I want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
I hope your holiday is filled with lots of laughter and joy!
May all your Christmas wishes come true and your stockings overflow with good cheer! :)
Until next time . . .
Monday, December 24, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
All Done With Time to Spare!
Hello! :)
Yes I did it! I finished TWO quilts! There were times when I doubted whether I'd make it or not, but I did with days to spare! :) To say I'm happy is an understatement!!! :)
Here's Mario & Co. ready and waiting for Christmas to arrive and my son to open it and see it. I can't wait to see his reaction! :)
I quilted it with white thread in diagonal lines approximately 4" apart. It's bound with a solid red.
This time I remembered to take a picture of the back. It's a blend of some Spongebob fabric (the boy loves Spongebob), a yellow recycled sheet (the boy's favorite color) and another recycled sheet with stripes of colors from the front.
Of course Doobie had to get in on the action again. ;)
I also put the finishing touches on the Batik quilt for my hunky dude. Yes I did!!! It's finished!!! :)
You really can't see it very well but I quilted this with lines on either side of the black sashing in black thread. It's not really even (or straight for that matter) but it's done and I know he'll love it (at least I hope he does)! ;)
Now with only a few days to go until Christmas, I started on the 6 pairs of jammie pants I need to make. Hope it goes quick. I'm hoping to finish them on Saturday as well as get everything wrapped and under the tree. Sunday I plan on baking some cookies and making a cheesecake for my dad's house for Christmas Eve when the family gets together and celebrates Christmas. I hope all goes smooth. ;)
What do you still have to do before Christmas? Are you one of the lucky ones who are already ready and waiting for the day to arrive? Regardless of where you are in your plans . . . I hope you and your family have a merry Christmas! :)
Until next time . . .
Yes I did it! I finished TWO quilts! There were times when I doubted whether I'd make it or not, but I did with days to spare! :) To say I'm happy is an understatement!!! :)
Here's Mario & Co. ready and waiting for Christmas to arrive and my son to open it and see it. I can't wait to see his reaction! :)
I quilted it with white thread in diagonal lines approximately 4" apart. It's bound with a solid red.
This time I remembered to take a picture of the back. It's a blend of some Spongebob fabric (the boy loves Spongebob), a yellow recycled sheet (the boy's favorite color) and another recycled sheet with stripes of colors from the front.
Of course Doobie had to get in on the action again. ;)
My FINAL Official Mario Quilt Countdown
START Date 11/18/12
Blocks to make 12
Blocks completed 12
Blocks remaining 0
~
1-1/2" Squares
Started with 3888
Used 3888
Remaining 0
~
Sashing - DONE! :)
Borders - DONE! :)
Backing - DONE! :)
Basting - DONE! :)
Quilting - DONE! :)
Binding - DONE! :)
~
FINISHED Date 12/21/12
I also put the finishing touches on the Batik quilt for my hunky dude. Yes I did!!! It's finished!!! :)
You really can't see it very well but I quilted this with lines on either side of the black sashing in black thread. It's not really even (or straight for that matter) but it's done and I know he'll love it (at least I hope he does)! ;)
My FINAL Batik Quilt Countdown
START Date 12/15/12
~
Quilt Top - DONE! :)
Backing - DONE! :)
Basting - DONE! :)
Quilting - DONE! :)
Binding - DONE! :)
~
FINISHED Date 12/20/12
Now with only a few days to go until Christmas, I started on the 6 pairs of jammie pants I need to make. Hope it goes quick. I'm hoping to finish them on Saturday as well as get everything wrapped and under the tree. Sunday I plan on baking some cookies and making a cheesecake for my dad's house for Christmas Eve when the family gets together and celebrates Christmas. I hope all goes smooth. ;)
What do you still have to do before Christmas? Are you one of the lucky ones who are already ready and waiting for the day to arrive? Regardless of where you are in your plans . . . I hope you and your family have a merry Christmas! :)
Until next time . . .
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Plugging Away...
Hello! :)
I'm still here! I know it's been awhile since I posted. I've been very busy trying to get the quilts done before Christmas. I'm making lots of progress. :)
The other day I finally got the Super Mario quilt basted.
It's actually already quilted too! I know amazing huh?! I ended up machine quilting it with diagonal straight lines. Of course I forgot to take pictures. Sorry! :( Right now it's quilted and the binding has been sewn on too. It's sitting waiting for me to hand stitch the binding down. The last step! I can't believe it! I never thought I'd be at this point. I now know that I will have this done in time for Christmas! Yea! :)
I don't think I told you but I had another quilt I needed to make for Christmas. I know I am crazy!!! This one is for my hunky dude. He's been asking me all year when I was going to make a quilt for him. I decided to make him one for Christmas. Somehowalthough it hasn't been easy I've managed to keep it a secret. He loves batik fabrics so that's what he's getting. The other night I managed to finish the quilt top.
