Gotta Quilt

Longarm Studio...

2012-01-23T22:44:00.000-06:00

Welcome into my longarm quilt studio...where I spend a lot of my time.

This is Mabel.

Pantographs

Thread!!!

Shelf for customer quilts

Walkway to quilt studio

Another Quilt Studio Reorganization

2012-01-21T12:17:00.000-06:00

I finally took time this week to finish unpacking all the boxes from having to move out this summer. So good to get rid of the boxes and actually find some things that have been missing for awhile.

Flannel, yardage, scraps and monthly quilt day baskets.

Yardage, rag quilt, backings, military/patriot fabrics, and more scrap.

Cutting table, scrap bin, quilt group kits and quilts in progress.

The rest of the room isn't ready to photograph!

Quilt Check In Sheet

2012-01-06T17:25:00.000-06:00

Quilt Check In Sheet

This is the check in sheet I use when customers bring me a quilt to quilt for them. Feel free to use it if it helps.

Williams Reunion October 2011

2011-10-24T23:41:00.000-05:00

Caught up with Scot's brother's family, sister's family, his parents and Rick, Amanda and Camden. The weather was wonderful, especially for October. We spent Saturday afternoon walking around the Amanna Colonies (they even had a quilt shop). Went back to the hotel for pizza and games.

Jayna and Katie (cousins)

Rick and Camden

Ted and Jane ready to take the camaro for a spin.

Such a cutie!

Four Generations

Camden and his Great Grandparents

An Army Quilt This Time

2011-10-18T20:54:00.000-05:00

I have two Army quilts to make for a coworker and I just got the first one off the quilt machine. I wish you could feel the red fabric I used for the borders and the backing. I think I paid $12 a yard but it really feels good.

I still need to do the binding which I will probably do this weekend when I attend the "Williams Family Reunion". I will need some hand work to do while visiting. Then I can get Scot to hold the quilt so I can take a better picture.

Catching Up

2011-10-08T10:36:00.000-05:00

Where did the past month go? There is just so much going on. I think I am getting to the point of catching up, though. I see the light...

Our furniture and other stuff was moved back in mid-September. Three days before that, my daughter came to stay with us for awhile after her husband informed her he didn't want to be married anymore. Poor thing. Needless to say, that was where my focus was and the unpacking took a backseat. The quilt retreat was Sept 22-25 so we had a little distraction from the real world for a bit. The retreat was wonderful. Go to Quilts from the Bluffs blog to see pictures.

My daughter went home yesterday. She was ready to figure out her next steps and I think she was stronger and better able to handle all the emotions after a month of rest away from her real life. I ask for continued prayers as she figures it all out.

Today my husband is going to KC for his annual trip to the races with his son. It was touch and go for awhile if he was going to get to go so I am relieved I don't have to have him home pouting all weekend!

So, that means I have the house to myself for the weekend and I am motivated to unpack boxes and get this house back to normal. I also have some customer quilts to do for Threads of Faith. I may even sneak in a movie this afternoon. I have been wanting to see The Help.

And I also need to sneak in a picture of my grandson. He will be 4 months old next week! He is rolling over from his tummy to back and then rolling to his side again but can't quite make it to his tummy again.

Camden is going to be a monkey for Halloween. I don't think he has a clue why he has to wear this silly outfit!

The Road to Normal

2011-09-10T17:21:00.000-05:00

I have Mabel back in her quilt room and am working on getting everything else back in place. It feels good to be able to take some action to improve our circumstances. It's been a long summer but we have lots to be thankful for!

We had Quilts from the Bluffs quilt day today. We welcomed two new members. I will be posting pictures of the quilts we have ready to deliver to Project Linus on the Quilts from the Bluffs blog later tonight.

Right now we are firing up the Harley and heading to LaMesa for some tacos...

Level 1 Alert is Canceled - Moving Back Home

2011-08-31T19:07:00.000-05:00

OK...we are home already but I want my furniture here, too. We are looking at September 17 to move everything back. How exciting. I'm trying to get some time off work to take care of it!

My biggest issue is trying to figure out how to organize the quilt room as stuff comes back. I don't want to just throw it all in there but it is so overwhelming to try to think through how I use everything so I understand the workflow. Make kits, control scrap, contain binding in one place, backings, batting scrap, batting large pieces, yardage, quilt day planning...and then personal projects and business supplies and workflow.

Maybe I'll just tackle a couple big items...quilt days bins for each month with patterns preselected for the whole year. I really like that one.
Quilt tops I will measure and attach measurements to it before I store it. Then I will be ready to select backing and batting with less effort.
Decide on standard scrap sizes so it will be easier to cut and store and use.

If I do these three things, it will help. Anyone have other ideas?

Doing some catch up quilting for Quilts from the Bluffs

2011-08-21T19:56:00.000-05:00

I got four quilts quilted and even the binding on this week for the quilt ministry. I also did a sample top of one of the patterns we gave out as an option for the quilt retreat. I am trying to organize (or think about how I want to organize) my quilt room when I start to move everything back in. We hope to start moving stuff back in the next couple weeks. In the meantime, we have started painting at least the family room, bathroom and bedroom in the basement. I picked out the paint colors today and Scot has the ceilings painted. That's kind of exciting.

