LHQSQ - Blocks - 1 - 2 - 3

So I played with some patches -

And want to show you some Classic/Basic blocks -
That can be found in EQ7 -
Or any number of books -

I have hundreds of books -
I love books - ;))

Blocks - to me - are just like little puzzles -
You get a bunch of pieces -
And you re-arrange them whichever way you want -

And - what's funny to me -
Funny - interesting -
Not - funny - HAHA -
Is that - depending on the book -
The same block can have a different name -
Or the same name can be a different block -

So - I'm going to use the name -
That was used in the book where I found it -
Or whatever EQ7 called it -
If I found it there -

Anyway -

For my “puzzle” pieces -
I gathered some “patches” -

Some 2-1/2" cut squares -
Some 2" FINISHED HST -

All of these “patches” -
MEASURE 2-1/2” square -
And will FINISH at 2” -

I’m going to start with a basic 3 x 3 grid -
Three blocks across -
Three blocks down -
Total - 9 patches -
A basic NINE-PATCH block -

If I take 5 dark and 4 light -
I get a basic NINE PATCH -
Positive version -

If I just switch the dark and light -
And take 4 dark and 5 light -
I get a basic NINE PATCH -
Negative version -

If I take that and change the corners -
From light to dark -
And put HST in the “middles” -
I get a FRIENDSHIP STAR -

Cool, huh?

Three across and three down -

Variations of the basic NINE-PATCH -

The sewn block will MEASURE 6-1/2” -

And FINISH at 6” -

AND - BEST OF ALL -

That's only SOME of the variations -

You can switch darks for lights or lights for darks -

You can put them wherever you want -

You can turn the HST every which way -

You can use as many squares or HST as you want -

You can even use QST if you want -

The possible combinations are ENDLESS -

But that should get you/me/us started - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

LHQSQ - Left-Handed Quilter's Sampler Quilt...

The latest craze in blogland -

Seems to be Sampler Blocks -

And the Sampler Quilts -

That you can make from them - ;))

So I played with some patches -

And I made some blocks -

And I’m going to make a Sampler Quilt -

Making it up as I go along -

Picking my own blocks -

Posting them in my own order -

And at my own pace -

S - L - O - W -

Starting with simple ones -

And getting progressively -

More complicated -

And I’m going to call it my -

Left-HandedQuilter’sSamplerQuiltandyoubetternotcopyitorIwillhollercopyrightinfringementlikesomeoneelseweknowjustkiddingalloftheblocksthatIammakingarebasicandclassicandpublicdomainandcanbefoundinabunchofbooksandIthinkthatquiltersthroughouthistoryarebynaturecopycatsandlovetocopyeverythingtheyseetryingtomakequiltpatternsoutoftilemosaicsandallmannerofotherthingsunderthesunandIwouldbehonoredifyouwouldfollowalongandmakeyourownversionofmysamplerquiltandwouldloveitifyoucalleditaLHQSQandlinkedbacktomyblogthankyouverymuch;))

LHQSQ for short - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

Applique Thursday - 3/29/12

This is Thursday -

And - for over a month now -

I have decided to link up with Angie -

A Quilting Reader's Garden -

on her Applique Thursdays -

Check out her blog for some wonderful applique eye-candy -

My contribution this week is from my Ellen Heck class -

QJ - Floral Applique -

Part V - NOV 2009 – JAN 2010 – LEAVES/BERRIES

And - if you are a New Reader -

Welcome!! ;))

If you would like to "catch up" on the series -

Please go to the top of the page -

Find the tab/page that says -

QJ - Floral Applique -

And start at the beginning - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

Review Comments -

Did a review the other day on the
Quilter’s Rule™- Mini-Square - here -

And got a very nice comment from
Jim at Quilter’s Rule -

===
Jim C. Simons jim@quiltersrule.com

Jim C. Simons has left a new comment on your post "LHQ - Review - Ruler - Quilter's Rule (TM) - Mini-...":

Sorry to read you are unhappy with our ruler. You are of course right that it was made for a right handed person. Other folks make things specifically for left handed folks. And some people try to be everything for everybody. Quilter's Rule has satisfied the needs of quilters for over twenty five years. Perhaps you could visit our web site at QuiltersRule.com and find many other product which are not left or right handed. Jim at Quilter's Rule.

