Where has the time gone?

Is it just me, or does it seem not so long ago that the buzz word was Y2K? What would happen to our computers, the cash machines and digital watches? Would the world as we know it come to an end? Would we be able to buy food and water? It's been 10 Years! Can you believe it?

How many projects have I started? How many have I finished? These are always interesting questions at the beginning of a new year. In the last few days I have had the opportunity to spend a little time in my sewing room. Trying to clear a path, gathering up projects to take to a retreat next week. I discovered a quilt project that was totally cut out, with the pattern, ready to go. The problem is, I have no memory of doing this! Have any of you done this?? I assume I cut it out in the middle of the night. Something I sometimes do, when I can't sleep. It was like a little present that Santa left for me. I've pieced the blocks, and most of the rows. My goal is to have the top together before 2010! I am taking my camera home today, I will take a picture and post it as soon as it is finished. A bonus quilt for the 1st decade of this millennium.


A little reminder, the shop will be open on Friday, January 1st from 11-4. It's our annual New Year's Day Sale. It's a wild 5 hours, come if you dare. All of our regular priced fabric will be 20% off. No pre cut goods or kits, will be on sale. All of Christmas (excluding Jim Shore) is 50% off.

This morning before heading up to my Sewing Room I thought I would spend a little time catching up on some of my favorite blogs. A fun Sunday morning activity. I love Tula Pink's pink Christmas tree, and The Happy Zombies white trees. But, the funniest thing I have read in a long time is www.modalissa.blogspot.com Holiday Eating Tips. If you are feeling bad about your eating habits the last few weeks, this will put a whole new perspective on your activities! Enjoy!

By looking at the map, some of my followers are already celebrating Christmas! I hope each of you have the time to enjoy those people you love and care about. My wish for all is Peace & Piecing. The world would be a better place if we could all live by those words.

Last Minute

Whether your are gearing up or winding down, Christmas is only 4 days away. I hope you will all enjoy your family and friends during this festive season. I was recently asked what my Christmas Eve traditions were, and the only thing that is an absolute constant is new PJ's. When I was a little girl, we were allowed to open 1 present on Christmas Eve, somehow we always opened pajama's. It was only a few years ago that my brother said "Sis, don't you remember Mom always said 'here, this is a pretty package, open this one' ". I always thought it was the luck of the draw. Obviously, Rob was more observant than I was! My boys always get new PJ's, two years ago I gave them sweat pants and hoodies, they didn't complain, but last year I was told they preferred flannel PJ bottoms. Preferably with fish or penguins or Homer Simpson. I cherish those family traditions.

I just want to remind you that I will close early, 3:00 on Thursday, Christmas Eve. The shop will be closed on Christmas Day. There is still time for your loved ones to call or come in to pick up that perfect gift. Just tell them they can't wait until the Very Last Minute!

Just a quick reminder, if you have toys for the Hopelink "giving tree", they will be coming by the shop late this afternoon. But, it's not to late to "give". Anything you bring in this weekend, will be delivered on Monday. Thanks for opening up your hearts this holiday season, we have had a wonderful response. Another reason Keepsake Cottage Customers are the greatest!

Wild Week

This week has been a whirlwind of family and fun! My oldest son and his girlfriend have been here from Idaho for an early Christmas. They were set to fly out last night, but all flights to Boise were cancelled because of fog. They can't get on another flight until Saturday evening. So, we get them for another couple of days.

The only sewing I have been able to do was to make a pillowcase. One of my quilting buddies has a daughter sleeping in a tent in Afghanistan, so our group is making pillowcase's for her unit. I hope to get a couple more done before we mail them out. They can just use them and toss them, but if it brings them one night of comfort it is worth it to me.

