Craft Farm

Fresh start...

2011-01-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and pretty much a whole new life for me, so I decided why not to keep on this new theme. Craftfarm has been moved here.
I look forward to share all of my catching up on the sewing front, experiments in the kitchen and happening in this 'new' life of mine. So, come on over and visit!

Change...

2010-04-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

Just popping in to say that I am here and I am OK...
I will be back here soon, I hope... couple more months possibly..

Right now, my life is changing in almost every possible aspect and I need to deal with that at the moment...

See you soon friends.. :)

Random...

2010-02-27T09:52:00.000-08:00

I had quite a hectic week, but busy is good right now.
Here is an update on my vintage sheet quilt. It is waiting for me to finish it, but will need to be patient one more week.

In a mean time, I am taking photos of birds around the house. There is inspiration for a quilt coming up, but for now I am just playing with camera.

Oh, and a new hair cut...

I am ready for spring...

New bag...

2010-02-18T10:44:00.000-08:00

This bag was cooking in my head for a long time, but it wasn't until last week that I was able to sit down and make the idea come to life.

In fact, lots of ideas are cooking here lately and I hope soon I will find enough time to bring them to this world.. :)

Back to the bag - I won Ashley's wonderful giveaway sometime last year and was in love with all those tiny scraps, well I still am. This bag is the first of the many love affairs planned.

Simple and shorter messenger style bag to fit my love of big handbags. The brown is a random purchase from Jo-Ann's clearance sale last year, the inside is polka dot re-purposed bed sheet and batting leftovers from quilts.

Nothing new was purchased for this bag, therefore it fits in my challenge of this year.

Thanks Ashley! I love my new bag..

Some more mindless sewing...

2010-02-11T11:14:00.000-08:00

I had another one of those nights last week when I just wanted to sit down and sew. I pulled my bag of small strip scraps and these are what I came up with.

Now, what do I do with them? I had some ideas, but so far they have been coming and going.
Add some solid and do quilt? Tote bags with scrappy appliqué? Apron with scrappy pockets? Pillows?
Who knows...
I might just wait and sleep a little more on this one...

... and maybe they could become a nice houses for a great cause...

check out Bumble Beans Inc to see how to help.

Simple red and white

2010-02-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is the quilt that has been sitting for about two years. I found all of the red squares already cut in the local thrift store and just couldn't leave them there. Later I found a fabric that inspired me for mixing them with florals. I have made a couple of pillows in this style already.
Here is archive post about this one. I can't believe it took me so long to make this top.

It still needs borders since I ran out of red squares and quilt is too small just like that, but that shouldn't take another two years to finish. Right?

My weekend experiments...

2010-02-07T21:06:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to be back here with a good news.
My new batch of yogurt turned out amazing! It's thick and oh so yummyyy!

I have to thank Jennie for suggesting to let it set much longer because that is exactly what I did. I place it on closed heating vent and covered with blankets for most of the day (about 6-7 hours) When I went to check on it later it was still runny, I realized that since I am baking a lot in the kitchen, our heating stopped running, so I moved the yogurt on the top of the stove while the oven was cooling and left. An hour or so later, the yogurt was thick to the point that when I turned the jar sideways, the yogurt stayed in its place.
( Another friend suggested to place it on the top of the fridge towards the back, where it's nice and toasty. )

This morning I had the best yogurt ever.

So how about the bread?
I used the same recipe from Hanna for no-rise bread and made these buns. This time I used only white flour. They turned out great!

For the loaf of bread, I tried my mom's recipe or bread she made when I was little. I have so many memories of this bread baked in our house and me laying my head on the towel covered bread feeling how nice and warm it is.

Mom's bread

1 kg (6 cups) all-purpose flour
1 spoon of salt
3 tsp dry yeast
2 spoons of vinegar
6 dcl (2.5 cups) warm water
1 spoon of sugar
3 medium size boiled potatoes, shredded (I cooked them and used larger cheese shredder)

Add water, yeast and sugar, mix well, let sit for couple of minutes. Add flour, salt, potatoes, vinegar. Knead the dough (it will be light) and let it rise on the warm spot. (about an hour, or until it doubled in size) Spill out from bowl on the flour covered surface and knead some more, roll out a bit and fold, let rise again for about 20 minutes, repeat once more.
Create a oval shaped loaf and place on the flour covered baking sheet.
Bake on 200 C (390 F) for 15 minutes, then on 150 C (300 F) for 45 minutes
I used brush and brushed the loaf several times with water as it was baking, makes nice crust.

- now, I was lazy (I know I wish I didn't do this, but I wanted to be done faster) and only let the dough rise once (just to see if it would work anyway). It turned out OK, but it took much longer to bake. After 45 minutes, I had to raise the temp. on 200 C again and give it another half an hour or so. Also, I remember mom's bread being bigger. I learned my lesson... :(

Sewing Spring...

2010-02-05T06:28:00.000-08:00

A whole lot is going on these days, but since I have been kicked by a creative/ sewing muse, I am spending every minute possible at my little sewing corner or in the kitchen.
So what did I do?

( I need to catch up with picture taking.)

- more mindless sewing
- baby quilt almost finished
- quilt top that was planned for a long time
- and another quilt top in progress

It still snows here and even more snow is expected, but I have been longing for spring for some time now. That is how this project started.

Can you find a dog in this picture?

I told you, I was busy...

I have found some new for me inspiring blogs that I would like to share. One of them (and the one I browsed all yesterday and this early morning) is Craftykin I found her through Mary Beth's post.
Hanna inspired me to bake my own bread and make my own yogurt yesterday.

For the bread, I used Hanna's no-rise recipe (look for it on her sidebar). I opted for 4 cups of white flour and 2 cups of whole wheat. Next time, I will try either much less wholewheat flour or none since it made a bread quite heavy.
For the yogurt, I am going to try it again. I know it is supposed to be runny compared to store bought yogurt, but how do I know if mine is too runny or not (reminds me consistency of a banana milk shake). Any thoughts?
Also, I read that sour taste of yogurt depends on how many hours it sits (3.5 hours less sour, 5 hours more sour). I am going to try this again and let it sit less hours to compare the taste.
I can't wait to try both o them again and find ways to make these regulars.

Also,
I have been nominated by my sister for a blog award.

I should pick another five blogs to pass this on. How can I do that? There is way too many gorgeous blogs in my reader.
maybe I can pick some that I was inspired by recently.
1. Craftykin, I don't think this one needs more explanation.
2. Salt and Chocolate, for making me hungry whenever I learn about another yummy recipe she tried.
3. Quilted Simple, for joining me in eliminating buying new fabric, so we can be using what we have
4. Bumble Beans, for inspiring me to play with color.
and
5. Sunflower Quilts, for reminding me that quilting/sewing with friends is much better.

Mindless sewing...

2010-01-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

Two nights ago, I was a bit frustrated with life and so I sat down to my sewing machine, emptied the box with random little bits of fabric and did some mindless sewing.
I have not done this for a long long time and needed it so badly. My mood changed instantly as I just pieced and pieced.

It was maybe midnight when I looked at what I had and started thinking to myself, "OK, so what will this be?"

a quilt?

a bag?

The next morning I knew...
Last nigh I sat down and finished quilting..

... and now I have my own and very first, much needed sewing machine cover to replace the ugly white plastic one that came with it...

And it is reversible... I chose one of my favorite vintage fabrics... "Screen printed... Militaire"

I am having a feeling that there would be much more mindless sewing in my near future.

First quilt in 2010...

2010-01-25T10:10:00.000-08:00

I am so glad this one is finished. This was again one of those quilts that I would never do on my own. I mean the colors. I love when I am pushed to create out of my ordinary and then realize, "Hey, this works.."
I really like the end result, but I was worried while sewing the strips together. As you may remember this is the post about the inspiration for the color-way of this quilt. I think it worked out great to match the curtains. Let's hope that the recipient of this one will like it as well.

It took me forever to quilt it, just because the school started and more important (right now) work came into play. For quilting, I chose just the simple wavy lines throughout the quilt, which was super easy and fun. I can't wait to see it after the wash (in the washer as I am writing...). It might need an extra photo then. I love this pattern and will definitely use it again.

The most important? Everything I used for this quilt, I already had, which means I was able to manage my first challenge.

I am already working on the next project, but that one can't be shown for awhile since I don't want to spoil a surprise.
Next? ...challenge #2...

First Day....

2010-01-11T17:23:00.000-08:00

I finished the top and pieced the back for Challenge #1 quilt, but no show until its completely done, that's how I decided. My weekend plans changed a bit, so the amount of sewing I thought I would get done was limited. Also, I've had something with my right arm, knot in the muscle that would only go away after several hours with heating pad and gentle massage. This has been going on for more then a year every time I get too busy with my hands in the kitchen or around the house. It is very frustrating because it means I can only wash so many dishes at the time, or only clean the house part by part, which does not get me far. I know it sounds like a great excuse, but believe me, it's not. :)
Sewing doesn't hurt though..I am not sure about quilting a large quilt :(

Today was my first day at school as a graduate student. I am really excited to see what all this would bring. I know I need to get ready for a lot of reading, writing, and more reading..

And so tonight, instead of tackling the quilt, I will rather sit in my favorite spot on the sofa with my heating pad, articles to read and yummy mandarins.

I am going to leave you a link with a pretty cool video that explain just a bit what I do..

I use tools like they present in the video to study plants and tree's spatial distribution and how factors such as climate change affect their growth, spread, and regeneration.. and such...:)

I guess, I just wanted you to know...

Progress...

2010-01-07T15:18:00.000-08:00

I am moving along with my first 2010 quilt. I hoping to start quilting this weekend or possibly tomorrow. I was a bit concerned since these are not the usual colors I like to work with and not all of them together, but I am liking what I see so far. Don't you love it when you discover new combinations of color?

I am enjoying to be back in the rhythm of cut, pin, sew and iron, cut, pin, sew and....

Thanks to Emily, I have joined the group Cancer is Sew Done. More sewing for a great cause and checking out new blogs. I have already found some great new ones.

Visit Cancer is Sew Done

Challenge #1

2010-01-05T07:50:00.000-08:00

What?
- to make a quilt

Inspiration?
- the quilt is a past due Christmas present; it should match this Ikea fabric that is used for window treatments in the room where the quilt will reside

Pattern?
- after searching on line, I have decided for Denyse Schmidt's Hop, Skip and a Jump like this one

Material?
- as my challenge this year requests, no buying of a material allowed, so I searched my stash and found these

- my initial thought was to use only solids, which I think would look great, but I am not allowed, so what else to do?
- the recipient of this quilt loves bright colors and crazy patterns, so she should like these

I can't wait to see how this turns out, but first - the laundry.

