The Cuddle Quilter: July 2012

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Think Christmas Blog Hop Day Two

Today is day two of Madame Samm's Think Christmas blog hop and I have the privilege of being your host for this 7-day Christmas extravaganza!

I am already in awe of the fantastic blocks, quilts, table runners and mug rugs that we have already seen...after only one day! Yesterday we had 43 blocks and quilted items, a huge selection and variety of everything Christmas including Santas and Rudolphs, feather trees, paper-pieced trees, polka dot trees and more, angels, stars, pinwheels, snowmen, a gingerbread man, tatted snow flakes, Christmas fabrics used in a variety of traditional and modern blocks, and even Mickey and Minnie Mouse!

Make sure you visit Madame Samm's Pinterest page HERE every day to see the pictures of all the incredible projects.

What will we see today? Click on the names below and you'll be taken to their blogs to see their Think Christmas creations. Be prepared to be impressed and please let them know you've been by. There will be giveaways, tutorials, and so much more!

Tuesday, July 31

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts

Judith Handmade Treasures

Gran-Knot-Y Embroidery Lady

Mrs. Pickles

Susie's World

Once you're finished hopping, make sure you visit Sew We Quilt to see Madame Samm's two picks of the day and to check out the Pinterest page. She updates it every morning.

It's a great day for ~~quilting~~ blog hopping!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Think Christmas Blog Hop Day One

Welcome to the Think Christmas blog hop. Here is today's schedule. Click on each link to be transported to a magical Christmas place!

July 30

Cotton Addiction

For the full 7-day schedule, click on the Think Christmas button on my sidebar.

To see the 2 picks of the day, visit Sew We Quilt. While there, click on Madame Samm's Pinterest link to see all the blocks from Think Christmas, updated daily.

It's a great day for quilting. See you tomorrow!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Think Christmas Blog Hop Starts Tomorrow

Can you believe it? Madame Samm's Think Christmas blog hop starts tomorrow! Monday, July 30. I'm ready, are you?

Every day, for SEVEN days, from July 30-August 5, quilters from across the globe will invite you to their ~~homes~~ blogs and show you their Christmas blocks, but made of fabric, not wood!

Every day for SEVEN days, you will be transported to a place and time overflowing with Christmas...Santas, bells, trees, snowmen, reindeer, and so much more, you'll think it's December!

Every day for SEVEN days, Madame Samm will display the top two blocks of the day at Sew We Quilt. Her Pinterest site will be overflowing with Christmas! Remember how we loved the Red, White and Blue blocks? Didn't see them all yet? They're right HERE.

Every day for SEVEN days each blog host will also share with you the schedule for their day. The schedule for the full SEVEN days is on the sidebar.

Here is the schedule for Day One:

July 30

For SEVEN days, you will have the opportunity to visit every quilter and let them know how they have made you smile, chuckle, grin, laugh, and be inspired, motivated, and impressed.

For SEVEN days some quilters will have tutorials. Some quilters

will have giveaways. And all quilters will welcome you with open arms and lots of hugs.

Let the Think Christmas party begin... Monday, July 30.

It's a great day for quilting!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Raise Your Hand

How many of you have a bad back? That rears its ugly head at the most inopportune time? Did you raise your hand to be counted? Yep, that's me. I put my back out on Wednesday...can't walk and lots of pain. Experience has taught me that it will go away in a few days, but in the meantime, I am stuck in limbo...no sewing...no quilting...just heat pads.

This morning, after a round of muscle relaxers, I feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I can spend a few minutes at the computer, followed by a few more minutes stretched out on the couch watching movies.

How did I put my back out? It started on Wednesday morning. We went to see the Tall Ships, just a few blocks away from us on the Port Hawkesbury waterfront. We were having a rainy day, the first rain in a long time, and well needed, so it didn't deter us. Walking down the hill, it was still quite a sight!

We had a wonderful time touring the ships. Even the Bounty was in port!

And several Jack Sparrows lounging around...

This ship was named The Peacemaker

All I could think was that they misspelled the name...it should have read "The Piecemaker"!

And then it happened. We were at the refreshment stand ordering my summer treat of a hot dog and a pop and a plastic fence fell down right in front of me. I immediately leaned over to help pick it up...wrong thing to do, wrong way to lean...ouch, ouch, ouch...

