Philosophy Friday: More Oprah wisdom...

I wrote about some things I was taking to heart when Oprah had the last episode of her show. Well, the other day I was checking the listings and saw that she was going to be on the Nate Berkus Show and give a tour of her home in California.

Nate Berkus. Such a cutie. But I digress...

They were sitting in her "tea house" and talking about decorating, knobs, hinges, how she is really "hands on" with every decorating decision made. And then she said this:

"My eyes light up when fabric enters the room."

Enough said.

Sunkissed by Sweetwater

 

What will make your eyes light up this weekend? Do tell.

The Postman Always Rings Twice...

Well, yesterday he did. Good thing, too, because I needed some major fabric therapy. But if this happened on a regular basis, I would need financial therapy...

Need some therapy yourself? You can get some here and here.

P.S. Now I'm a little sorry I went to the links. Bad news for me, but good news for you: At Fatquarter Shop, until April 1, Kona and Bella solids are 20% off with the coupon code "solids." *sigh*. It was still good therapy for me...

Color Therapy Thursday: The "I changed my mind" edition

It seems like just yesterday when I quite confidently said I had made my fabric selections for the Single Girl quilt-along. Oh, wait. It WAS just yesterday.

Since that time I have a new plan. As much as I love Katie Jump  Rope, I was still a bit unsettled about my decision. So I switched over to Hope Valley. Maybe because I'm in such a grey/orange mood right now? I'm not quite sure of the reason, but this is IT. Finito. Same plan: twin size, nine rings of print, three rings of solids.

(sorry for the weird line going through the picture. Blogger's image uploader has been doing this to my pictures all week!)

Here is where it got tricky. Have you ever tried to match Hope Valley against the Kona solid swatch card? Until yesterday, I thought I had a pretty good "read" on colors. Wow. Denyse Schmidt did a number on that theory. Each of those colors is just a little "off" from anything Kona (and Moda Bella solids ) has to offer. Pretty much each and every print in that line is just a little warmer, just a little cooler, a tad more brown, a tinge more grey. This is the selection I have so far. I have a couple more colors on order. And if someone could track down Moda Bella "Betty's Orange" for me, you would be my new BFF.

I'm okay with the fact that the solids aren't an exact match. I think it will add a little interest to have a slight deviation in color. And anyway, the prints and solids aren't going to be holding hands with each, they're just going to be friendly neighbors.

And just to show you that I mean it when I say "this is IT," I'm off to post my fabric selection pictures on Flickr. That's a lot of commitment for a Single Girl...

Wednesday Abundance

This came in the mail yesterday. From my good friend, Terri. I knew it was on its way, because she had posted a picture of it on her blog. And yes, I may or may not have given her a bad time about somewhat "cruel and unusual punishment" of her posting a picture of it before it arrived on my doorstep, because I just wanted to reach out through my computer screen and grab it!

Here is what I can tell you. The real thing is even better. It is impeccably made. Words, or pictures, really do not do it justice. So if you are looking for a nice and roomy tote that is not only functional but gorgeous, contact Terri.

Just the perfect touch of bling:

She even included a little surprise for me.

Beautiful orangey goodness on the inside.

I had coffee with a friend last week and besides a bag of selvages, I got this cute pincushion. Teeny tiny hexies. In orange. On a polka dot background.



I also got a big packet of selvages from Anne of Film and Thread. Anne has given me countless hints on improving my photography. And in a complete bit of irony, I took a picture of the selvages, then "organized" my pictures on Monday, and now I can't find the picture! Obviously my system needs a bit more work...

Any Saffron Craig fans out there? I thought so...

About six weeks ago, Saffron and I decided to do a little trade. From me: a pincushion made out of her selvages.

From her: The one fabric I was missing from her purple and green Bird Tree line.

 But then she included these pieces from her Beetle Bug line!

I feel an abundance of friendship.

And because I can't resist. Yesterday Charlotte drew a picture of me. Don't I look happy? I'm particularly fond of those purple eyelashes.

My First Tutorial

I have learned how to do many things from online tutorials. So I kept thinking, "Hey, I should write a tutorial." But about what? And then a link popped up on the bottom of my blog yesterday and it triggered something back in my brain, so I clicked on it, and guess what? I already have written a tutorial. Thank goodness for Blogger archives because my brain doesn't archive things that far back....

I made monthly postcards for each of my grandchildren for a year, until they turned 1.  So for the four of you who already read this back in 2008, please feel free to move on. For the rest of you, the encore presentation of my first tutorial: 'how to make a fabric postcard."