Publish

===

Jim makes some great points -

But - I want to clarify some things -

1. Sorry to read you are unhappy with our ruler. You are of course right that it was made for a right handed person.

I am not “unhappy” with their ruler -

I used that ruler for many, many years -

And “compensated” for its right-handedness -

Like all Left-Handed Quilters

Have to do when they are using right-handed products -

But when it came time to replace it -

I found one that suited me better -

Personal preference -

My opinion only -

2. Other folks make things specifically for left handed folks.

The “Other folks” that Jim refers to -

Sometimes make Left-Handed stuff -

But my experience has been that -

It is usually a Right-Handed person’s idea -

Of what a Left-Handed person wants/needs.

The classic example of that is Left-Handed scissors -

Correct me if I am wrong -

But the LH scissors that I have come across -

Reverse the handles -

But NOT the blades -

They are easier to hold - for a Lefty -

But the blades are BACKWARDS -

If anyone out there knows of a pair of scissors -

That is REALLY Left-Handed -

Please let me know.

3. And some people try to be everything for everybody.

When I read that -

Omnigrid® immediately came to mind -

Their rulers have numbers for both Left and Right-Handed quilters -

And are just too busy and too crowded and too hard for me to read -

Again - my personal opinion -

4. Quilter's Rule has satisfied the needs of quilters for over twenty five years. Perhaps you could visit our web site at QuiltersRule.com and find many other product (sic) which are not left or right handed. Jim at Quilter's Rule.

That is very true.

They have satisfied the needs of quilters for over twenty-five years.

And their web site has many products which are not left or right handed.

But -

My review was on the Quilter’s Rule™- Mini-Square

And my personal experience -

And my personal opinion -

Is that this particular ruler is NOT one that I would recommend to another Left-Handed quilter.

That’s what a review is for -

I think - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

LHQ - Pre-Packaged Binding

I have a whole drawer full of this stuff –
I love it -
I even did a little demo - here -

It’s all Wrights ® brand –
And I think it’s still available -
But I don’t know for sure –
Mine is all from the “old” days –
As you can probably tell from the prices -

Blue -
Double Fold Quilt Binding
3 yds – $2.35

Red –
Double Fold Bias Tape – Extra Wide
3 yds – $1.80

Yellow –
Double Fold Bias Tape
4 yds – $1.45

Khaki/Beige/Brown –
Single Fold Bias Tape
4 yds – $1.45

Light Blue –
Satin Blanket Binding
4¾ yds – $4.95

It’s great for binding those pre-quilted baby quilt panels –

Or anything else – for that matter –

It saves time if you don’t want to make your own –

It comes out the same as those bias binding makers that you can buy –

Only thing is – they come in limited colors –

But - like I have said before –

There is ALWAYS more than one way to do things.

And this is just another way. ;))



Talk to you later – gotta go – gotta sew -

An Experiment

I just tried an experiment -

I took some June Tailor - Quilt Top Express™ -

And this fabric -

To see what would happen -
If I tried to make a little tablemat - 

I followed the instructions - 
Not the directions - ;))
I explain the difference - here - 

And sewed one set of seams -
On the 1” lines -

It came out sort of pleated -

I probably should have used different lines -

Maybe the 2” lines instead -

Because I didn’t like how thick it was getting -

And - because it was getting really thick -

I decided to NOT sew the other set of seams -

On the 1” lines - going the other direction -

But - I thought - Oh, OK - this still might work -

I could back it with something -

Skip the batting -

And then bind it with some black -
Pre-packaged Extra-Wide Bias Tape -
I did a little demo - here -

Got it all pinned together -

Quilted it a bit -

Changed my mind about the pre-packaged binding -
(The black had faded through the years to what Sue would call a wishy-washy black - ;)) -

And made my own instead -

Got it ready -  

Sewed the binding on -

And messed it up -

The binding wasn’t wide enough -
To fold over to the front nicely -

My mistake - oh, well - ;))

And -

Rather than “unsew” it all -

I just cut it off -

Problem solved -  ;))

So -

Now it’s in the pile -

Next to Sergio (my serger) -

Waiting it’s turn -

To be a practice piece -

Maybe I’ll cut it down -

For a couple of mug rugs -

‘Cuz -

It’s too freakin’ small now -

For much else - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

And the Winner is...

