Category Archives: Sew-in

String Flying Geese

Posted on February 16, 2020 by heARTs Creations

Although it’s not yet quilted, my Tula Strings is a flimsy that I am SO happy with! However, there were over 200 cuts leftover which I have now turned into triangles.

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Lots of solid shot cottons have been cut into more triangles to turn the strings into flying geese. About half are even pinned! These will be going to a sew-in with me next month where I will be joining two friends for two evenings.

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Why such ahead of time prep? I’ve been in the midst of a massive cleanout of our home – closets, storage, and workrooms. The plan is to have a yard sale on a pretty Saturday in March and then anything that remains gets donated immediately. Although this process has been somewhat daunting, it really is quite freeing.

Knitting has also continued to happen. I knitted these two dishcloths. How fun! I’ll put them away to use as hostess gifts and stocking stuffers. And my sock knitting? Let’s just say it’s going – very, very slowly. I am still determined to finish the sock I’m working on and then knitting it’s mate. It’s a loooong term project. And I certainly won’t be knitting up socks as stocking stuffers!

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Posted in block pattern, Color, Fabric, Modern Quilting, Projects, Quilting, Sew-in and tagged Color, Gifts, Knitting, Scraps. Bookmark the permalink.

Nine More Days!

Posted on December 16, 2019 by heARTs Creations

It’s been a fun and busy week. A friend has a family farm and invited two of us for a 3 day sew-in. All that time concentrated on sewing and friends (and food) was such a treat! I put the main body of this batik and black & white quilt together. I cut the squares after I reorganized my batiks a while back. Now I’m working on the borders. I need to cut a little more and look forward to a finish before the end of the year.

Yard/house chores have taken some of my time. We mainly heat with wood – it’s nice and warm but there is work involved. We used the beastly wood splitter and then there was hauling and stacking. Whew! I’m not used to so much manual labor!

A friend that I meet once a month for a day long sew-in made these two lovely ornaments for me. I love their elegance!

The house has been decorated since the begining of Advent and I have been intentionally sitting and enjoying it all. The living tree is a skinny tree and adds enough festivity to make me happy. Ornaments from when the kids were little still adorn the tree and yes, we hang tinsel! Can you spot the little boat and water skiier? That’s from the early years of our marriage. There’s also a little lit tree with ribbon on the kitchen island and a slightly larger little tree in the dining room with bright lights and a little ceramic angel on the top that I made years ago.

And, of course, there’s all the wood carvings my son did many years ago. There’s even a carved candle! He no longer carves, but oh how I hope he’ll take it up again one day.

I’d almost forgotten that I stitched these pillows a couple of years ago and put them out about a week ago.

I hope you are enjoying this wonderful season and that all your prep work is progressing along merrily!

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Posted in Christmas, Color, Fabric, Projects, Quilt Setting, Quilting, Scraps, Sew-in, Stash and tagged Christmas, Color, projects, Quilting, Scraps. Bookmark the permalink.

A Few Finishes!

Posted on December 8, 2019 by heARTs Creations

Oh how I like to say “finished!” Two of these are little, one bigger, but all make me happy.

First, for a couple of little Christmas time gifts, I embellished these towels. From my stash, I made prairie points and cut strips. These make great hostess gifts and guild gift exchanges. They’re also pretty quick!

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These next are, as my hubby declared, “Cute, Cute, Cute!” I found these little dishes at our local Habitat Store. Buttons added around the rim and magnets on the bottom and voila! Pin dishes. I am struggling though, I want to keep one. I already have other pin dishes and a LOT of pin cushions. Let go, let go.

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And finally, I got the last border on my Tula Strings. I know, technically not a complete finish because it’s not quilted. That, however, won’t happen for quite some time so I’m declaring a victory – a finished flimsy! Off to Flimsy Land it goes.

I’m also prepping for a two day sew-in that I am really excited about. I have two projects prepped and packed and am working on a third – just in case.

As the year is coming to a close, do you find yourself finishing?

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Linking: Oh Scrap! Monday Making Midweek Makers Quilt Fabrication

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Posted in Art, block pattern, Christmas, Color, Fabric, Projects, Quilting, Scraps, Sew-in, Stash and tagged Christmas, Color, projects, Quilting, Scraps. Bookmark the permalink.

Prep & Progress

Posted on October 31, 2019 by heARTs Creations

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Lots of prep has been going on here. Saturday I leave for the mountains for the Fall Quilt & Sew-In! Even though I’ve been doing retreats for thirteen years, I still get a little antsy and anxious a few days before it begins.

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Blocks have been prepped for the charity quilts from the bin of precut scraps above. There are a couple of layout possibilities for one:

And here is the layout for another quilt:

A bucket of blocks with instructions are available for anyone who chooses to complete one or more blocks. They then put their name in for a drawing and on Show & Tell night names are drawn for prizes. I and another quilter put the blocks together for a quilt – it certainly helps to get more Hospice quilts completed!

