Creating Doodads

Creating doodads for Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts) gives me a variety of things ~ something productive ~ to do when I can’t be at the sewing machine or at the longarm machine. Although making small items - something I usually don't do anymore - but by using the different techniques naturally limits long time hand repetition – which is a bad thing for us all!

I’ve done a few already (have only quilted, hand washed & air dried, this first one)…

I kept mulling over what craft supplies I have on hand. Oh, so many! I’ve had so many “moods” and attempts…

Anyway, I went to my favorite place on the internet – of course – Pinterest! I first created a new board Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts). This is where I put all the great ideas I come across on the Internet for future reference! Yes!

I've search(ed) for ideas on each “type” of craft objects I have on hand. Some things I know how to do, others I’ve yet to learn. Lots of my “pins” are reminders. I want to share with you what I found:

Plastic canvas – Messing with plastic canvas was one of my “phases” of doing/creating things – years ago! But, I still have a bunch! When using, however, I'll make sure the edges are covered securely so not to scratch anyone.

Oh, my! I just saw a lovely pin of a heart (for Valentine’s Day)! I never thought about working to totally cover a canvas (albeit small!) with the yarn, then embroidery – say an outline of a heart – on top of it! Maybe add a few French Knots here and there! Cuteness!

I pinned a plastic canvas bookmark that has fringe on the bottom! That would work nicely on an Action Quilt!

What about adding beads (I have so many!!!) to the design? I bet that would look amazing!

Oh, and I just saw a clever way to evenly mark where stitches need to go when working on trimming felt or fabric! I Wanna Build A Memory blog shares how! She’s talking about faux stitches on paper (for scrapbooking), but I will apply to real stitches on fabric of some sort!

Which brings me to…

Scrapbooking

– yes, another phase that quickly went to the way-side – of course after I bought a lot of supplies! I realize I won’t be using the paper on the Action Quilts, but the trims I have may work. I’ll have to check them out. In the meantime, I’m searching Pinterest for the embellishment techniques. I can certainly incorporate them into doodads!

Flip photos – I have a fabric that has individual days of the week printed on it, it's really cute! I cut out the rectangles, then have wondered how/what to do … this pin gave me an idea to try! I’m excited!

Weaving – if using ribbon, it must be washable! Most of my ribbons are grosgrain, but some are poly satin (therefore, will go through a gentle hand wash). I just saw where someone weaved a beautiful piece using lace hem tape! All the finds will be suitable to use on an Action Quilt! I just need a variety of ideas to use up my stash. Of course, Pinterest has lots!

The different headband instructions would work nicely. I could also add beads to the 1/8” wide satin ribbons like they show when making bracelets.

I just saw a T-shirt with ribbon weaving done on the upper front area… evenly slicing the holes would be a challenge for me, but in small areas, I could do this! Felt should work beautifully as well!

Oh, and a small chain (made from material that won’t rust!) to weave the ribbon through and use the ribbon ends to stitch down on the Action Quilt!

Using folded, or unfolded fabric strips to weave a textured doodad – certainly! This is a great idea!

I never would have come up with weaving small ribbon through the edging loops of another ribbon! Yes! I saw it on Pinterest!

I need to come up with a small weaving loom. I found one on Pinterest made out of popsicle sticks. That may work since my projects will all be small. I thought about finding an old picture frame and carefully hammering evenly spaced nails along the top & bottom. Or, I’ve seen an embroidery hoop used. I’ll come up with something.

I used a piece of Styrofoam and a bunch of pins to make this one, but it was a pain to hand stitch the perimeter to get it off in one piece. 

I knew then the next one would have to have a “loom” of some sort. Once I stitch it down to a piece of fabric, I’ll remove my tacky hand stitching, and trim the ribbons to equal distance for someone to fiddle with.

Hand Embroidery is always an easy project to do while watching television! It’s one of my favorites, to embellish something by adding a bit of texture here and there. Needless to say, over the years, I’ve collected lots and lots of embroidery floss!

Thanks to My Arts Desire, there are many fabulous ideas in this one photo… even creating “notebook paper”!!! I never would have thought! I’m so thankful for Pinterest and the clever ideas others have and share!