So -

The guesses were -

Katie Z. - 140
Katie M. - 82
Karen M. - 100
Linda quilts - 92
Dayquilt - 86
Quilting Chris - 96
Debbie - 67
Linda in Calif - 65
Jen - 88
Sherryberrybim - 84
Tracy - 90
Judee - 93
Crafty Maine Mom - 82
Sue - 83
Kinetic - 85

===

If I re-arrange them in ascending order -
The list looks like this -

Linda in Calif - 65
Debbie - 67
Katie M. - 82
Crafty Maine Mom - 82
Sue - 83
Sherryberrybim - 84
Kinetic - 85
Dayquilt - 86
Jen - 88
Tracy - 90
Linda quilts - 92
Judee - 93
Quilting Chris - 96
Karen M. - 100
Katie Z. - 140

===

THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF BUTTONS IS - 87
I grouped them sets of 5 - plus the extra 2 -
So you can see -

So - I’m looking for the one who came the closest -
to the actual number of buttons in the photo -
WITHOUT GOING OVER -

And -

THE WINNER IS -

Dayquilt - 86 -

I have already notified her -
And asked her to email me her snail mail address to that I can put her prize in the mail -

The KQ Scrapbag that I chose for her prize just seemed appropriate -

It’s called “Day at the Shore” - I hope that she likes it.

I REALLY want to thank all of you for playing -

It was kinda fun - in a very weird way - ;))

But if you think that I will be doing another giveaway any time soon -

Think again - ;))

These damn things seem to have a mind of their own -

And can get away from you REAL fast - ;))

I had two guesses of the same number -

And a "no-reply" commenter -

Good thing they didn't win -

And that the point is moot -

'cuz I would have had to split the prize for the tie -

And had to tell "no-reply" that she couldn't win -

Because I had no way of contacting her - simple as that.

I can't even imagine what it would have been like -

If I had had you guys do some sort of "blog hop" -

Or be a "Follower" -

Or "Liked" me on Facebook -

Or some "Twitter" crap -

So - not again - any time soon -

Sounds REAL good to me - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

LHQ - Review - Ruler - Quilter's Rule (TM) - Mini-Square

LEFT-HANDED QUILTING - Review - Ruler - Quilter’s Rule ™ - Mini-Square

============
Note - these instructions are written in LEFTISH.
If you are right-handed - just reverse the directions.
============

Today I want to compare the Easy Square Jr. -

To -

The Quilter’s Rule ™- Mini Square
(c) 1987 by Betty Gall
6-1/2” Square

But first -

Disclaimer -
I am in no way affiliated with the manufacturer or supplier of this product - to my knowledge.
I did not get this product for FREE in exchange for a review - aka barter. I paid for it.
I have no intention of slandering or libeling anyone or any product.
I am simply stating my opinions - I could be wrong - you may disagree.
My opinions are based on my experience with this product - your results may vary.
I think that about covers it - if I missed something - let me know.
I am not a lawyer - and I am just trying to cover my a$$. ;)).
===

This is the Easy Square Jr.
I already reviewed this ruler - here -

This is
The Quilter’s Rule ™ - Mini Square
(c) 1987 by Betty Gall
6-1/2” Square
Ignore the wonky lines -
They are left-over from another project -

Description -
This little ruler is Square - duh! ;))
And measures 6-1/2” -

The Quilter’s Rule ™ - Mini Square
Has 1/8” - 1/4” - and 1/2” markings -
The 1/8” lines are small dashes -
The 1/4” lines are longer dashes -
The 1/2” lines are solid -

Where you can get it - 

You should check your Local Quilt Shop and your favorite suppliers -
As prices do vary - and some items may be on sale - or not - ;))
JoAnn

Some other sites that may or may not have stuff are -

Nancy's Notions
Clotilde

What I LIKE about this ruler -

It has a ridged underside -
Which acts like those “grabber” thingys -
Which is kinda nice -
So It doesn’t slip on your fabric -

What I DON’T like about this ruler -

Although it does have LARGE easy-to-read numbers around the edges -
The numbers go in the WRONG direction -
They read 6-5-4-3-2-1 from LEFT to RIGHT -
And sideways from TOP to BOTTOM -
When I put the 1” marks in the TOP LEFT corner -

And the diagonal runs the wrong way -
I need the diagonal to run from BOTTOM LEFT to TOP RIGHT

It does NOT have a 1/4” dashed line around the perimeter of the ruler -
So that you can see the 6” square in the middle -
And the 1/4” seam allowance all around the edges -
Like the Easy Square Jr.

