Pam's Activities in Quilting.

Two Baby Boys on their way for Christmas

2011-12-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

Sorry, not the best of pictures.

We know of two baby boys who on on their way for the Christmas Season!!!

I found this really cute fabric by Moda called "Little Rascals" and loved it. So not the traditional baby blue..but still very very cute, and, I was able to get both quilts made out of the same fabric.

Fabric and pattern by Moda
Pieced by Pam O.
Quilted by Terri Ayala on her Long Arm

Nicole received her quilt on 12/2/2011 for her new baby boy (1st child)
Connie will get her quilt this week for her new baby boy (2nd child)

Congratulations to you both!!!
Pam O.

For Kathy...

2011-12-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

My Dearest Kathy,

As you know I am a quilter, it’s a hobby that I love to doing. For the past few years, I pick a the person I have been thinking of and who has been in my prayers throughout the year and make them a quilt for Christmas. It’s what I call, “MY SPECIAL QUILT to a VERY SPECIAL PERSON”.

As we would sit in the warm sun at the summer concerts, I loved our long conversations and our time together. To me, you are such a loving and caring person who loves her family and friends very much. I continue to be amazed at your courage and strength in dealing with your illness. You are such a SPECIAL PERSON so I wanted you to have this VERY SPECIAL QUILT.

Quilts are just BIG hugs, so a BIG hug to you this Christmas Season and for the New Year.

Merry Christmas with all my love and friendship,
Pam

Quilt was given to Kathy on Saturday 12/3/2011
Quilt was made this last August at a Two Wacky Woman Retreat in Laguna, CA.
Pattern by Lynn Brown

The Quilt a-long continues...

2011-10-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

I completed two more blocks from the Celebrating Christmas Quilt a-long.

The top block is block 7 designed by Jessie Kurtz.

The bottom bock is block 6 designed by Barbara Raisbeck.

Keep on Quilting,
Pam O.

One more thing off my 2011 UFO list

2011-09-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

Cup of Tea for You!

This was just one more thing off my 2011 UFO list, the blue table cloth.

Started in 2010, kinda of copied a pattern my friend had bought. The printed squares are printed dish towels. I used the other end of the towels and cut squares the same size and did some embroidery on them, added some borders and wa la a blue tablecloth. Reminded me of something my grandmother would use on her table.

Not sure the picture is doing it justice, it really did turn out cute. I named it "Cup of Tea for You".

Have a few more, well a lot more, to take off my UFO list.....but it sure feels good when they are done.

Keep on Quilting
Pam O.

I DO NOT like smudges..

2011-09-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

This was just a quick project I did for myself a few months back, I'm one that does not like smudges on my iPhone.

You can get towels for window/mirrors in the auto section of any store, I think it was three towels per package and with each towel you can make three little pouches.

I know there are all kinds of great cases out there...but this works for me. They wash up great and protect the phone in my purse and they work great on my eye glasses too.

I gave some to the grand kids for their iPods , they love them.

Keep on quilting,
Pam O.

I need to practice practice practice......

2011-09-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took a Feathers Class from Frances Moore. There were seven people in the class and there is always one that is a bit more challenged than others, that would be me.

I did ask Frances if she has ever taught a person that was just not meant to do feathers.....she said NO, it just takes PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Sooooo that's what I'm going to do, but may be a while before I'm ready to put them on a quilt.

Frances is the BEST teacher ever, she has the patience of an angel. If you ever have the opportunity to take one of her classes, TAKE IT. I really look forward to more classes from her, I may do a little better on some of her other designs. Love ya Frances!!

Back to practicing.
Keep on quilting,
Pam O.

Sister's doing what they like best....

2011-09-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

I went out to my sister's house for a few days. We wanted to spend some time together, her working on her craft of pottery and I working on some quilting projects

I wanted to show you what she is working on; Patti is getting ready to do a BIG show next year and has to have 300 pieces ready to go. She is now working on these little vases with petite little handles. I just love them.

I worked on Christmas gifts...so can't show you what I accomplished this week but really like how things are turning out. More to follow on that for sure.

I love spending time with my sister!!!
Keep on quilting,
Pam O.

A Give-a-Way from Norway

2011-09-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

My friend Marit in Norway is having a give-a-way (click here).

She has had over 50,000 visits to her blog and I can see why. Marit is a beautiful knitter, she posts pictures of her beautiful countryside, and the pretty sewing projects she manages to get in when she has time.

Look at these two sewing projects she has for her give away and just in time for the fall.

What a way to celebrate Marit and congratulations on so many people stopping by your blog!!!!

Keep on quilting,
Pam O.

Block 3 on the Quilt-a-Long

2011-09-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Block 3 designed by Melissa Stramel

This is Block 3 on the Quilting Gallery's Quilt-a Long. The Block was designed by Melissa Stramel. I pick a different embroidery center, but still love how it turned out.

The piecing was a bit tricking for me, I can't tell you how many times I told myself "I Can't do that", sooooo..... I did the piecing first and than the embroidery just it case I couldn't.

What I learned more than anything was to change my wording to "I can't to "I can". I love this Quilt-a-Long as it's challenging me for sure.

I did skip over Block 2 which is a paper piece designed by Jennifer Rodriquez. I can only think of one time I tried paper piecing but it has been a few years back, but, "I can" do it and will go back to it for sure.

Keep on quilting,
Pam O.

Celebrate Christmas Quilt-a-Long

2011-09-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Fabric I will use

Quilting Gallery is having their 1st Quilt-a-long hosted by Michele (click on Quilting Gallery or the icon on my side bar for more details.

I'm pretty excited about this...there will be special deals for quilters, 36 designer profiles and 12" blocks they have designed for this project. It's not too late, this started 9/13/11 and with run through 12/1/2011.

Block 1 designed by Pat Sloan

Above are the fabrics I have picked for this project, Moda's Christmas Flannel.

There are three blocks already posted, this first block was designed by Pat Sloan. I love it...and I got to do a little appliqué.

The next block is designed by Jennifer Rodriguez and a paper piece...wish me luck on that one.

The third block, is by Melissa Stramel. This one I am excited about...it has embroidery in the center of the block.

You can see these blocks and more to come on the Quilting Gallery website.

I'll post my progress, this should be fun!

Keep on quilting,
Pam O.

and the "Challenge" continues

2011-09-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

So, remember back in December 2010 when I wrote about a challenge my friend Kathy (click on her name to see the story) and I started? She sent me a gift wrapped in fabric, I made something out of that fabric and sent it back to her wrapped in another piece of fabric, she was to make something out of that piece and so on and so on.....out of breath trying to write that.

Isn't this just soooo cute? I sent her the cupcake fabric and she made me an apron. The pink fabric she used is like a strawberry swirl and the brown is like chocolate sprinkles. I just love it!!!!!

Now, in turn, she had the apron wrapped in the the green leaf fabric...so now it's my turn to make something for her out of that fabric. Hmmmmmmmm

Thanks Kathy, I love my Apron.
Let the "Challenge" continue...

Keep on quilting
Pam O.

Don't touch the quilts please...

2011-08-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick little project I worked on this morning. At my last guild meeting one of the girls had these pre- embroidered little pieces to take home and make a block around.

Their idea is to have these hanging around the quilts at the upcoming quilt show. This one measure 12"x10", there were several to choose from and many different light hearted sayings, mine happens to be in Spanish and reads "No Tocar Las Colchas Por Favor" (Don't touch the quilts please).

I thought it was a cute idea.
Keep on quilting,
Pam

My new tool, I needed it!

2011-08-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

Well there it is, my new addition to my quilting tools. Well, it is, I need it to Blog. I was one that went back and forth with......PC or MAC. I went with the MacBook Pro, even tho I have always been a PC person.

I have had it for two days now, so far so good....look, I uploaded the picture. I do plan to take the classes offered.

I love it!!
Keep on quilting
Pam

Interweaved with Dots

2011-08-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

Interweaved with Dots

This is another quilt top I finished this week, a Bonnie Hunter pattern called "The Texas Braid". A few of my friends and I took her class back in January when we were at the Road to California Show and I couldn't wait to get it done.

Mine measures 60"x70" which is much smaller than the pattern...but still a nice size. It was fun collecting all the fabric for this as I wanted all dots. So....Braid, Dots, I came up with the name Interweaved with Dots.

This one is off to my friend Sue to quilt for me.
Keep on quilting,
Pam

On it's way to completion....

2011-08-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

This is the "Nine Patch with Attitude" pattern that is on my UFO List that I can't put the completion date on yet. This still needs to be quilted, need to bind and labeled.....but at least the top is done.

Still trying to decide if I should quilt this or send it off to my friend Sue who does long arm quilting.

I really like the way to turned out. Don't have a name yet for this quilt, any suggestions???

