I Like Thursday ~ Spring in in the Air

 

Spring in in the air!

Today when I was sitting and working on my

Spring Crochet Along with Any Day Crochet

I had the windows open on the south side of the house.

My Wordless Wednesday photo this week

 was of this lovely spring looking zipper pouch 

sent to me as a gift 

from my online Quilty Bestie,

Dorian @ Ridge Top Quilts

You can see the sewing in progress on this zipper bag in the link above.  I love how Dorian takes her smallest scraps and adds beautiful hand stitched touches to make such beautiful and useful things. I am sew blessed to be the recipient of this lovely. I have tucked my crochet needs like small scissors, yarn needles and markers and extra hooks into this pretty pouch and tucked it in the top on my yarn bag.

Thank you, my dear friend, Dorian!

I am up to date on Day 11 of the Spring Blanket Crochet Along

with the cute blueberry bobbles on top of the orange basket stitch rows.

See the adorable purple and blue iced cupcakes row?

Tulips and Bunny Ears and Dragonflies, oh my!

I think the Carrots row is my favorite. 

Maybe. They are all so cute!

As you can see, it is bright and sunny 

but there are no flowers outside my door yet.

I am also up to date on my Temperature Quilt Tree Blocks.

As you can see, this week the trees are all pink,

which means the day temperatures 

have been in the 40s and 50s, Fahrenheit.

The night has dipped into the 20's though and it has been windy.

As you can also see, Nutmeg has approved these blocks.

