Happy Holidays!

For you Holee! :) Since last posting,I have finished this log cabin (of course-what other pattern would I pick?) for myself. This one I did all by myself from start to finish. A rarity! LOL I recently discovered that I like binding WAAAY better than piecing all the squares of a top together. Well,as luck would have it,my dad says he likes to piece the squares together (I think he's just being a good dad)so bring em home to him! So my 130 blue pinwheels are packaged up and ready to go.

Tomorrow morning my daughter and I fly to Ohio to spend Christmas with my family....for the first time since 1987. Long overdue. Tales to follow. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season (see...thats the public school teacher in me being politically correct)and quilt on!

Happy Thanksgiving

I have much to be thankful for...family,good friends,health,gainful employment....and the return of my mojo. LOL Happy Day all!

Mojo Returns

I took your advice....back in the saddle again. This baby will be just for me.....never made one just for me.......will eventually be 13 squares (approx. 6")down by 12 across.

The Funk Continues....

Figured I'd better write or I might be disowned. Here is a picture from school...my two friends Heather and Pamela and I wearing football jerseys on teacher appreciation day. Life is pretty much work and carting around my freshmen daughter to her various social gigs. I am currently trying really hard to catch the flu/cooties but am not going down without a fight!

I am still in my sewing funk. This is the longest I have gone....I briefly cranked out an angel quilt for dqs7,but that didn't count. The last round of my beloved doll quilt swap has left me with such a bad taste in my mouth I fear I might be done for good. Sigh.

It's bad.....

I've lost my quilting mojo. There. I said it. It has been....gasp....over a month. I've sat in my sewing room and tried. But I can't. I'm burned out. Too many swaps. Too many flakes in swaps. So...taking a break from swaps and such. I think I will try a little brainless 4 patching this weekend. Gotta get my groove back.....

Adjusting....

Sorry I have been a bad blogger...we have been adjusting to returning to school. This is a picture of my daughter and I on the first day of school. My daughter is a freshman at the high school where I teach. Easier for me,but possibly hard for her. :) She is on the tennis team....so basically,no time to sew! Adjusting to going back to school is always difficult! :)

DQS7 !!!

This is the lovely doll quilt I received from Shelley for round 7 of the Doll Quilt Swap. I just love it! She nailed my likes! Civil war bow ties...doesn't get any better than this! The really odd thing is,I don't have a single fabric in this quilt in my extensive collection of repro fabric! Many thanks Shelley for this wonderful little gem!

Last Days of Summer

Well...just a few more days of summer vacation left before I report back to school. It has been a great summer. I did some cleaning and tossing-not as much as I wanted,but a start. Did lots of quilting also. I am in the middle of a serious cleanout of my messy cram-packed sewing room. This picture is of my sister and I on our family vacation. We all had cabins at Salt Fork state park in Ohio to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday.

My Virtual Entry

Hot off the press...or should I say dryer?! All warm and crinkly. This little baby contains 75 different fabrics from my scrapbag...plus a 76th for the border and binding. It is handquilted...and is for my partner in the 7th round of the Doll Quilt Swap group on Flickr. I hope she likes it! I like it so much I am going to make myself a lap sized version.

Sometime this week I will post information about my give away! Keep checking cause it is gonna be good! :)

Tomorrow is the Virtual Show

Just a reminder....that tomorrow is the virtual show and give-away....and I may not make it till Sunday! I am knee-deep in Doll Quilt Swap Round 7 so will probably post on SUnday my mini and give away....what a loser! :)

DQS7

Last chance to hop on over to Doll Quilt Swap Round 7 on Flickr......

Baby Quilt

Ok...so the real question is: did I clean the sewing room? Wellllll....half of it. I still need to do the armoire and closet. But...had to take a time out to make this cute little patriotic quiltie for a baby boy whose daddy is a service man. What do you think? Nice and crinkly!

Summertime.....

and the livin is easy....no sewin going on here. I told myself I wouldn't sew until I cleaned my sewing room. I guess you know how that's going....

