Showing posts with label BOM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BOM. Show all posts

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Top 7 Articles of 2016



#7 – The Gift to Give

....Instead of asking her [my sister] 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!



#6 - Introducing the Wings Quilt Block!
...Have you ever created a quilt block and didn’t like the way it looked? Maybe the color scheme used or the size of individual pieces within the block just didn’t look like the way you envisioned?



#5 – Just Shy of a full blown addiction

…finding free “Block of the Month” (or bi-weekly) (BOM) websites and the Facebook support groups that go along with them! I’m a happy camper that they are out there by the droves!


#4 – Crumb Quilts

...Those itty bitty tiny scraps are not just for stuffing pillows or pet beds any longer!



#3 – When Sisters Work Together

…a story I want to share…



#2 – Whispers in the Wind
 …each time I feel the wind on my face, I will be absorbing the prayer from a Prayer Flag someone, somewhere in this world, has made. Because, now I know about the whispers in the wind!



And, the Number One article for 2016:

#1 - Labor Day - Labor of Love
 …There are a multitude of those giving from the heart ~ a labor of love ~ their creativeness, expertise, and devotion through making quilts, dresses, shorts, pillowcases, bags, and on and on for whatever the need may be! 


Read the complete article.

Which is your favorite?

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

It’s Official – I AM addicted to BOM's

Last February I wrote about finding a couple of FREE “Block of the Month” (BOM) challenges that were available online. In March, I shared a bit of my progress. Yesterday, I made/shared a to-do list.

Because I am using basically the same fabrics/color themes throughout the BOM's – of course Red White and Blue, they will be for our local Veterans once done.

1.     One BOM is still going. I think she’s on Block #90 (out of 100). Last year I shared a bit of my progress here. I'm not doing all 100... many are not appropriate for Veterans.

2.     One has all 12 blocks available for download, I’ve made 4. Photos of the first 3 are here.

3.     The third one I signed up for, I think I have 2 blocks made. I got frustrated with the website because it would take ages for the .pdf printable instructions to become available. I now have all the block patterns downloaded and am ready to finish it up.


I know. I know. I am addicted because just this week I discovered two more recently released Block of the Month challenges! Both are by the talented designer and quilter and writer Pat Sloan! I love her 2017 themes:

Children’s Library” (this is monthly)



and




Yes! I’ve downloaded the few block patterns she’s already shared for both BOM’s.

TIP:  I’m getting organized by downloading all the patterns for the different BOM’s on my laptop. I created separate file folders for each BOM challenge. I also created basically a blank Word document and saved it with only the link to the specific website.

I’ve promised myself, however, not to start on these two until the other three are FINISHED!

Have you ever done a Block of the Month challenge?

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Begging for the Beggar!

In my last post, we hadn’t yet finished installing the living room floor or the baseboards, or painted the walls! Great news! It’s all done! Not absolutely everything is put back in its place, but it will come… at least, it’s not in the front bedroom any longer!

So…
I now have my sewing room back!

Since I couldn’t really sew a major project, or use the quilting machine, for well over a month (we also went on a much needed, long overdue, holiday to North Padre for a few days), I’m making up for lost time! I have managed to keep up with the BOM’s I’ve been doing!



And…
  • Two Veteran quilts finally totally finished!
  • Three Veteran quilts quilted for a couple of friends (they will bind and label and wash)!
  • Two labels applied on Veteran quilts I received back after the binding application.
  •             (All seven quilts delivered for covering our local Veterans!)
  • A very beautiful embroidered blocks Tea Quilt, quilted and returned for finishing!


Now I’m working on creating ONE block for the Texas Department of Agriculture, the GoTexan Quilt Collection Competition (deadline to them: June 10th). The winners will have their blocks combined and a quilt created and on display during the 2016 State Fair of Texas. Thereafter, it will travel for display at various locations around Texas. For those of us who do not win, others will incorporate into quilts for Project Linus.

Bottom line, it is a win-win.

But, Yes. I am speaking negatively because I don’t appliqué. After viewing the previous years completed quilts, all the winning blocks are appliquéd. Mine is embroidery and piecing. I failed to check the prior quilts before requesting/paying for the kit. At least, it will be put to good use.

Oh, my! I don’t believe I’ve mentioned anything about the Beggar Quilt (aka Charm Quilt) project for the 2017 Dallas Quilt Show! Their theme next year is: “It’s a Charmed Life!”

This is what they wrote about it…
Charm Quilts have been around for over 150 years. They are referred to by many names: One Patch, indicating a single shape; Beggar, indicating that the quilter begged for fabric; and Odd-Feller, indicating no repeats in fabrics. Some very recognizable patterns include 1000 Pyramids, Grandmother's Flower Garden, Apple Core and Postage Stamp.

Of course, I want to do this! What a cool Veteran’s Quilt this will be!

I’ve been collecting fabric pieces from family and friends, then cutting them into 2” square pieces! After re-reading their rules this morning ~ although it’s okay with them ~ I’m trying very hard not to duplicate/repeat any fabrics. At least, if I miss a few, I won’t fret over taking out & replacing!

First row ~ almost done!



Would you help with sending me some fabric swatches out of your stash?





