Julia's Birthday

My granddaughter, Julia, is turning 11.  Happy birthday, Julia!  She loves owls, so I made her an owl wall hanging for her room.  How many 11-year-old girls do you know who can't think of anything they want for their birthdays?   Well, Julia is one, and she is very special.

Here is a photo of the owl wall hanging I made for her.

It looked really nice hanging on my living room wall.  I may have to make another one when I have time.  I machine appliqued the owl, oak limb, and acorns.  I shaded in the bars on its wings using a brown colored pencil.  I stepped out on a limb (pun intended!) and machine quilted this project, around the objects, then used FMQ to try and show the movement of the owl's wings.  I'll share a couple more pictures that are closer so that you can see the detail:

This was the first time I used my Janome 7700 to make a quilt label for the back, and I was very pleased with the outcome.

The applique pattern was taken from a Ryan McKenna pattern.  I simplified by using one fabric for the back and leaving out the baby owls and a squirrel.  I was really pleased when I finished, and I mailed it to my granddaughter.  I hope you like it, Julia!

Thanks for stopping by!

In My Words Giveaway

Congratulations to Agnes from DachsiesWithMoxieMama.  You have won the giveaway!  I will be sending 2 flowery fat quarters your way when I get your address. This has been a great blog hop with lots of inspiring words and beautiful projects.  I'm proud to be part of this quilting community.  Good-bye until the next hop!

"In My Words" and A Giveaway

Today is my day to post what I have made for "In Your Words".  First off, a big 'thank you" to Linda and to Madame Samm for making this blog happen and for introducing me to so many great quilters.

 I almost didn't join this hop since it was so close to the holidays, and I had a houseful of guests.  But, I made a spiral table runner for my daughter-in-law, Susan, that incorporated words and thought I could always use that if I ran out of time.  The words were very appropriate for me as well.

Fortunately, I did find time to make a new project.  How do you choose words that describe yourself?  I started with nouns that describe me:  mother, grandmother, quilter, piebaker, etc. but decided to focus on words that bring me joy.  I chose to embroider these words in a "word search" format to give me some much-needed practice.  I used graph paper to set up the words.  Then, a light box came in handy to trace the words to my fabric.  I also embroidered some leaves, a flower, and a butterfly to make it more interesting.

Next, I needed to decide what project to make, and I decided on a mug rug.  I have never made one before.    I have been wanting to try free-motion quilting--I've practiced--but I never felt confident enough to really use it on a project.  I got a new (used) machine this week that I thought would make free-motion quilting easier, so I decided to take the plunge.  It isn't perfect, but I think it is acceptable.  Here is my first FMQ project!

I decided to make one for my husband, also, using nouns to describe him.  I don't want to sit down to a cup of tea and a snack alone!

                Oops, something happened to one of the cookies on the plate!  (One of my favorites.)

                   
Since you took the time to read or skim over my post, and I know you have read lots of posts today, I'm having a give-away.  I'm giving away 2  fat quarters.  They are by Moda.  You may choose either the lavender or the blue.

 Just become a follower and leave a post.  I think it would be fun to see what machine everyone is using, so also tell me what machine you use for quilting.  I will do my drawing  on January 16th.  Please be sure I have your e-mail address.

If you are here, you have probably visited the other blogs for today, but just to be sure, here is today's schedule:

Thursday, January 10

Life in the Scrapatch (Pat B.)

Just Sew Sue (Sue B.)

Nati's Little Things (Nati)

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans (Amy)

Pig Tales and Quilts (Thearica)

Scrappy 'n Happy (Jess R.)

Little Mushroom Cap (Amira A.)

Moosestash Quilting (Joan K.)

Sowing Stitches (Beulah aka. Carol)

Just Quilt It  (Kathy G.)  That's me!

There are so many words to describe so many wonderful people on this hop.  I hope you are enjoying this blog hop as much as I am!  Happy Quilting!

"In Your Words"

"In Your Words" blog hop begins on Monday.  Go to:  www.sewwequilt.com to see the schedule.  I'm looking forward to seeing what so many creative quilters make in this blog hop.  I will be posting mine on January 10th.  It is almost done, and I can't wait to finish it.  I hope to see you on the blog hop!