The Seventh Day of Christmas

The end of 2016 is upon us! I hope it’s been a blessed year for everyone!

I wish sewing machines and longarm quilting machines came with something like a vehicle’s trip odometer! I know tractors have hours run time, so why not the machines? I may look into adapting something like this in the coming year! I know I could use a stop watch and write down the time spent, but I’ve been there, done that. It doesn’t work out very well for me!

Sometimes I look around my sewing room, and various fabric and material stash places I have throughout the house and my garden house, and I don’t think I’ve accomplished anything through the year. But, because I’ve kept a daily journal for almost two years now (such a huge help), I can go back and at least indicate the projects I’ve worked on in 2016!

Progress Report for 2016:

27 quilts created –

            10 were for Veterans!

            3 are still WIP (work in progress)!

NOTE:  Only one quilt created and finished was put up for sale in my Artfire shop. At this time, it’s still available.

The others have either been donated,

offered as a raffle fundraiser, 

or in the holding stage waiting for the perfect donation.

11 quilts quilted for others –

8 were for Veterans

2 were for Cancer Patients

1 was to wrap in love and hugs

8 Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts)

5 Prayer Flags

3 Pocket Prayer Quilts

An Apron donation for silent auction fundraiser

8 Blessing Bags

4 Kennel Quilts

It has been a busy year!

So much yet to do!

So many more Veterans to cover!

So many things to create!

The Sixth Day of Christmas

Encourage

Another focus within Lanetta’s Creations is to encourage others. 

When reading through the different articles I’ve done over the years, the following aspects are basically the key elements I’ve tried to share:

Pass it on!

Teach someone to sew!

Learn a new technique!

Forget the seam ripper! Turn mistakes into new designs!

Do something creative everyday! 

Simply do! Forget perfecting!

Take a break!

And…

…through it all...
leaving a bit of me within each post.

The Fifth Day of Christmas

Inspire

Over the years, some have asked me, “Why do you write a blog?” That’s a very good question! Sometimes, I wonder the same thing! There are various reasons why, but primarily to leave something behind that I hope will inspire and encourage others to create – something, anything!

It warms my heart when I hear from someone about an article I may have written a few years back, something they had been searching for on how-to do, or if it will work for them as well. A simple comment from someone does make my day!

For some reason, right now, I cannot leave a reply/comment on blogspot – even my own! There’s a glitch somewhere that I hope to get resolved soon!

Creating things – whether it’s quilts, doll clothes, aprons, Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts), Prayer Flags, etc. – is such a huge part of my being, my soul. It’s a part of me because everything I do is prayerfully done. I so appreciate this gift I inherited from my mother, and learned from grandmothers, aunts, and others ~ every day. Simply, I want to share with others!

Through this blog, it is my hope and prayer to inspire others… but, how?

1.  Create a virtual environment that cultivates creativity
2.  Promote thinking outside of the box
3.  Facing challenges
4.  Share ideas and methods
5.  Nurture heroes!

The Fourth Day of Christmas

Kindness

When you think about it, showing random acts of kindness without any expectation of gratitude is easy. It takes little effort to give of ourselves.

Can we do more? Certainly! It is as simple as having awareness of others around us ~ near and far. Besides smiling at everyone we see, holding open a door for a stranger, or offering a helping hand to someone, what other ideas are there?

Back in November, I happened across Coffee Cups and Crayons. Megan had put together a Random Acts of Christmas Kindness (RACK) Advent Calendar for December 2016. I went through her website and discovered she has also created Summer Kindness Calendars for us to download ~ all free! Oh, and she provides a list suggesting 100 Acts of Kindness for Kids that I believe are great ideas for adults as well!

There is a Random Acts of Kindness organization. Within the website, beyond their kindness ideas, they have created free lesson plans for teachers to incorporate within the classroom!

Besides doing Random Acts of Kindness (RAK), I will be more aware and will support businesses that also extend RAK’s! I will be looking for signs like these:

While doing Google searches to find fresh ideas, I discovered ~

February 17^th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day!

But, what if I don’t get out into the real world very often? What and how may I show daily Random Act of Kindness to others while I’m here on the ranch?