Scrappy Lil Doll Quilt Challenge and Giveaway

I am hosting a virtual quilt challenge and show...the theme is "Scrappy Lil' Doll Quilts"-wanna play? The rules are simple:

1.Reply on this thread that you would like to play. Include a link to your blog.
2.Between now and July 24th,make a scrappy little doll quilt that adheres to these guidelines:

• Quilt measures no more than 20" on any side
• Must be a newly made quilt-not one you previously made
• Must be made entirely from your scrapbag

3.You may post pictures of fabrics and sneak peeks only...no finished shots until show day,which is Saturday,July 25th. On this day,post your finished entry on your blog. Maybe someone smarter than me can make a button for us to add on our blogs.....anyway,I will host a giveaway. Each participant is entered,as well as anyone who leaves a comment about my finished entry on show day. If you put a link to this site,you'll get an extra entry. Tell all your friends! I encourage you to do a give away as well,but its not necessary to play.

4. On July 25th,tour the blogs and check out all the great doll quilts! Now....who wants to play?

Woooo Hoooo!

This is my good friend ,and fellow teacher,Pamela and I on the next to last day of school. Did you hear me let out a whooop at 11:30 today when I was officially signed out and on summer break?!

Almost there!

Three more days of school then I am home free.....yes. In case you ever wondered the teachers are more excited than the kids! :)

Latest Project

This is what I have been working on lately....over-sized couch throw in my beloved civil war fabrics. I am thinking of a border in the same black print as the center squares to kind of pull it all together, Do you think it needs a thin inner border as well to make it pop? Like a fushia or maybe cheddar?

Shame on Me

I have been so remiss about posting to this.....I am officially into what I call "The Crazy Time" Those of you who are teachers will understand. The last month of school is like the twilight zone. Especially if you teach seniors. My senior psych students who are failing,and their parents,are suddenly overcome with the urge to contact me every second to see what they can do to pass.....ummm....heres an idea: your work. Anyway....tons of stuff going on at work. Plus,thanks to the economy,stress from teachers getting laid off and surplused to other schools.

Then there is my tendency to over-involve myself in swapland. :) BUT....I love it. As a swap parent for DQS6,I have 2 outstanding quilts I am keeping my fingers crossed make it to their new homes soon. I have a couple angel quilts lined up just in case. There sure were so gorgeous quilts this round,and the talent that exists in this group never ceases to amaze and motivate me.

A few short weeks left of school,then i will be able to quilt a lot more! I am hoping to host a fun event this summer online,so stay tuned!

Oh yeah....a big thanks to Swapdex for interviewing me...what an honor!

Mother's Day

My daughter Kaitlyn and I on Mother's Day......

remiss in posting

Things have been so crazy here that I haven't had a chance to post. Although on spring break,it seems like there hasn't been time. Probably because my MIL is visiting. Company has a way of taking up your time. I did manage to finish up all my swaps though. Now to just get them to the post office! This little number is off to Mari in Norway. Its for the Mini QUilt in a Bag Lovely Logs swap. She requested something springy....most of you know me and know this one is WAAAY outta my comfort zone! I think its pretty though,and hope she will like it. I wish you could see how nice and crinkly it got after washing and drying.

New Lap Quilt Squares

These are the squares I will be making for my next lap quilt....again (what else?)civil war prints. Using a black print for the center square,then a lighter fabric round,followed by a medium dark round. I really like the richness of these fabrics together as well as the simplicity of the block. It's all about the fabric after all!

Potholder Swap-Wanna Play?

I am having a potholder swap....here are the specifics:
1.I will swap with anyone wanting to play.
2.Make and send a potholder (any medium as long as it is homemade)along with a recipe card that you have handwritten a favorite cookie recipe. I will have mine sent before the end of May.....probably way before. :)
3.Post some pictures,bake some cookies!

Sound fun? Just email me if interested:
tlhcrawford@aol.com

Doll Quilt Swap 6-Done!

Hot off the press! This little gem which I have deemed "Blue Suede Truffles" is for my partner in round 6 of The Doll Quilt Swap. I just love it and plan to make a lap sized one for myself if I can locate more of the yummy Thimbleberries blue print from 2007!

DQS6 Updates

My swap bebes must all be busy in their sweat shops....no news to report! Well....several emailed me to email their partners for more info on such things like color......guess everyone is busy creating! :)

A Little Fabric,a Little Chocolate Swap

This lovely grouping came from Carol for the Little Fabric Little Chocolate swap FLickr group.....does it get any better than fabric and chocolate?! She sent several civil war repro FQs (my absolute favorites!)a great little zippered pouch and traveling tea carrier she made,some lovely photos,and 2 huge bars of chocolate. Ok....I know there is only one in the picture. That would be because my daughter and I pretty much devoured one right when we opened the package! :) Thanks Carol! Hop on over and join this group and join in on the fun!

