frantastic-stitch witchery

LEAF IT TO ME

2012-02-26T16:18:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who has moved to a senior apt. complex and she is not thrilled about it. Her birthday is Saturday and I thought a small wall piece might cheer her up. Fibermania is the queen of leaves and this is similar to one on her blog. I love her work, very bright and artistic. This is fused and although you cannot see it it is also heavily quilted. I fused a piece of Pellon Decor bond between the backing and batting to keep it flat and it was a dream to quilt thru. Have a great week!

LATE TO THE PARTY

2012-02-17T16:44:00.000-08:00

Everyone on the Internet has been making mug rugs for quite some time. I am still mulling over the baby quilt so I thought I'd give it a try. It is a great way to use up odd fabric pieces and left over batting that I cannot throw away. Mine have appendages. That way I can identify them if the suddenly disappear into a crowd of rugs.

QUICK,QUICK I NEED A BABY QUILT

2012-02-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

This is my just finished piecing project. It is a pattern from the book Allegro by Terry Atkinson whose designs are wonderful and directions are right on. So how will I quilt this? I don't want to distort the straight lines so I will definitely not do straight lines across the quilt. I would consider straight lines from top to bottom. This is fast and keeps the modern look. However, I like to soften the lines by quilting a curvy pattern and crossing the lines with the thread. Baby quilts are great for learning a motif , like feathers. Babies don't care how those feathers look, and I guarantee your feathers will improve by the end of the quilting. I could do flowers also. I do know I will change colors with each row. So I will let it "stew" for a few days and keep you posted on my final decision.

INSPIRATION

2012-02-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

I was cleaning and moving stuff when this design book for crafters opened to this page. HUMMM. I said to myself. Taking a short cut and using a stitch I feel comfortable with ( headbands) I added "an element" to one of the larger headbands. Having a defined border(the circle) was interesting also. So How will I use this in my everyday quilting? Well instead of completing a continuous headband, every once and a while I will insert a curly cue without the circle boundary of course. It could be interesting over all. Or could you see these circles on a border? Oh my, Oh my!

I'VE GOT THE FEEL'IN

2012-02-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

Fabric choices will definitely help in creating a " feeling" about a quilt. You want calm? You want quiet? Choose large pieces with simple designs. Quilting motifs can add to your desired feel. This large quilt has large pieces of what I call quiet fabric and the color reminded me of water. So to enhance that zen feel I quilted a water design with a few leaves. It was recently purchased and has a new home. May it bring peace and quiet to their lives.

NINE OF HEARTS QUILT

2012-02-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

Can you believe this is Feb. 2nd already? Diane Gaudinsky started Feb. with feathers over at SewCalGal FMQ challenge. I love feathers but I don.t often make a quilt that looks attractive using such a soft touch. This wall hanging is 10 x 12 inches. Just big enough to put petite feathers between the heart blocks. No matter what the size, feathers are always impressive. If you haven't read her tutorial check it out. She gives lots of great information.

QUICK, QUICK I NEED A GIFT!

2012-01-30T13:57:00.000-08:00

I don't think you can ever have enough little bags. Quilt a sandwich that measures 15x 9 then cut to 14x 8 1/2 . Insert zipper and do paper bag corners. Just in time for a friend's birthday dinner tonight.

GUIDELINES

2012-01-28T18:50:00.000-08:00

I tell my students I have quilting guidelines, not rules. As you progress on your own journey, you will adopt your own guidelines. Here are a few I'd like to share as I wrap up my month as Miss January for the FMQ Challenge.

1. Quilt in a creative environment. Hang your favorite pieces where you can see them while you work.

2. Have a quilting plan, but be flexible. I preview the quilting pattern on a piece of upholstery vinyl using an air erasable pen holding it over the top. If I don' t like it I erase it and try another pattern.

3. Don't rush. It creates body tension and makes you tired. You can't do your best when you're tired and it's no longer fun.

4. Don't practice......quilt those tops as you finish them. You will have completed quilts and better FMQ skills with each one.

5. Learn to listen to your machine. It will tell you when something isn't right.

6. Don't buy cheap thread. It will not perform well and you will have wasted your time.

7. Keep chocolate on hand. It makes everything better.

I want to thank everyone who recently became a follower. I especially want to thank those 30 or so people who have been followers for the past 2 years and comment on my work. We all need encouragement. I really like questions. Sharing knowledge is important for all of us to learn. I look forward to the other 11 ( real) experts and their tutorials on SewCalGal. Happy Quilting!!!