A few ideas I came up with:

• Write (and get it in the mail) “thinking of you” letters in my own handwriting – not typed or sent electronically!
• Bake cookies and mail to those I rarely see.
• Send “Thank You” cards to people that take my mother shopping and/or out for lunch, or picks up milk for her when they are going to the grocery store anyway.

How do you show Random Acts of Kindness, even from your home?

The Third Day of Christmas

Music, Book, Movie

When celebrating the Christmas season (because it’s not over!), if I had to name a favorite, only one per category, it would be –

Music:

O Holy Night – performed by any artist (as I’ve never heard it sung poorly) is on top of my chart.

Book:

I’ll never forget ~ now 15 years ago ~ reading aloud, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.

I read it without a microphone across a filled-to-capacity room that doubled as our cafeteria/auditorium in the local public charter school where I served as Director of Library Services. Over 75% of our students were in the CPS system, many with emotional and learning challenges. You could hear a pin drop while this mixed audience of teachers, staff, parents, guardians, and 50-60 Pre-K to 12^th grade students listened to this wonderful story filled with symbolism!

I highly recommend, The Polar Express – the book!

Movie:

It’s not the “traditional” Christmas movie, but I thoroughly enjoy watching year after year, A Christmas Kiss! The writers did a brilliant job showing how good overcomes evil/greed!

What is your favorite music, book, movie when celebrating Christmas?

The Second Day of Christmas

Have you ever wondered why it has been “customary” to use the colors Red and Green during the Christmas season? Certainly blue, white, gold, silver, purple, and really any color can be, and are, used to decorate. I believe most of us celebrating Christmas do look at red and green together and think, Christmas.

What’s the significance?

I went on an Internet search to find out…

Beyond the religious significance, red and green represents nature’s bright colors, the colors predominately remaining in an otherwise cold dreary winter landscape! It brings indoor the vivid colors of evergreens and holly berries and poinsettias…

This Christmas I stepped out of the “customary” box and wrapped 99.9% of the gifts given in this lovely paper, tied with either gold or silver or both wire ribbons…

Next year, I’m going back to the traditional, maybe, we’ll see!

What are your favorite “Christmas” colors?

The First Day of Christmas

Happy Birthday, Sweet Jesus!

He is the reason for the season!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Did you find an orange (or a clementine) in your stocking this morning? I did! It’s a beautiful reminder of the loving childhood my parents gave me! A warm memory as this always brings a smile to my soul.

Until recently, I didn’t realize many others around the world also share this orange, or Clementine, tradition! I happened across the “why” in this article!

What traditions do you carry on with your family?
What new traditions have you started?

Beyond our faith in Jesus, Christmas is about creating memories.

Memories to keep us warm.

Memories to bring a smile to our soul.

Merry Christmas Eve!!!

Oh. My. Goodness. It’s Christmas Eve already! Are you ready? I’m trying to get it done!

I hope you have a blessed Merry Christmas!

The Gift to Give

Each year, until last Christmas, I would ask my sister, “What would you like for Christmas?” She would always respond something like, “I am blessed. I don’t want anything. Rather, give to those in need.”

Instead of asking her last Christmas, I simply prepared and gave her “Blessing Bags” for her to pass along to those in need. I don’t think I’ve ever given her anything she liked and appreciated better – ever!

This year, I’m expanding the tradition, to give a Gift to Give.

And, this year, rather than just filling up several gallon size Ziplock bags, I’m creating fabric shoulder bags for the homeless to have as an additional gift. This way they may easily carry and keep items safely stored away.

I grew up with Grandmothers and childless Aunts making us something for Christmas. I so appreciated the time and effort they spent creating something for me. Because I love sewing something, making special one-of-a-kind gifts, I’ve been pondering what I could do to fulfill this “need” I have, I guess, to also give a part of me.

However, I’ve learned many folks don’t like “stuff” or “clutter” and tastes vary from one to the next. For some, their “gift” will be simply a gift card from their favorite store. That way they can get exactly what they want and nothing is re-gifted or tossed or sold in a garage sale.

But, everyone will receive a Gift to Give.

If you’re interested in starting the tradition, know this isn’t an inexpensive endeavor. Just these items alone totaled over $60.00 mostly from Walmart’s “trial size” aisle. 