Sunday, March 20, 2016

Just Shy of a Full Blow Addiction

Or maybe it already is…

I’m talking about finding free “Block of the Month” (or bi-weekly) (BOM) websites and the Facebook support groups that go along with them! I’m a happy camper that they are out there by the droves! I wrote about a couple I found (and joined/doing!) in February. Since then, I’ve stumbled across even more!

I love the process of creating blocks without a clue to its ending.

Block # 1 - "Secret Garden"

Block #2 - "Secret Garden"

Block #3  - "Secret Garden"

These are from Pat Sloan's "Secret Garden"
Its support group on Facebook is "Quilt With Pat Sloan


I’m cutting fabric.
I’m sewing pieces together.
I’m learning new techniques.
I don’t have to think about the end result.
I’m just doing it.

Right now, that’s exactly what I need.
It’s my therapy.

Not to know.
Not to plan.

I’m just doing it.

Friday, March 18, 2016

Quick Run Down

Since my last post, the Bernina USA contest is now over. The votes for me did not come in like I had hoped. A lot of folks supported me, and I’m very grateful, but I’m afraid not near enough.


On March 5th, our sweet Beth girl told us it was time to let her go. It was hard to help her cross the Rainbow Bridge, something I never wanted to do. I snuggled with her one last time and felt her take her wings. We are blessed to have had her for so long (16 years, 8 months, 2 days). I put a green shiny ribbon on the Prayer Tree in remembrance of Beth.



Two days later, my step daughter and her boys came for a visit. It poured down rain, even received a bit of pea-size hail, during their visit. No fishing this time. In between storms, the boys all played either with their drones, or filming of the flights. Otherwise, indoor games, puzzle workings, movies, and electronic games kept everyone busy.



The same day the kids left, I went to Dallas and visited with my mother. We did some running of the roads together, errands she needed done. Then I had the fabulous opportunity to work at Thomas Sewing Center (Mesquite, Texas) for two days with my sister and others! I hadn’t worked retail in eons! It was fun. I learned a lot from the co-workers, and customers!

I loved the experience… especially the two sisters (in their 70’s) that came in, the younger one wanting her first ever sewing machine! It was a simple machine, just perfect for her learning how to sew. The only hang up she had was how to insert the underneath bobbin. I was familiar with that type of bobbin and was called upon to show her how! She did it! She was all smiles walking out the door with her very own sewing machine!

Another high-moment for me was when I helped a regular customer find the fabric she needed, cutting it for her, and communicating with her. She is totally deaf. Although she had a tablet and pen, I didn’t realize I knew that much sign language! We got along fabulously!

Late Saturday afternoon, it was time to prepare the store for Mr. Thomas’s wake after his funeral on Monday. Besides the Dallas Quilt Show going on (Thomas Sewing Center is THE Platinum Sponsor for the show), the owner’s daughter got married and her dad passed away. I continually offer prayers and condolences for Mrs. Thomas, Dana, and the rest of the family for their great loss.

Once back home, we started a major renovation project… one that we’ve been waiting about 5 years to start ~ replacing 35+ year old carpet with plank flooring! We didn’t want to cause Beth undue hardship with standing/sliding issues, so we stored the materials. Now it’s time.



But my goodness, the oops we’ve found! Built in 1918, this house has its issues to say the least! To make up what is now the living room ~ three rooms were built off site then moved and put together. Where they join, the floor level varies. These are issues we are addressing, and will get it done - - - -  eventually!

As far as sewing goes… I manage a bit here and there during the wee-hours of the morning. I’m thankful I found out about several free Block of the Month’s projects going on via the Internet! Through The Splendid Sampler quilt along, we receive two patterns per week! I don’t have to think about an entire quilt, just one block at a time! I’m using red white and blue – of course!











Well, that’s a quick run down what’s been happening around here! What have you been doing?

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Block of the Month (BOM)

A while back, I had a wild notion to create a Block of the Month Mystery series for the closed Facebook Group, Lone Star of Texas Quilts for Others. That notion passed. I realized it’s like reinventing the wheel with so many fabulous already established BOMs available! Some charge a fee to have access to the block patterns. Really?

Just this morning, I haven’t a clue how I stumbled across, but I discovered two free BOMs! Because they basically just started, I’m not that late to the party! I’m excited about them and wanted to share with you! Once I post this, I’m gathering my fabric together and will catch up!

Note: I’m not using their recommended fabrics, but what I already have on hand. Don’t get me wrong, I love working with Moda fabrics! Fabulous quality! But, I have so much fabric already I need to use before buying more!
 I did download the supply list so I can know the color values (lights mediums darks) and how much of what in yardage I will need.

My Secret Garden by Pat Sloan – finished size 68” x 86”
This is our go-to page on Free Quilt Patterns


The Splendid Sampler by Jane Davidson & Pat Sloan
This one just started 2/14 and currently shows 2 blocks available, out of 100!
I’m not sure what the overall finished size will be on this one.
Our go-to page is here.
Needless to say ~ 100 blocks ~ The Splendid Sampler will not be the usual “Block of the Month” experience!!! But, what a wonderful way to cover all the possibilities found in creating a quilt top!

Will you join me?




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