Bettyninja

Waiting for the Weekend

2009-11-12T03:21:00.000-08:00

I'm eagerly awaiting the weekend, even though I don't have the best of plans. I have a two day training to attend which makes it so that I can't thrift on Saturday morning. Bummer! Hopefully I'll still be able to sneak some stitching time in. I currently have four quilt tops ready to be finished. I just have to buy some batting and make the backs.

I've finally saved up enough yellow to make myself a quilt like the one that I made for my mom (my mom's quilt is below).

Here's my yellow stash:

Pink and Gray Throw

2009-11-11T04:12:00.000-08:00

I scored this pink and gray cotton-like throw blanket thrifting over the weekend. It fits so perfectly with my Hot Pink Cross Quilt. I think that quilt is my most favorite quilt. It just looks so fun on the couch and I adore the quilting and the back. It's funny how I like many of the quilts that I make, but some of them I just like sooooo much more. This one definitely falls into the much more category.

Hope your having a wonderful week! We've had some gorgeous weather lately in New England!

Green Block Progress

2009-11-10T03:22:00.000-08:00

I've still been really good about not buying new fabric. I've used up almost my entire stash earlier this year and have been accumulating vintage fabrics and sheets at yard sales.

This quilt is mainly from a dark green cotton sheet and bits and pieces of Amy Butler and Heather Ross Fabric. I'm going for a more graphic type of a quilt---- see what you think!

My Woodland Creatures

2009-11-09T03:19:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my woodland creatures, all gathered together.

The bird is another hand painted piece that I found at a yard sale. Sadly the sale was outdoors and everything had been left out overnight. The paint sort of got smudged, but I still think it is lovely.

Oh yes, and a close up of one of the winter paintings I posted yesterday.

Winter Paintings

2009-11-08T16:26:00.000-08:00

I've been smitten with lovely hand painted works lately. My mom actually was the one originally collecting them at local thrift stores. As her collection built so did mine. Here is a winter grouping of mine:

I can't wait to hang them.

Glimpse of the Weekend

2009-11-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

This weekend I...

thought about what to do with these shrunken wool skirts. I love vintage plaids these days... I'm thinking either a bag with leather belt handles or a wreath hung by a vintage leather belt.
bookstore wandering
easy going fall walks
cleaning- ugg, guess it can't be all fun ...
laundering some vintage fabrics

In Between Projects

2009-10-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

Some in between projects that I have kicking around....

You may remember a sneak peak at this quilt. Originally inspired by this lovely creation.

Also, my little sewing tomato collection just keeps making the rounds. I scored this baby blue Dansk pot at a yard sale over the summer.

Lately I've been admiring the various industrial strength sewing machines on ebay. Beautiful and fascinating for me. I would love a heavy duty machine for sewing handles on bags and super think projects. Ebay's still a bit out of my price range, even though there looks to be some great repair-folks selling. Will have to cross my fingers that I can score one at a yard sale.

Oh, yeah one more thing. I've been thinking about sprucing up my sewing table in the corner here:

I'm thinking a nice bright coat of paint would make this table even more wonderful. It's a very sturdy sewing table, more sturdy than most foldable sewing tables that I've come across. The only down side, is the sewing machine pictured here on the table is no longer in action. So I can either keep using it is a sewing table that doesn't fold up or I can try to find a machine that fits.

I do love picking out paint colors though....

The Weekend

2009-09-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

How did you make out this weekend? Any great finds?

I love this serving dish that I scooped up a few weeks back. On it rests a vintage leather wallet, my big sunglasses, and a Made by Hank purse. I adore her things, i just need to wait until she has a wristlet up. I need something to tie around my wrist or I would loose my purse everywhere.

We also found some new kids books and games. I've also been slowly adding more of my finds to the shop.

The Goods

2009-09-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you all how nice it feels to be such warmly welcomed back! Thanks so much! I've always been super bad about responding back to people that leave comments, especially if their emails don't show up in the notification. From here on out I plan to do my best leaving responses back to you in the comments section.

Each comment warms my heart completely, so I want you all to know how much I appreciate them!

Last weekend we hit some church rummages and I scored tons of children's books and games. Since I recently started working in a school this is super helpful to score stuff cheap like this.

On our way back, our truck was super full but we couldn't help stopping at just one more yard sale. A couple of sweet old ladies were selling furniture they had bought 40 years ago while living in Germany. Lucky for me- they're totally my style.

I can't even tell you how nice matching sidetables makes me feel. Honestly, even though, ugg, I am almost the big three O, matching side tables sort of makes me feel like an adult. Funny because this week I just had a kiddo tell me I don't look like a teacher I look like a kid. Thanks. I think.

My vintage field guides. These are so incredibly fun to flip through. If you like these check out my etsy shop- just listed a couple.

I've been hanging onto this heavy weight cake stand and lid, trying to figure out what to do with it. I put a couple of my favorite plastic animals in it and it just worked on the night stands.

The New Start

2009-09-09T02:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome back! It's slow going and I'm adjusting to doing projects at a normal pace again. If I get to sew a little bit a few times a week I think that is a great thing.

I am truly sorry for the ladies in the quilt bees with me. I am very late for many reasons- one is, I admit it, I overcommited. The blocks started coming in two or three a month and often people hoped that we could stitch two blocks for them. I am a sucker for that since so many kindly did that unasked for my quilt bee month. The second reason is that I haven't had a sewing machine for a long, long time.

Luckily I had like ten of them all done just needed to be mailed. Those will be out today. Some of the other blocks I will be sewing the next few weeks.

Sorry for the boring updates! We'll be having more fun this week. Especially since i will be showing off what I consider to be the thrift store find of the season. Also, I have really fallen in love with vintage children's books so I will be posting some pics soon. I need to find a suitable little bookcase for my growing collection.

Anyway, a little sewing... This is a project that I've had partially cut and partially stitched for close to a year now.

Finding My Way Back to Betty Ninja

2009-09-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

I've been slowing thinking the past few weeks about getting back to blogging here more. I was a little burnt out before. I was feeling a little over saturated with too much inspirations from all over the web. It was a little hard to get excited about stitching something without feeling like it has all been so overdone already.

