Shhh...It's a Secret Part 2...

This is the post for everyone who would like to make 2 blocks for Jodi from Pleasant Home. I mentioned it in this post. I was trying to think of a color combo for her and the first thing that came to mind was RED. She loves her red. Your squares can be made with any reds you have in your stash.
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Here are the specifics

• each person will send in 2 blocks
• one block is a signature block: you can write your name, where you are from, special thoughts or well wishes
• the other block is a 4 patch of all reds
• each block is 4-1/2" unfinished
• quarter inch seams
• follow directions below

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The 4 patch consists of 4 different red squares cut at 2-1/2 inches each

Here is the block 4-1/2 inches unfinished.

Close-up of the finished size.

The signature block starts with a 4-1/2 inch square of white fabric. You can use any white that you have...whether it be a plain white muslin or a tone on tone white where there is a little white pattern in the design.

You will also need 2 more red squares cut at 2-1/2 inches. These can be 2 different reds or more of the same red that you used in the 4 patch. If you have a lot of reds in your stash, it will make it more scrappy!

Place one 2-1/2 inch square in the upper left corner and one in the lower right corner.

Draw a pencil line as shown below. I used black ink so you can see it just for the tutorial.

Stitch following the pencil line.

Trim to 1/4 inch from seam.

and press open.

Now you can write your name, where you are from or a message to Jodi. What ever you'd like. It's great to use a fabric pen, but a fine point marker or pen works too. Just set the ink with an iron when you are done. If you need to stabilize the fabric to write on, just iron on a piece of freezer paper to the back side.

and here they are...an easy siggie block and 4 patch.

This is a quilt top that I made with Thimbleberries a long time ago. I didn't have a pattern, I just made it up as I went along. I sold it on ebay...now that I see this picture again, I want to make another one. This is the pattern I was thinking of using with all our squares!!!



Thanks again for doing this for Jodi. She is going to go nuts for the red and white quilt. One little extra tid bit...she loves cherries, so if you have any red cherry fabric!!!
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I'm sending a group email with the mailing info. Any questions just email me.

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I just need email addresses from Myra Ungerman, Deborah with the 2 cute dogs in her profile picture and D Brown from IL

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Take care,

~Karen~

How To Change A No Reply...

Just a quick answer for Lou Fay...thanks so much for the kind words about my blog, but I can't reply to your email, because yours is set to "no reply". If you want to receive emails back from other bloggers, you need to

• go into your dashboard
• click edit profile
• then put a check in the box that says "show my email address" (it only shows up when someone is trying to answer you from their email, so they can respond back.
• the last and most important step is to go to the bottom of that page and click SAVE.

Hope this helps...if not, here's a picture for your question. I glue silk flowers to the tops of golf tees. The tees then keep the matching bobbin together with the spool of thread.

Take care,
~Karen~

Keeping it Real for Barb in Samoa...

On Monday, Barb from Bejeweled Quilts by Barb did a post on how she wants to keep her sewing room neat and tidy while she is sewing, but it just doesn't happen. I commented saying...
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"I LOVE to be organized...but when I'm working on a project (several usually) it looks like a bomb went off. I should take a picture of it right now. Ughh".
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So Barb emailed me back and wanted to see it. So here it is!
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This first picture is when I showed everyone my new sewing room after the flood.

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Now reality at it's finest...

• first the floor...bags of supplies for a breakfast fundraiser for the school, boxes of buttons from my good friend Carol (I'm working on several project with these buttons to share with all of you), the red bag is filled with books I bought at a consignment shop, in front of the hutch is a bag of dog bones for a fundraiser (the school's mascot is a bulldog), the tote bag is filled with books that I read in the car on our college search trips and there's fabric on the floor too...you just can see it!
• on top of tables...books, lists, lamp shade for a project, frames etc. On my desk, I have a cup of tea and a cup of coffee going at the same time (what's up with that?!...I love my tea, but I wanted to finish the coffee from the pot I made for my husband this morning), I also have a paperwork project all over my desk to keep my blogging friends organized.
• the 2 little teacups on the center cabinet are the best consignment shop find. They are from my Christmas China by Nikko...Happy Holidays. I found those 2 for 69 cents each at Goodwill. The fabric next to that is from the clock project.