Photo source: My Arts Desire 

Fabric (puff) Paint – not that I’m an artist like my Mother, but I can follow a drawn (traced) line! I don’t recall why I bought the paint, but I have a few and would like to use them, before they totally dry up!

Crayons – Since my nieces were toddlers (over 40 years ago), I’ve had crayons in my home! In fact, I think I still have their original crayons & their boxes! I remember when the step-grandsons came along, I got new ones… but they, too, are past the coloring phase. What to do? I’ve heard about using them on fabric, but haven’t yet tried. So, I went to Pinterest.

From the photos of pins I’ve seen I like the transparency that melted crayons give rather than the opaque coverage of paints. At least, it offers a different look for the Action Quilt user.

D-Rings ~ I have several in my supply stash. I’ve used a few already, but would like a few new/different doodads using D-Rings for using on future Action Quilts. I just saw one… I never thought about adding fringe on the curve side! That’s clever! Oh, well, I didn’t find many fresh ideas. I’m glad I don’t have all that many!

What else can I do with my collection of Yarn….

Fork pom poms! Yep! Using a fork makes teeny tiny pom poms! Keep them separate, individual, or string together!

Oh, I can make yarn dolls, or tassles, or maybe a small basket to stitch on to the Action Quilt.

Zippers –

Oh. My. Goodness… I have bags and bags filled with zippers! Momma also cleaned out her stash and gave them to me several years ago!

So many clever applications, especially when also incorporating felt!

Well, these should keep me busy (and from falling asleep in my recliner) at night while watching television! I'm thrilled beyond words to know what to do with all my various supplies I have on hand! It will be so nice to know ~ when my craft room is empty ~ that others will have found some comfort for their once busy hands.

I would love to know any ideas you have!

I also hope this has inspired you to create a gift of an Action Quilt for someone with Alzheimer's or Dementia. I'm told the caregivers sure could use something like this for their Loved One! We also need to take care of the caregivers!

Lanetta

Action Quilt (aka Fidget Quilt)

Several weeks ago, a friend called my attention to a newspaper article about a lady creating Fidget Quilts. La Mon knows me well. She knew it would interest me. I went on a Facebook search, and found Fidget Quilts, by the same lady the article featured!

I then did a Pinterest search… oh my goodness, lots of folks are making them! What a great idea ~ to help those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s keep their hands busy, things to fiddle with while they still can.

Even “Sewing with Nancy” has a blog entry “Sew an Alzheimer’s Activity Mat”. I like the clear plastic pocket where a photo could go. I understand zippers are important, and I like the way Nancy used different machine embroidery stitches to attach the zipper.

As long as the felt is washable, and doesn’t fade, I like the different textures this provides:

Several folks on Etsy are creating “fidget” something or the other quilts… and they are charging outrageous prices. I’m sorry. I just can’t see doing this, charging anything other than minimal shipping and handling to get it to the caregiver.

I did an Internet search and found a blog article called Nancy’s Beginnings from a couple of years ago on a quilt guild creating the Fidget Quilts for community service! Yes! She’s also provided lots of fabulous ideas.

And, I found other articles going back to 2009. So, I’m late to the party… again!

However, I personally don’t like calling it “fidget quilt”.

I believe it sounds more positive for an adult to call it an “Action Quilt” … and is what I’m calling those I create! Lord knows I have the supplies. I’m thrilled to discover productive ways to use the materials I readily have available.

January has been a weird month…

I wrote it all out, then deleted… just trust me!

Suffice it to say, time spent in Dallas so far this month I couldn’t sew, so I did the next best thing – I planned! I created a Pinterest board, Action Quilts, where I’ve been pinning different ideas to incorporate. I’ve also learned about adding different tactile attributes to the quilts. Sometimes it’s a simple embellishment like ribbon folding or weaving, or using ruffles or scallops, in a variety of fabric textures. So many ideas! It keeps me going when I can’t sew…

I know I have several quilts to quilt for our Veterans (and a few tops under construction to finish), but I so want to make at least one Action Quilt very soon. Maybe, once my energy level returns to normal after also experiencing the flu over the past couple of weeks, I can gather supplies together and make a “kit” for the next time I’m off to Dallas to be with my mother! I can weave ribbon without sewing. I’m sure there are a lot of things I can do without having a sewing machine… all in preparation of creating Action Quilts!

