Lily Pad Quilting

Hop on over to SewBittersweet Designs!

2012-03-05T10:37:00.001-08:00

Today, Melissa at SewBittersweet Designs is doing us the honor of reviewing our Ole Frog Eyes site --- the virtual design wall for quilters.

It takes up absolutely no space on your wall.

It doesn't require you to spread your blocks on the floor, and then hope that your toddler, your pets, or the gremlins that took up residence in your stash will mess them up!

It is reasonably priced.

I hear what you are thinking. Did you know that I could do that? Did you think your mom was the only one who had that special power? (wink)

You're thinking, "Well, she thinks it's a great site because her daughter is the one that wrote the software -- so she's prejudiced and she would think it was wonderful, even if it wasn't." Au contraire, little bear!

But if you still think that, check out what Melissa has to say . . . she's not related to us, and she still likes it! (Grin)

So, hop on over there and read her post --- you might even win a free trial month membership!

Love,

Starting on Sunday . . . "Farmer's Wife in Your Life" bloghop!

2012-03-03T00:30:00.000-08:00

<center><a href="http://www.loveaffairwithmybrother.com/search/label/farmer%27s%20wife%20in%20your%20life<br />  <br /> " target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Farmer's Wife in Your Life" src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x240/redredreeves/farmerswifebutton1-1.png<br />  <br /> " width="150"/></a></center>

Farmer's Wife in Your Life is a series inspired by The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird. The series will focus on using 6" quilt blocks in everyday sewing projects.

It starts with a preview post on Jolly Jabber on Sunday, March 4th!

There will be three full weeks of fun!

Here's the schedule:

Inspiration and Tutorials from Designers

Blog Hop

Week 1

March 4-Sunni is guest-posting on Jolly Jabber

March 5-Love Affair with my Brother

March 6-Craizee Corners

March 7-Lilypad Quilting

March 8-Love Affair with my Brother

March 9-Clover & Violet

Week 2

March 12-Mommy for Reals

March 13-A Colorful Life

March 14-It's Sew Kiki

March 15-Lilypad Quilting

March 16-Why Not Sew? Quilts

Week 3

March 19-Love Affair with my Brother

March 20-Echinops & Aster

March 21-Life's Rich Pattern

March 22-Ellison Lane Quilts

March 23-Love Affair with my Brother

Linky Party

Linky Party will be open from March 24-31 with 2 winners announced the next week. You can link up any project that is inspired by The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt and uses anywhere from just one, to nine of the 6" finished quilt blocks. The blocks do not have to come from the book.

Please link up a blog post or Flickr photo for your entry.

Judges

Sunni says, "I just nearly died when both of these amazing ladies agreed to act as judges!"

Laurie Aaron Hird, author of The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt
Michele Foster, Quilting Gallery

The third judge will be Sunni Bolger, Love Affair with my Brother

Prizes

The Intrepid Thread is sponsoring a FQ bundle of the amazing Cosmos by Dan Bennett for Rowan.

Fat Quarter Shop is sponsoring a FQ Bundle of gorgeous Poetica by Pat Bravo for Art Gallery Fabrics.

Padsworth and I are looking forward to seeing the projects the designers have completed, and we hope you will jump in and enter a project in the linky party, too! There are some great prizes there!

Love,

Did Someone Mention Prizes? (May for Me Bingo update)

2012-03-03T00:02:00.000-08:00

All of you special Bingo-lovin' peeps who are digging through your stashes to find novelty prints, and making your Bingo cards, take a look at Tonya's post at Hillbilly Handiworks . . .

She tells you how to win, and then tells you what you can win!!

Hope you are making your Bingo card, and getting ready for May for Me!

Love,

Padsworth picks the thread . . .

2012-03-02T01:35:00.004-08:00

Padsworth is having more adventures in the sewing room! The little guy just wants so badly to help with the sewing and quilting. He heard me mumbling about a certain color of thread, and the next thing I knew . . .

(no frogs were harmed in the taking of this picture)

He's fun to have around! Stay tuned, because I have two projects going at once, and there will be a review coming up soon, too!

Love,

Happy Leap Day! Announcing May For Me Bingo!

2012-02-29T00:02:00.002-08:00

Since this is Padsworth's favorite day, and it only comes once every four years, it's fitting that we make a lot of fuss, and wish every one of you a

Hoppy Leap Day!!!

I also want to join my blogging buddies in announcing the May for Me Bingo Games! There will be four blogs that share in this adventure:

                                      Vrooman's Quilts

                                      Hillbilly Handiworks

                                      Crafty Sewing and Quilting

                                      Lilypadquilting (you're already here!)

Sharon, Tonya, Marcia, and moi will be your guides on this fun, month-long escapade. Yes, it will be in the month of May . . . but you have some work to do, in order to be ready!

We've given you plenty of time, so don't grumble and be a cranky-pants! Here is what you need to make:

Yes!! It's your very own Bingo card, and it's made with fun novelty prints! You'll notice that the "B" row is all blue prints or a blue item, the "I" row is yellow, the "N" row has red (and the free square), the "G" row has green, and finally the "O" row has purple!

Pop on over to Sharon's blog (Vroomans Quilts . . . click right here and you'll be there in a flash) and she has posted all of the details --- including a tutorial on how to make your own Bingo card.

You have lots of time to ~~beg squares from your quilting buddies~~, er ~~snitch them while they aren't looking~~, er pull novelty prints from your stash and some of you might even win some squares from Marcia at her blog! Tonya will be giving you the rules of the game at her blog. Be sure to hop to all four of the blogs at the links up there today, and enjoy the start of our May for Me 2012 bloghop!!

Now, I hesitate to mention this, but Padsworth is nudging me and telling me to say, "There will be giveaways, and even a grand prize!"
And this grand prize will truly be grand --- Green Fairy Quilts is sponsoring a lovely jelly roll of Tend the Earth by Deb Strain . . . feast your eyes on this beauty:

Oops! I really should have sounded the "drool alert" warning on that one, shouldn't I? (Grin) Padsworth is such an enabler, isn't he? He wanted to make sure you saw it!

Have fun hopping!!
I'm linking up today with The Shady Porch "Rock and Share" party!

Love,

There's a Frog in my Sewing Room!

2012-02-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

Still working with my apples!

I'm making pinwheels today. I whipped out two of these puppies last night before I fell into bed, and I hope to get some more done after work today . . .

You can tell it was late, because my lighting is pretty bad. But you can see the apples!

Oh, and there really is a frog in my sewing room. You've heard me mention Padsworth, right? Well, Elby and I wanted to come up with a video featuring Padsworth, and didn't really find a froggie that was "just right." (Yes, really, and truly, a video . . . we're going to make him a movie star one day!)

So, we created a plushie. That was ~~difficult,~~ er ~~nerve-wracking~~, er fun. (All those tiny little seams!) And now he shows up in my sewing area frolicing and making me laugh. I hope you like him --- he's really kinda cute, I think. (Please say nice things about him, if you comment. I have caught him looking over my shoulder sometimes when I'm at the computer. I don't want him to feel sad.)

Today he was offering to pass me pins for my piecing . . .

So, say hello to Padsworth, and have a happy day of sewing!

Love,

Winner of the Big Giveaway!

2012-02-27T07:06:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited!!! Today is the day we choose our BIG winner!!

Not that the winner herself or himself is large . . . it's the prize package that is so big!!

Let's get to this quickly -- I can't stand the suspense.

OK, Mr. Random Number Generator, who is our winner?

Alrighty, let's see who number 219 is . . .

It's ILuvmybugs!! And here is her "funny" that she left in her comment:

Congratulations! We'll be contacting you by email for your shipping info, and packing up all those goodies to send them on to you.

A great, big Lilypad "THANK YOU" to all of you who entered our giveaway, too. We're going to keep on working to make this blog a happy addition to your day!

Love,

Mmmmmmm . . . Apples!

2012-02-25T19:04:00.000-08:00

Want to enter our biggest giveaway yet? Well, you have two options. You can climb on Padsworth's back and hop, hop, hop to that blog post. Or you can click here and get there a lot faster!! But go!! Enter to win!!

I'd love to let you in on my new project . . .

But I can't yet. (Wink)

I can show you a glimpse . . .

a sneaky peek . . .

. . . but that's all for now!! I sure am getting hungry for a nice, crisp apple!! Pretty soon I'll be introducing you to the talented designer of these scrumptious fabrics, and we'll even have some of them up for grabs! (I do spoil you peeps, don't I? Heehee! But that's 'cause all of you are really special!)

Love,

Want to See Something Amazing?

2012-02-24T00:02:00.001-08:00

Awww, you know you do!

I want you to click on this link, and go to Ole Frog Eyes gallery to see my sister's Civil War block of the month quilt . . . You are going to be so glad that you did!

It is absolutely gorgeous!

Leave her some comment love here at the Lilypad, or over at her blog. Or if you are an Ole Frog Eyes member, you can comment below her quilt!

Don't forget to enter our delicious giveaway, here at this link, OK? It's a hum-dinger!

Love,

Quilt Kit Market gift certificate winner!!

2012-02-23T06:26:00.000-08:00

Whooo hooo! Somebody is going to win a $50 gift certificate to the Quilt Kit Market today! I wonder who it will be?

Keep the Quilt Kit Market bookmarked after this giveaway . . . they are a wonderful resource for kits to make lovely quilts FAST!! And you may remember this quilt top that I completed:

This is only one of the many gorgeous quilt kits that they have available! So please be sure to shop there often, and tell them you appreciate their sponsorship of the Lilypadquilting blog!

Now, without further ado (don't ya love it when they say that?) we'll let Mr. Random pick our winner . . .

Now let's see who No. 229 is --- why it's Quilter in the Gap!!

(I know, it says 29, but after 200 the "official number-er" starts over again...) Thanks, Quilter in the Gap; we always appreciate the quilters who help us spread the word, so it's nice to award the prize to one of our PR Angels!! I'll be emailing you to get your shipping info momentarily!

Hope everyone has a quilt-y day! And don't forget our humongous giveaway, going on now! Click here to enter to win!

Love,

Celebrating with a Giveaway! (Giveaway closed now, but thanks for stopping by!)

2012-02-22T12:41:00.002-08:00

I'm so grateful that we have over 600 followers now, that are peeping out from the right-hand sidebar, and we have others that follow through our RSS feed, too! You guys and gals are the best!

Today we offer a wonderful prize package for you! We have several kind sponsors who have helped us out with the goodies, so let me show you all the great stuff the lucky winner will receive:

Quite a haul, isn't it? Here's a list of the items, with some photos and descriptions . . .

You can see that there's a copy of Interweave's Stitch magazine, full of projects AND patterns. It's an awesome resource for quilters and crafters.

There's a sample package of Sulky thread. This was in a prize pack that I won from McCall's Quilting, and I'm paying it forward, passing it on to one of you special peeps:

Now let's look at some of the other prizes . . .

This gorgeous Floral Fancies panel is sponsored by Kelly, at IHAN. Want to know all about the latest tools of the trade? Want to order them at really great prices? Would you like to experience awesome customer service and orders carefully packed by obsessive compulsive elves? (Wink) You can get all of the above from the IHAN online store. I hope you will take some time to look at the many things she has in the shop; I know you'll have fun looking around. Just click on that link and check it out!
Oh, and here's another prize sponsored by Kelly; the Mighty Bright -- fasten your peepers on this:

Kelly has some of the neatest options for lighting your work, in her store. These little guys are absolutely awesome - take my word for it, cos I ordered a set for me! You can clip them almost anywhere; my favorite way to use them is when I'm hand-stitching on a quilt or a stitchery, and I don't want to disturb anyone around me. (You know, like when you turn on the lamp and it casts a glare on the television, or gets in someone's eyes . . .) The LED light in it is very bright, but only shines in the direction that I choose, so it is very discreet. There are two in the package, and I am in love with mine!
Kelly is a doll to sponsor the lights and the panel --- I appreciate it, my friend!

