Travel Essentials Duffel

Travel Essentials Duffel

Just finished this duffel and I'm loving how it came out. It was a challenge using Annie's Soft and Stable in such a large project but I love the results. Can't wait for my next trip!

Beatle Bag

The Beatle Bag is the most versatile sewing stuff holder yet!

I'll be teaching some classes on this great project at Quiltique in Henderson, Nevada in February and April.  You can find the classes at this link: Beatle Bag Classes

Inside the bag are eight zipped pouches which come WITH the pattern.

 Find the pattern here: Beatle Bag Pattern

Gracie wants to be part of this, too! She likes the pins!
Gotta watch that cat!

I am so excited about this pattern and the classes that I had to post about them.  Join me and have some fun making this great project and socialize at the same time.  

Quiltique is one of the premier modern quilt shops in the country.  In fact, I don't think I would be exaggerating if I said it was the best one!  Although, I am just a bit biased on that topic.

Christmas Gift Pledge

My friend, Terri, and I pledged to make Christmas gifts all year long.  THEN I read this blog from SewCalGal and jumped right in.  Can't wait to get started.  I have so many "gift" projects on "hold" from the past.  I am determined to get them done this year.

SO....

Holiday Projects by the Month

Terri and I are in...ARE YOU?

Check out the terrific giveaway at Abbey Lane Quilts. 

I'll be teaching this project at Quiltque in Henderson, NV during our first trimester in 2014.

http://www.abbeylanequilts.blogspot.com/

Beatle Bag Giveaway

My Quilty Home

Here's a little spin through my quilty home and a few others.  The quilted cover on Bernie is a modification of the one in Fresh Quilting by Malka Dubrawsky.  I added sides and cut the bottom to fit my Steady Table.

This is Gracie, my kitty, helping to display the quilt I made for my grandson's wedding.  Josh and Sarah liked it when I gave it to them.  It is the Curio pattern from Moda made with the Curious Nature fabric line.

My daughter, Nancy, gave this quilt the showcase position in her "Quilt Room".  It is an Americana version of Blue Waltz I by Planted Seed Designs.  I chose 10 Civil War Reproduction prints in blue, red, beige and black to produce twenty blocks instead of nine.  The scattered star border utilized all 10 fabrics.  The background was a pale beige cotton with impressions of leaves.  This picture makes it all look white but it is actually soft beige and reminiscent of the Civil War era.  My daughter lives in Virginia and there are Civil War battle sites all around their area.  

This Hunter's Star quilt made as a sample for my LQS, Quiltique, in Henderson, NV hangs above my family room couch.  At Christmas, I replace it with the next picture, which hung in the International Quilt Festival of Ireland in 2012.  No awards but it looked great hanging among the other great quilts in St. Nicolas Church in Galway.

Reflections of Winter by Jason Yenter incorporates piecing, paper piecing, applique and mitered borders.  This was a class I taught at Quiltique.  Here's the full view:

And Last But Not Least.  The quilt I made for my granddaughter, Kelli, on her bed at home.  It's a BQ in her favorite colors.

I hope you have enjoyed my little tour.  Come back anytime.

Is this the IRON-Y?

Which IRON is your favorite?

I just read a review by Sara Lawson of Sew Sweetness (LOVE her) on the SEWMAMASEW blog (love her, too) and had to respond to her request to link back (hope I can do this) with my answers to her questions:

1. What brand of iron do you use? How much did it cost (approximately)?
I had a median priced iron that crapped out right in the middle of a store sample project.  I ran over to (dare I say it?) Wal*Mart to pick up a quick replacement.  I bought the most expensive model they had on hand about $45.00.  A General Electric Model made for Wal*Mart in China.  I thought if it lasted 6 months I would get my money's worth since I make class and store samples for my LQS, Quiltique in Henderson, NV.

2. Do you use steam or no steam? Both but steam most often.

3. Do you use a pressing cloth? Wet or dry? Dry when needed. And when fusing I use a Teflon sheet.

4. Do you use spray starch? I use Mary Ellen's Best Press when piecing bias shapes and to press after washing.  Mary Ellen is my BFF!

5. Do you use any tools (to open seams, etc.)?  My very worn out fingers!

6. Do you use your iron differently when you’re quilting than when you’re sewing? Yes, especially when making bags.

In  addition, I have to say that the sole plate on this GE iron is too rounded at the front.  I like the Rowenta for its pointy tip.  I have a Rowenta travel iron and am on my third one.  The first two failed but when I called Rowenta the automated answer-er gave me their local repair shop and I sent each to them.  I received a new iron in each case from Rowenta within a couple of weeks.  This last one seems just fine.

The GE is also very heavy but slides easily and presses flat with just steam.  It has an adjustable steam setting and lighted electronic fabric settings.  Cotton is blue.  Sure glad I like blue.  It has an automatic shut off but it is more like a standby and reheats very quickly.  

