THE QUILTING CAT

BLOG HIATUS-Message from Momcat/Linda

2010-10-10T11:09:00.000-04:00

I'm going to take a blog hiatus until further notice. I'm currently working two jobs whose hours and commute time use up 16 hours a day. I work 12 days straight and then have two off, then go another 12 days straight. I'm very grateful in these hard times to have a source of income and benefits.

As you can imagine, on my work days all I want to do is sleep when I get home. And on those two days off I'm catching up on errands and housework. Quilting and other hobbies are temporarily put aside.

My crazy schedule should ease up some towards the end of January and I hope to get back into a balanced life at that time.

Meanwhile, I'll visit your blogs as time allows.

Piwacket, Trouble, Butch, Sundance, Maggie and I truly appreciate all your visits, comments and encouragement. Quilty blogger friends are amazing!!

I (well, Piwacket) started this blog on the advice of friends when my husband moved out. They told me it would give me a voice and a purpose when I felt a bit lost. I'll always be thankful to them because they were right. Seeing the world through Pi's eyes, taking photos, thinking of how to share stories with readers and receiving blessings from many of you on here and in private e-mails helped me transition through one of the toughest periods of my life.

Thank you, thank you.

Enjoy Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and all other days that are important to you. I'll see you again in 2011.

Love and hugs,
Linda/Momcat

Stash Report Sunday - September 19, 2010

2010-09-19T19:36:00.002-04:00

The Go Fish! quilt top is completed, allowing me to count stash for the borders and the backing that I worked on today. Goal for this week: layer, baste and start some loopy meandering. I'm right on schedule to have this completed in order to turn it in for the Kate's Cupboard fund raiser. Woot woot!

Used this Week:               7.5 yards
Used year to Date:          142.25 yards
Added this Week:             0 yards
Added Year to Date:         81.25 yards

Net Used for 2010: 61 yards

Click here to visit Judy's blog and cheer everyone on for using up his/her stash!

I hope everyone of you has a great week. Momcat is still dealing with poison ivy, but it's not as bad as it was. Did you know that it can stay in your system for three weeks? Of course, I'm immune. All animals are. You beans are the only ones who just can't deal with it. I do feel so sorry for you creatures at times.

Here's to a non-itchy week,

Piwacket

Trouble Goes Fish and Then Naps

2010-09-12T21:29:00.000-04:00

I put Trouble on the job of helping Momcat get the 80 Go Fish! blocks together into rows. Unfortunately, she needed a rest after Row 3. Poor Trouble. It's an exhausting life around here.

Momcat forged ahead without Trouble and got the main body completed!

Next weekend we'll add a skinny black border and a wider colorful solid border. We're right on target for completing it by our mid-October deadline for the Kate's Cupboard fundraiser. What a fun quilt to make for a good cause!

As a reminder, the Go Fish! pattern can be found in the Dealer's Choice book by Atkinson Designs.

Time to help Momcat pick out the border fabric.

Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - September 12, 2010

2010-09-12T12:17:00.000-04:00

No changes this week. Momcat has today off and we'll be putting some of those Go Fish! blocks together into rows. Fun, fun, fun!

Used this Week:               0 yards
Used year to Date:          134.75 yards
Added this Week:             0 yards
Added Year to Date:         81.25 yards

Net Used for 2010: 53.5 yards

What's not fun is that she has poison ivy. Yesterday she took Benadryl and slept all day. I loved being able to cuddle up in bed with her.

Please visit all of our stashbusting friends through Judy's blog and cheer them on. Click here.

Have a great week everyone!

Cuddles and purrs,
Piwacket

A Thousand Words Thursday

2010-09-09T16:17:00.001-04:00

I Spy Pi

2010-09-06T18:53:00.000-04:00

Today was Labor Day! Most of the day was spent helping Momcat clean out and organize her closet. She was grumbling about how her business casual clothes seem to shrink after a summer of her running around in shorts and t-shirts. I've heard her make the same noises when she pulls her winter clothes out of the cedar chest. She left the house for awhile to go to Labor Day sales.

The closet looks great now, with some things to give away and what's left all sorted by item and color. Work outfits for the week have already been grouped together.

Finally we made it to the sewing room. We finished all 80 blocks of the Go Fish! charity quilt. Since we used stash there are 24 different solids used as "frames" around the novelty blocks. Putting the rows together should be a cinch since the most we have of any one solid is 5 blocks. Not much danger of putting one right next to another when there's this much variety.

I'll just keep everything safe until we can get that done next weekend.

Happy creating!

Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - September 5, 2010

2010-09-05T13:36:00.001-04:00

Are you sitting down? I'm going to let Momcat herself explain why she brought home 33 yards of fabric this week. I'm not kidding. 33 yards!!!

I know. I know. I'm shocked myself. I have been so good about busting what I have, especially since money is very tight. So here's what happened.

A local yarn and fabric store decided to close out their quilting side and concentrate solely on the yarn/knitting section. The close-out price on their quilt-quality fabric was 80% off. Yep, I paid only $1.80 per yard for lovely quilting fabrics.

Here's a picture of what I brought home. I'm really happy about the fat quarters that read as solids. I'll be able to get a lot of use out of them.

I didn't do any sewing this week. I'm now working 14 hour days plus 1.5 hours in the car. That means saving my hobby time for the weekend. Today is my cleaning day, particularly since my son is having guests over tonight for a Fantasy Football draft. Tomorrow is a blessed day off and a full day of sewing. Yippee!

Used this Week:               0 yards
Used year to Date:          134.75 yards
Added this Week:             33 yards
Added Year to Date:         81.25 yards

Net Used for 2010: 53.5 yards

You can see how everyone is doing by visiting Judy's blog here.

Happiness is.....

...a talented daughter-in-law. Niki is an actress and artist. She and my son, Darren, live in Los Angeles. I received a surprise package from Niki that included this lovely hand-painted bookmark she made for me. I'm an avid reader and often am working through several books at a time. I so appreciate anyone who shares their talents with others.

Now it's time to get out the Swiffer. Pi, you're just going to have to wait until tomorrow for me to play with all that new fabric. I'm glad you're keeping watch over it until then.

Love and hugs,
Momcat/Linda

Blog Hop

2010-08-29T13:31:00.000-04:00

We're participating in a Blog Hop. We all love visitors, don't we!

Stash Report Sunday, August 29, 2010

2010-08-29T13:08:00.000-04:00

We're at the end of August already. Where did those eight months go?

Our stash report this week looks really good since I get to add everything together for the last three weeks. Now that Momcat doesn't have to get ready for work on Sundays I'm hoping we can be more consistent in our reporting.

The purchase of 3.5 yards was made for Cattywampus. We used other fabrics from our stash to complete the top.

From the stash I used 3 yards for the Chips 'n Dip Table Runner, 8 yards for the Go Fish twin top I'm working on, and 4.75 yards for Cattywampus. That makes almost 16 yards since the last report on August 8th!

Used this Week:               15.75 yards
Used year to Date:          134.75 yards
Added this Week:              3.5 yards
Added Year to Date:         51.25 yards

Net Used for 2010: 83.5 yards

Our fearless leader, Judy Laquidara, has used almost 300 yards so far. Holy cow!! Take a look for yourself and cheer us on.

Purring along,
Piwacket

Chips N Dip Table Runner

2010-08-24T18:31:00.000-04:00

Momcat and I just finished this table runner top. If she doesn't pick up a subbing assignment tomorrow then we'll get it quilted, too.

It's another great pattern from the Dealer's Choice book by Atkinson Designs. That's the same book that we used for the Go Fish quilt.

There's a lot on the plate (but not in my food dish. Hhrrumph!). Momcat heads to court for the last time this Monday. The final hearing on the divorce is scheduled for 9 a.m. From what I understand, she'll walk out of that proceeding officially, legally single for the first time in 31 years. That evening she also starts her new job at the customer service call center.

Sadly, she decided to leave her job at the quilt shop. Momcat is going to miss her friends at the shop and especially going to the shows. However, if I've learned anything from my Momcat at all, it's that she believes in moving forward to the next chapter.

KAREN MONTGOMERY

Karen Montgomery of The Quilt Company was a recent guest at The River City Quilt Guild, to which Momcat belongs. Karen's lecture on the process of getting fabric from the imagination of the designer to your local quilt shop was fascinating.

She also brought along a wonderful trunk show. Sit back and enjoy, and if you ever get a chance to have Karen come to your guild, please do so. She's an interesting, multi-tasking lady.

I hope you each take 15 minutes daily to create.

Hugs and purrs,
Piwacket and Momcat

Cattywampus

2010-08-19T21:02:00.000-04:00

The Cattywampus top is finished, just in time for Momcat to take it to class tomorrow!

After looking at the red tone-on-tone I convinced Momcat to use the light gray pawprint as the skinny inner border. Every now and again she actually listens to me.

Maggie's looking into the Picam wondering, "What just happened? I thought I was top dog."

Have you created for 15 minutes today?

Piwacket

Kitties Night In

2010-08-19T17:16:00.000-04:00

Momcat is teaching a class tomorrow at the quilt shop. The pattern is Kids Night In by Christine Porter and features her dinosaur fabric line. Sarah from the shop made a really cute quilt from it.

Momcat hadn't made one though, and didn't feel comfortable teaching something that she herself hadn't made. And THAT's why you saw Trouble and me working hard to help her with cat blocks last week.

Our quilt features Where's the Cat? fabrics by Exclusively Quilters, plus some pieces added in from Metro Mirage. Momcat played with the layout on her bed and then used blue painter's tape to mark her blocks.

Earlier today we finished sewing the sashing strips and corner stones. Trouble completes the inspection.

Momcat is using a red tone on tone for the skinny inside border. And you're going to love the wide outside border fabric......

We're keeping this quilt. Momcat promised. It will become our new living room sofa quilt. It's about time she made one to keep us happy!

Momcat's going to call this one Cattywampus.

JOB UPDATE

Momcat accepted a seasonal part-time position with a major retailer's call center. The job begins on August 30 and goes through mid-January. The hours are 6 p.m. until midnight. She'll still sub during the day and work weekends at the quilt shop. She might not have time to give me scritches, do much sewing or blogging for awhile, but at least I'll get my kibble.

There's a chance that the employer will choose to keep her on after the seasonal period is complete. In that case, she'd go full-time and be eligible for benefits. Thank you to all of you for wishing her luck on the hunt.

Purrs,
Piwacket

A Thousand Words Thursday

2010-08-12T17:35:00.004-04:00

Stash Report Sunday - August 8, 2010

2010-08-09T12:25:00.003-04:00

Very little crafting going on here as Momcat focuses on job-hunting. The spousal support she's due to receive covers only 1/3 of our monthly expenses. If she starts skimping on my kibble I'm going to be VERY hard to live with.

Although she works two jobs, as a substitute teacher and weekends at the quilt shop, those occupations don't pay as much as we need to live on, plus they don't have any benefits. I keep trying to convince her to put Maggie up on ebay, but she just scoffs at me.

Anyway, boring stash report. Nothing in, nothing out.

Used this Week:               0 yards
Used year to Date:      119 yards
Added this Week:           0 yards
Added Year to Date:    47.75   yards

Net Used for 2010: 71.25 yards

Judy's putting us all to shame as usual. Take a look for yourself by clicking here.

Momcat belongs to the River City Quilt Guild which will be hosting Karen Montgomery, of The Quilt Company. Karen will be presenting a talk on how fabric gets from the imagination of the designer onto the shelf at your local quilt shop. Pictures to follow!

Happy creating!

Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - August 1, 2010

2010-08-01T10:11:00.001-04:00

It's a new month! August is usually pretty busy around here. That's when Momcat realizes that it's back to the classroom soon and all those projects around the house that we were going to get done over a long summer are still on the "to do" list.

This summer was a bit unusual since we had to wait for the magistrate's decision regarding the property trial between Momcat and CatDaddy. Just about a week ago we found out that we get to keep the house. That means Momcat and Philip will do some cleaning up and get the family photographs out of boxes. I for one am glad that I don't have to get used to a new location. You know how we cats enjoy our ownership of a space.

Now for the stash report. I helped Momcat cut up some more novelty fabrics to make a twin-size version of "Go Fish," the I Spy quilt in the previous post. There's a group at church called Kate's Cupboard, a non-profit charity to help young mothers in need. A fund-raiser is coming up in October and we think a quilt is just the thing to donate to the auction!

Used this Week:               1.5 yards yards
Used year to Date:      119 yards
Added this Week:           0 yards
Added Year to Date:    47.75   yards

Net Used for 2010: 71.25 yards

Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara is the place to keep up with all of us brave enough to track our stash and report on it. How are you doing with yours?

Hope you find at least 15 minutes to create today. Poet Henry Van Dyke wrote "Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best."

Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - July 25, 2010

2010-07-25T10:12:00.000-04:00

What an easy-peasy stash report. Nothing in, nothing out.