Next up at bat is Colonial Needle --- the prizes they sponsored are actually inside that patchwork pouch in the picture, but we'll show you pictures, anyway. (The pouch is handmade by moi, by the way!)
Colonial Needle is a company that I discovered after I won a prize in Madame Samm's Wantobe campaign. I'd love to tell you about them, because I have personal experience with their products.

Have you ever reached into your sewing bag or tote, and when you pull out your hand, you've been scratched by one of your needles? I used to just stick my needle through the lining of my tote, and I was always getting poked or scratched!

I don't any more! Enter the John James "Pebble" from Colonial Needle! These sweet little pebbles keep your needles enclosed, and safely away from your hands until you pop open the top!

Here is what the web site says about the Pebbles:

Fine Quality Needles in a "Pebble" -The John James Pebbles are designed to store your hand needles safely, making them instantly visible and easily accessible in your sewing box, craft bag, top drawer or even your handbag. Each needle style comes in its own elegant and distinctive color for quick identification.

Personally, I have found that these are the absolute best needles I have had the good fortune to use! Seriously. I would love for all of you to try them, but obviously I can't give all of you one of the Pebbles! I would encourage you to check out the Colonial site and see them, and get a Pebble for yourself --- each color of Pebble is a different type of needles: embroidery, chenille, beading, quilting, and more!

Now, there is a Pebble in the pouch, and there are also some extra goodies tucked in, that Colonial Needle graciously supplied . . .

That pouch is just packed full of excitement, and I would like to thank the folks at Colonial Needle for their generosity in helping with this giveaway! I hope you'll take a moment and go check out their site, too! They have gorgeous sewing baskets, cool, high-quality tools to go in them, and lots more for your quilting and sewing delight! Spend some time shopping there, and tell them Snoodles sent you, OK?

Now, would you like to see some of those fabrics, up close and personal? Do you have a hankie ready? I guarantee these are drool-worthy, so be prepared!

First we have two fat quarters from the Scribble line, from Timeless Treasures. Pretty, huh?

Also in the package are these two beauties . . . I couldn't find a selvage id on the polka dot, but there is a full yard of it! The one on top is a half yard cut of Flora Lane, by Laura Berringer. Scrumptious!

How about a stack of TWELVE fat quarters? Lots of variety here, to build your stash, and all of these are quilt shop quality, too.

This is in there, too --- though I have to apologize for the blurry picture. I'm not positive, but I think these two fat quarters are from the Sausilito line. They're pretty, anyway!

This lovely bundle is four fat quarters of What's Cookin by Loralie, for Quilting Treasures. Super cute prints with chefs, pots and pans, utensils and polka dots!

Here are two sweet fat quarters from Blank Quilting --- I was afraid to look for a name on the selvage, for fear I wouldn't get them back into that pretty ribbon! (Grin)

Last, but not least, a gorgeous piece of Katagami by Red Rooster, and a quilt pattern to go with the full yard of fabric.

At this point, you need to wipe up your keyboard and the desk/countertop/your lap, and enter to win all of these awesome prizes! Here is how you do it!!

It's going to be easy this time . . .

Leave one comment to tell me you are a follower, old or new.
2nd comment - tell me something funny that's happened recently to you (If you can't think of anything, just tell me a joke! Let's keep it clean, tho, OK?)

We'll leave this one open through Sunday night, and announce our winner on Monday, February 27th. Sound good? Well, let the commenting begin - and make me chuckle!

Love,

Golden Quilter Awards 2012

2012-02-22T01:09:00.004-08:00

It's that time of year again!

It's time to celebrate the folks that help us be the best that we can be! Nominations are now being accepted in these categories:

Best Quilt Designer
Best Quilt Teacher/Instructor
Best Quilt book Author
Best Quilt Store (physical)
Best Quilt Store (online)
Best Longarm Quilter
Most Innovative Product (physical)
Most Innovative Product (software)
Most influential person in the world of quilting to-date, aka "Lifetime Achievement"
Best Quilt book publisher

Nominations will be accepted through Sunday, March 4th. Nominations can come from anyone, so get involved! Think about who has inspired you . . . who has given you great service . . . who has taught you . . . see what I mean? The ideas are popping into your head right now!

Here is an important caveat:

For nominations to be accepted, they need to recognize someone or a business, that is truly "in the quilting business" and can be contacted through a website. As such, you will also be asked to provide a website for your nominees. If you do not provide a website and one can not be found, that nominee will not be recognized when it comes time to vote.

And here is another important note: Have all of your nominations ready when you want to submit --- you can't do it in ten installments, OK? (Grin)

If you have all the information you need to submit your nominations now, click this link "submit nominations" to proceed. If not, come back once you are ready. To clarify, once you submit your nominations you are not able to add or change your nomination. All nominations are confidential, but your contact information is requested as you are also entered to win a prize, when you submit a nomination and again, when you come back to vote.

After the nominations close, SewCalGal will do the important work of verifying the data and compiling the list so that all the members of the quilting community can vote. That list will be published on March 12th, and voting will begin.

Winners will be announced on April 2, and you know who gets to party? We all do! There are sponsored prizes up for grabs!

The winners of the prizes will be announced on April 3.

Now, your mission, should you choose to accept, is to nominate the people, the businesses, and the products that you feel should win.
Oh, and while you are at it? Leave a little love for SewCalGal, and let her know that you appreciate all of her hard work in organizing this!

Love,

Snoodles, the Dragon-Slayer

2012-02-21T04:00:00.002-08:00

Are you a confident quilter? Or are there some fearsome dragons lurking about?

I bet you are shaking your head . . . "She's really gone off her crumpet now," you're saying. (Don't ya love some of the lines in Mary Poppins? Grin)

No, I haven't gone off my crumpet! And I bet you will recognize some of these bad boys when you hear their names! (Some of 'em are going to sound very much like dinosaurs . . . that's just part of the game.)

Intimid-actyl

This ne'er do well swoops down and whispers in your ear (his breath is terrible), reminding you about the talented designers and bloggers out there. He makes you feel really intimidated, which can stop you in your tracks if you are trying to design something new and different . . .

Neverbefore-asaurus

This bad boy pours out the negative vibes, and doesn't hesitate to mention that you have never. done. that. before. And of course, the implication is that you'll be terrible at it, if you take your courage in your hands and give it a try.

Noskill-ceratops

This sturdy looking dude is another bummer waiting to happen. All he wants to talk about is how you don't have the skills to attempt what you want to try. Nope. Don't got 'em. Don't got the tools, either.

Fearus-maximus

Ole' Fearus is a master at making you quake in your boots. He has a lot of well-worn lines, like: "Aren't you scared to cut into those fat quarters? You know they are out of print, now. If you make a mistake, you'll be sorry . . . "

Diss-raptor

See those eyes? That is the color you'll be seeing when he finishes talking. He's going to tell you about the comments that people will leave . . . about how they already saw this on someone else's blog (and they did it better), and how your craftsmanship is sadly lacking, and lots of other really sweet things. According to him, there are a lot of harpies out there, ready to dice you into little bits with their comments.

Well, I, Snoodles, am a dragon slayer. Whoaaaaa, what's that? You want proof? Can't you see these carcasses lying around? (Wink)

I will part with the secret to my success in slaying these dragons, if you like. Ya want to hear it? Lean closer. Yeah, right up next to the screen, so you'll hear.

I JUST JUMPED IN AND DID IT!!!!!

That's a real revelation, isn't it? (Grin) Here's the story . . . I was asked to write a guest post for the blog of a talented designer and art quilter. First thing you know, here comes Mr. Intimi-dactyl, and intimidation sets in. Then I started thinking about what I would try to do for the post, and Mr. Neverbefore-asaurus starts in with all his negative vibes. Then Mr. Noskill-ceratops and Mr. Fearus-maximus tag-teamed me, and by the time Mr. Diss-raptor pointed his red eyes my way, I was down for the count.

But this talented designer was encouraging, and she let me have way more time than she should have --- she knew I was struggling.

So I figured that instead of being intimidated by her skills and talent, I would be inspired by them. FWUMP!! (That was Mr. Intimi-dactyl hitting the ground.)

Then I told myself that there are many things that I have done in my life, that I had to learn how to do --- and it all starts with taking that very first step: jumping in and starting the project! CRASH!!! (That was Mr. Neverbefore-saurus falling flat on his dragony face.)

Next I took on that tag-team; I researched the technique that I wanted to use, and got out some out-of-print fabrics that I thought would work well. DOUBLE SPLAT!!!! (That was Mr. Noskill-ceratops and Mr. Fearus-maximus colliding with each other and falling unconscious.)

Lastly, I told Mr. Diss-Raptor that I knew the virtual quilting community was not filled with folks who would insult me, but people who would encourage me, and appreciate the effort that I put into the project. BOOM!!! (That was Mr. Diss-Raptor keeling over in a faint.)

Now, if you would like to see the project that all of this story-telling was about, just pop over to Jackie's blog, at Jackie's Art Quilts and see what I jumped in and did!

But before you pop over there, tell me --- have you slain any dragons lately?

(No dragons were harmed as a result of this blog post, and any similarities between the dragons in this story and any dragons living or dead, is purely coincidental.)

Love,

Announcing our Valentine's Winner - Accuquilt Hop!

2012-02-20T00:37:00.001-08:00

Whew! Wow, with all that hopping around, I'm exhausted! Wasn't it great, though? So many talented folks with great ideas for love-ly Valentine projects!

Well, we are ready to announce the winner of our fat quarter bundle (and die-cut hearts) giveaway!

Ready Mr. Random?

He chose comment number 145 . . .

Congratulations, Kathy!!

I'll be emailing you for your shipping information, and the fabric and cut-outs will be winging their way to you!

Be sure to come back soon! We'll announce the winner of the $50 gift certificate to the Quilt Kit Market on Thursday (so click here to enter), and we are almost ready for the fabulous over-600-followers giveaway, too!

Love,

Pouting . . .

2012-02-19T00:02:00.000-08:00

Sigh.

Padsworth is pouting. And it is all your fault. Well, some of you, anyway! No, no, I'm just kidding!

But I (and Padsworth, too) really do feel badly about not being able to reply to all of the wonderful comments on the Accuquilt bloghop post --- you know, the one with the Trios mugrug?

I try very hard to answer all of the comments, and there are just a few that I've been unable to track down . . . the elusive "no-reply bloggers" are escaping me! SewGirl, Marjoesa, Kearstie, and a few others . . .

All of the comments made on this blog are automatically sent into my inbox, (which is why you get replies from me). So, if you don't hear from me, I am not ignoring you -- I just can't reach you. If you have the correct settings in your Blogger profile, your email address comes with it, allowing me to reply directly to you via email. If your settings aren't correct, you are a no-reply blogger, and I have no way of contacting you. (I have tracked a couple of you down, and sent you a message or commented on your own blogs, but some of you don't have blogs, so I'm STUCK!)

So, this is what you do: In blogger.com, click on Dashboard. Select Edit Profile. Check the box for "Show my Email Address." Save changes. That's it -- easy peasy!

Then, if your name is chosen by Mr. Random, and you are our winner, I'll be able to let you know! Yay!!

Love,

Don't forget our two giveaways going on right now --- the Quilt Kit Market $50 gift certificate, and the fat quarter bundle, too! Click on those links and enter to win! Go ahead. You know you want to. :)

Can you keep a secret?

2012-02-18T00:02:00.000-08:00

Well, actually you don't have to keep it a secret . . .

May for Me 2012 is coming!!

And we are eagerly awaiting the first announcement, which will happen on Leap Day! Leap Day just happens to be a particular favorite of Padsworth, as far as holidays go, so he is quite pleased with the turn of events. He really is excited about the upcoming activities, like the --- oops, you almost got me to spill the beans!

You'll have to tune in here at the Lilypad, over at Hillbilly Handiworks, at Crafty Sewing and Quilting, and whatever you do, don't miss the big kickoff show at Vrooman's Quilts! All four blogs will participate, and you'll want to hop around on Leap Day to get all the details!

It's going to be ever so much fun!

