in the fold

Progress

2009-11-12T07:54:00.008-06:00

I made major progress on a large crazy quilt I have had in the works for a few years. I first posted about it on March 1, 2007. The entire quilt is now pieced together and measures about 60 inches (5 feet) square.

And I started on the floral border. The solid wools that I am using for the flowers stand out beautifully against the crazy background. I already have 3 of the large flowers stitched on and several cut out. With the quilt to this point it is much easier to pick up and do a little hand work in the evening. I am please my vision is coming together for this quilt.

My camera seems to be taking really sucky pictures in low lit interior shots. The color is totally washed out in this photo but it give you an idea of how the floral border will continue.

This quilt was inspired by an antique quilt. This quilt is so amazing, I could study it for hours.

Swiffer Ballband

2009-11-12T07:00:00.003-06:00

I have been knitting sweater for Abby but my gauge is off and instead of fitting a 6-12 month old, I think it will fit more like an 18 month old. So it has been moved to the back burner.

I did whip up this project in an afternoon, it was fun as well as useful. It is a free pattern found here.

I am testing it out to see if it works better that the swiffer cloths before I knit up a few more.

Beading Class

2009-11-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

I had a great time teaching my beading class at the Bismarck Quiltfest. I hope all were able to take home a few of my tips and tricks for getting the stitches on to the fabric.

I pulled this quilt out of the drawer to use in class as examples of beading and I have been inspired to work on it a bit. I have Wednesday off of work this week and the kids will be in daycare. So I have plans on getting the border attached and start working on the applique flowers I have planned for the border.
I have had it out a few times to work on it but have quickly become overwhelmed with the direction it is going. I hope getting the applique in place will get it moving in a direction I like.

Holiday Baking

2009-11-09T13:12:00.004-06:00

I started on a little holiday baking but I am sure these wont last very long. I love coffee and biscotti, such a tasty snack. I have several recipes for biscotti, but this is one of our favorite Chocolate Cherry.

Bead Embroidery Sampler

2009-10-28T07:18:00.002-06:00

I am creating a sampler block for my bead embroidery class. I came up with a quick way to create a stunning fan block using 1 1/2 inch strips from a jelly roll and the coordinating background fabric. Once I had the idea, the block took me less that 1/2 an hour to construct.

I am using only the stitches I teach in the class and sticking with just the basic stitches.

Do you want to know my secret to the quick construction of the block? Raw edges, my thought is why turn under the edges when they are going to be beaded over anyway? Using the Moda Jelly Roll gave me 10 coordinating fabrics to lay out in a fan.