Stretching My Creativity....

This fabric is not what the average quilter looks for in the store...it is shiny....and slippery....and not cotton. Our younger daughter saw this fabric and fell head-over-heels in love with it.  The conversation went something like this...

"Mommy, I love this fabric!!  Will you please, please make me a dress?"

"Honey, I am not a dress maker."

"But, Mommy!!  No one else would have a dress like this and it is beautiful!!  I could wear it for graduation."

"It needs to be lined.  I have to pick the pattern.  Remember, I am not a garment maker."

She runs to yet another fabric and wraps it around herself.....

"But I love this fabric, too, and I need a dress for the dance..."

"That fabric is a little easier...Okay, I can try."

Our girls before the graduation dance--this dress was the dry run for the more complicated dress.

  That is how the request to make one dress turned into two dresses....on a short time line.....with a class project of a quilt thrown in for good measure.

 

The layout took up the whole kitchen table....and quite a while to cut out!

 Despite my lack of confidence, I launched forward.  And, knowing how I sew, I purchased twice as much fabric as they recommended.  Turned out to be the smartest move I made!  Because of the coloring, it had to be fussy cut to line up the color gradations.  Amazingly, I had two inches left to spare.

 

So, the bodice came together with a minimal amount of ripping, in spite of the pleats and darts.  The pattern did not include directions for lining the skirt and the fabric was quite sheer, so I came up with my own way to make a lining.  My method worked with the pockets, so I will count it as a success.

 Here it is, complete with sleeves and zipper, waiting to be tried on to make sure it fits and fits well.

Eighth Grade Graduation Night!

And, the girl who's on fire in the beautiful dress she designed! 

I am grateful to my sweet daughter for challenging me to try something outside my comfort zone, but would prefer she picks projects without extremely short timelines!  Have to say making this dress made our Little Princess feel very loved and allowed me to feel a certain amount of confidence that I haven't felt in a while.

Memorial Quilt Done!

Amazingly, the quilt top came together very quickly and was soon on the frame!  I did some measuring and adjusting to make sure that the extra blocks were sort of centered on the back of the quilt but allowing enough room for the pocket destined to contain the book.

 Here's a close-up of how much backing was left after it was quilted--talk about too close for comfort!!

I don't think I will do a pieced back again for a while--my heart can't take these close calls.

Next post I will give the step-by-step instructions on how to make the book cover.  It turned out pretty well (surprisingly enough!!) and was very easy. 

The label was sewn on the front....

And here is the pocket sewn on the quilt to hold the book....

Here are some pictures of the girl and her quilt.....

Here's the front...

Here's the back!

Pretty proud of our girl!!  The quilt is now proudly hanging in school, ready to be admired by many! 

Surviving Spring

How was your winter this year?  Winter in our part of the world, namely South Jersey, was quite snowy and cold.  Our daughter had six snow days!  Of course, this was the year the school decided not to include any snow days in the calendar, so she will be graduating 8th grade at the end of June.

I love snow days!  Over the years, I have realized that one should never discuss religion, politics or love of snow in public settings--people have very, very, very strong opinions on those topics!  I have had my share of death threats when I wore an "I Love Snow" button to work.  One woman told me to take off the button in her not-so-nice voice.

Snow days are special to me because they are the closest thing I get to stopping my world for a day.  The whole family is together and all the activities cease for just a little while.  There is time for me to catch my breath. I could use a snow day this month.....

The mini mountain of trimmed triangles from nearly 100 square-in-a-square blocks.

Our younger daughter came home from school with a special project--she was going to make a quilt to honor the veterans that served from Burlington County, NJ.  If you are unfamiliar with NJ geography, Burlington County is the largest county in NJ by quite a bit.  The first plan was to include all 42,000 names of veterans who served in all the wars in US history.  Uhmmm, not really possible on such a short timeline.  I do admire Sarah's enthusiasm for the project, but I had to make it a bit more manageable for a group of 8th graders....or for a woman who will work on it while her daughter is at school....

Sarah took her sewing machine to school every day for two weeks.  You should have seen her navigating her sewing machine and cello on Fridays....in the rain.....but she soldiered on!

So, to acknowledge those who served without leaving anyone out, we are going to write the names of veterans' organizations on the blocks instead of individual names.

The idea is for the quilt to look like camouflage with the flag fabric as a backing.  Just in case someone who is viewing the quilt has a loved-one they would like to include, I am making a cover for a small notebook to be placed in a sleeve on the back.  Think I may have come up with a quick and easy way to make a cover since time is so short.  Will post that when I finish it.

P.S. I haven't forgotten about a give-away--am sort of swamped with recitals, graduation and birthday/holiday preparations/celebrations at the moment.  Besides, I am still looking for something cool to give away.  My new plan it to post to my blog every week, regardless of what I am working on.  Have a few ideas for patterns that I'd like to share with you, too.  Am hoping to recharge my battery and have a new BOM for January.  We have done pieced block and applique blocks--which do you prefer?

Big quilty hugs!!