I'm using Amy Smart's Lattice Quilt pattern again like I did last year for my oldest son's Hawaiian Getaway quilt. It went together pretty quick. Here's another view of it.
Did you notice the dog? The back is pieced from leftover batik pieces and is definitely random. ;)
Last night I machine quilted this quilt. I also got the binding (black) stitched on and it's ready to be hand stitched down. I'm hoping to get this finished in the next couple of days.
It hasn't been easy working on these quilts since both quilts are surprises for my guys. I can only work on them when they're gone or sleeping. I'll definitely be back later to show you the pictures of the finished quilts. I really like how they're looking. I just hope my guys like them too! ;)
Until next time . . .
I'm still here! I know it's been awhile since I posted. I've been very busy trying to get the quilts done before Christmas. I'm making lots of progress. :)
The other day I finally got the Super Mario quilt basted.
It's actually already quilted too! I know amazing huh?! I ended up machine quilting it with diagonal straight lines. Of course I forgot to take pictures. Sorry! :( Right now it's quilted and the binding has been sewn on too. It's sitting waiting for me to hand stitch the binding down. The last step! I can't believe it! I never thought I'd be at this point. I now know that I will have this done in time for Christmas! Yea! :)
My Official Mario Quilt Countdown
Blocks to make 12
Blocks completed 12
Blocks remaining 0
~
1-1/2" Squares
Started with 3888
Used 3888
Remaining 0
~
Sashing - DONE! :)
Borders - DONE! :)
Backing - DONE! :)
Basting - DONE! :)
Quilting - DONE! :)
Binding - need to stitch down
I don't think I told you but I had another quilt I needed to make for Christmas. I know I am crazy!!! This one is for my hunky dude. He's been asking me all year when I was going to make a quilt for him. I decided to make him one for Christmas. Somehow
I'm using Amy Smart's Lattice Quilt pattern again like I did last year for my oldest son's Hawaiian Getaway quilt. It went together pretty quick. Here's another view of it.
Did you notice the dog? The back is pieced from leftover batik pieces and is definitely random. ;)
Last night I machine quilted this quilt. I also got the binding (black) stitched on and it's ready to be hand stitched down. I'm hoping to get this finished in the next couple of days.
Batik Quilt Countdown
Quilt Top - DONE! :)
Backing - DONE! :)
Basting - DONE! :)
Quilting - DONE! :)
Binding - need to stitch down
It hasn't been easy working on these quilts since both quilts are surprises for my guys. I can only work on them when they're gone or sleeping. I'll definitely be back later to show you the pictures of the finished quilts. I really like how they're looking. I just hope my guys like them too! ;)
Until next time . . .
Traveling Stash Box UPDATES!
Hello! :)
Welcome! :) This is where you find updates for the 8 Traveling Stash boxes traveling around the US!
What is a Traveling Stash Box? It's a box that's filled with a collection of fabrics, patterns, thread and other quilty fun! When you receive a box you take out what you like, replace it with items from your own stash, hold a giveaway and then send it to the next lucky person. You can find all the rules and guidelines here.
Here are the latest updates as of 12/29/12 . . .
TRAVELING STASH & OTHER BOXES:
BOX #1: Emily @ Callender's Creations has received the box! The Giveaway will be posted Monday! :)
BOX #2: Helen @ Time for Mimi has received the box! The Giveaway will be posted after Christmas! :)
BOX #3: Lisa @ A Day in the Life of Raising Six Munchkins has received the box! She's busy deciding what to add to the box. The Giveaway will be posted soon! :)
BOX #4: Jill @ Apple Avenue Quilts is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Jill! The box should have arrived! :)
BOX #5: Josie @ Insanity Defense is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Josie! The box will be arriving soon! :)
TWO SISTERS BOX: Cherise (me) @ Sewingly Along has received the box! The Giveaway will be posted soon! :)
PASS IT ON BOX: Penny @ Sew Simple Life has posted the Giveaway! It ends on Friday, January 4th! ENTER HERE!!!
LEAP YEAR BOX #2 (giveaway begins on the 29th of each month): Sharon @ Vrooman's Quilts is the winner of the Giveaway! The box has not been received yet so the Giveaway will be delayed. :(
MIA- LEAP YEAR BOX #1: In September 2012 this box was lost in transit. In October 2012 the mailing label was found and paperwork was filed about the contents of the box. Hopefully the post office will be able to locate it. If it shows up we will continue with it at that time. :)
Find all the Traveling Stash Rules & Guidelines (including how to save postage) here.