Keep on quilting.
Pam

Summer sewing

2011-08-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

Snappy Bags

Pillow Cases

When these two get together...not sure if they spend more time laughing or sewing. Olivia who is now 12 and Madison who is 11 came to sew with me this summer.

I put together, in a large plastic container, their sewing machine, notions and.....a STASH. Oh my goodness, you would have thought I gave them the world, and it was but a small stash but non the less their first stash of fabric.

Both went right to work, their first project was the pillowcases and the second the snappy bags. They were great with their 1/4 inch seams, matching their fabric and Olivia learned how to iron. I'm still not letting them use the rotary cutter....I do all the cutting. They also learned more about their machines so they can continue to sew at home.
Their next project will be sewing borders on two Christmas Panels I had won over the weekend....their first quilt. YEAH!!!
Fun times girls...love ya,
Mema

Keep on quilting
Pam

QBS Quilting Retreat 2011

2011-08-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

Just getting back from a four day quilting retreat with my guild in Temecula, CA.

Thought I would share a few of the things I worked on. First was this 15"x15" Valentine wall hanging, it went together pretty fast. Once completed, I used a running stitch and embroidered the hearts on. This was made to give to as an auction item for the guild's show in October.

Second I work on the French Tablecloth. I love the colors in this....which I think makes the quilt.

I had quite a bit of the border print left over and I noticed of of the other girls was making a runner out of border print. With her help I made the runner and was happy to use up the fabric I had.

One of the things we did for fun at the retreat was a Jelly Roll Race, a top made of of 2 1/2" strips. Mine is not shown in this post as most of us gave ours to Community Relations person for charity.

I also worked on my Texas Braid Pattern, I'll show you more of that at the end of the week, want to work on that a little more before I show it.

This was a FUN FUN weekend with great friends. My favorite part of the retreat was ...of course, being with friends but also the Show and Tell part, I love to seeing the work of others, we have amazing talent in our guild for sure.

Keep on quilting,
Pam

I'm really not missing..

2011-07-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I retired on April 1, 2011 and my last posting was April 18, 2011.
I really did have good intentions to post every day...but got soooo busy with the grand kids and family.

Things are starting to settle a bit and I'll be back to posting real soon. I have taken pictures of the things I have been working on, mostly UFO's and little crafty items, so have a lot to show the tell about.

Don't give up, I'll be back in a week or so.

Keep on quilting
Pam O.

Cozy Panda

2011-04-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

Just completed one of my UFO's listed on my Side Bar. YEAH!!!! This is actually one of Robin's patterns, the "Five Ten Twenty" I loved making.

Had a lot of help on this one, my friend Pat helped pick out the fabric's and my friend Sue quilted this on her Long Arm. Sorry the picture really does not show off the quilting...but she quilted firefly's OK, I pieced and put the binding.

My granddaughters, Meggan and Olive, were over the weekend and we came up with the name "Cozy Panda" because of the Asian Fabric and, as usual, I use flannel on the back to give it the cozy feel.

Ahh, one more off my 2011 UFO's list.

Happy Quilting

Pam O.

Happy Day for sure...

2011-03-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

I was just reading Robin's Blog, did you know today is National Quilt Day??

Happy National Quilt Day!!!

to all my quilting friends.

It's a happy day for sure, enjoy your day quilting.

Pam O.

It's amazing how just a little can help....

2011-03-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying I took this picture from my friend Pat's Blog as she too wrote about this charity project.

Pat came across a Blog called Craft Hope which is a group that selects charity projects throughout the year and lets others know how to help. A few months back, they posted about the need for sanitary delivery kits in Haiti. Many of the moms and babies die during childbirth from just simply lack of sanitation.

Pat reached out to our friendship group, The Wednesday Wackos, and together we were able to put together 60 of these little bags. There was a supply list of bar soap, string, gloves, alcohol swaps, plastic sheeting and a few more little items plus we made receiving blankets and added a small toy and put all in a one gallon Zip Lock Bag.

I'm so glad Pat found this...it was one of those feel good projects for sure. It is just amazing how just a little can help.

Happy Quilting,
Pam O.

Jelly Roll Madness

2011-03-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

For the Wackos...think it may have started with Robin and Marilyn who posted about Jelly Roll Races on their Blogs. For the past two weeks the Wednesdays Wackos have been making these quick and easy Jelly Roll Quilt Tops that will be donated to charity.

These take one Jelly Roll of 40 2 1/2" x 40' strips and finish for a nice lap size quilt. I actually made my own Jelly Roll out of left over fabric, I used 45 strips which made for more of a square finished size.

Just to tell you how fast these sew up, I was sewing the black/white/pink one below, frying some chicken for dinner and doing laundry....and completed all in less than three hours. If I was just sewing...this may taken only a hour. Robin made the one in the middle out of Kaffe fabrics and I also made the peach and brown one at the bottom.

I think Jelly Roll Madness has started with us and it's a great way to use our left over fabrics.
Happy Quilting to all,
Pam O.

All Wrapped Up

2011-02-12T09:30:00.001-08:00

My daughter-in-law, Raquel, recently gave me skeins and skeins of cotton Crochet Thread from Portugal. This came in a BIG bundle of maybe 35-40 skeins. It had gotten very tangled but I was able to save about 30 skeins that needed to be wrapped in balls. My dear husband, Carlos, sat with his arms stretched out as I would wrap the the skeins into balls...I have none of the modern equipment that could have done this.

The thread has such a nice feel to it, soft not stiff. I don't knit or crochet very well at all, I know only a few stitches but did not want this to go to waist. I started making these little double crochet squares and added some red and thought Valentine's Day. I still have a lot to work with...need to learn more about crocheting.

Think they turned out kinda of cute, added a little candle to finish out the Valentines gift for my daughter, Alicia and my two daughter-in-laws, Erin and Raquel.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

It's all wrapped up and ready to give.

Happy Quilting,

Pam O.

Just in case...

2011-01-29T09:56:00.000-08:00

Just in case there a long period of time I go without posting, again, I wanted to wish all of you a Happy Valentines Day. February is just a few days away, time goes to fast for me.

This is an Amy Bradley pattern I did a few years back...maybe better not to zoom in on this one or you'll really be able to see this was my first attempt at applique.

Happy Quilting,

Pam O

WHAT, MORE???

2011-01-29T09:25:00.000-08:00

That's right, MORE to add the the UFO collection, HOWEVER, these may be the 2012 UFO.

Just back from the Road to California Quilt show, I'm really excited about the two classes I took. This year I want with a simply and fun type classes, and I'm really glad I did.

The first class was Bent out of Squares with Karla Alexander. What a fun teacher and a fun technique. This picture only shows two sets (1 set = 6 blocks) out of tens. I'm using batiks from my stash with more and more colors to come, very scrappy. At the end, it will be set on point. Can't wait to see it finished.

My second class was the Texas Braid by Bonnie Hunter. Just another really fun class. Mine is done out of light and dark poke-a- dots, even more fun to work with. Originally, I was going to use red cornerstones, but before starting, decide black would work better.

Both will be a work in progress, but think they will be great when they are done.

Happy Quilting

Pam O

The 2011 UFO Challenge.

2011-01-29T08:36:00.000-08:00

OK, in order for my guilds, Quilters by the Sea, 2011 UFO Challenge.

The rules are:

1. Choose 5 UFO's that need to be finished by 2012

2. Describe and list them 1-5 on the entry form.

3. One of five will be randomly picked and announced at the guild meeting every two months.

4. On the due date we are to bring our finished quilt to the meeting..maybe for show and tell

5. There is a $10 fee for prizes along the way and a GRAND PRIZE at the end

These are mine in order:

1. Nine Patch with an attitude, started (I think) in 2008

2. Mumbo Gumbo Started in 2009
3.Fuzzy Spots started in 2010
4. French Rose started in 2009 (I think)
5. Blue Tablecloth started 2010
...and the number randomly picked and due by April 14 is number 4, the French Rose. I need to quilt, bind and label to complete this. Better get busy!

Happy Quilting,

Pam O.

For my friend...

2011-01-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

WOW..it has been a while from my last posting. Well, it's not to say I have not been busy a have a lot to write about so let me get started.

My friend, Mercedes, has a Granddaughter that she is unable to see very often. She wanted to do something special for her for Valentines Day. Mercedes had seen a doll bed at a very expensive store and just didn't want to pay the price. After searching online she found this one for a fraction of the price and almost the same style as the expensive store.

GOT TO LOVE A BARGAIN!!! This is the one she found and had it shipped to her. Kinda of simple and not much to it, a little pink curtain on the side which is a little closet, and a little pink cushion for the bed on top.

"Help, can you do something to make it look pretty?" she asked. We went from store to store trying to find the fabric she wanted. No luck. Finally, I said, lets just go see what I have in my sewing closet. First she was amazed at the amount of fabric I had....BUT she found exactly what she wanted. YEAH!!!