Oh, and I put the bar of soap and bottle of shampoo inside a freezer strength ziplock bag.

But, to each Blessing Bag I still need to add:

bottle of water

bottle of Special K

toothbrush

toothpaste

gloves

sunscreen

chapstick

Some things I will NOT include:

Hard Granola or Energy bars (many homeless have teeth/gum issues)Trail Mix (same reason)Beef Jerky sticks (same reason)Gum/Hard Candy (same reason) On-the Go coffee or tea – (really? I guess it depends where they “live” because if it’s underneath a bridge ~ which I’ve seen numerous in the Dallas area ~ how will they heat up some coffee or tea? So, know your demographic!)

I’ve decided, the day after Christmas, I will spread out the gathering of these items over the year. So, each time I go shopping, I’m adding a little bit of the needed items to my regular list. I’ll mark a clear plastic tub “Gift to Give” for storage of said items, so it won’t be so costly at Christmas time!

Several sites across the internet offer suggestions of what to include in Blessing Bags. Pinterest (of course my favorite go-to place) has a nice collection.

Will you create one (or 3 or 6) “Gift to Give” this year?

 

Tomorrow is CyberMonday!

Thanksgiving 2016 is now in the memory file. Preparations for the joyous Christmas celebration are underway!

~ Decorating ~

~ Shopping ~

~ Wrapping gifts ~

~ Baking ~

~ Giving ~

What an exciting time of the year!

Tomorrow is CyberMonday!

I don’t usually “plug” my shop on this blog, but I do hope you stop by my online shop, Lanetta’s Creations, where you’ll find unique, one-of-a-kind items Handmade in Texas!

On CyberMonday, use coupon code CYBERMONDAY

and receive 20% off!!!

I just loved creating this Red Cape (and accessories come with!) that fits 18” dolls like the American Girl, Springfield, Our Generation, Gotz, and the vintage Chatty Cathy!

Oh, and rather than calling it a “bib” – I have created “Wearable Napkins” for adults! This is just one that’s available in Dallas Cowboy print:

Cowboys are doing fabulous this season! We may even get to the Super Bowl! Wouldn’t that be amazing!

Don’t forget, classy aprons make wonderful gifts! And, tomorrow’s savings is a good time to think ahead for Valentine’s Day! I just love Snoopy…  

Although I love everything I create, the most special item I produce is the Action Quilt, also known as Fidget Quilt.

Time and time again I hear heartwarming stories of how these little lap quilts covered with doodads, bibs and bobs provide activities to help those with Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, or Traumatic Brain Injury keep once busy hands occupied! As Martha would say, “It’s a good thing.”

So….

Don’t forget me ~ and other small handmade businesses ~ tomorrow!

I/We need your support!

Thank you in advance!

It has begun!

Renovations to the back bedroom in this 1918 house – my long awaited dedicated sewing room – have begun! I’m excited beyond words! Finally!

We’ve started with the exterior door.

Due to just the way it had do be – the door into the room from the living area is only 28” wide. It is certainly too small for a wheelchair (not that one is needed right now, but it could change in a heartbeat – been there, done that!) or for moving items into the room like my Aunt Lee’s desk or the antique “kitchen” table I dearly cherish.

While I was in Dallas last week, Bud ripped off the white vinyl siding we put on about 24 years ago… and the interior paneling.

Renovating a 98 year old house has its challenges! There are no “walls” like we are familiar with now (i.e. 2” x 4” x 8’ studs)…

Instead, the walls are made with 1” thick x 12” wide x 12’ – 16’ long planks (they go up into the ceiling and below the porch). These were covered by the shiplap on the outside (the blue) and a shiplap on the inside (the white).

Tedious!

IF we ripped off the interior white shiplap, we may find paper like we’ve found when other rooms have been renovated. Notice, zero insulation! That’s what the paper was for – bless their hearts! And, is why I never used this room much during the winter! This will all get updated!!!!

 

Of course we're getting lots of help!

First step…

Check back for our progress

Inventory

Starting with the most recent ~ 2016 National Sewing Month ~ I’m going back through my articles and creating an inventory list, a massive to-do list! These are projects I took the time to research and write about, so I want to make the time to create them! Rather than writing down on a piece of paper (to get lost on my desk), I’m listing them here!