Christmas Gift Ideas-Day Five

Calendars are always on my families wish list. I usually spend quite a bit of time at the Calendar kiosk in the Mall. Looking for just the right calendar for each of my boys. I usually end up with sports or animals. Often I am the last one on the list, I always think I will get a calendar at the shop, but they are often gone by January 1st. This year will be different, I am a calendar girl! Miss November to be exact. My quilt is, anyway. The Tri-County Merchants Association has a quilt tour each March. A shop hop at a slower pace. Last year 16 shops participated, each shop designed a star block and exchanged them with the other owners. Then each shopowner designed a quilt using all 16 of the blocks. The quilts were all so beautiful, and different that we decided to put them into a calendar with all of the block patterns included. It really is fun to see how differently we interpreted the quilts. It's a 16 month calendar, starting in January 2010, listing some of the quilt shows in our area, as well as the dates for the Tri-County events.

Christmas Gift Ideas-Day Four

Aprons are more than protection for your clothes, they have become a fashion statement! A great gift idea, for many people on your list. They can be practical, flirty, masculine and retro.

You can make them for cooks, crafters and gardeners. There are a lot of great patterns and books to inspire you. The fabric choices are endless. Match a kitchen, favorite hobby or food. Add a new cooking tool and your gift is complete. How about a child's size apron and some craft supplies. The ideas are endless. Here in the shop, we often talk about, how after 20+ years of marriage it would be nice to have a "shower" to replace some of the basics we are using from the late 70's (do you remember the harvest gold Tupperware). How nice it would be to have a handmade apron and new measuring spoons and cups. And they are a quick gift to make!

Christmas Gift Ideas-Day Three

I know I have talked about thread before. I really love the colors, and I love having the right thread for the job! Aurifil has several new "Thread Kits", they were the talk of Quilt Market in October. We now have them in stock. They each have 12 large spools of Aurifil Thread, this one is a Pat Sloan selection. She does a lot of machine embroidery, and these are her "favorite" colors. There is one by Mark Lipinski that is called, The Basic Collection. It is just that, basics. White, off white, light and dark grays and black. It may sound odd to some to ask for Thread for Christmas, but I think many of you would agree this would be a welcome sight under the tree on December 25th. Who needs a clock that sings a different bird song on each hour?

Christmas Gift Ideas-Day Two

We always have fun gifts in the shop. Sometimes they get "lost" with all of the great fabric we get in each day. I thought I would take this opportunity to show you one of the items I used in my home during the Thanksgiving weekend.

This checker game comes with a vintage inspired table cloth and large buttons to use as the checkers. On Thanksgiving I set this up on my coffee table, and it turned into a "meeting"place. Grandparents and girlfriends, spent time getting to know one another. We did not have any little ones at our gathering, but it would have been fun to teach a young child to play such a classic game. This would be a great family gift, or a treat to yourself to use during multigenerational gatherings, all year long.

Christmas Gift Ideas-Day One

Just about this time each year I start to look around and realize that other people have been shopping and preparing for Christmas for weeks, and I on the other hand, have not. My seasons are out of sync with the world. I have been ordering fabric for Christmas 2010, spring fabric is coming thru the door. Christmas books and fabric have been the focus in the shop since May. So, I thought I would take a little time each morning to focus on quick projects that could still be made to decorate your home, or that you could give as a gift. And give a gift idea that a quilter might like to receive.

This little wall hanging is made from a charm pack, and a little extra fabric for backing and binding. The pattern is from Pieces From My Heart, by Sandy Gervais. The charm pack is Winter Song, by Deb Strain. I love to decorate with birds at Christmas time, this little quilt could hang in your home all winter.

Quilters Tidbit. Sandy Gervais of Pieces From My Heart, and Brenda Gervais from Country Stitches are sisters, married to brothers. They say that their kids are "double cousins".

A GIVING TREE

Each year Country Village places giving trees in several of the shops. Keepsake Cottage will have one of the trees this year. Starting Saturday December 5th, you will be able to pick up a tag ,with the gender and age of a local child in need of some holiday cheer. We have partnered with Hopelink, and they will be sure the donations get to those in need.

In talking with the people at Hopelink, I know they need non-perishable food and diapers. I will also be collecting those items as well as the gifts for children. This has been a difficult year for so many family's, I hope you will find it in your heart to make a donation to this hard working organization.

