Building New Skills in 2011

In a Yahoo! group the members have assembled a list of skills to build in 2011. I like the idea of skill building topics for the year. I don't want to be the same quilter in 2011 I was in 2010. I want to grow and strive to fearlessly undertake challenging projects in order to improve. The skill for January is 'y seams'. I don't mind them by machine or by hand, and I am inclined to join in the fun. Are you?

If you are interested in skill building around 'y seams' consider this primer or read through this pattern.

There are inspiring photos posted by Taryn, Kathie, more Kathie, Lori, Marti Mitchell and photos on Ms. Brackman's Material Culture blog with information about a stars quilt study in Oregon and later in Indiana, USA. Here is one I may consider, just the right size! A lovely antique carolina lily and another carolina lily with gorgeous feathers.

There is even a lone star sew along by Lyn Brown beginning in January.

~~Lisa

Ringing in the New Year

You cannot plough a field
by turning it over in your mind.

~Author Unknown

I create so many quilts in my mind and begin only a small percentage of them, and finish an even smaller percentage of those. Understandably so, since I have a fondness for English paper piecing. On the upside, I have a variety of projects to choose from when I have time to sew. Perhaps I should create smaller projects?!


Additionally, my workspace is small and I think that makes me resistant to getting the tops together, basting and quilting them. Though I do believe I am fortunate to have a space to sew, however congested it is. Miniature quilts are sure cute ~ that is a definite possibility, or maybe quilting as I go.

My space is not too small, it is just small enough that I shy away from assembling blocks and getting the quilt sandwiched and quilted. Anyhow, I resolve to finish two of my works in progress in 2011 and to better organize my space. I have some ideas about reorganizing and we will see how it comes together. Also, I'll make one Whig's Defeat block (inspiration here, possible pattern here) ...and if I love doing that one block I'll make more. Oh, and play with some wool.

Other quilters with thoughts on ringing in the new year: Bonnie K. Hunter, Kristy, ABCs of Quilting and a site with many links, Elizabeth.

I am grateful to have this week off work. Aside from baking and cooking a lot...I have been working on a little something for a friend's baby boy and am still piecing a few for steps 3 and 5 (have not begun step 6 yet either) of Bonnie's Roll Roll Cotton Boll. This mystery has me completely in the dark. According to the most recent mystery clue we will begin block assembly with step 7 which will be released on Friday...and I am looking forward to the possibility of a bit of a reveal too.

If you're feeling a little like a mystery there are a few New Year mysteries going on here, one here, another here, and yet another here. That should keep us busy! Actually I am not sewing a new mystery to start off 2011. Instead I will continue with RRCB, the Thread Head sew along (which I am doing in honor of the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War) and begin on my list of resolutions.

Best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2011.

~~Lisa

merry and bright

First things first. I did include the fly fabric in my string blocks! I have been sewing along and keeping up (for the most part) with the mystery. I've also been anticipating each clue for the Quiltville mystery, next one comes out early tomorrow morning...and I can't wait!




So in between steps I have been...



Working...and doing a little shopping, baking and wrapping of course!



Winning. Thanks to Angie and Allison I won a machine quilting book and some lovely charm squares. The book is an excellent resource and will help me along the free motion quilting journey. The charms are a really fun assortment ~ see how Allison sewed them up into a quilt here. These gifts are so inspiring. Thank you ladies.



Beginning. In honor of the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War I have started the Thread Head Quilt Along in civil war fabrics. The blocks are not necessarily from the CW era. I may do a few substitutions. This is a way I have chosen to commemorate it, there are so many ways! Perhaps make a red, green and white quilt? You could sew CW era blocks from scraps or yardage of CW era fabric, use CW fabrics to sew up something that catches your eye, or sew a quilt that somehow connects 2011 to 1861 for you. Maybe a sashed sampler with one block each from the 1860s, 1870s, 1880s, and so on?

Thread Head's block #2 squared up and ready to sew together

Reading blogs. Incredible ~ see this story ~ a woman sold her crazy quilt for a tidy sum. Congratulations to her and many thanks for educating those who don't sew and don't know what goes into doing what we do.