Speaking of joining groups and swaps.....my dad (tlewishindes)and I are retooling the "Mini QUilt in a Bag" swap group. New info and a new round are coming in a week ! We'd love to have you if you are a serious swapper and as hooked as we are! :)

DQS6 Auditions

Here is a possible contender for my doll quilt swap 6 partner.....can't go wrong with log cabins. I think the colors are just yummy.....I also did a variation on a favorite quilt which I am still working on.

Overdue Thank-You

A belated thank-you to a lovely lady who sent me this incredible surprise! Holee made this adorable husseif....and she has my colors dead on! It's wallet sized and when you open it up its filled to the brim with all the necessary tools to quilt! Many many thanks Holee! I will treasure this always!

Swaps and Likes

I am addicted to swaps. There. I have said it. The first step is admitting a problem right? Although I must admit,I don't really see it as a "problem" per say. So....for anyone who may have me in a swap:

I love civil war repros and 30s repros. I love "cottage style" romantic fabrics. I am not real crazy about batiks and brights....although I do like Amy Butler and Kaffee K's. I mostly prefer traditional quilt styles and I love scrappy quilts. BUT....those are the kinds I make. So for any one who is making a quilt for me-make what you love and I know I will love it too!

I want to learn to paperpiece an applique. Maybe someday.

DQS6

Sign ups are currently underway on the FLICKR group Doll QUilt Swap.....

Swaps mailed

Just mailed the scrappy log cabin squares and also my 4 patches for the My Favorite Quilters group......

Challenge Almost Done

After serious fits with my longarm.....LOTS of wallpaper language.....and many threats to burn the whole thing in the fireplace,this is mostly finished. Top went together easily. Quilting was a nightmare. All that is left is to tack the binding to the back. Guess I may need to do something today besides sew.

Rainy Days and Mondays Challenge

Ok....it's pouring like crazy. Beef stew in simmering in the crockpot. Carpenters cd playing. I got some of these yummy 30's prints out and thought I'd throw out a little challenge and see if there are any takers: Make a little mini from 30's fabrics today. Yes. Today. Finish it and post a picture on your blog! (Ok so the quilt police won't show up if you don't finish it today.....I just like a challenge!)Add your name here with a link to your blog so we can all see what you made! Ladies and gentlemen: start your engines....er I mean your machines!

Scrappy Log Cabin Swap Update

Ok. No further blocks have come in. So I just mixed up the squares,packaged them,and will try to get them in the mail this week. Each person will get 22 blocks (combined my dad's and mine)and yes you will get some of your own. All in all,they are a nice batch of blocks. Truthfully-this swap has been like a giant albatros and I will be glad to send them on their merry way! :) I don't like long,un-resolved swaps and this one was both! You live and learn,right?!

It's a rainy President's Day....and Cooper and I are just hangin out. Perfect day for some sewing and napping!

Another UFO

Another almost finished UFO....this one a scrappy log cabin lap quilt. I quilted it on the longarm today and it just needs binding......may have to wait though. Tomorrow I have the day off and hope to work on some more minis!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Gorgeous roses,Sees Truffles,AND a silver ring.....am I spoiled or what?!

A Worthy Cause

A group has been established by the lovely Tia to send 12.5" unfinished quilt blocks to her. She is stationed in Australia currently. She is asking for blocks to make quilts to give to those who have lost everything in the recent fires. Here is a link if you are interested in helping:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/977757@N25/

Civil War Mini Quilt Swap Partners

Surprised there weren't more takers on this one....perhaps everyone is swapped out! Here are the partners.....contact each other with the specifics about mailing. If you need email info ,email me!Can't wait to see what you make!
Bonnie and Louann
Debbra and Luann

Simple Little 9 Patch

Sometimes simple is best....here is a simple little 9 patch top. I was origionally going to put in a sashing row with little squares at each intersection. But then I looked at all the squares simply lined up together. I love its simplicity. But-how to quilt it? I want to handquilt it,but not sure what to do. Any suggestions?