Hope I'm not getting to down for everyone.

But I'm back and I'm feeling fresh again and I'm feeling like Betty Ninja might slowly morph into something more than just a quilting blog. Does that mean all my quilty friends won't like me anymore? I hope not, because I will certainly be quilting some more. It's just that I'm ready to start snapping shots more, and painting furniture more, and thrifting more.

At times thrifting was slim this summer, but the past week or two I've been finding great things. I think it's because I'm actually pausing and looking more carefully.

My old machine was broken and I just couldn't break down and pay the $100 bucks to have her fixed up again. Especially with her tendency to shock me with electricity while sewing.

So.. I scored this great brown Kenmore for $15 and it works. It took some fiddling and a bit of oil and some web searching. But she runs like a charm.

Anyway, I'm completely ready to feel inspired again. Ready for new challenges. By the way, I'm excited about this new site. I'll be whipping up some fun project for them soon. It just seems like fun.

Etsy Update

2009-08-26T11:52:00.003-07:00

Thanks to all those stick around and pop over still. Sorry I've been so quiet lately!

How to Draw with a Light

2009-08-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hi guys- sorry I've been away for so long, but ya know, summer beckons. I haven't been sewing much, mainly just playing outside. I've been rebuilding my fabric stash though. This way when the cold weather hits. I'll be set to stitch.

In the meantime, I thought some of you may be interested in this how to post over at my bettymountaingirl blog. It's a super fun way to make pics like these:

Fourth of July Hike

2009-07-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

You guessed it- we decorated our backpacks for the hike. The Fourth of July has always been a favorite holiday for me. It's my birthday weekend for one and generally it involves barbecues and decorations and it just turns out to be a swell time.

This weekend we...

2009-06-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Did a lot of relaxing. I think we'll be trying it again next weekend too.

Flip Flops

2009-06-29T04:22:00.000-07:00

I am in a pillow making mood these days. Made this fun pillow with leftovers from this quilt. I have also been experimenting with some fun ruffles for more pillows as seen on this fine etsy shop. I love her items!

Kids Rock

2009-06-26T06:01:00.000-07:00

That's a horse in an alligator's mouth. Kids are awesome.

Over my Head

2009-06-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

I have gotten in way over my head with this quilt bee stuff. It's sort of like rent, you really should avoid getting a month behind at all costs because it is basically impossible to catch up. My quilt bee blocks are behind- but at least my rent is up to date!

Common Threads- Wendy's Blocks

2009-06-25T08:02:00.001-07:00

Recently finished these blocks for Wendy's month in the Common Threads Quilt Bee.

Super late, but these really were great to make. The fabrics had such wonderful, rich saturated colors.

Since all the fabrics were solids, it really forced me to think more about the design than the fabric. Ever notice that sometimes we let designer fabrics do the work for us? I'm realizing that more and more, especially after having a blast with these solids! Hope Wendy likes!

Swiss Cross Quilt Complete

2009-06-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Yeah!! She is done. My little Swiss Cross Quilt. I used solid cotton fabrics except for the backing which is navy blue with white stars. The backing I scored at a yard sale.

I quilted it by sewing diagonal lines, which is soooooo much easier now that I finally got a walking foot for my machine.

Don't forget, I have an easy tutorial for making cross blocks.

The Find

2009-06-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

I've read many blogs where people would tote the wonders of furniture they discovered from Craig's List. I never find anything good in my neck of the woods. I was starting to think that really there wasn't any great furniture to be found via this route. Well, man did I luck out. I was searching for a bookcase and I came across this bookcase/credenza. Now, a good solid credenza has been on my wish list for the past few years, so to get a two- for- oner like this is such a find for me!

This isn't the most spectacular photos of it, but I just wanted to give a peeksy. I plan to repaint a set of mirror a bright color and show it off a bit more. Even a peak to how many binders this thing can store (onewards of twenty at least).

Oh yeah, it is seven feet long and I carried it up three flights of stairs and navigated through a tiny kitchen - just my boyfriend and I.

The Redo

2009-06-01T04:40:00.000-07:00

You may remeber that I was redoing this cabinet. Ugg- it took forever. I've repainted things before, but never in a tiny apartment where the piece of furniture takes up the entire living room. Let's just say I am glad to be actually putting this thing to use now.

I'll be taking some more fun photos of this soon, but I was so excited to have it mainly done I had to post it.

The photos don't quite show it, but it is more of a blueish gray color on the outside.

The inside is a bright aqua color.

I love the textured windows.

Did I mention?

2009-05-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

That I have another blog? That's right, it is called Betty Mountain Girl. I realize it may not be up your alley, but perhaps you know a lady who works in the next row that likes to hike, or bike, or kayak. Or maybe she just dreams about it. Anyway, send my blog along to those you think might like it. I plan to keep it up to date with my upcoming ladies biking trip in July and canoe camping trip in August as well as random bits and ramblings along the way.

Catch up on fun articles like:

How to pee outdoors like a lady
Camping Tips
And Outside Etiquette

Thrifted Fabrics

2009-05-26T03:52:00.000-07:00

I have fallen way behind with quilting and sewing. I haven't finished a quilt in ages- yikes! This Thursday and Friday look like a bit of rain so hopefully I'll be doing some stitching then. I just can't stay inside when the weather is so nice.

I'm really smitten by this bug material. It would be great in something sort of pastel like or floral. Little bit of of fun kick.

2009-05-26T03:50:00.000-07:00

Yeah for summer! I've really just been noticing how full all the green leaves look. Did you have a great weekend? I hope you didn't have to work and got to be outside a bit. My weekend list will be up soon....

Baubles

2009-05-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

Did you know that I collect just about everything? Yeah, really it is sort of a sickness. My vintage bauble collection has been running over too. I've put some pieces up in the shop- check it out! P.S. I took all these photos with my macro add on lens. Seriously one of my most favorite purchases ever.