I think it turned out real cute and everything is reversible....and I was able to use STASH. Mercedes was very excited...

For my friend..

Happy Quilting,
Pam O.

First Swap of 2011

2011-01-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

Last month I didn't even know what a "Mug Rug" was until I read a few other blogs.

This month, after making a few, I joined an online swap hosted by The Quilting Gallery. If interested, this should be a fun, quick, and easy swap. Registrations close on January 18.

Click on the icon "Mug Rug Swap" on my sidebar, it will take to the registration. Also, under swap links, if you click on "Mug Rug Inspirations", The Quilting Gallery featured a few of the Rug Mugs that I have made.

Happy Quilting
Pam O.

"Vino" Applique, something new and different...

2011-01-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

On my sidebar I have my 2011 To Do List where I listed
"Try something new and different", so this is what I picked, "Vino".

Margie, one of my Wednesday Wacko Sisters, does the most beautiful applique. I have asked her to teach me her technique to complete this little kit I picked up at one of the shows. I'm sure some of the other Wacko's will join in on the lessons as well.

Each week, Margie will lead us through the steps to complete the applique, I'm striving for years end...but we'll see. I'm so excited!!!

Please note: I wrote COMPLETED next to Binding on Mug Rugs. YEAH!!!! I was able to finish 18. The picture is posted below on my December 31, 2010 posting. Loved the way they turned out.

Happy Quilting to all,
Pam O.

Had to post this picture..

2011-01-05T15:47:00.001-08:00

I'm pretty sure this was taken from the Seal Beach Pier. I didn't take this picture, actually got it from a friend who got it from a friend.

I think it was taken on the same day my husband and I went down to Seal Beach for lunch. I remember standing on the pier wishing I had my camera and thinking back to the days when......

I know you are going to think this crazy, but just after a cold spell of rain and snow in Southern California and it's just starting to warm up, my brother and some of our friends would set out for a day, that we called, surf and sky.

We would hit the beach early morning, surf/swim for a few hours. Just when we had enough, we pack up the car and head for the local mountain, which is about a two hour drive. By 2:30 or 3:00 we had our skies on and doing some of the best down hill skiing ever.

I had to post this picture, someone knew I regretted not have a camera on that day.

Enjoy,
Pam O

2011 - this is what I would like to happen...

2011-01-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm going to get it in writing, I'm making a list of what I would like to happen in 2011. This will be of no interest to anyone but me...but that's alright, at least I'll have my list.

1. On my Side Bar, at the bottom, I have made my list of UFO's (Unfinished Projects) and Sewing projects. I'll post pictures and write "Completed" as I go a long.
2. My Guild is having a UFO Challenge to finish five UFO's, I will join at the meeting in January. I may list some that are on my Side Bar...it's OK to challenge myself twice.
3. Use my stash to make Charity Quilts.
4. Join WW, walk more.
5. Don't buy what I already have, STASH
6. Be the BEST relative, friend, WACKO, Guild Member that I can be.

...and last but not least, never sit idle.
Think that covers it. Better get busy.

Happy Quilting in 2011!!!
Pam O.

Mug Rugs

2010-12-31T08:17:00.001-08:00

I started reading two new blogs this year, Sandi who is a wonderful writer and quilter and Karen who lives in the UK, is a long arm quilter and does beautiful embroidery. Both Karen and Sandi wrote on their blogs about "Mug Rugs", I had never heard of them (maybe these are nothing new) but thought what a cute idea.

I had to try them. I had a panel with 18 of the different coffee mugs and the coordinating fabrics...so this is how mine turned out.

They measure about 6" x 9". I think they are real cute and will make a perfect gift with a cute mug and maybe a Starbucks card included.

Happy Quilting,
Pam O.

Let the Challenge Begin!!!!!

2010-12-22T11:13:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying I have used Sandi's pattern of the "Candle Mat" so much this Christmas Season. Not only did I make one for the online swap that went to Norway, but 11 more for my Wednesday Night Friendship Group gift exchange. NOW, I made one for a challenge that could last forever.

This is how it started: Kathy a friend/co-worker sent me a gift this season wrapped in fabric. I told her, if you are sent a gift wrapped in fabric...it turns on a challenge. You must take the fabric and make something with that piece and send it back wrapped in fabric. She, in turn, makes something out of that piece and returns wrapped in fabric..and so on and so on.
The piece she sent me is the border and a hint in the binding of the "Candle Mat" shown in the picture. I didn't get a picture of the fabric prior to cutting, but it measured about a fat 1/8.
We have no rules other than no stress and no time limit...even if it's only one item per year.

It will be fun to see what goes back and forth from coast to coast, Kathy is in Florida and I'm in California. I'll post as we send and receive. The cupcakes fat quarter is what I'm sending Kathy.

Start something new with one of your quilting friends in a far away place, I know I'm excited about this.

Let the challenge begin!!!
Happy Quilting to all in 2011
Pam O.

Christmas Corner...

2010-11-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

This is my little Christmas Corner in my sewing room. Most items have been pieced and waiting to be quilted....so working on some of that this week.

But, is makes for a cute little corner, don't you think?

More pictures when they are completed.

Ho Ho Ho!!!

Sunday Dinners..

2010-11-14T11:12:00.000-08:00

Cooking together as a family is one of my most favorite things to do...think that is why Thanksgiving is my most beloved holiday of the year....so can't wait for next week!!!

We try, when we can, to have Sunday Dinners together, busy schedules sometimes get in the way. There are 14 of us when we do, so lots of fun. Marcus is away right now, maybe we'll bring the computer to the dinner table and have him join us via Skype. That will work.

Pictured is Meggan and Olivia making cookies with Grandpa . For dinner tonight, chicken and rice .

YUM!!!

Only a Mother's love...

2010-11-09T11:22:00.001-08:00

I was going through some things in my sewing closet today when I came across this crewel piece I did for my Mother, I actually think it was Mother's Day when I gave it to her. When she opened it, there was a look on her face that she wanted to laugh, but thought she better not....until she no longer could hold it in and laughed until she cried.

Now this was my first attempt at transferring a pattern of any kind, but look, the handwheel of the sewing machine is on the left side. She always told the story, I made it that way because I was left handed. I could have blamed it on being young when I did it, but it has my married name in the signature....hmmm, was young when I married though.

She got the biggest kick out that and it hung in her sewing room for many years. I think I laughed just as hard today as she did the day I gave it to her.

Only a Mother's love..
Always quilt with love and passion.
Pam O.

It's up and hanging!!!

2010-11-07T09:46:00.001-08:00

Well there it is. I finally have something I made hanging in my home. My friends will be surprised. The truth of the matter is, I really don't have a lot of wall space, I had to take down a picture to hang this.

I finished one of four large blocks of the Feathered Foursome pattern by Cathy Wierzbicki and my friend Sue Salinger, who is a long are quilter, quilted it for me. It picks up the colors in my sewing room , so that is where it hangs.

Because of the Christmas colors, the design Sue did in the quilting is holly, but I'm one that always says you should keep a touch of Christmas up all year round.

Anyway, there it is hanging....very proudly.

Always quilt with love and passion.
Pam O.

Candle Mat - sending (3 of 3)

2010-11-02T06:44:00.001-07:00

When I first starting blogging, in 2009, I wrote you could find my quilts all over the globe, Peru, France, Spain, Canada. It's not that I am famous quilter by any means, it just that we have friends and family in these countries. Well, I can now add Norway. As not to give away the element of surprise, I won't give out the name and think there are several participates for the swap from Norway.
I had a really good time with my first on line swap. My partner wanted Fall fabrics in oranges, greens and beige's...so this is what I picked for her.
I'm not the best machine quilter so fell back on my old standard of straight lines. I found a great fall color, variegated, thread to use and think it all worked well in the mat. I used some cute little fall buttons in the four corners to add a slight accent.

Using Fabric Sheets for the label, I sewed the final touch on the back.

Sending any additional goodies was not required. However, I have been making some Snappy Bags and thought my partner would like one made from the left over fabric, and as not to waste any fabric, I also made her a pin cushion out of the salvages.

This has been great fun and look forward to another Swap.
To my new found friend in Norway, I hope you enjoy your Candle Mat!!!!
Always quilt with love and passion,
Pam O.

Candle Mat received (2 of 3)

2010-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dearest Karen,

http://therunningchickenquilting.blogspot.com/

I was so excited when I received my Candle Mat. It could not have come on a better day. I'm going to post extra pictures of this as I wanted my friends to see the work that went into it.... and I know they will say, "Oh, that is so Pammy".

I absolutely love the French/English fabrics you picked and the embroidery and hand quilting made it very special, something I will cherish forever and ever. I love embroidery!!!!

The Candle Mat now sits by my front door. I love the compliments I get and the story I can tell about it.

Because my blog is about family and quilting, I will tell this could not have come on a better day. Our youngest son, Marcus, has taken on a new job in his life, something both my husband and I are very very proud of.

