cinnamon holiday workshop

another practice Ohio star

2012-02-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

I just had to do another practice Ohio star using a different method...I used the X method of sewing on each side of the line and cutting along the drawn lines...I like this method MUCH better than sewing each triangle separately...BUT I had trouble again in putting the rows together....I didn't get the match very good on the top left intersection...very bulky with all the layers of seams...BUT swap partners.....heads up here....I am working on the blocks for the swap...I used frosted dots by Lakehouse for my practice blocks...I am using Kona white for the swap blocks and Christmas colors...Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Ohio star practice

2012-02-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

Oh help!! I signed up for an Ohio star swap....using Christmas fabric....and I decided to make a practice block...

I am looking for a better way....and some tips....I know I have a tendency to pull the fabric when I sew...and working with bias edges you have to be careful not to stretch the fabric...hope I can do a better job with the Christmas fabric!!AND.....I am trying a lot of new things lately...my word for the year is choices.....and I am pushing to make choices to learn new things...Smiles and hugs....Caryl

another finish

2012-02-01T14:24:00.000-08:00

Last night with my Tuesday night quilt group...I finished another project in January...the Be Attitudes Be Warm mini quilt by Nancy Halvorsen...I added some heart-shaped leaves I learned from the FMQ challenge...It feels so good to have this done....Smiles and hugs....Caryl

finally finished Chantelle

2012-01-29T21:23:00.000-08:00

I have blogged about this before.....and it has been on my FIU list since I started it in 2007....I used Ricky Tims method of cutting the fabric with just a rotary cutter and no ruler...a fun method....I used Patrick Lose fabrics and Ricky Tims dyed fabric for binding...

I used different colors of thread to quilt each separate color of the wallhanging..now it is hanging in my dining room...these are my very favorite colors!!Smiles and hugs....Caryl

answer to what am I working on?

2012-01-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

Today Pat Sloan asked on her blog to share what we are working on and add to Mr. Linky...all I have left on my Chantelle tulip is hand stitching the binding to the back...

More progress done on this mini quilt...blogged end of the year....

sorry for the blurrr....some strips using blues and purples...Also...I am going to make a recipe I pinned on pinterest called the easiest bread ever...made with club soda...OH...and I bought an AccuQuilt GO! I got it last weekend at Joann's in Temecula on sale....when we were on our way to the Road to California quilt show. Then I had fun in the booth at Road buying fabric cutting dies. So I want to do some cutting up fabric too!Smiles and hugs....Caryl

January FMQ Challenge and TNT Thursday

2012-01-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

This is my entry in the SewCalGal 2012 FMQ Challenge. I have enjoyed this design and will keep practicing but decided to submit my sample today. My previous quilting style was rambling....so it was difficult at first to focus on just doing one design.

I got brave and decided to do more than practice...just put it on a "real project". I have this UFO since 2007 (it is on my FIU list and I have blogged about it before) and it has been on the wall with push pins waiting to be finished!

I am also linking to Melissa's TNT Thursday as this is a new design to add to my quilts. I added the heart-shaped leaf design to the light blue border. If anyone is thinking about doing free motion quilting...my advice is to "JUST DO IT"!! Practicing 15 minutes every day helps a lot! AND it is really fun!Smiles and hugs....Caryl

FMQ practice

2012-01-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

This is the second practice FMQ leaf design that I did...BUT I really need a lot more practice before I submit it to the challenge. I need to discipline myself to do the design and not let the stitching go any way I feel like going!!

This one I did on Thursday after I first heard about the FMQ challenge and grabbed some fabric!! I discovered how fun this heart leaf is to do and decided to commit to doing the practice and following the challenge for this year. It should be a lot of fun.Smiles and hugs....Caryl

FMQ Challenge

2012-01-15T14:34:00.000-08:00

I have decided to join SewCalGal in the 2012 Free Motion Quilting Challenge. My style is just a rambling all over the place quilting style and I want to learn some new things. By taking the pledge I hope this gives me the push to practice more and add new quilting designs to my quilts!!Smiles and hugs....Caryl

SPBB #7 #8 and #9

2012-01-02T16:32:00.000-08:00

Before I put things away from Christmas I took some photos of projects I did before blogging...the first one is a 10" pillow I made in the 70s or 80s....

Next is a quilt I started in Nancy Fisher's class in 1993....it is called strips and squares....it is hand quilted...finally finished it 5 years ago after a lot of years of not quilting....

this table topper is 10" string blocks...four put together and used the serger to do the edge...I probably did this in 2007...that is about when I started quilting again after a long break of doing other crafts....

here is the same table topper taken at night with the ceramic tree lights on...I wil keep looking for more SPBB (some projects before blogging)....Smiles and hugs....Caryl

FIU weekend

2011-12-31T15:38:00.000-08:00

Pat Sloan is having a UFO party on Quilt Mashup Forum and that has inspired me to check out those projects I need to finish up. I am working on a Nancy Halvorsen Be Attitudes mini quilt. I started it in January 2009! I bought the book and the kit in April 2008 in Deer Lodge, Montana at Quilter's Corner.

This is the first one I have started in the book. I also bought kits for Feb, March, Oct and Dec.

I at least hope to get this mini quilt done and hung in January. This weekend I hope to identify more of my projects to finish and get them on my list for 2012. Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T13:22:00.000-08:00

Best wishes for a happy holiday to all.Smiles and hugs....Caryl

12 days of Christmas tabletopper

2011-12-19T10:54:00.000-08:00

Here is the finish....blogged in June about charm squares to 4-patches here...I also had an update in Nov....I forgot to use the walking foot when I started this decorative stitch in the center...and also forgot to put the feed dogs back up...oops....after I figured it out what I had done...it was much better....