BIG APPLE

2012-01-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

Just returned from the Big Apple. New York is an exciting city, even in 19 degree weather. Seeing a fresh snow fall is always magical. I will be wrapping up my month as Miss January soon, by the end of the week I will give some hints that have worked for me. Happy Quilting!

FROM PAPER........

2012-01-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

Often designs start with a question.. How can I use the heart leaf motif in a block?

This would be very pretty in a half square triangle block using the seam line as the spine..

WE INTERUPT THIS LEAF.....

2012-01-12T09:28:00.000-08:00

To revisit spirals. Everyone is really enjoying the spiral in the leaf suggestion. This is a jelly roll pieced using the 1600 method except I used 55 strips and 2 1/2 inch spacers to connect the strips. It gives a nice lap size. So I wondered about various sized spirals including huge ones ( larger than a big platter). Still no marking and not turning the quilt, just taking your time and overlapping when you feel like it. I started in an empty space and continued spiralling until I had the size I wanted and started another . Try it !

INSPIRED TO CREATE

2012-01-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

My first week as "Miss January" has been wonderful. I have met many bloggers who are really wanting to learn/improve their FMQ skills. It is my honor to help you on this quest . Not to mention the new blogs I have found ! Just how many items can you have in your favorites list? Early on in my teaching career, I discovered something very important. You will always learn something as you teach and students can inspire the teacher also. I haven't done a leaf quilt in a while. This one is fused with Misty fuse, then thread quilted (the leaf part only) using a water soluble stabilizer on the back. (no batting). After soaking the stabilizer off, I used a thick towel to soak up most of the water. While it is still damp I used water color pencils to color in and shade the veins, and add some color to this solid green fabric. I then ironed it dry and quilted the whole leaf piece ( batting and backing ) The Grey/ black background is quilted separately. I will hand attach the leaf quilt to the background quilt. I want to thank all of you for this inspiration. Life is sooo good!

ELEMENTS

2012-01-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

Now that you've had a week to practice the basic heart shaped leaf, lets try something new. The easiest way to increase your stitch repertoire is to make slight changes to a particular stitch. Adding what I call an "element" changes the personality and appears totally different. This element is a simple spiral that is created instead to the vein. Spiral in the corner leaving enough room to spiral out.

QUILT BASTING

2012-01-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

Basting the quilt is THE most unglamourous part of quilting, in my opinion, but extremely important. Have you considered thread basting all or part of the quilt? Machine quilters usually think of pins, but if you have a very large top, thread basting can prevent quilting headaches. It decreases the weight and that in itself will prevent tension problems for the machine and muscle tension problems from moving all the weight. I use cotton thread that contrasts with the top. Use a zig zag stitch about 2 in long and as close as you feel comfortable with. Keep in mind you are basting, not quilting. You want to be able to pull the thread out easily when you need to so space it out similarly to pinning. Use a long or curved needle. It does take longer than pinning, but it gives you time to think and finalize your thoughts on quilting designs or your next project or what to fix for dinner. I usually listen to a book on tape and the time flies. It's a good thing.

FMQ CHALLENGE

2012-01-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

The response to the FMQ Challenge has been incredible. I want to thank everyone for their wonderful comments about the tutorial and my work. I could not have done this without my friend Nell Walker. She is amazing. I would also like to take this opportunity to answer some questions.

1. What machine did I use in the video?

I have the older Juki TL 98E. It is really fast and powerful.

2. What batting did I use for the Tree sample?

I used Warm and Natural. I love the way it performs while quilting and how it holds up in the quilt after years of use.

HAPPY QUILTING And remember.........It's not a quilt until it's quilted.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

2012-01-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

New Years Day....A time to celebrate... the possibilities...of a fresh start. My grandmother use to say," It's ok to reflect on the past, just don't dwell on it." Well, here's to all of the quilters in blogger land. The best year ever in your quilting life. Start with visiting Insights from SewCalGal where your's truly is "Miss January". What ever your goals are for the new year, start today. Make every minute count. And by all means, HAVE FUN!