Quilting Progress

2009-05-19T07:11:00.001-07:00

I mentioned on my twitter the other day that I found the perfect backing fabric for my Swiss Flag Quilt, well here it is...

I am a die hard thrifter, not just because it is pretty darned trendy, but also because I have trouble paying full price for anything that I know I can find for 25 cents. So, I've been building my stash again, since I had a pretty productive winter of quilting. Luckily I came across these navy blue stars fabric for $1. There is about 2 or 3 yards of it too.

I've also started a triangles full sized quilt for our bed. I've recently been finding myself bored of the basic white borders and sashing on all my quilts, so I am going with gray here. I've also been trying to break free of the classic log cabin block too.

Latest Quilting Favs

2009-05-18T04:00:00.001-07:00

I thought I would start the week off with some quilting inspirations. I love all my flickr pals!

1. gees louise, 2. Half-Square Triangles, 3. 1limestrip, 4. Liberty Doll Bedding, 5. March, 6. Border 13, 7. brick_quilt, 8. SC3 | Bird Blocks, 9. day 99 of 100 : am i ready for hand-quilting?, 10. Denyse Schmidt quilt pattern, 11. virtual quilting bee: august, 12. Quilting Bee-- April, 13. Obama Quilt - back, 14. wip..., 15. quilting single girl, 16. finished flock of triangles

As you can see I am quite addicted to this talented lady's quilts.

This weekend I...

2009-05-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

Did some thrifting
Found a used double boiler (whipped frostings here I come!)
investigated how to season a cast iron pan
Devoured a ton of coffee and peach ice cream (best combo ever!)
Washed the dog
Took a long walk in the woods
Added Weekend Sewing to my birthday list

Weekend Work

2009-05-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

I've been steadily working on this little green beastie. I finally have the time to repaint it (I purchased it for $20 years ago).

While I used to have a fun little side business refinishing found furniture, I haven't whipped out my paintbrushes in ages. Lately, I've been very inspired by the fine furnishings of this fellow New Englander.

Turns out repainting things is very tough when you live in a two bedroom apartment. So I've been finagling and bending over in all sorts of awkward positions lately. When she is finished she will be bright aqua inside and a light gray blue on the outside. I plan to store all my crafty supplies inside in my side room.

To Do

2009-05-15T06:06:00.001-07:00

Some things on my list still haven't been crossed off (particuarly the first few)...

wash dog
repaint green cabinet
finish hand tying the treehouse quilt
buy more batting
sew a dress
thrift
bike
hike
read

And the winners are...

2009-05-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks all for entering into the Big Huge Giveaway! We had 72 lovely entries. The good news is that I did include international entries (should have mentioned that huh?). Any who, here are the winners:

Rachel--- Cornflower Blue Studio----winner of the HR Mendoncino Quilt
Julia----Sometimes I Sew-----winner of yellow and blue quilt
Amber---- One Shabby Chick---- winner of the pink cross scarf

I hope this got the ball of good luck rolling for everyone! I always feel like the more things I enter the more lucky I get. Here's to hoping for a wonderful, lucky weekend!

Spring

2009-05-11T04:03:00.000-07:00

How was your weekend? We had a wonderful one despite the iffy weather. Went for a long mountain bike ride, dug in my mum's garden for mother's day, and thrifted a bit.

Things on my to-do list this week:

make these pickled grapes
repaint a giant cabinet for craft storage
wash the dog
plant basil and parsley seeds
bike
finish Swiss flag quilt
visit some Sallys
buy tomato plants
read some of the million books I've checked out of the library

All I can say is...

2009-05-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Every finger and toe is crossed for this...... Please check it out and help me win one of the coolest bikes ever!

Big Huge Giveaway

2009-05-08T05:01:00.000-07:00

I've been doing some serious spring cleaning and decided- I just have way too many quilts. I need more space so that I can make more quilts!

So........... I am doing a big huge giveaway. All you have to do is enter by leaving a comment with your email and you could win one of my three below creations. Just a little disclaimer- I am not a tidy, perfect quilter. My bindings are pretty rough, some of my quilting puckers, etc. Just wanted to throw that out there. Enjoy and good luck!

these are the three items I am giving away:

or this scarf:

Domino Magazine

2009-05-08T04:50:00.000-07:00

I've been a huge fan of Domino magazine for years. I've decided to let mine go (even my most favorite ones!) in order to raise some money for a ladies cycling trip in Maine that I plan on doing. So if you have ever felt wanted to grab a few, stop by my ebay store. I'm offering a discount on shipping- just pay full shipping for the first one and each additional is only $1 extra in shipping.

Here are some pics of my favorite spreads:

Red Swiss Flag Quilt

2009-05-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

My latest work in progress, this little Swiss flag quilt. I have a great super easy tutorial for whipping out small cross blocks here and I also have a little Swiss flag garland tutorial here.

I have since stitched all the blocks together and am waiting for my favorite batting (Warm and White) to go on sale this next weekend.

Tree House Quilt Progress

2009-05-04T05:14:00.000-07:00

This is the quilt that I have been hinting about being close to finished. I just need to hand tie and bind. You may remember that for my month in Common Threads Quilt Bee I asked for tree houses, and boy did everyone deliver. Some of the most clever blocks I have ever seen!

Anyway, the overall quilt design is a large tree with branches and the tree houses are on the branches. I choose to hand tie since there is some very lovely embroidery stitching in some blocks and I wanted that to stand out. Hopefully by the end of the week I will have her ready for a full display.

Twitter

2009-05-02T03:33:00.000-07:00

I've been twittering. Follow me here.

follow me on Twitter

Spring Mix- Flickr Favs

2009-05-01T05:43:00.000-07:00

Spring Hike

2009-05-01T05:05:00.000-07:00

Last night we went for a quick hike with Misty, our German Short Haired Pointer mix. She is pretty good off leash generally. Lots of mountain bikers frequent these trails and she sometimes thinks that she has the right of way on narrow bridges.

Needless to say, she had to jump off at the last minute. She tried to hop right back up, but missed and ended up falling butt first into the swamp mud.

Still way better than staying home and watching television though.

