On Saturday, I started the process of getting a quilt ready to quilt. Until I win the lottery and buy my own quilting machine, this is what I do. First I pin the back to the carpet in my living/dining room area. I like the long pins with flowers on the end. They’re strong and stay pinned to the carpet. If I had hardwood floors in this area, I’d just tape it. Pins are a [...]

Behind my sewing machine is a little ironing board that’s super convenient for small ironing tasks. For longer than I care to admit, it has looked like this: Finally, I decided that I needed to do something about it. It turns out that with less than 1/2 yard of fabric, I could easily make it pleasant to look at. Originally the iron had a thin piece of foam over the particle board form. I replaced [...]

Since I first learned about the Modern Quilt Guild, I want to join a similar group right here in Salt Lake. Well apparently, nobody else has formed a group. So I went ahead and started a group myself. I can’t believe I’ve done this. Normally, I more of a follower than a leader. I’m hopeful that this can be a lot of fun. Now I’m looking for people other than myself to be a member [...]

This post has been on my to-do list for well over a month. Ross and I are lucky enough to have very generous neighbors that gift us delicious treats for Christmas. I wanted to return the favor without actually having to bake anything. Baking isn’t my thing. It’s stressful and messy. I can do without both. So I decided to make festive hot pads. Oh, Franson’s tutorial on Sew, Mama, Sew! inspired my production method. [...]

OK, I know it January 5. I probably should be thinking about the new year. Yet I can’t help myself from remembering the lazy days of my Christmas vacation. From December 24 – January 3, my life was free from the corporate job. Of course it always takes a few days to really unwind. Then I’m in a relaxed state where I’m impressed with myself if I take a shower and leave the house. Good [...]