How do you work?

Recently, “How do you work?” was asked on the Lone Star of Texas Quilts for Others Facebook group. Michelle asked if we have several work-in-progress (WIP) going at once, or do we totally start to finish before going to the next project. The discussion had mixed results. Some do several at a time – like me! Others must complete before starting something new!

Bottom line, it is whatever works! Either way, you are not alone!

I decided to share my WIP list before the world, get it out into the universe. I need to set goals and get them done! There are so many more projects I want to do!

Besides the following major WIP, there are “minor” projects I want to do, like Blessing Bags, Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts), Kennel Quilts, more Prayer Flags, and any Pocket Prayer Quilts when the need arises.

It will be interesting to see at the end of the year what I’ve accomplished…

Carry Over from 2016 WIP:

1.     Camp Quilt – top is ready, need to quilt and bind and label.

2.     Butterflies and Dragonflies Quilt – ordered fabric arrived, need to finish border, then quilt, bind and label.

3.     Nancy’s Quilts – design and create at least 3 more

4.     Charm (Beggar) Quilt – two rows pieced, need total of 6 rows. Cut more 2” squares and stitch together, join rows, quilt, bind, and label. Will be a *Veteran’s Quilt

Block of the Month (BOM):

5.     Secret Garden – catch up on the bi-weekly blocks, add sashing, stitch together, quilt, bind, and label – Will be a *Veteran’s Quilt

6.     Splendid Sampler – half way through creating the blocks. Add sashing, stitch together, quilt, bind, label – Will be a *Veteran’s Quilt

7.     Starry Night – bunches of blocks to make, join together, quilt, bind, label – Will be a *Veteran’s Quilt

  

*DEADLINE on the Veteran’s Quilts – July 1, 2017

Totally NEW Must-Do projects:

THEN: Create at least 6 more Veteran’s quilts by July – to cover veterans that attend the American Legion Post’s Cowboy Breakfast!!!

THEN: replace those quilts for the September’s Cowboy Breakfast

THEN replace those for the Veteran’s Day program at the local school!!!

Projects I want to start for Me, our Home:

The Farmer’s Wife 1930’s Sampler Quilt

Where Forever Begins, ASimple Love Story Quilt

And, two wall hangings for my NEW dedicated sewing room!

Yes. I have various projects going at one time. I love it! I don’t get bored for a lack of something to do!

How do you work?

One project at a time?

or

Several on-going?

Top 7 Articles of 2015

#7  Follow Your Heart

 …the words of Edward Everett Hale are a great mantra to keep playing in our minds:

I am only one, but I am one.

I cannot do everything,

but I can do something.

And I will not let what I cannot do

interfere with what I can do.

 Follow your heart and you’ll create with passion.

Read the complete article.

#6 Chair Bound

Seldom do I follow pattern directions. Well, this [wheelchair quilt] is certainly a prime example! This is also a good example how you can make things your own as well!

Read the complete article.

#5 Creating an Action Quilt - Part 9

....finishing up.I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial! I encourage you to make your own Action Quilt [Fidget Quilt] to give a Loved One with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia!

Read the complete article.

#4 Turning Scraps into Fabric

…try it!…adapting…

Read the complete article.

#3 Creating an Action Quilt – Part 1

…The Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts) I create are not for commercial facilities such as Nursing Homes or Adult Day Care Centers serving those with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. My focus is for those living in a home environment with a 24/7 caregiver.

Read the complete article.

#2 Action Quilt (aka Fidget Quilt)

…a friend called my attention to a newspaper article about a lady creating Fidget Quilts. La Mon knows me well…

Read the complete article.

And the NUMBER 1 Article is...

#1 Life with a 16 year old

Various websites state a Doberman has a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Some mention up to 13 years. We have a miracle living with us!

Read the complete article.

Make your own Chenille fabric!

A new technique on my to-do list for 2017 ~ to make my own Chenille fabric like this:

I thought, How clever, when I happened across this blog article sharing this idea! When I was little, I had a chenille bedspread and loved it! I still have the chenille robe my parents gave me for Christmas at least 10 years ago!

