Look what I did!

In a frantic effort to have several quilts and their patterns done by the New-Year I took drastic measures to improve my success.

This is the machine I use to quilt. It was my first sewing machine and it's been the best. I even sold it to a friend at one point in order to upgrade, only to realize that I missed it too much. So I bought her a new machine so I could get this one back! :o)


When I quilt I use a plexiglass extension table that fits around the base of the machine to give me a larger work surface. The only problem is that it make the surface just a few inches too tall and thus leaves me with aching sholders and back after I quilt for a while. I've tried to remedy the situation by sitting on a taller seat, but the base of the table then hits the top of my legs. I just learned to deal with it- until now!

My sewing table consists of an old console I got from a thrift store, a couple table legs, and a large piece of MDF. This sewing table measures almost 4 1/2 feet square. and I LOVE IT! Since I made it myself (sort-of) I didn't mine cutting into it! I set my machine on the table and traced around it. I also traced around my other machine (the one for piecing you can see in the bottom right of the pic) just to make sure my hole would be big enough. Then, using some of my 'other' favorite tools I drilled a pilot hole and used a jig saw to cut out the opening.

After a trip to several hardware stores trying to find the right parts I finally decided on "L" shaped brackets. They screw into the sides of the platform (the piece that I cut out) and then screw into the bottom of the table top. I measures and was lucky enough to find brackets that would put my machine almost flush with the table top.

Here is the finished project! It's not very pretty but it functions just right. Guess what? I've even quilted 3 quilts since I did this last week. With the large table surface the quilt has plenty of room to spread out and I don't get as much drag as I did before. Also, the strain on my shoulders and back is so little that I was able to quilt 2 quilts back-to-back without a problem.

CHOCOLATE!

I don't really need to explain what 'Chocolate' has to do with quilting, do I!?

For those followers who live in Utah County- this post is FOR YOU!!!

I recently stumbled upon an amazing place:

THE CHOCOLATE- a dessert bakery located at 212 S. State Street in Orem, UT

It's a quaint little house on State street among dozens of modern structures. If you blink, you could miss it. But if you know where Classic Skating or Pep Boys are, then you're close!

My husband brought me a treat a couple weeks ago- some DELICIOUS cupcakes- and we've been there half a dozen times since.

They have cakes, cookies, and cupcakes and the taste is DIVINE! Oh, and the prices aren't bad either. ;o)

Everytime I go in I think- "I'm going to take a picture of my treat and blog about it" But I always devour my treat before I have time to snap a pic. It's just THAT GOOD!

They didn't ask me to blog- I volunteered.

I don't want this place to be like so many other local businesses that fades away. So please, give yourself a well deserved break in-between last minute shopping and stop in for a goodie!

My fav's: THE HUSBAND: yellow cake with chocolate ganache!
The Lemon Curd cupcake: The perfect blend of sour and sweet! (In two sizes)
The Chocolate Cupcake: You can't go wrong with chocolate and this one is SO RIGHT!
Their SUGAR COOKIE: Oh my gosh! SO Delish!

Please stop in and tell them the 'Crazy Old Ladies' sent you! You won't get a discount, and they may not know who you're talking about, but it'll be SO WORTH IT!

~I PROMISE!~

my LQS!!!!

I was so very excited to pop on over to Moda's Bake Shop and see The Corn Wagon as a featured shop! Way to go Marsha, MaryAnn, and esp. SHANNON the Bake Shop gal!, and all of my other wonderful quilting friends at The Corn Wagon. I LOVE THAT STORE!!!!

Check it out!

Make sure you click on "View Recipe" at the bottom to see the WHOLE post and TONS of pictures!

Merry Monday!

Remember a while back when I decided to open my Etsy acocunt and I mentioned selling quilt kits along with some of my patterns? Well, I've been thinking about it again and wanted to take a poll.

Please leave me a comment and let me know if you think this is a good idea? I'm not asking if you specifically would buy one- I just want to know if it interests you even in the slightest.

