Picnic

Source: thefarmchicks.typepad.com via Candela on Pinterest

A pretty image of summer to share with you today ~ sweet blessings!


Hugs,

In Love

It's time to make a confession.  I have a huge china obsession.   I received an email from one of my very favorite shops and hopped in my car to make the 40 minute drive to see these dishes in person. Made by Pip Studio, they had long been on my wish list.  I couldn't find them in the States and wasn't about to pay international shipping.  I caved.  I feel guilty.  Given a do-over, I know I would cave again!


With joy,

I'm Glad You Asked

Today I'm going to answer a few questions from you wonderful ladies.  First, Renee, asked me if I have a favorite project.  Two things popped in my mind.  First is this "Junk" bag.  It was a fun pattern and incorporated one of my favorite things - vintage hankies.  The pattern is called "The Junk Bag" by Jackie Clark.

The second favorite is this quilt.  I love vintage kitchen embroidery and Lecien fabric.  The marriage of the two makes for one happy quilter.  I did not have a pattern for this quilt.  I used embroidery transfer patterns I had.  I have always loved the cake stand block and enjoyed putting those together.

My current hand quilting project is the quilt I made using Trish's tutorial.  I pieced the top over the weekend.  In answer to the hand quilting questions, I really don't like using a hoop but find it necessary for large quilts in maneuvering the fabric or small quilts if I'm using cotton thread. For example, this is a crib size quilt.  I am using hand quilting cotton thread which disappears into the fabric.  For me to see my stitches I need to use the hoop.  When I'm using size 8 perle cotton to stitch, the thread is much thicker and easier to see.  For some reason it's harder for me to use a hoop with perle cotton so I don't. Either way, I have to make sure that I have a lot of pins to keep the back from puckering.  The use of the hoop keeps the fabric smoother. 


When making my t-shirt quilts, I use Pellon fusible featherweight interfacing.  The lighter the better so if you ladies know of anything lighter than featherweight, please let me know.  T-shirt quilts can be heavy enough so you don't want to use a thick and weighty interfacing.  I'm testing out a new rotary cutter (new to me).  It's made by Dritz and I will let you know what I think.  I would also love to know from you if your rulers ever wear out?  I think I might have a nick in mine as I feel a catch when I cut strips.  Any thoughts?  Happy Monday!


Smiles,

Sunday Scripture

Source: etsy.com via Renee on Pinterest

Blessings,

Covered in Memories

This is my daughter's best buddy, Hannah, with the t-shirt quilt I made her for graduation.  So many of you have inquired about the custom t-shirt quilts that I make that I want to provide you with some information if you want to make your own.  The book that I use is out of print but I ordered one from the Shabby Fabrics website that looks fabulous.  The key is to back the t-shirts with a very light weight fusible interfacing so that they don't stretch when you cut them.  Interfacing allows you to use a very well worn and loved t-shirt as well because it gives the extra strength.  The quilt normally has 20-25 12" squares but I used around 35 t-shirts for my son's quilt by cutting and piecing more than one shirt per block.  The possibilities are endless.


I have been asked other sewing questions recently and would like to do a question and answer post.  If you have a question for me, any type of question (sewing or otherwise), leave me a comment today and I will answer all questions in one post next week.  Happy Friday!


Smiles,

Pretty Distractions

There are times, even when you are doing something you love, that the task at hand can be a bit tedious.  This is usually how I feel during graduation season when I'm making custom t-shirt quilts.  It's not that I'm not thankful for the work.  It's just that sometimes, it's work.  But then something comes along to throw some sunshine into the routine and the result is a pleasing, pretty pile of Grannies. Thank you, Trish, for the fun distraction!  Just a few more to make…


Hugs,

How to be Happy

I think we should keep this list going…

What would you add?

I'll start ~

Read a Psalm

Pick strawberries

Tag, you're it!


image Susan Branch

Coming Home Quilt

Yesterday I put the last stitch into this quilt.  I used a variegated green perle cotton thread.  The colors in the thread went from a barely there soft green to a dark emerald green.  The stitching added some dimension to the quilt and an extra pop of color.

I am really enjoying hand quilting.  I am surprised by how quickly a quilt can be completed when you work on it a little bit every night.  There is something about the "pop" of hiding the knot that is so satisfying.  I wouldn't trade my quilter/friend, Mary, for her creativity and beauty that she brings to my big quilts.  But for the throw to crib size, I don't mind hand quilting them at all.

I am still keeping good on my promise to myself that for every quilt I take to Mary for machine quilting, I have to hand quilt one myself.  I have one more customer t-shirt quilt to complete and then I am back to working on completing the unfinished projects, block of the month and kits that I have accumulated.  It will be quite the summer for sewing and I'm looking forward to many hours of happy stitching as well as sharing more fun giveaways with you in the last six months of my monthly giveaway.  


Smiles,

Sunday Scripture

Source: spurgeon.wordpress.com via Renee on Pinterest

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,

a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of

him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

1 Peter 2:9

Joyfully,

More Sweetness

It appears that Granny Squares are my new obsession.

