very badly and will help me look for the doll parts!

Of course, I found them where I thought I would...outside and I will leave the rest to your imagination.

I am really enjoying all the posts, there are a lot of us with dogs and cats that eat things that they shouldn't. LOL

Take care,

Cathy

Body parts are missing........

2010-05-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

And I think that this is the culprit! I made 7 dolls in the last 2 weeks, having them right beside meon a table next to the chair I sit in. Never once did Brodie try to get them.Today, I had 2 arms, 2 legs and the tummy section waiting on the table to be stuffed. Well, I can.not.find. them anywhere! Now, this is the sock eating dog who eats everything if we are not careful and believe me after 2 expensive surgeries we are careful. But somehow I do believe that he grabbed them when my back was turned for a second. Little stinker!!! In this picture he is eating a name in one of my giveaways. He no longer gets to pick them!!!

Doll parts will not be recycled......would be way too gross. LOL

Now for my giveaway......I have a Moda "Objects of my Affection" Jelly Roll to give away along with a custom 12" Waldorf Doll. I will choose a name next Monday, and will share the details of the dolls.

Now, who would like to adopt a gorgeous golden retriever???? My husband would kill me....so I am just kidding and I love the old mess myself.

Take care,

Cathy

A Little Boy This Time

2010-05-02T08:06:00.001-07:00

I made this 14" boy and named him Thomas after my husband, who also has dark hair and dark eyes. I hope that there is a market for the little boys also.I can now say what the reason was that I was working so hard on making these, was that

Tom( husband) has been gone for 2 long weeks. I don't like announcing that I am by myself, which is probably silly I know. I decided to use the last 2 weeks to work really hard on my etsy shop, so I would start working as soon as I woke up until I went to bed. It made the time goes so much faster and I didn't ever really get lonely. He will be home in a few hours though and I am so glad!!!
Little giveaway on Monday....a jelly roll from Moda.

Have a great Sunday, it is supposed to be 98 degrees here today. Yuck, too hot!

Cathy

I think that I am addicted......

2010-04-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

I can. not. stop. making these precious dolls. Maybe because I am fascinated by seeing a lump of carded wool, cotton tricot and some string turn into such a cute thing.Now if I just don't serge my fingers off. I have a very basic serger (think cheap) and just use it for pillows and now making doll clothes. No matter how I lightly I press the foot pedal that thing seems to fly! LOL
Take care,

Cathy

Dolce Quilt And Another Doll

2010-04-28T11:00:00.001-07:00

This is Elsie.....so much fun to make! I am really enjoying making these dolls, I think partly because I like to keep my hands busy and there is quite a bit of handwork with them.This is the Dolce quilt that I finished quite a while back, but never put on my blog. I had trouble with shadows. I think that I need a photography class. ;-)
Take care,

Cathy

Newest Doll

2010-04-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

I love this one.....she tugs at my heartstrings! I think it is the pink gingham fabric with the green eyes.I finally reopened my etsy shop...that's a lot of work. ;-)

Have a great day, it is glorious here!!!!

Cathy

New Craft ;-)

2010-04-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

A long time ago when my 28 year old son was just a baby, I made soft sculptured dolls. As the way with many of the crafts that I did, spinning, weaving, temari, I put it aside and went on to knitting and quilting. While looking through etsy the other week, I saw these delightful dolls and decided that I needed to make some. They are Waldorf inspired dolls. And while pretty intensive to make I am in love with making them. I have made 4 with one more just needing hair in the last week and show no signs of stopping yet. LOL
I am determined to get my etsy shop back up and running and will have these in there as well as some of my quilts. I have been putting in 10 hour days, but am having a blast. Sometimes the old fingers get achey, but that may be my age. ;-)
This one was my very first.....definitely a learning curve. I need to fix her arms -they aren't sewn on in the right direction.

Take care,

Cathy

Owl Applique

2010-04-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

I finished a top for a baby quilt with an owl applique on it. I think that i will do a meander when quilting, but not quilt the owl......that way he will pop! Not that he doesn't pop with the colors I have used. LOLNot such a great picture......but what should I do with his eyes? leave them white or add a black dot in them, etc? I tried drawing a few eyes but didn't care for any of them.
Take care, Cathy

Back from Blog Break ;-)

2010-04-12T16:38:00.001-07:00

I am finally back from my break. I have been busy in my sewing room, gardening and reading a lot. I made these outfits for my great niece and nephew. I used to sew and smock all the time when my children were little and have realized how much I enjoy it.The patterns were from an Applique book by Martha Pullen.