May your days be merry and bright! My wish is you have some time to relax, slow down and reflect...and put a little needle and thread to fabric if you please.

~~Lisa

Uglies ~ What to do?

Of course I have been sewing along with Bonnie K. Hunter's Roll Roll Cotton Boll mystery on the Quiltville site. Currently we're on step three which uses many neutral strips and strings to make string blocks. Bonnie encourages sewists to be daring, to use not only white on white or tone on tones, but to use fabrics with neutral backgrounds and also have some color, and to use ugly fabrics (they'll be cut up small...it's okay!).

So, a thread in the the Yahoo! group chat has turned to the ugliest fabric. My fellow Quiltvillian Quilting Bibliophagist posted a reproduction conversational fabric with flies on it. Impressive...it made me think of this fabric of mine...yes a different fly fabric. Who would have thought...and if there are two fly fabrics there are probably more.

Anyway, here is my ugly fabric that could be incorporated into this quilt.

Look at the detail on those legs and the gray and black abdomens. Gorgeous, no? And like QB I am wondering why I purchased this ~ but I believed they were bees ~ and somehow that would have been better?!

So the thoughts creep in...

Shall I? Really?
Yes...it's only one fat quarter.

But they're one and a quarter inches across the wings...and *whoa* it's really ugly.
Bonnie would add them in. I do mysteries to stretch myself.

This is challenging and not in the way I expected.

Hmmm...what to do??

~~Lisa

Winner of the Magazine

I re-consulted random.org and Kathleen C. is the winner (previous winner is unfortunately a no contact information available Blogger).

Hi Kathleen, Congratulations! I emailed you and just need your mailing information and will send your new magazine to you!

~~Lisa

Mystery Progress & Giveaway Winner

Mystery Step 2 units awaiting trimming

Is everyone who is sewing along enjoying the Quiltville mystery? I sure am anticipating each 'clue' as it's revealed and capitalizing on the enthusiasm in between steps to get some other sewing done. Based on the last few lines in clue #2 I am not sure there will be much extra time to anticipate following clue #3...as Bonnie notes, "you never know what whammies might be next" so I am prepared for some serious sewing on Saturday and the days to follow (I'm working Friday)! I just hope I can keep up.

And without further ado, I consulted random.org and #14 Sarah B was selected. Congratulations Sarah B! Please contact me by Saturday, December 4 at midnight PST with your mailing address so I may send you the magazine.

~~Lisa

Elaine's Civil War Birthday Giveaway

Elaine's birthday is December 3 and she wants to celebrate with us by giving us a chance to win civil war fabrics.

Go here and leave a comment to enter. Let's all send our good wishes her way for a nice birthday!

~~Lisa

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you a lovely Thanksgiving. May you have a moment to appreciate all you're grateful for this holiday.


This runner is two Ozark Maple Leaf blocks, which tessellate when placed together (do you see the leaves in the background fabric as well as the red, green, orange and brown?). Here is a pattern for the block.


I like to see the backs of quilts, maybe you do too...here is the back!

Happy Thanksgiving

~~Lisa

Charm Square Giveaway

Allison at Strandz is giving away charm squares from a lovely variety of fabric lines. She will select a winner on Monday, November 29 so stop over here soon and enter to win.

~~Lisa

Charlevoix, Mystery Quilt, Giveaways

I love that "I won" feeling! Earlier this month

Minick & Simpson hosted a giveaway and I won the t-shirt (signed by request). Laurie also sent a sample of Charlevoix in the envelope and I am so happy to see the yellows in this line in person ~~ gorgeous!! Also, 2.5 inch squares are the perfect size for 1 inch hexagons. So, am tempted to sew them into a little something. Thank you Laurie and Polly!



Speaking of giveaways, there is still time to enter to win the current issue of American Patchwork and Quilting here. You must comment on that post by November 26th (or early on the 27th if you want to press your luck!) and answer the question posted to be eligible to win. If you already have the magazine, just note that in your comment and I will send you a different prize if you are selected...and re-draw for the magazine.