I did the stem stitch for the words and a running stitch along some of the seams...I'm keeping this one for me....the other two I did this month were for gifts...Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Secret Santa Swap fun

2011-12-17T18:37:00.000-08:00

Pat Sloan's QuiltMashUp group had a swap earlier this month...

I decided to join in the fun....

Here is a little Santa bucket on the tabletopper I made....

I personalized the tabletopper for my swap partner....and I used Kate Spain 12 days of Christmas fabric....

this photo shows all the goodies I put in the package...I also had some almond roca in the snowflake box....the little snowman changes colors...I put some photos on flickr of what I got from my swap partner....this was a very fun swap...Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Christmas tabletopper tutorial

2011-12-15T17:48:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick tutorial on how I made this very simple tabletopper.

I used 2 1/2" strips of all different reds and greens for the center. I sewed a red strip to a green strip and cut in 2 1/2" segments and then sewed them together for a 16 patch of all different fabrics.

Next for the first borders I used gold fabric with stars and swirls and cut 8 1/2" x 2 and 12" x 2 and sewed to the 16 patch. For the last borders I started with a red strip and sewed to the right side. I then sewed a strip of green to the bottom and next red and last green at the top. For the machine quilting I did a decorative stitch down the centers of the 16 patch center and then straight lines about 1/8" from the seam. I wrote words in each of the borders.

Here is where I did something new....I did the binding by machine! I used red fabric with stars and swirls. First I listened to some tutorials on how to do machine binding and then sewed the binding to the back instead of the front. Pat Sloan has a good video on how to do this.

Then I folded the binding over and sewed a buttonhole stitch with my machine to finish. It was fun and I will be doing this method again.Smiles and hugs....Caryl

SPBB #6

2011-12-11T18:00:00.001-08:00

Here is another project I did before I started my blog. I had a photo of it last year with my decorations but not about Sweet Trimmings. This was part of the Cross Country Christmas blog hop in November 2009. The design is Gudrun's of GE Designs and the free pattern is on her blog Gudrun's World and here is where you can find her post about Sweet Trimmings.

This is a close up of the top of the wall hanging. It was a lot of fun to make.Smiles and hugs....Caryl

SPBB #5

2011-12-08T20:28:00.001-08:00

My post today is about another project that I made before I started my blog. This project was on a blog hop in November 2009 by Rosebud's Cottage blog. Anyone following me on flickr has already seen this...and I just had the binding pinned to the back that Christmastime and finished it later!!

You can find the directions here. Lots of little pieces to sew....but fun and worth it!! Smiles and hugs....Caryl

giddy postage stamp quilt finished

2011-11-26T16:36:00.001-08:00

I love this quilt.....it all started in January....when I joined a quilt along....I have talked about this before on this blog....I put lots of words in the quilting....

Rachel has a fun way of doing a postage stamp quilt...1200 squares in all....using 2 jelly rolls....it measures about 62 x 82.....I used a blue fabric for the back....

I am happy with the turquoise binding...and happy that I did not add a border....and happy with the turquoise quilting thread................Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 4

2011-11-18T17:11:00.001-08:00

I was the lucky winner of a copy of the Quiltmaker's 100 block, Vol 4 by making a comment on Sarah's Sew Joy blog here during the blog hop!!I just received the magazine and it is filled with lots of inspiration. Go to her blog to see her Jolly Holly block!Thank you Sarah for choosing my name.Now I wish I had volumes 1, 2 and 3.....this is awesome!!Smiles and hugs....Caryl

persistence

2011-11-10T16:25:00.001-08:00

oh no!! I did it again!! I misspelled a word in my quilt!!I didn't notice it until I looked at the photo....I have done this before....and I used to be a really good speller!!!....I decided to just leave it.....sometimes it is funny to see if people notice mistakes....hee hee..........the reason I took this photo was to show my binding progress on the giddy postage stamp quilt...and also to show the blue backing....

another project is the 12 days of Chrismtas tabletopper...with the hand stitching merry christmas started.....

the next photo shows the machine stitching and the hand stitching...

last evening I wanted to capture the dark pink color across the sky...with the moon coming up....also captured some blue hour....Smiles and hugs....Caryl

postage stamp quilt

2011-11-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

This last week I finished quilting my giddy postage stamp quilt.........I did a lot of meandering quilting and added words............................................................now I am "happy" to be putting on the binding............I really like using my walking foot.................................I really...really like this quilt..................................Smiles and hugs....Caryl

SPBB #4

2011-10-31T17:35:00.000-07:00

I just had to add another Halloween project to my list of projects before blogging...this one I did in 2006 and it is also by Renee Mullins....the name of it is A Midnight's Glow....it is in the book Plum Purdy Season vol.2....my husband cut out the wood and sanded it and put the pieces together...and I did the decorative painting....

I put a little pumpkin with a candle on the base....I like to decorate for the seasons and holidays and really enjoy bringing out my projects I have made in previous years....Smiles and hugs....Caryl

SPBB #3

2011-10-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

I painted this plaque in 2003.....it is a design by Rene Mullins of Plum Purdy....I think the name of it is fall gathering..................

Here is a close up of some details.....it reminds me of how much I really like decorative painting........BUT.....then I reeeeaaaalllllyyyy like quilting! But when I am making cards and stamping....I reeeeaaalllllyyyy like that too!!....Smiles and hugs....Caryl

SPBB #2

2011-10-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

I made this cat wall hanging in October 1990........it was a class project in the quilting classes I took at the community college every Tuesday night......................This was my first hand piecing and first machine quilting quilt.....that's what I put on the label on the back! .... I don't think I ever took a photo of it until today.... I like to hang it up somewhere in the house every October. Smiles and hugs....Caryl

SPBB #1

2011-10-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

I decided to start something new on my blog...SPBB...Some Projects Before Blogging....projects that were completed before I started my blog....and that I haven't blogged about already!..........................SPBB #1 I made in 2008 and was the first quilt along that I followed...SeW AloNG! - Crooked Cabins by Pat Sloan...The basic instructions were in her book Crooked Cabins Quilts....she had 7 lessons on her blog to follow with tips for making the quilt...the sew along started in July 2008....it was such a fun quilt to make ................................................Smiles and hugs....Caryl

zendoodle fun

2011-10-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

I started this project when I signed up for Sarah's FYB Makealong...I tried some new things....zendoodles around the outside of the saying...I used the BSR on my Bernina....