It is something I will use in small projects, like on Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts) or zipper bags or potholders or pillows. Maybe a doll quilt, or mini quilt, but that’s about it. I do not intend on ever making enough for an entire quilt!

Through my searches, I discovered one can either use the same fabric for the multiple layers needed, or different prints on each one. It’s then the placement changes the entire color scheme!

On Stores Online, they used 3 different colors (then the base), and shows the three different results depending on placement! How cool is this?!

See how the other colors come through the top! Just love it!

I went to Pinterest and searched for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) to find more ideas / uses for Chenille!

At Peanut to Princess, she shows how to create the chenille, then use as an appliqué! Clever!

Oh, and then just strips of chenille, for other projects! At Kati’s Quilting, she shows us how to make the strips.

Then in Part 2, how to use them!

Of all the YouTube videos I watched to create Chenille Fabric, I enjoyed Mary Beth’s presentation the best!

The Olfa circular cutter shown on some sites like this from Walmart:

But, I’m going to use the Fiskars Scissors like Hobby Lobby (among the many places) offers! I think I will be able to handle gripping the cutter better with the spring scissors rather than the circular one.

Oh, and the “chenille brush” …

I’m going to see if I can find something around the house that will work just as well – maybe a firm toothbrush? It’s difficult for me to purchase something ~ anything ~ and have the shipping cost almost as much as the product itself! On one site I went to, it was triple the product’s cost!

Maybe I’ll stumble across one somewhere, sometime!

I’m excited about trying this technique!

Let me know if you try it as well!!!

UPDATE:  I purchased a "Utility Dish Brush" while at Walmart and hope it works just as well as the "chenille brush"!!

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!

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!

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?

Turning Scraps into Fabric

Last week I stumbled upon a great article, Use Every Wee Bit and decided to try it! Well, my first attempt worked out sorta okay, but I had issues since I don't have an extension table next to my sewing machine! Threads kept falling off before I could stitch around the perimeter!

It's not too bad...

While sorting my stash of fabrics, looking for colors to match here and there, I came across itty bitty scraps left over from a doll quilt I made a couple of years ago.

I couldn't trash them, but I sure wasn't going to use the tiny squares and strips! So.... I thought about adapting Judith's instructions to make it a little easier for me! There's just so many ways I can hold my mouth to keep things all in line!

Just in case I missed a spot, rather than using muslin, I used a scrap of leftover backing from a quilt.

I gathered some pinks...

And, some blues...

I used (OUTSIDE) a bit of basting spray to the right side of the fabric, then placed the fabric on a piece of cardboard, gluey side up!

WORKING QUICKLY - before the basting spray drys, I placed the fabric pieces here and there...

Totally covered ~ just about ...

Cover with water soluble stabilizer...

Carefully take the "sandwich" over to the machine with stabilizer on top. Stitch around the edges, then stitch and stitch, and stitch more! I used dark thread on the bobbin so you could see it better...

Take to the sink and rinse and rinse and rinse out the stabilizer! 

I think it turned out rather nicely! Now I have 2 pieces of newly created made fabric to use with the main focus piece in the next Action Quilt!

BTW: Once the stabilizer is washed off & you think you need to add more stitching, no problem! Put on another piece of the stabilizer and go for it!!!

Let Others Know!

In my blog articles, I focus on the positive. Providing inspirational ideas, creative suggestions to get the juices flowing, and thoughts to ponder, it is the reason I write. From comments left on my personal Facebook wall & Lanetta’s Creations page, and the handful left here, I know people stop by on occasion and read what I’ve shared.

That’s fabulous!

I’m wondering, though, what does it take to get folks to “share” one of my articles? Maybe they aren’t particularly interested in whatever it is I’ve created.

But, for example, a wheelchair quilt with a foot pocket ~ maybe one of their friends or family members may, if they knew about it!

Or, at least, want to know someone who could make one for a Loved One! ~~~~ Me!

