#33 A Coupon Code

When I started quilting and sewing again I knew I would want to come up with someway to label everything. If not for now the future. I found a label company while reading another quilters blog and with her help and Freyza the owner, I received the most lovely labels to sew into my projects. I have since ordered labels for my mother-in-law is navy with silver print with a graphic, and they were just as fantastic, and my mother-in-law was thrilled! When I started getting inquiries about where I purchased my labels, I contacted ikaprint and Frezya has made a 5% off coupon code for you to use if you wish to order labels of your own. Just type upstairshobbyroom in the coupon code area before you finish your order!

 This is the an example of the proof email, you check to make sure everything is the way you envision and than you ok the labels! It will also help give you a reference point for label sizing. Then the next step after receiving them is start to add them to your projects!! Lol, unless you are like me and keep forgetting and have to get out my stitch ripper and remove a few stitches to add the label!! It's crazy I even have them in their clear plastic bag thumb tacked to the cork board where I am sewing! and I still forget!

What I've Been Up To: 

I finished the Count Down to Christmas Advent Calendar!!

When I showed the calendar to a friend, she wondered if I needed to add something in the center so that when I  hung it up it doesn't sag. Something I hadn't thought about, especially since I added borders and made mine larger than the original pattern, which gave me the opportunity to add a label, because surprise, I forgot!! lol

I quilted the Modern Trees QAL

I'm really happy with the way this one is turning out, even though I chose the easier layout and very simple quilting!! All that is left now is choosing the binding and sewing it on!! (oh and adding a label!!!)

I completed the November block for The Sugar Block Club. One more block to go. I was so happy with this blocks turn out, wasn't sure about the plaid fussy cut, but I love it!!

 I knit the Gap-tastic Cowl so pretty! I didn't have any chunky yarn so I just doubled up worsted weight, and it turned out great!

and as always 3 more City Sampler Blocks:
I had fun with these (73) I just did very simply (74) I used 4 fabrics instead of the 2 the pattern asked for, partly because I thought it would look interesting and partly because I want to use up some of the scraps making these blocks creates. (75) I flipped the pattern and solids, and I used a different fabric for every little square! and it turned out awesome!!!

#30 Christmas is starting early....

It's been wet a lot here, which makes it great for sewing and baking! At least that's what I like to do on rainy days, unless I'm bundled up reading a book, with a hot drink close by. So instead of letting the weather get me down,  I started my Christmas sewing projects.
I know Christmas already!?? We still have 65 days till Christmas, but if you plan on making any gifts, like I am, you have to start early!! So my Christmas sewing has begun!!
 Truthfully I love Christmas! I love the snow, the music, the decorations (which I put up in Nov) and baking!! I love making cookies! How about you? What's your favorite part of Christmas?

What I've Been Up To:

Modern Trees QAL My second QAL over at Christa Quilts!! The above picture was the lay out for the wall hanging. You add white strips along each side to make the rows even. I chose to make a lap size quilt and didn't want that much white, so I chose to sash the blocks! (basically I went for the easier piecing layout!! lol )

 Count Down To Christmas QAL I couldn't help myself, I had to jazz it up with a border and even incorporated the Modern Trees Block along the top!! It was meant to be, they are the same width!! I didn't follow the instructions for assembling the calendar to the letter either, but I am so happy with the results!

Blue Wave
I finally have my nephew's quilt loaded on the frame and knew how I wanted to quilt it, only to realize it wasn't as easy to accomplish as I thought!! eek!! I need a quilting ruler!! So that is now on order.....

 This is the back! I forgot to take a picture of it after I sewed on the gray strips top and bottom. I used Kona iron.

Christmas Placemats

I am piecing them, quilt as you go, with a variety of Christmas fabrics. I randomly cut  different widths of strips from all the fabrics, and am randomly placing them together. So none of them will be exactly the same. I was going for fun, and being as I am making 13 of them I didn't want to have to think about it, just sew! The backing fabric however is all the same and has a fall theme. Making the placemats a 2fer!! 2 placemats in 1!! Gotta love that!!

City Sampler QAL

Virtual Quilting Bee
All blocks done. Next up adding the on point triangles!!! So cool, but it maybe a few weeks...or after Christmas before I get there!

One last item....told you I love to bake cookies! These were too tempting to resist. Second recipe shared over at Jacquelynne Steves blog, Pumpkin Spice Cookie with Maple Cream Cheese!! So easy and so good! Too good I ate 3 on Sunday at lunch before I had to put them away before I ate more.

#29 Happy ThanksGiving.....

I know early for some...but I am Canadian....and really, is it ever to early to start being thankful....or to express our gratitude or to be generous... I know I need to take more time to think about how fortunate I am and how I can give back to my family, community and the world I live in. In the business or busyness of life I forget sometimes. So I thought I would make a list of things I am thankful for....

1    I am thankful for Family, I cherish
2    for  Friends, to laugh with and cry with
3    Home,  a safe haven, and space to create!!
4    Food, an endless variety of choices
5    Nature, Seasons, sun, moon, stars- all spectacular
6    Technology- that can keep us connected in ways that are amazing when the distance is far
7    Health- to enjoy it all,
8    and isn't taste and touch and all our other sensory abilities fantastic...can you
      imagine not having them??
9    I am thankful for today!!!
10  I am grateful to God for all these gifts and more!!!

Hope you are having a great weekend and taking time to enjoy life and be thankful......


What I've Been Up To:

I made my own ice cream sandwiches! I used Dare Simply Delicious Cookies, Chocolate with Black Cherry and Spice with Praline Crunch, but find a combination you like. Just make sure you make them the day ahead and leave in the freezer over night to soften the cookie.     

I also tried a  new recipe that I found on a new online friends blog, . Jacquelynne has a wonderful website and blog, and puts out a free e-magazine, The Art of Home,  full of great ideas. 

even shared with friends that moved to an amazing new home, they designed, last week!! ( ok I was a bit  behind on delivery, lol )   

                                                         

Finished appliqueing all the red and green numbers, only brown left to do! Then I can start assembling the pockets!!

 Finished the tester pattern for Kristy at Quiet Play !  I loved this paper pieced block and quilt pattern. It went together so quick and easy! Great beginner block, but with such versatility great for all. (I took some pictures of other ways the block could go together)

3 more City Sampler Blocks down!