Still behind.........

Soooooooooooooooo any way!!!!  You know how on last monday for the Link up Monday I claimed I was back to normal and ready to get my mystery quilt back on track.  It so didn't happen.  LIFE did however!  I'm ok with being behind I have a lot going on right now and I didn't expect to keep up.  Plus this is my first mystery quilt and I am just getting back to quilting after years of not.  So with that being said my status hasn't changed.  I am still working on the half square triangle.  I think that was step number 3.  I have printed everything and being behind does have it advantages.  I can read what everyone else has done and how they did it and learn from that.   If I understand next week is the last step but I could be wrong.

I am so thankful for Bonnie having this free Mystery quilt for us.  Its timing is perfect for me.  During the winter months I freeze and I fight the bla's bad.  So this has helped me a lot.  I do spend what free time I get either working one the quilt or watching her videos, or looking at her tips, or patterns she has online.  Trying to decide what I want to do next.

Its not too late to do her mystery quilt, if you are interested the directions are HERE!

Now on a lighter note:  I did order Bonnie's Book  "Adventures with Leaders & Enders"  I am already planning what will be my first quilt out of it.  But first to get this one done.

My first signed book ever!!

Ok got to get busy my sister and daughter are coming over tonight to ring in the new year with me getting scrappy!

Handmade with Love

I love home made gifts!!!  Not just to receive but to give.  The time and energy that someone puts into them says I love and care enough about you to make this for you!

My sister, Teresa, gave me a years worth of love with this gift she made me.  I LOVE IT!  She made me a table runner for my kitchen for every holiday of the year.  It's a little early for this one but how could I not put it out already!

Here is a quick peek at the rest of them!

I was hoping to post pictures today of the quilts I'd made this year as gifts today but I am running out of time.  I played around to long on my computer deleting internet explorer I am finding that I like Google Chrome better and the two were clashing.

Ok I better roll got to be at work soon!!  

Have a Crafty day!

Christmas ROCKED!!!

First of all I got a super awesome gift from my son in law and daughter this year.  Me and my sissy get to go to see "I Love Lucy" play in Feb.  I CAN NOT WAIT!!!!  Then my sissy got me some super fun new tools for scrapbooking with I'd never seen these before so I can't wait to have the time to play with them.  Which if everything goes as planned it will be this next tues. at our yearly scrapbook party while we welcome in the new year!!!    Oh back to my new toys :) 

and it didn't stop there OH NO it didn't!!  She also got me this........... A distrezz it all for when I want to distress. I've watched a great video on "you tube" on this one and LOVE IT!!  If you'd like to watch it you can go here 

 

 

My sweety hubby got me a new phone I've been wanting every since my sissy had gotten one.  I'd had phone envy every since she'd got hers and I saw the great photo's it took and the larger screen to see and post on.  The Samsung galaxy s4.  Oh yes I know most people look for phone with great call features but I use mine for just about everything else but calling.  Oh I will use it as a phone when I have to but me I'm a texter and love that it takes great photos.

 

Oh and I can't forget what my sweet purr babies got me......... a cute necklace of a black kitty that is adorable.  Thanks honey for shopping for the girls.

 

I was going to post at last the quilts I had made for gifts this year now that I can.  But I just realized how long this post was heading and think I'll save that for the next post.  :)

 

I am still working on Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt.  I'm behind but I'm ok with that I'll get there.  The lastest clue came out today.  I'm on clue 3 right now.  I think I'll finish it up before moving on.  I still need to go back and finish clue 2   Well ok I'll tell ya so far I have clue 1 done.  YEP that's it.  but I do have clue 2 cut out and started and clue 3 I am working on now.  I got this! 

 

HAPPY SCRAPPING or QUILTING!

