The Quilting Queen Online

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing all my loyal readers a very HAPPY NEW YEAR in 2014. Boy I wish I had this crown!

My friend Mary posted this on her facebook timeline. I see no need in re-inventing the wheel. I couldn't have said it any better! So to quote Mary "To all my friends and family I want to wish each of you a Blessed New Year! May your dreams come true, may you make the decisions in your life that will make you happy, may you find yourself healthy, may you set goals in your personal, business, or retirement life that give you the most satisfaction to fulfill your life's dreams. We all have "bucket list's" and my wish for each of you is to find a way to mark off some of those items on your list. We have a limited number of days to make our "dreams" a reality... May you find your way to many Happy Days in 2014"

IT'S ALMOST HERE

2013 is quickly coming to an end and we will be ringing in the new year of 2014. Are you ready for some blog hopping? It's almost here.... the new year and the first new blog hop. Wake up to Kona is the first blog hop of the New Year.

Here is the schedule. My post date is January 20. Be sure to come back and check it out. All of these participants are ready to rise and shine with plenty of color from Sunrise to Sunset!

January 7

Just Let Me Quilt

Malini’s Quilts

Sparrow in Flight

Geta’s Quilting Studio

How ART You

Desertsky Quilts

January 8

Stitchin’ By The Lake

That’s Sew Julie

Living With Purpose

Nini’s Patchwork Blog

January 9

Marjorie’s Busy Corner

A Stitch In Time

Freemotion by the River

Everyone Deserves A Quilt

January 10

Life in the Scrapatch

January 13

Creatin’ In The Sticks

January 14

Sew Me Something Good

Sew Peace to Peace

Quilting Prolifically

Linda D. (shown on Just Let Me Quilt)

In The Boon Docks

The Cosmic Quilter

January 15

Thimblemouse & Spouse

Daisy Days

My Addiction to Quilting

Mountain Mist Designs

January 16

CeLynn’s Sunflower Patch

January 17

Debby Kratovil Quilts

January 20

More Stars in Comanche

The Quilting Queen Online

January 21

Childlike Fascination

Renee Luvs Quilting

Cherry Blossoms

Sew We Quilt

A PAPER PIECING RELATIONSHIP

I think I have a Love/Hate relationship with paper piecing. I have spent the last couple of days, off and on, working on a project for an up and coming blog hop. Maybe it will be for this one.
Sew we quilt

Or maybe it's for this one:
Sew we quilt

Either way, you'll have to come back to see which one. Ok, back to the love affair with my paper piecing project. If you'd like to try your hand at paper piecing, you might check out these 2 videos (it is a 2 part video).

I love it because it always turns out so perfect.

Oops, well, when you do it right it comes out perfect. I would occasionally cut off the point and couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. On the last quarter section, I finally figured it out. It was my pressing. I wasn't pressing it good enough. Once I realized it, corrected it, it worked like a charm.

Now here's the part I hate about paper piecing. The MESS! This is my pile of scraps and paper I've peeled off the back.

And I hate the fact the you seem to waste a lot of fabric. I'm so chinsy, I hate wasting fabric. Oh but look how cool it will be when it's done. Oh wait, I can't show you that yet!

A JUNK'N EXCURSION

Today my bestie (for more years than I can remember, from my hometown) and I went "Junk'n". We both love to go to flea markets, antique stores, junk stores, estate auctions; call it whatever you want. We love to do it and we will convince the other one that we "need" it if there's a dilemma on whether or not to jump off the deep end and purchase something. My hubby just cringes when we take off down the road together!

Today was no exception. I forgot to take pictures of her purchases but here's what I jumped off and brought home with me.

Of course you should have known that I might find a quilt. I love Grandmother's Flower Garden. This is is pretty tattered and worn on the edges but I'm thinking I can cut it down and put a new binding on it and it will be just perfect!

A couple of months ago mom and my sister and I looked all over creation for a sign like this to cover the electrical panel in the new rec room, aka Dad's pool hall, they just added on to their home. We finally settled on something else. However, I couldn't pass this one up. He can put it on another wall in the rec room.

My mom collects this "Orange Poppy" pottery by Hall's China Co. It is very hard to find and is usually a bit pricey when you do find it. This bean pot didn't have a lid but I bought it for a song because of that.

The booth I bought this counted cross stitch picture in had tons of counted cross stitch pieces in it and nothing was more than $20. No way, no how would I ever do this for that price.

I couldn't pass this small quilt up. It was only $4

These were in the same booth as the counted cross stitch pictures. They're make nice gifts next Christmas.

And two more pint jars in blue to add to the ones I already have; again for a song.

These two Hallmark Barbie ornaments are in a series Dolls of the World. The Native American is the first in the series and the Mexican Barbie is the third in the series. I think I have another one at home or maybe it's now at Hollie's home. She's the owner of the Barbie ornaments. Either way, I'll work on collecting the rest of them in the series and give them to one of the granddaughters.