Used this Week:                0 yards
Used year to Date:      117.5 yards
Added this Week:           0 yards
Added Year to Date:    47.75   yards

Net Used for 2010: 69.75 yards

This is the shop sample that Momcat just turned in. We had a lot of fun together fussy cutting the 5" squares. It's such an easy quilt to make that we've already started on another one. The pattern is called "Go Fish" and is from the Dealer's Choice book by Atkinson Designs.

Speaking of the shop, the sign blew down a few months ago during a severe storm. It broke in the parking lot. Best Friends Quilt Shoppe's owner, Jan, took the opportunity to add a little pizazz. Take a look at the workmen installing the new awesome hot pink sign!

The front door arch is going to be painted in the same color. Very exciting!

Now take some time to visit Judy's blog to see how everyone else is doing. Have a great week!

Purringly,

Piwacket

A Thousand Words Thursday

2010-07-22T11:44:00.000-04:00

Momcat's Helpers

2010-07-17T14:12:00.000-04:00

Momcat's still working on her Doggy Big Shirt. She's finished with the sleeves, discovering that only one was sewn on backward. Since she realized it after she'd already put the cuffs on she's leaving it this way and will just establish a new trend of wearing your cuff buttons on the front of your arm.

This is a pretty typical scene at our house. You can see that the sewing room is fully staffed. That's Trouble on the bed, Maggie on the floor, Sundance on the ironing board with me and...wait, where's Butch? He's our only male and we sure have to put up with a lot from him, so where is he when there's work to be done?

Typical. Catching a few ZZZZZZs in the kitty condo away from his sisters.

Letting sleeping cats lie,
Piwacket

A Thousand Words Thursday

2010-07-15T09:19:00.000-04:00

Doggy Big Shirt Update

2010-07-14T12:45:00.000-04:00

Mwaaaahahahaha!!! I am rejoicing that Momcat has hit a snag in making her Doggy Big Shirt. She's at the point of making the sleeves and doesn't understand the directions. I heard some bad words and then something about going to the shop to get some expert advice from Cheryl, who teaches the class.

Here's what she has so far:

The front.

The back.

The sleeves and buttons.

I'd help her out of her dilemma if she were making a feline version. That'll teach her to play favorites with the DAWG!!

Smugly,
Piwacket

Stash Report....Monday? Three Weeks & A Day Late

2010-07-12T11:13:00.000-04:00

This is what happens when Momcat gets busy doing things other than quilting. She forgets about the Stash Report!

Fortunately, we busted a little bit, but brought in some as well. Momcat has stayed true to her New Year's Resolution of making no fabric purchases except what is needed for a specific project. In October the shop is promoting the Eleanor Burns' book Quilt Block on American Barns as a Block of the Month. That required a little yardage for barn texture, sky and animals.

Momcat has been working on her Big Shirt, little bags, 9 Patch A Day Blocks, and Rotating Snowball Quilt Along Blocks.

She spent the day at Cathy's on Saturday. Both of them busted some projects.

Momcat is on the left, Cathy is on the right.

Cathy's baby quilt using yellow bubble Minkee for the center and borders.

Cathy's potato bag.

Momcat's 9 Patch A Day Blocks for July.

Cathy's beautiful Rotating Snowball Quilt Along flimsy.

And that finally brings us to the report:

Used this Week:                4 yards
Used year to Date:      117.5 yards
Added this Week:           2.5 yards
Added Year to Date:    47.75   yards

Net Used for 2010: 69.75 yards

Judy's blog has links to the other folks playing along. Click here to see for yourself and possibly join us!

Purringly,

Piwacket

The Holly Bandana Pattern

2010-06-30T12:49:00.001-04:00

My friend, Jen, the Cre8tive Quilter, developed a great bandana pattern for her big girl, Holly. I'm now using this pattern to make Maggie's bandanas. The plus is that they slip easily over the collar, are very durable, and are super simple to make. Here's a link to Jen's pattern: Holly Bandanas by the Cre8tive Quilter.

Maggie is wearing her new patriotic bandana, red covered in white stars.

She just saw her reflection in the sliding glass door. Look at that tail going!

She's bringing momma her dragon. She's quite the dragon slayer. This is her very favorite toy.

All tuckered out.

Three more bandanas for different seasons. Watermelon, fall flowers, and winter are ready to go. I also made a duplicate red starred bandana for Kim's vizsla, Scout.

Butch and Sundance, my support staff.

BFF KIM and HANNAH

Kim and I have been best friends for years and years. I now get to share her granddaughter with her. Being Auntie Linda is loads of fun, especially when Hannah is so adorable. Yesterday we grabbed some Wendy's and headed to Winton Woods for a picnic and walk around the lake. Weather was a glorious 85 degrees with a breeze.

Just like her Nana, Hannah thinks I'm pretty funny. She is such a happy baby.

The Canadian Geese and ducks were abundant. Especially once they found out we had French Fries to share.

Hannah was fascinated, and despite her love of food (this little one can EAT!) she was attempting to throw her Cheerio at them after she saw me throw my French Fries.

Nana Kim and Hannah watching the fowl.

After we left the park we headed to the Greenhills Creamy Whip. Just look at this beautiful heirloom quilt from Kim's family. It's so soft and perfect for the baby to roll around on. I'm tellin' ya, a lovely summer day under the shade of a tree on a quilt with your best friend, a baby, and some ice cream. Can it get any better than that?

Kim's quilt. Yeah, I'm jealous.

Just look at that smile. Nana's got some yummy vanilla creamy whip to share.

I'd like you to notice the bench in the background. This is in memory of the daughter of one of my teacher friends. Jeni Miley died tragically from a fall and a seizure a few years ago shortly before she was to be married. Her mom, Linda, has turned her death into a legacy of compassion and giving. The Hugs from Jeni Foundation supports animal welfare, education, and children....all the things that Jeni loved. I didn't realize that I'd captured the bench in this picture until I started to edit. It makes a perfect day even better to be able to send Linda this picture and let her know what an inspiration she is to all of us.

Purrs and hugs,

Momcat Linda

The Prodigal Momcat Returns

2010-06-28T17:16:00.002-04:00

Momcat is now home for a few weeks, so maybe I can finally get some scritches. Between her bum knee (which is doing GREAT now) and a couple of quilt shows, we haven't seen much of each other and no sewing has been done. Except she went into her sewing room yesterday and made something for the DAWG!!!

More about that later.

Here are some pictures from the Creative Expo where Momcat worked in the Best Friends Quilt Shoppe booth.

BEST FRIENDS QUILT SHOPPE BOOTH

Jan Doench, owner of Best Friends Quilt Shoppe and creator of the Brand X pattern line, on the right. Momcat/Linda on the left. As usual, she's in the dark.

HOFFMAN CHALLENGE QUILTS

The Bee Quilt.

"I'm a Bluebird"

The Sea Turtle Quilt is my favorite from the Hoffman Challenge quilts. Look how the quilt artist used lighter fabrics to mimic the sun's rays going through the water and shining on the sea turtle. Also like how the turtle extends into the border.

OTHER QUILTS ON DISPLAY

From The Fabric Shack's booth. So is the Jelly Roll quilt above.

Momcat's very favorite quilt at the show is this sample from The Fabric Shack. The use of traditional blocks, wool applique's, the tree of life in the center and gorgeous colors is really stunning. We're adding this one to the bucket list.

A TISKET - A TASKET

Momcat was excited to find out about a Basketry Guild in Dayton, OH. About 22 years ago she took a basket weaving class through the Hamilton County Park District and had a blast. We still have one of the two baskets she made. This may be a craft we have to look into doing together. I'm sure my sibs and I would have a lot of fun chasing reeds.

MAGGIE, THE TRAIL DOG

Momcat has been taking Maggie out for lots of walks lately and decided to make a bandana for her. (Has she ever made anything for me? NO!!! In fact, she gets perturbed when I steal her pincushions.)

Here's Maggie modeling her new bandana, which seems to be perfect for her when she's wrangling up Butch and Sundance, those varmints.

Notice how her head and tail are a blur? She was so happy to become a fashionista she could hardly contain herself as she worked the runway.

This is the look that says, "Momma, it's time for a cookie and a nap."

Purringly,

Piwacket

Maggie the Faithful

2010-06-13T12:43:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Momcat tripped while going up the stairs and dislocated her right knee. This has happened before, but not since January, 2006. That's a pretty good streak!

Maggie was near-by when it happened and she's convinced it's her fault, especially since Momcat was screaming in pain. Maggie didn't know what to do. We cats understand to just stay out of the way. Afterall, nothing is EVER our fault! Even I can't blame Maggie.

Since yesterday morning she hasn't left Momcat's side. Here's a picture of her taken just today while watching Momcat at the computer. C'mon, Maggie, get over your guilt. Momcat will be fine!

Purringly,
Piwacket (who never thought I'd feel sorry for the DAWG)

Stash Report Sunday - June 13, 2010

2010-06-13T10:17:00.000-04:00

This week a lot more was cut and fondled at the shop in preparation of the NQA show in Columbus, Ohio starting this Thursday June 17. I'll be in the booth on Friday and Saturday.

I cut out The Big Shirt and got quite a bit of sewing done on Friday. The back and front are completed. Onto the sleeves next (I've never made sleeves before).

Used this Week:              3.5 yards
Used year to Date:      113.5 yards
Added this Week:        .5 yards
Added Year to Date:    45.25   yards

Net Used for 2010: 68.25 yards

Judy Laquidara at Patchwork Times has used 181 yards so far this year. She's a whirlwind!

Happy stitching,

Linda

9 Patch A Day Challenge Progress

2010-06-10T14:34:00.000-04:00

Karen Montgomery of The Quilt Company is mom to the 9 Patch A Day Challenge that started on June 1. We've completed 14 scrappy red, white, blue and tan blocks. The picture below is NOT indicative of any final design. What a fun way to use up those 2.5" squares from scraps.

My siblings pay me in kibble for the privilege of coming up to snuggle in my throne with me. Sundance has paid the proper fee....for now.

Purringly,

Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - June 6, 2010

2010-06-06T14:58:00.002-04:00

Darn This n That Patterns and Cindy Taylor Oates!

The good news is that I did not break my New Year's Resolution. I purchased fabrics only for a specific purpose and did not buy extra yardage. The bad news is that I did make some purchases last week.

After seeing my friend Cheryl from the shop make and wear so many cute shirts from this pattern, I decided I needed to have one. Since Cheryl also teaches the class at the shop, I can use her expertise. I don't sew clothes. I've never made a sleeve or a buttonhole, so it's about time I learned!

My goal is to have my shirt finished by the time I represent the shop at a couple of quilt shows later this month. If you're in Cincinnati for the Creative Festival the end of June, or in Columbus,Ohio for the NQA show please stop by the Best Friends Quilt Shoppe booth to say "Hi!"

Here are the fabrics I selected. Piwacket has turned away in wrath, but Maggie is quite pleased with me. Of course, Maggie is happy no matter what I do.

I have a few patterns from This n That. I decided it was time to make some cute little bags from them. I cut out enough fabric for three Abby's Treasure Box. This picture is from the cover of the pattern. Mine aren't complete yet.

I picked up a charm pack of Frolic by Moda and a few fat quarters as well. Here's my first box in process.

I love these cheerful brights and think they're perfect for this pattern.

I also cut out enough for four Sweet Stuff bags. This picture is from the pattern cover. I haven't started sewing mine yet.

Finally, I also purchased enough material to make two Brand X purses, which is an original pattern from our shop. Visit Best Friends Quilt Shoppe online to purchase your own pattern. Take a look at our tote bag, courier bag and backpack patterns as well!

Fortunately, I did manage to get some cutting done, including 300 2.5" squares in order to participate in Karen Montgomery's 9 Patch A Day challenge. I really like how my red, white, blue and tan blocks are coming together!

Used this Week:              5.5 yards
Used year to Date:      110.0 yards
Added this Week:         11.75 yards
Added Year to Date:    44.75   yards

Net Used for 2010: 65.25 yards

Judy's blog includes not only her own stashbusting efforts, but the reports from several of us playing along. Take a peek for yourself.

I wish you a week of happy creativity!

Linda/Momcat

Rotating Snowballs and Nine-Patches Quilt Along

2010-06-02T16:20:00.003-04:00

SNOWBALLING

In January a group of us started a quilt along making 9-patches and snowballs. You can see the list of participants on the sidebar. If you've been following along each month and making six blocks per month, by now you'll have 30 blocks with which to play!

I have 32, and will need to make four more by the end of this month. Here's a picture of what I have so far (please keep in mind that I have not trimmed any of the blocks yet and this is not a final design).

I really like how this is turning out.

9 PATCH A DAY CHALLENGE

Nine-Patch Fever must be going around. Karen Montgomery of The Quilt Company is hosting a 9-Patch A Day Challenge that started on June 1. That means there's plenty of time for you to catch up. Go to her blog at Karen Says Sew to learn more. She also has created a group on Facebook for those of us participating. It's a great project for using up scraps. I'm using 2.5" squares.

Here's the Facebook link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/9-Patch-Project/116885848345468?v=wall&ref=ts http:

I decided to do a red, white, blue and tan version from my scraps. I don't care about the motif or theme of the fabric, or whether there's a few other colors mixed in or even the value. My only goal is to use scraps and have them "read" Red, White, Blue or Tan from a distance.

