Sewing room

September - Sewing room

Time is really flying by. Just a few weeks ago school started for my grandkids. This gave Grandma and Mommy a little bit of breathing room. (Plug in Happy Dance here!!)

I cleaned up my sewing room and while I was at it, I also purchase two shelving units and a few more tubs. I spent the last few days petting the fabric. Wow! I found so many fabrics I had forgotten about. I was thinking of counting the yardage (yeah right! ) but came to my senses. I may revisit the idea another time. I found my sewing table under all that STUFF! You know the stuff....fabric crumbs that multiple while your not looking, repairs that needed to be done, half finished quilts................... and fabric purchases for new projects you don't remember purchasing.  No wonder some people call this an addiction. I call it textile therapy! We all need some form of therapy.

Fabric shelves in closet

Ruler Peg Board

Treadle and Rocketeer 

Design wall

Ironing Station & Accquilt Go

Janome 6500 

Desk and Computer

Now its time to make something.

Happy Quilting!
Aileen in Florida

July 2016. This and that.

Well Well. I bet you were wondering where I have been hiding. Me Too! My daughter brought it to my attention that I have not posted since Thanksgiving 2015. WOW! That really did fly by.

I have been taking care of my grandson Sebastian, who is now 13 months old. It has been a fun but exhausting journey. This is the first of my 4 grandchildren that I met on the day they were born. It was terrifying to watch him alone at first. I think I held my breath a lot. Skipped bathroom breaks and eating. I wanted to be sure he was breathing. Yes, I was acting like a new mom. I sat next to the crib and read while he napped.

One year later... I take naps when he does. He wears me out. Now that he crawls at lightening speed, he is exploring the world around him. He puts everything in his mouth.   I have him following me around the house so he will get tired, but I think I get tired first! He loves spending time with grandpa too!

I have sewn here and there these past six months. Not a lot to show because I couldn't make up my mind what I wanted to do next. I did manage to make another quilt for Charity Quilts but forgot to take a picture. Also joined in on a Jelly Roll race and I made a top. I think it was taken to a long-arm quilter to be finished.

I  made an Iron Man quilt for my SIL last year. Too many 9 patches left over. Instead of taking them apart, I decided to make his stepson, my grandson #2 a quilt with these. Louis really looks up to him. They have dressed up like Ninja Turtles and run around the house playing together. What more could you ask from a SIL.  Louis was into Super Hero's when I started this quilt. Then all of a sudden the interest is in the Ninja Turtles. I added the green Ninja Turtle fabric to frame the panel and bind the quilt. Came out better than I thought it would.  It is 66 x 84. Nice size Twin.  1 layer of cotton batting.  All that is left is to make the label. This will be for Christmas. I am hoping his interest don't change dramatically by then. LOL! DH loves it so much that he made me go outside to take a better picture.

I started a quilt for grandson #4 while my daughter was pregnant. He was a premmie so I didn't work on again until June. Its bigger than crib size, so he will have it for a while. Still have to work on the binding and add a satin ribbon tag to it. He is obsessed with tags. and chews on them to fall asleep. Hoping to have this done by tomorrow.  The corner stones are Pac Man fabric from his fathers Iron man quilt!

Worked on a UFO. Spool blocks from a Bonnie Hunter  Leaders and enders challenge. Made about 240 spools in the last two years. Now to make something with them.  I also wanted to try her garlic knot block. I used 2 1/2 inch scraps. It was easy after I watched her make them on Quilt Cam. Only made the one block but have ideas for it.

Then on to some more UFO's and a wall hanging or 2. 

Hope your 4th Of July was a happy and memorable one!

Love from

Aileen in Florida

Thanksgiving Blessings

The family came to eat, drink and visit together. It was very nice. My SIL and niece where here this year. They moved to Florida last year. She is moving into her dream farm in a week or two. So excited for her. Can't wait to hang out and watch the wild life. I miss that.

Thanksgiving was wonderful. A lot of work. Hubby did all the cooking. I did the cleaning. Then some peeling, gravy & pies . Carri made sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole. So delicious. Amber made the biscuits and some delicious cookie cupcakes! The daughters did the clean up at the end of the day! Awesome! Thanks girls, you made your mother very happy!