Many years ago I used to sell Longaberber baskets so it goes without saying that I own quite a few; not as many as my sister Rhonda though. However, I only own 2 of the 12 baskets in the JW Collection. This is the JW Two Pie Basket from 1986. I also own the 1988 JW Gathering Basket and the 1994 JW Umbrella basket. I had to use great restraint as the booth had at least 6 more in the collection that I don't own. And the extra bonus was that they were on sale 30% off!

Those who know me well, please don't faint. I'm actually planning ahead for next Christmas. (That's twice in one day I've done that!) These two sweet little crocheted angel ornaments were only $1.50. I don't crochet, but even if I did, I wouldn't sell them for $1.50. There is more work than that in them. I'll give them to my granddaughters next year for the homemade ornament I always give them.

And last but not least, NO! I didn't buy this!!! But, I really wanted to bring this jewel home with me. However, I really used restraint and didn't. I told my hubby it's a good thing we had to go by the meat packer and pick up our 1/2 beef and mom and dad's half or it would have been mine. There wasn't room in the vehicle for both meat and a cabinet. Can't you just see ~~all~~ some of my quilts in it. If it's meant to be, the next time I'm home, I'll check to see if it's still there and maybe then it will get to come home with me.

So, I think I did pretty good today. I got some good buys, planned ahead for next Christmas, and had the best time with my girlfriend. It really doesn't get much better than that.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I would like to wish each and every one of you, my loyal readers, a Very Merry, Merry Christmas. May you enjoy this time with family and friends and have a wonderful celebration of Christ's birth.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

Well, I did it. We made it safely to MO ahead of the ice, I finished all the shopping, finished all the projects that I'm giving for Christmas gifts, finished all the wrapping; BRING ON CHRISTMAS! I'm ready!

However, the ~~show~~ sewing must go on. I brought with me several projects. Some I can show you, some you'll see in future blog posts like this one
Sew we quilt

or this one

Sew we quilt

This is what I can show you though.

I don't think I've ever made the block for the month for Brownwood Quilter's Guild this early. But I did this month. I'm ready for the January meeting. It took me 2 tries to make the correct block though. This is the first one.

I placed the second set of "sew and flip" red corners on the wrong corners. I realized it just as soon as I cut them off. Oops too late!

This is the correct block. It's a 10" block. One lucky guild member will win all the blocks made for the month. This is going to be a very striking quilt. The blocks will make a secondary pattern when set together. Hmmm.... wonder if it will be me. Probably not. I've been a member for 6 years and have only won once. I just contribute to other member's quilts with my blocks.

I'm a little behind on my Five and Dime BOM that I'm participating in at B & B Quilting in Buda, TX. These are called the alternate blocks. Each month you make one green and one red 6" churn dash block. I'm caught up on those now. Tomorrow I'll work on the 4 sampler blocks I have to do.

NewFO's

You've all heard of UFO's (Un-Finished Objects) and we all have quite a few of them; sometimes more than we care to admit or count. I'll be posting my UFO's for 2014 soon. However, Cat Patches has a little thing called NewFO's. And it gives me guilt free permission to start something that I've wanted to start but told myself I wasn't going to start something until I finished a UFO. Now what kind of fun is that?

2014 NewFO Challenge

So..... here is what I'm planning to start (and maybe finished or maybe not) in 2014. I'd post pictures of them but I'm not at home and the deadline to enter is tomorrow.

January 2014 - Summer Picnic - after spending 10 days in the frozen tundra of MO with ice and snow, and frigid cold temps, I'm going to need something to make me think warm. I've had this kit for this quilt for 5 years or more and I'm ready to start it.

February 2014 - Swimsuit Edition - it's still not warm enough so to spur the warm weather in a little quicker, I'm still sending telepathic vibes. I have a panel that is curvaceous ladies in swimsuits and it need to be in a quilt.

March 2014 - Something Irish - And no, it won't be a Double Irish Chain. I'm thinking St. Patty's day table runner or wall hanging.

April 2014 - Hopping Down the Bunny Trail - Another panel I purchased years ago that I want to make in a quilt. I've decided 2014 is the year for holiday quilts

May 2014 - A Very Hungry Caterpillar - Yep, another panel I purchased years ago and I have a granddaughter who's going to be 6. She needs all the "stuff" I bought to go with the quilt too. There's a book, a puzzle, another book you can color, and some sort of game that I've forgotten exactly what it is but I know it's a game of some sort.

June 2014 - A Double Wedding Ring - It's been on my bucket list for years and my good friend Angela at Quilts With A Heart has a new ruler to make it oh so very simple.

July 2014 - Independence Celebration - I have a whole tote (a very large one at that) full of red, white, and blue fabrics, fat quarters, and panels. The hard part will be to pick just one and go with it.

August 2014 - I have a pattern for a pillow that uses wool applique. I've never done anything with wool and I've been "collecting" it for a while now. I should have enough to get started on this cute pillow.

September 2014 - A red and white school house quilt. Don't know why, I'm not a school teacher but have always like them.

October 2014 - Can't decide if I want to do pumpkins or fall leaves. Maybe I'll start both.

