Friday, June 25, 2010

Craft Room/Studio Craziness & Framing Too (Lots of Pics)

I hope that everyone has had a great week.  We've had a strange one around here - storms and an earthquake.  Crazy stuff.  I personally have had one heck of week, I'll tell you.  Have you ever gone through periods of time when you can't sleep to save your soul?  Well, I've had that kind of week, which has led to all kinds of craziness in the craft room.  Most nights I went to bed at 3:00 am and woke up at 6:00 am.  Last night - in bed by 12:00, up at 4:00.  Well, what do you do?  Invade the craft room!!!  One night I actually woke up DH.  I forgot to close the basement door and the sewing machine was whizzing and the music flowing!  BIG OOPS!  He thought I'd lost it!  Anyway, one of the things I'm working on is a total room redo.  No pictures as of yet, it's in the works.  When you work in a room for a while you find what works and doesn't work.  What you need and don't need.  The room is a disaster right now - projects thrown everywhere - things pulled apart - but some kind of fun finds at the same time.  Anyway, before I get into the fun, I have another piece of framing:

Margaret Pence
The Goode Huswife
Stained with Walnut Dye
Simple frame for a simple sampler:


Another one down for the Adam and Eve wall.  Yahoo!!!

I had another gift appear in the mail this past week from a dear non-blogging friend.  Well, I met her through my blog, but she doesn't have one.  I'm trying to convince her that she needs one!  I thought it was so sweet of her to think of me and send it along:

An ORT container made out of sampler fabric.  Is it not adorable?  I love it so much, Pam.  Thank you, thank you!!  Between the ORTs from quilting and ORTs from stitching, I definitely will put this to very good use!

I've done some stitching this week, but no pictures.  I'm so close to finishing Sarah Seifer you could put a quarter over what I have left to do, so I'll save that for the next post.  I tried to get it finished last night, but my eyes could barely see straight!!

Well, down in the 'ole studio I've managed to get a few things done, and found a few things too.  It's amazing what you find that you forgot about.  I'm finding so much that I think that in the next week or so, I'm going to set up a Sale/Trade Blog and get rid of some of this stuff.  Well, maybe more Sale than Trade because I don't need more things - although I could be tempted I suppose!  Then again,  maybe I'll just give some of these things away to my fellow bloggers.   Anyway, I'm sure that someone would love some charts, extra fabric, etc.  So stay tuned - I hope to have that up in a week or so.  

Anyway, this is what I've been up to:

Two more blocks down for my Women's Voices Civil War Quilt.  These were fun because they were both done with the same number of 1/2 square blocks but arranged differently:


Farmer's Wife Blocks completed and I'm all caught up - insert a huge Happy Dance here!!!  (of course, two days later July's installment showed up at my door - UGH!!!!).  Just a thought here - do you realize that July 4th is next weekend?  Where is the summer going???:

I haven't sewn the handle on the basket block (in the upper center), and the block on the left upper is a mistake, but I'm leaving it - the brown in the star was suppose to be the red fabric, but hey, it works for me!  LOL  Loraine reminded me about the Amish block thing a little while ago (the Amish philosophy that only God is perfect).  Seems that I'm going to have a few of those Amish blocks in this one!  Also one block came out so misshapen that I have to do it over.  I'll catch that up during next month's sewing.

Then I put together a little doll quilt (should have ironed this out).  I probably cut this out 10 years ago and never got around to piecing it, so one night when I ran out of things to sew, I put the pedal to the metal and cranked this out.  Insomnia is a good thing sometimes!!!  I think that I'm going to hand quilt this one since it's so small.


Then I came across another BOM that I had ordered years ago and only had one block pieced in it:

I had the top square pieced, but not the blocks underneath - so I pieced those together and then cut out the next round:

And this is what the quilt will eventually look like.  Lots of work - it's all template cut, but it's been sitting in a box for how many years now?  I guess it's about time to finish the baby off.