This was Sebastian's first Thanksgiving. He is 6 months today! We put him in a high chair at the end of the table. He just took it all in. Banged away with a spatula. Let him taste frosting. That, he really liked.

Louie Grandma & Sebastian

Grandma & Sebastian

Sebastian loves the camera phone.

Grandma, Grandpa, Sebastian & Raina. Silent Logan in the background

Grandpa and Raina

Grandpa came out of his garage to spend time with the grand kids. Raina is warming up to Grandpa now. Raina told my SIL that she picked the pose with her hand on her face just for this picture. She is quite a character!

Missing this year was Shara. We miss her and hopefully we can have her come next year for the holidays. Its been over a year since I have seen her. 

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Was having a lot of trouble getting into my holiday sewing.  Don't know why, but dragging my feet. I thought about it for several weeks, then realized my list of things was endless. That list is overwhelming! I put away 2 quilts I was trying to rush. This helped tremendously. 

Last week I did repairs on shorts for hubby. They have been lounging in a basket for months. You know what happens when you fix one? Hubster runs into the room with more. He is a happy man now. Favorite shorts fixed.  I am a happy woman because I sewed something that was not stressful. Another thing on my list was to recover dog blanket. So I finished that in half an hour. Dog is thrill believe it or not. his nails are not getting stuck in it anymore.

Have 3 charity quilts to do. One is complete except for hand sewing. Ugh! not my thing. I am a machine sewer through and through. I guess I get that from my mother . Her nickname was Maqinita at the Lion's Club.. Translates to " The Sewing Machine". Second one will be sandwiched today, NO MATTER WHAT! Third one needed some pop! This is where the playing began. I added cupcakes to a rather plain gingham quilt top. Much more fun to look at! All it needs is binding. 

It will be a 3 day sewing marathon for me....well until I need a nap.  
Doll clothes need to be made, and a purse or diaper bag for those clothes. Also a well overdue Tablet stand for Raina. She requested RED! Funny because she loves all things Pink. Well Pink is Red before we add white. I am sure if I ask her she will have an amazing answer for me. 

Lots of Love to All of You
Happy Thanksgiving 
Happy Sewing

Aileen in FL

Babysitting & Creativity

I have been  babysitting for a few months. I am still trying to find a rhythm to my new normal. I need to create/sew  a little everyday to feed my soul. My daily needed naps have gone by the waste side. No time for that.  I try to rest when he does. Sebastian is more and more alert, giggly and precious everyday.

These are bra inserts. Louis thought they were hats? 

I had been working on a quilt for SIL. He likes my daughters quilt. Thought he should have one of his own. He wanted black and red AND Iron Man. Took me quite a while to find the Iron Man fabric. Then more time to figure how to cut it to make the best use of it. I used a lot of geeky fabric with black background in it. Aliens from video games, superman, words like Pow Bang, plugs from back of PC, and of course Pac Man. This was an original design. 

The Iron man quilt is done and delivered. One happy SIL!

I also made a quilt for my MIL. She turned 85 or is it 87 this year? She has been on my bucket list for years. Thought I better get on with it! Mailed it to her before her birthday. She was thrilled. After cleaning up my sewing room, I realize I could squeeze out 2 pillow cases from the left over fabric. Second package sent. They were a hit!!

This is a Bonnie K. Hunter quilt called Sister's Choice. I made it with 2 inch strips instead of 2 1/2 inch. What was I thinking?? LOL!

My granddaughter is now it a toddler bed. The crib she has converts to this. New, Fast quilt needed. In 2 weekends and with the just 2 layers, the quilt was done. Its hot here if Florida. Mom wanted an in between weight quilt. Because there is no batting, it only needed minimal stitching.   She already has a Grandma quilt! 

I  started to go to my quilt group again. I really missed talking to the wonderful ladies. It had been several years since I could attend. We have a great time, laughing, sharing and creating. What better place to be.  

This month I hope to get a few things made for the holidays. Sewing room is clean and organized. Time to make a MESS!!