THE MYSTERY OF LIGHT

2011-12-26T13:48:00.000-08:00

The upper photo is of a recently completed piece, focusing in on the quilting. I happened to drop it as I crossed the room and TA DA! A mystery of light before my very eyes.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS COMFORTS

2011-12-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the comforts of home this season.

A PREDICTION

2011-12-18T13:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, I do sometimes give the sewing machine a rest. I am an avid reader and I predict this book will be the next "The Help". In other words a block buster book,turned into a movie. I know this because I have already done the casting in my head. Clint Eastwood will direct of course. So what's it about and what does this have to do with quilting?? It is about love, loss ,fear, hope. Are you listening Hollywood? It is also about the language of flowers. Little did I know this language was so detailed and complex. In the book there is a detailed guide. Did you know for instance, that baby's breath means everlasting love? I thought it was a cheap pretty fill flower. There are lots of messages sent in the book via flowers so why not in our quilts. I'm telling you it gives a whole new use for floral fabric of which I have NONE. From now on every quilt will have a piece of pansy fabric which means....think of me.

PROJECT IN PARTS

2011-12-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

The whole to be reveled soon.

PRACTICE MAKES BETTER

2011-12-12T11:58:00.000-08:00

Runners warm up before the big race. As FMQ's ,we should warm up also. It limbers up the hands and the mind to get into the groove. Don't forget your warm up music! (anything classical for me).

OH BOY,OH BOY, OH BOY!

2011-12-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

This was my response to the email from Insights from SewCalGal asking me to participate AS AN EXPERT in her FMQ challenge.
Triple the volume when I discovered "my month" is JANUARY!!!! I am still shaking in my boots, after all most of the well known in FMQ will participate. I can just hear them and some of you saying "Frances? Frances who? Check out her blog SewCalGal and join in the fun. Not to worry. I'm ready for my close up Mr. DeMille!.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE SPECIAL EFFECTS

2011-12-03T15:34:00.000-08:00

It is not always clear what the intent is but I wanted to create depth. Starting out small and increasing the space between quilting is what I did. I think it could be interesting on the right project. ( another way of saying what the heck would you do with that?).

SPECIAL EFFECTS QUILTING

2011-12-02T16:33:00.000-08:00

This is a fast paper pieced project that was really fun. My goal was to see if I could make the moon glow. It starts with a very white moon and then very white thread. It is important to keep the stitching perpendicular to the moon and the rays different lengths. Silver thread(rayon) could also work. What do you think?

A LITTLE APPLIQUE NEVER HURTS

2011-11-29T16:06:00.000-08:00

I am trying to encourage my students to hand applique. It is frequently associated with tiny pieces that take years to complete. Not always so. This project is a simple shape, and goes quickly. You can make them small if you like. This is a 6 1/2 inch segment. Very portable. I love the simplicity. Hopefully they will too.

FREE MOTION QUILTING

2011-11-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

Every year at my retreat the Two Wacky Women (Marilyn and Robin) create a bag for each participant. These aren't just any old bags. Many hours of thought and preparation go into this project. Just ask about the bag stories. I also usually give a gift relating to machine quilting and this year I think it will be a pincushion. Each unique with hand dyed fabric and a different stitch. I fill my pincushions with walnut shells and wool roving.One could be yours if you join us in March. Space is limited, so check out the link to www.twowackywomen.com.

TAKING ACTION

2011-11-19T08:06:00.000-08:00

I read Lesley Riley's Blog re success frequently. She says when you find yourself in a slump, just don't sit there, take some type of action. I really need to decide on 2 projects for class and of course make those samples and I am also dragging my feet on quilting a project for a client.....who is paying me. Yet I procrastinate. So I started working on this project I am calling INTERCONNECTED. I loved piecing those little insertions and creating 3 1/2 in blocks. The quilting was going to be concentric circles but became large spirals instead. I love it. And I am going to look at it while I work on my clients quilt today.

LOOKING FORWARD

2011-11-14T16:28:00.000-08:00

We have dates for next years retreat! Click on the link to the Wacky Women to get all the info, but if you are serious about starting to machine quilt or improving your free motion machine skills in a tension free zone, mark your calendar for March 23,24,25 2012. My method is no marking ( although it is covered in lecture format), demonstrates techniques without gloves or hoops. My goal is to get quilters comfortable using a domestic machine without a frame so that if you get the urge to quilt at 2:00 am you can just do it!

