Christmas Ornaments

 After searching on the internet for various quilting videos; I came across videos on making Christmas ornaments using fabric scraps.  They really caught my attention.  I think mainly because with the pain that I have been experiencing, it is hard to spend any amount of time sewing.  So, after viewing several of these videos, I decided that I would be capable of doing something like the ones shown.

Kevin and I made a trip to Odessa yesterday for a doctor appointment, some grocery shopping and a couple other items.  One of which was styrofoam balls.  I was really shocked at the price of these items.  For 6 balls ....3 inch in diameter...the cost was 5.99!  I was really expecting to pay like 25 cents each.  LOL.  I almost did not purchase them, but I really wanted to try creating some.  So I went ahead and splurged.

The one pictured above; first attempt...is a little off kilter in measurements and I ended up with one small pucker that no matter what I tried would not go away.  After fitting in the fabric...I decided it needed some frills.  Out came my box filled with embroidery threads, beads, laces and bias tape and beads. 

 I really have no clue how long it took to make the first one or the second one, pictured above.  I was really enjoying myself and kept thinking of ideas on how and what to add as frills.  This gold lace is really the only thing that I had appropriate for the ornaments.  Guess what I am going to really start splurging on in the future.

With this one, I decided to use these star decorations that someone had given me and I have never used.  I really liked them...even though I should have taken more time and centered them appropriately.  Very often, my excitement over a project takes prescedence over doing things correctly. 

Then I found two gold buttons that I felt were perfect for hiding the seams and ends of everything.   I have decided that creating these fabric Christmas bulbs is a Great activity and I will definetely be making many, many more.

I am almost finished....

 I just wanted to share my fantastic (in my opinion) Organized Sewing Room.

I even broke my rule not to work on any projects during this time.

Last night after placing a large number of various sized fabric squares into their specific totes;  I decided to treat myself and sew a tad.  Not wanting to get started into any project that would stop me from finishing my organizing......I still have one tote to go through and ruler fold the fabrics and cut scraps into specific squares.  But only 1 more tote and I will be all done!!!!

This is a folded star, I made from several pieces of scrap squares and was just learning the steps.  I really enjoyed making this and swore I would make more.  Needless to say, I have not gotten around to making any more.  LOL.  So I thought, lets go ahead and practice the free motion quilting that I am terrible at, but enjoy doing.  Little by little I am getting the hang of this method.  I will need to bind this and then I think I will use it as a hot pad/mug rug sort of thing to use on my dining room table.  But, who knows. 

I had best get to my last tote soon or I may easily just forget about it.

ORGANIZING SCRAPS AND SEWING ROOM!!

I am still in the ongoing process of getting my scraps organized.  It is a long term adventure that can be labeled into all sorts of sections; frustrating, fun, exciting, boring, repetitive, innovative; the list can go on and on. 

Since my last post, I have actually emptied 3 large totes.  Yippee!!!  The majority of the fabrics have been cut down to squares from 11/2 to 5 inches.  I decided to use these plastic bags as a just for now purpose.  But these bags are fabulous for storing fabrics in.  You can see everything clearly and they seal wonderfully plus if you leave them opened a tad they are allowed to breathe.  If you have any of these type of bags around (new sheets, comforters and such are packaged in them) I really suggest finding a way to use them.

Oh phooey, I downloaded the pictures without thinking of order.  I guess all of my cutting today has my brain a little on the bored side.  LOL.  Seriously, when you are just sitting/standing and cutting the same sizes over and over there is not a lot of brain power needed aside from the WATCH THE FINGERS and are the edges and ruler lined up correctly.

I have only managed to make a bigger mess with my fabrics that are supposed to be folded neatly and look so pretty lined in rows!  But as usual, I let myself get off track and take off in the sewing mode and within a few weeks of doing a little of this project and a little of that project....no time to stop and straighten.  I really have to laugh because in all honesty, I do not see the destruction at all when I am involved in a project.  I do not know what happens to my organized sanity, it has to go on vacation and have a great time without me and me without it. 

Yet, even with all of that jumbled fabric....I have made progress.  Kevin and I finally got all of the odd boxes out of my sewing room closet and replaced with all of the fabric totes that should have been there to begin.  These totes are all labeled and neatly stacked.  But, I am going through each one and seeing if I can organize it all a tad bit better. 

