Messy, disorganized, UFOs -- Oh My!

Well, I got through the Christmas holiday -- barely.  Tough one for me this year.  I'm looking forward now and we have a new year coming in just a few days.  I was in my sewing room this morning and it's in a bit of a mess.  I did some straightening and organizing which led me to my stack of UFOs.  Wow -- do I have UFOs!!!  I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions but I'm going to make one this year.  I am going to finish all of my UFOs.  I haven't counted yet but I think this is going to mean completing at least 2 each month. 

Snaz up your borders...

I am putting a border on a quilt and as I was getting ready to sew it on, I decided it was going to be a really boring addition.  I needed the border to make the quilt the right size for the bed though so I went in search of a solution.  I wanted something to snaz it up without creating a lot of work.  Of course, where does one go when in search of a solution and some inspiration?  You got it... the internet.  I found a really good video tutorial on adding a fabric flange.  This was just what my quilt needed.  Check it out... there are lots of other good video tutorials here as well.
http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-add-flange-accent-your-quilt-232936/

Birthdays and Holidays...

It's been a long week and it's only Tuesday!  I celebrated my 55th birthday last week and I've been trying to keep my old bones going while also trying to catch the Christmas spirit. 

I have finished all of the shopping I plan to do.  Most of my Christmas giving are handmade gifts so now I'm working on the wrapping part of the gifting process.  I went shopping with my daughter and son-in-law today, just for the fun of it.  It was fun to watch them finish their last bit of Christmas shopping and we had a really good burger for lunch. 

So -- here I sit once again, watching my Christmas tree and hoping the holidays get merrier...

Sha-Zam!!! The Pillow Sham!

The Create-a-Bed by Christmas is progressing well despite an awful round of flu and an unexpected but delightful weekend trip with some of my grandchildren.  I'm making two of these and I have one quilt completed -- well, I'm sewing on the binding... the second is ready for quilting.  Since I'm quilting using a simple allover design, that takes almost no time. 

I decided to take a binding break today and get ready to make the pillow shams.  As I wrote the pattern, I decided that these are gonna be "easier-than-pillowcase" shams.  There's really nothing to it!  Check it out at http://www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/createabed/

Can't wait to post pictures of these quilts on my beautiful granddaughters beds!

Create-a-Bed SewAlong moving right along!

Bed Skirts are on their way.  Gotta love Amazon.com.  I have moments though when I think I really should make them even though the cost to make them will be about triple (or more) than to make them.  It must be something about actually writing a pattern and then not getting to use it.  Oh well -- no time for regrets now.  I have quilts to get mede!

I have finished the pattern for my Twin Size Fat Quarter Quick Quilt.  It is made with 30 very simple blocks.  You will get two blocks from each fat quarter so gather 15 quarters and a little yardage for your borders and let's get started.  Here is the link to get to the pattern -- http://www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/createabed/
I think I can get the center of one quilt finished this afternoon.  Since I am making two, I plan to do all of my cutting at the same time so the second quilt will be a breeze.

The cutting and sewing are fast and simple.  The totally random placement of fabrics and blocks makes this a quilt top a no-brainer.

Join me and SewAlong!

Bed Skirts Comin' Up in the Create-a-Bed Sew Along

December 3rd and I have the pattern all worked out for the Bed Skirt. I called my daughter to see if she wanted them to be pink or white and she tells me that she really thinks I should save some money and buy them. You can buy a twin size bed skirt for about $13 at Amazon. Well -- I can't justify spending the money on fabric when the finished product is so reasonably priced! So, I ordered the bed skirts and I'm getting ready to move on to the quilts. Don't panic though... I'm still including the Bed Skirt pattern for those of you who want to make one.  Go to http://www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/createabed/ to find it.

I've chosen the fabrics for the quilts and shams.  I have a good supply of Beach House by Robyn Pandolph in my stash.  This is a soft, feminine fabric line without going completely pastel.  I think the quilts can be used for years and years with this fabric because it's not juvenile.  Now -- to decide on a quick, easy pattern that will let me get these quilts done in flash!