Love,

A Hearty Welcome to the Lilypad! (Giveaway closed)

2012-02-17T00:02:00.014-08:00

Looking for our giveaway? Well, there's one here, and one on this post, too! (Giggle!)

I'm so happy to be hosting the Accuquilt "Go Ahead and Show Some Love" blog hop today, along with Sharon, over at Craizee Corners. Welcome to the Lilypad -- I hope you enjoy your visit, and that after you do, you'll hop over to see Sharon, and check out her project, too!

I have been watching as a growing number of quilters have been enjoying their Accuquilt Go! machines, and I have seen some wonderful projects out there! I'm no exception --- I love my Go! Baby, and keep a notebook handy for jotting down ideas for using the dies that I have. And I have a wish list (posted prominently in my house) for dies that I'd love to try!

The die that I used for these projects (oops, I let the secret out. I have two projects for you today, instead of just one! Yay!) is the Hearts die, pictured here:

This is even more versatile than you would imagine at first . . . lots of possibilities here, for hearts, flowers, and more. Today we'll make a table runner that I named "You Captured My Heart," and then we'll make the bonus project.

Now, since this will actually be two tutorials, let's get prepared, OK? I need my cuppa tea,

and I'll pour one for you . . . hmmm, you got any candy left from Valentines' Day? Gack! You ate all of it the very same day? Sheesh! Well, luckily, I have some cookies right here.

Now we are ready to begin! First we need to raid our stash (or win the giveaway at the end of this post. Grin) and find some "heart-y" fabrics . . . some real Valentine show-stoppers. I found these:

After you press them smooth, you'll want to cut some rectangles to place in layers, on top of that heart die. I cut mine at about 5.5 inches wide, and about 10.5 inches long. Shhhhhh! I can hear some of you whispering that I'm being extremely wasteful here. Work with me, OK? You will see why I cut them on the large side, in a little while. Be patient. (Wink)

After we turn the crank a few times, we have an ample supply of cute hearts, in three sizes. I shudder to think of the time it would have taken me to trace around a template, and then ~~mess up~~, er, ~~pull out a few hairs~~, er, obsess about cutting directly on that line and getting perfect heart shapes! The Go! Baby makes it sew easy! See?

By the way, hang on to those "outsides" . . . the outer edges of the rectangles of fabric. After you free the hearts from the die, gently lay the outsides over to the side, and don't let them escape. We'll get back to them later.

Now, take out some white fabric, or some white-on-white, like I did, and cut two 12.5 inch squares, and three rectangles. The rectangles will be 12.5 inches long and 6.5 inches wide.

Now, separate your hearts - you want to have a random appearance, not all of one color together . . . four medium ones will go on each rectangle, like this:

I liked the way they looked when I let them twirl around a little, but if you like them all in a row, with the points going in the same direction, that's cool, too. (What can I say, I had Billy Joel bopping in the background and I just didn't feel like having them all in a straight line!)

Now, I know that many of you are quite expert at the steam-a-seam and other fusible methods of applying shapes for applique. I just want to 'fess up here, and say that I really took a short cut. Well, maybe not a short cut, but I definitely didn't play by the rules. I had some interfacing left over from sewing projects (you remember that stuff you put in collars and such, while the home ec teacher stood over you and glared) - and it was fusible. It was stiffer than the more "with it" fusibles, but I figured this was a table runner --- not a quilt or a wearable, so I fused that white on white rectangle to a smaller rectangle of the interfacing, and then machine stitched around the hearts!

I love how crisp the stitching looks - and I kept the hearts on top in the right places with my trusty Lapel Stick (gotta love that little guy - he works great!).

Next, I folded the 12.5 inch square in half, first north to south, and then unfolded it and folded it again, east to west. (If you have Billy Joel on your player, and decide you want to break some rules, you could fold yours south to north, and then west to east. I won't rat on you.) Then I had creases to help me lay out the large hearts. Like so:

See the creases? (Sorry, I forgot to snap an individual photo of that, before I stitched 'em down!)

I stuck the hearts in place with Lapel Stick, and stitched around them. Then I took the teensy hearts and put them in place, and did the same thing. Here is what I had at that point:

Now it was time to trim away the excess of the interfacing. That won't be necessary if you use the steam-a-seam or what not.

Just keepin' it real, here, folks. Yes, you can see the bobbles in my machine stitching. I was trying to make the deadline and didn't un-sew and re-sew that section. Just don't tell that home ec teacher. I really don't want to see her cry.

At this point, I searched my stash and found some Kona red left- overs, and cut 1.5 inch strips to place in between the squares and rectangles, and also around the outside. I joined the decorated portions and the red strips like so:

I pinned the runner to some batting, and using some red Presencia Finca thread, stitched "Hugs," and "Kisses," and "Love," and "XOX" on the large squares. I am a sucker for sappy stuff, have you noticed?
Then I used some Kona black for the backing, and outline stitched the hearts, and stitched in the ditch around all of the white areas.
I used narrow strips of the black for binding, too.

Here's another look at the whole runner . . .

(Oops! Ignore the photographer's shoes in there!)

Now, it's time to show you that bonus project I mentioned. Need your tea warmed up? This one is called the "Trios MugRug."

Corral those "outsides" that you laid to one side earlier, and let's look them over. We want to choose two that we think will play well together. This is one of the ones that I chose:

Now you want to choose a fabric that will show behind the heart cut outs . . . place it carefully, so that your hearts are "filled up."

Now, flip it over . . .

Voila!! . . . yep, this technique its called reverse applique, and this is a cool short cut, all courtesy of your Accuquilt Go! machine!
You want to carefully stitch around the hearts, but this time, you want to have your stitches overlap onto the top fabric --- the piece we called the "outside." Put some of that interfacing or a foundation fabric like muslin on the back side for stability. I'm not too good at explaining, so here are those pictures that are worth thousands of words:

There's the interfacing . . .

And here's the stitching.

Now, after you stitch all the way around the trio of hearts on this one, do the same thing with the other "outside" piece that you chose, and then join them with a quarter-inch seam. You can now make your "sandwich" with the batting and the backing fabric.

Are you as ~~OCD~~, er, ~~Scrooge-y,~~ er, green as I am, and save all those snippets of batting from other projects? I was gifted with a wonderful product that helps me to utilize them:

If you want to see my review, it's here, and the web site where you can order is here.
After I got the sandwich made, I stitched around all three hearts with Presencia Finca 50 thread, choosing a color that would contrast nicely.

Then all that's left is to bind the edges, and your Trios mugrug is done! Now, aren't you glad you trusted me about using the scraps from your Accuquilt? (Grin)

I know this has been a long post, and if you are still hanging in there with me, you'll be happy you are --- there's a giveaway today! I have an adorable fat quarter bundle of SIX wonderful Valentine-themed fabrics and a selection of pre-cut hearts from my Go! Baby escapades for you to win!

These cuties come from one of my fav ebay stores, so if you don't win, or can't wait, look for "Steel City Stitches" on ebay - they have an awesome selection and super prices, too.

Leave me a comment about your mostest-favoritest Valentine that you ever have received, for one entry. And then because we love, love our followers, you can have an extra entry if you follow Lilypadquilting.

We'll keep this open till Sunday, and announce our winner on Monday!

Happy hopping! Go and visit Sharon now, if you haven't already stopped by Craizee Corner!

Oh! And I'm linking up today with the Valentine's Day Showcase, organized by the one and only Melissa at Sew Bittersweet Designs! Also linking with the Thursday Think Tank, too!

Love,

Don't Miss our Giveaway!

2012-02-16T00:02:00.002-08:00

If you are looking for our fantabulous Quilt Kit Market giveaway, just click here, and Padsworth will make certain that you get to the correct post, so you can enter to win!

Don't forget that the Accuquilt Bloggers hop is still ongoing . . . here are the bloggers that will present for you today:

Alicia, at Heirloom Quilting

Marjorie, at Marjorie's Busy Corner

And be sure to come back tomorrow, when it will be my turn to co-host the blog hop!

Love,

Quilt Kit Market Giveaway! (This giveaway is closed now.)

2012-02-15T00:02:00.003-08:00

Things are really hoppin' here at the Lilypad!! Aw, don'tcha like my pun? Work with me here, OK? We've got a froggie for our mascot at the virtual design wall site, so we hafta keep him happy! (Wink)

Everybody here at Lilypadquilting and over at Ole Frog Eyes is jumping with joy today --- we have a great giveaway for you!

Just a few days ago I reviewed the Quilt Kit Market site, and a wonderful kit called "Fat Quarter Fun" that made a super cute full-size quilt from the lovely So Sophie fabric line. Remember this beauty?

Today we're interviewing Michele, the brains and brawn behind the Quilt Kit Market. And she brought a $50 gift certificate with her, to give away when we are done!

Here we go . . .

1. When did you begin quilting? What made you start? I started quilting when I was 19 because I got engaged and wanted to make a quilt for our bed. I didn’t marry the guy, but I kept the fabric!

2. Why do you quilt now? I quilt because I love fabric and thread. Mixing all of the colors and the shapes just to see what you can come up with amazes me.

3.What is your favorite quilting tip? Measure twice!!!!!!!!!!!

4. What speaks to you – calls out to you, “put me in your store!”? Color. A collection that has a wide variety of colors and values draws me in. A pattern that makes good use of those colors is always a winner.

5. Are you personally drawn more to patchwork, or appliqué? Patchwork

6. Anything else you’d like to tell us about you? I am a quilting magazine junkie.

7. What would you think are the three biggest reasons to shop at Quilt Market?
1. Ordering from Quilt Kit Market allows more time for you to quilt. Just a few clicks of the mouse and within a few days a new project arrives at your door! 2. We only carrying top quality fabrics like you find in traditional quilt shops, so you know you will be getting good quality fabric. 3. Customer service - I may not always be able to answer the phone because I do work a full-time job, but I will always return your call or email and take care of whatever you need.

Now, the fun stuff!

Favorites:

What’s your favorite cookie? Girl Scout Thin Mints

Favorite sound? the ocean

Favorite place? Any island that has great weather, food and scuba diving.

Favorite fabric line? This changes just about every time we get a shipment! This week it is “A Stitch in Color” by Mara Dubrawsky

Favorite sewing tool? Rotary cutter (please don’t tell my sewing machine, he gets his feelings hurt easily.)

(This is the Comfort quilt kit, featuring the fabric line from Howard Marcus.)

Which is better?

Mountains or beach? Beach, unless the mountain overlooks the beach

Coke or Pepsi? Definitely Coke!

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate!

Coffee or tea? Tea

Dog or cat? Cats, but please don’t tell my dogs.

A movie or a book? Book

Michele, your secrets are safe with us, but the "cat's out of the bag" about the wonderful online shop you have, the Quilt Kit Market!

(This is the Christmas in New York kit, featuring Kate Spain fabrics!)

Now, Michele is going to give the lucky winner a great, big $50 gift certificate to the Quilt Kit Market!! Yay!! Hoppy froggies, but that is generous, Michele!
How do you win? I'm glad you asked! Of course, you can just do one of these to enter and maybe you'll win . . . but if you want more chances, you can do more of the choices here, and increase your chances of winning!

1. We love our followers here at the Lilypad, so first
leave me a comment if you follow.
2. Click on the Quilt Kit Market logo on the left hand
sidebar, and sign up for Michele's newsletter. Come
back and tell me that you did. You will receive a
    FREE PATTERN (excuse me for raising my voice)
    just for signing up!
3. Next, still on the Quilt Kit Market site, click on her
button for her blog, and if you follow, come and
tell me that, too!
4. Click here to check out all of the kits, and leave a
    comment telling me which one you think you would
    choose.
    You can change your mind a few times, but only
    one comment!
5. For an extra entry for each one, you may blog
about the giveaway, or tweet it, or alert your
Facebook buddies. Leave me a link so I can
see that you did, OK? :)

Whew! Lots of chances to win . . . if you do all of them, that is seven opportunities for Mr. Random to pick your comment! We'll leave this giveaway open for a week, so we'll close on Wednesday, the 22nd, and the winner will be announced on Thursday, Feb. 23!