Time to show off my grandson again

2011-08-18T20:13:00.000-05:00

Camden is two months old already!!!

Happy Baby!

New Blog

2011-08-14T13:24:00.000-05:00

I started a new blog just for the Quilts from the Bluffs group. This way I can seperate my personal blogging from the groups and you will be able to subscribe to the one you care most about (or both). We will see how this progresses.

Another Marine Quilt

2011-08-09T21:11:00.000-05:00

I fiinished the two Marine quilts that a coworker ordered. I love the second one the best. I still have two Army quilts do make for another coworker and I have an idea of an updated design. I will have to work with it to make sure it looks as good in real as it does in my head.

New TShirt Design

2011-07-23T12:13:00.000-05:00

I just had to post our new TShirt design. We will be ordering new TShirts in August just in time for the annual Quilts from the Bluffs quilt retreat in September. In October of this year, we will be celebrating our 5th anniversary. I just LOVE this group!!

A Few More Quilts - Ready to Deliver

2011-07-11T20:32:00.001-05:00

We had a great quilt day with the Quilts from the Bluffs group. Here are a few of the quilts we have ready to give away.

Civil War Quilt Top Finished

2011-07-04T14:18:00.000-05:00

This is one of my UFO's I've been working on for about five years. This is the second quilt made with these fabrics and probably have enough left to make a few more. (I really enjoyed collecting civil war reproduction fabrics a few years ago.)

Living with an ever-present flood threat...

2011-06-26T08:44:00.002-05:00

I have to say this flood event is wearing me down. My body aches from all the packing and moving (and walking around at the Omaha Quilt Show but that's a good ache). We secured a storage unit and, with the help of some awesome coworkers, moved the bulk of our furniture to it. I have been packing boxes of clothes, fabric, photos, fabric, and more fabric. Most of the fabric for the quilt ministry is at other quilter's safe and dry houses.

After a flash flood Friday night, we (that means my husband) had the priviledge of pumping water out around the house and sucking water out of the carpet in three rooms of the basement with the wet/dry vac. The lake behind our house also is at a considerably higher level.

This is from yesterday, June 25. I think it is up a bit more this morning.

I did sew a few quilt blocks together and hope to actually complete a quilt top today. It is slow going and the motivation and productivity that I am used to having is all but non-existent right now. I long for the days of peaceful quilting in my beautiful quilt room.

Camden Scot - The Most Beautiful Grandbaby

2011-06-20T12:29:00.000-05:00

Camden Scot entered the world on June 15...7 ob 2 oz, 20" long.

Sandbags

2011-06-11T18:49:00.000-05:00

Some neighbors helped sandbag our house today. It is great to see people working together when the stakes are high. This is one positive thing that seems to come with these sort of situations. Let's hope this will hold out the water!

Gram's Quilt

2011-06-10T15:58:00.000-05:00

This is a quilt that my sister inherited...at least the top. It was hand pieced with "official" 30's prints. I quilted it for her using a reproduction print on the back and binding.

Flood 2011

2011-06-08T22:23:00.000-05:00

June 8, 2011 - Went to the river to take pictures. I'm sure it will be a lot worse in a couple days.

The levee...

Summer Day - My latest quilt

2011-06-06T22:12:00.000-05:00

I am going to try to name my quilts. This one is Summer Day because of its soft fun colors and the white background. I love this one but will probably sell it if I have the opportunity. I like the pattern, too. I will definitely have to try this one again.

Granny's Quilt

2011-06-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

This quilt was made by my Granny several years ago. My sister asked me to quilt it and boy what a challenge that was. You can see how wonky it is but you may not be able to see how fragile the fabric is. I fixed many seams and stabalized the back of each block. Not much I could do with the sashing and borders. There was no way I could quilt it from the back so had to do some free motion quilting. I actually like the way it turned out...considering what I had to work with. My sister liked it too so everyone is happy. I put a tan binding on it.

Lastest Quilt off the Frame

2011-05-30T17:11:00.000-05:00

I just noticed my last post was over a week ago. I have been very focused this week. So that means I have several more pictures I could post. I'll have to go back and see what didn't get photographed. But this is my latest. I used a bright gold thread in this one and it worked well on the pale yellow background, the brown boxes, and all the varied squares.

Antique Quilts for My Sister

2011-05-22T17:06:00.000-05:00

I have four antique quilts my sister wants me to quilt for her. I did two of them yesterday. Mabel has kicked out 9 quilts so far and one more ready to go on tonight. I still need to do the binding on these two quilts and will do that during my Sunday evening shows.

Day Two...with Mabel

2011-05-21T12:03:00.000-05:00

I have completed 5 charity quilts. I am going to do 1-2 customer quilts today. I have to make the backings and press them (they are my sisters so I'm doing a bit extra.) so we'll see what gets done.

Mabel is HERE

2011-05-19T00:56:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I have a long arm!!!! After 4 1/2 hours of set up, I was able to start a quilt. It is so cool.