Find out about all the Origins of the Traveling Stash Boxes here.
Find all the Traveling Stash posts here.
Until next time . . .
Welcome! :) This is where you find updates for the 8 Traveling Stash boxes traveling around the US!
What is a Traveling Stash Box? It's a box that's filled with a collection of fabrics, patterns, thread and other quilty fun! When you receive a box you take out what you like, replace it with items from your own stash, hold a giveaway and then send it to the next lucky person. You can find all the rules and guidelines here.
The current GIVEAWAYS will be listed in RED below when available.
Be sure to enter to WIN a box today! :)
Some of the boxes are delayed because of the hussle and bussle of the holidays.
Watch for more giveaways to be posted after Christmas! :)
Here are the latest updates as of 12/29/12 . . .
TRAVELING STASH & OTHER BOXES:
BOX #1: Emily @ Callender's Creations has received the box! The Giveaway will be posted Monday! :)
BOX #2: Helen @ Time for Mimi has received the box! The Giveaway will be posted after Christmas! :)
BOX #3: Lisa @ A Day in the Life of Raising Six Munchkins has received the box! She's busy deciding what to add to the box. The Giveaway will be posted soon! :)
BOX #4: Jill @ Apple Avenue Quilts is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Jill! The box should have arrived! :)
BOX #5: Josie @ Insanity Defense is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Josie! The box will be arriving soon! :)
TWO SISTERS BOX: Cherise (me) @ Sewingly Along has received the box! The Giveaway will be posted soon! :)
PASS IT ON BOX: Penny @ Sew Simple Life has posted the Giveaway! It ends on Friday, January 4th! ENTER HERE!!!
LEAP YEAR BOX #2 (giveaway begins on the 29th of each month): Sharon @ Vrooman's Quilts is the winner of the Giveaway! The box has not been received yet so the Giveaway will be delayed. :(
MIA- LEAP YEAR BOX #1: In September 2012 this box was lost in transit. In October 2012 the mailing label was found and paperwork was filed about the contents of the box. Hopefully the post office will be able to locate it. If it shows up we will continue with it at that time. :)
Find all the Traveling Stash Rules & Guidelines (including how to save postage) here.
Find out about all the Origins of the Traveling Stash Boxes here.
Find all the Traveling Stash posts here.
Until next time . . .
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Giveaway WINNER!!! + Mini Quilts for Sale!!!
Hello! :)
I hope you had lots of fun hopping around putting your name in for lots of awesome prizes. I know I did! :)
I would like to thank everyone for visiting me and entering to win the mini quilt. I would also like to thank all my loyal followers and new followers as well for choosing to hang out with me! I love having you here! :)
Now it's time to announce the lucky winner! ;) With the help of the random number generator the winner of the Mini Christmas Quilt is . . .
#41 Rhonda D. who said . . .
Rhonda D. said... 41
I love your tree quilt. Thanks for the chance to win.
Congrats Rhonda! :) You are the winner of the Mini Christmas Quilt!
I have sent Rhonda an email. As soon as you send me your mailing address I'll get your mini quilt out to you. :)
I happen to have two more of these mini quilts. If anyone in the US is interested they are $25 each plus $5 shipping via USPS priority mail. Just send me an email (with 'mini quilt' in the subject line) and let me know you'd like one.
Until next time . . .
I hope you had lots of fun hopping around putting your name in for lots of awesome prizes. I know I did! :)
I would like to thank everyone for visiting me and entering to win the mini quilt. I would also like to thank all my loyal followers and new followers as well for choosing to hang out with me! I love having you here! :)
Now it's time to announce the lucky winner! ;) With the help of the random number generator the winner of the Mini Christmas Quilt is . . .
#41 Rhonda D. who said . . .
Congrats Rhonda! :) You are the winner of the Mini Christmas Quilt!
I have sent Rhonda an email. As soon as you send me your mailing address I'll get your mini quilt out to you. :)
I happen to have two more of these mini quilts. If anyone in the US is interested they are $25 each plus $5 shipping via USPS priority mail. Just send me an email (with 'mini quilt' in the subject line) and let me know you'd like one.
Until next time . . .
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Traveling Stash UPDATES!
Hello! :)
Welcome! :) This is where you find updates for the 8 Traveling Stash boxes traveling around the US!
What is a Traveling Stash Box? It's a box that's filled with a collection of fabrics, patterns, thread and other quilty fun! When you receive a box you take out what you like, replace it with items from your own stash, hold a giveaway and then send it to the next lucky person. You can find all the rules and guidelines here.
