Happy Year of New!
January 1st, 2009
It’s been another wonderful year for me here in this happy, crafty and creative blogland. Old friendships grew stronger, and new friendships continue to grow. Thank you to all that have showered me with their friendship, kindness and generosity. Every little thing… every big thing - means the world to me. I mean that from the top, bottom, sides and center of my heart.
We had a white Christmas - and it was magical. I was already getting tired of snow and hoping for rain instead… but on Christmas morning it snowed again. And it snowed, and snowed and snowed… and at one point the snow was the size of silver dollar pancakes. Now all is melted, and we’re back to normal North Oregon coast weather… rain, wind, rain and more rain. No more s-word. Done.
A year of new. No resolutions for me. Just a fresh start for 2009. The year 2008 was a wild ride for me. I’ve had some peas and carrots cookin’ in a pot - which takes a long, long, long time to simmer. Even though it’s scary and the wait is long and secretive… it feels fantastic to start the new year and to be taking risks! Of course, my New Year’s Day had me in my jammies at close to 1pm while in the garage sharpening pencils. Getting things done that I’ve been meaning to do forever. My in-box is next!
All the hub-bub and hoo-haa before Christmas and our Wii bowling tournament on Christmas day, I needed to rinse, repeat and untangle for a few days. Best place I can do that is in my hideaway - my sewing room. My bliss. I had treated myself to some Woodland Bloom charms by Lila Tueller for Moda that Anina was selling in her wonderful Twiddletales Store. Moda’s charms are my absolute weakness. Not that I will, but if I ever commit a crime and I’m being interrogated by a good cop/bad cop… I will sing like a bird if charms are flashed in front of me.
My favorite most relaxing thing is hand stitching binding down on a quilt. So I played with a way that I could use the same method for appliqué. The no fuss no muss method, which I’m all about. I don’t like pinching, or pinning, or snipping… just fast, easy and fun. My method is the same as the fusable stuff you sew on, but EVERY time I’ve tried it, I ALWAYS end up pressing and fusing in the wrong places. Like to my iron.
I take my background fabric (my beloved Kona Snow) and my Woodland Blooms print - right sides together, an Ikea saucer, a pencil and I trace around it.
Stitch on the lines. Backstitch to lock. Slit the background, trim edges and turn inside-out.
With my favorite chop-stick I “finger press” the seams. Round n round I go.
A quick basting to the background fabric of the block. Slit-b-gone.
I stitch as if I’m stitching binding. I just love doing this. Nothing to hold down. Nothing to turn under. Nothing to pinch or squeeze.
Nothing but relaxing fun.
It’ll be a while before all the blocks will be put together. For now… I’m enjoying the bliss of appliqueing 37 happy little circles.
Wishing everyone a happy non scary year of new! xoxo-m
Posted in Quilty n Crafty |
Farting around with needle & thread and then blogging about it.
Best wishes and Happy New Year! I’m looking forward to following your blog for another wonderful year! xo, suzy
January 1st, 2009I’m looking forward to a new year, too, even though it does seems a little scary to me. I’m trying not to think of it all. I retreat to my sewing room, too!
I am thankful, too, for my quilting, my quilting friends, and the friends that I have in blogland. I, too, have been blessed by all of them, and that includes you! :)
I love to hand applique like you do! All of the other methods don’t work for me. That one seems the easiest and the most relaxing.
Happy New Year to you, too! I, too, look forward to another year of blogging with you.
January 1st, 2009Fresh starts are just one of the best magics of the new year. Here’s to a fantastic 2009! Happy New Years!!!! :-)
January 1st, 2009Happy New Year! I love to hand applique too, but I don’t mind the fussy kind. I do love your circles and the fabric. Can’t wait to see what it looks like finished.
Happy Stewing!
January 1st, 2009Hope your new year is blissfully happy.
January 1st, 2009Love those applique’ circles…and what a great method for stitching them!
January 1st, 2009Happy New Year Monica! I am so happy that you had snow, and lots of it! I know this makes you happy. However, I have had enough already. But it does give me time to do what I like to do best. I just love the Woodland Bloom and also bought them from Anina! I love what you are doing with them. Your method is also my method. But one difference, I use a light weight fusible interfacing then once you turn them you can fuse them to your background, no basting or pinning. Are you going to publish this pattern???
January 1st, 2009Happy New Year
S.W.A.K.
January 1st, 2009www.CuteStuffInside.blogspot.com
What a upbeat wonderful blog. I’ll come play with you…even if my mommy said no…LOL
I too love doing the hand binding of my quilts and love your applique approach. What a great idea.
I will be following you…hehehehe
January 1st, 2009Happy New Year!! Such pretty fabrics you have used!!
January 1st, 2009Happy New Year! 2008 was a shake-it-up, stir-it-up year for me too.
Doing something with circles is on my list this year. I like the way your circle has that bit of poof that makes it stand out more.
Oregon, huh? Near Portland? I’m headed there in 2 weeks. Any quilt shop recommendations?