MidCentury Modern Goodies in Shop

2009-04-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

I've really pillaged through my goodies and collections to do a big shop update. Many of my Dansk enamel collection, vintage cameras like this Argus pair, and much more. Take a peeksy you might find something with your name on it.

New Find

2009-04-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

It feels amazing to have free time! I've managed to start thrifting again and found this amazing baby blue Singer sewing machine. The best part- it works! I'm going to oil her up a bit so she is a little smoother.

I want to start a collection....light blue or light green vintage sewing machines.

Things to be thrilled about

2009-03-12T05:33:00.000-07:00

just received this lens
scored several viewfinder cameras on ebay for under $10
rummage season is around the corner
some days, when the temperature is like over 35 I've been going for bike rides
my mom is heading out to visit my brother in California. She's been talking and dreaming about going for years. Surprisingly, my brother is a great tour guide.
I'm completely addicted to downloading podcasts from the Splendid Table and Car Talk. Good listening during my crazy 2 hour commutes.
I am inches from finishing a quilt to show and have loads of quilt bee blocks to share too

Some of my very best

2009-03-12T05:27:00.001-07:00

Lots of my very best, most favorite ever, vintage fabrics went into these blocks for the Bushfire Quilt Project. I am so happy that Campfollower Bag Lady came up with this incredibly thoughtful way to help folks.

I started off thinking I would do one or two blocks, but it is one of those things. Once I got started I just couldn't stop.

Another wonderful thing about this project? I've never tried this block before. Weird huh? It is a pretty trad quilt block. Maybe that is why actually. Anyway, it has been on my to-try list for a while and this project was the kick in the butt.

Waiting

2009-03-05T03:53:00.000-08:00

I'm waiting for spring, even though the storm the other day dumped another foot of snow on us. I am hopeful. I have my little viewfinder camera ready, my bike greased up, and dog by my side.

Betty Ninja Kicks Butt

2009-02-16T09:53:00.000-08:00

Bee Blocks

2009-02-12T03:29:00.000-08:00

Seeing for the many quilt bees that I am involved in is so much fun. First off, it keeps me sewing when I feel too busy. It is also a great way to work with fabrics that I don't typically use as well as patterns that I haven't tried.

This one is for Hambone and Jennicakes in the Threads Together Quilt Bee:

For Cathy in the Busy Little Quilting Bee group:

For Juliette in Busy Little Quilting Bee group:

Also, if you have any time and fabric scraps, consider making blocks for Bushfire Quilt Project put together by Campfollower Bag Lady .

Cathedral Windows

2009-02-10T02:52:00.000-08:00

I tried this tutorial for the Cathedral Windows block here (very well done tutorial- it was easy to follow with great pics!) The finished product is amazing and beautiful-despite my missing a fold somewhere along the way- oops! I used vintage squares for the windows.

I have to say though, a bit too much folding and ironing for me. I was actually trying it out because I thought it would be amazing to have the ladies in one of the online quilt bees make these. It takes a ton of fabric! So I have come up with another block for the bee (coming soon).

I've actually had to go buy fabric for my quilt bee month on Threads Together Quilt Bee (March) and Busy Little Quilting Bee (March too!) It was very pleasing to buy fabric and I am still on the hunt. I need to score some orangy reds this weekend, wash everything and send it out. Can't wait!

Cake Cones

2009-02-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

Had these this weekend...They're like little cupcake cones.

Lists

2009-02-05T04:53:00.000-08:00

On the back page of notes, written on the MBTA. Things I love...

dogs running
a line at a church rummage sale
the whirl of a shutter
cold swims followed by huge sweatshirts
rope swings
kids laughing and shouting down the street
moss on the north side of trees
driving around Northern California with my brother
the dapple of light on the forest floor
bright colors- red and aqua, pink and green
the sound of wind in my ears while riding my bike
a long rocky downhill
running towards the surf for an hour
lakeside docks
jumping for no reason
library books
smocking
And the thought that spring will be soon...

Polka Dot Road Quilt

2009-02-05T03:58:00.000-08:00

Pretty things, pretty quilts really, are one of the only things that keeps me sane. I started this red and aqua quilt based off this really fabulous doll quilt and her larger one here. I had some of this vintage aqua in my stash and had snagged the red the past few months in another fabric order.

I haven't quilted it yet, but I have my fingers crossed that I will get to it this weekend.

2009-02-03T02:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some more scraps made into blocks. These are some of my favorite fabrics. Once again I used primarily scissors to cut the pieces. The light green color is salvaged linen and the rest are various cotton fabrics. Loads of vintage scraps and I think a few quilt bee fabrics snuck in there too. Also, some new fabrics like Amy Butler scraps. I really enjoy letting the blocks sort of flow and not having to think too much about them.

Scrap Stash

2009-02-02T02:43:00.000-08:00

I've been so good about using my stash lately and it has really dwindled down. So now my new plan is to attack my scrap stash, which has exploded. It is one really large bag overflowing with scraps. I'm not sure if I will make a whole quilt like this, but this is one way that I have started using the scraps. Inspired by this.

No more late Betty

2009-02-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

That's right- I've been on a roll lately. All my swap materials and quilt bee blocks sent out on time and sometimes, gasp, early. This block is for one of the charity quilts for Project Improv.

Mendocino Pink Quilt

2009-01-27T03:09:00.000-08:00

So a while back I confessed that I did, in fact, buy the entire line of Heather Ross Mendocino fabric in all colorways. Disgusting I am with my addiction, I know. (Actually I feel guilty as heck having three drawers full of fabric.)

Anywho, even thought Shannon told me to stop quilting so she can catch up- I can't! No really, I made this when I was on Christmas break from school. I had days upon days of just trying to get my head screwed back on straight and sewing.

The design is just a hodge podge of piecing together what I had left. I have already made two other quilts that were primarily Heather Ross fabrics here and here.

Mirror Find

2009-01-27T03:05:00.000-08:00

I can't wait for yard sales! In the mean time I have been haunting local thrift shops. I found these two mirrors (matching!) for $5 each. I am eager to find just the right long buffet that I can place these on top of.

