Tea Cup Exchange

Hello everyone!

I wanted to share with you about a Teacup exchange I recently joined and today is REVEAL day!!!
( my apologies for the delay as I just got a new IPhone 7 and could not for the life of me figure out how to upload the photos!  Sheesh!!!).

Stephanie over at The Enchanting Rose hosted the 10th  exchange and she always does such a lovely job!  Her blog is beautiful eye candy and she is so uplifting.  Go hop over and check it out.  If you click the link it will take you to see the exchange of other cups with out a blog.

Okay so I was given Cindy over at Consider it all joy, which I hope to meet in person one day as she has family in the next town over from me!!!  She has a very dear child Madi, that would enjoy meeting my girls I bet, and so I made sure that Madi had something special as well in the package!!  She is starting to decorate in an Beachy theme so the girls and I set out and this is what we found for her....a few of the items were handmade by me...can you guess which ones?

Mug mats

A stick pin

Bookmarks.

And I Recieve my package from Mary in Conneticut and WOW OH WOW was my package ever beautiful and packed full of beautiful things!!!  I was so happy, everything was gorgeous...take a lookat this eye candy!!

Look at all the fun stuff!!  Now to highlight

                                             Lots of delightful tea! 

The teacup....OH MY!!!  It came in that cute box along with a special spoon and two honey spoons!!

3 lovely scented candles which I will be using on my back porch where I spend a lot of evenings with the family and we always have candles going!

Oh be still my heart.....FABRIC!!!  Mary was so sweet to indulge me in some fabrics for my favorite pastime which is quilting.  Thank you so much I will be definitely be using these!  So very pretty!

Okay so I love, love, love little things....and this little ornament is so very cute I can hardly contain my delight!!!  I am in a happy place.

I am suspecting that Mary made this very pretty and springy table runner for me, it is on my formal dining table right now and is so very lovely.

Not sure how Mary knew I LOVE sunbonnet Sue!!!  She embroidered these towels just for me!! Even has my name on them!  Thank you so much!

and this lovely homemade card to boot!!  Mary hit it right out of the park with my package.....I was so moved by all the details and how she picked things that are special to me.....so Mary Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart!!  I LOVED EVERYTHING!!!!!!

To Stephanie, Thank you for pairing me up with two very lovely ladies!!!

Well my friends I hope you enjoyed the overload of beauty!  I will be back to post very soon, for those of you in the quilt club I apologize but we had a lot of not so fun things to take care of the past two months and now I think things are finally settling down.  See you very soon!!!

Tilda

March 1st Quiltalong Parade!!!

Hello everyone and welcome to the March 1st Quiltalong Parade!  I am really loving all the color that was used in this months Quiltalong Soaring Triangles.  But before I get started on the Parade I just HAVE to show you what just happened......


                                                        Meet Tallgrass Miss Remington
She is the newest addition to our family and let me tell you she is the sweetest most affectionate, loving dog....EVER.   Tallgrass Miss Remington is her formal papered name, we call her

                                                                  Remi

We rescused her out of Washington from a family that could no longer keep her as they had 3 very young ones and another dog.  Remi is just 1 year 9 months and is a Gordon Setter.  She is our 3rd Gordon and they make the best pets.  The bottom picture was taken as my husband left for work.  He flew up to Washington to pick her up and drove back with her and they had 8 hours to bond.  She is his shadow when he is home.  Its really cute the watch the two of them! 

Okay, Okay I know that is not why your here but I just had to gush about her.....

Now onto the Spectacular, Colorful Parade!!!!!

First up is Mandy from the UK!  She was on it this month, she submitted hers in the middle of February! 

Here's what she said: "I didnt have the book or pattern so i used my knowledge of sewing to complete the blocks.   I love how its turned out too - would be nice done in just, say white and blue , with different shades of blue . I may make another one just to see what it turns out like."

Amazing Talent Mandy!!!

Next up is Judy, she did a really nice job with color selection.  Love the red center and how it progresses from blue to green really reminds me of the ocean...nice color selection!

