Saturday, May 20, 2017

Six Years and Counting

Yep, six years ago this month I started this little blog in order to feel a part of a quilting community. It has been an incredible adventure, making friends with quilters from across the country and around the world. It has definitely exceeded my expectations. So as many turn from blogs to the less time-consuming forms of social media, I will continue to plod along here.

Having not posted for a couple of weeks, you might expect that I have had time to accomplish a great many things. You would be wrong. 

I made that cute little Dresden pincushion in front of the basket bowl fillers. This is from the Temecula Pincushion Parade Christmas Dresden kit Randy sent to me (I can't find it on their website, or I would link you to it). Obviously I switched out the Christmas Fabrics. I wanted to do something Spring-ish.


This was such fun to make. The technique is not exclusive to this pattern, but it is more interesting to see it play out in this small size. The acrylic template is only 1 5/8" high, so the little tumbler shapes you start with are tiny.


You fold them all so that right sides are together, and stitch a seam along the wide end.




Trim the seam and turn them right side out, which creates the pointed blade. Line up the seam with the fold, as shown in the photo.



Then you stitch the blades together, matching the outer corners, rather than the inner ones.
 

When the plate is formed, pin it to the background square, which has been folded and creased in fourths to aid in centering the plate. 










You applique it to the background and stitch a circle over the center. 








Since my applique skills are next to non-existent, and circles scare the daylights out of me, I used wool applique for the center. Now I want to make a little quilt of these blocks.
 
The pattern is for a pillow-style pincushion, but, of course, I made mine into a box-style using the instructions in my "Tuffet tutorial" found in the tabs under my header photo. One of these days I am going to update that tutorial to share how I get my smoothest finish when stitching the pincushion closed after filling it.

The only other thing I have to show after two weeks is my little purple TATW that is now quilted and bound.

I thank you all for you kindness, comments, and friendship over the years. For sticking with me I want to give you a chance to receive this bundle. Please don't publicize this--it is for those of you who are already following along.
 
I like to share things that I would like to receive. There is a book of fun small quilts from the Country Threads ladies, a charm pack of beautiful Betsy Chutchian fabrics, a few bars of my herbal soap, the Dresden pincushion I just made,  and a snazzy, new-fangled pair of thread snips .

If you are interested, just leave a comment. And thanks for joining me in this quilting/blogging journey!

Until next time,
Janet O.

Drawing Now Closed

88 comments:

  1. Hi Janet, your wee pin cushion is darling... I would be interested in finding out how you get the smoothest finish! And I love your TATW finish... beautiful mauves :-) Congratulations on the 6 year blogging anniversary....there are a few of us around who still love the blogging platform I'm pleased to say! The prize looks gorgeous but please dont put my name in the draw for it as I have been a lucky recipient of yours several times already :-)

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  2. Thank you for staying with blogging...while I enjoy social media I prefer reading blogs...love the feeling of getting to know a kindred spirit...and of course you inspire me! I hand piece so it takes forever...except for the wool pinkeeps where mine almost outnumber my pins...what a sweet giveaway...

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  3. Hi Janet . I usually dont like dresden plate block, but I have To say that in this little size, its very cute. Thanks for sharing the method. Hugs from France

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  4. Congratulations on your blogging milestone!! I think as you do, that it is great fun to connect with like minded quilting people. Lovely tiny Dresden!!!

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  5. I'm so glad that you are continuing to blog and not ride the wave of those choosing the quick and easy route of posting only on instagram or one of the other platforms. Blogging is so reminiscent of the long letters written by our pioneer grandmothers and great-grandmothers to their kinfolk back home, they tell a story of our lives and are so much more meaningful. That sweet pincushion pattern will make a lovely little doll quilt, perhaps for Lori's next doll quilt exchange? Do you stitch those seams at 1/8 inch given that the pieces are so tiny?

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  6. Janet, congratulations on the birthday of the blog! With pleasure I read your blog. Very beautiful gift! Maybe I'm lucky?

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  7. Thanks, I enjoy your blog. cork at pa.rr.com

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  8. Happy Anniversary with your Blog! Enjoy reading what you post and updates on others connected with you. Loving the mini's, and love the tote Bag you got from Randy. Your work inspires me to improve my work. Thank you for your blogging.

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  9. One of these days, you are going to get in the mood to learn to applique. Maybe the same way you learned to machine quilt so nicely. By watching videos. You Tube has many good ones for different methods of applique. And if you premake the circles by gathering them around something, they are easy. Maybe by the time you celebrate your 10th anniversary!
    I have so enjoyed meeting you via quilt blogging. I am glad you keep up with this form of quilt making sharing.