PS: Oh, and that cute sleepy ace on the sofa? Our new addition - Zora.

One last finish of 2009...

2010-01-04T06:07:00.000-08:00

I had this quilt top done for almost two years , well without the appliqué on it. It all started when I decided it's time to learn how to quilt my own finished tops and was looking for some inspirational quilting patterns. This way before I even tried free motion quilting, so an interesting straight lines, that was all I was looking for. I flipped through a book in Borders (I don't remember exactly, but it could be Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts) where I found the inspiration for this one. There is not much of a pattern, but I loved the quilting of the one in the book, which was a simple square spiral starting in the middle going to the sides of the quilt.

Unfortunately, you can't see it on the pictures for two reasons mainly. One, the pictures were taken with my phone and two, the fabric in the middle is re-purposed window treatment and therefore was washed many times already, which explains the lack of crinkles. However, I loved the way this turned out, but for whatever reason this quilt sat unfinished for two years. It was sometimes in September when I realized that it would be a perfect fit for my future mother-in-law's living room. I made these two pillows for her last year for Christmas.

So the only thing I had to do was somehow marry the quilt to the pillows. I decided for yo-yo flowers appliqué. The stem is a simple vintage ric-rac which I bought about a year ago in the thrift shop and the leaves are from left over fleece that I used two winters ago for our dog's coat. Backing fabric is one of many given to me by friends and family of some past quilters and binding was another thrift store find from about two years ago.

I love when my thrifted purchases wait and find their perfect place one day.
So, I guess this quilt could count in for my challenge except it was done in 2009.

Challenging...

2010-01-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

Hello 2010!

As I said, I have a lots of ideas in mind for crafting this year. I was inspired by one of my Christmas presents. Many of you probably already seen the movie Julie & Julia or read either one of the books that are out there. Well, until this holidays, I did not. And so, as I watched my copy of the movie while my own blog have been abandoned for couple of months, I decided to change something.
I finished watching the movie on Christmas Eve, well it was 4 am so technically it was the Christmas Day, my head swelled up with ideas and questions of how could I inspire myself to keep blogging and sewing even though time and money are going to be tight in 2010?
It didn't take me too long..., but I kept it simple.. Now, I have no desire to write a book or making a movie, oh no. All I am in for is an inspiration, something that will keep me going when another crazy semester starts and my free time shrinks to almost nothing as well as my energy level.

So here is my challenge:

Use up as much as possible and only the existing fabric and material, meaning what is home, here, ready for me to use.
And yes, there is plenty for me to do for a whole year, believe me.

I am working on my "to do" list that I can hang somewhere near.
Also, this challenge of not buying any new material can't affect the quality of the projects/ quilts crafted, rather should make them unique and more interesting.
I feel that my challenge is not going to be the fact of not buying anything new, since as I mentioned, I will have to use my grad student resources for survival only. However, the challenging part should be the one of creating with what I have. How will I do when I will miss that perfect shade of green or need more of the color/ pattern I already have. I do understand that certain sewing supplies will be needed as my current stash will dwindle down, such as, thread and batting, but maybe I will try to focus on the quilt tops then and wait with quilting as resources will allow.

So, wish me luck!

...and another year is over

2009-12-31T10:40:00.000-08:00

2009 for me, was the year of transition:

the year, that I started surrounded by my close family after being apart for a long long time, at least for a few days
the year that started very well on the crafting front, but ended very poorly
the year of the best harvest ever in our little garden
the year of many firsts: first fishing trip, first salsa made, first research trip ever, first time in Canada, first time kayaking, jumping of the cliffs, first real presentation on the conference, first time grad student
the year when new plans were made
the year, when one career ended and the new is starting
the year that I abandoned my blog for the longest time ever...

..., but even-though managed to create something.

The year that will be over in several hours...

Right now I am full of expectations on what is waiting for me in 2010, since I already learned not to plan too hard...
However, I have a lot in mind for this little space of mine and hope I can share...

Let's start fresh tomorrow...

100th post and a giveaway winner...

2009-08-02T22:50:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank you for participating in my first, but definitely not last giveaway. I enjoyed reading your comments and the various ideas for those fun fabrics.

I cut 22 different fabrics in various amounts from quarter yard to about a half yard.
I used the random number generator to find...

The winner ....Bumble Beans

I am sending you an email as I am writing this. I sure hope you will enjoy these.

I spent my weekend preparing for a big camping trip to Canada, but I was able to harvest whatever was in the garden and produce some yummy salsa.

Now is 1am and I am leaving tomorrow early morning. I will be missing from this space for couple of weeks, but will be back full of motivation. I am taking along my new toy to keep my hands busy on those long rainy days - yo-yo maker. On that later...

Secret Grandma's Garden and GIVEAWAY...

2009-07-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

It took a little a longer, but Grandma's Garden is finished. I really like it and hope that it will auction well at the reunion this weekend. I wish I could be there, but I am getting ready for a little adventure here. I will be gone for about two weeks roaming through woods of Canada, leaving Monday. I am really excited. Do you have any suggestion for small hand sewing projects while camping?

Instead of using binding I just sew the backing on as if it would be a pillow. One of the reasons was the lack of time, but also I didn't feel like it needed a border or binding. I am glad I did that.

I used simple straight lines to quilt this one just to make sure that I won't mess up the flowers.

Also, I just realized this week that it was a year since I started blogging at the beginning of July and I am also approaching a 100th post , I decided to giveaway some vintage fabric.
This box of fabric is only one of several (but my favorite) that I received this summer from friends who thought of me anytime when someone was getting rid of fabric. I love these.
They are in very good shape.

I will share a fat quarter to a half yard (depending on the amount I have) of each with the winner.
Go ahead, leave a comment, and let me know what would you use it for until midnight on Saturday 8/1/2009. Get an extra entry if you blog about it (feel free to use this photo) or become a follower of this blog.

EDIT: I hope that you can all view the picture of fabrics now. I guess it didn't work well before. I did had issues earlier with photo uploads. (7-29-2009 12:42pm CST)

Gratefull and sewing...

2009-07-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

Let me just start of by saying how glad I am to have a blog. Just by getting back and reading all those blogs in my reader, I was able to throw back all the bitterness, anger, stress and soak up inspiration, motivation and peaceful, happy attitude. Why did it took me so long ???
I spent my week catching up (I think that describes it the best) and planning my new project.

And as it couldn't get any better, I was invited to meet my blog friend Jennie at the local quilt shop for a Lock-in organized by her friend Vicki. This was the first time I have met someone form the blogland and the first time that I participated in any of the class/ lock-in/ quilt-group activities.
Oh, and was this fun... I had the best time sewing away and chatting with my new friends.

Thanks again Jennie for inviting me...

Now, on to the project... This little "wall hanging to be" has a story behind it. Every year the first weekend of August we travel to Pennsylvania for a family reunion. It is not my family, but I was taken in as if it was .. well that is a long story. The oldest member of the family is Grandma, she will be 91 next week. The reunion is always the weekend of her birthday. Grandma found out about my love for frugal quilts, scraps and vintage fabrics. She sent me a box full of cut up pieces of her robe that she was not ready to part with and wanted to see if I could use it for anything.
How could I not find the project for it (It is bright fuchsia fabric, puffy and soft, but not quite like minky.). In fact, I had a perfect one in mind. I also wanted to create something for the reunion auction we have every year.

That is how Grandma Secret Garden wall hanging came to life. I used mostly my scraps (I had plenty of greens.), but I had to buy some more of pinks and purples, since I don't have much of those shades.

I started at noon on Saturday and this is how it looks now. I will put it together and quilt it tonight.

The original pattern came from the magazine I have, but I found it here as well (scroll to page #31) . I adjusted the size and number of blocks due to the time crunch I am in.

I just realized as I am typing all this that it has been a little over a year since I had this blog and I totally missed it... :)

Well, we need to celebrate... come back for a giveaway soon.

Hey, do you still remember me?

2009-07-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

I hope that at least some of you still might... :)

I have disappeared from this space for some time now, but don't worry you didn't miss much on my front. Only very unmotivated, slightly depressed and totally useless woman that had no idea what is going on with her. I blame it on stress from way too many things happening at the time... I have to blame it on something, right?

This blog is meant to be all about crafts and there is a heavy layer of dust around my sewing area, so I am off to get moving and get some quilts done... The first one actually has a due date, which is next week... here is a peek of where the idea came from...

I am afraid, I have missed out way too much of all that you have been doing. Sorry for that, I will try to catch up on all that in between some crazy sewing marathon...
Do you want to help me out? Let me know about the most exciting project that you have finished or were working on in the past two months...

Poor people food...

2009-06-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

I was able to cook this weekend with the first fruits of this year's garden (of course, if I don't count radishes, those we are eating for weeks now...). I have planted about 15 kohlrabi plants and if you grew those before, you know it takes a while until the fruit is ready. However, there is plenty of kohlrabi leaves before that.
When I was little, my grandma use to make this meal every time my dad brought kohlrabi from garden or we bought some at the store. I think she developed this recipe in times when food was scarce and people were trying not to trow anything away. What do you do with the left over leaves?

"PODLUBKY"(I quess it was my Grandma who named it, it doesn't really mean anything, we can call it Kohlrabi greens thick soup....)
What would you need? (4 servings)

20 or more kohlrabi leaves
approx. 10-15 slices of bacon, if you use thin sliced
2-4 cloves of garlic
a little milk and flour
salt, pepper, vegetable seasoning

Wash kohlrabi leaves and cut the main stem out.

Roll the leaves up and cut into half inch pieces.

Here you can see my compost bowl/ colander... everything that can, goes to compost around here...

Next dice bacon, and heat to crispy bacon pieces, then add kohlrabi. If you are vegetarian this could be substituted by onion and bit of olive oil.

Once, kohlrabi leaves are a little softer, add water (broth), so everything is covered.
Add garlic, seasonings and cook until soft for 20-30 minutes. Let it boil and then simmer.

While simmering add mixture of flour and milk (about 3 spoons of flour), just to thicken the soup), if you are used to thickening your soups somehow else, go ahead.

We eat this with egg - "sunny side up" on the top and bread, which is optional.
Use your imagination...
Enjoy!

This might not be that gourmet food that you want to make for your guest, but it is very tasty and also healthy. The most important it is super cheap and quick. Most of the people throw those leaves away.
If you never tried kohlrabi before, than all I can say is, "You should give them a try."

Weekend inspiration...

2009-06-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

It is late, but I would like to report on our last weekend spent in Devils Lake, WI. We had the best time.
Take a look...
there was a lot of woodland picture taking...

...hiking with beautiful views...

...fishing and preparing yummy fish on the fire...

oh, and Dominoes playing...

