Oh wait. You're not the one who's been gone. Away. That would be moi.
And yes, I do rather like that Kelly Clarkson song. Though no, I don't have it on my iToys.
Life here is fine - good - progressing - improving. I've just been having a hard time finding a regular routine or schedule. I'll be glad when my Mom is home and I'm not making daily trips to rehab. Have you ever thought about how much time it takes to shower, do your hair, put on some make-up and find clean clothes to wear? Spending the day in your sweats isn't just comfortable - it saves a colossal amount of time!
Rosie says Hi.
Let me get to the important things - my Mom is fine and should be home this week. She caught a bit of a cold a few days ago but it's only slowed her down a bit. Rosie is also really good. She's slipping and sliding more than ever, and while that's heartbreaking and sad, it hasn't really slowed her down. She's still the same rambunctious scamp she's always been. So it's all good in my little corner of the world.
I have been sewing - new quilts coming soon...
One is bound... the other two are in need of a visit from the Binding Fairy. So they're "coming soon".
Work is "progressing" on the next book. I should tell you that it has been "in the works" for almost two years but when life got in the way, I kept pleading with the lovely folks at That Patchwork Place to let me postpone it. Instead of being published last Fall or this Spring, it should be out next year, right around the time of Spring Market. The "subject" is scrap quilts. Wish me luck - better still, wish the folks at That Patchwork Place luck. I'm not sure what the odds are right now for my delivering the manuscript on time but if you want in on the action regarding that, you probably ought to know that with two manuscript deadlines in my history, I'm batting 0-for-2. I was born late and I might never recover if I was on time for something big at this point in my life.
Speaking of being late - and behind - I'm sorry I've been so lax about this blog-thing. I had the Rosie Club/Class at Olde World Quilt Shop last weekend, and a Crumbler / tumbler demo at Sun Valley Quilts yesterday. Getting ready for those keeps me busy, especially since both involve having samples and demo pieces. Can you believe that? As if!
I can only speak for myself but I'm having a really good time with the projects for the class. As much as I've enjoyed the main project every month, it's been the little bonus things that have kept me the most entertained. It's also been a boon for Aaron Brothers and the frame departments at local craft stores. I'm having too much fun framing little quilts, blocks and other projects.
This is one of them ~ and please forgive the picture. The glass is always an issue.
The nine-patches finish at 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" - the squares finish at 1/2". But they're so easy to make. The first thing you need is an 8" x 8" square frame.
Have you ever learned the technique for making two "reverse" nine-patches using two squares? While the technique itself has been around for years, the best book of projects using the technique is Primitive Gatherings' Nine Patch Gatherings. If you love quilts with lots of scrappy nine-patches, you'll love this book.
As for the technique, it's pretty cool. You take two squares and with right sides together, you sew a scant 1/4" seam on two opposing sides of the square. Then you cut it apart - into strips - and press. Join strips and press. Match the squares again with right sides together and stitch. Cut it apart and press. Join the last strip and press. It's easier than it sounds - and you get two nine-patches from each pair of squares.
The thing is, while it works really, really well using a 3" square for two 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" nine-patches - finished size, I prefer to use squares that are a little bit bigger. It just works better for me. And for my aging eyes.
For the technique - Two For One Nine-Patch.
The little framed quilt above is amazingly simple. Start by making at least nine nine-patches that finish at 1 1/2" x 1 1/2".
Then sew them together in a little mini quilt.
This is where clipping seams can be a huge help. This is what the back of my little quilt looks like.
The seams are clipped so that the seams for each nine-patch can be pressed toward the alternating square. I love this trick of clipping seams - Thank you Jo!
When my mini quilt top is pieced - finished - I like to "age" it with washing and pressing.
Because my mini quilt is smaller than the frame size, I "mount" it on a piece of illustration board that has been covered with fabric.
There are two things to tell you here. Three - I just remembered one. First, the fabric is adhered to the illustration board with Steam-A-Seam 2 Lite. Don't laugh - it's works beautifully! I cut a piece of fabric and Steam-A-Seam bigger than my piece of illustration board - 8" x 8" - and fuse the Steam-A-Seam to the fabric. Then I fuse it to the board - lightly. I trim the edges - I don't need a ruler, the edges of the illustration board are enough to guide the rotary cutter - and then I finish fusing the fabric to the board. Then just let it cool.
Second - place a small square of muslin or plain fabric behind the mini-quilt to prevent shadowing of the fabric on the board. My squares are usually a 1/2" to 1" smaller than the mini-quilt.