Happy Quilting,

Aileen in FL

June ~ Enjoying the new normal

June is almost over. There is a new grandson in the family. What a cutie. Sebastian was tiny. 4 lbs. 11 oz. 16 & 1/2 inches long.  Instant bundle of love! Here he is rocking the quilt I made for him.

Proud Grandma.

This is the best picture of all. Louis looking at his brother. 

We made sure he met him before anyone else. He loves his brother. Holds him often. My heart is full,

Here is Carri's new normal. 

Her life is very full.

I have never seen her so happy.

She is making a funny face. 

She said she may have to buy a bigger bed! LOL!

Life has been very hectic since Sebastian was born. Loving it and passing out at night with a smile on my face.

Happy Quilt!

Aileen in Florida

The Baby is Here!!

We held our breath waiting for baby Sebastian. He was born May 27th. Weighed 4 lbs, 11 oz and 16 1/2 inches. Such a tiny bundle of joy!   Big brother Louis in love with Sebastian. My heart is full.

They are so precious.   

Grandma and Grandpa

I did manage to finish the premie blanket for Sebastian. I still don't like the colors but my daughter loved it. I backed it with flannel. No batting. To hot in Florida for that right now.

Time to clean the sewing room and get more receiving blankets made.

Happy Quilting. 

Aileen in Florida `~ Happy Grandma of 4~'

May~Baby coming

Today is the half way point for the month of May. First 15 days flew by. Carri's baby (4th grandchild) will be arriving May 27th. He will be a premie. Am I ready?

I have been putzing around my sewing space, cleaning this, moving that. Basically chasing my tail. I am trying to make a quilt for the baby but having a hard time of it. Carri's favorite color is brown. I am not a fan of brown unless it is shoes or a handbag. I made 40 blue and brown 4 patches that I have been staring at it for a week. I stalled making a quilt for 8 months because I just don't like brown. What a grandma. I am getting brain damage trying to cheer these blocks up.  They will be visiting the seam ripper later. Carri said add yellow or green. After researching the net on quilt size, most sites advice 24 to 36 inches. Makes sense. Two of my girls were very small. One was 6 lbs 9 oz. and the other was 5 lbs 2 oz. Carri was full term at 8 lbs 2 oz. I put Cabbage patch kid clothes on them. There were no premie outfits in the 70's or 80's that I could find. Even those outfits were big. Good news is that we did find some premie stuff at Target and Toys R Us.

I am sending out an SOS to Quiltville Open Studio group & my followers..... YUCK! HELP!!!

20 Left over 4 patches

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 Today I started another quilt from my scrap blocks and whip up a baby quilt. I used blocks I have been hoarding for over 10 years. I bought the black background star fabric in the Catskill mountains. Only had a little of it. Carri asked me to remake a Overall Bill pillowcase and chose that fabric. How could I say no? Then there was just a little left. Few years later I made the remains into 9 patches, which sat and sat. Not enough for anything, until today. Still have 3 blocks that can go on the back. This quilt will hopefully be dragged around the floor and loved to shreds!

Happy Quilting

Aileen in Florida

April Almost Gone

It has been a very long time since I posted. My daughter & family moved in to my home (my sewing room) in December and out again in February to a lovely home just a few miles up the street. They are doing great and expecting a second son in June.

I have been looking for my sewing stuff and Mojo ever since. LOL! I managed to finish one quilt that has been on my bucket list for years. This one was for my MIL, AJ. She is a very lovely woman. I love her dearly. Her birthday is today. She turned 87. I mailed her quilt out a few weeks ago to be sure it would get there in time. When I started cleaning up the other day, I realized that if I pieced the fabric I had left over from the backing, there would be enough for 2 pillowcases. DH dropped them in the mail on Thursday night. Thank you USPS for Priority mail! They arrived today.

AJ is thrilled with her quilt and her pillowcases!

The pattern is from Bonnie Hunters Free Pattern tab  at Quiltville.
It is called Sister's Choice. I used 2 inch strips instead of 2 1/2 inch strips. I really like it!

Now to make a baby quilt  for newest qrandson arriving in June.

I have been on the hunt for vintage sewing machines. Bonnie gave me the itch! Did you get it too?

