From my Scrapbag

New Year....New Start

2011-12-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

Last time I posted about how much I stink at blogging...I think it goes beyond that! lol I probably spend too much time reading OTHER people's blogs! The last year and a half has been all about changes for me....getting used to being a single mom and living in a tiny space. I discovered that I LOVE living in a smaller place...just need to figure out how to organize my stash a little better!

So....new year,new me. Here are the resolutions (hey once they're public I gotta stick with em ,right?)

1. Lose the debt. Learn to live the "less is more" lifestyle....for real.
2. Save more for retirement.
3. Drop the 15 lbs. that somehow managed to creep back onto my butt,legs,and gut. sigh.
4. Exercise MORE (I just bought a Bowflex Treadclimber...) I fully intend to usher in 50 this year HOT! :)
5. Learn to relax and stress less. I have a serious issue with road rage.
6. Learn to LIKE taking the big hairy dog on 200 walks a day....and let go the "I'll walk a dog if we get one" the teenager said.
7. Make my gifts for next Christmas.
8. Quilting...I have really been wanted to publish my patterns,put together a trunk show,and go public. I intend to explore this....
9. Do the things that make me happy.
10. Not kill myself in the Bellydancing class my daughter and I start on January 9th. Hey...it's supposed to be hell on muffin-tops! :)

There. It's in writing.

Oh yeah...and try to write on this blog a little more regularly!

Almost summer....

2011-05-29T07:06:00.001-07:00

Ok...so I stink at blogging. I would much rather READ blogs. lol Since my last post I finished the courthouse steps quilt. I decided to bite the bullet and just make more squares to make it larger. I am now working on this one...which I have nicknamed my "Summer quilt". It's funny how my very favorite pattern of all time can look very different just with the fabrics chosen. I am doing this in all shabby chic soft muted fabrics...and I gotta say it might be my all time favorite!

Border or No Border?

2011-02-21T08:04:00.001-08:00

Advice please....I have 3 options for finishing this quilt....

1.Keep making more squares till its the size I want (3 to 5 more rows)with NO border

2.Add one more row than the brown fabric for a border (see pix)

3.Add one more row than the black fabric for a border (see pix)

Help!

No end in sight....

2011-02-20T18:43:00.000-08:00

I spent the day today assembling 150 of these little boogers....apparently a woman my age shouldn't spend that many hours behind the wheel of a sewing machine....I am now crippled. AND after the wrastling and cursing that goes along with trying to make em all line up,I discovered I need at least 3 to 5 more rows to make this the size I want it to be. Ugh.

So....I haven't heard anyone saying they still want to do a quilt along....anyone ? My advice would be to GO BIGGER....my 5" babies are reallllllly small and are taking forever!

Progress....

2010-11-27T06:21:00.001-08:00

I now have 5 of 15 rows of my courthouse steps quilt completed....and since both squares received votes for the quilt-along,we'll do both! lol I have both started,and am a long way from finishing either....I seem to have quilter's A.D.D. I get bored working on just one project,so having two going will work out just fine!

I will post some directions for one of them soon,for those who want to start early. In the mean time....Happy Holidays !

Quilt Along....

2010-11-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

Several people indicated they would like to play...if we start after the holidays. You got it! I'll post info right after the holidays....so which quilt gets your vote?

Quilt Along Anyone?

2010-11-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

Was wondering if anyone might be interested in a scrappy quilt-along? I have 2 possibilities that I could provide tutorials on...easy peasy ones. :) They are the "Along the Road" quilt pictured here,or a Courthouse Steps one ,the squares of which are pictured in my last post....

This would be a go at your own pace no pressure thing....just motivation from participants! It's much more fun when you have friends doing the same thing! So...if you are interested,leave a comment and let me know which gets your vote....the tutorials would be for a block,so the size of your quilt is flexible!

