it started with the fabric

Many projects do...start with the fabric.

For this wall hanging,

I happened to have a charm pack of Give Thanks by Deb Strain for Moda.

You can get a charm pack of Give Thanks HERE, HERE or HERE 

I layed a few pieces on my design wall and pinned it here and there.

Then I went to my EQ program and made the 'block'.

It's a BIG block.

Do you design in EQ or graph paper?

I do both when designing but for this quilt, I just used EQ.

This is a picture of the half square triangle units and stems sewn.

And the completed top.

It's not a great picture, however I can be bad about taking pictures.

I feel lucky I made this many LOL.

It's about 34 1/2" square.

I am taking it to my quilter this weekend...

maybe I will get it back before Thanksgiving???

Canning - THE obsession

Since my 'little' mistake about our tomato crop this year,

we have been swamped with ripe tomatoes.

Not that, that is a bad thing.

I am really liking the challenge of canning this year.

I felt a bit as though I needed a break from sewing and quilting.

I know,

Did I just type that?

yep, I did.

I need a break.

Having said that, I have finished quilt tops that I have sent to my quilters

 with the intention that my mojo will come back!

In the mean time, canning is the new obsession.

I have a couple of canning magazines

with a list of food I want to can.

I am trying to figure out what is the best organization of the weekends to accomplish this list.

I have canned during the week too...

I told you, it's an obsession!

Here are my first diced tomatoes.

I am proud of these guys :)

LOL

and here is my list for this fall,

well so far...it may be expanded depending on my success

• tomato sauce
• spaghetti sauce
• ketchup
• salsa
• applesauce
• apple pie filling
• champagne blush jelly
• raspberry jam
• roasted garlic pasta sauce

wish me luck ;)

Sunshine and Lollipops

I am very excited to share

that I will be teaching a quilting class at

J'Ellen's House of Fabric.

Saturday, August 11

 10:00am -1:00pm

to kick off

Sarah's Sewcial Lounge

I have created a quilt just for them titled:

Sunshine and Lollipops

55" x 60 1/2"

It is all part of the 2nd Annual

Sweet Treat Extravaganza Anniversary Sale at J'Ellen's!

August 7 - 11, 2012

The class will be limited to

six participants and will be filled on a first paid first come basis.

Please call or stop in the store for greater details:

J'Ellen's House of Fabric

5259 Mayfield Road

Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124

440-684-9830

I hope to meet you there!

Simply Charming Winner

The Simply Charming book winner is

Anna of

Fresh Dew Drops

Congratulations!

Sometimes I need simple...

like simple 9-patches.

I cut into some of my Mini Muu stash and various 1930's Old New fabrics.

2 1/2" squares....

divided into

light and darks.

Sewed them into simple 9 patches....

just 6 inch finished.

At this point I am going to let them 'rest'....

I've auditioned several fabrics for sashing...

I haven't decided yet.

more pics if I do...