So, bad timing. The Think Christmas blog hop starts on Monday (see the schedule on my sidebar...it is going to be an awesome 7 days of Christmas blocks, tutorials, and giveaways.) I was going to make another block, but my little ole back has told me to stop. And I'm OK with that. Really I am. I will get ready for Think Christmas in my own way. I just poured myself a coffee in a Christmas mug, pulled out some Christmas editions of my favorite magazine from years gone past, and I will just Think Christmas.

And because I can't seem to stop doing things with my hands, even with a sore back, I will continue to make these little hexies.

These are very tiny. I am making them in preparation for Kathleen Tracy's small quilt of the month project. Kathleen gave us some information on how to make them right here. I want to have all my hexies made for the October quilt. I hope I can do it. I also found the cutest video made by Susan at Homespun Quilts. I literally googled "how to make hexies" and she popped up. It's a great little tutorial!

So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. My time limit on the computer has expired, this back of mine needs a rest, so I am off to the couch. Thank goodness for my little iPad to check emails...I can do that in a reclining position.

It's a great day for ~~quilting~~ making hexies!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

I Love Schnibbles and Blog Hops

You know by now how much I enjoy making Schnibbles quilts created by Carrie Nelson.

The monthly Another Year of Schnibbles Quiltalong is always something I look forward to. I try to participate each month by making the designated Schnibbles quilt, but sometimes life gets in the way. I may (or may not) have my quilt made in time for the August 1 parade as my days seem to be getting shorter with quilting time...mmm, could it be that my days and nights are full of images of Christmas? Think Christmas perhaps?

But getting back to Schnibbles, I was the lucky participant who won the random drawing from last month's Schnibbles parade. Just look at what I received in the mail the other day...

This all arrived from the Queen Bee of Schnibbles herself, Carrie Nelson, along with a special little note. Carrie generously donated the giveaway items of this Tradewinds layer cake and a box of Wonderclips by Clover. And then she threw in two pairs of charm packs, and since a Schnibble takes two charm packs to make, I now have the makings for a lot more Schnibbles quilts! Thank you, Carrie, and to wonderful hosts Sinta and Sherri!

These little Wonderclips seem to be taking the quilting world by storm. The first thing I did was grab one of my Think Christmas blocks and try them out...instead of pinning the binding on, I clipped! I am notorious for getting pricked by my pins...hubby constantly hears "ouch" when I am moving a quilt into my quilting chair! These clips are just so terrific...no squeals of pain, just perfect clipping! Here is a peek at how I used them.

Guess you'll have to come back on August 4 during the Think Christmas blog hop to see the rest of my block!.

This month, the Schnibbles quilt is to be any one of our choosing. In between visions of sugarplums, I decided to choose Roadshow and of course just had to choose the Friendship charm packs sent along by Carrie. Can you think of a better name for a line of fabric?

So off I went with Friendship. I chose Roadshow because it reminds me so much of the Granny blocks making the rounds in blog land. Lori at Bee in My Bonnet has started the Great Granny Along....you'll have to check it out...some great inspiration there!
I didn't have time to jump into the Granny Along, but did have time to make my first block for Roadshow...in case you missed it at the top of the post, here it is again!

I had lots of background fabric, so I chose to cut background squares instead of triangles and then squared off the block.

This week I also received my wonky stars and 4-patches from Jane, hostess of the Wonky Star exchange that I participated in last month. I pinned them all to the back of a quilt and I can see that if I make two more star blocks, and 2 more 4-patch blocks, I will have enough for a little quilt, and I love little quilts!

The star blocks are 6.5 in. and the 4-patches are 5.5 in. I'll frame the blocks to make them the same size, sew them together, and I'll have my little quilt! Thanks to Jane for coordinating and for all the wonderful contributors of the blocks!

The mail man also brought me a little box of goodies from my friend, Kaaren. I had so much fun making a tabletopper with selvedges awhile back, that this little chickie (visit her at The Painted Quilt...you'll know what I mean about chickie...) gifted me with lots more selvedges...I actually have visions of pincushions made with selvedges, so stay tuned! Thank you,Kaaren!