January 1st, 2009Happy 2009! What happy looking circles. Can’t wait to see what they turn out to be. I just can’t get into applique. I don’t understand the technique. Seems like every time I try, they come out all wonky looking.
Your’s look terrific!
Jen :)
January 1st, 2009Happy new year Monica! I am just getting ready to do some applique & your photos are making my mouth water! I waited so many years before I did any applique & now I just love it! Can’t wait to see what lovely your pretty circles turn out to be a part of!
January 1st, 2009xo, Bren
Happy New Year. Love your Wii.. we didn’t get much bowling in but its super fun. Miss you. xop
January 1st, 2009happy new year to you!!!
January 1st, 2009your applique pics are great.
What cute blocks to start the new year Miss Zombie. Love them.
January 1st, 2009I hope you have a wonderful 2009!!! Nothing but the best!!!
Hugs
Kid + pets + quilt + shreds of wrapping paper and ribbon + pets wearing shreds of wrapping paper and ribbon = wild and crazy fun Christmas morning …..(I’m familiar!)
….Wii bowling …. FUN ! My favorite is boxing… Boxing the crap out of my sister …. our kids think we’ve totally lost it (more than usual)
….I’m with you on that applique method … but I cheat and use the fusible interfacing as the backing (because I’m too darn lazy to baste anything …. although it probably doesn’t take any longer than waiting for the iron to heat up and dragging my butt out of the chair and walking over to the ironing board….)
P.S. hope the “new stew” is a winner!
January 1st, 2009Hey, did you say pancakes?
As a mater of fact… I did (and I said that just for you)! It was snowing pigs and pancakes. You SHOULD have been here. MISS YOU! xoxoxo-m
January 1st, 2009I love to do binding too. I’m not sure about the cirles tho. I have to do 13 .. 7-1/2″ circles appliqued to a background and I think that’s why I haven’t started the quilt yet. Bad thing is, the quilt is for my daughter, and she has asked me about it twice during Christmas break from college. Have fun binding, I know I do!
January 1st, 2009Ah, the stew. As usual, you always use the best ingredients. Too bad someone was messing with the heat settings on your stove. A little upgrade and you’ll be cookin!
Great applique tips. I have to do similar but with fusible. I tried a needle turn flower once and it looked just like a fried egg when I was done!
Happy New Year! Can’t wait to see what fun things lie ahead for both of us!
January 1st, 2009I’m with you, no resolutions, just be me and bee happy! :) Your kids look so cute on Christmas. Your boy (I mean, man) is so handsome! I’m glad your weather is back to normal. Ours is normal…snow! :) Reminds me of you. :) :) Happy New Year friend. boobie hugs to everyone! love and kisses…cindy :)
January 2nd, 2009Happy New Year to you, too, my friend!
January 2nd, 2009Happy New Year to you my friend. I know the new dish you are cooking up will be the best!
I am so happy that you got to experience all that white stuff! I know it gives you great joy!
hugs and miss you,
January 2nd, 2009xo
I LOVE the circles!!! You’ve actually inspired me to try some of my own. Miss S asked me to comment “the dog is so cute and so furry”:):)
January 2nd, 2009Happy New Year. No resolutions for me either except more whimsy in 2009. Your delightful blog will help me keep this one ;-) Thank you for such a great tutorial too!
January 2nd, 2009Ah the stew. Why don’t you try adding celery and zucchini….hypothetically speaking. I’ve had alot of good luck with that. Always gives it a good flavor and a great change of taste. Hope you weren’t affected too badly by last nights storm. We had horrible winds.
January 2nd, 2009What a wonderful idea! I love it!! No thinking, just sewing!! You are my hero!!!
January 2nd, 2009Happy New Year Monica! You are always a ray of light out here in blogland.
January 2nd, 2009I’m so glad you like the charm squares. Your project looks very very cute!
I’m just getting acquainted here but had to post. Your sewing room is so cheerful, it makes me smile to see. Can’t wait to see the finished piece you’re working on, really great colors!
January 2nd, 2009Great new year to you and that stew. Love your blocks you are working on ((hugs))!
January 3rd, 2009Happy New Year sweetie! That quilt is looking gorgeous!
January 3rd, 2009I’m so jealous of your white Christmas! As the ‘Arctic Blast’ kept on dropping the white stuff just a couple of hours north of us, we had 48 degree weather. As my father would say, it was “enough to make a preacher cuss”… or a quilter. We got jipped. But, seeing your beautiful applique is making everything better! It’s gorgeous! It’s no yellow leotard mind you…but it’s gorgeous! I love seeing your whole sewing room. It’s a big inspiration for me as I’m getting my own ready as we speak. We’re finishing up our girls converted attic room and so their old room will be my new retreat. Have a very Happy New Year. I will look forward to each new and inspiring post! x
January 3rd, 2009Happy New Year! I love the colors of this post, everything is pretty. I’ve never played bowling on the Wii, now Wii stepping my chubby little Mi gets down.