Please, hold me accountable!

(Not in any particular order)

Nature’s Music – speaking of my desk, it’s where I keep the book, The Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird. While at Thomas’s, I’m keeping my eye out on some tiny print fabrics to use in creating these 6” blocks.

T-Shirt/ Memory Quilt – I need to first gather the t-shirts to use, then wash/dry (without adding any fabric softener or dryer sheet)!

Stack and Slash – while helping out at Thomas Sewing Center over the next few days, it’s a great opportunity to select the 5 different pieces of fabric I want to use!

Mastering the Beast – now that I have the correct tools, I want to go back and finish the “Let’s Sew It” appliqué wall hanging!

Paper Piecing – I’m excited about getting back to work on the Splendid Sampler’s BOM! I know I can do paper piecing now after reading the great tutorials!

Mixed Media in some Mini Quilts – to make a cute wall hanging like the “Hippy Chick”! This should be Number 1 on my list!

Busy Busy Busy!!!

Last Day! First Day!

Today ends this year’s National Sewing Month! I hope sewing for the experience of it continues for us all! It’s been a fun rewarding month of new adventures and techniques I’ve tried or have put on my bucket list! How about you?

Oh, and The State Fair of Texas opens today – through 10/23/2016!!!

If you’re looking for me, I’ll be at Thomas Sewing Center in Mesquite, Texas! They have such lovely fabrics, and oh… the… sewing, embroidery, longarm machines… what will be left in the store that is, as most will be at the Fair!

If you’re heading out to the Fair, check out their booth, located in the Grand Place building directly behind Big Tex!

I’ve already started my sewing to-do list for when I get back to the country after spending this next week helping out at Thomas’s! I’m certain the exposure in a lovely shop will fill me with even more ideas, not to mention supplies!

Remember, sewing for the experience of it benefits others, as well as us! 

In a Perfect World

Not long ago, a friend shared on Facebook this photo from National Sewing Circle. (Thanks, Donna!) So I, in turn, shared it on Lanetta’s Creations Facebook page!

It would be a perfect world if it worked this way….

How many people quilt?

Every four years independent companies provide a “Quilting in America” survey (although I’ve never been contacted!). The last one, conducted in 2014, indicates the market is worth $3.76 billion (yes, that’s BILLION) annually! They report we have more than 16 million active quilters in the USA – one out of 20 Americans quilts!

I am one.

What’s the difference between a quilt and a blanket?

A quilt has three layers – top, batting, backing.

A blanket is a single layer of fabric.

Cost to create a quilt:

Although dated 8/31/2013, I found an excellent article on Katie’s Quilting Corner that discusses all the aspects of quiltmaking. What do you think of what Katie explains?

I found this cost sheet on the internet. I’m sorry I failed to note who created it, but it’s more in line with 2016 cost of fabrics and materials to make a quilt.

It’s all just a reminder, for those of us who quilt.

It’s an expensive endeavor.

But, one so worthwhile! With every cut made and stitch sewn, it’s a thoughtful prayer and hope filled with love. Wrapped in a quilt, it’s the hug that keeps giving!

T-Shirt Quilt - aka Memory Quilt

Have you created one, a t-shirt quilt, also called a Memory Quilt? I haven’t ~ yet ~ but would like to… someday! Any tips or techniques you’d like to share in the comments will be greatly appreciated!

From what I’ve heard here and there, there is a trick to working with the knit (jersey) fabric. Knowing how stretched out loved t-shirts can be, I totally understand it will be different from using “regular” quilt quality 100% cotton fabrics!

Fortunately, we have the internet filled with great tutorials! I’m on a mission to find and list some resources I come across, for future reference!

I went straight to Pinterest and did a search for t-shirt quilt tutorial.

A common suggestion throughout:

Although the loved t-shirts have been washed/dried many times over the years, all the sites say to wash/dry once more!

NOTE:  I received a suggestion by a reader: when re-washing one more time, do not add fabric softener to the wash, nor place a dryer sheet in the dryer!

Before stabilizing the t-shirt’s logo (the common core found throughout all the websites I visited), I found Wee Share, her tips and tricks are certainly worth the read-through once you’ve gathered all the memory shirts you want to use. It only makes sense, because not all the logos are the same size, it’s critical to measure and design on paper what goes where ~ FIRST! She’s provided us a cool .pdf to record the t-shirt and it’s measurement!

