scrap playtime

Sometimes it is just fun to relax and play with scraps (especially after a week of sewing little tiny triangles and flying geese LOL)

So I played a bit!  First up, I "made" some fabric out of leftover strips...

and just straight line quilted it onto some batting..

Then made a couple of these little pouches..Best tutorial ever over at Noodlehead..the open wide pouch!

I didn't have many zippers on hand, so for a couple I had to use shorter zippers, so I added a tab to the end....

so I guess it wasn't an "open wide" pouch...but that was what I had for a zipper, so had to work with it ! :)

Great little stocking stuffers!

The next scrap project was a scrap box. When I am cutting and sewing, I like to keep a scrap box handy to toss all the trimmings and bits into. I have made these before, another great tutorial over at Sew Sisters.

I wanted this one to be a bit more sturdy, so I cut up my Cheerios box to add into the making..

On the bottom, I made a little pocket, to slide in the cardboard, and on the sides I slid the pieces in between the batting and the lining.

I added the cardboard once I had the sides sewn, then added the binding on the top.

Perfect...just what I needed!!

linking up to TN&TN...

next Christmas project..

I wanted to make a tree skirt for my son and DIL for their new home. I found lots of pictures and plans, but nothing quite what I wanted it to look like. I had a picture in my head. (of course!!) I wanted it round, with pie shaped pieces of different fabric, maybe with a scalloped outer edge.

I hate to sound like the Grinch...but I am not really a Christmas person (sorry)..so didn't really like all the really Christmassy fabric, BUT...I saw this...and it was perfect!!

So then on to the planning stage!  As I lay in bed one night I realized that the math was really pretty simple. If you cut a circle into 4...you have a 90 degree corner in the middle..divided into half makes a 45 degree corner and 4 wedges on each half of the circle.

If I wanted 3 wedges on each side....that would make each corner 60 degrees instead of 45 degrees, or I could make 6 wedges of 30 degrees! (easy peasy...right)

I know this is probably pretty obvious to most of you...but it was a true moment of clarity when I realized how simple it really was.

So I got out some paper. It would be helpful to have a big chunk..but I taped several sheets together. and using my quilting ruler, marked off a 45 degree line.

I decided I wanted this about 45" across when finished, so I used a pencil on a string, measured to 22" to draw the circle edge.

I added a 6" circle opening in the centre point by using the pencil on a 3" string to draw the circumference.

I cut this out and used it as my template.
Fabric requirements.. I used .6 metre of two different fabrics. 

 That gave me 4 wedges of each fabric. I used one side along the salvage...because it is round, there are going to be bias edges somewhere, and that fit the best on the fabric I had.

I sewed the wedges together, alternating the fabric, and leaving one segment open.

Once they were all sewn together, I sandwiched it with some batting and backing and quilted it up. I used a straight line echoing each seam, and a curvy line down the centre of each wedge.

On the opening I just turned under a 1/4" and stitched it closed. On one side I added 3 elastic ponytail ties for closures. (they were bulky and hard to sew in...I might try something different, or smaller ones next time)

Because I am lazy, I used store bought bias binding to finish the centre and outside edges.

I added some big buttons for the closure.

Anyway, I am really happy with how this turned out...I love it..I hope they do too.

Linking up to TN&TN

flying geese update

Just a quick follow-up to yesterday's post about the Downton Abbey QAL and my trouble with the flying geese blocks...

I took all the suggestions and started work on the second batch of these blocks.

First, I tried them out of paper, to eliminate the problems with the bias edge..

I found that even with paper, it was very difficult for me to get them all exact!! And I should mention that I am usually pretty exact, so this was frustrating.

So I cut the corner square blocks 1/8" larger than suggested in the directions, and then trimmed them down after they were finished. Some I had to trim off the whole 1/8", and others not very much!

Spray starch also helps to reduce the problem of the bias edge.

But...it worked!!  Of course it helps that there is less contrast on these blocks too! I wish I had started with these, and done the black and mauve ones once I had improved my technique!

most of them are now pretty good..

there are still a couple that are off centre, but the points are there..

So I guess I can get off my horse now ..LOL  (Thank you Sharon!!)