Quilt Day - May, 2011

2011-05-15T13:46:00.000-05:00

I just love quilt days with the Quilts From The Bluffs group. We had a very productive day. I made two of this quilt.

I can't wait to get my longarm machine so I can start quilting!! It is on the truck. I need to call the freight company Monday to schedule the delivery. Then I need to call my dealer and schedule time to set it up. The wait is killing me! I also expect to get all my papers for my new company back from the state this week so I can be official...Threads of Faith, LLC.

MQS 2011

2011-05-14T18:29:00.000-05:00

Two days at the MQS show in Overland Park this week! I am exhausted but learned a lot. My head is spinning with the possibilities. And the good news is...my APQS Millenium is on its way! I need to call and arrange a time for them to deliver and then schedule a time for it to be set up. Maybe by next week I can actually use it. This is just too exciting!

One Done

2011-05-07T21:52:00.000-05:00

I did one Marine quilt top today. I started another one but don't have enough of one of the fabrics. I will need to come up with a different option. We'll see what comes out!

Military Quilts

2011-05-07T12:57:00.000-05:00

The T-Shirt quilt I did for a customer was picked up today. She loved it. Today I am going to concentrate on two Marine quilts for a co-worker and two Army quilts for a different coworker. I would like to get them done before my longarm arrives so they will be ready to go.

Top Ten Teens in Omaha (sponsored by Jaycees)

2011-05-01T18:11:00.000-05:00

My friend, Tami, used my house to host a volunteer project for the Top Ten Teens in Omaha. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet some wonderful youth and to hear about how they are using their time and talents in the community. Today's project was to create fleece blankets for Project Linus. They completed six blankets as they shared with each other about themselves. I am amazed and the vision and energy they have and wish them well in their future endeavors. Congratulations, Top Ten!!

8 of the Top Ten Teens that attended today's event.

A photographer was also in attendance staging some fun photos in the backyard.

They even hijacked a golf cart from a passing golfer to pose with.

The group including Chris (Jaycees President) and Tami (Jaycees Regional Director)

Add dog toys, too!

Quilt Top Done (MQ4 from QCA)

2011-04-30T23:26:00.000-05:00

I think this will go in the front bedroom. I like it better than I thought I would. When I started the mystery quilt, I just grabbed some fabric from my stash and thought I would just go along with it and then give it away. I'll see what I think when I finish it.

I will be quilting this on my new APQS Millenium that will be delivered sometime in the next 2-3 weeks. I am so excited but can't really believe it is happening. Me...with a quilt machine in my very own house...that I can use whenever I want??? Wow!! It just is too good to be true.

Dusty

2011-04-27T22:26:00.000-05:00

Coming back from Kansas City on Easter, Dusty was wiped out. Too much Dharma!

They just do not stop!

QCA Mystery Quilt 4

2011-04-25T23:41:00.000-05:00

I have been doing a mystery quilt online from Quilter's Club of America. It has been fun seeing everyone else's fabrics and sharing the progress along the way. I still need to find borders for this but I am excited to see it done this far.

Baby Shower

2011-04-24T21:27:00.000-05:00

We did a small family baby shower for Rick and Amanda on Saturday. I made Spaghetti Pie, garlic bread and salad and my mom brought strawberry shortcake. Christy and Jesse, my parents, Deanna, Anna, Rabin and Arun, Rick and Amanda, and Scot and I were there. Here are some pics:

The Jelly Roll 1600 Quilt! – And Video

2011-04-22T18:52:00.001-05:00

The Jelly Roll 1600 Quilt! – And Video

This is an awesome idea for a group quilt day!!! How fun and easy!

Dancing Squares Quilt Finished

2011-04-19T23:11:00.000-05:00

This was a fun quilt. I did make a couple mistakes (not telling) and will have to make another one to prove to myself that I can do better. And I just really like this quilt.

The backing is some flannel I got at Hancock Fabrics a couple weeks ago for $1/yd. I wouldn't usually buy High School Musical fabric but for the price and because of the fun colors, I did. This will go to Project Linus so I am sure some child will love it.

Latest Steps in the Mystery Quilt

2011-04-16T13:40:00.000-05:00

Here are the steps 13 & 14 I completed last night. It is getting closer to seeing what it will look like. Don't you just love a good mystery?

QCA Mystery Quilt

New Quilt Gallery Page

2011-04-14T18:13:00.000-05:00

I added some of my quilts to my new Quilt Gallery page. I will have to look into other options for additonal pages on the blog. I just don't have the time to invest in playing around too much.

I better get down to the quilt studio. I have 3 charity quilts I quilted last night that are just waiting for binding!!

Thoughts on April 13, 2011

2011-04-13T23:25:00.000-05:00

29 years ago today I brought my first child into the world. When I think back to how happy I was I am glad I had no idea the heartache this child would cause me years later. But even through the heartbreak there is noting in me that has any regrets in being his mother. The things he has taught me and the lessons we learned together about life are priceless. I can't imagine not having your emotions tested to their ultimate heights and their lowest lows. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart but it is a blessing beyond anything else I can think of. I can't even begin to define the depths to my love for my children...no matter what. This love goes beyone frustration with choices they make, beyond hurt they have poured on me at times, It is beyond definition and I wouldn't do it differently. So, Nic, no matter what...I love you more than you can even imagine and that will never change. I am proud of you and proud to be your mom! Waiting for a call...