Quicky comparison -
Side-by-side

How I use it to Square up a block -
If I want to measure or square up my
Orca Bay RED - Extra blocks - to 5-1/2” square -

To square up a 5-1/2” block
I want to line up the BOTTOM RIGHT corner of the ruler -
At the 5-1/2” lines -
With the BOTTOM RIGHT corner of the block -

Trim UP the LEFT SIDE - of the block -
And ACROSS the TOP -

Turn the block around -
And do it again -

How I use it to cut a 45 degree diagonal - 
Line up the 45 degree diagonal line with the bottom edge of a strip -
And the 6” markers will be at the top of the strip -
Whichever way you turn the ruler -

And there is only ONE diagonal -
So there is no other line to use -
To line up on the right edge of your fabric -

Cut along the LEFT side of the ruler -
Perfect 45 degree cut -
Starting at the “other” end of the strip -
And working my way to the LEFT side -

Would I recommend this ruler?
NO - I prefer the Easy Square Jr.
For the reasons explained above - ;))

===



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

Orca Bay - Red Extra - E - Gold Sashes

OK - let’s try this -

How about GOLD sashing -
Instead of RED? -

Same drill as with the RED sashes -

Lay some squares out -
On a length of fabric -
Spaced about the same distance -
As sashing strips would be -
(Saves having to cut them at this point - ;))

And add some red cornerstones -
Not bad -

But I had RED sashes in my head -
After the EQ7 muslin ones didn't work -

So now I can't decide -

I gotta play some more in EQ7 -

Maybe try RED sashes and GOLD cornerstones -

Oh - and I found the cookie sheet -
With the blue strips -
On the dining room table -
Right where I left it - ;))

So I could play with those for a while -

Instead -

While this one marinates in my head for a while - ;))

Or -

I could just admit that I saw another squirrel!! ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

Do Over -

Boy - that sure didn't work!!

My little game got WAY too complicated -

For everyone - including me - ;))

So -

DO OVER!!

Here's the picture -

Here's the game -

Guess how many buttons are in the photo -

Here's the rules -

The person coming the closest to the actual number -

WITHOUT GOING OVER - standard disclaimer - WINS!!

Here's the prize -

One Keepsake Quilting Scrapbag - my choice -

12 - regular - quarter yard cuts - 9" x WOF - three yards -

Here's the deadline -

Leave your guess ON THIS POST - by Friday night - 11:59PM - PST -

===

No points - no buttons - no lists - no asking - no nothing -

Just guess the number of buttons in the damn photo - ;))

===

The guesses so far are -

Katie Z. - 140
Katie M. - 82
Karen M. - 100
Linda - 92
Dayquilt - 86
Quilting Chris - 96
Debbie - 67

And NO - you guys don't have to leave your guess on this post again -
I already know how many you guessed -
But I DO want all of the NEW guesses to show up ON THIS POST -
It just makes them easier for me to find - ;))

===
EDITED TO ADD -
Obviously I will need some way to contact the winner - so make sure that you or your blog have/has an email contact listed. If I can’t contact you - you can’t win - simple as that.
===



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

Applique Thursday - 3/22/12

This is Thursday -

And - for over a month now -

I have decided to link up with Angie -

A Quilting Reader's Garden -

on her Applique Thursdays -

Check out her blog for some wonderful applique eye-candy -

My contribution this week is from my Ellen Heck class -

QJ - Floral Applique -

Part IV - JUNE 2005 - HST

And - if you are a New Reader -

Welcome!! ;))

If you would like to "catch up" on the series -

Please go to the top of the page -

Find the tab/page that says -

QJ - Floral Applique -

And start at the beginning - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

POINTS

POINTS -

So far -
I have SEVEN entrants in my little game -
But some of them could have more points -
Which translates to more "names in the hat" -
Which translates to more chances to win -

