so...... I did it!

My very first ever hexagon flower.  I did not use a 1" hexagon template.  I used a 1½" hexagon template.  Folded the fabric over the paper template and basted in place.  Then I stitched the 'petals' to the center.  Not too hard, but there are a couple 'spots' that the thread shows through to the front.  I will have to work on that!


Then I tried a different way.  I cut freezer paper templates and used the edge of that as my stitching line.  Just did a running stitch and this is what I got.

I found it easier to use the basting to the paper template method.  I will finish the above 'flower' and see how it all aligns. 
Will I make a bunch of these hexagon flowers??? Probably not.  I'm thinking of pressing the one I finished and removing the paper and appliqueing it to a solid color square of fabric.  Guess I'll have to play a bit more :-)

Wishing everyone a great weekend.
Katie

My Scrap Bin!

Yes, this is my scrap bin.  And I can actually get the top on this if I really scrunch everything down!!!  Okay, so this might not be the best method of scrap organization ever produced, but hey, the hunt is half the fun!  I've read Bonnie Hunter's method of scrap organization - WOW that would be great if I'd started about the time I decided to start saving scraps.  I supposed I could start from now, but then what would I do with all these?  No, I simply don't see myself pulling these out, pressing and cutting and cataloging.   And really, I used to never keep anything this small (well some aren't too small, but less than a quarter yard)  Then I started paper piecing and making fabric post cards and lo and behold, I could use really small pieces.  I remember actually rummaging through my trash basket in seach of a small piece that I knew I'd thrown away.  It was yellow and was needed for a flame in a paper pieced block - I think that was the point when I realized small pieces were a valuable commodity.  I keep a large gift bag next to my cutting table and whenever I trim and cut, the small strips go into that bag.  When the bag is full, it gets put in the bin - well used to.......I either need to use some of what's in the bin or buy another bin!  See, another reason for me to try my hand at those hexagons :-)

This is a little of what I've used my scraps on.  A Snack Mat (a bit larger than a Mug Mat) and some fabric postcards for a swap. 

This is a picture of some of my spoils from yesterday's outing with my granddaughter.  Some are simply pieces and some is yardage.  We go to a place called SAS  in Tucson (on Speedway if you're familiar with Tucson).  I liken it to a Fabric Thrift store.  They have just about every kind of fabric you can think of.  Trims, lace, buttons, zippers, elastic - you name it, they probably have it and at great prices!  The cotton fabric is in boxes and the fabric spills out over the top in a wonderful array of color (next time I'm in, I'll have to ask if I can take a picture!).  I like to dig down into the boxes to see what I come up with :-)  As you can see, I came up with a variety.  My granddaugher pulled out one piece that was probably only 3" long, the width of the fabric.  Anyway, it was a really good day spent with her.  And to see the discovery of fabric from a 'newbie's' eye just gets me excited all over again!
Katie

Never gonna happen!

As I watched a lady patiently sewing little, tiny hexagons together at a quilt show, I admired her work and told my friend "Nope, never gonna happen!"  I simply can't see myself sitting patiently, sewing little bitty hexies together.  I want more instant gratification.  So that said, and me trying to figure out something to do with my hands in the evening, I have decided to try those hexagons that seem to pop up frequently in blogland.  Will I do one inchers?  Ummm, no.  I think I will try 2" and hope to have enough to make one of those flowers.  Seriously...... I will try these hexagons, but I have my doubts that there will ever be enough to make anything of substance.  A coaster?????? umm, that should be doable!
No sewing today.  Spending time in Tucson with my granddaughter.  Starting off with an early appointment for me.  Then to the Apple store so she can pick her IPod.  Then over to SAS as she loves that store with all it's trims and fabric.  We have to be back in our little town by 3pm as she's scheduled to give blood at 3:15.  When she turned 16 she started donating blood and says she will continue to do so as it makes her feel like she's giving something important.  What a great gal!  I, unfortunately, am not able to donate because of hepatitis when I was 7.  But I do believe that blood donation is as worthy a cause as organ donation.  Okay,  enough of that...
Hope all have as good a day as I know I will.