Like I said the best time...

Have a great weekend, mine will be spent outdoors again...

Returning...

2009-05-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

I guess, I took almost unexpected break from blogging and bunch of other things, but here I am ready to get back to my normal.
I needed some time off from my usual, at least, that is how I explain myself to myself. :)
I spent a lot of time outside not far, just in my yard, enjoying every new leaf that grew and every new bloom.

My vegetables are all planted in abundance, now I am anxious to harvest fruits.

I visited with old friends and family, who hardly see me during the school time.
The most important, I organized my life a bit (really just a bit) and set my priorities once again...

Now? I am really longing for craftiness.

..but before I have to show for any of that, here are some pieces of my garden...

Thank you all for comments wondering about me and whether I found time to sew... I read and appreciate them all. I guess it is hard to admit several times in row that things are not going the way I wished they would. :)
Thanks for visiting...

Finals are done, I am back...

2009-05-08T04:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note for those who might want to know... Yep, finals and school is behind me for now and I will be back here enjoying the crafty days with you. I have a long list of want to and need to, but since my work situation is not going to change for now, I do have more time on my hands.
All of you moms out there, enjoy yours Mother's Day weekend! We will be out of town till Monday.

Happy mother's day to my mom that is far far away.... I love you mom.

And here, so my dad does not need to translate:

Mamka,
vsetko najlepsie ku Dnu Matiek!
Lubim Ta a chybas mi...
Som rada ze ta mam...
M.

A bad news...

2009-05-05T17:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for stopping by. I have been working on my school stuff all this time. All of my projects are finished and I am pretty proud of them. I have last two finals tomorrow. Then I will be back here as usual.
In fact, I might be here more often. I just found out today that my hours at work are going to be cut almost in half starting next week, maybe till June. Reason? I guess economy...
I am more then frustrated since we had lost one income in the house already. What do i do? I am having a feeling I 'll find out soon.
I might have a back up plan, but that will require some prayers. :)
On the other side, Jacquie at Tallgrass Prairie Studio is holding the Spring to Finish on till the end of May. I am looking for some quality time spent behind the sewing machine.
Wish me luck... I'll need it.

Exhausted...

2009-04-23T04:48:00.000-07:00

That is how I feel right now and for the past couple of days.
The semester is almost over and I need to hold on and pull more hours until it's over.., so please bear with me with fewer posts and being way behind on reading about your projects and days. I will catch up eventually.
Also, thank you all for warm comments about the Mountain Boy Quilt. Every single one made a smile on my face, I really appreciated them all. I am slowly getting to reply to all of them.
And for today? I am off to work. I have another long day in front of me, but I will leave you with my quilt in progress. These are pictures from the little sewing I was able to do this past weekend...

This layout is different from the previous one in this post - I accidentally flipped the darks and lighs. Which on do you like better?

I have eight more blocks to go... maybe I'll get to it this weekend...

Online Quilt Festival '09...

2009-04-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

By now I've caught up with my blog reading and seen many many beautiful quilts. Many of them were part of the On line Quilt festival that Amy at Park City Girl organized for all of us that don't have the chance to visit big quilt shows.
Check out my side bar for the link to see all those great quilts featured.

It was hard to pick just one, but ..

Here is my favorite...

This quilt started as a charity quilt for baby boy in Kentucky mountains. I pulled out my scrap bin and one very sweet (father and son) fabric, I bought a while ago to make this quilt.

Also, I wanted to try some improvisational piecing inspired by Jacquie, so I just played along as pulling scraps from bin.

All this became one beautiful quilt. I fell in love with it and could not bear departing it to the unknown.

So instead I kept it and made three other quilts for Mountain Baby Blankets project.
It is also the biggest quilt I ever quilted on my own and I am just all over that crinkled softness.

Here all for you a load of pictures of it that I love...

Spring Finish #1

2009-04-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting and waiting to be able to blog about this one.
Let me tell you, this quilt has been awaiting its finish for almost two years. The sad part is, that not only the quilt, but also its receivers were waiting... way too long. Luckily, they are our very good friends and they were super - extra - unbelievably patient.
Thanks guys!

OK, so on about the quilt.
First, it was a pillow, which was a tease that R & M received for their bridal/groom shower.

Then there was a quilt:

It is made strictly with batiks and solids all in earthy colors.
The quilt was transformed from its original stage to the one you see above after I found this inspiration on Flickr...
OK, here I was going to post the link were my inspiration came from. I can't find it! (It was red and white combo.)Please, if any of you recognize any similarity with quilt you've seen and know how to find the link, let me know. THANKs.

Quilting was done by my friends at Basketcases Unlimited, but inspired by flickr quilt.

The back is simple and binding is made out scraps of batiks and solids.

and later on two more pillows were made.

Hope, you will enjoy this R&M!

I am way behind on reading blogs here. It's beautiful out, so we are going to finish tilling that garden and maybe plant first radishes.
And then? More school stuff.
Enjoy your weekend...

Easter walk through the prairie...

2009-04-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

I guess I can say, we had a peaceful but schoolwork filled easter weekend. We found time to relax out at prairie. Let me take you there as well.
The county had to just burn it.

I am planning on taking a picture from this spot regularly to see the prairie changing with seasons.

I love these views. We took a lots of pictures similar to this one.

Did I say it is Sal's favorite place to go.

We sat down for a bit and listened to the water and birds.

The small green patch behind Sal is all moss. It looked like fairies lived there under the trees.

It was still a bit chilly out, but oh so nice to be outside again.

I did work a little on my scrappy log cabin, but not enough to show real progress.

How was you weekend?

Happy Easter...

2009-04-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

I am stopping by to tell you all Happy Easter...

Take a look what my mom did with my nephews. I just love it. My sister, Ajka, blogged about it here. She made a lot more Easter crafts and baking.
My Easter decor is a simple vase of daffodils.:(
I am overwhelmed with deadlines for papers, projects and three exams next week. Oh well, life can't be all fun and sewing, right? Even though, that is what I dream about every night. :)
Couple nights ago I work on more of my scrappy log cabin blocks. Here you can see the progress.

I took another look on my list of unfinished projects and on the calendar. I am not sure really how much I can actually get done. I have to ask Jacquie if finished quilt tops sandwich awaiting quilting will count. :)
I guess, I just need to be more optimistic...

Happy Easter!

I probably won't be here until after.

P.S.: I almost forgot, check out this giveaway for the chance to win 30 fat quarters.

Spring to Finish...? I am in...

2009-04-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

Once again, Jacquie at Tallgrass Prairie Studio had an excellent idea.
Spring to finish ... all those quilts in progress. We all need to finish them, but are missing sufficient motivation.
I don't know how about you, but I get always excited about the ideas I see somewhere and it usually ends up by abandoning my existing projects and starting something new.

Join Jacquie with me and we can get all or at least some of those WIPs done. Try to finish as many as you can till the end of the month (April 30th), then follow the link above to Tallgrass Prairie Studio and leave Jacquie a comment to let her know how many finishes you have. The more finishes the better, she is putting together the prize.
I counted my unfinished projects. I am including projects I haven't started yet, but that should be done long time ago.
I tried to sort mine by the stage they are in, meaning the closest to finish goes first.
1. Motivation quilt... - piece the backing, - quilt it, - binding
2. Sail Boat quilt... - piece the backing, - quilt it, - create and learn how to
do scalloped edge, - binding
3. Scrappy Log Cabin quilt... - finish the top,- quilt it,- binding
4. Grandma G's table runner... - quilt it and binding (Will post about later...)
5. Aunt Barb's table runner... - from start to finish, was ordered
before Christmas
6. Bug quilt... - finish the top,- quilt it,- binding
7. Alphabet in Slovak quilt... - finish the top,- quilt it,- binding
8. Calendar quilt... - make first 4 months
9. Mother's Day quilt... - from start to finish, I've been dreaming about this quilt for a while

Now, I don't think I can possibly finish all of these by the end of April. I still have to work you know and the most important, semester is close to the end, so it will be tough, but I want to try as much as I can.

Grandma G's runner...

2009-04-06T19:41:00.001-07:00

After I made this one, there were two more in order for two other special ladies.

Well, this is one of them. I used scraps again, but mainly floral ones. The table runner goes to lady who can call herself an artist. She used to paint the most beautiful water color paintings. The colors of the little squares remind me of her paintings.

It needs to be quilted and it is still missing a binding... Well it goes straight on my list...
What list? Come by later and you'll find out.

I won...

2009-04-05T16:43:00.001-07:00

... and ever since I found out my head is spinning with ideas what I could make. The bag of treasure arrived yesterday and I already spend some time playing with it, just playing for now.

Meaning separating it due to size, color and then play with combinations. When I was not playing I searched for ideas...

These are just few of those I found ...

1. Confetti mini quilt, 2. Pencil Cases, 3. Linen + anything = success!

Thank you Ashley!

Baby quilt #3...

2009-04-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

OK, I was finally able to add the binding on the last of the Mountain Baby quilts. This one is a simple nine patch with zig zag quilting through each block.

Backing is again mine thrifty flannel sheet, which I used for a total of three quilts (it was a set twin size, flat and fitted sheet).

I have the address, and everything set up, so these quilts can be on their way to their new homes.

I also added a couple of receiving blankets. This time in girlie tones.

Something I started to work on last night.

The house is clean, laundry is in the wash, I am off to plow in the garden. We have a load of mushroom compost waiting in the trailer.

Enjoy your weekend!

Some great giveaways...

2009-04-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

I owe you a post of the baby quilt #3, but it still missing the binding and last night after making dinner, I collapsed on the couch and woke up this morning, I don't remember how I got to bed somewhere in between.
But, there are some giveaways going on that I don't want to miss and you don't want to miss.
Check them out here and here.

Baby quilt #2...

2009-03-31T05:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those who replied on ugly fabric use. (If you didn't or don't know what I am talking about, see previous post; any other ideas are more then welcome)
It seems that you mainly pass it on someone else. I just have to say :
Thank you because it thanks to people like you, that I was able to start quilting.

I am considering to post more about the projects that I made from various given, unwanted fabrics. For me it is more like a challenge to find a use for them. Would you be interested?

Well, let's take a look on the baby quilt #2:

Again, this quilt was one of those, made out of the given children fabrics. I don't have any kids, but I really enjoy making baby/ kids crafts. Many were gifts and now with mountain babies, I couldn't resist.
I also call this one a yellow quilt. I am really starting to like yellow lately.

The back is flannel that I bought about two years ago for something else, but decided to use it here.

I like the quilting on this one. You know, I tried and am trying to learn free motion quilting, but I get to a certain point and get very frustrated and need to leave for a while. This was the closest I could get with walking foot. Next time, I would sew the lines closer together.