It's a tough decision to make and I just need some encouragement so who better to ask that YOU!

Can't wait to hear what you think.

BTW- If you don't think it's a good idea, I want to hear that too. Just make sure you tell me why. ;o)

DOTS!

Does this make you smile!? :o)

I am a sucker for DOTS! So when I saw these prints from Mary Engelbreit's new line 'Attitude Girls' I knew I had to have them for my stash!

So much for my fabric diet! :o)

Happy Holidays!

Thanks so much for all of your comments. I noticed a common thread among comments although I am not surprised. So many of you wished for FABRIC. Oh how I wish I could send each and every one of you a package for Christmas. But even I don't think I have enough fabric for that. Besides, the shipping alone is enough to put me under. :o)
However, I have gone through my inventory and found a few more surprises which means a few more of you are going to get your Christmas wish.

I went to Random.org to generate the winners and will post the winners in the order of the number that was generated. I wanted to put their comments on here but Blogger was being stupid and wouldn't let me cut and paste and there was no way I was hand typing them all. But if you haven't already, take a minute and read through them- they're fantastic!

The first number will be the winner of the most sought after prize- the 'Authentic' fat quarters:
#42- TJ

Next, the 'Nature's Notebook' Layer Cake:
#62- Laura T.

Also, I found (2) 'Swanky' Charm Packs. They will go to:
#50- Kim

(3) 'Yuletide Blessings' Charm Packs go to:
#34- aka Dragonfly Photography

A 'Peace on Earth' Layer Cake will go to:
#9- Laura

And a stack of coordinating 3 1/2" squares (I can't remember the name of the line- but it's beautiful!):
#60- Pokey

Also, I thought I would do a little something extra fun-
For the first and last people that commented (since your numbers seem less likely to get picked than any others) you will each get (3) stacks from a "Moda Sampler Box". These are 2 1/2" squares, one of each fabric in the line, from fabric lines yet to be released. It's a total SNEAK PEAK! These go to:
#1- Water Lovers...
#71- Rapier Family

Remember to email me with your shipping info. so I can send them out ASAP!

This was so much fun! I'm not trying to be cheesy, but honestly, I do love giving the best!

Keep an eye out on Moda Bake Shop in the next few weeks- I have another 'Scrap Bag' project I'm finishing up! ;o)

Lost Treasures

CONTEST NOW CLOSED!

Before I decided to move my sewing room I'd been working on a few projects. Wanna see a sneak peak? I thought you might. It's a good thing I took these pictures before the move- I don't even know where this stuff is anymore! ;o)

A little while ago I got this crazy urge to applique. This is not a future COL pattern- y'all would kill me. But I do think it's going to turn out cool. If you happen to get a certain home decor magazine you may recognize the leafy shape a little. ;o) I show it off when I get it FINISHED!

I can't even stand it- this fabric is SO BEAUTIFUL! I mean, it's 3 Sister's, so why wouldn't it be. But just wait 'til you see 'Martinique' in the flesh/fabric. Oh, it melts me. ;o) I absolutely LOVE the project I'm making but haven't decided if it's another pattern or not. It's more traditional than COL patterns usually are- but I might throw this one in there just to mix it up a bit.

I've also been sewing with a little of this..

And a little of that!

But that's all I can show you for now.

So, how about a giveaway!?

While I was moving all of my STUFF down the hall I came across

14 Fat Quarters of 'Authentic' by Sweetwater for Moda

AND

A Layer Cake of 'Nature's Notebook' by April Cornell for Moda.

Do YOU want it!?

Well, leave me a comment telling me what you wish Santa would bring you for Christmas and on Monday morning sometime I'll pick the winner's.

So far I have 2 prizes shown- but if I find more 'treasures' then I'll pick more winners!

GOOD LUCK!

MOVING!

No, it's not what you think.

A couple days ago I got the wild idea to kick my son out of his room and get myself a bigger work-space.

So far, so good.

Lots to move around.

LOTS OF FABRIC to move around.

My husband says I'm spoiled.