Then in all my rifling around downstairs one night I came across a pizza box labeled with something that was not what was in the box at all.  This is what I found:



Some stitcheries.  Didn't most of us like these little people at one time?  I actually still do.  I think that I must have been making this quilt for Catie when she was just a little peanut in me, thinking that one day I'd make the entire alphabet into a quilt and hang it behind her bed.  Well, I didn't get too far, did I?  So perhaps I should continue with it and make it for her daughter (she'd kill me if she knew I said that - she's at the age where the whole baby thing is soooooo gross to her - LOL)

And in that same box were these:


Now I have no idea what this piece belongs to.  I think this was my first attempt at wool applique and there is a whole quilt involved, but I'm really not sure where the rest of this quilt is.  More digging will be in my future, I think, and I may have to redo the block - I'm not crazy about my stitching on this one.


Then I finally found the rest of the fabrics and patterns that go with the "I believe" block.  I was looking all over for it.  This is another wool applique quilt, so now another thing to work on.  Me thinks that I've got my hands into too many things, don't you?

But you know what they say - you just have to take it.......

I found this little sign in the cutest quilt store and could not resist picking it up.  It says it all, doesn't it?

Well, that's been about my week.  Surprisingly I'm feeling pretty good with only four hours of sleep so I think that I'll head back to the craft room.  On second thought, I guess not.  My appliances are coming tomorrow - HUGE HAPPY DANCE!!  so I think that a good scrubbing of the kitchen is in order.  First request from the kids - cookies!  My old ovens burned the back of the sheet of cookies and undercooked the fronts and I'd always forget to turn the trays 1/2 way through.  Well, you can't remember everything, can you?

I've been a little behind on reading blogs this week, so I'll try to catch up.  Sometimes it's hard, especially when you're in the mood to be creative.  I've got another quilt waiting to be cut out - a Fig Tree Quilt, but I'm using some Moda Martinque fabrics for it.  I know I don't need to be cutting out any more, but what will I do if I run out of things to sew?  

I hope that everyone has a great weekend and the weather is nice and not stormy.  And thank you for all your wonderful and supportive comments.  They truly make me happy and I'm so amazed at all the wonderful people I've met through blogging.  I really feel blessed with all the friendships that I've made.  And just a heads up - I see that I'm close to making my 100th post and closing in on 300 followers - both of those facts absolutely astound me!!  So you know what that means - I think it's time for some giveaways.  Stay tuned!

63 comments:

basketsnprims said...

Good for you on your sleepless nights to tackle your craft room. I should do the same but that's a good time to stitch for me. Love your projects. I hope you sell some things, I'm definitely interested. Have a great weekend.
Pam

Kajsa said...

I go through those periods too. You quilting looks amazing, your framed piece to! I love the ort basket.

valerie said...

Sorry to hear about the insomnia but it sounds like you've been very busy! Love the little detail in your Margaret Pence frame...it came out great and how sweet of Pam to send you the sampler print ort container! I love it!

Alice said...

I can just picture you in your craft room turning it upside down while everybody sleeps. The fun part is "finding" things you have forgotten about. Tell me about insomnia.....I have been a sufferer for years and have to take meds to sleep that makes me forget everything. I am lucky to know who I am these days! : ))
I love your framed A&E. It really pulls the birds to the front. First time I see an ORT bag but you will have to explain to me what it is for and what the ORT stands for. You can tell that I am from another planet right? Wow, wow, wow is all I can say about all those wonderful quilts you are putting together. The stitching for Catie's quilt really had me in smiles. I started stitching Alicea's name when she was just a tiny tot and got as far as "L". I must really carry on with it as its so sweet. I stopped with it as I could not get the Anchor thread I needed for the other letters but then I did find it and never got further. The little sign above your scissors really sums it up for me lately. I feel like I manage only one stitch every evening if I am lucky. I do hope you have a lovely weekend with good weather. I am off to a "vide grenier" early Sunday morning and cannot wait. If there is time I will try and snap a few photos.
Alice
xxx

Missy said...