Baby quilt # 3 is still missing the binding because I miss the correct thread color, but soon it will be fixed.

Baby quilt #1 & what to do with ugly fabrics...

2009-03-30T05:26:00.000-07:00

I am going to post about this one again since something happened to the photo earlier, it somehow showed with weird colors.

Here is the exchange quilt all quilted and washed. It is as soft and crinkly as the first one in these colors.

Binding is again the funky star fabric and the backing that so many of you liked so much are again the same thrifty flannel sheets. I had enough for one more backing, so you'll see it again.

Now, how about those ugly fabrics.
I somehow became that person that inherits the fabrics from quilters that either are ready for some new fabrics or from families of pass quilters that don't know what to do with all that "treasure" , so they somehow find me. I am OK with that. Since I am student with limited budget that certainly helps to keep my creating on. It is sad sometimes to see the projects ( I found some real treasures...) that the crafter would hope will stay in the family for many many generations, bagged up in the pile of boxes to get rid off.
Well, so here is where I come in and gratefully take what is given to me and try to make the best out of it. It is the same with the this quilt and some of the quilts that will come. If fabrics are not really my style, and sometimes there is a lot of those I cut them up into strips and use them in scrap quilts.

An example: Well, purple star fabric is one of those I wouldn't normally use. I got that one from my friend Pat, she has been quilting for over 15 years and handed me the box of fabrics that she was tired of looking at. I 've used many many of Pat's fabrics in my quilts already and I still have a lot left.
You already seen it used above on the baby quilt for binding.
Look at the star fabric here, doesn't it add a little magic to the log cabin quilt (one of my WIP)?

I still have about fat quarter left. I am pretty sure it will find it's use.

How do you use fabrics you don't like? Do you throw them out? Do you give them to people like me? :)hehe
Do you have any ideas you would like to share?

PS: I understand that calling a fabric ugly is very subjective, but we all know about some, right?

Quilting Assembly Line...

2009-03-29T17:40:00.001-07:00

I am enjoying my still very productive weekend. I had a big plans and I think, I am going to not only accomplish what I planned, but even exceed it. It doesn't happen very often, if ever. I am really happy.
I'll start with Saturday.
First, I cleaned up the house, did the laundry and made lunch. Then, I cut, pieced and put together three other baby quilts for this project. They are very simple designs, so I could finish them soon and send them to their homes. I was able to baste (with spray) one of them before...

I took a break and went out for dinner with my other half, that was kind enough and understand that I can't possible cook dinner at the time. :)
Came back and basted rest of quilts just in time for Earth Hour.
It was so nice to turn of the lights and figure out what are we going to do in dark with couple of candles. We played cards! We haven't play cards forever. We had so much fun, that we prolong the dark earth hour till almost 10:30 pm.

We woke up to the white, icy morning. Perfect for early breakfast and quiet hand sewing with coffee.

I finished sewing the binding on the quilt that I started in Summer 2007 as a gift for a wedding. Yep, the wedding was in September that year. I am way past due with the gift, but luckily our friends are very patient. However, the quilt is done and will need the post of it's own after it will be given to almost two year old married couple. Ups... You can see the sneak peaks here.

Rest of my Sunday, was spent with quilting my baby quilts. As of right now, all three are quilted and one has even binding sewn on, binding is in works for two others. They will probably each get a post of their own. We'll see.

I hope you had a great weekend as I did. School work? What is that? OK, I will stop writing now.

In Exchange For...

2009-03-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

I put together this quilt top last night. I will baste it (with my basting spray) and quilt it this weekend. This one will be a substitute for this one, which I intend to keep. I even used the same scrap fabrics for strips and squares.
I have a bunch of other children fabrics pulled out and ready to be pieced into some more children quilts or blankets. I was lucky and received one of the boxes from a family of pass quilter. So much vintage fabrics, started yo-yo quilt and well children fabrics. I love it. Coming soon...

Photo shooting...

2009-03-25T05:45:00.001-07:00

So, it is not even 8:00am and I am on the lookout for some sunny day to finally photograph the quilt. We had such a strong storm last night, I was pessimistic about sunny morning, but...

Here I am, while still in PJ's, trying to study and write a paper that is due today in a couple of hours, the quilt won't stop starring at me. So I go outside, grab my camera, folding chair and the quilt. It is still windy and freaking cold (remember I am in PJ's and bare feet in slippers), but the sun is shinning!

I told you, so soft and crinkly! The back is made out of thrifty flannel sheet.

I planned for binding made out of scraps similar to log cabins, but those were mostly about 1.5" wide, so I reached for other fun scrap piece, black and purplish stars. I think it looks nice.

In quilting...

2009-03-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

So this what I was doing last night. I know, my back was sore from Sunday's work in the yard and I had stuff to do for school, but I had to do it.

It also looked like this. :)

My head is ready to explode with the amount of the ideas I have for the future projects, but I told myself I can't do any of that until I finish what I started. At least I will try, OK?

The quilt is finished and washed and all soft and crinkled. It is so soft! I love it and it grows on me more and more. Do you think I could change my mind about the future of this quilt if I would make it up and make an extra one for this cause? I already started to piece another one. Please?

I will post the finished pictures as long as we have some sun back. It has been cloudy, windy, and raining the last couple of days.

Smoky weekend...

2009-03-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

Except of being out of the town most of the weekend, we managed to burn part of the last year garden that was not planted, clean up the flower beds, well and some of us rested outside, enjoying warm, spring day.

Tutorial... for the lack of sewing.

2009-03-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

I was forced to stay away from my sewing machine for the whole week. It is Friday and after work we were supposed to go out with our friends. I still had about an hour and so before I needed to leave. Soo, I had these jeans that I wanted to wear, but they were about 2"-2.5" too long. I am not too big on the high heels to solve this problem and the place where we were going is very informal. Well, I decided to use up the little time I have and get closer with my sewing machine once again.
This is how I hemmed my jeans.
1. I tried them on and with the shoes on, I marked how long I wanted them. Then I folded them up and measured 1 and 1/4" from the original hem. I sewed 1/4" away from original stitching. See pictures...

I've seen people sewing right next to original stitching, but I was afraid that it would be too bulky.

2. After all stitched I folded it back and pressed. I changed my thread to black, so it was matching the original thread (if yours is yellow, you can actualy buy jeans brownish/yellow thread in most fabric stores) and sewed over one more time right side up. There are going to be areas where you would have a lot of layers of jeans to sew over. Just slow down or sew it manually (you turn the wheel on the side of your machine.

3. All done! I was too lazy and in hurry to cut the extra from jeans that you hemmed in. I might still do it. I would use zig zag stich to make sure they wouldn't frey.

I think that most of you probably know how to do this, but i felt like the tutorial today, so there it is. Maybe it would help some of you.
I am missing on those specific terms, but I hope that the pictures will be helpful. Let me know if you have any question.
Oh, the night out with friends was nice. The old/new jeans are so comfy, great for the Friday night.

"Row, Row, Row Your Boat"...

2009-03-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

I kept telling myself to hold of from posting about this quilt again before it is all done, but...

First, I like the big blue border so much (Thanks Jacquie!), I had to share it with you.
Second, my spring break is over and nights full of reading and writing instead of sewing ahead of me.
Third, I am going to follow Jacquie's suggestion for the scalloped edge as well, but with the amount of school work ahead and the other quilt basted and in need of some quilting, I am not sure how long I would have to wait to post about this one.
So here it is...

I used up all my left over blues from boats. I am going to piece the back together sometimes this week in between work and school. I have some cool ideas running through my head.

P.S.:
Today, I used the basting spray for the first time. It's great! I can't believe I haven't used it till now. I am not too crazy about quilting, basting, and binding process of quilting. I prefer piecing the tops. Well, basting spray just made one of my less favorite work much faster. Kris helped me out with some questions and after her encouragement I was ready to go. Having everybody (including the dog) out of the house helped a lot.

Sail Boat Quilt

2009-03-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

I got it right this time...

... and I like it a lot...

I am deciding, whether I would like another border around it or not. Maybe...

This and that....

2009-03-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, after coming home from work, I could hardly wait to sit down and really enjoy my new space with my favorite music playing and full tea cup on the side. So I pulled one of the old WIP projects that I planned to finish. I guess that was not supposed to happen. I did it all, music and tea and motivation, but everything that I possibly could do wrong, I did wrong. I had one of those evenings.
First, I cut the fabric in the wrong direction. They are supposed to be waves on the ocean. Yeah, wrong direction.

After all new stripes cut, I sew them all (because of the chain sewing) the wrong side on. Oh, how I hate seam ripping...
After resewing them with the right sides together, I found another mistake. I think these blocks just don't want to become a quilt top.
Can you see that mistake on this one? Check out my plan sketch for help...

So this is where I stopped and pulled a different project out.
I decided to pull down my big basket of scraps and look through to sort. What can go wrong with sorting?
I sorted super small pieces from larger scraps and all of the medium ones I cut into mostly one inch strips for this project. I joined in late, so I have a lot to catch up.
While sorting, I made a nice little pile of pink and orangish strips for Project Improv. I joined in late for that one as well, so I need to send my blocks in still.
So I started on those.

The first one I did is not my favorite, it would be probably because I started on it last night and I trimmed it weird, but this second one I really like.( I am considering the whole quilt out of these.) Jacquie, I am sending both in, see if you could use them.

Now I am off to finish my Boat quilt from last night. Wish me luck :) !

P.S: Thanks to Rose for Sisterhood award I received from her. Check out her blog, she makes some great garments for herself.

My New Favorite Spot...

2009-03-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

I just got my brand new sewing area. Well, at least I feel like I do. The whole transition started unexpectedly last Friday, while I was desperately searching for a certain fabric of mine. As I was pulling fabrics out, I started to realize that it is time to sort, since I had no idea where what was.

It took me forever to go through every single piece of fabric I own, ironed it, folded it and put it on the neat pile. I loved the process though. This is when the idea of the total reorganization became very real. I knew I needed more shelves and storage boxes and .... well space ( but since there is no more, I forgot about that one right away..). The two extra wall shelves made the difference.

I took the time and searched for the perfect storage boxes for my fat quarters or any other pieces under 1/2 yard. Since my sewing corner is in our living room/ dining room/ family room and we and our guests spend a lot of time here, I needed something better than just plastic shoe box. I found these simple white photo storage boxes at Jo Ann's currently on sale. They are perfect...

All of my other fabrics are stored in these file cabinets and plastic storage boxes hidden under the table.

Projects that I am working on are on the left, everything else tucked away.
I am very excited about this new space. I am already anxious to get home from work tomorrow and put it to use.

The big (thrifted picnic) basket on the top shelf is full of scraps.