I don't know if it's because I just up and switched rooms with my boy or if it's because in the process a lot of my "stash" has been out in the open.

I think it's got to be the first. If he really had a clue about the "stash" I don't know if he'd still be smiling. :o) ....but I am.

Have you ever decided to clean or re-arrange something and find a bunch of stuff you forgot you even had?

Well I did.

So guess what!?

I'm going to give some away!

Look for a contest towards the end of the week.

Gotta go move more stuff around! :o)

Marabella!

The other day I had the opportunity to talk on the phone with one of my favorite new pattern designers- KatiCupcake! Ok, so her name is not KatiCupcake, it's Amy- but her patterns are. Anyway, as we were chatting she mentioned her new line of fabric coming out from Henry Glass.

Of course I was pleasantly surprised and a bit sad because I would've known all about this fabric line had I been at Fall Market. But oh well- I know about it now!

This is the main print- I think it's absolutely darling. Wanna see more? Check this out! Now I have to tell you, Henry Glass website is a little different so I couldn't get the exact link. But if you look on the right hand side you'll see Marabella listed and you can click there to see swatches off all the prints. Also, there's a FREE PROJECT! (Yes, you have to find and click on that too.)

Can I just tell you that Amy is one of the nicest people...EVER! I kept tell her how much I loved her patterns and she kept saying the same thing right back to me. How sweet is that!? I seriously could've chatted with her all day long- except that both of us have crazy, busy lives trying to raise a family AND run a business. Anyway, I can't wait to meet this cool chick!

Well guess what? I'm designing a pattern for this fabric line! Yep, Amy said she would help me out a little with the 'materials' , if you know what I mean!? ;o) So I've been sketchin' away tryin to get it just right. Be on the lookout, this one's gonna be cute!

BTW- Does anyone known CINZIA!? She won first place in my contest last week and I have yet to hear from here. CINZIA, if you're out there, email me so I can send out your package of goodies!

WINNERS!!!!

Thank you RANDOM.ORG for such a cool tool to pick the winners.

First Place: #94- CINZIA!!!
She wrote: "This blog tour is such fun. Congratulations it is a top block"

Seond Place: #5- BARB!!!
She wrote: "Wow...Congrats on being published.....and I would love an issue of that magazine."

Third Place: #39- NICOLE!!!
She Wrote: "Congratulations on your 100th post! Keep up the great blogging and amazing patterns. :)"


Thank you to EVERYONE that left such thoughtful comments. I think you broke the record for the most entries into one of my contests!

Don't forget that the contests at quiltmaker.com/quiltypleasures runs through FRIDAY 11/13 for more chances to win!!!!

Winners: remember to email me with your shipping info. so I can get your prizes out ASAP!

100!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!

Today is my 100th post! I've been so excited for this day to come because I've visited so many other blogs and watched them celebrate their milestones and now it's time for me to do the same!

The best part is- not only and I celebrating 100 posts on my blog, but I'm celebrating being PUBLISHED!!!!

That's right folks, yours truly will be featured among 99 other amazing designers in...

I could hardly believe it! When the mag. showed up in the mail I immediately flipped to the back to check the index and find my page (47). This is what I found...

My picture quality isn't fantastic- but that's what happens when you take a picture of a magazine page with your camera. That's me on the right- Block #72 Chain Link!

Not only am I in the magazine but I also get to participate in the 100 Blocks Blog Tour daily Nov. 9-13 at quiltmaker.com/quiltypleasures for inspiration, ideas and giveaways galore!

Look for 100 Blocks from Today’s Top Designers in your local quilt shop around Nov. 17th, or purchase it at quiltmaker.com/100blocks.”

Seriously, this magazine is ONE TO HAVE! There are TONS of awesome blocks in there- in fact, there's 100!

But I have to say, mine is really the best. And here's why...

(please excuse the pic- I was frantically trying to finish and ran out of time!)

When you make the block as I designed in the magazine, and add sashing and corner blocks, you get the REAL effect of the block and 'chain link' in 2 different colors!

