Monday, November 30, 2015

Flying Hexies!


The hexies were flying around here yesterday! I got so much done and I love a productive day. Hopefully today will be another one!



Do you follow Hexie Love Open Studio on Facebook? If not, you missed this! SC finished her Odyssey top! Isn't is gorgeous!!! It makes me SO HAPPY to see quilt finished from my patterns! Hexie Love to SC!!!

Yesterday afternoon we clipped the doxie's nails. Oh my, this is always a epic adventure. Prince is not so bad. But Mickey! He cries and yelps and even screams like we are killing him. I was the holder and hubby was the clipper. Let's just say that after that ordeal, my jeans went straight into the wash. Oh my. All's well now and he's forgiven us. FYI, Cooper has his done by the vet.

Have you been Christmas shopping? I've done almost all of mine, mostly on-line. We only give our daughters and their guys a couple of smallish things because they all love to receive MONEY! And that makes shopping easy for them.

Here's wishing you a great HEXIE day!!!

Sunday, November 29, 2015

You Knew I Would, Didn't You?


I'M IN! Yes, I'm doing the Bonnie Hunter mystery, despite the fact that I said I'd NEVER make another one after finishing Celtic Solstice. Hmmm....

I'm sewing it on my Featherweight which, as you remember, is in our living room. I can sew in snippets of time, while I wait for the oven to beep, or a load of laundry to finish. I'm not in any rush this time - don't care how long it takes!

Oh, and one more thing I'm doing...
Bonnie's pieces are a bit small for me. So I'm upsizing it a bit. Instead of cutting the first clue strips at 2', I cut mine at 2.5". I'll cut each clue accordingly. So... I won't need as many of each clue. In the end, I know I'll have some leftover bits and that's okay too. I'll use them to make table runners. I think I have a good plan!

So what's on the list for today?
I need to baste some hexies - always fun and relaxing.
I'll be stitching on the February 2016 BOM. (Yes, finished with January!)
AND I'll be working on the Jan/Feb 2016 issue of Hexie Love!

And the boring stuff:
Laundry
Dirty dishes

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Music Paper Flowers...


So you want to know how to make them?? I've been getting lots of requests for the instructions - so click HERE to find out how! By the way, instead of starting with 4" squares, I used my Accuquilt 5" square die to cut them - worked great, just made the flowers a little bit larger. These flowers are so fun to make!

We got all our wedding shopping done yesterday! Then we came home and organized all the wedding stuff.  Check and check.

It's going to be a fun day today!!! You might be aware, there's a HUGE football game going on today just down the road. We are going to watch from the comfort of our living room with some snacks and drinks. Looking forward to it!

And I have plans to crank up my Featherweight this morning. And maybe make some sweet potato biscuits. Yummy!!!

Friday, November 27, 2015

A Good Day


Family gathered. Food was eaten. Dishes were washed. Leftovers were put away. Football was watched.

And then Daughter 2 and I (with a bit of help from hubby and future SIL) got down to the business of crafting. We made flowers from vintage sheet music. Aren't they the cutest things ever!?

So what's on tap today? I'm hitting a couple of Black Friday sales with Daughter 2 and FSIL to buy some wedding decorations - Hobby Lobby and World Market, here we come! I plan to fit in some sewing later today (may put the Featherweight to work!), and maybe a tiny nap. I'm a tiny bit tired...

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving!


Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I am thankful for:

My wonderful husband.
My two smart and beautiful daughters.
My son-in-law and future son-in-law.
My mother.
Quilting, which has brought me so much joy, entertainment, and even solace.
My wonderful friends.
My silly dogs.
Our home.

And I'm thankful for all of you who come to visit me every day on the blog and on Facebook. You make everything I do here so worthwhile. Thank you for welcoming me in you home via your computer!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

It's All About the Baste!


I basted a PILE of hexies last night. Such fun! Today I'll stitch them together. LOVING my new Curved Hexie Ruler!!!!!!

I've been getting some questions about the ruler - so let me try to answer them all here:

1. How much will it cost?

Suggested retail price will be $20.00.