Fabulous Support Group

As 2014 comes to a close, I’m thankful it’s been a great year of discovery, of finding like-minded folks! In October, I created a “closed” group on Facebook, the Lone Star of Texas Quilts for Others. The membership is full of supportive and encouraging people sharing the same goals as we journey through creating quilts for national and community based service endeavors.

The collective group creates quilts to honor and comfort our Veterans and Active Military, for children and adults in need of a hug, and even Veteran Service Dogs who are instrumental in the emotional wellness of our veterans.

Sometimes we have questions, or someone is looking for something specific…

Like this morning… I had a longarm stitching question… wondering what I was doing wrong writing with the machine and within minutes, two members explained what I was doing, and what I needed to do!

I can’t recall how many times someone has requested specific print fabric needed and someone else has it in their stash – ready to mail it out if it will work!

Oh, and don’t forget the math questions…

And, the wonderful tips to make a quilt design easier…

And, oh, all the creative ideas that runneth over!!!

I’m thankful for this fabulous support group!

Are you like-minded? Join us!

Daily Journal Writing

I know it takes discipline to write a daily journal. I wonder ~ will I be able to maintain such an endeavor? We’ll see. I started one on the 10^th of December. It’s been 10 days today. So far, so good.

The focus of the daily writing is simply to log what I’m doing ~ basically how I spend my time ~ and what’s going on around me. I decided when I started, I would omit sharing any feelings or rambling thoughts I happen to have that particular day/time/moment. It’s just the facts, Jack!

In addition to the daily journal, on December 10th I also started an excel file, recording time spent creating/working on quilts for others. This is not only for my personal information, but also for the local Texas Extension Education Association group I recently joined. They need a monthly report from members as to time spent on community service, and the other mission aspects.

The mission of the Texas Extension Education Association, Inc. is to work with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to strengthen and enrich families through educational programs, leadership development and community service.

I’m using MS Word to keep the daily journal. I now click SAVE after every bloomin entry ~ already learnt the hard way to do this!!! After 3 days, I decided rather than go to the bottom for the current day, to always use the first page (which is what automatically opens up) to add the new day. Okay, did you get that? Hope so!

Do you keep a daily journal? Do you hand write or type it? How detailed do you make it? This inquiring mind would love to know!

Barn Quilts

A recent post, and its following discussion, on a Facebook group page caused me to explore further the concept of a barn quilt! Goodness, I’ve mention many times how I’m “late to the party” on a variety of things. This is indeed one of them!

Of course, I had to do a goodsearch.com (my default search engine where each one of my searches provides a penny to the non-profit I selected – Wound Warriors Family Support)!

Straightaway, I found this one that I absolutely LOVE!

At Barn Quilt Info, there is an interactive map of the United States. This is an amazing resource… did you know about The American Quilt Trail? Click on the map, then click on the state of interest… maybe you’re going on holiday and would like to make this part of your trip!

My sister is going to Tennessee for Thanksgiving… I clicked on Tennessee… WOW! I can hardly wait for her to see this map!!!

Oh my goodness… only TWO counties within Texas – and they are opposites sides of the Great State of Texas! This is pitiful! Maybe there are more, and the website hasn’t been updated… maybe….

How fun would this be in Lampasas County, like stated on their website:

 … quilt trails take visitors on a drive through the countryside where barn quilts are mounted on farm buildings, on homes, along fences, and sometimes on freestanding posts. A quilt trail may include stops at galleries, farm stands, wineries and other points of interest that make the journey a day-long event.

Okay. I live on a ranch. I have TWO barns and NO barn quilt square either structure!

This will change in 2015.

So, I need some ideas…

On Quilters Cache, she has created blocks for each one of the US Armed Forces. Due to her copyright instructions, I can’t share a picture of the actual blocks, but trust me! It’s worth taking a look!