A REALLY BIG SHOE

2011-11-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

Does any one remember the Ed Sullivan Show? No one could or has since pronounced show like shoe. It was always a challenge to hear someone imitate him. Anyway I have just returned from my annual Houston trip and pictured are just a few of my purchases. I could not get all the fabric in one shot. The quilts are of course amazing as always. I am again inspired to CREATE, CREATE, CREATE! If you have never gone, do yourself a favor and put it on your bucket list. Some complain that it is more a venue for art quilts, but there are plenty of traditional ones as well. Thanks for reading my blog.

OFF TO EMERALD CITY

2011-10-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

Well, not exactly. I'm off to Houston in the early am, so I probably won't post tomorrow or again until I return next week with a bag(s) of treats and hopefully some new tricks ( I mean techniques). The Wizard of Oz was my favorite movie as a child and it was always shown in the fall. The leaves were turning and we were anticipating collecting all of that candy, attending parties and bobbing for apples. Those were good times. Happy Halloween my little pretties!

CONTEST

2011-10-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

I decided to enter the weekly Halloween contest over at Quilting gallery. Vote for me!!!!

Quilting Gallery.com Go to weekly contests Vote. Thanks!!

GREAT HALLOWEEN QUILTS CONT.

2011-10-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

Another " borrowed" shot of great imagination for the Halloween theme. I believe those are drunkards path blocks in the background. Again no info on the quilter. Wonderful piece.

FALL NIGHT

2011-10-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

Still one of my favorite quilts, now in a private collection. The background is a hand dyed linen. Oh what memories.

THE LAST TO LEAVE

2011-10-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

There comes a time when the last leaf is just hanging by a tiny tendril. A sure sign...fall is on it's way out.

READING IN BED

2011-10-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

I love to read in bed, and I bet "others" do also. I would also have a snack . The title of this best seller( since I assume you can't read upside down) is LOVE AT FIRST BITE by A. Batt. I think a little moon light is needed and of course much machine quilting.

GREAT HALLOWEEN QUILT

2011-10-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

I saw this on the web this am. There was no information except it was shown at PIQF last week. Isn't it great?

MARTHA MADE ME DO IT

2011-10-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

I saw the how to make these bat wings as a costume for Fido on Martha's web page. What an outrage ! Every bat girl knows you have to earn those wings. You can't just attach them and fly off into the night. My girl is prepared for the weather with her wool sweater and just enough glamour wearing a silk skirt for that special night. No pattern available. She's one of a kind.

BUTTON KEEPER

2011-10-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

He is as cute as a button. He may move around in my sewing room (after all a different view can change our attitude), but he is always there to keep me company. He is a really good listener. And by the way, fall is his favorite time of year.

ALL THINGS FALL CONTINUED

2011-10-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry...I got side tracked by a quilt project (more later), so my month of fall postings was interrupted. I'm back with Casper's cousin and his buddies. This is a Wed. class project and I think he will be donated to the guild auction this month at our show. Every home needs a ghost or is it every ghost needs a home?

A LITTLE MAGIC

2011-10-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

October requires a different kinda shoe for the" special night". A little ruby dust goes a long way.

PUMPKINS

2011-10-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

This is the month of the pumpkin. On the porch, in the oven, on fabric. A lovely site.

AUTUMN BLOCK

2011-10-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

In honor of all things fall....a special block. A special quilt could be in the making.

ALL THINGS OCTOBER

2011-10-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

In the mid west, when I was growing up, leaves were beginning to fall by Oct. 1 st. This is my favorite time of year. Halloween of course has a lot to do with it ,but the leaves turning color...., well it's a good memory.

SATURDAY'S FEATHERS CLASS

2011-09-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

I could not get organized enough to take pictures during class, but it was fun,fun, fun. I think everyone felt more comfortable creating feathers and learned they are not just for heirloom quilts. How about you? Take a class. It always gets the jucies flowing.

A FEATHERING WE WILL GO

2011-09-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

I am really hot to trot about this Sat. class on free motion feathers. It is such a joy to see students "get it". Sorry about the poor photo's.

NEVER SAY NEVER

2011-09-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

So what did I do on my two week vacation at the beach? Well I sewed of course. I never need a vacation from the sewing machine. This is one of three projects I completed. I was never going to do hexagons as they seemed tedious and very old fashioned. Well this is stripped pieced and very simple. You can find it in the Oct. 2009 issue of McCalls quilting magazine. I think Sandy Klop has a pattern also. It will be one of the class projects for my Wed. group. Thanks for checking out the blog!