 

Tina

Getting Back Track

With this being the holiday crunch time week I didn't get a whole lot done this week on Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilt.  I was able to squeeze in a lil bit though.  I did a few of step 3's half square triangle and I enjoyed making them.  I can't wait till I can find the time to make the rest.  I am very behind but I'm ok with that.  I will get it all done when I get it all done.  I am so loving doing this I've not enjoyed sewing as much as I have this winter so far this year.  I'm looking forward to getting caught up and starting the next one.  I am already printing up a pattern for a project I want to work on next... and picking out the fabrics.  When you are a quilter it's just like eating a bag of lay potato chips.  You just cant stop at one....... :)

Ok as pitiful as it may be here is my picture for this week of what I've got done.  I think there are ten half square triangle sewn so only 190 more to go.................... LOL~~  I do have 50 more cut out and ready to go under the needle. 

 

One thing I love about Bonnies quilt so far is that she makes what use to intimidate me as far as patterns to try less so with her easy to follow directions.  If your reading this Bonnie I think you ROCK!  I so hope to one day meet you and sew in a class with you as my teacher.

 

Well since tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I have to work I think this Santa needs to call it a night.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

 

 

No Mystery Quilt update this week

My update is that I so far for step 3 is printing out the directions  :(  Just been very busy this weekend.  I am hoping that once I get the binding on this last Christmas quilt I can at least get my parts cut out and sew a few of the half square triangle and make a few pin wheels at least before the next clue comes out this Friday.

I am so enjoying this mystery quilt and even though I'm a lil behind I am still enjoying the process.  I am not looking forward to this ending.  I hope once I get this one done to start on a special project for Christmas gifts next year YES I gonna start early :0 and then pick out another one of Bonnies quilts to give a go.

I also am joining a local quilt club and looking forward to what all we will be doing.

Welp that is my update!!!

I will update you on my progress later this week.

Tina

Quilt of Christmas Past

My sissy posted a quilt I had made her twenty some years ago.  I'd forgotten about it.  Thank you sissy for taking such good care of it and for posting it this morning.  I can't remember where I'd got the pattern to give credit where credit is due. But I do remember how fun it was to create.  

Up until recently I'd forgotten about how much I love to quilt.  The above quilt was probably one of the last I'd made till recently.  Oh I've still been crafty but quilting got set aside.  Life got busy and had to find easyier quicker creative outlets.  But I am getting my quilting mojo back and getting braver about trying new technigues.  I'm not into perfection I'm into the creative process of it   I do it for fun.  And still keep up with my other crafts I enjoy in between.  Like Scrapbooking and smash booking   I sure wish my days were longer so I could do more of what I love most.  

What do I live most you ask?  First spending time with my family and being at home, photography, Scrapbooking, sewing, quilting, and riding my bike.  Can't wait to get back on it in the spring. 

Below is a couple of smashbook pages I put together the other night in my holiday smashbook. These are the first two pages. Smashed about getting our holiday smashbooks.  Thank you sissy for giving me mine.  I love it

Today will be a quilty day in ttimeland

Happy crafting

Tina

Step 2

I've made a ill progress over the weekend i first finished up step one.  Then I got all my pieces cut for part 2 of Bonnie hunters mystery quilt.  I am loving what all I've been learning so far by participating in Bonnie's mystery quilt.  The way she breaks it all down and give easy to follow steps. I am able to try new quilty techniques I've never tried before.

Here is a picture if step 1 finished

Another step one

Can't wait to see how these tie in. 

Got all my parts cut for step 2

Included in this cut was a lil boo boo and from what I've read in the Celtic fb group I'm not the only one this has ever happen to.

I did manage to get twelve blocks done.  Unsew and resew count 3.... Not to bad for a newbie at this type if block.  

With this mystery quilt I've also started cutting up my scraps to save and use as leaders Enders and so far with this quilt I have made 12 six inch nine patch squares.  This has been fun and it has amazed me at how fast these come together in between sewing the mystery quilt.  Not sure yet what I will make with them. 

 

If you'd like to read some other the other quilters blogs that are doing this mystery quilt as well then hope on over to Bonnie's blog HERE

 

Happy Quilting!