So - before I "pick a name" -

Let me explain how I awarded the points -
And who got which ones -

ONE POINT - for guessing the number of buttons in the photo above -
or for coming the closest to the actual number - ;))
This point has not been awarded yet -
I need to know who comes the closest to the actual number -
And all the guesses have not been made yet - ;))

ONE POINT - for having a LHQ or RH FRIEND button your blog -
Automatic point for those on the list already - 'cuz they have a button on their blog ALREADY - ;))

If you don't have a blog - just tell me which button you would put on your blog IF you had one - ;))

Katie Z - LHQ button
Katie M. - RHF button
Karen M. - RHF button
Linda - RHF button

dayquilt - no blog - RHF button
quilting chris - no blog - LHQ button
debbie - no blog - LHQ button


ONE POINT - for asking to be listed on my LEFTIES list -
I won't add you without your permission - and unless you ask - ;))

Automatic point for those on the list already - 'cuz they asked to be on the list ALREADY - ;))

If you don't have a blog - just tell me that you would like to be listed in the -
"No Bloggie - No Button" section - ;))

The key to this point is that you have to ASK TO BE ON THE LEFTIES LIST -
Just because you have a button - doesn't mean that you are automatically listed -
I don't always know who adds my button unless they tell me -
And I won't add your name to the list - UNLESS YOU ASK ME TO - ;))
And some of your comments are a little unclear to me - so -

Katie Z.
Katie M.
Karen M.
Linda

Debbie asked to be added to my lefty "button" - but I'm not sure what that means.

ONE POINT - for having the UFO button on your blog -
As far as I know - no one has grabbed this button yet -
So here is your chance - ;))

If you don't have a blog - just tell me that you would put this button on your blog IF you had one - ;))

Katie M.
Linda
dayquilt
debbie

Sorry - but there are no points for wanting to grab a BOB button -
there isn't one up for "grabs" - yet - ;))

ONE POINT - for having your name on the list already -
Automatic point/Extra credit for the Early Birds - ;))

Katie Z.
Katie M.
Karen M.
Linda

===

All together - I get -

3 points for - Katie Z.
4 points for - Katie M.
3 points for - Karen M.
4 points for - Linda
2 points for - dayquilt
1 points for - quilting chris
3 points for - debbie


20 Total - "names in the hat"

It may be a little complicated -

BUT -

That's some pretty good odds -

So - check your comments -
Check that you actually ASKED TO BE ON THE LEFTIES LIST -
And check that UFO button status -

And -

Good luck -

New guys - check my Sunday post -

You have until Midnight (PST) tonight to enter - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

Orca Bay - Red Extra - D - Red Sashes

How about RED sashing -
Instead of muslin? -

Lay some squares out -
On a length of fabric -
Spaced at about the same distance -
As sashing strips would be -
(Saves having to cut them at this point - ;))

Yeah - I think it LIKES the red -
At least I’m going to TRY it - ;))

What about green cornerstones? -

Nah - too Christmasy -
But - wait -
I have another idea -

Back to my Fabric Stash Room again -

And I’m thinking that my Orca Bay - Blue Extra -
Might need another couple of blocks -

So - while I’m back there -
I gotta find that cookie sheet -
With all the pretty little blue strips -
All sorted out -

Unless - of course -
It’s still on the dining room table -

Probably should check there first - huh? ;))

Be back in a bit -



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

Chances are -

Chances are -

Your chances are -

Pretty damn good -

My giveaway ends tomorrow night -

At Midnight - PDT -

And - so far - three people have entered -

So - to paraphrase the song -

You find out who your readers are -

And you find out who reads your blog regularly.

What I find hilarious -

Is -

That for a blog -

Designed for Left-Handed Quilters -

All of the entrants are Right-Handed -

And if you have no idea what I’m talking about -

You really should read my blog -

And not just on Monday - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

Orca Bay - Red Extra - C - Muslin Sashes

Next step -
I need some 2” muslin strips -
For sashes -

Got a die for that -
And some “test” strips -
Sorry for the crappy lighting -
The strips are NOT that color -
They are actually muslin - ;))

As you can see -
The die left wrinkles and creases in the strips -
And THAT die was the REPLACEMENT die -
For the one I returned -
For the same problem -
So I expect that another one won’t be much better -
My opinion only - I could be wrong - ;))

So I salvaged what I could of those -

And pulled out my handy-dandy -
June Tailor Short Cut ™ -
For the rest -

I told you about it before - here -
It's also on my list to do a proper REVIEW -
Short version - It's GREAT!! -
Any screw-ups are usually "operator error" -
NOT the fault of the ruler -;))

Going along nicely -
UNTIL I realized -
That I had cut these guys at 1-1/2” -
Instead of 2” - ;))

DO OVER!!

