Friday, February 22, 2013

I'm a Little ... Scrappy!

 

"I'm a little ...
S C R A P P Y !

As soon as I saw the ...

...  blog hop announced at Sew We Quilt I knew I would be making a little wall hanging for my scrapatch with this cute pattern because of this ...

... the view from my sewing machine.
 
There is something wrong with this picture ... ?????
 
There is no QUILT in it!
 
So I decided that I needed to do something about that.

So when the "All About Me" Blog Hop was announced, I decided it was just the right project to add to the wall above my bulletin board. 
 
This cute pattern is from Amy Bradley and was free to all participants!
 
Thank You, Amy!


The first thing I did when the pattern arrived in my inbox was to decide on fabrics.  This was really easy.  It had to be scrappy to be me so I pulled out one of my stack of scrap baskets.  This one has a lot of bright and colorful scraps and I want this little quilt to be bright and happy scrappy. I also pulled a couple of pieces of yardage out with sewing notions and buttons on them for the background and framing fabrics.

Deciding on the word I wanted to use to describe myself was also easy. I have been called "Scrappy Pat" by friends and I occasionally sign my email correspondence this way.

I like to think I am scrappy in a good way.

I am really very pieceful ... and peaceful.

Piece by Peace, I like to say.
 
Making the project was ... not sew easy for me.
 
I am really happy with this top! 
It even looks something like the pattern!
 
As those of you who know me can attest, I feel all thumbs when it comes to applique ... by machine or by hand.   I read the instructions carefully and followed them as best I could. 


I used the same font that is my default for my blog and email to make my letters.  Then I did more of a satin stitch than a buttonhole stitch.  One of the things I learned that was most useful to me was to set the stitch size for my machine very small.  I did a small stipple quilting around the lettering to make them stand out.
 
 
The top lettering was a "free style" attempt at machine embroidery.  I printed the words in the same font and followed the outline in satin stitch with a variegated purple thread.  I am pretty pleased by my efforts. 


I did the face details in hand stem stitching.  Again, I am pleased.

Katniss helped my sandwich and pin.
 
Then Katniss helped me quilt my top.

    Here is a closeup of our quilting and border details. 
 
I used 2 inch squares from my stash and strip pieced them into chains HERE.  I have extra chains that are now in my scrap drawer for a future project.  I am even thinking of making a whole quilt of scrappy 2" blocks.  I love scrappy squares.
 
Katniss helped my bind.
 
(Katniss says I need to learn to do better applique
and to add her to my quilts like all the other quilty kitties
we have seen this week on these little quilty creations. I told Katniss maybe she needs to help me work on that and she said, "Purr!")
 
The view from my sewing machine now!
Much better!
 Much Quiltier!
 
 Sewing Room In Progress
 
Today my sewing room is in a state of reorganization while my sewing machine is at the spa, so I have not added the organizer that I had also intended to make to hang under my bulletin board, so that will be another day. My sewing room, like my quilting, is a constant WIP.  My hubby and I are also making my sewing space more eronomic by adjusting my table heights so my back may be less achy. In this photo I had my new quilt on another wall and my quilty kitties are jostling for position again, as they do with every change in the house.    More sewing room pictures later when I can get this part of my sewing area (and my quilty kitties) settled in again.
 
To celebrate our success so far my quilty kitties and I are sharing
this fat quarter cut from my stash!

Fat Quarter Giveaway!
 

It is the sewing notion fabric that frames my "self-portrait."  As this was cut by me from my stash, this fat quarter is washed.

You do not need to be a follower to win.

I will send my mug rug anywhere in the world.

Please be sure that I have a way to contact you by email to tell you that you have won and to get your mailing address.

For a second chance to win, be a follower and leave a second comment telling me you are.

This Giveaway will close at Midnight EST on Thursday, February 28th.

I will pick a winner using a random number generator and will announce

the winner on Friday, March 1st.

Good luck!

Please visit all the blogs on the hop today ...

Friday, February 22

Life In The Scrapatch (you are here)
 
A big "Thank You!" to
 
and
 
for running this wonderful blog hop!
 
