Seams worth it

More of the latest

2009-10-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Mens shirts.

Daisy, backed with flannel.

Again another using mens shirts.

Some of the latest..

2009-10-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

This was made from mens dress shirts.

Finally finished. Used some vintage sheeting for the backing.

And also finished around the clock. Really happy how this turned out, double sided.

Kaffe floral

2009-08-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

Well first.. I should have ironed it.. oops.

I got this idea from Red pepper quilts, a blog I can't stop dropping in on. I ran with the gray back drop but had a pile of Kaffe Fassett charm packs so... came up with this.

I remember her saying in her blog something like " this was an easy project"... haha. Well it was a challenge for me with so many seams, points, etc. But I loved doing it! Challenge away.

Not sure what it will be.. I can see it as a hanging... ?

I have to add that this is a very small version of the queen size I also made... crazy but so fun!

Need to back and bind... hmmm

Cottage fence?

2009-08-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Man oh man have I used ever last piece of my Fig tree fabric! Back in May my local quilt store " Creative Edge", I'd have a link but she hasn't got a web site, had a great sale. I picked up 2 Fig tree jelly rolls and 4 fat quarters and 2 yards of the same line. Well I have managed to make this lap/crib, 2 cottage quilts for my mom, and Lucy's gift.

I put this together the other day... what should it be named? Cottage fence? Standing coins? Any ideas?

32 x 38 inches, 100 % cotton.... have to decide on back and binding...

Lucy's quilt

2009-08-26T13:30:00.001-07:00

Made this about 5 months ago. A simple block lap/play mat for my client who just had her first child, beautiful little Lucy.

I stitched in the ditched around every panel to give some interest on the back and also because I didn't have my other machine to stipple it... but happy the way it turned out.

Fig tree fabrics except for backing, 40 x 40, 100 % cotton.

Apples in orange

2009-08-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

So I whipped this up yesterday, bright and fresh. The apples seem to pop out to me so I'm calling it " apples in orange".. a little play on words.. I'm so Witty, lol.
A quick, fun project I've seen on so many craft sites I thought I'd try it. I have a few 5" charm pack tucked away, perfect for this.
Have to decide on binding...

37 x 36 play mat/lap/stroller/crib 100 % cotton
quilt. I just did a simple diagonal stitch with the help of painters/masking tape as a guide ( again saw it on someone's blog, when I find it again I'll add the link) .

Fabric spaghetti... I'm getting really crazy about trying to not waste anything... What could I make out of these little strings?

A little nest!

Persephone earrings...

2009-08-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

I just bought some beautiful Czech glass earrings made by the talented Ms. Snapdragons! There is still some other sets left and a gorgeous necklace.

Love her craft blog and now she has another blog "bedtimes stories for everyone", really great.

Can't wait to put my new sparkly bobbles on..

Floating boxes

2009-08-19T22:03:00.000-07:00

Floating boxes like wonky blocks was fun to make. Again I was making it for someone who had just had their second daughter so I had to make a "big sister" doll quilt to match.

To quilt it I tried my hand at "stitching in the ditch"... I need to practice and slowwww down. Backed with a fun bird/nest motif. Happy how it worked out.

Quilt is 100% cotton, measures 48 x 48 inches.

Doll quilt measures 17 x 17 inches.

Improv in pink

2009-08-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

Absolutely loved making this!

I had picked up some solids when I was in Calgary and had this in mind. I made it for a client of my who just had her second daughter.. so I made a "big sister" doll quilt ( 1st photo) to match.

I quilted it by doing semi random straight lines. I've seen it on a number of different blogs I follow, had to try it out.

So much fun to just cut and sew and cut again, add a peice or not. Love the process.

Quilt is Cotton/poly , measures 45 x 46 inches

Doll quilt measures 19 x 21 inches

String progression...

2009-08-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

Well almost there. Top is done now I need to figure out how to back it and how to quilt it... any ideas?

Wonky block

2009-08-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

Ufo completed, yay!

I finished it by meandering around and every now and then making a little heart shape to end the stitch line. Well I tried my best to... I need some practice and speed control. Have to tell myself " slowdown, it's not a race"! Need to be a little light footed...

100% cotton, measures

54 x 43 inches

Tumbling...

2009-08-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

So here is one of the first projects I did, a tumbler.
Back almost a year ago we had a new neighbor move in right next door. We hit it off right away... and she was a quilter. She has done some beautiful stuff and as we talked more about it she asked if I wanted to ever try it... I said I had a machine but sewing was really not my thing didn't even know if my machine worked. She took it home, fixed it up and presto, I could now start a project. Then she suggested I convert an extra room in our house to my "sewing room", a few tables, cutting tools I was on my way.

But first she gave me the template to the "tumbler" and her scrap bin ( a huge trunk actually) and said " have at it"! Hand sewing.... had fun but not really my thing... got a lot of tumblers done and then thought I'd change it up and add strips... voila! Backed it with black flannel, love it.

And about the same time we went a guild show and from there I became really addicted to fabric, butting up seams, color, shapes and following over the top creative women blogging and sharing... endless. Beautiful sunny day.. I'm in my sewig room, crazy!

I find myself smiling while I sew... do you?

100% cotton, measures 49 x 36 inches.

Strings in blue and purple

2009-08-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

I've been following the blog of the fantastically talented Ashley on her blog " Film in the fridge".

She has done a number of string quilts and has a great tutorial so... I thought I'd give it a try.
I wanted to make something for one of my son's friends, his best friend who happens to be a girl.
Her fave colors are blue and purple... so here goes. Hope she likes...

"Giddy up" rag quilt

2009-08-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Quick little project..a rag quilt. Too simple. Hardest part was all the snipping of the fringe.
This one is for my little nephew that loves horses and his bedroom is decorated in all these colors... giddy up!

One more Christmas present, I can't believe I'm mentioning Christmas in August..

Wonky pink stars

2009-08-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

Well I finally finished the wonky star quilt for my other neice who is 6 .. she loves pink. The Kaffe blue was made for her sister.

Lots of great Kaffe in there, backed with a really fun circus theme cotton and stippled. I think I'm going to wait and give them as Christmas presents... maybe make a few pillows to go with...?

Play mat

2009-08-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

When I first started quilting I bought the"Quilts and More" magazine to get some tips and try a few projects.

I made "around the block" play mat size and hand tied it. And again I was thinking "boy" at the time but all my friends and clients have continued to have girls... so it hasn't found a home yet.

100% cotton, measures 43 x 43 inches.

Gabriola Quilt #2

2009-08-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

Forgot to add this... It was completed and went over to the island and then I finally finished #1 and stippled it... I decided I need to do the same to #2... so back home it came with me.

I had initally tried to stitch in the ditch but had used a cotton/poly back fabric ( never again) that was wonking all over the place. But I really wanted her to have it so ... off it went.

Gabriola Island

2009-08-04T18:05:00.000-07:00

My son and I went over to Gabriola Island for a little summer break with nana and papa, they live over there. We had such a great time. The heat wave hit so we were down in the ocean cooling off, collecting rocks ( a fav thing for me).

My mom is an artist ( http://www.stones-throw.ca/karencain.html)and and has a wonderful studio so Jack was in there creating a holiday journal, printing leaves, painting.
And I finally finished her other quilt for the cottage so I could pass it on. I stippled it and man oh man did it take me awhile... and thread. I'm new to stippling and had no idea how long it would take! But I'm really happy with the results. Now I need to come up with another one for the queen size bed room... hmmmm
The picture of it is on the steps of her cottage www.stones-throw.ca/cottage.html

Husqavarna question...

2009-07-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

So a month ago I bought a husqavarna Rose from a friend and everything was great till I wanted to stipple...
Now I am stippling for the first time so my skill level in nil, but it was going well and then it was skipping or doing these eyelash curves. Not nice.
So I pop into my neighborhood quilt store and chat up the repairman... he said Husqavarnas aren't made to stipple because of the drop in bobbins... ???
Has anyone out there had problems doing the same? Should I get another machine?

Kaffe Blue

2009-07-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Ah Kaffe, how I love his fabric! Every pattern, every color. And to my delight my little neighborhood quilt store in now carrying a selection. The shop owner thought I was nuts dancing around exclaiming my love for Kaffe... lol.

I started taking his books out of library, drooling over it all. I had to buy them, have them around. Gotta get me some Kaffe...

So I bought some blue... wonky block, splashed with color twin size. This was made for my 10 year old niece who is crazy for blue. Hope she likes it as much as I had fun making it!

Where has the time gone...

2009-07-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

Well its been a busy time... Hubby and I went to Vegas for a quick getaway, school finished for Jack ( on to grd 5, yay), working to get all my clients ready for summer ( did I mention I'm a hairdresser by profession?) and I can't seem to pry myself away for the sewing room... The summer has gotten off to a fantastic start but I have not been puttering in the garden no no no I prefer to be in my sewing room slicing and dice and creating. I'm crazy! Just have to take a few pictures of the works... would love your opinion!

Sweet liberty give away!

2009-06-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

Check out the great giveaway... good luck all!

http://sweetlibertygrace.blogspot.com/2009/06/giveaway-time.html

wonky block quilt

2009-06-04T12:05:00.001-07:00

Another ufo. It is going to be a funky crib quilt. I had "boy" in mind but wouldn't you know it both my friends had girls sooo... wonky star quilt was quickly made in its place.

Not sure how I want to finish it...