Cut another strip at 5-1/2” first -

Then turn the strip sideways -

And cut them puppies at 2” -
This time - ;))
Much better -

Cut a couple more -
BUT this batch -
Came out 2” wide -
And 1/2” SHORT - ;))

Re-cut THEM -
And made pretty little stacks of 10 each -
Plus the extras -
Count ‘em - 96 -

I need 97 -
So -

I’m ONE SHORT!! - ;))

SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?

S-E-R-I-O-U-S-L-Y ?!?!?!?

I don’t BELIEVE this!! ;))

But I DO believe -
That quilts TALK to you -
At least mine talk to ME - ;))

And THIS quilt is -
Saying -
Shouting -
Yelling -
SCREAMING -
LOUDLY -

I DON’T WANT MUSLIN SASHES!!!

So - back to EQ7 and the Fabric Stash Room -

To find a different plan -
Or a different color -
To stop those Extremely Loud -
And Incredibly Close -
Quilty voices in my head - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

Button - Button - 3/16/12

Button, Button, Who’s got the button??

Remember that little game?? -

Well -

I have the BUTTON -

It’s over there on the sidebar -

Actually I have several buttons -

One for - A LEFT-HANDED QUILTER -

And one for a - RIGHT-HANDED FRIEND OF A LEFT-HANDED QUILTER -

And one for a - QUEEN OF UFORIA WHERE UFOs RESIDE IN ABUNDANCE -

I also have a tab/page at the top of this blog - LEFTIES -

It’s a LIST of other LEFT-HANDED QUILTERS -

And RIGHT-HANDED FRIENDS whose blogs you can visit -

So -

Here’s my little version of the game -

If you want to play -

ONE POINT - for guessing the number of buttons in the photo above -
or for coming the closest to the actual number - ;))

ONE POINT - for having a LHQ or RH FRIEND button your blog -
Automatic point for those on the list already - 'cuz they have a button on their blog ALREADY - ;))

If you don't have a blog - just tell me which button you would put on your blog IF you had one - ;))

ONE POINT - for asking to be listed on my LEFTIES list -
I won't add you without your permission - and unless you ask - ;))

Automatic point for those on the list already - 'cuz they asked to be on the list ALREADY - ;))

If you don't have a blog - just tell me that you would like to be listed in the -
"No Bloggie - No Button" section - ;))

ONE POINT - for having the UFO button on your blog -
As far as I know - no one has grabbed this button yet -
So here is your chance - ;))

If you don't have a blog - just tell me that you would put this button on your blog IF you had one - ;))

ONE POINT - for having your name on the list already -
Automatic point/Extra credit for the Early Birds - ;))

So -

Grab a button and put it on your blog - up near the top where I can SEE it - ;))
If you don’t know how to “Grab a Button” - see the "How-To" below -

Then leave me a comment - on THIS post -
by WEDNESDAY - March 21, 2012 - Midnight - PDT.
That should give you time to grab a button or two - ;))
Make sure your comment includes all of the info that I asked for - ;))
AND - even if your name is on the LEFTIES list already - you STILL need to leave me a comment - so that I know that you WANT to play!!

That’s it -

THIS game is all about the BUTTONS - ;))

You can play whether you are LEFT-HANDED or RIGHT-HANDED -

You can play whether you have a blog or not -

Possible FIVE points - if you are already on the list -
Possible FOUR points - if you are a "newbie" -

POINTS will convert into “names in a hat” - the more points you have - the more slips of paper with your name on it - and more is better - ;))

WINNER will be chosen by “pulling one name out of the hat” - ‘cuz I don’t know how to do that “Random # Generator” thingy - and really don’t want to spend any time trying to figure it out - I would rather SEW - ;))

PRIZE - One "Scrapbag" from Keepsake Quilting -
12 regular 1/4 yard cuts - 9” x WOF - THREE YARDS of quality fabric -
Winner will be given a choice of several scrapbags - so there is bound to be SOMETHING you like - and who doesn’t want/need THREE YARDS?? ;))

Obviously I will need some way to contact the winner - so make sure that you or your blog have/has an email contact listed. If I can’t contact you - you can’t win - simple as that.

