tjzoriginalz

Carpenter's Star - started

2012-02-14T22:08:00.001-05:00

I've always wanted to do this pattern. Now that my list of client quilts allows me to start a "me" project, I got it started. Here are rows 1-4 (of twelve)

FNSI is coming this Friday!

2012-02-13T22:50:00.000-05:00

I love Friday Night Sew In. Click on the button for info or to sign up. It gives me a guilt free reason to quilt 'til I wilt one evening a month. (read am, afternoon, evening, into the wee hours). I prepare my son a couple of days before, first to let him know, and second - to help him plan what to do that night so I'm not on the hook for entertaining him at the last minute (because "nothing"

Free Motion Quilting around Applique

2012-02-09T14:46:00.001-05:00

I've started quilting another "Autumn Leaves" quilt. This quilt top has a lot of fused applique on it - vines and leaves. I'm stitching around the applique, close to the edge, then echoing that line about 1/4" away. The rest of the top is quilted in wavy, flowing lines to depict wind. Here's a peek. http://youtu.be/Kctsj7BZKMM

My Uncle Art

2012-02-09T00:22:00.001-05:00

My Uncle Art passed away last night. He was 75. My Uncle led a medical miracle kind of life. In his younger years, he survived a terrible construction accident when a cement beam collapsed. It was later found to have defective re-bar. He had fractures, but survived. I remember him driving his car using a piece of 2x4 to push the clutch, casted leg sticking out the window. He was that kind

Hunter's Star quilt finish

2012-02-07T20:33:00.000-05:00

Rapid Fire Hunter's Star This is the latest finish at my house. It doesn't have a destination yet, but I'm considering a couple of options. It's the first time I've used Deb Tucker's Rapid Fire Hunter's Star pattern, and I quite like it. Using her special ruler makes it so easy to get those diamond pieces to cooperate. There so easy because you strip cut them!! You may need to

Sewing club - our PJ pants are finished!

2012-02-04T20:40:00.001-05:00

The sewing club met again today and this time we finished our flannel pj pants. They did a really great job. I recall that in my "Home Ec" days, we weren't allowed to even "think" about making pants until 3rd year. The girls are already planning to make a pair for their Dads for Father's day.

Free Motion Quilt challenge with SewCalGal

2012-02-02T19:05:00.002-05:00

I hope some of you are following along with the year long tutorial at http://www.SewCalGal.blogspot.com She's hosting a different quilting expert each month this year to help us Free Motion Quilters develop our skills. This month the topic is feathers, and the teacher is Diane Gaudynski. If you head over to her website and check out the tutorial on the Feb 1st post. Here's the video of my "

A personal note....gambling.

2012-02-02T09:12:00.000-05:00

I am in trouble. I put myself there. If I can prevent one person falling into the same trap, this admission will be worth it. I've frittered away my spending money for the month and it's only the 2nd. There. I've said it. I fell for one of those ads on Facebook where it tells you that you can get an iPad for $ 0.50 or a computer for $3.00.. Sure, it looks great, but you know what they mean

OK, maybe not video...

2012-02-01T14:10:00.000-05:00

Well folks, it looks like I have some homework to do about posting video. It worked for 24 hours, then went blank and said the video was unavailable. What's with that? So, until I figure out that bug, I guess it'll be me, you and basic photos still. Sorry :)

And now, presenting..... video !

2012-01-30T00:02:00.002-05:00

Recently I purchased a little videocam on eBay. It cost me less than $20, had to come from Hong Kong, and was advertised as a "good for a child" type of camera. So, of course, I had to give it a spin. So, without further delay, here are the views from my sewing chair.

My Dad's Birthday

2012-01-29T22:00:00.001-05:00

Today we celebrated my Dad's 80th birthday. For a number of reasons, this was remarkable. First of all - he's 80 ! As my Mom lamented this week, "how did that happen?" (She was not at all pleased when I remarked that she's not that far behind - go figure!) Secondly, we had a lovely brunch at a new to most-of-us restaurant, and everyone liked it. You see, of late, my parents idea of a "nice

Help! I'm being held hostage.

2012-01-26T22:24:00.000-05:00

Help! I'm being held hostage by prepaid cards. It used to be "Mom, can I have a dollar to get some candy?" Now, it's "Mom, can I have $20 to get a PS3 card, or an iTunes card, or a Roblox card...." Thank goodness he hasn't discovered prepaid VISA cards! Now before anyone thinks I don't give my son anything - perish that thought - I do indulge him. He's an only child. We have very few kids

Personal note - losing weight !!

2012-01-25T19:38:00.002-05:00

For anyone who knows me, I've struggled with my weight since high school. I've gained and lost the same 30 lbs several times over, and it always comes back and brings friends. Well, finding myself the heaviest I've ever been, huffing and puffing to get up stairs, and having worse problems with arthritis in knees, back, and hips, it was time. My doctor has been bugging me for quite a while to

FNSI results

2012-01-21T09:38:00.005-05:00

Despite several setbacks ( :O ) yesterday, I did make some significant progress on Jean's quilt. I got the FMQ done in the main body of the quilt. There still is the top section that covers the pillows, and the sashing and borders to do, but I still think I got a lot done. The vines are fused, then stitched down. The leaves are tacked on, or floating. The floating ones are just stitched

A day to myself, and FNSI too. Oh, wait a minute...

2012-01-21T00:54:00.002-05:00

So, it's Friday, and FNSI too. I have the day to myself so plan to stitch all day and evening.Then the phone rings at 11:30 am. The school calling, please pick up DS, as he is ill.OK, poor little guy (11). He had the flu last week, so I'm not surprised.I pick him up and take him to the clinic to rule out strep throat - he gets that at a drop of the hat, it's negative. Diagnosis - a cold. A

Really? I won? But......

2012-01-19T21:15:00.002-05:00

You have to understand. I never win anything. It's to the point that I don't buy lottery tickets. Then I got an email this am. From my blog buddy Cara. She asked for my address because I had won a prize on Talkin' Tuesday !!!! Woohoot, happy dance!You can find Cara's blog by clicking her button on the left side panel here. It will take you to her home page. Find the Talkin' Tuesday

January Free Motion Quilting Challenge

2012-01-13T16:16:00.003-05:00

This month's tutorial was on leaves. You can view the tutorial by clicking the button on the left side bar and going to the January 1 st post.This was my practise piece. I serged the edges and it will go in the pile for the animal shelter.I can't wait to see who presents the February tutorial, and what we'll be practising.Cotton top, cotton batting, cotton flannel backing. Gutterman thread,

The photo reveal of the Tie Quilt.

2012-01-13T16:08:00.002-05:00

Pardon the snow flakes fluttering by, but here is the long awaited picture - drum roll please- of the Neck Tie Quilt! I finished it last night, bound it and attached my label before crashing into bed with a case of the flu. My DS has been home for 3 days with it, so I guess it was only time before I got it.The weather is not cooperating today, so the recipient has called and asked for delivery

The end is near ..... Yay!!

2012-01-12T00:37:00.002-05:00

The end is in sight for the necktie quilt from h**l. I did an all over feather quilting, so right now I'm just having to fill in some areas that were just a bit too big to leave open. I'm a bit concerned about the corners because the fans of ties on the corners make them quite stiff. I think it will take a while for them to drape nicely on a bed. (She may need to put the whole thing in a steam

Not enjoying this project !!

2012-01-07T22:22:00.002-05:00

I've been working on a quilt made of neckties. I took on this project because it seemed interesting, and I'd never made one before, and let's face it, I'd be paid for making it.Well,Will I ever take on a necktie quilt again? Not on your life.Just two words = silk, bias.The silk ties are all different textures and thicknesses, and I had to take them all apart to take out the interfacing

Happy New Year ! Let the sewing begin!

2011-12-31T17:05:00.002-05:00

Yay! Snow!

2011-12-28T11:38:00.002-05:00

Before you shoot me, let me explain. I used to ski, a lot, before the arthritis put an end to it. When you're a skier, your whole attitude about snow and winter is different than the general population. A skier is trying on their gear in October in preparation for the season. So, this skier may be off the hill, but the attitude is still in my heart.With that said, "Yes! Finally there is snow!

Have you signed up for the Free Motion Challenge? It starts Jan 1

2011-12-26T22:58:00.001-05:00

Well, have you?This will be a year long challenge that will guide you through boosting your FMQ skills. And there's prizes too.What have you got to loose?Hit the button to the left on this blog, and then make sure to "Like" SewCal gal on Facebook to get daily updates and chat with other quilters.It all starts January 1, 2012, so fire up your sewing machines, get the quilt sandwiches ready and

Ah, Christmas !

2011-12-26T22:37:00.002-05:00

I love it. When there are little ones around, it only gets better. I have 3 great nieces, age 7, 5, and 2, and a great nephew aged 3. They were a hoot. The girls' gift was the box of doll clothes, and they dove in with squeals and wide eyes. The youngest kept pulling things out one by one like she was tossing fat quarters out of a stash basket! lol.The little guy got a battery operated car

Selling my Featherweight

2011-12-18T23:20:00.002-05:00

I have to do it. She's pretty, and she sews beautifully, but she needs a home where she'll be used and maintained, not stuck in a closet.She is a 1947 Singer 221 "Featherweight" She's in remarkable condition, and comes with the original case and all the trinkets. The case is in "good" condition, but the bottom edge has been reinforced with a duct tape that blends in colour.If you know of

A new project

2011-12-18T22:30:00.003-05:00

A little while ago, I met a woman who asked me to make a quilt of her late husband's neck ties. Although I had heard of them, I had never made one. I was grateful then, that she had a photograph of what she had in mind. So home I came with four hangers full of ties, and a plan.It took me a while to get started on this quilt, I did a lot of planning in my head , while I finished up some

Packing up Santa's Workshop

2011-12-15T00:16:00.005-05:00

I finished up the lot of doll clothes that I've been sewing lately. The box is full, so I'm done. Here's a few pics of the last creations - some dresses, some hoodies, and some pant and vest sets.Hoodies, and lacy blousesDresses of many coloursSummer jammies, and doll quiltsVest and pants sets - retro to the '70'sVest over lacy blouse, and another hoodie for the small bearSundress, shortie

Doll clothes production still in progress...

2011-12-13T00:12:00.002-05:00

The factory is still in production. Since I posted last, the collection of doll clothes has grown. The box now has 3 more dresses, 2 skirts, 3 doll quilts, 3 camisoles, and 9 dolly diapers. The diapers were a request, I guess the girls at my niece's house are really "into" changing diapers. Ha ! Just wait 'til they get older!!So, anyway, the box is filling up. I plan to keep all the clothes

More Santa Sewing for FNSI

2011-12-09T23:30:00.004-05:00

For FNSI this week, the doll clothes making continued. First, new leotards for the crew from some repurposed knit from a shirt bought at a thrift store . Muslin Sally is a standin for my great niece's "Lucy", who's well loved and all her stuffing has squeezed down to her bum!Add a little tutu and they're ready to dance :)Eyelet fabric makes cute summer nighties.....Then it's dress up time. "

A little gift-y sewing

2011-12-07T21:12:00.006-05:00

This week I've gotten very little quilting done. Instead, I've been sewing doll clothes. My friend's 2 youngest girls are getting American Girl dolls for Christmas, so she got a McCall's pattern for 18" doll clothes and well, I've been "using up a few scraps" and leaving them in her mailbox.Then, last night I was speaking with my niece and asked if her girls (age 7, 4, and 2) had dolls that

Sewing club does it again = zippers!!

2011-12-02T20:08:00.002-05:00

Our little sewing club is moving right along! This week we finished our aprons by making a pocket and sewing it on by topstitching around the three sides, leaving the top open.Then they got to go crazy picking out two 7"x10" rectangles from a collection of brights I have in my stash.They sewed a zipper into the top seam - and everyone got it right - the first time !!! Yay! They're 11, they've

This week's sewing club = Aprons!! and a little sewing on my own.

2011-11-28T19:34:00.004-05:00

This Saturday, our little sewing club met for its second class. This time after spending some time oohing and aaahing over the one gal's brand spanking new Janome (an early Christmas present from her parents), we spent some time learning how to wind a bobbin, insert it, and thread our machines. Then we chopped up some Mens cotton dress shirts (from Goodwill) and repurposed them into : Aprons !!

The Freemotion Quilting Challenge

2011-11-21T00:05:00.002-05:00

This is a year long, monthly tutorial for freemotion quilting. I am so excited to join because we all know you never stop learning - right? Learning new things keep you young and who doesn't like that.Stop on the button on the left to check it out - and sign up today!

FNSI Results

2011-11-18T21:44:00.003-05:00

Tonight's project was continuing to work on some banners that my church asked me to make into quilts. The design was already made, I just needed to interpret it into fabric.I had decided that this would need to be out of a fabric with more character than quilting cotton, and after looking at some options, like upholstery cottons and the like, found them to be way, way out of the budget range.So

eBook reader cover-more playing with Jay McColl's "Habitat"

2011-11-09T21:50:00.006-05:00

I had more of Jay McColl's "Habitat" fabric, so I just had to play. I made a new eBook cover for my Kobo Touch. Since the last one was denim, this time I made it girly. I don't get to do pink and lace very often since I'm the only girl in my house of a boy and 2 men.So here goes. First cut a panel of light cardboard twice the size of your eBook,

Jane Burke, Inspirational speaker and quilter!

2011-11-09T21:22:00.002-05:00

All I can say is "breathtaking." Yesterday morning, I went with my senior quilting buddies to see and hear a presentation by Jane Burke of Oakville, Ontario.She presented her life story, with its ups and downs, through the story of her quilts. Wow. First she's a wonderful, warm, exuberant lady. She is so easy to listen to that 2 hours flew by. She has had several trials in her life, not the

New Sewing Club

2011-11-06T19:18:00.002-05:00

Some of my son's classmates have been bugging their moms to teach them to sew. The problem is, many of the moms don't sew. Home Ec is not offered in grade school anymore (in my day it was compulsory in grades 7 and 8). 4H clubs are hard to come by too.So I thought about starting up a sewing club. I had several "maybe" replies and three that confirmed. So we had our first 'meeting' on

Checkbook wallet and PINK Bobbins!

2011-11-01T19:51:00.005-04:00

Yeah! More playing with fabric. In this case (and the coupon wallet) I'm playing with Jay McColl's line called "Habitat" combined with some Kona solids.I used a similar technique to the coupon wallet but started first with stitching the accent stripe of Habitat to the orange outer fabric.Then I made a pocket in the front center section to hold a checkbook.Then added a little flap because I use

Coupon Wallet tutorial, and urgh - blogger issues.

2011-10-31T19:35:00.004-04:00

I've been trying for two days to post a tutorial for a coupon wallet. Blogger wouldn't let me post more than 3 photos, and it's a photo-laden tutorial.. Urgh!So, for now, I finally tamed the monster. For those of you who can follow instructions without the aid of photos, this would be no problem. (I don't qualify there!) For those of us who need visual aids, here goes!