International Quilt Block Swap IQBS ~ Guest Blogger to Be ~ Stephanie S.

 Hi everyone!  Remember me?  I know it has been way too long since I have written on my blog or even sewed for that matter.  But I do have tons of projects going on (in my head at least) HaHaHA =P "Sew" finally this past weekend I unpacked my sewing machine!  Wooo hoooo, big news I know!  Whispers...I did need to buy a new iron today since mine is missing at the moment...hehe =)

Well, back to the reason we are here today!  I have the pleasure of introducing a very sweet friend of mine in the quilting world whose name is Stephanie S., she will be my first guest blogger (to be).  She hasn't taken the official leap yet of starting her own blog (She needs to, she is wonderful), although she has helped organized an awesome group for us called IQBS ~ International Quilt Block Swap via Facebook.  It is exactly how it sounds, we will be swapping quilt blocks internationally!  I am so thrilled to be part of it.  I will let Stephanie explain the group herself below.   

PS...If you need this translated, I have a gadget on the top right side that should do this for you.  =)

Hugs & smiles, Tiffiny =)

 International Quilt Block Swap

Administrator: Stephanie S.

Social media has broadened our worlds. It’s as easy to chat with another quilter in Spain, as it is to chat with your sweetheart about dinner plans. Out of this idea grew a new group, The International Quilt Block Swap: IQBS. We are a group of quilters from around the world sharing our love of quilting. Members of our group come from Australia, Indonesia, India, Sweden, Spain, America, just to name a few. It’s an exciting project for us and I feel fortunate to be the administrator of such a diverse, talented and genuine group of quilters. It’s wonderful to see the different fabrics and techniques that are used in other countries. For example, Ana, who lives on a tiny island in Indonesia, works in beautiful batiks that are native to her country. She creates gorgeous original designs. Emanuela, who lives in Rome, is a master-quilter, whose personal designs win ribbon after ribbon. One of my favorite members is a brand-new quilter, who lives in a small town in Australia. She was reluctant to join but I’m glad I reassured her and she joined us. I can’t believe that she is a beginner. It’s rewarding to help her with her designs and to see progress on her projects. Some of us live in the US like Qurrat Thakur, whose block is featured in this blog. She lives in Austin, Texas. We met through our Facebook group but she lives just a few miles away from me! She has a lovely way of combining colors and fabrics. We have members of all skill-levels, working in many design-styles, contemporary, modern, and traditional. We come from all walks of life, city and country, rich and poor, new and experienced but we all share a love of quilting.  (More pics & description, click read more) =)

 Block designed by Ana Srihadiana of Indonesia

Crazy LaLa Type of Busy...

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't posted in a bit.  Many things going on in my world and I hope to be able to share soon with pictures.  Everything is going well and all 4 boys are getting big.  My youngest just turned 9, my oldest graduated 5th grade and the puppies are now 3 months old!  Hugs & smiles to you all!  =D

Introducing Two New Members of the Family!

When you hear the description, "the pitter patter of little feet" ...What is the first thing you think of?  Babies most likely, right?  Well, our pitter patter involves late night changes (aka:  being taken outside) wait for it, don't call social services yet...giggling.  Plenty of kisses, some much wetter then others.  =P And weight gain of at least 2 pounds a week!  The babies I am introducing are Copper & Dug and they are our 8 week old, F1B - Golden Doodle puppies!  (You can click here to read more about what the F1B Golden Doodle means).

Copper in the front & Dug in the back (ignore the shredded paper please)

The best thing and craziest thing we decided at a momentary loss of brain cells was to get 2 puppies.  It has been a blessing in that they have each other when I run out, so the separation anxiety has been a mute point. and have each other as playmates and pillows, 24/7.  The downside but we really did expect it, was double the mess-making.  We figured we would get the training out of the way all at once instead of waiting to introduce another puppy and restart the process again. 

 These are my favorite moments so far, seeing how much the boys all love each other.  They also have been great helpers already by feeding, helping me bathe and even cleaning up their "messes" if you know what I mean.  (pinches my nose).