In honor of this AWESOME event I am offering a GIVEAWAY!!!

Leave me a comment and you'll be entered into the drawing to win a FREE issue of 'Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks by today's top designers'!

...but that's not all...

In honor of my 100th post I am also giving away not 1, not 2, but 3- fat quarter bundles! That's right all you "I never win anything" people- now you have 3 chances to win. Each FQ bundle has 8 coordinating prints. Along with the bundles I will include 2 fantastic COL patterns!

So, are you excited!?

Here's the break down:

First place (the random number generated first) gets: the magazine, the FQ bundle, and 2 COL patterns.

Second & third place get: a FQ bundle and 2 COL patterns.

More? You want more? Okay- visit quiltmaker.com/quiltypleasures and follow the links to all the other designers and their blogs and enter to win in their contests too!

So what are you waiting for? Start entering in all those contests and you're bound to win something. Then run out to your local shop and pick up a copy of Quiltmaker's '100 Blocks from Today’s Top Designers'!

English Cottage Quilt Kit

Have you been to Fat Quarter Shop lately!?

Today's newsletter features a new quilt kit using the "Postage Due" pattern by Crazy Old Ladies and the wonderfully beautiful Aster Manor by 3 sisters for Moda!



Hop on over and check it out- it's a super deal and a BEAUTIFUL quilt.

Wouldn't this make a fantastic Christmas present for a fellow quilter? I'm thinking of ordering one for a friend of mine- you should too!

Or, you could always link it to an email and send it to your hubby- then YOU'LL get this great present under the tree. I don't know about you, but my husband ALWAYS needs a good hint! ;o)

*In other news: today's post is #99! Can you believe it? That means tomorrow I will celebrate my 100th post. Check back tomorrow for a SUPER SURPRISE and an AWESOME GIVAWAY!!!

I wanna sew!

I can't remember the last time I sat and sewed- FOR FUN!!!! I add "for fun" because I had to do some minor work on a couple halloween costumes last week. But for the last few weeks I've been busy with other projects and haven't had the real desire to quilt.

The reason- I'm turning into a fabric snob. I have a stash like many other quilters out there- and I continually add to it. But for some reason I only like sewing when I have BRAND NEW fabric. I'm trying to break this trend- but it's not easy. So basically, I don't have "new" fabric- so I haven't been sewing.

UNTIL NOW!!!!

Yesterday I was able to get my hands on a couple pieces from a new line for RILEY BLAKE designs: Sublime by Doohikey Designs.

(just a little sampling!)

It is GORGEOUS and I can't wait to start cutting! I think re-making one of my patterns with this fabric to be featured on the new front cover of the pattern. I'm not sure which one yet, but I have a good idea. I'll let you know when I do! ;o)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Thought I would post a few pics from our festivities this weekend!

As far as quilting goes: I have been doing a little work lately- but it's not quite ready to show. I'll keep you posted!

SHOW and TELL

Forgive me for not posting lately- we've had sickness in our home. I'm still not feeling 100%, but I recieved a couple emails and wanted to share.




Cindy Smith used the template from "Happily Ever After" to make these darling pillows for her nieces daughters. Aren't they the perfect gift for a little princess?

Donna Kymalainen made this beautiful quilt using SIMPLICITY by Moda and our "In Bloom" pattern. I LOVE the way it looks with the soft colors.

Thanks so much ladies for sending me pictures of your porjects!

For all the rest of you- SEND IN THOSE PIX! I love seeing what your working on and want to post it here for everyone else to see, too! Happy Sewing!

Merry-Go-Round

I just realized that I forgot to post this! Here is another one of our newest quilts-



And guess what? It's WAY EASY! No pieceing templates. Just a little 'crazy' trick. ;o) The fabric is 'BOUTIQUE' by Chez Moi by Moda. I think it comes out in Dec. or Jan. It's WAY cute. Very vibrant. All this quilt needs is a layer cake and some background. Also, this pattern comes with instructions for 2 sizes. So.... whataya think!?