My etsy shop is named Pink Petunia Cottage , because petunias are my favorite flower. I put several pots around my deck and am enjoying them so much.
I am glad to be back and will be enjoying your blogs also as I always do!

Take care,

Cathy

P. S. If anyone does machine embroidery and likes Isacord thread, I am going to sell mine for a really low price. I have probably 40 spools that haven't been used. I use Aurifil thread for everything nowadays. Please send me an email if you are interested.

A Little Blog Break

2010-03-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

I have decided to take a little break from blogging for a while. If you have any questions about the Charmed Whirlygig quilt please feel free to email me.

Have a great week,

Cathy

It's Good to Be Green Giveaway Results

2010-03-19T08:47:00.001-07:00

I tried to transfer the random number generator to this post, but didn't have any luck. So the number that came up was #12-Mountain Home Quilts!! Please email me your address and I will mail the parcel to you. ( I just love everything English)

Thank you so much to everyone that participated......I always love to visit everyone's blogs and profile pages.

I will definitely have more giveaways, because I am always generating scraps and don't really seem to use them. LOL

Have a great weekend,

Cathy

"It's Good to Be Green" Fabric and Pattern Giveaway

2010-03-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

I decided to have this giveaway and call it "It's Good to Be Green", because the fabrics are green, but then realized they make a great St Patrick's Day giveaway also. In this giveaway are yardage of 4 different green fabrics of approx. 2 yards of each. I know that the second and 4th pieces are Moda. I also have a dark blue piece to add, but left it out because it's not green!Also, included is 26 patterns, most are pieced, but there are a few applique ones. I am sorry that the pictures aren't very good. I was hoping for sun today, but it was not be. And, the plastic covers reflect the light too much. And I am a lousy photographer to boot! LOL
I was pretty ruthless in my sewing room the other day. ;-)
Please leave your email address and I will pull a name on Friday.

I have been sewing for hours everyday and have the Dolce quilt in the washer as I type this. I will post a picture later.

Take care, Cathy

A Little Bib Love :-)

2010-03-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

The wonderful sunshine and warmer weather has given me a nice shot of energy! I have been in my sewing room just working away for the last couple of days. I decided that my great niece and great nephew needed some spring bibs.These precious chicks are the embroidery design work of Meringue Designs. I think that I could possibly be her biggest fan!
And a big "B" for baby Benjamin. The fabric is from "Love U" by Deb Strain for Moda.
I am having trouble top stitching when using walking foot. I have to go very slowly and have a hard time deciding what to use to line the edge up with. If anyone has any suggestions I would love to have them. I think that I could piece a quilt in the time it takes me to make a bib! LOL My walking foot is by Bernina if that helps.

Thank you so much,

Cathy

Great Sale at Burgundy Buttons!

2010-03-10T12:31:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to post about a great sale going on at Burgundy Buttons for today and tomorrow. She has the new fabric" Fresh Cottons" by Moda for a great price and then if you are a blog follower you can get 10% more off. I have no affiliation with the shop, just a very happy customer! She also has the beautiful Verna fabric of which I just needed to get a little more of.

http://stores.burgundybuttons.com

Have a great day,

Cathy

Things I've Been Working On

2010-03-08T15:02:00.001-08:00

Here is my whirlygig quilt all quilted and washed! I love the way it turned out and have slept under it the the last few nights.Quilting could be better......I like doing a meander the most, but decided to do an allover flower this time. After I washed it I could see the open areas that I hadn't covered as well as I could have. But, I have never been a perfectionist in my quilting and won't start now. LOL
I had some leftover pieces of Wonderland and made this pillow for my DH. Simple, but fun to make.
Tom is leading a 10 day Airstream Caravan from Washington D.C. to Charleston SC. I am making these pillows for him to give as a way of thanks for going on the caravan. The design is from Meringue Designs. Love her stuff!!!!
It's "Good to Be Green" Fabric and Pattern Giveaway will be later this week. I was ruthless with my sewing room this weekend cleaning it so I have a lot of patterns to giveaway if you are interested.

Take care,

Cathy

Somebody Loves My Quilts!

2010-03-03T17:30:00.000-08:00

My daughter's new little kitten Peyton loves my quilts......Hum, maybe I need to make him his own. ;-)This is the one that has flannel for the backing. Very warm and snuggly.

Cathy

Scrappy Giveaway Results

2010-03-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

Wow, I am truly blown away by all the responses that I got for this giveaway!! Is it because people love making scrappy quilts or just ready for spring like fabrics. LOL Thank you so much for participating. I did not get a chance to respond to everyone (I type very slowly) but wanted to let you know that I checked your profile and went to your blog if you had one. It was fun "meeting" new quilters.