Marcus, left this weekend for six months of training. We had just gotten home from saying our good-bys and wishing him well and I had some tears (happy tears of course), when I found my package in my mail and opened it....it definitely brought a BIG SMILE back to my face.

Karen, thank you so very much for my Candle Mat. I love love love it.

I now have a new quilting friend from the U.K.

******************************************************

Standby, next posting of the one I'm sending out.

Always quilt with love and passion,

Pam O

Candle Mat Postings (1 of 3)

2010-11-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

I wanted to dedicate the next three postings to the Candle Mat Swap that I signed up for. It was my first online swap and I really have had a fun time with it.

The pattern is by Sandi Anderson: http://alegacyofstitches.blogspot.com/

Originally, I had picked Christmas fabrics, posted in an earlier posting. However, the person I'm sewing for requested more Fall like fabrics. The mat is turning out really cute and I'll post pictures of that one later this week.

I just had to see what the mat looked like out of the Christmas fabric and it made good practice. It's not quilted yet...but will be by the holidays.

Standby, next posting of the one I received.
Have a good quilting week,
Pam O.

On the cutting mat for this week.

2010-10-24T08:32:00.001-07:00

I actually have a few things on the cutting mat on this week. I have made a little something out of these beautiful fall fabrics. I only have the quilting to do and then it will be ship off to a far away place. I'll post a picture sometime in mid-November and the story behind it. Stay tuned.

The other project I have on the cutting map is...I finally have picked the project for the Wednesday Wackos annual Christmas Gift. YEAH!! I'll post pictures of those sometime mid-December. Stay tuned.

Guess it's that time of the year..full of surprises!!!!!!!

However, these are a couple of Table Toppers I quickly put together trying to use up some 5" squares and practice my machine quilting on. Kinda of cute and good practice for me. Not sure who I'll be giving these to...have a few more of these to do.

Have a good quilting week,

Pam O

Wednesday Wackos reach 8 years together!

2010-10-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

Not the the best picture of the Wednesday Wackos...but non the less a picture of out 8th Year Anniversary Dinner.

Starting on the left is me, than Pat M, next to Pat is Sue but you can't see her. That is Margie at the end of the table, back right is Linda, Robin, Marilyn, next to Marilyn is Terri but you can't see her either. Front is Susan and missing all together is Pat B who is on a road trip with her husband and Rob, our youngest, who is busy moving her family to a new home.

I have written many times about the Wackos, so you know how much each and everyone means to me. We have made every effort to meet every Wednesday sharing ideas in quilting and sewing, stories, retreats, shopping, families and have as much fun as we possibly can.

I look forward for many many more years with my Wacko Sisters!!!
With love to each,
Pam O.

Runner - French Rose

2010-10-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

The French Rose Pattern has always been one of my favorite.

I actually finished the quilt top this last summer. I had these four blocks left over so made a runner.

I was glad I had this, it gave me an opportunity to practice my quilting before I do the quilt. Frances Moore, http://www.frantastic-stitchwitchery.blogspot.com/ would be so proud of me....I took her quilting class a few months back. Think if you click on the picture, you can see some of the quilting. The flowers are raw edge which gives it a nice look too.

Will post the quilt when I'm done.

Pam O.

I got carried away....again

2010-10-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is what happened. I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Malinda Quilts ETC. http://melinful.blogspot.com/ a few weeks back. One of her sewing friends was sick and so a pillow case was made for her to cheer her up. I could almost see the smile on her face when she received it and thought what a very nice thing to do.

At the same time I was reading that, I thought about my friend Terri's Mom who had just taken an awful fall and ended up in the hospital. So I pulled some bright fabric from my stash and made this one for her. Love the colors and hope it too brought a smile to her face.

After I finished, I just started pulling fabric and cutting pillow cases kits. I have made so many of these and it's a great way to cut down some of your stash. I actually have never saved any for me to have. I usually make them for my grand kids and have made them for gifts.

I got carried away, again.

These are the ones I finished. Most are for children and a few Christmas. This time I'll keep a few on hand for when the grand kids spend the night.
The thing I noticed after pulling all that fabric, it really didn't make much of a dent in my stash. . Hmmmm

Pam O.

Getting Ready...my first online Swap

2010-09-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

I love this fabric!!!

I picked it up last summer in Temecula, CA., it is called 12 Days of Christmas by Moda. There 14 different prints and I bought 1/2 yard cuts of each..... I was real low on Christmas fabric.

I recently signed up for my my very first online swap called "Candle Mat Swap". If interested, you can click on the button on my side bar which will give you all the details.

Anyway, I pulled the fabric today and thought it would be perfect for the Candle Mat. I hope who ever I get assigned to wants Christmas fabric, they do have an option to pick otherwise. If not, the pattern itself will be fun to make and I'll just have to make the Cristmas one for me, family and friends. I for sure have enough fabric to make several.

I can't wait to get started on it.
Pam O.

Tuesday - To Do (on Monday)

2010-09-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

Last week on my Tuesday - To Do I was to cut some "Snappy Bags" and quilt some little runners I had made. Well, not only did I cut and sew the Snappy Bags shown in a prior posting...but made 10 more over the weekend (made 28 total).

As for the little runners, this is not one on them but was the smallest in my things to quilt and I knew I could get it done before the deadline. This was a cute little kit I pick up over the summer, only measures 17"x 21". Nice little table top.

I thought about this, and think my Tuesday - To Do is going to be very short lived, two weeks to be exact. It's the deadline thing.

See, not only did I over make what I said I was but posted on Monday my Tuesday - To Do trying to get ahead of the deadline.

I think if I keep doing this, it might take my joy out of sewing..and won't let that happen for sure. I decided I'm going back to Pam's Activities, that is the name of my Blog after all. Will post as it happens. I love my sewing and quilting too much to get stressed by deadlines.

AHHHH, I feel so much better and free!!!!!!!
Happy sewing/quilting to all,
Pam O.

Snap, Snap, Snappy Bags

2010-09-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited, on my "Tuesday - To Do" this week I was only going to cut out the Snappy Bags. Well I got started and couldn't stop. Not sure what took longer, the cutting or the sewing, but made 18 of these in absolutely no time at all. My friend Robin showed several of us how to do these a few weeks back, you can make two with two fat quarter, some fusible fleece and pieces of a metal tape measure. I won't get into the how to as I think Robin may post a tutorial soon, I'll let you know. I will tell you, the metal tape measure is cut into two piece the width of the bag and inserted so when you pull it open it SNAP SNAPs

These are the 18 that I made. I think these are going to make cute little gifts for all ages. What you can put in these and stick in you handbag is endless...., gift cards are always great too.
(click on the picture to enlarge)

My daughter and grand daughter are already placing an order, they want some for their friends and co-workers.

It was a fun project to work on, sometimes it's just all in the fabric that makes them so cute.

Pam O.

Tuesday - "To Do"

2010-09-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

So last week I started my Tuesday - "To Do", (aka, Monday Design Wall). I was to complete the binding on two table runners and one quilt, and believe it or not, I got it done.

The peach colored is a pattern by Jo-Ann, "Pentagon Table Runner". All pre-cut paper shapes were included in the pattern. Once the pentagon were completed, I used one of my decorative stitches around each flowers when tacking it down to the background fabric.

The light green is called "A Simple Point" by Crooked Nickle Quilt Designs using a fusible grid. Both runners were a lot of fun to do.

OK, one of my Wednesday Wacko friends will have to remind me of the name of this quilt pattern. Several of us took this class at Road to California and for the life of me I can't find the pattern. The top was completed a while back and recently my friend Terri quilted it for me on her long are machine. She did a wonderful job on it and I can't wait to use it this winter.

Above are this past weeks completed projects. Yeah me for getting these done.

9/21/2010 Tuesday - "To Do"

I want to do some cutting this week. Getting ready to make some "Snappy Bags, so if I get several cut out, they will take no time to sew up.
A few weeks ago I got seven runners done using 5' squares out of Moda Christmas fabric. If I get a few of those quilted I will be happy. Thinking these will make cute gifts for family and friends.

Hope you all have a great sewing week too.

Happy sewing/quilting to all

Pam O

and the Sunshine Award goes to........

2010-09-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

Oh look, I just received a Sunshine Award from my friend Marilyn, one of my Wednesday Night Wacko friends. How cool is this!!!

So I need to award this to some of my fellow bloggers.
So, ta ta ta da, the following blogger friends are receiving this Sunshine Award from me. CONGRATULATIONS, love you all!!!