Time to sew them into the row!

~~~

Although it getting warmer is much too early in my corner of the world 

for spring flowers as each night it goes below freezing.

The I Like Thursday question of the week is what are my favorite

spring flowers.

Though they are not blooming yet, I have two.

In my yard, I love the brave little crocuses 

which will be my first garden blooms.

I also love to fill my window boxes and hanging planters

with spring pansies.

There are not available to purchase yet at the garden centers yet.

Soon.

For more Thursday fun, visit all my friends at

I Like Thursday @ Not Afraid of Color

Happy Thursday! 

Wishful Thinking ~ UFOs & Quilt Goals 2023

This Lonestar Quilt Block was made in 2011.

I had to wash a stain off one of the points and press it before I took this photo.

This is the center block that I made 

while sewing along with the ...

Lonestar Quilt Along 2011

@ 

Ridge Top Quilts

It was my first attempt at this start block. 

Dorian, my online quilty bestie, patiently helped me through the process. 

I admit that I am still not a fan of "Y" seams.

I have never actually finished a Lone Star Quilt. 

This quilt block is the end product of a previous Stash Busting effort...

...  while I was trying to use up fabrics from this

 Mystery Quilt in 2011

My Favorite Bed Quilt

The large blue floral fabric in this Lonestar Block

 is the last of the focus fabric for 

I think I had intended to complete the QAL and use this as a wallhanging in the bedroom.  The corner blocks and border were never sewn.  

Now this large block is a UFO that surfaced when I was pulling yellow, blue and green scraps for my Scrappy Irish Chain WIP.

Maybe I will add a scrappy border and finish it as a wallhanging

 when my Irish Chain Quilt is finished and on my bed.

"It could happen ..." ;)

This quote is one of our family sayings for wishful thinking.

It comes from an old family type movie that my daughter had on repeat on the VHS player on our old television in the 90's. She wore out the VHS tape.

Can anyone name the movie?

Anyone want a hint?

I am walking down memory lane and thinking wishfully 

about getting my UFOs and WIPs this Sunday afternoon.

Will 2023 be the year I complete a Lone Star Quilt?

It has long been on my quilty bucket list.

I saw this post on 

#quiltgoals2023 ~ The Jolly Jabber @ Fat Quarter Shop

It has me thinking wishfully about setting one goal this year.

I am thinking my goal should be to finish one UFO.

Will this Lone Star block be the one? 

Time will tell.  

I Like Thursday # 68 ~ Sharing Hugs and Happy News

Good Morning ~ Happy Thursday! 

Today I want to share this lovely quilty hug. 

It makes me feel warm and happy and I hope you will feel the love, too.

This lovely scrap quilt was made by my online quilty bestie,

Dorian @ Ridge Top Quilts

who is always sewing beautiful things with even her smallest scraps.  

It was such a wonderful surprise to receive this happy little hug in the mail this week.

It makes me appreciate all the little things in life.

Like how this proverbial bowl of homemade chicken soup soothes the soul

and nourishes the body.  

This loaf of sourdough bread is homemade, too. 

My Basic Bread Baking Method Here 

I learned a new trick recently for putting my raised loaf into 

a pre-heated bread baker recently.

Putting parchment paper in the bowl or basket when it is set to rise,

makes it easy to pick it up and set it in the baker.

It also helps with taking the bread out after it is baked. 

I learned this trick and a few about using my kitchenaid mixer 

to knead my sourdough 

@

Cooking Lessons From The Kitchn

My sourdough bread baking skills are constantly improving.

My friend Dorian, who also bakes her own bread helped me with few tips and tricks, too,

So I am giving thanks today for the simple goodness in life

and the lovely people who have helped me learn and grow.

I love sharing my world with the wildlife that visit my backyard.

I surprised this little guy behind my shed when I was raking one day.

I love the way his fur blends so perfectly into the landscape.

I love little critters like this.

I have been following the story of this little guy, 

Story of Poppi, the Porcupine @ Newhouse Wildlife Rescue

on Facebook.

This wildlife rehabilitation place is located in a neighboring town

and is only a few miles from my home.

I have never been there but I always heard wonderful things

 about their efforts to save injured critters.

There is more, including a video of his release back into the wild 

with an adorable video of him saying goodbye to his adoptive mommies.

Thanks to

Newhouse Wildlife Rescue

This story warms my heart. 

I am feeling blessed today 

It is time to give thanks and enjoy all the thankful posts from my friends for

I Like Thursday @ Not Afraid of Color

who once a week choose to find and share happiness.

Have a Happy Week!

My Snap Flower Table Topper Tutorial ~ Free on Google Docs

This is my original Snap Flower Table Quilt.

I designed and posted this table topper

Here in 2016

The idea is that you can unsnap the individual petals and use them as snack mats

so you always have something ready at your fingertips 

on which to set your mug or plate.

For awhile the pattern was in my Craftsy Store, 

bu it was removed when this website changed.

I miss the old Craftsy site, where small designers could share their 

patterns for free and for profit.

I have no aspirations o become the next big quilt designer.

I enjoyed my little bitty spot.

My dear friend, 

Dorian @ Ridge Top Quilts

recently asked me for the tutorial and made this lovely version.

I never would have thought to use a large scale floral print in  this manner,

but I love the look of this topper.

Dorian used the snaps she had on hand,

not the newer plastic ones that I use.

Any snaps will work, really.

I have uploaded the revised tutorial for this table quilt to Google Docs.

Snap Flower Table Quilt Tutorial ~ Free Here

I would love to see your version if you make this pattern.

Happy Sewing!

A Yard Sale Fabric Find

I found these two charm packs and two yards of fabric 

in a yard sale type de-stashing post. 

This fabric line is from 2012, I think.

The colors and designs in this line were a favorite of my  quilty bestie,

Dorian @ Ridge Top Quilts

I snapped them up! 

I am going share this lovely fabric with her.

I will keep one charm pack and one yard of the focus and send  Dorian the other.

From someone else's stash to ours with love... <3 

:-) 

Time for Quilty Tricks or Treats!

My Spider Web Tutorial has been featured on
Quilting Digest! 

Story Here on Quilting Digest

and
Here on the Quilting Digest Facebook Page

You may find all my 

Spider Web Tutorials Here


This is not the only link to my tutorials this week.

My quilty friend 
Dorian @ Ridge Top Quilts

 Sewed this smaller mug rug version of the curved spider web.

Story Here @ Ridge Top Quilts 

This is inspiring to find time to make a small web this year.

It is always a treat for me to see a quilt project 
made from one of my tutorials.

It is all treats, really ... 

no tricks except quilting tricks of the trade.

:-) 

A Quilty Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I am celebrating my 66th 

and

I am officially retired today. 

This nifty quilty gifty arrived a few days ago from my BFF online quilty friend,

Dorian @ Ridge Top Quilts

and I saved it to open today with my morning coffee. 