I have to tell you about a blog I have been visiting now for 24 days in a row. I love Christmas, that is not a secret, so when I saw what Carol was going to do at her blog, Carol's Crafty Creations, I was hooked! In her own words,
" For the month of July I'm going to attempt to post something everyday for Christmas. Could be a Christmas decoration or a Christmas gift. Either way it's my plan to get a good amount of Christmas stuff done."
Carol is having her very own Christmas in July! Her projects have been so wonderful, so creative, so inspiring, so cute, and on and on...so please visit her and tell her Lesley sent you. You will love it! Here is a picture of today's project taken from her blog.

Did you hear about Madame Samm's Dots on Dots Blog Hop?

We all love dots...so head on over to sign up with Corrie at Quilt Taffy. Corrie is so cool...you will love her! Registration closes on Friday, so don't be late...let's all go dotty!

And did you hear about the Madame Samm's Bowls With Borders blog hop? 139 participants! Carol must be ~~going nuts~~ really having fun coordinating all these little bowl making quilters! Carol is a doll, and even though I know she is a busy little bee, she is still inspiring us almost daily with her creations and words of quilting wisdom!

Six days left before the Think Christmas blog hop begins...please let there be some Santas...giggle...

I'm off to volunteer today at The Quilt Shop at the Causeway, so if you come to Cape Breton today, I will be there to greet you! I'm taking my sewing machine to sew my Festive Mystery blocks together...no internet at the Shop, so guess I'll just have to sew!

It's a great day for quilting!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Think Christmas Blog Hop Schedule Revised

Hello to all you little Christmas elves in Blogland!

Thanks to all the excitement and promotion, we now have 73 people all set to show their Christmas spirit in the Think Christmas Blog Hop from July 30-August 5. We are now a 7-day event! Thank you, Madame Samm, for inspiring us again with all things Christmas...you are an awesome head cheerleader!

Here is the revised schedule.

July 30

August 4
Creations On The Island
Scher at That Other Blog
Sunshine Girl
Hallbrook Designs
The Recipe Bunny
Sisca at That Other Blog
Polkadot Classic
Ariane's Crafts
Katie's Salt Marsh Path
The Cuddle Quilter

August 5
Briarside Lane
Pigtales and Quilts
Quilts From My Crayonbox
Quilt n Queen
InGa
Pattie at That Other Blog
Cliodana
Quilting, Losing and Tea
Why Knot Kwilt
Madame Samm

Rules are simple...

1) Christmas theme

2) Block(s) size: 6.5, 10.5 or 12.5 in.

Blocks can be shown in a completed project like a table topper, runner, mini-quilt, etc.

3) Schedule your post for 12:00 Midnight Central Time Zone so that people from across the world will be able to see the blocks as soon as they wake up! Let us know if you need help to schedule your post.

4) On your day, post clear pictures of your Think Christmas block(s), a tutorial and/or a giveaway if you wish, and please include links to your fellow participants on your day.

5) Indicate that the schedule can be linked from my sidebar.

6) If you haven't already, please post the Think Christmas button on your sidebar. Instructions for posting are on Madame Samm's blog right here.

For those who don't have a blog: Aurea, Deborah B., Nancy B., Pattie, Anne K., and Sisca: I will be posting your blocks on That Other Blog. I'll need some time to prepare the posts, so please try to email me your pictures and text by July 23.

If you haven't already, please put the Think Christmas button on your sidebar. Instructions for posting are on Madame Samm's blog right here. Also, please let me know if there are any problems with your link.

It's a great day for quilting...and don't forget to Think Christmas!

Hugs and Kisses: A Donation Quilt Finish

I am a very happy camper. I set a goal to make a little quilt to send to Julie at Phoenix Quilts who is coordinating the effort to collect hundreds of quilts for families whose homes were lost in fires earlier this summer. I put a few projects aside and it was pedal to the medal on the sewing front. With huge thanks to the donation of quilting by Lynda at Fiddlestitches in Mabou, the quilt is finished...ready for the mail.

Here is my quilt story...Hugs and Kisses designed by Daniela Stout, pieced by me, and quilted by Lynda.

Did you know the "X is the kiss part?

And the "O" is the hugs part...representing the arms in a circle giving a hug? Who knew?