I most likely will be painting them, which I am excited about. One of the first things that really got me into crafting- was furniture refinishing. I used to score things at yard sales and paint it, or paper it, or otherwise change it and resell it at a consignment store. It was fun little side money, but really I just did it for the love. I haven't quite worked out how I will paint in a third floor apartment, but the desire to do so is half the battle.

Project Improv I

2009-01-26T03:08:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure where I would go with my Project Improv quilt. Generally my quilts, while they have some block in mind, are not all that planned out. I've recently started just using scissors versus the rotary cutter and that is fun. It also makes the cutting process somewhat easier for me since I don't have to square up my work as frequently. I did use the scissors for these blocks.

My fabrics are mainly my giant bag of scraps from this quilt and salvaged linen. I can score linen quite cheap at Salvation Army on 50 cents day. If I buy an extra large of the skirt/shirt/dress I can often get a yard of material.

I am still looking to make more blocks for this quilt. I think I will have it be throw size. I like working on smaller quilts when I have less time overall.

Piles

2009-01-23T02:53:00.000-08:00

Some piles around the house. When we lost power for several days back in December, I went crazy cutting since I couldn't sew.

Jenny's Block

2009-01-21T01:33:00.000-08:00

My most recent Common Threads block. This is for Jenny. I loved her fun selection of solids- but I am not used to sewing mainly with solids. This really forced me to think of something fun to do with them. It was great- I need to find more solids and experiment like this.

I also worked mainly with scissors and that was a great change. I will doing that again! I was inspired by the mini quilt like blocks Katiejeanbags in Busy Little Quilt Bee has been making lately.

Treehouse Three

2009-01-20T02:52:00.001-08:00

A few days ago when I posted this post, I didn't have my full collection of treehouse blocks out. Here are some photos of more fabulousness.

I've spent so long deciding how to make these little works of art into a quilt that I haven't gotten started with the quilt yet. I think I am ready and have a plan though. I just need to get some brown fabric.

Things I worked on...

2009-01-19T16:39:00.000-08:00

I worked on this orange crush quilt over Christmas break. I was inspired by the quilt on Denyse Schmidt's website here. It is full sized, made completely from my stash. The back is fun vintage bits also from my stash. I did an all over cross hatch quilting.

And the back...

Can't wait for yard sale season to start up again. That way I can build my collection one $1.00 bag at a time.

Mr. Owl

2009-01-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

My mom made me this cute little owl for Christmas. Small felt sewing might just be about to take over the world.

Thrilled...

2009-01-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

To be in this online crafting class. I need an excuse to try out new media.
Love this quilt by fellow Common Threads quilter Jenny. (actually like all her quilts)
Dig the pleats on this quilt block from Small Fox. Imagining all the possibilities.
Looking for a new photo project idea. I want to keep rolling with my viewfinder photography, but it is hard when I never get to see sunlight.
Searching for another virtual quilt bee to part of. I seriously love being part of quilt bees.

See you this week. I have some quilting to show and some home finds that I am also thrilled about.

Plaid

2009-01-16T02:57:00.000-08:00

Messy

I can't wait to cut into this.

Goals

2009-01-16T02:43:00.001-08:00

Remember the treehouse blocks from my month for Common Threads?

Well, I completely finished off mine. Despite all the tiny threads that I forgot to cut for this photo, I am pretty psyched with the zigzag stitch here. Normally when I do zigzag it turns into a big mess. My machine must have liked me today.

My goal is to have it all done by gasp, end of February?! This will be tough since I am back in school and being thrown into a new clinic environment, but since I have all the required fabrics coming my way- no more excuses.

Current Ride

2009-01-15T18:57:00.000-08:00

Here she is Red Betty. My current fast ride. Sure it's pretty darned cold out right now in NH, but there is something about her that puts a frosty smile on my face.

Her handle bars extend higher up too.

Her most sexy part- her super big wheels!

Pink

2009-01-15T18:42:00.000-08:00

Front and Back

2009-01-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

I just started a new group over at flickr called Modern Cross Quilts. It's for cross quilts, blocks, or the like. I was finding that cross quilts were taking over my favorites and thought it might be nice to have them all in one spot. So much good inspiration.

Forgot to show you the back to this quilt.

Mainly scraps that I had- some linen, etc. and this giant black asian-like piece that I've been handing on to. Totally not my normal style, but ended up being perfect for this quilt

Yellow

2009-01-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

Yellow for color week today. Hey- day three of the color challenge and I am still cookin'. Planning ahead rocks.

Trying to be funny with that one...

Block Time

2009-01-14T08:00:00.001-08:00

Some blocks that I recently finished. I am still working on Nadia's. I have it pieced- I just need to do the embroidery on it.

Common Threads quilt block for Oiyi.

I feel like I should have done some drawing or sketching ahead of time for this. I feel like it just doesn't have that omphf that so many of the other amazing blocks here have.

This is for the Busy Little Quilt Bee. Sarah's block.

This is for the Busy Little Quilt Bee. Stephanie's block.

As you know I love making cross blocks lately. This block is a little too similar to my last quilt bee block though.

Hot Pink Scarf

2009-01-13T03:31:00.000-08:00

I know- enough already with the cross blocks?!

Inspired by this scarf made by JC Handmade. I used the leftover blocks from my Hot Pink Cross Tutorial. The whites and off whites are salvaged linens.

Purple

2009-01-13T03:26:00.000-08:00

Still with Color Week. Literally the only thing in my entire life that is purple is this bittersweet little box. Our Maine Coon cat rescued from a shelter. He died last year. His name was Scuba Steve.

Blue

2009-01-12T02:29:00.000-08:00

This week is color week started by Curious Bird. I had to plan a little ahead since school starts this week- but I love these mini photo challenges.

Today is blue.

The Hunt

2009-01-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

Hungry

Hmm what should I eat?