The Lives You Touch

2011-04-12T18:39:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to share some thoughts about how you can make a difference in small ways...that can be big ways. Quilters are so great in the way they care and support others. I can't tell you the times I have been touched by fellow quilters in their generosity, giving, kind words, thoughtful gifts. I am in awe at the way God can use one little hug, message, smile, words of encouragement to make such a big difference in someone's day or even life.

My encouragement to anyone finding this little blog is to not underestimate the power of a kind word or deed. We are all looking for love, acceptance, and a place to fit in. You can give that to someone you encounter!! Bless someone today.

QCA Mystery Quilt

2011-04-09T09:29:00.000-05:00

I finally got in gear this week and caught up on the Mystery Quilt 4 that is going on in QCA site. So far I have done Steps 1-9. Steps 10-12 just came yesterday so I plan to do them today. I don't want to get behind again or I might have another UFO on my hand! I have no idea yet how this is going to come together. Don't you just love mysteries?

Urban Cabin Quilt Top

2011-04-01T23:40:00.000-05:00

The fabric for this quilt was purchased on our vacation last summer. I used the Urban Cabin pattern by Atkinson. This picture doesn't capture the correct colors but you can get the idea.

I also made a tablerunner this week for a wedding gift for a coworker.

Pieced back.

Learning

2011-03-27T23:32:00.000-05:00

I just learned how to create a new page in my blog. I called it quilt gallery for lack of anything better. I will have to figure out how I would like to use this.

For those who haven't figured it out yet, go to Posting > Edit Pages. You have an option to add a new page there as well as edit a page.

Christmas Bedrunner

2011-03-20T14:23:00.000-05:00

I also quilted my Christmas bedrunner. Love this line of fabric by Moda. This quilt will go in the guest bedroom at Christmastime. I just did a simiple meandor on it since it is so scrappy.

Baby Quilt Finished

2011-03-20T14:19:00.000-05:00

I have the Baby Quilt quilted and binding on.

Close-up.

I love the "surfing" flannel on the back.

Baby Quilt - Florida Fabric

2011-03-18T18:28:00.000-05:00

I made a baby quilt from some of the fabric I bought while in Florida. This one will probably be for our grandson (due in June). I am going to quilt it tomorrow so I'll post updated pictures later.

New Quilt

2011-03-09T21:06:00.000-06:00

I made a small version of the quilt in my head and am not all that impressed with it. But since I mentioned it already on my blog, I will post the results. I don't really like it but here it is.

I am open to suggestions or feedback or just "try again".

Check It Out Quilt

2011-03-08T23:23:00.001-06:00

I finished this quilt last Wednesday but haven't had time to add it to my blog. I made a trip to Kansas City to help my daughter move into her new house. Anyway, I love this quilt.

I was also surprised at how good my nephew is getting on the piano. My dad is a professional Jazz pianist and I think Luke is showing promise.

Arun is showing promise, too...I'm just not sure in what!

New Scrap Quilt

2011-03-07T23:18:00.000-06:00

I have started a new scrap quilt but it is not turning out like I pictured it in my head. I will try to have some pictures later this week. I may need to rework it but I only have 3 blocks complete so far so I don't have a good idea yet of how it will look. Stay tuned...

New Scrap Quilt in the works

2011-03-01T21:24:00.000-06:00

While in Florida without a quilt project to work on, I sketched out a new scrap quilt. I will try to write it out and make one in the next week or so. This one will use 2" and 3 1/2" squares.

Florida was great but I did miss home. Glad to be back.

Tracks to Nowhere - flannel version

2011-02-23T22:29:00.000-06:00

Here is another version of Tracks to Nowhere. I didn't put the pieced border on it because this will go to Project Linus. It is about 45x55. I used up most of my 3" flannel squares...at least the ones that were in this bucket of 3" squares!

Tracks to Nowhere - Finished Quilt

2011-02-20T19:38:00.001-06:00

I pieced batting and a backing from leftovers and finished my Tracks to Nowhere quilt. The binding is from leftover binding from other quilts. I like it. I am going to see how many quilt kits I can make up from my 3" bucket.

http://igottaquilt.blogspot.com/2011/02/part-2-tutorial-tracks-to-nowhere.html

Part 2 Tutorial - Tracks to Nowhere

2011-02-19T13:06:00.002-06:00

I decided on a name for my new scrap quilt...Tracks to Nowhere. I have finished it and will attempt to give the rest of the instructions. Part 1 of this tutorial is http://igottaquilt.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-scrap-quilt-need-to-find-name-for.html.

I have a correction to the number of 3" blocks needed. You will need 316, not 312.

Inner Border:
Attach 1 3/4" (50 1/2" long) strips (from the same fabric used for the "tracks") to each side.
Cut 1 3/4" squares for the corners of the inner border.
Sew one of these squares to each end of top and bottom inner border (strips 1 3/4" x 40 1/2").