When I share an Action Quilt (aka Fidget Quilt) I’ve made, it absolutely breaks my heart when I hear:

“I wish I had had one for my (insert Loved One) before (s)he died.”

Recently, I had a lady place an Action Quilt on her lap and fiddled with the different doo-dads. Tears filled her eyes as she told me, “Oh, I wish my Daddy had had this before he died.”

I’ve said it many times: I’m always late to the party.

But, I’m here now.

I just need to figure out how to get others that know, let others know!

Take Care of Others

A friend of mine recently gave me several lovely books, one of which was Comfort Quilts from the Heart by Jake Finch. Published in 2008 by C&T Publishing ~ where Mary works. Now out of print, it’s available in eBook format here!

Found on the website, this describes it perfectly: 

Whether you make these projects for a loved one or someone you've never met, you'll give the irreplaceable gift of loving care. Projects include quilts for babies in intensive care units; handy projects for wheelchair and walker users; quilts for adults and children bedridden at home or in the hospital; and therapeutic quilts for stroke, Alzheimer's and other patients with brain impairments.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this book!

Besides the easy to follow projects ~ with the first one being about “fidget” quilts (aka Action Quilts) ~ Jake also includes chapters on:

Materials, Tools, & Techniques

Healing through Words – Labeling Your Project

Group Effort: Making Comfort Quilts at Large

Who Needs the Help?

Sources

As it says on the back of the book:

Thoughtful, useful gifts for Those Needing a Helping Hand

I’m going to work on the project found on page 26…

Chair Bound: A Wheelchair Quilt with Footwarmer!

I’ve never made one before, but can see how wonderful this would be for those who cannot walk!

While Momma was basically wheelchair bound after breaking her femur at age 84, she had to have help to stand/transfer to bed or another chair. I can see how she would have loved having that extra warmth around her only sock covered feet!

I’ll let you know how it goes!!!

Creating an Action Quilt - Part 9

Backing - Quilting - Binding on an Action Quilt

I cut the batting about 2" larger than the top - all the way around:

I cut the backing at least an inch bigger all the way around than the backing:

I took only the batting outside, and laid it out on a leftover styrofoam thingy that was packing from something we had to recently buy ~ a new air conditioner (window unit). I highly recommend doing this OUTSIDE (out of the wind) and any surface will work, but know the basting spray will get on everything and it's very sticky!!!

(This is what I use, from Walmart, Dritz Basting Spray)

I carefully carried back inside, and placed it down on the wrong side of the backing, smoothing it out nice and carefully. You do have a little time to make adjustments if necessary:

After the basting spray dried a little, I started pinning the top to the backing/batting set:

You can't really see the "quilting" stitches from the front side...

Maybe you can see it a bit better from the back side:

Now it's time for the binding!

Prepare binding as you would any other quilt.

I cut 2.5 inch wide strips and sew together on the diagonal to make the length needed. I then fold in half and press the length of the binding. On one end, I press a 45 degree angle and that's the end I start with. To determine length needed, measure sides and ends, 14.5, 14.5, 18.5, 18.5 = 66   / 36 = 1.8333 yards of binding needed.

I've learned several things since I posted last September for National Sewing Month - making a quilt top...

A friend of mine shared not to trim the backing and batting close to the top until AFTER I do the first stitching down of the binding. Oh. My. Goodness. Does it ever go quicker and makes a nicer application! Again, Thank You, Dianna!

Any, and all, of my quilts, I start the binding on the lower left side. Somewhere, another lifetime ago, a training class for creating effective newsletters, I learned the lower left side is a blind side... the eyes go every where else first!

Once the binding is stitched down, I then trim off the excess backing and batting.

After pinning down (I love these clips!), I'm ready to stitch the final trek around the Action Quilt.
Here is another trick I've learned this year from a friend... use a zipper foot!!! I love this! I can adjust my needle to run right along the edge of the binding. Thank you again, Ann!

The Action Quilt is DONE! And, it's gone through the laundry cycle perfectly!!!

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial! I encourage you to make your own Action Quilt to give a Loved One with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia! It will surely put a smile on their face!

I hope you share pictures!!!