Fish sure do sound good

Hunt begins

Getting closer

And closer

Drooling

More drool

Yum

Little Swiss Flag Garland Tutorial

2009-01-10T12:00:00.001-08:00

Who can stop at just one cross? They are highly addictive. See my previous tutorial for a quick way to make cross blocks. Once you have a few you can make this garland if quilts are a bit much still.

I used vintage fabrics and salvaged linens for mine.

Step 1

Take the cross block and place it wrong side to wrong side with matching back fabric or fabric of your choice.

Step 2

Stitch two straight lines down the squares and their backing.

Step 3

Cut the blocks apart.

Step 4

Use scalloped scissors or zigzag scissors for the edges.

Step 5

Here is where we make the jam folks. start on one end leaving plenty of extra thread- 10 plus inches. Then keep stitching all the squares together- without cutting them apart- just keep stitching away, one right after the other.

So it looks like this.

Tada! Your little swiss flag garland.

Hot Pink Cross Quilt Block Tutorial

2009-01-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

Use this tutorial to make cross blocks fast. Here I show you how to make hot pink cross blocks that have 1 inch wide crosses. Mix up your quilt by using different widths. My inspiration has been with all the great cross quilts on flickr lately. Color combo inspired by this pillow.

Step 1

Gather your fabric. I used hot pink and off white. Both are a heavier weight 100% cotton. Amount of fabric will depend on how big you want your finished quilt. This tutorial will show you a quick way to make the blocks and then you can make as many as you choose!

Step 2

Cut two strips that are 1.5 inch wide by 18 inch long

Step 3

See 1.5 inches wide

Step 4

See 20 inches long

Step 5

Now cut one of these strips up into 3 strips that are 6 inches long. (I know- why cut 20 inches long if you are only using 18 inches? Well, I always cut extra for my mistakes which always happen. wink wink)

Step 6

So now you have one long strip 1.5 inches by 20 inches and 3 small strips that are 1.5 inches by 6 inches

Step 7

Now cut two white strips that are 3 inches wide by 20 inches long.

Step 8

We will be sewing it up like this- with the pink in the middle

Step 9

Sew up one strip of white to the pink. 1/4 inch seam or so.

Step 10

See stitched one white to the pink.

Step 11

See the other white strip stitched on the other side of the pink. Seams both on the same side.

Step 12

See my messy back in case you weren't sure which side the seams should be

Step 13

I pressed the seams out on all my squares. I am not sure if this is the scientifically correct way to press the seams for this type of square- I'm just telling you what I went with. Keep in mind when buying the white that you don't want one that is too see through or the seams might show through.

Step 14

Press the front too. We like pressing around here

Step 15

Now with the the strip on its side like shown- cut the big strip into 3 pieces- each 6 inches long.

Step 16

See the three pieces. Now they are all roughly 6.75 by 6 inches. It's okay if they are a little off- that is what gives this quilt its flavor.

Step 17

Now cut each of these three squares in two pieces. You can slice right up the middle if you want your crosses perfect or you can mix it up. I cut mine all slightly different. Some more than others.

Step 18

Remember those three pieces we cut back in the beginning? Well we will be using them here like this.

Step 19

Sew the pink strips to one half of the white/pink combo strip

Step 20

See stitched like this

Step 21

Seams in the back

Step 22

Whoops little messy- but seams in the back is the important thing here.

Step 23

Looks like this in the back before you press it again.

Step 24

Press the seams out again. It starts to look neater

Step 25

Press the front too.

Ta Da!

Ta da! You just made three blocks super fast! You can add white borders if you like or just stitch them up sans borders.

Also, for your next three batch cut different width strips. I did it like this:

3 strips with 1 inch wide pink
3 strips with .75 inch pink (this one is tiny and the seams wouldn't press really neat but I love the smaller crosses)
3 strips with 3.5 inch pink.
And so on and so forth

I always used 3 inch whites on the sides- I just make more scrap that way.

2009-01-06T04:08:00.000-08:00

I love e.soule's tiny zoo photos so much. I found these little creatures and have been experimenting with some of my own shots. I used my macro lens on my digital camera

Thinking Way Far Ahead

2009-01-06T04:02:00.000-08:00

So I am trying to be more balanced and I am realizing that has a lot to do with how much extra stuff I have going on during the semester. I started to think way far ahead and since my month is March for Busy Little Quilting Bee I pulled out my fabric and started cutting.

All vintage stash. I still need to buy a whole bunch of white or off white. I already know exactly what I want to ask for as a block. Here are some closer views.

A peek in my drawers

2009-01-05T05:10:00.000-08:00

For reals, you know I mean my sewing drawers.

In these plastic little drawers next to my machine remains most of my stash (gosh- okay I confess there is some leakage in other locations).

On top of my drawers.

I don't know why I thought this would be fun to show- but it just looks so colorful.

I am pretty stocked up for the moment with bobbins and such. I keep my baubles here too. Sometime I was going to take apart the less flashy ones and make new baubles, but that hasn't happened quite yet.

Here is a better close up.

I love that thread and my Gingher scissors. And of course my bouncy ball.

A bit of my stash and some vintage metal embroidery hoops. I keep empty spools of thread because I am crazy like that.

Home Tour

2009-01-05T04:57:00.000-08:00

With the new year I have finally been able to clear away some clutter and take you all on a tour. More rooms to come.

We live in a two bedroom apartment with our dog, Misty, and our cat, Lucky. I love to thrift and that is how I found really everything I own. So come along for the tour.

This is the side room and the little sewing corner. The couch I got for free from my previous place of employment. I picked up the machine at a second hand shop for $20, but had to spend around $70 to get the darn thing running.

This is basically the same picture, but a little closer. I am a double picture-aholic if you didn't know.

Now we are approaching where all the good stuff is made- my little sewing machine. I recently was able to stick most of my stash into the drawers. Above it is my inspiration line.

Closer views of the inspiration line. I love the boating ad- Dogs need weekends too.

You may note in the summer months my blogging is more lean in many ways because I am off mountain biking. This is one of my favorite girl shots, because heck there are hardly any girl mountain biking shots out there.

Here are some details. Like the vintage lamp I had to rewire behind my machine.

This little sleepy sun was made by my younger brother in 1990.