I have acquired my first ever 1935 Singer treadle. Her name is Hattie after the original owner. Cost $85.00. It was very stiff and needed a good cleaning but hums along beautifully.

The cabinet is rough but strong. Middle drawer hanging down on  left side. Rest of drawers are fine. Just needed a little TLC. She sews very nice stitches. I just need to get the rhythm. So far I can treadle with my right foot but have to be careful not to run over my left foot. OUCH! Its going to take a lot of practice.

Happy Quilting

Aileen in Florida!

Even a Tiny Space

Even a tiny space can give me joy.

Daughter's Family move into my 13 x 15 sewing space. Moved my things back into tiny sewing area. About 7 feet of space. Have not been able to sew much due to rotator cuff surgery. Christmas is almost here. So many things I wanted to make for gifts. Yesterday I made 2 pillowcases. Louis decided he wanted to sew with Grandma. I let him put the pins in the pin cushion and cut my threads with his own scissors.  He was in heaven. It felt good to share my love of sewing with him. Future quilter? Maybe!

I have not accomplished all the things I wanted to do this year, but I am blessed with family and friends that watch over me. They pick me up when I am down. Give me a hug when I need one. What better gift can there be. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my Sisters of the Cloth!  

Love Aileen in Florida

Sometimes we just need a little help

As many of you know, I visited my daughter Shara in Seattle in July. I had a terrific time. I got to enjoy her company and see the sites with her.

Last week she was involved in a car rollover accident. With the grace of God she survived. Shara is single and in need of help to get to work and pay the medical bills from this accident. If you would like to help please go to GoFundME

Thank you for your love and support!

Aileen in FL

World Blog Hop. Show & Share

Around the World Blog Hop! 

I have been tagged by a Quilting Forum Friend Mary Jane Cardwell who was tagged by a friend Ami Krenzel. Two wonderful ladies with a passion for quilting. Check out their blogs.

Around the World Blog Hop. What fun!  I wonder all the time what everyone is working. Why that project? Sometimes life just sends you on a quest. For me the quest has been on going. Quilting is a passion and also the best therapy for my soul and my mind.

These passed two years, I have had several surgeries. Last one was 6 weeks ago on my left rotator cuff. Since I am left handed this made me very sad. No sewing for weeks. What is a girl to do. My hand is super shaky. Pain is rough.

So what do you do when you are a one arm bandit.....Clean drawers! Sewing room drawers. The ones you always promise yourself you will get to.

1. What am I working on??? I am about to try piecing today with  the knee attachment for my Janome. I am left handed and my rotary cuff surgery was on my left shoulder. Still typing with only a few fingers otherwise it becomes a ice bag day when the pain escalates to the "you have been bad" point.  I managed to starch some neutral fabric last night and will see if I can use my AccuQuilter to cut some strips. My son-in-law drew lines on the templates for me so I can sub cut squares. I have a bunch of squares in dozens of colors but no neutrals. These are all from scraps using Bonnie Hunter scrap system. Perfect time to make some 4 patches and nine patches. If I screw them up, well my seam ripper and I will get reacquainted.

Sizes 1.5, 2, and 2.5 inches

I have been buzzing through 2 inch scraps. I currently have 90 Nine Patch blocks to use to make Sister's Choice in a 2 inch size strip instead of 2 1/2 inch size strip. I can do 8 to 10 a day before I get to tired.  We Can Sew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I am so ecstatic! I also tried Bonnie Hunter Carolina Chain blocks. It is kind of a nine patch. Made 6 of these so far. In the background you see my Chinese food containers in a bin. That is where my Leaders and Enders Spools are stored. I have 100 in each of  3 containers. Another hundred paired up ready to sew in the open container. 

To my left is my TV and another mat. I have the contents of my 2 plastic shoes boxes of 2 inch strips sorted by color. The aluminum pan has all the neutral strips and the green strips for the the star points of Sisters Choice. More than I need but a good mix.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre? I get an idea and start piecing. Not really knowing where it is going. I don't draw it, I just think about it for a while.  These two quilts are an example of this. Amber needed a new quilt but she is short, he is tall, The battle of the blanket has been ongoing. Someone always ended up with a corner. So I decided to make 2 quilts for their bed. I decided on Bento blocks but when Amber saw the pieced block before I cut them, she wanted both types. I did manage to finish Amber's quilts prior to surgery. Two identical looking quilts. Some fabrics are the same in both. Did Wesleys binding  in red and Ambers in teal. I used every piece of skull fabric. Leftovers are on the back of the quilts.