Thank you for visiting me in the Scrapatch!
:-)

150 comments:

The Thimblemouse of Country Crossroads said...

Such a perfect addition to your sewing room - great job!!!! Love your 'helpers' too!

Kathy said...

Love that your lady is all about sewing. Turned out very nice!

Gmama Jane said...

Your view from the sewing machine just got brighter!! Your scrappy Babe will cheer you on!
Blessings
Gmama Jane

Michelle said...

Wonderful mini quilt and a great view now from your sewing machine. Paw friends always make great helpers! Thanks for sharing!

Nati said...

She looks adorable and wat a great spot in your room to hang it! Thanks for the chance to win.

Judy B said...

Love your scrappy you! Looks great hanging in your sewing room. Thank you for sharing.

Judy B said...

I am a follower!

Catskill Quilter said...

I love your wall hanging, and it is neat that you have already earmarked a special spot for it in your sewing area! I also enjoyed reading about Katniss, and her sewing exploits...you have 2 adorable kitties!

Catskill Quilter said...

I am a happy regular follower of your blog.

Karen said...

Love your girl and the views of your sewing space, thanks

Karen said...

I am also a follower

Gill said...

I love your scrappy wallhanging - purrfect!
Thanks for sharing

Martina said...

So cute! Love your background and all tese little pieces! Lovely addittion to your sewingroom! Keep on smiling!

Britt-Inger said...

I love your scrappy you.Thanks for sharing

Robin said...

Your lady is scraptastic!! It looks perfect on your wall. Great job!

Anonymous said...

I adore your All About Me quilt-what a great addition to your sewing room. I also love your furry assistants. I have 3 feline helpers who keep life interesting for those of us with empty nests. Our little black female helps me by trying to take pins out of my sewing projects! Her two tabby companions are much more mellow, thank God. From California, thanks for sharing.

charlotte said...

Very cute and scrappy!

Mystica said...

Thank you for sharing. Please count me in.

mystica123athotmaildotcom

Di said...

What a fun quilt you've made! I love your furry helpers too. Are they good at choosing fabrics? :-)

Thearica said...

Your kitty cats are the perfect company in your sewing room. Love your addition to the hop!

Patty said...

Thanks for sharing your scrappy lady!

Jeanie said...

Your scrappy lady looks wonderful on the wall...as you sew, she will watch over you. Nice job....even the applique.... and great fabrics! Thanks for sharing!

Joyce said...

So very cute...mine is hanging in my sewing room too!

Lorene Holbrook said...

Oh I love your quilt! We have cats too, they sure love the quilts dont they?

Lorene Holbrook said...

I am a follower!

Judy Cooper Textile Artist said...

Great job! Thanks for sharing.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh I LOVE this you are very creative and your helpers are adorable. B

Sowing Stitches said...

Ah your wall looks much happier now! :) Love the borders on your scrappy quilt...and your helpers are just to cute! :)

Quilt Doodle Designs said...

Very nicely done, what a wonderful addition to your sewing room!

Quilt Doodle Designs said...

I'm also a happy follower, thank you for the chance to win :)

Dorian said...

You did a great job My Friend. Good for you for trying out new methods. Your Lady is darling, and I love that Katniss is such a good helper ;)

Sparky said...

yes my oh my this is scrappy and filled with soooo many parts of you....love it

Deb C said...

What a sweet gal! I have to admit, now I want to make a scrappy gal! There have been so many great ideas on this hop! Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win!

Stress Less said...

Wonderful project and it looks so good hanging on your wall! I LOVE the pictures of your kitty helping you. I have a dog and I'm always telling my husband that she helps me with cleaning, laundry and cooking. And he's like - really? how does she help? I may have to create some pictures of my girl helping me to show hubby!!!! Thanks so much for the smile this morning!

Marla's Crafts said...

Nice addition to your sewing room. Thanks for having a give away.

Marla's Crafts said...

Nice addition to your sewing room. Thanks for having a give away.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Turned out great! Looks wonderful in your sewing room.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

I do follow...thank you

vicki said...

