Zebra Print

Finished the zebra quilt tonight.  Had enough scraps left over to make 2 pillowcases.  The quilt was an order for Christmas for a girl named Sheena.  Hence, the name of the quilt is Sheena.  It was a challenge to come up with a simple pattern that would showcase the zebra print fabric.  Did I mention it is queen size!  Anyway, I hope they like it.  Have a great Christmas everyone!  I hope you all choose to share your sewing talents this coming year.  There is always someone out there who could use a quilt or a pillowcase.  Happy Holidays from the Bevilockway Family.

Dear Santa

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas.....I had to use a Christmas panel that I had purchased a couple of years ago.  When I looked in my stash I found coordinating fabric.  This quilt uses cotton & flannel.  It was so much fun to make.  A quick quilt for anyone to do.  I pieced the backing & used the trimmed strips from the backing to make the binding.  I call the quilt "Dear Santa".  I hope everyone keeps the true message of Christmas in their hearts this year.  A joyous season from my family to yours.

Fabric Sale

We went to St. George for Thanksgiving & had a wonderful time with the kids.  Trista & I got up just after 4 AM to be at Joann's Fabric store by 5 AM to stand in line until they opened at 6 AM.  We had a great time finding flannel.  We ended up with approximately 300 yards of fabric.  I also bought some fat quarters in brown, purple, pink, yellow & green tones for future projects.  The fabric filled the back seat of my car.  It is great to have this girls day out once a year.  I just have to decide what to make first!

Christmas Quilt 2011

 Finished my Christmas quilt for 2011. I adapted the Prarie Patches pattern by Vicki Bellino that was featured in the November/December 2011 McCall's Quilting magazine. I used my Accucut birdhouse die, fussy cut the birds from some Christmas fabric, and used only fabric that I had in my stash. The machine quilting pattern is holly & berries. I drew a pantogram & followed the pattern with the laser attached to my Grace quilting frame. I can't wait to do more pantogram quilting! I pieced the backing too. Bonnie Hunt, a wonderful quilter & teacher, pieces many of her backings. As Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I have been thinking of all my many blessings. I thank my Heavenly Father for our abundance of food, clothing, shelter, gospel, and so much more. I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving day. Keep enjoying the journey.

 "NOEL"                                                                                   Pieced the backing

Split Layer Cake

Finally have my computer back & working great!  I finished my layer cake quilt last week.  I bought a bundle of 10 inch squares, but them into 3 1/2" by 6 1/2" rectangles.  Turned the smaller pile over & sewed the large pieces to the small pieces.  Then pressed and cut the block in half (5") lengthwise through the seam.  Turned one pile over & sewed the pieces from each pile together.  The end result was great.  An easy quilt that was fun to do.  Did an overall swirl & leaf free motion design.  Called the quilt "Sunshine & Lavender" because that was the color of the thread I used for the machine quilting.  Sunshine on the back & Lavender on the top.  I used leftover scraps to piece the backing together too.  I didn't want any leftovers in this project.  The holidays are coming so I am working on a scrappy Christmas quilt.

Great Day!

Busy day today.  Started off cleaning house, then headed to town to pick up some things.  We passed by a yard sale on the way to visit my son & hubby said "I think there's a sewing machine back there".  Well, drove around the block & sure enough there sat an old Singer in bad shape.  Now, I have a rule on buying used sewing machines - 1.  It must be in good enough shape that I can get it sewing in a short period of time, and 2. It must have most of the parts intact.  That keeps me from buying anything that may sit around in useless condition for any period of time.  However, in a cardboard box sitting on the lawn by one of the tables there sat a New Home model 110.  No instruction manual, only a couple of presser feet, but when I took the race & hook out to check the wear it seemed as if the machine had not been used very much or very hard.  The price was only $20.  You bet I grabbed that little puppy up!  I brought it home in it's poor little cardboard box, took it apart, made some adjustments, put it back together, cleaned it up & it sews like a dream!  This particular model of New Home was made by the Janome Co. in the mid 1970's (I believe).  Decided I needed to sew a couple of pillow cases, but didn't use the New Home, as I wanted the WD40 to be completly gone before sewing a project.  Made one of the pillowcases for a friends granddaughter (with a peace sign) and the other pillowcase is to go with the Peace Sign quilt for Bailee.  It's been a really good day.  I hope you all have a great evening.