EVERYONE NEEDS THEIR OWN SPOT

2011-08-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

This is especially true on a two week vacation. It is amazing what can fit into a suitcase and how few clothing one needs when there is fabric to pack. Of course there is the subject of finding room for the new purchases made. Just how many layers of clothing can you wear is the question.

ROOM WITH A VIEW

2011-08-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

It is hard to get any sewing done with a view like this, But I will just have to try. Avila Beach Ca. for two weeks. I know it is a hard life but hey, I'm willing to make the sacrifice.

GUILD LECTURE/CLASS

2011-08-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

Last entry before I leave. I had a wonderful Tuesday evening and all day Wednesday with the South Bay Quilters. These quilters have a history and reputation of being superior quilters. What I found out first hand was how extremly friendly, funny and close these members are. I was really impressed when the president of the guild could look at the audience and inquire about ill family members and guild members life/health issues. They really know and care about each other. The pear quilt was the class project. I had a wonderful day and I think they did also. So, I am off and running for two weeks at the beach, machine in hand of course. Remember....be good and if you can't be good be careful.

FINISHED FEATHERS

2011-08-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

It is done, except for the binding. Just like me, it is flawed in many ways, but still likeable. It still amazes me how much I continue to learn on each project all of which I will share with the feathers class. I am not sure about my schedule this week, but we go to the beach in central California next Thursday for 2 glorious weeks. No bloging unless I buy a labtop ( yes I am thinking about it.) I am taking my machine and some handwork and of course books, wine. Until next time....

WANDERING AIMLESSLY

2011-08-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

My first trip to Europe many many years ago, I did a lot of wandering aimlessly and I was reminded of that while meandering aimlessly this morning. In the book on machine quilting Magic Meandering by Suzanne R. Early, she suggests this method. I really like it for filling space in a pretty way. Large or small, feathers are always impressive.

THE FEATHERS PART TWO

2011-08-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

Spines are not always curved, although I think curved spines are more feminine. Taking pictures and evaluating your work is such a valuable tool. I knew the plumes on the left were not as curved as I wanted, but the photo really shows the difference. Will I take them out? Not on this sample but as I progress to the next area I will be more aware.

IN THE ZONE

2011-08-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on a quilt that will serve as the class sample for free motion, no marking feathers. Sometimes you know when you're in the zone. Everything else in my life is on hold while the zone is on. I hope to finish this by tomorrow. We will see, and hopefully you will also.

A FEATHERING WE WILL GO

2011-07-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

The feathers class is on Sept. 24th at the Bunny Hutch in Los Alamitos, Ca. There are so many ways to incorporate this motif in our work. Unfortunately, quilters save them for" special quilts". All quilts are special. Start feathering!

CLASS PROPOSAL

2011-07-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to do a day long class on feathers and I have a meeting tomorrow to discuss the possibility at a local quilt store. Wish me luck. It has been a busy month with very little quilting going on. That has got to change!

QUICK PROJECT

2011-07-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

Our guild is having a show in October and I usually donate an auction quilt. I'm thinking this might be it. I need to do the applique and quilt it to make my final decision. It is about 12 in x 17 in. Of course it needs some border work also. What do you think?

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

2011-06-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter if it is bike riding or machine quilting...she has the answer. I have watched this at least 4 times trying to upload it and I laugh every time. Enjoy!!

A REMINDER

2011-06-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder...all machine quilting does not have to mean feed dogs down and free motion. Although that is my preferred method, feed dogs up , longer than usual stitch length, and slight movement of the fabric can be an intoduction to MQ. Can you tell which sample is which? The bottom sample is feed dogs up and slight movement of fabric. Try it, you might like it.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

2011-06-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

Oh what fun!!! Hand appliqued and of course machine quilted. I think it already has a home. We shall see.

NEW CLASS SAMPLE

2011-06-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

I am ready to prepare for an intermediate free motion machine quilting class, and this is the first sample.

Start out with a simple all over design in 40 wt thread contrasting color.

Additional insert design of leaves using same color 50 wt. thread

Finish using "ghost technique" of lighter color thread in 40 or 50 wt thread, large simple motif that relates to original motif that also secures background. You could start with this layer. It really doesn't matter, just keep it large and not too much detail.