The winner is Miss Nettie from Miss Nettie Quilts. She said-Please enter me in your giveaway. I could really use these wonderful scraps of fabric. These are lovely. It is extremely kind of you to do these giveaways. Thanks for the chance, Cathy.

Please send me your address and I will get these in the mail on Friday.

I plan on having another giveaway next week. Can you tell that I love doing them. :-) This one will be called "It's Good to Be Green" I have quite a bit of green yardage that I need to find a home for.

I finished quilting my whirlygig quilt yesterday and I think that I am allergic to machine quilting. I had a very sore throat and runny nose when I was done. I think it is from all the cotton lint that is produced when I quilt at high speeds. Does anyone else have this problem?

Have a good rest of the day,

Cathy

Scrappy Giveaway :-)

2010-02-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

The fabric in these scraps are all over the place! A little Amy Butler, to some Sanctuary Charm Squares with some Figtree thrown in. I also have some white on white and cream on cream yardage included.

If you are interested, please leave your email address. I will draw a name on Wednesday.

Hugs,

Cathy

Whirlygig Quilt Top is Finished!!!

2010-02-26T16:46:00.000-08:00

How gorgeous is Verna fabric? I just love this stuff!!! And because I wanted to cut into my fatquarters from yesterday, I made myself finish my whirlygig quilt. And I love it......what's not to love about such beautiful fabric and such a fun pattern.Mollie always seems to get into my quilt pictures. ;-)
I had to include this picture of my sweet hubby and his Brodie.....he loves that dog so much and Brodie loves him just as much.

I will be having another scrap giveaway tomorrow if anyone is interested.

Have a great Friday,

Cathy

Sometimes you just need a splurge!

2010-02-25T15:29:00.000-08:00

Or to stop surfing internet fabric sites! LOL But, I prefer to think that one needs a little spring fabric in the gloomy month of Feb. I received this today in the mail and can't wait to cut into it. I will finish piecing my whirlygig quilt first though. I will, I will, I will!!!!

The fabric is "Dolce" by Tanya Whelan for Free Spirit. I just love the combination of aqua, pink, orange and grey.
So pretty! I got it in 2 days for a great price from http://stores.burgundybuttons.com/StoreFront
I have been meaning to share that I ended up using flannel as a backing for my daughter's last quilt and it turned out really well. It was from JoAnn's, but I washed it in hot water and dried it on high before I used it and didn't have any extra shrinkage beyond what you get with a cotton backing. I put regular batting in it and it is so warm, especially for a 25 year old on their own and paying for their own heat! ;-) I was concerned that it would shrink out of proportion, but it didn't.

Take care all,

Cathy

Beautiful Great Niece and Nephew!

2010-02-21T18:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture me holding my beautiful great niece and great nephew......the recipients of many hats and quilts. I just love having babies to sew for. I made the bumper pads, crib skirt and pillows for Maggie. She has a quilt hanging on the wall that goes with the pillows. I also made a quilt and pillow for Benjamin's nursery. As long, as both of my nieces keep accepting the stuff, the more things that I will make for them! ;-)

Hope everyone had a great weekend,

Cathy

Went a little pillow crazy today!

2010-02-17T17:57:00.001-08:00

I discovered some wonderful embroidery designs on etsy yesterday. The designer is Meringue Designs. I promptly made this one for my daughter who loves all things "Mommy Made". ;-)And this one for my husband. I had some linen fabric that I bought a couple of weeks ago from JoAnn's that worked perfectly for the pillows. I don't do much machine embroidery because I have a hard time finding designs that I like and really don't like to do color changes. These designs were minimal color changes.
I will get back to my whirlygig quilt tomorrow!

Take care,

Cathy

What quilt do you have hidden away that needs to be finished?

2010-02-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

Do you have quilts lurking in baskets or boxes that haven't seen the light of day in weeks, months, maybe even yikes! years???? Probably a lot of us do. I was reading on a message board the other day all the projects that quilters were working on and I think just one person said that they only work on one quilt at a time. The rest had loads and I mean loads of projects going on. Well, this little quilt needs to come out of hiding and get finished!I have been working in little dribs and drabs on this thing for 2 years now. I still love the way it looks, thank goodness, and will be so pleased when it gets finished. It has the be the most intricate quilt that I have made.
My goal, is to put the box out where it will be seen whenever I am in my sewing room and work on it a little bit before I work on anything else. One day it will be finished!!!
Do you have a project that needs to come out of hiding....please let us know and maybe together we can get that special UFO finished!