Funny, I too have been putting my lack of sleeping abilities to work also with organizing my craft room small as it may be it sure was a mountain of mess.
Great pictures on your blog. May I ask you what camera you use?

Have a great weekend.

hugs
-missy-

Alice said...

I get that insomnia thing too. I am glad you still feel good the next day! That quilt is going to be amazing!

Carol said...

I've been the same way as you with my sleeping (or lack of!) this week, Deb. The funny thing is, I don't feel tired due to the lack of it...I've heard that people need less sleep as they age. If that's true, by the time I'm 80 I'll need only 2 hours a night :)

Love seeing all of your quilt projects, especially the darling doll's quilt. And your frame is a perfect complement to your latest A&E--great choice!

Missy Ann said...

I am crazy in love with that flying geese with bow tie block. I would love 1000 of these. Notic, I would love them. Not love making them. lol But looking at it, it doesn't see too difficult.

Fabulous as always!

Anonymous said...

What a fun post! So many pretty things to look at. Your finish is beautiful- I LOVE that frame! The tiny vine on the inside compliments your piece nicely.

Anonymous said...

Oh, and if that ORT basket disappears, it's because I took it. (I really need to learn how to make those!)

carol fun said...

oh my goodness - I'm blown away by your productivity and your amazing creations. I love your Adam & Eve cross stitch piece and that little doll quilt with the adorable nine patches is toooo cute.

thanks for the kind comments you left on my blog. I'm new to this blog thing and I really appreciate your stopping by.

Happy stitching!

Siobhán said...

Holy toledo, Deb!! You are just crankin' out the gorgeousness left right and center. I love all the blocks. Every single one. I wasn't too crazy about the Farmer's Wife blocks but as I see more of them--and more fabrics added to the mix--I am falling in love. Fantastic framing, and I love that ort container! Lucky you.

Lainey said...

Goodness Deb I think you must be that other headless chicken running around the yard with me just now..LOL!
Your quilting pieces are all just wonderful and what amazing finds in your craft room.
Another beautiful frame and what a sweet ort bucket.
Happy cooking with your new appliances.

jayne@~an eye for threads~ said...

Dearest Mommy always said "if you can't sleep, get up, and when you get up do something. And when you do something, do it so you won't wake the rest of the house." Ha, sometimes we find our greatest treasures when and where we least expect it. Have fun with your studio.
Be always in stitches.

Annie said...

You are one busy beaver! Love the framing for the A&E. And so many beautiful quilt blocks in so many different styles! Amazing!

Have a great weekend. The new kitchen stuff should be a real treat!

Lisa Clarke said...

What beautiful projects and fun finds! I just found a stitched piece from the 80's in a box of papers. There's no telling what I have in all my "stuff"! Can't wait to see your redone room. I need to straighten mine out - you're an inspiration!!

Anonymous said...

You do well with sleepless nights! It was fun seeing your projects in the making! The star block sampler is still so current...you know how some seem to get out of date. I think it will be gorgeous so get to it! Hee! Oh...one more thing...I collect those little signs and hadn't see that one before...love it!

Country Prims said...

Wow, you must have some amazing stuff in that basement!! I am looking forward to your pics, when you finish.

Love your framed pic-beautiful work!

Thanks for visiting and your lovely comment,

Blessings, Shazy x

BrendaS said...

Love your framed A&E Sampler. Please take a picture of your wall so we can see all your pictures!

At least you are productive when you can't sleep. Isn't it wonderful to find things you totally forgot about? It's like finding hidden treasure.

Love all your quilt projects!

Have a great weekend!

Berit said...

I never know where to start, Deb! Lol!

I love it all:

Does Pam need any more friends? I've seen some of these around, but this one is the best colorway! LOVE that sampler fabric!

