Dreaming of Tennessee

Rain, rain....I won't tell you to go away because we need you!

What better way to spend a rainy day than to cut more pieces for my future Tennessee Waltz quilt top.

I've been asked to see what the Tennessee Waltz pattern actually looks like....so here it is....

Here's another example using different colors:

And one last example....as you can see from the photos....the pattern takes on two different over-all looks depending on what fabric you use for one certain piece (it can look more "round" or more "diamond" shaped....all because of one little piece of the puzzle and the fabric you use....isn't it amazing?) :)

Because I don't want to get in any trouble concerning copyright laws, etc.....let me take this moment to give full credit to the book I'm using.

It is published by Quilt in a Day, second printing February 2004, designed by Sue Bouchard, titled Tennessee Waltz Q*U*I*L*T. 

Now, back to cutting out my pieces. 

I needed to cut (8) 5" strips (selvage to selvage)...

Then I needed to subcut into 64 pairs (or 128 individual) 2 1/2" x 5" rectangles

Next, each pair of rectangles had to be cut on the diagonal.....

Looks like this.....

After all were cut....I then had to sort them by separating and placing them in two "matched sets", right side up....

That was just enough rotary cutting to cause my back to ache! LOL  Now I'll put this project away and rest my back by crocheting some preemie gowns for our Grandma's Promise ministry.

Hello, My Name Is.....

What did I do yesterday?  I made name tags! :)  Let me explain....all participants in the upcoming quilt workshop received an e-mail recently reminding everyone to bring their name tags.  Whoever forgot to do so would have to wear a sticky backed paper name tag.

Well....I don't really know what type of name tag everyone has...and I CERTAINLY didn't want to be the only person there with a terrible paper name tag (LOL)....so I put my thinking cap on and started playing around with my embroidery machine.

Then it dawned on me that if I created a unique name tag for myself....that would leave my poor, poor friend Marianne as probably the only quilter in attendance to be forced to wear a terrible paper name tag....so being the good friend that I am....I knew that if I made myself something I would have to make her something also. LOLOL

Doesn't every quilter save that narrow strip of batting left over from a previous quilt top....just knowing that SOME DAY it will be needed to make something small???

Let the sewing begin.....

Her name is LONG and I was limited on designs to choose from that allowed more space to insert a name....AND after experimenting I realized I had to use a "scrip" font in order to squoosh her name in the spot (unless I made her a name tag that was about 7 inches across :) :) :)

Here is what I came up with for Marianne.  Of course, if she doesn't like it for a name tag, she can always use it as a coaster. :)

Isn't it is adorable?  I really think the design fits her because she enjoys doing hand-piecing and quilting.  I thought the spools of thread, threaded needle and red rick-rack trim suited her perfectly.

As I was starting to sew mine together, I remembered a piece of jewelry that Ray picked up for me at one of the auctions he loves to attend.  It is a sewing machine pin that looks like it may be a Featherweight with little sewing baubles hanging from it.  I believe I'll use it to pin my name tag to my shirt. :)

I made a little boo-boo and messed up the "L" in my last name....oh well, there's no way I'm going to take the time, trouble and supplies needed to do it all over again just because of one little boo-boo! LOLOL

Imagine my shock when I looked up from my sewing machine to see these two faces smiling at me.  Kirsten had a friend over and they were bored.  I guess boredom + makeup = two teenage girls going crazy! :) :)

There's never a dull moment at our house!!!!

When Hubby Is Away I Quilt All Day

My dear hubby is away on business which means it is as good a time as any to monopolize the kitchen table once again and work on Amanda's quilt.

Before Ray left, he did finish installing the floors in his den....the only thing left for him to do when he returns is to install the baseboard quarter round (and remove the blue painting tape that was left on the walls from when he painted the baseboards). 

I'm really happy with the new floors and I think Ray did a fantastic job!!!

Time to get back to machine quilting Amanda's quilt....

Look at my red boo-boo finger....you'll never guess what caused this blister!!!!  Would you believe this is the result of twisting the plastic screw to tighten and loosen the hoop each time I had to re-hoop the quilt in order to sew the pin wheel design 80 times!!!!