Saturday December 5th is the evening that Santa flies thru the skies of Country Village. His scheduled arrival is 7:00. It is a "Magical" event, if you haven't been here for this in the past, you should try to put it on your schedule! There will be Caroling and roasted chestnuts. All of the shops will be open until 8pm. I will be working the late shift, so stop in and say "Hi".

Beginners Luck

One of my customers who took a beginning quilting class in the spring, has taken to quilting in a big way. She went on the Western Washington Quilt Shop Hop in June, is taking a block of the month class, organized a retreat for her small group this fall, and last but not least just won this beautiful quilt made by the Busy Bee Quilters in Snohomish! Marge, I am sooo proud of you! And if you need someone to "babysit" your quilt, just give me a call. It's a dandy.

Holiday Home Tour

This years Kingston Holiday Home Tour will feature the home of Nancy Martin. Nancy is the founder of That Patchwork Place and author of many quilting books. I have been fortunate to visit Nancy's home during the holidays, and have seen many of her Christmas quilts. Now you all have the opportunity to tour her home, as well as 4 others in the Kingston area.

The tour is Saturday December 12 from 10:00 to 3:00. Tickets are $15.00. If you are interested in walking on the ferry and taking a shuttle to the homes post a comment here.

THANKSGIVING

I hope you are recovering nicely from your Thanksgiving activities. Mine was filled with wonderful family, lots of laughter, watching football, playing checkers, cooking with my son, topped off by a wonderful dinner.

I had a binding ready to stitch down on a Christmas quilt for our bed. By the time I sat down, at 8:30, I just didn't have the energy to sew. Hopefully tonight! I made this quilt a couple of years ago. It hung in the shop as a top, and after that Christmas season I had it machine quilted. It has been waiting for a binding! I made a promise to myself it would be on the bed this year, so I am close to having it done. I just found the fabric I had set aside for pillowcases to go with it, so I do believe I will have this little project finished by December 1st. Now, what else is on my list?

Makin' Movies

Today was a little different around here! One of our customers was being filmed for a webcast for Microsoft. They are getting ready to launch Office 2010, and they are filming "Real Life Stories". Keepsake is one of her favorite places to shop, so they followed her here today. Her name is Stacy, and she doesn't consider herself a 'quilter', more a 'crafter'.

A young mom, with lots of talent. Check out her blog www.littlebirdiesecrets.com . You can see some of the cute things she is making. Thanks Stacy, for making us part of your big adventure!

Tablescape

Yesterday I had a little window of sewing time. I really wanted to put the binding on my Tea Time quilt, but somehow I did not have the fabric. Arggg. But I did have a beautiful fall panel and a couple of coordinates, so I whipped up these place mats. Do I have time to make 10 more before Thanksgiving? I am sure going to try!

SHOPPING

Many of you know that I did not go to Quilt Market this fall. Do you ever wonder how I am able to fill the shop with such wonderful fabric, books, patterns and notions, and never leave Bothell? In the last 3 weeks, I have seen 7 sales reps. I have an appointment to see one more before Thanksgiving. Then I should be finished until after the 1st of the year. Most of the fabric won't arrive until 2010, some of it not until May! I order months in advance, trying to anticipate what the trends will be, what floor space will be available in the shop and most importantly, what you will be asking for.



I have learned that just because I love it, does not mean you will. It's always fun for me when you love the same things I do. What am I looking forward to recieving? Flower Sugar!

Pinch Me!!

Some days are just better than others here at the shop. Within the last couple of weeks we have received some of the most beautiful fabric I have ever seen. In the photo is the beautiful collection by French General, Rouenneries. We also have the newest Minick and Simpson group, Wiscasset. Today we put Aster Manor on the floor. If you loved Chocolat, you will love this collection!

I don't know about you, but I just can't sew fast enough!

OLYMPICS 2010

This morning I heard that the Olympics Opening Ceremony is just 100 days away. Somehow, I thought it was much further. Other quilt shops have been talking about it, and I have fabric in the shop to support the event. I just thought it was further away.

Our family talked about trying to buy tickets, I know there was a lottery a few months ago. For the entire world. Then, if you were selected you would be able to buy tickets for the event your ticket was drawn from. I am sure there will be tickets out there, just super expensive. Maybe this will be the reason to buy that flat screen TV.