There's more but you get the gist. Believe it or not, I do re organize once a week, once I clear out finished projects.

For all of you that emailed me about the secret project for Jodi, I'm doing a post today. Wow, what a wonderful response from all of you...thanks so much!! I'm just waiting for my camera battery to recharge to take pictures of the blocks...so stay tuned for the details.

Talk to you soon,

~Karen~

"Tune" Time Tuesday...It's Music to Your Eyes

I know... it says "Tune" Time Tuesday. It should have been a Tool Time using this little beauty. It's a 12 inch masonry blade...not sharp though. When I saw the whole wall of these on display, I knew it was going to be a clock. They come in so many different sizes, so I grabbed this one. However, the nice hole in the center that is already reinforced with the metal was too big for the clock works. So what's the next best thing.....


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Tah Dah...an old album. Perfect for Tune Time Tuesday!!!
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Most hardware or craft stores sell these clock kits. I bought this one at Walmart for $5.00.
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The stem, that sticks through the hole in the face of the clock, comes in different sizes depending on the thickness of the clock. I picked the 1/4 inch.

Here are all the parts...some kits may be different, but still very easy to put together.

I went to a Goodwill Store on our travels looking at colleges and I bought this album in honor of my mom. She absolutely LOVED Andy Williams. However, she is looking down on me from above cringing for what I'm about to do to this record!!

Not to mention, I only paid 99 cents for it, so I couldn't pass it up. I'll keep the cover in tact for her.

Ok, Mom look away...

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First step is to see if your particular clock stem will fit through the hole in the record. Mine was just a hair off, so I used a drill that was a little smaller than the hole and moved it around the hole shaving off a little at a time.

Now pick your favorite fabric to match a room (I just love Moda's Rouenneries), some Mod Podge (which is a glue and sealer all in one) and a foam brush.

Cut a piece of the fabric a little bigger than the record.

Now trace around the record album on the wrong side of the fabric.

Here's a close-up.

Cut out the circle.

Cover your work surface with paper and pour the Mod Podge onto a paper plate.

Paint the Mod Podge on the entire surface of the album.

Place the fabric circle onto the glue that's on the record and then paint another layer of the Mod Podge onto the fabric. Be careful not to stretch the fabric too much. If you do, you can trim the edges that hang over a little bit once it hardens.

I placed the record onto something that would elevate it above the table so the edges wouldn't stick to the paper.

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Now you just have to wait until it completely dries and hardens. Once it's hard, you need to take a sharp pokey thing and poke out the little hole in the center of the album.

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Here's where you would assemble your clock works according to the directions on your own package, but it is very easy.

And here you have it...a beautiful clock to match your room decor or a quilt that you've made with the same fabric. Great for any room in the house. I put mine in a plate holder to photograph it until I decide where I want to hang it in my bedroom.

This is a picture of the back. It takes just one AA battery and the backing has a hole in it to hang it on the wall.

The package also came with numbers, but I haven't decided to use them yet. I think it would be cute to use different little items for the numbers. How about old bobbins for the 12, 3 , 6 and 9 positions on the clock for you sewing room. If it's for a child's room, you can use Legos, flowers, bows, or little toys. For an office clock you can use paper clips. The ideas are endless.

The only thing I might do next time is maybe paint the album the color of the fabric I've picked. If you have chosen a light fabric, the black will show through, so maybe a little paint wouldn't hurt.

I have one more thought for this project. If you pick another seasonal fabric, you can glue that to the other side and all you have to do is unscrew the clock works, turn the album around, put it back together and now you have another clock for a different "time" of the year.

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I hope you enjoy this project and remember to always keep a song in your heart!