What a lovely lady! And your kitty is such a good helper! lol Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway. vickise at gmail dot com

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Scrappy is what we quilters do best, isn't it? Can't stop creating scraps no matter what I do. Love the scrappy you.

Katie said...

Katniss cracks me up reading this post because I to have helpful kitties -- though they aren't allowed on the table (at least not when my hubby is home). Your scrappy lady is so clever and a great addition to your room.

Linda C said...

Much quilt-ier view for you with your cute little wall hanging! A scrappy take would definitely be "you" especially since you have named your blog a scrappy name! Well done.

I used to avoid applique like the plague but fusibles make things so much easier. That and learning how to do button hole applique properly, LOL. Never say never!

Linda C said...

following---thanks for sharing your project and how it came about!

krislovesfabric said...

Oh how sweet your kitty helpers look!

Little Penpen said...

You and Katniss did a great job and now you have your self portrait right in view of your sewing. Love it!!

Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures said...

Great scrappy lady

Patty said...

I like your lady. She has a couple of cute admirers too.

Teresa said...

The "scrappy" you is adorable. Love the kitties too.

JoyceLM said...

Love your scrappy mini-quilt. Thanks for sharing.

JoyceLM said...

I'm a follower - thanks again.

Bonnie58 said...

Love your quilt. She is co cute. Thanks for sharing and for the opportunity on the draw.
bonnielarson58@gmail.com

InGa said...

Love your scrappy "Me" You... :-)
..and the pictures and the cats.
Have a nice weeksend, and thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

First, I love Katniss and your little tuxedo kitty :) I think you did a great job! What a nice addition to your sewing room. I would totally like to redo mine as well, so I'm looking forward to following your progress. Thanks for sharing YOU!

Rosa said...

It`s looks fantastic with your adorable helper.Thanks for sharing.I love scraps quilts!

Tricia said...

Hello Ms. Pat. It's amazing how much "help" we get from our kitties as we sew. Sometimes it's good to have that extra paw when we need it. Your wallhanging looks great and yes the new view is much better from the sewing machine. Thank you for the chance to win that yummy prize.

Toodles,
Tricia

TheaMinPA said...

Hope your sewing machine enjoys her visit at the spa! Looking forward to more of your terrific projects!

Linda said...

Just adorable! I love the colorful scraps!

Vicki B said...

I love the scrappy look. I need to use some of mine up. My husband thinks I am nuts to keep such little pieces, but I just can't seem to part with them. After all I did pay for the fabric.
tvbart@charter.net

Brenda said...

This is so wonderful! I love scrappy quilts myself. I think they are so much more interesting. love the little helper too!
hulseybg at gmail dot com

Cher said...

love the kittie photos and all the bright colors..way to make this your own!

Pamela Kieffer said...

What imagination all the ladies had when creating "its all bout me". I like your scrappy look. Wish you lived closer and so I could share/give the many, many scraps I have collected in my years.

Carol Swift said...

Your wall hanging is so cute and looks great on your wall...love the scrappy look! You made me realize that I don't have a quilt on my wall...I need to fix that. Thanks for sharing!

Barbara said...

Very cute. Love your furry friend too.

Agnes B. Bullock said...

Love the fabric, love the scraps- just love all of it!

Vicki H said...

I LOVE scrappy. Your wallhanging is great.

Vicki H said...

I'm already a happy follower.

Caroline said...

Haha! That is certainly a scrappy quilt! And it looks lovely on your wall. Good job!

Michele T said...

Katniss is so helpful - what a sweety-pie!! Thanks for sharing in the blog hop - you did a fantastic job!!

Mary said...

You did a great job! Congratulations. Love your kitty inspectors!

StitchinByTheLake said...

She's going to be perfect in your sewing room - she'll make you smile every time you look at her. :) blessings, marlene

Needled Mom said...

That is such a cheerful view from your sewing mchine now!! Nice work.

Calicojoan said...

Your little scrappy "me" makes me very happy. I love scrappy! Love all your sewing room helpers!