Outer Border:
Sew 2 strips using 20 - 3" blocks.
Sew 2 strips using 16 - 3" blocks.

Cut 8 rectangles from same fabric used in the inner border 3" x 1 3/4".

Sew one of these rectangles to both ends of the 4 outer border strips.

Sew a 3" square to the end of the top and bottom outer border strips.

Sew side strips to the quilt. Sew top and bottom strips to the quilt.

That's it. Quilt as desired.

Finished Quilt:
http://igottaquilt.blogspot.com/2011/02/tracks-to-nowhere-finished-quilt.html

Flannel Version:
http://igottaquilt.blogspot.com/2011/02/tracks-to-nowhere-flannel-version.html

QCA Link to Tutorial:
http://www.quiltersclubofamerica.com/groups/boxy_stars/pages/tracks-to-nowhere-tutorial.aspx

New Scrap Quilt - Tracks to Nowhere

2011-02-17T08:41:00.004-06:00

I started playing around with my 3" squares to see what new twist I could come up with for a scrap quilt. This is my design I would like to share with you.

The first step is to have an overflowing 3" scrap bin. (This could be adapted to other sizes but this is the size I will be referring to here.)

The direction here will make a kid size quilt around 45 x 55. You will need 312 3" squares.

Begin by sewing 2 squares together to make 156 2-square units. Press seams.

Sew each 2-square unit to another 2-square unit until you have 78 4-square units. Press seams.

Choose a dark neutral fabric (black, blue, brown) such as a tone-on-tone or solid. You will need about 3/4 yard. Cut this into 15- 1 3/4" strips. From 10 of the strips, cut 10 1/2" pieces.

To make a block, you will need 3 of the 4-square units and 2 10 1/2" strips.

Sew these together to make a block. Press seams. You will need to make 20 blocks.

Sew your 20 blocks together - 5 rows of 4 blocks, turning every other one to form the design (like you would a Rail Fence).

I will post the directions for the border in the next post (after I have made it up tonight). Have fun. If you actually make this quilt, leave a comment. I would like to see your quilt!

Part two:

http://igottaquilt.blogspot.com/2011/02/part-2-tutorial-tracks-to-nowhere.html

QCA Tutorial Link:

http://www.quiltersclubofamerica.com/groups/boxy_stars/pages/tracks-to-nowhere-tutorial.aspx

Baby Boy Quilts

2011-02-13T15:34:00.000-06:00

I made two almost alike baby quilts suitable for a boy. They are available for sale or I'll keep them in my inventory to use as the occasion arises. I've had the fabric for some time so I am glad I finally used it.

Quilt Day - February 2011

2011-02-12T19:30:00.000-06:00

Another wonderful quilt day. We worked on "Too Cute to Cut" quilts and got 33 quilts ready for delivery. Instead of loading the pictures here of our quilts, I put a link to the Quilts from the Bluffs FaceBook. I'm not sure if everyone will be able to see it but if you can't and really want to, leave a comment.

We are watching Social Networking now and just chillin'.

Weekend Quilts

2011-02-06T18:57:00.001-06:00

I have three more quilts quilted bringing my total quilts to (I think) 17. It is about time to buy my own machine!!!

Rag Quilt Jr.

2011-02-04T18:50:00.000-06:00

We found out this week that we are having a grandson. I made my husband a flannel rag quilt the first year we were together, about 9 years ago. His son, Rick, kept stealing it until I was able to give him one, too. He absolutely loves his flannel rag quilt so I wanted to make a smaller version of one for his son. Like Father like son...like grandson. Three generations of flannel rag quilt enthusists.

I got the quilt together and brought it upstairs with a pair of clippers and gave it to my husband to clip. He actually did...in one sitting!!! He wanted to be involved in the process of carrying on this tradition with his first grandbaby.

Stack N Whack Finds a Home

2011-01-31T17:08:00.000-06:00

I gave the stack n whack quilt to my sister for her birthday. She sent this picture of it in her living room. It looks happy and at home.

Tablerunner From Charm Pack

2011-01-30T21:19:00.000-06:00

This tablerunner was fun. It was done from one charm pack.

Craft Day

2011-01-30T16:47:00.001-06:00

We had our first Quilts from the Bluffs sponsored craft day. Everyone could bring whatever they wanted to work on and hang out all day. It was a success and plans are in place for another one in March.

My first project was to make a quilted/fleece scarf for my daughter who turns 25 on Tuesday. That is so hard to believe.

Modeling scarf I made for Christy

My second project was to finish the binding on a bedrunner I sold to a coworker. Yeah...this one is done. I'll deliver it tomorrow.

I started a table runner last night and am trying to finish that today. I will post pictures of it when it is done.

Donation Quilt for Coldwater Fundraiser

2011-01-23T19:26:00.000-06:00

My home church in Lee's Summit, MO requested a quilt for a silent auction to benefit their non-profit, Coldwater. This is the quilt I am donating.