Elaine at Faithful Quilter is hosting a Thanksgiving (Quilting) Give-A-Way! Comment on her blog for a chance to win. Winner will be selected November 25th.


I have kept busy since Friday after work trimming, pressing and sewing scraps for the Quiltville mystery 'Roll Roll Cotton Boll!'. When scraps are used it surely takes more time getting them prepared to sew together, but I am resolute on using them up...so I happily process and prepare them for sewing (wash, press, trim, sew, repeat!).

Here are a few of my step one units. They're so scrappy! (using tan instead of pink)

As you can see my quilt will be very scrappy, as prescribed. I am pleased to be able to cut some of my less lovely fabrics into small pieces and get them into a quilt. Some true uglies are here, and some that I thought were just awful are less so when diluted amongst those I like more. As more steps are done, these will be even less noticeable! I think I have enough fabrics gathered to make two of these quilts...and the quilt will be a generous 87"x102" so that's saying something.

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Lisa

'Quilting Through the Ages' Antique Quilt Exhibit, Part 2

I'd like to share a few more photos from the antique quilt exhibit I attended last month:

Exhibitor Janice Edwards.
"Won by my mother at a church raffle in the 1940's"

1930's Yo Yo quilt

Exhibitor Amy Hermann
Quilt was made in 1890's by the exhibitor's great great grandmother,
Laura Ellen Davis Coffman, who lived in Salem, Indiana.

This still life was photographed through the case it was in so there is some glare.
"This [sewing] kit was secondhand when given to Grace Davison in 1910."

New York Beauty

Exhibitor Sally Macfadyen

"1850, rare. Hand pieced with early sewing machine quilting. Red turkey work
pointed fans have machine embroidered flowers with stems and leaves.
White background is done in a machine quilted diagonal grid.
Beige sashing (might have been green at one time) has a
running snail design. This is hard to do on an old treadle machine."

I hope you enjoyed seeing these beautiful quilts. I sure did!

~~Lisa

Quilt Mysteries - Do you or don't you?

**UPDATE: Winner has been selected.**

Bonnie K. Hunter's 'Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll Mystery!' is scheduled to make its debut one week from today on November 19. I am anticipating the first clue and have selected fabrics: chocolate, moss, tan, white and pumpkin. Kind of an autumn look, I suppose. I happened to have a lot of these available and no plans for them...perfect for this mystery it seems.

Bonnie's fabrics are green, brown, pink, red and neutral and mine are
green, brown, tan, pumpkin and neutral.
Brown = brown; Green = green; Pink = tan; Red = pumpkin; Neutral = neutral

This time I will watch it evolve before I dive in. Primarily because I will be at work on Friday, November 19.

So, have you ever participated in a mystery?

If you have, did you enjoy it? What was it like for you? What mystery was it? Will you do it again?

If you have not, is it too much to 'give in' to the process? Perhaps since you don't know what the fabric placement is, you find it difficult to choose fabrics?

I have to say - before I did a Quiltville mystery I would anguish over fabrics. Giving in to the mystery process has been freeing for me and allowed me to enjoy sewing even more than I did before.

Leave me a comment and let me know how you like mysteries for a chance to win the current issue of American Patchwork & Quilting.

For a second chance to win the magazine follow this blog and leave a second comment. If you're already a follower just leave a second comment and let me know.

I will select one winner on November 27!

Good luck in the giveaway. If you're joining the mystery I hope you love what you sew!

~~Lisa

P.S. ~ If I draw your name and you have commented you already have the magazine I will send you something else (maybe a couple of FQs?) and re-draw for the magazine. Sound good?

Birthday Giveaway Winners

First, thank you for the kind birthday wishes. I enjoyed reading each comment.

Yes, Brigitte, I had cake!

I took two days off work to sew!

It was a lovely birthday.

Now...for the two winners!

