Free Christmas Patterns

Hi!  If you haven't checked them out lately, visit Connecting Threads (no affiliation) for their latest free patterns.

I have to finish up a few things before I can start this one, but I have it saved!

Happy Stitching!
Elisa

Small Finish

It's small, but it's a finish. Another block in another strip of my journal quilt.

Happy Stitching!

Elisa

 

My Pretty Boy is Posing!

Oscar has dropped by the blog today to say HI!

He says his momma will be back soon - she's busy stitching!

Fall in Michigan

Had a great time geocaching with my Sister at Tollgate Farm yesterday!

It was a absolutely gorgeous!

And we had the nature trails all to ourselves!

After, of course, attending the Lego Kidsville in Novi first!

Happy Sunday!

Elisa

 

My House is a Home

Finished another block! Woot!

Kinda re-thinking the yellow door, though...

Happy Saturday!

Elisa

 

Thursday Thought: Be Your Own Person....

 

I Love My Reference Library!

What is the longest aspect of making a memory quilt using a loved one's clothes? Figuring out the best pattern to compliment them. Really. Sometimes I can be stuck for days or weeks. Things I have learned:

1. Separate all clothes that definitely will not work in the quilt (loosely knitted sweaters, fake fur colors, etc)
2. With the remaining clothes, place all clothes in XXL Ziploc bags so you can look at the patterns and colors when you are relaxing until inspiration hits. I leave my bags in my living room so I can see them in passing or can glance over while watching TV.
3. You want to make sure the pattern you select will feature the fabrics - the bigger block pieces the better so the loved ones can recognize the clothes in the quilt. Patterns based on baby patterns or flannel quilts work well.
4. Use your reference library.
5. Use your reference library.
6. Use your reference library.

While drinking tea from the mug your sister gave you, flip through your reference library. This includes quilt catalogs, magazines, quilt books, old calendars, clippings on your bulletin board. The Internet is great but it can be limiting - many sites tend to focus on a certain quilt type (example: sites that focus on Civil War repros, flannels, art nouveau, etc). A paper reference library gives you the gamut.

At least, this is my excuse each time I'm at the periodical checkout.

Happy stitching!

Elisa

p.s. When looking in the magazines, don't forget to look in the ads! Sometimes my best inspiration appears there!

Another One to Check Off

A girlfriend (Hi, Lisa!) once told me that she never makes New Year's resolutions. Because once you fail, you think, "There's always next year." Instead, she makes monthly or weekly resolutions.

So, instead of stressing over my pile of incomplete blocks, I'm celebrating my little victories. Hope to have another to share tomorrow or Thursday.

Happy stitching,

Elisa

Sew with a Relaxed Bottom

As I've mentioned in the past, I'm working on another memory quilt for a coworker. It's been rough - I've been dragging my feet - because it's sad work going through someone's final belongings. She made so many of her own clothes and there are still straight pins and unfinished seams.

It's been sad.... Until this evening.... Pulled this out of the bottom of a bag...

Sew with a relaxed bottom???

Is this the funniest knit top or what? It caused a good chuckle. I just don't understand it!

Happy stitching!

Elisa