The current GIVEAWAYS are listed in RED below.
Be sure to enter to WIN a box today! :)
Here are the latest updates as of 12/17/12 . . .
TRAVELING STASH & OTHER BOXES:
BOX #1: Char @ Cloth Stitched has posted the Giveaway! It ends at midnight (EST) on Friday, December 21st! ENTER HERE!!!
BOX #2: Helen @ Time for Mimi is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Helen! The box will be arriving soon! :)
BOX #3: Lisa @ A Day in the Life of Raising Six Munchkins has received the box! The Giveaway will be posted soon! :)
BOX #4: Jill @ Apple Avenue Quilts is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Jill! The box will be arriving soon! :)
BOX #5: Charlotte @ Grammie Q's is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Charlotte! The box will be arriving soon! :)
TWO SISTERS BOX: Nicole @ Bold Goods has posted the Giveaway! It ends at noon on Tuesday, December 18th! ENTER HERE!!!
PASS IT ON BOX: Karen @ Quilting Losing and Tea has posted the Giveaway! It ends at 3:00pm (CST) on Tuesday, December 18th! ENTER HERE!!!
LEAP YEAR BOX #2 (giveaway begins on the 29th of each month): Sharon @ Vrooman's Quilts is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Sharon! The box will be arriving soon! :)
MIA- LEAP YEAR BOX #1: In the middle of September this box was mailed and never arrived. It's lost in transit. At the end of October the mailing label was found and the mailer filed paperwork describing what's in the box. If the original box shows up we will continue with it at that time. :)
Find all the Traveling Stash Rules & Guidelines (including how to save postage) here.
Find out about all the Origins of the Traveling Stash Boxes here.
Find all the Traveling Stash posts here.
Until next time . . .
Sunday, December 9, 2012
It's time for the Blog Hop Party with Give-Aways!
The giveaway has closed. Thank you for entering!
Merry Christmas! :)
Hello! :)
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Michelle at Quilting Gallery is celebrating her blog's 5th Birthday with a Quilter's Blog Hop Party! I'm one of the lucky participants. You can be one of the lucky winner's of some great goodies! :)
The official Blog Hop Party begins on Monday, December 10th shortly after midnight. At that time you can go to the official party page to see all the participants and enter to win lots of goodies! :)
I'm giving away an adorable Mini Christmas Quilt that I made.
Would you like to have this piece for your home? Here's what you need to do . . .
- Leave me a comment. Any comment will do. Something to make me smile would be wonderful! ;)
- For a Bonus Entry follow my blog. Be sure to tell me whether you're a new or current follower in a separate post for an extra chance to win. (This is not mandatory.)
This giveaway is open internationally. It will remain open until midnight, Saturday, December 15th. I will choose a winner on Sunday, December 16th, with the help of the random number generator. I will email the winner and post it on my blog. If you are a no-reply blogger please post your email in your comment or you will be disqualified.
Thank you so much for visiting and participating in Quilting Gallery's 5th Birthday Celebration with me! I'm glad you stopped by! ;)
Until next time . . .
My Friday Night with Friends
Hello! :)
I had a pretty good Friday Night with Friends this month. I worked on cutting and putting the borders on my Super Mario Quilt.
I love the way it looks! :) Thank you so much for everyone who said it was okay to add different size borders. :) The picture doesn't do it justice. The quilt is so big! It's 95" x 82". I did manage to get the binding cut and prepped too. Forgot to take a picture of it though . . . oh well. Now I just need to get the backing ready and get this baby sandwich and quilted.
Until next time . . .
I had a pretty good Friday Night with Friends this month. I worked on cutting and putting the borders on my Super Mario Quilt.
I managed to get them done. So now I have a finished quilt top. :) Here it is with the borders added . . .
I love the way it looks! :) Thank you so much for everyone who said it was okay to add different size borders. :) The picture doesn't do it justice. The quilt is so big! It's 95" x 82". I did manage to get the binding cut and prepped too. Forgot to take a picture of it though . . . oh well. Now I just need to get the backing ready and get this baby sandwich and quilted.
My Official Mario Quilt Countdown
Blocks to make 12
Blocks completed 12
Blocks remaining 0
~
1-1/2" Squares
Started with 3888
Used 3888
Remaining 0
~
Sashing - DONE! :)
Borders - DONE! :)
Backing - not started
Basting - not started
Quilting - not started
Binding - prepped and ready to go!
Until next time . . .
