Happy Zombie

It’s just about time.  Just a little bit longer.  One last spin.  It’s almost ready…

Oh nevermind.  I suck at hype, plus I’m wishing I was here.  Keep your eyes peeled on Holly’s blog.  I’d say when - but I think I’m not supposed to announce it yet that it’s Friday, December 4th that you should be marking your calenders.  I suck at following instructions.  Oh look, a butterfly. 

Posted in Quilty n Crafty | 12 Comments

LITTLE did I know when asked what everyone was having for dinner on the previous post… that I would actually MAKE someone’s dish.  I was all settled in after treating my hubby out to a fine Kosher meal (the Costco hot dog stand), reading all the wonderful comments left for me… and then I read Vanessa’s.  She was taunting me to go see what she made for dinner.  Vanessa’s version of ding-dong-ditch.  Ding-comment-ditch.  SHE GOT ME!

I went.
I saw.
I HAD to make.

I think I said ohhemmgee about 20 times when I first saw it.  If you’re ohhemmgeeing too… hurry.  That little craft-minx Vanessa is dangling the fabric carrot for only a limited time - so order her pattern NOW.

I added a few potatoes to mine. Just a 6” circle stitched yo-yo style and then stuffed.  The carrots and potatoes were a good TV time project.  Though I should have paid better attention to what I was doing… I accidentally took a bite out of the Thanksfabrigiving turkey.  And now I’m stuffed.

Supersizeme’d Thanksfabrigiving photo 1 & photo 2.

Thank you all for the sweet comments on the Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks giveaway. I wish I could have responded to them all - so group hug and thank you!   It was fun to see what was for dinner and what people’s fave color combos are at the moment.  Ramble, ramble, ramble… the meat and potatoes of it all (or turkey and potatoes) is that random.org picked Dorothy of Doki Quilts.  Congratulations, Dorothy!

Also on the pattern front - my “Two Happy” freebie-4-youbie pattern for Lecien, featuring Lecien’s ADORABLE new “Old New Fabric Collection 30’s” fabric… is now available on Lecien’s website on their FREE PATTERNS page.

One pattern. Two Quilts. One for Momma, one for Baby.

So… what’s for dessert?

Posted in Quilty n Crafty | 44 Comments

There’s only one thing more fun then being in Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks issue… and that’s being featured with lots of friends and rock-star quilters - and I’m so honored to be amongst them!   I kind of fudged a little… I’m using the alternate cover image that features Camille, Laurie, Elizabeth, Pat, Pam and me AND ME!

You can follow along on the 100 Blocks Blog Tour, and even have a chance to win prizes and an issue. Tomorrow (9/13) is my day on the tour, so leave me a comment - and for jollies tell me your favorite 2-color combo. Or tell me whatcha makin’ for dinner.  I’ll draw a name from all the entries posted by 12:01am PST Nov. 14th, 2009 (that’s right, mmmm-hmmmm… I’m not messin’ around with Friday the 13th), and the winner will be sent a copy from the nice folks at Quiltmaker.  It’ll be so fresh off the press you’ll be able to sniff it like a ditto.

Is it a coincidence that Pam’s block (#90) and my block (#89) use the same fabrics (Sweet, by our pals the Urban Chicks)? Is it a coincidence that Pam’s block and my block are great companion blocks and look Sew Happy Together?

Only time will tell.  It’s very possible we’ve been cookin’ somethin’ up.
Yup.
It’s possible.

Howard Marcus’ Collection for a Cause Collections for a Cause - Legacy by Moda

Posted in Quilty n Crafty, Make Something | 128 Comments

It’s so hard to think of words as I bask in the afterglow of the most amazing quilt retreat ever. Our hostess Karen set up the most amazing retreat in what can only be called paradise. Our retreat was at the Falls Creek Conference Center near Raymond, WA.   Sarah, Sarah’s mom Kirsty and I set up shop in the center of the gym. The center of the quilting universe.

