Walkin' on Easy Street.....





 



Oh, YEA, the fun has begun! The Friday after Thanksgiving was THE big day! It signaled the release of  Mystery Clue #1 for the Easy Street Quilt.

 

Last post, I gave you a sneek peak at my fabrics of choice. That photo, did not include the white, because at the time it was taken, the white had not been purchased.

 

My taste tends away from the scrappy look, so instead of choosing several whites, I went with just one to go along with the Gray constant in the quilt. So, I guess that means there are actually TWO constants. ?

Anyway, Friday was a VERY productive day and Clue #1 is complete. The following is a series of photos showing progress, starting again with the bulk fabrics.

When Bonnie Hunter did the Introduction for this Mystery Quilt, she chose fabrics in shades of Lime,Turquoise and Purple with Gray being the Constant and Black on White prints for the background. These just happen to be some of my favorite colors, so this time I chose to stay with her color way. The photo below is my stack of colors.


My color choices for the Easy Street Mystery Quilt



 Clue #1 has us Slueths cutting strips from our Gray and White that will eventually become 192
 4-patch units.


Gray and White for Easy Street

 Once enough strips were cut to yield the needed units, they were sewed together....yes it was a big pile of strip units, AND this isn't even all of them!

Gray and White strips sewn together.

 

 They look a lot better now that they are pressed, don't they? ;-) The strips are now ready to be stacked and cut into the "Twosies" that will make the 4-patch units.


Strip units sewed and ready to cut into 'Twosies'

 Here are some of the pieces stacked/matched and ready to sew. By having the strip units stacked together (as they will be stitched) prior to cutting the 2 inch pieces makes them easy to handle with no matching up needed. Just pick up and sew! Chaining the little 'twosies' had them zipping right along. They were all sewn in what seemed like no time at all.

Twosies

 Once the units were stitched together, then clipped apart (Yes, I should have taken a photo of that pile too, but didn't. You've seen it before.lol) I sat in front of the TV and did the little seam swirl to get the center seams flat.

Twosies stitched, swirled and pressed.

 

So here they are, all 192 done and waiting their place in the mix.

Gray-White 4-patch units complete

It will be a long week waiting for the next clue to come out on Friday....twittle, twittle, twittle.........

Happy Thanksgiving

 Happy Thanksgiving

 

These old gals showed up in our front yard Tuesday morning. We see a lot of wild turkey around here, but have never had them come into the front yard. They showed no fear of us whatsoever.  Guess they knew I already had a domestic turkey from the grocery in the frig for Turkey Day.  They stayed around the front yard for close to half an hour, then strolled across the street into the wooded lot. About an hour later, they returned...this time thoroughly checking out the house...right onto the front porch. Yeah, they left their "calling cards" too! They strolled around by the garden then  back across the front lawn again and finally off behind the house to the corps line by the lake.

 

When we first noticed them, Gary was headed out to go golf. He came back in and told me I had to come look at something. He was being real quiet, so I knew it was some sort of wildlife. We get a lot of critters around here! One of the little ladies decided to hop up in the golf cart. I was hoping she would hop on up onto the seat, but she didn't. She isn't showing up very well in the photo, but she is standing on the floor board.

 

 

They let Gary walk right up to them. And when He got in the cart to leave, they gobbled at him as if to say how dare you get in Our way.

 

 

On the Quilting Side.....

There has actually been a little quilting accomplished since my last post. The Little Red Barns Quilt got quilted and delivered to my daughter for her birthday. And yes, it was on time, too!

I told her if she didn't like it, or want it, she could send it back and I would give her something else. Nice try to keep the quilt for myself....but she wanted it! LOL

 

Right now, I am working on a log cabin for my son-in-law that requested a 'beach blanket quilt'. We shall see how this one goes. It is being constructed from left over fabrics from some other quilt projects. Just hope there is enough of the fabrics to make it the size needed. If not, it will be donated to my quilt guild for a charity quilt.

 

AND the big project coming up....DRUM ROLL....Another Mystery Quilt by none other than Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville's Quips & Snipps!! This  year's quilt is entitled "Easy Street". The first clue is scheduled to come out on Friday, November 23, 2012. I have my fabrics waiting in the wings....

These are my color choices for the mystery quilt 'Easy Street'

Can't wait to get started on this!!  Click on one of the links above for more information or to join in on the fun!

 

Well that's it for today. Hope to see you back here soon!

Kathy



The King and his Entourage and Barns

It has only taken months, but the king is conquered and FINALLY at home on his throne with his Entourage!

The King and his Entourage

I posted photos along the journey of the quilt top construction, the little square pillows and the shams; but it is finally officially ALL complete and in place. The color and lighting is a little off in the photo, but it all works very well together in the room.  It feels like the weight of the world has been lifted from me now that this is complete.

And, yes there have been other projects along the way. Remember the "Little Red Barns" quilt and all the barns and rooster photos? Well, the Little Red Barn Quilt Top is complete. It is laying atop the Queen sized bed in the guest room waiting to be sandwiched and quilted. That is where I took it's photo also. It gives you a good idea of just how big this fabulous throw came out. I really need to run some sort of line outside to hang my quilts from to get decent photos....that and a new camera. But at  the moment I would rather spend my money on fabric. LOL
Without further delay...Ta DA....the Little Red Barns quilt TOP:

Little Red Barns Quilt Top waiting to be sandwiched and quilted.



That's about all I have been up to lately. Until next post, hope all of you have SEW much fun!
Kathy

It's Been a Very Productive Week at the Cottage!

Throw Pillows to match 'The King'

Two, yes TWO projects completed. :-)
Alright, so they were small projects, but finished just the same.


The first milestone came with the completion of the two little throw pillows that go with the "King"!

Aren't they cute! The big Shams that go with this are still in the works. Although the tops are pieced, they are awaiting some quilting and final construction. Soon...they will be ready soon.. (And, yes I know that one pillow is nearly falling off the table in the photo. It just didn't want to sit up straight!...Besides I never professed to be a good photographer!!!)

The second project was the completion  of a bag/purse that my middle daughter and I started for her around three years ago when she was visiting.

Unfortunately, the color just isn't showing up well in the photo. This is a beautiful green, cream and yellow batik.
OK, so you are right...Three Years????  Yes, that's a long time. Other life things kept getting the way especially procrastination!  When my daughter was visiting, she asked if we could make her a new purse. Being me, of course I said something like ..."sure, that should be fun". Uh huh....She went through my fabrics and picked out this piece. (One of my favorites, I might add...oh well...it was going to a good purpose....) Then, she proceeds to say she wanted this feature, and that feature, and to sort of look like an old worn out bag I  had...You get the picture. We did NOT have a pattern in hand, nor did we EVER find one she wanted to use. SO we set our little selves down and more or less designed this bag with features from all the ones she had or had seen that she liked. All done while her boys napped. WHEW! We did manage to get all the pieces cut out and some of the sewing started during her visit.  With it being left to me to complete. I really thought it would just be a quick sew up and be done, but having to THINK the construction through without a pattern took a lot of brain power that I really lack these days. I would drag it out from time to time and work on it or at least look at it a long long time.  Other life things kept getting in the way, and before long, time had just slipped by. I was determined to get it done for her birthday last year....didn't happen! I made sure it happened this year! Although, it will still arrive late for her birthday, it is In The Mail!
Here are some more views of the bag.

Back View

This is the back view.
There is a long zipper pocket all the way across the back.
Great for large travel documents, etc.

Front View Under The Flap

Here we are looking under the front flap, which secures down with a small magnetic snap that is barely visible; but if you squint hard enough it shows up in the photo.

The sipper pocket on the front is 'gusseted' on the sides for expansion when holding bulky items such as car keys. There is also about an inch of space above the zipper closure which can be useful for unusually shaped or taller items.

The bag does have an extra long shoulder strap so it can be worn comfortably over the shoulder across the body, or can be shortened enough to just carry. My daughter had originally requested that the shoulder strap be made wider to about two inches, but we could not find a slid bar that would accommodate that width.

Peaking inside at zip divider

The inside is full of pockets and compartments. There is a large zip divider pocket inside. I sort of wish we would have chosen to stabilize this pocket, but then we didn't want bulk in the interior. With four children, she needs all the extra space we could get without making the purse a huge tote bag.   One feature that helps get inside the bag with ease is the top zipper extending about two inches down the sides of the purse. This is almost evident in the photo on the left side....just look closely. The top zip goes all the way down to where the tabs that hold the strap in place are attached. About even with the little zipper on the front pocket if you look at the previous photo.

Another look inside at side pockets

There are three side pockets across from the zip divider that are ideal for holding cell phone, pens, and note pad. The color is a little more accurate in the inside pocket photo above, too.

Well, now you know how I spend all my time....One project, right after another.

Sorry, no "Garden Variety Inspiration" shots today. It's just too hot to go out there and look for something unique to photograph. Besides it is nearly all dried up from all the heat

King and Red Barn Progress

Where does the time go? It seems that June and July have just flown by. Not sure what took up all the time.  Most days are spent in my little sewing room working on some project or another. Problem is, there just isn't enough to show for the time.  Any way a little progress has been made on the big "King" project....the two little throw pillows are finally completed. The Shams are well under construction, with the tops completed; but not quilted yet.

Didn't realize that the one was almost falling off the table until after the photo was taken. The pillow forms haven't had time to 'seat' themselves. Thought about sitting on the pillows for awhile before taking the pictures, but didn't want to waste any more time!
These are quilted, but it doesn't show up in the photo.  Hopefully, by the end of next week the shams will be completed. It is seriously time for this entire project to be completed.

Also, worked on the Red Barn Quilt squares some. The Black and Red Rooster blocks are pieced and ready for the applique stitching to be done.

 

I followed the color layout in the pattern, then realized....Chickens don't have BLACK legs! Oh, well, makes for a more interesting conversation piece. 

The fence and lamb sections are next. Then it will just be a matter of setting the pieces with the sashing units.  Still looking for the perfect backing fabric.

It's been a tough summer on the garden with temps in the upper 90's and over 100° for weeks.

But, here is your garden variety inspiration photo for this session:

 Concentrating on interesting shapes this time. Yes, this really is a mature cucumber. It is an heirloom variety called a Lemon Cucumber. Lemon only in shape and color; it tastes just like any other plain old cucumber.

  

Here is a close-up...not exactly round, but close. Lots of variation in color and highlights, and texture.

So it may not inspire you to do a lemon yellow quilt, but who knows...some day that idea might resurface. Then  you can say, "Oh, dang! She got me after all!" LOL :-) 

Tomorrow is a "Big City Civilization" run for my machine to get it's annual servicing. That means a fun  lunch out with a sewing buddy and stops at all the quilt and craft shops in the area!

Have a fun rest of July!

Happy Father's Day - Crochet News - More Garden Pics

Good Morning...and what a Beautiful day!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!
We have been blessed to have our youngest daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons visiting. The little boys keep us hopping! Hopefully, there will be some good pictures to post in the next blog.

Hey! Do any of you CROCHET?  I get regular emails from a great free crochet source called All Free Crochet and they are having a Book Give-Away! The book is Austentatious Crochet (click on the book name for the full book review.) Click here for the sign up link if you are interested. It is ONLY available until June 27, 2012 so hurry on over and sign up! 

Crocheting is my 'other' addiction after quilting!

Our daughter that is visiting brought her quilt top for me to quilt. She just wants Stitch-in-the-Ditch. Right...just...that thing has lots and lots of "ditches". LOL  She wanted it backed with one of the fabrics she had used in the top, but didn't think there was enough to do it. So she brought all the scraps she had left of two of the other fabrics. Let's just say I can get really really creative when its necessary! (I did NOT want to MAKE a keyboard border for the back and SHE did NOT want one if we could avoid it....and WE DID!)  There was enough of the main fabric after some creative piecing for the back AND the binding. Since it is a floral print, I don't think any of the seams will be all that noticeable once it is quilted. Besides, it is NOT to be entered in a show; it is for her and husband and boys to cuddle up under on their couch. It's going to look just fine.  Here is a diagram of what we did to make this happen.

The center seam doesn't show up very well under the writing, but it's there. I will post a photo of the finished quilt......eventually. :-)

The garden is still growing and producing like .....well.... everyone always hopes it would. LOL
I have an over abundance of zucchini this year. Usually we only get a couple zuc's before the plants die or the critters eat them up for us. We are also getting a lot of early cucumbers. Here is a pic of what I picked on Friday afternoon. I picked an additional 7 zucchini and 4 cucumbers this morning!

Needless to say I ordered a Food Processor to arrive on Tuesday to help with all of this. For the last few years, I have just sliced and diced and shredded by hand. I refuse to continue with that insanity! Those zuc's are huge, but that's the way they are  growing this year. The skins are still very tender and they don't even have mature seeds yet...same with the cucumbers. Planning to try something new to us this year...Sweet Zucchini Relish. My frig is full of zuc's and cuk's. I already have SIX 2 cup bags of shredded zucchini in the freezer and have given away several. Good thing we like the stuff!

Hope you all have a SEW productive week and I'll chat with you soon!
Quilty Hugs,
Kathy

Barn Blocks 3 & 4 and More Garden Inspiration

For those of you reading this or following my blog, this Little Red Barn Quilt is one of the cutest quilts I think I have ever attempted.  Although, it is being done as a "Quilt-Along"  in conjunction with the Quilt With Us Barn Blog Quilt Along of Connecting Threads, I have jumped ahead and finished blocks three and four. With company coming in starting Monday and being here on and off for the next two weeks, it was either get ahead or lag way behind. Hey, it's me...gonna' jump ahead of the plan!  Besides, I want to devote my undivided attention to the grandsons when they arrive with no worries about "should be sewing"!
Anyway, without further delay presenting Block 3:

This one is called "Lucky's Barn"...guess Lucky is the horse...could be the chicken.... There is a little horse shoe 'button' from the accessory packet that goes over the barn door when completed. Lucky and the chicken are part of the accessory packet also.

Barn 4 is celebrating the 4th of July:

The blocks are the same size, just don't look it because of the photo shoot.
This completes the Barns blocks. Well, sort of completes them....I am waiting until all the pieces are constructed to do the applique stitching, but construction is complete.

The next step for this quilt is the darling little chickens! I won't be able to start on them until my company leaves. So it will be close to 3 weeks before pictures get posted. Hope you can hold on that long. LOL

And, since I have your undivided attention...how about a couple of garden shots from today???
I thought I could include the garden goodies and a color inspiration thought at the same time. What do you think of Monochromatic themes? Today's thought is green on green....look at the color variations, shadows and light highlights and try to come up with ways to incorporate these into a quilt project. I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas or comments, too.
Ok, first up is the big bowl of Green Beans I picked this morning...cleaned, blanched and now have a one gallon bag of whole green beans in the freezer!  I do them this way to throw in the crock pot with the pot roasts. Yum!

Probably NOT colors of green I would put together in a quilt...but who knows.... sometimes it just takes the strange idea to work.

And after picking the beans, I decided to check on the grapes....yes they are still green too. Just hoping we can get some of them before the opossums and racoons discover them. Those stinkers can wipe the vines clean overnight...and have.

Two different kinds of grapes and a slight variation in color. More ideas to play with...
Let me know what you think. I'll let you know if we get to enjoy the grapes in a few weeks!

Well, that's all I have today. Hang in there and sew something fantastic.