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  10. Another morning of beautiful eye candy. The newest pin cushion is so cute. Keep plugging along on applique, you will get it and get better. Ask me how I know. Done it and LOVE IT!

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  11. Thank you for continuing on with your blog. I am always pleased when I see your update pop up. CUTE pincushion! Nice tutorial, thanks for doing that. I'm going to try one, hopefully with your nice finish. If it comes our successful, I'm making some for my monthly sew-in friends. Would love to be included in your drawing. Thank you for all you do & show us. Janine

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  12. And I'm so glad I found you!! You have a very inspiring blog and I look forward to new posts. Happy SIX years!!

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  13. Congratulations on six years of blogging! I found your blog early this year and have enjoyed following along. Today's mini Dresden project is wonderful. I need to take the time to try making one of my own. Thanks for the tutorial and for the chance at your giveaway.

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  14. Congratulations on this milestone! I am inspired by all of the miniatures you make. I love your color sense.

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  15. So glad you are continuing the blog and congratulations on the milestone of six years. I love being able to visit with friends on their blogs and see what is happening in their part of the world. Love the tiny Dresden plate and look forward to the quilt.

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  16. Congratulations on six years of blogging! I have loved seeing all your little quilts and projects. The tiny Dresden is adorable and I love the purples and star in the TATW quilt. You create some wonderful little designs. Here's to many more happy years of sharing your talent with us.

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  17. congratulations on six years of blogging, love your miniatures. Hope to follow you for many more years.

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  18. I agree with you wholeheartedly... I am sticking with my blog too. It has been nearly 10 years for me since I started mine and I just can't let that fall to the wayside :o( Love the tutorial on the pincushion! Definitely want to try this. Thanks for the chance to win your giveaway!

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  19. Congratulations on 6 years! Thank you for this chance to receive these lovely items. I will be making the miniature Dresden. So cute!

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  20. Congratulations on six years of blogging! Thanks for the Dresden pin cushion tutorial. I love little Dresden plates too and have thought about making a little quilt with them.

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  21. I love the little pincushion. I actually have that template, now I am going to make a little dresden out of it. I am going to check out your tutorial on finishing as I struggle with that. Congrats on 6 years.

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  22. I'm pleased you're still here in blogland--so many have left. What a sweet tiny Dresden, can't imagine creating one with your precision! Here's to many more happy years of blogging and friendship.

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  23. Congratulations on "6" Wonderful years of blogging! I hope you enjoy blogging as much as I enjoy reading, because I LOVE it. I don't Facebook or twitter or instagram but, I really enjoy seeing what everyone in the blogging world is up to. Thanks so much for the Tufted Dresden pincushion tutorial, I might actually make one. Your Little Purple TATW is beautiful my favorite color is purple! ToniAnne;->

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  24. Congrats on six years! I'm glad you keep blogging. I know many are going to other platforms of social media, but I really enjoy spending the time reading blogs. That little Dresden plate is so adorable.

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  25. Happy Blogaversary! I have enjoyed following along and learning so much from you. Thank you for all the tips and amazing inspiration! Your new Dresden pincushion is lovely. I am still enjoying all the bloggers still taking the time to share what they are doing. There is definitely a skill set involved in making it interesting. I'm trying to pick up my game with that as I like blogging too.
    So here's to another year of sharing our love of quilting and inspiration!

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  26. Hi Janet! I'm so glad I found you to follow! You keep me inspired and motivated. I am still a no reply so I will leave my email. rbstommel@earthlink.net. We have been home from Texas for almost two years and I am still missing it! Hugs!

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  27. Hi Janet. I have immensely enjoyed your blog over the last 6 years. Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing your time and beautiful quilts and other quilting creations on your blog. Yours is the first blog I always look for on my feed. I to enjoy mini quilts and repro fabrics. I so appreciate your tips and instructions. Thanks again for a GREAT blog! Diane

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  28. Lovely pin cushion - and thank you for your blog. What you do in 'everyday life' is of interest to the rest of us....amazing how many of us have the same interests, too! Thanks for thinking of us when you blog, as we enjoy yours! Deb E / Oregon mdenders@msn.com

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  29. It's amazing how fast 6 years passes. I've truly enjoyed reading your blog over the years and seeing all of your beautiful quilts...thanks for sharing. FYI, I sooo want to make the little Dresden pincushion now - I have some vintage buttons that would be perfect to put in the center.

