What are you doing today, Calico Quilter?

Halloween fabric; 2012 season

Halloween blankies in the making

Following the picture of Halloween fabrics above, here's today's project.  I'm focusing on autumn crafty things that need doing.  That means putting aside a couple of other projects that are on my table, but only for now, to make Halloween quilts for the girlies.  I imagine my little girlies examining their finished fun-time quilts with curiosity.  The prints are so adorable, there's not much I have to do to make these quilts be special.  A little bit of work, work, work, but oh such fun to make!  It's a very quick project and these will be done in no time at all.  Then it'll be back to the 8-point scrappy star wall hanging (leafy appliques are almost all stitched down) and the quilt blocks (about 12 more blocks to make) for my Colores quilt top.



Queen of the Wind...

Zucchini Pickles Recipe

Here's the recipe for Cindy and others who may want to give it a try.  I took this recipe from a cookbook that I had passed along to my daughter-in-law.  All credit for this recipe goes to Zuni Cafe and that cookbook, which I can't remember the name of.  (Click on photos to enlarge.)

 

Putting up preserves...

Here's this year's batch of jams made by me own self.  There's Strawberry, Peach Jalapeno and Spicy Blueberry.  I thought putting the "spicy" in the blueberry preserves would be a nice touch, but Ray prefers it plain.  Next year I'll remember to keep it simple.  Making jams and jellies require a boatload of sugar, but I follow the recipe exactly, for fear of the jam not setting up. 

Grape harvest at the Casita...

Red Flame Grapes...this year's harvest

Red Flame Grapes...the plant

Temecula is known throughout Southern California for its wineries and has a Wine Country of its own; wine tasting, hot air balloons, award-winning wines; we've got 'em for sure.  Maybe this part of the country is meant for grape growing.  I brought home one bare root plant from Home Depot in early spring with great expectations, a Red Flame seedless variety; kept it potted, don't know why, instead of putting it into the ground; never did stake the plant, but should have.  The fruit of my efforts?  tah dah!!  See me own bunch of grapes?  The one tiny grape that I taste-tested is good, but size and quantity...not so much.  Side note:  The possum came after my strawberries, but not the grapes.  I wonder why not the grapes...  Maybe I'll try a couple more grape vines (this time in the ground) next planting season...Calico Quilter's teeny tiny vineyard; LOL!  Maybe the possum missed the grapes because they are so tiny? 

The possum missed the grapes, but Henry didn't miss the possum...run, run, run...bark, bark, bark...run, run, run...that's Henry language for "Go away you possum!"  Henry, the hunter!



Break from quilting...Zucchini Pickles!

Don't these look yummy?  Zuni Cafe Zucchini Pickles, one of the easiest pickles I have made.  After you've followed the recipe, simply put your jars in the refrigerator and they will last indefinitely; no water bath or pressure cooking necessary.  What I like best?  They are yummy and...it's a small recipe; makes two pints as you can see.  If you want the full recipe, just drop me a line.  I added a bit of whole mustard seed and celery seed, mainly because I had them on hand and they add to the pickle flavor.

Jelly Roll Quilt Tops!

"Jelly Roll Race" quilts...two of them!

In the meantime, in between working on my 8-point scrappy star wall hanging, I've been jumping from project to project just to keep momentum flowing.  For example, I just whipped out two, not one but two,  "Jelly Roll Race" quilts, using a couple of jelly rolls that I had purchased but had no idea what to do with...that is, until my penpal Deb directed my attention to a great You Tube video published by the Missouri Star Quilt Co. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bEJLnaZQOU).  This video kept me in stitches (LOL) and was instructive at the same time; its banner promises a quilt in less than an hour (mine took about 2 or 3 hrs); my little machine was buzzing!  My penpal and I have just gotten started corresponding, but I can tell she's got a great sense of humor and she's practical, too.  I am just a little bit crazy when it comes to keeping my crafting priorities straight, but I live happily with what I do...keeps life interesting.  Creative chaos and all that, you know!

Edyta Sitar; wall-hanging progress

First corner completed

2nd corner in progress

Each of the four corners of this wall hanging are to be appliqued with this leafy design.  I have completed the first corner.  Each of the pieces has been edge-stitched in place.  This was not so hard to do once I found the right stitch size and, of course, fusible web makes it all possible.  I am now working on the second corner and I expect to have all four corners done pretty quickly.  Then I will move on to preparing the finished piece for quilting. 