Let the commenting begin! Good luck!
I'm linking up with Katherine's Corner, and with Kings Daughters, for the Thursday Favorite Things linky party! Check out all the participants there!
Love,

Happy, Heart-y Hugs Today!

2012-02-14T07:22:00.001-08:00

Don'tcha love this cute graphic? Madame Samm gifted it to all of us, and I thought I would share it with all of you Lilypadquilters . . . it's a smile-starter!

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!!

Love,

On the road again . . .

2012-02-14T01:02:00.000-08:00

On the second day of the Accuquilt "Go Ahead and Show Some Love" blog hop, that is!

Today's bloggers are Connie, at Quilting by the River, and Linda, at Living 4 Quilting. Be sure to check out their blogs and enjoy the projects they are showing us!

Also, if you haven't already checked it out, visit the Valentine's Showcase that Melissa has going on, over at Sew Bittersweet Designs blog. There have been some cute ideas there, too!

Happy Valentine's Day, Lilypadquilters! Give the ones you love a great big hug!

Love,

Up at Bat! and a Linky Party!

2012-02-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

Up at bat today, in the Accuquilt Bloggers "Go Ahead and Show Some Love" hop is Marjorie at Marjorie Busby, Quilter. Be sure to check out her post for an Accuquilt-made project, and then stop by the next stop on the trail, to see Ariane, at Ariane Quilts.

Lots of inspiration this week, and lots of fun!

I'm linking up today with Amy's One Thing, One Week Challenge, because I did indeed finish my goal! This quilt top was my accomplishment! It was made easier by the kit from Quilt Kit Market, that I received and reviewed.

Here it is:

This Challenge of Amy's has made it so much easier to get motivated . . . thanks, Amy!

And a big Lilypadquilting "Thank you" to all of you who voted for my memory quilt, over at the Quilting Gallery! I didn't win, but I appreciate your efforts and kind words so much!

Hey, Padsworth . . . are you sure it's legal to have this much fun? (Grin)

Love,

Accuquilt bloggers begin sharing tomorrow!

2012-02-12T00:17:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, the Valentine's week blog hop begins -- all of the host bloggers are quilters who enjoy using their Accuquilt tools, and we have a wonderful variety of projects to show you!

Here is the schedule for the week:

February 13th

Marjorie (Marjorie Busby, quilter)

Ariane (Ariane's Crafts)

February 14th

Connie (Quilting by the River)

Linda (Living 4 Quilting)

February 15th

Lisa Marie (Scraps of Life)

Marilyn (North Hills Quilters)

February 16th

Alicia (Heirloom Quilting)

Marjorie (Marjorie's Busy Corner)

February 17th

Sharon (Crazee Corners)

Snoodles (Lilypad Quilting)Yep, that's us!! (Grin)

February 18th

Stacey (Driving Miss Stacey)

Tracey (The Peony Teacup)

Paulette (Sweet P Quilting and Creations)

Paulette at Sweet P Quilting and Creations has done a great job of coordinating the hop, and I want to encourage you to visit these blogs for some great ideas and some giveaways, too! Tutorials, tips, inspiration and freebies! What more could you ask for? (White chocolate, strawberries, roses, fat quarters . . . ) Oh, sorry, that was a rhetorical question, wasn't it? (Wink)

Love,

Shameless Self Promotion . . .

2012-02-10T01:27:00.000-08:00

Can I ask for your vote? Oh, silly me, of course I can ask, but will you vote for me? As Shakespeare would say, "That is the question!"

Starting today, over at the Quilting Gallery, this weekend's contest is for commemorative quilts. Do you remember the one that I made for my mom-in-law? Lots of thirties fabrics, stitcheries, applique and patchwork.

The embroidered blocks showed favorite toys from her childhood, snippets of songs that her dad and mom sang to her (and one song that she sang to torment her little brother), even the nickname she had when she was little.

The binding is scrappy - leftovers from the thirties prints that I used.

The back and the border are that thirties "bubblegum" pink. Here is the whole quilt:

I've made up my mind that if I win, the prize will be added to my 600 follower giveaway package - so please go and vote! If you have not yet read the posts that tell the stories of each block, you can read about each of them on the Tutorials and Reviews page of Lilypadquilting! And as always, thank you for being my bloggie friends, here at the Lilypad! Big hugs!

Love,

I Gotta Loosen Up!

2012-02-09T05:59:00.000-08:00

All over blogland, the quilters are making wonky blocks, wonky houses and trees, and lots more. Looks like fun, right? And I giggled when Annie said it was really hard to do "wonky". . .

I'm not giggling any more, Annie! I agree with you now!

I'm struggling with loosening up and letting things be wonky, too. I'm trying to create an "artsy" kind of quilted piece, for a guest post over at Jackie's.

Here is what I started with:

Why is it so hard to do this? I had to try over and over to get lines that were not matchy-matchy. To get corners that didn't line up. To be wonky.

Unlike the blocks for my quilts on the virtual design wall, these scraps were not cooperating with me!

Moses Kitty was watching intently as I got more and more exasperated. Even my patient Brother machine was glaring at me as I tried to put right sides together, but have one side hanging out further than the other! This is difficult!

After a fair amount of ~~trial and error~~, uh, ~~cursing~~, um, becoming re-acquainted with my trusty seam ripper, this is what I got:

It's not very wonky, is it? Ya think it could be called artsy? Hmmmm . . .
That's the only peek you get, until I show it when I guest post!!

I'm linking up today with Katherine's Corner and The Cottage Market for the Thursday Favorite Things linky party, and with Marcia's Minutes for Me linky party, too! Stop by and see all the creative things happening at these blogs!
I'm also linking up with Sunni, at Love Affair with my Brother, for the "This Week" linky party! Fun!
Love,

Superior's Deal of the Day

2012-02-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Many of you Lilypadquilters signed up recently to receive the email newsletters from Superior Threads, and you might see an occasional message from them announcing a "Deal of the Day."

I just thought I would remind you . . . resist the urge to click through from the email. Must. Stop. Finger. On. Mouse. (Grin) Just hop over here to the Lilypad!!

They offer some super deals --- but please come and click through from the Lilypad, OK? Don't forget that the more purchases that start here, the more I can offer giveaways for you!! And we all like giveaways, right? Yes, I see the heads nodding.

So, (clearing throat) your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to go forth and shop!
But (in a theatrical whisper) please start here!! Click that blue button over there. Yes?

Love,

Thanks for the Love!

2012-02-08T00:02:00.000-08:00

Sincere thanks to Barbara of Cat Patches for recognizing me with the Versatile Blogger Award! I was floored to see her post, and I appreciate her passing the honor along to me. There are an awful lot of blogs out there, and to know that she enjoys reading mine (and that you special peeps do, too) means a lot to me.

This blog has not even marked its first-year anniversary, so I'm grateful to all of you that stop by and leave comments to encourage me along! I've made some lovely friends along the way, and that is the most valuable part of blogging - this virtual community is something very special. Thanks to all of you, and to you, Barbara!

Here are the rules that I saw on Barbara's blog:

1. Add the award to your blog.
2. Thank the blogger who gave it to you.
3. Mention seven random things about yourself. (see below)
4. List the rules.
5. Award to 15 bloggers.
6. Inform each of those 15 by leaving a comment on their blog.

Hmmm, seven things about me, huh? Let's see here . . .

                 1. I met my hubby-to-be in the library at college.

                 2. Moses, my studio cat, is eleven years young.

                 3. I would rather enjoy other flavors than chocolate - cinnamon,
                     peanut butter,...

                 4. At any moment you may hear in my studio: Beethoven, Bocelli,
                    Three Mo' Tenors, or Michael Buble.

                 5. Paper piecing makes me break out into a cold sweat of fear.

                 6. I love to make y'all laugh.

                 7. My favorite color is blue. No, this week it's orange. Well,
                     maybe tangerine.

Now, this is the hard part . . . I have a lot of blogs that I try to follow daily, and that I truly enjoy. How can I only pick fifteen? Some of these may not be open to awards, but I'd like to recognize them since I value their inspiration and creativity very highly.

                 1. The Noble Wife - Jacquelynne is a wonderful designer, love her
                     fabrics and her sketches, and her paintings, and, and, you get the idea!

                 2. Jackie's Art Quilts - Jackie is an awesome artist, and has super ideas
                     for 3 D embellishments. Love her work!

                 3. It's so Kiki - Kiera is a talented designer, and is getting some
                     well-deserved recognition lately.

                 4. The Cuddle Quilter - Lesley is so busy - I get inspired by seeing all
                     the projects she is doing - and doing so well.

                 5. The Wild Cards - Jenny makes me laugh, and I love her re-purpose
                     ideas!

                 6. Crafty Sewing and Quilting - Marcia is a talented quilter, and I love
                     seeing pictures of how she works her magic!

                 7. The Intrepid Thread - Julie shows us the most gorgeous fabrics, and
                     has wonderful giveaways and online sales, too!

                 8. Stitched by Sasha - I enjoy seeing Sasha's sewing and crafting - she
                     inspires me to try new things!

   9. The Other Side of Me - Anita keeps me straight; her posts about her
                     in-laws inspired me to start the De-Stash for Malawi project.

                10. Hillbilly Handiworks - Tonya would be my BFF if we lived closer.
                      The miles don't seem to matter, tho.

                11. Miki's Fabric Creations - Miki is so talented...she got me started
"making" fabric from scraps!

                12. Gene Black - Gene has awesome videos and tutorials - I've learned
                      a lot from him. And my sock monkey likes his sock monkeyette.

                13. Em Celebrates! - Em rocks her blog with incredible applique and
                      free motion quilting, and dispenses wisdom, too! Love ya, Em!

                14. Love Affair with my Brother - Sunni has a flair for fabric and color
                      choices that I want to have when I grow up.

                15. Joy Denise's Blog - Joy is my favorite sis, born three years earlier
                      than me (to the day). She is my only sis, too! (Grin) She awes me
                      with her piecing and colors in her projects.

Well, there you have it. There are so many other blogs that I wouldn't miss reading, but I picked these to share with all of you. I hope you click on some of them --- you may find some new favorites there!
Thanks again to Barbara for honoring my blog with this award!

Love,

Quilt Kit Market - A Review

2012-02-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

Hi there, Lilypadquilters!

Just a quick note....I'm linking up this post because there's a completed project at the end.... linking with Sunni, here:

Now, I'm going to ask you a question, and I want an honest answer, OK?

How many of you have been puzzled with choosing just the right colors and prints and patterns of fabrics, for one particular quilt pattern you wanted to make? Just a quick show of hands . . .

. . . uh huh. And how long have the rest of you had this problem with telling the truth? (Wink)

Seriously, though, sometimes the "right" fabrics just are not in your stash. You struggle and dig through the fat quarters and can't find what you need.

Or, worse, you find exactly what you need, but there is not enough for the purpose . . . just some scraps from another project!

AAAUUUGGGGHHHHH!! It's OK. (Pat. Pat. Pat.) We've all been there at some point and time. Really.

Well, cheer up! I have just the resource for you! See that cute logo on the left sidebar, with a cart, and an umbrella over it? Yay! That's the Quilt Kit Market, and you are going to love them!

Michele and her team are a new sponsor here at the Lilypad, and she graciously sent a kit for me to try out, and review. The kit that she sent is actually Quilt Kit Market's first venture into publishing their own exclusive patterns, and I think they are onto something --- it's a great one! It is quick and easy, and the instructions and diagrams are very clear.

The kit arrived FAST, and with a flourish --- kinda makes you feel special, like you are having a celebration that you didn't even realize was coming. See?

Pull back the pretty tissue paper and . . .

Just look at this!

Isn't that tulle bag cute?

Now, speaking of cute, just look at what was in that bag. Oh, be still my heart. Somebody hold me down, I think I'm on my way heavenward . . .

So Sophie, in all it's yummy glory!

Also in the bag is a zippy bag, with a picture of the finished quiltie, and all the instructions. On the picture, there's a reminder that you will be following the instructions for (in my case) a full size quilt, and inside, plenteous diagrams for us visual learners (that's me!).