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  30. Congrats on your six year anniversary! Thank you for blogging--I know it takes a lot of time and effort putting on a new "show" each post, but thank you for letting us into your life and being able to listen to your thoughts. I think we make acquaintances on social media, but we make friends on blogs. Your pincushions are adorable, too!

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  31. congrats! I will get to six right after Christmas. You have some great projects and we quilters need little things to finish so we wont get bored to bad on quilts

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  32. Congratulations on six years of blogging. Your blog is one of the few I follow regularly. Thanks for taking the time to add to "my quilty world" in such an inspiring way. Great pincushion!

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  33. The little Dresden pin cushion is adorable. Glad to hear you are not leaving the ranks of blogging any time soon. You don't need to put me in the drawing because I think I've won before but I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your friendship and your blog.

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  34. Congratulations on six years of blogging! I have your blog marked as "special" and am always watchful for when you have a new post. Your quilts are always beautiful and your blog is very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your quilting life with us.

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  35. wow has it been THAT long? must be 4 years now we met in NH....your "only" little purple is adorable...so glad i have a quilty friend who makes such beautiful tiny treasures...and great giveaway but i've won before so don't include me....

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  36. I have loved following your blog since sitting behind you in Lisa Bongean's 2014 Quiltfest class.Thanks for all the inspiration and great sharing. Congrats on 6 years!

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  37. Janet, Congratulations on your 6th anniversary for your blog. I certainly appreciate reading it! I love the Dresden plate pincushion and thanks for the detailed pictures and instructions. They would make such a cute gift and it looks like an assembly line project would be possible. SUch a nice giveaway! I will keep my fingers crossed! Thanks, Mary

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  38. This is gorgeous! And, I would love, love, love to have these goodies! Thanks for your thoughtfulness!

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  39. Cannot remember how I first found your blog but always lived the name, theciver pictures and the tone. 6 just might be the bell weather for successful blogs. I have a handful I still follow as they managed the tough devise from being boring to a interesting internet quilting friend who shares, a lot. I keep thinking about blogging but I have too much to add on. It would be another diversion. A great casual diary but nah. It will tell me when it's time. But Don't You Quit!!! Hehrhe. I'll apprentice with you sometime.

    Lovely grouping if quilty toys. Maybe these want to come to cheesehead land. :0)

    Jane who is now wi/fl but can't make Google redo my signature. Oy

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  40. I enjoy your posts. Thank you for sharing your quilts and stories with us.

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  41. Following along and reading your blog is a constant joy, thank you for sharing your creative talents with us. If you have to applique circles then you need a template (perfect circles are fantastic) and you make a running stitch on the edge of your fabric circle (leave strings long), then pop the template in the centre. Pull the strings so the fabric tightens around the circle template, so you get its shape. Starch and press dry. Then you can pop the template out. Cardboard works fine, but you need to cut a perfect shape to get one! Template plastic doesn't like getting too hot! Hope that helps, because I would really like to see your make a mini Dresden ;)

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  42. Congratulations, Janet. I always know I'm in for a good read when your posts arrive via email. Thanks for hanging in there with your lovely blog and sharing all your beautiful work.

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  43. Thanks for the chance to win those lovely goodies. I absolutely love that little Dresden pincushion and plan to try making one. Small things are my favorite so I'm glad I found your blog.

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  44. Am so happy you have made the decision to continue blogging--I love reading about and seeing your beautiful quilts. Thank you for sharing your tips on making the Dresden plate pincushion

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  45. Thank you Janet for all of these years of amazing mini quilts, everything you make is so beautiful and your blog is inspiring. Dresden blocks are my all time favorite and yours is made so perfectly, I would love to be included in your drawing. Congratulations on 6 six years and many more!!

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  46. I love to see what you are stitching so I'm delighted you are willing to "plod along", as you say, with the blogging! Congratulations on your sixth anniversary of blogging!

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  47. Janet, I have loved getting to know you through the blog world. Congratulations on the anniversary!

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  48. Congratulations on your anniversary. Your pincushion is so cute. I just learned how to make the dresdans so would like to try making one like it. Thanks for the chance to win yours.

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  49. Wow! Six years! Awesome! And thanks for continuing to blog! I don't know any of the other social media....I'm able to figure out blogging and that's enough for me! And what sweet little projects you've been working on! That pincushion is adorable....and I love that purple mini quilt! Sweet! What a wonderful giveaway package....so much awesomeness! Thanks for the chance!