Dorian knows me so well ... that I love vintages sewing machines,

butterflies and pretty colors like these lovely hand dyes. 

This panel is sew sweet!

It features four different antique sewing machines.

It is from the 

A Stitch in Time Collection by Elizabeth's Studio

There is a free pdf. pattern for this fabric line.

Click Here for Free Pattern

The hand dyed and butterfly fabric would be a good addition to this design.

Thank you, my dear friend, Dorian !

Around the World Blog Hop

   Welcome to my  Quilty Corner of the World!

This block is one I made several years ago when I hosted a 

Block Swap @ The Quilt & Needle

 where we were to create a block to represent "our quilty corner."  

The idea was that my block would represent 
the four seasons of New England.  
If I were making one today the piecing would be different but the idea would be the same. 
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall ... 
I love the changing seasons <3

When my friend

  Marcy @ Made By Me In Red

invited me to participate in this fun Around the World Blog Hop, I said yes right away.  

I love sharing with other bloggers everywhere.  I have learned so much about quilting online. I enjoy all the quilty inspiration and sharing of creativity.  I makes the world a little smaller ... cozier ... friendlier ... quiltier.

I love Marcy's blog.  Marcy is sew talented.  Marcy does beautiful applique work that I so admire but feel all thumbs about attempting myself. Marcy is also sew creative.

Marcy did a tutorial on her Two -Tone Prairie Points 

that I loved and adapted the idea for my

Two-Toned Ruffles on my Feather Pillow 

I have learned sew much from other quilt bloggers!

Thanks, all!

1. What am I working on?

My quilty kitties and I are getting ready for our

 See You In September Blog Hop @ Sew We Quilt 

on September 4th.

Katniss is helping 

Butterfly says, "Remember we cannot show this one yet!

I will keep it 'under-cats" for you."

This is only the back of the quilt.

Please come back to see the front!

:) My quilty kitties and I are really happy about this one :)

I am actually working on ... several projects.  

I always have more than one project going and think about the next as I sew.

Here are a few of last years projects.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

Here are some of my quilty accomlishments for this year.

I really think there is nothing truly "new" under the quilty sun.  

We are all learning from the past and handing down to the future.  

I like this thought.  

 Most of my creations are my own patterns,  I seldom follow a pattern and when I do I am inclined to put my own twist on it by listening to my own muse.    One example is the idea that 

"If I can sew a straight line I can cut a straight line." 

which I did  here ... 

Sew

Press

Cut

... to create this Easy Lattice Quilt

I do like to find my own way of doing things and to listen to my own quilty muse, but I know the single thing that makes my quilt unique is the same thing that makes every other quilt unique ... it was handmade with love.

3. Why do I create what I do?

I often say that my quilty efforts are my own small attempts to make the world a warmer and cozier place, one quilt at a time ... like these Big and Baby Sister Quilts

I make quilts to be used and used up and, hopefully, loved.  

I stitch love with needle and thread. 

I think that is the goal of most quilters. 

I also love to share my ideas with other quilters.

I have learned so much about quilting on the internet it is nice to give back a little, too.

 Dawn @ Quilting By Dawn 

made her own version of this easy lattice quilt!

It makes me happy to see Dawn's pretty baby quilt.
It makes me sew happy to share this one.
This is my favorite quilt in this post!

Thanks, Dawn! 

4. How does my writing/creating process work?

I dream quilts in color.  Sometimes I wake and have to reach for a paper and a pencil and get a sketch down before it fades from memory. The gingham quilt that I have been working on is an example of this. 

It started with an image of a colorful gingham quilt and some beautiful

Riley Blake Gingham

The design included a block I had sewn before but this quilt required me to figure out how to adapt it for this new quilty idea.

This one worked and I am excited to be showing this new design idea on September 4th for the See You In September Hop!

Please come back then to see my quilt and my other summer creations!

For now please visit some of the other

Around the World Blog Hoppers today.

One of these is 

Jen @ Never Just Jennifer

please stop by and visit her blog, too, today!

I found Jen awhile back through a kind comment she left on my blog and have enjoyed reading her blog and know you will, too.

I asked Jen if I could tag her but she was already tagged to post today.

I have tagged the following quilt bloggers who will be posting next Monday, September 8th ...

Lana @ Seams To Be Sew

I found Lana's lovely blog via a king word she left on my blog and I followed the thread trail back to find her wonderful blog and am a faithful follower.
Lana's post are always filled with great photos and creative ideas and I really enjoy the way she writes. Thanks, Lana.

and

Dorian @ Ridge Top Quilts 

Dorian is my bestest online quilty friend.
I have learned so much about quilting from Dorian.
Whenever I get one of these "pass it along" type blog chains, 
the first person I know I want to share is Dorian.
Thanks, Dorian.

{{{{{quilty hugs to my blogging friends}}}}}

I always enjoy reading these blogs and know you will, too!

I hope you have enjoyed your visit to my little corner in the big beautiful

Around The World Blog Hop!

{{{{{{{{{ quilty hugs to all my readers }}}}}}}}}
and thanks for reading!

:)

Friendship x and + Swap Update

The last of my Friendship x & + Swap Blacks in progress!

My online quilting friend Dorian @ Ridge Top Quilts 

and I have been making and swapping these blocks for the last few months. 

Click Here for More Info

These blocks are made from the wonderful

x & + Blocks Tutorial

from

badskirt

These are the pieces needed for the 8" unfinished block.

My friend and I have decided to to make a medium size lap quilts.

Half of the blocks will be mine and half will be hers.
We have been making six blocks per month and sending three.

Since January, I have been playing catch up most months making and sending blocks every other month. This is a very easy and relaxed swap between two friends who understand each others' more important commitments and that sometimes life just gets in the way of our sewing fun.

Here is the layout for my quilt.

It is 7 rows and 8 columns.

56 Blocks.

The blocks measure 7.5" finished, 

so the quilt will be 54.5" by 62" plus the binding.

I am going to use a gray binding.

Dorian and I decided to use up our scraps and to use some of our gray scraps
 somewhere in each block so I am calling my quilt ... 

"Everything Goes With Gray"

I am making the last of my blocks this week.

Yay!

I will be sewing my top together soon!

Thanks, Dorian, for swapping blocks with me!

I am scrappy and happy!

Are you scrappy, too?

Have you seen this great scrappy challenge?

Scrap Challenge Quilt 4

@

Fabrics N Quilts

I am thinking this Scrappy Friendship Swap Quily may
make a great scrappy quilt for this challenge!

Linking up today with all the crafty people
@

and checking in with what's buzzing
@

Click on the buttons to see all the inspiring links and


Have a happy quilty day!

:-)