Robin who has been with me I believe since the beginning is someone who I aspire to be....she gets it done from A-Z in lightening speed and her quilting is always beautiful.  Here's what Robin wrote

"  I had a set of charm squares (Jelly Bean by Laundry Basket Quilts) that I had bought on sale ages ago.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!"  So am I Robin....so Springy!

Laurie has also been with me about the same amount of time as Robin!  And she is not short of Talent either...I am really liking all the Bright pink in this one coupled with the flower print..... makes me dream of spring.

and last up is mine.  I choose a Betsy Chuchains charm pack.  After I started sewing all the pieces and ironing them opened my first thought was, "this is gonna look like a Halloween quilt"  but after I layed out all the pieces I thought hey this isn't so bad!!!  I added a border to it to give it that pop  What do you think?

And now wait no more for Next months Selection!!!  Going back to Kathleen Tracy's book

Small and Scrappy we will be doing "Disappearing Four-Patch Runner"

Here's what I figured....its tax season....I am going to be drowning in paperwork and receipts so I thought I would pick a quick  one for this month.  Can't wait to see what you gals come up with!!!  Please remember to leave some love for these very talented ladies!!!  If your new and want to join along here is the Original Post:

2017 Quiltalong

Until next time!!!  I will be reviewing a great iron to keep by your machine!!!  stay tuned!

I found a better way to make HST!!

Hello out there!  Last night I sat down to start making my QAL project for this month.  You see I have been trying to figure out an easier way to make HST (half square triangles) by using a square and not having to worry about stretching the seam because it is on the bias and a triangle. 

Enter an article I remembered reading so I ended up doing a tutorial for you so you can make up the HST lickity split.  And the best part, this way makes 8 using two charm squares!  Here is a pictorial for you, I will explain as I go along.....warning not the greatest pictures, I used my phone and I kept creating shadows...oh well....


Using my handy tool I told you about in my last blog post I drew two sewing lines down the center corner to corner on either side of the tool.

  Did it again from the other corner to make an X

 Next I sewed down ALL THE LINES

 Using my ruler I measure 2 1/2 inches from the center of the square to the end then cut top to bottom, right over the seams.

 Next I cut again down the center of the half cut measuring 2 1/2 inches.

 This left me with 4 squares that measure 2 1/2 incles with two sewing lines corner to corner....next I measured right between those sewing lines and cut to form HST.

 Look at all that wonder!!!!  (the pictures shows two of my blocks ,I was having fun!

 Next here is my placement, cut off the dogears (figuratively NOT literally)

 sew it all together to reveal your square!!! trim up if necessary!  I am sure this quilt is going to go by so fast and probably not so crooked for me from stretching the bias the way it shows to cut it in the book!  Have fun making HST people!!!  Let me know in the comments below if this was helpful and if you tried this method!

See you soon!!!

UFO Quilt Projects

I am a lover of things that are pretty.  And I love to flip through a very visually pleasing quiltbook and dream about where I could put some of the quilts in my home.  Which has lead to many, many quilttops.  Not completed to be called a quilt, they are called by quilters UFO's.  Unfinished Obstacles!!!  Although I think some people may call them objects, for me they are obstacles.  I find I can't move on when I have a stack of them staring straight at me!! LOL  Soooo I am trying so hard to complete some in between other projects.  And here is my first one. 

That Quilt on the back of the chair is called Temperance click on the word to see original post.  I made it back in May of 2015 and just finally hand quilted and binded it.  I have to say I love the process of doing it by hand....it is relaxing for me.  I added some lace into the binding to give it a lady look...lol.  Hopefully I will be back even more this year with more completions as time allows.  Heres to a blessed day! 

Product reviews

So recently I stumbled on some really great products that I just had to share them with you.  Let me first say I have not been paid by any of these companies or received these products free.  I have purchased all of them while I was out and about.

Okay so the very first product I found yesterday while at Joanne Fabric and crafts while shopping with my husband.  The cut counter was sooooo backed up and I had my number I started wandering.  Well I was in the Quilting tool area, hubby was looking at the spring yard items I found this VERY AWESOME TOOL EVERY quilter Must have in the tool caddy.