I'M READY FOR MY CLOSE UP

2011-05-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

Quilting can really bring a piece to life. It is always a risk, waiting to see how the thread will react to the fabric. Will they get along?
Or struggle to coexist. I think the 6 different colors and 3 thread types are in love. Hopefully the background will feel the same. For personality ,I gave her a spit curl. Does any one remember spit curls?

WHAT I DID ON SUNDAY

2011-05-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a border can really make a difference. Snowballing the corners can add just enough piecing to make single strip border more interesting. I hope to get it quilted soon. Have a great week.

WHAT I DID THIS SATURDAY

2011-04-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

This is a result of another very small picture in a magazine. Hers did not have the head and arms( sorry about the poor quality photo) but was a pear with legs. I am hand appliqueing it and of course it will be machine quillted. Can you guess the name? "WHAT A PEAR OF LEGS!" I can see my daughter rolling her eyes again. Oh well....a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

OLD WORK IS NEW WORK

2011-04-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

I have three of these dresden center blocks, completed last year. Today I decided to create Dresden Tiles. Each tile will have a different border fabric. I' not sure if they will be connected or separate quilts. Time will tell. They measure 17 1/2 x 20 1/2. Hope your weekend is productive and happy. Happy Easter!

HOW I SPENT MY SATURDAY

2011-04-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

I know this is weird, but I came across this 2010 Prims magazine and this guy was in it. He is a doll made and designed by doll maker Stacy Mead.www. ravenshavenpatterns.com. While I could not find the pattern for this guy, she has some great things. I did email her to get permission to use her design to make a quilt. I think it turned out well. I'm a nurse so you know i think it is hilarious.

SHARING HISTORIES

2011-03-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

Today was, well, almost magical and a continued lesson for me. I was invited to be the "Artist in Residence " at the Muller House in San Pedro. What I expected was a pleasant Sunday in a nice little museum, displaying a few of my quilts. What I did not expect was star treatment in an unbelievable setting over looking the ocean, docents with vasts amount of knowledge and commitment to not just this house but other historical landmarks in the area. I was able talk with guests about my favorite subject and also learn a few things about history, personal commitment. My big lesson was ...get outside your usual geographical boundaries, talk to some locals, expand your universe.. Take a trip to the house and see if Joe, or Georgia, will give your a tour. I guarantee they will treat you like a star.

FREE MOTION IS GOOD MOTION

2011-03-07T11:43:00.000-08:00

I had an incredible retreat this weekend. I met 18 energetic, funny, creative, did I say funny? women who are now off and running with their new skills in machine quilting. I feel honored to have helped in introducing them to this fun and creative form. Well known blogger Sew Cal Gal was a participant. What a wealth of knowledge in addition to being a very nice person. As always, the two women who make my retreats stress free...TheTwoWacky women. Don't leave home without them. Check out their retreat schedule at http://www.twowackywomen.com/. Remember, don't practice your freemotion, make quilts and quilt them!

I SEE FEATHER PEOPLE

2011-02-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

Do you remember that movie with Bruce Willis? I am beginning to think I need a rehab program. I got up this morning to brush up on making the traditional feather and I literally saw her face. Too much gin in last night's T&T.

GET READY, SET GO

2011-02-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

You can never have enough feathers.

I call this organic meandering. I think is is more interesting than stippleing. I hope my students think so!

TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF

2011-02-26T11:10:00.000-08:00

So, here I am practicing again. The retreat is around the corner and I am in full gear. This is an old piece that I wondered what over quilting would do.. I really like it.

PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE

2011-02-13T19:03:00.000-08:00

FEATHERS IN MY HEAD

2011-02-13T10:49:00.000-08:00

Yep. I did wake up with feathers on the brain in addition to my hair somewhat wild.

GRACEFUL

2011-02-12T19:01:00.000-08:00

I cannot think of any thing that brings me more joy than machine quilting. OK lets clarrify that with creative joy. I have started getting in gear for the freemotion retreat in March with the two wacky women. We usually spend Sat. morning creating feathers. OH JOY!