Sister's Birthday Quilt

2011-01-12T22:38:00.000-06:00

I finally got the Stack N Whack from the quilt retreat two years ago quilted today! My 10th quilt done on the Millenium. I just love it. And after work, I did the binding and even did the hand sewing the binding to the back. That gives me a good sense of accomplishment! I haven't taken finished pictures yet so I will post those later.

Quilt Ministry - Lots of Prep Work

2011-01-04T21:52:00.000-06:00

I have been spending a lot of time this week getting ready for the new year with Quilts from the Bluffs. It is our 5th year and I am looking forward to what we will accomplish and the friendships we will grow.

I made a sample quilt top using the Quick Trip Around the World (Quilt in a Day) and love this method. I've done the Quilt in a Day Trip Around the World and this is MUCH easier. This was a fun quilt to select fabrics for. Not a typical combination but I think it works.

Here is the other combination of fabric I chose to do another one. This is fun brights!

I really NEED to stop buying fabric and work with what I have!!!

Knitted Purse

2010-12-27T09:33:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to share this beautiful purse my older sister made for me for Christmas. She is amazing!

Official Quilts from the Bluffs 2010 Deliveries

2010-12-20T17:47:00.000-06:00

Our final count for 2010 of quilts delivered to Project Linus, Mercy Hospital, Gabrielle's Corner and others is 280!!! Yeah!!!

What a great group of ladies. Can't wait to see what we come up with for 2011.

Last Project Linus Deliver of 2010

2010-12-19T22:05:00.000-06:00

I have 7 quilts, 1 fleece blanket and 2 afghans to deliver this week to Project Linus. Here are a few of the quilts.

Ready to Quilt

2010-12-18T21:16:00.000-06:00

I spent time getting backings made for 8 quilts. Now I just need to get time to quilt them. I have three days scheduled in January to rent the Millenium so I hope to get 4-5 of them done then. I think I still have 3-4 finished quilts still and then I'm down to my WIP and my WnIP (Work NOT in Progress) but ready to start. I doubt it will ever be caught up but I am starting to feel there is hope to having some control to it.

Christmas Quilt

2010-12-16T20:43:00.000-06:00

Here is my latest quilt I did on the APQS. It will be a Christmas gift. This one actually was pretty smooth going. I am having SO MUCH FUN doing the quilting on the Millenium. Can't wait to own one.

Marine Quilt

2010-12-14T17:56:00.000-06:00

I finally finished the Marine Quilt and brought it to work only to find that the person I made it for was let go today. I do have her cell phone and she did send me an email just last night saying she still wanted it so I am optimistic. I brought it to work to show it off before I gave it away and received 6 more orders...3 for Marines and 3 for Army. I found the Army panels on eBay and I still have the Marine panels so that is good at least. Maybe I'll work up the nerve to quilt them myself.

My Next UFO

2010-12-13T21:40:00.000-06:00

I don't remember how long ago I made these blocks but there are enough for a 63 x 63 quilt. I plan on finishing this quilt for my older sister's birthday on January 26. That gives me a month. I should be good.

Christmas Bedrunner

2010-12-12T15:00:00.000-06:00

I completed the Christmas bedrunner yesterday. I would like to get this finished before Christmas so I can actually use it this year but we will have to see how motivated I get. I really should figure out how many Christmas gifts I still need and start wrapping. I just can't do that today. Maybe tomorrow.

I go back to A Quilting Place on Thursday after work and I think I will bring this to do then. But I feel a little guilty bringing the last quilt top finished to be quilted. They usually have to wait a year or two.

More Pictures of Christmas Gifts

2010-12-08T20:00:00.000-06:00

I don't think I had pictures of the finished black & white quilt or the tree skirt so here they are.

Now What?

2010-12-08T19:22:00.000-06:00

So, now what do I work on? I think I will wind bobbins tonight to have ready for Friday's quilting. I have two quilts to do. I guess I will get one of them pinned to the zipper leaders. I'm looking at the 30 Minute Runner and am thinking of making one of those. Or maybe I'll start the bedrunner I am doing out of the Fruitcake line of fabric. I should go see what Christmas gifts I still have left to buy/make. There may still be time to get something else done for gifts.

I know you will be hanging on my future posts to see what I actually got done. It will be a surprise to all of us!

Christmas Quilt Top Finished

2010-12-07T21:22:00.000-06:00

I am absolutely in love with this quilt. I bought flannel for the backing last night so this will be the next quilt on my list to quilt at A Quilting Place after the two I will be doing on Friday.

Santa Tablerunner

2010-12-06T11:34:00.000-06:00

Here is the finished snowman tablerunner. I don't think I have posted it before. My husband picked out the fabrics which is the line of fabric, Fruitcake, that I am making my Christmas quilt from.

Apron for Annika

2010-12-06T11:25:00.000-06:00

I had a birthday party for a 2 yr old friend last Saturday. I wanted to make her something so this is what I came up with. She put it on after she opened it and danced around. It was very cute.

Next Project - Just in time for Christmas

2010-12-05T18:02:00.000-06:00

I just love this line of fabric by Moda called Fruitcake. I made a table runner but I am now working on a quilt. I also have a bedrunner I'm going to do. Here is the beginnings of it.