Then we can cuddle under a cute flannel quilt using the flannel fabrics! I think I am on to something.

FALL

Sometimes the cutest things come from the easiest patterns. I used fabrics from Gobble-Gobble by Sandy Gervais for Moda to make this darling table runner. Perfect for fall. It can be used all of October and November. This pattern is from Pieced Tree Patterns, Shelly, the designer is one of my summer camp buddies! She has dozens of darling table runner and topper patterns that are on small lamented cards. A perfect place to store them is in a small photo album. A great gift for a quilt buddie, just pop one in a card.

COSMO EMBROIDERY THREAD

Thread is a beautiful part of sewing. I love it when the thread units in the shop are full. The colors are just amazing. We use different threads for different purposes. There are many more choices today than ever before. I spend a lot of time thinking about the thread in the shop. I spend a lot of time thinking about ordering new thread for the shop. Ultimately I order the thread for you, my customers. But, when I am making the decision about what new thread I am going to purchase, it is all about me. When I place an order it often takes months before the new unit and all of the thread arrives. I think about it. I think about using it, I think about where it will go in the shop. I wonder if I have made the right decision. I wonder if you will like it. But, on the day it arrives, it is all mine. All, 1,152 spools of it. I love putting the display together, I love opening each box and finding the right spot for it. I love when it is full, and beautiful and all mine.

I ordered Cosmo Hand Embroidery thread in July. It arrived a couple of days ago, this afternoon I was able to get it out of the stock room, and spend time playing with it. It is everything I had hoped for. It looks beautiful sitting right next to my favorite thread for hand applique, Aurifil. It is all ready for you! I hope you will love it as much as I do.

The thread is cotton, made in Japan for the Lecien Company. They make the finest of the Japanese fabrics. Now, they make the finest hand embroidery thread on the market. It comes on a spool, 2 strands ready to embroider. There are 88 meters on a spool, and it is $4.20 a spool.

Compare it to DMC floss. DMC has 8 meters in a skein, with 6 strands. If you divide it into 2 strands for your projects you will have 24 meters to work with. It is about the equivalent of 4 skeins. Our skeins are $.70 a skein. So it is a little more expensive, but a much higher quality thread. Kay Harris has been using it on her Flights of Fancy sample for the shop, and she is ready to switch completely to Cosmo.

Some of the pattern company's that are using Cosmo are, Crabapple Hill, Bunny Hill and Acorn Quilt and Gift Company. I hope you will give it a try!

Quilting As You Go

One of the dilemmas most quilters have is the actual quilting. I am not a confident machine quilter, so anything larger than a table runner I usually send out to be machine quilted. When you are making a gift, you have to take this cost into consideration. Years ago, I used to tie quilts that I gave away as baby gifts. This seems to be out of fashion.

Last week, I made a small table runner that was a quilt as you go pattern by GE Designs. It was fun, cute and nearly finished when the top was finished. It just needed a binding. That started my wheels turning. GE Designs has a darling book Fast & Furious-quilting as you go. There are several baby quilts in this book. The shop had one of the fabric lines used in one of the baby quilts, so why not give it a try.

The results are in the photo. In about 2 hours, I had cut, prepared the backing and batting, pieced and quilted this cute baby quilt! I trimmed it up and stitched the binding in another couple of hours. It was fun to do, the results are awesome, without the additional cost of machine quilting. I highly recommend it!

FIRE ESCAPE

Each summer I go away to camp. It is a wonderful camp in the Amish Country of Wisconsin. I feel so lucky to escape for a few days to bond with other campers, aka quiltshop owners. Terry Atkinson, of Atkinson Designs (think Yellow Brick Road), is our Camp Councilor. She has wonderful projects for us to try. This year we all worked on a new pattern, called Fire Escape.

As you can see, mine is back from the quilter, and the binding is stitched down! This was a really fun project. When we show up at camp, we bring our own fabric, not really knowing exactly what we will be sewing. The other quilts were bold and dramatic, mine was a little more blended and sweet. This would make a darling little girls 1st bed quilt, and it would be wonderful in flannel. Terry's patterns are now in the shop, her cover quilt is made using batik's, and would be a terrific masculine quilt. Very versitile.

