Pieces of Me

Woolies Flannel!

2011-11-30T21:22:00.001-08:00

Have you made anything yet using Woolies Flannel by Maywood Studios? I am absolutely in LOVE. I have just finished my fourth quilt made with these luscious fabrics. They come in a wonderful assortment of colors and designs that resemble that old wool coat in your closet. I've never been the best at doing scrappy quilts, but have had great success at being "scrappier" using these flannels.

pattern called Gingersnaps

Crazy Old Quilt Ladies pattern
this quilt went to a deployed soldier

Terry Atkinson "Snapshot" pattern in the Happy Hour book

my second Gingersnaps quilt using Woolie Flannels
(third time making the Gingersnap pattern...one of my faves for a scrappy look)

trying to give you and upclose view of the fabrics

Are you noticing a pattern here....I love to add borders with interest to my quilts. A piano key border can be a great accent on any scrappy quilt. I like to use a narrow border to separate it from the rest of the quilt. The quilt photo in the middle has borders made using the 2" Grid Stabilizer. I lost count at how many 2" squares are in that queen size quilt...but take my word for it...there are alot!

Irons in the fire....

2011-11-28T21:07:00.001-08:00

I love to iron. Weird, you say? I know...but I love it. I remember as little girl begging my Mom to let me iron. So she started me out on my Dad's hankies. Not to exciting to some, but I was thrilled.

As much as I love choosing fabrics for quilts...and piecing them together....I really love ironing my work as I go. And, I really love steam. A neatly pressed block is quite a piece of beauty. Adding a spritz or two of Best Press makes it even better! (Linen Fresh is my current favorite scent) I took the plunge a year ago and purchased a Rowenta Pressure and Steam Iron to use here at home. A bit of a pricey investment...but I am loving it.

This is my third Rowenta purchase....the first two have really kind of been duds. I thought when you paid more money for a product that it would be better quality and would have a longer life expectancy. Not so. The full size Rowenta iron I purchased leaks when I try to use it, very frustrating. I also purchased the smaller Rowenta travel size iron to take along to quilt retreats, etc....and that one just stopped working. Plug it in and nothing happens. Neither of those irons could claim overuse syndrome. I did contact Rowenta and was told that since the warrantys are expired, my only option was to mail the irons in to receive an estimate for repairs. And to me, sounded like I was being encouraged to just purchase a new product. They did offer me a rebate, if I decide to purchase another Rowenta iron...but I'm just not so sure I want to purchase another one from them.

So now, I am beginning my search for a smaller travel iron once again and would love to hear from my quilter followers on what your favorite iron might be.

Where has the time gone....

2011-11-28T06:33:00.001-08:00

Has it really been that long since I posted last? Apparently so. I have been working on a few very special projects.

Here is the quilt I made for Fletcher. This is a pattern called Itty Bitty Babies that I found on the Moda Bakeshop website. I just personalized it for Fletcher!

I think he likes it! I quilted it myself on my sewing machine, just stitching in the ditch along the seam lines. I used a double layer of poly batting that created a look of a puffy comforter.

And then, I had to finish a quilt for another baby...this time a girl. This one is ready to deliver!

This pattern is called Lilliana and is one of Emily's patterns over at Crazy Old Quilt Ladies. This is a great pattern to use with a Layer Cake. The fabric line is Lily & Will (Moda by Bunny Hill) I love to put a soft minky back on my baby quilts.

And here is one more baby quilt I recently finished for an adorable little baby boy who was born on Halloween.

This is another of Emily's patterns (Crazy Old Ladies Quilts) called Surf Shop using her Going Coastal line of fabric.

And then...I found this awesome pattern by Little Londyn called Little Guy Ties and have made my first ties. I used two colors of stripes from the Grinch line by Robert Kaufman. I thought they turned out adorable and they are on their way to the little ones I made them for to enjoy through the holidays. They were so easy to make.

I have two more quilts in the works. One for a soldier currently away from his family on a deployment. Getting closer to done and hoping to have it on it's way as a Christmas gift. And one for a niece who was recently married.

And...then...so many ideas to make for Christmas gifts. I'd better get back to the sewing machine!

Last Day...sniff, sniff.