New projects

2010-10-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

Long time no post.....I have just finished one project, and am about to embark on a new one. The scarlet and gray lap quilt above is for a friend who is a huge OSU Buckeye fan. I am pleased with the way it turned out,but I gotta say working with reds is not my thing. I realized I am only happy when I am fingering those civil war fabrics! LOL

The 3 squares above a trial squares for what will probably be my masterpiece. The inspiration came from Jo Morton's Courthouse Steps quilt featured in American Patchwork and Quilting. I nearly swooned when I saw it! Now THAT is my idea of a heavenly quilt! I considered it a sign that I even had the same center square fabric she used that I had been hoarding for some time.....The large square is according to the magazine directions....however,for some reason I kinda like the smaller version. It has one less round and I think it looks more balanced. What do you think?

I am starting this baby today.....ooooh I sooo love it! Anyone else wanna join me?

Scrappy Challenge Progress

2010-07-07T09:33:00.001-07:00

The top one is what I am currently working on with the scraps....the bottom one is a possible future project using 5" charms as the starting point

I accept the challenge

2010-07-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

I accept the challenge Em's Scrapbag has put out to make something from your scraps this summer....heaven knows I have scraps! LOL Now.....what to make what to make.....

Excitement Brewin......

2010-06-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for some very exciting news......

Doll Quilt Swap 9 Submission

2010-06-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

Well....had so much fun with my "Happy Squares" I decided to make some more and turn them into a "Happy Lil' Quilt" for my swap partner. My partner apparently likes color...so what do you think partner? Here it is all handquilted with HOT PINK quilt thread and warm and crinkly fresh from the dryer.....

4th of July Mini

2010-06-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a tiny little primative flag mini that measures in at around 8" X 12"....pieced on machine and hand quilted. From start to finish about 3 hours.....

Advice Please!

2010-05-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

I want to make a series of minis to put above the couch here.....I plan to frame them all in separate white shabby chic style frames...which size do you think would look best?

Mother's Day

2010-05-15T13:28:00.001-07:00

This year for Mother's Day,my daughter Kaitlyn (on the left) and 4 of her friends planned an elaborate garden dinner party for the 5 moms. They decorated,cooked,and served a fabulous dinner. It was wonderful...all the mom's couldn't remember a nicer Mother's Day. :)

Self Portrait Friday

2010-04-18T17:47:00.000-07:00

So a lot of my blog friends do this self portrait thing on Fridays.....thought I might give it a whirl. Took this photo before work on Friday....ok,so its in the bathroom,I know. My photo skills are somewhat limited. :)

Spent the glorious California weekend working on the happy squares,and gardening.....something I am not really good at. Hopefully everything will live.

Happy Little Squares

2010-04-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

I needed some happy....so nothin says happy to me like 30s prints! These little buggers finish at 4" and make me smile just workin on them.......the middle squares will all be the hot pink polka dots. Girlie city!

Sewing again

2010-04-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

Potholders in progress....after a long absence from sewing,I am back! These are for my Mom for her birthday....then I made a set of placemats for a gift....then onto some mindless log cabin squares from my scrap bin......

My New Life

2010-03-21T08:31:00.001-07:00

Life has kinda gotten in the way of blogging and sewing for that matter lately. I haven't touched fabric or my machine in over a month. The orchid above was a housewarming gift from my two best girlsfriends.....housewarming you say? Yes,things are a bit different around here. I am one month into a divorce......no need to feel sad for me,I should have done this long ago. I moved this weekend into a lovely little townhouse and am busy nesting and unpacking. The master bedroom is large enough to have a sewing area on one side.....I spent my first weekend alone,while my 14 year old daughter spent the weekend with her dad. I think I will have waaaaay more free time in this new life. :)

Anyway,once things get settled I want to make some quilted pillows for my new digs. The townhouse came already decorated in shabby chic style,so will have lots of fun playing house. Hope all is well with my quilting buds! Onward and upward!

