Inspiration

Inspiration is everywhere. My friend Sujata takes pictures of sunsets and sunrises all the time. Maybe I was inspired by those pictures?

Jane and Terry

Breakfast with friends is always inspirational!

Even the coffee mug at said breakfast can be an inspiration.

Fabrics are always a pathway. For the locals, I got these at the Quilt Block in Exton.

Grandchildren are always inspiring and I love making things for them. I want to make them all new pillowcases, this fabric is a good start for a little kindergartner who is just learning to read.

Just to keep it real........the piles on my tables are growing. As soon as the tree quilt is quilted they will be cleaned up! That trash can looks exceptionally charming.........

Kelly

Miscellaneous Monday

Yesterday as I was sitting in my sewing room I looked at all the little containers that hold all my little bits and pieces. I love this {what I think is a soap dish} and how all the pins show up.

This came from my grandma, so it is special to me. It is pretty easy to grab those long, sharp, thin pins. It says "Japan" on the bottom so I am wondering if it was for tea? It is small and would fit in the palm of your hand.

I am always on the lookout as there are always a million things to contain in the sewing room.

This one is new and I got it in NYC. I like how there is a picture inside when you open it up.

My dad bought this for me a long time ago. I like the red. It is functional too but I just keep it on a shelf.

Some things just look pretty and add color to the room.

This one just cracks me up! It seems mean to stick pins in him!

For all my big talk the other day I didn't get much done. I dumped these out on my table yesterday trying to figure out what to do.

I even separated the colors thinking that might help, but no I just wasn't into it.

I did finish up another Beyond The Cherry Tree block, I still have many more to go...

I am working on another block that has cut away applique. This is a  good Downton Abbey watching project. Did you watch?

This weekend we went to Staples and I got a graph copybook. I need to keep all my drafted blocks in one place, this should do the trick. There is nothing like a brand new book to start the new year, except maybe brand new colored pencils.

A few years ago we got some new neighbors. We call the husband our "renaissance man". He made this pie for my husband to trade him for using his sanding machine in the shop. Bob definitely thought this was a good trade. I can't even come close to making one as good as his. I am not sure what the secret ingredient is but it sure is good.

Kelly

Good Intentions

So my great intentions of sewing all day long went a little bit astray. Some laundry, making up the beds in the guest bedrooms, chatting on line with friends, taking down the Christmas crap decorations and making soup all needed to be done. I did manage to make this cute little pillow.

I received this ruler as a gift. If you have not checked out Bee In My Bonnet you need to! Even though I consider myself an experienced sewer, Lori has lots of good tips and time saving ideas.

Cut out your shape....

Fold in half and sew together......

The directions are easy and very clear.....

fast too...

It came out perfect.....If you want the complete set of directions check our Lori's tutorial.

Auditioning my center....

and background.....

I found the perfect object to make a 7" circle......it even has a handle!

There is a neat trick to make the circle. I chose to sew mine down differently. Lori used a small zig zag, I used a straight stitch about 1/16" along the edge.

This is some of the quilting detail. I doubled my batting and am not so sure I like how the blue background quilted up. It could be the  thread color too. I do like the center part though.

This was a nice surprise, I used the dots in the fabric to stitch my straight lines, no marking necessary.

Another shot of the quilting. I used my walking foot for the center and the free motion foot for the background and Auriful thread.

So I didn't even touch any of my proposed projects, but tomorrow is another day!

Kelly

Sewstorm

Happy New Year!
Later today the East Coast is expecting a snowstorm, followed by high winds and super cold temperatures. The perfect recipe for a sewstorm in my opinion. What to work on???

I showed bits of these cut out last week and wanted to try a couple to see if I could do them. I want to save this project for out Getaway in February but it sure is tempting to forge ahead.

This is a super easy block, another good one for the Getaway. Distractions make it hard to do anything too complicated.

I might decide to work on this thimble quilt that will be totally scrappy. It uses 5" square pieces of fabric.

I love these little baskets but need to redo the size.

Remember these stamps? I am inspired by this setting. You know this was a while ago.....13 cents!

Chaos

Remember this quilt? The blocks are sort of small, about 6 to 8 inches square-ish.

I have thought about making one with 12" blocks for a son who has requested a new quilt.

Making it all green and neutrals.

There is this book I got as a gift and love everything in it. Lots if inspiration.

I also want to get back to these cute little blocks.

Those antique blocks are also calling my name. Jane I need your help!

Too many choices! Does this happen to you? Instead of bread, milk and eggs do you worry about having enough projects/fabrics for a sewstorm? It's a good problem to have today. What will you work on?

Kelly