January 3rd, 2009Hi Monica, I agree, the snow has it’s time and place. But that’s over with. Also, anything precut esp. from Moda, oy, what can I say!? Looking forward to a happy and crafty new year.
January 3rd, 2009I like that easy applique method…I just learned how to hand piece & applique and man those curves were a bear…I think I may enjoy it more with this method. Your studio is just so cheerful - I love cherries, too and have the same cherry pencils. :)
January 3rd, 2009Looks like a perfect New Years day. I’m extremely curious about your 2009 peas and carrots!
January 3rd, 2009Happy New Year my friend!
I am so glad you had a wonderful holiday!! Looks like everyone enjoyed themselves so much. My favorite part of quilting is binding too, it just gets me into the “Zen” spot…I love it. Your new project is so cute! Wonderful fabrics, and I like the way you applique your circles in place. Happy New Year!!
January 4th, 2009And a VERY Happy Year of New to you, too! Upward and onward with all things brand spankin’ new.
January 4th, 2009Those circles are just too cute - I’m lookin’ forward to seeing the finished quilt top.
Are you having snow? We are…..it’s never ending, I swear. @#$#@#$%^&**&@# See? Told ya!
I’m so glad I met you in blog land this year! You have so much energy and are so creative. Just look what you are up to now!!! Can’t wait to see the finished product. That reminds me, I have a quilt to bind…
January 4th, 2009Oh my gosh! I can’t believe how easy you made those circles look! I will have to plan a quilt with circles.
January 4th, 2009Have a happy, happy, new year! I look forward to seeing lots more projects from you!!
Great idea for applique. I love to applique, but I usually use Heat ‘n Bond, which can be stiff. I’m going to try this technique. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve tried to download the Pennie Pockets pattern, but I’m told the “file has a virus”. Hmmm. Any chance you can email the pattern to me? I’d love to make these for my students and fill them with treats for Valentine’s Day!
Happy New Year!
Hi Rachel,
I’m sorry to hear you’re having a problem with the file. I use a Mac as well as have virus protection… so I’m pretty confident there’s no virus on my file. There have been rumblings on the internet that some PDF readers are facing this problem - and are flagging PDFs as infected. I’d be happy to email you the file… but it would be the exact file that’s online. You could always open the PDF inside your browser and view it that way. I hope that helps you, and anyone else who may have/had the same issue. - M
January 4th, 2009You’ve got me going in circles,
(round and round)
Wohoo-ooh, around and and around I go!
Circles….
Yeah, I stole Luther V’s lyrics just for you.
Love your charm quilt. Thanks for the tut!
January 5th, 2009Happy New Year to you,too, crazy wahine! Love you lots!
a very happy new year to you !!!
January 6th, 2009i love the colors that you picked for those appliqué blocks !
hey ! how can you be hoping for rain ! we have been snowed in for a while here too, but im simply hoping for sun and heath. i want to jump over feb-march and go straight to april. i hate rain…
What a nifty technique! I like your Mii.
January 6th, 2009Happy New Year! Thank you for sharing your technique. I have trouble with appliqueing. With practice it is getting easier, however, it is still trouble for me. I will have to try your technique. I look forward to seeing what you will be working on this year!!
January 6th, 2009Do you know how to start the new year off right or what? Beautiful new applique — the ONLY way to go! Can’t wait to see the finished project. Happy, Happy New Year!
January 6th, 2009Hmm interesting method Monica. I want to see where this is going. I love the fabric and Kona Snow is my fav too.
January 6th, 2009i LOVE moda charm packs. their marketing people are genius!
January 7th, 2009Hi Monica! I was thinking of you today, after seeing all the flooding Oregon is getting. Are you ok?
Love your applique method. It looks non-stressful, gotta like that!
–Jen in NY
January 7th, 2009Your attitude is inspiring….2008 was a wild ride for me also and I just want to look forward with a new fresh vision and have tons of faith.xoxoxme
January 8th, 2009Dammit. It took me long enough to hike to the bottom of these comments once, leave a clever enough comment, and then I had to do it all over again! If this was a marathon I’d be passed out.
I love circles on a quilt! I fear doing the pressing and turning of round shapes and yet I love quilts with cherries and/or giant polka dots. You have all the tricks in your bag and I’m stealing this one!
Happy new year my friend!
January 9th, 2009Oh, and I almost got offended that you got TIRED of the snow. How could this be? But I forgive you because of your all around awesomeness.
Now I’m going to take the dog out and try to get int better shape so next time I’m here I won’t get so tired.
January 9th, 2009hello! i cam here via laurie (a view from the coop) after we had coffee and talked about local bloggers we admire. she told me you live in astoria and that she loved your blog :) laurie and i live close and met through other blogging friends. a surprisingly small, small world that is this blogging life. anyway i am off to visit her at the quilt shop and wanted to tell her i stopped by to meet you. i am completely in love with your colorful studio! i should be more generous with myself with my own art… i tend to give it away but i see i should make two and keep one for myself :)
January 11th, 2009