Marilyn: http://www.marilynpond.blogspot.com/
Robin: http://robingallagher.blogspot.com/
Rob: http://robkilmer.blogspot.com/
Pat: http://patlovesquilts.blogspot.com/
Melinda: http://melinful.blogspot.com/
Frances: http://frantastic-stitchwitchery.blogspot.com/

There are rules for this award (Marilyn, I thought Wackos had no rules):
1. Save the image and post to your own blog
2. Pass it on to 12 fellow blogger (I broke the rule and only sending to six)
3. Link the nominees
4. Let the nominees know by commenting on their blog
5. Share the love, link the person you received the award from, for me that would be Marilyn.
Marilyn http://www.marilynpond.blogspot.com/

I know, I know.... for those of you getting this award today you may have already gotten the award from Marilyn. It's OK, all of you are deserving and qualified of many Sunshine Awards!!

If you are a blogger visiting my blog, know you too are deserving of this Sunshine Award. Please feel free to award those bloggers you know.

Also, please visit the Blogs of my winners and be amazed by their work.

Thanks again Marilyn!!!
Pam O.

Tuesday - "To Do"

2010-09-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

I think some quilters have what they call "Design Wall Monday". I thought about this over the weekend and actually got my Design Wall out. It lives in a little black bag in my sewing closet and when assembled measure 54'x54', I think. I got to step one, lay all the pieces out on the floor... and quickly went back to step zero, putting it back in the little black bag and sending it back to it's home in the closet.

It's not that I would not love to have a design wall standing at all times, it's just Monday's are very busy for me, not only am I back at work, but I'm also trying to catch up around the house with chores and laundry. My weekends are packed with grand kids and their sports and all other family and friend activities, fun stuff, YEAH!!!

So I thought about it today. Instead of "Design Wall Monday", I'm going to start my:
Tuesday - "To Do"
Every Tuesday I'll list what I plan to work on for the week and the following Tuesday post the completed project(s). Hope this works!!!!

9/14/2010 Tuesday - "To DO"

Tack down the binding on two completed Table Runners
Tack down the binding on one completed quilt

This past weeks completed projects:

Cody's Wedding Quilt, posted below and shipped off to him and Jessica.
One sample "Snappy Bag" that my friend Robin showed us how to do at our Wednesday Wacko Meeting. I think she soon will have a tutorial on her Blog, I'll let you know. This was quick, easy and fun to do. You use very little fabric, some batting and metal measuring tape cut into two pieces the width of the bag. Great for makeup or even for kids as a pencil bag and small school supplies. This will soon be on my Tuesday - "To Do", want to make more of these for gifts.

Pretty cute, don't ya think?
I better get busy,
Happy sewing/quilting to all

Pam O.

Cody's Wedding Quilt

2010-09-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

As I left for the wedding a few weeks ago, all I had left on the quilt to do was tack down the binding and sew on a label. I decided not to carry the quilt on the plane and would mail it up after the fact.

Cody, one of my favorite my nephews, lives near Roslyn, WA, a small town that is so beautiful, lush and green and made the perfect backdrop for him to merry Jessica. All of the activities were done out side. The wedding was on a hill top called French Cabin Creek and the reception was at another beautiful outdoor location near their home. It had started to rain...but it was only a moment when a double rainbow appeared.

I think, seeing that double rainbow, means something good for them for sure.

I loved how family and friends came together to help with the set up and prepare all the wonderful food that was served. I think the most unique thing they did was have an Ice Cream Truck come into the reception area and serve as much ice cream and candy as anyone wanted. Pretty cool, pretty different...all the little and big kids a like loved it.

I was so glad I waited to send up their quilt. I was able to capture this great picture of Cody, Jessica and their girls just moments after saying there vows. I printed the picture on a fabric sheet for the label to put on the back of the quilt. The caption below the picture reads:

Jessica and Cody on your wedding day, August 28, 2010

French Cabin Creek, Salmon La Sac, Washington

With all my love and best wishes to you both

Aunt Pam

Cody and Jessica,

Every stitch was made with love, congratulations to you both, enjoy your quilt!!!!!

Please note: Pattern used for the quilt is called "Magnolia Lane" by Robin Gallagher

Airplane's for Evan's room

2010-09-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

My grandson, Evan, loves airplanes.
His bedroom was recently painted and a new comforter put on his bed...airplanes, of course. At one on our local fabric stores, I found a panel of just the control panel of the inside of and aircraft, added a few borders and wa-la the perfect wall hanging for above his bed. It all came together so nicely. I also made a matching valance for the window (not shown).
Evan loves his new room!!!

As I was taking this picture of his room, I noticed someone had done a silhouette of Evan. When I asked, my daughter in law, Erin, she said his teacher had done it. I love it and think she did a perfect image of him.

Sleep well Evan, love you,
Mema

Finally!!!!

2010-09-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

Every time I opened my sewing closet, I would see this fabric just looking at me, wanting to be sewn...I had to do something. I was actually trying to get ready for a retreat, but pulled this out and said it has to be done.

These are Moda Fabrics, most were in 5" squares. I sewed the squares together, put two borders and said there, I got it done, well.... I actually got seven done. I think they will make nice table runners at Christmas for family and friends.

Again, just need to get them all quilted.

Five Ten Twenty...is done

2010-09-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

I actually did finish this quilt top back in July....just slow in writing.

I showed the fabric below, on the May 24 posting. Turned out kinda of cute. I still have enough of this fabric to make another quilt.

Still needs to be quilted....hmmm when will I get to that???

Something new to start.....at some point

2010-05-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

Not that I will get to this anytime soon, but my friend Robin has created a new pattern call "Five, Ten, Twenty". Really cute, the fabric requirements are either, 5 one yard cuts, 10 half yard cuts or 20 fat quarters. The blocks will be oversized that will be trimmed and assembled quick and easy, I think.

I picked up these fabric's last summer and think they will be perfect for the pattern using 10 half yard cuts. So it's on my design wall at some point.

This pattern and some of her other patterns can be found on her website, Two Wacky Women, http://twowackywomen.com/shopqlt10.html.

Check it out.

40 Years

2010-05-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went to a Two Wacky Women Retreat in Laguna Woods, Ca. These are fun and relaxing quilting retreats put on by two friends of mine, Robin and Marilyn, please take time to check out their website http://www.twowackywomen.com/ .

In past posts I have written that when I go away on these retreats my husband, Carlos, more than likely will have a surprise waiting for me when I get home. Well, this weekend was no different, not only did I go on retreat but on Thursday, 5/20/10, I reached 40 years working for the same company. That's hard to do these days...but I did it!!!

Carlos knows how much I love clocks, not sure why I do but I do and have many in my home, some that work and some don't. This one is so cute, it will play a melody on the hour. You can set it to 6 Classic or 6 Hymn, or 6 Christmas. It has a light sensor, so will shut off automatically at night. It's just beautiful!!!!

Not sure this time, if it was that I was on retreat or the 40 years of services, but love my gift. I'm going on another retreat in July...what will my next surprise be???

Thank you Carlos, I love you and my clock!!!

It's DONE!!!

2010-05-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

It's not the end of May yet, I finished my Cinco de Mayo Quilt Top before this months end. Now... I have to quilt to before next May.
Think it turned out kinda cute!!!

Cinco de Mayo

2010-04-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

Last week I was at the Glendale Quilt Show and picked up this Stencil Quilt Patten and the stencils from Jane Tenorio-Coscarelli's booth.

It's a fun pattern to work on, once designs are stenciled onto black kona cotton you embroider blocks using the chain stitch and bright colors. The borders, also in brights, are than pieced and added making a finished size perfect for a wall hanging.

These are a few of the blocks I have been working on. I'm making this my April project trying to complete by Cinco de Mayo. Think it will make a very happy quilt just in time for the celebration!!!!

OLE!

First Quilt...First Ribbon

2010-04-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

A few months back I posted about a day of sewing with my granddaughter, Natalia. She was given a school project called, Beauty is_____ and she needed finish the saying.

She said, Beauty is Love and she wanted to make a quilt. I helped her with her first quilt and there she stands with her first ribbon that was given out at her schools Open House Night last week.

She is so proud and I am proud of her!!!!

My 2010 Work in Progress Project

2010-02-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

This is the Mumbo Gumbo, by Pie in The Sky Quilts, pattern I'll be working on this year. I started this last August and have 12 of 48 blocks done as I continue to collect lots and lots strips of different widths. One just can't have too many!!

The quilt is very simple to make and looks great when all 48 blocks are sewn together. There are no borders, so once all the blocks are complete, it should go together quickly.

I do plan to complete this by years end, really.

My Hugs Quilt

2010-02-24T07:39:00.000-08:00

A Hugs Quilt is something you really want to get, but don't want to do what you have to do to get one. After breaking my shoulder, my Wacko friends came together and surprised me with a Hugs Quilt.

All the brights just cheer you up immediately and will bring you the biggest smile ever. I love this quilt and have used it every day since I got it last month. I just kinda of feel like a little kid with their security blanket.

As my grandson, Sebastian, says, I cried happy tears when I got it.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!

I WON!!!