BLESSINGS

2011-01-15T19:57:00.000-08:00

I never use this blog for "personal stuff" but I need to say this. It has been a very trying week. I am the nursing director of a small home health agency. Monday started with a nurse calling to say she arrived at her clients home to find the police who informed her the patient killed his family and then himself. Seeing him daily for two months and no visible clue. We are speechless. The week progressed with one fire after another. So guild night arrived and I really did not want to go. I had heard the speaker before and I just wanted to go home and crawl under the covers. Remembering the state of my house I deiced to escape instead. The moment I arrived I was greeted by my use to be Tues students who said they missed me. I had a very nice conversation with a member who was not only interested in what I had to say but was a joy to talk to. Someone else asked my opinion about a product. Show and tell was inspirational. Forget therapy. Join a guild. Make some quilts. Meet some wonderful people. Make some friends. Live long and prosper.

OFF TO A GOOD START

2011-01-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

I wanted to start the year by finishing something. I pieced these blocks last year. I have always really liked these artsy apples that are paper pieced, so quilting and binding was a doable first day of the year project. I want to finish all that I start this year. A very tall order for me, but hey.....its a new year!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2010-12-24T17:50:00.000-08:00

JUST A THOUGHT

2010-12-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

I had a conversation recently with someone whose reply to my comment was"Your window of opportunity has passed." I turned thinking I could get a glimpse, but to no avail. So I got to thinking...what would my just missed window of opportunity look like? This is the result. I thought the attic window would be perfect to frame my window. After all, don't most unused things get stored in the attic? This sounds like an interesting challenge. What would your window look like?

TIS THE SEASON

2010-12-04T11:47:00.000-08:00

There is a miniture quilt artist...Virginia Cole, whose work I really like. I tried to by all her books/patterns at Houston last year. She recently started a "One Another " series. What a great idea. I happened to have these 3 blocks in my to do basket. My intent was/is? to make enough of these 3 inch blocks for a king sized quilt. OK so it is a long term project. Have a look at her quilt. Her blocks are 1 inch and she uses paper for her words. I love it. www.gallopingponey.com

QUILTING AS ART

2010-11-21T08:47:00.000-08:00

I have begun thinking about my annual machine quilting retreat, March 4,5,6 2011 with www.twowackywomen.com . I have decided to make smaller samples and offer them for sale. You know I love leaves and I will probably do some pears as well. This sample allowed me to use my new purchase of Misty Fuse, which I am really sold on, and Jacquard organza for the printer. I highly recommend both of these products.

CURVED PIECING...IT'S A GOOD THING

2010-11-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

I have returned from the Houston Quilt Festival full of energy and ideas. I was also reminded, I have agreed to teach a class at my guild in May. So. I am going to combine needs and desires. I need a class sample and I desire a less traditional project. I have yet to see a lot of curves in our show and tell at guild and improv curves is really fun and not difficult. This is a 15 inch block and I think I will do 9 blocks. We shall see. So... what do you think?

2010-10-31T13:20:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER PINCUSHION

2010-10-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

This is one of those " I had to make it now" projects , right out of the new Quilt Festival quilt scene magazine. I think I like it.....but it's really big, 6 1/2 in diameter by 4 inches high. The quote is" CONSTANT USE HAD NOT WORN RAGGED THE FABRIC OF THEIR FRIENDSHIP."

MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY

2010-10-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

Having Halloween as your favorite holiday can pose some problems. First, I don't defend evil, but I support fun. Childhood memories of dressing up in your parents old clothes, and collecting enough candy to last until the Easter egg hunt. Oh those were the days. So other people do a yearly Christmas quilt...I do Halloween. This started with a large piece of dyed linen, purchased at a show. Almost everything is raw edged or fused, since it will just hang and it is heavily quilted. HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!!

OH THOSE FEATHERS

2010-10-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

I took a class this weekend from Cathy Miller on reverse applique using free motion machine outlining of your design. It was great fun and very fast. I am not a raw edge person, but I could get use to this.

LOST....MY PERSONAL EPISODE

2010-10-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

I have returned to work full time. Needless to say, work is interfering with my life. I did not blog all of Sept. I have been gone a lot, but my time is well, not really my time. I intend to change that. So I thought I would share with you an amazing video a saw today. Until next time.

