January 2012 Blog Posts (154)

I have to make about 30 cupcakes tomorrow and since I have boys, we never did get into cupcakes.  (they're pie men)  Anyway,  I have two questions.  Can I bake 12 cupcakes and let the extra batter sit while the first batch is baking and then use tthat batter, say 20 minutes later for another 12?  Or should I go out and get another cupcake tin?.   Okay, that was two questions but I have one more since that was really a 1A and 1B .  Has anyone flavored buttercream frosting?  I'm going to color…

I just had to start another project..so with some guidance from a good friend, I made this Four Patch Posie from this gorgeous fabric.

I almost gave up on following the written directions; they weren't well written as I found them to be very confusing. But I like the result anyway.

 …

Some preferred that I leave it without a border binding as is; others thought that a fabric border would be nice to set it off if not too distracting; the pieced border would certainly distract from the overall quilt. Sooo..ladies here's what I did and I'm pleased with it.…

With all the quilt shows I see coming up,

I thought I would post this as a simple reminder.…

I'm getting the Double Wedding Ring top put together.  I'm considering a 30's solid back for it and wondered how much shadowing I'd get on the topside.  For instance, if I back it in 30's red, will that cause my off-white centers and melons to have a pink shadow after it is quilted?  The vintage DWR I have is backed in the 30's green/aqua and it doesn't seem to affect the color of the front.  Any thoughts or experiences?  

Well, taxes are done and I thought I'd do a little sewing as a stress reliever.  I bought these two Thirty-One totes for my mom.  She needs a light weight laundry hamper that will fit on her walker seat and I think these will fit the bill.  I got them on their outlet sale so embroidery wasn't available so I made these two little tags to help her keep things straight.  She…

Hey Y'all,

Anyone going to the Sewing & Quilt Expo in March at the Schaumburg Convention Center?

I'm considering the purchase of a long arm quilting machine and am especially interested in the Handi Quilter Avanti 18, with the stitch regulator.  This would be for personal use as I don't plan go into the long arm quilting business!

Does anyone have one?  What do you think?  There are three dealers nearby but it's a pretty big investment.

We've seen some great films. To check them out, see the Sundance website. I worked long hours, and even though I took my knitting, I didn't get as much other stuff done. On my day off, I…

Hi all.

I have so many things I want to share about the Road to California show this year.

One of the traveling shows of the Hoffman Challenge was on exhibit, there, and I have posted some pics on my personal blog in addition to links to Hoffman web pages for pics of the winners and information if you are interested in entering the Challenge this year.  www.karenstenback.wordpress.com

Here is…

This is the second BOM from our S-W quilt group that I've set. The pattern had called for various sizes on the quilt blocks. I had used 12" finish blocks. The quilt measures 65.5 inches already. The pattern calls for a pieced border of another 6" , 9" or 12" pieced blocks. Now my question is to you all..should I continue to build on this piece with the additional pieced border (additional piecing) or just add a 6"- 8" fabric border of a pretty print to finish it off? I'm leaning towards a…

You read that correct...I'm going home! I leave February 22 right after the QCA Get Together. I just need to go home and be in my own surroundings. I talked to my oldest grandson, Christopher today. He was so excited because I'm coming home earlier than planned. He ran to get his step-dad, Nate who was taking a nap. Because my voice still isn't strong, I couldn't stop him. Poor Nate! I explained I was coming home and I would email my itinerary and would he mind picking me up again…

Join Calico Gals at the theater!

The Gals are going to see the musical, "Quilters" presented by the Syracuse University Drama Department. You are invited to join us at the Syracuse Drama Theater on Wednesday, April 4th at 8 pm. We have reserved a block of 40…

You ladies inspire me every day to do something with my scraps.  My favorite website is:  www.quiltville.com  Bonnie Hunter has some great patterns.  Back on the Fourth of July 2011 I started this quilt top.  I thought I would share it with you.  It is from the website:  www.cluckclucksew.  It is called "Raw Edge Circle Quilt."  It goes together easily and quickly.  I'm finishing up on a quilt top that my sister…

Going to a wool stitching class today.  I love working with the wools and especially the over dyed ones.  Anyone else doing any wool stitching??

Y'all never guess what I have done. I actually signed up for a retreat!!! It's an hour away from me, but that is ok. I can't wait to go. I have been reading a book series and I so want to have what they have and it sounds like this retreat is going to be just like that!!  I know two ladies that sew / quilt I wonder if they would like to go? …

Hurray!! I've been inspired!!  It's National Chocolate Cake Day!!  I must go bake now so that when I'm done quilting I can celebrate the day properly!  ;-)

Good morning, Jesus. I'm homesick. I miss my house, my neighbors, and just being able to relax in my own surroundings. Thank you for the blessings of yesterday, dear Jesus. You are so awesome! AmenI

I want to go home! But I have some obligations here in Arizona that I must see complete first. First and formost the QCA/RWYS Luncheon next month. I am so looking forward to that. And Sheri is coming to town and I'm looking forward to getting together with her.…

I have been searching for a block pattern to

compliment my round wall hanging that is over our bed.

So one night I was avoiding doing dishes and went googling.   When I saw this quilt,

I knew it would this one…