Lady Sybil continues

I have been working on the second blocks for the Downton Abbey Mystery QAL.  I must admit it is truly a skill building experience for me!
                                           
This week is a lot of little triangle bits, and flying geese!! (I knew there was a reason that I hated little triangle bits!!)  And because this is based on the EDeN system (designed for die cutting) you end up with a whole pile of little pieces to try to sew together.  I have used the "easy flying geese" method before, and did pretty well with that.

But......This....not so much! :(

I did get some perfect points!!
OK, to be honest, I got 2 perfect points!! (but who is counting???)

I got mostly "close call" points....

But I am sticking strongly to the "Horse Test"

For those of you who may not know what that is....it means that if you ride by the quilt on a horse, and don't notice the error, it doesn't count!
And I have a very tall, fast horse in my head !!
But really...they are not terrible...just don't look too close!!

Anyway, I have half of these blocks finished, and another batch to go. I have made a desperate call out to Sharon...at Vroomans Quilts, and she has offered me lots of great suggestions...so back to work here and see if I can improve!

Linking up to WIP Wed at Freshly Pieced
and TN&TN

See you next week!

getting organized

I am finding that I have bits of paper all over my work area. I print off free patterns and tutorials, just in case I want to make them. I still like having a paper copy to refer to as I am working.

So I decided to get a bit more organized. I went out and purchased a 3-ring binder, and some plastic page protectors..

So now each pattern has a home..

and it is all neat and tidy!!

Of course I didn't go so far as to organize the binder...so they are all jumbled up in there, but at least they are all in one place now!   That might be a project for another day :)

Mr Random please.....

(add drum roll here ....)

What you have all been waiting for ..

the draw for the fabulous bundle of Bluebird Park fabric offered by Sew Sisters Quilt Shop..
                                  

And the winner is..

Ok...I just can't get the Random Number Generator to publish!! And I thought I had it all figured out this time !! Sorry! You will have to trust me on this one, I guess.  Anyway it drew # 268 and....

Congratulations Sheila of Fort McMurry AB!!

I have sent Sheila a message....Sheila, as soon as I get your home address, we will be sending out your pize!

And thank you again to Sew Sisters for sponsoring this wonderful Blogathon!!
It has been so much fun....and I have "met" so many new quilting friends!!
Looking forward to next year!
                         
                                               

Lady Sybil underway!

I finally got my Downton Abbey fabric!! It is really pretty...love the colours! I am making the Lady Sybil version.

If you missed my previous post, I have joined up with the Downton Abbey Mystery QAL over at Love Bug Studios.

                                      
It has just started....so it is not too late to join in the funl!!

We got our directions for the first block...turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself!  The series starts off with an episode following the sinking of the Titanic, so the first block is the "Titanic"..

One word of warning, though...the directions are all written in the EDeN system.

This is specifically for die cutters, although there is a section for rotary cutting as well.
BUT you have to remember that when it asks for "4" of one of the pieces, it means 4 of the finished pieces. For example ....if the directions say - cut a 9" block, then cut in half on the diagonal - and you need "4", it means 4 of the finished triangle pieces.    NOT four of the 9" blocks!! Ask me how I know!

Oh well, hopefully I can use up the mistakes later in the quilt :)  Next block comes out on Sunday!  Can't wait...having fun here :)

And dont't forget today is the final day of Blogathon Canada...2 more fantastic Canadian quilters ..check them out...

Saturday, November 23	ON	Jackie	Jackie's Art Quilts
Saturday, November 23	ON	Krista	Krista Quilts

                                             

thank you!

I just want to say thank you for all the wonderful comments on my Blogathon Canada post!
                                   
I had so much fun "meeting" people from all over the world!! Amazing! I really do love the online quilt blog community...what a great bunch.   Stay tuned for the draw winner to be announced on Sunday, Nov 24!

BUT PLEASE many of you are coming up as a no-reply blogger.  PLEASE be sure to include your email address!  If you are using anything other than Blogger you will always show up as a no-reply commenter!!    There is a good discussion of this by Heather over at Winding Bobbins. 