Coin quilt

2009-06-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

Queen size coin quilt with dark chocolate and in Kaffe Fassett's yummy vibrant fabric. Wish I had a pic of the backing which is Japanese geisha's in orange and reds.

I made this for someone who I knew would get a kick out of the backing.. a little surprise when you flip it over.

Love all the colors.

jelly roll ufo

2009-06-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

Fun with a jelly roll

2009-06-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

Something I whipped up awhile ago, now a ufo. Not really crazy about the colors but it's for a cottage and I wanted the old fashion feel. I think it works. Still have to back it... not my fav part. Love to design the front but finishing , not so much.

How simple is a jelly roll! Decide your pattern, already cut strips.. Too simple.

But as I've been experimenting I've found I love flying by the seat of my pants. Creative juices flowing, mix it up, go for the wonky blocks. More my style at the moment. Random fabric, not pre cut, go for it!

I just got my hands on a Husqvarna Rose.. Anyone have one? My mom's friend was basically giving it away so I grabbed it. Can't wait to play. And now I will be able to try my hand at free motion and possibly want to finish more of my ever growing quilt tops... yippee!

Becoming a homemaker giveaway

2009-06-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

Pop into Becoming a homemake blog site... She's got a giveaway today and some yummy recipes.

Late spring

2009-06-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

Don't you love the glowing colors this time of year? At least in my neck of the woods it is lush and vibrant. Love it!

sew,mama,sew! Blog Questions about my machine...

2009-06-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

What brand and model do you have?

I have a Pfaff 1209

How long have you had it?

I think about 15 years. Never used it till about 9 months ago..

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

According to a craiglist add about $200 CAN

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

I'm trying a little of everything. Started out with a small quilt about 9 months ago and became so addicted to fabric and designing I'm giving it all a go!

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

Lately every chance I get. My machine was passed on to me and was well used before I got it. It really needs to be serviced properly but I can't part with it...

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

I don't really have anything to compare it too, except the Fancy new Bernina I saw at the Quilt store.. wowza! I think all you have to do is tell it to sew and it does it for you ( just kidding) crazy machine! So I would say I like my machine . She hasn't been named as yet...

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

I just found out that this machine was really not made for quilting, more for finer fabrics. It has a built in walking foot, feed dogs drop and 4 extra fancy stitches but that's pretty much it.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

It didn't come with a darning foot so I can't learn to stipple. I'm on the hunt for one if it can be found...

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!

It was passed on to me by my father when he was ready for a new one. He was a clothing designer in Calgary. I think one day I may buy another machine but sewing on his brings back nice memories. I think back when I was a teenager how he wanted me to learn to sew and I wanted nothing to do with it... ahh silly girl I was!

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

I would recommend it if it came with all the feet you might need. It's been great for me so far but again I'm really a beginner.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

I'm hoping I will find the answer to that in this Q & A .

Do you have a dream machine?

I really don't at the moment.. the fancy Bernina at the quilt shop, maybe but $3500 big ones for a newbie like me... Should I buy a Pfaff or Bernina or who knows what and why?

Camden's quilt

2009-05-30T18:42:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Camden was born this week so I made this for her. Chocolate and pink wonky stars. No pattern, just design as you go. Loved making it.

2009-05-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

2009-05-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

Sophia Arts

2009-05-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

I posted the wrong link... here it is, seams worth checking out... www.nucleus.com/~sophiaarts
and www.nucleus.com/~sophiaarts/eden

Show was a huge success this weekend. Beautiful, interesting work.

Next show will be on Gabriola Island, BC this summer. Stay tuned for date.

Off to Calgary..giddy up!

2009-05-21T00:11:00.000-07:00

I'm off to my brother and his partner's art show ... can't wait! Calgary, yippee I eh!

Check out the lastest work www.nucleus.com/~sophiaarts.com/

Haven't even packed yet... ( have you noticed I do this... a lot... can't tell you why...).

I'm actually going to take my SLR. Ok Ok no biggie to you but actually I've been crutched by my point and shoot because... it does the job in a pinch, honestly.

You know I bought my Canon XTI ( which is probably obaslette by now) and I also bought a Sony H9... well Sony is a heck of a camera.. too easy to grab and go. I need to leave the crutch at home and jump in. Practice practice... we'll see won't we..

Warning: Newbie

2009-05-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

I'm jumping in! To blog land that is. I'm going to try my hand at a few things... you let me know what you think.

What do ya think of the Blog name... I'm really into fabric and sewing anything right now... seamed to work ...

This is inspiring me to get out there with my camera ( that I just had to have but rarely use), to dig in the garden , sew like crazy ( I am truly addicted to quilting at the moment) , maybe whip up a little something to nibble on. I've been following a few blogs over the last little while ( Tallgrass Prairie Studio, The Pioneer Woman, Badskirt, the list goes on). I love all the ideas being shared, the community of it all.
Fun Fun