Friday, December 7, 2012
Tonight is Friday Night with Friends
Hello! :)
Tonight is the monthly "Friday Night with Friends". I just signed up to participate. I kept meaning to all week but kept getting side-tracked per usual. Right now it's 5:45pm here in California so I'd better be getting my Friday night fun started. :)
I finally made it out and about today and got the fabric I need for the boy's Super Mario Quilt borders.
That's what I'll be working on tonight. I'll be cutting the fabric for the borders and sewing them on. Hopefully at the end of the night I'll have a completed quilt top! Keep your fingers crossed that nothing gets in my way. ;) I'm hoping to have time to cut and get the binding ready to go as well since I got the fabric for it too. I'll be back to tomorrow to show you my results. Hope you have something fun planned tonight as well. And for all my friends out there . . . I'm here sewing along with you all! ;)
Until next time . . .
Tonight is the monthly "Friday Night with Friends". I just signed up to participate. I kept meaning to all week but kept getting side-tracked per usual. Right now it's 5:45pm here in California so I'd better be getting my Friday night fun started. :)
I finally made it out and about today and got the fabric I need for the boy's Super Mario Quilt borders.
That's what I'll be working on tonight. I'll be cutting the fabric for the borders and sewing them on. Hopefully at the end of the night I'll have a completed quilt top! Keep your fingers crossed that nothing gets in my way. ;) I'm hoping to have time to cut and get the binding ready to go as well since I got the fabric for it too. I'll be back to tomorrow to show you my results. Hope you have something fun planned tonight as well. And for all my friends out there . . . I'm here sewing along with you all! ;)
Until next time . . .
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Super Mario Update! :)
Hello! :)
I finally took a picture of the Mario quilt today. I couldn't get a really good pic of it but you get the idea. Please excuse all the loose threads. ;)
And another view . . .
I really love it. Like I said yesterday I really want to add some borders to make it a little larger. I'm thinking 8" black borders on the left and right and 3" on the top and bottom. What do you think? Will it look okay with smaller borders on the top and bottom? I'd really like your opinion. I've decided to make the binding red. My boy loves red! :)
I got a little frustrated today because I realized that I don't have enough fabric for the borders or the binding so I have to get more. I hate it when that happens. Guess Mr. Mario's gonna have to wait a little bit to get finished. :(
Until next time . . .
I finally took a picture of the Mario quilt today. I couldn't get a really good pic of it but you get the idea. Please excuse all the loose threads. ;)
And another view . . .
I really love it. Like I said yesterday I really want to add some borders to make it a little larger. I'm thinking 8" black borders on the left and right and 3" on the top and bottom. What do you think? Will it look okay with smaller borders on the top and bottom? I'd really like your opinion. I've decided to make the binding red. My boy loves red! :)
I got a little frustrated today because I realized that I don't have enough fabric for the borders or the binding so I have to get more. I hate it when that happens. Guess Mr. Mario's gonna have to wait a little bit to get finished. :(
My Official Mario Quilt Countdown
Blocks to make 12
Blocks completed 12
Blocks remaining 0
~
1-1/2" Squares
Started with 3888
Used 3888
Remaining 0
~
Sashing - DONE! :)
Black Borders - not started
Spongebob Backing - not started
Basting - not started
Quilting - not started
Red Binding - not started
Until next time . . .
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
My Christmas Wreath Tutorial
Hello! :)
I've been gone for a little bit but I've actually been getting a lot done. I managed to get the sashing on the Super Mario quilt but I haven't gotten a picture taken yet. I'm hoping to take one tomorrow so I can show it to you. I've decided to add some borders too. It's long enough but I want it to be wider. So I'm thinking about adding small borders to the top and bottom and wider ones to the sides. Do you think that will be okay? I know what I want to do and I'm hoping to sit down and work on it tomorrow.
So what have I been doing the last few days? I've been decorating for Christmas! :) I'm really enjoying it and went all out this year. Every time I finish decorating I think of something else to add. I really do need to stop though so I can get back to the quilts I need to finish. I'm hoping to take some pictures to show you later this week. :)
I've been seeing a lot of those ornament wreaths around blogland. I love them! I've been wanting to make one of my own and I finally did! :) I actually remembered to take pictures along the way so I'll share them with you so this will be a mini tutorial.
There are many ways to make an ornament wreath. I thought about using a styrofoam base but I wanted it to last for a long time and I didn't think styrofoam would hold up for the long run. Instead I choose to use a pre-formed wire wreath as my base. I forgot to take a picture of the wreath base by itself so here it is with the tinsel garland already wrapped around it.
I secured the end of the tinsel garland to the wire wreath form and then began wrapping. I tried to get it as evenly spaced as possible. When I got to the end I secured it with hot glue.