I used black perle 8 to do the stem stitch around the zendoodle areas...I used red Sulky to start the saying letters...being creative qd (every day) is what I need to do....it didn't happen much over the past month....but now I hope to finish up some projects..and even start some new ones!!Smiles and hugs....Caryl

pancreatitis is a nasty disease!!!

2011-10-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

My husband is recuperating from a very serious illness...it all started with severe abdominal pain that got worse suddenly...911 to ER...high level of lipase and raging pancreatitis was the diagnosis...he was hospitalized for two weeks....he had complications and was in critical care unit 5 days...now he is slowly getting better.....when he is recovered he will have his gallbladder out...at least another month before that happens....so I have been away from blogging, quilting and creative stufff...yesterday I put a photo on flickr of the quilt I finished in Sept...the friends and flowers log cabin quilt....Smiles and hugs....Caryl

50th

2011-09-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

September 17, 1961

We started our weekend celebration Friday night at Seaport Village Edgewater Grill....

50 $1 bills Debbie made into a necklace!!...

Our family treated us to a very special evening.....

On Saturday Dave and I rode 231 miles on a cycle ride to some of our favorite places including Idyllwild...who else goes for a motorcycle ride on their 50th anniversary!!! Then on Sunday we took a car road trip 195 miles to Oak Glen,,,another favorite place!!!Smiles and hugs....Caryl

baby quilt for Murray

2011-09-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

Winnie the Pooh baby quilt is done.....

I used the walking foot diagonal across the 4 patches...and free motion stitching on the fussy cut squares....

I used a bright flannel for the back and binding...I free motion stitched Murray's full name across the bottom and date of birth...sure hope he likes it!!......Smiles and hugs....Caryl

September

2011-09-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

September 1961 was a very important month in my life!!I graduated from nurses training on the 1st and got married two weeks later!!It seems like those 50 years have passed so quickly!!I graduated from Iowa Methodist School of Nursing...This year the president of the alumni with the help of some of my classmates....made a most wonderful Memory Book....we sent in photos of us and our families...and told about what we all did these past 50 years.....this book is priceless!!So many of us in the class got married just before or just after graduation....now we are all celebrating our 50th wedding anniversaries.....My husband and I are starting to get anniversary cards....so the anniversary celebration has begun....I will be posting our wedding photo in another post this month...Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Awards Banquet

2011-09-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of me and my hubby at the Awards Banquet....I have worked at KMCH for 29 years...we ate at the Old Spaghetti Factory...then walked to the Horton Grand Theatre...a very entertaining musical by the Lambs Players...called "Mixtape"....songs from the 80's....thanks to the Hebbels for a very enjoyable evening!!Smiles and hugs....Caryl

the blue hour

2011-08-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

yesterday I was catching up reading blogs...
one of the posts was from last week by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch...
she was talking about the blue hour...
AND why haven't I heard of this before?...
I had to experiment...
first a photo of one of my favorite meals...

then a photo from our patio looking to the sky after sunset...
to find out more about this blue hour from Susan check here...
there is also reference to another post and photos....

I checked the website for the time for the blue hour in my area...
to find out the time in your area click here
I only got one photo with the blue and it is blurry....
but I was excited to actually get it!!

The blue hour is not visible to the naked eye....
You can't see it....but the camera can!!!
this is just so fascinating to me...
I can't wait to try for more blue hour photos!!

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

unscheduled break

2011-08-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

in July I started the FYB makealong...
with the saying above to be embroidered...
then coughing...hacking...and zero energy hit me...
and lots of days of rest....
now finally I am back being creative again...

got the baby quilt top done last weekend....

and now starting the fun quilting....

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

making a baby quilt

2011-07-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the blocks...
ready to sew them together....
after I fussy cut some more blocks...
I think it will be a cute baby quilt...

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

do you like quilt alongs?

2011-07-17T21:20:00.001-07:00

It seems like there are a lot of quilt alongs in blogland...
so there are tons of choices...
one of them is using the book in the photo...
I was reading Bonnie's blog and it made me curious....
I got the book several days later....

another quiltalong is a plaid string quiltalong at Julie's blog...

another one is 36 patch quilt along by Amanda Jean...

and tomorrow Sarah is starting a makealong...
see the button on the right side bar Follow Your Bliss makealong...

I have joined Sarah's and I really want to do the rest of them too...

one thing for sure....there is never boredom in blogland....
at least the blogs that I follow!!

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

my FIU project list

2011-07-16T18:37:00.001-07:00

I started a WIP and FIU list on my sidebar....
soooo...trying to get everything listed...
this first photo is Chantelle tulip wallhanging...
I made it after going to Ricky Tim's Super Quilt Seminar in 2007...
I have it on the wall with push pins!!...

Strip Maze is a pattern from GEDesigns...
I started it Nov 2009....

KiwiBerry Bali Pops....
strips sewn together in groups of six started last November...

all of my FIU projects I definitely want to finish...
and there are even more!!
but I also have new things to start....

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

friends and flowers log cabin quilt

2011-07-09T17:17:00.000-07:00

this is the final post about the block exchange...
the block exchange started last September...
I put the directions and fabric in a bag...
it was passed along to other members...
this photos shows all the blocks hanging at the May meeting...