2011-11-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

No really....sniff, sniff. I've gone from this fun Ghastlie flu...to the crud! My nose is beginning to feel as though I've used sandpaper on it. So, I'm going to try and rest this morning...well, with my laptop, my coffee and some cinnamon toast...I'll sit quietly and visit my Ghastlie sistah's sites. Come with me!

I promise not to sneeze on you!

Mrs Nan Ghastlie

Mrs Gmama Jane Ghastlie

Mrs Joan Ghastlie

Mrs Nancy Ghastlie

Ms Susan Ghastlie

Madame Ghastlie

Don't forget to leave those comments! Last day to win ghreat prizes!

Day 9

2011-11-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

It's Day 9! I can't believe it. How much fun are you having?

Hop on over to these sites today to see their Ghastlie projects! I just got a message from my quilt shop owner that said she has ordered current and the new Ghastlie lines~ Oh dear...Oh dear...Oh dear...I'm ghiddy with excitement!

Day 8

2011-11-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

Here is the schedule for today! What ghreat fun we are having. Truth...I'm a bit concerned about the Ghastlie withdrawal I may experience when this is over.

Mrs Jane Ghastlie

Mrs Mary Ghastlie

Mrs Michelle Ghastlie

Mrs Dawn Ghastlie

Mrs Mary Ghastlie

Don't forget to leave your comments for your chance to win! There are still some ghreat prizes to me had. Thank you to Madame Samm for all her hard work!

For those of you who sent me a message of encouragement yesterday, I thank you. I did hear from my son, Josh, last night. He made it safely to Iraq and has started his training with his dog. I will post some pics as soon as he sends some.

Day 7

2011-11-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

Are you having sew much fun? Oh my ghoodness! I just might have to make some of those little aprons for my dishsoap! My Ghastlie sistah's are sew sew creative! Poor Mrs Barb Ghastlie...she lost power during that nasty snowstorm out east...hopefully we'll get to see her ghoodies soon! Here's the schedule for today! Don't forget to leave comments for chances to win ghreat prizes!

Miss Daisy Ghastlie

Mrs Dana Ghastlie

Mrs Elaine Ghastlie

Mrs Gramma Sheri Ghastlie

Ms Suz Ghastlie

I got the sweetest email from VickiT last night. She had received the mauve Ghastlie bag that she had won from commenting on my blog. It was just what I needed on a day that had been a bit of an emotional one for me. My son left for Iraq yesterday...any and all prayer appreciated. He's been there twice before as a member of the US Air Force. This time he goes employed by a private company contracted to provide K9 services.

Here We Go Again!!!

2011-10-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

We're back at the Ghastlie Blog Hop this week! I can hardly wait to see what other exciting things the ghouls have come up with!! Here's today's schedule....

Mrs Tonya Ghastlie

Mrs TiramiSue Ghastlie

Day 5!

2011-10-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

Conghrats to VickiT who wrote:

"Oh my gosh!!! I don't know where to start you have SUCH ADORABLE projects. I LOVE THEM! And that little punkin' is just the icing on the cake of them all. Such a little cutie. I adore this fabric and have my fingers crossed that I might be lucky enough to win some or something super cute made from it. Your bags are awesome. "

Miss VickiT, I'll e-mail you to ghet your address so I can send you the mauve Ghastlie bag!

Evelyn from Mrs Sharon Ghastlies was the winner of the rulers yesterday! How exciting for her! I'm having sew much fun hopping around to these Ghastlie blogs. My Ghastlie sistah's are beyond talented. Are you leaving comments? Surely you want to win too!

Here is today's list of Ghastlie presenters!

Mrs Tammy Ghastlie

I'm going to check out their blogs and then I've got to get busy....I've got a baby quilt to finish for a little lad who is due any day now. ...and last night I made a batch of homemade caramels that need to be cut and wrapped and mailed to my 5yr old granddaughter, Ava, who requested them as a Halloween treat. And Finn is coming...and I've got to go visit Fletcher and get some snuggles!

Day 4!

2011-10-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

Day 4 of the Ghastlie Blog Hop!

And I just have to say....Thank you so much for the many wonderful comments I received on my Ghastlie post yesterday. What a thrill! I wish I could send every one of you a bag! I woke up to many more comments this morning, so have decided to choose the bag winner later today, to give more of my new friends a chance to win. Oh how I wish I could make each of you a bag!