And the WINNER is....

the randon number generated picked #64. That means the winner is....

MEG99

This is what she wrote:

"I 'd like to win Holiday Lineup pattern to make a quilt with Figgy Pudding fabric.I will use Eva for another pattern of yours like Nana's Attic."

[email me your info. and the pattern you would like and I'll send you a package of goodies!]

Now for the truth. I don't think I liked this give-away so much. OK, it was fun. But as I read through all of the comments last night I was so sad to realize that only one person would actually win the pattern of their choice and the EVA Jelly-Roll. I guess that's the whole point of a contest, but it made me sad none-the-less. All of you followers are so AWESOME! Thanks so much for takin the time to read my little ol' blog and to buy my 'crazy' patterns. THANK YOU!

For those of you who didn't win, don't forget about my ETSY shop! I'm adding more patterns daily. So keep a look-out, maybe the one you want will be there soon.

p.s.- a special anniversary of mine is coming up soon- that means another CONTEST! :o)

Right Here- Right Now

Wanna know why I was sad yesterday?

Well, many of you know that while I sit here writing this blog post people are pouring into the convention center in downtown Houston, TX for International Fall Quilt Market. I should be there. But I am not. So I am sad.

Instead of sit in my house and mope last night I decided to do something constructive instead. I called up a few gal/quilter friends and we met for dinner and quilt-talk. Can I just say: "I had a BLAST!" It was so much fun! We talked fabric, design, designers, trends, market, etc., etc. When I left I was on a "high". It was just what I needed. THANKS GIRLS!

Machelle (shop owner), ME (bad perm and all), April (super seamstress), and Konda (fellow designer)

Now onto BIGGER things-

Since I can't be at market picking up all of the wonderful new things at 'Sample Spree' I thought I would give away a mini sample to a lucky blogger.

An 'EVA' Jelly-Roll

and a 'Crazy Old Ladies' pattern of YOUR choice!

All you have to do is leave a comment telling me which pattern you would pick if you win.

That's it!

I'll let the contest go until Sunday night and post the winner (randomly picked) on Monday Morning.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Binding Tutorial

I bind all my quilts by machine, and NO, I don't think it's cheating. ;o) For a long time I've tried to talk people who still bind by hand into doing it this way. Ok, hand-binding has it's place. But for people like me who need to finish a quilt fast, it's perfect. I can see how binding by hand may at some point in my life seem relaxing. However, with 3 small children, a business, etc., etc., now is not that time.

So one day I was binding a quilt and decided to take pictures along the way so that I could post a tutorial about it. Unfortunately I still haven't found the time to write and edit that tutorial. Maybe some day. In the mean time....

My good friend over at Moose on the Porch Quilts just posted a tutorial for binding your quilts by machine- it's fantabulous! Go check it out. If I was as good at computers as I am with quilting i would've figured out a good way to post a pic and the link right here- but I'm not. But please, go check it out.

I will say- it's not exactly the way I do mine- but after reading I'm going to try her way. Who knows, maybe I'll switch! ;o)

P.S.- Today I am sad. Check back tomorrow to find out why and to enter a chance to win a FANTASTIC new giveaway!

I've changed my mind

After thinking over the weekend about my new Etsy shop and what I could do to improve it I have decided to offer PATTERNS for sale.

Like I mentioned before, it wasn't an easy decision. So what I have decided to do it offer patterns that are no longer in high demand from shop owners- yet I still get emails weekly regarding these patterns. So far I have only listed 3. I'm still trying to work out all the kinks. (My pix aren't a high-enough res. so they're a little blurry. ARGH!) Also, I feel that I need to offer them at regular retail price. (I noticed some other Etsy shops offer theirs at a discount) I think this is fair for the shop owners that order directly from me.

Anyhow! I hope that all of you wonderful followers are sitting and reading with a smile on your face and that the hate mail with cease. ;o)

Happy Monday!

Have you seen...?

I love looking at these little clips when the weather outside is so CHILLY. All I have to do is think about these beautiful prints to remind me that winter won't last long and before I know it I'll be desiging and sewing with these new lines. Aahhhh, I can see it now. Can you?

