Four More Blooms and Other Things I've Made:)

This week I finished these four flowers for One Flower Wednesday.  This is where my inexperience shows - my hexis are 1 3/4" and the flowers measure 5 1/2" across. If I make a double bed sized quilt how many would I need? I am trying to make half of the flowers different fabrics-- so if I make 100 flowers 50 would be various colors, only using the fabric again for the center of another flower. 50 will be some shade of off-white or beige and the centers will be the colored fabric from the first 50 flowers.(Does that make sense?) Ok for the Big Question. Is there a place I can go that explains how to figure out what I need?  What I figured so far is that a double bed is about 54x75.  If my hexis are 51/2" then I should need 10 across and 14 down-- or 140 in all.  Is that right??????? 


I've also been busy with other projects:  first I made this teacup pin cushion with a yo-yo on top.

I also have been painting a few things:

This vintage tube pan:

 These vintage milk cans:

I crochet a few candle mats from fabric that was my Grandmothers:  The ends need to be worked in.

And last but not least a combined effort:

This cross-stitched project to display vintage buttons.

A family friend cross-stitched the wreath. (Sister Charlotte Sauers)   I added the center grid.  My mother-in-law and I spent literally days going through buttons to get just the right ones.  I sewed some -- she sewed more!! And then we framed it. The frame was a Christmas present from my mother-in-law. She is a true whiz when it comes to framing!!

So in conclusion--I've been busy!!

Soscrappy Rainbow Scrap Challenge

While the rest of you have completed whole quilts, beautiful runners and mug rugs, and multiple gorgeous and intricate blocks --I finished my hotpad.  But isn't it beautiful?????? 

 I also completed a Log Cabin block and I am still working on my runner.  Hand quilting is a slow process -- in all honesty I don't have as much time to work on it.

So there you have it -- make sure to check out my BOM church.  Keeping in mind I am just learning --please comment. 

My First BOM for Quilting Board

This is my first attempt at paper piecing -- actually it's my first block period. When it was finished I really didn't like my fabric choices and the pattern wasn't right. (One window is bigger.)

This is my second attempt. Pattern tweeked and I sure like these fabric choices better. I did add window sills and a window in the steeple.  I didn't notice the roof doesn't line up right until I posted it.  Maybe  I'll try again.  Cross your fingers.

Keeping Our Ears Warm

The boys got new winter coats and that means they needed new hats .  I usually crochet a cute pattern, but this year I decided to turn to (what else) wool felt.  I found instructions for adorable fleece Lumber Jack at Dealia’s Creates:   http://deliacreates.blogspot.com/2010/10/lumber-jack-hat.html   I made mine from wool and did a bit more top stitching, but aren’t they cute?  They are almost as cute as the models. 

 Drew wasn't very cooperative as you can see!!

George is a big ham!!

Then Little Miss needed a hat. I found a very cute pattern here - http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/BabyChild/SB158-001%20Crochet%20Baby%20Cap.htm As you can see I added two pom-poms on top.  Is she adorable or what? 

Blog/Craft Goals for 2011

1. Learn to Quilt – I just mean the basics. I don’t expect to churn out 25 quilts or even two I would like to complete one quilt from piecing to binding by next January – is that too lofty a goal?

To help meet this goal I joined So Scrappy’s Rainbow Scrap Challenge (See button on side bar.) I plan to post something each Scrappy Saturday – even if it is just to say –not much progress this week.

I also joined the Quilting Board and will participate in the BOM that Sulabug is moderating. The first block is a paper pieced church. Each block is a house of some sort. I’ll post pictures of my blocks monthly and may need suggestions to help with problems.

2. Make something hand-made for everyone on my Christmas list.

3. Submit at least two projects for publication in a magazine –Create and Decorate, perhaps.

4. Write a new post weekly about crafting that week – this may be just the perils of a hopeful quilting newbie or it could be about other creations I’m working on.

5. Also –write once a week on a non-craft related topic. This may include: my yard, projects at my house, thrifting, a new favorite blog –or anything that suits my fancy at the moment

6. Write at least one or two tutorials for my blog – nothing too detailed.  Start small.

7. Leave more comments.  Everyone loves comments!!

That’s it. Wish me luck!

The Big Bowen Christmas Party:)

Tonight we went to our annual Bowen get together at my sister-in law Cher and her husband Harry’s home.  Cher always has their home decorated beautifully.  She has a that special touch.  The Bowen family is ever growing with new babies and marriages.  This year there were 43people.  The food was great and a good time was had by all.  We celebrated my father-in-laws birthday. 

We exchanged Christmas gifts and some of them were handmade.

Cher knitted us all this adorable Snowman Ornaments --THAT IS A LOT OF KNITTING --when you are making so many.

My mother-in-law, Pat, cross-stitched some Kate Greenway patterns for Emily and Ali, two of her seven great-grandchildren.

And............... I made this Crewel picture for Cher who just adores pansies and chickadees!!

And this has nothing to do with the Christmas get together........

Cher made this absolutely gorgeous quilted wall hanging for ...... her bathroom!!  She is such a talented quilter.  On a later blog post I'll show you the quilt she made for me. (It will make you all jealous.)

And I have to show a few pictures of the kiddos...

Grace with her Mommy and Nanny.  Grace's sisters were Em and Ali in the cross-stitch pictures.

Drew, Georgie and Lexi -- our adorable grandchildren.

Jack

You have to admit Bowen Babies are Pretty Babies!!

And Just One More Thing .....................

This is my niece Kassy with Lexi.  She has been our best and most consistent helper since George's diagnosis.  The kids adore her and so do I.  Thanks Kassy.