Scrappy Log Cabin Square Swap Update

The deadline-Jan. 17th-has come and gone. Alas,I only have 7 people's squares. If I don't hear from the other participants by Feb. 2nd,I shall divide up what is here,and mail them off this week. I learned that one doesn't give such a long turn-around time on something like this. :)

It shouldn't matter too much,as everyone did scrappy so its not like they will all be the same!

Civil War Fabric Mini Quilt Swap!

Most of you know by now that I am addicting to fabrics,mini quilts,and swaps. Sigh. And now that I am DIETING.....I am getting all my jollies via these vices. Want a cookie-make a quilt. Craving chocolate-make a quilt. Pizza? You get the idea.

So....I am hosting another little mini quilt swap. Here are the specifics:
1. Sign-ups open now until Feb7th. Partners will be posted here on Feb.8th. It won't be a secret swap,so you will know who your partner is and can exchange mailing info on your own.
2. You will make a mini quilt from civil war fabrics that is 15" or smaller. The quilt must be quilted ,bound,and contain a label.
3. Mailing deadline is April 1st.
4. Send me a picture of your quilt before you send it.
5. Let me know when you send your quilt and when you receive yours.

Can't wait to see all those yummy quilts made from my favorite kind of fabrics! To join,send your name and email address to:
tlhcrawford@aol.com
Let the games begin......


*Update: As of 2/3 I have Bonnie,Louann,Debbra,and Luann signed up!

Finish Lap UFO

This is an old UFO. It is the Yellow Brick Road pattern. I loaded it on the longarm and breezed through the quilting. I like this lap size as compared to wrestling with a bed-size! Then on to the binding and several hours later it's done! The fabrics are beautiful. Thanks Dad for all the tweaking with the machine-it worked!

Little Log Cabin Mini

Heres a little mini made from some of the beautiful fabrics I got last weekend at the Road to California Quilt Show......I kinda have a style huh?

Swaps,Updates,and More Minis

Lots to catch up on! The first picture is a gorgeous swap quilt from Denise . This is soooo me! She is truly an amazing quilter. I was lucky enough to see in person the lovely quilt she made my dad for Doll QUilt Swap 5. This is from the Quilt in a Bag Swap.The next picture is of my haul from the Road to California quilt show this past weekend. It was amazing! I had 5 hours and a wad of cash all to myself. I focused on fabric mostly. I did buy one pattern and a couple of templates.....and I was actually moved to tears by the beauty of a quilt on display. My husband and daughter laughed at that.

The next two are two little tops I just finished today using some of the new fabrics. Still need to quilt them. The 3 little minis are from Quiltin Kimmie for the Mini Swap Trip Tych round. They are so beautiful and feminine! The last picture is a beautiful little batik mini from Brenda. It has the tiniest little black quilting ! Truly beautiful! Thanks to all my swap partners!

Last update....the scrappy cabin square swap is moving very slowly. I have the squares so far from Kathy R,Shelly C,Tanaya G,Bonnie M,and Betty H. I will keep you informed of new arrivals and mail as soon as I have everyones!

100 4 patches

This is what I spent today doing....100 four patches. Only 300 to go! I am making an oversized throw for myself out of my beloved civil war repros. These will finish at 2" and be alternated with a nice brown square.

Next weekend I will be running amuck at the Road to California Quilt show.....I usually do a LOT of damage here and come home with two tons of fabric. Oh joy! It's a sickness I tell you,a sickness....and as Amy Winehouse says:They tried to take me to rehab but I said NO NO NO!!!

Scrappy Cabin Swap Update

I currently have Shelly's,Tanaya's,and Betty's! They look great and I can't wait to start putting them all together!

Recent Projects

The bottom picture shows minis 11-20. Several still need quilted and/or bound,but there they are. The top photo is the begining of a civil war 4 patch lap quilt I plan to make for myself. I LOVE to make 4 patches! I figure if I trade off on the minis and the lap quilt,I won't get burned out! LOL The lap quilt isn't big though....each tiny square in the 4 patch finishes at 1". The alternating brown squares finish at 2",so I'm still keepin it tiny! LOL

Scrappy Cabin Challenge due 1/17

Just a reminder if you signed up to participate in the Scrappy Cabin Challenge square swap,squares are due to me on January 17th....so far I have Shelly's. Let me know if you need my address!