Katie who promises pictures forthcoming..... (maybe even a hexie or two)

Are we all tired of the Comments issue yet????

I read a post (sorry can't remember who posted it) about they were able to post comments when the comment was done in a pop up window but not if the comment box was readily available below the post.  So I checked it out, and sure enough, I can post in a pop up box but not in a box that appears below the posting.  I have gone in and changed my option in my settings for comments to be done in a pop up box.  I know it won't help me, but it may help anyone who may have wanted to post here but was unable to.  I do like hearing what others have to say :-)

Katie who has bunches to do and here I sit!

still no comments

I found a "help" post on what to do about not being able to comment - I did all the steps and I still am unable to post.  I do read daily everyone's blog that I follow, if you're not seeing any comments from me, it's not because I'm ignoring you - it's because Blogger won't let me!

Katie

A little here - a little there

I actually have been getting a little done:

You've seen this quilt before, but not in it's finished state.  I had decided to leave it unbordered and after quilting just bound it with black.  I did like the way it turned out except because I'm so NOT a perfectionist, I lost some of the points around the edge.  A longway from proficient on feathers, but the 'sort of' feather wreath around the bird embroidery doesn't totally embarrass me.

You've seen this one before, too, also in it's unfinished state.  I used just a pale yellow to border it and quilted it will a simple floral and leaf free hand design.

The fabrics are busy enough that the quilting doesn't show up real well - but you get the idea :-)
I've also made a couple fabric Post cards and another Mug Rug (pictures later) for a swap I joined.
I had a couple days of not feeling too well, so those were days of total unproduction - bummer! 
I had made the decision to have my cataracts removed and went in for another evaluation and consult with the doctor.  Because I have astigmatism, the doctor recommended a lens implant that would correct that, but unfortunately insurance wouldn't cover that expense as they consider it 'enhanced'!  At first, I thought well, if I'm going to have this done, I might as well go for broke - and with out-of-pocket expense - that's exactly what I'd be.  But even after that, I'd have to wear readers and glasses for computer work.  So... I spend probably 80% of my waking hours either sewing or on the computer (I know I need to get a life!) - which would require glasses of some sort or other AND I've worn glasses for over 40 years so why would I put that sort of extra expense out for 'enhanced' lenses???  Seriously, I spent most of Thursday night awake running all this through my brain....  Okay, decision made - going with the standard lenses with a whole lot less out-of-pocket expense!  So call doctor's office and talking to his 'financial secretary' discover she's a quilter - and she agrees with me.  With having to wear glasses for sewing anyway and with having the cataract removed, I'll have the clearer vision so major issue corrected and I'm happy.  Okay enough about that, but I would like to hear other's experiences with cataract surgery and how it improved your vision and sewing experience.
Well if I haven't bored you to tears at this point........Update on granddaughter's sewing days with me.. Still tons of fun.  She's learning difference aspects of sewing.  Yesterday, she spent time with the embroidery machine and learned the frustration of breaking threads :-)  I slowed down the machine and, voila, smooth sailing.  I told her "well, it'll take a little longer to sew out the designs"  her response was "probably not because I'm not spending time rethreading the machine" (Smart girl!)  She's already planned our next day - she has fabric chosen and patterns ready and she wants to spend time cutting things out for a couple tops and a pair of shorts.  She really likes wearing what she's sewn for herself.  That said, if you've followed along and read about the used machine I bought her, well, now it's time to buy her a machine that won't leave her frustrated......... NOTE: her grandpa has already started looking at them :-)
Okay, I'm done - sorry so long, but I'm making up for a few days of no posting :-)

Katie



Again!!!!

Give me a flippin' break!  Yesterday I was able to make comments, now today again I can't.  This is getting ridiculous - maybe it's time to find another blogging site if Blogger can't seem to fix this one.