I have a few more ideas how to make this spot even prettier, but that actually requires some time behind the sewing machine... :) Soon to come though...
It is Spring Break and my plans were mainly to sew and finish unfinished projects, but this kind of change of plans works for me just fine.

Just a quick post...

2009-03-09T22:45:00.001-07:00

Just popping in to tell you that I am in the process of reorganizing my sewing corner and sorting through the fabrics. I can't wait to share it all with you. I have been working on some WIP projects, but will need to share photos after my computer is all updated and ready. A lot of things going on here.... Well, it is spring break.
Enjoy your week!

She is amazing....

2009-03-02T16:51:00.000-08:00

I like to talk about my sister a lot, simply because she is amazing. I already mentioned that she started a blog of her own. She has gone a long ways since then, go check it out. Now it's even available in English. She has been knitting and baking and creating ever since I left home. You can even see the hat she made for my other half.

A productive weekend...

2009-03-01T08:50:00.000-08:00

I can happily admit that I was sewing most of the weekend. Finally! I had a great time.
I am especially happy about this quilt.

Sorry, for the crapy picture. I call it Mountain Boy quilt because it is going to Kentucky. You can read more about it here & here. It was done totally out of my scraps, except the white. This was the first time I did this 'sew as you go' style and I really enjoyed it.
This corner block is my favorite...

S
Now, I just have to get brave enough to quilt it. I planning on scrapy binding as well. Oh, I am going to love this one a lot.

I also finished borders for my other quilt. Thank you again for all the suggestions on the borders. I came up with this...

and this is how it looks like all finished...

I might still add a cream color border around.
I don't know if you remember when I talked about finally doing something for myself and being a selfish for a bit. In reality, I enjoyed working on the Mountain boy quilt much more than this one. Somehow, it is more satisfing to create for others, isn't it?

The quilt for a mountain boy...

2009-02-27T09:43:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in my previous post the project Mountain Baby Blankets. I started on the first quilt last night. I pulled out my scrap basket and took out all strips with some scrappy log cabin blocks in mind. I found the fabric I bought about a year ago just because I loved the vintage feel of it. It is the dark blue one with images of little boy playing, little boy with a dad. Suddenly, a new, a bit different idea came and I just sat down and started sewing away. This is what I came up with so far. I am liking it a lot.

I think this little project will be done before I decide what to do with my other quilt. It would also be a perfect size for my free motion quilting practice.

Notion of the free motion...

2009-02-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

In the earlier post I asked for some suggestions on free motion quilting. Thanks Kris and Emily for your help.
Once again I learned something about my sewing machine. My sewing machine is super simple and one of those cheap ones, but never caused any trouble and served me well, so I am happy with it. (knock, knock... knocking on the wood..) When I started sewing, here in the US, three years ago, that was all I could afford. Also, I had no idea we will become such close friends.

I've been tempted to try free motion quilting for some time, but thought that it won't be possible with my simple machine. However,I can't afford much more at the time,so I figured I better make it work.
I bought a darning foot, and searched for the quilting table (almost costing as much as my sewing machine). I asked you for the suggestions and search for even more info online (tutorials). I learned that my machine does not allow me to lower the feed dogs, which is ok since I could cover them with darning plate (I believe that is what they call it).
Well, after all this, I couldn't wait any longer, found some scraps and tried it. Please, don't laugh, but here are my first pieces.

Here comes another question for you. I think I can practice more and work on smoother lines, but my bottom looks terible. I know it is a tension problem. It works fine on the regular sewing. Do I lower the tension, or what do I do to make the bottom to look pretty?

Quilt top...

2009-02-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

The quilt top is almost done. Well, I ran out of fabric.
I would like this quilt to be a bit bigger. I am thinking about adding more cream solid lenghtwise.

I still have the jelly roll left, but I think I don't like any borders for this quilt.
What do you think?

I've been up to something.... Coming up later...

Gone thrifting....

2009-02-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

I was able to squeeze a short trip to local a thrift store today in between school and rushing home to study for the next day. I am glad I did.
Look what I found...

My cell phone for scale...

I am even happier to see that it matches my previous thrifting tresures...

I don't have much to show today for my quilting, but tomorrow is Wednesday and it seems like that is the day, that I can find time sewing in the evening. I can hardly wait. I was searching for more ideas for baby quilts, vintage sheets quilts and found plenty of inspiration.
If you need some, just zoom over on flickr and type baby quilts, or vintage sheets quilts into the search box. You'll find plenty.
I also have a question for all you experienced free motion machine quilters (meaning ones who do it at home on the regular machine). I finally got a darning foot and have a huge plans to practice free motion quilting. However, I am missing the attachable quilting table on my machine. I found some on ebay for around $65 that is supposed to work for most of the machine (my machine fits into the described dimensions). I am planning on buying it, but wanted to ask if you have any suggestions.
Thanks!

Mountain Baby Blankets

2009-02-20T15:27:00.000-08:00

I am not sure how many of you actually watched Diane Sawyer's Hidden America special on the Children of The Mountains in rural Eastern Kentucky last week. I didn't because we don't have TV (cable, anyway), but I am glad that some of you did. Rachel did watched and decided to help. I would like to join her and ask all who can to join as well.

Rachel contacted the CAP organization, that goes out into the community to care for many teen moms in Appalachian Kentucky. There is a great need for warm blankets there.

Specifically, they have requested:

* Receiving-size blankets
* Blankets for swaddling (flannel, for example)
* Crib size quilts and blankets
* Child/toddler size quilts and blankets
* Twin size quilts and blankets

Please, visit her blog and look for any additional information.

I will be posting some ideas and links for free simple and quick baby quilts. I have som much fabric that was handed down to me by others. For me this is a great way to use it up.
Here are some of the links for now:
Crazy Mom Quilts
Sew Mama Sew
All People Quilt
Quilts for Kids
Charity Quilts Patterns

I am back in the game...

2009-02-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

My wish came true and I finally sat down and dusted off my sewing machine last night. I could hardly wait, I was sketching the quilt's layout in my notebook during Energy & Environment class. Hahaha

I had this plans of maybe finishing everything last night, but I didn't. I got too tired way too early. That's OK. I have tonight to play with it as well. I'll set a pot of coffee next to my sewing machine. :)

I tried this " new to me" technique on adding sashing or just chain sewing. Basically, you eliminate cutting, but not really. You need to cut anyway. Pressing goes faster, though. I am not totally sold on this one, but I will try it again. Do you have any experience with this? How do you like like it?

I owe you & some new inspiration...

2009-02-15T18:56:00.000-08:00

I realized that I never post pictures of my sister's quilt quilted. I owe you.

Also,
I needed to use my JoAnn's coupons, and I sure needed some inspiration. I think, that I just need to make something for myself. I was too busy with all the presents (and still am), but I need to be a bit selfish now.

I am remembering.....

2009-02-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day won't ever be the same for me. Last year on February 14th at 3:20 pm, I was on my way to my Geography class in Cole Hall at NIU in DeKalb, IL. I was in my car making my way through campus to the parking garages. I was listening to NPR and noticed way too many people walking on the sidewalks all on cell phones. Suddenly, I heard breaking news through the radio about shootings that happened. It wasn't clear where exactly the shooting happened. They thought it was in the bookstore. For whatever reason, I drove in the parking garages, seeing everybody fleeing out of there. I then found out that the shooting took place in Cole Hall and campus is closed. On my detoured (due to traffic) way home, I got almost hit by the other cars twice because roads where closed and it was a total chaos. Later, I learned that the shooter is dead and some students were shot. I was able to call everyone that I am OK.
It took me a few hours to realize that I might of been right there if I wasn't running late. My class was supposed to take place in THAT lecture hall right after theirs.
It's been a year and I still start walking much faster passing Cole Hall, I still stop and remember when seeing signs like this around town, and somehow, I stopped running late for my classes.

To learn more about what happend, you can go here.

Where I 've been...

2009-02-05T06:55:00.000-08:00

here...

Most of my days are currently occupied by school. I don't like it a bit, but this is the hardest semester I ever had so far and I just will have to deal with it for now. There was no sewing ever since I came back from Europe... I am ready to cry at this point because there honestly is no time for it.

I have so many unfinished projects and just projects that I am dying to work on... So please be patient with me and don't forget about me totally. I'll be back here soon...
I am reading what all of you are up to, almost daily. In fact, those are those bright times of my days now. Thank you for that...

Welcoming....

2009-01-25T18:39:00.001-08:00

Most of you heard me talking about my sister, right? If not looking at her quilt, or new baby girl that is making her the happiest mom on the world, than you definately read (or still can) about the precious gift I got from her.
Well, she officially started her own blog. I showed her a lot of blogs while I was home and she was inspired. She writes in Slovak, but puts a lot of pictures up, so you can easily guess what she is writing about. You could also have her page translated by google. (It translates weird sometimes, but gives you an idea.)
Please, go on and support her, she doesn't know anybody from the blogland yet, but is eager to get to know all the other crafty moms.

I have been occupied by school for the past two weeks. It seems like this semester will be a bit chalenging, but I will get in the normal posting schedule soon.

Rose Hill Hat of my own...

2009-01-16T13:36:00.000-08:00

Me in Budapest...

Few months back, I read through my favorite blogs and found tutorial for this awesome hat. I am not too much into knitting, but having a hat like that... I was eager to relearn. I even emailed Erin about those little dots (I call them..), so she could explain in non - knitter language, but I had to give up...
Then I went home (home as Slovakia home) and yeah, I forgot to mention that my sister is a prolific knitter. She truly is, I wish I had pictures of things she did. She did...
She hasn't been knitting for a while. No time, motivation, well and yes five little ones.
I sent her a link to Erin's tutorial and ask her if she could help me with it when I arrive. Weeelllll, we didn't find time for that until the last few days I had with her. She offered that she will make the hat for me. Great!!! Even better.
She printed it out and asked me few thing about it, since it was all in English. I went out and bought wool. I gave it to her on the last day I have seen her. The next morning, her husband was picking me up to go to the train station, then airport. Guess what he had for me... The hat. She did it in one evening.
Look, I love it!

I have gotten a news that matching scarflet and hand warmers are on its way to me.
I love you sis, thanks..
(Dakujem Ajka, cmuk...)

Oh, and big thanks to Erin and her great tutorial.

Being back....

2009-01-15T11:19:00.000-08:00

I arrived back to States a week ago, today. It took me a while to get myself back to normal life and continue on. I figured out my class schedule and a new work schedule.
I had a wonderful time in Slovakia with all of my family and friends. Thanks to all that wished me a safe and nice trip. It truly was great.
I have many many pictures, even though I often forgot to take them, but I am still waiting for more from my sister and dad.
I will try to post here my favorites, maybe instead of some crafty one, since it may take me a little more time to accomplish something. Maybe not, I am ready....