 

Tina

 

 

LIL' Sewer Girl

Friday as soon as I got off work I went to pick up my lil mini me, aka princess, aka Alexandria my sweet granddaughter.  I also had bought her a lil sewing machine so she and I could spend the evening "sewing." 

On the way to my house I told her I have a surprise for her and she wanted to know right off what it was.  I thought I'd have her guess what it was and I told her it was pink and white and had something that goes up and down on it.   She said, "Oh I know mamaw its a sewler machine."  She is five by the way and has been working on a quilt that she been sewing together by hand.  I couldn't believe that lil stinker guessed it right off.  But she is smart like that!  She then asked me why didn't I save it till Christmas.  LOL!  I explained I wanted to have some sewing time with her this weekend and we can say it was a early Christmas present.... it was to me watching her excitement and just being with her. 

 

We dropped of something to Aunt Teresa at work and she went in and told her all about her "sewler machine." 

 

 

After supper we dug in and got busy.  Her working on her quilt and me finishing up step one of Bonnie Hunters mystery quilt.

 

So she went though 2 spoils of thread and sewed up until 10:00 almost non stop.  The thing about this machine that is a pain is threading it.  Wow how do they expect a child to do that is beyond me.  But then my machine does have a built in threader.  LOL

 

 

Saturday the first thing she wanted to do when she woke up was work on her "sewler."  But we got ready and I took her to quilt club with me where she show and tell about her sewler machine and her quilt.

 

 

I did get step one finished and have started cutting out part 2

 

 

 

time to quilt see ya later~

 

Tina

 

 

Gettin there

I had a great day in ttimeland yesterday.  After I paid bills I got busy.  I got all the parts cut out for the 186 blocks using the tri recs rulers. 

When I was finished I had a lil party that included a hot cup of ttime-bucks.  My version of a Starbucks.  Good but could never compare.  Oh yes I'm very addicted to Starbucks.  I think almost as much as I am to Scrapbooking and quilting.  Ok back on track with more about my party.  Here was my fabric confetti that decorated the cutting table. Lol 

After I cleaned up from my lil party I found out that some quilters will put these in a jar to see how much confetti they create in one quilt.  I'll have to try that.  Might be fun and will make my hubby happy that I cleaned them up.  ;)

Once the party was over I got back to the business of sewing.  On a Facebook group of lady's I am in and very thankful for the support and encouragement and the things they are teaching me in there I found a post where they use a light grey thread to piece scrappy quilts with. They said that you don't see the stitches.  So I got me some and loaded up three bobbins the get me going.  Something else these wonderful ladies taught me was about "Best Press".  Love it love it love it.  Made a huge difference. And it smells good to boot.  So right now it's my new favorite.  

Ok back to work.  Next I sewed and watched "listened" to Christmas movies on hallmark channel.  I was able to sew on and finger press all the right sides to the triangles bothe the neutrals and the oranges. I couldn't go to bed without at least getting a block or two done so here they are...

Pretty happy with how they have turned out so far.  Thankful to Bonnie Hunter over at quiltville for taking time to have this mystery quilt for us.  I've learned a lot already and this is just the first clue. 

So off to my ttimeland I go to try and get just a few more blocks done before bed. 

Tina

STEP ONE

Ok I've started my step one of Bonnie Hunters Mystery Quilt.  I am so excited this is stepping out of my comfort zone for me.  I am already learning new things like how to use a tri rec rulers. 

I have not gotten very far yet because of working all weekend during big black Friday sales but I did try to cut out as much as I could during the evening.  I have all of my oranges and neutrals cut and since I am off work today I plan on cutting out the side pieces and start sewing.

I will post again later this evening to update you on my progress

So stay tuned

My first nine patch using the "Leaders and Enders"

I've been working on a quilt project and as I was trying to explain in the post below about Bonnie Hunters technique using the "Leaders and Enders" I was able to create this nine patch square that will patiently wait till I have enough to put together later on in another project.  I don't have a very big scrap selection yet but working one it :).  I have to say it was fun knowing I was working on two projects as one but really only focusing on the main one.  Kind-a like have a side job. 