Third - the mini quilt is then secured to the board using tiny dots of a basting glue. I use Roxanne's Baste-it Glue.
Okay - four things. Yes. I know. The "N" is upside down. I just noticed that. I'll fix it in a few minutes. (If you're curious, the "N" is a vintage French laundry label I bought at a flea market in Paris.)
If you want to make something like this - Two For One Nine Patch ~ Mini Quilts.
I made this one for class -
The frame is 7" x 15" and it needs 21 nine-patches.
(The background fabric is from Chateau Rouge by French General. I love this print - it's the same one I used for Marguerite.)
That's all I've got for today but I hope to be back soon as "life" looks like it might finally be settling down a bit.
At least I hope so.
It's either that or I'm going to have to make an emergency run to MAC and Sephora.
Glad all is well. Was there a color picture of this months project? If so could you email me one, I would love it. Give Rosie a hug and mom too!
Posted by: Jane | February 24, 2013 at 08:17 PM
Hi Carrie, so good to hear that all is well in your corner. Sounds like your mom is finally going to make it home. I honestly would go nuts if I had to get ready to go somewhere every single day. Truly I would. Flannel PJ's are my uniform of the day, every day and if I do leave the house, I'm back in them immediately. Hubby says he's doesn't understand how I can change so fast after we get home, when it took me so long to get ready to leave the house, hehehe. I told him it's all a matter of motivation, LOL.
I can't wait to see your new quilts and I love your little bitty nine patch blocks and the way you have framed the pieces. Really pretty and fun. Well, I'm not going to ramble any longer, just gonna tell you that you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers for good things and some quiet time. Big Hugs to you and your mom and some scratches to Rosie...
Posted by: Nancy in Utah | February 24, 2013 at 08:41 PM
So good to see Rosie again. Don't forget to take care of yourself while you are busy taking care of your mom. And don't fret the deadline - your books are always worth the wait.
Posted by: Ramona | February 24, 2013 at 09:07 PM
Thank you for the little quilt instructions Carrie!
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | February 24, 2013 at 09:07 PM
For Rosie's slipping, you might try Dr. Buzby's 'toe grips' (http://www.toegrips.com/). I was hoping they'd help my geriatric dog, but I managed to order a size too small, so now I need to get the next size up. But I have a friend who swears that they are really helpful!
Posted by: Evelyn | February 24, 2013 at 09:12 PM
Hi Carrie, hi Rosie!
Glad to hear that everything goes well with your mom and she'll be home soon.
Thanks for this sweet little quilt, I'll hope to give it a try soon.
Have a ggod time and don't stress yourself, Hildy
Posted by: Hildy | February 25, 2013 at 01:25 AM
LOVE that little nine patch with the "mounted" framed border
I have the perfect place to display that.
can you believe I still have not framed a little quilt ?
glad things are starting to calm down in your little world and mom will be coming home this week. I am sure you are both looking forward to that and Rosie too!
Kathie
Posted by: kathie | February 25, 2013 at 03:38 AM
I'm so glad to hear that things are going well with your mom. And you're so right...having to leave the house everyday does use up a huge chunk of time...yes showering, doing hair, a little makeup, real clothes...oh my...I never wanted to scare anyone when I went to see mom everyday. Glad Rosie's doing well, she'll be thrilled when your mom gets home. Love you teeny 9 patches...doing them into pictures is wonderful...You are such a clever girl. Don't stress...take care of yourself...rest...store up for when your mom gets home.
Posted by: Carol | February 25, 2013 at 03:43 AM
So glad you're all doing okay - good luck with the deadline! Your mini quilts are utterly gorgeous, as is Rosie! Please give her a fuss behind the ears for me!
Posted by: Archiethewonderdog | February 25, 2013 at 04:35 AM
No worries on feeling behind. I think it's a conspiracy, and none of us are immune. :) I'm excited for your scrap quilt book, but you know...some things are just worth waiting for!
Happy to know that your Mom will be home soon and that Rosie is keeping you out of trouble...or helping you find it.
I've not seen the 2 for 1 nine patch technique - very clever! I see a nine patch quilt in my future...scrappy of course! Love the addition of the frame.
Posted by: Ranch Wife | February 25, 2013 at 10:09 AM
Glad to hear that your mom should be home soon. I understand what it's like to have roadblocks to sewing. Hubby had extensive shoulder surgery in mid-January, then developed blood clots shortly after, which has really put the damper on my sewing time! Like your mom, he's on the mend now but has a long road to recovery! Rosie is such a sweetie!