I will announce the winner as soon as I check the blogs - “analyze” and “tabulate” the results - make the slips - and pull the name - hopefully by the end of the week.

In the meantime -

You should go visit everybody on the LEFTIES list -

And leave a comment that A LEFT-HANDED QUILTER sent you -

Just for fun -

After all -

That’s what the list is FOR -

And -

You never know -

You might make a new friend - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

===

How To Grab a Button -

I don't know what kind of computer or browser or internet service provider, etc. that you have - and I don't want to insult your intelligence - but I can run you through the steps that I took to get the button to show on my other blog. Hopefully (full of hope) it will work for you - if not - we can try something else.

First - log in and get to your "Dashboard"

Choose the "Design" tab on your blog
to get the "Add and Arrange Page Elements" screen

Choose - "Add a gadget"
Pick the one that says - "HTML/Javascript"

You should get a box that says -
"Configure HTML/Javascript"

"Title" - leave this blank - once the button shows up it really is redundant
Make sure the right hand side says - "Rich Text" mode

"Content" -
Copy and paste the code that appears in the box below the button you are "grabbing" -

Left Click on - SAVE - in the bottom right corner -
(Believe it or not - I have forgotten this simple step!)

That should send you back to the "Add and Arrange Page Elements" screen

Left Click on "Preview" - the button should be there - all pretty and pink (We hope!)

If it is - close the "Preview" window and go back to the "Add and Arrange Page Elements" screen

Now - you can "drag and drop" the gadget to wherever you want
(I like it close to the top - so I don't have to scroll down to see it - )

If it isn't there - let me know - and we can try something else -

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Happy St. Patrick's Day - 2012

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY EVERYBODY!!

Today is all about being IRISH

And the wearing of the GREEN!!

GREEN RULES!!

Last year -

Judee -

Meinca-mainer - did a post asking for photos of GREEN quilts -
And I sent her some photos of one of mine -
Noriko's Bear Paw.

In exchange for photos -
She offered to send a fat quarter to all who responded.
So I asked her to send me her "ugliest" fat quarter - just for fun!

She sent me a GORGEOUS fat quarter - here - ;))
If you do a "search" for Ladies -
You will get a list of all of those posts -
And you can see what I did with it - ;))

Michele -

And then I entered Noriko's Bear Paw
In Michele's Weekly Themed Contest -

and I WON!

Me -

And - while I was looking for any quilt that I had made that was GREEN -
For Judee and Michele -

You will never guess what I found -

This is the "second" thing I ever made -
A Green/Pink Apron and Matching Potholder -
In 7th grade Home-Ec class
I even have the pattern -
It takes only one yard of "material" as it was called back then.
And yes, I am that old!
I don't think they even have Home-Ec classes any more - do they?
That's too bad - they really should!

Here's a close-up of the pocket - not bad for a kid - huh?

What fun!!

Almost makes me want to make another one - well, almost - not quite!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

Orca Bay - Red Extra - B - Red Cornerstones

So I think that I have a plan -
Thanks to EQ7 -
Gotta luv that program!! ;))

Now I need some 2” squares -
Got a die for that -
Cuts 6 at a time -
Four layers -
Paper on top to help with “static cling” -
Run it through -

And get this -
"Perfectly normal” according to customer service -
"Annoying as hell" according to me - ;))

Cut me a bunch of those -
And then CLIP me a bunch of those - ;))

And go digging in my stash -
For what I need -
For the next step -


Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

Applique Thursday - 3/15/12

This is Thursday -

And - for over a month now -

I have decided to link up with Angie -

A Quilting Reader's Garden -

on her Applique Thursdays -

Check out her blog for some wonderful applique eye-candy -

My contribution this week is from my Ellen Heck class -

QJ - Floral Applique -

Part III - JUNE 2002

And - if you are a New Reader -

Welcome!! ;))

If you would like to "catch up" on the series -

Please go to the top of the page -

Find the tab/page that says -

QJ - Floral Applique -

And start at the beginning - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