The Marines Star Block

Army Star Block

Navy Star Block

Air Force Star Block

The Coast Guard Star Block

Not to mention the 1,000’s of other patterns she shares!

In addition, QuiltViews had an interesting article, A Barn Side Salute to American Quilters, dated October, 2014, stating:

Now, barn quilt trails have sprung up all over America, as rural communities re-ignite quilting’s important national presence.

Of course!

So, what to do, what to do…

Pinterest was also full of different ideas for Barn Quilt squares… go explore! Make a barn quilt block and put it out! Let us create a trail of our own here in Lampasas County and all across Texas!

Side note:

You’ll see in lots of the Pinterest pictures that “barn quilts” aren’t for just barns!

Celebration Time Is Here!

It's liberating, I know!

Doing for others is what it is all about! 

Do you have the time?

I need your help! It's difficult making the selection because I love them all!

I’d like to make something like this quilt I found at Block Central (but not as big so minus the outside border), 

Sentimental Journey
Block of the Month Quilt

using Downton Abbey fabrics!

I found this "team" chart on a Mystery Quilt that Love Bug Studios will hold in January 2015, but I'm not participating because I want to see what I'm working toward!

You can find more, and bigger swatches at Hawthorne Threads! 

So I need six (6) different pieces of fabric! I need:

2 darks (one will be used for the dark border & binding)

2 lights

2 mediums

What are your picks? Which six do you think will go nicely together? Because I love them all, I'm not mindset on sticking with one specific person/character.

Moving On

Several times within the articles I’ve written for Lanetta’s Creations, I’ve offered links to various community and national services projects I found, and support their missions, their purpose. For well over a year now, I have been actively involved with a specific non-profit organization because I supported (and still support) its mission: “to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” I’ve made and awarded several Quilts of Valor® over the past year. A separate blog shares my journey, albeit short under the umbrella of this organization.

It’s with a heavy heart that in January 2015, the powers-that-be will put in place a set of new policies and procedures toward a direction I cannot fully support without further information. Enough said on that. I will add, however, that fortunately they do not have a registered trademark on creating and presenting quilts for our veterans!

Many other non-profit organizations and simple gatherings of like-minded people are creating quilts across the nation that honor our veterans and service members!

Of course, a new ~ closed ~ Facebook group has started! If you want a place to gather for support and encouragement while creating quilts for our veterans, and other fabulous community and national service projects, feel free to join our Facebook group, Lone Star of Texas Quilts for Others!

Lone Star of Texas Quilts for Others is a place for like-minded folks to gather while creating quilts for others! As we journey through National and Community based service endeavors, we offer support and encouragement to one another.

And, a new blog is in the works! The Lone Star of Texas Quilts for Others will be the place I’ll share pictures, the journey, and events for those that “Honor Your Years of Service” quilts and beyond!

Our 2nd gathering = a fabulous start!

The ladies and I, in the Lampasas County Chapter of Lone Star of Texas Quilts for Others, are in the process of creating 30 quilts for our Lometa American Legion Post 116. Once presented, LCC will move on to cover the members of Post 277 in Lampasas. Beyond that, who knows! I know Lampasas County has many more veterans that do not belong to an American Legion post!

As of today, I’ve changed the non-profit organization that benefits from the following websites I frequently use:

Goodsearch.com (instead of Google or Bing etc)

smile.amazon.com (instead of simply Amazon)

I hope you will select a non-profit that you can support and use these simple tools to help fund their operational expenses.

2014 Fundraiser Quilt

2014 Fundraiser Quilt

Proceeds benefit the

American Legion Auxiliary 

Unit 116, Lometa, Texas

Local Sponsorship of "Girls State"

Drawing to be held Veterans Day, November 11, 2014

tickets are $1 each

or 6 for $5.00

Send me an email if you are interested in purchasing tickets!!! 

You do not need to be present to win!

ALA will notify winner via telephone!

ALA will pay for postage to mail quilt to the winner!

57" x 72"

Quilt created by Lanetta J Sprott

The Only Time

Poor Romeo... it is the only time I make the time! Fortunately, it doesn't happen often (a broken machine, that is)!!!