Underground Railroad Sampler



I posted this miniature quilt quite a while back, but I like to bring it forward again, from time to time.  These are 6" blocks; the design is from "Underground Railroad Sampler," a Quilt-in-a-Day book by Eleanor Burns and Sue Bouchard.  I enjoyed piecing this quilt top and learned that I like to work on miniature quilts; the piecing is tedious but the overall size is so much more manageable.  Since I have a difficult time with machine quilting, I sent it out to a local quilt shop to be quilted.  This is a wall hanging that I made for my husband to hang in his office.  I generally prefer to do hand quilting, but my goal is to one day be able to master machine quilting.

Edyta Sitar; wall-hanging applique in progress

I am working on applying the applique pieces to my 8-point scrappy star wall hanging (design by Edyta Sitar, from her book Scrappy Fireworks Quilts).  I have traced each piece of the applique design onto sheets of double-sided fusible web.  Because there are so many duplicate pieces, I marked each one (for example "D-1 of 4, D-2 of 4, etc.) as I trace, to avoid getting confused.  The picture above shows pieces I have traced and cut out, and ones that have been fused to different fabrics and are ready to press into place.  Once I have arranged the pieces and pressed them into place, I will edge-stitch each piece.  The most time-consuming part of this project will be to edge-stitch each piece.  This is my progress, so far.

Applique stitch

How I keep track (Bernina 830E)

Applique edge stitch, up close

Still working on my scrappy 8-point star, mini wall hanging.  Edita's design features a beautiful scrappy star as its center, surrounded by appliqued vines and leaves...very pretty.  My star block and the surrounding borders are completed, and now it's time to apply the applique.  Edita's suggested method is to apply the applique pieces with fusible web; I am using Lite Steam-A-Seam 2, and then to finish the raw edges with an edge stitch.  The process is surprisingly not as tedious as you might think; just need to use care and not rush the process.  I am learning to relax my body and let the machine do the stitching (I'm just the guide); otherwise, it can be a really tense workout.

Edyta Sitar; my first 8-point star

My latest favorite quilt designer, Edyta Sitar.  I purchased two of her books, Scrappy Firework Quilts and Friendship Strips and Scraps.  Here's my first 8-point star in the making, from a pattern in Edyta's Scrappy Firework Quilts book.  The scrappy diamond pattern looks intricate but the technique is easy enough, provided you measure and cut carefully.  This is a little ambitious for my first-time, 8-point star, but I wanted a more challenging project, and I wanted to make something I really love.  My greatest challenge has been to distribute colors and prints evenly throughout the star.  Matching each point of every little diamond went quickly once I mastered the technique...again, a little care ended with good results.  Now it's time to piece the star together.  This will be a wall hanging when it's completed.

When I'm quilting, sometimes I forget to do simple things...like cook and clean, go to the market,  or get a haircut even! 

Chatelaine all done!

Here's my finished chatelaine.  Two flat pockets and two pouches make this a handy quilter's tool belt.  I use mine to keep my thimble, needle, thread, tiny scissors and other ditties close at hand while I'm quilting; very convenient. 

Chatelaine in progress...

My chatelaine in the making

The quilt block in the photo measures only 3 inches; it will become a pocket, and  I will make another one for the opposite side.  Those gathered pouch pockets are nice, too.  This is a fun project; small-scale elements provide a challenge, but are easy enough to do.  The best part is that I'll have a handy chatelaine to keep my quilting tools close at hand; e.g., thimble, tiny scissors, thread, even my glasses.

Chatelaine Pattern

Chatelaine is defined on Wikipedia as "a decorative belt hook or clasp worn at the waist with a series of chains suspended from it. Each chain is mounted with a useful household appendage such as scissors, thimble, watch, key, vinaigrette, household seal, etc."

Along that line, I am making a chatelaine for when I am quilting or doing needlework.  The one I am making hangs comfortably around the neck and has pockets to hold thimbles, tiny scissors, thread and other odds and ends.  The widest part of the sash is 3" across and 1-1/2" wide at the neck.  You can adjust the length to suit yourself.  This pattern is from Patterns by Annie, www.byannie.com.  Mine is almost done.  I'll be making one for my friend, Kathy who also does crafty things like me, and I know she'll love it as much as I do.  I'll be posting a picture once mine is completed.  I'm planning to make the scrap bag included with this pattern, for catching snips and loose threads.

L'il Sunbonnet Boy; better known as Overall Sam (or Bill)

Here's a simple quilt which I recently pieced together.  I appliqued a little Sunbonnet Boy in his overalls with a polka dot heart patch on his knee, onto the quilt to give it a little bit of extra love.  I did try to use what fabric I had on hand but ended up back at Joann's fabric store anyway.  Coupons come in handy for times like this to keep material cost minimal.