He also made this clay weight too in art class. I love his style.

My sewing dish.

My next post will be a peek in my drawers (sewing drawers people!)

Details

2009-01-03T04:32:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more details on my Green Wonder Quilt. Like the gingham binding all rolled up.

And the back. I just used whatever big pieces of fabric I had around. As you can imagine with all the quilting lately- my stash is dwindling fast.

I even used some of the hot pink from my Hot Pink Cross Quilt (in progress) on the back here. Man I had yards and yards of that stuff.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T13:22:00.000-08:00

Rather than creating resolutions (well what the heck I have some of those too) I've created a scavenger hunt for myself in 2009. I'll post it tomorrow. I was inspired by the Scavenger Hunt at Design for Mankind earlier this year- 'cept this one is a solo mission.

In the mean time- Happy New Year's!

How do they stretch like that? New (actually another UFO from a few months ago) quilt I am finishing up.

Keep Scrolling..

2008-12-30T09:31:00.000-08:00

...because I have things to show you...

I finished my Green Wonder Quilt. It is really green, but they are cool-hued greens. Just the kind that makes me smile and think of spring. All from my stash. You'll see I've broken down recently and purchased Amy Butler and Heather Ross fabrics, but there are many vintage goodies in there.

And the binding is some yellow gingham I had in my stash.

I did very simple lines for quilting. Actually while I was quilting this quilt I was thinking- man I must have finally gotten better at this quilting thing- because it was going so smoothly. But alas, I started quilting two smaller quilts I have kicking around and I discovered I must have just had my lucky mojo socks on 'cuz I'm not any better at it. Now if I could only remember which socks I had on...

Hot Pink Start

2008-12-28T05:45:00.000-08:00

Here are the hot pink squares I mentioned in the previous post. This quilt is inspired by Bling's Swiss Miss Pillow give-away. I had forgotten how great hot pink was until I saw her cross. Strangely- I had like 3 yards of this stuff in my stash. I had just recently used it for the back of a quilt. I think I originally bought it with plans for a tank top (but still three yards!?)

It was called crinkle cotton from Joanne's. It is a bit heavier than quilter's cotton and I love the toughness of it since it is pink afterall.

Quilt Bee

2008-12-28T05:38:00.000-08:00

I finished these quilt bee blocks a while ago, but haven't had a chance to post them. The great thing about being involved with the quilt bees while I was so busy this semester was that I had a deadline that I was trying to reach. It actually got me to stitch a few times- so that was a great thing. Although I have two envelopes of fabric to stitch (horribly overdue in fact!)

This cross block has spurred my interest in cross quilts (I have a hot pink cross quilt cut and ready to go).

These blocks were really fun too because there were hardly any rules about size or type.

Sewing Chair

2008-12-27T06:39:00.001-08:00

I made this bag last year out of Heather Ross fabrics. I used the Japanese book- Machine Made Patchworks for inspiration.

The camera is one of my film cameras. I love how film has made a *comeback*. I'm sure most of us grew up just using film. I used to use my dad's old Canon in high school and college. Sometime inbetween I scored this Pentax from a family I worked for. It cost $5.

Merry Merry

2008-12-26T15:41:00.001-08:00

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas! I received this little handstitched felt gnome from me mom.

She received this vintage red and green Christmas quilt from me pops.

Some goodies decorating my place. These vintage candles.

And other small woodland creatures.

Back Up

2008-12-23T04:39:00.000-08:00

I forgot to show off the back of this quilt:

Pieced from left over scraps and I am lovin it.

I've always had such a difficult time actually quilting my quilts, until this one. For some crazy reason (maybe because it was a small size- roughly 50x60) it got a whole lot easier with this one. I just went for straight line quilting which is also pretty easy too. Anyway, I quilted another quilt last night that I have been calling the Green Wonder quilt in the same way. Just straight lines. That one is full sized and it went really well! I'll show soon.

Stitching Away

2008-12-22T14:10:00.000-08:00

I finally got the nerve up to cut into my Heather Ross stash. I received this little bundle from my mom last Christmas and have been savoring it too much to cut it up. It is going to be my lucky bike race quilt. It has all my favorite things on it- bicycles, gnomes, dalmatians.

Isn't this bike next to the quilt great too? I snagged it at a yard sale years ago and have been holding on to it while I fix it up. It is almost ready to go for a ride- perhaps this spring.

A few close-ups:

And the winners are...

2008-12-21T05:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, remember that giveaway I was hosting like months ago? Yeah? Well, here are the winners sorry for the delay! Just send me your address when you get a chance to betty (underscore) whoosh (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Twinkle Star Art

Jodi

Lynn (of CraftStew, fellow Common Threadian, I know I have your address somewhere, but would you mind sending it along again? Thanks!)

And in case you forgot what you were winning....

And in case other folks want one...(my etsy)

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
lostinthewoods.etsy.com

Living

2008-12-21T05:14:00.000-08:00

I am so glad to have some time to do normal people things again. Wandering through the woods, taking photos of things that catch my eye, whittling away at my quilting to-do-list. Back to real life again. (I've been going to school to be a Speech Language Pathologist at a very intense program.)

Last week NH got hit with a huge ice storm that knocked out power to most of the state. We were extremelly lucky to get it back within a few days but many of my friends are still without. To top it off, we just got hit with 8 inches of snow Friday and are expecting another 12-14 (yikes!) today. So places like the grocery store and the gas station are super busy and have very bare shelves.

Anyway- also on my to-do list is to organize my flickr account (I have like 10 different sets for my quilts- why aren't they all in one set?! arg) and figure out twitter (just signed up for an account).

You Guys

2008-12-04T02:46:00.000-08:00

You guys rock by the way. Thanks for checking in on me everyone. I need the little- "where have you been" emails? They remind me of the fun creative things I used to do before I decided to go back to grad school... So where have I been?

I've stolen tiny moments to quilt. Came up with this little Christmas present for mom from my stash. Still whittling away at the stash and feelin really good about that.