Now, if you're still with me, yes, the exciting and inspirational Think Christmas Blog Hop starts ten days from now! Let the Christmas bells ring out!

As you know, Madame Samm and I have extended the hop for two more days. Think Christmas will run from July 30- August 5. We now have 73 participants! I'm working on the new schedule today so check tomorrow for the update. Anyone making a Santa?

And guess what? I am a cheerleader for the hops! I have a new set of pop-poms for my signature created for me by Madame Samm, Head Cheerleader for Blog Hops Where Everyone is a Winner! I wear these pom-poms proudly! You'll see them below when I sign off.

My pom-poms also join with Miss Jane of Jane's Fabrics and Quilts, who is taking a well deserved rest after the huge success of the Red,White and Blue blog hop, and Miss Carol at Just Let Me Quilt who is immersed in bowls right now as she gets ready to host the Bowls With Borders blog hop which runs from August 13- August 28. What a summer of hopping!

So, it's a great day for quilting. Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the updated Think Christmas schedule.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Think Christmas Registration Extended for Today Only

The Christmas elves have talked and we have listened! Madame Samm and I have exciting news...registration for the Think Christmas Blog Hop has been extended for one more day...today only!

This is your chance...if you did not register yet, then send me an email today with the words "I want in!" Include your URL, if you have one, ( if not, we will post your block on That Other Blog), and await my reply. Space is limited so hook up your sleigh and get over here, right now! My email is lcarruthers3@gmail.com

We will add two days to the length of the blog hop. The new and longer schedule will be posted later this week. What are you waiting for?

It's a great day for quilting!

Monday, July 16, 2012

A Little Show and Tell

When I traveled to the quilt show in Antigonish on Saturday, this little lady met us at the entrance.

I'm sure you recognise this Quilt Diva from Amy Bradley. Her creations are always a lot of fun!

I went crazy at the quilt show taking pictures left, right, and centre! But the pictures that jumped off my computer the most were the pictures I had taken of the centres of some of the quilts. Have a look and see what I mean...

Now, for my reveal...my favorite quilt of the day...a quilt that inspired me and made me think that maybe I could do it too! There were so many fabulous quilts at the show that impressed me with both their beauty and the excellent skills of their makers. This little quilt was no different in that respect, but this little quilt also spoke to me and said, "You could do this too!" Don't you see a cuddle quilt coming down the road?

I have a feeling I have seen the pattern in one of my books, so I better start looking! ~~But if I don't find the pattern, and you know where I could find it, please leave me a note.~~ Update: Lovely Carol and Ann have advised me that the name of the book is "Simple Blessings" by Kim Diehl. Thanks to the speed and convenience of shopping online, I have already purchased the title as an ebook, have already downloaded it, and am soooo glad I found it. I would never presume my piecing and applique would be as precise and perfect as this quilter has achieved, but it would be a fun quilt to make, don't you think? You can read a little more about the quilt show on my previous post here.

My Hugs and Kisses quilt that I'm making as a donation for Julie at Phoenix Quilts grew today, from a few blocks...

to a few strips competing for space in the garden...

The sun was beaming today so I couldn't resist hanging the strips on the line in the formation for the quilt...

Tomorrow I'll work on the borders, some pieced and some not, and then I'll travel some day this week to Mabou forty minutes away to take the quilt to Lynda at Fiddlestitches. She so gratiously offered to machine quilt this flimsy as her donation for the Phoenix Quilts program.Thank you, Lynda, you are a doll! It is so special to be working with you on this quilt that may give a little bit of a quilt hug to someone who needs it. For more info on Phoenix Quilts, just click on the button on my sidebar.

So, another day, another project. Thanks so much for stopping by. It's a great day for quilting!

PS Today is the last day of the Red, White, and Blue Blog Hop. Do not miss it! It has been 16 days of inspiration thanks to Madame Samm and Jane. Check these final RWB block ladies out today...

Day 16 is right here...

PolkaDotClassic
Patchouli Moon Studio
Scrappy pieces
little bits quilting
busy as can be
Madame Samm

To see all the blocks, visit the Pinterest site Madame Samm has set up here.

Bye for now...

Pages

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Monday, July 30, 2012

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Friday, July 27, 2012

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Monday, July 16, 2012