I'm happy to say that I have finished working on my new BOM which will be revealed on the 1st of April. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my friend Alice who does the custom quilting for me is on vacation in the sunny south until the end of February so I'll have to wait until she comes back all nice and tanned before she can start on it.
In actual fact it will be a six month "row along" rather than a traditional block-of-the-month. I have included all of my quilting favorites...piecing, redwork and wool-on-cotton applique which will be presented as an optional step that could be substituted with traditional needleturn or machine applique...or left out entirely. This will also be a great scrap busting project!
Here are a couple of sneak peeks...
Can you guess the theme from these clues?
Yesterday we went up the valley to take Ollie to a new groomer. Boy did he need it! We weren't happy with his last cut and decided it was time to seek out a new "stylist". Well this gal did an amazing job and now he looks like a true Westie. An added bonus is that she's definitely an animal lover and Ollie fell in love with her.
Before...
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| I know, I know...I need to visit the beauty shop! |
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| Aren't I beautiful? Frankie thinks so. |
Cool, huh?
Our 175 year old house has random width pine floors on the second floor which is where I have my studio. The spaces between the boards have turned out to be a great place for my pins to fall into when I inadvertently drop them while sewing...and they are a pain in the you-know-what to try to get out.
See the yellow heads hiding in the crack in the center of the photo? Grrrr.
While we were in the mall, we had an errand to run at the hardware store and while standing at the checkout, I spotted a bin of these...a telescopic magnet.
Of course I had to buy one and as soon as we got home, I had to try it out.
Well guess what?
It works like a charm and I can't believe how powerful it is!
It now sits in the little tray right next to my machine with all the other things that I use most often when sewing.
In addition to working on March's First Friday Freebie, I decided to try to participate in Kathy Tracy's small quilt a month challenge which she talks about here. Scroll down to her February 1st and January 22nd posts if you'd like to find out more about it.
I haven't started on January's yet because I wanted to complete the BOM quilt but I'm hoping to complete both the January and February flimsies by the end of this week. And it's not too late to join in!
Kathy also hosts the Small Quilt Talk forum where they are having a 6" reproduction and Civil War swap. I finished cutting my forty one 6" squares this morning which will be in the mail this afternoon to the gal who's hosting the swap. If you'd like to find out more about the forum and swap, just click on the link above.
Frankie hasn't been feeling too well for the past couple of days and he really has us worried so we're off to the vet this afternoon to have him checked out.
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| I hope they find out what's wrong cuz I've sure been feeling yucky. |
66 comments:
I think I see a daffodil and a bunny in your sneak peek so you must have spring on your mind. Hope Frankie feels better after a visit to the vet. Maybe he is thinking that cat's should have beauty appointments too.
Your theme could be bunnies, spring or garden. Can't wait to see it all. It looks like jut my kind of project.
Yes, I could see a theme but more importantly I could see WOOL! Gotta love the wool!! And Ollie looks pretty good, too!
Kitty prayers for Frankie and Ollie is very very handsome with the new hair cut! I love stealing glimpses of your 175 year old home in your pic's. Have you ever done a home tour on your blog? I just love your home and am happy you found the little magnet thing to help you pick up pins!
Looking forward to your new BOM Looks like Spring is coming..I have the Magnet that you found and boy what a great little tool..I 'sweep' my area with this litle gadget everytime I clean..Funny story about the magnet.. we had a new quilting studio added to our little cottage last summer, while working on tearing apart one of the old walls the carpenter dropped something in the wall space and really needed a way to get it out..all their tools were much too big and to the rescue came my little sewing magnet.. they were impressed with the strength it has!
You really have been busy. Ollie looks great with his new haicut. And your BOM: I guess the theme is spring. Is it going to be at your blog this BOM?
Nice magnet you bought, you might find many pins back now!
You're always a delightful read, Kaaren. I must tell you that the telescopic magnet is my favourite sewing tool! I love that twill tape!