Latest Bag

2010-12-05T14:53:00.000-06:00

Here is a bag I made for a co-worker. She wanted me to make it smaller than the pattern calls for so I cut the squares down from 8" to 6". I like the fabric.

December, 2010 Quilts from the Bluffs Quilt Day

2010-12-04T21:40:00.000-06:00

We wrapped up our 2010 quilt days today with 22 in attendance. We had a wonderful potluck lunch and a drawing for a couple small gifts. Laura and Lynn were the winners. We worked to finish quilts today and as of today have 12 to deliver to Mercy Hospital Critical Care and 1 to go to Risen Son senior care. There are also 10 more ready for Project Linus. I have also given 3 to the Adopt-A-Senior effort at work.

Here are some of the quilts going to the hospital this week.

Done!

2010-11-30T20:03:00.000-06:00

I just finished sewing the binding down. I really like this. I have a jelly roll to make a Christmas one for me.

What is your opinion of bedrunners? I think I like the idea of a Christmas one to use more as decoration as much as a quilt. More for looks. I like the idea of it being so small and yet make a statement. I'm not that thrilled with making a King size quilt.

I hope my coworker likes it! We'll find out tomorrow.

Marine Quilt Back From LAQ

2010-11-28T17:56:00.000-06:00

I had the Marine quilt custom quilted because I didn't trust myself. This is for a coworker to give her Marine dad for Christmas. I wanted it to be as perfect as possible. I think the quilting is wonderful.

Bed Runner Almost Finished

2010-11-28T17:48:00.001-06:00

I quilted the bed runner I've been working on yesterday. I did a leaf design that I think turned out pretty good. I have the binding on the front but just need to hand sew it to the back.

Fresh Cotton by Moda line of fabric

bedrunner is approx 36 x 84

Close Up of leaf design

I liked the way the back looked.

Back to The Quilting Place tomorrow

2010-11-26T21:48:00.000-06:00

I have two quilts I will be quilting tomorrow at The Quilting Place. My daughter is going to come and watch and work on some projects of her own. She is a quilter, too, so it is fun to share these experiences while I can. She is here for two days without her husband so I have more of her attention for fun stuff like this. We went to JoAnn's this morning (5:30 am) to buy a LOT of flannel fabric for the quilt ministry. Then to Kohl's and then to IHOP. We came home and took my sister and her four kids to Harry Potter. After they left to go back to KC, Christy, Scot and I went to the new Olive Garden. I don't know if it was because we were so tired or if it really was bad service but it was not the best dining experience I've ever had. I spent time getting my quilts prepared for tomorrow and now I have got to sleep. The three hours of sleep from last night just was not enough.

One More Picture - Stack N Whack with Borders

2010-11-21T20:42:00.000-06:00

I got the two borders on this quilt. I will need to find a backing now so I can get it finished. Feels good to get these done.

Pictures

2010-11-21T17:32:00.000-06:00

Here are the results of a 14-hour quilt day. Not pictured was the monkey bread, scones, homemade soup, pizza, chocolate, and lots of girlfriend gab.

Christmas gift for my niece, Rachel.

Christmas gift for my niece, Melissa.

These blocks have been on my flannel wall for months. Finally they are now a quilt top.

Purple Tree Skirt - attached binding. Still need to hand sew to the back.

B&W quilt for my son - binding made and attached.

Stack N Whack finally put together. Border still to come. (Quilt Retreat 2009)

Great All Day Sew In

2010-11-20T22:39:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful day. Sondra and Naomi came around 9:00 am. Barb came around 2:30 and Sondra left shortly after. Then Lynn came. Naomi left around 7:00 pm and Barb and Lynn stayed until 10:00 pm. Non-stop activity. I was able to make binding and attach to the purple tree skirt, make scrap binding for my B&W quilt and attach it. Made two bags for Christmas gifts. Sewed the blocks to the Amy Butler quilt that has been on my flannel board for months. And I ended the day with sewing together my stack n whack quilt top from last year's quilt retreat. Did I leave anything out? And throughout the day I managed to munch on Sondra's wonderful monkey bread and scones, fruit, my husband's homemade chicken noodle soup, pizza for dinner and Hershey's Bliss chocolate. Could there be a better day? I'll try to find my camera and take some pictures tomorrow.

What's Next?

2010-11-17T17:40:00.000-06:00

I could actually finish the tree skirt and/or leftovers quilt. Or I could start another one. I may get one cut out and ready to piece on Saturday when friends are coming over to quilt the day away with me. I will let you know what I decide when the answer hits me!

Leftovers

2010-11-15T20:15:00.000-06:00

OK...this is what I came up with. I think it is acceptable for "trash" as I call scrap quilts.

I still have some leftovers but they will have to wait for another day.

Tree Skirt

2010-11-14T21:32:00.000-06:00

I got the tree skirt top finished after several restarts! I have no idea how to quilt it. It is an odd shape to put on the frame. Maybe I'll just do a simple stitch in the ditch on my small machine.