Did you say Fig Tree? Siobhan and I are thinking of starting a club for Joanna's stuff! Which quilt is it??

Peggy Lee said...

Beautiful frame choice for your Adam and Eve finish!
Your midnight/morning sewing madness reminded me of when I once woke the neighbors with my very noisy sewing machine in the middle of the night. I live in the country now so I can do most anything and it would be OK.
Would you do me the honor of giving my new blog a look? I've been wanting to start this blog for over a year now and finally found the nerve to do it. Any advice would be SO GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks

Myra said...

Wow! You have been very productive this week. I am sorry to hear it was due to lack of sleep. I think we all have those times. I love the frame you chose for your Margaret Pence - simply but elegant. Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

Oh Deb, I just LOVE this post! I can really relate to all of it. If I were to do a tidy up, I'd find lots of long lost treasures just as you have. In fact, when I did my return to quilting some 6 mths ago, I actually did find several old BOMs that I still love and need to finish up along with many other projects. Hasn't stopped me buying and starting more though. ;o)

I just love those redwork blocks. Adorable!

Your Farmer's Wife blocks are beautiful and I'm finding it difficult to resist starting that one.

LOVE the doll quilt and the wool applique. I REALLY would like to start a wool applique project in the near future.

For now, I'll enjoy watching your progress Ms Superwoman. LOL!

Loraine said...

Gosh Deb, you weren't kidding when you said the machine was getting some serious attention! Love all your projects!!!! You will have some gorgeous quilts real soon.
Love the red work you found tucked away. I think you should finish it for your someday Grandchild. I know that's a long time away, but it would be so nice to have something finished when the big event comes.
Love your A&E finish! So great. Your wall will be filling up before you know it.
Can't wait to see what the redo in the sewing room looks like. Show us pictures real soon.
I can sympathize with the tearing the sewing room closet apart. I was doing that this morning so I could get a handle on how many WIP's I have. Big mistake! I need more than a few weeks to get caught up. My daughter wants to know why I buy so much! LOL.
Take Care!

WoolenSails said...

I have had those types of nights and I think I should just get up and do something productive, lol. You have been very busy with some beautiful projects and found ones that you can finish.

Debbie

Margaret said...

Oh my! What a lot of eye candy for me to looks at! Love your framed Margaret Pence! And all your quilt projects! Wow! Fantastic! Amazing what one can find in a bit of scrounging. :D

Cari said...

Wow oh wow Deb...I'm tired just reading about all the work you do....yikes. You really get going don't you? All of your pieced quilt blocks are beautiful. And I love the framing on Margaret Pence. It's just the right one isn't it? Take care and keep on keepin' on!! Hugs

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

First off, I just want to say....I think we must have been separated at birth because we sure do have a lot in common including insomnia :)
HINT on that though: try Melatonin over the counter in the herbal remedies, I do my "cocktail" every night which is: 3 melatonin and 2 advil...you sleep like a baby!

I love everything Deb - as usual - from the framed Margaret with the walnut staining to the found treasures, to the doing a quilt for your future grandchild! LOL! LOVE IT ALL!!

Sherry :o) said...

I should have called you as I laid and read - woke up at about 2:50 and never did go back to sleep - so off I went to work, not so bright-eyed and very crabby! I couldn't shut off my brain and have a couple things weighing very heavily on it. Next time that happens, I will get up and head to the studio - bad thing though, it's next to my bedroom (but hubby is at work during the night) and across the hall from ds - he could sleep thought almost anything though and worry about him is what kept me awake....hope to sew a bit this weekend and of course, stitch. I have some progress to post next time if the weather will cooperate so I can get a good pic. Have a great weekend, Deb! And bake happy...I love my new (not so much anymore but I still love it) stove!

Sherry :o) said...

Oh yeah - love the blocks you've got finished...didn't see anymore hexies there - how are they coming?

