Finishing An Old Project--Almost

 Okay, more like a work in progress. 

I have received all months for this BOM (Block of the Month) but only got the first two months completed before putting it away.

Figured I had best complete it BEFORE I got too serious about my latest (new) project.

The technique is Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) which is why I recalled it when starting the new FPP project I talked about in last post. However, I actually just measured and cut patchwork because I so disliked FPP work...so will continue THIS effort in the same way. So far, I'm up to almost completion of Month #6 (of nine months). Had hoped to get this quilt top done by Sunday evening...but it will be close. Will post my completion when finished of course.

Starting a New Project

 Yeah, I know...like I needed a "new" project with all that are already in progress. BUT, I was thinking the other day about how long I have been a quilter and what I really enjoyed (and didn't so much enjoy) about the different techniques that I have learned over the years. The one technique that I have done some of but just didn't like; and now try to avoid is Foundation Paper Piecing. I have friends that love this technique, but it just was never something that I really liked; therefore, I'm not so good at it.

So, you know me...love to challenge myself. And, yep have begun a FPP project. I'm not rushing it...it will take some time (and I do have other ongoing projects).

Had this book on my shelf. No going to do this exact same layout most likely but will see about that. Can already tell that a couple of the designs are not to my liking, so will most likely substitute some as well.

Spent the day after Thanksgiving (also my birthday) tracing all of the patterns. Talking about birthday, here is my present to myself:

Now, she is not all that fancy. Cost me less than $200 bucks. But, she will "zigzag" which is the reason I purchased her. My Jazz and my Juki are straight stitch machines only; both are beasts and fit the bill for most of my work. My Pfaff (purchased in 1983) does zigzag but had developed a short in the cord connection so could go out permanently at any minute...hence the "need" for a new machine. Anyhow, was not planning on getting another machine until she popped up in my Amazon feed. How can you ignore a pink machine! Really I just could not. Anyhow, back to my FPP endeavor...

These are my first two completed blocks. Only 54 more to go! By the time I get to the end of this quilt, I should be good at FPP and then who knows what will come next!

Do you have a technique that you really struggle with? If so, I challenge you to push yourself to really get good at it. We can suffer along together...ha!

Just catching up!

 Well, it's been a while and folks are beginning to notice. No, I'm not dead...well not yet thank goodness. All is actually going okay in my little spot in the world; just super busy.

I'd love to say that the new grand-baby (just starting kindergarden) is keeping me super busy but I honestly don't get to see her as much as I would like. We try to get a visit in every ten days or so...but I do miss when she was right under my roof. These days, my patience is not as good...so maybe that is a blessing in disguise. Ha!

Quilt guild keeps me busy. I've been the VP for the past couple of years and that job was supposed to end last June. But, no other member would take it on...so, I kept it along with my new job as Treasurer. Thankfully, that has now changed as we have a new member that is willing to work...and I am so happy about that. I will keep going with the long-term plans I've made (block of the month, mystery quilt for 2026)...but otherwise will not be dealing with programs anymore (which are really time-consuming to plan, track, execute). So, if you belong to a quilt guild...hug your VP...they work hard!

Thinking about doing a 2026 Block of the Month here...so all can share in completing my new pattern. But, not sure how successful it will be since I don't block every day any more. Maybe it's time to try and get back into the groove?!

Anyhow, just checking in for those that still read their blogs. HUGS!

Recipes You Don't Want to Forget

 My Mom and I love sharing recipes...but, there have been many times when we remember WHAT was cooked/baked...but we can not recall which cookbook it was in. Has that happened to you? We also like to pull pages from magazines and she has several old recipe cards or newspaper clippings stuffed in her cookbooks.

There is also a new issue because as my mother continues to age, she wishes to have some of her favorite recipes "passed down" to her children, grand-children and great-children. So, to try and help with solving this problem...I've created two recipe journals. One is for baking...and it will be the one that is going to be crammed full...for sure! The other is for cooking...which is anything that is not classified as baking. (Can't wait to see Mom's full dressing recipe!)

This is the cover for the baking journal. 

The side has a spot for all of the specifics you will need to re-create a recipe. You could also take a photo of the finished item and print/glue that to the adjacent page. These are standard 8.5x11.0 inch pages...so plenty of writing room. Each journal has 120 pages...so, loads of room. 

This is the cover of the cooking version; the inside pages are slightly different in "titles" but the same format.

