Back to sewing and Building Houses

At the beginning of the year I joined the Building Houses from Scraps party on Jeanneke's blog.  It looked like a fun thing to do.  

I printed the pattern and made a few houses. 

Well, it didn't take me long to realize this was not for me.  

Making the little houses was not difficult but it was time consuming.. Taking all the papers off when finished was another thing.  It took me forever and I seemed to mess the stitching up.  I picked and pulled with the tweezers and even tried misting with water but that  just made a bigger mess.

So I took my eight little houses and made a tiny little quilt with them.

I am just amazed at the work some of the ladies are doing on this blog.  You should really check it out.

The quilts they are making are just wonderful, but it is not for everyone.

Nice to be back stitching.

Nancy

SAM

Yesterday our little friend Sam made his final trip to the Vet.
Sam was 17 and his body finally just gave out on him.
He was the sweetest little man and will be greatly missed.

What is a Cat?

Gentle eyes
that see so much,
paws that have
the quiet touch.
Purrs to signal
"all is well"
and show more love
than words can tell.
Graceful movements
touched with pride,
a calming presence
by our side.
A friendship
that will last and grow -
small wonder
why we love them so.

Author Unknown

Good By Sam.  We will miss you.

Trash and Waste Triangles

This little quilt was made from pieces I usually throw in the trash but after reading what Kathie from Inspired by Antique Quilts and Bea from A Needle in a Haystack were doing I went and rescued some  scraps from my trash and made this little quilt.  I named it Trash and Waste Triangles.

I totally forgot to post about my FQ Win from Quixotic Crafter.  I really like orange. Thanks Susan

This summer I joined the Rocky Mountain pieced bow at Primitive Gatherings.  I think all the blocks are going to be the same except for the fabric. Here  are the first six and I already have the second set waiting.

I hope you find some time for Stitching this week.

Nancy

PS: Does anyone else have trouble with the font on their blog continually changing??

This, That and The Other

I completed a couple more blocks from Christmas 101 and I ran into a little problem.  I have always used Elmer's school glue sticks to tack down my larger applique pieces rather than lots of little pins.  
Last week I saw  this new glue Lapel at the quilt shop so I bought some and used it last night ....Look what happened when I pressed this block.  
Now these glue sticks are a lot more expensive than Elmer's so it's back to Elmer's for me and Mr. Lapel has a new home in the trash.
Here's hoping it comes out in the wash.

I am also up to date with my Marti Michell Farmers Wife red and white blocks but not for long because a new set comes out Friday.

       This little quilt was made from 1 1/2 inch waste triangles. I think it's pretty cute.

This is my version of  "Brass Buttons" from the  Civil War Legacies book.

I think I have the little quilt fever thanks to Kathie from Inspired by Antique Quilts.  She just posted another one I would like to make.

Jan Patek's Christmas 101

It's almost July so I thought I would get a start on Christmas.

I bought  Jan Patek's book "Country Quilts for your soul" last year.  I just love this book so many wonderful quilts in it.  Some nights I just sit and dream about making all the quilts.

Christmas 101 is one of my favorites.  Her version is made from Moda Remembrance which isn't available anymore or at least I couldn't find it.  So I have tried to substitute fabric.  I am not to sure about the second angels hair.  In the photo it kind of looks like brain matter or worms - not good.

I have completed the first three blocks.  The quilt is only 42 x 36 so the blocks are not large and they make up quickly.
Hope you are happily stitching.
Nancy

From My Sewing Room

In May I entered Sew Mamas giveaway day

and I can't believe I won one of the prizes. The package arrived all wrapped in polka dots  

Just look at this great book & Flea Market Fancy fat quarters I won from Sew Lux Fabric & Gifts.

How lucky am I?

 I haven't done much in the way of piecing this week but I did manage to finish three little quilts from Quilts by Cheri. 

Apple Brown Betty

Plain and Simple

and Georgia's Quilt.

also  two from Temecula Quilt Co .

                                                  Twelve Days of Christmas

                                                   and Blessings.
Temecula Quilt Co has just started a free summer star sew-along if you are interested check here.

I have also discovered perfect patchwork templates from Marti Michell and I really, really like them.

I have been using them to make A Farmers Wife blocks in red and white and I tell you they really make a difference. The blocks turn out just the right size.
Happy Stitching,
Nancy