On the "Rack"

The other day I was surfing the Net when I ran across a blogger who uses dish racks to hold her rulers when she goes on retreats.  She stated that the dish rack stays packed to be used on the road so that she didn't have to always remember to bring it........great idea.

Here's an example of what I'll be taking on our annual opening deer season retreat.  Anything to make life easier so that you can have more fun!

Wordless Wednesday

Bind & Contain

I am always looking for ways to keep my sewing area and travel gear contained and manageable. These two  containers are great for just that situation.  The first holds most of my pre-wound bobbins and the second is for extra feet for my machines and whatever else I can stuff into it.....LOL

This great product is wonderful, the Q-Knot.  These replace the zip-ties that I can never reopen (can you relate).  Anyway, these are make from tough stretchable rubber. I use them not only in my sewing room and all over the house to cinch up those electrical cords but I also take them with me when on retreat. They keep cords out of the way easily.  Another use on retreats, these are great when used as tags to quickly identify machine cases, suitcases, bags, totes and whatever else you can come up with.

I found these at The Container Store but I'm sure you could find them at Office Depot or Max.

Designs and Threads

I'm still trying out designs and learning to use all my new threads.  The tree design was sewn out using Floriani thread.....this thread is not my favorite because it usually breaks or frays quite often but I loosened the top tension and things went well from there.
The sun design was sewn out using Superior Threads - King Tut ELS Cotton and a topstitch 90/14 needle which was recommended on the actual spool. I mixed in a Robison-Anton Poly just because I like the look of using different threads when possible.
Each design measures roughly 4"2" and 3" square.  I am keeping each design in a notebook with notes about the threads used as well as types of needles and the tension info,  for future reference.  It's amazing how quickly I forget what I was doing, so notes help.

Wordless Wednesday

Divide and Conquer

I was tired of my threads floating & rolling around in the drawers so I found an inexpensive solution with these interlocking spacers.  Found a couple of packages at The Container Store.  As you can see, you place them in your own configuration......Love it!

Wordless Wednesday

Rx For Quilters

If you haven't heard of or don't have this little book.......it is well worth your money. It's "Rx for Quilters - Stitcher-Friendly Advice for Every BODY" - author: Susan Delaney Mech, M.D.

In this book you will read about posture, back pain, sitting, you muscles, standing, long arm quilting, rotary cutting, customizing your furniture to fit your body's comfort for quilting, exercises.......I could go on and on and on.........better still.....but this great book published by C&T Publishing.  You won't be sorry!!!

Addendum

Paula just told me that you can now get the book in PDF form from C&T. Thanks Paula.

Texas Wildlife - Adventure Awaits!

You have got to see this quilt, "Texas Wildlife - Adventure Awaits."  I'ts the 2010 Go Texan quilt now on display at the State Fair of Texas.  The more you look at it the more you will discover.  Just follow the link above to get a look-see!
Remember to look for my block!

Wordless Wednesday

Made My Day

I've been way too busy with family and church.  Been away from my computer and had withdrawals....big time.  So imagine my surprise when I looked in the mailbox yesterday and discovered not one but two goodies.

The first is from Belinda.  I really love the mini Christmas quilt.....that will go on my coffee table very soon. And lookie, lookie at those fat quarters.......Thank you Belinda!!!!

This beauty is from Toni, one of my T-towel swap buddies........Green is my favorite color and this t-towel is definitely a winner......Love it Toni.....thank you!!!

Wiped Out!

First of all, thank you so much for all the wonderful comments from the Fair and my Second Placing quilt.  Sorry I was unable to respond to each of your comments but I've been away at a church conference which, as alot of you know, tends to become a marathon of all day meetings, small group lectures, break-out meetings and very little sleep.
At this point, I don't know if I'm coming or going......LOL.....snore, snore!! I'm smiling only because I'm home.......shhhhhhhh......don't tell anyone, it's out little secret....

I really miss my machine and fabric.......hope to get back to all of that in a week or so.....hope everyone is having a projective beginning of October!!!