I've ordered five proofs so that I can gift some to Mom and still have one for myself. They are scheduled to arrive tomorrow...and I'll post a photo of that on Facebook when they get here.

You can get them directly from Amazon by mid May 2025.

Re-covered and even prettier!

 I just updated a booklet that is being offered on Amazon that I created in 2017. It is a sketchbook/journal for recording crazy quilt seam ideas.

This is the back cover; the front is similar in style...I just forgot to save that jpg and the pdf will not load as a photo.

Of course, a pretty cover is not as important as what is inside. Here is a photo of the book pages. Plenty of room to record your thoughts on fibers, colors, variations, etc...AND diagram your seam idea.

Here's how I'm using mine. I divided it into sections for different Base Seams (herringbone, chevron, etc.)...then I doodle my ideas on to the graph pages.

It is 6 x 9 inches in size, so fits in my tote bag or most of my purses just fine. I like to doodle seams while sitting in waiting rooms or waiting for meetings to begin. 

The updated cover journal will be available on Amazon by next week. To find it, simply search my author name of "kathy seaman shaw" to see all of my available books there. 

Gone Down a Rabbit Hole -- Literally!

 Okay, maybe not a true rabbit...as I'm way too big to fit into one of those burrows. But, I spend several hours this week scrolling through the EXTENSIVE listing of free patterns over on Tilda's website.

Saw this super cute bunny pattern and decided to give it a try...thinking it would be a neat little addition to Easter decorations.

Boy...did I have some fun!

So, if you are looking for a project that can be quick (the non-pieced versions)...and just adorable...go check out their website. Bet you also fall down the rabbit hole of scrolling through their enormous list of free pattern downloads.

Absent Lately, Anyone Care?

Good morning all!

Well I have been super busy this past week/month/year...just not on the blog much. It is strange...but since Google stopped the auto feed for comments...the "inter-action" is just not here anymore. Feels like I'm out here on an island by myself and that just is not any fun.

Personally, life is marching on. Grand daughters are growing taller each day and that is so much fun to watch!

Serving as Vice President of my quilt guild...which keeps me VERY busy for sure creating new ideas for them each month.

Doing free local classes in quilting techniques (did Basic level in 2024, now doing Intermediate techniques this year).

Just started a monthly free embroidery class...so, more handouts etc. to prepare.

Still working on projects for myself and sharing that progress on Patreon. Still designing new seam ideas and sharing them also on Patreon. (Site is titled Kathy's Stitching Adventure).

If you are still reading this blog...shoot me a comment. If the interest is still here...I'll try to do a better job of sharing my life/projects with you all. Sending hugs regardless! 

2025 Classes Information

 Good Morning!

If you don't already know...there will be new classes offered in 2025 through my Patron site: Kathy's Stitching Adventure in 2025.

We will be creating 3 different crazy quilt inspired projects:

Fancy Bell Pull - size: ~6" x 18"

Wool/Felt Blocks - size: 12" to 16" (your choice)...as many as you want to make so the final project could be large or small. Embellished with loads of fibers and a few bits of bling if you like.

Bed Cover Whole Cloth - size: ~3ft x 5ft. Could make smaller or larger if you prefer. Embellished with anything goes.

Each of these projects are presented via a private blog accessed through my Patreon Tier III or IV ($7-$15 monthly) levels.

So, if you are ready to try some different aspects of crazy quilting next year...these three classes will give you ALL of the options needed to complete any other CQ endeavor you might want to tackle...while supporting your efforts through solid skills taught in detail as we progress through all three of these projects next year. 

Hope to see you over on Patreon!

Quick and Easy Gifts

 Here is a fast and easy project...seriously! If you just remembered that your needed a gift for a lady...give these a try. A set of four takes only 1-2 hours.

Some might call them "hot pads" but, I like to use them to hold a plate of food right out of the microwave. They are thinner than standard kitchen hot pads...so, if you wanted to use them that way...just double up.

Supplies: One 10" square of cotton batting, Five 10" squares of fabric.

Step One: Fold four of the fabric on the diagonal and press.

Step Two: Layer the remaining non-folded square on top of the batting square.

Step Three: Place one folded fabric piece on top of this unit, matching the corners.

Step Four: Rotate the unit counter-clockwise and lay the next folded fabric piece on top, matching corners.

Step Five: Repeat Step Four to layer the third corner.

Step Six: Lift the first folded square and place the last (4th) corner into place.

Step Seven: Lay the lifted corner back into place. This is how the assembled project should look.

Step Eight: Pin all the corners into place. Sew around all four sides (seam allowance is 3/8" or 1/2")

Step Nine: Trim off corners.

Step Ten: Trim excess batting within the seam allowance. Hint: Duckbill Scissors are great for this task!

Step Eleven: Turn right-side-out by pushing out each corner and hand pressing flat. You should now have the folds on the opposite side of the solid fabric piece, with the batting in the middle.

Last Step: Press nicely, wrap and present as a gift!

Bell Pull Fabrics

 Decided that today was a great day to go hunting for those velvets and silks I had put away. Now, that might not sound like a hard job...but they could have been under the bed, in one of three closets, or in a number of bins. Found them in about 5 minutes...tucked nicely in a medium clear tote on a shelf. Made me feel "almost" organized. Ha!

Here's the full picture. These should amke a really colorful bell pull!

These are a mix of velvet brocades, silk and cotton with a lovely chocolate brown acetate suit lining.

These silks are varied weights and all need a good press. The baby pink (top of photo) is pretty light....so we shall see if it makes the cut when the piecing begins.

The colors are kinda weird in this photo. But these velvets really are (left to right) Dark Green, Burgendy, Brown and Cherry Red. There i also a piece of black that didn't not make this photo.

Hope you will join me over on Patreon "Kathy's Stitching Adventure" for the trio of great Crazy Quilt Projects (classes) that kick off in January. Here's the link: www.patreon.com/kathyseamanshaw

Planning Begins

 

Isn't this a contrast? Well not to worry...these are not included in the same project.

But, if you want to know what my plans are for them...check out this prior blog post: Shawkl Designs: New CLASSES to BEGIN in JANUARY!

Then, follow the link included in that post to read the specifics on my Patreon site. Hope you decide to join the fun!

Unfinished Objects (UFOs)

 While I like the "UFO" acronym...cute...I think of these as Unfinished Projects since mine are usually full size quilts. Ha!

Here is a photo of "most" of mine. Honestly, I need more blue boxes...and they are on order at Amazon. I get the 12x4x9 size (in case you are interested). They hold most quilts but you will see that three of these projects on the top row needed larger containers.

I like to put labels on these so I know what they are ("if I remember them by name") rather than dig through a bunch of stuff. Plus, these are stacked on a little shelf right in the hall...on the way to the bathroom...so I MUST see them multiple times a day.

Can you have too many projects not done? Yes, probably so...as one of my quilts (not here but stored in my hopechest) needs to be finished hand quilted...since the 80's. Yep, I went there...admitted that I am so far from being done with a quilt.

Over time, I seem to often loose interest in a project; or more correctly I seem to push it aside because another project had caught my interest. Guess I might have a bit of blackbird in me...always attracted to shiny objects. Or is that a different bird...it was discussed on "To Kill A Mocking Bird" but I just remember that the bird was black.

I digress. Anyhow, wondering how other folks organize their unfinished projects? 

New CLASSES to BEGIN in JANUARY!

 Good morning everyone!

Okay, I have been thinking...and you know how dangerous THAT can be. Over the past 3 years loads of folks keep asking me if I'm ever going to open up my classes again. So, short answer now is "kinda". I currently have a PATREON page titled "Kathy's Stitching Adventure" where I share my seam designs, patterns, tutorials, etc.

I don't want to be tracking multiple classes at the same time again..like with the last BLOG Classes. Whew, that was time consuming. Plus, these are provided to you FREE already, just click the above links to download and work at your own pace.

However, I do have some more ideas to share...so will simply be updating my Patreon to make this happen. At present (if you don't know) I have three tiers on that site: Tier I costs $3 monthly and you get a weekly seam design for crazy quilting, Tier II costs $5 a month and you get the weekly seam designs plus embroidery motif designs as they are drawn (shooting for once a month), and Tier III costs $7 monthly and gets all of the above plus any patterns, tutorials, etc. that I design.

So, what's changing???

FIRST CHANGE FOR ALL TIERS (i.e. free or paying members): I am adding a quarterly ZOOM meeting. You will receive an email with time/link a few days before the meeting. If you want to join in...simply click the link "when the time is open". The link will not work until the meeting time is here. So, just "archive" the email...so you don't accidently delete it...and load a "reminder" in your phone so you can plant yourself in front of your computer/tablet that houses your emails. Click when the time is upon us...and wait to introduce yourself when asked...or just "quietly observe". I will be available to answer your questions and just go over what we are doing now...and planning in the future.

