Woe is me...... again

 I recently watched a tutorial on YouTube by Erica Arndt on making simple Hot Pads.

I had some left over Christmas fabric that I thought would make a couple of cute ones. So I started by cutting a 10" piece of batting and adding the strips of fabric. But unfortunately, my machine decided that it was not going to cooperate and started giving me loops on the back. Frustrated, I pulled out my old Kenmore to finish the one I had started.

Truthfully I felt like crying, because my machine did the same thing a year ago. I was so disappointed that I could not even finish a simple project like this. I have a couple of quilts that need quilting, but will now have to wait until I can get my machine repaired. The Bernina store does not open until Wednesday, which means I will need to wait two days before I can even take it there. Sigh..... 

                                      Needle and  Thread Thursday  

                       

                                      Sew and Tell

                                      Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?

                                      Finished or not Friday

                                      Peacock Party

Gift giving

 

How are you doing working on Christmas gifts? I have been trying to finish up on gifts to give this year. It can be a bit overwhelming when I think about it, but I am determined to try. 

Please tell me what you are doing, and what has inspired you this year. And share any links that will give inspiration. 

I'm an Olfa girl

I'm a true blue Olfa girl. From cutters and mats and blades. Since the first one I bought back in the 80's, I have only used Olfa cutters and mats.

This one would be vintage now. But you know if you keep changing the blade, it still works!

Over the years I have found that my blades last longer when I use the sister mat.

One time I was cutting at a friends house, and used her mat, which was another brand. My blade dulled almost immediately. So I have stuck with Olfa mats, and I have several. Makes me happy!

So Inspired

 I am never disappointed when I travel to Plant City to Inspire!

And this time was no different.

I took a friend and we found lots of inspiration.

When I saw this panel, I fell in love.

So perfect for a spring quilt.  I had to have it :-)

And the shop owner was kind enough to make a copy of the directions for me.

Thats what makes a friendly Quilt shop. Makes me want to go back.

Quick and easy

 It is so easy to make these.

So when I have a pause in any project, I make pillowcases for Ryan's Case for Smiles. 

Ever since I was given a serger, they make up so quickly. I like making something that helps kids feel better.

                                      Needle and  Thread Thursday  

                       

                                      Sew and Tell

                                      Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?

                                      Finished or not Friday

                                      Peacock Party

Patience or quit?

 Several years ago, we made these bags with the fancy zippers. So I thought I would make a few for teacher gifts. It didn't really go well.

The first one I tried I used a tutorial that was pretty complicated. 

Although it turned out looking nice, it used fleece as a lining, and I found it was difficult to sew through all the layers.

So the next tutorial I used was from Missouri Star.

It looked so floppy, even when I tried boxing the corners. I took it apart and put the zipper at the top, thinking it would make a difference.

It looked a little better, but the zipper did not close correctly. 

So what to do? Struggle with fleece or just let it go, and don't try to make any more :-(

                                       Needle and  Thread Thursday  

                       

                                      Sew and Tell

                                      Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?

                                      Finished or not Friday

                                      Peacock Party

Wordless Wednesday

 

A pretty Fall vignette at an outdoor quilt show.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor

 

The Legacy of Longdale Manor is a dual time novel by Carrie Turansky. Set in the time line between 1912 and 2012.

In 2012 Gwen Morris travels to England to appraise paintings and antiques, hoping to redeem herself for a grave error she has made. Lilly Benderly and her grandson David are hoping the sale of her antiques will garner enough money to repair the Manor to turn it into a hotel. During her stay Gwen discovers a 100 year old journal that may be a link to her estranged father, who she never knew. 

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper discovers letters that could ruin her family's reputation.  She must keep this secret from her mother, and subsequently pours her heart out in her journal.  After losing everything, they travel to Longdale Manor to try to restore the relationship that was broken with her grandfather. Although her grandfather refuses to allow them live there, the Storey family, a long time friend of Charlottes mother, invites them to stay and so begins a friendship between her son Ian and Charlotte.

This is a sweet clean story set in the Lake District. The history and real time are woven beautifully with faith, forgiveness and love intertwining. Both Gwen and Charlotte must come to the conclusion that God is the only perfect Father. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Finally a finish

After many years in the making, I finished quilting this Fall quilt yesterday. It is an old Lynette Jensen pattern that was tucked away in the closet. 

Trying to figure out where I want to display it.

There was enough fabric for backing and binding :-)

I love how it turned out. The border fabric really made this pattern pop. Thanks for the suggestions.

  

                                       Needle and  Thread Thursday  

                       

                                      Sew and Tell

                                      Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?

                                      Finished or not Friday

                                      Peacock Party

Free patterns

 

I found three FREE pattern giveaways. And introducing new fabric lines. But hurry, some are time limited.

Totally Tulip by My Sew Quilty Life

Streamers by Christa Quilts

Mini Spools by Moda

Times and Seasons

 

And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
Daniel 2:21 NKJV