2. Do I have to have the ruler to make BLISS?

No, you don't! BUT, it would make life much easier for you! I'm sure you're aware of other hexie quilt-a-longs in which you must buy expensive, intricately cut paper pieces. For BLISS, there will NOT BE A SOURCE to buy such papers. You can simply buy any 2" hexie papers (or my new water soluble papers) and use the ruler to cut your own papers with a rotary cutter. You'll be using the ruler over and over to quickly cut HUNDREDS, even THOUSANDS, of unique curved hexagon designs. The ruler can also be used to cut your fabric. So in the end, an investment of $20 for the ruler will save lots of money in the future in intricate paper pieces.

3. Where will the ruler be available?

Starting in early 2016, the Curved Hexie Ruler will be available on my website, HexieLove.com. Once production is well underway, I'll place the ruler with a distributer so it will be available in you local quilt store before too long.

Let me know if you have other questions....


Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Hexies and Thanksgiving and a Dog




I'm basting these hexies this morning while I drink my coffee. Yes, I'm glue basting! Yes, I'm using my new water soluble paper! (Available to you in January!) These sizes are 1" and 1/2".


And who is this little sweetie, you ask? I'm going to visit her this afternoon at the humane society with my future SIL. He and I have been given the responsibility to decide if she will be a good fit for Daughter 2 and future SIL. Because sometimes being practical is not the best decision. Sometimes you need to bunk the system and go with your heart. And that's what we plan to do! 

Yesterday was so productive! I did LOTS of Hexie Love computer work. Plus I ran a couple of errands and picked fabric for a 2016 BOM. 

This morning I have a long list of work items to accomplish! And I need to thaw the dough for the Thanksgiving rolls. And I need to thaw the sweet potato casserole that I made last week. And I need to see about the turkey - can't decide when to roast it. Should I do it today? Or wait until Thursday morning. Or maybe tomorrow afternoon? Hmmmm..... So much to do!!! But all good stuff!

Have a great day, y'all!


Monday, November 23, 2015

Ready to SEW!


I picked up my Featherweight from the friend who had been tuning her up. She's sewing great!!!!

I decided I wanted to keep her downstairs - not up in my studio. So hubby and I brought in an antique desk from another room and set her up behind a sofa in the living room. This was my desk when I was growing up. My father traveled overseas a good bit in his career and often bought antiques and had them shipped home. So I think the Featherweight is perfect on the desk!

Did you notice the background in the photo? There is Mickey, peaking out from a quilt in the chair. Prince is buried beneath that quilt. And there is Cooper, taking a little nappy in the other recliner.

I didn't get much, if any, sewing done over the weekend - too busy cooking, watching football, doing laundry, etc. So today I'll get back at my work - yay! I have some computer work to do, also.

We had an exciting night around here last night. We heard a helicopter circling overhead and noticed it was shining search lights all around us. EEK! This went on for about an hour. Turns out the police busted an illegal gambling site not far from out neighborhood and people ran. Whew!

We don't have long to go before I reveal the LAST BOM pattern for 2016! I have had fun with this quilt and hope you have as well. Next year's BOM has a Folk Art feel - you'll love it!

Have a great Monday!

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Football! (Warning: Photo Heavy...)


We did decide to go to the game at the last minute; we compromised: "Let's go, but leave after half time..." Perfect plan!


It was Military Appreciation night - a fabulous display of patriotism!


While the band was on the field for pre-game, we spotting this in the distance.


Closer!


And closer...






What an amazing flyover!


We had a great time!


And as we left the stadium, we saw a gorgeous sunset!


So glad we went. But we were both exhausted later. We watched the rest of the game on TV and went to bed at 8:30.

Today I have a bit of cooking to do and an errand or two. BUT I'm counting on getting some hexie stitching time later...

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Saturday Cooking


This is what I've been doing this morning: making a BIG mess in the kitchen!