I appreciate the fact that the pattern suggests a technique called "cluster piecing" which the instructions said would yield sections that would require less squaring up --- and the instructions were right! I had very little squaring up to do. I kept track of my time, and the flimsy was completed in "no time flat" (that's a quote from back when I used to tell my mom how long it would take me to get home from a party). Just a smidge over two hours --- including the time it took to cut the fat quarters and the borders! Yay!

Now, I'm going to keep you in suspense on the flimsy for now, and tell you about their bodacious web site. Quilt Kit Market is an extremely user-friendly site. It's set up in a very logical manner, and it is very easy to navigate around and find what you want.

Their mission is to provide what you need, in order to get to the fun part quicker -- sewing up your quilt! Most of their kits have carefully selected Moda fabrics, so that you know you are getting top quality materials for your special project.

Once your quilt top is complete, they have backing fabrics by the yard, and coordinating fabrics if you have spin off projects, like pillows to accompany a quilt, etc. Quilt Kit Market will also provide their patterns individually, so if you have fabrics that you have already chosen, you can utilize one of their great patterns with your stash.

They also have small projects like wallhangings and tablerunners, so if you are looking for a quick gift for someone, Quilt Kit Market is an awesome resource for you!

They also offer precuts -- jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm packs and .... and.... wow, look at those sale prices!

Their remnant section is a great place to pick up some fabrics that you've been looking for, and perhaps can't locate anywhere else!

Now, I promised to show you the quilt top . . . Voila!

Hmmm, that shot inside just doesn't do the pretty colors justice. Let's try this:

Gack! Love the sunshine, but the wind is not cooperating! Let's try one more idea . . .

There we go! Whatcha think? I love it, and I love the fact that it was so quick and easy, and I didn't spend hours searching and choosing fabrics! Fun!

Be sure to come back in the next day or so . . . we have a fun interview with Michele from the Quilt Kit Market, and she mentioned something about a giveaway! Just sayin' . . .

Love,

PS Our "over 600 followers" giveaway is coming soon, too!

Giveaway Winners!

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to all of you who entered our giveaway! It's been fun listening to your ideas of which Superior threads you would like to try out.

I hope that in the coming days you will use our button on the left sidebar, and click through to order those great threads! Remember that I will use the percentage that they pay for purchases originating here, to buy Superior thread for giveaways --- so if you all make more purchases, we'll have more giveaways; it's as simple as that! (Grin)

I'm completing my plans for the big "over 600 followers" giveaway contest that will be coming soon, so be sure to stop back in and see that one!

Now, let's get down to business . . . Mr. Random Number Generator put on his thinking cap and picked two winners for us:

Number 96 was Mary Beth of A Little Quilting who said:

Congratulations, Mary Beth!! I'll be emailing you momentarily!

Next, Mr. RNG picked:

And number 177 was Linda V., of Home Sweet (Quilting) Home blog, who told us:

An email will be winging its way to you, too, in moments!

Padsworth and I are happy-dancing right along with you -- your charm packs and Superior thread will be headed your way very soon!

I'm completing a flimsy from a kit from a new sponsor - you won't want to miss that post! See you soon!

Love,

Blossom Quilt

2012-02-03T01:14:00.000-08:00

Click here to enter our current giveaway --- luscious charm packs and Superior Thread!

I'm linking up today with Katherine's Corner and Savannah Granny, for Thursday Favorite Things linky party....because quilting is one of my favorite things! Also partying with Marcia's Minutes for Me!

Most of you know, by now, that I heart OleFrogEyes! This blog was named Lilypadquilting because of our mascot at the design wall site: Padsworth. And recently a dear, creative friend designed a quilt label especially for me to use, with a tiny froggie on it -- and I love it so much! Here he is:

Isn't he adorable? I think that she created the cutest little frog --- I can't wait to finish a project and iron him on to the white fabric I have cut and ready . . . that's why the design is reversed, ya know!

The reason that I love OFE so much is that it makes it so easy to plan a quilt. I have started a quilt using the "Blossom" pattern from Fig Tree Quilts, and I'm using a fat quarter bundle of Butterscotch and Roses that I won this past spring, from Joanna Figueroa's blog. Here are the two blocks that I finished last night:

Now, when you create a quilt on OFE, you click on a square and upload a photo (em-smallened with Paint.net software) to that particular square. You add as many as you please, and then save your changes. Then you can start playing with lattice and borders!

Here is what I mean . . .

This is a screen shot of my gallery page, and I have uploaded the pictures of the first four flower "petals" that will make up the Blossom quilt. I've chosen a beige-y kind of color scheme for the lattice and borders. But when I get more blocks in there, I might decide that I want a different palette . . . I'm using all of the bundle that I can, so there will be browns, reds, blues, and greens. I could decide to do this:

Hmmmm . . .

Do you know how long that took? Less than twenty seconds --- and I'm auditioning a new color!

A bonus as I'm making these blocks can be seen here:

Yippee! Each time I add a side to a "petal" I go back and stitch again, a quarter-inch away, and then slice that off . . . I think if I use those, and my scraps, I may have a whole second quilt! Gonna use OFE to design it, too!
As I add more blocks, I'll post some pictures, and get y'all to tell me which color scheme looks best, OK? I would appreciate the help!

Love,

PS. If you want to see the quilt in the gallery, just click on this linkie, and you can check it out!

Anticipation . . .

2012-02-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

Looking for our Superior Thread and charm pack giveaway? Click here, and enter to win!

I'm so excited about the upcoming Accuquilt bloggers hop that I wanted to show you a little sneaky peek of my project! Actually, this is the bonus project for my post. The main project is something totally different!

I'll post the whole schedule soon, so that on that week, you can hop to all of the bloggie participants. For now, check this out:

Looking forward to seeing all of you "at the hop!"

Love,

Got thread? (A Giveaway)

2012-01-29T00:02:00.000-08:00

(Please note: This giveaway is now closed.)
I have a philosophical question for you . . . we quilters love to pet and talk to our fabric; we go to great lengths to choose just the right batting; we have our beloved ways of quilting our projects --- but do we give much thought to the thread? Seriously!!

Lilypadquilters! I would like to introduce you to our newest partner --- Superior Thread! Some of you may already use their products, but the name may be new to some of you . . .

Many shops and stores carry Superior, but if you can't find it near you, never fear! They have an awesome website --- really well organized and user friendly, and you can order straight from them. If you are impatient, you can click on the button on the left and go straight to the site and look around . . . but I'd like to tell you some really neat information, if you'll hang in there!

Superior is located in St. George, Utah, and has been serving quilters and sewists for many years. They are super friendly and have a wonderful sense of humor. No kidding --- click on that blue "I Love Superior" button over there, and then click on "Other" on the navigation bar . . . then choose "The Quilt Stash Song." I'll just cool my heels here while you go. No, really, go ahead. (Even if you don't listen to it, at least read the lyrics - it's a hoot!)

Dum - de - dum - de - de - dum . . . You're back? OK.

When I spent some time browsing the Superior site, I was pretty impressed with the variety of different threads there. It might be confusing, seeing that there is a dizzying number of fibers, weights, and yardages, but the site also has super descriptions of the threads. They tell you about the fiber, the advantages, and even note the uses that they feel that particular thread is best for. There are some specifically for long arm quilting, some for home machines and piecing, and, and, well, you get the picture.

The part I thought was amazing was their Try Me page. (Again, if you want to check it out, please click over there on the left and go - I'll explain in a minute.) On the home page, you can click on the left on "Products," and then scoot down to "Specials and Try Me Specials" to get there. I could be wrong, but I think I saw every one of their products on that page -- you can try out the thread in regular sizes, at a discounted price --- even one spool, if you desire. Then if you decide it's perfect for your project, you can go back and order a basketful! And if you are worried about the color being displayed correctly on your monitor, check out their color cards!

They have spools that have a mere (grin) 600 yards, and they have 2,500 - 3,000 yard ones, and they have Jumbo ones of 22,000 yards! Ya won't run out for a while, will ya!!

They offer a Thread of the Month Club, with neat projects and threads to complete them, too!

Now, here is the really impressive part: the thread is guaranteed! No kidding! How many times have you long-arm quilters been trying to complete a project and had thread breaking right and left? How many times have we placed a new spool on our machines and then (insert name of your machine here - you DO have a name for your machine, don't you?) begins to cough and sputter and generally refuses to cooperate?
If you use the thread in the application that they suggest, and with the needle they recommend, and you have breakage and snarls and what-not, they stand behind their product! Check out the guarantee at the bottom of their home page! Here it is:

Now, why am I harping on clicking on that blue button in the left-hand sidebar? Well, as I said, Lilypadquilting is partnering with Superior. Here is what that means . . . they will keep track of the visits that originate at this blog. And what is even better, is that they will keep track of the purchases that start here.

For example, if one of you special peeps clicks on that button, falls in love with some of the King Tut thread, and purchases several large spools, they'll put a small percentage of that purchase into a "bucket" marked Lilypadquilting. I intend to use that bucket to pay-it-forward: when there is enough there to buy thread for a giveaway, I'll buy it and offer the thread as a giveaway here at the Lilypad! Cool, huh? I think so!

Now, I would really like to give Superior a warm Lilypad welcome, so here is a giveaway starting today!

There are six charm packs here . . . all solids. One Bella, by Moda, in a pretty cream color. The rest are all Kona cottons: a Dusty Palette, a Bright Palette, a Pastel Palette, a Classic Palette, and a Dark Palette.
We'll have two winners, so each winner will receive three charm packs --- and a 550 yard spool of Superior's So Fine 50 wt. thread!
How do you enter to win? I'm glad that you asked!

1. First of all, we love our followers at Lilypadquilting, so
    leave me a comment first, telling me that you follow.
2. Next, click on that blue button and when you reach the
    Superior site, sign up for their newsletter - and come
    back and tell me you did!
3. While you are there, check out the Try Me page and
    comment on which of their threads you would like to
    try out!
4. If you'd like another chance, "like" them on Facebook.
Just for fun, you can tell Todd you liked the song! And
    of course, let them know I sent you. (Wink)
5. Finally, if you help to spread the word about our give-
    away on your blog or Facebook page, comment and let
    me know that you did, for another chance to win.

Whew! Lots of chances to win! So let the commenting begin --- and remember, if you purchase some of their thread, START HERE (puh-leeze?), so that the giveaways can roll on!!
We'll keep this open for a week, which means we'll close it on Feb. 5th, and announce the winner on February 6th! Good luck!

Love,

A Big Sale and A Sneak Peek

2012-01-28T02:05:00.000-08:00

One of our great sponsors, Dewberry Lane, is closing the doors on their online store. The message that I received said . . .

So, I'm glad that it's not due to lack of sales, but instead is a new direction they are headed in! Rachel has lots of great stuff in the store, so be sure to click through using the button on the left-hand sidebar, or the linkie above, and put that code in, to get your discount!

Now, I know that I also promised you a sneak peek, so here is a little glimpse of something that I'm working on . . . you'll see the whole thing sometime in February, when I post it over at Sew We Quilt!

Hope everyone is having a great day, and finding time to sew!

Love,

Final Post for Embellishment Party!! Sunni's here!

2012-01-26T06:03:00.000-08:00

It's the final day of our Embellishment Party, and we have the fabulous Sunni with us today! You can catch her posting on her blog and also guest posting on other lucky bloggers' pages, so we are happy that she had time to work up something for our party! Especially since she had a tremendous snow-storm and a three day power outage to contend with, too!

Welcome, Sunni!

Hi! I'm Sunni from Love Affair with my Brother

No, it's not what you think!! I love my sewing machine!!

I was so excited when Jacque asked me to come up with a fun purse accent. I brainstormed for a few days and finally figured out what to do! Then my power was knocked out by a winter storm for 3 days. It came back on and then went back out again!!

Jacque was very gracious and understanding, and generously gave me a few more days to be able to sew up my project. Thanks Jacque!!

Zippers and Silk. It's like "Leather and Lace", only updated!

These flowers are so easy, your friends will never believe it!