Renate Hiller - "On Handwork"

2010-10-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

NO TIME TO BLOG

2010-08-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been very, very busy. We went camping at Big Sur for a week and then returned for four days, then on to Avila Beach near Morrow Bay for a week, and then home for two weeks and then we go to Monterey/Carmel/Napa for ten days. Oh my! I might need a vacation after the vacation. I have a month to rest up for HOUSTON! I do intend to finish the house project with envelopes 4 and 5 soon. I hope everyone is having a good and productive summer. Hello to my new followers, and thanks to everyone for continuing to check in from time to time. To my Tues class..I know some of you are having some stressful times. As the saying goes, this too shall pass. Keep in touch.( In case you are interested the "photo" is fused.)

ENVELOPE #3

2010-07-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

So we are almost finished. These are 2 1/2in half square triangles. Pretty simple. I used triangle paper and it went rather quickly. Stay tuned as the next border is .. well...just a little more time consuming. but oh so effective.

ENVELOPE #2

2010-07-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

Hello to my Tuesday group and all others out there.The famous checkerboard border....what can I say. It is more challenging than it appears, so there is a skill to learn, KEEPING ALL THOSE SEAMS STRAIGHT. It was stripped pieced which makes for easy construction, but prevents a lot of randomness, unless your strip sets are short. The picture is a little off. My wall is next to the window and we had a nice breeze for a while. I hope you guys are starting to sew. It gets more interesting..... Hope to see you at the Long Beach
show. Frances

IT'S A MYSTERY TO THEM

2010-07-12T23:39:00.000-07:00

I will try to make this short. My Tues class is...well....lets say....taking a hiatus. We were cut from the budget. So to stay connected, we are doing a by snail mail project. Also known as a mystery.....sort of. This is the first "round". There are 4 more envelopes to go and it is my intent to blog about it. So Hey to my students!! I miss everyone and hope you are staying busy. I love these houses and they were not too difficult. I think I'll cont. with the dots and stripes theme, but you know me. I'll probably change my mind. I promised the blocks would be up by Sunday( like yesterday ), but I think it might still be Sunday somewhere. Anyway, you can thank Beverly, our class baker for reminding me it was Monday in her universe. OK so it wasn't so short.

BABY QUILT BORN

2010-07-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

I find this difficult to believe but I finished the quilt before the baby came. At least I think I did. This is for a student whose baby is due this month. I haven't talked with her in a few weeks so I'll let you know which came first.

A LITTLE TEXTURE

2010-06-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

I am so anxious to get some feedback, I did not even clip the threads! This was fun and has absolutly no purpose except to see "what if ". Let me know what you think.

WHOLE CLOTH

2010-06-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

I originally was going to use this as a background for an applique project. So, I had it on the wall with the applique pieces in place( I thought) and went to get a glass of water. When I returned, the pieces were on the floor and voila! this whole cloth quilt was there. I think I like it.It has an envelope closure and is about 30x36. The fabric is Gradations by Caryl Bryer Fallert.

OH JOY!

2010-06-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

I've resumed quilting an old project and it is not only going very well, but it really feels good to complete something. Of course I want to start several new things including a stripes challenge , finish up a workshop block started over the weekend, and start planning my March 2011 quilting retreat. However, I think being one with the Juki has won out .You should spend some time machine quilting today. It's a good thing.

PAGODA QUILT

2010-06-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't been very productive recently, so I thought I would resurrect an old quilt. This free form curve piecing technique is very old but still one of my favorites. I hope you like it.

OK TO WASH IT

2010-05-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

OK TO WASH IT is my favorite fabric glue.I am not much of a glue user, even with release paper products such as Wonder Under. So I wondered what would happen if I painted my fabric window with the liquid glue instead of using the paper . Well it is interesting. It was just OK to apply, and OK to quilt. It is not as firm as the paper fusible which is good. I would suggest watering it down a bit instead of full strength Bottom line... It is OK to try it.

CHEERS !!!!!!

2010-05-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

IT IS MY BIRTHDAY ! EVERYDAY IS A GIFT. HERE'S TO MANY MANY GIFTS TO COME.

OLD FAVORITE

2010-05-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

There is a quilter named Pam Rocco who frequently writes for Quilters Newsletter. She does very interesting quilts, and this one spoke to me. I really like improv piecing.

BOILING OVER

2010-05-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

OH BOY! My blood is boiling now!! This will probably be the last big class project before our summer hiatus. This is a classic lantern block in updated color palette. I could be done fairly soon if I would stop admiring each block for at least a few minutes. I'm sure you will see more of this babe. I love it!