My youngest, caught looking like he was about to make a mess, when he was actually cleaning up one =P

 Keep on going to see more pictures!  (Click on "READ MORE" below)  =)

The type of pen we are using for Copper and Dug =)

Sandy Hook Quilt ~ Dedication Update Information

We are approaching the 5 month mark of the terrible tragedy that happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012.  As some of you may remember, one of my kind friend's in the quilting world came up with the idea of making an angel quilt for the 26 lives that were senselessly lost.  Her name is Sally of Sally's Quilting Corner, she took all of the blocks I made, herself and others from the USA and pieced and quilted it together.  As you know this quilt has been made for months, and we couldn't wait to place it into the hands of those hearts we hope to be touched by it.  Things were delayed due to snow, illness and even more tragic events.  Well, the time has come that is the right time to hand over this loving quilt. 

This special quilt will be dedicated on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at the YPD 5K Race (Yarmouth Police Department) that is being held at the Skipper Restaurant in South Yarmouth on South Shore Drive.  This is the 6th year that the YPD will be hosting this popular event.  There will be very special guests at this event like the father of one of the children lost at the Sandy Hook School shooting and one of the many heroes that helped save lives at the Boston Marathon Bombing and you can read more about it at Sally's website here is another update.  It is an event that I personally won't be able to attend because of a previous commitment, but my heart felt desire to help dedicate this special quilt will be there.

PS...Here is a link to some of the angel blocks I made for this quilt, 13 in all.

Hugs & Smiles, Tiffiny ~ Smilie Mommy 

April 2013 ~ Scrap Book Cover

As simple as this photo scrap album cover should or could have been, it wasn't.  I made it way more complicated that it needed to be that is for sure.  =P I made this for my husband's birthday and let's just say I made a few of my dumbest sewing moments on it... Ribbit Ribbit was heard in the background (rip it) with the seam ripper way to many time...lol!

Hugs & Smiles, Tiffiny ~ Smilie Mommy

DIY Business / Gift Card Holders ~ Tutorial Soon too!

I did manage to fix the business / gift card holder from a week or so ago where my snap pliers put a lovely hole into my fabric, stabilizer and all.  I had them ready for Easter, I just hadn't posted the pictures here yet.  

I first used Velcro that I sewed on in place of the snaps, then covered the hole and my outside stitching by adding an appliqued circle to it. Sorry this picture is a bit blurry, I didn't know until it was uploaded today and I already passed it on as a gift to a close friend.  I will be posting a tutorial on these great quick gifts soon!

The above picture shows the inside view of the card holder.  In the future if not already sewn together, I can do it in a way you wouldn't have to see the circle of applique that you currently see.

One more I made, just the opposite with the bright colors on the outside and a cute green button covering up any stitches from adding the plastic snap to the inside.  The pic was quickly taken when I had it ready to be mailed to a different friend of mine.

Did I mention, Spring is here!!!  It was in the 80's today!  Whewwww hooooo, bring it on Spring!  I am ready!  =) 

Hugs & Smiles, Tiffiny ~ Smilie Mommy

Easy & cheap (free) DIY 1/4 inch Sewing Guide Tool

This is a cool and easy way to have a quarter inch tool at your fingertips, even if you can't find your measuring tape or special clear ruler!  This tool was first given to me from my quilt instructor during my first quilting class when I made a beginner's sampler quilt, you can click this link to see it!  She told us how to use it so we would know when to stop while we are sewing on our binding.  When you see this special tool you may say something like "Why didn't I think of that?"  That is if you don't already know about this unique tool...hehehe.  Now take a seat if you aren't already, don't want you to fall over when you start to giggle. 

Yes, you are looking at a business card that can either be your own or one of the 100's you can pick up during a quilt convention for free!  Below is a picture of how I made my very own special tool, since I lost my original guide that was given to me from my first quilting teacher.  

Just place your ruler over the corner of the card and mark at the quarter inch mark, viola, it is that simple!  Now you can know exactly where to stop when you are putting on your bindings and need to pause and turn at the 1/4 inch spot.  Just be sure to use something that disappears and won't leave a permanent mark when you mark your fabric.

Hugs & Smiles, Tiffiny ~ Smilie Mommy Tweet