Let It Snow-Man! Finishing Instructions posted!

I have corrected the problem with the link to the Finishing Instructions for the Let It Snow-Man! quilt.  You can find them here... http://www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/boms/snowman/

Let It Snow-Man finishing instructions...

I received an email from one of my followers today telling me that she can't find the finishing instructions for the Let It Snow-Man! applique quilt.  Sure enough... they are nowhere to be found on my website.  I'm not sure what happened here... I'm sure it was my mistake, but I will get on this right away.  I'll post here when I get the problem corrected.  I apologize for the inconvenience.

Create-a-Bed Commences!

The instructions for the Bed Skirt will be posted soon.  I have already shared a tutorial for French Seams which I will be using on my bed skirt just to give it that professional polish.  As I am working through the pattern though, I have encountered another technique that we, as quilters, do not use very often -- gathering.

This is a technique that is used often in garment sewing and I remember the headaches that I used to encounter.  The traditional method of gathering involved two stitched lines of basting that were pulled to gather fabric along the seams.  I can't tell you how many times I had those flimsy basting seams break on me and I had to start all over with the gathering. 

I now use a technique that is easier and much less frustrating.  It involves crochet thread but you can use just about any cording or string.  Here is a super tutorial that illustrates this technique -- www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/createabed/valuableinfo/

You can use your favorite gathering technique when gathering your bed skirt, but this cord method is what I will be using!

Preparing for the Create-a-Bed Sew Along!

As I prepare for the Create-a-Bed Sew Along, I have decided that I want to use French Seams to enclose all of the seams on the Bed Skirts.  My experience with French Seams dates back to my garment sewing days and I know that it is not necessarily a technique that is often used in the quilting world.  I decided to see what kind of information is out there on this particular technique.  I found a wonderful tutorial at the Sew Neau website.  Check it out here -- http://www.sewneau.com/how.to/french.seam.html  -- Thanks Sew Neau for a fantastic resource!

French seams are a fantastic way to put a clean finish on seams and I think it puts a professional touch on a project.  You decide if you want to use it or not...

Don't forget to check in often... Sew Along and Create-a-Bed by Christmas!

www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com

Create-a-Bed Sew Along...

Since I've been on sewing room hiatus due to busy schedule sydrome, I haven't felt much sense of accomplishment lately.  So I've decided to get motivated.  As I've mentioned previously, my youngest daughter has recently moved into a new home.  Her "baby" is now ready to move into her big-girl bed as well, so her two girls will be sharing a room.  To help get the room all prettied up, I've decided to start a Create-a-Bed project that will end up with twin-size matching beds for my granddaughters.  I'd like to invite you along for the ride.   The first steps of the Sew Along will be posted tomorrow at www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com. I'm going to create from the ground up so I'm going to start with a bed skirt, then a quick quilt and also shams. 

Where Does The Time Go?

Things have been so busy!!!  I spent some time with my daughter's family as they moved from town into the country -- the fulfillment of a major dream for both her and her hubby.  The four children are loving it too, of course.  They actually did all the work, I just played with the kids while they worked.  Then I came home and it was time for those pesky 50+ physicals for both me and my husband.  I think we spent two weeks going to and from the doctor and getting all those screenings taken care of.  We both have a clean bill of health though.  Don't have to go through that for another 5 years!  Spent some quality time with my mom. She retired last May and we have gotten to spend so much fun time together since then.  And suddenly the holidays are upon us!  I spent Thanksgiving with one of my other daughters and we stayed over so she and her husband could do the Black Friday thing.  Better them than me!  They came home tired and full of fun stories about their shopping foray.  My evening quilt guild had their Christmas party last night.  We all met at a local restaurant and did a gift exchange.  It was a great time.  My daytime quilt guild -- yes, I go to two meetings a month with two different groups of women -- are having their Christmas party next week so I'm looking forward to that.\

With all of this activity, my poor sewing machine has not been getting much of a workout.  I manage to spend some time in my studio everyday, but not enough to really accomplish much. So -- on to some serious sewing this week!  I'll keep you posted now that I'm getting back into the old sewing chair.