ETSY SHOP!

Today I offically opened an Etsy Shop. (There's a not so cute link on the top right. see it?) It's something I have been thinking about for a while- but wasn't sure I wanted to take the plunge.

I decided to open the shop as a way to sell some of our SAMPLES. These are the quilts that were made and photographed for our pattern covers. Not ALL of them are for sale- but you can see the ones that are on Etsy.

I know that some people will be sad to know- but I am not selling patterns in my Etsy shop at this time. It's a difficult decision to make. I know that many of you don't have easy access to my patterns. I'm working on that. However, if I decided to sell my patterns retail then I start to compete with my distributors. You understand that, right!?

But don't dismay.

Very soon I will be adding KITS to my Etsy shop. Yep, that's right.

When I debut a quilt pattern on this blog you will be able to go over to the Etsy Store and buy the kit (and it will include the pattern) to make the EXACT quilt on the cover. Obviously this may not be possible with every-single quilt that I design. But I will make every effort to have a kit available.

So, head on over to Etsy and check out ME!

We have a winner

...and it's RAZAK FAMILY! (you know the drill- email me with your info. so I can send you the pattern.)

Thanks for everyone's comments. Isn't finding that fabric in the color that speaks to you one of the funnest parts of quilting? I love it.

Keep working on those projects. A couple of comments made reference to "show and tell".... I'll be waiting for some entries! :o)

See you soon!

show and TELL!

Since I haven't had anyone email me pictures of their projects it looks like there's nothing new to 'SHOW' today. (C'mon people, I know you're sewing! Send me those pix!)

However, I've had quite a few comments on my last post with 'Cheery O's' so I thought I would address them.

THERE IS NO CURVED PIECING! But if I let you in on all of my secrets then nobody would need to go buy my patterns, right!?

So here's the deal. I'm going to GIVE AWAY a free pattern!

Leave me a comment telling me what 'color' phase you're into right now. For example: I went to my local shop this morning and bought 4 yards of yellow fabric from Simple Abundance (it's for a back) but I LOVE yellow right now. What about you?

Also, you can earn extra entries by having your friends comment on this post, too. Just make sure they put their name AND your name at the bottom of their post, so you get credit. Get it!?

I'll tally up the comments and pick a winner Thursday morning. GOOD LUCK!

Cheery O's

I'm so excited with how this quilt turned out. Although I made mine from an extensive collection of Red, cream and Green's, I wanted to give it a name so it would work well with any prints.

Here's the best part about this quilt- IT'S EASY! You know me, anything that's going to take a long time or give me a headache is out of the question. There's no fancy piecing, no secret technique, just some basic sewing and a little applique. I promise- once you get this pattern, you won't make just one! :o)

I'm sure some of you might wonder where my fabrics came from. Well, they're mostly Moda prints from past lines such including, but not limited to: Shangri La, Roman Holiday, Glace, Cottom Blossoms, and essential dots.

Ninety Nines!

Brand spankin' new! Have you seen SIMPLE ABUNDANCE by Bonnie and Camille? Uuhhhh, you need too. I LOVE IT! I had this pattern idea in my head for a long time- finally the right fabric came around. I love the way the individual prints show, yet they all meld together. What do you think?

By the way- it's made using a Jelly Roll and a Charm Pack! Check back tomorrow to see another NEW pattern!

Simply Charming FUN!

I have a wonderful friend who also happens to be a quilt designer- she's the brains and everything else behind Moose on the Porch Quilts. Have you seen her books? Well, you should. They are AWESOME! Inspired by cute little Charm Packs she has several books with hundreds of patterns and ways to use these Charms. Her lateset- Simply Charming FUN! has some of the cutest patterns in it. You HAVE to go check it out!

If I was more computerly-inclined I would figure out a way to steal a pic from her and post it here- but I'm not. So go to her blog and see the cute pix. Did you see the fish!? Oh, it is to die for cute!

See you soon!