So I'll be back. I have about a week left of finals and then I have about a month off! I am so lucky to just use that time to decompress. I plan to stitch a lot, go for long walks in the woods, and get to the gym. Maybe I'll even post everyday! That would be fun.

P.S. I swear, the giveaway will be announced just as soon as I am done with finals.

Summer Quilt

2008-10-31T02:36:00.000-07:00

So, ya know how I have been faithfully using up my stash in my quilts? Well that has been going fabulously. I have a few more quilts planned out and then I have almost completely used all the fabric I have. Believe it or not, I'd rather not have a stash of fabric kicking around making me feel guilty. But......when Heather Ross's new line of fabric came out over the summer I splurged. I splurged and bought a quarter yard- a quarter yard of everything!

But I love it so much! I made this quilt roughly using Denyse Schmidt's What a Bunch of Squares Quilt for inspiration. It reminds me a lot of this quilt that I did last year.

More shots of this quilt and Little Red in my flickr.

Little Red

2008-10-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

Gosh- sorry I haven't posted the winners yet for the give away! Hopefully this weekend. I worked on this little red number for the past several weeks and wanted to share my progress. It is all strip piecing.

Big Time

2008-10-10T02:51:00.001-07:00

Big time thank goodness! I am so relieved to have made it to Friday . I had two huge midterms and started clinical work this week. So things were super high stress for me. Not everything worked out perfectly this week, but you know what? Everyone is still alive.

I have some things to show you! You may have already seen them if you have been to my flickr stream lately. This blue one was a lot of fun for me and it was super easy. I had stacked my fabrics by color and realized that I loved the way the real blues were looking together.

Most, maybe all, of these fabrics were yard sale finds or fabric that was gifted to me in one way or another. As you other quilters now, nothing makes a quilter more happy than being frugal.

The back is a contrasty yellow.

Almost all my quilts are inspired by Denyse Schmidt's work.

I also started blocks for a folksy red version of this quilt. I am in love with fabric from the 60's and 70's right now. If it is remotely usable at yard sales- I scoop it up. This quilt uses mainly yard sale fabric and also fabric from my stash. Once again, I didn't need to buy anything new for this quilt. It is actually pretty scary when you think how many quilts I have made lately without buying anything new.

I have 25 blocks so far and I need to make 64 for my full sized bed. These blocks have been very soothing to make. I recently discovered how easy and fun chain piecing is and I just feed these strips through. I'll have to post some photos of more blocks soon. I was thinking that I should add more aqua to it because I want this quilt to have some depth to it. I will have to show more soon.

Thanks for sticking with me ladies! I will post the two winners of the etsy contest this weekend.

The Giveaway

2008-10-02T02:54:00.000-07:00

I posted about this on Sunday, but I have finally opened a little photography etsy shop! It's called Lost in the Woods and all my photos are through the viewfinder. You'll probably recognize a lot of the photos from here as I've sort of shown you all my pics over the months. In the next two weeks there will be a special release of The Fairy Houses in the shop too, so stay tuned.

And the giveaway....I will be giving away two- three photo sets of the 5x5 following photos. So there will two giveaways and each person that wins gets three photos.

The good news is you can be entered to win five more times if you post about me on your blog! Just include a link to your blog in the comments. Thanks everyone!

So please drop by my shop when you have a chance- Lost in the Woods on etsy.

2008-09-29T03:35:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a nice weekend! It's amazing how a few days of rain really puts me in a funk. I feel pretty snapped out of it though and realizing I need to keep myself more grounded. I managed to work on some more blocks for a red quilt that I haven't even shown a peak of yet. It is going to be another monster of a quilt since I am planning to make a full sized quilt out of it. I've also been studying up on how to improve my quilting technique, so I can't wait to get started.

I realize too that I haven't been linking much lately. Here are some fabulous quilt inspirations that I've recently clipped. This beautiful autumn inspired quilt. This wonderful pattern. I love the color choices. I love the color choices here too and the wonderful job quilting. I've also needed to start gathering quilt patterns for baby boys for Christmas presents. I love this one for the contrasty binding and the fun backing. Also, this one you must click on! Look at the color choices- killer.

Whew, finally

2008-09-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

Whew, the store is up ladies! It is amazing how a little bit of rain really opens up your schedule. I'm planning a fun giveaway by the end of this week to celebrate the grand opening. In the meantime, please wander off with me to a place in the woods.

A Place in the Woods

2008-09-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

I told you I found this place, right? This place in the woods...

Bettyninja

Waiting for the Weekend

Pink and Gray Throw

Green Block Progress

My Woodland Creatures

Winter Paintings

Glimpse of the Weekend

In Between Projects

The Weekend

The Goods

The New Start

Finding My Way Back to Betty Ninja

Etsy Update

How to Draw with a Light

Fourth of July Hike

This weekend we...

Flip Flops

Kids Rock

Over my Head

Common Threads- Wendy's Blocks

Swiss Cross Quilt Complete

The Find

The Redo

Did I mention?

Thrifted Fabrics

Baubles

Quilting Progress

Latest Quilting Favs

This weekend I...

Weekend Work

To Do

And the winners are...

Spring

All I can say is...

Big Huge Giveaway

Domino Magazine

Red Swiss Flag Quilt

Tree House Quilt Progress

Twitter

Twitter Updates

Spring Mix- Flickr Favs

Spring Hike

MidCentury Modern Goodies in Shop

New Find

Things to be thrilled about

Some of my very best

Waiting

Betty Ninja Kicks Butt

Bee Blocks

Cathedral Windows

Cake Cones

Lists

Polka Dot Road Quilt

Scrap Stash

No more late Betty

Mendocino Pink Quilt

Mirror Find

Project Improv I

Piles

Jenny's Block

Treehouse Three

Things I worked on...

Mr. Owl

Thrilled...

Plaid

Goals

Current Ride

Pink

Front and Back

Yellow

Block Time

Hot Pink Scarf

Purple

Blue

The Hunt

Little Swiss Flag Garland Tutorial

Hot Pink Cross Quilt Block Tutorial

Thinking Way Far Ahead

A peek in my drawers

Home Tour