Have a great day,

Cathy

A Little Retro for the Retro

2010-02-09T13:04:00.000-08:00

My husband is my biggest quilting fan especially if he thinks that the quilt that I just made is for his beloved Airstream Trailer. Because the trailer is so retro looking, I decided it was time to make a special quilt for him. He loves it and I do too. This was such a fun quilt to make and I have loved this fabric since it came out.I just used a Moda Layer Cake , "Hello Betty" Retro by Moda and cut each piece into a 5" square, 2- 2 /1/2 by 5" rectangles and 2- 2 1/2" by 9" rectangles. It used all but a little bit of each cake layer. Then I cut some crisp white muslin in the same dimensions. Sewed it together and voila! A fun and frugal pattern!!!
Here is his baby.......of course it is probably covered in snow still. We can't keep it in our driveway because of homeowner rules so it stays at a storage place.
I had this on the bed which DH loved also. I tell you he loves them all, probably because they are in his "baby" and has nothing to do with the quilts at all. LOL

I finished another coin quilt, just have to sew the binding on. I am working on the stack of tops and am down to 4 to quilt.

I hope those in the MD, VA and PA area that got so hard hit with snow are doing okay. My husband works out of DC and went up today to see his dad in Arlington (where he stays when he is working there) and they were not able to find milk anywhere. They found half and half for their coffee so they were happy!

Take care,

Cathy

Fatquarter Giveaway Results

2010-02-04T16:39:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post a few pictures of the retro quilt that I made, but my day got away from me. (doing taxes) I will get the quiltholder working tomorrow and post them.

The winner of the Kaffe Fassett fatquarters is Erin @"Whynotsew". Please send me your address and I will get them in the mail as soon as the weather permits. We are supposed to get more snow and wimp that I am I don't drive in it. Actually, my little Volkswagon Beetle can't really go on roads that aren't clear.

If you live in the Richmond, Va area and would like some quilting magazines, please let me know. I am going to do a major clean and don't want to recycle them if someone would like to have them. Maybe we could meet at a local quilt store. :-)

Be back tomorrow and thank you again for posting on my birthday.....I loved all the comments!!!!

Cathy

Large Whirlygig Directions

2010-02-03T13:23:00.001-08:00

Thank you so much for all the birthday greetings!!!! They were so much fun to read. Yesterday was my birthday and I am now 55. I think anyone born on Groundhog's Day gets teased about it....it always made my birthday a lot of fun. ;-) I mean, come on who can say that get to share a special day with a groundhog!!! LOL I will have Oliver draw a name tomorrow.

Several people want to make their whirlygig quilt with scraps and make bigger blocks. Here are directions to make one that is 10". I did end up trimming the edges, because I was hurrying to get it cut out and may not have been as accurate as I could be.

Cut out your background fabric into 5 1/2 by 6" rectangles. Place your rectangle using your cutting mat as a guide with the long sides on the top and bottom. Come in 2 1/2 " from left to right on the top and make a small mark. Come in 2 1/2 " right to left on the bottom and again mark. Using your ruler cut up diagonally from mark to mark.
Do the same for your print rectangles, being very careful when you first cut them out to make sure that all fabric is right side up. Yes, I did it again and it makes half of your whirlygigs go in the wrong direction. You could get sort of seasick with them going all wonky. ;-)

Place them beside your sewing machine exactly as you will sew them. The pictures from the charm square tutorial show how to line them up accurately before you sew. Press to the print side and sew the 2 top squares together and then the bottom two. Place the 2 sides together lining up with the middle seam and sew. Press to one side. Trim up if you have little bits coming out.
Here is the "big boy" one beside the charmed one.
Please upload pictures for all of us to drool over, um I mean see!

I am running to JoAnn's with my daughter so please let me know if I have left anything out or not been clear.

Thank you again,

Cathy

I've always been a groundhog, but now I'm officially a speed limit too!

2010-02-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

I know that my title probably doesn't make much sense, but I have a little giveaway for someone who is able to guess what I mean! Well, if you just leave your name I will still put you in the "dog eating" bowl to pull a name. (about a dozen or so posts back shows what I am talking about)This is a very colorful bundle of 12 fatquarters. Most, if not all is Kaffe Fasset fabric. It would look so nice in a whirlygig or pinwheel quilt. The background used would make these colors pop! I will also put in more goodies to fill the box up. One of my favorite things is to see how much I can fit in a flat rate box and still tape it shut. ;-)

Please leave your answer to what you think my title means.

I will post directions for a larger no trim whirlygig quilt tomorrow.