Quilters Diary also explains well how to stabilize the t-shirt, before cutting out the logo!

Goose Tracks Quilts has listed how many t-shirts it takes to make certain size quilts. This is based on all t-shirt logos cut out the same size - 14.5” finished square.

12 shirts will make a throw-size quilt, approx. 48" x 64" - 3 across x 4 down.
20 shirts will make a twin size quilt, approx. 64" x 82" - 4 across x 5 down
30 shirts will make a full size quilt, approx. 82" x 96" - 5 across x 6 down.
36 shirts will make a queen size quilt, approx. 96" x 96" - 6 across x 6 down.
42 shirts will make a king size quilt, approx 110" x 96" - 7 across x 6 down.

In addition to her tips and instructions, Almost Casual listed “Important Notes” worthy of repeating here!

**Important Notes**

Put your machine on zigzag stitch - this helps when working with jersey

Use a needle made for jersey - a needle that is too sharp can break! This, for some reason, took me forever to figure out. I broke many needles and had many cries when I first started sewing with jersey.

Use a lightweight cotton thread

Go ahead and thread a few bobbins so that replacing them is easy

Already Loved has a two-part series on how to make a t-shirt (memory) quilt filled with step-by-step photos!

One more thing I discovered during my research, and let out a huge sigh of relief, the sashing and outer space fabric – say if logos are on point (like a diamond shape), can be out of “regular” quilt quality 100% cotton! It will help stabilize the over-all quilt!

Creating a t-shirt (memory) quilt isn’t as scary as I thought before I started this quest of knowledge!!! I am so grateful others have shared their tips and techniques!

Again I ask you, will you comment with your suggestions?!!!

Mini Quilts

When you sew for the experience of it, do you create mini-quilts? 

I’ve been in a couple of homes where friends have created mini quilts, enough of various themes and colors to cover an entire wall! Oh! My! One was in her living room, the other in her longarm room. Both were stunning displays! Although quilts in a much larger size, another friend comes to mind that has quilts she’s created over the years brilliantly displayed going down the length of her hallway. Each one has a story.

Back in 1992, when we bought the ranch, our first neighbor to meet ~ God rest her soul ~ had many bed-size quilts she’d created spread out, layered on top of one another on the bed in her guest bedroom. They, too, all had a story, and were waiting for the appropriate time to be gifted.

I’ve made a few mini quilts wall hangings before. This is totally different from an Action Quilt – aka Fidget Quilt.

Most of the mini quilts have been gifted. But, we do have two hanging in our living room. I would like to make more, to hang on our walls. For me, it’s a way to make our home more inviting, warm, cozy and comfortable. That’s how I feel when I’ve gone into my friends homes.

Not to mention, it’s a great way to practice skills!

What caught my eye this morning was this Heart of Hearts mini quilt on the Brother’s Stitching Sewical blog!

One of my favorite go-to website is Cluck Cluck Sew. She’s created a mini quilt book (or PDF) with the patterns and instructions for these quilts! Aren’t they lovely!

At Favequilts, they have lots and lots of mini quilt patterns! I really like this one, especially its title: Life is Better with Friends:

I’m gathering ideas… which is your favorite?

Nature's Music

Back in March, I purchased the book The Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird from Amazon. I’ve yet to make one of the 99 blocks, but have thoroughly enjoyed reading the “inspiring letters from farm women of the Great Depression.” In fact, the CD that comes with the book… is still attached!

As the author explains, the letters she’s included were originally published in The Farmer’s Wife magazine from 1930 – 1933. Names were not included in the magazine ~ simply initials ~ and no city/town but only the State in which they lived.

Not long ago, I happened upon a website, Gnome Angel, where Angie is doing a sew-along based on the book! Whenever I do pull out the CD and begin sewing the blocks, sewing for the experience of it, I will have a resource if I can’t follow the instructions!

I want to share with you a part of the first letter Ms Hird titled “Proud of Her Calling”

Dear Editor:
….
The finest advantage I can offer my children is this chance to know nature intimately. Perhaps we will never be able to give them training on musical instruments, but if we can train them to attune their hearts to nature’s music, we will have given them something that will stay with them through life, no matter where they may be.”

