Sunday, October 27, 2013

Ever Wonder What I Do For Fun?

You probably don't wonder what I do for fun, but my husband sometimes teases me that if people really knew what I did for fun on a weekend they would think I was...uh-hum..insane.  :)


I started a Mary Engelbreit felt Christmas tree skirt a few years ago and this weekend I decided it was time to work on it again.  Rather than cut out the piece, embroider, sequin, bead, and stuff it and then sew it to the skirt I decided to get all the pieces ready and then apply them to the skirt at the same time.  Here is what I accomplished this weekend...doesn't look like much does it?  The thing is, there are three houses to complete yet and another set of 10 candies.  I'm happy to see some progress though.


I really wish you could see how they sparkle.  Everything went pretty well until I spilled about 2000 clear seed beads onto the carpet at about 2 a.m. this morning.  Most of the beads have been found and these are going to be put away for another day.  I've got fabric picked out for two quilts and I'm going to do some cutting. :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Blogger's Quilt Festival

I always look forward to the "quilt show" at Amy's Creative Side when quilt market rolls around.  Sometimes I enter a quilt, sometimes I don't, but I always enjoy seeing what people have to show.  My dream is to someday go to quilt market, but since I haven't had that privilege yet, I love seeing what everyone has made.

AmysCreativeSide

This year the entries are divided into different categories to enter which means there are a lot of different types of quilts to look at...and I think makes it all the more fun.


My entry in the wall hanging category is the Star Surround quilt I made just recently.  The blocks are 24 inches and the wall hanging is 48 inches square.  I used Michael Miller batiks which I think made the stars all the more stunning.


I did the machine quilting on my home sewing machine and tried a few new techniques for me.  The quilt festival can be found here where you can nominate the quilts you think should be in the voting process and then can go back again and vote for your favorites the week of November 1-8.  Have fun and thanks for visiting.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Monday, October 21, 2013

Wicked Blog Hop

It is time for another blog hop, and since this one is the "Wicked" blog hop I decided to do something off the wall for me.


I had to laugh about this when I started thinking back to when I was the age of my son.  I was 13 years old and did a lot of babysitting.   I decided one night to watch the Exorcist.  By the time that movie was over I was petrified and scared to death.  The people I was babysitting for took me home and I couldn't run fast enough to get in the house.  I had horrible nightmares for the weeks to follow and was terrified when it was time to go to bed.  I finally had to tell my mom that I had watched the movie and that I was so sorry I did.  I don't do scary anymore for Halloween after that, so my wicked is the use of color.
The colors are so bright they actually don't show up right.  The blue is more of a purple.  I also just went through my stash and chose from what I had, not paying attention to how much I had.  That meant there were some changes made where fabrics were used because I didn't have enough of one or the other.  This pattern was the Mystery Monday quilt from This and That Patterns.  I did mine differently using dark fabric for the background (another huge step for me).  

A huge thank you to Madame Samm and Wendy for organizing this hop, and here are today's participants.  

Happy Stitching and Hopping!!  --Kristen

Sunday, October 20, 2013

"There Is Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself"

My grandfather used to tell me this all the time when I was young.  I think he saw something in me that I did not realize was there until I look back now.  I spent most of this weekend going through my sewing room.  I received a HUGE storage unit which meant reorganizing, rearranging, and purging projects and supplies.  In my sorting I found a large number of projects that were so near finishing it was stupid.  Looking at them now I know why I didn't finish them, I was afraid of trying a new technique and ruining them.  So I let them sit.  


The reason this one was not finished...I didn't know how to sew the ribbons on so they went the correct direction.  SERIOUSLY.  I was afraid if I sewed them wrong I would have to tear it apart and would fray the cross stitch material.  I even had the borders on it already.  It literally took me 10 minutes today to sew it together, stuff it, and close the opening.  From here on out there is no more being frightened...I'm going for it, and if I fail, well then I will learn from it and move on.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Friday, October 18, 2013

Oh Those Naps...

I kind of remember being really tired after work yesterday and thinking I would sit down for just a minute.  I have no recollection of lying down or covering up with the quilt on the couch...which by the way my husband says once you cover up with it you might as well forget about doing anything for the next hour.  When I woke up I couldn't figure out if it was morning or what day it was and then I knew I would be in trouble later.


I felt great after the nap, but I was wide awake at 11 p.m., 12 a.m., and 1 a.m. this morning.  I decided I might as well work on something.  It was quiet and actually it was the perfect time to see some progress on my pilgrims.  :)  Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to take another nap this afternoon.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Fall Is Here!

It seems in an instant the weather has changed and it is cooler, darker earlier in the evening and later in the mornings, and leaves are falling like crazy!


Although I have plenty of projects that need to be finished soon, I started this Thanksgiving embroidery pattern.  It seems after everything that happened last week, I needed to just sit and stitch this week.  I'm thinking tomorrow afternoon will be a good time to get that sewing machine warmed up and sewing again.


From the looks of it I'm going to need to spend a little time outside cleaning up this mess...but they are pretty to look at now (and a little too wet from the rain to rake just yet).  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Yes, I Am A Quilter

 When I saw this at Lily Pad Quilting I knew I had to take a look and see where I was using my quilts.


As I was taking my photos I noticed there was something common in many of the photos...


It seems a lot of my quilts are accompanied by something my husband has made or refinished like this bench and quilt rack....


the hanger for the pumpkin quilt, the piano (which used to be painted black) and the side table that used to be pink.


It seems our interests go well together and it is evident that a quilter lives here.  As you can see I like to decorate for the holidays, and my fall/Halloween quilts are out in full force.  You can visit Lily Pad Quilting to see how others are using/displaying their quilts.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Finally, My Finished Quilt And Our Winner!

Some weeks are better than others and this past week has been one of those for the record books...not only did I smash up my car (backed into a fire hydrant), but my computer had a HORRIBLE virus that took hours to remove, and my son broke his nose 5 minutes into a soccer game which ended up with a trip to the emergency room, doctor's office, and the operating room...all in one week.  I'm just sure this next week will be MUCH better!!


Here is my finished Star Surround quilt.  I'm so excited about it.  The fabrics are absolutely fabulous (thank you Stitchin' It Up Quilt Shop)!


I changed up my quilting techniques (finally) and used a swirl in the white areas, a stipple in the blue areas, and ditched the green areas.  Did I mention after I finished this quilt my sewing machine also needs to make a trip to the sewing machine doctor?  Yep, that was included in last week's fun.


The random number generator chose number 70 which was right in the middle and was
Just Quilt It said...I "liked" Stitchin' It Up on fb.

Thank you to all who entered and I hope you enjoy your fat quarter bundle Kathy!  I'm off to get some more sewing done, I have a lot planned for the next couple of weeks! :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen