Private Mini Swap Anyone?

Call me crazy. But I love making these wee quilts. These are 3 of my favorites. SO....is there anyone out there who would like to do a private wee quilt swap with me? You would probably get one similar to these....all around 12" or less. I promise to swap with anyone who signs up here on my blog by midnight on Weds. the 31st. If you sign up,all you have to do is leave a comment here,send me an email with your mailing info,and then send me a wee quilt that you made. Sound fun? I will do my best to get one made and out to you as soon as possible......now off to the sewing room! Oh yeah....and these count toward my 40 remaining quilts to make! Bonus!

4-10

Here are 4-10 of the mini challenge. I am doing 50 and another quilter is doing 50.....so now I will take some time to work on some other projects.

changing the rules again.....

In a moment of sanity,I pondered my actions last week. Was I nuts? Abducted by aliens? 100 minis when I have so many UFOs and ideas in my head for people quilts?! SOOOO....changing the rules again. Last time. Really. Usually I am not this squirrely. :) One of the other ladies who also challenged herself to make 100 minis and I are each going to do 50 (that makes a hundred in my book!)that way we can still do other things without feeling chained to the machine creating those minis! SO....tomorrow I will post my latest few offerings in the quest for 100.....er I mean 50!

Changin' the Rules

I have been pondering this challenge I bestowed upon myself.....the 100 mini quilts by next year. I like the simplicity of the "Hitty Quilt" with no batting or binding. BUT....having said that,they just don't seem like quilts to me. So.....I am proposing this. When time is of the essence,I shall make the "Hitty Quilts". Other times,my usual minis with batting and binding. I can change the rules,right? No quilt police will pound on my door. While I'm being bold....you will obviously see several "patterns" repeated,just with different fabrics....and I may use some that I made prior to "the challenge" Hey-I may be crazy,but the goal of this project isn't to land in the looney bin after all. A person has to have priorities,right?

#2 and #3 of 100

My first quilt for this challenge was made just like a real quilt. It had batting and binding. The second one-the little rail fence-has batting but no binding. The third one-the 30s one-has neither batting nor binding. Since this challenge was to make 100 mini quilts for Hitty (she is a 6.25" wooden doll) and the quilts are supposed to go on her teeny tiny little beds....drapeability is an issue. Although I love the way quilts turn out ,as well as feel while quilting if they have batting,I think for this project I may be leaving it out. At this size,even the binding causes draping issues.

#1 of 100

Here it is ....#1 of 100. Only 99 to go. I figured I better photograph the mini with the other mini so you wouldn't think I cheated. :) I fell in love with the larger one which was made for a swap. So,I made another much smaller version to keep! Now onto #2.....

My 100 Mini Quilts

Yes. You read that right. 100 mini quilts. I vow to make 100 mini quilts before January 1,2010. That gives me slightly over a year.Before you hurt yourself trying to do the math,that averages out to about 2 per week......am I nuts you ask? Possibly. Over on the Hittygirls group,they have been discussing the children's book "The One Hundred Dresses". I remember that from my childhood. Then some of the ladies got the idea to make 100 dresses. I jumped on that bandwagon as Hitty dresses are a favorite of mine. Then I stopped to think about all the snaps (I hate sewing snaps)and gathering of the skirts. A couple other group members signed on to make 100 other items. Then someone through out the challenge to make 100 mini quilts. Dang-I can do that! So I quickly jumped ship on the dresses and started to plan my 100 minis.

Firstly,I decided that even though I have probably already made 100 minis,I would start fresh. I kicked around the idea of making them all the same size. I quickly aborted that idea when it became evident how much dang math was involved. SO.....they will all be under 15". I will chart my progress online here. I figure with all the fabric I have,even if I start to repeat the basic designs they will look different,right?

So......I slaved away all morning to finish up the last of my commitments swap-wise. Then I made and quilted my first mini. Tonight I will bind it and post #1 tomorrow.

Now. ......I know sometimes there will be crazy weeks when I can't crank em out. But that is what my summer vacation is for,right? When I have all 100,perhaps I'll write a book,take my trunk show on the road,and become rich and famous. Ha!

Anyone crazy enough to join me? :)

Finishing Up Swaps

I am attempting to finish up all my outstanding swaps......I finished my Trip Tychs for the 6-12" Mini Quilt Swap Group on Friday. Today I made this top for the Teeny Tiny Squarees Mini Quilt Swap. This swap was inspired by Lucy from "Quilting from the Past". Each little square in each 4 patch finishes at 3/4". I made this with my "new" Featherweight my Dad just gave me. I love the machine! It makes sewing the tiny little pieces so easy. Now I just need to handquilt this baby in the next day and I am home free......and will be ready to announce my next adventure! :)

Update: Quilted and bound. I love this one!

Flickr group for Teeny Tiny Squares Swap

A Flickr group has been set up to post pix and chart progress......it's called: TeenyTinySquares

Teeny Tiny Squares Swap Update

As of tonight,all partners have been emailed. Check your spam mail if you didn't get yours. Remember that this is a secret swap-no one knows who their partner is. If the person had a blog I included that. Remember that you need to incorporate tiny squares (1.5" or less)somehow into the quilt. You may also use setting triangles or squares as well. These are intended to be scrappy....so have fun!!

The deadline to mail is March 1st. Please do not mail the quilts till at least February. If something comes up or you have questions,please don't hesitate to ask!

Teeny Tiny Squares Quilt Swap

For all of you die-hard doll quilt swappers....never fear....announcing a new swap to tide us addicts over until the next round of the "Doll Quilt Swap" ! Here are the details:

This swap quilt will be comprised of tiny squares. The tiny squares should be 1" before sewing. ***EDIT: several people have indicated they wanted to play but this was too darn small. So....you may also make this from 1.5" squares. That would make the finished square 1" after sewing. Either size is acceptable! I think I will make mine at 1 1/4" squares before sewing. This size still looks small and cute but is a little easier to work with. I made a sample of all three sizes and suggest you do the same***This is a great chance to play with fabrics and use the tiniest of tiny scraps! If you want an idea of what I am talking about,or want to be really blown away by some awesome little quilts,check out Lucy's blog at http://lucyquilting.blogspot.com/ Four patches,nine patches....you design it! Just as long as the quilt contains tiny squares! ***For those that are worried about sewing those tiny squares....I cut 1" strips and did it that way and it was a piece of cake! Probably easier than just cutting tiny squares!

Is that woman amazing or what? So-now that you are all fired up,here are the specifics. The quilt should be 20" or less. It should be quilted and bound. It should have a quilt label. The mailing deadline is March 1st. This will be a secret swap. The deadline to sign up will be Friday December 12th. You will get your partner info on Monday,the 14th. All you have to do is email me at tlhcrawford@aol.com the following info:
Full name,mailing address,email address,blog link.

This sounds like just the ticket to keep us hoppin! Hope you want to play! Now go back and drool over Lucy's quilts! Then sign up!

We Have A Winner

There were 30 entries....so I asked my daughter (plugged into her headphones as usual)to pick a number 1-30.....and she picked 7. So,Jodi was number 7 so she is the winner! (High tech here aren't we?) Email me your mailing info Jodi and I shall get these off to you! Thanks to all who played!

100th Post Give Away!

This is my 100th post! So....here is my give away! I call it "Sugar and Spice". Two petite little quilts measuring around 7" or so each. Hand quilted cuteness looking for a home! All you have to do is leave a comment and I will draw a winner Tuesday the 18th!

Triptych

Trip Tych: Variations on Squares......Whipped these out this morning for the 6" mini swap group. John (of QuiltDad) came up with this brilliant idea for the December swap. You know me and squares....so naturally: "Variations on Squares"

Civil War Block Tutorial

These aren't the best pictures,but hopefully you will get the idea!

For each block:

1.Cut one 3.5" square from the Moda Bella Natural

2. Cut two 2.5 squares from the civil war fabric

3.Draw diagonal lines on the wrong sides of the smaller squares.

4.Place the squares on opposite corners of the light square,making sure the lines are parallel.

5.Sew on the lines. Clip away leaving a 1/4" seam allowance. Press open. Square should now measure 3.5". Sign the center as in picture.

Civil War Friendship Block Swap

I am now taking sign-ups for the civil war block swap! I decided to do the square/30s fabric one this summer,as it has a "light summery" feel to it! :) When you can't decide between the two-do both!

So here are the details. There will be 19 swappers...I am the 20th. Signups will begin today and end once 19 have signed up. Here is what you do:
1. Email me your email address tlhcrawford@aol.com
2. Make 20 of the blocks. Send me all 20 (yes-you will get back one of your own)by March 1st. I must have them by March 1st. Place all your squares in a ziplock baggie that has your mailing label on it. Also send a self-addressed stamped mailer for the return squares. It should be in the same amount that you mail to me. Once I have all the squares I will mail them out.
3. FABRIC REQUIREMENTS: The inside signature square is to be made from Moda Bella Natural. (The Fat Quarter shop carries this as do several ebay sellers) The triangle portions are to be made from civil war fabrics. The signature should be made from a thin black micron type pen. When signing your squares,the triangles should be in the upper left and lower right. Sign your name on the first line and your state and country on the second line.
4. I will post a tutorial for the square. It is a very easy square! You can make them all the same,or all different!

Any questions? Email me! tlhcrawford@aol.com

Swap Quilties and some loose ends....

These two lovelies arrived in the last two days....the top one is from Ulla in Sweden and it the Fall Swap installment on the Swap till you Drop group. It is so beautifully rich in color! Thank-you Ulla!

The next one is from Amy and it is for Another Little QUilt Swap! Amy has my colors and fabrics down perfectly! Love it!

For those of you who signed up for the scrappy cabin swap....this is where you are supposed to send me 20 squares by the end of January.....here are a few thoughts:

1. There are no quilt police here.

2. This is supposed to be fun-don't beat yourself up if your squares aren't "perfect". We will still love them anyway! Even if they are a little too small,a little too big,or a tad wonky. :)

3. Have fun. That is what this is all about.

Tomorrow I will post the details of the first signature swap........

Upcoming Project

I am planning to announce another upcoming project later this weekend.....yes. I know. I AM nuts. Or maybe just obsessed. You know how it is-or you wouldn't be reading this now,right?!

For ages I have wanted to do a signature square mini quilt. Now that more and more of you are becoming my "friends" I think the time is here. I will spell all the details out later.(we're talking March deadline guys) What I need your help with is deciding which square you like more. The one on the left finishes at a petite 3". The one on the right finishes at 3.5". The center area would contain the signature,state ,and country. Both are simple to construct and I will have a tutorial up once the project is in motion. So....cast your vote even if you don't intend to play!

Partner's Announced!

Mini quilt in a bag partners are announced over on my dad's blog:
http://quiltingandcarving.blogspot.com/

Imp't Bag Swap Info!

If you have signed up to play,you must be a member of the Flickr group.....this is where all info will be posted! Partners will go out today! Here is the link to join:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/miniquiltinabagswap/

we still need some vital info on some participants!

Imp't. Info for Bag Swap Participants

My dad has been working on the list in preparation to match partners. Since sign ups are coming in from multiple sources it has been a nightmare to try to find email and blog addresses. We need the following people to email me with their email addresses and blogs before we can match partners!
Demenberg
vetcw3
quiltinkimmie
fanny

I probably have this info somewhere,but for the life of me can't locate it!

Mini Quilt in a Bag Swap Group

For those whoe signed up to participate,we started a FLiCKR group so we can communicate and post pictures and such! Come on over!
http://www.flickr.com/groups/miniquiltinabagswap/

More MInis

More minis! I am lovin the simplicity of this pattern! Made these with some scraps. I am thinking a large throw like the one on the right,but with a variety of colors. What do you think? The little guy on the left will get red binding.

Announcing the Challenge in a Bag Mini Quilt Swap!

I will be hosting a mini quilt swap. Here are the details. Signups begin today and will end next Saturday,November 1st. To sign up ,just leave a comment here on the blog. On Sunday,Nov. 2nd,I will send you the email address of your partner. This is NOT a secret swap,so the two of you will exchange mailing info. Then the fun begins:

1. Assemble in a bag/baggie ingredients to make a mini quilt. (Let's say anything under 20" finished quilt size is acceptable)This can be fat quarters,charm squares,strips,and/or embellishments of any kind. Think outside the box....beads,silk flowers,felt,floss,etc. Don't send batting-your partner can provide that! Send them to your partner by November 30th.
2. Once you receive your baggie of loot,create a mini quilt for your partner. You must use at least a bit of every item in the bag....you may also add items from your stash.
3. Mail the finished top (quilted and bound )to your partner by the end of January. This should give us plenty of extra time around the holidays.
4. Include a label on the back with pertinent info. Please email me when you have sent and rec'd your quilt. Post pictures!

Hope you play!

DQS5 Done!

This is my quilt for Doll Quilt round 5......quilted and bound and ready to go! I love it so much I am planning on making a big one for myself! Hope she likes it too!

Another Little Doll Quilt Swap

Here it is all finished! My partner for this swap seems to love the same kind of fabrics I do. I just love how this one turned out. It is almost ready to send out!

DQS5

I think this will be for my Doll Quilt Swap 5 partner.....she has lots of quilts with squares in her favorites and lots of quilts with 30's prints. After quilting,it will get red binding.

Check it out!

Check out my dad's new blog . He is having a give away and all you need to do is look and leave a comment!
http://quiltingandcarving.blogspot.com/

Harvest Mini

Here is a harvest mini that is destined for a far away country. I love it so much I am planning to make another for myself! :) I have been very busy between work and trying to keep all my swaps straight!

Hitty Quilts

These two Hitty quilts are bound for ebay. They are sized for Hitty beds and are quilted without batting for better draping. What do you think?

Happy Birthday Cooper

Today is Cooper's first birthday! He got a new bed,and he selected this red toy himself at Petsmart. Tonight he is having steak and a vanilla cupcake. He will invite his best friend Gus. Shhhhh....don't tell anyone but Gus is a cat.

Fall Tablerunner Project

This is my contribution for a fall tablerunner project a few friends and I are working on. We will each incorporate the brown Thimbleberries leaves fabric in a 5" block. Then we will swap and finish as table runners hopefully in time for Thanksgiving! This block is from a pattern by Kathy Tracy.....will keep you informed as it progresses.

DQS5?

Talk is there will be a Doll Quilt Swap 5....and I am auditioning patterns just in case! :) I think I will use this one. I made one square for the 6" Quilt swap once,but would like to try an entire mini made from it. Here is my sample.....it c ould be done in many different patterns depending on the recipient's taste. What do you think?

Meanwhile...still trying to adjust to this back to full time employment thing. School has been in session for not even a week and I am wiped out.

Scrappy Cabin Squares

I finished my 20 squares for the swap! I think I have updated the names list to include everyone. Instead of emailing everyone my address ,WHEN YOU ARE READY TO MAIL JUST EMAIL ME AND I WILL SEND YOU MY ADDRESS. Remember that you are just sending me 20 squares,and a stamped return mailer for me to mail your 20 swapped out squares back to you. This isn't due till January though........

Doll Quilt Swap 4

This is the incredible quilt I received from Ralitza in Bulgaria! It is amazing! The quilting is to die for in varigated colors of the rainbow. I absolutely love it!

Swap Full

As of today we are at 20! I started back to school yesterday,so won't be around as much online. I will try to gather all the mailing info into an email to you all this weekend,or next at the latest. At this time you can start sewing your squares. The details are posted below and you can look at the picture of a sample square. Can't wait!

Cute Puppy Pix

The little angel is actually snoring! It just doesn't get any cuter....

Works in Progress

These are on the design wall currently....the first is for Another Little Quilt Swap. I finally got a partner who loves the same fabrics as I do! So I decided to use as many as I could! It just needs to be quilted and bound.

The second are the four large units I have finished for my charm lap quilt. So far I have not repeated any fabrics....but as each unit takes 64 different fabrics I don't think I am going to make a "traditional" charm quilt where they aren't repeated.

The last WIP is a little log cabin lap quilt. It needs 4 more squares. Then I hope to get it quilted on my longarm. I am still bonding with my longarm and quite honestly am a little afraid to use it. I made a nice boxy star lap and TRIED (operative word) to quilt it and it was a disaster. I threw it in a cupboard. At some point I shall have to rip out all the quilting and try again.

Update on Scrappy Log Cabin Square Swap: We currently have 3 spots open. These are the people I have signed up. If you are signed up and haven't emailed me your email address,please do so. Once we hit 20 I will email all the info to everyone signed up.

Participants:
tlewishindes
tlhcrawford
sawyer's nana
meredith
sheltondhw
srk quilts
rae
mabel
the roslaskys
susan
shelley
tanaya
sunflower43
betty's blocks
jeri
anna l
rachel
alexia
kristy
abbie
Let me know if you are on there twice,or not at all...or want to be added. I gathered these names from a variety of sources,so it could be messed up!

Scrappy Cabin Swap Update

I have been out of town for the last week and unable to post....everyone that has indicated interest is in! I will keep this open until the end of September,or we reach 20 participants. If at the end of Sept. we still don't have 20,then those that volunteered to do 2 sets can! Since most of us will probably do them scrappy,it really wouldn't matter if people did multiple sets as long as my tiny little mind can figure it out. :)

So....at this point,if all participants could email me at tlhcrawford@aol.com with your email address,I will put you on a mailing list to let you know my address and any updates. If we enjoy doing this,we could do it again and/or up the number of squares in the swap. I found that they take me about 10 minutes if I have the 1" strips already cut. So let me know what your thoughts are about sending in more than 20 this time ,or sticking with the original 20 as planned. Also-are you planning to make a mini ,lap,or bed quilt? I can't wait to get started!

Scrappy Cabin Swap!

Before you say just what we need another swap.....hear me out. This one is different. This one is easy. This one uses all those scraps you have laying around. This one isn't due till January. This one involves swapping SQUARES not finished quilts. Do I have your attention now?

Here are the details. The swap will be open to 20 people. This will be a centralized swap,meaning each participant makes and sends to me 20 squares. I will then swap out the squares (yes you will get one of your own back....this makes it WAY simpler for me)and mail them to you.

1.Square is made using a 2" center square. The 12 logs arranged clockwise in fashion are made from 1" strips. See above picture. The square should be a petite 5" when you are done. Each participant uses their own unique fabrics,so it will be a wonderfully scrappy little quilt full of color and variety when we are done! They can all 20 be identical,or all 20 different.

2.Place your 20 squares in a ziplock bag. On the outside of the ziplock bag,write your name and address in permanent marker. Include a self-addressed and STAMPED (not metered)mailer for me to return your swapped squares. The squares are due to me by January 17th. LOADS of time. My goal will be to have them in your hands by February.....a nice little after-holiday project.

3. If you are interested in participating,please leave a comment and/or email me. The first 20 are in. Once I have all the participants,I will email everyone my mailing info. I may set up a blog for us all to be part of to post info/pictures,etc. Any questions? Hope you can play!

Hey!

I just realized that I missed my 50th post....aren't I supposed to have a give away or something? Very Big Grin. I'll just have to plan big for number 100! I have kinda been burned out lately on sewing. I guess I went a wee bit insane for awhile there. Took some time off,and will probably venture into the sweatshop(also known as my sewing room where the AC doesn't seem to have any effect on the sweltering temp)today.

I am participating in another little quilt swap (Kate North's)and can't wait to receive my partner and start on that! Here is a picture from my house....I call it "Too much Olympics"

Another Mini

I got the template at the Long Beach Festival...it's tiny. After the first row I was ready to chuck the whole thing. By about the 4th row I was getting better. I love the way it looks! The whole thing is around 8". How do you think I should quilt it? Outline stitch?

First Square of Charm Quilt Done!

Here is the first square of my charm quilt. It measures around 12" and contains 64 squares that were cut at 2". I figured it would be more manageable !

The Long Beach Quilt Show

This is the damage I did at the Long Beach Quilt Fesitval....rather extensive. I spent 4 and a half hours in a fabric-induced stupor. Now today I must pay the price. I have quilt show hangover. Apparently I am too old to haul around 9 tons of fabric for 4 hours. Depressing. I got loads of gorgeous fabric and a few patterns. Seeing all the wonderful quilts displayed in the various booths really motivated me. I am now on no-buy until the Road to California show in January!

WIP Lap Quilt

Here is a little pastel number....way out of my normal color range! The blue squares are Lucien which are incredible!This is currently up on the design wall. I hate things on point...so will probably procrastinate a bit before I get to sewing it all together! LOL This may be the lap quilt my daughter takes to college. Ok-she is currently heading to 8th grade so I am giving myself awhile!

I am torn lately between small doll size quilts and wanting to work on lap quilts. I don't have any plans to make anything beyond lap size these days. I have about 6 bedsize tops waiting to be quilted. I really like slightly oversized laps. What size do most of you make your lap quilts?

Today I am lucky enough to be attending the Long Beach Quilt show. I will post all my goodies after I get back!

New Group Invite

I have decided to begin a new group on Flicker called Charm Challenge. I have enjoyed making my little mini squares quilts so much I am going to try a big one! Anyone who wants to play can mosey on over!

Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Here is a cheap and easy favorite recipe......I'm about to make it for dinner!
1/2 lb. ground beef (I usually use about 1/4 a lb.)
1 med. onion chopped (I always just toss in minced dried onion)
1 lg. can beef broth and 1 small can beef broth
1 small tomato (I freeze this then remove the skin under hot water)
1/3 cup barley
1 tsp. thyme
1 TBS parsley
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 bag mixed vegetables

Brown meat and onion. Drain. Combine the rest of the ingredients and cook approx. one and a half hours on low.

Backwards me!

Sorry....did this backwards and too lazy to redo. Just scrolldown and do it in reverse! LOL

Step 5: For each placemat cut 2@ 2" by 10 1/2" and sew to the sides. Quilt and bind as desired. Easy peasy !

Step 4: For each placemat you will cut 2 @ 3" by 12 1/2". Sew these to the top and bottom.

Square and subcut unit into 5 1/2" sections. Each unit of 12 pieced strips will yield 3 placemats. Therefore if you want to make a set of 6,you will need to cut 2 of each of the 12 fabrics and repeat these steps.

Step 2: Sew the strips together lengthwise.

Chinese Coins Placemats Tutorial

Step 1: From each of 12 fabrics cut a strip 1 1/2" by 19".

Hitty Sewing

Here is a Hitty dress I made this morning....pre mini-quilt obsession I used to make tons of these and sell them on ebay. I have lately felt the urge to make some more! The little wooden dolls for those who don't know Hitty,are 6 1/4" wood carved dolls made to resemble the Rachel Fields character from her Hitty book. I have probably 15-20 various Hittys carved by many talented artists. I love sewing for her because my beloved civil war fabrics are right up her alley! This particular doll is made by the remarkable Jean Lotz.

Aaahhhhh....

Lookin sweet!

Well...That's it....

My baby turned 13 yesterday....so I am officially the parent of a teen now. Dang I'm old.

WIP

This is my humble attempt to recreate a gorgeous framed mini I saw by Sawyer's Nana on Flicker. Only hers was tiny and more perfect. LOL I spent most of the morning trying to get this right....and since there was math involved,and I am a math moron,I was happy with it.

And the winner is....

Shelley! Please send me your mailing info and I shall mail you your lil' scrappy! Thanks to all who entered-I will definately do another one soon!

Last Day to sign up for Small & Scrappy Swap!

Partners assigned tomorrow! If Alison and Tanaya are still interested,please email me your mailing info!

Give Away Deadline approaching!

Tomorrow is the day I draw a winner for my give away mini! Can't wait!

Finished and a Challenge for you

I finished hand quilting this little lovely last night. I adore it! I have decided to make an over-sized wall hanging to hang above my fireplace in this pattern even though it make take forever. Anyone up to the challenge?