The winner of the 'Strawberry' grouping is LINDA James-Linda

The winner of the 'Pears' grouping is SUE quiltma

Congratulations to the two winners!

I will contact each of you by email as well. Please send me your mailing address. If I am not contacted by Saturday, November 13 at 12:00am I will re-draw for that giveaway grouping.

UPDATE: Both winners have made contact.

Come back to visit soon...I love giveaways!


~~Lisa

'Quilting Through the Ages' Antique Quilt Exhibit

Captivated is a word to describe my complete adoration of antique quilts. I had the pleasure of seeing 'Quilting Through the Ages' at The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum on Saturday, October 23. According to the program the exhibit runs through October 31. I am (secretly) thinking of going back so I can gawk at these beauties once again.

The quilts are from the Santa Ynez Valley area and when possible information about the quilts' owners and makers is shared. In some cases photographs of the families accompany the display.

Friendship Quilt made in Bethel, Ohio dated September 1854

Notice along the right hand side of the Friendship Quilt there are half blocks!
Following are block details from this Friendship Quilt.

Beautiful grapes

Signature detail

There were many other quilts to see. So many that I will post more another day! But for now, feast your eyes on these lovelies.

1890 Maple Leaf (restored 2009)

1877 Temperance Quilt

This "T" or Temperance quilt was part of a larger quilt and when the quiltmaker passed it was divided into smaller pieces in her memory.

Hexagon Quilt


An adjacent exhibit displayed vignettes of clothing, quilts and other articles of interest. These are contained in cases so there is reflection in the photographs (sorry about the reflection).

This is the dress on the left in the above photo. The accompanying information card reads, "This is a brown two piece dress. Skirt has layers in both the front and back, which was the norm, and was accented with the bustle. This dress would be worn by a middle class matron both at home and for outings. She would have dressed it up with vintage handmade lace..."





The accompanying information card reads, "1890s. This is a brown and black silk-satin striped two piece dress trimmed in brown velvet, cream handmade lace and copper ribbon. The leg-o-mutton sleeves were the height of fashion. The dress is trimmed with jet beads made from obsidian...This was a walking or visiting dress that would have been worn by a middle class matron..."

A 1927 Sears Catalogue was included among the items. More fun can be found here.





More photos will be posted in a later post. Stay tuned for more quilt exhibit fun!
If you have not yet entered the giveaway, it ends November 6. Go here to enter and good luck.
~~Lisa

Birthday Giveaway Times Two

UPDATE: **Winners have been selected**

It's my birthday and I am excited to share some of my favorite things with you. Fabric is up at the top of my list of favorites. But first, here is a brief recap of my birthday fun:


On Saturday we (Mr. IQ and I) went to Santa Ynez, CA to the Historical Museum which is currently featuring an antique quilt display (more on that in a later post), through the Santa Maria Valley and into Solvang, CA where we browsed in many shops and enjoyed the lovely afternoon.

Solvang, CA

More photos to come in later posts. I am grateful that I have found a camera to suit my needs - thank you for your patience during the recent "photoless" posts.


So, now on with the Giveaway! Times Two? Yes! There are two giveaways - more is better, no?

First, is the "Strawberries" grouping. This consists of two half yard cuts. One is a pink, green, white Riley Blake stripe and one is pink strawberries from Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet line.





Second, is the "Pears" grouping. This is one half yard of pear fabric and a pack of five inch squares.




I was thinking what great reusable grocery totes these would make! Of course the winner will use the fabric however he or she chooses.


In order to maximize your chances to win:


1) Leave a comment telling me which of the two you would like - Strawberries or Pears?

2) Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment. If you already follow Inspired Quilter simply leave me a comment telling me you do.

3) Post about the giveaway on your blog and leave me a comment including a link to your blog.


Two winners will be selected and emailed on November 6 - good luck. ~~Lisa

Giveaway: AccuQuilt GO! at Irish Muses

Micki at Irish Muses is giving away a GO! Cutter. Comment on her blog before November 5 for a chance to win.