I think when this one goes I will try the German-made Rowenta.  I have heard the Chinese-made ones are not as reliable.  Speaking of Reliable, that is another possibility.  I will look into it.  However, this cheap Wal*Mart GE funky iron has been running like a top for two years and more.  It may never die.

So, Sara, I thank you for your research and here is my answers to your questions.  Have fun and I'll post again when the GE gives up the ghost!

The Las Vegas Modern Quilt Guild has a meeting this Thursday night, May 30th at 6 pm! 

We will be sewing charity quilt tops for the local Reading With Rover program, so bring your sewing machine to help or to work on any other project you'd like!

The LVMQG has put together supplies to make 4 complete quilts. If you would like to donate any children's fabric, or even full completed quilts (small quilts, 36" x 48" and can be slightly smaller or larger), that is also welcome.

We plan on having these completed by the August meeting so it's ready for the next school year!

More details about the program here: http://www.mypubliclibrary.com/catalog/library/userdef/rover.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.6

Join the discussion on our forums... more details posted by Tracie there.  http://www.lasvegasmqg.blogspot.com/

Henderson Libraries

www.mypubliclibrary.com

This unique private reading practice is offered by the Henderson District Public Libraries. Reading with Rover pairs trained, certified therapy dogs with children who are uncomfortable reading aloud. In this one-on-one setting 

OFF TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SHAMROCKS

I have been absolutely terrible at keeping up this blog but I am going to try to get it going again. 

Since I am leaving for Ireland on Saturday, June 2nd, I think I should tell the world that there are four women who I have met online that are an inspiration to me and I can't wait to meet them in person.  We will tour Ireland together and see the first annual International Quilt Festival of Ireland in grand style.

Linda, Penny, Carol and JoAnn, I must thank you all for your friendship and let you know that - - -  wait for it - - - squeal!  we are meeting in two days!  In none other than beautiful downtown Charlotte NC International Airport.  Get those tags around your necks and run for the ramp.  See you all on Saturday and I am so excited for hugs that have been a long time coming.

Then it's off to the Emerald Isle and lots of pub hopping, 

sightseeing and quilt viewing!  

What more could we want?

Oh, what fun it is to play a Bingo game today! Jingle Words, Jingle Words, Jingle, ALL CAN PLAY!


Oh, What fun it is to play a Bingo game today!

Check out the fabulous gifts at the Guide's Holiday Sale

Handmade is the best way to show you care about your friends and family. Give handmade and support your local artisans.

Handmade means unique! Handmade means care went into the making. Handmade means love!

Countdown to Christmas

Since everyone knows Santa is readying his sleigh and counting up the "nice" side of his list, I thought I should tell you that being nice is the thing this year.

Many have no resources except their will and effort. If we all make a resolve to do one Random Act of Kindness each day from now until Christmas day, we will have created a new habit that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Random Acts of Kindness are little kindnesses to which you expect no response. Open a door for someone, share a smile, carry a box, let someone in a hurry cut in front of you and give them a smile.

It's contagious and we all benefit in the end.

So...go for it...just one a day...and no apples needed!

Good Luck!

Take the Quiz here!

Amazing! I think the "free spirit" inside me just came out!

Events coming up for the Holidays

It's that time of year again when everything is sleigh bells and tinsel.

While you are looking for that perfect gift,
think about joining us at the Make Mine Pink "12 Days of Christmas" Shopping Event.

Just click on the logo at the right and start shopping. Lots of prizes for participation.

Come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you!

Giddee Up!

Cozy Slippers are the thing to do these days. The Pink Slipper Project is moving right along and should have no problem filling the current challenge.

Stitchers and donors are still needed and you can see all the progress at http://pinkslipperproject.com/.

Bedtime Buddies are soft, cuddly and washable, Moms. Three sizes and lots of different patterns and prints available. Just tell me your color scheme and I will match it.


Buddy Blankies are available to match. A Bitty Buddy and a Buddy Blankie make a terrific baby shower gift.

This is a lap quilt I made with matching pillows as a gift for a very dear friend. I hope she enjoys it's cuddly warmth. I can make one for you or as a gift in any color available. This one is called Rosebud Respite and all the 100% cotton fabrics have rosebud prints in tan, white, cream, navy and pink. There is a little green in there where leaves appear. The zig-zag pillow is 12 by 16 inches and the star pillow is 18 inches square. The quilt is 56 inches square with a beige/pink rosebud backing. The entire quilt was done by me. It is machine pieced and machine embroidery quilted with a "Rose of Sharon" motif.

Welcome

Hello Everyone,

Doodle Buddies says happy weekend to everyone. Here is a sampling of what I have to offer. You can also access my products at www.doodlebuddies.com.

Check out the wonderful folks you will find at Quilt'n'Stitch Marketplace. www.quiltandstitchmarketplace.com.