Have a great day everyone,

Cathy

Charmed Whirlygig Quiltalong

2010-02-01T14:33:00.001-08:00

I can't believe that it is already February! We got about 10" of snow on Saturday, so it sure feels like winter is still here!

I have started the Charmed Whirlygig Quiltalong today and hope that you will join in. I decided to use the new charm packs that came this past weekend. It is Verna by Kate Spain for Moda. I fell in love with this line everytime I saw it on the internet.All cut and ready to sew.......
First of 42 blocks done. These go together really quickly.
If you decide to join in, please let us know what fabric you have decided on. I have never done a quiltalong before so it may take me a little time to get everything set up. Here is the link to the flickr group- http://www.flickr.com/groups/1347288@N21/ It can also be found on the side of my blog.

Take care,

Cathy

Charmed Whirlygig Quilt Preview

2010-01-26T19:47:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of one of the whirlygig quilts that I made with 2 charm packs. I will be using the same fabric for the quiltalong.It measured 55" by 63" which makes a nice sized lapquilt. The really cool thing about this quilt is if you get your background fabric at a good price then the cost of this quilt is very reasonable.

I make so many quilts that it is nice to not have a quilt cost an arm and a leg to make. LOL

Take care,

Cathy

Scraps Winner

2010-01-24T13:22:00.001-08:00

The winner of the scraps from 2 whirlygig quilts that I have made is Jenny of Cut.Sew.Iron.Repeat ( love that blog name)!!!! Please send me your address and I will get them in the mail on Tuesday.I have a few squares leftover if you would like them also.
Here is the important picture that I left out in my tutorial. Before you sew your squares together line then up to keep things accurate.
Looking forward to Feb 1st,

Cathy

Charmed Whirlgigs Tutorial

2010-01-24T12:10:00.001-08:00

Here is the tutorial of my favorite quilt pattern. I have named it "Charmed Whirlygigs" because using charm squares make it oh so easy. I am not a photographer by a long shot and trying to take pictures while using both hands to iron etc. make me even worse than i usually am. LOL

Materials:

Charm Packs- at least 2 packs, you will use 2 charm squares for each block. If you have a charm pack that has 42 squares then you can do a 6 by 7 square layout for your quilt.

Background fabric- I don't have an exact measurement for this because I always have a fair amount of white muslin here. You will get 18 "pieces" from each 5" strip that you cut. This will make more sense as you read further. You will need 168 "pieces" total for the 6 by 7 layout.

Directions:

Cut ten 5" strips from your background fabric using your WOF (width of fabric)
Then subcut these strips into 4 1/2" rectangles. You will need 84- 41/2"by 5" rectangles
Line a small stack of rectangles with the 5' side on the top and bottom. I use a 5" marked square on my cutting mat to line them up and to make the next step much easier.
Measure in 2" on the top of the rectangle (from left to right) and mark with a little line. Come in 2" on the bottom of the rectangle (right to left) and again make a little mark. Mine didn't show up well but if you enlarge the picture you should see it.
Now take a ruler and line it up with your little marks. Cut from the bottom mark up diagonally to the top mark. You don't have to make the marks if you want to just use the ruler to find the 2 inches in on the top and bottom. The marks just make it easier and more accurate. I do stack about 6 rectangles at once using a large rotary cutter.
Take your charm packs making sure that they are all lined up right side up and cut off 1/2" on one side only.
Place the cut charms squares in the 5" block on your cutting mat with the 5" side on the top and bottom just like you did with your background fabric. Mark and cut.
Place your cut pieces beside your sewing machine exactly the way they are going to be sewn. It is easy to get these backwards and this helps that not to happen.
Pick up the charm piece and lay it on top of the background piece with the tip just a smudge peeking over and a little background showing at the bottom. Look at the picture below to see.
I chain piece all my pieces, but I would recommend making a test square first to make sure everything is lined up correctly.
Press the seam on the charm side and then open and press toward the charm side.
I forgot an important picture here and don't know blogger well enough to slip it in but I take all 4 pressed pieces and line them up by my sewing machine the way they will look when completed. Again, this just helps in not sewing pieces in the wrong way. Sew the 2 top pieces together and then the bottom 2 pieces.
Press your top and bottom pieces toward the charm side and then place together pinning at the middle seam, nestling the 2 seams together. This is very important because will insure accurate piecing.
Sew together and then press to one side and stand back and admire your beautiful block. And no trimming!!! When I first started making this quilt, the directions made the block with sides sticking out and you had to trim the whole block. Because I really don't care to trim ;-) I fiddled around till I came up with this method. I am sure many others have come up with the same idea. I just wanted to share with others.
If my directions aren't clear please let me know......this is my first tutorial so I am kind of green.

I was thinking that we should maybe start on February 1st for our quiltalong. That will give everyone time to buy fabrics if they need to. I will also have time to set up a flickr account for us. I will also post directions for a 5 1/2 " by 6" rectangle if anyone want to make larger squares.

I will post the giveaway next.

Thank you everyone,

Cathy

Whirligig Tutorial- Coming Soon I Promise!

2010-01-23T18:08:00.000-08:00

I have not forgotten the tutorial....I have been helping my daughter get moved into a new apartment and adopt a new kitten. I was all set to begin today when she called and asked me to go to Petsmart with her to look at a kitten. Of course, I dropped everything to help. Then we had to get the little one (Peyton) settled.

Take care all and be with you hopefully tomorrow,

Cathy

Whirligig Quiltalong

2010-01-19T15:54:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about the results of doing a quiltalong. I will post a tutorial in the next few days and then maybe we can start sewing on Feb. 1st. I will do the tutorial in 2 sizes....one for charm packs and then one with the whirligigs a little bigger.

I will also draw a name for the scraps in the next day or so.

Thank you so much!!!!

Cathy

Is anyone interested in a Whirlygig Quiltalong...complete wIth a tutorial?

2010-01-17T20:21:00.000-08:00

I have that little voice inside me saying "it's time, it's time- time for a whirlygig quilt.....you can't possibly think that you have made enough of them," So I thought I would see if anyone wanted to make one together? The pattern that I came up with (quite possibly out in the quilt world though) is one where you do not have to trim the blocks after constructing them.I can do a short little tutorial and then we could get really crazy and swap 5 1/2" by 6" Pieces of fabric to use if people were interested.

PLease let me know if you are interested. I think it would be so fun and for those who have never make this quilt will see how much fun it is to make. Easy, fast and a lot of pizazz!

I have some scraps from the quilt right above if anyone would like them. I made 2 quilts with the fabric and the leftovers need a new home.

Hopeing to hear from you!!!!

Cathy

Hourglass Love and a Little Retro

2010-01-14T15:29:00.000-08:00

I did not mean to fall off the face of the Earth lately! I have been sewing some, in fact have enough blocks finished to put 2 new tops together. First up is some hourglass blocks made with "Bijoux" fabric by Heather Bailey.Next are some blocks made with Moda's "Hello Betty". I am not a "retro person", but thought this fabric would look great in our Airstream Trailer. Also, I have seen the fabric made up in a few quilts and fell in love with it. It was one of those should I, shouldn't I decisions. ;-) Glad that I made the right one and it was on sale!
I hope that everyone is doing well and getting a lot done. My backlog of quilt tops to be quilted is reaching 8 which is more than I like. How many unquilted tops do you have laying around?Nosy, err inquiring minds would love to know!

Take care,

Cathy

2010-01-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all my wonderful blog friends! I feel so fortunate to have "met" you all. I hope that you and your family have a blessed holiday. Winter Wonderland

Waiting for Daddy

Hugs,

Cathy

Little Quilting Tip

2009-12-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

I enjoy sewing on bindings, especially when it is cold and you can snuggle up in your quilt. I have discovered something that works great holding the binding in place. I ordered a bunch of hair clips from etsy to make hairbows and realized that they would work great for binding! I also used them to hold a purse handle together while I was sewing it. The double batting makes the pins bow a little, but the clips worked great. I got a bag of 50 for very little money. Just a little tip in case anyone struggles finding something to use while binding.I finished the binding and it is now in the washing machine taking a little bath..........woohoo, new quilt to sleep under tonight.
I had to include this picture of Oliver with a piece of a twizzler in his mouth. He was a little confused what to do with it.

Have a great rest of the day,

Cathy

Snow!!!!

2009-12-19T10:11:00.000-08:00

We got snow, about 6 inches and more to come! I know a lot of you get so much snow and probably get sick of it, but we get very little here in Midlothian, Va. We are loving it and so are the furkids, heck even the 28 year old is out sledding with pizza boxes. etc. Like I said we don't get much snow, so we don't have sleds. ;-)We had a great time at the beach, even though we had to come back a day early. I was able to sew 60 hourglass blocks. I will post quilty pictures soon.

Have a great weekend,

Cathy

Best Christmas Present Ever........