Thanks Terry for designing a great pattern, can't wait to see what we will be working on next year!

Scarecrows

It's been a great day for Harvest Festival. There are still lots more scarecrows to be made. So if you are in the area, you should plan a trip tomorrow!

Harvest Festival

Country Village is all decorated and ready for our annual Harvest Festival. The activity list is long this year. So, be sure and check it if you are coming to the village, you wouldn't want to miss any anything! I personally want to see the Valentine's Performing Pigs. They will be on the main stage today only, at 1:00.

The Keepsake Kuties stitched 40 yards of burlap into scarecrow heads, 86 of them to be exact! I am hoping that someone cut wooden heads again this year, as you can see, they make really cute critter scarecrows.

We have our Quilt Pink raffle quilt hanging on the line. The tickets are $1, and the money goes to Susan Komen. A reminder to make your Mammogram appointment, early detection is the best way to save lives.

We hope to see lots of you and your families this weekend!

Just In

Every day is like Christmas around here. Boxes arrive, and we dive in to see what Rob, our UPS driver, has brought us. Last week 2 fun groups arrived. From Northcott, a winter-sports-theme group. With the Olympics in our back yard, I am sure there will be lots of excitement before and during the games. The Olympic Rings cannot be reproduced, but they have done a nice job of giving you the feel of "the games". Including the Canadian Maple Leaf.

Kaufman Fabrics has been licensed to print fabric with both the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, and the Boy Scouts of America. The Girl Scout fabric arrived last week, and the Boy Scouts is on it's way. I hope they have badges for sewing for both organizations. This would be great in easy projects! I'm thinking pillow cases, pj bottoms, tote bags, Eagle Scout quilts, the list is endless.

I'm not going to Quilt Market this fall, but I have lots of friends who are, and will be sending me info all 3 days. I will post some of the new things as soon as I see them!

Gobble, Gobble

Do you have a little, (or a lot), of this wonderful fabric line, and you haven't decided what to do with it yet. Well, Moda Bake Shop is having a challenge and you might just want to participate. Go on over to www.modabakeshop.com and get a little inspiration.

We still have a little yardage and a few Jelly Rolls and Turn Overs in the shop. But, don't hesitate if you are planning on participating. People are on the hunt for this fabric, and Moda does not have any in the warehouse.

I would love to see your entries!

Show and Tell

We get the best show and tell at the shop. Yesterday, Barb Yandl, came in to find a border for this wonderful quilt top. It is from the book Spring Cleaning, by Terry Atkinson. Absolutely darling. I have not made this quilt, and have seen several. I am totally inspired to make it! I could call it Fall Cleaning!!

Speaking of Fall Cleaning, I have continued to clean in the stock room, and have put many things out for the Yard Sale. So, if you were unable to shop today, there will be new "stuff" out tomorrow. I have 200 bolts of fabric marked at $4.00 a yard. Great for backs! Hope to see you.

91 mile yard sale

A quick reminder, Friday and Saturday, Oct.1 and 2, is the Tri-County 91 mile yard sale. 15 terrific quilt shops cleaning out the stock room, storage units, and the shelves to bring you "yards" of bargains. Different at each store, but their promises to be something for everyone.

We will all be open from 9:30 to 6 each day. Come enjoy the fun!

Minnisota Road Show

Snibbles is a great example of what you can do with those pieces of fabric that you just can't throw away. With a little jazzy fabric, like the black and white check in the large quilt, you can have a stunning quilt from the left overs in your sewing room. Just like those "free dinners" we all love with left overs.

This large quilt is hanging in the shop, and is getting rave reviews. Debbie Beaves from Maple Island Quilts does a great job of looking at design with a artistic eye. I made a purse from her pattern "Wallet and Grommet", which has been a hit in the shop.

It is always fun for me to find a new designer. Maple Island Quilts is one of those great finds.