You will need :

a 24" or larger zipper

fat quarter of silk or satin

felt for backing

pin back

basic sewing supplies

glue (can also do this step by hand-sewing)

I made a template

that you can print out and use or just use your own shape. I am using the middle size. Cut 12 petal shapes if you are making a 6 petal flower.

I chose a very industrial looking zipper. I wanted big teeth to stand out against the silk. Cut a bit of the seam allowance off of your zipper. It fits better with such a small petal and makes turning easier.

Clip every 1/4" or so to accommodate the curve of the petal. Don't clip all the way to the teeth. Just a little will be sufficient.

Sew the zipper on one layer at a time. Slow and steady wins the race here. The curve of the petal was so sharp that it was very difficult to sandwich it between both layers. Just sew it on the front, sandwich the zipper between the layers and sew directly on the first stitch line.

If you are an expert, just go ahead and sandwich the zipper between both petal layers and sew.

This is just before I added the second layer on top and sewed.

Assemble all 6 petals and turn right side out and press. Then plug in your glue gun. I am using a composition notebook so I don't get glue on my carpet!

Using a needle and strong thread, run a basting stitch from edge to edge of the first petal. Continue adding petals, one right next to each other. I was careful to make sure that my zippers all faced up at the sides.

Once all of the petals are basted onto the thread, tie it in a circle to create a flower shape. Glue a felt circle on the back to stabilize the petals and be a base for your pin back. Glue your pin back onto the felt.

For the center of the flower, you can make a zipper swirl. Just roll and glue, roll and glue until you are happy with it. Glue it onto the center.

You can also use the zipper pull as your flower center. Just be sure to pull your circle very tight! I liked the pull better because it creates a bit of an illusion. As if you could just unzip the flower! My oldest immediately started pulling on the tab trying to unzip it!

Then just pin it on your purse, scarf, or headband!! I'm sure you could think of a bunch of places to use these flowers!

To Jacque and all your awesome readers: Thank you so much for having me and being so understanding for my "extended" deadline!

Thanks, Sunni, for such an awesome tutorial --- these have a lot of potential uses as embellishments! So glad that your power is back, and all is well. After all, the worst part of an outage is that your sewing machine won't run, right?! (Grin)
If you enjoyed this tute, please leave Sunni a comment, and be sure to stop in at her blog --- there are lots of fun things happening there!

I'm also linking up with Making Rebecca Lynne's Thursday Think Tank linky party.....stop by there for some creative inspiration, OK?

Love,

I'm grateful!

2012-01-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

Hurrah! We got to the 600 mark!

I'm so grateful that we now have 600 followers! Some by RSS feed, and some that just come by and visit us each day to see how things are going here at the Lilypad!

THANK YOU !!!!!

I just wanted to let you know that you are all appreciated so much! I can't believe how quickly this blog has grown, and how much fun it has been --- I've made so many wonderful bloggie friends! And I have so many opportunities that the blog has opened up for me in this virtual quilting community.

None of this would be possible without you . . . all of you! Thank you to those who read my posts, leave me kind comments, enjoy my tutorials, and enter the giveaways! Y'all are the ones that make this so fun.

To say thank you, with the help of some awesome and amazing sponsors, we will celebrate!

In the next few days, I'll be pulling together some really nice prizes, and putting together an awesome, fun giveaway for you special peeps!

In the coming months, I will be reviewing some online resources for you, showing you some fabulous fabric lines, having super giveaways, participating in great blog hops, and even --- trumpets here --- this summer we'll host the fun Pets on Quilts Show for 2012!

Hang on for the ride!

Love,

Embellishment Party - Week 2!

2012-01-24T05:38:00.000-08:00

I'm linking up today to share at the Shady Porch! Click this link to check out all the fun projects and ideas there!

Yay! It's my turn to show you my embellishment for totes, purses, bags and more. Wherever you want a little "Wow!" you can use these embellishments.

Jackie of Jackie's Art Quilts showed us her Scrap and Slash Flowers --- thank you, Jackie! They were scrap-happy fun, and I can imagine a lot of uses for them. (Pssst! You want to see another embellishment from Jackie? Check out this link to the Riley Blake Cutting Corners College.)

Sunni of Love Affair had some super bad weather and a three-day power outage, so she's going to be a little late to the party, but that's OK. She's bringing a really neat project with her on Thursday!

So now, it's my turn. Gack! The pressure, the intimidation! Hold on a minute whilst I grab a paper bag and breathe a few times!

OK, I'm alright now. Are ya ready? Here we go!

We are going to make a Cherry Charm embellishment for your enjoyment --- I think you'll get lots of positive comments on your tote or purse, with these babies displayed there! I'm adapting this from our Cherry Charms tutorial, so instead of a cross between fuzzy dice and quilter's emblems, we'll end up with purse embellishment!

We're going to start with some scraps of fuzzy red fabric, fuzzy green if you have it, and the brown cord for the stems. Fleece works great for this project, so if you made some funky slippers or apparel for Christmas, just go root around in the scraps and then come back. Want us to wait? OK. (Slipper scuffing to kitchen for coffee, then returning.)
You ready now? Great! You'll need to go to our file cabinet in Google docs and download and print the pattern. Once that is done, you are ready to roll.
You'll want to cut out the pattern pieces on the solid lines, first.

Then you will use those to cut your pieces of fabric. Most of us will use the red for the cherries and the green for the leaves, but if you really want to reverse it or even do something totally crazy with different colors, don't let me hold you back. (Grin)

Next step will be to mark WS of the cherries. On our tutorial, Elby used a marker (gasp!) but you can use whatever method you have handy, and mark the darts to form the cherry half.

Then you need your trusty needle and thread, and sew up those darts! (Is it just me, or do you feel like you're back in Home Ec, too?!)

If you find the nap is caught in the dart, just use your needle to fluff it out, this way:

(Just look at those smudgy fingers....I told Elby that would happen!)

Once all the darts are sewn, your cherry half should look something like this:

Now you need to construct the other half of the cherry --- second verse, like the first!

Then you can put them right-sides-together and sew them up. It makes it a LOT easier if you don't match up the darts. Oh, and don't forget to leave a small opening for turning . . . don't ask me how I know to warn you about that. I'm just old and wise. Well, old, anyway.

Now, where was I? Ah! We now have what could pass for a deflated cherry. Make another one. And then one more. You want three, all told.

Now comes the stuffing part --- hey, nobody said you could head toward the kitchen! We're stuffing the cherries, not our faces! This is where a pencil or chopstick comes in really handy. You can use scraps of fabric, thread snippets, etc to pack into the cherry and make it nice and plump. I know plump.
You could use fiberfill for stuffing if you wish, but I prefer the solid way that the scraps and snippets pack in there. Like Daffy Duck used to always say, "So round, so firm, so fully packed!"

Now grab some red thread, and sew that opening closed! I'm not really taking that much in a stitch, I just placed my needle there so I could use that hand for the camera.

When you are sewing the opening in the cherry closed, stick one end of your brown cord into the hole, and take a couple of stitches through it to secure that bad boy right where you want him. When we attach them to the bag, you can loop the stems back under the cherry charm unit, and the loops will look all artsy and 3D and such. (Wink)

Next, you'll put the pieces of green fuzzy wrong-sides-together and blanket-stitch around the edges. Sure beats turning them right side out, and besides, it gives them a nice edge! (Elby used embroidery floss on hers.)

Now, let's get organized . . . you should have three cherries with stems, and two leaves. You'll need a large yarn needle, and yarn, and a stout heart for this next step. You are going to (be brave, now!) pierce each cherry and pull your yarn through, to make one unit. (I know you can do this.)

Pull them together kind of loosely, and arrange the leaves in a way that is pleasing to you; then stitch those into place with sewing thread, so it won't show.

Now, sit back and admire your handiwork . . . Ain't they cute? Now all that's left is to secure them onto your bag, purse, or other project. I placed mine with a large safety pin, but you can use whatever method you like to attach yours.

I think my Mary Engelbreit bag looks wonderful! Well, at least it will when I get the handles on! (If you like the bag, the pattern is an original by my friend Kiera. Here is a link to her blog, and here's a link to the pattern.)

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, and I really hope that you try this project --- and let me know if you do! Show pictures!!

Love,

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You!

2012-01-23T02:02:00.000-08:00

Hey there, Lilypadquilters! Just a quick head's up to let you know there's something brewing for February, and I think you'll enjoy it!

No, it's not a new coffee blend, although you might like to have a cuppa handy when you settle in to join the hop!

It's the next Accuquilt blog hop, and we've got a Love-ly theme going on! It's the Go! Ahead and Show Some Love hop, and there are going to be lots of projects, tutorials, and maybe some giveaways, too! Ya know we all love giveaways, right? Of course!

So if you'd like to know who will be posting in our hop, click on the graphic in the right-hand sidebar, and you'll be able to see SewCalGal's post and the list of bloggers. Lilypadquilting will be posting on Thursday of the hop week, so I hope to see you here!

Meanwhile, start thinking red, white, hearts, valentines . . . work with me here! It's going to be lots of fun, so be sure to tune in!

Love,

PS And if anyone reading this has not yet signed up to follow Lilypadquilting, please do --- we are still searching for those last few followers that will push us over 600 . . . and you know what that means! Cake, candy, ice cream, balloons . . . well, OK, we'll have a BIG, OVERSIZED giveaway!

The Silver Screen

2012-01-20T18:59:00.000-08:00

Hey, Lilypadquilters! Are you like me, and watch a good many classic movies? Are you ready for a chuckle?

I had a thought today about movie titles (somebody may have already done this, but I just was thinkin'), and how some of them match up with our lives as quilters . . .

The Agony and the Ecstasy

It's not a movie about Michaelangelo . . .

It's the feeling you get when you are cutting up that treasured fat quarter bundle to make a new quilt!

The Red Badge of Courage

It's not a Stephen Crane novel, or even an Audie Murphy "two kleenex" movie . . .

It's the bandaid on your finger or thumb, whilst you hand-quilt!

From Here to Eternity . . .

It's not a romance with Burt Lancaster and Debra Kerr on the beach . . .

It's how far you have yet to go, sewing on that binding on that king-size quilt that was SUCH a good idea, when you first started it!

I wonder if any of you can think of some movie titles that have meaning for us quilters??

Love,

Giving away my cross stitch supplies . . .

2012-01-19T00:12:00.000-08:00

Hey, don't forget the Embellishment Party post, linked up here, and the giveaway that Jackie is hosting at her blog --- some of her yummy hand-dyed fabrics are up for grabs, so click here to be whisked away to enter! Sunni will be posting the next Party Post next week!

And you special peeps can help me out here, too --- if I can make it over 600 followers, I have a wonderful giveaway planned . . . just sayin' . . . so help me spread the word!

I'm de-stashing my cross stitch supplies that have been languishing in the craft closet and have been neglected for far too long --- time to pass them along to someone (several someones) who will give them a good home! I just don't have the time to work with these supplies, and with my quilting, knitting, and crochet projects.

Let me tell you how this will work: I'll post pictures and descriptions, along with numbers to label each group. You tell me in a comment which one(s) you want, and I will email you to confirm. I'll package them for shipping and use the most economical shipping method that I can --- then I'll send you a paypal invoice for the shipping costs, and we'll both be happy! It will be first come, first served, and anything that isn't claimed will go to the local thrift store of my choice, for them to sell.

If you see a red print word "CLAIMED" on the listing, it is already claimed and on its way to a new home!

Ready? Then away we go!

Group One: CLAIMED Remember these? In medieval times (grin) we would use our floss and small pieces of cross stitch fabric to create Christmas stitcheries, and then pop them into these to hang on the tree. The rings are plastic, as are the clear front covers for the cross stitched designs. The adhesive on the cardboard is shot, but you can use your own method of adhering them to the cardboard, then snap them into the rings. Eight red, and ten green, complete.

Group Two: CLAIMED I broke this out to handle separately, since someone might just want the patterns, but this would be a nice tag-along to Group One. There are patterns here for the little ornaments above, as well as a piece of cross stitch cloth (please don't ask me the name or count on this - I have no clue!), over a yard long, and 15 inches wide.