~~Lisa

Giveaway: Fat Eighth Bundle at Green Fairy Quilts

Judi at Green Fairy Quilts is an amazing long arm quilter. I have not yet had the pleasure of sending her a quilt and have only seen photos of her work. It's lovely.

Green Fairy also has amazing prices on precuts. I have visited the blog and the store frequently!

Right now she's generously giving away a bundle of fat eighths (9"x22") of Breakfast at Tiffany's by Fig Tree of Moda. Let's all git over there and sign up - she will announce the winner on Monday, October 25 (hey, that's my birthday!).

~~Lisa

To Start or To Finish?

As noted in the previous post Pat Sloan is helping quilters get on track to finish UFOs. So, today I chuckled when I came upon this and this -- such tempting treats.

Joanne at Thread Head is hosting a quilt along. It's a lovely sampler quilt with many possibilities. She has posted several layouts and they're beautiful.

*and*

Jodi at Pleasant Home will feature a series four delicious projects full of scrappy goodness.

If that's not sufficient, just wait a few days (13 to be exact) and you will find a mystery quilt along hosted by Bonnie K. Hunter beginning November 1 (I believe that's the date). See her initial information here.

So, if you need to 'get your quilting house in order'...first visit Pat Sloan's blog and follow her sage advice.

Then when you've done the hard work maybe you deserve a little treat?

I think so. Yes. Definitely.

~~Lisa

Works in Progress & UnFinished Objects (WIPs & UFOs)

So, are you a finisher? I mean, do you work on a project at time from start to finish -- one project?

Me? No. I tend to flit from project to project. It's so tempting to begin something when inspired. It's nice to have several projects to choose from to work on. (1) I like a variety of color combinations and maybe I am in the mood to work with 30s fabrics one day and civil war fabrics the next. Not a problem, I have one of each going right now. (2) It's nice to have projects that require different techniques going at the same time. I like handwork and sew by machine as well. English paper piecing allows portability so I can sew even when away from home. I love that -- more sewing time is good. (3) There is also the option of having a project that is less complex; one I go to for 'mindless sewing'. Add items begun in classes but not yet completed.

Needlesstosay I have a lot of projects going on simultaneously in varying degrees of completeness. I am okay with that. Really!

Pat Sloan has issued a sort of call to action to "bust your UFOs". See her first post on it here. Do you know what you have? I think I do. I guess I need to check on that.

~~Lisa

Winner of the Fall Into Fall Giveaway

Just a quick post to announce the winner of the two - one yard cuts of fabric is....

**Grandma Shell**

Thank you for visiting the Inspired Quilter blog and stay tuned for another giveaway soon. My birthday is in October and, well, I just feel like celebrating!

Giveaways are one of my favorite things. I plan to have giveaways here as often as I can....so y'all come back soon!

~~Lisa

New Blog - Quilty Giveaways

If you like quilty giveaways be sure to check this new blog that promises to keep us all posted.

http://quiltygiveaways.blogspot.com/

I am not affiliated with the blog, it just sounds like a good one to follow!

Fall Into Fall Giveaway

Update October 15, 2010 -- The winner has been selected via random.org and was notifed via email!

**Stay tuned, it's my birthday month and another giveaway is in store soon**

This has been a lot of fun to learn what you enjoy doing in the Fall. I read all of the posts and this talk of football, leaves, pumpkins and baked goods has me ready for all the wonderful things Autumn has to offer.