Ouch!  It really is sore!!!!!!

After finishing the 80 pin wheels, then I decided to stitch-in-the-ditch and outline each of the individual quilt blocks.

Amanda's quilt is completely machine quilted now!!! YIPPEEE!!! 

Here's the front....

It's difficult to see the quilted pin wheels in this photo....it's easier to see the quilting stitches when you look at the back side......

This photo is a little more close-up.....

It's not even close to being perfect....there's some fairly obvious "oops"....but over all I think it turned out great and I'm tickled pink with it.

Now all that is needed is to bind it and add a signed label to the back.  My back, shoulders and upper arms are so tired from all the work it took to machine quilt.  It may be a few days before I gather up enough energy to tackle the binding.  At least the hard part is over with now!!! :) :)

Even though it was just me and Kirsten home at dinner time tonight...I decided to make one of her favorite meals.....open face steak sandwiches....uuummmm, uuuuuummmm.

I fry up cube steaks, then make Texas Toast (with butter and 4 cheeses) in the oven.  Once bread is toasted, layer with fresh spinach, cube steak, special sauce (mayonnaise mixed with Sante Fe spicy chipotle spread), large slice of tomato, topped with a slice of provolone cheese.

Stick it back in the oven under the broiler just long enough to melt the cheese.  Oh so simple....yet oh so delicious!!!!!

Time for some much needed rest.....who knows what tomorrow will bring! :)

Can't Keep Up With The Jones

I am sitting here having a hard time typing because I'm laughing so hard.  I just couldn't wait to tell you about this latest "happening". 

I have a very good friend who is planning to participate in the same quilt workshop that I've been telling all of you about.

I wish I could be a little fly on the wall when she happens to sit down and read this blog post. 

My friend and I both are really excited about this adventure and we are acting like little school girls preparing for the first day of class. LOL 

Yesterday I received a message from her with some photos attached of her newest toy....needless to say, it relates to our upcoming quilt class.  She has been worried about how she was going to manage transporting her heavy sewing machine, plus all the supplies required for the day.  Now she doesn't have to worry one little bit....she will be decked out in style, looking like a professional quilter when she strolls into class pulling her new assortment of coordinated travel cases.

Just look at this beautiful stuff!

The main case accommodates her sewing machine....and has all kinds of hidden storage compartments inside and out.

Attached to the back is a case specifically to accommodate her rotary cutting mats and rulers, etc.

Then last, but not least, is the "fat quarter" matching case that will hold all of her fabric pieces and other notions needed.

To top it all off....everything attaches together and is simply pulled along on it's wheels.

Now....why am I laughing so hard!  (I'm not laughing at my friend or her new beautiful travel cases that's for sure!) :) :) :)

I'm laughing because, just the day before, Ray bought me my very own sewing/quilting travel case with wheels and several different compartments for supplies to make it easier for me to transport all of my stuff back and forth during the workshop.....but I hadn't told my friend anything about it.....until NOW.

But let me assure you......it doesn't begin to compare with my friend's new toys.  In fact, I feel fairly certain that NO ONE will have a set up like mine! LOLOL  I can already imagine the expressions on all the faces of the other quilters as I stroll along pulling my goodies behind me.

Just look at this..............................

Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you!!!  For the whopping cost of $24.99 you too could purchase your very own double-decker, plastic Stanley toolbox from your local Home Depot!!! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

Now let me show off all the special features of MY sewing travel case.....................

First is the bottom toolbox.....the perfect size to safely keep my vintage Singer Featherweight from slipping around inside....with room for the power cord, and a few other odds and ends.

Next is the top toolbox that holds my fancy clear plastic shoebox full of fabric strips, a few rulers, my quilting iron, etc.

And there is a removable tray that fits on top of this toolbox that holds more goodies.....

Then there is the magical, turntable in the center front of the top toolbox....perfect for bobbins, etc. (haven't put anything in here yet)....

Last, but not least, are the flip top compartments on the very top....perfectly sized for thread spools, extra needles, etc.......