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Have a great Tuesday,

~Karen~

Shhh...It's A Secret!! Jodi from Pleasant Home NO PEEKING

She better not be peeking...if you see her looking, tell her to click on another blog!!
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I know most of you know Jodi from Pleasant Home. She and I "met" through blogging in the summer of 2008. I sent her a little tutorial on English paper piecing and she helped me start my blog and as they say...the rest is history. Through this last year and a half of countless emails and fun package to open, she truly has become the BFIHNM (I know it's a long one), but she is the Best Friend I Have Never Met. Blogging is a wonderful way to "meet" people and I'm sure glad I met her.
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Here's where the secret comes in. As most of you know who read her blog...she hasn't been feeling well. If you haven't read her story, please visit her blog and give her some much needed hugs! Months of pain and 2 surgeries have left her a little down. So let's cheer her up!!!
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I was wondering if you would like to make a block or 2 and send them to me to put together into a quilt for her. I have an idea for a block, but just need to know about how many would like to join in.
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Here are the specifics:

• sign up on this post
• I'll do a post for a simple block and/or blocks this week (I'm thinking scrappy-1 siggie block and 1 four patch from each person
• I'll email you my address
• I'll keep everyone updated through a post or through a group email

Thanks a bunch,

~Karen~

LADY GAGA EN Q MAGAZINE

Lady Gaga está de buen año, no le puede ir mejor a esta artista neoyorquina que cada día comsigue más admiradores,ya sea por sus canciones, por sus impresionantes actuaciones o porque simplemente es una de las mejores.

La cantante ha posado para la revista Q Magazine en una secion de fotos que como es costunbre en ella Luciendo piel y provocando con tan solo una mirada . es verdad que Lady Gaga no es muy agraciada, pero hay que roconocer que en esta ocasión sale hermosa.

También sale en la revista ‘Cosmopolitan’, en esta ocasión no tan extravagante como solemos verla, pues aparece tan solo en ropa interior,sujetador y bragas altas de color piel.

bien disfruten de la belleza de Lady Gaga.

HUMAN NO VA ESTA VEZ CON UBUNTU

En entrevista reciente a Mark Shuttleworth, fundador de Canonical, la empresa que está detrás de Ubuntu, confirmo que la distribución cerrará y enterrará para siempre el conocido visual Human en su próxima versión

La nueva versión de Ubuntu parece que tendrá otro tema y que el aspecto visual de Ubuntu ha sido objeto de polémica, ya que a muchos no les convencía demaciado el color marrón que ha imperado en distro de Canonical.

En el aire quedan muchas preguntas,que seran resueltas cuando aparesca la nueva version asi que a llenarse de paciencia.

Friends on Friday...

I haven't had a "Friends on Friday" in a while...so I thought I would share a few pictures that my wonderful blogging friends sent me.
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These first 2 pictures are from Cathi at Shakerwood Primitives. Looks like she was a Tool Time Girl long before I was. She and her husband used a "T", a flange and a pipe to make this adorable paper towel holder....just too cute!! She has inspired me to make something with a narrow pipe for my spools of ribbon. Thanks Cathi for sending me these pictures.

This next photo is from Tudy at Tudy's Craft Cupboard. She used my tutorial for the dry erase board, but made hers extra special...she covered the frames with fabric. What a great idea to match a room or like she did, matched it for her grandchildren. I love this idea!! Thanks Tudy.

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Last, but certainly not the least, is a Tool Time if I ever saw one. Look what Nancy from the Tattered Garden made using a metal tape measure!!! She has a wonderful tutorial on her blog for this snappy bag , so go take a peek. Thanks so much Nancy!

Thank you ladies for letting me share your photos and ideas today. I just love bloggers!

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See you soon,

~Karen~

Fundraiser Question...

Hi everyone!! I am part of a committee that is raising funds for an All Night Graduation Party for this year's graduating class. Right after graduation all the students are bused to a place where they stay up all night and have a wonderful time. The facility has so many different activities for all. They have paint ball, a foam dance floor, a live comedian, all the food and drinks to eat all night long, a bowling alley, a swimming pool etc. It is a wonderful and safe night for the kids (and the parents too...a lot of us are chaperones). The school has been doing this for years and its a great way for the kids to be together one last time in a safe, drug and alcohol free environment. By raising all of the money through this committee, every student can attend for FREE!! Here's the kicker...it's $21,000.00...but so worth it for the safety of everyone after graduation. It also gives those students who would never have the money to participate, a chance to have a great time with their friends.
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We've had several fundraisers throughout the year and we have 2 major ones left, but I was just wondering if any of my wonder blogging friends had any different ideas to help raise money. Just rattle 'em off to me and I'll pass them on to the committee.
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We're taking Kelsie to visit some colleges today and then I have work tomorrow, so if I don't get back to all of you...A Great Big Thank You in advance for all your help!!

