Find me on Facebook!!!

As hard as I try, I seem to navigate best on my Facebook Page, which is https://www.facebook.com/PeddlecarQuilts/.  Please go to my site there to get the most updated information and loads of pictures of what I am up to.  I like blogging, but I am so much better and faster on Facebook.  I love quilting, sewing, cross stitching, decorating, gardening and so many other things. I reach so many more people at my page than here, so I've decided to keep doing what I'm doing there, in hopes of meeting more of you!  Happy Holidays to you all!!
Diane

I'm a quilter, but sometimes I like to cross stitch

Where does the time go??  It's been a rough few weeks, getting over the flu, which does take me some time because I have a compromised immune system due to medications and infusions I take for Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Nothing new to me, I've had RA since I was 39, but this flu that went around (and still is going around) this year really hit me hard.  After Dr visits and antibiotics for secondary infections I'm feeling more like myself everyday!!  And while I was laying in bed I thought a lot about some of the projects I had been working on, and how I couldn't wait to get some of them finished, so I thought I'd share a special one with you today.

Of course having worked for fabric companies over the years I usually don't find a lot of time for my own projects but I've made some changes in my workload that allow me time to work on my own projects so that I may even have a chance to get some finished before I die!!!   Sorry, I know I will be around awhile, I haven't hit 70 yet, Ha Ha, but as you grow older to do start to think a little bit about your own mortality.  Especially when you have a dear friend who is in the last stages of Pancreatic Cancer. It's been very hard to see the changes take place over the months and know that the inevitable is near.  I just spent 45 minutes of quality time, talking and laughing with her 2 weeks ago and she wanted to cross stitch together the next.  Well, the next week she wasn't doing too well, and I told her husband I would call again.  She has been going downhill fast, I couldn't believe the change in just 2 weeks time.  Yesterday I spent an afternoon with her and other friends and family by her bedside, and she was already beyond communicating with us.  So sad, and I will miss her so much.  So I dedicate this post to my dear friend Janet, because the project I want to share with you is a cross stitch project that I have been working on since December, and because I never got to share it with her.

It's called "Full Heart" by Shepard's Bush and I have to say I have enjoyed stitching it so much!!  It was my first time to use only 1 thread over 2 and it gives it such a delicate look. The extra fancy stitches and little beads made it so much fun.

Finally finished!

It's also fun to see the little buttons add to the story of the project.

The satin stitch on the star I had never done in cross stitch before, and I was pleased with how it turned out.  

So I got it finished and I had a Shaker Box with a lid insert to finish my project.  However I had never done a finishing like this before, and I also didn't want to destroy the box lid in the process!!

I thought I'd share a little of the process with you which can also be used in part to finish an ornament or round or oval finishing.  I read several instructions and also found an ornament video on YouTube which helped a lot.  

First you need the template or mounting board which is cut to size to fit the box lid. Most Shaker boxes come with them, and actually they are cut slightly smaller than the opening so you have the room needed to insert your project. Then you stitch a running or basting stitch using a heavy crochet thread about 1 1/2"" away from the edges of the mounting board. Trim the corners and excess fabric about 1" away from the outside of your stitching. 

This crochet thread is size 3, a good weight and made of cotton. I found it at Michaels.  Use a larger eyed needle to thread about 24" of it so that you have length for 3" tails at the beginning and end of your basting stitch.  I wish I had taken more pictures of the process along the way to share with you, I wasn't thinking! 

Cut out 2-3 layers of batting using the mounting board for a template.  I glued the layers of batting together and then glued them to one side of the mounting board.

Place your stitching project face down on a mat, and the batting side of the mounting board centered on top of the wrong side of your stitchery.  Slowly and carefully draw the basting stitch from both ends around the mounting board until you have pulled the linen evenly and smoothly around the board.  Pull it tight and tie a knot in the two ends. Trim leaving about 2" of cord.  Now adjust the gathers even more, and run another basting stitch about 1/2" closer to the outside of the first basting stitch. This will help you gather in the fabric a bit more, tie it off and trim off any excess fabric in the middle leaving at least 1/2" left.  