2010-02-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

My very very first on-line win and I'm so excited. Melinda, who is the sister of my friend Robin, had a giveaway in November, or maybe it was December on her blog http://melinful.blogspot.com/ and I entered and WON.

This is such a cute pin cushion made from salvages and backed in red fabric. The best part, I have a collection of pin cushions, this will be added as one of my special ones.

Melinda is one of the busiest quilters I follow. She is a long arm quilter, a teacher of quilting and blogs it all to share with us.

For this giveaway, I think there were to be three winners, however, once the deadline was met, she decided to make and give one to everyone who entered. How sweet was that??

(this was a prior posting, deleted by mistake)

A Slow Return

2010-02-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm off to a very slow start in 2010. I took a very bad fall on New Years Eve and broke my shoulder.

I wanted to you let you know I'm on the road to recovery, this is my first day trying to type, however, it will be some time before I can sit at my sewing machine.

I do want to take this time to thank my family and friends for all your good wishes, flowers, cards, visits and best of all the good meals that were brought to Carlos and I. I love you all for the help and support.

The photo is an applique I did this last year and the flowers were from my friend Pat B., just a picture of what I have had the opportunity to do this last month, sit back and enjoy my coffee and smell the flowers.

Will be back to posting real soon.
Pamela O.
(this was a prior posting, deleted by mistake)

Happy Birthday Joanne

2009-12-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

Joanne is a long time friend of my daughters, who happens to share the same birthday as my son Michael, New Years Day. My son has not turned 40 yet but Joanne will this Friday, 1/1/2010.

In honor of her 40th, I made her this quilt. Joanne and her family are from England and I happen to find this fabric that has London written all over it. I loved the colors.

The pattern is called "Enigma" by Pressed For Time Quiltworks. The main part of the quilt is made mostly out of fat quarters., very fast and easy. I backed the quilt in flannel, which I do with a lot of my quilts.

The label reads:

Joanne,

Happy 40th Birthday!

Made with love just for you by Pamela Osorio

Hope you enjoy the quilt Joanne.

Happy Birthday

In the World of my Sister's Pottery

2009-12-20T09:01:00.000-08:00

This last Thanksgiving my husband and I went out to my sister's home in Topanga Canyon, CA. Of course I have been there many many times, but this time I took some pictures so I could share with you the world of a potter.

Life has been very good to her, she lives in a beautiful home in the canyon. This picture is taken on the walkway from the main house down to the studio where she does her work.

These next two pictures show some of the pieces she is working on, displayed so beautiful on wood shelves in the studio. She makes the most amazing dishes, mugs, bowls , vases and whatever else comes into her head. She has a great eye for color, the glazes she uses are brilliant and colors I would love to use in a quilt.

Patti is a wonderful teacher of her craft. Many times when my grand kids comes to visit, she is ready with a project for them to do. The kids absolutely love it...and they get to go home with something they have made. Patti is expecting her first grandson this spring, she will teach him well the craft of pottery.

She a HUGE collector of fine art and pottery. I'll come back later and show you some of her collections, but, this is one of the pieces in her home that I love. I'm not sure who the artist is but they have portrayed my sister so well at her potter's wheel and her wood shelves behind her displaying her work. It's just so her.

I feel Patti is quite modest, at times, when it comes to her work, but no one could be prouder than I am of all that she does. I love and adore everything about her.

I was born lucky, Patti, to have you as my twin sister.

The Wacko Christmas Party

2009-12-19T13:40:00.000-08:00

This past Wednesday was the Wacko Christmas Party, one my favorite parties of the season. Good friends, good food and a Christmas exchange of gifts that is just so fun. These gifts are little tokens of our friendship made with love, let me show you:

These are the little ornaments I made for each of the Wackos out of red, white and green wool, added french knots and crystal's.

I put them in a bright bag, with a sewing kit in a jar and decorative matches for the holidays.

In return, I received many hand made items, a door hanger, small wallet, candles, dish towel, pin cushion's a hand made lapel pin and Santa that is just too cute to use as a pot holder. I love them all.

The evening was perfect, full of games, laughter and good conversation. Linda sums it up for all of us in a poem she wrote and gave with her gift .

To My Dear Wackos
The scissors are cutting
The needle is poised
For your next handmade project
For good girls and boys.
You love to create
It's the key to your heart
Sewing a quilt
Is your form of art.
Handmade with love
Is what you do.
And I'm very thankful
For friends like you!

Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday Season!!!!

Helping Santa

2009-12-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

WOW!
I did not realize it has been so long, November 9 was my last posting, that was 5 weeks ago.

Don't give up on me, I'll be back soon. Have been helping Santa.

Merry Christmas to all,
Pam

I had to go shopping.

2009-11-09T11:30:00.000-08:00

I realized when I went to get a runner down for that Thanksgiving Holiday, that I didn't have one. When it comes to anything with the Autumn colors, I only have Halloween. I thought that to be a good reason to go shopping for fabric.

This past weekend my husband and I went to Temecula, with friends. Temecula has two great Quilt Shops.

Our first stop was the Temecula Quilt Co., they carry the Reproduction prints. This shop was featured in the Fall/Winter 2009 issue of Quilt Sampler Magazine with their Back to School Pattern. Not the best picture, the quilt is also on the cover of the magazine. Just had to buy the kit and I would say, Autumn colors.

Second stop, Quilter's Coop in Old Town Temecula. I picked the pattern below and one of the shop keepers help me pull all of these beautiful fabrics, browns, greens, burnt oranges, tans all just wonderful Autumn colors. I'm so excited!

The Pattern is called Fall Harvest (18" x 36") which is the bottom picture on the pattern and Pumpkins and Pinwheels ((24" x 24") which is the top picture on the pattern. I have more than enough fabric to complete both.

I would end this by saying, stay tuned in the next week or so, but that so won't happen. I will say, stay turned by next November, I will be ready with my Thanksgiving decor.

Can't wait to get started on these.

Group Quilt by Quilting Wackos

2009-10-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

Our Guild, Quilters by the Sea, has their quilt show every two years. This year it was held in April and they had a category for a Group Quilt. The Wackos decided we would enter. The idea was to make a block by decorating a skirt as it fits your personality. This could be pieced or applique.

This is not the best picture of the quilt but there is a poodle skirt, there is a red, white and blue skirt, a Mexican skirt an Asian skirt, all of them are just great. The shoes are to die for and some are holding a purse or walking their dog. After it was put together, Linda did the quilting.

But see the block, center/bottom? There is our slogan:

Wackos's Rule!

OH WAIT....we have no rules

Robin took a picture of herself in jeans and flip-flops and printed it on fabric. No skirt there.

This is my block, me in crop pants which I usually wear. No skirt there. I even went further, if you look real close, you'll see a tattoo on my left ankle. I always said, when I turn that certain age, I was going to get a tattoo. Well that certain age has come and gone and I still don't have a real tattoo. Just showing a rebellious side of my personality. LOL.

This quilt took 1st Place Group Quilt in the 2009, Quilters by the Sea , Quilt Show.

YEAH Wackos!!!

Christmas in July...but it's October??

2009-10-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

Remember, Wacko's Rule, OH WAIT....we have no rules.

Back, before summer, the Wacko's decided we would do Christmas in July. Well, July got pushed out to September, and September got pushed to October. Last night, we finally all met at Robin's house to celebrate our Christmas in July, September, October. We all picked names, I picked Sue. The idea was to take the word, CHRISTMAS, and find a little gift for each of the letters.

This is what I came up with for Sue:
C - Candle
H - Herbs
R - Runner (small, I made for her)
I - I Luv Suchi (gift certificate local restaurant)
S - Screen Saver
T - Tote (LLB pattern, I made for her)
M - Magic Rock (paper weight)
A - Anti-Bacterial Hand Soap
S - Stash (she loves orange and lime green)

By chance, Sue picked my name and this is what she came up with:

C - Cupcake pin cushion (she made)
H - Half yard of Lamb Fabric (my quilting mascot)
R - Red Rick Rack
I - Ice Ornament's
S - Starbuck's Gift Card
T - Tree Fat Quarter Pack
M - Mittens
A - Apron - (she made)
S - Snowman Kit (felt balls to glue together, cute)

This was great fun, good friends, good food and the fact we could celebrate Christmas, almost all year, was the best.

Wacko's Rule!

2009-10-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

I think I may have written a little about my friendship group, The Wednesday Wacko's. We started about seven years ago taking a class that Robin taught. We liked the class so much, we sighed up for another class, and so the group began. We have a few that have left the group and a few more that have started, but basically we have kept the group around twelve people.

We first started with the classes in a local quilt shop and we were there for quite a while. We now meet in a class room where my husband works at the High School. Every Wednesday may seem like a lot, but it really isn't. We know life gets in the way and if we don't make it one week, we'll be back the next.

