Flags on Stick

I love flags, and how exciting to make one of my own.  I have gone back and forth for weeks about what to make, how to make it, and I finally decided that I wanted something cheerful and happy after this long, cold, snowy winter.

The ground is still frozen so I couldn't get my "stick" to stand up, but my flag has the hopes of warm, sunny days ahead filled with sunshine and smiles.  After making the front I thought I should have a playful back side to my flag seeing as that is the side I will see from my office each day.

I decided the back side should be winking...just to remind me of how much we love the warm summer days.  I did blanket stitch around all the pieces of my sun to give it some interest, but honestly, I think to simply see the sun with a smile is just what my garden needs.

Thank you to Madame Samm and Thearica for cheering us on and Flags On A Stick and Flag Outlet for sponsoring our hop.  Here are the rest of today's participants.  Happy Hopping and Stitching!!  --Kristen

April 1st

Sew Incredibly Crazy

Quilt Doodle Designs

Buzzing and Bumbling

Why Knot Kwilt?

Creatin' in the Sticks

Meadowbrook

Spring Has Sprung...I Hope!

Well, our piles of snow are melting and I'm feeling the need to do some spring cleaning.  I'm starting in my sewing room, which always seems to be a never ending project.  My husband has assured me that the new sewing station he is constructing will be entering the sewing room soon (my fingers are crossed and double crossed), so I decided that it would be the perfect time to do some purging...and reorganizing.

I have spent a better part of the day emptying everything out of my fabric closet, refolding everything, and then returning it to its new place or putting it in the "time to leave this house" bag.  I will be sure to share the finished photos with you.  One thing I can tell you, no one can truly warn you enough about how time consuming this folding process is, but I can see already it will definitely be worth it.  Of course then I find things and start thinking about projects to start (like these fabrics)...but I won't be working on anything until this mess is cleaned up. ;)

I'm extremely late in sharing what I worked on for FNSI last week...I was in a crochet mood and decided to try these little hearts and shamrocks I found on Pinterest (you can check out my Pinterest boards here).  I'm hoping to have a little banner made for Valentine's and St. Patrick's Day next year.  I'm never behind, always working ahead...ha!  We are supposed to have a 60 degree day tomorrow which everyone is waiting for with anticipation.  Even if it only hits 50, I'm sure we will all be celebrating!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Happy Worldwide Quilting Day!!!

Even though today is a "special" day, I think everyday is quilting day, or should be, even if it is for just a short period of time.  I got up early this morning so I could get a few minutes of uninterrupted quilting in before our very busy day starts.

After showing this poor little guy in his horrible state a while back and so many of you encouraging me to finish him, I decided today was the day.  Our snow is melting at a record pace and spring is just around the corner.  I cannot believe what a little embroidery, some scraps of wool and a button can do.  You can still see that he is "wonky" but I love him.  I know I will smile every year when I take him out again to celebrate the snow!  :)

 If you follow Sherri at A Quilting Life you know she has been designing patterns using 2-1/2 inch squares.  This one is called Simply Small Mini Quilt.  I had a few left over charms from a Simply Style charm pack and this was a fun way to use them.  I am still hoping to find a day for some machine quiting, but that hasn't happened yet.  Maybe that day will come soon as my son's basketball season has nearly come to an end, and he will not be playing soccer this spring (at least I don't think he will).  I hope you enjoy your Worldwide Quilting Day and that you find even just a few minutes to make something creative!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Think Ruffles

I don't know about you, but I rarely think of making ruffles.  I made a bed skirt once with 8 yards of fabric and dental floss...I've made curtains with ruffles, and I've made a few pillows.  Since I have no little girls I finally decided to do what I know...

I just finished this Valentine's embroidery and I did not want it to sit unfinished waiting for Valentine's to roll around again.  I also purchased the ruffler foot for my sewing machine and boy is that sweet.  You change the setting to how many ruffles you want per stitches and it makes it for you.  I think next time I will put a few more ruffles in my ruffle.  ;)  The pattern for the embroidery is from Bare Roots and was a fun one to stitch.  I did change the colors of floss just by picking a color I liked and stitching with it.

Here are the rest of the participants for the Think Ruffles Hop!  Thank you Mdm Samm and Amy for all your encouragement!!

March 7^th

Ridge Top Quilts

Elizabeth Coughlin Designs

Just Let Me Quilt

MooseStashQuilting

Childlike Fascination

It Seams To Be Sew

Meadowbrook