My projects – I always bring more than I could possibly complete. When you are the facilitator, time sewing is reduced. I love it though, and wouldn’t have it any other way! First and foremost, I plan to work on my Tula strips. I already have several blocks complete and all is very organized (completed block above).

A nine patch I worked on at a recent sew-in is also in the queue. The plan is to do a disappearing nine patch, but I just haven’t decided which pattern I will be using.

For when I don’t want to actually sew, there is this bin of half-square triangles that need to be trimmed to size. There’s a bunch, so trimming a little at a time will make the task less daunting.

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And finally, a bin of 3 1/2″ squares for a leader-ender. I recently spent two (exhausting) days sorting my batiks by color. There is now a bin full of scraps, and six bins of larger pieces. The batik squares will be paired with black and white squares. I think this will be quite stunning. I love to have a leader-ender project going – makes me feel so productive!

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A fun and productive week is ahead! I can’t wait to share all that is Quilt & Sew-In!

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Posted in block pattern, charity quilts, Color, Fabric, Hospice Quilts, Organization, Pattern, Quilt Setting, Quilting, Quilting Retreat, Scraps, Sew-in, Stash and tagged Charity, Color, Patterns, projects, Quilting, Scraps, Sewing. Bookmark the permalink.

Two Weeks – Week One!

Posted on October 12, 2019 by heARTs Creations

Whew! I’ve been gone for the last two weeks. The first week I went to a sew-in with some great gals, came home on a Saturday, and left on Sunday for a week vacation with hubby! Some careful planning made it doable and it was all totally worth it!

First, the Sew-In. A good friend planned this time for us at the same place where I have the Quilt & Sew-Ins – at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. This place is like a second home to me so I was thrilled that we gathered there. How convenient it was that my sleeping room was just around the corner from the sewing room! There were only six of us so it made it very intimate.

Debbie had the first finished project. This is such a cute mini.

Another Debbie creation. This pic does not do this beautiful log cabin justice. The fabrics were just glorious!

Pam’s wine fabric casserole carrier sure is classy!

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Yes, Debbie was quite productive. This flimsly was mostly done before the retreat – a few more seams and border – colorful and fun!

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Pam made this bag using a preprinted batting and precut strips. I love the way the strips meet on the sides. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll be getting some of this batting.

Love this scrappy block pattern that Sue was working with. The block is rather time consuming and she made several. This is going to be one beautiful quilt!

Three table toppers! Sheranna tackled the 10 minute table toppers – one Christmas, one St. Pattrick’s Day and one very elegant and formal. Full disclosure – they take a bit more than ten minutes!

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And yes, I did sew. I worked on blocks using some of my batik stash for a quilt called “Katsura” from Modern Quilts Illustrated.

I also put together a pile of nine patches with a pile more to go. I’m going to split each block but have not decided which method to use yet – something different from the most used split nine patch.

I also managed to complete a flimsy for Hospice. This will be a 2020 contribution. How nice to have a bit of a head start!

It was a great week! Along with sewing I enjoyed talking, laughing, swimming, walking, dining at a few fine restaurants and lots more laughing. Now back to reality…

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Posted in block pattern, charity quilts, Color, Fabric, Hospice Quilts, Projects, Quilt Setting, Quilting, Quilting Retreat, Scraps, Sew-in, Stash and tagged Color, Patterns, projects. Bookmark the permalink.

Sew-in Fun!

Posted on September 8, 2019 by heARTs Creations

Last week I had the good fortune to spend four days in South Carolina with a group of talented and fun quilters! Everyone brought their own projects and worked away all day and into the night. Mostly we had hot sunny days and were able to enjoy the outdoor pool.

These hat pin cushions were made and gifted to each of us by Judy. I absolutely love mine and am so thankful for her thoughtfulness and efforts.

Here’s Laurie with her very impressive bin full of 1 1/2″ solid scraps. She’s turning them into the now popular spinner blocks. What a great use of scraps!

Debbie lives nearby and is the one who introduced us to the Homeplace B&B that we were at. Thank you Debbie!

Studious Susan is carefully planning her next project. (Something I need to get better at)

Sandy really worked away consistently. She not only machine sewed but also worked on some English paper piecing.

This square in a square quilt tells Susan’s life story. The grits block was definitely a favorite!

Lots of trimming and squaring up. Sandra was another who sewed, sewed, sewed!

A log cabin quilt for a friend of Laurie’s who recently purchased a log cabin! She’ll add a border – what a wonderful and thoughtful gift.

Judy is cutely peeking out from behind her 30’s print quilt. I love the design this layout makes.

This is such an impressive paper pieced beach quilt! Lorel isn’t finished with it yet. She’s planning on adding on some amusement – shells? crabs? beach balls? Can’t wait to see the finished quilt!

Debbie brought her very impressive woven (from bed sheets) rug. Wow!!

Sandy finished this Frozen quilt top with a special little one in mind. How cute!

This minimal and very striking modern quilt was completed by Susan. I can’t wait to see this one quilted.

Five O’Clock Coffee Time!

Unfortunately, some did not get into the picture, including myself. There were eleven of us and I do believe a good time was had by all. Lucky me to be a part of this group of fun and talented ladies!

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Posted in Art, Color, Fabric, Modern Quilting, Quilting, Quilting Retreat, Scraps, Sew-in, Stash and tagged projects, Quilting. Bookmark the permalink.

Whew! Spring Retreat!

Posted on April 8, 2019 by heARTs Creations

The 2019 Spring came to an end yesterday. Once again there were 20 fun and amazingly talented quilters/knitters! These retreaters never disappoint – they share, laugh, work diligently, and of course, laugh some more!

Blocks were sewn for Hospice quilts. Here is one set on the design wall.

There were prizes. Tina was the lucky winner of a quilt kit from Pineapple Fabrics. And thank you to C & T Publishing – a deck of Bonnie Hunter cards for everyone who attended!

And of course, Show & Tell. WOW! Thank you Ladies for another great Spring!!

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A Word About Retreats

Posted on March 10, 2019 by heARTs Creations

Recently there have been several inquiries about the Quilt & Sew-In Retreats held in the Spring and Fall in Blowing Rock, NC. This is a great time where quilters/sewers/knitters, etc. come together to work on their projects, share, laugh, shop and enjoy the wonderful restaurants and all that downtown Blowing Rock has to offer.

Where’s the registration? Returning retreaters have an exclusive early sign-up period. After that time, if there are openings, information and the registration form will be posted on this site.

Spring 2019 Quilt & Sew-In

April 3 through April 7

The Spring retreat is currently FULL. If you would like to be on the wait list, please contact me at heARTsCreations@outlook.com.

Thank you to this year’s Sponsors!

2019 sponsors

Surprises & A Great Retreat!

Posted on April 28, 2018 by heARTs Creations

Last week was the Spring Quilt & Sew-In Retreat and it was a blast! There was so much sewing going on, but that is truly the least of it. The sharing, assistance, laughing and teaching moments were all such treasures. The generous spirit of all who attended was just amazingly wonderful. How lucky am I to bring these quilters back together each year!

And there were surprises! Beverly made these darling heart appliqued bags for everyone and a few extras for the wonderful employees of the inn where we stay. She also made cute little butterflies (mine, unfortunately, is camera shy). She is the resident crochet queen! In addition, she blessed me with the crocheted doilies (if I ever made one of these, I don’t think I’d be giving them away!) and a sewing machine cover with pockets for tools.

Sandra made everyone this cute finger pin cushion (on the right). It is going to be a real bonus for me when I am hand appliqueing.

In their goody bags, each attendee received a pin cushion with a Velcro backing – perfect to place on your sewing machine or table or wherever you might find it handy (above left). Several were put to use shortly after receiving them! Both were made with bottle caps as the base.

Something very special that happens at retreat is that there is a bucket of block “kits” for each to sew if they choose. The blocks are then put together for Hospice quilts. Everyone sewed one – some more than one! These batiks are going to make a beautiful quilt. The very masculine blocks were put together and the quilt top is already finished – Yeah!

AND there was a last minute sponsor – Woo Hoo! Northcott Fabrics so very generously sent these goodies. Sponsor generosity helps to make the retreats so very special.

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In the Fall we retreat again in Blowing Rock. Lucky me – I of course get to be there!

Two Projects Ready to Sew!

Posted on April 18, 2018 by heARTs Creations

It’s time to pack up and head to Blowing Rock for the Spring retreat. I’ll be setting up our sewing room for the Thursday morning start when I’ll greet all the happy, ambitious and anxious quilters as they gather to sew until Sunday!

I have several projects ready to go. The first one I will be doing as a leader/ender project. It is just a simple four patch with a one patch sewn in between each. It will be colorful and fun and fairly mindless – the kind of project I need when I lead a retreat.

In my stash I had a pile of little triangles that I’ve looked at several times wondering, “what should I do with these?” Then when I came across 1 stack of 2 1/2 inch squares, it all came together! These will make a cute wall hanging or table topper – I’ll decide as I progress.

There are a few more projects prepped, but as they are Island Batik Ambassador projects, I won’t be showing those to you just yet. I am excited about working on all of these and hopefully will get much accomplished!

And here it all is – the pile of retreat goodness ready to go!