Here are some : - not chronological just here and there bits and pieces...

My dad mashing potatoes at my sister's kitchen.... This smile is so typical for him, but very few photos caught it. I love it...

My mom helping me finish my sister's quilt, well binding on it... She wanted to learn how to do it... I miss crafting with her. One day I will have to show you her amazing creations..

This is little Michaela (they call her Miska [pronouced Mishka]) in one of her new onesies... I can't wait to sew for her when she is a bit older... She'll be spoiled this way..

Simon, my nephew #4, I know you've seen him already, but I love this photo. It was totaly unintetional. I asked him if he is an angel. His answer was: "No, I am a very sad king.." Now we have a photo together: A sad king and queen.

Here I am.. Proudly strolling with my first and only niece...

Home....

2008-12-26T16:37:00.000-08:00

First, I hope all of you had a beautiful Christmas! I was absent for a while and yes I owe you. I promised to keep you updated and here I go being quiet.
Today, in few hours, will be exactly two weeks since I left home to come home.
I have been spending time with my family, at least as much I could.
Those two weeks flew by and I don't even know how. I didn't even meet all of the people I promised I will visit, but I think I was a bit ambitious to think I will be able to do so.
I am full of happy and also weird feelings. I love being with my family, but I am missing someone who is a big part of my life too. I realized that I don't feel complete alone anymore.... and no Christmas will be truly Christmas without this person.
I know this should be craft blog, but as you can imagine I didn't have chance to do any of it lately.
What about my home?
While in US I couldn't even imagine how I would feel returning home after such a long time. Now, here in Slovakia with my family and places that are so familiar, I feel like I only left about a month ago.
On the other hand, I do miss an American Christmas magic that I grew to like as well.

I will have to share all of my feelings from this special trip slowly, just because I can't just spit it all out, but here are at least some images from my first days.

Walk through downtown on the way to the opera...

My youngest nephew with typical Slovak dish (Bryndzove halusky/ Sheep cheese potato noodles)...

My sister and me...

View from my room, but I wanted to show parking. I was shocked to see it... In the past years more people started to use cars for transportation and parking problem arose. As you can see...

From other side of the ocean...

2008-12-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

I am here. After a very long flight and travel (6 hours delay), warm welcome and a first day spent surrounded with my closest family (is closest even a word?). It is amazing!
I will be back when a bit more rested and with some pictures.
Thanks for all good wishes!

Off I go...

2008-12-11T08:05:00.002-08:00

OK, I did not sleep a bit (maybe 3 hours the most), but I calmed down.
This is definitely the last post before leaving. I just couldn't wait to share with you what I won in the recent giveaway at For the Journey .
Dallas was soo generous. Look at what she sent. I felt a need to place a thread there for the scale. I love all of those vintage sheets.

She split her collection of vintage sheets between four winners to see what everybody comes up with. I am so excited about this already. I will have something to think about while waiting on the airports.:)
It will definitely be a quilt, but I may add something since there is enough fabric for multiple projects.

Here are just a few favorites.

So long, talk to you from Slovakia.....

Oh, no....

2008-12-10T15:41:00.002-08:00

I didn't have a good day.
Last night with the snow/wind storm we lost our internet connection. We don't have cable here, so it's working through the satelite and because of the weather, that obviously didn't work.
This morning we found out that the company the internet is coming from won't fix it unless we pay $160.00 dollars or sign another two year contract. So what do we do?
Send them .... you know where. We were in search for other company for awhile anyway since there were other issues.
We found a different company, but they won't be able to come and set it up until Dec. 18th.
So, I am posting this from school. Sorry, no pictures...
This wouldn't be the end of the world for us anyway because we can use internet at work or at school.
Well, another unfortunate thing that happened is that I am worried about my flight home.
My dad woke up us this morning calling from Slovakia. There has been strikes going on in Budapest airport (where I am supposed to arrive) since this morning and flights are being canceled. You can read about it more here, if you are interested.
I was nervous about the whole traveling part of my trip anyway. I am not much of a traveler, you may say.
I don't know how long this will be going on, but it sure makes me worried.

If I won't be able to post until I leave....
I will definately post from Slovakia. I should be able to get there sometime, right?
I just might be too worried about other things tomorrow.
I am leaving Chicago 5pm on Friday, wish me luck.

More handmade presents....

2008-12-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

I refused to buy presents this year. I feel that we all have stuff we need and if we don't we buy it for ourselves anyway because it's needed or because we really want it. And who knows better what we need than we do.
With little ones it's different, I understand, but also only from certain age. Babies don't care if it's made or bought.
So I made almost all my presents this year. I said almost because there are certain people (two in my case )around us that just would benefit more out of something else.
My presents for family in Slovakia are all packed and will be revealed later (from Slovakia).
There were few more that I was missing for people here in U.S..
These are throw pillows that will go to a home where handmade is loved. There is going to be quilt coming later, but that would really have to wait until after my trip.

The last one still in works. Let's hope I'll make it. Not today though, spending all day in school - finals.

Also, dont't forget to Freda's Hive today! Don't know what I am talking about? Check this out!!!

Edit:
Another great 100th post giveaway is going on here!

I caught second breath.../ Tutorial for a super quick scarf.

2008-12-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

I was certain that I won't be able to do any more sewing before my trip. I also got over the fact that some presents will be given after Christmas. And then, this weekend, I packed my suitcases (Yes, I am taking two, but one is straight Christmas presents - making me feel like Santa) and did loads and loads of laundry and ....

I went to pick up " My sister's quilt" from the quilt shop this weekend (I love it quilted, but will post about it from Slovakia, OK? )and stopped at Jo Ann's on the way back to search for binding fabric. I found three, so I need to make some decisions. But I also found very cool fabric in red tag fabric shelves. It's kind of silky, batik in green/ brown shades and turquoise/ browns. Front is a bit shinny and a bit fancy, back is just batik. Fabric is all crinkled too. I am sorry that I don't know the proper name of it.
Well, idea was born and I was working on the super quick shawl out of both (two for presents and one for me.
This is what I did:
I bought one yard of each. From the first one I cut it lengthwise (1 yard length)into 8 strips (width is approx. 44" divided by 8, since I made two out of this fabric). This fabric was crinkled, so it was hard to measure exact width. I sewed two of the together to make it long enough for shawl/ scarf.

Then, folded them over and sew one more time along the edge. Next, turned over and sewed the ends in. Super simple, but I am no tutorial writer, so please ask if you have questions.

I made the two bluish/brown scarfs thinner to wear with a nice dressy shirt or with a simple sweater to make it look more dressier.

I kept the green and brown combo for me. Well, I have a very cute hat that I need to wear more, but was missing a perfect scarf to match it. This way I satisfied my desperate need for more presents and also I had a nice scarf to wear in my hometown. I made mine a bit wider - I only cut it four times the width - 44". I also made mine reversible I may say. One side is more shinny to wear for fancy occasions and the other is simple batik to wear daily. That's on the picture.
Please, imagine that the splotches on the mirror are snowflakes. Thanks! :)

I made more presents, but I will leave this for tomorrow.

I am running out of time to sew, but that doesn't stop me from playing with ideas.... not mine!

2008-12-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

I' ve been hiding behind books and computer (working on projects for school/ reading blogs...) for the past week and coming home in the evenings exhausted. I think I took two or three naps approximately from 6pm till 10pm and worked on my school stuff later those nights. I prefer to get up earlier in the morning and study before exams as oppose to late nights (I can't keep my eyes open and fall asleep anywhere - literary), but naps helped a bit with that.
I wanted to share with you something that was the closest I've got to any crating, sewing related activities this week.
Jacquie at Tallgrass Prarie Studio, have posted about the quilt she's been working on and asking for ideas for the layout of the blocks that she and her mom created. Playing with the ideas for quilts' layouts is by far my favorite part about quilting. I needed to work on the paper about soil requirements for septic systems in my county (you probably wonder what I study... haha..). What do you think I did first?
Yep, I sketched a layout for Jacquie's quilt and fought with our 100 year old scanner in order to send it to her. Then I started on the septic systems, but was too unpatient to see what she would think about it, since it was very different from what others suggested.

I waited and waited and today I got to see it. I love it! She altered a few blocks which made it totally Jacquie style. I think she is happy with it. I feel satisfied because I had something creative and beautiful to think about this week (think septics - eek),
Check out Jacquie's quilt here.
Thanks Jacquie! You made my day /week ! :)

The two cornish hens...

2008-11-30T16:35:00.000-08:00

I hope all of you had a great holidays in case you celebrated. We don't really celebrate it, but since we live in the U.S. we get kind of sucked in. I don't mind Thanksgiving because I really like the purpose of the holiday- eating- no I am just kidding. I think it is important to stop at least once a year, look back and give thanks. In Slovakia, we kind of do this on the New Years Eve (Silvester).

We all get a turkey at work from my two bosses. Last year I asked for two cornish hens instead. We are not too crazy about turkey at my house, so I felt like it would be a waste. In the past, I gave our turkey to the friends. I got my two cornish hens this year as well. The two cornish hens are perfect for us. Years ago, I found a simple and very tasteful recipe somewhere online (sorry don't have a link, it was seriously about 5-6 years ago). The whole recipe is very simple. It is cornish hen with sage and lemon. You melt the butter with dried sage and spread it with your hands all over the hen, also in between skin and meat. You stuffed cornish hen with more dried sage (you can also use fresh sage) and lemon. Bake and that's it!
For the side I used stuffing recipe from years ago too, but very similar to this except the brandy. It was just two of us since I was sick like a dog, but we had a nice day.

I had a lot of crafting plans for this prolonged weekend, but this time it was never ending flu that got in my way. I did some sewing anyway, but not even close to what I had planned.
I decided that since it is only about two weeks until I go home, I really need to focus on everything else that needs to get done. For some unexplained reason I am extremally stressed out about the whole thing. I need to put myself together somehow. Sigh.....

Also, I just recently joined a number 3 group of Sew Craft Blog. I like the idea of meeting new blogers. You can find links to the blogs in my group on the sidebar.

P.S.: On the pictures:
One of the quilts awaiting binding - in works.
Two pillows to match the quilt - in works.
Will post more later.

Owly Day....

2008-11-24T04:27:00.000-08:00

Finally, I had my productive weekend.
This is the project I started a while back.
It was inspired by this.
Mom that had a baby shower yesterday, show me the catalog and we both instantly fell in love with the owls. I don't have kids, so my excuse to make them was to make the owl for her daughter. (Well one of them.)
All the credit for fabric choices must go to her, since she picked it and supplied it. I just got to play.