I chose to use Amanda Jean's tutorial log cabin quilt blocks...
she gave me permission to use her tutorial...
http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/
I made a block A and a block B....
then others in the block exchange made the rest....

here are the blocks sewn together...
I used Mary Engelbreit friends and flowers fabric...
and the white is garden dot...
now I need to decide if I want borders and what binding?...
this block exchange was fun and stretched me a lot on some blocks!!

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

block exchange photos part 2

2011-07-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

here are some more photos from the guild exchange....

more photos later...

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

block exchange photos part 1

2011-07-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

here are some of the photos at the end of the guild exchange...

I am posting these for inspiration for exchange ideas...

we pinned the blocks to batting and hung for all to view at the meeting...

last September we each picked what we wanted others to make for us....
we put the instructions and patterns and sometimes fabrics in a bag...

each month each person got a bag of instructions and made two blocks....

more photos later.....
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

evening walk along Harbor Island

2011-07-03T15:07:00.001-07:00

from the walkway by the water....
is a great view of downtown buildings....

capturing photos with the sun going down....

the last photo was taken when it was dark....
very hard to get a good photo....
but the view was spectacular....
from the east end of Harbor Island...

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

breakfast at the lake

2011-06-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

delicious cool morning air....
we like to go on this country road...

an hour later we are at the lake....
Denver omelet, home fries and sourdough toast...

Lake Cuyamaca from the north...

downtown Julian was busy....

Pine Hills still feels like home...
even though we moved away 10 years ago...
we always enjoy our ride to the mountains and lake...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

another quilt along with Rachel

2011-06-20T22:01:00.001-07:00

in my last post I mentioned I joined a quilt along...
it is the synchronized squares quilt along with psiquilt....
2 layer cakes is what you need....
I am using Kate Spain's 12 days of Christmas...

getting started with the preparing stage.....
it is still time to join in the fun...
there is a flickr group too...

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

charm squares 4 fun

2011-06-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

Last month Moda Bake Shop had a tutorial for using charm squares here
and I like to try new ways to use charm squares....
so I made 30 4-patch blocks...

here is how I did it....
put right sides together of two charm squares...
sew on the right side and on the left side...
with the seams on the right and left cut down the middle...

press seams open and put right sides together....
be sure to mix up the patterns for a variety of blocks...
with the seams going left/right sew on right side and on the left side...

cut down the middle with the seams on left and right...
press seams open and you have a 4-patch....

I sewed 9 4-patch blocks together...
this made a 12 1/2" block...

I used some red from a jelly roll for the borders...
I used 12 days of Christmas by Kate Spain for this top...

I discovered with this process that I don't like to press seams open...
and I much prefer my method I used for my fall essence tabletopper...
but it is fun to try new methods...

AND...I am glad I also have a layer cake in this same fabric line...
there is a quilt along that I have joined....
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

nurses day

2011-05-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

nurses day was earlier this month...
and last Friday our administrator took us out to lunch...

we went to georges on the cove in La Jolla...

thank you Mr. Hebbel....

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

blocks for exchange at guild

2011-05-28T22:42:00.000-07:00

earlier this month....
these were the pineapple blocks I made...
for this month's exchange at our guild...
it was the last month of the exchange...

I will post the blocks others made for me...
at another time...
smiles and hugs....Caryl

flowers and love

2011-05-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

last Monday morning I posted this on flickr....
the name of the card reflects thinking of my sister in heaven...
and the young lady who's court date was that morning...

details of this card:
Hero Arts sunshine designer papers
embossed with Cuttlebug Swiss dots
Hero Arts CL375 flower and leaf
copic marker BVOO on flower
glossy accents to center of flower
distress ink bundled sage on leaf
The Paper Company ribbon
ek success punch
Love stamp
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

zentangle class

2011-05-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

earlier this month I attended a class by Debbie....
at Stamp Delights in La Mesa...

here is the card with a slit for the bookmark....

the laminated bookmark was fun to do...

photo of inside of the card...

we also had instructions for doing a pear on a card...
but I haven't finished it yet....
and will post on flickr in the future when finished!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

other side of my studio

2011-05-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

these photos were taken the first part of May...
as we put the room back together....
last month I posted about the sewing side of the room....

I had to have a shot of the bare furniture...
and as we added things back to the room....

these are new storage containers that are terrific...
I use them for my stamps, inks, papers, etc...
the mirrored wall behind reflects the outside patio....

this room has a lot of light from all the windows...

My cuttlebug and big shot and another storage container...
I have a lot packed into this room...
and it is a fun place to play...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Memorial Button

2011-05-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was the Freedom Memorial Wall Dedication...
it was the 14th annual event and held in Winston-Salem, NC....
it is always the first Sunday of May every year...
this year my sister's name was added to the wall...
I love you sister...and I miss you so much...

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

my sewing area and giddy

2011-04-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

today it felt good to get back to quilting...
I am really liking this giddy postage stamp quilt...

the photo shows the wood around the window all fixed...
you can't even tell those termites were having a picnic there...

last weekend we got the furniture back in the sewing area of my studio...

today Missy claimed my sewing chair for her nap before I got there...

the thread I decided to use is King Tut 927...
this is close to the color in a previous post about thread color...
my Bernina BSR likes King Tut thread the best so far...

my Horn sewing cabinet all opened up...
it really works out great for me in this area...
I'll post the other side of the studio photos another day...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

stair step boxes

2011-04-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

Last month I took a class to learn to make these little boxes...
class was at Stamp Delights by Debbie...

fun, fun class...
you can put small things in the boxes...
like chocolate, tiny stamps, jewelry....
fun and different way to give a gift...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

my bare studio

2011-04-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

My area for crafting, stamping, quilting, etc...
is between the living room and the patio...