Unknown said...

Well this will make a wonderful loo-see in front of your machine. Bright and happy colors plus some beautiful kitties.... thanks so much for blogging and letting us into your world.

Unknown said...

Oh and I have been a follower for some time now, take care

Tammy said...

Super cute project . Love the scrappy word and how you did the scrappy quilt look. Greaf idea. conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

gpc said...

I love your scrappy self -- and how lucky you are to have the wisdom of Katniss to help you along the way, lol.

Tammy said...

I'm following your blog along via GFC. Really enjoying this hop. Love meeting all of these faces & blogs in blogdom ...conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

Amy C said...

Loving your scrappy portrait. ( kitties too)
This is such a fun hop!
Campbellamyd at gmail dot com

Amy C said...

I'm a follower.
Campbellamyd at Gmail dot com

LittleHouseontheDairy said...

So cute! Great job.

Wendy said...

she's perfect! I think you did a fantastic job on the applique!

Anonymous said...

FOLLOWING>GFC!

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

HI! Neat applique!
Thanks for sharing!

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

Debra Lee said...

What would we do without the help of our kitties!

Suze said...

Your assistants are precious. I am very glad you participated. Your wall hanging is perfect above your bulletin board. You should be elated with your project. Thanks for participating and inspiring all of us.

CharlotteT said...

I love your quilt picture, but even more I love your little helpers! Aren't they great?!

quiltlikecrazy@hotmail.com

CharlotteT said...

Oh by the way, I am a follower also!

carla said...

Hi!! Love her!! Does make a happy view from your machine!!! I want one with cats in it too after seeing so many of them done that way!!! Love the notion fabric!!! Great background!!!

carla said...

I am a happy follower!!!

Kathy H said...

I love your scrappy lady and now she can offer wise words while you quilt in your sewing room. I think your applique and lettering was great.

Kathy H said...

I am a follower.

Lyndsey said...

That little mini you looks purrfectly at home on the wall of your sewing area.. Your kitties are also very well trained quilters.

Karen said...

Love it! and I identify with the kitens....I have one white one and also a golden!!...

barbara woods said...

love it!

barbara woods said...

i follow you

Beth said...

I love your new view from your sewing machine! That is too cute.

SIMPLESEW said...

I am a new follower!

SIMPLESEW said...

Cute kitty

Kathy L said...

Love your creation and amused to see your supervisor. Cat's have a habit of needing to see what is going on, don't they.

gtcoursey said...

Love your cat and her shanadigans... So cute. Love you lady also.

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Rosemary B here: already totally following via Pierro's bloggie in google reader

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Rosemary B here:
Okay here is my comment. Perhaps Katniss can make a tutorial for Miles and Pierro about "helping"... my boys are always in my stufffff!
Miles is a total thief. Pierro just sits on my sewing chair and I have to sit on the very edge so he does not get unhappy.
I LOVE your I am a bit Scrappy. That is perfect. Your sewing room looks wonderful now. I love all of the extra details you added.
Thank you for the opportunity to win a chunk of your fabric. Wowie. How sew-weeet heehee

Emily C said...

Tell Katniss yesterday was kitty day, she missed it =) Love the scrappy border. Very nice.

Lori said...

Love your scrappy wall hanging.

Sewgirl said...

I like your kitties, I am a a cat lover too. Your quilt is sweet. Thanks for sharing!

Sewgirl said...

I am already a follower!

Lou said...

Sweet addition to your room!
Love your helpers!

Lou said...

Sweet addition to your room!
Love your helpers!

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

Love your scrappy 'ME'. Nice job. Thanks for sharing.

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

Great addition for your room.
I am a follower.

usagypsy said...

Very smart kitty there :) Love the scrappy look of your quilt!

LJ said...

Scrappy...now that's just perfect! Loved the scrappy details. Thought your applique looked just fine from my view; maybe you're too hard on yourself. :)

✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄ said...

LOL, I love it! Now the wall is complete :)
Can Katniss please come and help me out for a few days?? I need an assistant to get through all of these projects here, lol!

✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄ said...

I'm already a happy follower :D

Createology said...

Kitties who quilt are super adorable. This blog is such fun and I am loving your personalized Ms. Scrappy. Bright and Cheery! Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts...

ShirleyC said...

Too cute! I feel like I'm a Scrappy person also! :)

ShirleyC said...

Following you.

www.prayersformymom.blogspot.com

OhioLori said...

Love your lil quilt!! I think I neeeed to borrow your quilty helper!! You both worked so hard...and did such an Awesome job!!! Maybe I could do somethin' almost as nice wuith such a Helper!

Thanks for chance to win your Drawing!! :)

OhioLori said...

I've been a follower of your Blog, thru GFC, for quite awhile now too.

Thanks for another chance to win! :)

The Slow Quilter said...

That cat sure know how to quilt, all mines do his leave cat hair on everything. Love the new addition to the sewing room, I am just carring mines around.

Pamela said...

Your quilt makes me smile. Thanks!

Farm Quilter said...

Love your self-portrait! Your helper is adorable! Thank you for the great giveaway!

Farm Quilter said...

I am a seasoned follower!

BizyStitches said...

Love your scrappy. It turned out just the right size for where you hung it. Thanks for being in this fun blog hop.

BizyStitches said...

I'm a follower. Thanks

Teatime Creations said...

What a lovely hanging. Love the scrappy idea and your helpmate Katniss.

Martha said...

Love your project...love your helpers...love your sewing room. Thank you for sharing.

Sallie said...

Sew cute! Thanks for sharing and the giveaway!

Gwen said...

It's always so nice to have something new to adorn your quilt studio walls! And I love your "scrappy" addition! Great job!

Gwen said...

I'm a follower and have been for a while.

Michele said...

What a great idea to make a mini quilt to adorn that blank wall. just perfect. I love all the colors and the scrappiness. Nicely done.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh, I love this. I also love scraps. They can turn into works of art like yours!

Lyn said...

I really love your scrappy quilt. Thanks so much for being part of the hop!

lauraluvsloons said...

Your little quilt looks great, very creative.

becky said...

I am crazy for scrappiness and a good cat helping Thanks Becky
derry04@yahoo.com

becky said...

I am a follower also Thanks again Becky
derry04@yahoo.com

gtcoursey said...

I so love your block. So detailed and fun.

Sheila said...

I love it and I think I am a little scrappy too :-) Thanks so much for sharing !

Sheila said...

I am a follower , thanks for the chance.

apple blossom said...

have sew enjoyed this hop thanks for chance to win your giveaway

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

gfc follower
apple blossom

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Bente-I like to QuiltBlog said...

I love your scrappy selfportait, great work!
Your cat ist so gorgeous, thanks for sharing the funny pictures and the chance to win.
Bente

Jean Burke said...

Love those colors - so happy! Enjoy!

Elizabeth said...

What a great addition to the sewing room wall! It's so fun to see our own creations hanging in our creative spaces. Love your kitties too! I'm apartment living now, so no pets. Maybe someday... Thanks for sharing!

Brenda said...

Love your quilt! It is a perfect addition. Your cats are precious and delightful. Thanks for sharing and having the great fabric giveaway.

PatSloan said...

Scrappy is good! This is such a fun hop.. my day is today... http://blog.patsloan.com/2013/02/its-all-about-mmm-me-you-who.html

Susie said...

Hi love your mini quilt it looks so good in place. Thanks for sharing and the Giveaway. Susie x

Vickie said...

Your "ME" is cute, but your Kitty's are adorable !

Vickie said...

I am already a follower ! Thanks for giving away such a cute fat quarter. Love your music too !

Scrapatches said...

Thanks to everyone who has visited me for this blog hop and left me lovely comments. It has been another wonderfully inspiring hop and I have found so many great blogs to read.

Time to pick a winner for my fat quarter giveaway! Good luck!

This giveaway in now closed but please come back and visit me and my quilty kitties again and participate in our next giveaway ... :) Pat