Group Three: CLAIMED Two pillowcases, with kittens sleeping stamped on them, and the pattern (color chart) to finish them. I started on these so you might feel led to remove my stitches, or maybe not! There is one small stain on one kitten....looks like I might have had a needle there years ago. (The hoop stays here!)

Group Four: CLAIMED I started on one of the two fingertip towels here, but you could easily remove those stitches and create your own heirlooms. Two towels with fringe.

Group Five: CLAIMED Four blank canvases for you to create upon! First, the one called Zweigart is Lugana 25 count, and is 12" x 18" in a soft sage color. Next the two flat packages of Charles Craft are both Aida 18 count, and are both 12 x 18. The Charles Craft in the tube (I'll remove it from the tube to ship it) is called "wheat" color, and is 15 x 18.

Item Six: Two pictures of this one, so that you can see it well. It is a kit by Bucilla, for a Christmas goose project. Everything is there - the floss, the hoop, the fabric for the ruffle, everything.

Item Seven: CLAIMED Now we're into books and patterns . . . This one is childrens' sweaters, vests, etc.

Item Eight: CLAIMED Pattern leaflet for cross stitch projects with childrens' theme.

Item Nine: Pattern book called "The Potties in Pastels Collection" for kids' bathroom-themed stitcheries. Don't ask me why I purchased this, just take me out of my misery, OK?

Item Ten: CLAIMED A really sweet sampler pattern, just for you!

Item Eleven: CLAIMED A leaflet with a selection of kitchen-themed projects.

Item Twelve: CLAIMED In the mood for some funky slippers? These animal slippers to crochet may be for you!

Item Thirteen: CLAIMED If you click and embiggen the picture, you can see that the cross stitch portion of this project is pretty small....the rest is the print and the embossed mat for framing - yes, they are still in the booklet!

Item Fourteen: Booklet with nine scripture-themed projects.

Item Fifteen: CLAIMED Leaflet pattern for a cross stitch picture of the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, affectionately called "America's Castle."

Item Sixteen: CLAIMED Cross stitch with a quilting theme . . . I'm tempted on this one. Get it quick!

Item Seventeen: CLAIMED Another of the booklets with an embossed mat for framing, along with the cross stitch pattern.

Item Eighteen: CLAIMED Remember when we wanted to tie knots in everything and anything? We called the craft macrame, and here's a booklet full of projects for you.

Item Nineteen: CLAIMED Here's another one - macrame book, I mean.

Item Twenty: CLAIMED Booklet with basic knitting instructions, and projects as well.

Item Twenty-one: CLAIMED Booklet with baby blankie patterns to knit

Item Twenty-two: Did I make and wear one of these? I plead the fifth.

Item Twenty-three: CLAIMED This is one that I'll admit to making . . . the piglet was adorable!

Item Twenty-four: CLAIMED Leaflet with Christmas project ideas to crochet

Item Twenty-five: CLAIMED Crochet a quilt, instead of piecing one!

So, if you would like any of these, leave me a comment. If you would like several, just say so. When you leave your comment, please do both of us a favor, and check the previous comments to see if your desired item is still unclaimed. I hope that these will go to happy homes!

Love,

Embellishment Party Week 1 + a giveaway!

2012-01-17T00:02:00.000-08:00

Linking up this week with the Shady Porch's Rock and Share Linky Party! Click to jump over there and join in the fun!

Pssssst! Hey, Lilypad quilters!! It's time to party . . . and look who's here for our first project! It's Jackie, all the way from Ontario, and Jackie's Art Quilts!

Hi Everyone!

I am so thrilled to be here. I was over the moon when Jacque invited me to guest post on her blog. She really rocks, and I have been a follower of hers forever.

A little about me. I am a quilter of all sorts, but love doing art quilts, and every single art quilt I do has 3D embellishing on it. I don’t mean like a bit of fabric sticks out of the surface, either. I do 3D in a big way. Check out my gallery on my blog to see my 3D art quilts.

I thought it would be fun to make one of my favorite flowers, the Scrap ‘n’ Slash. You can use this flower anywhere. On a quilt, corner of a mug rug, or even on a purse. Since I love to recycle, I picked up a cute leather handbag for a dollar at a local rummage sale. You can find recycled purses at your local second hand store, church rummage sales and bazaars.

Supplies

3 assorted colors of fat quarters

Hot glue gun

Rotary cutter and mat

1 recycled purse

Instructions

Cut 2- 2 ½” strips off the long side of each fat quarter. You will end up with 6 strips

Take a strip and glue along the long edge. I usually do sections at a time as the glue dries quickly.

Make little slits in the folded side of the fabric about ½” apart from one end to the other, be careful not to cut all the way through.

Decide which strip you want to be the centre and roll up, putting dabs of glue near the bottom as you go. Continue putting a bit of glue down to secure. When you finish with one strip, pick up another one and continue until the flower is the size you desire.

Trace the base of the flower onto a piece of matching fabric.

Put 2 pieces of fabric right sides together and stitch along that tracing line. Cut circle out and make a slit in one side.

Turn right side out, pushing all the seams out. Press.

Glue the flower to the base with the slit side glued to the base.

Glue the base to the purse.

Here's another view of the purse with its new embellishment -- a little closer!

And here is another example of the flowers you can make with this technique:

You can make a whole bouquet!

Editor's note: And they won't wilt or fade, and ya don't hafta water them! Yay! I love these 3D embellishments, and I would love for all of you special peeps to take a peek at one of the ways that Jackie has used these in her art quilts:

Aren't they awesome? OK, I'll shut up now and let you listen to Jackie again!

Now here comes the fun part. If you decide to check out my blog and like it enough to follow. Leave a comment on my blog telling me you are now a follower, and I will put all those names in a draw for a bundle of my hand dyed fat quarters.

*******************************

Pssstt! It's me again! Snoodles, that is! You don't want to miss Jackie's hand-dyed fabrics . . . they are absolutely beautiful! So hop on over there, and check it out! And while you are there, be sure to click and look around at her quilt gallery --- and don't you dare leave until you gaze at her "Bye Gram, I Love You" quilt. It brought tears to my eyes when I read the story behind the quilt. You can read it right here.

Well, Lilypadquilters, the fun is only just beginning! This is Part I of our Embellishment Party! Be sure to stop back by, when Sunni shows us her 3D embellishment project next week!

Love,

Peppermint Popper Table Topper Finish!!

2012-01-15T04:02:00.000-08:00

I'm linking up today with the One Thing One Week Challenge at Amy's Creative Side! I challenged myself to finish this table topper, and it's done!

At this moment, the Peppermint Popper table topper is flying across the United States. No, it is not a magic carpet . . . it is in a box with other gifties that is headed from one coast to the other! I was really pleased with how it turned out, and I wanted to show you!

You may recall that this table topper was designed by yours truly, using my Accuquilt Go! Baby and the versatile chisel die. I used only red and white fabrics in it, and after I sandwiched it, I decided to utilize the leftover chisels. (Hey, necessity is the mother of invention, right? I couldn't find any red and white striped fabric in my stash!)

So this is what I did --- I lined up the 2.5 inch mark on my ruler and whacked those bad boys into parallelograms . . . See?

Then when I had sliced all of them (this is not all of them, just a few!) . . .

I began to join them. Then I sliced that long chain into two pieces, and used it as my binding. Here is the result:

I kinda like it. In fact, I like it a lot. Would you like to see it again? I know I would!

Then I started adding some "bling" to the snowflakes that I had embroidered on there, using my Presencia Finca thread. (That's what I used to hand quilt the zigzags, too.)
Here are some of the snowflakes:

Here is the finished table topper --- binding, bling, and all!

I liked this project so much that I might try it again, but in blue and white, instead --- but I'll have to come up with a different name!

Love,

McCall's Quilting - Loot !

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of the special things that my sister does is that every year she gifts me with a wonderful subscription to McCall's Quilting. Actually she does a lot of special things; because she is a very special person. And I am not at all prejudiced. This is the truth, and you can take it to the bank. (Grin)
She is also an awesome quilter, and you can see some of her gorgeous quilt blocks on her blog, and over at OleFrogEyes, too.
Anyway, I really enjoy the magazine, and I was floored by a recent email that said I had won this prize package:

Lots of loot! I mean, I feel like I should be saying "Aargghh" and "Shiver me timbers" and things like that --- there's a lot of booty here, and I feel like a pirate!

In addition to the lovely queen-size batting, there are two cool tools: a circle rotary cutter, and a thread picker, too! And you know how I love cool tools!

There are lots of pieces and rolls and charm packs of fabric here --- I'm very intrigued by the Katagami fabric, and there are pieces of Scribble, and What's Cookin, and oh, can you tell I'm pretty excited about this?

Y'all will have to excuse me . . . I am busy playing with my loot, and I'll talk to you some more another time. Aarrrggghhhh! (Wink)

Oh, and I'm linking up today with Katherine's Corner and Alderberry Hill, for the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop! I'm just a teensy bit late to the party! LOL

Love,

Gilding Lilies . . .

2012-01-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

Recently I quoted from the ATeam TV show, and today I'm giving a nod to Shakespeare --- I think that may be going from the ridiculous to the sublime, eh? (Grin)

Gilding the lily has always referred to placing more ornamentation on something that was already quite nice. Let me explain where I am going here . . . I've seen all over blogland, that quilters and sewists are creating bags, totes and purses. Lovely creations from stellar fabric lines, and the patterns are all over the place, from simple chic to positively elegant.

But have you ever looked at your tote or purse and wanted to add just a little something? A little "wow" or a little "zing"?? Personally, I find that my taste is becoming a little more flamboyant now --- soon I may be the little silver-haired lady with the red pants and orange jacket, accessorized by gold shoes and a green bag. Well, no, on second thought. I don't think so. But I do love me a bag with personality!

So we are going to have a party! An embellishment party! Whoa . . .a three dimensional embellishment event! We are going to have two guest posters on Lilypadquilting, and I am so excited that they have agreed to participate --- you will love 'em!

First we'll hear from Jackie, a talented Canadian that I hope to meet in person some day! She is a quilt artist who blogs at Jackies Art Quilts and her works have been accepted in several juried shows. She writes a humorous column for a Canadian quilting magazine, and if you would like a chuckle, you should check out her articles here. We'll tell you more about her on Tuesday, the 17th, when she guest posts here.

Our second guest will be from the US of A, and many of you know her -- Sunni of Love Affair with my Brother! I know I'm not the only one who clicked through the very first time, just because of the quirky title! You can read here how she came up with her blog name -- it's just as creative and fun as the quilts and projects that she designs! I know when you meet her, you'll want to add her blog to your "daily" list, for sure. Sunni will be with us on Tuesday, January 24th.

Lastly, I'll end our embellishment party with my post on Thursday, January 26th. I hope that you are intrigued by our party, and that you come back to the Lilypad on those dates, and enjoy our three dimensional antics! (I hear there will be some giveaways.....just sayin'!!)

I'm linking up with Rebecca Lynne's Thursday Think Tank today -- be sure to check out the linky party! This is one way to cut the drama in 2012....just have some fun!

Love,

I love it when a plan comes together . . .

2012-01-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

Linking with Marcia's Minutes for Me Linky Party --- this is how I spent my minutes for me, this week! I had a great time sewing with some lovely fabrics! I hope that if you are hopping over here from the linky party, that you enjoy your visit!

With my tongue firmly planted in my cheek, I am quoting Hannibal on the old A-Team television show . . . anybody remember that one?!

I know that many of you are happy, as I am, when the newsletter from the Intrepid Thread hits your inbox. Those of you that are not sure what we are talking about, really need to hop over to Julie's place and sign up for the newsletter! She and her team have exciting projects in each issue. Go ahead, click on that link and sign up, and we'll wait for you.

You're back? OK. Well, I had planned for a long time to make Sasha's Posey Wristlet, and had even pulled together the same fabulous fabrics that she used in her tutorial, from Lola's Poseys. I had planned on making two, for two young ladies that I know and love. But did my plans happen on time? In a word, no! They will receive their Christmas gifties a little late.