Idea File



Cherry Cobbler

Lemon Twist

I'm always on the lookout for quilt patterns that I'd like to make or add to my idea file.  Here are two quilt top patterns that are sweet.  I found these listed at www.shopmartingale.com under Quilting ePatterns, $4.99 per pattern.

Photo issues...

Recently my posted pictures have a dusty look.  It's the lighting, you see.  I need to find a good spot to take my snapshots.  : (  Where oh where? 

Colores quilt progress...

Colores quilt blocks in progress.  These are 14" squares once pieced, including 1/4" seam allowance.  I will make 20 blocks for lap quilt, two done, eighteen to go; approximately 54" x 67-1/2" when finished.

Colores

Cutting 2" strips for this Colores quilt pattern

Sampling of the fabric palette for Colores

Summer 2012; it's is my goal to complete several quilt tops this summer and then to quilt them by either hand or machine quilting for gift-giving at Christmas.  Today I started cutting two-inch strips for this Southwestern-style quilt top.  These blocks will be easy to piece together.  I have chosen a color palette which is uniquely Southwestern.  Choosing the right colors can be a task; however, it's a creative process that I enjoy.

Sunbonnet Sue

Part of my first and favorite quilt, finally completed after all these years.  Sunbonnet Sue and her friend Sam are warm and cozy additions to a variety of quilt block samples.  These are 12" blocks; all the quilting was done by hand.  I love to work on sampler quilts.

New quilt top...shades of yellow and green

Sampler quilt top in the making; shades of lemon yellow and dusty lime green.

This sampler quilt top is nearly done and ready for quilting.  I took most of this fabric from material in my cupboard.  I've read many blogs and clips from other quilters and we all seem to have a common thread that binds.  Ah, the old fabric stash thing.  It's in my mind to sort mine out; use what I have or let it go.  This quilt reminds me of a delicious, fluffy Lemon Meringue Pie.  One mitered corner left to go and then it's ready to be quilted.  I'm debating; should I hand-quilt, try machine quilting, or send it out to be quilted?  Sending it out is not an option.  I dread machine quilting, but maybe it's time to give that a try in the interest of getting it done more quickly.  We'll see.

Dresden Plate

New Look #6574; fabric from my stash includes natural tan linen, rusty orange cotton and black and white checked bias tape.



Created this Dresden Plate applique using the EZ Dresden acrylic tool, with bits and pieces of leftover fabric from other projects.

Here's a look, inside out.  I added pockets which are not part of the pattern.  I also quilted the bottom piece.

I am determined to use fabric from my stash and to try out some of the many patterns I have collected along the way.  June, is it?  Not to early to start sewing gifts for Christmas giving.  I selected a bag pattern, something I've wanted to try.  This is a simple  project which moved along quickly to completion.  The pattern called for interfacing to be applied to both fabric and lining for body.  Instead, I used an iron-on Pellon fusible fleece which I applied to the wrong side of the fabric pieces; I did not interface the lining pieces, to avoid bulkiness.  See the Dresden Plate applique which I created using the EZ Dresden acrylic tool?  Fun and easy to make.  I applied the applique using machine stitching.  I decided to quilt the bottom of the bag to create a firm fabric base that was not sloppy.  The black and white checked bias tape turned out to be a nice contrast and was not difficult to apply.  It covers up and finishes the raw seams around the bottom of the bag.  All in all, this took me two days to complete, working on it off and on throughout the day and night.

Her First Quilt...finished at last!

It's May, almost June 2012.  Earlier this year, I had been busy in the garden with my herbs and flowers, but now I have drifted into a pre-summertime slide and won't give full attention back to the garden until fall.  I'm quilting again.  In the back of my mind, I keep thinking of aprons and summer dresses that I'd like to sew this season, so that will be coming up as well.  Here's my most recent accomplishment, a sweet Sunbonnet Sue sampler quilt which has taken me over 25 years to finally complete, mainly because it kept getting set aside for other projects, other quilts, unexpected interruptions and those kinds of things.  Each block is 12" square.  The quilt should have another column of blocks for better balance, but I'm pleased that it is done at last.  The quilting part I did by hand and I discovered how much more I enjoy hand quilting over machine quilting.  This was my very first quilt project, the one I learned how to quilt on, how to make pieced blocks, how to applique, how to lay out a quilt top to prepare for quilting, and finally how to apply a binding.  Tah dah! 

Happy Birthday, Happy Spring...