These are just a few of the scraps that I'm starting with. There's even a piece of denim or two in the blue stack. I actually cut about 200 squares total on Memorial Day. Notice me in the corner of the table taking a much-needed break. Momcat will cut for hours, but I need a catnap every 5 minutes or so.

I sorted my cut pieces by color (putting the tans and the whites together), placing them in drawer organizers so that they'll be handy next to my sewing machine. Any time I'm sewing anything, this can be my leader/ender project. I picked up the tip about the drawer organizers from Judy Martin's Log Cabin Quilt Book.

Karen's goal is for us to make just a block a day, understanding that we might really get going and make several at once. So far I've made three, one ugly on purpose to show you (really!)

Here's the two scrappy versions that I like.

And here's the ugly one. If you try to get too matchy (is that a word?) on these, they end up looking dumb. The scrappier the better. This one will be unsewn and the pieces all put back into the pile for picking.

TROUBLE'S HOME

A little over a month ago Trouble and Logan went to live with CatDaddy. Logan has adjusted really well, but Trouble never did. Momcat and CatDaddy decided it was best for her to come back to live with us. Usually when one of us has been gone, it takes everybody else awhile to reaccept them.

In this case, as soon as Trouble walked out of the cat carrier Butch and Sundance came to greet her. The three of them touched noses and apparently are going to live happily ever after together on the kitty condo. I'm going to let them stay in the crow's nest for now. They all know that it's MY throne!

When Butch and Sundance came to live with us as babies, Trouble immediately adopted them even though she's never had kittens of her own. I think she was grieving for "her" babies and that's why she couldn't get used to her new environment. That's Trouble (with her head hanging down) and Butch up in the crow's nest, with Sunny on the shelf just beneath them.

I'm glad she's home. She's been my best student as far as quilt quality control. She's especially good about working her way into the midst of a quilt while Momcat does the binding.

PHILIP'S COSTUME.....

....won first prize at the costume party! His friends wanted to know where he purchased such a cool costume. Leanne, Philip's sweet girlfriend, came in 2nd place with her Jean Grey from the X-Men disguise.

About to reclaim my throne for awhile,
Piwacket

Mortal Kombat's Scorpion Lives in Cincinnati, Ohio

2010-05-31T14:13:00.001-04:00

Philip just left for the costume party so now I can share the pictures.

The subtitle of this post should be: Tall Men Are Still Little Boys

Philip and his group of friends have all known each other since they were young'uns. Josh and Kate have birthdays very close to one another, so today they're celebrating. The theme of the costume party is:
Come As A Famous Real or Fictional Dead Person.

As I understand it, Scorpion is the character in Mortal Kombat who is known as neutral and quite dead. Philip's darling girlfriend, Leanne, is going as Jean Grey from X-Men. I'm hoping that some of them will take group shots and post them on Facebook so I can see everybody. These kids have grown into the nicest, loving group of adults you can imagine and I'm blessed to know so many of them. (I've been calling Josh Son #3 and he's referred to me as Mom 2 for about as long as I can remember.)

My job was to make the belt/vest combination and do a little work on the black sweatshirt hood. I give Philip credit for figuring out how to make everything else work. He used child-size shin guards painted yellow for the wrist cuffs and adult shin guards painted yellow for the leg armor. The fingerless gloves are actually men's black knit socks with holes cut in them. Scorpion's weapon, as seen in the shot above, was made from roping material around a garden trowel.

I'm really glad that I was able to share this experience with my grown son. We had a good time, even when we were getting frustrated about how to make this work. Since he's thrilled with the end result, so am I!

Courageously yours,
Momcat/Linda

Stash Report Sunday - May 30, 2010

2010-05-30T10:13:00.000-04:00

I made a slight dent in the stash thanks to the pieced back for Springtime Tulips. Most of the week was spent working with Philip on his costume. It's finished and he modeled it last night. It looks just the way he envisioned it! I'll be allowed to post pictures tomorrow.

Used this Week:           1 yards
Used year to Date:   104.35 yards
Added this Week:         0 yards
Added Year to Date: 33 yards

Net Used for 2010: 71.35 yards

Judy's Memorial Day quilt looks fantastic. Take a look for yourself and see how everyone is doing on their stashbusting.

In the midst of a fun-filled three-day weekend for those of us in the United States, please remember all the fallen soldiers who have served our country. They gave the ultimate sacrifice for us.

Patriotically yours,

Piwacket

TheTulips Finally Bloomed

2010-05-29T12:18:00.001-04:00

Some of you may remember that Momcat wanted to finish the Springtime Tulips top during her vacation in Virginia Beach. She did and here's the result. I really like the piano key border!

She also started working on a pieced back, using scraps left over from the top. Then she ran out of the scraps. Since we're keeping this quilt (I know, a quilter who is actually keeping one of her own creations....did the world just stop?) to use as a spring wall hanging, it really doesn't matter what the back looks like.

Today we finished sewing on some plain yellow cotton from the stash. We'll make sure that the blah yellow is the part that gets most of it cut off after the quilting process is finished.

That means we now have two projects ready for quilting: Springtime Tulips and The Poky Little Puppy.

We're behind on our Rotating Snowballs Quilt-Along, so it's back to the sewing room.

Purrs,
Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - May 23, 2010

2010-05-23T08:56:00.001-04:00

Judy Laquidara at Patchwork Times continues to lead the way in busting stash. Click on the link to see what how well everyone else is doing in comparison to her. (Hint: Not too well).

My stash reports have become really boring. I plan to make a change to that this coming week. I'm piecing a back for my tulips quilt and plan on quilting my Poky Little Puppy. That means I should be able to cut some binding for it as well.

Used this Week:           0 yards
Used year to Date:   103.35 yards
Added this Week:         0 yards
Added Year to Date: 33 yards

Net Used for 2010: 70.35 yards

Have a great week and create for 15 minutes daily,

Piwacket

A Pretty Top Indeed

2010-05-17T20:55:00.004-04:00

I've done my part with the store sample and left it in good hands, ready to be quilted to perfection with a lofty batting and scalloped borders.

The fabrics in this line are so soft and romantic. And now that you've seen the on point framing of Yellow Brick Road please give it a try yourself. It's easy to do and works so beautifully.

Look what Maggie the Mail Mutt brought in today!

It's an envelope addressed to Linda and Piwacket from our friend (and yours, I bet) Darlene at SewCalGal.

Inside is this awesome pattern by Cozy Quilt Designs which we won on one of SewCalGal's giveaways. Thanks, Darlene! I love it and love the fact that it includes not only Baby through King sizes, but a Table Runner as well. Since it's designed for fat quarters I'll be able to get into my stash quickly and start cutting.

Piwacket Crafts Online Yard Sale

New items were just posted on our yard sale page, including a finished quilt that I'll let you look at here as well. There's also some great patterns, cross-stitch kits and leaflets plus everything left from previous listings. Come visit!

You can follow our blog on Facebook now! Just go to the right sidebar and scroll down to the picture of Linda in the Networked Blogs box. Click the Follow this Blog button and you'll automatically get the feeds as they're posted.

Enjoy your week and each moment!
Linda and Pi

The Case of the Missing Case

2010-05-16T08:37:00.002-04:00

A Posting from Linda:

I have a label maker, so obviously, I'm very organized. Okay, I have a label maker and I actually use it, so I'm organized. I have a label maker, I use it and I put things back where they belong or else my entire world falls apart and I get into the fetal position and start sucking my thumb; organization is more than just a life skill for me - - it's part and parcel to my survival. My spices are alphabetized. All my hangers face in the same direction, with the clothes separated by type. My lists have lists.

So where is my thread case, I'd like to know! Naturally, it's not my only thread case. I have at least four containers of various threads organized by 1) color, 2) use, 3) manufacturer, 4) opened. Doesn't everybody do this?

So what happened to the plastic bin with thread, that also contains a couple of great cutters and a few notions? It's SUPPOSED to be right next to it's pal, but IT'S NOT THERE!

I discovered this last night when Philip called me from Joann Fabrics (I should have known the world was ending right then).

Philip: You'll never guess where I am.

Me:      Okay. Then I won't.

Philip:   I'm at Joann's.

Me:      Joann who?

Philip:   Joann Fabrics.

Me:    You're at Joann Fabrics.

Philip: Yep, and I'm here because.....

Me:      You're getting me a gift certificate!!
(Leanne laughing in the background)

Philip:    Um, no. Let me explain what's happening.

Me:       Your car broke down and you need me to pick you and Leanne up? Don't worry - - I'll be right there.

Philip:    NO! MOM! Just listen. I just need your advice and I need to explain this to you.

Me:       You need my advice about something from Joann Fabrics? (I'm certain delirium is setting in since I've had food poisoning for 48 hours. Ahhh, nature's cruel sense of humor. How many times have I wished for my heterosexual offspring to call me from a fabric store and ask my advice. And now I must be having auditory hallucinations.)

Philip:    Yes, I need your advice about what thread to buy.

Me:        You need my advice about what thread to buy at Joann's.

Philip:     Mom, you have to stop repeating everything. Will you let me explain what's going on?

Me:        Sure. Who's stopping you?
(Leanne still giggling in the background.)

Philip:     Kate's birthday is coming up and she's throwing a combined party for herself, Josh and another person whose birthday falls right around that date. And Kate being Kate, she's decided on a themed costume party.

Me:        Oh boy. (Said as in the 'oh boy are we in trouble' tone of voice.)

Philip:      Yeah, and you know I hate that kind of thing but it's for Kate and Josh so if I'm going to do this I want to do it right. And I have the four yards of fabric that I need, I just need to know do I buy a large spool of thread or a small one?

Me:        (Isn't that the cutest thing. He thinks thread type depends upon what size the spool is.) Philip, I have any color and type of thread you need. Just bring your fabric home and we'll find the right thing.

Philip:     I don't know. It's a pretty strange color and there's only one thread here that comes close.

Me:        (Oh my goodness I couldn't love this precious boy any more than I do!) Honey, it's okay. Joann's is five minutes away, but I bet I have whatever you need. Besides the seams will be on the inside anyway.

Philip:    I don't even know what that means. But you can explain it to me when you teach me how to sew on your machine.

Me:       (Can you believe the nerve of this kid - - thinking he's going to touch MY friend?) You, Mr. Fidget, are not touching my $1200 sewing machine.

Philip:     Well, I didn't want to make you feel like you have to do this. It's my project.

Me:        (Dear Lord, it's the science fair all over again.) Just bring your material home, honey.

Philip:     Mom, I know you've been sick with the food poisoning, but Leanne and I are stopping at Wendy's. Do you want me to pick anything up for you?

Me: (What a lovely young man. So thoughtful and sweet.) Thanks honey, but I don't feel up to eating anything yet.

Philip:    Not even a Frosty?

Me: (What, is he Satan? Tempting me with a Frosty when I can barely visualize one without having to run to the bathroom? Whose kid is this anyway?) No, sweetheart, but thanks.

About 15 minutes later they arrive home, finish eating, and join me upstairs for some creative input.

Philip is so excited to show off his purchases. And I can't explain it all here just on the one in 8 billion chance that one of his friends might be kidnapped and forced to read this posting. Suffice to say, he has a cool costume idea. And as soon as I saw his fabric I knew that I had thread to match.

We went into the sewing room and I grabbed ...WAIT! Only one of my side-by-side containers of thread? I open up the one I have, immediately produce the proper color ("Wow!" says Philip. "That's a better match than what we found at the store.") but start hyperventilating about my lost case.

I simply can't fathom where it is. I look under the bed and under other containers. Philip wonders if I took it downstairs at some point to do some mending. I start questioning whether I took it with me on vacation. All negatives. I simply do not lose things like this. I'm ready to put out an APB. Maybe Maggie could do a search and rescue.

The only scenario that makes sense to me is that a marauding band of home invaders entered our house and couldn't find anything worthwhile to take until they got to the sewing room.

"Dude, that's Aurifil's China Beige!"

"I see some Sedona Rust, too. And some Bottom Line."

"Man, I need me some Bottom Line, if you know what I'm saying."

And off they went. I realized if nothing else, it would make a good story for you. So I gathered some spools from my other spots to create the picture for the top of this post. What to set the spools on for a cute picture though? The little quilt I keep in the sewing room to cover my machine. Which was on the floor next to my machine.

I lifted up the quilt to find this. Right where I'd left it. My missing case of thread, cutters and notions. Right next to it's buddy. While I was getting ready for vacation I pulled some things together at the last minute and rushed out the door. I've been using my machine faithfully, but left the quilt where it lay on the floor.

My world is all sorted out again. I don't even wanna know the street value of my large spools of variegated King Tut.

Obsessively yours,
Linda

Stash Report Sunday - May 16, 2010

2010-05-16T07:14:00.000-04:00

I forgot to report last Sunday, but considering the numbers remain the same, it seems an okay mistake to make. I'll have the shop's YBR sample top finished by the end of today...my first time to do mitered borders. Woot woot!