I was afraid to cut into those cute fabrics without any pattern. So I created scrappy Mr. Blue.

Now, he is was a successful, but lonely prototype. So his lovely friend was created.

They like to hang out together, but soon will be separated and will go into homes of their own.

More giveaways.....

2008-11-23T13:57:00.000-08:00

1. Beautiful Christmas necklace is being given away here.
2. And look what a precious giveaway is going on over here.

Baby Business...

2008-11-22T13:43:00.000-08:00

Do you remember this little sneak peak I gave you a while back? Well, I can finally show you the finished product. I had a great time at the baby shower today and couldn't wait to show you what I made. So here we go...

Here is the quilt when I just finished it and needed to still stitch the binding on. It is for a baby girl who should arrive anytime now. Her room is decorated with brown and shades of light blue. Her mom told me that she bought this curtains for the room, so I was inspired.

This is the back, so you can see the quilting. I am very proud of this because I quilted it myself just with the walking foot. This is the second quilt I've machine quilted. First one was just straight lines and also baby quilt.

Nursery is also decorated with elephants, so I added a pillow/toy elephant and of course some onesies.

And one more time all finished and completed with nice crinkles from washing and drying. So soft!

More great giveaways...

2008-11-20T05:51:00.000-08:00

There is more and more giveaways going on lately. It shows how generous the whole crafty community is.
One of them is here right now:
Film in the fridge is a wonderful blog full of inspiration and showcase of great fabrics... Ashley is celebrating her 100th post and put together fabulous package (handmade gifts and more fabric) for a winner. I am really hoping for this one.

3100 g and 49 cm....

2008-11-19T05:27:00.000-08:00

Edit: Here is the photo. This is all I have, not the best quality, I think they took it with the phone. I am sure there will be more coming up. I am so proud.
Don't you think that those first pictures of new babies are not always the greatest pictures, but they are so special.

I have a big news from Slovakia. My sister gave a birth to her fifth baby yesterday. It is fifth baby, but it is the first girl. Everything is well. I don't have a picture yet because she spent her first day in the incubator. She is doing great though, so I might have picture soon.
Oh, and guess what? Her name is Michaela. How sweet is that? It was a huge surprise for me, since I had no idea and my sister kept telling me different names.
I can't wait to hold her.
Less than a month and I'll be there, yey!

Christmas Giving...

2008-11-17T09:16:00.002-08:00

I try to stay calm and give priority where it's the most needed right now.
Therefore,
my house is still messy, we ate out this weekend, quilts are still missing the binding (most of them, but not all) and other gifts are still only in my head.
School was the highest priority this weekend. It's just that time of the semester when big semester projects need to be turned in, last quizzes need to be written and professors are summing up everything we worked on so hard for final exams.
BUT,
I was able to fit in a little, tiny project and probably would have finished it if I wouldn't run out of thread. And yes I did at least vacuumed the house.

No, don't worry I am not that quick. I had all the coasters and placemats pieced since last year (project that didn't get done on time for Christmas. Boy, I hope I won't have any of those this year). All I was doing this weekend was quilting and yes ran out of thread, so I have still five placemats waiting.

Scrapy Birds...

2008-11-12T21:16:00.000-08:00

My good friend gave me this magazine and ask me to make her some wild birds for her son's nursery.
I start playing with it and pulled up some of my scrapy, vintage fabrics.

They are super easy to make and kind of addictive. She asked for any colors, bright colors, scrapy look, but I already have some favorites and some that I am not sure about. I'll see once they are all finished and together. That is the whole fun about scraps, hey dn't look good until a lot of them mixed together.

I love this vintage fabric.

Eeek... .... and three different giveaways...

2008-11-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

You know it's winter when......

you need to purchase more of these....

because you already ran out from what you bought this year.

Anybody who lives on the farm knows that as soon as farmers harvest the fields around, you are going to have some visitors. There is nothing you can do about it. Well, except get some of those sticky traps (We tried live traps already, they don't work). When we moved on the farm three years ago, we didn't know this. We weren't prepared at all and it wasn't pleasant experience, I would say. Ever since, we are ready as soon as the leaves start turning colors.
Unfortunately, I work in small firm that is also on the farm, small house made into the office, so I am dealing with it at work as well. I am city girl (at least if you would look where I grew up), but I love to be where I am right now. I love everything about it, except our visitor in the winter. What do you do? There must be some some sacrifice everywhere, right?
My mom is disgusted every time I even mention it, so I don't anymore. She thinks I am crazy leaving the town life.

I know I shouldn't even talk about this here, but I found three of them caught at work this morning and thought about my life on the farm again. A thought of posting the picture of that came and flew away very quickly, don't worry.

Does anybody else has to deal with these little creatures this time of year?

Edit:
There are several giveaways going on. One is better than the other.
This one is from Old Red Barn Co. Go check out those quilts they are absolutely fantastic.Yes quilts!

The other one is from Simplify . The winner gets quilt of his/her choice. She makes it all kind of fun and not that easy.

The last one is over here at Little Imagination and a Pile of Junk . Debra is giving away a beautiful journal.

Go on to check them out!

Waiting to be finished.....

2008-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Do you want to take a peak? This is part of my To Do list.

1. Add binding...

2. Finish quilting and add binding....

3. Add binding and quilt matching pillow....

And the list goes on....

Feeling Quiet......, but Busy

2008-11-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

I have been absent for a few days. Business of life got in the way during the day and sleepiness at night. I have been finishing some baby gifts and working through my Christmas list slowly, but surely. So there is show and tell to come soon.
I am trying to keep calm about everything that is awaiting me in the next month. Wrap up the semester, pack up everything for a month stay at my parents in Europe, get over flying issue (I only flew once in my life and that was from Slovakia here, this would be my second.) and get all my paperwork ready for visiting American embassy in Slovakia (because for some reason American embassy in Slovakia doesn't communicate with U.S. one, so I have to take everything with me.) and than make sure to get all the presents ready for those here and in Europe.
There is a lot on my mind as you can see lately and I have become a little stressed over it all, so I am trying to calm down. Being quiet helps...
I am going to leave you with some pictures of my home town.

All images are random finds on Google after you put Kosice, Slovakia search for images.

Procrastinating.....

2008-11-06T04:55:00.001-08:00

This is what happens when you need to study for another exam and work on two other projects that are not sewing related.
I picked up several thrifted t-shirts in the morning before work and in the evening I was already a manufacturer of these cute hats. They are super easy and quick to do. I had some problems with my machine, since I don't own serger, but I found out after a while that it all depends on type of jersey. Certain T-shirts are just fine others, well, not so much.

Most of them are done, I have couple more T-shirts in the wash an will finished them tonight.

Oh, and I also did most of the quilting on this one. Yes, last night as well. I am a very good procrastinator, can't you tell?
Have a nice day! I am off to study.

Mama to Mama

2008-11-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

I suspect that most of you already heard about Mama to Mama project that Amanda launched yesterday. I was also overwhelmed by all the info that Meg provided in her yesterday's post (and there is more in comments).
I thought that I could share a few ideas how to spread the word or found resources and therefore create mor hats for Haiti babies.

1. Post about this on your blog, you can get the banner here.

2. Talk to your friends at the local quilt shop, your fabric shop.They tend to like participate in hese projects.

3. If you don't have any T-shirts suitable for cutting, there is always Salvation Army.

4. And if you feel overwhemed with all those projects on your list for Christmas and are afraid that you might run out of time (deadline is December 10th), relax and think about how long those tiny hats could actually take to make, probably not to long - one evening?

5. Post about hats you make, it might work as great inspiration for others.

If you have some other ideas to help to spread the word , please go ahead and leave a comment.

Another Great Giveaway...

2008-11-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

If you haven't done that yet, go to Sew Katie Sew to enter her giveaway. She is giving away some great fabrics to celebrate two years blogiversary !
And if you just found out about it from here, please mention it. Thanks.

My sister's quilt...

2008-11-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

I can show you !

As I found out from my parents, my sister doesn't know about this new little space I have here. In any other situation my reaction would be, "What? How come??"
But not now. It is actually kind of convenient that she has no clue because that means I can go ahead and show you her Christmas present in the full beauty.
I started this quilt about week and half or two weeks ago. I am mentioning that because it makes it the record for quickest quilt (of that size and all pieced not like this one with not as much piecing and wide borders) I made. In fact it is also the biggest quilt I ever made.
Wow, I am really breaking some records here.

My sister and her half just recently painted their bedroom that apple green color. Don't ask me why. It was white before, so maybe they wanted to brighten their dreams.
I was pulling info from my mom about the best present for them since I will be actually there for Christmas this year. After much ideas I threw in and my mom's negative reactions for those, she sugested , "You know you could make a quilt as cover for their bed to match their new color and those blue lamp shades." Geeze mom, thanks for the tip, I don't know what to sew first anyway and I never made queen sized quilt before. But she succesfully placed the bug in my head and I started to go through my stash and pulled out all my thrifted sheets and pillow covers. I did buy a few fat quarters and not even full two yards of that blue solid. I just couldn't get over that bright green and bright blue (I am not bright color girl), but I think I found some that worked well together.
I found some inspiration and the pattern while sick over two unproductive weekends here.
And the quilt top was born. I actually grew on those bright colors and really like it.

Off to pay visit to my machine quilter lady drop off this beauty and pick up two finished ones..

Scary Enough ???

2008-10-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

I guess, I could say that where I am come from, we don't have Halloween and so we don't celebrated it at our house here in U.S.. It doesn't help that we are living in the middle of nowhere and no trick or treaters show up by our door. I know that we probably will once we have kids. My fun would be creating new costumes every year and theirs , well I guess candy.

I came home today and felt bad about undecorated house, Friday night like any other, but I was welcomed by these.
Here are few views you would find here if you would come by trick or treating tonight.

Very scary looking giant sunflowers...

The only pumpkin around, with various bugs crawling out of it....

Open pass in th middle of the field that old grumpy farmer cut, to lead you who knows where....hmmm

Walking among all sorts of stuff...

I think I would scare you even without any decoration. Craft Farm became Haunted Farm tonight...

Oh, and here is old Jasper allias "Jasperado". He wanted to tell you all Happy Haloween, but I think I scared him off.

Black Bean Soup to warm up ....