I'm doing a bit of pre-Thanksgiving cooking: sweet potato casserole, Southern Cornbread Dressing, plus two chicken casseroles, a double batch of brown rice, and fresh rolls. Thankfully, the kitchen mess is now cleaned and I'm sitting for a minute. Though it got cold here last night, I'm roasting from being in the hot kitchen!

Many of you have asked about Cooper. He's feeling much better, thanks! Yesterday I only gave him chicken broth and small servings of pumpkin to eat. He kept all that down, so last night I gave him a bit of shredded cooked chicken breast. He's still doing well today, so I gave him a small serving of dog food. I think he's on the mend. And his itchy feet are much better, too. At this moment, he's sound asleep in hubby's recliner.

We have tickets to the Auburn game, but are still undecided about going. Playing it by ear....

Thanks for all the sweet comments about my new ruler, the water soluble hexie papers, and Bliss. 2016 is going to be fun year!

Friday, November 20, 2015

BLISS Sneak Peak!


So here's a little peak.... it's amazing what some curves can do to enhance hexies!!! The possibilities with my new Curved Hexies Ruler are limitless! This is so much fun to make-- I'm having a ball playing with fabric.

So good to have hubby back home! We had a lovely dinner, topped off with a Sticky Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Sauce. It was delicious! I cooked it in the slow cooker as the recipe directed. It stuck on the bottom a bit, and I had to cook it 30 extra minutes to get it done, but it was worth it!

Poor Cooper is not feeling well. He started vomiting around 6 pm last night and continued off and on until 3:30am. He seems a little better now and is able to keep down some chicken broth. So now I'll start off my day with carpet cleaning and laundry...yuck....

So what else is on tap today?

BLISS! I think I'll work on another section today. Hubby is planning to catch up on his yard work. And we may fit in a nap - I know I'll need one after being up with Cooper so much.


Thursday, November 19, 2015

EXCITING NEWS!!!!



The cat is out of the bag!!!! My exciting news was announced on the BERNINA Ambassador webinar yesterday! So it's time to let you all share in the excitement.

I'm coming out with a new ruler! It will allow you to cut both your hexie papers and your fabric for hexies with a gentle curve.

AND I'm also coming out with my own line of hexie papers that are totally water soluble! And what does that mean for you? It means you never have to remove the papers! You can quilt right through them and they'll dissolve completely away in plain water. 

The water soluble papers will allow you to glue baste (with water soluble glue) if you like - you'll never have the issue of struggling to remove the glued paper - because it can all stay!

Also, because we don't have to remove the paper, we can now do our hexie stitching on the sewing machine with a decorative stitch if we want to - no worries about sewing through that paper because it doesn't have to be removed!

Of course, if you prefer you can keep on doing all your hexie sewing by hand. The ruler will work for your traditional hexie papers as well. 

I'll be sewing hexies by machine much more. You know, I'm only one person and I have my hands full designing and making projects for Hexie Love. Time has really been an issue for me in 2015, so for 2016 my samples and designs will be sewn by machine so that I can have more time to devote to the content of Hexie Love.

My new products will be available in JANUARY! And stay tuned tomorrow for a sneak peek at BLISS, made using curved hexies!!!



And now for more excited news!

My FIL was released from the hospital yesterday (after NINE days and some complications)! And that means that hubby is coming home today!!! YIPPEE! I'm cooking a special meal for him tonight and look forward to having my best friend and roomie back! 

Have a great day, y'all! Go forth and HEXIE!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

BLISS!

BLISS

1.Orig., blithesomenessgladness; now, the highest degree of happinessblessednessexalted felicityheavenly joy.

And then at last our bliss
Full and perfect is.
- Milton.



Announcing the 2016 Hexie Quilt A Long!


I hope you'll join me in making a very special hexie quilt next year called Bliss. I'll be sharing the pattern for each section every 2 months, starting January 1, 2016. 

The pattern will be published here on the blog and over on my Hexie Love Facebook page. But you'll have to purchase Hexie Love, my digital magazine, to get the individual hexie patterns for the quilt. 

As for fabric:

What is your BLISS? What makes you happy? What are you obsessed with? What's your favorite color? Flower? Pet? Occupation?