I have a great idea for a Christmas project and I'm working up the patterns today.  I'll share them as soon as I get them tweaked!

Baby It's Cold Outside...

This song was actually playing on my radio when I woke up this morning... and guess what?  Baby, it's cold outside!!!  We're supposed to get our first snow sometime in the next 24 hours.  I'm not complaining.  We usually have complete ground coverage by now so I've enjoyed the longer autumn that mother nature has given us, but we must get ready for reality up here in the great white north of northwestern Minnesota.  So -- to celebrate the coming of winter, I've posted the remaining blocks of my Let It Snow-Man! quilt.  Yep -- you read it right!  I've posted all of the blocks and even included a Bonus Block! Go to www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com to download the patterns.  Here are pictures of the remaining blocks.  I will be posting the finishing instructions for the quilt soon!

Giggling Snowman

Mardi Gras Snowman

Round Hat Snowman

Sheriff Snowman

Snoozing Snowman

 And here is the Bonus Block --

Earmuff Snowman

Again -- go to www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com to get all of the blocks.  I will be posting finishing instructions for the the snowball sashing soon!

Longarm Information

Longarm University®  www.longarmuniversity.com


I've been working on improving my longarm skills and I found this fabulous website with LOADS of fantastic information.  Some have a reasonable price attached to them but some of them are FREE!  Free is always good.  I just registered for one of the FREE online video courses and I have already learned so much!  And I've only watched the first segment!  I'm currently taking the class entitled 

Stitching a Quilt Top with Minimal Starts and Stops.  Check it out!

Week 5 Tassel Hat Snowman Block has arrived early!

Well, I've had a busy day.  Spent the day at work... yay!... at the quilt shop and had a wonderful day.  This Is Sew Broadway in Crookston is having their holiday open house this weekend.  Business was steady and even busy at times today which is always a good thing. 

It's going to be a busy weekend.  I don't have to work tomorrow but I'm going to the third session of my Bali Wedding Star class.  My homework is done and I'm excited to make more progress on this particular quilt.  This is the first quilt I've ever made from the very beginning to be MY quilt. 

Then I do work again on Sunday.  Hopefully it will be another busy day.  Since I'm going to be so busy this weekend, I decided to post the next snowman  block today.  Go to www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com and download this cute little guy.

Been out of touch!

Well, my computer got sick and I had to take it to my local computer wizard for healing.  I've been offline for 4 days!  I remember the day my husband carried his first computer into our home.  I gave him such a hard time... who needs something like that... what a waste of money... you'll never really use it...  Boy -- did I give him a rough time.  Little did I know just how much I would come to depend on a computer!  I'll have to apologize to him.  Anyway -- I'm back.  I'll have to get into my EQ7 and design something new.  I'll be posting it soon!

Best Little Book in my library...

I did a little sewing today.  I did a little organizing and then I moved on to some planning and quilt designing.  Several timese during my sewing and designing stage, I reached for a little blue book that has been part of my library for about 15 years.  It was the best $8 I ever spent.  This book contains so many useful bits of information that every quilter should have one at her fingertips.  Here is what it looks like --

I purchased mine at a quilt shop, but I have seen them at Joann's, online, at amazon.com, several places.  If you find yourself trying to remember what size a twin quilt should be... if you need help making continuous binding... if you need to know how many inches of binding you need for a particular size quilt... the information in the pages of this little book seems almost endless. 

Check it out!

Bundled Up Snowman... Week 4 of Free Block of the Week

Since I will be spending some quality time with my DH tomorrow, I decided to get this week's snowman posted a bit early.  He's quite simple and will work up in no time at all! 

I did receive my fabrics from Connecting Threads a couple of weeks ago.  I spent the appropriate amount of time admiring my thrifty purchase and promptly placed the fabrics on my gotta-get-to-it-soon stack in my sewing room.  I have also prewashed my white batting and it sits there with my fabric.  Thus far, my Let It Snow-Man! quilt is completely virtual -- thanks to Electric Quilt 7.  I will get it done -- soon but I have been so busy with finishing up projects and working on my Bali Wedding Star.  My next class for this Judy Neimeyer quilt is November 5th and I refuse to show up without all of my homework done!

If you have finished any blocks, please send me a picture at georgia@crazyladyquiltdesigns.com or post on my facebook page.  I'd love to see them and post them in my gallery.

Speaking of my gallery, please go to www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/gallery/ and check out my most recent finished project.  Download this week's snowman while you're there!

Patriot Dreams Tablerunner

I'm not usually a tablerunner person but I have a friend who loves them.  I completed this one using a panel from the Patriot Dreams fabric line by Henry Glass.  To be quite honest, I wasn't at all impressed with the panel itself.  It looked too much like -- well, a printed fabric panel.  I decided to sew blue rick rack over the "seams" between the blocks.  Now I actually like the darn thing.  When I started this little project -- which took me just over 3 hours to complete including quilting and binding! -- I was thinking of a gift for my tablerunner friend.  Now, I'm thinking I may just keep it!

Here are some pics of some of  the "blocks"

 

 



This simple project consists of the printed panel, batting and backing.  I sandwiched the layers and did some quick meandering on my home machine.  Then I laid the blue rick rack over the "seams" on the panel and stitched it down with matching thread.  I put the binding on and voila! I have a nice tablerunner that measures 22" x 40". 

You can get the panel at This Is Sew Broadway in Crookston, MN for a mere $7.13.  They also have some of the coordinating fabrics if you want to use them for backing and binding.  If you call them at 218-470-0070 they will even mail it out to you!

Back by popular demand...

 
As many of you know, I recently started working parttime at This Is Sew Broadway -- my favorite LQS in Crookston, MN.  This is definitely the job for me.  Yesterday I was actually PAID to sit in front of the most awesome Janome 11000 and make a Classy Bag (pictured above) as a sample.  Yep -- happy is the quilter who can get a paycheck to test drive the newest Cadillac of sewing machines!

Anyway -- as a result, the quilt shop needs my pattern for the bag and the owner also mentioned that she would like the Armchair Buddy patterns as well.  Both of these patterns were released last year but I'm reposting them today.

Both are fast, easy and fun to make.  They would also make great gifts for the upcoming holidays.  Check them out at the Free Patterns link at my website.  www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com

I'm on an applique kick today...

My daughters have all been talking about pumpkin carving with their children as they prepare for Halloween.  I really love pumpkin carving -- in theory.  I don't love the mess that comes with the process so I decided to get my pumpkin creativity out of my system using EQ7.  Here are the results... Check out the free pattern at http://www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/patterns/

Nighttime Visitor

I let my dogs out very early this morning and actually saw an owl in the tree in my backyard.  Of course, there I stood in my pajamas with three dogs dancing at my feet and this owl just sat staring at me.  It would have been a wonderful photograph but, alas, I don't usually carry my camera while in my PJs.  I decided to create this little applique pattern to commemorate my visitor instead.  I've done it as a 12" x 12" block so it will be just right for my Ackfeld Company little quilt hanger. You can get this free pattern at my website www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com.

This picture shows Marble Stars by Moda as the background fabric.

Let It Snowman Block Two is here!

The Flower Hat Snowgirl pattern for week 3 of Let It Snow-man! has been posted.  Go to www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com to download it.  While you're there, check out a few more of the free patterns that are available.  I will be working on some of my holiday projects in the days to come and I will be sharing some photos.  If you have any projects that you'd like to share, just send pics to georgia@crazyladyquiltdesigns.com and I'll post them too.  I love to see what others are working on.  It is a major source of inspiration!

New Job in a Quilt Shop!!!

I just started a new job this week.  It is a part time position doing what I love most!  This Is Sew Broadway in Crookston, MN has given me the opportunity to work in a great shop with wonderful people.  I love it, love it, LOVE it!!!

Christmas is right around the corner...

We have a nip in the air up here in northwest Minnesota today.  It has been an unusually mild fall this year and when I looked at the calendar, realizing that half the month of October is done, I was a bit surprised.  By this time I am usually hauling out the winter clothes, getting things ready for snow to cover the ground.  Haven't even thought about it yet this year.

Reality is Christmas is right around the corner... okay, I know we have a couple of months, but if you want to make any Christmas goodies from fabric, you'd better get a move on!  To help you get into the mood, I have posted one of my favorite quilted Christmas projects ever.  I call it Stocking Fun -- a quilt-as-you-go stocking that you can whip up in just a couple of hours.  I made a whole set of them for my daughter and her family last year in the cabin-outdoorsy flannels shown in this picture.  I got several requests for some in other colors from other family members.  So... I'm pawing through my stash to find the fabrics requested so I can make a few more this year.

Check out the FREE pattern for this project at www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/patterns/ and get the spirit going early!  Merry Christmas!!!

Week 2 Snowman with Pipe block is HERE!

I have posted the first actual block of the FREE pattern Let It Snow-Man! on my website www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com.  I had every intention of having this posted on Wednesday but life intervenes at the most inconvenient times!  But I finally got it together and posted.  I will posting new blocks on Sundays from now on.  My schedule will have less chance of interrupting my intentions that way.  Please click on this picture to find the pattern!

Sensational Fusible Applique Tutorial...

Since many of my friends and followers are getting ready to embark upon an applique adventure, I decided to see what kind of resources are out there to help understand the fusible applique technique. I found a fabulous crafter on YouTube by the name of thecraftygemini. She actually has LOTS of very good video tutorials, but the Fusible Applique Tutorial is great! Check it out before we start the Let It Snow-Man! quilt. If you have never done this technique, you'll understand it right away. If you are an old hand at fusible applique... well, it can never hurt to have a refresher.  Thanx a lot Gemini!!!

Building My Snowman! Super Sale on Fabric! Only $3.44/yd!

These are the two fabrics that I've selected for my Let It Snow-Man! quilt. I ordered them online yesterday at Connecting Threads and the price was definitely right,  Only $3.44 per yard so the fabric for my 56 x 56 quilt cost less than $12.  Even with the $4.99 shipping charge it was less than $5 per yard!  Of course, if you have other shopping to do, there is free shipping on orders over $50. 

I am going to use scraps of Warm & White batting to do the snowman faces and the snowball blocks.  I ran it through the washer and dryer today so when my fabric gets here I'll be all ready to build my first snowman of the season!  My past experience with Connecting Threads tells me that I can expect my order to arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday.

I'll be posting the Snowman with a Pipe block on Wednesday!  If you want to build your own snowman, just go to www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com to download Week 1 Fabric Requirements and Preparation and watch this blog and/or my website for weekly installments.

Building a Snowman...

I am finalizing the pattern and instructions for the Snowman with Pipe block.  Just want to share a technique that you will find extremely helpful in completing this project and will serve you well in future projects as well.  In order to keep my applique blocks from feeling stiff, I like to "window" my fusible product.  I learned this technique on the Fons & Porter Love of Quilting television program and they have wonderful instructions available on their website.  I am posting the link to the pdf file but they also have a great video tutorial if that would be more helpful to you. 

Click Here for PRINTABLE PDF INSTRUCTIONS

Click Here for TECHNIQUE VIDEO

Quilters have always known...

CHOCOLATE IS GOOD FOR YOU!!!

I found this Prevention article that proves it!

http://health.msn.com/womens-health/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100279834&gt1=31075



Machine Quilting Class!

I signed up for an online machine quilting class at Craftsy.com.  As most of you know, I've been machine quilting on my home machine for years, but this course has soooooo much information.  Wendy Butler Berns is the instructor and the interactive format of the website makes it so easy to ask questions and share pictures and information.  Here is a link to get the class for only $25 and that's for permanent access to the online class -- forever! So take advantage of this special price before it expires!

If you aren't sure that you want to take the course, there is an introduction video that gives a summary.  Check it out!

After being inspired by a quilt I saw somewhere out in cyberland, I started designing this little gem using my EQ7 software.  I've decided to share it as a FREE Block of the Week on my website.  The first installment is available at http://www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/boms/snowman/.  Cruise around while you're there and see if you can find any other goodies you might like.  It's all FREE!  Drop me a message and let me know what you think at georgia@crazyladyquiltdesigns.com.

I spent Friday evening and all day Saturday in a class to make this quilt.  The picture doesn't do it justice! This is a Judy Niemeyer quilt and I have been wanting to make the quilt for a long time.  I already own a couple her patterns but I just haven't been brave enough to make the leap into the process.  The pattern for this quilt is about 18 pages long and looks very daunting.  I consider myself a pretty experienced quilter and I was still a bit intimidated when I looked at it. 

I can tell you though that taking this class is the best decision I've made in a long time.  Catherine Erickson (a certified Judy Niemeyer instructor) is a joy.  She explains things so well and takes the intimidation factor out of the process completely!  This is not a fast project by any stretch of the imagination -- especially since I chose to make the 104"x104" size.  There are two more classes in the process with plenty of homework in between, but the result is going to be so worth it.  I'll be posting pictures along the journey!

Fall is in the air!  In northwest Minnesota that means winter will be here in no time and that means snow... lots of it!  With snow comes snowmen.  I recently encountered a picture of a quilt somewhere out there in cyberspace that made me smile.  EQ7 to the rescue!  The inspiration from that picture resulted in the quilt design pictured above.  It's very similar to my inspiration piece because it too consisted of applique snowmen heads in various array.  I took the concept and created my own version.  I particularly enjoyed designing the Mardi Gras snowman and the napping snowman!  At this point, this is a virtual quilt.  It exists only on my computer but I'm thinking that this should be my next Block of the Week on my website www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com.  Come on over and check it out or follow my blog.  I'll let everyone know when the FREE patterns will be available on the site!

I'm back...

After several months of limited internet connectivity, I'm coming back full force!  I'm going to be blogging regularly -- hope to see you here  :) -- and my website is back up and running -- YAY!!! Hop on over to www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com for lots of information, inspiration and innovation.  And of course, free patterns and information!

Cupcake Fourteen... & a couple extra!

Two whole weeks of cupcakes -- but just in case you want to try even more -- there a two bonus cupcake patterns and recipes too!

It's a TWO Cupcake day!

Due to technical difficulties beyond my control, Cupcake Ten was not posted yesterday.  (Sometimes my computer gets cranky ;0)  So today I am posting number 10 and number 11!  Check them out and don't forget that each comes with a truly awesome cupcake recipe.

Cupcake-A-Day Nine

I have a busy day scheduled for tomorrow and I don't want to disappoint any cupcake lovers so I'm posting Cupcake Nine tonight.  Keep feeding that sweet tooth!

Cupcake-A-Day Eight...

Is out the gate!  Get it here!

It's Cupcake Heaven...

Here's Number Seven!

What's wrong with this picture?

Remember when we all gathered around our television sets in awe and wonder as our NASA astronauts blasted off for outer space?  And then we tuned in at every opportunity to make sure all was well and that they would land safely.  How many people today are even aware that the space shuttle Discovery is leaving the space station for the last time today?  How many even knew it was up there?
I saw a small blurb about the Discovery's final journey on the evening news the day it took off... nothing like the 24 hour coverage space travel used to receive and I came across an online article about it leaving the space station this morning.
Unfortunately, I think our general apathy regarding this event -- and many others -- is a sign of where our world is going.  Why is it that a spoiled rich brat who happens to be in the movies makes headlines when she "borrows" a necklace makes major headlines... people are following it on twitter... etc. etc. but the fact that an entire team of patriots is risking their lives doesn't even cause a ripple in the media?

Cupcake-A-Day Six

We're up to half a dozen now! 
Put them all together and
make a sweet wallhanging!

Printable Fabrics Question

I've spent a leisurely morning cruising around in cyberspace, just looking for some inspiration for a new project.  I'm planning to make a memory quilt -- you know the ones that are all the rage right now.  Print your pictures on fabric and then incorporate those pictures into a quilt design.  Here's the thing -- there are so many different printable fabric products out there that it's hard to know which one to use. 
The quilt I'm planning to make is not going to hang on a wall or lay on a bed to look beautiful.  It's going to be used -- A LOT -- which means it must be washable.  I have used Printed Treasures for making quilt labels.  The labels that I've printed can still be read, but over time -- and many washings -- they have faded a bit.  That is to be expected but my concern is that  I haven't actually used a photograph on any of these labels.  Since there is much more ink used on photos, will this affect the staying power when laundered?
If you have used any of these printable fabric products for printing pictures, can you please share your experience?  You can leave comments here or, if you prefer, you can email me at georgia@crazyladyquiltdesigns.com -- Thanks in advance for any info you have to share!
Happy Stitchin!
Georgia

Give a shout! Cupcake five is out!

Cupcake Five has been posted.  Check it out
and try the recipe that is included too!

So does anyone think spring is coming?

It has been a long and exhausting winter and I am soooo ready for it to be over.  We got a quick glimpse of nice weather yesterday -- it was 25 degrees ABOVE zero -- whoopee!  I am just hoping that the old adage that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb is true.   I am so ready for the snow to start melting away.  Wait a minute... that means mud... I may reconsider...
Oh -- by the way -- Cupcake Four has been posted.  Check it out!
  

Cupcake Day Four

Cupcake Day Three

 Come and see --
it's Cupcake Three!

Cupcake Two...

Cupcake Two is ready for you.  Check it out HERE!  And don't forget that each pattern has a cupcake recipe.

Cupcake-A-Day

A cupcake a day will keep the grumpies away!  For the next 2 weeks I'll be posting an applique pattern for a cupcake everyday.  These are not my patterns but free patterns that I have gotten while in my cyberquilting mode.  Each of the patterns also has a recipe!  Go to my Free Patterns page to find them!

Twelve Free Patterns!

Cyber quilting just keeps getting better!  I've told you about my online shop hops and now I've found a way to get a DOZEN free patterns -- and you can too!  Just go to http://www.quiltshopcarousel.com/ and follow the directions.  You'll find inspiration and get free patterns too.
Just so everyone knows -- I do not get paid for any of the items I share here.  These are just cool things that I've found on the internet and I want to share with you so when you need to take a break from your sewing machine, cruise a few cybershops and get some cool stuff!

Retreat -- Part 2

The definition of fun is 17 women in a room full of sewing machines and quilting supplies!

I just got home from the Sew Snow Retreat hosted by the Red Rooster Quilt Shop in Fosston (http://www.redroosterquiltshop.com/).  It was a weekend full of fun, sewing, food, sewing, laughter, sewing... you get the idea.  It was GREAT!  One of the highlights of the event had absolutely nothing to do with quilting.  There was a pajama contest and we were all encouraged to come up with the most outrageous jammies we could.  Accesories were suggested but not required.  One of our quilting friends to the accessory suggestion to heart and came up with a spectacular pajama outfit.  Check it out!  This is Connie Strom from McIntosh, MN.  She won the prize for the most outrageous pajamas.