American Chevron Quilt

Chevron quilts are so popular these days and I can see why.  They are so easy to make!  Here is my newest baby quilt for my Etsy Shop just in time for our country's 236th  birthday.

I got the pattern from Bee Square Blog here.

I did the back in this fun red, white and blue stripe and binded it in red using my new bias tape maker and quilted in the ditch.

Next I'd like to make bibs and burp cloths with the scraps.

Happy quilting and Happy 4th of July!

Kristina

Bias Tape Maker

Bias tape is the perfect addition to all kinds of sewing projects.  It is an easy way to finish seams and edges with an eye catching contrasting or coordinating fabric.  However the way I was taught to make bias tape in the past always left me with steam burns on my fingers from the iron.  Over the years I have tryed  tools that folded the fabric as I pulled it but my fingers would still get too close to the iron sometimes.  A few weeks ago I discovered an end to burned fingers forever! Simplicity has made a bias tape maker that does all the work and I love it!!!

I was a little sceptical at first but I knew I could return it if it didn't live up to its promises.  I was thrilled the first time I used it!

It really is quite simple.

Step 1 From your fabric cut two inch wide strips and sew pieces at the diagnal to desired length.  Baby quilts take about 4-5 yards.

Step 2 Wind the fabric on the spool and place the spool in machine.

Step 3 Remove iron plate cover.

Step 4 Guide the fabric through fold tip, across iron plate and return cover.

Step 5 Turn on the machine with setting at desired level.  the green light will tell you when it is ready. Then press the "run" button and in a few minutes you have perfectly iron bias tape!!!

The machine is a little pricey so be sure to use a store coupon or wait for a sale but it is totally worth the cost!

Happy sewing and God bless,
Kristina

Vacation Bible School

VBS was so much fun last week!  I slept all weekend to recover and now the summer is mine to quilt, craft and create!

Here are some pictures from Amazing Wonders Aviation VBS.

And some of the crafts we made

Way Busy Life

I just realized I haven't written a post in 3 weeks!  We went out of town for my grandson's baptism and now I'm in the whirlwind of Vacation Bible School.  I'm hoping to post some pictures soon of the crafts the kids are making.  It's all been really fun and I'm glad I volunteered to help.

Weight Watchers Week 3

I would love to say I followed the program perfectly and lost 2 lbs, but truth must be told.  My weight stayed the same this week.  I stayed within my point allotment but my exercise routine has something to be desired.  So today’s weekly meeting topic was perfect for me.

The Perks of Exercise

Besides losing weight a little quicker it also combats health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, it puts you in a better mood as you release endorphins,  it boosts your energy and it helps you get a better night’s sleep.

Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns.

There are really only two requirements when it comes to exercise, one is that you do it and the other is that you continue it.

Cheater Quilt

This is a cheater quilt that I just finished for my Etsy shop.  A cheater quilt is a quilt with a top that does not have to be pieced together. The fabric used for the top of the quilt looks like it has been pieced together or appliqued, but is actually one large piece of printed fabric. Cheater is such an ugly word for such a beautiful thing.  Cheater quilts are a perfect project for new machine quilter or folks with little time for craftiness.  A cheater quilt allows you to skip the huge task of doing piecework on a quilt. All you have to do is quilt and bind.  I finished this quilt in about 2 hours.

Memorial Day

Yesterday I attended the 83^rd Annual Memorial Day Service at Mt Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth, TX.  It is an event my chapter of the DAR participates in every year.

 Mary Isham Keith Chapter DAR

 It really is a beautiful ceremony complete with bag piper and dove release!

This year our keynote was the Mayor of Fort Worth, Betsy Price who gave a good speech about the importance of the day tying it into the history of our city.

Mayor of Fort Worth, Betsy Price

Then each organization comes forward and places a wreath at the Dough Boy Statue followed by a 21 gun salute by the paralyzed honor guard.

I especially enjoy the ceremony because it’s an opportunity for me to show off my dad in his dress blues.   He retired from the Air Force, Lt Col serving during the Vietnam War and I am very proud of him.

Lest We Forget

Weight Watchers Week 2

I had a very successful week! I’m down 2.8 lbs!

WW takes all the guess work out of tracking food and exercise.  And now with technology it’s even easier.   I track all my progress on the WW website in addition I have the WW app and bar scanner on my phone.  I put my phone up to the scan bar on an item of food and it gives me the nutrition and points value.  I love it!

My favorite product this week is the Aloha!  Almond Bars.  They don’t melt in the car!  Even my Texas car!

At this week’s meeting we talked about ways to spice up our cooking.

Some ways to explore spices to enhance your cooking:

One of my favorite spices for the grill is Tony’s Cajun Seasoning. I put it on almost everything.

Here are some others from the group:

Allspice in meatballs

Cinnamon on peaches on the grill

Chili on pineapple on the grill

Horseradish in mashed potatoes

Nutmeg in cooked carrots

Sage in egg dishes

These were just a few suggestions.  Our challenge is to try a new spice this week.  I’m going to the WW community board to see what they are suggesting too.

So until next week - Shake! Shake! Shake it up! Add some flavor then go savor!

My Texas Quilt

I finally finished the top to my Texas quilt!  After attending the machine quilting class yesterday I realized it will be many hours (months) of practice before I can feel confident enough to quilt my own top so Im taking it to be quilted in time for the quilt show in July.  It's my first Irish Chain and I call it "Lone Star Lariat"

Machine Quilting

I just got back from my first machine free motion quilting class.  I was so intimidated when I first thought of tackling this way of quilting.  When I saw my local quilt shop was offering a class on it I signed up thinking it would be much easier for me to learn from an expert than try to teach myself.  I was right.  My instructor was very patient and easy to understand.  She even helped me put my darning (free motion) foot on.

The book she used to help learn all those years ago is Diane Gaudynski’s book Guide to Maching Quilting and so I bought my own copy plus a few other things including more fabric.  I mean I was in a quilt store after all.

Here is some of the work I did today minus the simple shapes in the middle of each square.

With practice and patience I hope to feel comfortable enough to actual free motion quilt some of the baby quilts for my Etsy shop!