2009-12-11T16:14:00.001-08:00

is going to the beach with your husband, dogs and adult children ( who still love a week at the beach with old mom and dad). To me that is better than any present under the tree.Of course my sewing machine is packed and fabric for a hourglass quilt all ready to go. I think I spend more time making sure I have all my sewing supplies that I do anything else, except for my stack of books. LOL

Have a great weekend,

Cathy

Need a little advice on Flannel for backing

2009-12-06T17:28:00.000-08:00

I am done......put a fork in me! I have been sewing: a custom tote bag with monogram, and bumper pads and crib skirt the past week. The fabric for said bumper pads and crib skirt was $30 plus a yard. Yikes! I though $10 a yard for quilt fabric was expensive.It was hard making that first cut worrying that I would mess things up. Glad to be back to quilting!

I need a little help with using flannel as a backing and batting both. I will not be using any batting, just the flannel as a backing. I did not prewash any of the fabric in the quilt top, but want to know if I should at least wash the flannel once before I use it. I think that I read that flannel shrinks more than cotton. I don't want it to mess up the top if it shrinks a lot more. Does anyone who has used flannel as backing have any advice? Thank you in advance.

BTW, JoAnn's has flannel for 1/2 price right now.....really cute prints.

I made a sock monkey with a pair of Target's dollar socks. It was so much fun to make. Pictures coming soon.

Take care,

Cathy

100th Post Winner!

2009-11-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much everyone for your wonderful comments.... I always knew that quilters are such nice people! I can't believe how many people commented and wish that I had more to give away.

The winner is "Happy Cottage Quilter"! Please email your address to me and I will get your package in the mail either tomorrow or Monday. Not leaving the house today.;-)

I hope that everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Ours was wonderful....I felt like Martha Stewart with all the goodies that I made. Now, I have a baby shower to give on Sunday and then I am off to my sewing room, never to emerge LOL.

Have a great weekend and thank you again,

Cathy

100th Post Giveaway :-)

2009-11-22T11:58:00.000-08:00

I am having a 100th post giveaway as my way of thanks to all the people who have supported my blog and also all the wonderful quilters who share so much on their blogs. Sometimes I think that I just won't blog any more , but then I realize how much the comments motivate me to quilt even more. I especially want to thank those who read my posts faithfully even when I go for weeks without a new post. I will never be a "famous blogger", but truly appreciate those who visit.

I am going to give away three things: 30 fatquarters of Moda's Figtree "Allspice Tapestry" with a little extra yardage, 2008 Fatquarter Shop's Christmas Block of the Month with fabric by 3 Sister's "Peace on Earth" for Moda fabric and a coin quilt top with Moda's "Recipe for Friendship" fabric.

(Do you think Moda will hire me for a commercial) ;-)
The Figtree fatquarters.....
Block of the Month Club 2008 - all 12 months, but not the finishing kit. I think that you can still find the Peace on Earth fabric. I will put in a little extra yardage though to use for borders and binding.
Lap-sized Coin quilt...I will put in some extra fabric for the binding.
I am using a medium sized flat rate box to ship, so I may pop in a few more goodies to get my money's worth.

If you are interested in this giveaway, all I ask is that you please leave me a way to get in touch and if you so wish, I would love to know how many quilts that you have made since you started quilting. I will do a drawing the day after Thanksgiving.......I do not shop on that day! LOL

Thanks for visiting,

Cathy

Quilt Top and How Not to Monogram Pillowcases! And Some Cute Boxes Thrown In....

2009-11-21T11:47:00.000-08:00

I, finally after making numerous whirlygig quilts, finished a quilt top for moi! Yea!! The size turn out to be a generous lapquilt.Beautiful Moda fabric......no one is surprised there. ;-)
I had an antique desk in my bedroom, but it wasn't good for displaying quilts, so I "stole" this bookcase from my husband's office. My daughter decorated it for me and now I have room for more quilts. I have given away or sold just about all the quilts that I have made so I need to get busy and make some for this. It is going to be a tough job, but someone has to do it. :-)
I am getting pretty good at finding things to use as storage in my sewing room. I think it is because of all the creative people in blogville. I found these cute boxes at Target for a $1 a piece. They are very sturdy and I plan on covering them with fabric after the holidays....pretty cute idea dontcha think.LOL

This is my big oops for the week. I usually monogram pillowcases after I have assembled them. This time I did the monograming first, being very careful to get it right. Well, the 54 year old brain let me down, yep the monogram is upside down. I am going to flip them and redo on the good side.
My 100th post is next!

Have a great rest of the weekend,

Cathy

Great Nephew and Craft Show

2009-11-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

It is raining (again) and it is making me sleepy so I am being lazy and not taking any pictures of what I have been working on. We went to camping this past weekend, so we could see my new great nephew. I was able to hold him a lot, which was so much fun! He is the one that I made the "Benjamin" pillow for and the whirlygig quilt with blue and green Bubble Gum Basics fabric.

In this pictures he is 16 days old and he is absolutely beautiful!!! His grandmother was there (my younger sister) so we both were fighting to hold him. LOLThis is my 98th post, so I am getting ready for a 100th post giveaway. I just love the blogging world of quilters...it is so much fun.

I was in a craft show last Friday, and decided that it would be the only one. I worked hours upon hours getting ready for it and only sold a little bit. I think that my items may have been a little too trendy for a retirement community. I did get a quilt top quilted, another one finished and pillowcases made. I will charge up my camera and post pictures very soon.

I hope that everyone is doing well.....please check back soon for the 100th post,

Cathy

What I have been doing while not blogging;-)

2009-11-06T16:22:00.000-08:00

I have been making a lot of little things such as tissue holders, key fobs, and fabric flowers for the craft show that I am in next week. I can't stay away from quilting entirely though. I finished piecing this top tonight. It is "Park Slope" fabric by Erin McMorris and I used the fun pattern "Jelly-Filled" by Thimble Blossoms. It is a quick top and makes a nice size...so much so that I think that I will need to send it out to be quilted.Two years ago , I wouldn't have bought fabric with such bright colors, but now I can't get enough of them. I have a plain white bedspread on my bed so anythings goes.
Aother name pillow, this one for my daughter. She loves all that I make for her.....so good for the self esteem.
I hope that everyone is doing well and looking forward to a nice weekend,

Cathy-who camped last weekend in all the rain. We had only 10 minutes of sunshine and that is probably being generous. Two people, 2 goldens and 1 cavalier in a 20ft Airstream make for some tight quarters......definitely staying home this weekend!!!

Scrap Basket

2009-10-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

I had my DH pull a name this morning for the box of scraps and he pulled Allegra's Mom, Jacque!

Please send me your address and I will get the box right out. My sewing room is looking very clean and organized these days. I can't sew if it is not. I wonder why I am that way with sewing, but not the rest of the house. I was really neat and organized when I taught school also. Go figure. LOL

I am doing my second craft show in a few weeks......I did one about 29 years ago and didn't sell a thing. :-( Hopefully this one will be more successful. It is at the Retirement Community where my daughter works. I am making key fobs, tissue holders, coffee sleeves, little note pad holders and will take my quilts. Is there anything else that I could make that would possibly sell well? After this, I think that I am going to take a break trying to sell things and just make things for the enjoyment.

My 100th post is coming up, wow, how did that happen. I was going to give away a quilt, but may need to change that to fabric instead.

Have a great day, it is rainy here, just the kind of day where a date with my sewing machine is the answer.

Cathy

My scrap basket overfloweth......

2009-10-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

I really want to be good about saving and using scraps, but they just get out of hand before I do. So, if anyone likes to make scrappy quilts and would like a a medium sized flat rate box of them, please let me. Mostly Moda, no surprise there. ;-)

If more than one person is interested, I will have Molly draw a name.

Take care,

Cathy- who is sad that Inspector Lewis isn't on PBS tonight.

If you give a girl some stencils.......

2009-10-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

she might just get a little "letter happy"! Add some Steam to Seam lite and a sewing machine, you can just go crazy.

This little pillow is for my great niece to go along with the quilt at the bottom of this post.
Baby Benjamin's name pillow......loved making this one!
Bib for Benjamin ;-)
Baby Maggie's quilt made with "Bubblegum Basics" . This has been the best fabric line for making baby gifts. I was able to make both boy and girl presents.
Up close and personal.....
Have a great day,

Cathy

Beanie Love and Name Pillow

2009-10-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Can't seem to stop crocheting!!! I am a knitter, not a crocheter, but these little beanies are so darn fun to make and quick!! So much faster than knitting. I can make one in about an hour and with Knitpicks wonderful yarn prices it works out great. I am giving some to my new great nephew and great niece to be and then donating the rest.This is my favorite so far.
This is a name pillow to be finished with piping as soon as I get my butt out of my recliner and upstairs to my sewing room. I don't feel so guilty when I am crocheting- which is probably my secret to so many completed hats. LOL

I am also making another with the name Benjamin, which was a little tricky fitting all the letters on.

I want to apologize for not being good about responding to comments lately.....I feel bad about it and am definitely going to work on that.

Have a great Tuesday, it is sunny and suppose to be 70 here today,

Cathy