See that chocolate cupcake in the picture above?  60 is supposed to be a BIG birthday year for the women in my family.  I spent the day quietly with Ray.  We visited Madd Potters (Emerald Growers) in Fallbrook, where I bought clay pots for my herb garden.  I made my favorite chocolate cupcakes, a batch of 12; not too many, but just enough.  A birthday treat; happy birthday to me!  I ate the very last one for breakfast today, with a cup of coffee.  Here's the recipe:

SIMPLE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup cocoa
2 tsp. vinegar
1 cup salad oil
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups cold water

Preheat ove to 350 F.  Notice there are no eggs in this recipe?  Put all ingredients in one bowl; mix together to make a smooth batter.  Spoon batter into cupcake tins lined with paper liners.  Fill tins slightly less than 1/2 full (otherwise cupcakes may rise and spill over while baking).  Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until done.  Allow cupcakes to cool and then frost with your favorite frosting.   This is not a very sweet chocolate cake recipe.  The sweetness of the frosting makes these cupcakes just right; chocolate fudge or vanilla frosting are my favorites.  Makes 24 cupcakes.  (Easy to cut this recipe in half, with the same good results).

Tilling the soil...

I am one of those..."She who loves a garden."

There are gnomes in my garden, that's for sure.

Today I gave purposeful thought to gratitude.

I am ever so thankful!

I love to read...

I collect books on gardening, herb lore and other things. 

 Wonderful words and useful information.

Isn't knowledge devine?

 

Aunty's duck...

Here's Henry on Christmas Day; photo taken with new camera which was Christine's (me) Christmas gift from Ray (he's always updating me, you know).  This was Hen's absolute favorite present, from Aunty Donna, of course.

Question of the day...

Socks for Janet, Kiana and Kristen, in that order.

Christine, when will you be posting new sewing projects?  I hope to switch back to sewing very soon, especially since I finally just finished knitting these three pairs of socks; a promise long overdue.  Knitting these was on and off, and then on again; I missed the Christmas deadline.  They will go into the mail to New Mexico this weekend; it's still winter and the weather is cold enough for socks to still be useful.  The joyful part is completion;  completing projects provides a great feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Wishful fashionista...

Pictures I placed into Christine's style file...for fun; for inspiration.  So me thinks we can adapt and tweak these looks a bit to suit Chris better; because she's 60, because she's 5' 2-1/2" (note the extra 1/2"...every inch counts, you know).  In the the picture on the left, change the skirt to a pair of trousers or jeans, and the shoe to loafers, always with comfort in mind.  On the right, scale down this fabulous artsy jacket just a bit, in length and volume, to better fit her petite frame; we can sew this jacket easily, I think.  The styling is devine.  On referring to Christine as petite, this requires certain clarification; she is short but not slender (not anymore anyhows); she is sturdy but, nevertheless, petite...just for the record.

Today's reflection...

I took a class at Herd's Nursery and made this miniature fairy garden

There's me 'n Ray and, of course, then there's Henry; we reside together in peace and we are happy.  I cook and bake and sew and knit and do little artsy stuff from time to time; that's what I do, what I have always ever done, from the time I have kept a home of my own; sometimes in balance, sometimes in chaos, my core strength remains intact.  Ray goes to work and comes home and then goes to work again, but soon he'll retire.  I have two sons but they have gone away from us; grownup men now with lives of their own.  I am a better person than I once was.  Can't change the past, you know; learn to forgive yourself as well as others, and then move forward.  With that, growth happens, or at least I hope so.  I'm all for growth.

Oh Henry!!

See me hiding in the bushes up at Weinie Dog Hill? There's two of them, Sophie and Ruby, on the other side of that fence; weinie dogs, that is. I peek through the chicken wire to see if they are there. Sometimes they peek back and we all go crazy! "Henry, stop it! Come inside!"

2012 begins here...

A quiet New Year at the casita; appropriate time for reflection and contemplation. 

Goodbye 2011...

I enjoy whimsical things and simple living.  Did you know that?  I also love to sip on a cup 'o tea, brewed by me own self.  In 2012, I will grow a potager, a simple herb garden, maybe an apple tree.  Today, on the last day of 2011, I have socks on the knitting needles and a pair of pants cut out and ready to sew for my sis.  All in all, I'm in good shape, come what may.

Merry Christmas!

Can you believe it?  Christmas is here and 2011 is coming to a close.  As I get older, it becomes harder to let go; however, I'm a firm believer in turning pages and new beginnings.  That's what I love about each New Year...a fresh start, a clean slate; life is a series of possibilities.

Still sewing...

Well folks, sewing is still at the forefront of what I'm up to.  I just completed a shirt, the Plain and Simple Superfantastic Shirt by Hot Patterns, which I'll be posting soon.  That makes two tops in shades of lavendar blue that I've finished.  Now it's time to set sewing aside for a few days so that I can tidy up the Casita before Thanksgiving.  Visit www.mysewingbasket.blogspot.com to see Christine's most recent projects.