But I want to show you the uber-cute results here:

This picture is kinda dark, so we'll pretend that this is to show how nice the bag will be for some of the more formal occasions that they might take it to. Candlelight dinners, movie premieres, etc.

Here is a brighter shot that doesn't do much for the shape of the bag, but really lets the colors pop:

I think Sasha's fabric choices were inspired, and I stuck with them! If you would like to see her step by step tutorial, with lots of pictures for those of us that are visual learners (thanks, Sasha!), just sign up for the newsletter from Intrepid Thread . . . you can browse past issues, then, and click on the tutorial from there. Here is a link to a picture of Sasha's wristlet, on her blog.

Well, these will be wrapped and packed, and headed across the US soon. I really DO love it when a plan comes together!

Love,

Soon to make their debut on OleFrogEyes . . .

2012-01-06T13:51:00.000-08:00

Oh how I wish my photography skills were better! I have been diligently measuring and cutting the fabulous Butterscotch and Rose fat quarter bundle that I received from Joanne Figueroa of Fig Tree Designs . . . making my own 10 inch squares to use in her "Blossom" pattern. This photo just doesn't do them justice; they really are prettier than this!

I can't wait to start making blocks and uploading them to OleFrogEyes so that you can see them! Sigh. I have fourteen more to cut up. :)

Hope everyone has a super weekend!

Love,

Warning - Danger Ahead!

2012-01-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

(At least for those of you on a fabric diet!)

(This post is now linked with Katherine's Corner and PhotoLifeSite, as part of the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop #17! These fabrics are definitely some of my favorite things! A warm welcome to any hoppers that stop by the Lilypad!)

Now, before I start, I'll tell you that I did NOT go off my use-fabric-from-my-stash resolution . . . these are actually my winnings from SewCalGal's lovely Christmas show! A mouth-watering array of fabric yumminess!

So, if you are on a fabric diet, you have been forewarned -- there is danger ahead! We'll give the faint of heart a moment to click away, and then we'll proceed . . .

Here's a scene to remind us of springtime (which I am hoping will come early this year) and give them time to scoot away:

Now! Are you ready? Here is the first bundle for you to admire --- the complete, twenty-eight (oh, be still my heart) piece collection of Sweet Pickins from Darlene Zimmerman's Clothesline Club . . .

Mr. Snoodles has already claimed rights to the quilt made from this loveliness! With names like "Screamin' Yellow Fruit Stripe," "Summer Fruit," and "Evening Spring Berry," how could I not snag this bundle?

I think I know what scrappy pattern I'll use for that, and I'll post my progress on OleFrogEyes for you to see!

Here is the second one that I fell for -- Pat Sloan's bundle, called "Simple Stitches." If this one makes your little heart go pitty-pat, it is still available (and on sale!) at our wonderful sponsor, the Fat Quarter Shop. Just click here. I am an enabler, aren't I? (Wink)

Nineteen fat quarters and a panel! Woot!

Here is the last item that I chose with my gift certificate --- just couldn't resist this jelly roll of Ready Set Snow:

Looks like I may have gotten the last one of those . . . I didn't seem them on FQS site any more.

Hope all of you are having a great start to 2012 . . . we are planning for some guest posts soon from several uber-talented quilters, and in February we'll be guest posting again at Sew We Quilt, so stop back by as often as you can . . . there's always something fun happening at the Lilypad!

Today I am linking up with two linky parties: the fabulous Minutes for Me party hosted by Marcia, at this link: Minutes for Me. Marcia has an awesome idea for those tiny fabric scraps that you hate to let out of your hands --- share them as notecards! (I figure this qualifies as minutes for me, cos I love playing with these and sketching my ideas into my notebook!)

And also the Rock and Share party at the Shady Porch --- lots of great ideas, there, too!

And one last note for those of you that like freebies (that's all of us, right?) . . . pass the word along, that when I get over 600 followers, I'll be having a giveaway!!

Love,

Better Late . . .

2012-01-02T00:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a finish that I can show you! These were already given at Christmas, so I can show them to you now --- I got some nice plain dish towels and used some of my Java scraps to decorate them.

Hmmmm, seeing the coffee beans there reminds me . . . I left my cuppa Joe over at the sewing machine. 'Scuse me, I'll be right back!

Love,

PS I hope that this year you will all be looking for opportunities for cute pictures of your pets on quilts --- Lilypadquilting is the new home of the Pets on Quilts Show! (Here is an announcement over at SewCalGal's blog.) We'll be working toward a summer show, and be giving you updates in the coming months! Squee! Get those furbabies used to the camera! And if your pets won't cooperate, you can enter a pet-themed quilt! Stay tuned for the fun!

Don't ya love it when you've "got mail"??

2012-01-01T00:02:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share several things that have come my way recently . . .

One is an adorable little stocking that was hanging on my tree in a place of honor this year --- Barbara over at Cat Patches blog created this cute stocking for her Pay It Forward giftie to me! I love it! The expression on the reindeer is really cute . . . kind of a "but-I-didn't-finish-off-the-eggnog-so-why-are-you-blaming-me" kind of look, don't you think?

I received this scrumptious charm pack of Ruby, and the wonderful Schnibbles pattern, too, from Miki over at Miki's Fabric Creations. Thank you, Miki! I have plans for those!

The wonderful grocery bag came my way from the Green Bag Lady blog. She and her volunteers do a mighty big job of making and distributing fabric bags to replace plastic ones for shopping. You should check it out at her blog! As part of the SewMamaSew giveaway day I received it and also the smaller produce bag that you see there. (Pay no attention to the sleepy kitty on the couch . . . no cats were harmed as a result of this blog post -- he went right back to sleep after the flash sparkles died away.)

Personally, I think shopping for groceries is way more fun with cloth bags to cheer me up, and the little produce bag is a truly inspired idea. I really hate those super-thin bags that you put okra, beans, and corn into, only to have them split and dump your goodies everywhere! I think I will make some more of these, and get rid of that problem all together!

The last lovely that I received is the beautiful Christmas tree ornament from Kelly at Live. Love. Create. blog. I really love the way she used so many different techniques on one project; there's a stamped sentiment, some applique, and then the extra bling puts it right over the top! This one arrived too late to go on the tree, but you can bet it will be hanging there next Christmas, Kelly! Thanks so much!

Thanks to everyone who made my trips to the mailbox WAY more fun!

Love,

Hopping over to say . . .

2011-12-31T14:13:00.000-08:00

Warm greetings and best wishes from our Lilypad to yours! Here's hoping that 2012 will be a happy and healthy year for all of us!

Love,

Check out the sales at our Sponsors!

2011-12-30T10:29:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note, since I know everyone is super busy -- be sure to check out the sales that are going on at our sponsors, OK? They help us keep the fun going here at the Lilypad!

Green Fairy Quilts is offering 30% off of everything --- bundles, jelly rolls, layer cakes --- even the new arrivals! If you have had your eye on something in their shop, you had better scoot over there and snatch it up!

Fat Quarter Shop has some incredible deals in their Huge Year End Sale, so click through and check it out! You'll be amazed . . . many of their bundles (and yardage, too) is marked 50% off! (I just spent an enjoyable time, shopping their sale, and used my gift certificate from the Christmas Quilt Show at SewCalGal's to buy some goodies! More on that when they arrive!)

(Looking forward to seeing this bundle up close and personal!)

Here's wishing all of our sponsors, and all of you, a very happy and healthy New Year. As we say down here in the South, "May God bless you real good!"

Love,

Merry Christmas to all of the Lilypadquilting community!

2011-12-22T00:08:00.000-08:00

(Picture courtesy of Nichol, at A Desert Quilter blog)

Just wanted to let all of you know that I'll be taking a "time out" from blogging for a few days . . . I have some gifties to finish, and some baking to do, and I also want to spend some quality time with my sweet family!

I'll be back soon, and I'll have some progress on my "Blossom" quilt, using the Butterscotch and Rose line --- I'll even show you on the OleFrogEyes wall, how it is coming along! I promise!

Till then, my wish for all of you, is a very merry Christmas, and a healthy and happy new year in 2012! And happy Hanukkah to all of you who started celebrating the Festival of Lights on Tuesday! (I'm looking forward to veggie latkes and challah in our meals today - Yum!)

Blessings and much love to all of you!

Love,

A Christmas Update on Malawi

2011-12-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

What do you think of, when you consider what you might be giving or getting for Christmas?

Does your list include soap? How about corn, or peas?

Many of you special Lilypad quilters participated in the Destash for Malawi effort earlier this year. I thought that you would like to see an update from the mission effort there.

The Kropfs are making their Christmas distribution to the children and adults that they minister to, and you can see the food, clothing, and other items that the people receive - you might even see some of your fabric in one of the pictures!

Please go to this link and read Anita's post - I promise you will be blessed, and your Christmas will be all the merrier! And thanks again to all who donated thread, fabric, and more, to our Destash effort!

Love,

A finish and an epiphany!

2011-12-20T00:02:00.000-08:00

If you have been following Lilypadquilting for a while, you have seen pictures of the progress on my Roanoke Star table topper . . . designed and sewn by "moi" (imagine that said in a flirty, Miss Piggy voice) using Accuquilt dies --- the chisel die and the 3.5 inch half square triangle die, to be specific. (I was going to post it on Ole Frog Eyes, but I discovered that when I sewed the binding on, I got two of the corners a little wonky, so it didn't make a good photo for use on the site.)

It has been a labor of love to get this done in time for Christmas! And by that I mean I have loved every minute of it! Here is a picture of the completed topper:

Yay!! I quilted it by hand, using Presencia Finca thread in gorgeous red and green colors. I really like how this thread handles -- it is super strong, and doesn't shred during handquilting. It keeps pulling through the fabric and batting with no issues!

I'm going to show you another picture, from a different angle (can you tell I'm proud of this project?):

"Here is a closeup of the stitches," she says bravely, hoping that no one will notice that they are not as tiny as they could be, nor are they consistently the exact same size.

And you know me --- sometimes I love the way the back looks, as much as the front. I'd better correct that. This time . . . I might like the back BETTER than the front!! Check it out:

Oh my gosh, I can't stand it . . . I gotta show you this one, too:

Well, the Roanoke Star show is over! But let me tell you about the epiphany that I mentioned, OK? On our virtual design wall, Ole Frog Eyes, we ask our subscribers to download the free software called Paint.net so that they can manipulate their photos just perfectly, for use on the site.

I've been using it for a while now, and I love it! I find new things to use all the time, and I wanted to share this with you, in case you'd like to use it on your own blogs, or your Flickr photostreams . . .

Did you notice that on my photos today, there was a small line of text that identified each one as belonging to Lilypadquilting? Cool, huh? You simply click on the button with a capital "T" (for text, of course) and then choose a font and a size. Then click on your picture where you'd like to add your text, and type away! The only change I made, other than to choose the font, was to change the color. I was pretty confident that the black (default) was not going to show up well on my pictures. So, I clicked on the little arrow to reverse the color choice, and used the "secondary" color -- white. I really like how it turned out.

Awesome software, that Paint.net! I think you will like it, too - I'm not getting any credit for tooting their horn; I just like the package, so if you want to check it out, just go to this link.

Have a stupendous day!

Love,

Accuquilt Christmas BlogHop Winner!

2011-12-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Accuquilt Christmas blog hop!! It was great fun, and SewCalGal did a fabulous job of organizing and promoting it.

It's time to announce the winner of the hotpad, and the kit to make another one to match!

Mr. Random stuck his little hand into the bowl and brought out

And number 108 is . . .

Mrs. Pickles, who said:

So, Mrs. Pickles (love that nickname!) I'll be emailing you to get your shipping information, and the hotpad and kit will be winging their way to you!

Thank you so much, all of you who entered the giveaway, and thank you to those of you who said such kind things about the projects! I learned a lot of new candle scents that I would like to try, that's for sure!

I hope that all of you are taking time to enjoy the special Christmas and Hanukkah seasons, and I'll be back tomorrow with a finish to show you!

Love,