After this, it all seemed so bulky so I did another step that I had read in another set of directions I had researched, and cut a muslin circle about 3/4" larger than the mounting board.  I placed it on the back of the mounting board where all the gathers were, and slip stitched it in place using regular thread, turning under the edges of the fabric as I went around the entire circle, smoothing the fabric to keep it flat as I went.  This really helped to pull in the bulkiness of the back and smooth it down.  

The lid has a slight recess in the top to allow room for your stitchery piece after it has been mounted.  Use double stick foam mounting tape on the lid, don't get too close to the edges or the tape will show.  Peel off the paper and center your mounted stitchery, right side up, on the lid and press it down.  

I used a large heavy Bible (for lack of a better weighted book) on top of the lid to help flatten the stitchery and make it adhere to the tape, for several hours.  I was so happy to not have to use glue because we live in a very dry climate and glue tends to dry and pop off after a while.  Besides, no mess!!! :) Then I cut a circle of fabric to fit the inside bottom of the box and put a little Modge Podge on the wrong side of the fabric which glued it in place (minimal mess) LOL!!  

I may still find a small braid with a color that goes with the cross stitch to help fill in any little gaps. These boxes are made by hand which is why they are so expensive, so they are not perfect spheres.

The stitching edges were pretty close to the edge so there wasn't much room for error when centering the stitchery, but I'm pleased with it.  

Hope you enjoyed the mounting lesson.  Next time I will be sure to get more pics of the entire process.  And I have some quilting projects to share with you next time.  No matter what, enjoy life and live it to the fullest, and keep God close.  We never know when our time will come.  Have a great week, and Happy Spring!!!!

It's been a while! I'm back.

I've been using Facebook for a long time now, and though I still use it, I wanted to get involved in my blog again so I could share more photos and details about what I'm up to and my life in general. Time goes by so fast, and I've really missed blogging and visiting other blogs.  So I'm going to give it a try once more. I was having problems in the past with photos loading, etc, but I know a lot has changed in the blog world since I've been gone and I'm up to the challenge of figuring things out as I go along. :)  OH!  I will STILL be on Facebook too, so you can find me there as well.

Valentines Day is right around the corner, and I've been working on some sweet projects for the house.  Just wanted to share and say Happy Valentines Day to everyone! I found the cutest Tiny Hearts mini quilt designed by www.ellisandhiggs.com that I fell in love with, and just had to make one!  It didn't take long, and I sewed a "tiny" sleeve on the back of it so I could hang it on my wire mini quilt holder that I purchased last summer.  We had a fun get together with friends last Friday for a poker party and Sloppy Joes and it was fun to decorate it up a bit.

 I added the table runner (before we needed the table) that I had made for Mc Calls magazine a couple of years ago....
 

  and a placemat to place my rose bouquet.

I have lots of patterns and ideas to share with you which I will get to with time.  I also wanted to share that the latest Nancy's Notions catalog has my Bramble Patch quilt kit included that I designed for Windham Fabrics last fall.  The quilt is 51" x 51" but it would also be a great quilt in a larger size by increasing the block size. 

Here is a close up image, and if you made 12" blocks the quilt would measure 69" x 69".
So, if you choose to make your own version, the 51" x 51" pattern is available here:
http://www.windhamfabrics.net/cgi-bin/fabricshop/projects.cgi?start=61.   I'll be back soon, have a great Valentines Day!!

New Facebook page!

I have moved on to a new business Facebook page, in fact I have been using it for several months now.  Please go to www.facebook.com/PeddlecarQuilts for the latest updates on what I am up to!!


One piece of exciting news is that I will be teaching a quilt retreat on a cruise next year to the Western Caribbean!  I'm very excited and all costs include your quilt kit and class.  There will also be sewing machines for you to use, so you don't have to worry about bringing your own.