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  50. I so very much enjoy reading your blog; congrats on your sixth anniversary. I adore all the projects you are always working on. I would dearly love to win; thanx for the opportunity

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  51. Thank you for all of your blogs...always enjoyable to read! I do love your small quilts. They truly inspire me. And, thank you for the opportunity to win your gift offering.

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  52. Hi Janet! I'm back!!!!! LOL! Love reading your blog. I absolutely love you little pin cushion.
    Blessings,
    Kristie

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  53. 6 Years! Happy Blog-o-versary! I'm glad to follow you as so many others seem to be. You get so many comments, my oh, my! You know I'd love anything made by you!!! I know I already have a pin cushion that you made, lol. I want to make a Dresden plate quilt also. A MINI might be fun to SWAP someday. You know my address, when I WIN!! hahaha your tired Blogging friend in SE Washington (home from Retreat)

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  54. Congratulations! I love Dresdens and miniatures are my favorites too. I much prefer blogs to more popular types of social media and always look forward to seeing what you've been up to. Keep on blogging!

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  55. When I first found your blog, I was so inspired hy your beautiful work. The same is true with each of your posts. Thanks so much for your help and encouragement. ---"Love"

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  56. I love that pincushion! I would be keen to read and see how you get a smooth finish on such items as this is often an issue. Now for a most important question how much smaller can a Dresden go if a Dresden is ALREADY so tiny!!! What a scrumptious celebration giveaway one I would be delighted to win but I would also be embarrassed to receive with the horrendous postage to NZ! I find it interesting when someone has a giveaway oh how the comments fly into the comment box! best wishes and keep on bloggin'.

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  57. I fell out of love with blogging for quite some time and last year only managed 5 posts. This year is better and I have a renewed interest. Saying that, I just love Instagram for how easy it is to use. Love those tiny dresdens and your little purple quilt is divine.

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  58. Dresdens are so much fun! I hope to make a bed size quilt of them....one day! :-) I've also taken a liking to the box-style pincushion (and have it on my list to make one of those....one day!) No facebook or instagram account for this chick...I'll also be happy to be included in the "blog preference" club! :-) And to keep things consistent... I hope to update my blog...one day (soon)! lol! Have a SUPER weekend and happy stitching!

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  59. Congratulations! And thanks for letting all of us "tag along" with your blog. Love seeing all you've done with scraps.

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  60. Congrats on your 6th yr anniversary, here's to another 6 yrs. I love reading your blog and please don't leave us. I love your little Dresden pin cushion. My first quilt was a Dresden. I have always loved them. Your little purple quilt is lovely also. Thanks for all the information that you share with us and also for the opportunity to win such fun things.

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  61. What a nice post - I'm so behind on my reading that I missed your missed week.
    The pincushion is so cute. Don't fear circles! I have a good tutorial on how to make them on blog on a top tab.
    What a wonderful little purple quilt! Charming
    Nice giveaway - someone is going to be lucky to win - getting your soap makes it extra special.
    Happy 6th Blog-aversary!

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  62. Your progress photos of the tiny Dresden are completely charming. I've made a few pincushions that didn't end up smooth at the corners so I'll be checking out the tutorials. Somehow I found your blog very early on--always love checking into your mini rogue world. Thanks for continuing!

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  63. I plan on sticking around too! I would LOVE a chance to win this prize package. :) The Dresdon pin cushion is darling as is the purple quilt. Have a great day!

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  64. Congratulations on your 6-years of blogging! Love seeing all your projects, they are inspiring. Your Dresden pin cushion is so cute! Thank you for a chance to win a lovely little package of goodies.

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  65. Thank you for sharing your 6 year journey with us. It's always delightful to see what you're doing and where your quilts are leading you.

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  66. I've been a reader of your blog for quite a long time as I started my first blog in Jan 2007 although I'm now writing from a new blog as of November. I love your projects!

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  67. Happy Blog Anniversary!! I think blog posts do add that human element to reading about your quilting & life in general. Your pincushion is adorable!! I love little blocks!! Good job, for keeping with it!

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  68. Janet, I"m so glad that you made use of that little (and I do mean LITTLE) pin cushion pattern. I was never going to be able to manage those tiny pieces. You will not find it online since it was part of a series I purchased. Love what you did in the different fabrics!
    And so glad that you are a blogger! We would never have met and I think meeting you has greatly enriched my life!
    Big hugs my friend,
    Randy

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  69. I'm going to try making a similar pincushion tomorrow morning. Thanks for the tips...I love reading your blog!