During my organizing extravaganza, I do have three projects that are being worked on.  I know that they are long term projects, so perfect to work on for a little while here and there.  Which makes it really nice.  I have forbidden myself from starting any other project until I have completed my task of organizing done.

Dodger on the other hand gets a tad bit annoyed that I sit at the ironing board for an hour, move to the kitchen table and sit/stand for countless hours playing with my fabrics instead of her.  She has her ways of letting me know it is time to stop and play with her about every 45 minutes to an hour.  Here she is bringing me her rope and doing her low growl to get my attention. 

ORGANIZING SCRAP MATERIAL

Yesterday, I got a tub full of scraps together and piled them into this tub.  Surrounding the tub are plastic covers from purchases of sheets and other items.  Inside of each of those bags are an assortment of scraps cut into specific sized squares.  (  1 1/2 x 1 1/2, 2 x 2,
2 1/2 x 2 1/2,  3 x 3,  3 1/2 x 3 1/2 ,  4 x 4 and 5 x 5 ).

So far this year...I have managed to cut up scraps from two tubs.  It is a long tedious process that takes its toll on the desire to do any kind of fabric work.  But, once you see the bottom of the tote/tub; it clearly becomes worthwhile. 

Why am I tackling this process?  There are several reasons.  The first is because I am so incredibly tired of looking at all of that beautiful fabric in total chaos hanging off of shelves.  The second is the amount of fabric that has been shoved into totes/tubs until I go rummaging to find the right material.  Which leads to a third reason....once I locate that perfect material, very often I discover that it is only a small piece that you can only get one or two squares out of.  The reasons just continue, but you get the picture.

I have not set any time limits on myself.  But knowing that eventually we will be moving back to Oregon.  I want to have it completed before that time, so that when it comes to moving and mainly setting up my sewing area in the new home; I will not be faced with what I am facing now. 

Eventually, I would like to purchase a dresser or filing cabinet...who knows... for storing each set of squares in their own area.  But until then, the plastic bags and totes will have to do.  Although, I do keep getting these images of making some sort of storage bags.  Yet, the image is not clear and I am not sure it would work, so I shall let that creation rest until it really becomes clear or I see something similiar online. 

SCRAP TRIANGLES

 I was given this box filled with various scrap materials from my Mother In Law.  All of these precut squares were among the treasures.  They have been sitting staring at me for a very long time.  I just could not make up my mind what to do with them.  You see they are not accurately cut and vary just over or under 5 inch squares....on all sides.  I have seriously considered one by one resizing, but they just sat.  I considered just sewing them together as is....yeah right, what a disaster that would be!!!  So next thought, half square triangles.

Last night, I gathered up the supplies....light fabric squares, a ruler, sand paper, I could not locate a pencil so, a pen was used plus, my trusty old clip board.  I began drawing my lines.

Now since these squares are not true squares;  I did not get into the perfect mode.  

Next step, this morning I began sewing on the two outer lines (the inner line will be for cutting on).  This is going to be a long term project, just to be picked up and done at will.  Since there has to be at least 500 if not more of these out of sync squares; my next step will be to iron and cut and trim using one of my triangle rulers.  That way they can be used individually in certain blocks or used to make a whole quilt.

I think this will work taming fabric scraps and a step in organizing them also. 

Sorting Scraps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EweKIXlmaek

I watched the above video and a light clicked!  Amazing how such a simple idea can be overlooked by us.  I would never have come up with this, but it is a great way to store fabrics and be able to know what is in the tub without digging and messing everything up. 

I have 4 empty totes just waiting to be filled with fabrics.....off I go.

IT OCCURRED TO ME....

that I could use some scraps that were given to me by my Mother In Law...for something other than a stuffed toy.    I found out a short while ago that my neice is going to be having a baby (she is approx. 3 months along).  I am really excited for them.  Plus, it gives me a great exuse to try out some ideas and make her some gifts.

 My MIL used to sew plenty, until her eyesight began failing several years ago.  She graciously gave me a whole bunch of fabrics.  Not having any children in the family and being involved in other aspects of quilting for "older" loved ones.....hee, hee, hee.  Most of the "younger fabrics" have sat idly on the shelf.

I just picked up one piece of fabric and said it is time!  I decided to cut out the figures and create bibs.  They are simple and so much fun.  A great way to take a break from the quilting on the Double Wedding Ring Quilt, that is coming along nicely, but slowly.  No rush, thankfully. 

Thanks for stopping by....Have a great day!

