COLLECTING JARS

I cut out a bunch of pieces to make these 'jars' from fabric I have had in a box for four years!  

They go together very quickly 

and it is fun to pick which fabric I want to do next!

 I have this many done already! 

 I've been going through the stash to find other things that you can collect in a jar--and even some that are unusual finds! 

 I did resist putting dogs or cats in the jar, though. 

 It just didn't sit right with me at that! lol  

Depending on how I put the blocks together, 

I will need 12 blocks at least.  

LINEN REVEAL!

Heirloom linens are treasured from generation to generation; 

 this one is brand new but could fit right in the family of antique!  

Instead of hand stitching the overlay down, I have used my sewing machine in a blanket stitch using a large needle to give a bit of a extra dimension to the stitching.

The results are subtle but elegant, I think you will agree!

This will be on the altar table in the front of the church. 

 22" x 72" of 100% bleached linen.

 And this is how it is stored when not in use--it stops the wrinkle lines from becoming a permanent character for the table runner.  I sure enjoyed making this;  it's been a long time since I have played with such an antique project!

Sock #1

The first sock is finished-it is knit in KnitPicks Vancouver Hawthorne Multi yarn on 2.5mm needles.  

Nyki was sleeping when I laid the sock down 

but I woke her up and since she hates having her pic taken....

I got the punk eye from her! lol

And look at this--see it down at the center?  My 'leaf' I brought from my Mom's African Violet 2 years ago is getting ready to produce her first blooming!!!  I'm so excited!

LINEN INTERRUPTED

I laid the two layers of linen wrong sides together with plenty of pins-all around the 16' perimeter!

Be sure and change your thread from the wash-a-way to regular sewing thread!

Once sewn, trim your corners and turn right side out.

Taking my time, pressing the edge...

and pinning the inner points as I work my way around the runner.

Here is how it looks right now.

I turned my attention to these two delightful grands!  Who were to enjoy some Hot Wheel moves in between thunder storms!

They sure caught on to the moves to turn 180* and keep on speeding away!  Impressive.

And once they are truly sweaty, we head to the pool to cool down!  What a wonderful visit thing it is to be a grandma!

 

LINEN TABLERUNNER

I decided to make a linen table runner for the altar at church using a method I did 20+ years ago!  I folded the length of the fabric in half and centered the depth of the scallops along the outside edges.

I used my scallops template and lined up a pleasing fit.

I traced the line using the Frixion pen 

so I could stitch along this line.

But here is the trick-you don't sew using regular thread!

You have to remember to use this thread in the bobbin and spool.

It's easy to stitch along this line.

And then you have to remember to trim away

 on the proper side of this seam!  

The center is what is removed!

Next, the seam allowance must be clipped 

so the seam allowance will lay flat.

Then the magic happens after you turn the piece inside out so it has the points turned nicely and everything lays flat and smooth for pressing.  I spritzed it with water 

and then gave it a hard press.

 And then the magic happens!  

Gently, you pull the stitching apart 

by pulling the two halves away from each other! 

 Another press to keep the seam allowance in place.  

Tomorrow, I will sew the next step

and finish the runner!

SHOPPED 'TIL I DROPPED!

I had a wonderful time on our shopping trip--we both bought all we needed to complete our quilts and a bit of extras , too!  

 

A DAY IN THE STUDIO!

I finished piecing the Coral Reef Quilt for my room--it is large (117" x 99") and just the right mix of corals!  Now, this is just the top layer and today I head to Daytona to buy the 3 B's I need to complete it (Backing, batting and binding! lol)  

I'm going with a friend; the one I've been teaching how to quilt 

and she has completed her top so she is in need of the 3 B's also; it will be a good time of shopping!

Since I was without a project for the design wall, I hunted through a pile and found these kid fabrics I had bought a few years ago so I could make a 'JAR' quilt.  I couldn't find the instructions, though.

So I began to dig through these two shelves 

and I really cleaned it out!  

And I found it!  

And then cut out the 'jar' fabric--enough to make two quilts!

I also found two charm packs--I haven't organized these but just stuck them on the design wall to see what I have.

This one is a tutti-frutti mix which I love! 

 I will have to buy border fabric for this one!  

What a burden! lol

 

WATERCOLOR, WOOD 'N WOOL

The latest watercolor is completed;  

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 

 Don't you want to open the gate 

and walk to the shade tree for a picnic? 

 I will wait for you there...

I am also at a waiting place with this Hickory bowl;  it has cracks,

and no matter how deep I go into the bowl,

 the crack still goes deeper yet.  

I wonder if I should still keep on no matter what or quit now. 

 I had to go out and look at it without a decision made all day.

I did finish the second Barbie dress--aren't they sweet?!  

I will be sending these out to my two grandnieces 

who have discovered the joys of Barbie dolls.

 

MENDING WORK

I did some alterations  to several dresses that needed a bit of tweaking!  Mainly hemlines but on this dress which used to be floor length, I shortened it to knee length and used some of the cut off fabric to make a belt and some loops.  The dress was just to plain and hung too straight and needed something to break up the look--this does it perfectly!

To aid me in making the belt, I used this tube turner that is one of those tools that when you need it, 

you are very glad you have it! 

  In seconds, the 2 1/2 yd belt was pulled through to the right side and then pressed to look just as it should!  

BLUE VAPOR

My view on most Sunday afternoons;  

a YouTube how-to video and knitting 

until I fall asleep for a little nap.  

The time of quiet rest is a way for me to recharge each week.

I did finish the second sock of the waffle-legged socks! 

 I used #2.5mm needles, HobbyLobby sock yarn in the colorway Blue Vapor.  I have enough yarn leftover 

so I can start the second Barbie doll dress

which I will send to my young grand-nieces soon enough!

 In the yarn bowl, you can see the skein

 I will soon begin to knit into another pair of socks!

The next pair of socks is always ready!

STAYING THE COURSE

I turned the bowl, polished the outside with wax and a buffing pad and then began the work on the inside.

I had to level the surface and then I began the job of hollowing--I requires a lot of sharpening;  did I mention that Hickory is very hard wood?! lol

When I couldn't bear the heat of the garage any more, I came in to do some more on my king-sized quilt when Lena decided to sit and take a bath....

When she finished, I began to do some sewing and added another row and began laying out the next.

 I did go ahead and cut out the rest of the blocks 

but I will piece them on Monday.  

I am looking forward to a long knit this afternoon!