the room is 22' long ....
and the width is 9' on over half of it...
and 6 1/2' along the 5' mirrored wall...

actual wall space is small...
but I'm not complaining...
I love all the light from outside...
but the reason this is all cleared out now.....

this last photo (taken in March) shows the subterranean termites in my sewing area!!
we had to take everything out of the room to lift the carpet...
183 holes drilled in the cement outside all around the house, in the garage...
and in my fun, fun room...
I sure hope the termite treatment got rid of all of them!!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

butterfly compare

2011-04-14T08:25:00.001-07:00

Last week Outside the Box blog had a blog hop....
They featured twinkling H2Os....
the above photo shows what I did with my twinks....
I now keep the lids off in the container...
and spritz with water when ready to paint...
I have had these many years and always put the lids back on...
I like the change...easier to see the colors and..
quicker to get to the fun!!

the top of the photo is with Smooch....
and the bottom is with twinkling H2Os...
there is such a difference between white and black cardstock...
the colors turn out looking totally different...
but all four have lots of sparkle...

here is what I used:
Hero Arts artists butterfly stamp
Versamark Dazzle champagne
gold embossing powder
Smooch pearlized accent ink sassy pink and ocean soul
Twinkling H2Os fuzzy pink and Carribean mist
waterbrush
flat brush

for lots of tips and inspiration...
video tutorials...
check Outside the Box blog...
to see what the Memory Box team did last week...
and what they are still doing!!!!
smiles and hugs....Caryl

apple zendoodle

2011-04-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

last weekend I did this in a hurry...
I was practicing my new doodle art...

I used Copic Multiliner set B-2...
I almost didn't post this....
yikes!!! lots of areas of improvement needed!!...

smiles and hugs....Caryl

which color thread?

2011-04-09T17:08:00.001-07:00

last Monday I put the backing, batting and quilt top together...
it was a nice day on the patio to work on it...
now to decide on the thread to use to quilt it?...

I bought some pink Aurifil thread...
but I have not used Aurifil thread for quilting....

I usually use a varigated thread...
the red was the one I thought I would use....

until I thought of the turquoise thread...
I am going to bind the giddy quilt with turquoise...
yup....I think that is the one I will use...
unless someone talks me out of it!!
smiles and hugs....Caryl

Memory Box stamps

2011-04-05T21:23:00.001-07:00

Last month was another fun cardmaking class...
taught by Jenny Griffiths of the Memory Box design team....
AND they are having a blog hop this week with twinkling H2Os....

be sure to check out Outside the Box blog for some great inspiration!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

guild block exchange blocks

2011-03-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

this month's blocks are called flying kite...
the photo shows all the blocks done by others...

a fun paper piecing project....
each block had four papers....
with four pieces in each...

one block was black on white print...
the centers were to be bright...

the other block was white on black print...
now this is passed on to the next person...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

MARCH MADNESS

2011-03-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday the SD Aztecs won again...
now they are in the Sweet 16....
oh my gosh....I am excited...
it is a big deal for the Aztecs...
before this year they NEVER won a game in the NCAA tournament...
I love watching them play....
GO AZTECS!!!!!

Any of my followers watching the tournament?
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T10:09:00.001-07:00

sooooo are you wearing green today?....
here is a tabletopper I made two years ago...
from a tutorial on Kim's Big Quilting Adventure blog March 2009..
I changed things a bit....
but a fun project...
have a happy day...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Zentangle

2011-03-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

this photo is from a page in my creative journal from last week....

I got my first zentangle books at the end of February...

soooo when did this fascination with zentangle start?....
Last April I saw a stamped flower by Laura on the blog color whimsy....

then in May I started following the blog The Quilt Rat....
Jill Buckley does some amazing work...
She is one of the artists in the Zentangle Fabric Arts book...
this book is FILLED with ideas and inspiration....

for those who like to doodle....
you will love doing zentangle......

I will be stamping on fabric...
and then free motion quilting small quilts....
also doing zentangles on cards...

AND....the ideas are endless....
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

giddy postage stamp quilt

2011-03-07T22:57:00.001-08:00

Soooo now the top is together....
I'm liking how it turned out....
I used white as the solid on this...
I hope to be quilting this soon....
this is a side view...
very fun quilt to make....
very easy for anyone....
just follow Rachel's quilt along....
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Jackie's fabric give away

2011-03-06T22:29:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to the give away that is coming up March 11...
http://jabotquilt.blogspot.com/2011/03/1st-fabric-give-away-and-1-year.html

her blog is Jackie's Art Quilts..

she also has a goal of 150 followers by the end of the month...

get it perfect or get it done?

2011-02-24T14:00:00.001-08:00

Last weekend I finished all 48 blocks of my postage stamp quilt....
I DID NOT use pins at the seams SO they do not all match perfectly!!...
SO I was in a turmoil...should I go back and redo some of them?...
I really need to get this finished....
I took photos of the blocks layed out on the floor...
trying to decide....

then yesterday I was reading the Daily Motivator by Ralph Marston...
about choosing between getting it done or getting it perfect...
I think this was meant for me to read...

two quotes from the article:
"By all means, let perfection be your goal. Just be sure not to let it become your excuse."
"Even if you can't get it perfect, go ahead and get it done."
And that is what I am doing....
I will go for the finish...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

this month's block exchange

2011-02-21T21:50:00.000-08:00

another month of blocks for our guild block exchange...
the photo is those blocks done by others...
all the blocks I layed together in a pile...
bright colors and some Halloween fabrics...

the second photo shows the two blocks I did for this month...
these blocks were challenging....
paper piecing AND sewing curves!!!...