1. Have fabulous grandchildren. Lacking this, have other great family members or friends who would appreciate something custom-made by you...just for them. Choose carefully. Not everybody fits into this category, and you'd hate to have someone receive one of these little works of art in the mail, read the message, and then toss it in the recycle bin. Send those people an email instead.

2. Choose some fun fabric. With my granddaughter, Charlotte, I tried to pick something appropriate for the month in which it was sent. You know, snowflakes for January, hearts for February. With my grandson, Levi, I decided sports was the ticket. And for his December postcard, really, who could resist little fish wearing Santa Hats and reindeer antlers?

3. Choose some plain fabric for the back, or message, side. I used muslin, but any light solid fabric would work.

4. Get some stiff interfacing with fusible web on both sides, such as fast2fuse, the thinner version, which is about 1/8 inch thick and can be fused using a steam iron.

And yes, I DO realize that photographing white interfacing on a white background probably wasn't the best choice...

5. Cut each of the above 4 inches by 6 inches.

6. On the solid plain fabric, your message will be on the left side and address on the right side. I read somewhere that the post office likes the two sides to be separated with a line and also likes the word "postcard" at the top. You'd think they would be able to tell the difference between postcards, letters, and packages...but maybe not.

7. Compose and write your message using a fine-tip permanent marker, such as a Pigma pen. Heat set for a few seconds with an iron. Note: For Charlotte and Levi, I had decided to send them one postcard each month for their first year. Each month, I wrote four lines that could only loosely be considered a poem, and only because it DOES contain a couple of rhyming words. In the interest of self-disclosure but at the risk of personal embarrassment, here is Levi's current card, ready to hit the mail today. And yes, I have already apologized to their parents for my lack of poetic skills.

8. Fuse to the interfacing. If you are careful, you can make a little postcard "sandwich" and fuse about thirty seconds on one side, then turn it over and fuse on the other side.

9. Set your machine for satin stitch, a really close zigzag stitch. I like to go completely around the postcard twice because it nicely covers up the raw edges.

10. Add a stamp. I use a stamp for first-class mail, not a postcard stamp, because these weigh a little more and I want to make sure there is enough postage. And I also add a drop of Elmer's glue to make sure it's nice and secure.

11. Get yourself down to the post office and ask them to please hand cancel your little piece of art. They will be impressed with your postcard. But I can't help wondering if they are rolling their eyes if they read my poem as I'm walking out the door...

12. If you are making your postcard in December, get a holiday-themed postmark. There are lots of them and it's kind of hard to pick. Of course, there's always the North Pole, either Alaska or New York, and I knew there was a Bethlehem in Pennsylvania, but who knew there were five others? You can check out the list of possibilities here, along with the mailing instructions. Charlotte lived in Oregon for her first Christmas, so I sent her postcard to Christmas Valley, Oregon. Now that Charlotte and Levi live a mile from us, it was a bit harder to decide. Levi's Grandpa is from Minnesota. So won't it be cool to get a postcard from Frost, Minnesota?
And there you have it. My first tutorial. I realize it's too late to get the holiday-themed postmark for Christmas, but keep in mind that this would make a great gift for Valentine's Day as well. I'm thinking Loveland, Colorado....

Trading Places

There has some trading going on around here...

If you have been blogging, or even just reading blogs, for a while now, you no doubt have noticed how generous other bloggers/quilters are. When I jumped on Jennifer's destash of pink coriander fabric (perhaps sounding a little desperate...) I may have also mentioned how much I wanted the grey seeds fabric from Flea Market Fancy, which is extremely hard to find. When I received my pink coriander (also hard to find), tucked inside was a little surprise for me--grey seeds! Jennifer has also kindly offered to be a tester for a new item to be added (hopefully) to sewing on the edge.

At about the same time, Amanda Jean also had some grey seeds available (and, no, I don't think it is possible to have too much of this fabric), so I thought a little trade might be in order: a customized pincushion (and was this one ever fun to make!)...

 ...for some more grey seeds.

 And then I happened to mention on flickr that I would love to find some Flea Market Fancy floral on the grey background (I'm sure you notice the trend here--my obsession with FMF fancy, especially in grey, some of the hardest part of that line to track down!) and I got a a note from Chris saying, "This is your lucky day!" So we worked out another trade. A bright cheery pincushion for her (because these colors reminded me of her bright and cheery quilts)...

 ...in exchange for this fabulous FMF floral on the grey background.

