Tuesday, February 25, 2014

A couple of houses, a bowl and a hat

This really should have been 3 separate posts.  But I just couldn't find the umph to sit down and write.













Monday, February 17, 2014

Hugs and Kisses to You

Welcome to my day to share the love. Ok, mine and a few other very talented ladies who are noted below.

I signed up for this hop as for all others with the desire for fun and maybe some stretch outside of my usual comfort zone.  Madame Samm's brilliant idea coupled with  Soma from Whims and Fancies       wonderful patterns were definitely outside of my comfort zone.

I have 2 problems with paper piecing. First is I can't get a handle on the angle I need to place fabrics from the back.  As soon as I can't see the fabric I'm lost. To successfully make this pattern took an amazing amount of fabric to compensation for this lack of vision on my part.  I entered this hop with the plan of making 3 pillows of various sizes for my couch. Didn't happen.

It took me hours to make one heart with arrow.  I only had to rip maybe 3 times because of my angle issues. I am proud to admit that I did finish. And, yes it is just what it was supposed to be thanks to the great pattern design but I just couldn't work up the umph to try 2 more.

I gave up on my idea for 3 pillows and ended up with a Lawn Decoration on the never ending snow.





A Table Topper





or, a Welcome to my guests for my front door.





The second problem I had was rediscovered when I finished the sewing and started the paper removal.  I absolutely, positively HATE to remove paper. I am including 3 more photos to emphasize this hatred.

15 or so years ago I saw a paper piecing demo at a quilt show.  I immediately signed up for a class.  This is the resulting top from the class, cute with wonderful points.



This is the back of the piece







Yes, all of that is still the paper attached 15 long years later. From the first ripped piece I hated it.  I have tried to foundation piece on and off over the years with the same result.  I don't always learn from my own example.

While I do admire the art of paper piecing and appreciate the art of the designers and the wonderful work of the sewers, I think my base problem is that I am a speed quilter who really doesn't give a hoot about perfect points and removing paper is phenomenally time consuming and I for one don't have the patience for it.

In summation.  I stretched and am glad I did. I didn't fall in love with PP but I have conquered it paper and all.  Now please go on to visit the rest of today's hoppers listed below for your viewing ease and any you may have missed up to now.  The Hugs and Kisses contributers have been wonderful and sew creative.
Lady Mary

Lady Vickie

Lady Anne

Lady Selina ( that's me )

Lady Theresa

Lady Jane


Thanks for stopping by.


Thursday, February 13, 2014

A little of this and a little of that

I pass these snow guys on my way to and from work everyday and they make me smile.  I'm sharing the smile with you today.


This month I had the great fun of swapping Valentine Post Cards with  Annie at http://freezeframe03.blogspot.com/

 
this is the wonderful card I received.  She is so talented. I love her work. Totally forgot to take a picture of the card I sent.

 
I previously posted about the helmet liners I am knitting. I posted the background for them and the who to contact if you are interested here      http://selinaquilts.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-cool-down.html

 
Now there are 3.  My goal is to do 6 of them before November.  Why did Google turn my picture on it's side????  I should be able to make it with minimal issues.  January / February are my heavy knitting and crocheting months.  These 3 will be mailed off to Jeanne at http://slamminthescreendoor.blogspot.com/2013/11/operation-warm-and-fuzzy-iii.html
this week.
Next up is the Chemo Cap project for our local hospital.

 
My crocheting project is chemo caps. 

 
I crochet at manic speed.  I find while Knitting is relaxing Crocheting is very stressful for me.

 
Totally self inflicted. I managed to get the hats with the flipped up bottoms done in 2 evenings a piece and the other hat I did in 2 1/2 hours.  My problem with crocheting is that I start timing myself and trying to beat my previous best time. I gave up crocheting afghans because of the loonesy I was creating in my head timing and besting each row.
 
I'll be back on Monday with my current quilting project for the Hugs and Kisses Hop, hope to see you then.