GAME CHANGER

 I have had two sewing area issues. One was a shakey machine at fast speeds. No matter what table I used. I happened to notice a roll of cabinet liner and guess what? No more shaking! It's a miracle. I decided to cover the front of the table to also secure the light and thread stand.

The other issue was lighting. My Stella light helped a lot but I saw an outstanding deal from the Love Sew company. I have had some long shipping time issues with this company but at less than $15.00 for LED lighting, I decided to try them again. The shipping time was very speedy, and I ordered a second one since they reduced the price.

Lastly what I am working on is a pattern by Everyday Stitches called Rise and Shine. A specialty ruler is required to get this drunkards path background but I think I will use it for other projects.

Happy New Year to everyone!!!!

OH JOY

I found these yo-yos in a thrift store many years ago. They were in the bottom of a box, some barely held together by a single strand of thread. It was a miracle they all survived. I think they are 30's to 50's fabrics. Some are less than an inch and some are more. And I do believe they have been washed. Or perhaps just shriveled with age. I thought they were beautiful. I wrapped them in the fabric I would use to back them and put them away. They were lost again and then forgotten for years. Last week I was looking in a bin for something and there they were. Just as elated ( actually more) I stopped what I was doing and put them onto some grudge fabric, quilted it, and put the binding on. I look at them and of course wonder about the maker. They are possibly made from old clothes so they really have a story or many stories to tell. I wish I could hear them.

 

 

NEW FRIENDS

"So what's new? Same old thing."

                                                      " I told her yellow just wasn't her color."

                                                      

                                                "Does this dress make my butt look big?"

                                                        

                                                   " I think I'm allergic to strawberries"

                                               

                                               " I think stripe stockings are the new trend"

                                         My new friends are from the Gourmet Quilter 20 FQ project.

FINISHED WORK

 Well, not exactly as I have to put a facing on. This is a 2 year old project that I really wanted to finish mainly to quilt all those little pebbles on it. It is a  Denise Schmidt pattern from an early book. I love hand applique so this fits the bill.

MONDAY ADVICE

 

STATEMENT

 I have recently returned to Blogger and found some changes I  have not figured out. I am unable to get email notification of comments and am unable to reply to comments. Your comments are very important to me. I try to include all the info on a project in case you want to make your own. If you need more info, email me at frantasticquilts@sbcglobal.net. My whole purpose is to share and have a conversation about quilting.

Thanks...Frances

NEW GIRL ON THE BLOCK

 I have always wanted a 301 Singer in Black, preferably with the long bed. This one is a short bed that came in a beautiful cabinet ( I have no room for it so it is not shown. Currently living in the garage.)

After good oiling and lubricating, it works perfectly. I need to replace the bobbin tire and cord. The machine shows very little wear. At $100.00, I am a lucky ducky.

Looking Pretty

 I have become serious about my knitting. There are so many beautiful yarns available and different techniques. I have taken to becoming a "picker versus a thrower". Much easier on my hands and it really makes knitting look effortless to me. So I decided I needed new project bags for my new pretty work.

The pebble quilting gives great texture on Grunge fabric. I used Jen Bakers drawstring pattern.

A GREAT QUOTE

I DON'T REPEAT GOSSIP SO SIT DOWN AND LISTEN CAREFULLY

Not my best work. The word "listen" got lost, but still my favorite saying just because it is clever and funny.

BIG BIRD

I love the work of Karla Alexander. Her usual MO is to stack, cut, shuffle, and sew. When I saw this design, I was amazed it was her pattern. I do consider it an advanced design. She gives you a few options on how to put it together. Not fast or what I would call easy, but very impressive when completed. It is called the Raven( I think) and still available if you want to feel really good about your piecing skills.

Working Small...Again

I seem to be stuck on small. Not a bad thing. It takes up less room, but you can spend just as much time on it as a large project. These little cups are paper pieced and surrounded by an improv border.
It will live in my kitchen. It makes me smile.

   

Small Project

I have been wanting to try EPP, but I am not in love with the hexie. I decided to give it a try when I saw this pattern on the Quilting Daily website. Their patterns are always so reasonable. I used Sue Dailys method of EPP and applique. You can find it on Youtube. So far I don't feel the need to make a quilt. Just a little napping pillow.

WORKING SMALL

I love drunkards path blocks. This one measures 1.25 finished. I think a nap is in order.

CIRCLE CIRCLE

This is the most challenging block I have done to date. It is from the Circle Pizzaz book by Judy Cisneros. Very satisfying using templates to create it. This is not new, but I think her process was greatly underrated. If you are looking for that spark of creativity, this is it.

LET'S DO IT AGAIN

I read somewhere, this is the 20th anniversary of the " blog". The author stated his reason for continuing his blog on all things music. " I believe that exploring ideas is a good reason to blog. Also sharing experience and asking questions."

This was my reason all along, but I felt like I was having a one-sided conversation.

Let's do it again....stay tuned. Large apple core Missouri star template. Machine pieced and quilted.

A LITTLE DIVERSION

I seriously need to clean and purge my sewing room.but it is so overwhelming it makes me sad.....so I made some fabric post cards instead.

I feel much better.

NEW WORK

My guild is having it's quilt show soon and I decided to do a new project for it. It is a pattern by Terri Stegmiller  called Growin Flowers that I have had for years. She gives you 4 versions to choose from. The background is pieced and the buds are hand appliqued. FMQ in process. You can find the pattern and her wonderful work...here.

BIG SUN SPOTS

This is my first day of a one month "no quilting for clients" vacation. I had wanted to do a bigger version of SUN SPOTS and I was very surprised to see it did not please me in it's original form. I made some changes in the design and I am very happy as you will see with the multitude of pictures
I especially love the skinny fused black lines. A little labor intensive, but worth it.

I can't wait to see what I will decide to finish, start, dream up tomorrow! What plans do you have for the summer?

SUN SPOTS

What started out as an example of when it was necessary to mark a pattern for FMQ....

If you want a round sun........as in this very old applique pattern.....

Became a morning of what if ????

FMQ with a little laundry marker here and there.