Oops....I almost forgot....I will be using a couple of bungee cords to strap on the cutting mat and another plastic container with more fabric pieces to the top of my lovely toolbox so I can roll everything along in one trip!!! LOLOL

You have to admit.....this is TOO funny!!!  The timing couldn't have been more perfect.  My friend had no clue that Ray had given me this wonderful gift....much less the fact that it was the day before her husband gifted her with her new toy. 

So what do you think?  Who will get noticed more when we stroll into our workshop together.....my friend with her fancy, smancy sewing travel cases.....or me with my $24.99 Stanley toolbox!!!!!! 

Oh my goodness....my sides are killing me from all of this laughter!!!!  I better end this post and calm myself down before I need to take off to the bathroom!! :) :)

Life is always entertaining....isn't it??? LOLOLOLOL

Waltzing Along

Things are starting to take shape.  Now I get to assemble all the 4-patch blocks.  Sewing all of these blocks together was a great project on a day when I needed to do laundry.  It is easy to stop and start when that dryer "buzzer" goes off and it's time to switch the washed laundry over to the dryer, or fold and hang the dried clothing.

Oh my goodness, just look at all those 4-patches needing cut apart and pressed.  Because these blocks are small (compared to the other day when I was ironing 44" long sewn strips), I decided to be lazy and sit at the kitchen table ironing while I watched my all time favorite soap opera.....drum roll please....The Young and The Restless!  Yes, I know....shame on me....but I've literally grown up on that show.  Every girl should be allowed one shameful habit....and this is mine!  Just remember, before you judge me too harshly....there are much worse habits than this!!! LOL

Yes, I admit it.....I actually plan out things to do each day between 12:30 - 1:30, just so I can sit and watch my favorite show and still feel like I'm not wasting time. :)  :) 

Isn't it cute?  :) :) 

The Young and the Restless is going off and I've finished pressing 130ish 4-patch blocks.  I'm happy!  Plus, the dryer "buzzed" again just as the music faded away after today's episode. LOL

Now that another load is in the washing machine....I think I'll do one more thing before putting away my sewing for the day....

I only need 36 - 3 1/2 blocks for the center squares....I'll finish this part up and then call it a day.  Today has been a good, productive day! :) :)

Tennessee Waltz

I was waltzing with my darlin' to the Tennessee waltz

when an old friend I happened to see.

I introduced him to my loved one,

and while they were waltzing

my friend stole my sweet-heart from me.

I remember the night and the Tennessee waltz,

Now I know just how much I have lost.

Yes I lost my little darlin' the night they were playing

the beautiful Tennessee waltz.

Written by Redd Stewart and Pee Wee King

Why am I humming the Tennessee Waltz?  Well, it's because I'm starting a new quilt top and that's the name of the pattern. :)  I'm very proud to be from the great state of Tennessee and wear the title of Hillbilly with honor!! :)  LOLOL

I ran across this quilt pattern several years ago and as soon as I saw the title, I KNEW I had to get it.  After spending last week cutting out all the pieces needed for my upcoming workshop, and knowing I'm not allowed to sew it together until I actually attend the class....I just had to find something to keep me busy until then.  Now granted, I still need to work on quilting Amanda's quilt...but that's a project I can't work on every day.  Plus, I was able to pick up my vintage Singer Featherweight from being serviced and I couldn't wait to try it out!  (Any excuse is better than none don't you agree?)

Once I decided that this was the quilt top I wanted to start next, I then made it a priority to use fabrics I already owned....resisting the urge to go shopping!! LOLOL  I also decided to try to use up my oldest fabrics (and I do mean OLD) and not touch my new stash. :) :) 

The pattern provided instructions and fabric requirements for many sizes.....two different sized table runners, wallhanging, crib, lap, twin, double/queen and king.  Wow....decisions, decisions.  I decided to go all out and chose to aim for a double/queen which will end up being 87" x 105". 

This design requires the use of four fabrics....my challenge was to find a "main fabric" that needed to contrast and be lighter than the other fabrics....and I needed 3 yards of it!  I found a light country rose with enough yardage.  Once the main fabric was chosen, the rest was easier.