I'm hoping to have easier blocks to do for next month...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T16:02:00.001-08:00

punches used:
Marvy scalloped square
Martha Stewart studded heart
Martha Stewart eyelet heart
Tulip strawberry paper paint
giddy fabric pieces

pieces cut and waiting to sew since 1/16...
for the Heart Struck Runner...

squares sewn together since 1/19 for more heart ornaments...
the last two photos are projects from the Be Mine Blog Tour...
how did it get to be valentines day so fast!!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

small quilt groups are the best

2011-02-06T19:18:00.000-08:00

sharing our projects and sharing our lives...

several weeks ago I learned about the above block from Naomi...
I follow her blog...
it is a 3 seam block by Suzanne McNeill....
I shared this with my quilt group this week....
and here is where you can watch it on you tube....
I tested it with 5 charm squares...
but in the video she uses 10" squares...

and on the subject of small quilt groups...
one of my sisters is in a small quilt group in Arizona...
and the following photo I took when I visited recently....

they meet on Saturdays in the am for coffee/tea and goodies...
they have show and tell, work on projects and have lunch together...
I really enjoyed visiting with this group...
AND I really like My Tuesday night group too...

for those who aren't in a small quilt group right now...
it is something you should think about doing...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

postage stamp giddy

2011-01-31T16:03:00.000-08:00

the postage stamp quilt along is so fun...
it started with 2 jelly rolls...
giddy by Sandy Gervais and white...
purchased online at FatQuarterShop.com...

sorted fabrics and sewed strips following Rachel's instructions...

cut the strips into segments....

more photos on flickr in the postage stamp quilt along...
and there is a lot of activity in this group...

We were out of town and I am really behind...
working on making the blocks now...
I need 48 blocks for the quilt...
to speed things up I decided NOT to pin the seams...
just butt them up and hold and sew...
it should speed up the process...
I have ALWAYS pinned before....
so hoping the quilt police don't come after me!!

some of the group have the top complete...
quilt alongs are fun...
if you haven't tried one....be sure to look for one to join!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

guild quilt blocks

2011-01-23T17:11:00.000-08:00

block exchange for this month at our guild....
the photo shows the directions and blocks made by others....
the requirements were to use blacks and whites and batiks....

my fabric choices and pieces cut out for block A....

my fabric choices and pieces cut out for block B...

block A finished....

block B finished....
these were turned in at our January meeting....

I've been working on the postage stamp quilt along....
will post about that later....photos on flickr...
also working on heart projects from the Be Mine Blog Tour...
lots of blog hops and blog tours going on all over the internet...
very inspiring!!!......
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

college basketball

2011-01-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh...I am such a fan of college basketball...
and this year the San Diego Aztecs are nationally ranked!!...
at the start of the season they were ranked 25th...
then gradually went higher and now they are ranked 6th...
my sister was a HUGE Duke fan...
and this time of year we would be cheering our teams...
and this week Duke lost after winning 25 in a row...
NOW the SD Aztecs have the longest winning streak at 18-0...
since my sister is gone...I had to send this into the universe...
today the Aztecs play in the "pit" at New Mexico...
and it will be a great game...hard to beat them there!!...
now I have to hurry and get more sewing done before the game!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

starting a valentine tree

2011-01-13T18:28:00.001-08:00

I got the idea for a valentine tree...
from the Be Mine Blog Tour....
I left the snow people ornament on the tree too...

The fabric for these is Hearts aflutter....

stamp is Branch Heart Memory Box E1310...
Fabrico garnet craft ink...
stitched with red thread through center of branches around heart...

I used black perle thread 8 to stitch the front to the back....
I used batting with the front and back....
I plan on making more of these fun ornaments...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

blog tour starting today

2011-01-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

Be Mine blog tour starts today....
click on the button on the right side.....
check out the heart ornaments....
check out the giddy!!!....
and there is a flickr group to post photos...
it will be a fun week...

AND tomorrow the Hero Arts Blog Hop starts...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

quilt along

2011-01-03T16:27:00.001-08:00

I'm joining Rachel's postage stamp quilt along...
why am I doing this when I have a lot of UFO's to do??....
why not!!!...it sounds like fun...
I wonder which jelly roll I will use?...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

1-1-11

2011-01-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

Something to think about:
"Stop acting as if life is a rehearsal. Live this day as if it were your last. The past is over and gone. The future is not guaranteed."
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

I have enjoyed doing this blog this year...
I thought it would be like a diary/journal to document some of my life...
I never dreamt it could be as much fun as it has been....
getting acquainted with other bloggers from all over has been a fun experience...
Reading others blogs and making comments and getting comments are sooo fun...
For those people who don't have a blog and are thinking of doing a blog....
Just do it....you learn one step at a time...reread the saying above!!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Japan star is finished

2010-12-30T22:41:00.000-08:00

I started this in May of this year...
and then went on to other projects...

this is No. 15 Japan from the Carol Doak Mariner's Compass Stars book....

The book has a CD and it is easy to print the patterns onto paper...
I used Carol Doak's foundation paper this time...
I listened to Carol on TQS to review her tips....

trim---sew---press---and repeat...
paper piecing is fun once you get in the rhythm of it!!!...
I used clear thread to quilt and did stitch in the ditch...
I used Holly Holderman antique dots for the binding...
any questions? I would be glad to answer...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

polka dot table topper

2010-12-24T14:01:00.000-08:00

this is a table topper I made for a gift for a party at work....
I used ME Isn't Christmas Jolly jelly roll for top...

I used a length of white with red dots and sewed 1/2 of a red print...
and 1/2 of another red print to it...
then I did the same for the white with green dots...
length of white with green and 1/2 of two greens...

I cut the pairs 2 1/2" and placed as shown on the photos....
I used 2 strips of red with white dots for the borders...
the back is the same as one of the red prints....
I quilted with loops and added our work initials and year...
I brought the back fabric to the front for a self binding...
and used a decorative stitch (332 on Bernina)...