Orca Bay - Red Extra - A - All Trimmed

So I got all 45 of them trimmed -
Haven’t made the extra ones yet -

Just laid them out -
Stacked and labeled the rows -

And - NO - I am not going to sew it together in rows -
That’s just so that they don’t get out of order -

They still have the paper on the back -
So they won’t stick to the design wall -

And I’m too lazy to pin them all up there -
To keep them from blowing off -
Like the Orca Bay Bones blocks did last week - ;))

So - now I’m going to play in EQ7 -
To see if I really have to make more blocks -

Or if I can come up with something -
That will use the ones I already have -

Oh - and now that the blocks are done -
(I’m calling them DONE - until I know that I HAVE to make more - ;))

I can move this puppy -
From -
Stage 7.  Need Block Construction - Partially Done - etc.

To -
Stage 6.  Need Top Construction - Layout - Borders - etc.

Onward and Upward - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -

LHQ - Review - Ruler - Easy Square Jr.

LEFT-HANDED QUILTING - Review - Ruler - Easy Square Jr.

============
Note - these instructions are written in LEFTISH.
If you are right-handed - just reverse the directions.
============

Today I want to show you a REALLY cool little ruler -

That Left-Handed Quilters can use - hassle-free - ;))

My kind of ruler!! ;))

But first -

Disclaimer -
I am in no way affiliated with the manufacturer or supplier of this product - to my knowledge.
I did not get this product for FREE in exchange for a review - aka barter. I paid for it.
I have no intention of slandering or libeling anyone or any product.
I am simply stating my opinions - I could be wrong - you may disagree.
My opinions are based on my experience with this product - your results may vary.
I think that about covers it - if I missed something - let me know.
I am not a lawyer - and I am just trying to cover my a$$. ;)).
===

I read about this ruler on Bonnie Hunter’s blog - Quiltville's ® Quips & Snips!!
I had seen it before - but already had another brand - so I wasn’t interested -
Until it came time to replace the one I had - and I took another look -

It’s called the
EASY SQUARE JR.
By Sharon Hultgren
Made by EZ Quilting
Antioch, N USA 37013
Made in China

Description -
This little ruler is Square - duh! ;))
And measures 6-1/2” -
It has a 1/4” dashed line around the perimeter of the ruler -
So that you can see the 6” square in the middle -
And the 1/4” seam allowance all around the edges -

Where you can get it - 

You should check your Local Quilt Shop and your favorite suppliers -
As prices do vary - and some items may be on sale - or not - ;))
EZ Quilt
JoAnn

Some other sites that may or may not have stuff are -
Nancy's Notions
Clotilde

What I LIKE about this ruler -

The LARGE easy-to-read numbers around the edges -
The fact that the numbers read 1-2-3-4-5-6 from LEFT to RIGHT -
And from TOP to BOTTOM -

What I DON’T like about this ruler -

There are no “grabber” thingys on the bottom side -
So it MAY slip on your fabric -
But that’s not really something that bothers me -
Because I don't usually have that problem -
And there are thingys you can get if you want them -
And besides - as A LEFT-HANDED QUILTER -
The "grabber" thingys usually wind up being on the TOP side anyway -
If I have to "flip" the ruler - ;))

How I use it to Square up a block -

It is perfect if I want to measure or square up my
Orca Bay RED - Extra blocks - to 5-1/2” square -

Just line up the BOTTOM RIGHT corner of the ruler -
At the 5-1/2” lines -
With the BOTTOM RIGHT corner of the block -

Trim UP the LEFT SIDE - of the block -
And ACROSS the TOP -

Turn the block around -
And do it again -

No flipping the ruler OVER - BACK - or SIDEWAYS -
The numbers go in the CORRECT direction -
And are EASY TO READ -

How I use it to cut a 45 degree diagonal - 
 
Line up the 45 degree diagonal line with the edge of a strip -
With both of the 1” line markers at the top of the strip -
 

Cut along the LEFT side of the ruler -
Perfect 45 degree cut -

But - as A Left-Handed Quilter - 

It’s easier for me to start at the “other” end of the strip -
And work my way to the LEFT side -

Would I recommend this ruler?
 
YES

===

How’s that for my first review?
I’m not sure of the format -
May change it up a bit -
But I think I covered the basics -
Let me know what you think - OK?
Or if I missed anything. - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -