Treat Bag

I made this little treat bag to put a few goodies in so I could send it to our grandson for Halloween, but I think I am the one who got the real treat...this is a fantastic pattern!  The size of this bag is perfect for small projects.  It has a flat bottom and the handles are positioned so that it sits upright without flopping over at the top.  I have a feeling that I'm going to be making a few more of these bags!

You can find the complete tutorial at Fishsticks Designs.

Houston Bound

I have four Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts headed for the International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX this year.  No, my quilts may not be hanging in the main gallery with the quilts made by the big name quilters, but I still count it as a privilege to have quilts for sale at the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative booth October 31st to November 4th.  If you visit the International Quilt Festival be sure to stop by the AAQI booth in Row S and see all 2000 quilts that are for sale and while you are there buy one or two to take home with you!  All profits fund Alzheimer's research!

Hurricane Project

I have been on a mission to use up a bag of flannel that has been taking up space in my sewing room closet for I don't know how long.  Last week I started cutting 9 1/2" flannel squares and came up with enough to put together a rag quilt.  I have never made a rag quilt before and was quite surprised at how quickly the quilt went together, but I think the time consuming part is going to be snipping all the seams.  I suppose if hurricane Sandy lives up to all the hype I will have lots of time to snip by candlelight over the next day or so!

Silent Sunday

For The Guys!

I was talking with the social worker at the hospice recently and asked her if they were in need of any particular kind of quilt.  Her answer was immediate, "We always ALWAYS need quilts and blankets geared towards men!"  It hit me like a brick!  Isn't it true?  Those of us who make quilts for charity often make fun quilts for kids or quilts from our stashes (which most likely consists of flowers and "pretty" fabrics).  How often do we make quilts to donate with men in mind?  I put out a plea for help to my guild sisters and the response has been tremendous!  Last month I delivered 18 "manly" quilts to the hospice and the blocks, tops and finished quilts are still rolling in. I just finished quilting and binding the quilt in the photo and once a few more are finished up I'll have another batch of quilts to deliver for the guys in hospice care. 

Adding Up!

I just finished two more star blocks for the Scrappy Star Sew Along at Terry's Treasures!  Now that the blocks for October are done, I have a total of six blocks!  They are starting to add up!

Many Hands

Have you ever heard the expression "many hands, make light work"?  This quilt is the perfect example of that old saying!  The scrappy jelly roll quilt top was made by a friend, another friend donated the fleece backing, I did the wavy quilting and another friend donated the binding and in no time we have a beautiful quilt to donate to the local hospice without any one person having to spend much money or do a lot of work!

Silent Sunday

Stitches Of Love

For the most part I like to stitch for charities within my community, but every once in awhile I end up with a finished project that cannot be used locally...such as this single preemie blanket and baby hat.  There's not a thing wrong with either project, but for one reason or another they just don't fit the requirements of any of the particular charities in my area.  Not to worry, Stitches of Love will find a great home for them!  Stitches of Love is a 501(c)(3) corporation based out of the Providence Presbyterian Church in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.  Their mission is to provide hand-made items wherever there is a need whether it be here in Pennsylvania or another state in the country or even foreign counties such as Haiti or Afghanistan.  There's no doubt in my mind that these items will end up just where they are needed most by sending them to Stitches of Love and that's so much better than leaving them in a bag in my closet!