Meadows08 said...

Your insomnia has been very productive! I love the fabric on your stitched piece, it's just lovely! I hope you have a great weekend of catching up on your zzzzzzz's! Take care.

Lois said...

Well you may not be getting many hours sleep but you're certainly using the time very productively! Of course, I love all your quilting goings-on, it's amazing what we can find when we go digging through our stash, isn't it?!?! What a great ORT container, just love the fabric used in it. As for your framed Margaret Pence? Love it!

Isabelle said...

Oh My God, Deb,I am so sorry to hear about your insomnia but it sounds like you have been very busy during thisweek : how many qulted projects :-)
I love your framed Margaret Pence:-) did you really hand-dye the linen by yourself ?? it looks nice !!
I've lived in Peru for four years and we had often earthquakes there: Those gave us many stress too:-((
Have a great and sunny week-end without earthquake ;
Isabelle

Robin said...

I need to take a nap myself after reading about all you have been up to. I HATE those stretches of sleepless nights....they do seem to come in bunches sometimes. I think we women just can't shut our brains off sometimes...too many things to do and the formulating of how and, better, - when, we will do them. Once you can get your mind to rest, you will get rest....hope it is soon because all that lack of sleep eventually catches up.

KarenV said...

Wow Deb, you've been so busy! I'm sorry about the insomnia, as I know how horrible it is when you can't sleep, but at least you're being productive ;) I love how Margaret Pence turned out, that frame is just right for her. Hope you get to catch up on your sleep soon and I'm looking forward to seeing your room makeover!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

I swear, Deb. If you get any more productive, you're going to win the award, for sure. Oh yeah, I'm sure there's an award out there just waiting for you to snag it. Well, you may not be sleeping but you are definitely creating! I love all those quilts - the blocks you started for Catie are darling and the baby quilt - SWEET. I love your Farmer's Wife blocks and the Civil War quilt is going to be something!
Your framing looks awesome - I love that moulding - I'm pretty sure I've used it on something - just can't remember what. Your gift from Pam is awesome!

Lori said...

Geez! Look at all you've accomplished....and found!! Insomnia can be a good thing every now and then.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I sure hope you get to the point where you can get a good nights sleep soon. At least you're doing something productive with your time.

I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of your craft space. It sounds like you clean and organize the way I do - it get worse before it gets better is a perfect way to describe my organizational style!

Margaret Pence looks wonderful in the frame you selected. A perfect combo. Those Farmers Wife blocks look so very intricate and lots of pieces. You've done a superb job with them!

I hope you're going to post a picture of the new appliances! Maybe DH should get the first request for something out of the oven? ;)

I have no idea why you're not in a coma after all you've been doing! Enjoy your Saturday!

staci said...

I guess the upside to restless nights is getting lots accomplished, lol! But you must be exhausted by now!

Love your MP...the frame is gorgeous! And that ort container is darling. And your quilt blocks are gorgeous too!

Dona said...

Deb, your Margaret Pence is so nice and the frame is perfect for it! Enjoyed seeing your quilting, too. The doll quilt is very sweet.

Melissa said...

Love the framed piece, Deb! We'll need to have a look at that A&E wall again soon!

Lovely quilt blocks! And I laughed at your adventures with your craft room! Can't wait to see the photos!

Sherry said...

Holy Moly! You really are busy with all your quilt blocks! I can't wait to see what you are doing with your room! Margaret is just lovely in that frame! I love the simple yet strong vibe of the frame! It really shows off the stitchery!

Andrea said...

You are definitely more productive during your bouts of insomnia than I am! I usually end up baking something and that's not good for the hips!

Love, love, love the framing on your Margaret Pence, it's perfect!

All the quilting blocks are just fabulous, as are the redwork squares, love them! You're very prolific in your crafty pursuits
;-)

Can't wait to see pics of that craft room! YGG!

Natalia said...