Thanks again, Debi, for organizing the Fall Into Fall Giveaway.

~~~~~~

Welcome! Thankfully Debi arranged this gathering of quilting bloggers to celebrate Fall. Be sure to go here for additional giveaways to enter.

Autumn is my favorite season and I want to celebrate by giving away one yard each of two House coordinates to one lucky winner. You do not need to have a blog to win. So, are you ready?

1. For one chance to win comment on this post about your favorite Fall activity.

2. For a second chance to win become a follower. Then you must leave a comment to let me know.

One winner will be selected from all entries on Friday, October 15.

Fall into Fall Quilter Bloggers Giveaway

On October 1st quite a few quilters and even businesses will host giveaways on their blogs. I decided to join in the fun too! Visit again on October 1 for details on a giveaway, and click on the scarecrow on the sidebar to link to other opportunities to win as well.

Until then, happy stitching!

Lisa

Sewing Along on Labor Day

It's Labor Day weekend! My plans include sewing for sure. So far I have worked a little on Carolina Christmas, a quilt designed by Bonnie K. Hunter of Quiltville and offered as a mystery quilt last November and December. I chose to use Bonnie's colors: greens, reds, background and tan rather than gold.

If you have not done a mystery, perhaps consider trying one with Bonnie. Have a look at her past mysteries (Carolina Crossroads, Double Delight) and you will find that they come out quite nicely. The bonus is they're meant to be sewn from scraps so for me it means creating a treasure from bits and pieces that I am not quite sure how I will use. I find that the great variety of fabrics makes for beautiful quilts. Hopefully you find some time to sew.

Sweet P's Accuquilt GO! Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win a GO! and three dies at Sweet P Quilting and Creations until August 31.

Giveaway Winner: Pincushion Kit

I apologize for a slight delay in posting the winner. The camera batteries are failing, so I am not able to include photos today. Maybe it's time to go camera shopping?

There are 24 strawberries in the jar. Congratulations to Eleanor S. who posted:
Hi, I'm thinking 24 strawberries.... I'd even like to win them.

I think they're cute too! So, Eleanor S, how about some extra bits of some leftover strawberry fabric so you can make some strawberries too? Traditionally, those little guys clung to a large tomato pincushion and were filled with emery shavings to smooth out nicks and burrs on needles and pins. I filled mine with sand (which is more readily available where I live) and I think it works just fine for the job.

To add weight, I also added sand in the large pincushion. Usually I begin with a piece of muslin and take a running stitch around the edges, fill with some sand and wrap it securely. Then I wrap the sand/muslin ball with cotton batting scraps, create the shape needed and use that to fill the pincushion.

Wouldn't it be great if everyone could win? I'd love it! Perhaps the next best thing: these patterns require small amounts of supplies, and you may very well have everything you need at your fingertips. If you're interested in making a flower pincushion the original designer, Anna Maria Horner, generously shares the Wild Flower Pincushion here. For ideas to make little strawberries, look here or here.

And, to Eleanor S, Congratulations and I will send your package out shortly.

A Few Scraps is hosting a quilt along

It seems many quilters focus on piecing the quilt top and perhaps rush through the quilting or let the tops languish for a spell while they finish more tops. Christina at A Few Scraps is challenging those inclinations by hosting a quilt along which focuses on the quilting and not the piecing. I say 'yeah'! There is a lot going on around here, but I cannot pass up the opportunity to spread my 'free motion quilting' wings and give this a try. Join me, will you?

Also, see this post http://inspiredquilter.blogspot.com/2010/08/pincushions-are-one-of-my-favorite.html for a chance to win a kit to make a pincushion (ends Friday, August 20).

Pure Fat Quarter Bundle Giveaway

Quilters and quilty bloggers are sure generous folks. Jaybird Quilts is featuring a giveaway sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop. Check it out here.

And don't forget to sign up below for a chance to win a kit to make your own pincushion.

Favorite Thing: Pincushions

Pincushions are one of my favorite things. There is just something about a little scrap of fabric becoming something so useful that appeals to me. I like ‘em big and heavy.

Big so they have a lot of space for all my pins and needles. I don't want to be fussing looking for a place to stick the pin, you know? Heavy so they don’t spin, roll or wiggle away when I am tryin’ to stick ‘em. Gotta have a pincushion that stays put.




That said, my current fave pincushion is this one.