I, myself, feel so fortunate to have each and every one of these ladies in my life. There is not one I can't count on at any given moment. We do retreats together, quilt shows, dinner and movies...and it's just so nice to have people that enjoy doing what you do, quilting and all of life's little pleasures.
I love each one of the Wackos's and my wish would be that every women could belong to a friendship group like I have.

Of course, being a group, we have tried to set rules but it never works, there is always someone that will bend the rule slightly.

Thus, we created our slogan:
Wacko's Rule!
OH WAIT...we have no rules

Just wanted to give you some insight of the Wacko's. In my next two blogs, I'll be writing about some of the activities we have done this year.

Stand by.

It's growing....

2009-10-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

Raquel, my daughter-in-law, was over working on finishing up the costumes for the kids. She walked into my sewing closet and said, "I think this closet is growing." That only tells me, I have a lot to do.I'm only giving you a glimpse, but will tell you this walk in closet is filled top to bottom and side to side. See those things hanging on the side, those are charity quilts that are pinned and ready to quilt and have to be ready by December. There are little project boxes filled with unfinished projects and larger boxes filled with more kits and FABRIC of course.

Now I have been reading other blogs and can see I'm not so bad, however, I do know I have enough to keep me busy for years. I plan to take a few days off this week, from my regular full time job, to get some sewing done. I'll let you know how much I get accomplished

As much as I love my fabric, this is my favorite piece inside my closet. This is an antique thread case that one used to see on a counter of a General Store. My parents were collectors of antiques and gave me this a long time ago. I keep my thread and buttons in it.

Anyway, will be back soon.

Sunday Sewing with Mema

2009-10-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

I had my three older granddaughter's, Meggan, Olivia and Madison over yesterday to sew. We had three hours planned out which was just enough time for them to make their Halloween Trick or Treat Bags. This was the first time sewing for Olivia. Meggan has sewn a little and Madison has had a few classes with hand sewing.

Prior to them coming, I had them pick out their own fabric, one for the outside of the bag and one for the inside. I put together a sewing box for each of them filled with notions, scissors, threads, ruler, note pad and pencils, etc. they were so excited.

They did all the sewing as directed, I was lucky to have my daughter-in-law, Erin, who stayed and helped with some of the cutting and ironing. They had a fun time for sure and their bags turned out great.

They all wanted me to send them home with Homework. So I put together a little project making easy blocks so they could get some practice on their machines and sewing the 1/4 inch seams.

Later in the evening, I went to stay with Meggan and Olivia as my daughter and her husband were going out. Olivia had already started her Homework and was doing a fine job on her own.

It was a little later when we all settle down and were sitting on the sofa watching the baseball game, Angels vs Yankee's, Olivia looked up at me and asked, "Mema, is sewing just your most favorite thing to do?". I looked over at her smiled and said, "no Olivia, my most favorite thing to do is spend time with my grand kids".
..... And she just smiled back.

It was a fun day girls.
I love you!

Mema

Memories with my Grandma

2009-10-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

I guess it was the lesson I had last week with Natalia that made me think about the times I spent with my own Grandmother. She was a very quiet person, tiny and petite. Out of the six kids my parents had, I was the most quiet so I was the lucky one that got to stay with her most of the time. She only lived next door, but my parents felt someone should be in the house with her.

At a very young age I remember, sitting on her left side, with my head resting on her arm, watching her right hand going up and down as she made the most beautiful embroidery stitches. This would go on for hours at a time with the Lawrence Welk or Jack Benny Show playing on the TV in the background.

I think I was about eight when she finally said, "I think you can do this", and she put a needle in my hand and showed me how to do a printed cross stitch. It took off from there, I did pillow cases and table runners. My first craft!

A few years back, Leora Raikin was at our Guild with her African Folklore Embroidery Kits. I bought four of the small kits and made this small wall hanging using basically the chain stitch. It's done on a black background with bright colors. After completed and quilted, I added crystals to pop out the colors even more and beading on the out side edges which made a great finish. This piece took 2nd Place Winner in my Guilds Quilt Show 2007.

I have heard, everyone has five most influential people in their lives....my Grandma is right at the top of my five for sure.

Beauty is______.

2009-10-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

My six year old granddaughter was given a school project this month. Beauty is_____.

She first needed to fill in the blank and then decide what she could do to express her words. She said it would be "Beauty is Love" and she wanted Mema (that's me) to help her make a small quilt. She wanted this to be done in pinks and reds and lots of hearts.

The first thing we did was to go to the fabric store so she could pick out her fabric. We found pinks and reds but not too many hearts in October. That's when Mema's stash came in handy.

Natalia started out strong by putting great attention to detail. She drew a picture on her Etch-a-Sketch of exactly how she wanted her project to turn out and then off to the cutting board we went.

Without going into the step-by-step process we took, I will tell you she did all of her own cutting using scissors (no rotary cutter). She used Heat and Bond to cut out hearts and she cut strips in different widths.

Once all the cutting was done, I put her on my small machine to practice sewing lines on lined paper. After she practiced that for a while I gave her fabric. She just loved it!!!

I had her do a Quilt As You Go, sewing the red strips one by one. After all the strips were sewn we cut the piece into a large heart.

She then made the banner to go across the middle using Fabric Ink to write Beauty is ____. At the end of the banner she put a pocket, inside the pocket is a button that says Love.

So you read Beauty is, reach in the pocket and pull out Love. Just so Cute!!! She then appliqued the hearts to the background. All the ironing had to be done by me.

She had so much fun making this project. I was amazed how fast she learned. Natalia is very proud of her First Quilt.

For her: Beauty is Love

For me: Beauty is teaching my granddaughter to sew.

I love you Natalia,

Mema

BOO!!

2009-10-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

YEAH!!!! It's October.
This starts my favorite time of the year, October through December are the best months for me.

At the end of last year I took a class at my Guild using QuiltSmart. This is the Fan Pattern. I used Halloween prints to make the fans. After most of the quilting was finished I did some decorative stitches along the fans to make them stand out a bit. There is a black inner border and the binding is scrappy using the same fabric as in the fans.

This was so quick and easy....but it's all in the fabric that makes it so cute. I was excited to put it on my coffee table this year.

Hope you like it too.

Holiday Pillow Cases

2009-09-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

This is a quick and easy little project I'm working on this week.

I usually give these out early to kick off the holiday season. My family and friends love getting their new Christmas Pillow Cases the first part of December.

This does take a lot of fabric when you're making so many but I was able to find this fabric on sale. I stayed away from the reds and greens this year and went with a more winter look...maybe they will use them long after the holidays are over.

These make great gifts if you need a hostess gift, a gift for co-workers, or that unexpected guest that may surprise you during the holidays.

I have 8 more sets to go, back to sewing!!!

Cute little tote!!!

2009-09-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

Love this little tote.

This is a new pattern by Robin Gallagher of Two Wacky Women. Two Wacky Women called "LLB".

The small one measures approx. 8'x8'x2'. I adjusted the pattern just a bit to make the medium one that measures 10'x10'x2'.

There is a pocket on the the inside, just the right size for a cell phone. The out side pocket adds style and will keep things handy. There is a long strap that can be adjusted a couple of ways for comfort.

The first one took me much longer to make but found the second went together with ease.

Won't these make cute little gifts!!

I actually got my fabric from Two Wacky Women as well but this pattern is Fat Quarter Friendly. There is also a pattern for a larger tote.

Just another favorite of mine.

2009-09-15T13:09:00.001-07:00

This is just another one of my favorite patterns by Robin Gallagher of Two Wacky Women called "Wacky Nine Patch".
Reference: Two Wacky Women

The main blocks are made oversize and after cut down to the correct size using the stack and slash method. The quilt does go together pretty quickly and with very little difficulty.

I have now used this pattern twice. My daughter got the first one made out of flannels and I made this one out of batiks.

Click on comments below, I would love to know what you think.

Kwitchyerbellyakin

2009-09-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

I can only imagine what it was like for my parents to raise six kids. Yes, I have two older brothers, than came my twin sister and I, and four years later another set of twins, my brother and sister. Thank goodness they had my grandmother, who lived next door, to help them out.

Of course I remember a lot of fun and great times, but there were those times when my parents had a lot of whining kids on their hands. What I remember about those moments was my Dad's favorite saying "Quit your belly aching."

When I was around sixteen I found the saying written, kwitchyerbellyakin and decided to make it for my Dad in a wall hanging. I'm not sure if this was a printed cross stitch or if I did a counted cross stitch. He loved it!! It hung in their kitchen and would create some interesting conversation to say the least. Most could not make out the word, but when they did, would just laugh.

I have made several of these little wall hangings now and sent them to my brothers and sisters and my own kids have them hanging in their homes. Just thought I would share with you.

This is the one that hangs in my kitchen. The word kwitchyerbellyakin was done on my embroidery machine and piece with batiks.