And I'm also finally trading in my most loved ruler (on the left), originally available from Judy Martin, quilter and quilt block designer extraordinaire. The most perfect size in my opinion, 7x19 inches. I know that sounds like an odd size but it has served me well for many years. In fact, when she decided that it was not economically feasible to order another shipment of these rulers, I quickly emailed her to see if she had any, any, rulers available. She had two used rulers and I purchased them both. One is now warped (*sigh*--can you say hot car in the Fresno summer heat?) and the markings on the other are nearly worn off from use. Last week I read about Pat Sloan's new rulers (on the right), with the cutting edge that actually sharpens your rotary cutting blade! The size is 6 1/2 by 18 1/2 inches, nearly perfect.

So, thank you to all my dear bloggy friends. Your generosity is overwhelming. And trading is like Christmas to me.

If I could recommend a movie to watch during the holidays, or any time, it would definitely be Trading Places with Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. Also nearly perfect...

And something I would not trade for all the money in the world:

(although I think Levi is going to have to trade that hat with the pink pompoms and polka dots in for something else...)

JoJo's Gift Shoppe Sale!

I'm still around. I hosted a friend for a week here in Guatemala and it was Great! I sewed something and will post more on that later...


I just got this email and wanted to share...

One Dollar Fat Quarters and JoJo's:
http://store.jojosgiftshoppe.com/stores_app/Browse_dept_items.asp?Store_id=782&_id=17&categ_id=72&parent_ids=0

MORE from the email:

This week’s theme is quilts that incorporate embroidery/stitchery and is sponsored
by Jojo’s Quilt and Gift Shoppe who has prepared a fabulous gift basket
for the lucky winner. See more below.

To enter the weekly contest, read the rules and guidelines,
then submit your quilt photo by Thursday evening (EDT). Voting will start on Friday and last
until Sunday night.

• 1 Package of all of this!
  
• 1 "Tidings" book by Art To Heart
  
• 1 "The Art of Embroidery" by Mary Engelbreit
  
• 1 Natural Bella Solid Layer Cake
  
• 1 White Bella Solid Layer Cake
  
• 1 Winter Set of 12 LECIEN Cosmo Floss
  
• 1 Vintage Set of 12 LECIEN Cosmo Floss
  
• 1 Set of 50 Hand Sewing Needles by John James
  
• 1 Set of 25 Hand Sewing Needles by John James
  
• 1 Nickel Plated Steel Thimble by John James

I'm not able to buy anything right now, trying to get flights home for maternity leave! So go a shop and have fun!!!!

*hugs*
Jackie

Disclaimer: I am not paid, compensated, or gifted by posting this here. I am a Quilter with a Desire to SHARE Resources I use for my hobby :)

Nine Patch Project: Name and Update

Sew... I started this Nine Patch (9P) project because of a stack of precut blocks I had and thought "I better do something with them NOW or they will just sit and collect dust." We cannot have beautiful fabric sit and collect dust! It calls to be displayed and admired!

We all have these beautiful stashes, and they are folded (maybe) and put on shelves, bins, and such. Also, I have heard people talk about saving a piece of fabric from all the quilts they make and give away. Well to conquer:

1. Showing Off your stash while also seeing what you have at a glance, and
2. keeping a piece of fabric from your stash for memento purposes

...WHY NOT Cut a piece of all your fabrics in your stash, NOW! :)

That is what this project has now become, my stash portfolio in 9-Patch form and a memory of all the fabrics (not too sure if I will ever has this amazing stash again). Some may like and some may not, but it's what I have decided on progressively - Heehee!!!

I am cutting a 4x4 out of *almost* EVERYTHING in my stash and making a "MY STASH 9 Patch!"

some Guatemalan Tipico fabric - love it!

I’m having fun and laughing at myself that these squares ended up being the inspiration to the project! and now all my beautiful fabrics have a 4x4 cut out of them!

and if this isn't bad enough... this project is spinning off other projects... with fabric that are more juvenile and kid-fun, I am saving those 4x4s to the side for an I-Spy Quilt.... hilarious huh!?

Have YOU ever had a small thing end up into a BIG project?? surely not. (is any one out there?)

I am excited to see more "followers" I guess i could take myself off the list! LOL sad huh!? oh well. [:o)
*hugs*
Jackie

Beware, your project list can grow out of control before your know it! So can your UFOs and WIPs while you make BOMs and all you want is R&R. LOL KWIM! 

My First 9-Patch... block!

Ok I have quilted off and on since 2006, so I am not *that* experienced, but you would think I have done a 9-patch by now! LOL! Any way, I wanted to show off my first one...