I found a red with white casserole dish at Home Goods...
and red placemats and Christmas spreaders...

it was a fun present to give and was popular at the party!!!
Merry Christmas to everyone....
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

tiny tree with tiny stamps

2010-12-23T11:04:00.001-08:00

this tree is barely 11" tall and packed with ornaments and ribbons....
AND 15 tiny stamps!!!
an early present to me...

here is another photo of it sitting on the crumb catcher....
I made that cute little table mat from last year's blog hop...
it was a free pattern with lots of pieces...
I think I will keep this tree out year round...
it is too precious to put away and not enjoy...
I have a spot in front of a mirror in my craft area...
and that is where it will be....
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

stencil flower mug rug

2010-12-11T22:46:00.000-08:00

my first mug rug....
Hero Arts stencil flower CG194...
fabric ink stamped on white dotted fabric...
Smooch grape soda....
Superior Rainbow #838 thread..purple, fuscia, teal, blue...
I used the thread outlining the flower, petals and center...
and stitching the self binding with #332 stitch on my Bernina...
I love these jewel colors....
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

peachy pink quilt for baby Georgia

2010-12-05T18:12:00.000-08:00

I have blogged about this quilt before...

I started with deciding the size to fussy cut Beatrix Potter images...
I varied the type of blocks...

since the baby was born as I was making this...
I asked the mother to write down words that described her daughter...
I quilted these words into this quilt for Georgia...

some blocks have 3 1/2" fussy cut with borders...

some were 6 1/2" fussy cut...

I made blocks with strips...
and 4 patch blocks...
and log cabin blocks...

I added her name and birth date into the quilting...
a really fun quilt to make...
I sure hope she likes it..
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

December

2010-12-02T16:02:00.000-08:00

Since it is December...
it was time to change the header...
these photos are from last year...
the village was in my kitchen last year...

this photo is inside the front door...
you can see the tree lights outside...
the quilted Sweet Trimmings tree on the wall...
this was from the blog hop last year...
free pattern by Gudrun of GE Designs...
and the kitchen is in the background...
on the other side of the kitchen...
is the buffet with village and lights...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

4 patch charms tutorial

2010-11-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

on flickr I called this fall essence charms tabletopper...
I used essence fabric by Sandy Gervais....

I used 8 light charms and 8 dark charms...
and matching essence fabric for borders and binding...

on the back of 8 light charms draw lines down the centers each way...
put right sides together of a light with a dark....
sew 1/4" on each side of one the drawn lines...

cut on the drawn lines...
you now have 32 pairs....

press to the dark fabric...
lay out pairs ready to 4 patches...

sew into 4 patches and you now have 16 4 patches...

place in a desirable arrangement...
I started with the middle four blocks to decide on the positions...
sew blocks together in rows....

add 2" borders....

sandwich the backing, batting and top and quilt as desired...
add the binding....and enjoy...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T12:56:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving greetings to everyone!!

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

kitty envy no more!!

2010-11-18T13:32:00.000-08:00

We haven't had any animals at our house for 8 1/2 years....
I love seeing pets on other blogs I visit...

She was pet of the week several weeks ago...
and we couldn't resist and brought her home...
one of her very favorite places to nap is my chair by my sewing machine...

her eyes are so pretty...light green with a tint of blue..
and she is so sweet and soft and cuddly...

the name they gave her at the Helen Woodward Animal Center was Clove...
I previously posted her photo and writeup about her on FB..
we are going to change her name but not sure what it will be...
I think we might settle on PC....for purrrrfect cat...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

road trip to Oak Glen

2010-11-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

Oak Glen is a place I always enjoy visiting...
and we go there at least every fall...
Law's Coffee Shop is a great place to eat...
if you go there plan on a long wait...but very worth it...

The Apple Tree Gift Shop has lots of Beatrix Potter...
one of my favorite gift shops and had to get some more BP fabric....

Five Seasons is another favorite shop I really enjoy...

we must not forget the mini apple cider donuts at Snow-Line...
it is fun to watch them (see video below) as you wait in line...

gorgeous fall colors and temps in the 60s....
I got the following from the Snow-Line website:

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

apples and pears

2010-11-06T10:25:00.001-07:00

We received a Harry and David basket of goodies....
I have a favorite recipe for salad using apples and pears....
I add romaine lettuce, shredded cheese, craisins and cashews...
this makes a very yummy salad...

I also made 1 point chili...
You can see I have already messed the bowl by having some as I was cooking...
there are 10 things in this including:
ground turkey, onion, zucchini, tomatoes...
yellow squash, black beans, FF beef broth...
celery, chili seasoning packet and green pepper...

It was a warm evening and we ate outside...
the reason I took the picture?...to document the moment!!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

block exchange

2010-11-04T16:19:00.001-07:00

on Sunday I finished the two blocks for my guild block exchange....
I put them on flickr and forgot to post them here....

these are the french roses blocks and they are fun to make...
the templates are easy to make using freezer paper...
and very forgiving if you don't cut exactly on the lines...
I just used the fabrics that were in the bag and none of my own...
and used my decorative stitches with threads with color changes...
I wonder how the blocks I chose for others to do are coming?...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

guild block exchange and UFOs

2010-10-31T11:08:00.001-07:00

this is UFO started 2007 and got to this point in 2007...
from Fons & Porter Love of Quilting mag Sept/Oct 2005...
I got the kit in MT in 2007 for $14....
didn't have the right color thread to quilt...
soooo it has been sitting ready to finish..

the french roses blocks are samples blocks for my guild block exchange...
from magazine BH&G Quilt Pink 2007...
every month we get a different bag of directions and blocks to make...
I am working on mine and will post when done....
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

nice ride in the country and UFO Buster

2010-10-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

what a glorious day for a motorcycle ride to the mountains...
perfect fall day in southern California...

we rode to Julian and to Lake Cuyamaca...