I got my bulbs ornaments at WalMart. I laid them out around the inside of the wreath to see how many I needed. I began gluing them to the inside edge of the wreath form with the top of the bulbs towards the wreath. Try to space them evenly so you don't have too much space between them or too much space leftover at the end. Make sure you hold the bulb long enough so the glue sets.
Next do the same thing with the outer edge of the wreath. You will end up with bulbs on the inside, on the outside and the tinsel showing in the center. The wreath will be kind of flimsy at this point. When you add the bulbs in the center it will become much more stable.
At this point I just started adding bulbs between the other ones one at a time. I tried not to get glue on the other bulbs where it would show but it did happen. If it happens to you too you will be able to cover it up. Just try to avoid it if possible.
Each time you add a bulb glue it to all the bulbs it touches and squeeze them together until the glue sets. This is how the wreath becomes stable. Do the same thing all the way around. You can either add the smaller bulbs at the same time as the larger ones or get all the larger ones on and then do the smaller ones later. I actually did it both ways. The small bulbs are basically filler bulbs. Use as many or as little as you like. Put them where you have holes. You will be adding more tinsel in the next step to fill some of the smaller holes so don't worry to much.
After I had all the bulbs on I cut tinsel in pieces that were approximately 1-1/2" to 2" long. I added them randomly around the wreath where there were holes. I carefully pushed the tinsel down into the holes with my finger (you can also use a tool to do this). At this time you can also add tinsel to those places where you may have dried glue showing that you don't want to see.
Now you have a beautiful finished wreath! :) You can always add ribbon to it (or anything else you like). I'm really happy with how mine turned out. I immediately hung it on the inside of my front door.
Here's another picture of it . . .
So now I have a wreath on the inside and outside of my door. :) I also have an heirloom wreath to cherish from year to year. If you make one of your own I would love to see pictures so please share. :)
Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with Mario quilt progress to show. :)
Until next time . . .
I've been gone for a little bit but I've actually been getting a lot done. I managed to get the sashing on the Super Mario quilt but I haven't gotten a picture taken yet. I'm hoping to take one tomorrow so I can show it to you. I've decided to add some borders too. It's long enough but I want it to be wider. So I'm thinking about adding small borders to the top and bottom and wider ones to the sides. Do you think that will be okay? I know what I want to do and I'm hoping to sit down and work on it tomorrow.
So what have I been doing the last few days? I've been decorating for Christmas! :) I'm really enjoying it and went all out this year. Every time I finish decorating I think of something else to add. I really do need to stop though so I can get back to the quilts I need to finish. I'm hoping to take some pictures to show you later this week. :)
I've been seeing a lot of those ornament wreaths around blogland. I love them! I've been wanting to make one of my own and I finally did! :) I actually remembered to take pictures along the way so I'll share them with you so this will be a mini tutorial.
Supplies needed:
Wire wreath form (mine is 18"), tinsel garland (I used one plus a little more of another one), approximately 60 average size ball ornaments, approximately 30 small ball ornaments, hot glue gun with glue sticks.
There are many ways to make an ornament wreath. I thought about using a styrofoam base but I wanted it to last for a long time and I didn't think styrofoam would hold up for the long run. Instead I choose to use a pre-formed wire wreath as my base. I forgot to take a picture of the wreath base by itself so here it is with the tinsel garland already wrapped around it.
I secured the end of the tinsel garland to the wire wreath form and then began wrapping. I tried to get it as evenly spaced as possible. When I got to the end I secured it with hot glue.
I got my bulbs ornaments at WalMart. I laid them out around the inside of the wreath to see how many I needed. I began gluing them to the inside edge of the wreath form with the top of the bulbs towards the wreath. Try to space them evenly so you don't have too much space between them or too much space leftover at the end. Make sure you hold the bulb long enough so the glue sets.
Next do the same thing with the outer edge of the wreath. You will end up with bulbs on the inside, on the outside and the tinsel showing in the center. The wreath will be kind of flimsy at this point. When you add the bulbs in the center it will become much more stable.
At this point I just started adding bulbs between the other ones one at a time. I tried not to get glue on the other bulbs where it would show but it did happen. If it happens to you too you will be able to cover it up. Just try to avoid it if possible.
Each time you add a bulb glue it to all the bulbs it touches and squeeze them together until the glue sets. This is how the wreath becomes stable. Do the same thing all the way around. You can either add the smaller bulbs at the same time as the larger ones or get all the larger ones on and then do the smaller ones later. I actually did it both ways. The small bulbs are basically filler bulbs. Use as many or as little as you like. Put them where you have holes. You will be adding more tinsel in the next step to fill some of the smaller holes so don't worry to much.