Another Finish

2010-02-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

This is hot off the press...another of my "brainless sewing" quilts. I am liking these more and more. This is done in mostly Judie Rothermel's Civil War Dressing Gowns as well as a few others. I was going for a soft cottagey feel.

Road to California Show

2010-01-16T17:14:00.001-08:00

So this is the damage this year from my trip to the Road to California show....not bad. I showed incredible restraint. Since Judie Rothermel wasn't there I was able to keep it under control and bring $ home. Wow! All fabrics for my scrappy projects.....as usual I was like a kid in a candyshop and nearly skipped with glee down the aisles. Now I am all fired up to begin!

Possibilities

2010-01-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

This is what is up on my design wall. The block on the right is 14". This is the first of 35 blocks that will be made into a bed quilt. It will take awhile as the pieces are small. I am waiting on yardage for the light squares and yardage on the brown setting squares to arrive. In the mean time,I started playing with the pieces I have cut out for the 4 patch. I rather like the way the simple little rail fence design looks as well. Each square finishes at 2". Both of these will be great ways to create the civil war scrappy quilts I love so much. I have decided that I not only like scrappy...but small as well. Love the way these small blocks of color look.

Another finish

2010-01-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

Just finished this one last night.....I rather love the crinkliness! Now onto my 2010 challenge of the bed-sized mini 4 patch.....

Civil War Table Runner

2010-01-04T17:57:00.001-08:00

Hot off the press and ready for quilting...this is a table runner. I worked entirely out of my scrap bin for this one-except for the borders. The 4 patches are made from 1 1/4" squares. I plan to hand quilt this and keep it for MYSELF! LOL

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-21T13:36:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-26T08:22:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-08T15:35:00.001-08:00

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....

2009-10-31T08:00:00.001-07:00

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.....

2009-10-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-09-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

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 !!!

2009-09-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

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.

Flag Quilt

2009-07-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

This flag definately took me outside of my quilting comfort zone. A friend of mine,a 28 year combat veteran asked me to make him an American flag quilt. Immediately I panicked...not my style at all,but how could I refuse? So I surfed a little and found a picture of one I liked....so with the picture and some tips from a very nice lady named Janay....here it is. After I loaded it onto my longarm(which most of you know I have a love/hate relationship with)and got it 3/4 quilted,the longarm died.....luckily,was able to problem shoot with the tech support and get it finished. I love how it turned out,but since there was a lot of MATH involved in this,probably won't be making another! ;)

My Virtual Entry

2009-07-26T10:56:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

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

Baby Quilt

2009-07-14T19:57:00.001-07:00

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.....

2009-07-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-18T07:17:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-06-17T12:33:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-06-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-25T05:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

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

remiss in posting

2009-04-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-04T17:23:00.001-07:00

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?

2009-04-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-08T12:20:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-03-03T06:02:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

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

Swaps mailed

2009-02-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

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

Challenge Almost Done

2009-02-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-16T10:18:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

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?!

2009-02-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

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

Another UFO

2009-02-15T20:55:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-02-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

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

A Worthy Cause

2009-02-09T17:25:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-07T08:21:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-01T15:28:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-31T16:02:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-27T19:50:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-25T17:19:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-24T17:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-19T14:59:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-09T16:46:00.003-08:00

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

2009-01-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-02T06:54:00.001-08:00

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!

Private Mini Swap Anyone?

2008-12-30T19:30:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-29T16:03:00.000-08:00

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.....

2008-12-27T06:21:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-14T08:57:00.000-08:00

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

Teeny Tiny Squares Swap Update

2008-12-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-11T15:03:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-11T11:56:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-11T07:44:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-11T07:22:00.001-08:00

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....

2008-11-10T17:58:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-07T16:55:00.001-08:00

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!

2008-11-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

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

Imp't Bag Swap Info!

2008-11-02T08:18:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-11T15:01:00.001-07:00

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.