Hmm I think it could be an Easter theme..
Ollie does look handsome with his new do.
Hope all is well with Frankie soon.
Ah the telescopic magnet is a great gadget..
I have that same magnet and it is awesome for those stray pins!!!
Ollie looks so elegant now! I do hope that Frankie will be feeling better soon. I'm sure Ollie misses him feeling tip top too.
Hope Frankie is feeling better soon.
My sweet daughter-in-law gave me a telescoping magnet with an LED flashlight, so I can hunt for things in small spaces as well as pick up dropped pins!
Can't wait for your new BOM (or should I say row of the month?)
First and foremost - Kitty prayers being sent for Frankie. Ollie needs him well to have someone to cuddle with.
I "think" I might see what appears to be a pineapple in one of your sneak peak photos.
I will definitely be joining in on your "Row Along".
BTW - I have one of those magnetic doo-hickies and use it regularly - like yesterday when I opened up my new package of flowerhead pins and dropped them...
Ohhh! Poor Frankie! Hope he is back on his paws soon. And too bad you don't live near me... two of my daughters are doggie groomers. I have two westies now, a girl and a boy, and they both get groomed differently because their fur texture is a little different. :o) I highly recommend them, lol.
Love the sneak peek. Looking forward to seeing the whole thing!
Ollie is now one handsome dude!! : )
I see some Spring in the sneak peek. Gotta love that!
I follow Kathleen's blog and love seeing the little quilts, but have resisted joining--so far.
Those magnets have intrigued me, but I have wondered where you would use them. Now I know!!
Hope Frankie can tell the vet what is wrong and get some relief!
The important things first....Ollie is very dapper in his new 'do'. And, I hope Frankie starts to feel much better very soon.
I'm excited about your new BOM project. I see a bunny, a carrot, a flower - could the theme be Spring?
I've been thinking about jumping into Kathy's small quilt along. Of course, I'm already behind.
sending Frankie (and his family) thoughts and prayers.
I'm like the others... I see SPRING busting out in the sneak peek picture! Ollie is very handsome with his new do. I hope Frankie gets to feeling better. I have a feeling local hardware stores everywhere will have to restock telescope magnets after quilters buy them out! Great tip for a great tool!
Spring or easter is my guess. And thanks for the picture of your sewing machine. How's the pincushion attachrd to the machine?
Sending healing thoughts Frankie's way. I'm thinking about you. Take care. X0
Ollie looks adorable! hope Frankie is ok keep us posted.
I will be going to the hardware store looking for one of these I can't tell you how many pins I drop!
LOL
looking forward to your "seasonal" row quilt?
perhaps????
Kathie
Can't wait to see your new BOM in April. I better get going on finishing up Twas the Night before Christmas.
Sending good thought to Frankie for his visit to the doctors.
Hi Karen... Yes, Ollie look very handsom... I pray it is nothing wrong with Frankie... I hope it is nothing to serious... "Get better Frankie, Hugs and Prayers to you".. I have one of those magnet things to pick up needles.. They are wonderful.. Hugs :)
I can't wait to see your quilt, love the teaser.
I got some of that tape, will be fun to use in a project.
Debbie
Hope Frankie is feeling better by the end of the day. Your quilt is showing spring with tulips and bunnies. You will get you two quilts out in no time.. I also see you have your 6 inch squares cut for the exchange..
Awww, poor Frankie, I hope the vet gets him back to purring form in no time.
Ollie looks adorable with his new cut! I've tried a few different groomers with Duffy and will definitely only go to the one we use now.
Your row along looks like a lot of fun!
Bunny in My Garden?
So glad you got those run-a-way pins! The quilt looks wonderful...how ever will we wait until April to see it's unveiling!
Hugs,
Kathy
Tell Ollie his cut makes him look so grown up and handsome. Hoping that Frankie is doing better after the visit to the vet.
Auguri e una carezza a Frankie, io adoro i siamesi.