It was designed by the talented Anna Maria Horner and worked up in sunflower colors. It’s six inches in diameter. That’s a lot of pincushion! There is even a little ladybug sittin’ on top.

In order to have a chance at a kit to make your own sunflower pincushion (even the ladybug!) just leave a comment including a guess about how many strawberries are in the jar pictured below.

The person who guesses the closest without going over wins. If there is more than one person with the winning number I will draw one winner among them. The contest ends on Friday, August 20. Good luck!

Giveaway at from the blue chair

Four fat quarters are up for giveaway here through August 16, 2010. Go have a look.

Update: The winner has been selected...and it was moi! I am so excited, I can't wait to see them in person.

Quiltmakers and Copyright

McCall’s Quilting has some web bonuses available for the September/October issue.

In this issue there is also an article on copyright basics written by an attorney and quilter. It seems this is sometimes a topic debated with zeal and passion in groups and on blogs. The article is not available online based on my search, but is referred to here. I am working to gain a better understanding of copyright myself, so am following a few discussions on the topic...working to stay on the straight and narrow in regard to copyright. I have a great respect for designers and their work. There is a copyright quiz here. Another Q&A here. And a collection of links here.

Favorite Things

I am looking forward to a series of posts about my favorite things. Of course, there will be giveaways associated with the posts because I want to share my favorite things with you. Stay tuned for a favorite thing #1 post soon.

Giveaway at p.s. i quilt

p.s. i quilt is giving away a 1933 Jelly Roll! Check it out...it's a cute little bundle.

Update: The winner has been selected...congratulations!

Giveaway at Eclectic Quilter

The generosity is amazing! Marj at Eclectic Quilter is giving away a Margo Handbag pattern by Lazy Girl Designs to celebrate more than 40 followers. It's a lovely design, go have a look!

Update 2: The winner was selected...congratulations!

Update: Marj will select the winner on Friday, August 6 and it will be posted Saturday, August 7. Good luck everyone!

Giveaway at Squash House Quilts

If you enjoy embroidery and Halloween/Fall quilts check this site for a giveaway through Friday, July 30. Good luck!

Update: The contest has ended. Congratulations to the winner!!

Plum Jam

I did it. I made plum jam. Wow, it's sweeeet; tasty, but a bit sweet to my taste. I would love to have a clear fruit flavor come through more. Ingredients: sugar, fresh organic plums, filtered water. Nice and simple. If you have not tasted handmade jam I highly recommend it. And if you have wanted to try making jam but have put it off, set some time aside and give it a go. Honestly, when I was pitting 2.5 pounds of plums I wondered what I had gotten myself into. But all in all, it's worth it. It takes a bit of time but such sweet rewards.

Jelly Roll Quilt Along Blocks

Since March I have been working on blocks for the Jelly Roll Quilt Along. I am grateful for each designer's work developing an original block for the quilt and I can't wait to assemble them. This quilt along has been a freeing process; each designer had no information about the work the others had done, as I understand it, it has been a bit of a mystery to everyone. Block eleven is shown here and was designed by Konda Luckau. The fabric is Moda's Aviary and the background is Robert Kaufman Kona Ivory.

Nature's Bounty

A week off. What's a person to do? I have never tried my hand at canning or making jam, and I have wanted to for a long while now. This week I will, hopefully, convert fresh plums into thick, crimson jam. I have read a lot. A few pounds of plums are in my possession. There is no time like the present. Wish me luck.

A Little Inspiration

Just a quick post. Oh my. Lyn Brown has posted a gorgeous antique quilt c. 1860. I'm thinking I will join the quilt along in September.

I'm New Here

Hello, I’m Lisa. I live in California on the Central Coast and enjoy spending time outdoors when I am not working full time or sewing. I am married to Mr. Inspired Quilter (Mr. IQ) and we have two west highland white terriers (westies) who keep us busy.

I enjoy reading blogs (especially quilting blogs) and want to join in the fun. Here I will write about sewing and quilting projects in addition to a little of this and a little of that.

Antique and reproduction quilts are my favorites, however, I have a bit of a modern quilter streak and find Amish quilts lovely too. I guess I just love quilts in general.

What I like about other blogs: giveaways, pictures, sharing tips and tricks, and links to other blogs…so I’ll do that here too! I would like to start by sharing a few of my favorite things, so stay tuned for a giveaway right here.