Circle of Friends

Here's a project that has been on hold for a little while. I didn't have a lot to do today so I thought I'd start on it.
I'm not officially calling it Circle of Friends, but because this isn't my "usual" style I needed a little assistance.
An online blogger friend, who I'll name at a later date, hand dyed the fabrics.(gorgeous, aren't they?)  And another friend gave me some tips and tricks for piecing this. Thanks Paula!!

I guess it's been awhile since I paper pieced. I didn't even notice that I'd missed a whole section. It was only when I was putting on the fourth green piece I realized the points were supposed to be cheddar!! Ooops....

So, I paper pieced two halves, then sewed them together.  It's lookin' pretty good now.

My photo didn't turn out but I cut out the center circle from freezer paper and ironed the seam allowance over the paper. I used a lot of starch too, so it would hold really well. I removed the paper and laid the circle on top of the sun points and pinned it, ready to hand applique. As Paula pointed out to me, it gets difficult to applique under the points and still have them stay smooth.

I made freezer paper templates from the outer frame, adding a lot of extra fabric on the outside.

Sew the 4 pieces together. I lightly snipped  the inner circle and pressed under the seam allowance, using lots of starch. I removed the freezer paper at this point.

I set the center circle under the frame and pinned. Now it's ready to hand applique. Because I added the extra fabric I can trim it whatever size I want.

I'm off to the city today to help my daughter move! Who moves three days before Christmas?!

Roll Roll Cotton Boll- 600 HST!!

Here they are! 600 half square triangles ironed and trimmed ready for the next step!!!

 I used triangle paper which I happen to have on hand. My 1/4" seam is not reliable so it was terrific for me to follow the lines!!

 I watched a movie last night and tore off paper. I plan on making a bonfire in the burning barrel in a few minutes!!

I received this adorable nine patch pin cushion from Julie!! Although I didn't take part in the 9 patch swap I see her as the nine patch queen!! Thank you so much Julie!!

Hubby and I  had plans today for a date but he was called into work when one of our employees called in sick. We woke up this morning to a lot of snow that fell overnight, so it is just as well, I guess. I plan on making soup with leftover roast beef and veggies. A good day for that.

Make it a wonderful weekend!!

Rød og Grøn

I'm feeling rather Danish today so the title of the post is "Red & Green".


Kathie was generous enough to send me a little kit to make up this adorable red and green quilt.

I think it looks perfect right here even if it isn't quilted yet. That will have to wait until after the holidays.

I won these from Ann Hermes. They are the yearly publications publication of AQSG (American Quilt Study Group) and contain the papers presented at the annual seminar. Lots of interesting reading here and I plan on passing them on when I'm done with them.

My son and I went to a Scandinavian Festival in Portland earlier this month. It was so much fun and I plan on making this an annual event.


I picked up a Viking Ship ornament. It reminded me of the Viking museum we went to while in Denmark.



Another lovely ornament to add to our Danish tree.

Hubby and I were out of our work clothes ready for our employee party and I suggested a photo by our second tree. (that's Porter our dog) The Santa suit in the background was worn for many years by my FIL on Christmas Eve.

Glædelig jul!!

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

It seems like I'm running behind a bit this year, but we finally have our tree up and when I see my Nisse I know Christmas is close!!

I've kept my decorating fairly simple this year.

Here's the Santa I made a few months ago and the J-O-Y banner that we made at Thanksgiving.

This red and white bear paw quilt top was going to be used a rag!! My friend's cousin rescued it and passed it to the person she knows loves humble quilts!! It took a good soaking, then because it didn't bleed, a good wash, then a good spray with febreeze to get out the musty smell. I had planned on ironing it, but it is way too wavy even for the iron. I think I'll leave it as a top and enjoy it for the bright color is gives during the holidays.

We went shopping last week and I couldn't resist taking a photo of these cowgirl RUBBER boots! Are they fantastic or what?!

 Here's Chilly from Primitive Pieces by Lynda. It is supposed to be a door hanger, but before I gave it away it looked pretty cute hanging on my stair banister.

 A little surprise on the reverse.

Is anybody up for a doll quilt quiltalong after the new year? I pulled a few fabrics for it and hope to start sewing on it soon. You notice I can hardly resist that darn cheddar!?