So nothing in and nothing out.

Used this Week:           0 yards
Used year to Date:   103.35 yards
Added this Week:         0 yards
Added Year to Date: 33 yards

Net Used for 2010: 70.35 yards

I'd love to catch up to Judy, who has used over 135 yards so far this year (and that's with adding 148 yards!) but truthfully, I don't think I'll make it. That girl is amazing! Take a look for yourself by clicking on her name.

We're Right On Point

2010-05-11T19:39:00.000-04:00

Momcat's been working on the Yellow Brick Road sample for the shop. Today we finished the corner and setting triangles. It's looking pretty good!

Before you say anything, yes, this was taken on Manchild's bed and yes, his room is a mess.

A tip to pass along when you don't have a design wall is to be sure to take a picture of your quilt when you have it laid out the way you want. This is especially true when you're dealing with blocks that have a specific orientation and you're setting them on point.

For instance, in a previous post I showed you the design wall picture. When I was ready to start working on the rows and triangles, I printed out a copy on regular paper.

You can see how I simply took a fine Sharpie and marked my blocks, drew lines to represent the outside edge of the quilt, and labeled my corner and setting triangles. (Even with this, I confess, I sewed two setting triangles the wrong way before I caught myself.)

How do you know what size to make your setting and corner triangles when you want to create an on point design? There's a pretty easy formula, and there's a great quilt calculator, but truthfully Bonnie Hunter has done all the work for us.

Click here for a link to Bonnie's "Math for On-Point Quilts." Be sure to visit Quiltville's other pages as well as Bonnie's blog. She's a gem!

The next step for this particular quilt is to trim the edges, put on the inside border and then an outside border. I hope to have all of it finished to show you by this weekend.

WHAT DO THIS BEANIE BABY BEAR AND A PINCUSHION HAVE IN COMMON?

They both mysteriously disappeared from the sewing room and were discovered on top of the stove, in close proximity to one another. And lurking nearby was none other than......

BUTCH! You have to admit he looks pretty smug. I wonder if he had plans to demand a ransom? Momcat foiled this caper for sure.

I think I'll Skype about it. I was going to groom, but, awww, we all know I'm always gorgeous.

Creatively yours,
Piwacket

Prairie Primrose Stitches

2010-05-05T19:26:00.000-04:00

Prairie Primrose Stitches is also hosting an EQ7 on her blog. I just love visiting other bloggers. Quilters and crafters in general are so generous and supportive of one another.

Click here for a chance to enter the contest.

EQ7 Opportunity at Bloomin' Workshop

2010-05-05T19:19:00.003-04:00

Click here for a chance to win EQ7 at Bloomin' Workshop. Good luck!

What We're Working On

2010-05-05T18:55:00.000-04:00

We've put our own projects on the backburner while Momcat is making kits and samples for her employer at Best Friends Quilt Shoppe.

She spent most of Saturday packaging kits for this colorful quilt, imaginatively named Crayons.

When she packaged the kits she did her best to make it look similar to the crayons, folding the smaller tops into the crayon body.

Since I NEVER get to go to the shop (even though I think I would make a wonderful quilt shop cat), Momcat took a few pictures of some of the current samples.

This is Hooterville. Hmmm, me'd likkum some owls.

Furry Sweetness could be made even cuter if we could get rid of all those DAWGs. The humans at the shop and at recent quilt shows where all the kits ran out must disagree with me.

Another big seller has been You Must Be Croaking. Here's a tip about the frogs' eyes. Jan, Best Friends owner who made this sample, used a white tone-on-tone fabric and then a fabric pen to stencil the eyeballs. If you were to see the quilt up close, you'd think the fabric came that way. The subtle design of the white fabric shows through the marker and gives a really cool effect.

This is what I'll be helping Momcat sew in the next few days. It's a Yellow Brick Road (from Atkinson Designs) set on point, using the lovely romantic Nana's Garden line from Red Rooster. This picture was taken at the shop's design wall.

When you don't have a design wall available in your studio and therefore need to move your blocks after the layout, taking a picture is a good idea. We also make sure to label each block with a letter, number and direction using that quilter's friend; blue painters' tape.

Notice that starting in the top right corner we have A1. The next row is B1, B2, B3. Each row proceeds that way until we get to the final row, F1.

Here's a close-up view of the labeling.

Between the labeling and a picture record we should be able to easily sew our blocks together in the proper order.

Tomorrow it will be time to cut out all the setting triangles and corner triangles.

Hope you have time to create and also the opportunity to sit in a sunny spot for awhile,
Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - May 2, 2010

2010-05-02T17:17:00.000-04:00

It's May and the skies have opened up. It's been raining like crazy here for two days. Gloomy. Perfect for making quilts though.

This week we worked on creating fat quarter sets and managed to pull a few together for Piwacket Crafts, our online yard sale. We have a lot more stuff to go through and post online.

Used this Week: 10.5 yards
Used year to Date: 103.35 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 33 yards

Net Used for 2010: 70.35 yards

Visit Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara to see how all of the stash reports.

Remember to spend at least 15 minutes purr day creating,

Piwacket

My Life For Sale

2010-04-28T15:19:00.000-04:00

Please visit my online yard sale for some great bargains in books, patterns, projects and fabric!

Tell your friends to visit too! The site is up and running and I'll be doing lots of editing and adding new items.

I'm selling books and patterns really cheap, plus fat quarter sets for only $13.50 POST PAID (that's about $2.25 per FQ and no extra for shipping and handling).

Piwacket Crafts Online Store

I'll accept payment through Paypal, personal check or money order. Be sure to become a follower so that you'll see the new deals as soon as they are posted!

Sundance and Butch are not for sale at any price.

Make me an offer on Maggie. She can walk herself to your place and I'll throw in all the toys.

"PIWACKET! You delete that about Maggie right now!! You KNOW there is no way I'm selling her."

"But Momcat...."

"NO BUTS! She's not going anywhere and that's final!!"

Excuse me while I lick my paws of this whole mess,
Piwacket

SewCalGal's Contest

2010-04-25T10:27:00.001-04:00

My friend, Darlene, over at SewCalGal is having a great contest with five winners. Each winner will receive a very cool pattern from Cozy Quilt Shop.

I have my heart set on Paper Lanterns if I'm lucky enough to win. Which one do you like best?

Good luck!

Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - April 25, 2010

2010-04-25T08:28:00.000-04:00

This is a very boring stash report. Momcat was recovering from sinus surgery last week so we didn't do any quilting. She did manage to finish a couple more knitted dishcloths, three novels, and had lots of cuddle time with all of us.

Used this Week:     0 yards
Used year to Date: 92.85 yards
Added this Week:    0 yards
Added Year to Date:    33 yards

Net Used for 2010: 59.85 yards

Visit Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara to see how all of us are doing.

Yours purringly,

Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - April 18, 2010

2010-04-18T10:14:00.002-04:00

This stash report represents three weeks since I was on vacation and didn't have computer access. While on vacation I worked on Tulip Time, its backing, and The Poky Little Puppy. And even though I visited some quilt shops, I didn't add to my stash!

Used this Week:     13.75 yards
Used year to Date: 92.85 yards
Added this Week:    0 yards
Added Year to Date:    33 yards

Net Used for 2010: 59.85 yards

Judy at Patchwork Times has the listing for all of us who are reporting. Hop on over to take a look!

Hugs,

Momcat

The Poky Little Puppy

2010-04-12T20:19:00.000-04:00

The Poky Little Puppy quilt top was completed while listening to the sound of the sea at Virginia Beach. I love it! I think some simple meandering will work perfectly on this.

The pattern came from Super Simple Fat Quarter Quilts by Lynda Milligan & Nancy Smith. It's called "Hyde Park" in the book, using a beautiful floral print for its focus.

This quilt is so easy to make that our shop (Best Friends Quilt Shoppe) has used it as a beginner's quilt in classes several times. We have been saddened this week to find out that the publisher plans to discontinue the printing of the book and at this time there is no indication that any of the patterns will be published separately. I am very glad that I already have my copy of this terrific book and hope that the publisher will reconsider.

Examining my possibilities,
Piwacket

Momcat's Home...With a Dead Camera

2010-04-12T14:47:00.001-04:00

I was really looking forward to seeing all the pictures that Momcat bragged about. Her sewing station right next to the patio door leading to the beach, projects completed, pictures from her mom and dad's home, photos from the quilt show. But I've just heard her mutter some bad words at the computer. All the pictures were lost during the upload process. They're not on the computer or on the camera. She is attempting to recreate some scenes in diorama using thimbles, seam rippers, and bits of cat litter. It isn't pretty.

THANK YOU PAT SLOAN!

Right before Momcat left we received news from Pat Sloan that we won three spools of Aurifil thread from a random drawing on Pat's Facebook fan page. So cool!

(Amazing what loading new batteries in the digital camera can do.) Butch is inspecting Pat's pattern, the spools of thread and the cute lime green rickrack.

How fun to come home to a waiting package!

Time for another cuddle or two,
Piwacket

Yes, Virginia, There Is a Vacation

2010-03-31T19:05:00.000-04:00

Momcat is heading out first thing on Friday morning for a brief vacation. With the divorce and money woes the vacation was almost canceled. After some thinking through and talking with friends she's decided to go anyway for the following reasons:

The condo was reserved over a year ago with a non-refundable deposit.
It has a kitchen so she can cook her own meals. She'd have to buy groceries here anyway.
It's directly on the beach and Momcat's never been to Virginia Beach.
She's going to spend two days with her parents on the way down.
She's opting to leave vacation two days early in order to work a quilt show in Ohio Amish country with her boss from the quilt shop.

Although there will be no sight-seeing or shopping, walking on the beach is free. There's a balcony with the condo so viewing the beach scene while reading a book will be relaxing. She even seems pleased that there won't be any furry friends waking her up at 5 a.m. for feeding. Hrrumph!

Cross-stitch projects, knitting schemes, and quilting UFOs are making the trip too.

"Springtime Tulips" is the first UFO to win a spot on the Virginia Vacation Express.

This quilt is SEW close to being done! It calls for two borders. The first border is 2-1/2" and matches the background color.

The outside border will be pieced from all the 30s prints used within the body of the quilt.

This pattern is from the book Surprisingly Simple Quilts and was much easier to make than it looks. Isn't it a perfect project to keep Momcat busy over spring break?

Another take-along will be the "Tuffets" pattern for pincushions made from charm squares and The Poky Little Puppy fabric from Quilting Treasures made up in a Hyde Park design.

I'll miss Momcat while she's gone. Manchild Philip will be here taking care of Maggie, Butch, Sundance and me. Logan and Trouble have gone to live with CatDaddy. The beans miss them, but I don't. More lap time for me. Mmmmwwwwhahahahaha.

Worship me,
Piwacket

Yeah, I Made That! - - Labeling Your Quilt

2010-03-31T14:27:00.001-04:00

Do as I say and not as I do.

I don't label all of my projects. I should, but I don't. There's some insecurity that I carry around with me that says, "What if they don't like it and want to regift it?" So sometimes I label and sometimes I don't.

This post is about the way I made a quilt label for "Fiddlesticks." Now that I've given the quilt to my friend Teresa, who happens to be my son's MIL, I can share the label-making process with you.

I have a pet peeve with people in general who insist that there is only one way to do something. There are as many ways to make quilt labels as you can think. Researching on the web is a great way to get some ideas. You can buy pre-printed labels, you can get fabric with label designs, there are iron-on transfers to color in, you can download and print labels from your computer, some people make their labels as pockets and include the washing instructions. Experiment with all kinds of ways and do what brings you the most pleasure.

I like to make labels using rubber stamps. It's very simple and my favorite way, especially for quilts that have scrappy or country-type designs. For a more modern quilt I think an updated label would be smart.

First I pick out a neutral color fabric for the label and cut a rectangle of freezer paper the size I want the label. I iron the freezer paper shiny side down on the WRONG side of the label fabric.

Cut out around the freezer paper leaving about 1/4" or 3/8" border of fabric.

Gather your supplies. I used a cute angel rubber stamp which I won from Shellie's giveaway, black ink, a micron pen and fabric markers (not shown). I placed the fabric on sandpaper. This is still showing the freezer paper side up instead of the fabric side that I'll be writing upon.

Stamp wherever you'd like on the fabric, making sure not to go beyond the boundaries of the freezer paper stabilizer. Using the micron pen write the basic information:

Your name
Name of quilt
Month and year
Name of recipient
Why the quilt was made
Washing instructions (optional)
Any other information you think should be included

The extra fine sandpaper helps create a stable writing surface. I find that I need to go over the lines of the rubber stamp and the writing a couple of times.

Here's how the label looked after I completed it. Iron the front of the label to heat set the marker(s). Iron the border fabric to the back of the freezer paper, making some nice creases. Remove the freezer paper.

Time to sew your label to the back of the quilt. Pin it in place first. I used a blanket-stitch with a double strand of cotton thread. Make sure you go through the backing fabric without going all the way through to the front of the quilt. Some people like to create their labels prior to quilting so that they can also quilt through the label, ensuring it will be there throughout the life of the quilt. Again, my own insecurity prevents me from doing that.

My quilts will never be in any show. I won't win any awards or blue ribbons. I couldn't bear to hear what a judge might say about my simple creations. However, my quilts and other crafts do represent the love that I MUST express with my hands. For the recipients, I can only hope that's enough.

Happy stitchin',
Momcat

Blankets for Haiti Update

2010-03-30T12:41:00.000-04:00

On February 13 Momcat and her BFF Kim participated in the Blankets for Haiti event sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Project Linus Chapter.

Here's a report from Momcat:

I wanted to wait until I received all the information from the our Project Linus coordinator. All the stats are now in the newsletter, so I can share them with you.

The event was held in a church. First we checked in, dropped off our blankets and signed the volunteer form. Then we were put to work.

The first job was to separate three types of blankets: Fleece created one category, flannel was one category, and quilts intended for local use were the final category. You can see Kim is the pretty lady in glasses and the pink sweater sorting and folding blankets.

The blankets had to be folded tightly together and placed into green/black lawn and leaf bags. In the picture above you can see a man on the right doing just that.

Once a garbage bag was full, a vacuum cleaner hose was placed in the bag to suck out all the air. In effect, we were shrink-wrapping the bags. When you're a nine-year-old boy, that's a pretty fun job to have.

Once the bags had the air sucked out they were duct taped and labeled with the number of blankets enclosed and whether they were fleece or flannel. The lady in the gray sweatshirt is doing that while helping the woman in the scarf to a station.

The bags were then placed in large cartons. Each carton was numbered and then a sheet was created with corresponding numbers indicating contents (3 fleece and 4 flannel = total number of blankets, for instance). That was my job. Kim was a great sorter and folder so she stayed in that position.

Helpers were all ages and sizes. What a wonderful way for children to help other children. All the blankets stacked and folded on the floor of this picture are from the group of friends I contacted who surpassed my wildest dreams with their generosity.

These bags represent quilts made for the regular chapter drop-off. Even though contributors focused on the Blankets for Haiti project, they still found time to make quilts for our area children in need.

Click here for the link to the full article about the event: March 2010 Project Linus Cincinnati Chapter newsletter.

The chapter committed to 1000 blankets for the cause - - - and collected 1,500!

Shipping cost $680 - - contributors gave $580 and the remaining $100 came from the chapter account.

There were almost 40 volunteers (so many that some of us worked just a little to give someone else a turn).

To all my friends who contributed in some way, whether by making a blanket or simply praying for the project, I humbly give you thanks.

Joyfully,
Linda (and Piwacket)

Stash Report Sunday - March 28, 2010

2010-03-28T12:06:00.000-04:00

Any week with a finish is a good week! Momcat's boss at the quilt shop gave us three fat quarters with a teaching theme. I don't mind reporting something that results from generosity (meaning I didn't buy it). Thanks, Jan!

Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 79.1 yards
Added this Week: .75 yards
Added Year to Date: 33 yards

Net Used for 2010: 46.1 yards

Lots of us are reporting through Judy Laquidara's blog, Patchwork Times. Take a look to see how we're all doing.

Licking my paws; are you licking yours?

Piwacket

TGIFiddlesticks

2010-03-26T14:49:00.001-04:00

Fiddlesticks is ready for its quilt label and then can be given to its unknowing recipient. It was started over Easter weekend last year and it feels great to have it finished.

I quilted in the ditch along the gold sashing/border. I completed the 60-degree grid quilting using the masking tape method.

You can see the resulting diamond shapes from the close-up of the back of the quilt.

Reminder for those of you who own the same pattern: I deleted the extra wide outer border because I know this is going to be used as a sofa quilt and didn't need the extra size. As you can tell from the picture on the queen-size bed, this size is going to be perfect for a throw.

Ready to move to the next project,
Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - March 21, 2010

2010-03-21T06:30:00.002-04:00

Happy Spring!

We've had beautiful weather here for the past several days. It's still too early to plant flowers in our area because of the threat of frost, but Maggie has certainly enjoyed her walks and her yard. We kitties have liked lying in the sunbeams.

Yesterday was National Quilting Day and Momcat sure took advantage of it. All seven of us (Momcat, five felines and one dawg) were in the sewing room together at one point. The binding for Fiddlesticks is done and we spent time working on 3" squares for a scrappy baby quilt.

I'll snuggle in with Momcat so she can finish sewing the binding down and then we'll take a picture.

The figures below reflect .75 yards used for the Fiddlesticks binding plus 1.75 yards cut up for the scrappy baby quilt.

Used this Week: 2.5 yards
Used year to Date: 79.1 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 32.5 yards

Net Used for 2010: 46.6 yards

Judy is complaining that her numbers are stagnant. That girl has already busted 152 yards this year! Click on the link to see what I mean.

Create for fifteen minutes a day. It's good for the soul.

Piwacket

OH NO, MAGGIE! NOT AGAIN!

2010-03-20T20:22:00.000-04:00

Remember the shrew?

Maggie has apparently graduated to eating small boys from the neighborhood.

This is what Momcat found when calling Maggie in from breakfast. It's important to note that we do not have any children living with us and we do have a fenced yard.

Shoe ala mode, anybody?

Killer DAWG

2010-03-18T15:00:00.003-04:00

Maggie has earned my grudging respect.

Two days ago Momcat noticed Maggie in the backyard with something in her mouth that didn't look quite familiar. It wasn't her tennis ball or a Konga toy. It wasn't a branch from the honeysuckle bush which she's intent upon destroying. It looked like a clump of mud from a distance.

When Maggie realized Momcat was watching, she came running to the patio door and dropped a dead rodent for Momcat to see.

"EWWWW!" cried Momcat. "Philip, if you go to the patio to clean up a dead shrew, I'll get Maggie in through the basement door."

When Momcat called Maggie in through the basement door, Maggie had the shrew in her mouth again, which she happily dropped at Momcat's feet. Once Momcat got over saying "Yuck!" about a million times she praised Maggie in a huge way. It was sickening. Not the dead animal. The way Momcat fussed over the stupid DAWG.

I was hoping that she'd give my siblings and me the corpse to play with, even though it's a lot more fun to play with something still living. But no, the manchild threw it away.

So I got nothing. Maggie got praised, a treat and a thorough teeth-brushing. The shrew got dead.

Deprived of shrew stew,
Piwacket

I Paid It Forward. And Received More!

2010-03-16T17:55:00.000-04:00

I owed three pay-it-forward (PIF) gifts to some blogger friends. Regina (bitnbyaquiltingbug), Beth (the quilt ladies book collection) and Linda (hand quilting nana) should receive their gifts in the next couple of days if the post office hasn't already delivered them.

In the past couple of weeks, I've been lucky enough to be the recipient of even more PIF gifts.

This darling candle mat was made by Cathy (Cat in the Sewing Room). I wasn't allowed to post a picture of it for awhile because her other recipients are out-of-town. Momcat was lucky enough to receive this one when she and Cathy spent a much-needed girls' day out together. Say "Hi" to Smudge for me, Cathy!

Next I received this from Shellie (Shell Creations).

Naturally, when Momcat opened the envelope I assumed it was something for me. I love yarn and thread, and I eagerly started to think of all kinds of cool things I could do with this lacy crocheted piece. I started dragging it away. And then, you won't believe what happened......

....are you ready?

Momcat tapped my nose and said, "NO! NO! NO! Piwacket, that bookmark belongs to me. We don't play with gorgeous handmade pieces like this!"

Well, excuuuuuuuse me!

You know, that kind of abuse just made me so upset I had to take it out on someone. Butch was in the crow's nest of the kitty condo. MY crow's nest. Time to teach him a lesson about usurping the queen.

As everyone knows who has ever eaten a chocolate Easter bunny, it's best to start with the ears. Butch's taste just like chicken.

Once I'm done with my snack, I have SIX PIFs to create. Stay-tuned for the announcement and a reminder of the rules. Link back to this post and encourage your friends to visit here often.

Testily yours,
Piwacket

My Very Special Day

2010-03-14T10:41:00.001-04:00

Today is all about me.

It's an international day named for me.

It's not about this.

And it's not about that.

(yep, that's a cow pie).

Some crazy mathematicians might try to convince you that today is all about this:

However, anyone with any sense at all knows that the date of 3-14 is to celebrate...

...the only Pi that matters.

Enjoy my special day, everybody!!

Purrs,
Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - March 14, 2010

2010-03-14T10:26:00.000-04:00

I can't stand it anymore! I'm counting what I've used for "Fiddlesticks" even though I haven't completed it yet. I've spent so much time this week helping Momcat knit, fix the dishwasher and help the real estate agent do a walk-through that our sewing time was cut short again.

If you also have the Fiddlesticks pattern by Kansas Troubles Quilters, we're not doing the outer border. That means our yardage is reduced by the outer border and that we have a smaller backing.

I'll add the binding separately when I cut it.

Used this Week: 12 yards
Used year to Date: 76.6 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 32.5 yards

Net Used for 2010: 44.1 yards

Next week Momcat is visiting her parents in North Carolina. There won't be any sewing, but Philip has promised lots of cuddle time.

Visit Judy's blog to see how everyone else is doing.

Purrs,
Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - March 7, 2010

2010-03-07T10:45:00.001-05:00

It's the sun! It's the sun! I never thought I'd be so happy to see dust motes drifting through the house, but even they look pretty with the sunshine finally dappling through the windows. Plus they're fun to chase.

Boring stash report this week. All those goals had to be put aside thanks to a kitchen plumbing emergency. So Fiddlesticks is still being quilted. Even though grid quilting is easy and can look great, Momcat doesn't enjoy going back and burying all those threads. I'm sure we'll have some TV and recliner time soon to accomplish that task.

Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 64.6 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 32.5 yards

Net Used for 2010: 32.1 yards

Visit Judy's blog to see how everyone else is doing.

Purrs,
Piwacket

The Wayback Machine

2010-03-02T18:20:00.003-05:00

As we join Mr. Peabody and Sherman in the Wayback Machine, we find that we have only a short trip to make.

In January I received a Pay It Forward (PIF) gift from Jennifer, meaning that I needed to create three items for three different bloggers. And this week I'll finally be done and able to put those gifts into the mail!

These three bloggers have agreed to the PIF rules and have committed to announcing on their blogs their giveaway:

Beth @ The Quilt Ladies
Hand Quilting Nana
BitnByAQuiltingBug (which also happens to be my buddy, Regina)

Beth, Nana and Regina...if you haven't already done so, be sure to send me your snail mail address.

Momcat was actually having a good hair day last week and allowed me to take her picture using the Pi-Cam. If you were to ask her children and some of her closest friends, you'd find out that although she does smile and laugh a lot, there are times that she has THE LOOK (insert scary music here) Fortunately, she must reserve that horror for human beans.

Hope you found your 15 minutes to create today!

Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - February 28, 2010

2010-02-28T09:39:00.003-05:00

Two months into the year and I'm very happy with my progress.

Lots of quilting happened this week on Fiddlesticks. Unfortunately, I won't count that as used until the quilt is completed.

Yesterday Momcat and Cathy (Cat in the Sewing Room) went to The Fabric Shack. Momcat wanted binding fabric for Fiddlesticks. After shopping the stash nothing looked right. There were two prints in shades of blue that could work, so she bought 1.5 yards of each. Yep, that means the blue that doesn't play well with Fiddlesticks goes into our stash. However, that's all the fabric she got, so I'm proud of her.

Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 64.6 yards
Added this Week: 3 yards
Added Year to Date: 32.5 yards

Net Used for 2010: 32.1 yards

Visit Judy's blog to see how everyone else is doing.

Lots of things are on the schedule for this week. Momcat still needs to finish her three pay-it-forward gifts, plus Fiddlesticks. Then there are minor issues like, say, going to her job, getting a CT scan, and having a court date.

What will you add to creation today?

Piwacket

A Giveaway at Jandi's

2010-02-27T20:50:00.000-05:00

Jandi has switched from Wordpress to Blogger. In order to get out her new blog address she's hosting a wonderful give-away.

She has great tutorials and a nice, friendly writing style.

Good luck (but I I hope I win)!

Fiddlesticks Quilting

2010-02-22T15:35:00.002-05:00

As you know, Butch and Sundance were holding Momcat's place at the sewing machine for when she felt like going back to do some more quilting on Fiddlesticks.

I thought I'd take you through an easy quilting technique. Experienced quilters will already know this trick, but some of you beginners may appreciate this. It's especially helpful to those of us who do not use a long-arm machine. All piecing and quilting here is done on a Janome 6260QC.

For this quilt I wanted very simple quilting and at an angle to add interest to all the squares and rectangles in the piecing.

I decided to quilt at a 60 degree angle from the top and bottom borders. First I found the 60 degree line on my ruler and laid that line on top of the border where I wanted to begin my quilting.

The secret tool is 1-inch wide masking tape. Blue painters' tape works great, too. I placed the tape at either side of the ruler, which happens to be 6" wide.

I followed that line all the way up to the next border area.