California turkey burger and fries for lunch....yumm...

I decided to join in Pat Sloan's UFO Buster group...
even though they started this several weeks ago!!
got started with several photos on flickr...will add more to the list!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

saying goodbye to my sister

2010-10-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

On 10-10-10 my sister was riding her motorcycle to Pilot Mountain in North Carolina and was in a tragic accident that took her life. She was going to retire next year. I had many plans of spending more time with her when we both weren't working...time to remember growing up together and just having fun together!!!

Now I am trying to get back to normal...but I know that life has changed forever. Here is one of the sayings she had in her home:
"Do not put off till tomorrow what can be enjoyed today."

For those reading my blog...I wanted you to know...and I will get caught up on reading all the blogs I follow as I can...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

guild block exchange

2010-10-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

yesterday I made these two blocks...
the top photo is Nikki fabric by Pat Sloan...
the other photo is yellow Moda marble swirl and black Laurel Burch fabric...
last month I received the directions and sample blocks...
wacky tic tac toe featured in Quilters Newsletter Apr/May 09 by Pam Rocco..
following are the 3 sample blocks...

every month we get a different bag of directions and blocks to make...
another time I will show what I put in my bag for people to make for me!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Fall-O-Ween blog hop

2010-10-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

The blog hop is on day 9 of 10 days....
the designers are sharing great projects...
with directions to print out...
I have had limited time to do projects...
BUT this weekend I got started on GE Designs runner from day one...
this is a super fun project to make...
photo shows to the point of being ready to trim off the excess batting...
check out all the blogs and make comments on THEIR day...
to be in the running for the grand prize!!!
I have just a few more weeks of full time and on call 24/7...
and then back to part time!!! yipppeee!!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

designing the baby quilt

2010-09-25T16:49:00.001-07:00

back to working on the baby quilt...
decided to add some pink to the soft peachy pink blocks....
also added 8 1/2" blocks mixed with the 6 1/2" blocks...

then I needed to add some 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" blocks...
so I have 2 blocks together make 8 1/2" x 13" blocks...
and 2 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" blocks for 6 1/2" x 13" blocks ...
it seems like this is a good layout...
wondering if this looks okay??...
I kind of like the added pink to the layout...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Halloween cards from class

2010-09-21T06:33:00.001-07:00

more cards from the class with Jenny Griffiths....

glittery orange spiders crawling all over...

design adhesive on front with black flock...

matching stamp inside the card...
taking cardmaking classes with Jenny is soooo much fun...
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Halloween cards

2010-09-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

another fun cardmaking class with Jenny Griffiths...

we added to the insides of all of the cards...

glitter on sticky circle for the moon and Glossy Accents on the spiderweb...

the inside has post-it notes....
more cards later....
Smiles and hugs...Caryl

pink and black

2010-09-16T07:45:00.001-07:00

I finally got the BIG SHOT...
looking forward to making fun projects...
and I will learn how to use it with fabric too...
but I am still working full time for another month...
and there are project deadlines to meet...
I will post photos from my card making class another day...

Here is a question for any nurses reading this...
How are you coming on the transition from MDS 2.0 to MDS 3.0??
I work in a skilled nursing facility and October 1 is fast approaching!!

Smiles and hugs....Caryl

Nine Patch Swap

2010-09-06T19:00:00.001-07:00

having fun working on nine patches today....
thinking of others that are working on their nine patches...
so glad I joined in the fun swap....
Julie is a sweety for organizing this swap!!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

feeling the love

2010-09-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

today I am working on a baby quilt...
a precious beautiful little girl was born last week...
and I work with her mom....
I am using 5 different block designs...
some are fussy cut from Beatrix Potter fabric...

most of these fabrics are such a soft peachy pink...

the last photo shows the fabrics I am using for a log cabin block...
there are other projects I am also working on and I will show then another time!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

what if??

2010-08-26T18:30:00.001-07:00

yesterday Lin at Sending Hugs showed fabric flowers...
there was a tutorial on hero arts blog...
I had to try it....
Here are the supplies I used:
Michael Miller garden pindots fabric
Hero Arts stencil flower CG194
Fabrico ink sky mist
Fabrico marker #139 pale aqua
Distress Ink tumbled glass watered down and brushed lightly
King Tut #927 thread...
batting under the fabric and used free motion stitching

I like to use prisma pencils and copic markers...
so I decided to do the same design and compare them...
Supplies used:
Stampendous poppy scene stamp
the left photo I used prisma pencils and gamsol
the right photo I used copic markers
I put glossy accents on the poppies
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

friends and flowers

2010-08-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

a nurse friend retired yesterday...
I used the recipe from Moda Bake Shop...
I quilted with my usual loops, hearts, stars and words....

I used a LARGE cardboard to lay out the charm squares...
I used Mary Englebreit friends and flowers by Moda....

this was very fun to make and my friend loved it...

AND she gave me some presents....
ME microwave bag (we both love ME stuff) and a monogram candle...
she's moving to Lake Arrowhead and I wish her the best!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

long list to the quilt shop

2010-08-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

how lucky to have 20% off on everything at a local quilt shop...

I have a lot of projects I am working on...
and more I need to start...

and the 20% off is for the entire month of August!!!
I got a baby quilt kit which included a book....
but I already had an idea of what I wanted to make...
I got the kit because of the Beatrix Potter fabrics...
but this fabric is not working into my original plans...
I'll either change the plans or change the fabrics!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl

cardmaking techniques class

2010-07-29T22:05:00.000-07:00

Last week was another fun class...
by Jenny held at Stamp Delights....
Thanks Jenny for doing so much prep work....
so we could have so much fun!!!
Smiles and hugs....Caryl