November 2014 - How could I go a whole year without making a Texas Quilt? But this time I think I'll make a table runner or maybe place mats. Or maybe both?

December 2014 - A year for holiday quilts wouldn't be complete without another Christmas Quilt. I want to do a red work Santa quilt.

Whew! I did it. I thought of something new to start for every single month! What are you going to start? Quick, hop on over and link up what you're going to do for a chance to win too!

12 DAYS OF QUILTY CHRISTMAS

I ran across this the other day while searching for something. I thought it was quite clever. I could use a few of these gifts. (hint, hint).

The 12 Days of Quilty Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a quilted star for the Christmas tree.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two spools of thread and a quilted star for the Christmas tree.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three packs of needles, two spools of thread and a quilted star for the Christmas tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four yards of fabric, three packs of needles, two spools of thread and a quilted star for the Christmas tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, five tins of Bandaids, four yards of fabric, three packs of needles, two spools of thread and a quilted star for the Christmas tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, six golden thimbles, five tins of Bandaids, four yards of fabric, three packs of needles, two spools of thread and a quilted star for the Christmas tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven pairs of scissors, six golden thimbles, five tins of Bandaids, four yards of fabric, three packs of needles, two spools of thread and a quilted star for the Christmas tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eight marking pens, seven pairs of scissors, six golden thimbles, five tins of Bandaids, four yards of fabric, three packs of needles, two spools of thread and a quilted star for the Christmas tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, nine rolls of batting, eight marking pens, seven pairs of scissors, six golden thimbles, five tins of Bandaids, four yards of fabric, three packs of needles, two spools of thread and a quilted star for the Christmas tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, ten needle threaders, nine rolls of batting, eight marking pens, seven pairs of scissors, six golden thimbles, five tins of Bandaids, four yards of fabric, three packs of needles, two spools of thread and a quilted star for the Christmas tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eleven cuddly flannels, ten needle threaders, nine rolls of batting, eight marking pens, seven pairs of scissors, six golden thimbles, five tins of Bandaids, four yards of fabric, three packs of needles, two spools of thread and a quilted star for the Christmas tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, twelve more yards of fabric, eleven cuddly flannels, ten needle threaders, nine rolls of batting, eight marking pens, seven pairs of scissors, six golden thimbles, five tins of Bandaids, four yards of fabric, three packs of needles, two spools of thread and a quilted star for the Christmas tree.

Have a Merry, Quilty Christmas!

And then I found this 12 Days of Christmas Quilt Along. I wish that I had found it sooner. I might have tried to do it. Of course, there is always next year.

Block 1: Christmas Truck

Block 2: Santa Claus

Block #3: Christmas Hearth

Block #4: Scrappy Star

Block #12: Peppermint Candy

A DAY AT THE END OF THE DIRT ROAD

We recently had our Quilt Guild Christmas Party Meeting. One of our members, Doniene (who is also a fellow blogger It's Just Quilts Now) definitely goes the extra mile when she plans to come to a meeting. And I say that with tongue in cheek when I say the extra mile. You see it's a long way to Doniene's house, back in the ~~sticks~~ cactus and mesquite trees. She drives down a dozen or more (well it seemed like that many) different roads and turns, cow paths, and cattle guards just to get to the main highway and an hour +/- she's finally at Guild. I don't know about her trips to Guild but our trip to her house was certainly worth it.

Her house is very unique and of course comes with a story. You can read about her house journey here. I was in awe in every room. I kept going back and seeing something different every time I went into a room. I'll share my pictures but they won't do it justice. You really need to be there to get the feel of the "ranch".

I just love her iron Christmas tree and how she decorates with old fashion cedar that she cut from her pasture.

Doesn't this porch look so inviting? It was a beautiful warm day. I could have "sat a spell" here but there was a party going on inside. :)

What a neat stairway.

Doniene's bedroom (and most all the rooms) had plenty of quilts, both old and new to make it feel warm and comfy, cozy.

And who would have thought to use those old worn and tattered quilts as window treatments. She found these in an old trunk in the barn. Someone just couldn't part with them and stuck them there out of the way.

And this is a piece I'd love to own myself.

How cool, an old O'keefe and Merritt stove with a double oven. I used to own an old stove like this in a house we lived in in Missouri and I loved it. But mine didn't have the double oven. And look at all that space on the stove top.

Can you see what these tab curtains are hanging from? If not, they are old wooden spools. Too cute!

And a re-purposed drying rack hung on the wall for a quilt rack.

Check out this shower. An old water trough! I tell you she is one creative woman who was blessed with the decorating gene for sure!

After good food, much visiting, and a short business meeting, the real fun began. We played the quarter game (with fabric fat quarters of course) and look who won. Miss Angela got all those fat quarters!

Can you tell she's one happy quilter!

We ended our day with a drive to Brady for some retail therapy at the Gypsy Market Quilt Shop and Serenity Quilts Shop. Not bad for a girl's day out at the end of a dirt road. I hope she invites us back next year.