Please see my Facebook page, as that is where I continue to share my quilting adventures, new designs, and publications.  More is coming out in magazines soon! 


Thank you for your continued support,
Diane

Win Prizes! See my new Facebook page for more information. See links below

Today is the blog day for my Candy Box quilt with McCalls! Go to:http://www.mccallsquilting.com/…/candy-box-a-visit-with-di…/ for a chance to win big prizes! RJR Fabrics has donated 3 Bon Bon Bebe fat quarter packs that can be yours by commenting on their blog and if your name is picked--you win!! Don't delay!! There is one catch--you must visit the blog at the link above for this prize today only. But keep checking back to the blog each day for other featured designers and other prizes.


Please go to my new Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peddlecar-Quilts/1042306985784486?ref=aymt_homepage_panel  for more information and pictures regarding Peddlecar Quilts and photos of this great quilt!


I am unable to load pictures to my blog anymore and have decided to use Facebook for my future postings.  Thank you all for your cooperation!

Happy 2015!

I so intended to post on my blog during the holidays, but I was having trouble uploading pictures.  I didn't have the time to figure it out, but this morning I've learned that I have much better luck if the pictures have been sent to Picassa first.  What a relief, now I can get back into the blogging because who wants to really read without the fun pictures??!

Sunday Supper

I have been teaching the Kim Diehl Whatnot's Club locally for the last six months.  It has been so much fun doing these darling little quilts that you can use in so many ways.  I'm really enjoying the process and it's also been fun to take the time to teach once again.  These two pictures are just 2 of the club favorites from last year.  I also have more to upload and I will do that soon.  Session 2 of the club starts again in March for me and I'm really excited about the new fabrics by Henry Glass that Kim has designed.  These can be wall hangings, table toppers, or whatever suits your fancy.  I also like that there is a lot of diversity in the varied designs.  So even though these may be old news, the new ones will be made soon and I will post those for you to see as well.

 I also have another quilt out in the new McCalls magazine, for a quilt I designed for RJR Fabrics using Lynette Anderson's line called Pocket Full of Daisies.  It will be out on the stands any day now so watch for the newest issue, March/April 2015.

Laundry Day

Mar/April 2015 issue!

This will be short today,  

Now that I can upload photos, it will change everything.  Thanks for listening and have a great weekend!  Keep quilting!

Whispering Tulips in Mc Call's Mar/April issue this year!

American Glory quilt

This is the new American Glory pattern that i designed!  It is made using the Faded Splendor fabrics by RJR Fabrics, designed by Robyn Pandolph.  Kits are being sold at Keepsake Quilting and you can also order patterns directly from me.  Email me at jnagle4@cox.net!  Or, you may also call me at 702-354-8536.

I have been away from my blog for some time.  Sometimes we go through that old adage called "Life Changes"!   My husband became very ill while we were on vacation in other state to go to our grandson and twin granddaughter's high school and 8th grade graduations.  Long story short, he ended up in ICU in a coma for several days and we missed the graduation ceremonies!!  He was diagnosed with viral meningitis and it has taken time for his recovery.  But we are so grateful that he is recovering beautifully and is back to work with follow up care continuing.   So that's where I have been!  Being a caregiver is demanding work!  I'm grateful that it was a short term job, but in the meantime I got really behind on my blog and many other things for my own work.  I did however, manage to get this pattern done and it is turning out to be a huge success. Thank you for all the wonderful comments I've had on this quilt on my Facebook page.  Now that I have my blog working again, and I am able to work on it, I have some catching up to do!  

I also wanted to share this really cool cart that I got from IKEA.  Actually my lovely daughter bought it for me for my birthday.  It is so sturdy, pretty--(I just love aqua)  and functional!  It rolls smoothly and doesn't take up much space.  I can put projects in progress into the trays and just roll it up to my sewing machine when i am ready to start again. Isn't this the coolest thing ever?

Well, that's all the news for now but I will be back
soon.  More updates to come!  Happy Quilting!