I certainly don't need a new one unless it replaces an old one (tee hee)

but I can't seem to stop myself.  I'm trying really hard not to 

fuss over fabric choices, just making sure I have a light

and a dark.  I'd like it to look like it came from another time.

The time when ladies used what they had and made do.

All the fabric is from my stash.  Bits and pieces of various fabric lines

I love as well as cute vintagey novelty prints that I've had tucked 

away for years.  Time to use it up!  I'm still on my self-imposed 

fabric and pattern lock down.  I can't believe that I haven't made

a major dent in my stash yet.  It really takes so little to make a quilt,

I don't know why I think I have to buy yards of it.  

Have a blessed Friday, Friends!

With love,

More Grannies

While I was waiting for dinner to finish cooking last night, I made another block.

Today, I made another one.

And then another one.

It's so addictive!  Check out Trish's tutorial here.

Hugs,

Notes of Sincerity ~ Granny Square Tutorial

My sweet friend, Trish, from Notes of Sincerity posted a tutorial for the Granny Square block the other day.  I knew right away I had to try it.  I love little quilt squares and this one measures 6 1/2" unfinished.  The first one I made using my stash of Lecien's Flower Sugar.  I was even able to incorporate the selvedge edge into the block, an idea I just saw on Kristyne's blog Pretty by Hand.

The blocks came together quickly and easily.  Trish's directions were very detailed and I really appreciated the tip on how to measure and square off the block, something I struggle with at times.  I hope to make a couple of blocks every time I sit down to sew and before long I'll have a pile of pretties to stitch together.  Be sure to stop by Notes of Sincerity for other inspiring creations.  Trish also has a good list of bloggers as well.  She has become such a dear friend to me and it's so fun thatl she is venturing into block tutorials.

Smiles,

Mitten Love

At the beginning of the year, my friend, Taryn posted a fun thing on facebook.  For the first five people who responded to her status, she would make them a handmade gift.  In return, we had to do the same on our facebook page.  Recently she presented me with the most amazing hand knit mittens that she made herself.   This year I will be ready for our cold Michigan winter.  Aren't they amazing?


Smiles,

Sunday Scripture

"Know, therefore, that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. "  Deut. 7:9

Joyfully,

June Giveaway Winner

The winner of the June Patriotic Quilt Kit is

Lisa Marie

She left this comment ~

"My Dad's younger sister usually has a big July 4th picnic

which is like a mini family reunion.  This year, though,

with the 4th falling on a Wednesday, it's not happening

since many people have to travel long distances and

can't do it with just one day off.  Bummer.  Since I'll be

staying home, I'd love to sew this quilt to celebrate!"

I have sent you an email, Lisa Marie.

I wish you a very happy 4th of July sewing celebration!

Joyfully,

I'm Stumped

One of the things I love about quilting, sewing and vintage is that as soon as friends know you love it they bring you the most amazing things!  My friend, Char, spotted this quilt top at the second hand store she works at.  She so kindly thought of me.  The applique on this block is amazing.  The stitches are so tiny that you can't even see them.  The blocks are machine pieced.  It is a large top almost twin size.  I'm planning on hand quilting it and could use your help.  What would you back it with?  Should I look for vintage fabric?  Should I use muslin?  I'm stumped.  I'm stumped as well on what this block is called.  It is not Sun Bonnet Sue and I believe that is a rolling pin she's wielding, a bit menacingly I might add.  I welcome your thoughts.  Don't forget about the giveaway that ends tonight at midnight!


Hugs,

Flowers and a Wedding

We have been bouncing back and forth between very cool and very hot weather.  I'm not complaining, at least it is not snow.  The gardens are handling the temperature fluctuations very well and I'm so enjoying the sight of flowers out my windows.

Each summer I excitedly await the arrival of this rose.  It is pink on the outside and orange on the inside.  As it begins to fade it will change into various shades.  I don't know the name of it, but it's a beauty.

We had our first wedding of the season, at Friendship Farm, this past weekend.  It had rained for two days straight but Saturday was an absolutely gorgeous day. God is in the details and he worked it all out.

Such a wonderful couple, Ashlyn and Brandon.  Two of the most easy-going clients I have worked with. There were many personal touches to the wedding made by our creative bride.

It is a very busy month and a good distraction for me as I await my appointment with the surgeon.  I hope you don't grow tired of wedding photos because I will have many this wedding season.  


Don't forget the giveaway on my previous post…


enjoy your day!


Smiles,

June Giveaway

It's time for our June Giveaway!!  We are half way through our year of giveaways, the time seems to be speeding by.  This month I am giving away a quilt kit to make the wonderful Patriotic quilt from Shabby Fabrics, just in time for the Fourth of July.  You will receive fabric to make the quilt top, an additional yard of the beautiful novelty fabric and the white shabby box made to store ribbon ( the ribbon pulls out of the key holes).

To Enter:

Be a follower of Sewn With Grace

One Comment Only

I would love to know if you have any July 4th traditions~

The giveaway will end on Thursday at midnight.

Winner to be announced Friday, June 8th

by Random Generator

Blessings,

Sunday Scripture

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Renee on Pinterest

"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all  my ways."

Psalm 139:1-3

Blessings,