And if you missed the Saskatchewan Blogathon post.....hop on over here, because there is a great giveaway, compliments of Sew Sisters!
Check it out !!

And....there are still 2 days left on this fun Blogathon Canada !!  Happy Blog Hopping!

Friday, November 22	QC	Izzy	Dizzy Quilts
Friday, November 22	Territories	Danielle	A Geeky Crafty Life
Saturday, November 23	ON	Jackie	Jackie's Art Quilts
Saturday, November 23	ON	Krista	Krista Quilts

                                          

Blogathon Canada 2013 - Saskatchewan !

******prize draw is now closed*****

Greetings from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan! And welcome to the next page of Blogathon Canada sponsored by Sew Sisters Quilt Shop.

If it is your first time here - welcome- and I hope you enjoy your stay here in Saskatchewan...the "Land of the Living Skies", and home to the RCMP, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the 2013 Grey Cup final (which we are playing in....Yeah..Go Riders!!)

We have endless miles of wheat and canola fields, northern forests and lakes, lots of recreation opportunities - fishing, hunting, camping, biking, hiking, golfing...and of course QUILTING!!

If you are new to my blog, please pour yourself a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine !! ) and stay awhile.  I started quilting about 3 years ago, and started this blog about the same time.  I found that the online blogging community was a wealth of knowledge and talent..... I learned so much!!  My blog originally documented my struggles and  mistakes....and some of my successes too!   I must say that sometimes I still consider myself a beginner when I look at all of the amazing, creative people out there! But I have learned a lot and progressed in both skill and confidence.

My favourite quilt from this summer must be this one  (PB&J)...

This was a gift for a friend who kindly took my daughter and her boyfriend and puppy into her home when they lost theirs in the Calgary flood in June.
I am kind of fascinated with  triangles right now!!!

I also joined my very first QAL this year with Melissa from Happy Quilting...and made this Star Surround..

I am dabbling in needle turn appliqué! This is long, long term project..but it is coming along!

For short, quick projects I have made a few cushions..

and I also love making bags...

and tote bags..

Anyway, please feel free to look around at previous posts and see what I have been creating.
But now....on to the exciting part.....the giveaway!!

Sew Sisters Quilt Shop has very generously donated this bundle of fat quarters of a new line called  Bluebird Park.   There are 8 fat quarters plus a half metre of the City Park fabric!!

I really love these colours....think I might just have to get some of this for myself too :)

******prize draw is now closed*****

The rules:
1) Because this is such a fun travelling tour,  leave a comment telling me where you live!(International entries welcome!)
2) if you are a follower, or a  new follower, you may leave a second comment telling me that.
3) be sure you include your email if you are a no reply blogger.  If not, I will need to make another draw.
4) Contest closes at the end of the Blogathon- midnight Nov 23, and the winner will be announced on Nov 24.  Good luck!


ALSO....  Aurifil is sponsoring a giveaway over at the Sew Sisters Blog...so hop on over and check that one out too.

Today also features Kathy, in Manitoba, so visit her corner of  Canada too, over at Tamarack Shack.

And finally...here are some other great Saskatchewan quilters to check out (in no particular order...I don't do alphabetical LOL) ...lots of talent here !

Monika at My Sweet Prairie  - amazing fibre artist, photographer and check out the handmade postcards!
Carly at Citric Sugar  - funny, inspiring and very original work
Patti at Retired to Quilt  - wow...very productive...lots of great ideas here
Hayley at Mrs Pickles Garden  - not only quilting, but lots of gardening tips too !
Annette at In Stitches and Seams - shares lots of fun blog hops...great stuff!
Heather at Peace, Love, Quilt  - inspiring quilts, crafts and great photography too.
Sam at the Quilting Curve - This blog has some very unique and creative quilts.
Conni at My Creative Side - loves all kinds of crafty stuff.
Kate at A Sometimes Quilter - quilting...and a beautiful new baby to boot.
Jeane at Samatha's House - quilting and knitting...and really, really cute little doll quilts and knitted outfits!
Christa at Second Story Quilting...a fun blog of quilting and life on the Saskatchewan prairies.
Kate at By the Babbling Brooke.. lots of different crafty things to see here.