Although I am not a farmer, I am a rancher.

I know ~ and hear ~ the nature’s music to which she refers.

Day of Rest

Bucket List: Master EQ7

A friend of mine, Gail, has mastered the EQ7 (Electric Quilt 7) software program. She’s kindly offered to show me how. It’s just a matter of working out a schedule that works for us both. But, before I can do anything, I must reinstall the program on my new Windows 10 (YUCK) operating system! There is a trick to it, something I’ll have to research the next time I’m in Dallas – on unlimited bandwidth!

I’m used to the pencil, straight edge, and graph paper technique when designing a quilt, or sometimes what I refer to as “seat of my pants” designing. I’ll have an idea in my head, and just start making blocks, until I get the desired quilt size. Sometimes, things go wrong with following instructions or I don’t like the way the fabric’s print looks in the design. That’s how I came up with the Wings Quilt Block!

I do believe, learning EQ7 would be a great help, especially calculating the yardage needed once the design is created. Gail has often suggested for me to watch the YouTube videos available on the internet. I need to focus and do that soon!

Ann, another friend, recently posted on Facebook a beautiful red, white, and blue quilt she’d seen on the internet. I went to Knitnoid’s website, and sure enough, the contributor explained how she ended up with the design – all through using the EQ7 software! She worked it out, changing this and that, until she ended up with this beauty:

This process would sure save on the trusty eraser, or printer ink when printing out graph paper! I do need to get going on this software program!!!

Acts of Kindness – aka Happiness Heroes

When we “sew for the experience of it” (the 2016 theme set by organizers of National Sewing Month) we make something special, a unique one-of-a-kind creation. When sewing for others with a giving heart, it lifts our spirits!

What is your favorite thing to make for others?

Quilts?   Pillowcases?    Doll Clothes?    Bags?

I love the mission statement found on Mum in the Madhouse’s website:

·         Spread the word – encourage other people to join in and become happiness heroes

·         Have fun and enjoy making other people happy

·         To be kinder than you need to be

It’s her key phrase: Happiness Heroes that caught my attention!

Such a wonderful idea!

Although the article’s focus is on kids doing random acts of kindness, many of her suggestions apply to all ages!

Are you into free printables? Click here for their offer!

Mixed Media

Today is the First Day of Autumn! Happy Autumn everyone! I certainly welcome cooler temperatures after a horribly hot summer! This is a special time of year, the season that brings us such a vibrant mix of colors!

I would encourage you to take a look at the amazing Images from Texas “Rob” has taken in his journey around the Texas Hill Country! This is just one example:

Such inspiration!

Now on to today’s topic…

Mixed media is also known as Fiber Art, Textile Art, or Multi-Media Art. It is the process of using a mixture of fabric textures, paints, embellishments, and other mediums to create amazing works of art! Just look at all the lovely creations I found on Pinterest…

I’ve dabbled with mixing textures and objects (doo-dads) when creating Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts).

I’ve also created a Prayer Flag using a mixture of applications. Ideas of many more designs and techniques are filling my mind!

In addition, Crazy Quilts are a prime example of mixing different forms of embellishments to create a beautiful work of fiber art! Beautiful embroidery stitches, beads, and ribbons are among few items artisans use on fabric to create unique pieces.

Thanks to Sharon B’s over at Pin Tangle, for providing us – for free – a gold mine of detailed information (WITH PHOTOS!) how to hand embroidery! If it’s your thing, I highly recommend exploring her TAST website (Take a Stitch Tuesday), and joining her Facebook Group!

I love the free style of Sharon Blackman!

I had never heard of the British artist Mary Fedden, until I stumbled across Sharon’s tribute to her. This is another great example of where and how folks get inspiration.

Sometimes I shake my head, silently saying, This is way over my head, especially when I see works by fiber artists like Lea McComas! This is a snap shot of her website. How these beautiful quilts are created, I haven’t a clue. I also include the listing of the various classes she conducts. If they were held in Texas, do I want to learn?  Maybe…. Someday…

But for now, I’ll create another Prayer Flag using some of the ideas found today!

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