Creative Quilt Girl

Binding in Progress

Feb 26, 2009 Sewing

Last night, I sewed on the binding to my table runner. Then I got the bright idea to iron the binding to bend over the edge. I hope that make sense. So far it’s been easier to sew. I’ll have to try this trick on a bigger quilt. The table runner will be done in a couple of days.

Signs of Spring

Feb 25, 2009 Outdoor Adventure

Here in Utah, meteorologically, winter includes the months of December, January, and February. Technically, the coldest 90 days run from November 21 to about February 21. So by the end of February, I start to look for signs of Spring. This morning on my way to the car, I notice my favorite sign. Tulips!

I’ve been watching for a couple of days. I think these sprouted out the ground within the last 48 hours. I can’t believe I didn’t see them until this morning. I’m much happier now.

A Whirlwind Weekend

Feb 23, 2009 A House is a Home, Family Moments, Quilting

As you might guess, I’m not thrilled about the color. A nice mauve from the ’80s. Regardless, I’ve decided to work with it. It fits in the room and our money can go to a million other home improvement/decorating needs. The list is endless. I figure as long as I stick to browns and beiges and avoid blue altogether, the room will look OK. Then the browns and beiges will transition to any other color palette that I choose to go with in the future.

Sunday revolved around the Oscars. Every year I host an oscar party for my family that includes dinner and prizes. My family that lives away gets to participate as well. I use ABC oscar website to keep track of the results and everybody gets to track their progress. Well this year ABC totally failed me. Their website sucked. That’s the nicest thing I can say about it. In fact, I got kicked out of my own group. This morning, I sent ABC an email outlining my dissatisfaction in detail, not that they really care. Luck for me, dinner was great and everybody enjoyed spending time together.

Some where in the weekend, I managed to start quilting my table runner. The middle is done. I’m working on the borders tonight.

Make Your Own Pencil Cup

Feb 18, 2009 Paper Crafts

After making a pencil cup for a friend, I set about to make my own. Only I couldn’t make just one for myself. I needed four. The fourth one is there. I promise. It just didn’t quite make it into the photo.

I decided to share the construction details. So you too can make your own pencil cup. Really, this is a simple project that anybody could do.

Supplies:

• 1 pint paint can (Go to a paint store like Sherwin-Williams, not Home Depot or Lowes. It should cost less than $2.)
• Decorative paper (wrapping paper, cardstock, handmade paper, etc.)
• Adhesive (double-sided sticky tabs, tacky glue, YES glue, etc)
• Embellishments, optional

Instructions:

1. Cut paper to 3 5/8″ x 11″
2. Tack down one end of the paper with adhesive to the can
3. Wrap paper around can
4. Tack down the remaining end of the paper. Paper should overlap by 1/2″
5. Wrap ribbon or string around the can to clamp down the paper. This will allow whatever adhesive to set. Set for 24 hours.
6. Take off ribbon and enjoy!

Have fun!

Cutting Lots and Lots of Fabric

Feb 14, 2009 Quilting

A week ago, I had grand plans for multiple posts during the week. Those plans went out the window when work sucked all the energy and time from my life. I wish I was the type of person that could go and go and go like the energizer bunny, but I’m not. I’ve never been a one to have a lot of stamina. I wish I was. I would do so much. (sigh) Well enough of my complaining. I resolve to have a better week. I started by having a bit of fun in the last 24 hours.

I belong to an informal quilt group that meets on the 3rd Saturday of the month. I say informal because we aren’t a chapter of the local quilt guild. We just meet, share, ask questions, and enjoy friendships. Well last month, the group decided to help each other use our fabric stash. Everybody would provide (25) 2.5″ x 21″ fabric strips to each member of the group. In the end, we each need to provide 9 package of strips, which equals 225 strips.

Before I started, I didn’t think I had enough “disposable” fabric to cut into strips. Oh, I was wrong. In the end, I included 28 fabric strips in each package. It feels refreshing to send some of the fabric on to a better cause.

Of course this mean, I’ll be receiving 9 packages of fabric strips. I’ve been looking at different scrap quilts on the internet for ideas. Right now, I’m leaning towards a Friendship Braid quilt. It has been a while since I piece a quilt using a traditional block. When it’s done, I’ll be keeping the quilt for my own personal enjoyment.

I Want Everything Coraline

Feb 8, 2009 Knitting

It only took me about five minutes into the movie before I decided I wanted everything Coraline. All the creativity kept my brain turning and turning. I think it has yet to turn off. The movie accomplished the amazing feat of being creative in its own realm and inspiring me to creative in my own realm. I have to admit I think it’s so cool that people can eek out a living making miniature sweaters and cute bits of furniture not to mention a garden fit for any imagination. Oh, Coraline—my new muse.

Of course, the movie is more than miniature hand knitted sweaters. I quickly bonded to several characters and the creepy story kept me wondering about the ending.

Back to my desire to own everything Coraline, I found this Coraline blog that features an ABC book from Coraline’s universe. I want it, and I’m not sure where I can get it. I might have to settle for or at least start my collection with the book Coraline. If anybody wonders what they should buy me for my birthday, a Coraline bendy doll or action figure would make me happy.

If you decide to see this in the theater, make sure you see the 3D version, well worth the effort.