MAJOR CHANGE FOR $7 TIER: All members at this level will also be invited to join me in a private class site...where we will be able to easily post progress photos. Photos of what? Well, we will be working on three wonderful hands-on projects in 2025. You can participate in one or all...or just sit back and watch the fun! Here are the project ideas: (1) A Crazy Quilt Bell Pull (6"x18"finished) that gives us a good place to practice our embroidery seams, (2) A Bed Cover for the bottom of our bed (3' x 5' finished) that will use our "fancy" fabrics, hand embroidery pieces, lace motifs, silk ribbon embroidery, fiber embroidery, and beads/baubles; and (3) A set of wool/cotton hexagons with wool/cotton/silk embroidery motifs and seams.

These are all three projects that I have been wanting to work on...so, doing them within the Patreon will "make me get off my behind, and get busy".

So, if you are presently in a lower TIER...now is the time to move up to the $7 monthly tier. If you are not a member at PATREON...hop on over and check it out!

These 3 projects will begin in January. Whomever is at the $7 on 1 January will get a private invite to the private blogsite. To begin...we will kick off the challenges sometime in the first two weeks of January with a ZOOM for all in this top tier.

Now, I have to get busy designing, writing handouts, making supply lists...and deal with Thanksgiving/Christmas Season. Yikes, why am I always thinking! It sure gets me into trouble. HUGS!

As Supply Lists etc. are done...I will be posting them to Patreon. My goal is to have all of this "planning-work" done before January so members can be gathering their fancy fabrics and embellishments "get organized"...so we can start all three of these projects in January. We will work throughout the year...at your own pace...so not to worry about doing all three projects. But, you can just pick one to work on at a time if you like.

Here is a link to Kathy's Stitching Adventure so you can signup for the $7 tier. Your invite to the private workshops will be sent in January. 

Kathy's Stitching Adventure - update

 Good morning!

Notice: My Etsy shop is now closed.

If you want my patterns, tutorials, mystery quilt instructions, crazy quilt seam designs, etc...they are now part of my Patreon site: "Kathy's Stitching Adventure".

It is organized into Tiers:

FREE - general what's happening posts

Tier #1- $3 month - Weekly graphic designs of crazy quilt seams (not already in one of my many books)

Tier #2- $5 month - Monthly embroidery motifs, fun extras, and all tier #1 posts.

Tier #3- $7 month - Patterns, tutorials, plus all of tier 1/2 goodies.

Thanks to all of my Patreon pals for supporting me as I continue to design and create new content.

PATREON LINK

Good Progress on Faux Crazy Quilt Blocks

 

All of these hexagons (17 in total...didn't photo all) have no seams. The solid white background is covered in handkerchief corners, lace motifs, trims, bits of embroidery projects, and some Reverse Chain embroidery "squiggles". A fun project that is quick!

Organizers!

 Having great fun creating some organizers. Fast and so easy to create. Just posted a short post and tutorial on my Patreon page, "Kathy's Stitching Adventure". Here are some photos to share with y'all too!

This organizer (open) shows pockets for paper, pens, name badge, binder, etc. It will be what I keep handy for Quilt Guild meetings.

This next organizer adds some lace to the pockets. It will be for my English Paper Pieces (EPP) on-going project. A "dash and go" item so I always have thread, needles, scissors, needle threader, paper shapes, glue sticks, clips and reading glasses to work wherever I might be.

Lastly this is my Tool Cady. It includes a small cutting mat, rotary cutter, paper and fabric scissors, marking pen, water-soluble pen, purple thang, tweezers, needle threader, stiletto, point turner, seam ripper, hemostat, add-a-seam ruler, clips, pins, and machine needles (in pockets). Perfect for making sure that I have all of the critical tools when I pack for retreats. Plus, no more digging around in a zipper pouch trying to find a tool (and usually finding a stray needle or pin first. Ouch!).

Lastly, when closed...nothing will run away! All nicely secured and ready to pack into my suitcase or project tote!

Thinking about creating a few more of these. Would like to have a smaller version for each sewing machine...with pre-wound bobbins, machine needles, brush, machine oil, thread scissors...and whatever else might be critical for that specific machine's operation. Could just grab the machine and this pouch and load the car for Sew Day or a class. My head is spinning with ideas!