And one of the winners of 4yds of Ghastlie fabric from Madame Samm's site commented on my page
(the other was Jackie from Mrs Karen Ghastlie's blog)
(SQUEAL!!!)

Sheri wrote:

Will the handsom Fletcher be flabberghastlied when all his fan mail comes in from this ghastlie group? Very muched enjoyed your blog I haven't tried the bag pattern yet but am putting it in my list I'm with you the Arghyle is da bomb.Congrats Gma Ghastlie! What a cute skeleton to fall out of your ghastlie closet!
(Sheri, please email me with your mailing address!)

As the hop continues, let's head on over to my Ghastlie sistah's and see what fun things they have created.

Mrs Katherine Ghastlie

Ms Sharon Ghastlie

Mrs Gooden Ghastlie

Ms Selina Ghastlie

Mrs Melinda Ghastlie

Make sure you leave them a comment on their pages so that you can be entered in today's drawing! Look what Madame Samm has for you today!

FlabberGhastlied!

2011-10-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

If you have this thing for Ghastlies

and they have tied you in a knot

and you wish you could get them out of your mind

than this may be a thought.

We heard her plea for a cure

Mdm Samm was pos/it/ively sure

that we could stitch the nights away

in hopes that we MAY----

( all 54 of us)

BUT....

The side effects are Ghastlie

there is no mistaking too.

if you don't run this very minute

YOU too will catch the FLU...

We suspected all along

this was her master plan

she did not want to be alone,

with all YOU Ghastlie FANS...

I have a Ghastlie addiction. I do. I can't help myself. Some might call it ghloomy...but the fabric makes me ghiddy and I ghiggle. It's downright Ghastilicious! (made that word up...don't ya love it?) I can totally imaghine myself sitting around the table with them..part of a Ghastlie ghang ghathering. I keep adding and adding to my collection...

does that make me ghreedy?

The first projects I made with my stash were medium size Stand and Stow bags (pattern by Terry Atkinson). This ghroovy pattern works ghreat with larger prints like these. One in Ghastlie ghray..and the other in Ghastlie mauve. These bags are so ghreat! Lots of room, and they fold up when not in use! The mauve bag could be yours. If you are a follower of my blog...and you leave a comment below...you could win it! I will also be sending one name from those who comment below to our Ghastlie Ghoverness...

Madame Samm

to be included in her daily Ghrand prize ghiveaways! Check back tomorrow to see who won the prizes for the day. If you check out her blog, you will see there are some pretty incredible ghoodies up for ghrabs during our hop!

The first time I laid eyes on Ghastlie fabrics...I was went GhaGha. I was Flabberghastlied! (yep, just made that word up too) I had this idea in my mind that I wanted to create the look of Ghastlie "Arghyle" (fyi: in the Ghastlie dictionary, it's not a ghimmick... it is totally acceptable that many g's are followed by h's) I was able to put my vision on paper...but when I went to the fabric to cut, the design was just too large to fit into my plan, it was mind bogghling...and, in the end... I just couldn't cut it up.

(Dear Alexander Henry Mfg...if you are reading this blog, could you please add "Arghyle" prints to next years collection? Seriously...don't you think that would be the most

ahhmazing addition ?

Yours Ghouly,

Ms Penny Ghastlie

p.s. You can even use my special spelling)

Back to the drawing board. I decided to make "Arghyle" looking borders . This allowed me to keep the main fabric in one large piece. I added a soft gray minky back and machine quilted it in an allover feathery type design.

In the midst of my mad sewing to finish my projects...I had a wonderful distraction...

a new Ghrandson... named Fletcher.

Madame Samm suggested we photograph our creations using props...

say a pumpkin...

So I did that ...

but then I photographed my quilt with our new little "punkin".

He was such a ghood model, don't you think?

and then...because I just can't stop making Ghastlie things...I threw this together today. Need a place to put those plastic bags? (No...not body bags, Uncle Rufus.)

I just can't stop.

But for now...

I'm going to start hopping to my Ghastlie sistahs who are also

sharing their creations today

Mrs Barb Ghastlie

Miss Karen Ghastlie

Miss Loralynn Ghastlie

Ms Jen Ghastlie

Ms Penny Ghastlie (Hey, that's me!)

