The last of my

summer projects are ready for their close-ups!

This summer I set out to work on my collection of McKenna Ryan quilts.  They involve lots of applique pieces using fusible web.  The fussy detail of these pictures pays off in the end, but boy you need patience and a good pair of tiny scissors. These wall hangings are all part of Beach Walk.  I bought the first 2 as kits then pulled extra fabrics from those plus bought a little bit of yardage to make the 3rd...which I couldn't find as a kit.  

I found these shells in the bead section of Joann Fabrics.  They had little holes drilled in them so they could be strung on a necklace. 

I added a little free motion quilting and a scattering of shells. 

I thought this one was really plain so I added some flip flop buttons. 

I have 2 more McKenna Ryan kits but they're going back in the 'to-do' basket.  I've had my fill of this sort of project for a while.  I'm ready for some straight forward piecing. 

I can't believe it's almost October.  I'm going to look for some fall-theme projects. 

Libby

Newly framed

 

This first one is the Lizzie Kate piece I stitched at a retreat this past winter where Linda of Lizzie Kate was a featured designer.  The piece was exclusive to the retreat and I had Linda sign it.  I didn't notice until I brought it home that I totally forgot my own initials.  

 

 

 

This second one is 'Christmas Village' by  Prairie Schooler.  I loved working on this piece. Carol was generous enough to loan me the pattern....thank you, Carol. 

 

Seeing my pieces framed is such a thrill.  I know it can be an expensive finishing option but I try to keep it simple (translate...less expensive) by not getting a mat or glass.  I like a thin layer of batting behind the piece to add a little body and a frame that allows the stitching to stand out.  Often, people say they don't have a framer in their area.  There are frame shops everywhere.  I have used a variety of framers over the years and most know what they're doing.  I stay far away from 'big box' store framing departments.  I just don't get the same sense that they know how to handle needlework.  I'm sure they do great work when framing a piece of art work done on paper, but I'd prefer to have an experienced framer stretch my needlework.  I lost faith in a long time framer a few years ago so searched out a new shop.  I just walk in and ask if they have experience with needlework.  You can tell by their answer if they know what you mean.  I paid about $125 to have these both framed...which isn't bad considering they'll look great for years and years. 

Happy Stitching

L

Long time, no blog.

It happens to all of us.  Busy+busy=no stitching to show. 

I did finally finish this very cool wall hanging.

It's just one block out of McKenna Ryan's Storybook Farm quilt.  I love her quilts and keep wanting to make one block or another from each but they're so tedious.  I've actually done 4 this summer....this one plus 3 blocks from Beach Walk...which aren't quite finished. 

I'm trying to catch up my Block-of-the-month projects now that my life has settled down.  I'm hoping for continued calm so I can feel caught up soon.

Libby

What does one

write about when there is nothing to write about? 

My life is chaotic and full of things like this.....

 

We've returned the two college students to their respective schools....one 2 hours east, the other 2 hours west. 

 

It's time to fold up the kitchen table,

 reduce my grocery list from this.....

 to this. 

 

There is still one at home but she's very involved in school activities...both after school and in the evening.  I see her off in the morning, attend meets once a week, and make sure there is something to pack for lunch and supper. 

 

It takes a while to adjust but I'm ready for fall.  I barely sewed this summer given all the goings on but I'm hoping this fall allows me some quality time with needle and thread.  I see the light at the end of the tunnel for the enormous charity related project I took on last fall.  That should also free up my time around October.   

 

Fingers crossed I'll have something worth showing soon.  I have projects in various states of done-ness so there is hope.

 

L

 

 

 

A thing of beauty.....

Pretty?  I know...can't I take a better picture?  It's been moved to my sewing room where it awaits some serious play time. And trust me, nothing in that room is photo ready!  I'm currently using my back-up machine as my main machine is STILL at the repair shop getting a lobotomy.  Guess it takes a while to order a new main board from Germany.  While I'm very fond of my Pfaff machines, I've been craving a Bernina.  Now that my happiness quotient has declined regarding Pfaff, I shopped for and purchased this Bernina 350 Patchwork model.  I think the two of us will produce some lovely quilts over the coming years.


Libby

The Weird Summer

This summer is just plain weird so I'm calling it 'The Weird Summer'.  Makes me think of the book:  The Weird Sisters.  Did anyone read it?  I liked it.  The sisters were hardly weird.  I have sisters...I know about these things.

Anyhow, I have an empty nest this summer, I've traveled to exotic places, I've barely sewn, and I'm tired all the time instead of rested....like one should feel during summer break. 

On the upside, my husband and I are having a blast squeezing in all the things we can't do when kids are home.

The fun will end soon as the youngest will return home this weekend.  She'll be trailed by her varsity sport's schedule and, before I know it, I'll be right back in the fall school schedule.  I keep comforting myself with the thought that it's really the last summer I'll be obligated to drive someone to practice at the crack of dawn every morning.  I've learned that the junior year of high school is really the last year anyone needs Mom's Taxi.  By next summer she'll be driving herself and I'll be home praying the phone doesn't ring until she's safely back.  I've done it twice before...I can do it again, I keep telling myself.  This child comes with a whole different manual than the other two, though, so the learning goes on. 

Anyway, as promised and encouraged by readers, I have a picture of my finished Part 1 of the Lizzie Kate Halloween project.  No amount of loading and linking would make a hyperlink work.  I have no idea what that's all about so I'm posting it below....way below.  Only look if you want to see Part One of Lizzie Kate's 3 part Halloween mystery project.  In the mean time check out this.....it's the view outside my bedroom window the other morning.

It was even closer when I first caught sight of it.  There was a second one that moved out of range too quickly to get a picture of. 

Ahhh....summer.

Libby

Warning.....

Don't look if you don't want to spoil the surprise when you stitch your own Lizzie Kate.....

Does anyone else

LOVE this show as much as me? 

I discovered it on HGTV on a Saturday night when nobody was home.  I only get to watch this kind of 'chick' TV when I'm home alone.....

If you haven't seen it, look for it on Saturday evenings.  It is so much fun.  Makes me want to hit the antique stores and get creative.

I've been catching up with my block-of-the-month projects but I need to buy a new camera before I can show you.  Mine survived the rain forest but not the first day home.  It suffered a bizarre accident involving a bottle of sun screen.  You know, sun screen...the stuff we rub on our skin to protect it from the sun's evil rays?  Apparently it takes the finish right off the surface of cameras! (Not to mention how thoroughly it gums up every moving part.)  Who knew? 

Libby