This is a three Marking Ruler set.

 

Why do I need this tool you ask?  WELL,  if you need to mark off let's say half square triangles it is perfect.  I have snapped a little tutorial for a visual.

So here I have placed the ruler down the center.  The center line will be the cutting line, to each side is a perfect 1/4" either side

Next I will take my vanishing marker and mark down each side of the ruler

There ya go!  Just sew on the marked lines!  Simple but so awesome!!! These are made by Omnigrid so you know it's quality!!!  Thank you Omnigrid for making a great marking tool!!!

Okay so one day I am scrolling through Facebook and this ad pops up for these vanishing markers, they are called U top Auto Marking Pen.  They are FABULOUS!!!!!!

And now I don't know where to get them but will keep looking, if you find them let me know!!!

Next up by Clover is a 1/4" Bias maker and tape.  Now you put the fabric through to make your bias strip, then you feed the tape  through the top while feeding the fabric through...it sticks to the fabric then you peel back the tapper and iron it onto the project.  Genius!!!

Now the last item, I was watching Fons and Porter on ôur PBS station and they were giving tips at the end of the segment.  One writer wrote in and gave the tip to cut pieces of vinyl, the clear kind to fit around your thread  to keep your thread from unraveling!  I made sure the seam was cover by at least 1" to really get the vinyl to stick....isn't that smart!!!  This is why I was at Joanne's in the first place to buy a small piece of vinyl and found the marking tool!!  LOL. It pays to wander!  So that is my two cents.  Hope you have luck finding these products!  Until next time.

( sorry I got the last two photos backwards, the top one of the thread is the finished product, my iPad won't let me change it unless I rewrite this entire post.)

First Quilt Along Parade 2017

Be My Valentine!!

I am so thrilled to be back doing the QAL for 2017.  I trust everyone has settled into 2017 and excited to be back to normal after the holidays.  I know I sure am!!!   I have to tell you as soon as I finished my quilt I decided my craft room wasn't working for me.  Ever get that way you feel creatively blocked because of your surroundings?  I just could not "feel it"  so grabbed up the family and we headed to Home Depot.  There my hubby bought me a shelving unit and put it together and I have been cleaning out...rearranging and filling new bins to feel more organized.  I am almost done and just can't wait to pull it all together.  One thing I can tell you, I have WAAYYYYY to much stuff!!! In fact I believe if I sewed everyday for the rest of my life I will still have a bunch left over! LOL  anyone else with me on this?  Or is it just me? 

Okay , Okay I will stop chattering and get to the fun stuff!  The Quilt Along.........

This month we did the "Be My Valentine" out of Kathleen Tracy's Small and Scrappy Book and it was a very cute and pretty easy quilt!  I really enjoyed doing mine.  I have to say the entries this month are all darling....they all turned out cute.  So without further adu I will present the quilts then at the end will announce next months quilt!

Okay first up we have Robin!  Robin is probably the FASTEST quilter I know! LOL  She quilts at record speed and let me tell you, EVERYTHING LOOKS FABULOUS!!!!   and what a cute display.  I really like the colors, just so lovely.

Next up we have Mandy from the UK she is back!!  I like how she used different boarders!  Very creative and the plum colors are really pretty, super job and love the color choices.

Next up we have Laurie, she named hers Strawberry Lemonade and I can see why!  The soft colors are so pretty and make me want to have spring....Right.  Now!!  However we are buried in snow, I believe there is still 3 feet out on my yard!  But I will dream of spring with Lauries quilt!  Great job.

And lastly is mine...I really enjoyed making this quilt and how easy it went together. We will enjoy it for the month of February! 

And now for next month,  I thought we would do one out of the other book "Sew Charming"  from Mary Etherington and Connie Tesene

....so no more waiting turn to page 72 

Soaring Triangles

I just love this pattern, hope you will too!!!  Color choice is all yours!! If your new to the group join in anytime.  Email me a photo of your completed quilt or quilt top by the end of  February in time for the March 1st Parade!  Just email it to me!  Hope you enjoyed the parade! 