Start collecting fabric that tells your story!!!! My bliss consists of dogs (dachshunds and labs), coneflowers, butterflies, computers, food and cooking......

Do you get the idea? This quilt is about YOU! 

Let's all find our BLISS next year!!!!







Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Flower Petals


Cooper went to the vet yesterday. He needed his shots and he got his nails trimmed. He's been chewing on his feet due to allergies, so he now has pills, ear drops, and a special shampoo. The vet wants me to wash his feet with the shampoo often. So this morning I will attempt that! His pills make him pee a lot, so I had to let him out in the middle of the night, but we both went back to sleep quickly. His weight? Down a couple more pounds! He's officially lost 20 pounds since the vet told me he was overweight. He's now at his goal weight! Yay Cooper!


Here's one of my new projects. I'm attempting to make fabric peonies for the wedding reception centerpieces. Our florist will be doing all the other flowers, but we're doing our own centerpieces for the tables. I hope to completely make one flower today to see how it goes. Each petal is cut from a polyester fabric - then you hold the edges near a candle flame to curl them. Once all the petals are made, they are hand stitched together. Wish me luck!

Yesterday I made lots of progress on next year's progressive quilt, though I've decided I don't like that terminology. Let's call it the 2016 Hexie Quilt-along. I'll be sharing more information about this soon...

Monday, November 16, 2015

French Fabric





I spent the evening basting hexies - some from this French motif fabric - seemed appropriate, don't you think? I adore these sweet images!


So I tried a different idea with Cooper last night. I moved his ottoman into the bedroom, adjacent to my side of the bed. Here's my view as I woke up. He slept there all night! Or so I thought until I got up....   The toilet paper was missing from the bathroom. Midnight snack? Tonight I'll make sure the bathroom door is closed!

Yesterday I finished the December BOM...AND....

I finished the 2016 Hexie BOM quilt top! Woohoo! It's lovely...

I love marking things off my list and that was a good one to mark off.

Today I have a couple of errands to run. And a pile of hexies to stitch together. And computer work. Let's make it a great day!

Sunday, November 15, 2015

The Big Guy


I slept with the big guy, Cooper, last night. Or should I say, he slept with me? I decided to let him sleep inside the house (instead of in the garage). Why? I was feeling a bit skittish for some reason or other. Some armed robbers were captured a couple of days ago just around the corner. Despite the fact that we have an awesome security system with cameras inside and out, I thought it would be nice to have a big loud dog inside the house. He started out fine. I placed an old quilt on the floor and pointed him to it. He went to sleep. I went to sleep. I woke up during the night to find him on the bed beside me, snoring away. I let him stay.

Yesterday was a good day for me. I vacuumed and steam cleaned the floors. I baked cornbread. I cooked sweet potatoes. I worked on the BOM. I worked on my computer; I made lots of progress on learning my new software. I pieced an entire quilt - very simple pattern. I basted said quilt and even began quilting it.  I do love a productive day!!!

I get asked all the time how I get so much done. The list is the secret. And the list cannot be on the computer! You have to write it down on a piece of paper. It works!


Saturday, November 14, 2015

BOM...


Yesterday was one of those crazy, busy days. I never stopped. Last night I realized that I never ate lunch - no wonder I was so hungry!

The wedding quilt has been handed over to the long arm quilter. WHEW! The Featherweight machine I'm keeping was handed over to the person who will work on it ( the long arm quilter).

The December BOM is ready for me to appliqué today.

I worked on the new software.

And so today....
The BOM block will be completed.
More software work.
Orders for some important quilty stuff will be placed.
Some wedding stuff will be accomplished.
Football will be watched.

And so it goes!

Prayers for Paris.
Prayers for my FIL (who had a difficult day yesterday).

Last night the TV was so depressing with all the news reports. I finally watched a sappy Christmas movie on the Hallmark Channel. I do love sappy Christmas movies.

Friday, November 13, 2015

It's Friday!


Yesterday I got LOTS done on the December BOM! Today I'll finish up the hexies and prepare it for appliqué - gonna knock this out!!!

I'm making great progress on my new software - hope to work on that more today. And maybe I'll tackle pressing the wedding quilt.

Our little city is busy this weekend as we play Georgia tomorrow - LOTS of visitors around town. I'll hunker down in my haven and watch the game on TV. And hexie.

I'm so hoping my FIL turns the corner this weekend. His doctor says he's doing great, but this is a TOUGH surgery, especially for an 84 year old. And may I just say that my husband is a saint - the best son ever, hardly leaving his side.


Thursday, November 12, 2015

Busy Day


Yesterday Daughter 2 had a rare day off. So I joined her to check out a hair stylist (for the wedding) and two florists (again, for the wedding). I got my hair cut while we were there - I think Cooper likes it!

I had gotten up early to sew before we left AND.... (insert drumroll here):
I finished the wedding quilt top! WOOHOO! It still needs a very good pressing and I need to piece the backing fabric, but then it will go to a long arm quilter. It's been a joy to make, but I'm glad to have my design wall back.

Today I plan to work on the December BOM - got to knock that out!! And then I can finish another quilt top!

AND... I'm working on the Jan/Feb issue of Hexie Love - it's going to be a great one!

Okay, now to other issues. I have a big debate going on in my head. Bonnie Hunter's next mystery quilt. You may remember I made Celtic Solstice a couple of years ago. It took me over a year to make and I swore I'd never do another one. But inside my brain, I'm caving. Should I? I probably shouldn't. But I kind of, sort of want to. Hmmm... Here's where I am today: I've pulled the fabric from my stash (her quilts are great stash busters). I'm going to download all the instructions and just do a bit at a time. NO RUSH! At least that's what I'm telling myself.

Thanks for the Featherweight advice. Someone told me to sell them both and someone told me to keep them both. I thought about both options - both are feasible. But in the end, I'm going to do what I had originally planned - keep one and sell one. And I've decided which one to keep (with the help from a friend). Onward!

FIL Update: He was moved from ICU yesterday, but he still has a long road ahead. Again, onward!

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Another Day!


Thanks for all the sweet well wishes for my FIL! He was surrounded by love and prayer yesterday! He made it through the tough surgery, which ended up being more invasive than planned. As of last night, he was alert, even chatty. He'll be in ICU for a couple of days. I'll probably go visit when he's in a regular room. Hubby is by his side non-stop.

Meanwhile, I'm holding down the fort here, and working and working to keep myself busy. Above is the VERY LAST melon slice for the Double Wedding Ring wedding quilt. I could have finished the quilt top yesterday, but decided to work on other things.

You may remember, I have two featherweights. I've been wanting to pull them both out and decide which one to keep. I was hoping to turn them on and simply keep the one that sews the best (selling the other).

HA! That didn't happen. They both do come on. The motors work. But neither sews beautifully at all. I know they both need some lubrication and cleaning, so I think that will be my next step. But maybe you can all help me out a bit in deciding which one I should keep.



This one actually says 221 below the badge. The serial number is AL569112.


And here the badge of the other one. It's serial number is AG990924.

What's a girl to do? I'm sure either one can be made to run well. I've looked up the serial numbers and the second one is older, though it looks newer - the paint and decal look better on this one. Any help would be appreciated.

I also spent a few hours learning my new software. I'm happy to report I'm making good progress! I'm a happy camper today!



Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Saying a Prayer...


Saying a prayer for this guy today - my father-in-law. (Here he is with the quilt I gave him.) He's undergoing surgery this morning - big deal surgery. Lung cancer surgery. No, he doesn't smoke.

I will try to busy myself with sewing and learning my new software while waiting to hear how it all goes.

Yesterday was productive - I did lots of sewing.

Monday, November 9, 2015

A Sneaky Peaky


Here's a little sneak peak of something I'm working on - isn't this fun and fabulous??? And easy peasy!! Just you wait and see...

We had a quiet and productive weekend. We were trying to get ahead on some household projects. I got lots done on the wedding quilt - ONLY ONE MORE ROW TO GO! And all the other rows are completely sewn together! I'm hoping to finish this top this week!

