Kept In Stitches

Ventura Modern Quilt Guild Monthly Challenge

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March 12, 2014

Each month the Ventura Modern Quilt Guild has a challenge for guild members. Most of the time it’s a block challenge and sometimes we have the choice to make something different. Our challenge for February was to design something inspired by packaging or advertising. I found the coolest box of tissues with a graphic I loved. Since most months we make blocks I decided to go with a tote. If you know me, I’m always dragging a couple of tote bags with me wherever I go. Here’s my tissue box inspired bag. I donated it to the raffle last night after our show-n-tell. I think it has a great new home.

Mid-Century Joann

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March 10, 2014

Like we needed another project! But, Greg needed to replace the cushions on his computer chair, after all that time doing homework. He picked the fabric (on sale at Joann) and I made the seat and back cushions for him. They turned out great! I’m also working on a matching bag (you can never have TOO many bags!) Hope you all had a great weekend!

Lemon Bundt Cake

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March 9, 2014

The tutorial has been posted for ‘Right of Way’ and I had some energy leftover so I decided to try out the new oven. And what goes better with a new oven that a new recipe. I know it’s kind of late to be eating cake but with the time change I’ll just have to sleep more. How’s that for rationale? BTW…the cake was yummy! And the oven? Worked like a champ. It’s so clean I kind of hated to bake in it.

LEMON BUNDT CAKE
1 pkg. lemon cake mix
4 eggs
1 c. water
1 reg. (4 serving) pkg. lemon instant pudding
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/3 c. powdered sugar
5 tbsp. lemon juice
Heat oven to just below 350 degrees. Grease and flour a heavy Bundt pan. Place cake mix, instant pudding, eggs, vegetable oil and water in a large bowl. Electric mixer, beat at medium speed for 2 or 3 minutes scraping the bowl occasionally with a rubber spatula.
Pour into pan and bake 45 minutes or until done. Cool on wire rack for about 5 minutes before removing from pan. Blend together powdered sugar and lemon juice. Spoon over top and sides of warm cake, covering as much of the cake as possible. Cake will keep moist for several days.

35th Annual Glendale Quilt Show

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March 8, 2014

March 21 and 22, 2014 I will be teaching two classes at the 35th annual Glendale Quilt Guild. Dresden Garden and Curvaceous Curves are the classes I’m teaching. I’ve belonged to this guild for the past 2 years and I currently serve as the membership chair. My part in the show, other than teaching, is coordinating other guilds opportunity quilts. I love teaching and can’t wait for the show to get here. Each time I teach a class I always make my students a pincushion as a special gift. It’s time to start making those pincushions…

Right of Way quilt block

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March 7, 2014

March has already been a busy month. As vice president of the Ventura Modern Quilt Guild it is my responsibility to come up with our monthly block challenges. I got out the graph paper and started playing. The block for March, no name as of yet, makes a 18 inch block and you can imagine how quickly several of these blocks would make a great quilt. I can only hope my guild is as happy with the block as I am. I might even get adventurous and post a tutorial on it this weekend. Happy quilting and take some time to laugh…it helps with digestion.

The tutorial for this block is available…be sure to check it out and I’d love to see your blocks. Shoot me a pic!

An apple a day…

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March 4, 2014

Monday has to be my least favorite day of the week. I’m thinking I’ll start the week out right with a new project. Smaller in scale so it will be more do-able. I’ve always liked the look of an “apple core” quilt…just not the one that Grandma made. All the curved piecing makes it a bit challenging. Hmmm…what colors to choose? Scrappy is fun but a little too predictable. Blue is one of my favorite colors… Did I mention I’m going to hand piece this project? It will keep me busy if I ever have some down time. I’ll post more on the progression of the apple core project. Have a great day and be sure to eat an apple…keeps the doctor away, right?

San Diego Quilt Shop Hop 2014

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March 3, 2014

My partner and I had the most incredible weekend on the San Diego Shop Hop. We braved the weather and made it to all 14 shops. Each shop gave a 10 inch square of black or white fabric, along with a free pattern. Free patterns and free fabric…I’m in! Not too sure which project will make the black/white cut. I think I managed to come home with around 15 yards of fabric that I couldn’t live without. And a few notions too.

Each shop gave us a 10″ square of black and white fabric…

And, each shop had created their own pattern which they gave out with the fabric. I think I see quite a few new projects in my future (like I need more projects!)

Weekend Sock Hop

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March 3, 2014

Spent the weekend “hopping” around the San Diego area…had a great time and made a LOT of purchases. I’ll post more later…

Casige miniature childs sewing machine

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February 27, 2014

I almost forgot I added another toy sewing machine to my collection. The machine measures 8 1/2″ long, 5″ wide and 7 1/2″ tall. Also marked Gesch M 1449 Made in Germany British Zone. The Allied powers who defeated Germany in World War II divided the country west of the Oder-Neisse line into four occupation zones for administrative purposes during the period 1945-1949. Since this machine is engraved British Zone I would say it was made during the allied occupation making it approximately 65 years old.

South Bay Quilters Guild Show

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February 26, 2014

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to visit the South Bay Quilter Guild 2014 Show in Torrance, California. The show is one of the smaller shows here in Southern Cali, but not to lack in quality. The quilts were beautiful and ranged from all type of designs. They had a nice variety of vendors in their vendor mall. I purchased a new carrying case for my Singer Featherweight and yes some fabric. I will post more later on my fabrics and projects bouncing around in my head.

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