Now I'll sew on either side of the masking tape. The inner lines will be 6" apart, just as the ruler is. Here's how it looks after it's sewn and the masking tape is removed. TIP: Try not to sew on the tape itself. From experience I can tell you that trying to tweeze the tape out of those stitches is a real pain.

When I'm done following this part of the plan I'll then center a piece of masking tape at 3", precisely between the 6" space left open. Therefore, my overall quilting plan will be two lines 1" apart every 2.5".

Too much math for you? Don't worry about that part then. Just know that masking tape and a ruler will give you a perfect quilting line to follow without dealing with pencils, chalk or the quilting bar on your sewing machine.

Looks like Butch is ready to hold down some more tape.

Happy creating!

Piwacket

Stash Report - February 21, 2010

2010-02-21T09:02:00.000-05:00

Very little sewing happened here this week. Momcat finally got to the ear, nose and throat specialist. She's on a third round of antibiotics, three different decongestants, has a CT scan scheduled in two weeks and will have a flex scope after that. She's been croaking and a bit draggy from all the meds.

She did start quilting a top that she finished in April of last year. I don't know why, but she doesn't like laying the quilt out on the floor to baste it only to have all five of us kitties helping her. Sundance is really good about repositioning the masking tape holding down the back. Butch likes to smooth out all the lumps (sometimes he makes new ones). Trouble prefers burrowing underneath the backing just to make sure there's no dust on the floor. Logan sits in the very middle of everything. I like to ensure that all the safety pins are closed, so I follow Momcat along as she pins. I really don't understand why this frustrates her so.

I did get to help her with some knitting. I love knitting! Unlike my younger siblings, I don't grab for the yarn or try to get the needles. I just like cuddling up next to Momcat on the recliner knowing that she's going to be there for a little while.

Oh yes, the stash report. Our numbers are great this week because Momcat donated 25 yards of fabric to a local charity. Even though we didn't sew it, it comes from our stash for a good cause. So we're counting it as stash used.

Used this Week: 25 yards
Used year to Date: 64.6 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 29.5 yards

Net Used for 2010: 35.1 yards

Here's a hint of what we're likely to finish next week. You can see that Butch and Sundance are holding Momcat's place until she feels like getting back to the sewing machine.

Now hop on over to Judy's blog to see how everyone else is doing!

And don't forget to take 15 minutes to create,

Piwacket

I'm A Winner!

2010-02-17T20:50:00.001-05:00

Of course, I already know I'm a winner. All of us cats know we're winners and that the rest of you are losers. Harsh, but true.

But this time I won something from another blogger!

Awhile back Shellie was going through some of her things and decided to be generous in sharing those items that she no longer wanted or needed. I mentioned that I liked the rubber stamps so look what came in the mail!

Momcat really likes using rubber stamps when she makes quilt labels. The angels are especially perfect for that. I prefer the cat and the butterfly.

Thanks Shellie!

SNOW REPORT

Here's how the snow looked using the Pi-Cam. This shot is from my perch on the living room window sill. Take a look at those icicles! Momcat and Philip spent time shoveling today. I'm so glad that I'm an indoor kitty.

Maggie, Maggie....back up! You're getting too close to the Pi-Cam. Get your big doggy drool away from here!

Good thing I jumped onto the bookcase and out of your reach.

Hoping you don't have to smell doggy breath during your 15 minutes of creating. DAWGS, Bah! Humbug!

Piwacket

Another Snow Day = Snowball Blocks

2010-02-15T15:39:00.001-05:00

We're in the midst of a snowstorm here with accumulations of 9 inches by tomorrow morning. That's on top of the four already on the ground. Which means that Momcat doesn't have to worry about substitute teaching for a few days. And another storm is due in by the end of this week. Even Maggie is tired of the snow. She's gone from making doggy snow angels to coming in as soon after she makes the snow yellow as possible.

Which made today the perfect time to work on the snowball and nine-patch blocks for our Quilt Along. Regina (bitnbyaquiltingbug) and Momcat are leading the way in this relaxing quilt along. Feel free to join us by leaving a comment and Momcat and/or Regina will add your blog address to the sidebar. Regina also has a WONDERFUL post with links to everybody's blocks.

Six blocks per month is what we're committed to making. This is Month Two. Doesn't matter if you concentrate on the snowballs, the nine-patches or a combination of the two. And feel free to join in whenever you can.

As of this afternoon, I have 22 blocks done. Momcat and I have been working ahead just a little because when the house goes on the market in April we might have to put our sewing projects away and concentrate on things like knitting and cross-stitching that take up less space.

So here's 20 of the blocks to give you a flavor of how ours is looking. I love it!

Philip's girlfriend Leanne decided to join us for the day and will be staying in the guest room overnight since the roads are so bad. You can see that the two of them have made themselves comfy in front of the TV to watch the Olympics. At least they made room for Maggie!

Dinner is going to consist of macaroni & cheese, chicken strips, broccoli and rolls.

If you're snowed in, find a way to be content. Actually, the same is true even if you're not snowed in!

Purrs,
Pi

Stash Report Sunday - February 14, 2010

2010-02-14T10:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

This week we made three more blankets for Haiti and the Bloomin' Posies sample for the store. The store sample is not included in the stash report since it didn't come from our stash, with the small exception of a fat eighth worth of scraps. We're making slow but steady progress in the right direction!

Used this Week: 3.1 yards
Used year to Date: 39.6 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 29.5 yards

Net Used for 2010: 10.1 yards

Don't forget to hop over to Judy Laquidara's blog to see how everyone else is doing.

Happy stitching!
Piwacket

Blankets for Haiti

2010-02-12T14:33:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of 27 flannel blankets ready to be packed and shipped tomorrow, bound for Haiti relief. Many thanks to Momcat's friend Jeanette for making 18 of these!

Plaid Posies Finished

2010-02-11T18:16:00.000-05:00

Just a few minutes ago we completed the Plaid Posies twin-size topper. It's displayed here on a queen-size bed just to give you an idea how it looks. I can hardly wait to see what the shop does with it in terms of quilting, especially since there's all that great background with which to work.

You'll notice that I didn't use many plaids at all so we may have to give this a new name. Bloomin' Posies perhaps?

I purposefully went for an asymmetrical look and I like how it turned out.

January In Review

Now that we're almost halfway through February, it's time to see how January fared in terms of 2010's resolutions.

~~Finish 1 Christmas gift/project per month.~~ I completed a couple of cross-stitched items that I can't show.
~~Do not purchase any patterns or books.~~ No purchases made!
~~Except for backgrounds, purchases must be made for a specific project.~~ The only purchases I made were for the upcoming Civil War log cabin quilt I'm going to make.
~~Finish two projects before starting a new one.~~ I've cleared the decks and am ready to cut another project!
~~Give thanks daily.~~ I think gratitude is so ingrained in my nature that I am constantly giving thanks.
~~Go out with friends at least monthly.~~ I'm blessed with good friends who rescue me when I'm getting a bit isolated.

Month One has been a success. I better get going on a Christmas project this month or else February won't be looking quite so good.

BLANKETS FOR HAITI

This Saturday Momcat and her BFF Kim will be joining the Greater Cincinnati chapter of Project Linus for their Blankets for Haiti event. The goal nationwide is to make, collect and send 20,000 blankets to Haiti. Project Linus is working directly with Haiti aide organizations to make this happen.

The blankets are simple one-yard cuts of either flannel or fleece hemmed on all four sides.

Momcat will be your special correspondent to take pictures of the event for you and give you a report about how many blankets were collected locally. The goal for our chapter is 1,000. I have a feeling we'll surpass that!

Health Update: We had a huge snowfall this week with all the surrounding counties declaring Level 3 snow emergencies. That meant Momcat had to reschedule her appointment with the otolar....ottolaryn....otlart...ear, nose and throat doctor. So she's still coughing and struggling to speak. I'm sure there are a lot of people who are probably glad of her paralyzed vocal cords! The new appointment is scheduled for this Monday afternoon. Thanks everyone, for your get well wishes.

Have you created for 15 minutes today?

Purrs,
Pi

Stash Report Sunday - February 7, 2010

2010-02-07T09:57:00.000-05:00

Momcat is back in my good graces. She's been pretty sick and is going to see a special doctor on Tuesday to help her. Even so, we've managed to get a few things done this week.

Used this Week: 4.25 yards
Used year to Date: 36.5 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 29.5 yards

Net Used for 2010: 7.0 yards

We made another pillowcase and three more blankets for Haiti.

Momcat also has been working on a sample for the shop. We don't do applique very often and we've never made flower stems. This whole sample is a flower garden with stems that finish at 1/4". Even with doing a couple of practice stems, getting the machine blanket stitch to look just right has been a challenge. Hopefully we'll finish it up in the next day or two and take a picture before turning it in.

If any of you have the book Toppers by Nancy Smith and Lynda Milligan, the sample is "Plaid Posies."

Hop on over to Judy's blog to see how everyone else is doing.

Happy creating (for at least 15 minutes a day)!

Pi and Momcat

Stash Report Sunday - January 31, 2010

2010-01-31T10:32:00.001-05:00

Used this Week: 8.25 yards
Used year to Date: 32.25 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 29.5 yards

Net Used for 2010: 2.75 yards

Any week we don't add fabric is a good week! We made five more pillowcases and three blankets for Haiti. Good stuff!

Someone asked how I determine how much fabric I've used. With the pillowcases and blankets it was easy. Each blanket was a simple one-yard cut of flannel. Each pillowcase uses just over a yard of fabric.

Judy keeps an Excel spreadsheet and tracks her yardage used as she goes. For me, even with a large quilt, I'm not counting it until it's done. That way I'm encouraged to get some of those UFOs out of bins and onto the sewing table.

Hop on over to Judy's blog for a look at how everyone else did this week.

Purrs,
Pi

Stash Report Sunday - January 24, 2010

2010-01-24T09:53:00.000-05:00

Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 24 yards
Added this Week: 11.5 yards
Added Year to Date: 29.5 yards
Net Used for 2010: + 5.5 yards

It's all Momcat's fault. I mewed. I cajoled. I wrapped myself around her legs and gave her gentle headbutts. When playing nice didn't work I said "Ack!" and threatened to poop in her shoe.

But I just couldn't get Momcat to complete anything this week. She'd get home from work and either have to go back out or crash on the couch. Slacker, I tell you!

I'm hoping that the Pillowcase Team of myself, Butch and Trouble can convince her to turn this mountain of fabric on the kitchen table into completed UFOs.

Take a look at Judy's blog to see how she and everyone else did this week. I have a whip to crack.

Pi

Building a Log Cabin

2010-01-21T21:37:00.000-05:00

Momcat and I are in an online quilting group called TranQuiltity. The group has decided to work on quilts from any of Judy Martin's books. Jill, the group's fearless leader, fell in love with Judy's Log Cabin book. There's no timeframe on when to get things done and no requirement about which pattern to work on. In other words, the kind of easy project to build community that I like...no deadlines and no competition!

I have two of Judy Martin's books: Judy Martin's Log Cabin Quilt Book and Scraps. Both are terrific books and I haven't made anything from either yet. In browsing through I realized that I've never made a log cabin quilt. That's probably why I haven't earned a quilting badge yet.

Here I am pointing out the pattern to Momcat.

Judy includes several different block placement ideas.

Momcat's friend Cathy, Smudge's mom, decided to make the same traditional quilt using Civil War reproduction fabrics. Cathy and Momcat made a couple of trips to local quilt shops that are known for carrying a nice array of reproduction fabrics. After stops at The Quilt Bug and Valley Quilts the empty spaces in their stashes were filled.

We need 5 blacks, 19 darks and 14 lights for the twin size quilt. Here's what we're using.

I can hardly wait to get started on this, but in keeping with one of our 2010 resolutions, we need to finish two projects before we start on this. So far the pillowcases equal one completed UFO. One more to go!

Happy creating,
Piwacket

More Pillowcases

2010-01-19T17:38:00.001-05:00

This week Trouble is helping Momcat make more pillowcases for the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge. We've made 17 so far (5 on behalf of Best Friends Quilt Shoppe and 12 from Momcat's stash.) Our goal is to make 10 more this week.

Here's a few that we finished.

I admit that despite how much I like feline fabric motifs, these gorillas are my favorite. The gorillas, penguins and polar bears also helped Momcat complete a few UFOs. She bought those fabrics when she and Philip visited Darren and Niki in Los Angeles in August. They were purchased for the sole purpose of making pillowcases for needy children, cut to specs, and then put aside. Ta da!!

Create joyfully for 15 minutes today.

Purrs,
Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - Week Three

2010-01-17T09:47:00.001-05:00

I purchased some cream-colored backgrounds this week for use in three different quilts. On the other hand, I made 12 pillowcases. I'm feeling really good about this!

Used this Week: 13.5 yards
Used year to Date: 24 yards
Added this Week: 6.5 yards
Added Year to Date: 18 yards
Net Used for 2010: 6 yards

Visit Judy's blog to see how everyone else is doing.

1 Million Pillowcase Challenge

2010-01-14T10:39:00.000-05:00

Are you participating in the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge sponsored by American Patchwork & Quilting Magazine?