To learn more about this you can visit her blog.  http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/06/leaders-enders-whys-and-hows.html   Tell her Tina sent you! 

I am hoping to order her book on this subject after Christmas. 

Here is the first of many 9 patch squares created as my "leaders/enders"  I made it using the 2" squares I cut up from the scraps as I was cutting out the main project. 

 

I bet you all are wondering what exactly is that main project..... sorry can't go there right now.  This Santa's helpers has secrets to keep and trust me my darlings that for me is not easy....nope not easy at all!!!

 

 

Lil boy quilter

My sweet grandson Zachary was here for the night sat while his mom and dad celebrated their anniversary. I explained to the little guy that I had a lot to do while he was here and being Zachary he was very happy to "entertain himself" as he put it.  He did pretty good for a while but then got very interested in the quilt I was quilting on. He asked if he could try it.  I let him push the peddle for me and he would stop and start when ever is told him to.  That lil guy stood beside me for over a hour doing this.  Which for him to have is attention on one thing that long is great.  So have to ask would that be considered child labor?  Lol !  After he got tired of that he asked for paper and pencil and a little while later he came back with it and said here mamaw I made you a quilt pattern to quilt next time.  Below is a photo of what he gave me.  Keep in mind he is 7.

Pretty good huh.  So I am hoping to use this pattern and maybe make home a pillow out of it at least

Last night before bed I decided to double check make sure I have the correct rulers for Bonnie's mystery quilt. Ive just about got my cutting tabled cleared for it to begin on fri.  Sure wish she would give us a clue.  I'm excited to start

Gettin Scrappy

Nope not scrapbook scrappy.  But quilt scrappy.  Started cutting out a new quilt top I am making. I am making it out of different Christmas prints using a "cake" stack pattern I found online. I am hoping it goes as fast I have a week to get it done in before I start Bonnie hunters mystery quilt. Read more about it here http://quiltville.blogspot.com/p/celtic-solstice-mystery.html   This is my first mystery quilt and I'm excited about it and a lil nervous on how well I'll be able to keep up or of it's over my head.  I have so far gotten my fabrics picked out most of which came from my stash but I did go yesterday to add to it. :)   Here is a photo of what I have so far

 

 

 This is the color paler she has given us to follow

 

 

 

 

I think I did pretty good, I do feel like I need to add some more neutrals just for the fact that I don't feel like I have a very good verity after looking at so of the others posting in the group. 

This starts on the November 29th.   In between trying to finish up this one last quilt before the mystery quilt begins I have been doing a lil what I refer to as "clear the decks,"  to prepare for this.  

 

I have also added a few more drawers to my room to start sorting my scrap fabrics in as I cut.  I love Bonnie Hunters system that you can find on her blog quiltville  under tips and techniques. 

 

 

 

 

Below is the beginnings of my crumb drawer.  You'll learn more about that later.  See got to give you something to look forward to.

 

 

Bonnie also has another technique she uses that she calls leaders and enders.   Really cool idea that I will be trying as I am working on the mystery quilt.  I'm not sure how to explain it so again if you go to her blog you can read more about it and she also has a book on this.  I am hoping to buy this book after Christmas.  The jest is you are using up scraps that you have cut for her organizing scrap system and sew for example scrappy nine patches as you are sewing the main quilt you are working on.  This way you have them ready for another project they may call for these later and you are saving time, thread, and oh heck it just sounds like a fun way to sew.   The way this works is you would have for example a stack of lights and darks in like a 2 1/2" squares and you would start you project with these and end it with these.  Like I said I'm not very good at explaining it but I tried.  Her blog explains it best.   I am hoping to buy this book after Christmas. 

 

Now do me a favor if your a quilter who don't save those scraps keep me in mind I'll use them in one of my scrappy quilts. 

 

CRAFT SOMETHING TODAY!