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  70. Happy Blogiversary! LOVE those teeny tiny little dresden blades! Adorable!
    We are peas in a pod loving lots of small pieces of fabric!

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  71. Six years, that is wonderful. I have enjoyed your blog for some time now and I am always inspired by what you are doing and making. I love how you finished the pincushion and I think that might make a nice little 4-H sewing project for one of my girls. We will have to check out the tutorial. What lovely prizes for your anniversary. Thanks for sharing so much with your readers!

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  72. Congratulations on six years of sharing all your blog posts filled with beauty, warmth, and ideas for all!

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  73. Six years? Congrats! Hard to believe it's been that long! I'll have to show you an easy way to applique circles one of these days! Adorable tiny Dresdens! I love the yellow & purple together! Generous giveaway, but I already own that great book so don't include my name in your drawing please.

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  74. Wow! Six years. That is a lot of inspiration to share with others. I enjoy every one of your posts! I adore this little purple quilt. And that is a huge bundle to giveaway. I know how special that soap is. I have one tiny bit left that I now keep by my sewing machine and just sniff it while I am sewing. Yum! Thanks for six years of sharing.

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  75. I've also noticed a downtick in the number of blog posts to read. I've never logged into instagram and try to avoid fb, planning to stick with blogging as well.

    Love your little dresden pillow. Did you change the acrylic template? The pattern photo shows a 12 blade dresden but your finished pillow is only 10. Interesting! I was in a not-so-LQS this weekend and picked up a tiny dresden template that makes 4.5" plates. I might have to make a doll quilt to break it in :) Have you ever used the Prairie Pointer to help with your dresden blade points? it's a little pricy but it works like a charm!

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  76. Six years!? Doesn't time just fly? Love that tiny Dresden, and thanks for showing how it was made (I've never made one) - that was interesting. Love your little purple quilt too - so cute!

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  77. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog over the years; your quilting skills amaze me! I appreciate you sharing your talents - in fact it is because of your beautiful work that I have tried several "small" quilts myself with great satisfaction. Your Dresdan is lovely and gives me yet another project that I'd like to try! Thank you again.

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  78. Has it been 6 years?????!!!! You've come a long way, and it's been fun to be on this journey with you. Keep up the great work! And here's to 60 more!

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  79. There hasn't been much sewing the last few days here either. I hope to fix that in the next few days. I have a quilt that I want completed by the end of the month and it is fast approaching! Thanks for the chance to win the give away

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  80. I have been following you for awhile. Your style is like mine and I enjoy seeing what you make. A lot of my favorite blogs have gone by way of IG and I do follow them there, but I miss hearing about their inner thoughts. Congratulations on your milestone and keep on blogging.

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  81. Congratulations. I love small quilts so I really enjoy your blog. Instagram is not a replacement for a blog. So please stay with your blog.

    Thanks for the chance to win. Our bathroom is being remodeled so the soap would be perfect as well as all the other goodies.

    Charlotte

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  82. Congratulations on six years of blogging! I really enjoy checking in and seeing what new little quilts you have created. I'm amazed at your talent.
    Thank you for the chance to win and your generosity.
    Marian
    sayers.gmlren at gmail.com

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  83. Wow - 6 years!! So fun!! This would be a wonderful collection of goodies to receive!! I have followed you for years!! Just so you know I did not stop by just to win, I would remind you that I am the one that LOVES your non-gluten zucchini muffins!! I can hardly beleive I used the word non-gluten and LOVE in the same sentence!! Yikes!! And like Marian, I too am amazed at your talent!! Love ya!!

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  84. I love your little pillow, I am going to make this one. Congrats on 6 yeaars of blogging, I do enjoy following a variety of makers, bakers and artists!! Happy Memorial Day!

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  85. Congratulations on 6 years! I love following blogs. I learn so much. Have never figured out the Instagram thing even though I opened an account. Love the little Dresden pin cushion, and thank you for thinking of us with your giveaway.

    ckrutjo@gmail.com

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  86. Congrats on your blog anniversary! I look forward to reading each time you post! Love all that you so kindly share with us!

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  87. Happy belated anniversary, Janet! I'm so glad that you are sticking with your blog. I always look forward to your posts and am inspired by the beautiful things you share here. I am currently working on a quilt that has 'small to me' pieces and I have been thinking of you and wishing you were here to impart your wisdom on working with these little triangles.
    Your Dresden is simply darling and I know the winner of your giveaway is tickled with your wonderful gift collection.

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