Sometimes things happen for a reason... including insomnia !!! From what you say, it looks like your craft room needed a make over and you found the time for it :-) I can't wait to see pictures. Your sampler looks beautiful and I love the frame.

Melissa said...

Sorry to hear about your insomnia, but good job on being productive. :) All your projects just look amazing, and I adore that little ort container made by your friend. So cute!!

Katrina said...

What a pretty frame, love it and all the quilty pics are gorgeous. You've been busy :-).

Kathy A. said...

Wow, that is some amazing quilting. I love your Civil War blocks. Really am looking forward to seeing the progression

Karoline said...

Wow you have been productive, the quilt blocks and framing are lovely.

Lauralee @ The Eclectic Stitcher said...

Love all of the quilt blocks! Now I know what to do when I can't sleep ~ get into my craft room and get busy!!

Mylene said...

The frame piece looks gorgeous!! And all the quilt blocks are all great. You sure been productive.

Sue-Anne said...

My goodness Deb! You really have been very busy and productive. i love it all! I love your little doll quilt and it will look fantastic hand quilted.
I have had a week of not sleeping too. Maybe I should get up instead of lying in bed watching the clock tick over, I might actually get some sewing done?

MyLifesAStitch said...

Oh man...

Yet another drool worthy post! LOVE all the quilty goodness! Oh, to get as much done as you do! And, girl, I would totally sacrifice sleep to do it, too! I have a serious case of Dragonas* here lately. Let me know when you find the pill that eliminates the need for sleep, okay? Cuz I'll be all over that like white on rice!

Seriously, though - I hope you get some rest soon!

Oh, and that frame is awesome - I really love it!

Solstitches said...

There are just so many lovely things to admire in this post that I hardly know where to begin but those sweet little stitchery blocks certainly deserve a mention and they deserve to be finished into a quilt.
The A & E sampler looks gorgeous in its frame and I love the little gift you received.
I have that pattern someplace - must dig it out.
Margaret

woolwoman said...

WOW Deb if your stretch of sleeplessness lasts for very long you might better keep that stash you're thinking of selling - I've never seen so much accomplished in a short period of time - Love Margaret ! looks lovely in her frame. Quilting is ALL awesome - sleep well my friend! mel

Anonymous said...

Debbie,

How do you do it all?! Your quilt blocks just took my breath away!!!! Lovely - that start quilt will be a stunner.

Stephanie Hughes said...

Deb, I love how many things you are working on at the same time! WOW!! I am amazed. I love all of them, especially the farmers wife blocks. Congrats on all the followers. Do you have any tips on building more followers? Steph

mbroider said...

Deb, if it is the stitching room one goes to i think we can be happy with insomnia. I mean, i would not call it insomnia if you get to do things in your favorite place!!

BTW, i am on alert mode, waiting for those sale and giveaway stuff:)

Ranae said...

A very cool framed piece.
Your quilting is so beautiful.
You always have such fun post.
You can't sleep and this hot humid weather wears my butt out, lol
Have a great 4th weekend

Michelle said...

You've got me inspired to finish up my Margaret Pence! The framing on her is perfect. I can't believe all the goodies you've found in your clean out. Love that pineapple block - I hope you can figure out what it goes to.

Marie said...

Congrats on the completion of Margaret Pence, it looks wonderful.

I loved all the pics of your quilt blocks and I especially love that doll quilt. :) You certainly do have many "irons in the fire" ~

Stitching Cat said...

Wow Deb! You certainly make good use of your sleepless nights! Margaret Pence looks great. Thank you for visiting my blog and commenting on the garden. I do hope that the seeds I planted will take hold and produce something this year. I'm not holding out much hope for any veggies though. Your quilts will be fabulous when done. Thanks again. Deb

Sylvia said...

Your Margaret Pence turned out lovely - that frame is perfect for it. I really love that quilt you showed that is all template cut. I am anxious to see it take shape.

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