This was the original one I made for my Dad. Remember our parents were into avocado green and gold.

Just a great little conversation piece!!

Pumpkin Cookies

2009-09-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love when you go to pull an old cookbook down, that belonged to your Mom or Grandma, and the pages are all torn and yellowed. You just know a those books hold some of the best recipes and there were a lot of great family dinners where people just sat around taking about how great the food was.

The thing is, you just never think it's going to be your cookbooks that will yellow and look old. Well it looks like it has happened to one of mine. The kids and grand kids reminded me over the weekend that October is fast approaching and they want their Pumpkin Cookies, something I make for them every October. I went to get the book down that holds that famous recipe and it's starting to look a bit tattered and yellowed. Now I know I bought that book brand new and it seems like only yesterday. I just smiled and had warm and cozy feeling come over me as I know these cookies will always be one of the kids favorites.

I would like to share the recipe with you and yes, I did make the Pumpkin Banner but have to admit it's one of those "cheater panels", just put it together and quilt it. Think I was too busy making cookies that day.

Pumpkin Cookies
1 Cup Shortening
1 Cup White Sugar
1 Egg
1 Cup Pumpkin (I use the can pumpkin)
2 Tsp. Vanilla
2 Cups Flour
1 Tsp. Baking Powder
1 Tsp. Soda
2 Tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 Tsp. Salt
1/2 Cup Nuts (I use walnuts)

Frosting:
1 Cup Brown Sugar
3 Tbs. Margarine
4 Tbs. Milk
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Tsp. Vanilla

Cookies: Combine and mix first ten ingredients. Add Nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Frosting: Stir and boil first 3 ingredients for 2 minutes. Cool. Add last two ingredients. Frost cookies. My family usually does not wait for the frosting...they like them plain.

Enjoy!

The Button Box

2009-09-05T11:08:00.000-07:00

Look how cute this is.
My sister, Patti, made me this out of porcelain, remember she is the potter in the family. Not only did she make me the button box, she also made a lot of the buttons inside. Love love love it!

The trivet is something I made by taking cotton rope and wrapping it in fabric and zig zagging it together.

Just another way of crafts coming together in one family.

Meet Marcus

2009-09-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

Marcus, our youngest, and his family.

Turn on the music and watch him go, Sebastian loves to dance and has better rhythm and moves of any dancer I know and he is only 4. He also loves soccer.
Natalia loves to play board games, help her mom, and loves to play dress-up and make-up with her friends. She is such a little princess, tiny and petite.
Our daughter-in-law, Raquel, is our little Spanish girl, she came to the US in 1995. We get so many complements on her, she is sweet and full of natural beauty. I can count on her for anything. We just adore her.
When he walks in a room you know he's there, Marcus is a loud and crazy guy and will get the party started...even if it's not his party. His brother and sister will just shake their head and laugh...and may say he's a little spoiled. Well he is the baby after all, cute and very smart.

Together they love to travel, explore, try new adventures and enjoy the simply pleasures of life. All four speak Spanish and English.

Meet Michael

2009-09-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

Michael, our middle son, and his family.

Madison is the one you would love to have a Tea Party with. She is so beautiful and very sweet. She loves to swim and spend time with her friends and family.
Evan is all around boy. Loves sports, especially swimming. His passion is planes, there is not one plane that can fly overhead that he won't know the make, model and and when it was made. Amazing! He loves spending time with is Dad.
Erin is one if you need something done, give her a call. She can organize some of the best parties and you will find her on the dance floor at all of them. She's a great Mom, a great daughter to her own Mom, and I love that she is our daughter-in-law.
Michael is the rock of the family. He sets his goals and achieves them. He holds a Masters Degree, participates in triathlons, loves to sail, bike, and is the one the family turns to most for advice. He has a great sense of humor and is loved and adored by all.
A very busy family!

Meet Alicia

2009-09-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

This is Alicia, our oldest, and her family.

Meggan is known as the family "sweetie". She started high school this year and is off to a good start. She loves to swim and play soccer...and of course, use her text message service.

Olivia will make you laugh and bring a smile to you when ever you look at her. She may be the family's next quilter, she is very crafty. Yeah Livy!

Jimmy would like me to introduce him as my one and only, crazy, fun loving son-in-law. He really is a great guy and fun to be with.

Alicia works hard at what she does in life, team mom, room mom, but most of all a wonderful Mom to Meggan and Olivia, she can do all this and still work a full time job. Her greatest joy in life is being with her family, camping, biking and swimming. A beautiful person inside and out.

A very busy family!!!

Alicia never has picked up sewing. I often say the one common factor we have together is we love each other very much.

Meet Carlos

2009-09-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

The kids call him Pops, the grand kids call him Granpie, his students call him "Mr. O", and me, well he's just my Carlos.

He actually could start a blog of his own as he has a story to tell. Born in Peru, came to the United States in the 60's and we married shorty there after.

Carlos works at an all girls school close to our home where he has taught for many years. He does not teach anymore but still works at the school as their sub-teacher, is in charge of the AV Room, and started the school's very first, all girls, Mariachi Band. He is just so proud of them and will talk about them for as long as you will listen.

Carlos is the biggest fan of my quilting. Good, bad or ugly he loves it all. When I go on my quilting retreats there is always a surprise waiting for me when I get home. Usually this is new flowers in the garden, one time a water fall in the garden....but this last retreat he told me over the phone I was coming home to three green accent walls in three of our rooms. EEEEEEEEEEEEK. I have to tell you I was a bit worried, but I loved them. All is good.

He is a very caring and loving person. He treats everyone with equal respect and he is loved by everyone.

I think our biggest and greatest accomplishment together would be our children, Alicia, Michael and Marcus. Let me show you why, next blog.

Pamela O.

Families are like Quilts....

2009-09-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

Families are like quilts,

Lives pieced together,

Stitched with smiles and tears,

Colored with memories,

And bound by love.

I have no idea who wrote this little saying but I just love it. I have it in a cute little frame hanging in my sewing room. My daughter-in-law, Erin, give me this long ago as a gift.

I really do feel that quilting and family go together. Over the next few blogs I would like to introduce to mine.

Pamela O.

One of my favorites

2009-09-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

I would love to say my quilts are so famous that you can find them around the world, but that is so not true. The truth is, I have given my quilts to family and friends around the world. You can find some of my quilts in Canada, Spain, France, Peru and of course the USA. My friend Terri will often tease me and say, "every time someone comes to visit, you send them home with a quilt".

I love to give my quilts in hopes they will be used over and over again. However, this happens to be one I did save for myself.

The pattern is called, "Magical Slice and Dice" by Robin Gallagher. Robin is a friend of mine who is also one of the Wednesday Wackos. It's so amazing, after making a four-patch kaleidoscope out of just one fabric, add some sashing and assemble the blocks straight, you make to two strategic cuts, sew it back together..and magic it's set on point.

Both Robin and Marilyn (also a Wacko) have formed their own business called Two Wacky Women. Visit their website http://twowackywomen.com/ where you will find this pattern and others that Robin has designed.

Pamela O.

My first quilt

2009-08-31T15:49:00.000-07:00

So this is it, my very first quilt. I went on a quilting retreat with a friend back in 1996. It was at Eagle Crest Quilters Retreat in Big Bear, CA. Not sure why I didn't stop quilting at that moment, this was a very difficult pattern and I'm thinking not for a beginner for sure. It took me a long time to actually finish and get it quilted.
I named the quilt Welcome to the USA and gave it to my husband, Carlos. He is from Peru, came to the US in the 60's and became a US Citizen in the 80's.
In 2007 my guild, QBS, had an entry for "First Quilt" at their quilt show. I entered and took first place.
Yeah for me!!!!

My Twin

2009-08-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

I must not forget to tell you about my twin sister Patti. She is not a quilter but a beautiful potter. As we get further into this blog I will show pictures of her pottery and the wonderful work she has done.

We are very different the two of us, but very close.

More to follow on her for sure.

Getting started:

2009-08-31T13:24:00.000-07:00

I am a wife, a Mom, a Mema to six grandchildren, a friend to all
and I love to quilt.

Well that's it in a nut shell. I have been a wife for forty years, I'm a Mom to three great people, and have six beautiful grandchildren that call me Mema. I am a friend to all and have many that I hold very very close to my heart.

I started to sew when I was around eight years old, taught by my grandmother mostly. Started with hand work, went on to make clothes and I'm now into quilting.

I belong to two quilt groups, Quilters by the Sea (QBS) in Long Beach and Wednesday Wacko's

You will see me write a lot about the Wednesday Wacko's. There are twelve of us now, a friendship group that was started a few years back. I always say, I'm a Charter Member as I was in the first class where we met and started the group. We meet every Wednesday, we are all at different quilting levels and I love learning from each and every one of them.

Blogging is new to me for sure, not sure how far this will go.

Tune in for the next posting (maybe it's click in).