Ms Rhonda Ghastlie

Are you having sew much fun? Ghuess what? I just heard that Madame Samm has two Ghrande prizes to give away today! Two lucky winners will each receive 4yds each of Ghastlie fabrics from our sponsor, Alexander Henry Fabrics!

Ghreat Ghastlies, this is exciting!!

Day Two of Ghastlie Blog Hop

2011-10-25T05:35:00.000-07:00

Oh My Ghoodness! Did you hop yesterday? I was so excited to see what creations my Ghastlie Sistah's had to share! And I was not disappointed! How's about you? What did you love?

I finished photographing and editing my photos for my turn tomorrow! I really hope you're planning to come back and see what I have created!

Here's the schedule for Tuesday, Oct 25th!

Don't forget to leave comments! Prizes! Prizes! Prizes!

Ghastlie Blog Hop..It's here! It's here!

2011-10-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

The Ghastlie Blog Hop begins today!

Welcome GHASTLIE FANS

Behind the scenes we (54) Ghastlie obsessed

Sistah- Stitchers have been rather busy, you could say.

We all have been stirring up some pretty GHASTLIE

projects, searching for a cure...

Your assistance is required...YOU are the

Prescription we are looking for..

A comment, of ohhs and ahhhs

that will help our flu...Are you ready?

My Ghastlie projects will be revealed here on Wednesday Oct 26th

Madame Samm has the entire schedule listed on her site

Sew I Quilt Now

Ghet yourself on over there and start hopping!

There are going to be so many fantastic prizes so make sure you post comments on each blog and on Madame Samm's!!

Today's Schedule

Mrs Kirie Ghastlie
Mrs Carol Ghastlie
Ms Wendy Ghastlie
Ms Carrie Ghastlie

Mrs Holly Ghastlie

A Ghastlie Event!

2011-10-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for some Ghastlie excitement? It's coming! In fact, I'm ghiddy at the thought! The Ghastlie Blog Hop Tour will start next week....54 of us silly ghirls...all smitten by The Ghastlies fabrics by Alexander Henry. We've been keeping secrets...actually A LOT of secrets! And starting next week, we'll be letting the Ghastlie cats out of the bag! So let's start by heading over to visit Madame Samm's blog "Sew I Quilt"...our ghutsy Ghastlie leader. She'll be posting the event details on Sunday night, October 23rd. And then it's two weeks of hopping about from blog to blog. Did I mention there will be some fabulous giveaways too! You must sign up to be a follower to qualify to win...on my blog as well as Madame Samm! Many of my Ghastlie sisters will have giveaways on their blogs as well. It's going to be maghnificent! Follow the Ghastlie button on the side of my blog....see you next week! I'm so excited...I could howl at the moon!

Sneak Peak...

2011-10-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

Confession: I'm totally addicted to the Ghastlie fabrics by Alexander Henry. Sew much sew...that I have an ever growing stash....and I've joined a blog hop with other quilters who have the same addiction. Can't show you yet what I'm making...there will be several things actually....my Ghastlie sisters and I are busy sewing and sewing...the hop's going to be sew much fun! I can't hardly wait to see what everyone has created! There's rumored to be some great giveaways too! I hope you'll come along for the ride....(broom optional)

One Dozen Quilts & Quilt Expo

2011-10-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

Last Friday...one dozen quilts were delivered to Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines! I am so thankful for my friends who helped contribute to this cause. You might remember our mission was to create quilts that would be appropriate for older kids who might be receiving treatment at Blank. We had sports themed, Superman, a few girlie options...and a couple that were definitely not gender specific...all made to a larger lap size quilt...perfect for bigger kids!

Linda & Ann

We left Blank Hospital and headed off to Quilt Expo! What an exciting day! It's such an awesome show....so much to see. This year was no disappointment. There wasn't really any one thing I was looking for....but I did come home with a few treasures. One of which was a book by Penny Haren. What fun to meet her and have her personally demonstrate her pieced applique technique's. She even signed her books for us!

Penny Haren

Another highlight for me was stopping in to see Stephanie Brandenburg. I absolutely love her fabrics! And she is just the sweetest person ever....with the most infectious laugh. A few of my favorites of her designs are Fingerpaints, Urban Squares..and Urban Art. She has some incredible botanical designs as well.

Stephanie Brandenburg

I'm starting to feel like my "To-Do" list is a bit out of control. I need to get busy on my Ghastlies project for an upcoming Blog Hop. (p.s. guess who found more Ghastlie fabric at Quilt Expo...I think I might be addicted) Be sure to stay tuned and take part...I'm hearing there will be some incredible prizes!

Welcome Baby!

2011-10-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

Remember when I said "Good things come in small packages"? Well...I wasn't kidding. On Monday, September 26th...Fletcher Grover came into our world...weighing in at 7lbs 8oz...20" long....with the most beautiful head of dark hair.

See what I mean?

Good things Do come in Small Packages!

2011-09-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

Shortly after arriving at work today, the UPS man arrived. Can I just tell you, we love our man in brown! Today he was carrying only one small box, so he was greeted with the usual banter..."What? That's it?" Much to his relief...that was in fact..."It." But inside the box. was the new issue of Quilting Celebrations...which is reason enough for some excitement! A magazine filled with "fun and festive projects" by Patrick Lose. So, of course, I have to flip through the magazine quickly to see what Patrick has come up with for this issue. As usual...no disappointments here! Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years projects! The magazine also has recipes and other fun stuff. As I'm flipping through the magazine....I find I have been quoted TWICE! Patrick had posted some questions on his Facebook page that I had responded to! So technically...it's just my first name....but I squealed with delight...okay, probably more of a shrill scream (sorry to my co-worker, Lesley as she was standing right beside me). It was a thrill for me! I'm not going to tell you what I was quoted as saying...you'll just have to buy your copy to see!!

If you are not familiar with Patrick Lose fabrics....let me introduce you to a few of my favorites! (truly...i can't choose just one) Patrick currently has several lines of fabric available in your local quilt shops and online. If you are looking for great blenders to accent a print, Patrick's fabrics are a great place to start.

Monochromatix - 46 different colors! Can you believe that? These fabrics are so much fun. I think I love every single color!

Dot to Dot - Now, I have to say...the photo just doesn't do justice to the actual fabric. Every color of this Dot to Dot is rich and vibrant.

Luminescence - Um, yeah...the name really speaks for itself, doesn't it?

Scribbles Meander - I love this line too...and I love every single color....and there are so many colors to choose from. Every one is bright and cheery.

Fizz - This line makes me feel good...and again...I love every single color! And I'm pretty sure I have several of those colors in my stash!

Satinesque - Okay...I am totally head over heels in love with this line. It has to be my most favorite of Patrick's fabrics. So beautiful.

If you can't find these fabrics at your local quilt shop, you can visit Patrick's page
http://www.patricklose.net/ And...he told me today there are MORE fabrics coming very soon! I can hardly wait!

Quilts for Blank Children's Hospital - Des Moines

2011-09-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had a conversation with a gal who works at Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines about donating some quilts. I admit, I was thinking about making cute little baby quilts to donate. I was told that they already receive a lot of baby quilts, and really have a need for quilts for older children. I organized a sewing day with friends and here's the quilt top I finished. Perhaps the child that receives this one will feel stronger with Superman wrapped around him.

Girl quilt made by my friend Ann

I think my friends and I will have about 10 quilts to donate. My goal is to get all of the quilt tops machine quilted and back to their creators for bindings so that they will be ready to deliver by the end of the month. <insert finger crossing here> Promise I'll post pics when they are all done.

Grandparent's Day 2011

2011-09-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Grandparent’s Day 2011, fell on a day in which most events were geared towards a rememberance of that fateful day… 9/11/01. My confession…I didn’t watch any of the tributes. I can’t. It’s still too incredibly painful for me to allow myself to go there.

Instead…I spent my day celebrating Grandparent’s Day. It’s not that I don’t “remember”. It’s not that I don’t think about that day, almost every day. But, today…I chose to celebrate life. Spending the day with Finn, my two year old grandson, reminds me too… of just how precious and beautiful life can be. Today was a reminder to me…to live life…to the fullest…every day. As we played and ran in and around the Rose Garden at the Des Moines Arts Center, I thought to myself…this is how we should live our lives every day….not tiptoeing through the tulips as the song goes…but fearlessly running through the roses. Not afraid of the thorns that may come our way but, reveling instead…in the beauty and the music that surrounds us.