Curly Top Finishing Instructions Are Up

My web master, also known as my darling husband, has put the last installment of Curly Top up--the finishing instructions!  You can get them at Ewes Quilting.

I think it would be fun to have some sort of give-away to celebrate the completion of Curly Top and the  slow return to my life--would anyone be interested?  Still mulling the details over in my mind and will let you know the beginning of May.

Curly Top finished--would love to see your version!

Have a wonderful day!!

Curly Top BOM for November and December--Late Again, the Story of My Life

As you might imagine from my lack of postings, recovery is a bit slower than I thought it would be, but baby steps are still progress!  

You can find the applique pattern for November and December at Ewes Quilting. 

November:  Curly Top Counts Her Blessings

December:  Curly Top Trimming the Tree

***If you sent me a picture of a block you created and it didn't get posted, I apologize.  I tried to post the ones that were sent to me, but they wouldn't stick--my blog server was having issues.  When I went back to try again, the pictures disappeared.  I would love to post pictures of all the Curly Top blocks you made.  Would anyone be willing to send them again?  Pretty please?***

For those of you who are reading my blog for the first time, Curly Top came to be because I diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer and was going to lose all my hair during chemotherapy...and I did! At first, chemotherapy was my only treatment plan.  As I continued treatments, it became clear that the cancer was far more advanced than they originally thought, so I had a double mastectomy and radiation.  After that, there were more complications than even the doctors anticipated, but it could have been so much worse!  In August, my dad passed away suddenly--if you remember, I had dedicated Curly Top's August block to him. For all that happened in 2013, I know that God held me close to Himself and protected me--it really could have been so much worse!

Well, my hair grew back, with a vengeance and hundreds of curls, just like it was when I was little.  I now look just like Curly Top!!  (If I am feeling brave one day, I will post a picture of my new long locks--I look like a redheaded Rapunzel!!)

I would like to give my sincerest appreciation for those of you who have been so patient with me, especially for my tardiness in posting the last few blocks.  My email was filled with warm wishes and words of encouragement--each one warmed my heart! 

Big quilty hugs!!

Curly Top In Autumn

Seems I make many apologies for being late in posting the blocks each month, but sometimes life has different plans for you.  As you know, I made Curly Top because I lost all my hair during chemotherapy.  Then, I had surgery and radiation, which wiped me out.  And then the emergency surgery, but that's a story for another time......

At the end of August, my dad passed away suddenly.  We have great comfort knowing that he is in heaven with his Savior, but we miss him terribly.  Turned out my cancer gave me extra time with him, since he took me to so many of my treatments.  In fact, our last conversation was sitting at my kitchen table, showing him the August block, "To My Dad, Love Curly Top."  He looked at me, smiled and told me how he was proud of me.  Even as an adult, making my parents proud of me is important.

So, here's the block for September, The Apple of Curly Top's Eye found on Ewes Quilting.

Did you ever take an apple to the teacher?  As a teacher, I received plenty of lovely apples!!

And October, Curly Top's Tricks and Treats....

The jack o'lantern is carved and ready for Halloween!

On a more positive note, my hair has come back and it is very, very curly like it was when I was little.  In fact, I almost have the same hairdo as Curly Top!!  Apparently, growing hair is my super power as I had more than the ladies in radiation (and they teased me about it every day for six weeks!!)!  I am thankful my dad could see me regain what I lost with the cancer.

Thank you for following along with Curly Top in spite of all the interruptions.  I always welcome your comments and pictures of your blocks!!

Curly Top May, June, July and August Posted

 

 I had planned on posting a block every week in August until we were all caught up, but the overwhelming number of e-mails caused me to change my mind!!  So, you will find the instructions for the May block here.  Curly Top has a lovely bunch of flowers to celebrate spring.

The block for June is a happy memory of mine while working maintenance for my dad's company.  I learned how to drive a tractor and was surrounded by swallows while I cut the grass.  You can find the instructions for this block here. 

July's block looks like this.....

Here in the United States we celebrate Independence Day with lots of flag waving, but feel free to personalize the block and make it your own!  The instructions for this block and all the other Curly Top blocks can be found at Ewes Quilting.

And finally......

Wow!!  Curly Top should have reapplied sunblock during her surfing lessons!!  Been there myself, which explains all my freckles!!  You will find the instructions for August's block here.

Thank you for your e-mails and your continued interest in Curly Top!

April BOM is UP--Let the Catch-Up Begin!!

Thank you so much for your patience with me while I was getting through all my treatments!!  Your e-mails filled with kind words warmed my heart!!  I missed chatting with you!!

If you are following Curly Top, you can find the instructions for April's block here.  If all goes according to plan, a new block will be posted every week through August and we'll be all caught up.

When I was a little girl, my hair was copper-penny red with tight curls all over my head.  As I grew older and had children, it became less curly and more wavy.  Well, chemo did its worst and I lost all my hair, but now it is growing back with a vengeance and curly all over again!  The Lord certainly knows how to bless us!!

Chat with you soon!!