Posted by: Deb | February 25, 2013 at 11:25 AM
Carrie I always enjoy reading posts regarding your beloved Rosie. We are in a similar situation with our chow/sheperd mix Honey. The back legs aren't what they used to be and her hearing is going quickly, but she can still occasionly chase her tail.
So happy your mom will be able to return home. Good for her! Hopefully she won't overdo herself.
And ya gotta give us a little more of a peek at those new quilts. Please...
Posted by: pam hansen | February 25, 2013 at 11:55 AM
Glad to hear that you're making progress. Yes, I know that 'time-waster' very well. I'd have so much more sewing time if I didn't have to get ready every morning. Oh, and go to work... and all that fun stuff. Poor Rosie, she needs some booties! Wish I lived closer and could help you with bindings. Keep on keepin' on!
Posted by: Sue S | February 25, 2013 at 12:54 PM
Love your sense of humor! Good to hear you all are doing well in spite of the inevitable aging.
Looking forward to your next post, whenever that may appear.
Happy sewing, tasty bones to Rosie, and quick recovery for mom!
Posted by: Candace Mugele | February 25, 2013 at 02:07 PM
Ooohhhh...I love your mini-quilt! I need to make something like that for my dollhouse. Hope your Mom and Rosie continue to do well and that you can start wearing your sweats a lot more now!
Posted by: Jenny | February 25, 2013 at 02:57 PM
It's nice to see you and Rosie pop back in for a visit. I feel for you -- those months that my dad was in rehab were so hectic and loooong. Hope everything goes well for your Mom's return soon. And those little 9-patches are adorable!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | February 25, 2013 at 04:12 PM
One of my favorite pins is the little buy who's excited that no one saw him that day, cuz he can wear the same clothes again tomorrow. That used to be me! Only now I don't care if you see me wearing the same clothes 2 or 3 days in a row :0 Beautiful quilting. Love the framed samplers.
Posted by: Linda | February 26, 2013 at 08:07 PM
Hello! So good to hear Mom is progressing well. She sure sounds like a spunky gal. Love your little framed quilts. I am in the Phoenix area and am so sorry I missed your tumbler demo. We are staying at Cibola Vista this week and Mesa next week. Is there any chance you might have something going on in the near future...I would love to take in a class or demo.
Posted by: Wendy Ouellette | February 27, 2013 at 01:02 PM
So glad your Mom is doing well even if it will delay the book a bit. we can wait. these little quilts are adorable, some times you just love to play with fabric and I often find myself reaching for one of your little patterns. I think next time I will give these a try!
Posted by: Mary Ann | February 27, 2013 at 09:28 PM
It's great to have you back and good to hear Mom and Rosie are all in sinc too. Let's keep it that way. Those little 9 patches are just the cat's pajamas! I have a couple of very little quilt squares my Granddaddy make back in 1908 - I framed them in old barn wood, and it's one of my favorite pieces. Looking forward to seeing the new quilts - take good care!
Posted by: Linda P | February 28, 2013 at 10:52 AM
A different version of "Since You Been Gone" popped into my head (and will be there for the rest of the day...good song so I don't mind). Glad to know things are going well. Give that adorable dog a hug for me:)
Posted by: ColleenM | February 28, 2013 at 11:47 AM
Glad it's just life keeping you busy and glad everyone is doing well. Thanks for the information on the framed quilts. I'll have to try one. Looking forward to the new book whenever it comes out! Take care!
Posted by: Diane | February 28, 2013 at 12:41 PM
You, your mom and Rosie have been in my thoughts today so I thought I'd stop by and say "HEY!!!" and tell you I'm hoping all is well with you all. Big Hugs and of course, scratches for Rosie...
Posted by: Nancy in Utah | March 04, 2013 at 08:49 PM
DANG!!! WHy does everything look prettier and more fun when it's a minature??!! ;p
Posted by: ina | March 05, 2013 at 07:18 PM
Let me try this again. I just shot down my comments! I'm glad things are going better and that your Mom will be home soon. I love the picture of Rosie! It just warms my heart. I feel like she is looking at me and sending me some furry hugs. Glad to see your post!
Posted by: Beverly Atkins | March 06, 2013 at 11:26 AM
I really like your framed pieces. When you back the little top with the sold fabric from shadowing do you sew them or glue them together before gluing top to mount board? Do your raw edges of the quilt top show?
Posted by: Mary | March 07, 2013 at 03:08 PM