I bought a new software package this weekend that I'm hoping to learn quickly. It will help me to make Hexie Love even better. I love to learn new things and this will be fun to explore. I also ordered a couple of books to help me with the process - they should come today.

So today I'll be taking a car for an oil change. And I'll work on the wedding quilt. And I'll play with my new software.

Have a great day, every one!


Friday, November 6, 2015

My Assistant...


When it comes time to photograph a quilt, I'm lucky to have TWO talented amateur photographers in the family. Both hubby and Daughter 1 are always ready to help. Here are a couple of behind the scenes shots of the Odyssey photo shoot.


He does what it takes to get the shots I want - from every angle! Thanks, hubby!

So what's on the agenda today? Hmmm....let's see.
I'll probably work on the wedding quilt a bit - getting close to the finish!
I need to baste some hexies for the December BOM.
And I'll also work on next year's special project - love this one!!!!

And maybe I'll make time to run to the grocery store...

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Cooking Contest!


My friends know that I have a history with cooking contests. I've entered many of these and I've been pretty successful with them. And so the legacy continues.

Daughter 2 and her fiancé both entered a recipe contest recently. She loves to cook - him, not so much. But they both entered a recipe. And go figure, but his was selected as a finalist! And so this weekend, you'll find him making his blitz bars at the Alabama-LSU football game. Go Michael!

By the way, these bars are delicious! You can read more about the contest HERE. If he wins the region, he'll be going to the Rose Bowl January 1 to compete for the nationals.

I got lots of sewing done yesterday - yay!!!! It's good to get back into the groove again. Life has thrown us so many curve balls lately, so a routine sew day is much appreciated.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Practice Makes Perfect...


Remember the Rueben Braid Mummy I made a few weeks ago?


I made another over the weekend - I'm getting better at this! It actually looks braided! I brushed it with egg whites and sprinkled it with caraway seeds before baking, too. What a difference!

Yesterday I got back to work on the wedding quilt - I hadn't worked on it for over a week.

I'm also working on next year's special quilt for Hexie Love. I'll be sharing a bit about this before the end of the year so you can get prepared. As I have said previously, it will be wall to wall hexies - NO appliqué!

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

The 6th Issue of Hexie Love...


So what will you find in this issue of Hexie Love? 

Some paper pieced hexies, these you'll want to MAKE!


Lots from Gail Weiss, inspiration you'll TAKE.


Polyester hexie quilts, a treasure for SURE!


And hexie embroidery, so sweet and so PURE!

Also included are the final instructions for Odyssey, a scrappy pattern, a border pattern, a "just for fun" pattern, a hexie product, and much more! I especially the love the article feature Gail Weiss - it's really astounded to read about her past - eye opening! I really appreciate her candor and creativity.

Here are some of the comments I've received so far...

"Each addition of Hexie Love keeps getting better and better."

"I love this issue!"

"I love love love IT ..... the odessey quilt is fabulous ... when I saw your backgrounds as a paper I thought ewww but it works soooo well ... congratulations ... it is just fantastic .... and your magazine .... congrats on all the issues but especially this one with Gail ... sooo inspiring ... as are you ..."

And also there is a giveaway hidden within the pages. No one has won it yet, so there is still time!

Go to HexieLove.com to get your copy!

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Hexie Love November/December Issue NOW AVAILABLE!


Thanks for your patience! The latest issue of Hexie Love is now officially published! I've already been getting sweet e-mails from many of you who have already read it thoroughly. Thanks so much to all of you...

As usual, if you have subscribed in the past and have not received this issue in your e-mail, PLEASE let me know. I'm not perfect and could have easily made a mistake. 

If you are a single issue purchaser, go to HexieLove.com to purchase the issue and it will then be delivered to your e-mail address. 

I know you'll love this issue - it's chock full of wonderful hexie stuff! And there's a giveaway hidden within the pages, too - don't miss it!

We had a fabulous weekend with my family and our kids. 

More tomorrow - may crawl into bed now and sleep....zzzzzz.....