Have a great day,
~Karen~

FOTOS DE ROBERT PATTINSON EN REVISTA DETAILS

Entre hermosas mujeres, con mirada profunda y desafiante así de sexy y sugerente aparece el protagonista de Crepúsculo para la revista Details.

Robert Pattinson, que protagoniza la portada de la publicación habla de cómo se sintió en la sesión de fotos, que tuvo una duracu de 12 horas y que tuvo lugar en un lujoso palacio.

El actor británico, también hablo de la fuerte relación que tiene con su perro y ha filosofado sobre su profesión, llegando a la conclusión de que es “más afortunado del mundo“.

SERVICIO ILIMITADO ONLINE DE TELEFONICA

3GBox junto con SIMfi es una de las novedades tridas por Telefónica al WMC 2010 que se realiza en Barcelona .

Lo que nos presenta Telefonica es un módem USB 3G HSPA,que nos ofrece velocidades de hasta 21 Mbps de bajada y 5.76 Mbps de subida, nos de la posibilidad de tener nuestros archivos y carpetas sincronizados en internet, al más puro estilo dropbox .

El servicio se anuncia con almacenamiento ilimitado,pero realmente será el usuario quien podrá escoger la capacidad de almacenamiento que más le interese , de momento sabemos que tendremos disponible una, capacidad de almacenamiento de 1 Terabyte

El 3GBox es muy sencillo de usar, ya que la instalación del software y la conexión a la red 3G se efectúan automáticamente al insertar el USB, disponiendo además de actualizaciones automáticas para nuevas versiones.

Desarrollado por Telefónica I+D en colaboración con Sierra Wireless, 3GBox tiene una memoria de 2GB, donde se almacenan los documentos mientras que se van subiendo a la cuenta del usuario.

De momento sólo es un prototipo aunque se espera que la operadora lo ofrezca de forma comercial a lo largo del primer semestre de este año.

Tool Time Tuesday...Design Wall Board

This might be the craziest TTT yet, but boy does it work for me. Yes, that is an air filter...you know, those skinny little things you put in your A/C or heat ducts to clean the air.
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Well, it won't be filtering the air where you sew, but it sure will help you with your sewing!!
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Here's the front of the package...



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and here's the back.
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This is a close up of the label. The most IMPORTANT thing is to buy the pleated air filters, because they are made with cotton. Please DO NOT buy the FIBERGLASS filters, because they are made of GLASS. Yep, that's right glass. The man said they are made with glass and sprayed with a substance to keep it together. He looked up the white pleated filters and they are made of cotton...so all safe and sound!!
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If you want to double check the kind of filters in your stores, just check with the nice man that I'm always bugging...tell him Karen sent you!!!
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These little gems come in "sew" many different sizes.

One side has thin cardboard pieces that act as support, but this is the smooth side that you'll be using. For what?... you say.

Well, for this!!!! A mini, portable design board. The cotton fabric on the filter makes a great surface for your fabric squares to cling to. You can also use pins too.

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Makes it so easy to change around a block design or great for those mini quilts that we all love and have on our "to do" list.

Here is the filter right behind my sewing machine with some 5 inch charm squares on it to show you how easy it is to have the blocks arranged and right there for you to sew. You can keep it off to the side of your machine too. Handy dandy.

I know I had a tutorial on another design wall with the pvc pipe that came in 2 sizes, but this one is a no brainer. Just take it out of the package and you're done!!

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I also think this would be great for retreats. This will fit perfectly in the bottom of your suitcase when you are traveling and if it gets too much wear and tear after your trip...just throw it away. They are about $2.00 - $4.00 each. Some filters are pricey, so watch out. This one is Ace Hardware's store brand.
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Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone and enjoy a breath of fresh air...filtered air that is!!

~Karen~

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ps...remember DON'T BUY FIBERGLASS or you'll be very itchy...and mad at me!!