Non vedo l'ora pubblichi il tuo progetto.
A presto per buone notizie!
Marina
I looks like a spring theme to me , looking forward to the big reveal ;-)Ollie looks great with his new hair cut , hope Frankie gets some help to feel better too .
I'm hoping you get Frankie's trouble sorted out--tough to have a family member who can't tell you what's wrong. Your magnetic stick looks great. I use a Dritz magnetic pincushion (more of a little tray as it's not a cushion) I love mine--very powerful magnet, and I just have to toss the pin at it (not stab them in), plus it's great for sweeping up any spilled ones.
WISHING THE BEST FOR FRANKIE!
I FOUND SOME OF THE SAME TAPE,ISN'T IT NEAT! SEVERAL IDEAS FLOATING AROUND HERE ON HOW TO USE IT?
BLESSINGS,LINDA
msstitcher1948@yahoo.com
Poor little kitty.....will definitely offer up a few for him, poor love. You always choose the BEST colours for your blocks....can already see this is goin' to be beautiful. I have some of that tape ribbon, but never thought of doing anything with it other than put it on my scrap layouts or card creations...makin' me have a re-think, now, lol.
Tell Ollie he looks soooo handsome....grin.
You have been very busy as usual with lots to look forward to. Ollie looks very handsome. Are we seeing a garden theme?
It's so good to catch up on all your news, I hope Frankie gets well soon and what a difference a haircut makes to Ollie, he looks spiffy.
Your new BOM or should I say row of the month looks great from the sneak peeks.
I am looking forward to your quilt, love the wool applique option. and tell Ollie his new haircut looks excellent I love those little magnets-hubby gave me one of his recently and I love it too
Please keep your magnet away from your sewing machine! Our dealer said not to keep a magnet near the computer...so I keep mine handy in a pencil cup within reach of the machine...but not next to it! Just a precaution. Maybe it will be fine, but....
Happy sewing!
Lots of lovely projects keeping you busy... a row quilt sounds like a great idea. And never underestimate the hardware store (where I found my magnet like yours) or an electronics store (best pointy-tip tweezers ever). My husband is disgusted when I spend more in one of 'his' shops than he does.
Hope Frankie is ok.
Boy that Ollie is so handsome with his new haircut.
I think spring is the focus of your project.
Our house is 185 years old and I also loose pins between the cracks in the floor and I have the same tool as you do to pick them up.
Have a great day.
Janet
What a handsome pup! great new look.
You've been busy, can't wait to see more.
Hope your kittie is feeling better soon.
love his new cut!
hope your kitty does better.
looking forward to your reveal.
love the measuring tape twill and that magnet!
Ollie, you look so handsome and Frankie, hope you are feeling better! I bought some of the tapemeasure tape also....so cute.
Your theme...Spring?
Poor Frankie! I hope he is okay...maybe it's just furballs and easily treated???
I cannot for the life of me remember why...but I have this memory of magnets and sewing machines being a very bad combo. The magnet messes up the computer or something...I can't remember what it was. Anyhow, perhaps it would be a good idea to keep your powerful little magnet away from your machine. I know I'm right...just can't remember why! lol sigh
I found some of that measuring tape ribbon in Calgary. Can you tell me where you found it here? I have to go to Avonport soon and don't mind going further, at least it would be closer than Calgary!
Barb
Fox Point, NS
Hi Kaaren, I love coming online and see in that you're blogged! Can't wait to see this latest quilt! Your little pin catcher works great!
Guess I should have checked that, it should read - coming online and seeing that you've blogged!!
Your sneak peek is very intriguing...I think I am going to like it a lot! You have some great little treasures...that telescopic magnet is too cool! Ollie looks pretty fancy...hope Frankie will be on the mend soon!
I think I see spring popping out all over there, Kaaren! Love your new magnet - and Ollie - what a handsome dude he is! I'm SO sorry Frankie is under the weather. I sure hope he is better soon!