Main Fabric, country rose - 3 yards
Fabric two, light country blue - 2 1/3 yards
Fabric three, navy blue - 1 1/4 yards
Fabric four, sage green - 1 3/8 yards

The majority of cutting is done in the very beginning.  Cutting is my least favorite part of making a quilt.  What I enjoy the most is sitting at the sewing machine and contructing the top. :)

The first step was to sew a total of 13 - 2" strips of rose to 2" strips of sage green.

Boy, o'boy do I love this Featherweight.  It is so QUIET compared to my Pfaff and it sews like a dream.  I can actually watch tv and hear it while I sew on this little beauty!

In the photo above you are seeing the end result of chain sewing a total of 572 inches! LOL  I was having so much fun.

Of course, after all the fun part of sewing....I had to go iron those 572 inches and press the seams toward the sage green side. :)

Once the seams were pressed, I put two strips right side together and layed them on my cutting mat in order to subcut the strips into 128 - 2" wide sections.  By placing the sewn strips right side together, and then cutting the sections, this automatically puts the pieces together, in pairs, ready to pick up and sew the next part... a 4-patch block.

Now, once I get a good nights rest, I will be ready to sew all of these 4-patch blocks....they are all neatly stacked and ready whenever I am.

I hope everyone had a nice 4th of July today.  Ray took time away from working on the flooring in order to throw some steaks and corn on the cob on the grill....throw in some potato salad, fresh cucumber and green pepper slices, and a brownie dessert....that's what we called our celebration dinner.  Ummm, ummmm, good!

Theresa

When Life Throws You Scraps - Make Triangles!

After cutting out ALL the pieces needed for the quilt workshop on July 24th (over 1,900 pieces per a friend of mine who is going to the same workshop with me)....I looked down and saw my pile of scraps.

Most of these scraps ended up being a diagonal, 2 1/2 inch tall by typically about 2 - 4 inches wide.  Not big enough for much....but too big to throw in the trash.

So what did I do.....I cut them into half-square triangles.  When two triangles are sewn together, it will make a 2 1/2 inch square.  A quilter can ALWAYS use a 2 1/2 inch square SOMEWHERE...Right?!! LOL

Now I don't feel guilty throwing away those tiny slivers of fabric versus the chunks.......

Just look at all the bonus triangles I ended up with from my treasure pile.....

That's actually about 200 half-square triangles that could have easily ended up in the trash can!

It's amazing what brings joy to my life!  This has been a good day.  :)

Would you like to see an update on my dear hubby's project....the new flooring???

Well, let me take a second to explain that AFTER he had removed the carpets and was preparing to start installing the new floors....I made a teeny, tiny suggestion....it went like this....

Me:  "Sweetie, you know how much you and I both hate how the previous owner painted all the wood trim that awful blue?"

Ray:  "Ummmhummmm"

Me:  "Well, sweetheart, I know you're in the middle of this flooring project, and I know you aren't exactly planning to repaint this room anytime soon....BUT.....do you think it would be a good idea to maybe go ahead and paint the baseboards white BEFORE you put in all the new flooring?  I'm just thinking it may be easier for you when it's all said and done."  (all said while batting my eyes and smiling from ear to ear)

Ray:  "Ummmmhummmmm" (grunting sound made while cocking his left eyebrow up high....my sign that he isn't exactly thrilled with my thought process)

So.....thankfully he listened.....

After only THREE coats of white paint to get rid of the blue.....the real work begins....

Isn't it going to be BEAUTIFUL!!!!  (I'm doing the happy dance at this moment!)

As of today....he's only been able to finish half the room (well, more like 1/3 of the room)....but tomorrow is the 4th of July and he doesn't go to work....and I'm thinking that in honor of him being a veteran, he will deserve a nice steak on the grill when he takes a lunch break from working on the other half of the floor tomorrow!!! LOLOL

Most of the bulky furniture has been moved to the finished side....leaving him room to work on the last 2/3s of the room.

Jesse James on Kirsten and Tanner on the new floor

Until next time....
Theresa