So what inspired this FIRST Nine Patch block? Last Fall, I was searching for fabric and came across... eBay and what all was sold on eBay as far as fabric in all shapes, sizes, and precuts! My favorite Search is Fabric, Free Shipping, 99 cents and under... Click the link and see the list on the Left and make your choices... "100% cotton" or "squares" and so on!! WARNING: Can be very addicting and such! I am NOT responsible for any purchases made! LOL :) I didn't buy anything with shipping fees and never spent more than 4-5 bucks a purchase and I only made 4 purchases! :)

I bought those sets of precuts, why not!? And Actually forgot about them. I looked for them a few months back and couldn't find them. My daughter and I were setting up to sew one day and I found them! YEAH!!!

One pack was a whole bunch of 4" squares of different material. I kept thinking, I cannot wait for a project to come along, what can I do with these, now!? So 9-Patch came to mind.

I may not have put them in the right orientation but that is what is fun to see, test, try, and learn. So go easy on me if you choose to comment below - I DO love comments by the way :)

So, now what? I will post more on my 9-Patch Project later, but for now, you know the inspiration for it! Getting rid of precuts and wanting to learn something NEW!!

Ok here is one more photo of my 9-patches made with that pack!

*hugs*
Jackie

Sewing is FUN! DO it! and Teach someone to!

Sunday Stash...and a few other things

First of all, we have a winner from the Fairtytale Pumpkin two-page digital scrapbooking giveaway. And the winner is Nicole, who said:

"I have made my own digital scrap book before and I am a quilter. I admit that I never thought of putting the two together. What a great idea!"

Congratulations, Nicole. I'll send your information to Christa and she can design some great pages for you.


Sunday Stash: These came in the mail the other day. Yummy Kona solids in cool cotton candy colors:

and Michael Miller checks. The scale of these checks was a little larger than I had anticipated (they are 1/4") but I love them. And I really should have known they would be a little bigger: the line is called "picnic" (and won't that be a nice little selvage to incorporate into something fun?).

And look who's here this weekend for their Fresno wedding reception!

SMS Giveaway Update: Honorable Mention, literally

This is not a win, but I feel appreciated for making sure that every entry I posted was custom and as original as I could over three days! LOL!

Kate at Swim, Bike, Quilt said, "There were a ton of amusing comments, but this was my favorite. It will give me an excuse to rest after my triathlon is done: Jackie Davis said... Isn't quilting it's own triathlon? Buy Fabric, Cut Fabric, Sew Fabric!!! :) "

Thanks Kate and Congrats Claudia for winning over at Swim, Bike, and Quilt! I think many of us agree that our community ROCKS!!! Go to her blog and cheer here on, she's going to do a (real) triathlon!!

right now I am doing this triathlon:

BUY/Win/Recieve:

CUT:

SEW:

*HUGS*

Jackie

SMS Giveaway Update: Twice Blessed...

Yes, can you believe it,

I won at SewJournal!

Here is the Original Giveaway page. Here was my comment.

And Keep Checking

Sew Journal For ANOTHER Giveaway Soon!!

SMS Giveaway Update: I WON at Sleep Owl Studio!!!

Thank you Sandie at Sleepy Owl Studio!

Don't you just love technology! Sandie at Sleepy Owl Studio commented on my previous 'loser' post that I won! and I am glad she did because her email to me when to my Junk Mail ! Oh No! that would have been Bad! Anyway! I am SEW Excited! I Won her beutiful fabric above and told her I wanted to try to make a star From Fat Cat Patterns the Chocolate Stars BOM. I know these are not 'chocolate' colors but good ones to substitue for IMO! We'll see :) If you want to know... Yes I did enter in Three ways allowed on her Giveaway! One - Two - Three

*hugs*
Jackie

Thought for Thursday

A commenter on the giveaway post asked about the fabric I used on the back of the giveaway pincushion. Amazingly, to me at least, the selvage was still intact on the fabric. How did that happen? (It's "home sewing is easy" by Alexander Henry, by the way). But in the course of things, I was googling sewing fabric and came across this piece by Sharon Yenter of In The Beginning Fabrics.

Let's just enlarge this portion a bit...

I'm pleading the 5th Amendment...

Don't forget that today is the last day for the Sew Mama Sew giveaway. Leave a comment here and I'll choose a winner at 4 p.m. PDT.

Sunday Stash

Saffron Craig. Because I saw the quilt kit available on her website and think the fabric is so fun and interesting, and I already have the pink and yellow fabric in my stash.

Freebird by MoMo. No particular plan yet:

I don't need a particular plan, do I?

Nah. Didn't think so.