Here's what we've donated so far. Pillowcases are so fun and easy to make, and they use up your stash in a hurry!

Naturally, one of my quality control assistants had to make sure they were ready to go.

Thank you, Sundance!

We hope to get a few more made in the next couple of days. If you've never made a pillowcase before there are a lot of free, simple patterns on the web. I use a couple of different techniques depending upon whether or not I'm using a directional fabric.

Happy stitching,
Piwacket

Goal Met, Plus One

2010-01-12T21:00:00.001-05:00

For our Quilt-Along, we agreed on making six blocks per month. That's going to be a cinch because we're working with small blocks, and once the cutting is done the sewing goes quickly.

In my previous post you saw that I did all my cutting earlier today. After the cutting was finished I was able to sew SEVEN blocks in a matter of about an hour (that's including time to let Maggie in, let Maggie out, let Maggie in, feed everybody, let Maggie out, etc.)

And here are today's results. I really like how this is coming together! If you have any questions at all, let me know. I'm pumped and purring!!

Did you create for fifteen minutes today?

Piwacket

Our Quilt-Along is Snowballing!

2010-01-12T15:39:00.001-05:00

Regina and I are both really excited that so many of you are joining along with us. The Snowball and 9-Patch combination is a very simple way to use up some of your stash.

CUTTING THE LAYER CAKE

Here's how I'm cutting my layer cake for the project. Remember, you don't need to use a layer cake. Regina is using fat quarters. I'll be adding some scraps from my stash for additional interest.

The first thing I did was separate my lights from my mediums and darks. For my blocks I decided I want to use the lightest fabrics only on the corners in the snowballs. My mediums and darks will be used in the snowball blocks as well as the nine-patches.

Now it's time to start cutting. I decided to cut from my mediums and darks first. I layered four fabrics on top of one another. The first cut is a 6.5" strip.

Move that strip aside. Now cut a 2.5" strip.

From the 6.5" strip, cut a 6.5" square. From the remainder of that strip, cut 2.5" squares. Take your 2.5" strip and divide into 2.5" squares.

Each piece of the layer cake will yield ONE (1) 6.5" square and SIX (6) 2.5" squares.

Now let's cut from the lights. I used June Tailor's strip cutter for this part.

Each piece of layer cake will yield SIXTEEN (16) 2.5" squares. Again, I like to cut through four layers at once.

Whew!! All that cutting. It must be time for a cookie break.

Hmmm. I hope there's some chocolate chunk or snickerdoodles in there!

Oh, now that's a dirty trick. I've heard of high fiber treats, but this is ridiculous!

SNOWBALL BLOCKS

Yes, I do silly things to make my quilting process even more fun. Since I want this to be a scrappy quilt, but since everything is from the same line and I know it will work together, I decided to mix up all those light squares in the cookie jar. Now without peeking, I'm going to pick four. These will become the four corners of my snowball block.

And here they are! Now get your mechanical pencil ready.

Turn each square over. I like to use this little tool. Align the center with the diagonal center of the block. Using your mechanical pencil, draw a line down the middle and also on either side of the tool. It's a perfect 1/4". You're only going to use two of those lines, but I find it's easier for me to just draw than it is to align the squares afterwards. That's just me.

Do the same thing with the other light squares.

Now pick a 6.5" square from your stack. Right sides together, put a light 2.5" square onto each corner of the 6.5" square.

You're going to sew on TWO (2) lines in each of those squares. Sew down the center line and the line nearest the corner. Do that on all four corners.

Press open. I like to press open before I cut anything because it adds stability to the block. This is what it looks like.

Now it's time to trim off those waste triangles. Open up one of the corners and carefully cut between the two sewn lines.

Do this on all four corners. Press your block again, pressing seams away from the snowball.

You'll now have four darling 2" blocks. Press toward the darker color. Trim off the dog ears. This is what you have.

By taking the extra time to sew an additional line, you've added to your available blocks. As Bonnie Hunter likes to remind us, the fabric that we throw away cost just as much as the yardage we use. Get as much out of it as you can!

NINE-PATCH BLOCKS

Simply take your 2.5 squares and sew together three across. Join so that you have three rows. Make sure to use a scant 1/4" seam or else your blocks won't be 6.5". You want them to be the same size as the snowball blocks.

The main thing about this quilt-along is to use what you already have and make it fun!

Hugs and purrs,
Pi and Momcat

Quilting with a Friend

2010-01-11T18:50:00.001-05:00

Regina and Momcat met online through the Prolific Online Quilters group, and then had the pleasure of sitting next to each other at the St. Jude's Retreat last year. They really hit it off and have stayed in touch.

Regina lives in Michigan and we're here in Ohio, so that makes getting together pretty difficult. Enter Regina's awesome idea. She mentioned that she wanted to make a Shoo Fly quilt. "I'm in!" cried Momcat. So Momcat has been doing some web surfing and looking through her books, finally deciding upon Pat Speth's Shoo Fly quilt from More Nickel Quilts.

Regina: (sending an attachment that she saw on someone else's blog): I like this quilt too.
Momcat: I'd like to use some snowball blocks.
Regina: How about this?
Momcat: Love it!
Regina: What should we commit to doing?
Momcat: What about six blocks a month, and if we could set up a virtual sewing time and check in on each other's progress that would be cool, too.
Regina: Sounds good!

So now we've committed to not only each of us doing a Shoo Fly quilt, but a 9-patch plus Snowballs quilt at six blocks a month. I haven't even picked out fabrics yet. Meanwhile, Regina's already got seven of her blocks done! Check out her progress here: bitnbyaquiltingbug.

Anyone interested in joining us? Just leave a comment and you can play along.

EDITED TO ADD: I've picked my fabrics! Regina is using fat quarters. I decided this project lends itself perfectly to a layer cake I have on hand. One of our goals is to use fabrics from our stash.

I love this line of beautiful floral fabrics. Moda's Natural Garden by Holly Taylor

Here are the cutting dimensions: For the nine-patches use 2.5" squares, for the snowball blocks use 6.5" squares. Attach a 2.5" square to each corner and sew as you normally would. Remember to sew in such a way that you'll save all those little waste triangles. They could make an awesome border!

Make as many or as few blocks as you want. We're going to make six per month. Let me know when you've completed some blocks or picked out your fabric so that I can link to your blog.
Purrs,
Piwacket

Stash Report Sunday - Week Two

2010-01-10T13:43:00.001-05:00

Remember those nice round zeroes last week? Week Two shows some activity.

Used this Week: 10.5 yards
Used year to Date: 10.5 yards
Added this Week: 11.5 yards
Added Year to Date: 11.5 yards
Net Used for 2010: + 1 yard

Those 11.5 yards came in as the result of 8 yards of fabric I earned doing inventory at the shop, and also receiving a very generous $50 gift certificate for the shop as a Christmas gift. So in addition to the 8 yards I used the gift certificate to purchase some fabric to use in the pay it forward gifts I'm making.

Fortunately, by finishing Monica's Tea Roses quilt my numbers aren't as bad as they could have been!

Today I'm making pillowcases for the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge through American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine. Since each pillowcase uses 1-1.25 yards of fabric, I'm looking forward to a great report for next week.

Monica's Tea Roses

2010-01-08T17:57:00.004-05:00

This is a story about Monica and the significance of this quilt.

Monica and Momcat met when they were in the seventh grade. After graduating from high school, Monica went on to study art in college, get married, have two terrific sons, and be very active in her church and community.

Unfortunately, kidney disease runs in Monica's family. Her mother, Therese, is herself a kidney recipient. When Monica's kidneys began to fail she went on dialysis and the search for a donor began. Her mom was ruled out, for obvious reasons. The rest of her large family was tested, but none were a match. The call then went out to the general public.. Her husband, John, decided that he should be tested on the off-chance that he could be of help.

He was a match!! Monica received John's kidney 11 years ago. She's beautiful and her artwork is full of blessings. She's won several awards, and will be receiving another honor tomorrow. Her artwork was selected for the Loveland, Ohio Valentine Card and will be unveiled tomorrow.

You can visit Monica's website here: www.MonicaAchberger.com.

When I think of all that she has done for the world thanks to the tremendous gift of her husband I am in awe. God's ways are wondrous.

The Tea Roses quilt is an original pattern from Best Friends Quilt Shoppe, designed by Katy Doench. I created it to represent the love between Monica and John, and the eternal love of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I had Cheryl at our shop do the quilting. Here's a couple of close-ups of the terrific loopy hearts that Cheryl did. I can hardly wait to give this to Monica tomorrow. She's already told me that this is going to grace the foot of her and John's bed.

Sadly, kidney disease runs in Monica's family. Her sister Ursula is herself on dialysis and on the transplant list. None of the family is a match. The ideal situation is a live donor, although the odds of a match are tremendous. I'm starting the first steps to see if I am a suitable match (Momcat, not Piwacket!!) Please pray for Ursula and all those who are in the position of waiting for organ donors.

If you haven't already signed your driver's license to donate your organs, please do so now. The world is a better place because my friend Monica still lives in it.

Linda and Piwacket

Pay It Forward

2010-01-08T13:57:00.001-05:00

I was the very happy recipient of a Pay It Forward gift from Jennifer at Quilting Mom's Blog. Look at this cute Mary Englebreit bag she made!

Isn't it cheerful?! The lining is the same fabric as the handle. I love it.

Now it's my turn to Pay It Forward. Here's how it works:

The first three people to comment on this blog post will receive a handmade gift from me. Once you receive my gift, you'll need to do the same (post and make three for others). You need to have a blog or some other way to get gifts out to others to participate. Remember, you're committing to make three gifts.

Spread the love!

Piwacket

Stash Report - Week One

2010-01-05T06:52:00.000-05:00

I've finally jumped on Judy Laquidara's bandwagon and decided that this would be the year of the Stash Report. Bringing home unnecessary fabric is an occupational hazard since Momcat works at a quilt shop. Becoming accountable should help bust that stash and halt the purchases.

Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 0 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Net Used for 2010: -0 yards

Gee, that was pretty simple!

Are you ready to join us?

Scarfin' It Down

2010-01-05T06:31:00.000-05:00

I'm lovin' the fact that Momcat has taken to knitting in such a big way. We may have to change the name of the blog to The Crafty Cat soon!

Here are the scarves she completed since taking the beginners' knitting class a couple of months ago. The first one, with the most mistakes, belongs to Momcat. All the others are gifts and were made from the "Ribbed for Her Pleasure" pattern out of the Stitch 'n Bitch book. The first two pictures were posted on the blog before.

(Momcat's first ever knitting project.)

(Daughter-in-law Niki's scarf. She picked out the yarn herself. Strawberry Smoothie.)

(Basic heather gray scarf)

(Neck warmer made from Kaffe Fasset yarn.)

(Kim's scarf. She loves it with her black coat.)

Momcat has a little bit of arthritis in her right hand. I think it's from years of doing cross-stitch and needlepoint. Knitting for several hours a day really made it flare up. There are several varieties of therapeutic gloves on the market so that's a purchase that needs to be made. If any of you own a particular pair that you recommend I'd love to hear from you.

In the meantime, we'll head to the sewing machine for awhile to give that hand a rest.

Purrs,
Pi

Happy 2010!!

2010-01-04T17:26:00.000-05:00

I trust all of you had a full and blessed Christmas and New Year!!

Thank you for understanding the need for a blog hiatus. Now it's time to catch up not only on our doings; I need to visit your blogs again as well. It will be fun to become acquainted all over again!

In the next few days I'll post some pictures of projects, but first things first....

MY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Two UFOs must be completed before starting a new project.
At least one Christmas present will be completed monthly. It will be nice to know that when December comes, several gifts will be ready to go.
Except for backgrounds, fabric purchases must be for a specific project.
No new patterns or books.
Within three months of moving sign up for at least one class at the LQS.
Within six months of moving, join the local guild.
Hairballs will be barfed only on easy-to-clean surfaces. Momcat is never too happy about them being on the carpeting. And when they're on bedding she becomes quite unpleasant.
Give the other kitties a chance to cuddle on Momcat's lap.
Swat and hiss at Maggie only once per day, no matter how much she deserves more.
Give thanks daily for the blessed life we all live here together.

Have you been creating for 15 minutes a day in my absence? I supervised Momcat in the making of five scarves, 30 knitted dishcloths and one quilt. My siblings and I really like Momcat's knitting. Cuddling up next to her and watching her fingers loop the yarn is mesmerizing. I'm happy to report that we are each very polite about not grabbing at anything. The same cannot be said when she cross-stitches.

Looking forward to catching up with all of you soon!

Piwacket

Clarification

2009-11-19T12:06:00.000-05:00

Thank you to those of you who have commented and wished me luck.

The divorce is not yet final, and the house isn't up for sale just yet. The next few months are going to be about finishing up Christmas presents and preparing the house for sale. That means getting rid of things, repairs and painting.

The actual move requires:

A finalized divorce decree requiring the selling of the home OR
CatDaddy deciding he wants to live here and buying out Momcat's share
Basic repairs of things such a plumbing, torn carpet, missing fence posts, etc.
Painting and staging
Selling the house (average time on market here is four months)
Purchasing or renting a new house...which means traveling to North Carolina on a few occasions

It's going to be a long process. Thanks for understanding why we're taking some time off to deal with it, and it will be lovely to visit with all of you again in January.

Piwacket and Momcat

Going on Hiatus

2009-11-12T12:07:00.000-05:00

The Quilting Cat is going on hiatus until mid-January.

With holidays approaching and things that we're doing to prepare the house for moving, not much quilting is getting done around here.

I wish all of you a blessed Thanksgiving, a happy Christmas and a joyful New Year!

Even though Momcat may be scurrying around for awhile, the rest of us are settling in for our winter naps.

Purrs, licks and hugs from

Piwacket, Trouble, Logan, Butch, Sundance, Maggie and Momcat

Dirty Dishes Beware!

2009-11-06T17:09:00.000-05:00

I am loving our new knitted dishcloths!

I made sure that Momcat had to chase the ball of yarn a bit. What can I say?

Ball of yarn + Piwacket = havoc

Momcat hasn't blocked the dishcloths yet. After she does, they'll square up nicely.

Wanna make your own? This pattern couldn't be easier.

Use all cotton yarn (we used Sugar 'n Cream), don't worry about gauge, use size 7 or 8 needles.

Cast on 4 stitches.

Row 1: Knit 2, YO, knit the rest of the row.

Repeat Row 1 until you have 44 stitches on the needle.

Row 2: Now you'll start decreasing. Knit 1, K2Tog, YO, K2Tog, Knit to the end of the row.

Keep repeating row 2 until you have only 4 stitches left on the needle.

Bind off, weave in the ends and you're done!

Have fun creating for 15 minutes.

Purring in the recliner,
Piwacket

Momcat the Knitwit

2009-11-02T14:51:00.000-05:00

MOMCAT'S GONE WOOL CRAZY

Momcat is in a beginners' knitting class. Last night she finished the body of a scarf. I tried to help by making biscuits on the soft yarn, but she didn't seem to appreciate my efforts. And she had the nerve to shoo Sundance away when Sunny was trying help guide the knitting needle.

Despite this, I'm pleased with Momcat. Amid the occasional dropped stitch, accidental increase or decrease, and tension problem, I think the scarf has turned out very well, especially for a first effort. Next step is to weave in the ends and add corner tassels.

Maggie's Toys

Maggie has a very nice selection of toys. She really likes the soft ones with squeakers. Some of her favorites are at the toy hospital.

Maggie picked out the giraffe and monkey herself when Momcat took her on a field trip to PetSmart. That was when she was a little puppy. Maggie is now about 9 months old.

Cruelly, Momcat brought home the black cat a couple of weeks before Halloween. She found it funny that there was a squeaker in the cat's bottom. I was not amused.

You can see how forlorn Maggie is as she waits for her favorite toys. She's stuck chewing on a yukky rawhide bone that was found under the sofa covered in dust bunnies. Even I have to feel a little sorry for her.

Hopefully, Mr. Giraffe, MonkeyBones and Spooky will be discharged from the toy hospital soon.

Have you taken 15 minutes to create something today? Now's your chance!

Purrs,
Piwacket

Canton Village Quilt Works Giveaway

2009-10-30T15:42:00.002-04:00

Jackie at Canton Village Quilt Works is having a wonderful giveaway, with FIVE different prizes. The moda layer cake and jelly roll is especially to-die-for.

Good luck!

Be Afraid

2009-10-25T10:33:00.000-04:00

This is my friend Ginger, who was two-timed by Tuxedo. Go, Ginger, go!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih6W19KTlZo

BLUEBERRY BUCKLE GIVEAWAY

2009-10-24T15:11:00.000-04:00

Take a quick visit to Blueberry Buckle Quilt Studio. She's giving away a lovely Moda jelly roll. Time is running out since the contest closes tomorrow (Sunday). Good luck, fellow quilters and cats!

A Winner is Picked!

2009-10-23T15:21:00.001-04:00

I Had a Tough Time...

picking a winner for my final birthday giveaway. Being 7 is a lot of fun!

First, Butch started crowding me. Get outta here, Butch!!

Then I had to stick my nose way down in the bowl a bunch of times, circling around it each time I did so.

Momcat was getting a little fed up with me at this point. She's home sick (not with the flu, but some other yukky virus taking down the teachers and kids) and is cranky.

Finally, I flipped out a paper. Momcat opened it up, and the winner is.....

Jamie Mueller!

Congratulations, Jamie! Email your snail mail address to me and I'll see that your prize is sent. (I think poor Shellie is still waiting for her snowman applique'....it'll get there in time, Shellie!)

Knitting

Trouble and Maggie attacked the yarn. I attacked the needles. Momcat's struggling with trying to figure out how to keep the yarn tension just right. But I think her first couple of rows are pretty good. She has to knit a row and then purl a row. She says knitting is a lot easier than purling.

Here are the books she's using at home. Very nice diagrams in each of them.

Thank you!

Thank you to all of you who have either left a comment or sent an email giving me encouragement about the new direction life is taking us. You've all been so kind. I hope to get in touch with you individually, but this will have to suffice for now. Your support and taking the time to share your own stories has been a blessing.

When our house gets put on the market, or sometime before, there's a lot of things that we'll want to sell. There will be patterns, books, fabric, cross-stitch kits and household items. We'll have an online moving sale accessible through both blogs (this one and Mustard Seed Living). I promise some great deals.

Now back to bed to cuddle with Momcat some more.

Piwacket

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

2009-10-21T12:41:00.000-04:00

Thank you all for celebrating my wonderful birthday! Giveaway #7 is now closed. I'll need some time to get Momcat typing all the names into Excel, and then you'll get to see me draw out the lucky bean. Good luck to everyone and stay tuned!

We're Moving!

2009-10-21T12:39:00.001-04:00

Momcat says we're moving as soon as she and CatDaddy finalize their divorce. Apparently, that means bad things for us four-legged family members.

I'm hearing words such as:

Painting
Plumber
Carpet cleaning and repair
Lots of strange people
Cleaning each and every day
Decluttering
Landscaping

She says we're going somewhere called North Carolina. That sounds like a far, far away place to me.

Momcat met with a thing called a lawyer on Monday, came home very happy but kind of nervous, too. "I had no idea how much paperwork and planning was going to be involved in all of this," she said.

Even though she just had me start a Yahoo group, the truth is we won't have time to moderate it. If you had already joined The Crafty Angels, you've received an email from Momcat about it. Maybe down the road (literally) when we get settled into our new digs and new life, the group could be resurrected.

Piwacket: Is there catnip in North Carolina?

Momcat: Of course, sweetie. Catnip can be found everywhere.

Piwacket: Are Logan, Trouble, Butch and Sundance coming?

Momcat: I wouldn't leave any of you behind.

Piwacket: So Maggie is moving with us, too?

Momcat: Naturally.

Piwacket: Darn.

Momcat: We probably won't really move until the summer, or about then, anyway. We'll go from being buckeyes to tarheels.

Piwacket: I have no idea what you're talking about. You human beans sometimes say the dumbest things.

Momcat: You may be right, Pi. You just may be right.

Yarn and Needles, Oh Boy!

2009-10-20T16:32:00.000-04:00

This just in: Momcat is taking a beginning knitting class tomorrow night and you know what that means for me? I'll have balls of yarn to chase!! Logan and I have already been conspiring about how to find Momcat's yarn stash. Just wait until Butch and Sundance start watching her with the knitting needles clack-clack-clacking. And Trouble?? She'll be in the middle of everything, I'm sure.

Soon to be Quilting AND Knitting Cat??
Piwacket

New Giveaway at Pumpkin Patch Primitives

2009-10-20T13:57:00.002-04:00

There is a fantastic Halloween giveaway going on now at Pumpkin Patch Primitives. If you visit, please tell her I sent you.

I Won! I Won!

2009-10-20T13:23:00.000-04:00

First of all, I want to thank all of you for joining in my birthday celebration. Many of you have been faithful followers, and some of you have just joined the ride. I regret that I don't have time just yet to respond to each of you personally. Nevertheless, your visits and comments just make my day!

I can't believe I actually won somebody else's giveaway! I'm very excited. Niki from Pumpkin Country made this precious cross-stitched jack-o'lantern. I received it a couple of days ago and sent Momcat out last night to get a frame. Niki, thanks so much for giving us all the chance to win this. We'll enjoy getting it out every autumn!

Maggie, the other kitties and I are certainly hoping that Momcat takes the hint and fetches us some treats.

Did you set your timer to create for 15 minutes today?

Purrs,

Piwacket

Last Giveaway in Birthday Celebration!

2009-10-17T14:54:00.000-04:00

Giveaway #7

Thanks to everyone for helping me celebrate my birthday. Are you ready to participate in my final drawing? Remember, you're still eligible to enter the drawing even if you won one of the previous six prizes.

I think I saved the best for last. I'm giving away this jelly roll friendly quilt pattern, a Garden Inspirations jelly roll by Moda, and a packet of Christmas applique designs!

To be eligible for the drawing (which will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at noon EST):

Leave a comment on this post for 1 entry.
Be a follower for a second entry.
Post on your blog for a third entry.
Link back to me for a fourth entry.

I wish all of you good luck!

CONFETTI

Here's what we're working on.

This quilt is called Confetti and is from a terrific book called Four Patch Frolic. The quilt calls for 98 four-patch blocks. You can see all of them in strips here on the sewing table. The next step is to even up the strips, then put long sashing strips between the rows.

I'm trying to get Momcat over here to iron. I've found that the ironing board provides me an excellent strategic supervisory advantage. Plus, it keeps me away from you-know-who (picture below mine, also in the sewing room.)

Staying in Shape

I may have mentioned before that Maggie is half-boxer (her other half is black lab, which makes her a full mutt). We all know that boxers do all kinds of things to maintain their physique. Running (Maggie is great at that), jumping rope (she's an expert at jumping on people and her doghouse), and using the punching bag (named Philip). Here's how Maggie does her push-ups. She's developed her own clever way of getting that upper body strength just so.

(Note from Momcat: Piwacket is high on catnip again. This is just Maggie's funny way of getting off the couch. She drags her upper body down to the floor and looks almost boneless in the rear as her back legs follow her to the floor.)

Have you created for 15 minutes today? If not, get to it!

Hugs,
Piwacket and Linda

New Blog and New Yahoo Group

2009-10-14T19:57:00.000-04:00

Momcat has started a new blog. Bear with us as we figure out how to keep my profile information on this one, while allowing her to be herself on her new blog.

The new blog is Mustard Seed Living. Momcat is going to share her thoughts and actions as she goes forward into a new chapter in her life's journey. It's in its infancy, but then, this is just the beginning.

Also, a few bloggers have expressed interest in creating a Yahoo group for Christian crafters. Momcat/Linda volunteered. If you quilt, cross-stitch, knit, scrapbook, crochet, or do any other kind of craft...and if you believe that those talents come for God for His service, feel free to join us. Thank you especially to Linda of Linda's Lines and Loves for recommending the creation of the group.

We're The Crafty Angels. Crafty has a couple of fun meanings, not the least of which means creative. Angels are God's messengers. Through our crafts we can bring God's message of love, comfort and reassurance.

Right now the Yahoo group is open. We'll see how it goes and make adjustments along the way.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crafty_angels/

A Winner and A Sample

2009-10-14T12:39:00.002-04:00

#6 GIVEAWAY WINNER IS......

Shellie!!!! Email me your snail mail address, Shellie and I'll get your snowman applique envelope to you. Congratulations.

The 7th and Final Giveaway for my birthday celebration will be announced later this week. And it's going to be a big one, so stay tuned.

SHOP SAMPLES

Portugeese has flown away for awhile so that we can work on shop samples. Momcat volunteered for five (what was she thinking!) Actually, I know what she was thinking. Being paid to sew on very pretty fabric is a good deal.

Here's a list of what we're working on for the store:

Confetti (from the book Four Patch Frolic)
Crib quilt *
Crib organizer *
Large pillow *
Alhambra

* These are all from a new line called Sugar Biscuit by Wilmington Prints. We're using the manufacturer's patterns. Click here to see the whole precious line. KT from the shop is doing the set in blue and Momcat is doing the pink set.

ALHAMBRA II

Art Gallery Fabrics has released this new line and Momcat immediately fell in love with it. This is a sample that we're going to keep! Just take a look at these beautiful fabrics! Here's a link to the whole line. You can also download the free pattern. Art Gallery Fabrics - Alhambra II

FOOTBALL SEASON

We live in the land of the Bengals, which is generally something of which to be ashamed. If nothing else this season, however, Philip and other fans are seeing excitement as the minutes count down and then the team pulls out a last-second victory. Momcat and I hate football, so I sleep on Sundays (just like every other day) and Momcat works at the shop. Trouble cuddles up with Philip and keeps him company while the game is on. But she's about as interested in the game as I am.

Go forth and create!

Purrs,
Piwacket