More Show and Tell!

Check out this cute the adorable Which Witch quilt that Shyla made! I absolutely LOVE IT!

She also made these awesome trick-or-treat bags. now this idea I have to steal!

Thanks Shyla, for being my first REAL show-and-tell!

Show and Tell!

This morning I woke to a wonderful surprise. Hop on over to http://quiltingsisters.blogspot.com/ to see what I'm talking about!

Remember, if you have something to 'show and tell' please email me a picture to post here on the blog. Or, send me your link so I can link to your blog to show!

Happy first day of fall!

Color Theory

This was a STEAL at $8 that I got from a garage sale a few weeks ago. I didn't know what I was going to do with it when I got it- but couldn't pass it up. The moulding on the 'top' (right side) is broken and needs to be fixed. But for now it sits atop one of my shelves giving me fun things to look at!

Since I was in the picture mode and loving the color spectrum I thought I'd take a pic of my thread. Yes, it always looks like this. I am just a little OCD. ;o)

Now What!?

The other night a neighbor of mine dropped off a quilt to be quilted. It's just a little baby quilt. But in this quilt was a fabric print that I could not take my eyes off of. I LOVED IT! And, to my surprise, I didn't remember seeing it before- ANYWHERE.

Today I walked into my local shop and one of the gals there was showing a quilt she'd done. Would you believe it had that same fabric print in it? What are the chances?

So began my obsession. I knew I HAD to have it.

I was told it was an old line and that they didn't have any left. But when I wandered upstairs I found a piece. Not the exact piece I was looking for, but one close enough.

Ok, well my captions didn't turn out very good. The strips is the fabric that I fell in love with. It's from 'Hey Sugar' by Cosmo Cricket. Can you believe what a good match that piece from 'Deer Valley' is?

So here's my latest purchse- NOW WHAT!?

I'd love your help deciding on a pattern for this fabric. Obviously it doesn't have to be one of MY patterns. But if you comment and suggest something and I decide to do it, who knows? Maybe I'll send you a little something for your help ;o)

SHOW AND TELL!

This quilt was made by Shannon of It's SEW Shannon. Shannon is a friend of mine that works at one of the local quilt shops. She was kind enough to stitch up a new "Dipped in Chocolate" out of 3 Sisters- Aster Manor. Isn't it yummy!? Just wait 'til you see what she's working on next!

This is MY latest project. I was greatly inspired by this post and decided it was time to make myself a quilt- for my bed. I've made plenty of quilts for ME, but everytime I start a king-size I get burned out and finish it much smaller. This time I'm in it to the end. I have my whole bedroom planned around it. I'll take before and after pictures and post it some day!

-Do you have projects to show? Email me at crazyoldladies@gmail.com and send me a pic. I'll post it on "Show and Tell Tuesday". And if it's a COL quilt pattern you'll get entered into a drawing for FREE COL patterns. Happy sewing!

Monday!!!

Happy Monday everyone!

I'm not usually this cheerful on Monday's. But all my children are off to school and I'm eating my Honey Bunches of Oats w/ Peaches in pure silence. Who wouldn't be cheerful? ;o)

So I've been thinking---- I need something on my blog.
I need a thing.
Something for YOU to look forward to,
and something for ME to not have to think about.

And so, I am pleased to announce the beginning of

"SHOW and TELL TUESDAY!"

I am always, ALWAYS, interested in what you've been working on. Doubly so if it's a COL project (see below). I mention to people all the time that I would LOVE for them to email me a picture of their quilt.

So here's the deal: SEND ME A PICTURE and a little blurb and I'll post you on my blog.

Fun huh?

Every tuesday I'll gather together all the emails you send and feature them on the blog.
They can be any projects you want to share, but like I said, I would LOVE to see your COL projects.

At the end of every month, all the COL project posts will be entered into a drawing for a FREE COL pattern.

My email is on the right side of blog.

Don't forget to include your name, where you live (City & State, or just State is fine) and a blog link if you have one.

I look forward to seeing what you've been up to!