Take care!
Well, Ollie is just the most handsome pup! Hope Frankie is doing better after his vet visit.
I'm excited about your BOM and looking forward to it.
I have the telescoping magnet thing too. Just got to remember to keep it away from the computer and sewing machine cuz the magnet will wipe out the data -- ask me how I know!
I was going to recommend one of those magnetic telescope thingsmajigs. Then I read that you purchased one. They kind of magnetize the pins for a while too. Whether that is good or bad, I don't know.
I think your row quilt is going to be a good one. The hints are tantalizing.
Am so sorry to hear Franklie is feeling yucky--I will most definitely say kitty prayers for him.
Please let us know about him
There will definitely be some kitty prayers for Frankie! I hope it is nothing too serious.
Ollie sure spruced up well LOL!!!
Sending Frankie a big hug. He must have the winter blues!! He probably just needs a little TLC.
Handsome playmate he has there!!
What a handsome little guy, actually he has grown alot. Love your Spring row-along "tickler". You are quite industrious.
Sure hope Frankie feels better soon, he does look a little out of sorts.
Noticed your pincushion on your machine - please share how you attached it - seems like the perfect place for it and I am still organizing. Never ending now that I am back in my sewing room after a year. Hugs to all Judy C in NC
All the best wishes for Frankie's speedy recovery. It's always hard if one of your pets is under the weather and has you worrying. Hope the worrying wasn't necessary! Your sneek peek looks great. Easter or spring is what comes to mind.
All the best wishes for Frankie's speedy recovery. It's always hard if one of your pets is under the weather and has you worrying. Hope the worrying wasn't necessary! Your sneek peek looks great. Easter or spring is what comes to mind.
Hugs to Frankie - sure hope he is on the mend soon - it's no fun to have a sicky kitty. Thanks for the peek of your new quilt - I can't wait to see the whole thing - it looks like fun! Ollie is looking cute, as always. Glad he loves his new groomer!
I had to giggle at the before and after photo of Ollie. When I had Schnauzer and let their hair grow they reminded me of little bears.
Lovin' the sneak peek of your new row quilt. Can't wait to see it all. I like the idea of the embroidery and the wool!!!
Hope Frankie is okay.
I think the theme for your BOM is Spring. Ollie looks picture perfect now. I hope Frankie's problem is not serious and he's feeling better soon. I have the same pin retriever that I got in the automotive department of Canadian Tire. They are so great! I would like to know where Barb of Fox Point found that ribbon in Calgary. I clicked on her name but I don't see an email address. Can you ask her? It's very cool ribbon.
I think the theme is "Spring" I'm really looking forward to it. Hope it was all good news for Frankie!
P.s. Be sure to keep your magnetized gadget away from your computerized machine.
Poor Frankie. It's so hard when are furry friends are sick because they can't tell us what's wrong.
I'll keep Frankie in my prayers.
your BOM looks like it's going to be great. The sneak peek just got me dreaming about it. I'd love to try a project with wool.
Love Ollie's new haircut. He looks like a real westie now.
How is Frankie doing? I hope it was nothing serious. I'm praying for him, though.
Hugs,
Teresa.
OK, kisses from the doggie girls and little Diego to Frankie with hopes that there is nothing serious...
Fiona surely knows how it is to be under the weather.
Seeing Ollie made me resolve to book a grooming appointment for Diego, oh my do he need it ;-)
Ollie is a handsome lad and Frankie is just plain regal.
Sending so Positive Energies for Frankie's well-being.
Extra treats all 'round.
hugs
Really like the sneak peek and I am thinking either spring or summer for a theme. Loving the wool applique addition too and can't wait to see the whole thing!
I will say a get well soon prayer for Frankie! And Mr. Ollie looks like a proper Scotsman!!
Hope Frankie is feeling better. Ollie looks fabulous. Hmm.. maybe a spring theme on you BOM?
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