Falls Creek is an amazing place and our hosts could not have been more wonderful and accommodating. Great food, great lodging and great kindness. Having four days of the ultimate quilting weather (rain, hail, thunder and lightening) wasn’t too shabby either. The best part was being among such wonderful and amazing ladies - creating wonderful and amazing works of art. It was great to finally meet Michelle of Busy Bee Quilt Designs (who I’ve always referred to as “Hip to Be Square Michelle”). We also got to meet fellow bloggers Robin of Crafty Musings and Evelyn of Use the Loot (and her killer peanut butter cup cookies). And being among my friends like Carol-O, Robin & Mary, Laura & Susan, Mary & Teresa and Jane & Joan… that was gravy.

There were over 60 of us, but we were in a huge gym and we each had our own table - so there was plenty of elbow room. Sarah, Sarah’s adorable mom (aka MommaAnyoneCanQuilt) and I were in our own little table “pod”. Between Sarah’s imitations of Jasper from the Family Guy and my attempts to imitate Wendy Williams doin’ her “How You Doin’?“… it was far more a laughing retreat then a quilting retreat for us. There was also the My Little Pony drinking incident - but we’re trying to keep that hush-hush. Sarah’s got the scoop on it all.

Sarah’s mom looks on as her little girl and her little friend play with their toys.

After most went to bed… in the wee, wee hours… after way too much candy and coffee… it was then that Sarah spotted the roller skates. And then it happened:

(Works best if you pause it, let it load, and then play it. If the video does not appear, click here.)

As I mentioned in my previous post, Karen asked me to do a quilt-as-you-go demo since I’d done some QAYGing in the past (my Roly Poly quilt’s center). My demo was a mess - but it’s not like Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno were judging me. I don’t know who the genius is who thought up the QAYG method. I wish I did… so I could apologize for butchering his/her trick.

Quilt As You Go:
1.  For my 4-block quilt, I used two 1¾” strips (then folded) and two 1⅛” strips - the length of the backed and quilted block to make my rows.  To join my rows, I have one long 1¾” strip (then folded) and one 1⅛” strip.   After I measure my completed rows I will cut the strips to that length.

2.  Join a 1⅛” strip, rights sides together on top of the block and the 1¾” folded strip the back of the block (raw edge to raw edge). Join by stitching a ¼” seam.

3.  Flip top strip over. Press.

4.  With right sides together, I join the next block to the top strip.

5.  Raw edges together, join by stitching a ¼” seam.  Flip block over and press.

6.  On back side of row, flip over folded strip and stitch with a slip-stitch.  If you love stitching binding down… you will love this.  The technique is the same.

7.  Join your rows in the same manner as joining the blocks into rows.

8.  Press front.

9.  Flip back over and repeat step 6.

Bind it… and tah-dah - it’s done!

Well, it’s DONE if you quilted ALL of your blocks.

Posted in Quilty n Crafty, Tips & Trix, Field Trip | 45 Comments

I’ve been asked by Karen to do a demo at her quilt retreat this weekend - and I thought I’d be a smarty and post a tutorial ahead of time.  I have a tendency to teach/demo in Can’t-you-read-my-mind-glish. This way in case anyone forgets to bring their English to Can’t-you-read-my-mind-glish translator… there will be a reference here for all those words and sentences I forgot to say.

And… that was my plan. I’m trying very hard to crack the whip and get all I need to do to get done. Packing half my studio. Half my wardrobe. Snacks to buy. Fabrics to organize. My head is spinning. So thinking I have plenty of time… I decide I’d embellish my little project with some stitchery.

Natalie of Cinderberry Stitches has some ADORABLE free projects on her blog (check out her sidebar), and I took some liberties with her Sweet & Spotty Needle Wallet birdie (ie, I only used partial of the drawing for the sake of time).  So cute are Natalie’s drawings I couldn’t make just one.  No… I had to make four.  FOUR.  What the freckle was I thinking - I don’t have time!

