Snowed in Again!

Yep, snowed in again.  My poor Chicago-land friends are really taking a beating today.  I made the most of it by sewing.

Thanks MB for sending me this fabulous fabric I just love it.



I received it yesterday and it has all my favorite "down home, Chicago" themes on it.  I used it on the back of my Midnight Stars, Quilt Along from Lori's Blog.  


The colors were just right for it.



I loved Lori's idea of doing hanging diamonds, but I was engrossed in Iron Chef and turned it wrong and ended up with dropped diamonds.  Doh!  I really wanted to try it her way, as I usually do it this way - next time!

I didn't mark it and just let the lines fall where they may.  I agree with Lori, it gives it an old fashion - devil may care look :)



Doesn't that black fabric look like a bacterial virus?  I used this funny little black cat, like my Luna, and the computer for the label.

Happy Birthday to my friend Sheila!  She received this quilt for her special day.  I quilted it with cross hatches - my favorite no mark method.

I've also made more rag balls - I just can't stop.  After I trim off batting, it must be rolled and covered with homespun -



Lastly, my daughter received an acceptance letter from her 1st choice college today, Miami of Ohio.  She was home to receive it and be the first to know - it was a thrill and I was grateful for the chilled champagne on hand!  Congratulations Hanna!

Tea Time!

Happy Friday from Snowy Northern New Jersey!

***Added on Saturday - I forgot to include information on where I got my thimble - thanks Glenn!  here is a link to T.J. Lane's marvelous thimbles.***

Last weekend I brewed up some tea to dye muslin.  My friend, Wendy, first inspired me with her homemade dyed fabrics.

I used Moda muslin and made loose gathered balls.

I brewed up a pot of strong tea, using flavors I don't fancy.

Submerge muslin and steep for about 20-30 mins.

rinse in cool water, dry and iron and viola!  New newly modeled fabric is on the left - hard to get a good photo - it's a little sutle.

Here is another shot with a little more contrast - my drink mat.

I also aged my vintage santa redwork.  I used a spray bottle with first tea, then coffee.  I'm pleased with it - again a little hard to see it.

the spray bottle gives it a really authentic look of aging.

I have also been making rag balls.  I saw then on Lucy's Blog and I thought they were so charming - I plan to make more of them.

I think they are addictive.  I used homespun and next time I think I'll rip the strips for a little fraying.  Thanks Lucy!

I'm embarassed to say I'm behind on my quilt along - here is what I have so far - hopefully this weekend I'll finish it - I really like it - thanks again, Lori!



Have a great weekend everyone!