 

Tina   AKA Tee Tee

Getting my groove back

Been awhile huh. Well I'm back to getting my craft on at last. Plan on doing better about blogging again about my crafty and life's adventures.  I spent most of the summer on my bike I rode over 1200 miles.  It felt so good to be active like I hadn't been able to be since I was a teen. To set a goal for my self which started out being 500 miles and far exceeding that was amazing to me.  I even rode in my first event ride.  Now that fall is here and winter is around the corner I am back in the gym and back in my crafty place. I have lots I've made in the the past few weeks and lots to do before Christmas.  I plan on posting when I can about what I've made but not yet I'm afraid the people I made these gifts for will read this :(   

Well it's 6 am here and I need to get trendy to work.  But tonight and tomarrow I'll be back in my crafty place.  Looking forward to sharing it with you all. I may post again tonight about what is on it's way to my house this week. 

Tina.  

Fun MINI stay cation

I had some time off I needed to use before the end of Jan. so I took them this week.  I had a four day weekend.  One that was fun and productive.  I got in some scrapbooking, sewing, and best of all time with family. 

Played with my new machine and learned how to make mongramed wristlets in the hoop so fun and these are going to be addicting to make.

Below is a photo of the first one I made...

Here is the purse I made that this cordinates with...

I went shopping this weekend and took this purse and got a lot of compliments from people on it.  Love it when people notice things I create.

Below is the wristlet i made my sis.  I think this one looks a little better then the first.

Ok I have to share... this is my NEW favorite sewing notion...

I have also started a quilt for my grandbaby to be I found the pattern on pinterest and had to give it a try.  I will post photo of it when its done.  I also have another top cut out as well using the same fabric as the first.  I have a plan. :)  so stay tuned and find out what i do with that.

Sorry I've not added anything else to my shop just yet but I needed to take some sewing time for me and my family.  Plus I am learning more each day to help my items I sew to sale to be even better.

My long weekend is over and it sure was a good one but tomarrow is a work day so I best rest up for that.  Plan on working on my quilt tomarrow after work and my workout.

Speaking of work out my sis made me take a big step this weekend.  I still have a big body image in my head and have a hard time getting use to what size i am in now.  I still find my self heading for the "Plus size" part of walmart for my cloths.  My sis almost pushed me into a store and opened my eyes up to what is now possible for me to wear.  She made me try on cloth that fit me and not the big frump stuff i've been wearing.  I bought a jacket and a sweater from a name brand store IN THE FREAKIN MALL............ I have never got to shop in the mall for my cloth before.  Also I couldn't believe the prices.  I was shocked at the coat and sweater I bought and only paid 17.98 for them both.  THANKS FOR THE PUSH SIS!!!  For the first time in my life shopping for cloths was fun.

ttfn

Tee tee

Craft Room is done.... well almost

I did it... I got the room cleaned and reorganized.  My sweet husband even complimented me on it.  I only have a few small things I want to do to finish up.  Still need to organize my ribbon and put on some more labels on a few drawers but other wise its ready for getting my craft on!

Below are a few photo's of how it looks now. 

Operation reorganization craft room

Well it's that time of year where I need recover my craft room from the mess I made of it during the holidays and past year for that matter. I try and defrag my room and reorganize it the beginning of each year. This year with the addiction of my. We machine I decided to take over the rest of what once was a family room. This room is perfect for a craft room. It's all window which allows a lot of light but it does make it ruff for the lack of wall space for tall book shelfs.

To begin this venture I decided to take everything but the furniture out of the room. So I've cleared off all shelves and its all now piled in my front room and my kitchen. It's a lot of work but this is what works best for me. Here is a couple of photos of the before and the mess I've created.

Lucy is looking a lil scary in this photo~ HUM my husband has the same look right now!  LOL~

And Below a photo of one corner of my room showing my clean slate... with that said tis time I get busy my goal is to try and be done with this project by sunday evening.  Wish me luck!