 Before                                                                                                       After

Bailee's Choice

The order came in the form of an email - 10 year old girl wants a new quilt for Christmas.  Must be hot pink & black with peace signs, and some white would be OK too.  Well, you know me, I had to see what I could come up with.  I found a free pattern from WalMart, purchased my fabric from Connecting Threads online, rolled up my sleeves & went to work.  I had to add the floral fabric because you can't have peace signs without flower power!  Took about 3 1/2 weeks from start to finish (in between work, yard, etc.).  Finished machine quilting it yesterday & the label went on last night.  The name of the quilt is "Bailee's Choice".  I hope I came close to what she wants.  It was too dark this morning to photograph the quilt, so I asked Lee Bennet of Sevier Office Supply in Richfield if I could photograph the quilt in their store.  I loved the backdrop of books & stuff.  A BIG THANK YOU TO SEVIER OFFICE SUPPLY!

Peace

Just put the Peace quilt on the machine quilting frame.  Can't wait to get going.  Pictures will be posted when it is finished.

Frugal Quilter

A couple of years ago I bought a clearance roll of a crib quilt top.  I am not sure how many of the little guys are on the roll but it cost me under $5 for all of it.  I had seen a demonstration on a faux chenille baby quilt using 4 layers of the same crib panel & decided I would try it some day.  OK, so I bought the panels a couple of years ago, and yes, it has been in the closet just waiting for me.  I have cut 8 panels from the roll & you can see there are many more to go.  To make the blanket I placed a piece of pink flannel right side down on a foam board.  Then layered 4 crib panels all facing up on top of the flannel.  I use spray baste between each layer (you don't need much).  A line is then chalked from one corner to the diagonal corner.  That becomes my first stitch line.  Sewed lines are then made shadowing the first line (approximately 1/2" apart).  I sew in a different direction for each line.  This helps keep the fabric from shifting in one direction.  After all lines are sewn I then cut through the first 3 crib panels only.  After all rows are cut, I then square up the quilt, sew the binding on & then run it through the rinse cycle in the washer & then dry it in the dryer to "fluff" the faux chenille.  There you have a cute little blanket.  I am now sewing another one.  If anyone wants to give it a try, let me know.  Happy sewing to all.

Tristen's Garden

Once upon a time there was a little baby who was given a special receiving blanket made of flannel with a wonderful bug print.  As this little girl grew, she shared her little blanket with others.  There were days when she missed her little blanket, but she was happy that she could share with someone else.  One day her fairy godmother heard that the little girl was still missing her little bug blanket.  With the waive of her magic wand, the fairy godmother was able to transform some scraps into a special quilt for the little girl.  There were even little ladybugs & butterflies appliqued to the quilt so that the little girl would always be surrounded by beautiful little bugs.  That is how "Tristen's Garden" came to be.  As the little girl snuggles with the quilt, her fairy godmother hopes she feels surrounded by love & prayers.  Just a note about the machine quilted pattern - the fairy godmother watched the little bugs in her own flower garden and decided to freemotion stitch a "bug's flight" pattern.  The little bugs flit here & there, sometimes quickly turning to go to another flower & sometimes flying in a smooth arc to check out the rest of the flowers. 

Disappearing Nine Patch Quilts

It has been a very busy month!  One of the quilts that I pieced was called "Just for You" a name I give to some quilts that are being donated to various charities.  I have enjoyed using the Disappearing Nine Patch to make these quilts.  You will notice that I went outside of the box for my border.  This quilt won a blue ribbon at our County Fair.  There is a program that our fair director has used for the past 2 years.  It is called "Help Make a Child Smile".  The quilts are judged but then they are given to our local hospital to disperse as needed.  It is a great way to share your quilting talents.

I just finished the next Disappearing Nine Patch this week.  I used leftover squares from the first Disappearing Nine Patch and changed the borders.  I really am having a good time with this pattern.  I learned this technique on the Missouri Star Quilt website.  A great place to go to learn fast and fun techniques. 

I cut out more 5" squares this morning to make a quilt for a little girl.  Yes Tristin, I am starting on your Bug quilt.

Enjoy the journey!

Learning to use the Grace Frame

First Quilt on the Grace Frame

Second Quilt on the Grace Frame

I made a small whole fabric quilt to get the feel of my Brother 1500S on the Grace Frame.  Just used a straight line zig zag pattern.  I was able to adjust the speed & tension to a good number.  Now I am doing a meander swirl pattern on my disappearing nine patch quilt.  So far, so good.  I really enjoy the time I am saving on my machine quilting.  Practice - practice - practice.  I have the laser hooked up now so that I can follow a pre-design pantograph.  I hope you are all using your talents to benefit those around you.