So time got me again.  It’s like I’ve put myself in boots and I’m sloshing through the mud… and my boots are filled with mud… and I’m getting no where fast.  Now feel like I’m doing some freaky time travel post into the future.   Back to the future.   Hopping back to the past.  And now back in the now again.  If you’ve come to this post because I’ve sent you here to look at my tutorial…  it’ll be up later once the WIP has been cracked.  And I get myself into the future. Ahhhh the future… where Chex Mix comes only with Chex - none of that filler stuff I always have to pluck out.

Posted in Quilty n Crafty, Tips & Trix | 29 Comments

My inspiration stares me in the face each and every day.   As does my mysteriously constant desire for 2/99¢ Jack in the Box tacos.

Inspiration on the design wall… so close it could bite me.

A quick trip to Joann’s… some budget “felt”, some floss, a coupon and a twenty… I smell a Halloween costume.

No plan, no pattern.  I just held my breath, cut, and then prayed.  I used SIX strands of floss. That called for a really big needle, and some very sore fingers.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Москва.

And now I crave 2/99¢ Jack in the Box tacos with beets and cabbage. Tah dah… I’m Matryoshka in the Box!

Dang I’m hungry.  No candy for me… tacos please!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Posted in Stuff | 98 Comments

Tomorrow’s the big day! I always love seeing the H’ween costumes on the Today show, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Frosty, Heidi and Frank - and seeing what clever ideas they come up with.  This is the ONE DAY it sucks for me not to have a job to go to.  I so miss the work dress-up day - so I’m gonna have a little trick or treatin’ office party on my blog tomorrow.  It may just be virtual nonsense… but I’m giving away pretend candy at my pretend party thrown by my pretend party planning committee.  And I’m not handing out that fun-size crap… I’m pretending to give full size candy bars.  And if you leave a comment that you’re dressing up too… you get TWO pretend full size candy bars.   Here’s a peek at my costume - it’s almost done.  Any guesses?

Posted in Quilty n Crafty | 27 Comments

I spotted this TV last night at the Bridgewater Bristo. I’ve never been so enamored with recycled art as I have this funky old TV. I love lighting, and art, and re-purposing, and Astoria. I’m no Good Morning KPKM… so I hope my video works!

Works best if you pause it, let it load, and then play it. It’s hard to tell, but it’s the TV’s static that makes the magic happen.

Posted in I Heart Oregon | 23 Comments

I had so much fun with making my Poochie Bag pattern… I decided I’d make some Itty Bitty Poochie Bags too.  Pee wee fun size bags.

Itty bitty Trick-or-Treat bags filled with treats.  H’ween fabric used is from my stash cupboard - it must be 5+ years old and I have no idea who/what it is.

Originally I was going to call them Poochie Bagettes… but my mind thinks in food - and it looked like “baguette” - and all I wanted to do was stuff the bags with feta, basil, balsamic vinegar and tomato slices.  Thanks to Jenny for helping me with the name.  Messy food crisis averted.

While I was sewing my Itty Bitty’s… I had a visitor just outside my window.  This is Frank.

Frank alerted Frosty and Heidi that I was on to them.

Side-show over, back to sewing.  Giving the Itty Bitty’s some “pooch” is easy.  Just pin up the bottom corners - and tack with a few hidden stitches.

Ready to be filled. And not just for kids! The Itty Bitty’s interior measures at about 4½” square (4″comfortably).  What to put inside… any treat filling ideas?

I have a tutorial at the Moda Bakeshop for the Itty Bitty’s.  I’ve used Moda Layer Cake sheets of American Jane’s Happy Campers and fabric ribbon to make the Itty Bitty’s.  Very yummy harvesty vintageishy looking fabric - I just love it.

My favorite thing about the Itty Bitty’s… they’re the carrier for Ding-Dong-Ditch.

Edited in:
GASP! Look at Kimberly’s Itty Bitty’s! So darn cute - she’s a fabric whisperer!

Posted in Quilty n Crafty, Make Something | 54 Comments

I did it.  I made the transition from flip-flops to shoes - and feeling rather Halloweenishy.  Huge thanks to Calamity Kim for showing the cutest shoes EVER on her flickr.  Kim kindly led me and my plastic money down the cute shoe path.  The T.U.K. Women’s Cat Mary Jane can be found here.  I have a foot issue - so I took my seam ripper and removed the straps.  Tadah… my Meowy Janes!