Purple Tree Skirt

I started making a quilt top from the scraps. I think it is easier to sew the leftovers together right after making the original quilt instead of put the scrap into my endless scrap collection. Better to add another quilt top to my collection of quilt tops than to the scrap.

I need to design the next round but it is a start.

Next Project

2010-11-14T13:42:00.000-06:00

I spent from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm cleaning out the storage room yesterday. This is my first attempt and I'm afraid there will be several more sessions. My husband is in there right now making plans on converting that into my longarm room. I can't wait to see the transformation.

I did start my next project last night, though. I am making a mostly purple tree skirt (kit from Connecting Threads) for a friend and fellow-quilter who is also a big Vikings fan. Last year we were at the Nebraska City Applefest (or whatever it is called) and she found a purple Christmas tree! Of course she had to have it. So I thought the purple tree skirt would be a perfect gift for her this year. I got it all cut out and 24 scrappy nine patch blocks made last night. I will see how far I get today and hope to get some pictures out soon.

Vomit Quilt

2010-11-07T22:12:00.000-06:00

http://imagingermonkey.blogspot.com/2010/11/scrap-vomit-quilt-along-block-b.html

I made a small vomit quilt. I think this size is good for Project Linus. I didn't use solid black squares so I don't think it stands out like it was intended. I may make another one and see how that goes. Unfortunately, I didn't make a dent in my 2 1/2" squares.

Vomit Quilt

2 1/2" square bucket

2 1/2" strips

More 2 1/2" squares

And let's not even start in on the flannel

I have at least 5 large buckets of uncut scrap, too. Anyone who wants to try one of these quilts, let me know. I'm sure I could send some squares to get you started.

November Quilt Day

2010-11-06T19:12:00.000-05:00

We did Sudoku quilts and Triple Treat Petite quilts this month. Lots of fun. We also got quilts ready to deliver to Project Linus this week. We will have a total of 34. Here are some pictures of the quilts.

Fabric donated by a coworker of one of my quilters.

Scrappity Do Dah

Scrappy

Rail Fence

Bordered Square

Attic Window

Cowboy baby blanket

Triple Treat Petite

9 Patch

My Third Quilt on the Millenium

2010-10-29T17:09:00.000-05:00

I am getting my next quilt ready to bring to A Quilting Place and quilt on their Millenium. I hope I will be a little more relaxed. It does get easier. I can't decide if I want to bring a Christmas quilt that I would like to give as a Christmas gift or one that is just for me that I don't care as much about. How much confidence do I have? Hmmmm.....

I'll post pics tomorrow.

October UFO Completed

2010-10-28T20:53:00.000-05:00

Here is my Market Bag. I love this pattern but never want to make one again. I do love the way the handles were made. I also like the pockets around the bottom of the bag -- four total. This will be a Christmas gift for one of my daughter-in-laws.

My next UFO will be another type of bag for my daughter. It is called a folding tote. Stay tuned...

My first UFO begins

2010-10-24T21:30:00.000-05:00

I have picked out a Market Bag to make as my first UFO. The kit is from Connecting Threads. This will be a Christmas gift. I will keep you posted on the progress.

The second project will be a folded tote. This is a pattern I purchased at The Quilt Sudio (Omaha, NE) along with the fabric which is so cool...why haven't I made this already? The fabrics are black, white with lime green and teal. Sounds weird but it looks great. More to come...

Getting Organized

2010-10-23T08:10:00.000-05:00

I went through my quilt studio and found all (I think) of my projects/kits I still need to make or finish. They are all in totes and in one place where I can see them all. I am hoping this will convince me that I do not need to go buy anything else until these are complete.

Then I started to look at the projects and determine if any would be appropriate for Christmas gifts this year. That would help determine the priority I will place on getting those done. I have two Christmas quilt kits and a tree skirt that I may try to do. I also have a finished Christmas quilt top that I will finish and give away. Then I scheduled two vacation days from work on two Friday's in November that I will dedicate to finishing Christmas gifts. (How am I doing so far?...)

I also have projects for others I am doing for pay so I need to work these into my schedule as well. This should keep me focused and out of quilt shops for a couple months...maybe.

Marine Quilt Top Finished

2010-10-16T22:52:00.001-05:00

I had a request from a coworker to make a Marine quilt. I designed this pattern around an Air Force panel initially in 2007 but the colors were very different than the Marine quilt. I'm not sure if I got this one right or not but I didn't have too much to work with. I hope she will like it.

Here is the Air Force quilt I made (for comparison.)

Bed Runner

2010-10-08T22:16:00.001-05:00

Has anyone made a bed runner? I thought this was a neat concept. A bed runner covers the end of a bed and is meant to keep the feet warm and add that comfy feel to the room without having to create a full quilt. I made my first bed runner top tonight. I have a coworker who is interested in having me make one for her so I thought I better try the pattern first. It took about 4 1/2 hours to make the top. I'm not sure how to really price quilts. It is not what I want to do a lot of but for now I'm trying to earn money for my quilt machine as well as finishing off the storage room to house the new quilt machine.

The quilt top for my first bed runner.