Well Hello again!  I bet your anxiously awaiting the first challenge!!! Well I started to look ahead at the next holiday and wanted to grace my table with something festive.  One of the things I have decided for this year is decorate our eat in kitchen table with a festive season appropriate quilt and centerpiece.  For some seasons I have flimsy tops that need finished and for some I don't have any made yet so we will be seeing that working for me during this challenge.

Sooooooo, since it is the first week in January, that seems so odd to say, I am thinking hearts for my February table and if you have had a chance to browse through the book you may have seen the adorable " Be My Little Valentine" on page 14 of Kathleen Tracy's book, "Small & Scrappy"

 Now for a few rules for the newbies.  You can choose your colors, add to make it bigger, or make it smaller if you wish.  When the top is finished, it can with be a top or totally completed and quilted, take a picture and send it to my gmail

Tildahawthorne @gmail. Dot com

Send a clear photo by the end of the month, if you can make it by the 28th that gives me time to put it together but definitely by the last day! and I will post it on this blog in parade fashion the first of the next month, where you see a beautiful selection of variations interpreted by each individual participating. I also encourage you to leave some love, it's nice to feel your spreading some kindness❤️

Welcome 2017

Happy New Year!!  I am so excited to start this new year fresh.  It has been a Loooooonnnng few months.  Summer brought 4 major surgeries rolled into one for me and the recovery was rough to say the least but I am feeling pretty good right now to start back up with our Quilt of the Month challenge!!!  I also had an absolutely WONDERFUL visit by my Oldest brother and his wife who came out to Idaho to visit from my mother country (hehe) New York. They were here a little over a week and we just had a blast!    Yep I that is where I am from, Brooklyn!  First Generation American.  We had the best time and it was a welcome break from all this resting!!! 

  I am hoping to many of you didn't jump ship on me and will join in whenever time allows and by all means feel free to tell your friends or post it on your boards or as your status.

Okay so I have two books that are just absolutely SUPER!!!!  I bought them both for myself as a Christmas gift to me and if you joined in my last Quilt of the month challenge then you'll like what I am thinking! hehe.  so here are the two titles

They are both OUTSTANDING!!!  And I purchased both of them on Amazon.  Easy peasy and they shipped very fast!  So if you want to join in please do!!!  I was thinking we would work from both books.  Please leave me a note and let me know what you think, if you would be ready to take the challenges!!  I am also thinking there may be a month of two where I throw out two challenges.  Leave me some love in the comments and I consider all suggestions. 

I do hope your 2017 is off to a good start and your enjoying the afterglow of Christmas.  I will meet you back here soon to post the first challenge....hint:  it will be out of the book Small & Scrappy by Kathleen Tracy.  Glad we're back and hoping for a great year ahead!!

Happy New Year!!! 

Happy July 1st Parade!!! and Updates!

Well Hello everyone!!  Happy July 1st.

  I know its been real quiet but I have had a very difficult time recovering.  I had 3 major surgeries rolled into one and I ended up one pretty tired, slow moving, sore cookie.  But the good news is I am finally on the upswing.  Praise God, He is faithful.  And I can also tell you my family is awesome....Hubby stepped right up and took charge of everything and did a fantastic job.  He had a couple of weeks off and really took very good care of me and the girls.  And the girls, oh they were so very helpful.  They did not like seeing their Mama is "disrepair"  LOL  I really truly am so very greatful to them.

  I have been a SAHM for the most part during this 29 year Marriage.  I only worked when the girls were in school for a few of the years somewhere during that stint.  So I have basically run the household during that entire time while hubby worked his tail off so I could be home for the girls.
And to see him just step into my roll, do all my chores and his....yeah, he is amazing.

Okay so enough of all that goo......There is a parade we must get too!!!!  I felt so badly that first my computer decided to not be cooperative for  June parade, then the surgery.....so while I was down and you guys sent me pictures of your absolutely BEAUTIFUL quilts I safely tucked them away and worked on getting this Parade Moving!!!  So I have combined Both June and July into one parade and ladies the quilts are STUNNING!!!  yippe!! 

So first lets get to what is coming up next.....this is one that I have wanted to do for so long and well, there is no time like the present!!!  This one is cute and I can see Raggedy Ann and Andy in a little vinette with this quilt.  So please turn to Page 237 to Vintage Bow Ties!!!  Now be sure to read to the end of this post.....I ISSUED A CHALLENGE FOR COLOR IN THE LAST FEW SENTENCES!! hehe

So I will start with the June Parade and we did the pattern Decoy, I love, love , love this quilt.....It was a fun pattern and easy to put together.....so Here we go!!!

First up we have Robin, she said its been on her list for awhile so I am glad we finally got to it for her!  She used a patriotic combo and it is very pretty!  I like the way she Quilted it and the binding really makes the pinwheels pop!

Sandy used the French Generals Le Bouquet and it is a Romantic combo which also sports a patriotic flare and very pretty quilting!

Mickey sent me two pictures to share and its really cute in the way she displayed it and she made it a smaller quilt....the dolly is adorable and so is the crib!!!

Kay sent hers in and I have to say I love the clothesline!  I know in this part of the world it is very rare to see a clothesline!  I love them....my parents are from Europe (Italy) and I grew up with clothes on a clothesline and we only used the dryer on rainy days....today its all I use...hmmmmm Anyway, I really like Kays color choices!!  Very pretty!

And finally is mine from the June Parade, Mine is still a flimsy and hopefully now that I am feeling a bit better I can finish it!  I too chose patriotic colors.  I was hoping to have it finished by the fourth but I am not to sure.  We will see......

Now for the July Parade I just said make what you would like!  It could be any one either out of the book or out of your UFO's  but it was all your choice......I didn't get anything done! So Congrats to Kay and Robin for participating and getting stuff done!!!

Robin Chose Pinwheel Charm on page 207 using an acrylic template sent to her by her SQT partner who actually made this quilt full sized and was published in One patch Scrap Quilts...Robin chose

Civil war Repro prints......its absolutely stunning Robin!

and now last but certainly not least Kay was a very busy lady!!!  Not only did she make One, Not just two but THREE quilts!!!  She was having so much fun she continued on with two others using up her scraps from the first!! Way to go Kay!   She chose Strippy Triangles for her July Quilt

And finished it up with these two

So WOW you ladies did a FABULOUS Job!!!!!!  Can't wait to see the colorways you use in the August Parade, the ONLY challenge, Use colors you have been "Saving" for that Special Project one day!!! hehe  Have fun and see you at the next Parade!!!  Well hopefully WAY before then, I am hoping to be blogging a lot more now that I am out of the woods!!!!  God Bless YOU!!!!!

Stay tuned

Surgery went real well, recovery has been rough and slow....will jump on soon I promise and load the parade.  If you are reading this and haven't jumped ship on me thank you!!!  Life sometimes just throws us curveballs.  If your part of the QAL and didn't submit yours but have it done now send me the photo's!!!  I will join it to the parade.  It will be up in the upcoming days here shortly. 

very hard for me to sit for longer then 10 minutes.  but I will prevail and will be back!!!!

fondly,

Tilda

Technical difficulties and a surgery

okay so my laptop is giving me woes and I could get the parade posted....yet.

So I fiddled and fiddled and the photos were taking forever to load and I just gave it up.  I found the problem and will work on it in a week or two.

Now for the other part of my title .  Surgery, heading in early in the morning so I am out of time to keep fiddling.  I will be back and get that parade going, and well since I can't post a photo I decided since I will be out of commission for awhile I am going to let YOU pick the quilt of choice for next month!  That's right, do which every one you would like and send the photo to me and I will get it in the parade in July!!!

In the meantime, stay cool, heat wave coming....gonna be in the 100's by Friday!  Whoa summer came fast and furious!!!

Be back soon!!!

Tilda