Happy New Year 2015!!

Happy New Year! Can you believe it's going to be 2015?? I can't! I hope it's a great year for all of us!

I'm off today and will enjoy New Year's Eve with my family. I'm working quite early in the morning so it won't be a late night for me.

Have a wonderful time tonight! Have fun! Be safe!! I can't wait to keep quilting into the new year!

Late Finish 2014

 

It's all done! I just finished sewing down the binding this morning. I was thrilled to finish it before the end of the year. It's been washed and it's all ready to be used.

I usually add a label but due to the scalloped edges, I decided to just hand write my name and date. I really like the scalloped edge. It wasn't much harder than sewing on any other binding. I made bias binding and had no problem at all. I hope to make more quilts with scalloped edges. It's a nice finishing technique.

I couldn't keep Molly off of it! The quilt had just come out of the dryer and was still damp. She's got to make sure some of her fur gets back on it!





Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas to everyone of you! Before things get too crazy, I thought I'd write a quick note. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. Have a great time with your friends and families!

 

This is the first year we have two kitties. I bought them each a Christmas outfit! (I couldn't resist since they were both half price!) I know cats don't like to have anything on them but I tried anyways!

This is Molly. She's almost 8 months old. She has a red tutu! I think she looks adorable! (Looks grumpy)

This is Lily. She's a little over 3 years old. She's sporting a red cape. (Looks ticked off)



Both cats are rescue cats and we just love them! Hope they made you smile!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to me!!

As I buy Christmas gifts for friends and family, I also manage to buy myself a few quilty things! I plan on making this quilt sometime next year. Part of the fun for me is finding all the fabric I'll need to make a specific project.  I always try to find it on sale somewhere.  I always feel better if I don't pay full price!

Each block uses 2 sets of fabrics. As you can see, one set is a little lighter than the other. I don't buy solids too often but I really love the way these colors look all together.

Each block also needs a light (white), medium (gray) and dark (black). That's what I have left to buy.
I'll have to see where I can get it at a great price!

I'm still wrapping gifts. I'm hoping to finish them up tomorrow. I want to be completely done with everything so I can sit back and enjoy the holiday. Hope you're all finishing up too!

Downton Abbey

 

I'm hand sewing the binding down on the Dresden Plate quilt. I feel as though that project is just about finished. .Doesn't that mean I can start a new project??  Well, I did anyways! I had bought fabric from the Downton Abbey fabric collection. I bought it last year not really knowing what I was going to make with it. When I saw this pattern, I thought it would be a nice way to use my fat quarters.

These blocks are nice and easy to make. And they're fast! They finish as 8.5 inches square. I made 5 blocks this afternoon. I've already cut out the next 5. I have to make 50 blocks total. The quilt finishes at 72" X 85.5". I don't think this quilt will take me too long. The holidays will keep me from working on it. Other than that, I expect to be done quickly! So nice!!

Here's the best part, the backing! I love that castle!  I expect this to be a fun project. And with the next season of  Downton Abbey about to begin in the US, it's so appropriate!

I'm still Christmas shopping. I'm almost done but I still have a few trips left. So glad shopping is almost over. Baking and cooking to follow!

Dresden Plate Border

 I finished machine quilting the Dresden Plate quilt today! Finally! I wasn't sure how I wanted to finish the border. The pattern had directions for a scalloped border. I was afraid it would be too difficult. However, I cut out the pattern for the scalloped edge and it didn't look too awful. I'll have to make bias binding to accommodate the scallop. I think (and hope!) I can do it!

Here's a close up of the scalloped edge. My daughter helped me. It was so nice to work on my quilt with her. She doesn't sew or quilt but maybe someday!

We also had another helper with us. Molly, our kitten, had to get in on the fun! She mostly just laid on it. I guess she was trying it out!

I'm going to get the binding ready and finish it up next week. It's always so nice to finish a project you love! Such a great feeling!

Dresden Plate Corners

 

The borders are done but the corners are not! I had to mark each corner first to continue the pattern that I started in the borders. I don't think this will take too long. The four corners should be done pretty quickly. I'm going to try and scallop the borders. I think that would be a nice finishing touch to the Dresden Plates. I found this pattern at Bunny Hill Designs. There is a template to use to scallop the corners as well as the borders. I think I'll mark it first to make sure it works out. I'll cut later. (If I ever get the courage!)



 

 

I received an early Christmas gift. I'm actually drinking it right now! It's Mrs. Patmore's Pudding Tea! It has a wonderful taste! I can't wait for Downton Abbey to start up Season 5. I think it's debuting after the New Year. It's something to look forward to after the holidays. Can't wait!!

 

Hope everyone is getting their holiday shopping done! I'm so sick of it. I'm not done yet but I'm getting there!!



Busy Times!

 

 

I'm so busy right now! I'm trying to get Christmas shopping done while decorating the house. My family has a few health issues going  on right now. I'm working and trying to get my projects finished! I like the holidays but sometimes it's just too much!

 

Anyways, I just wanted to share with you the (little) progress I've been making. My applique is coming along as you can see above. The large pieces have all been sewn. This is a fun project I can work on while watching television or visiting my parents. I'm looking forward to the embellishing stage. I plan on embroidering a few things like the kitty whiskers! My kitten has all white whiskers except for one black one! I might do that on this kitty too!

I'm almost done machine quilting my Dresden Plate! It has been so slow but it's finally nearing the end. I decided to use straight lines to quilt the border. There are 2 straight lines are 1/4inch apart with 1 inch separating the pairings.

I must admit not all the lines are completely straight but the fabric is wonderful to hide little imperfections.  I'm also going to scallop the borders which will eliminate the edging anyways.

That's about all I can share. I have most of my shopping done which is a very good thing! It will give me more free time although something else will probably take it's place! So busy and so much to do! Aren't the holidays fun??!!