First time on the Grace Frame

I made a small one piece quilt and machine quilted it as a practice piece on my Grace Frame (GF).  I think I have the tension and speed control where it needs to be.  Piecing another quilt now to give the GF another practice session.  I will try swirls or stippling.  It's great when it's raining outside.....the yard work gets set aside for quilting.  Hope everyone is enjoying the summer.

Rock Around the Stock

Finished sewing the binding on my fair quilt last night.  It always feels so good when I finish a project.  Probably because there is always another project waiting in the wings.  I really enjoyed working on this quilt.  From the fabric, to the colors, to the machine quilting which seemed to find it's own way across the quilt.  This was a very satisfying project.  I will enter this quilt into the Sevier County Fair in a couple of weeks.  The theme of the fair of course is "Rock Around the Stock".  If anyone is in our area you should come on by and enjoy all the great things that are scheduled at our fair.  Enjoy your summer!

My Sewing "Studio"

OK.  For those of you who have asked......No I do not have a large sewing area.  I took over one of the bedrooms after the kids moved out.  The closet is stuffed with fabric, yarn, etc.  I have books, magazines, scrapbooking stuff, and a computer compacted into the space.  I do most of my sewing on one of my machines right there in that little room.  Tom, my great hubby, made a thread holder for my larger spools and supports me in my "hobby".  I must admit that I did take over one more bedroom for my new Grace Frame and hubby was OK with that too.  I truly am a blessed woman!  Over the years I have had my machine tucked into a smaller than closet area, set up in dining rooms, kitchens and bedroom nooks.  I have dragged the machine to the kitchen table, set it up on folded tables, and even taken it outside when the weather permitted.  Where there is a will, there is a way.  Don't let what you believe to be a lack of space keep you from enjoying your creative life!  By the way, yes, the room is usually in disarray as I seem to always have a project in progress.

Using Accucut die cutter for current project!  Good thing that chair is there to help out!

Grace Quilt Frame Day 3

Almost there!  All I have left to do is connect the power, put my free motion quilt foot on the machine and get a quilt ready to go.  The assembly process was smooth and the how-to-videos on You Tube were very helpful.  I was able to view videos from Grace Frame Co. & from a dealer in Logan, Utah named kathyquilts.com.  If you decid to take the plunge and buy an economical machine quilting frame I would highly recommend Grace Frame Co. in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I will keep you posted as I learn how to use the frame for my quilting projects.  With a short time until our County Fair, I will attempt to make a couple of quilts for their donation program.  Have a great day!

Grace Quilt Frame Day 2

I spent an hour after work last night continuing to put my new frame together.  So far the directions have been very clear and the quality of the components are very good.  My husband, Tom, did help me flip the frame over as he inspected the various aspects of the package.  I am quite pleased with myself so far.  Today I will place the machine guide on the unit and maybe even take the extra time to complete the fabrication process.  I am reigning myself in at the moment, for you see, I just want to get in there and get quilting.  Patience is a virtue that I am working on when it comes to quilt projects.  I hope you all take a moment and look around to see if there is someone you can cheer up or help today.  Enjoy the journey!

Grace Quilt Frame

Yesterday on my lunch hour I took the plunge and called the Grace Frame Company in Salt Lake City Utah to order my new Start Right quilt frame.  I thought I would have a few days before it's arrival to find a spot to set it up for a while.  Guess what!!!!!!!!! It arrived this morning.  I cannot believe their customer service.  So far I would highly recommend their company.  It took me an hour to move things around, vacuum, unbox and bring all of the components into the house.  I will start to put it together tomorrow night.  Thank you Grace Frame Company................YOU ROCK!!! I will keep my blog updated as I get the system set up.  I was fortunate enough to already own a Brother 1500S sewing machine.  The frame and extras that I purchased came to just under $1,000.  I have search high and low for an affordable quilting system and voila, I found one.  Stay tuned........

Quilting for the Fair

Finally finished piecing together my "fair quilt" for 2011.  The fair theme this year is "Rock Around the Stock".  I kind of went with that and created an applique panel from the picture being used for the fair book.  Also used a tip from Jenny at Missouri Star Quilt Co. in making the blocks that surround the center panel.  I finished pinning the quilt together last night and will set up my trusty Brother 1500 to start machine quilting.  For some strange reason I ended up making a queen size quilt.  I don't usually make such a large one for the fair, but somehow I just kept going.  The chicken print fabric that is used in the quilt is actually the same fabric that I used for my kitchen curtains.  As I was sewing the quilt together Trace Adkin's song "Brown Chicken, Brown Cow" kept going through my mind.  I utilize my living room for my machine quilting space.  This really makes me focus on getting the quilting done as soon as possible.  Hope you all have a great 4th of July weekend.