After I had all the bulbs on I cut tinsel in pieces that were approximately 1-1/2" to 2" long. I added them randomly around the wreath where there were holes. I carefully pushed the tinsel down into the holes with my finger (you can also use a tool to do this). At this time you can also add tinsel to those places where you may have dried glue showing that you don't want to see.
Now you have a beautiful finished wreath! :) You can always add ribbon to it (or anything else you like). I'm really happy with how mine turned out. I immediately hung it on the inside of my front door.
Here's another picture of it . . .
So now I have a wreath on the inside and outside of my door. :) I also have an heirloom wreath to cherish from year to year. If you make one of your own I would love to see pictures so please share. :)
Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with Mario quilt progress to show. :)
Until next time . . .
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Traveling Stash UPDATES!
Hello! :)
Welcome! :) This is where you find updates for the 8 Traveling Stash boxes traveling around the US!
What is a Traveling Stash Box? It's a box that's filled with a collection of fabrics, patterns, thread and other quilty fun! When you receive a box you take out what you like, replace it with items from your own stash, hold a giveaway and then send it to the next lucky person. You can find all the rules and guidelines (including how to save on postage) here.
Here are the latest updates as of 12/10/12 . . .
TRAVELINGS STASH & OTHER BOXES:
BOX #1: Sharon @ Vrooman's Quilts has posted the Giveaway! It ends on Tuesday, December 11th at midnight (EST)! ENTER HERE!!!
BOX #2: Helen @ Time for Mimi is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Helen! The box will be arriving soon! :)
BOX #3: Lisa @ A Day in the Life of Raising Six Munchkins is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Lisa! The box will be arriving soon! :)
BOX #4: Jill @ Apple Avenue Quilts is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Jill! The box will be arriving soon! :)
BOX #5: Martha @ Quilt to the Edge has posted the Giveaway! It ended on Sunday, December 9th! The winner will be announced soon! :)
TWO SISTERS BOX: Nicole @ Bold Goods is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Nicole! The box will be arriving soon! :)
PASS IT ON BOX: Karen @ Quilting Losing and Tea is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Karen! The box will be arriving soon! :)
LEAP YEAR BOX #2 (giveaway begins on the 29th of each month): Sharon @ Vrooman's Quilts is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Sharon! The box will be arriving soon! :)
MIA- LEAP YEAR BOX #1: In the middle of September this box was mailed and never arrived. It's lost in transit. At the end of October the mailing label was found and the mailer filed paperwork describing what's in the box. If the original box shows up we will continue with it at that time. :)
Find all the Traveling Stash Rules & Guidelines (including how to save postage) here.
Find out about all the Origins of the Traveling Stash Boxes here.
Find all the Traveling Stash posts here.
Until next time . . .
Welcome! :) This is where you find updates for the 8 Traveling Stash boxes traveling around the US!
What is a Traveling Stash Box? It's a box that's filled with a collection of fabrics, patterns, thread and other quilty fun! When you receive a box you take out what you like, replace it with items from your own stash, hold a giveaway and then send it to the next lucky person. You can find all the rules and guidelines (including how to save on postage) here.
The current GIVEAWAYS are listed in RED below.
Be sure to enter to WIN a box today! :)
Here are the latest updates as of 12/10/12 . . .
TRAVELINGS STASH & OTHER BOXES:
BOX #1: Sharon @ Vrooman's Quilts has posted the Giveaway! It ends on Tuesday, December 11th at midnight (EST)! ENTER HERE!!!
BOX #2: Helen @ Time for Mimi is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Helen! The box will be arriving soon! :)
BOX #3: Lisa @ A Day in the Life of Raising Six Munchkins is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Lisa! The box will be arriving soon! :)
BOX #4: Jill @ Apple Avenue Quilts is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Jill! The box will be arriving soon! :)
BOX #5: Martha @ Quilt to the Edge has posted the Giveaway! It ended on Sunday, December 9th! The winner will be announced soon! :)
TWO SISTERS BOX: Nicole @ Bold Goods is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Nicole! The box will be arriving soon! :)
PASS IT ON BOX: Karen @ Quilting Losing and Tea is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Karen! The box will be arriving soon! :)
LEAP YEAR BOX #2 (giveaway begins on the 29th of each month): Sharon @ Vrooman's Quilts is the winner of the Giveaway! Congrats Sharon! The box will be arriving soon! :)
MIA- LEAP YEAR BOX #1: In the middle of September this box was mailed and never arrived. It's lost in transit. At the end of October the mailing label was found and the mailer filed paperwork describing what's in the box. If the original box shows up we will continue with it at that time. :)
Find all the Traveling Stash Rules & Guidelines (including how to save postage) here.
Find out about all the Origins of the Traveling Stash Boxes here.
Find all the Traveling Stash posts here.
Until next time . . .
Thursday, November 29, 2012
The Blocks are Done!
Hello! :)
Yes they are! They're ALL DONE!!! :) I finished the last three blocks today. Here's the Shy Guy Block . . .
And the Star Block . . .
And the LAST one . . . the Turtle Shell Block . . .
To say I was happy as I completed the last block is an understatement!!! That's a big load off of me. I thought they were going to take forever. Once I got going on them it wasn't that bad. The worst part was only being able to work on them while the boy was not home or sleeping. My goal was to have them finished before the 1st and I did it! :) Here's my updated countdown . . .
Yes I've added the rest of the process for the quilt. So as I may be pretty far along in the process I still have a ways to go. I'm planning on starting the sashing tonight after the boy goes to bed. He usually goes to his dad's house for the weekend but he'll be home this weekend so I won't have too much time to work on it then. I would really like to get this quilt behind me. Not because I'm not enjoying it because I am. Just because I won't worry about whether I'll get it done in time anymore.
My plans for this weekend are to decorate the house and tree for Christmas. I'm also hoping to get a chance to start quilting my Vintage Holiday quilt I made a couple of weeks ago too.
What are your plans for the weekend? I hope it's something fun! :)
Until next time . . .
Yes they are! They're ALL DONE!!! :) I finished the last three blocks today. Here's the Shy Guy Block . . .
And the Star Block . . .
And the LAST one . . . the Turtle Shell Block . . .
To say I was happy as I completed the last block is an understatement!!! That's a big load off of me. I thought they were going to take forever. Once I got going on them it wasn't that bad. The worst part was only being able to work on them while the boy was not home or sleeping. My goal was to have them finished before the 1st and I did it! :) Here's my updated countdown . . .
My Official Mario Quilt Countdown
Blocks to make 12
Blocks completed 12
Blocks remaining 0
~
1-1/2" Squares
Started with 3888
Used 3888
Remaining 0
~
Sashing - not started
Border - not started
Backing - not started
Basting - not started
Quilting - not started
Binding - not started
Yes I've added the rest of the process for the quilt. So as I may be pretty far along in the process I still have a ways to go. I'm planning on starting the sashing tonight after the boy goes to bed. He usually goes to his dad's house for the weekend but he'll be home this weekend so I won't have too much time to work on it then. I would really like to get this quilt behind me. Not because I'm not enjoying it because I am. Just because I won't worry about whether I'll get it done in time anymore.
My plans for this weekend are to decorate the house and tree for Christmas. I'm also hoping to get a chance to start quilting my Vintage Holiday quilt I made a couple of weeks ago too.
What are your plans for the weekend? I hope it's something fun! :)
Until next time . . .
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Mario's Hoppin' Along ;)
Hello! :)
I finally took the pictures of the Mario blocks I finished this weekend and Monday. Of course, again, they're not perfect. The first one is the Pipe Block . . .
Then there's the Question Block . . .
And how about the Red Mushroom Block . . .
How about Mr. Luigi (I did reverse him) . . .
And the most important block of all . . . Mario himself . . .
I'm still having fun with the blocks and they're still time consuming as well. Every time one is finished I look at it and smile. They make me happy. :) I'm sure they'll make the boy happy as well. I'm hoping to get the last 3 blocks done tomorrow. Then I'll work on the sashing and be on the way to a completed quilt top. Yea! I can't wait to get it done. It's going to be so awesome! :)
Until next time . . .
I finally took the pictures of the Mario blocks I finished this weekend and Monday. Of course, again, they're not perfect. The first one is the Pipe Block . . .
Then there's the Question Block . . .
And how about the Red Mushroom Block . . .
How about Mr. Luigi (I did reverse him) . . .
And the most important block of all . . . Mario himself . . .
I'm still having fun with the blocks and they're still time consuming as well. Every time one is finished I look at it and smile. They make me happy. :) I'm sure they'll make the boy happy as well. I'm hoping to get the last 3 blocks done tomorrow. Then I'll work on the sashing and be on the way to a completed quilt top. Yea! I can't wait to get it done. It's going to be so awesome! :)
My Official Mario Quilt Countdown
Blocks to make 12
Blocks completed 9
Blocks remaining 3
~
1-1/2" Squares
Started with 3888
Used 2916
Remaining 972
Until next time . . .
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