2008-10-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

Now that I am in the crunch to get everything done (handmade gifts, school projects, wrap up the season at work,...) I am digging in for my super easy fast recipes for meals at home. They need to be super easy and super fast and even better if I can use what I still have left from the garden.
This was the case with our dinner the other night. I had bunch of small peppers from the garden that I frantically picked all up the day before the first frost. They weren't the most beautiful little fellows, but hey, they taste great.
The Black Bean Soup is one of ours favorite anyway and perfect choice for cooler evenings.
This recipe was my starter and I've been using it for a while now, but I seem to change it every time I make the soup. My variations depend on what I have available at home. If I don't have carrots, I add corn or little bit of salsa. If I don't have cooked ham, I cut up what ever I have (sausage, hot dog, you name it...).
But the one main change to this recipe that I made is to use 2 cans of Organic Black beans as for the whole beans in the soup (We like it thick) and I add 1 can of refried black beans instead of messing with the blender.
Give me a handful of corn tortilla chips, spoon of sour cream and shredded cheese on the top and I am all set.
I forgot to take a picture of our fabulous , super easy and fast dinner. This were the left overs next day - we ran out of sour cream.

Giveaway....

2008-10-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

Jennifer at JC handmade has this great giveaway going on right now.
She made beautiful baby quilt and is offering another custom one for the winner.

Please, please, please be it me.

It would go to this very special baby girl that is expected to arrive before Christmas. She is going to be welcomed by four brothers and the happiest mom and dad.

Any color combo would work, but if I have to choose I would love to see red and white, maybe even some flowers.

Go on enter as well, Jennifer creates beautiful work. It would be an honor to own one of her pieces.

Sneak Peak...

2008-10-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

It's killing me that I can't show you all my latest projects in their full beauty, but I can't since they are ungiven (is this a word?) gifts still. So mainly for my sanity and impatience I have for you a very little sneak peak.
This quilt is for one of the special baby girl on its way. Yes, there is more than one.

Vintage sheet quilt top is almost finished!! Yay! I working through last border pieces and I am really liking it.
I didn't take pictures yet. Its too big to take pictures inside and outside was quite windy today.
Now just be over with that exam...(subject is Soils)

Gone Quilting....

2008-10-27T08:52:00.001-07:00

Finally,
after two unsuccessful trials to quilt all weekend long (or at least one day), I finally got my day of quilting in. Since it is going to be a Christmas gift, I can only show you so much.

I decided to use disappearing ninepatch pattern because I wanted to create that mix and match look. However, I ended up with creating somewhat pattern anyway. Which is OK, since I still like it.

I have all my blocks sewn, not together yet because I had to stop and rethink my whole quilt.
Problem - not enough fabric (blue and green ones). I really don't want to go buy more.
Solution - I will need to add borders. I have enough left over to make stripy border and add some white solid for inner border.

(Sorry, for the light on photos, it was late when I remembered to take pictures or at least the type of pictures I can post without revealing too much of the quilt.)

This was my view most of the day. We put the ottoman on our sofa to prevent him to get on it, but as you can see he'll do anything - push all the pillows down to gain more space, knock down any other kind of barrier we come up with or tries to squeeze in the space he has available like he did yesterday.

Wish me luck to possibly finish this quilt tonight.Well, I kind of have to since I have an exam on Thursday. That will give me two other evenings to study with no distraction of unfinished quilt top.

I got a phone call from my quilter lady that my two other quilts are done. Soon to come... show and tell.

I am branching out...

2008-10-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

"Are you branching out?" That is what my friend said after I metioned I bought a book to remind me how to knit. I learned how to knit as a little girl, but never had enough patience to finish anything. I remember kniting vest back home. By the time I was almost done it was too small for me. Luckily, there was enough kniters in the family (gramma, mom, sister) who supplied everybody with warm, wooly sweaters, hats, etc.. I rather kept myself busy with sewing.
Few weeks ago I was inspired by this new kniter to maybe give it a try once more.

As soon as I read her post, I found the book and bought it. I love it. I hope that all those cute ideas and SMALL projects would inspire me to knit something actually from start to finish in timely manner.

And as you can see, I already gave in. Let's hope I can keep it going. It might need to be a little slower because of all christmas sewing I need to do, but I love that I can take it with anywhere I go (...long flight back home in December....). Do they alow knitting needles on planes?

In the process....

2008-10-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

There is not much to show on the crafting side. For the past two weekends, my plans were changed due to either cold or stomach bug. I want my weekends back!! I have a lot and very creative plans for this upcoming one, so wish me luck.
I feel that I am running out of time since I am leaving for Europe mid December and two weeks prior to that I will be busy with finals at school. Do you see where I am coming from?
However, time spent in bed was well spent reading others blogs and collecting ideas for my list. My long Christmas list.

One of the items on my list is "quilt to take with me to Europe".
I am going to use my collection of vintage sheets and combine it with more blue and green to match recipient's home. I can't make up my mind about the pattern.

It will be either large hour glass blocks or more larger disappearing ninepatch. Larger mainly because the quilt needs to be about queen size hen finished and as I said earlier I don't have much time left, but also because I think that print on the various vintage sheets would show better if the blocks would be bigger.
Any suggestions?

I need to pick something soon in fact maybe even start on it tonight.

A Rainbow Cloud..

2008-10-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

This was what I have seen on my way back from work before just pulling in my driveway. A rainbow cloud. It wasn't raining, the sun was just starting to set down and this was the only cloud that had rainbow through it ...

... but only for a very very short time. I am glad I had camera right with me.

Good deals...

2008-10-20T06:32:00.000-07:00

I guess, I never mentioned what I bought and won at the quilt show. Oh, I've seen fabrics and fabrics and patterns and quilt kits and all , but....
I was drawn towards the overflowing table full of old, vintage fabrics that ladies from the local quild brought from their homes to sell (almost for nothing) and outdated quilting magazines (3 for $1). I love these stuff. I don't know what it is that pulls me right to these old things.
However, old or not I found some great fabrics - all solids. Cotton and linen in white, off-white, natural and brownish shades. All of them are bundles of 1.5 and more yards.

This was my door price win. Set of four quarters. I might need to divide those on two and two. All four of them together don't necessary work for me.

Sail with me....

2008-10-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

Idea of the quilt with pieced sailboats was floating through my head for a few months now. I don't know why. For some reason, I am in love with blue and white combo and sailboats just fall right in there.
So I slowly started collecting blue quarter yards of fabric. (Mainly when I found something on sale. )
And then,I couldn't wait to just stop playing with the idea, but actually cut some fabrics.

One night I came up with this. I found pattern here, but change dimensions.

I have all blocks almost finished by now (sorry no picture yet), but I am not sure when I will be able to put it all together. Way too many projects on the list. Most of those are for Christmas gifts and my time is starting to run out.

Did I tell you? I am going home for Christmas! ...home, to Slovakia for almost a month... I am beside myself...

Modeling...

2008-10-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

How was your weekend? It was probably the most beautiful fall weekend we had over here in IL and I was covered up to my ears in bed with cold. All of my plans were canceled. Feeling miserably, not even able to sew. I hate that!! Oh well, but what you do.
I have few photos to share...
Couple of weeks back my friend mentioned she would like to find a smock for her little girl...
Ok, I started to search right away. I found a lot of images for inspiration, but no pattern in sight until I found this.
One trip to Jo-anns, few check measurements and couple days later little K had her first fashion show.

I love it even more now that I know she likes it!

I am glad to have a little girls like this available for modeling whenever I decide to make something for them. Thank you K.

WIP #3

2008-10-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

WIP - work in progress... Yes in progress. There is quite a bit of projects like this in my "studio" (corner of the living room including one table, file cabinet filled with fabric and other fabric freely laying around).
Well this is one of many. An Alphabet Quilt. I started this quilt about two years ago, didn't touch it for about a year and something, and pulled it out just recently. It took me a long time to find novelty prints that match my letters. AND this is not based on English Alphabet, so don't expect matching letter/print unless you speak Slovak. It is meant to be play quilt for four special boys back home. Hopefully, one day they will be able to play with it.

Every letter is paper-pieced. And the final quilt should look something like this.

I found pattern here. You can find a lot of free patterns there.

Where to start?

2008-10-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I stopped at the local thrift store. It wasn't the usual one I go to. This one is further away, more expensive and has weird hours, but they have cool stuff. I was mainly window shopping, due to the lack of storage in our house, but I always have space for more fabric, right?
So, here is what came home with me.

There was a bundle of precut 6"x 6" squares (a lot of them) of various reds, red and white vintage fabrics and total of maybe 2-3 yards of extra fabric (not cut). And this little log cabin block.

I pulled up some fabrics from my stash and start playing right away.

I like that little green with this as well.

Or I will just keep it two colors. Maybe something like this.

1. another view, blue and white quilt, 2. Red White and Cream Quilt, 3. red&white quilt, 4. hourglass quilt, 5. Quilt, 6. June 2008 Featured Quilt Showcase

I will wait on this one, at least until I figure out what I want to do. Hey, maybe there is enough fabric for two different quilts.
Have a nice weekend!!

One of my own...

2008-10-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

I never showed you picture of this quilt before and this one was around for long time.
It is the first quilt I made for myself (well for our house, as you'll see I will have probably a hard time stealing it just for me). Scrappy centers of the squares are of course scraps from Pat and sashing is mixture of fabrics (one of the first fabrics I ever bought in US) from Jo-Ann's or Wallmart.
As I said this quilt was sitting around for a while. I just finished putting on binding few nights ago. I washed it and dried it last night and have been snuggling in it ever since.
What else to say, we love it.

Quilt Show....

2008-10-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

As I promised, I would like to share few (really just a few ) pictures from the Quilt Show I visited this Sunday.
This first couple is probably my favorite. I just admire all of the details and I just love those cherry blossom. Lately, I just idea of trees in quilts.

This one I like because of flowers. Obviously... It feels like the blooming meadow and I also love that you could use all of your flowery scraps. I have a ton especially from hand me down fabrics. I might give this one a try one day...

This quilt was my ultimate favorite. I love the story behind creating this quilt. Women, that made lost her husband Floyd in 2006, she finished this quilt in 2007. All the material she used came from his clothes and one of her skirts (so they could be connected.). She wrote up a letter about it and used it as a label. If you open that picture , you should be able to read it. It's amazing. I read the label out loud at the quilt show for few other women who could see very well and tears came to my eyes as I was reading this.
Look at the creative way she used all parts of his clothing, even tags from manufacturer and watch. From all the shirts she had left over without collars she made a huge log cabin quilt that was available to viewer right next to this one.

Few more quilts that would stay with me for awhile.

Miniquilt made by the formal graduate of NIU after February shootings.

Few more that left me with fallen jaw and examining the quilt with question in my head: "HOW in the world....????"

Happy Sunday...

2008-10-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

I had a great day. Local guild organized Quilt Show. It was first quilt show I ever visited. It was beautiful. I have a lot of pictures, but can get them out of my camera until tomorrow. So will be editing and telling an amazing story about my favorite quilt. Show you fabrics I bought and show you what I won.
How was your weekend?