Panels are great for a quick quilt

I had purchased this Liberty Bear panel on a clearance sale last year and recently decided that I didn't have to cut it apart to make a pieced quilt. No, I could actually just add a sashing and border and machine quilt it. I am now very happy that I didn't cut the panel apart. This was a fun, quick and easy little quilt to make. Sometimes it really is OK to take the easy road (at least in quilting!). I took the photo this morning before the sun came up and yes it is cloudy out there again. I hope you find something easy and enjoyable to do today. Enjoy the Memorial weekend and be careful if you are going to be on the road. Give someone a smile or better yet, give them a quilt! Until next time.......

Machine quilting this week

Just finished pinning a quilt together and will machine quilt it this weekend. Or rather, I will start machine quilting it this weekend. If the weather clears up enough to work in the yard, I will have to split my time between quilting and gardening. If you haven't been to the Missouri Star Quilt Company's web site, try it out. Jenny Doan gives wonderful tutorials. I have picked up quite a few shortcuts and ideas from her and can't wait to try them out. Purchased the Vine & Curves template from Quilt in a Day to make curved edges on quilts. Another tutorial from the Missouri Star Quilt Company. Keep enjoying each day and do something nice for someone this week for no reason at all.

Busy Quilting

I decided to use some of my red, white and blue scraps to see what I could come up with.  I chose to use my new Dresden Plate die cutter from Accuquilt and one of my favorite die shapes, the Tumbler.  Just by chance I stumbled upon a close out on the red, white and blue striped fabric (dare I say it) for only $1 per yard.  After making sure it was good quality cotton fabric, I bought what was left on the bolt.  Needless to say, the next couple of red, white and blue quilts will likely have the striped fabric somewhere in it.  The Dresden Plate was fun to make.  I used the leftover 9 patch blocks in the backing too.  Quilters really know how to be "green"!

Saturday...Saturday

It was 4H Super Saturday and it was a busy day.  Being the only leader and helper really kept me hopping.  The kids were able to sew their quilts together and begin cutting the fringe.  They will have to finish the fringe at their own homes.  The only downfall is my housekeeping did not get done today.  I am now working on another scrappy quilt.  Will keep posting on the blog as time allows.  Hope you all have a fun St. Patrick's Day this coming week.  Keep sewing and enjoying the journey.

This years theme - Red White & Blue

It's been a busy month.  Lots of things going on, lots of things to do.  Even so, I managed to get 2 quilts done.  The first one is called "Utah Americana".  A friend who works for the State of Utah gave me one of his "seed bags" and I just had to use it in a quilt. Since I used an Americana pattern and the seed bag is from the State of Utah, I had to call it "Utah Americana".  The second quilt was another Tumbler Flag quilt.  I used several left over red fabrics and a cream with a blue print in it.  I absolutely love the results.  I believe I am using an America theme in my quilts this year.  It's been alot of fun.  I have more Tumbler blocks cut out of red, white & blue scraps and will sew them into another quilt, though it may not be a flag pattern this time.  Then again, you never know what I'll do!  I hope everyone has found something they love to do and are willing to share their talents with those around them. 

Teaching the Tumbler block

This past week I had the honor of teaching a young woman how to make her first quilt.  I used the Tumbler die cutter from Accucut and used blue, cream and red fabric.  She did a marvelous job.  I machine quilted it for her and she is now in the process of hand sewing the binding on.  I hope if you have a chance to share what you know with someone, that you will take the time to share.  It was a wonderful afternoon.  Next month - Pillowcases!

Tumbler Flag Quilt

The new year has been cold so far.  Of course, it is winter.  The quilting bug has got me again.  Started off with an easy pattern - Tumbler Flag Quilt.  I enjoyed using my Accuquilt tumbler die cut pattern to cut out the lap sized quilt.  While I was at it, I cut a second one out and taught a young lady in our town her first quilt lesson.  We enjoyed this afternoon and she did a great first time job.  Hopefully, she will continue learning and enjoying sewing.  I intend to give my quilt to one of our soldiers who will be leaving once again for Iraq.  I hope we can all keep our service men and women and their families in our prayers and thoughts.