Playing Catch Up--February's BOM!!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Curly Top is ready to give all her loved ones a big heart to show how much she loves them!!  The block is 12 inches by 12 inches finished and has lots of opportunities for your special embellishments. 

The instructions can be found at Ewes Quilting and will be free forever!!

Thank you for being patient with me while I got back on track.  (Weekly chemo is getting in the way of what I like to do best!!)  Each block should be posted towards the beginning of the month, so check back to see what adventure Curly Top is engaging in next!  Feel free to send pictures to Carole@EwesQuilting.com so I can post your handiwork!

Curly Top!

For 2013, I'm dedicating my free Block of the Month to curly little red-haired girls doing what they do best!!  Celebrate each month with Curly Top in a different adventure.

Sorry to be a bit behind, but life has gotten in the way of my quilting.  Fabric requirements and January's block is posted on Ewes Quilting.  February's block will be up soon so we don't get too far behind.

Feel free to use your favorite form of applique or fusible to create each block.  Add your own embellishments to give it your own special flair!  Be sure to send pictures of your finished blocks to Carole@EwesQuilting.com so I can post them.

Check back soon for February's block!!

Happy New Year!!

Wow, 2013 is certainly flying by!!  So sorry to wish all of you well in the coming year so late in the month, but I hope all of you enjoy good health and happiness!!

I've been very busy with my chemo, going once a week until the end of March.  To keep myself occupied during my sessions, I've been trying my hand at a few new things.....

First of all, I tried my hand at knitting.  Never really been very good at knitting, much better at crochet (since I was four years old), so thought I would try a fancy scarf.

Of course, I had to rip it out at least six times, but I finished it!!  It looks wonderful with my coat and is light and lacy.  The yarn does all the work and the knitting was minimal, which is a perfect combination for my skill level.

Then, I tried my hand a knitting with regular yarn....

It's a bit curly, which makes it looks much skinnier than it really is.

Again, after many rip outs, I managed to make a long skinny scarf with the help of a good friend teaching me a new technique.  My brain appreciated this different way of knitting, called German or Swedish knitting, and I was able to feel confident in my new found ability.  I can now look at knitting patterns with greater appreciation and hopes of finishing.

While we were on our trip to the United Kingdom, I picked up a package of wool charms that came with a pattern from Magees to make this handbag.  

Pretty wild color combinations for wool--I just love it!!

Thought the sheep lining was a nice touch!

Making this bag was exciting--there was a substantial part of directions missing and I figured it out anyway (yippee!!),  learned how to attach (and find on the internet--not as easy as it sounds!!) leather handles and install magnetic closures. 

So, you can see how I've spent my month so far!  What have you been doing??  Would love to see a post from you letting me know what you're working on. 

There will be another posting in January for my BOM "Curly Top" coming soon--hope you'll be able to participate!!

Welcome, Charles Peter!

 Drum roll, please!!  I am pleased to announce our newest nephew, Charles Peter has made his appearance!!  He came into this world at 2:42 pm on December 20th and weighed in at 11 pounds 2 ounces and 22 inches long!  Both momma and baby are doing very well!!  He has a sweet disposition and even opened his beautiful eyes while I held him.

And, if you were wondering, the burp clothes work very well!!

Burp Cloth Tutorial

 While waiting for our new nephew to be born, I had some nervous energy, so decided to make some custom burp cloths.  There are other ways of making these, you can find free patterns in a Google search, but my way allowed me to make seven in an hour and a half.

 What you'll need:

• Package of 10 cloth diapers (the kind with the extra layers in the middle)
• Fabric 7 inches by roughly 18 1/2 inches  (Pick busy patterns to camouflage any future stains)
• Sewing machine and basic sewing supplies

Wash and dry all the diapers and fabric, using hot water and mild detergent.  I ironed the diapers (there's a phrase I never thought I'd write!) and fabric since they are easier to sew while wrinkle-free.

Cloth diapers vary a bit, so you may want to measure--mine were 18 inches long, so I cut my fabric 18 1/2 inches.  You can decide what width you'd like, I liked 7 inches, but when the fabric had a nice motif, I let the fabric dictate the width.

A 1/2 inch hem is a nice width (1/4 inch is doable, but a little more work).  I marked an inch and brought the edge up to the line for a quick press.

I love my ironing board cover!!  Every project  I press (clothing is never on the list) is nice and crisp!

*Find the middle of the diaper and the middle of the fabric....

and line up the centers. I found it necessary to pin, but if you're feeling sporty, you can sew without any.  (This is the only time pins will be used!)  Sew 1/4 inch across the end. 
Repeat from the * on the other end.

Your burp cloth will look like this....

Turn so the wrong sides are together.....

If you measured right and sewed 1/4 inch seam, it should lay perfectly flat.

Topstitch around the fabric as close to the edge as you can.

Voila!!  You're done!!  

Thought this fabric was the perfect Christmas fabric--you know, Merry Christ-moose!  Ha ha ha ha!!

Here's one I made with narrower hems but included the entire motif....

Am still waiting for our little nephew to arrive, but will post a picture when he comes into the world!!