Then my niece came to visit and says." I love skulls, can you make me one.!" Ha. So I will be collecting some as I go. If I had know that, I could have used the 20 blocks on the quilt backs. It was enough for a third quilt. Oh well, live and learn.

This is their bed made up with both quilts.

Most of the skull fabric was donated to me by About.com Quilters forum friends. What a great bunch of ladies. Always willing to help you. Online sisterhood of the quilt. There are some men too.
I named the quilts Skullduggery 1 & Skullduggery 2. Each quilt measures 80 x 110 inches. No more fighting over covers! LOL!

Amber's Quilts

Wesley's Quilt

I also had to have pulmonary testing in order to be released for surgery. Ended up with a Cpap. So I am now know as "Grandma Borg". Quite a site when I am in bed for the night. A sling and a face mask! Can you tell I am a Trekkie. I have entertained myself by watching a lot of SyFi movies. Second best form of therapy after quilting for me.

3. Why do I create what I do. THERAPY and JOY. I have always made something. I have tried many crafts. Sewing has always been a passion. I love art quilts as well. I had made 23 mini art quilts for Alzheimer's Art Initiative. They were a joy to make and really pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Today I plan to do a few more 9 patches and sub-cut some strips. I sew two 9 inch strips together then cut one single 2 inch square to finish the block. I take the strips after ironing and lay them on the AccuQuilter overlapping, using the drawn lines  and sub-cut into 2 block units. Takes seconds to do. I can cut about 10 strip sets in a few seconds and go on quilting. I may be able to make 15 or 20 today before I get tired.

4. How does my creative process work.  I get ideas every where. From pictures of quilts, gardens, flowers, billboard signs, kids playing in the street. And that really inspiring statement "What IF?" I love to see what happens when you combine fabrics. I do make traditional quilts, but I love art quilts best. I am a machine quilter. I do not have the patience for hand quilting or applique, so "What If" is a very creative statement for me. It leads me into the unknown and fusible web is my best friend.


I have signed up to do the Nesting Round Robin on the Quilt Forum. I just have to find the perfect block! I see this as a opportunity to use a UFO and create something beautiful from a once abandon block. What if....?


Happy Quilting

Aileen in FL.

Sept Ouchy!

It has been a while since I blogged. Went to Seattle in July. Had a wonderful time with my daughter Shara. Took me a few weeks to recover time difference.

I am typing with one finger so bare with me on typos and not so great grammar. Friday, I finally had the rotator cuff surgery.  All I can say is thank goodness they only made 4 little holes. The pain is strong but don't even want to think how much more pain there would be if they had to cut more tissue and muscle like in the olden days. Sleep is a joke. Mostly pass out for minutes at a time. I am getting better at dodge the grandchildren! Those little darlings are fast and still think grandma is a ladder. They want to lay claim to my lap and get some grandma hugs. Still they make me smile and I really need to.

August was a blur. I finished Ambers quilts. I also made her husband a vest with 8 inside pockets, front and back. He works outside and though it is in the 90,s work wants him to wear long pants. His office has no AC so there is no relief from the heat. I made the pockets so he could insert some homemade ice bags that stay pliable. Amber found a recipe online for making them with rubbing alcohol and dish soap. She used soft soap instead because it was cheaper. I made Velcro closures in the front and a slots on the sides so he could tighten and loosen vest to accommodate bags. This way he can fit vest to hug his torso. Works great.

I managed to get one Row by Row sown this week, It is from The Quilting Loft in Seattle WA. 
I love it. I do want to modify it and add the Space Needle.

 

It was fun and fast, The kit has enough to do a second skyline..

 



Well time to jump back in bed for a nap. I am hoping that I can sew again real soon.

Happy Quilting
Aileen in Florida