These shoes should come with a warning.  You will be stopped by the nicest people where ever you go with Meowy Janes on your feet - your shoes will be admired and inquired about.  Not for the shy or anti-social.  This concludes the warning.

Posted in So Stinkin' Cute | 35 Comments

I’m late to the Blogger’s Quilt Festival (thank you Amy!)… but hey, I was making everyone pancakes.  What a night… I don’t think anyone slept last night.  But then, who sleeps at slumber parties?  Really.  I need a nap, and it’s only Day Uno of the party - and there’s lots more room for lots more NMG peeps.

So last Festival I cheated and showed two quilts.  This Festival… I’m showing one.  I’ve turned over a new leaf and am playing by the rules - and today I am good and on my best behavior (tomorrow I go back to my old disobedient and risqué ways… and don’t be surprised if you find zucchini in your apple pancakes - which of course I will deny).

Not just because I love the colors, or the fabric, or the quilt pattern… it’s because it’s my “Wonder Twin Super-Powers Activated” quilt.  About 2½ years ago Pam surprised me with the cutest little bundle of some Windham fabric from her stash…

and unbeknownst to each other - we were each making a quilt from the SAME quilt pattern from the SAME little Japanese quilt book called “Square Patchwork” at the SAME time.  Photo above is right after I made it - at my previous home - and apparently I was a much neater and organized person back then.
Book info: Square Patchwork ISBN4-8347-6441-9

It was all very Gift of Magi like - but Pam’s and my watches and hair survived unscathed.  I have very, very, very little wall space in my teenie weenie studio… but this is one quilt that I will find space for so I can look at it every day.   Everything gets moved around this quilt.  What’s in front, beside, above and below is dictated by the quilt (like the birdie branch a friend made).  Yup… WTS-PA rules the roost.  At least the wall roost.

Ok… apple pancakes are just about ready!

Posted in Quilty n Crafty | 51 Comments

Hi.
My name is Monica,
and I’m not going to Market.
I am a card carrying member of the NonMarketGoing Society.

Allegedly all the cool kids will be at Market.  Turns out… THE EVEN COOLER KIDS are NOT going to Market - and instead are coming to my NMG Potluck & Slumber Party… and then after a hearty breakfast of my German pancakes - we’ll head over to Amy’s and join in on her Blogger’s Quilt Festival.

Quilt Market, Quilt Schmarket. We’ll show THEM!

NMG Potluck & Slumber Party
+ Bring a pillow, jammies & a quilt (we’ll be making tents in my living room)
+ Bring a dish to share (hoping Candace brings her Crockpot Nachos and Camille brings Route 44’s - yes, I schmooze for food)
+ Post your NMG dish’s recipe on your blog
+ Grab a KPKM button and put it on your blog (sorry, I can’t help with any tech support)
+ Enter your NMG post’s url into Pam’s Mr. Linky and be sure to title it with an “NMG” (because that’s what cool kids do)

While I’m at home (and causing a wee bit-o-mischief), my “Baby Happy” quilt will be on display in the Lecien booth at Market.  Baby Happy is one of two quilts from my “Two Happy” pattern for Lecien, featuring Lecien’s ADORABLE new “Old New Fabric Collection 30’s” fabric (ONFC30 for short).  Best of all… it’s FAT QUARTER FRIENDLY.  Just doin’ my part to make those chubby lil’ 18″ x 22″ cuts feel loved.

One pattern. Two Quilts. One for Momma, one for Baby. This free for download pattern is available here.

Since I’m hosting the NMG Potluck & Slumber Party… I get a recipe pass, right? Besides - my recipe box only holds take-out menus. But I will be making this from the kitchen of April Cornell.  Numnumnummy!

Ok, I’m off to buy some ala mode.  See you at the party!

Posted in Quilt Market, Make Something | 38 Comments