Minnisota Road Show

This darling quilt is hanging in the shop. It was made by Linda Hohag, from Brandywine Designs. It is one of the great projects in her book A Critter Christmas. It is full of sweet faced animals dancing and playing. There is a large quilt and several small projects.

Her art work is alway fun and full of whimsey, These little guys just make you smile.

Minnesota Road Show

The Minnesota Road Show will be displayed in the shop until Oct 20, I hope you will have a chance to stop in and see the wonderful projects these 4 women have created for this show.

Terri Atkinson has a stunning black and white version of the cover quilt in the show. Her way to applique the letters is fast and easy, and she includes a disk in the book, so you can resize the fonts. Very clever.

Remember we are having a Demo night on Wednesday October 7th, from 6 til 9. Then we will all run home to watch Top Chef!

Wicked

OMG! What a wonderful show Wicked is. I feel like I can dance and kick up my heals after an evening of watching the pro's. If this show comes to a city near you, scrimp and save so you can buy the best seats in the house. It was soooo much fun.

Just a reminder, tonight is Top Chef. Team Ashley will be gathering around the Tevo, skipping the commercial breaks. If you are in Seattle, she will be in town this weekend, cooking a special meal on Sunday at Branzino. (Of course her special Sous Chef will be at her side!). I had dinner there on Monday, and the Pear Sorbet was to die for. Who knew?

SEPTEMBER SEW-ALONG Part 7

Okay, now we are ready to sew the blocks together. It is pretty straight forward.

5 blocks across and 7 blocks down.

A little hint, Be careful to sew block 2 the same position each time. I did a little reverse sewing. But you want that graphic diagonal line. They look like bow-tie blocks, don't you think?

Have fun sewing. It's the last day of summer, a perfect time to be finishing up a cozy quilt for fall.

SEPTEMBER SEW-ALONG Part 6

I know this is Friday, but I was having computer issues yesterday. They are continuing on the shop's computer, argh!! But the nice people at Dell are sending me a new one at the end of the month. In fact when I was having an online chat with Bobbie at Dell, she asked me what the name of the business was. When I responded Keepsake Cottage, she came right back with "In the big red barn, I know your website" So, Bobbie, if you are reading this, thanks for the great service yesterday! As most of you know the computer is a little scarey for me. I have forced myself to use it more. It takes way to much time. Time that I could use sewing!

So, on with our Friday Sew-Along.

Today you are going to sew the 4 1/2" strips of fabrics C &D together.

Press towards fabric C.

Cut the strip sets into 36 3" segments.

Sew the segments to the C,D,E units that you made last Thursday. Matching the D and C sides of the block as in the photo above.

Press toward the C,D units.

Make 17-8 1/2" blocks.

Since we are a day behind, please post a comment before midnight tonight to be eligible for the 20% off coupon.

Have a great weekend.

SEPTEMBER SEW-ALONG Part 5

If it's Tuesday we must be cutting! Today we will be cutting for Block 2 and borders and binding. Then next week we can just sew, sew, sew.

Fabric C- cut 3- 4 1/2" wide strips

Cut 6- 2 1/2" wide strips

Fabric D-Cut 3-4 1/2" wide strips

Cut 5 2" wide strips

Fabric E-Cut 6-4 1/2" wide strips

I hope you are liking your fabric choices. I am planning to make at least 2 more of these quilt tops. One in Christmas fabric, and one that is sports theam. It would be a great guy's quilt. We are always looking for something to make for that young man in our lives. Girls just seem easier to sew for.

If you are sewing along, leave me a comment for a chance to win a 20% off coupon for the baking fabric for this quilt. I will pick a winner on Thursday evening.

91 Mile Yard Sale

Yes, It is true, we are having a big 'ol yard sale. It is 91 miles from Keepsake Cottage to Tangled Threads in Lynden, and the Tri-County Merchants are going thru there storage units, pulling older stock from their shelves, looking for models they are finished with and who knows what else will end up in this great sale.

The 15 shop owners had a meeting this morning, talking about how we want to make this a fun annual event for all of you, our loyal customer base. Each shop will have different items on special in their shop, as well as a beefed up clearance area. I even heard one shop owner say something about $2.00 a yard!