You better watch out!

You better not cry. You better not pout. I'm telling you why-

CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

Let's not get too stressed out about it now. Take a peek at Margie's new wonderful holiday creation called

"Santa Claus Lane".

This one is a must have, wouldn't you say?

WINNER WINNER WINNER!

I'm sorry that I'm finally posting so late in the day. I have been off having a wonderful time. You see, today is my Birthday. My wonderful husband planned a 2-day adventure for me so I've been gone since yesterday morning. I won't bore you with all the details but I will tell you the best part- he took me to 5 QUILT SHOPS! It's been awesome.

Anyway, I know you've all been waiting so let's get on with it.

I went back and posted all the answers to the "quiz". CONGRATULATIONS to Sharon, Dya, Meg99, Taya, and Shannon for getting all the answers right! (They definately were not easy).

Since there were 5 names I put each name on a piece of paper and had my adorable 7 year old son pick one from a bowl.

The winner is TAYA! Email me all your info. so I can send you your prize!

FYI- I'm going to be out of town for the next week. I'll try to post, but I'm not making any promises. ;o) However when I get back I will post all kinds of new and fun stuff. Have a good week!

I'm on Moda Bake Shop!

To help celebrate my debut on Moda Bake Shop I am having a contest!

Here are the rules:

First- See if you can name each fabric line and designer from the 'scraps' pictured below. There are lines from the past, present, and near future. This might be challenging- but it's not impossible.

(to be fair I will tell you that a couple of these 'piles' had a few extra pieces mixed in- but the MAJORITY of the fabrics came from one line. You have to name that line.)

Second- Write a post on your blog about Crazy Old Ladies "Scrap Bag-Baby" being on Moda Bake Shop. (don't forget the links!)

Third- Leave a comment on my blog with your answers numbered and a link back to your blog.

This is how I will choose the winner:

Whoever gets the answers right to the quiz will win. If there are lots of people that get all the answers right then I will enter all their names and pick a random winner.

Here's what you'll win:

A Moda 'Scrap Bag'; 5 fat quarters from a 'new' moda line; and MY jar of fabric selvages.

The contest will run through Aug. 28th. I will pick the announce the winner on Aug. 29th.

Here are the pictures:

GOBBLE GOBBLE by SANDY GERVAIS

EVA by BASIC GREY

SIMPLE ABUNDANCE by BONNIE AND CAMILLE

BOUTIQUE by CHEZ MOI

PEAS AND CARROTS by AMERICAN JANE

HUSHABYE by TULA PINK

ASTER MANOR by 3 SISTERS

NEPTUNE by TULA PINK

I hope you have fun! GOOD LUCK!

CHECK HERE

TOMORROW

(Sat. 8/22)

FOR AN

EXCITING EVENT

then some back

HERE

(crazyoldladiesquilts.blogspot.com)

FOR AN AWESOME

CONTEST!

Update:

I've been working-

I bought a TON of wool (for felt food), put it on a shelf, and there it sits. Not right now.

I've been drawing- A LOT! And that's all I'm going to say about that.

I've been posting- but not here. Where you might ask? You'll have to wait until Saturday!

I'm still here, just working.

YUMMY

I have to tell you, I am completely OBSESSED with felt food. Have you seen it?

I've been catching glimpses here and there for a little while. But the other day I was checking out a friends blog: TEA ROSE HOME, and could hardly contain myself. Did you see the sushi? OMG! I don't even eat sushi but she's got me totally wanting to make some!

I checked with my local shop and they don't carry ANY patterns. SO... I've taken it upon myself to get a few patterns, make up some yummy treats, and take them to the shop to try and convince them that they HAVE to carry them in their shop!

A quick ETSY search led me to:

These delicious fruits by UMECRAFTS

These scrumtious treats by JULYHOBBY

and these mouth watering cinnamon rolls by BUGGABUGS

Now can you see why I can't think of anything else!?

Have any of you ever made felt food? Post a picture on your blog and leave me a comment- I'd love to see your tasty treats!