I'M SO EXCITED...AND I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT.....

I'm about to lose control and I think I like it........

I have completed another step in my "creation" of this quilt.  After trying out several layouts, I chose this star design.  For some reason chosing the brown fabric as a sashing between the diamonds was so easy.  It just sang chose me, chose me and I did and am thrilled with it.  I cut them at 5 inch depths and 12 inch widths, using the 60degree ruler to mark and cut also went quickly.  Next, I labeled each individual piece with a 1A, 1B, 1C  and so forth to make sure I would remember where each piece is supposed to lay tomorrow.

My next step is going to be laying out the Double Wedding Ring quilt top and determinning how much more needs to be added to this quilt back and how exactly I am going to fill in the gaps and with what fabrics and so forth. 

I should add....I am sharing this as I am doing it.  I am just playing and having fun experimenting.  But if this resembles or copies any other quilt pattern....I am sorry.  Please contact me and I will remove this....but I am not following any pattern and just having a go at creating.

That sounds pretty lame...but I thought I should mention it and avoid getting myself into trouble If I am stepping on any one elses toes.

Brain is functioning....

I kept looking at the these pieces which were the excess trimmed away while cutting the 60degree angles.  Knowing that there had to be a way to use them in this project.  So I began the brain function called creativity.

 Within a short time, I figured out how to place them right sides together. 

 After pressing the seams open, I had a ready made piece....that could be cut into

two extra strips.  As you can see it creates areas that have two fabrics in a couple of sections.  Being that this is a totally scrappy project....it will work great.  Adding a variety and interest.

I am off once again to sew strips together.  Who knows where this project is going to go.......

Scrap Strips....

I had to laugh today as I was sewing together more scrap strips.  I came across several strips that definetely had an "attitude".  Several, no that is putting it mildly, had this curvy appearance; others were about an 1/8 inch in width wider or shorter than they should have been; one group of fabric strips were so pretty....I thought why did I just cut them into odds and ends strips.  It became clear very quickly, they are some sort of horrible material that was awful to work with. 

But, I worked with each piece of scrap, grumbling about their "attitudes"........but throughout the day managed to get them all sewn into groups of six rows.  I tried to take some pictures, but they were awful and just did not show the detail I was looking for;  tomorrow, I will mark the 60 degree angles, cut each into numerous strips and sew them into the final block.

Fill me in on some of your SCRAP ATTITUDES! 

I LOVE IT WHEN IT HAPPENS THIS WAY.....

After cutting several yards of odds and ends scrap matierial into 2and 1/2 inch strips; it looked at me for several months.  I just could not make up my mind what to do with all of these.  Then a few days ago, I just wanted to do some uncomplicated (non use of brain) kind of sewing time.  I began sewing a light strip to a dark strip, a dark to a medium....basically just whatever happened to be picked up together.

I forgot to mention, that although these strips were all equal (per say) in width sizes...they were in so many varied lengths that matching could have become complicated.  I did not want to deal with complicated, so like colors were all sewn into long strips and then pressed and next sewn to another strip approximately the same length. 

The following day....I decided to sew 3 sets of strips together.  Such a variety, but it just did not grab hold...it needed something different done that would add more appeal.

After some serious thinking....I decided to cut each section at a 60degree angle.  I have never attempted this to my memory; not sure how to go about the marking.  I checked out Bonnie Hunters site Quiltville and watched some videos on Simply Quilts, You Tube and gained the final courage to use one of my rulers, mark a small point at the 60 degree spot and line it up and mark it again.  Then using the longer ruler pictured above...cut without hesitation.

It may not be exactly perfect.  But, I was pretty impressed with the slant cut and decided to subcut from there at another 2 and 1/2 inches.

I then began sewing each section to another section and before long....I had this.  The seams were actually fairly easy to match; which surprised me....I do not have great luck with matching seams up perfectly by any means.  LOL. 

When I began this, I really had no clue that it would form the foundation (sort of close) to the Lone Star quilt.  Which really surprised me, but made me a tad bit impressed with myself and the way patterns form.  Now, I have not decided what the next part of this procedure will be.  But, I just wanted to share it and encourage others to step out and try something new.  It really is a great feeling and with using scraps....it really should not matter if it works out or not. 

SCRAPS SHOULD BE PLAYED WITH AND ENJOYED.   Take the time and experiment without any worries at all.  Most of us started quilting to have fun and try something different.