Here at Keepsake Cottage, we are going to have all of our precut fat quarters on sale for 20% off. We are pulling bolts to go outside on our $5.oo table, and we will also have a table of samples for sale.

The event is only 2 days, October 2 and 3. From 9:30 until 6:00. So, plan your route, make your coffee the night before and grab a buddie. This is going to be FUN!

MODA U Graduation

Today was the final class for Moda U 08-09. It was a beautiful morning and we had a brunch on the front patio. Both Noel (top photo) and Joyce (bottom photo), had their quilt tops finished to share with the graduates! They are stunning, and oh so different from one another. Noel used American Jane fabrics, pulling from many lines. And Joyce used Portobello Mushroom and Heritage for her quilt. The next session of Moda U will begin in October. Joyce has all of the pieced blocks finished and is just waiting for the shop sample kit to arrive so she can start on the wool applique. We are pretty excited for this quilt to get under way. There are still some spaces left....

TOP CHEF

So, are you watching? I hope so, it's been fun to see someone I know on TV. Ashley has cooked for me, and she has taught my son, Quinton, so much about cooking. Her food is amazing. It's on Bravo, Wednesday nights, but they repeat it often during the week. She was recognised in the airport last week! She is the executive chef at Bransino in the Bell Town area in Seattle.

SEPTEMBER SEW-ALONG Part 4

Today we are going to sew the center section of block 2.

Sew together lengthwise the 2" strips of fabrics C and D.

Press toward fabric C.

Cut the strip sets into 36 3"wide pieces.

Sew the fabric E squares as shown in the top photo to the C-D segments. Press toward E.

Make 17 units.

Have fun!

SEPTEMBER SEW-ALONG Part 3

Today we are cutting out block 2.

Fabric C (mine is red, this will also be your binding)-Cut 3 strips 2" wide.

Fabric D (mine is gold, this will be your inner border) Cut 3 strips 2" wide.

Fabric E (mine is blue, this will be the outer border) Cut 2 strips 3 1/2" wide, then cut 18 3 1/2"

squares.

There you have it. Hope block 1 is all finished. My quilt top is finished and it is cute, cute, cute!

George, WA

My oldest son lives 500 miles away. I love a chance to see him, and yesterday was one of those rare days. He and his girlfriend drove 400 miles to the Gorge in George, WA. This is an annual event, to see The Dave Matthews Band. I drove over yesterday morning to have a little visit with them. It is beautiful high desert country, with the Columbia River below. I have seen the most amazing sunsets at the Gorge. Seeing the kids in Tie-Dye was every bit as wonderful as a sunset!

Remember, we are cutting tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your Labor Day holiday!

SEPTEMBER SEW-ALONG (part 2)

Ready to sew? I am just a couple of steps ahead of you, and I tell you this is going to be a pretty cute quilt!

To all of the 18 6 1/2" squares, add a 6 1/2" rectangle to 2 sides. Press to the rectangle, then add an 8 1/2" rectangle to the other 2 sides of the square, press to the rectangle. Your block should measure 8 1/2" x 8 1/2"

Cute already, right? We will do more cutting on Tuesday. Get your homework done.

I just might post some other great stuff before then, So, check back. J

AN EVENING OF SEWING

Last night a couple of the Kuties and I did a little sewing. This quilt top is for a friend of ours, and is from the pattern "Just Can't Cut It". A great pattern to use when you have big beautiful florals and you want to be able to show off the fabric. We actually made 2 tops in about 2 hours. One for our quilt buddie, and one as a shop sample. This one is going to be quilted with a butterfly all over design, can't wait to see it finished.

September Sew-Along (part 1)

Here we go! I hope you all have fun.

Focus Fabric-Cut 3 6 1/2" strips. From strips cut 18 6 1/2" squares.

or

Fussy cut 18 6 1/2 " squares.

Fabric B-(this will frame the focus fabric) Cut 18 1 1/2" strips.

From strips cut 36 1 1/2"x 6 1/2" rectangles

and 36 1 1/2" x 8 1/2" rectangles

We will be sewing on Thursday!