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Sunday, March 5, 2017

Secret Life


As my green Paper Lantern pile grows,


my secret sewing is closer to being finished.
I look forward to replacing one for the other on the design wall.
I only have ten three more lanterns to make!

I fly back to the east coast in just a few short weeks,
and I'd like to be packing a finished flimsy
instead of a baggie full of partially finished blocks.
So why not link up to 


this month?

As I've been attaching lantern tops and bottoms,
I am reminded that I finger press,
a lot,
when I am pressing seams with the iron,
especially when there is bulk.
It makes a big difference.
I know, I know, it also slows down the process,
but the process is the best part!

I've been stitching up some smaller gifties, too.



I never got beyond these first two blocks during a past QAL,
despite my best intentions,
so two little totes for two sweet little girls,


pillowcases for my three Houston kids,


and necktie onesies for my
Houston kids' new baby boy cousin!

With a forecast of 100% chance of rain for the entire weekend,
it's back to the sewing machine for me!
My blogging break is over.

But, before I go,
I had to share this picture.


I made Crafty Daughter a pillow to match her quilt.
And when she's not looking.........
.....The Secret Life of Pets?

Hope you have a quilty day,
no matter how large or small your project,
no matter your weather!

XO,
Karen








41 comments:

Raewyn said...

Your bags are gorgeous - I recognise where they came fronm - such pretty blocks and a great use of them. You've made some very lovely gifts lately too, you'll have lots of children thinking you're the best yet! Good luck with your goal of finishing the flimsy - a lot can happen in a few weeks!

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

The bags are adorable. Love the photo of the dog. At least the pillow is getting used. LOL

Sheila said...

Oh Karen you are so creative and so thoughtful, the totes, onesies, pillowcases will all be loved by the recipients. You are really moving along on your lanterns , you will be done in no time now .

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

winter is almost at an end - hope it won't be too cold when you get back to your cabin in the north

Lesley said...

You have some wonderful quilty things here! Great gifts, and I love to see your stack of lanterns grow and grow!

Linda Reeder said...

You are such an expert, and you accomplish so much.

Sandra :) said...

WOW this is a great collection of finishes - I like the sleeping doggo picture the best, lol. I've made tie onesies for the greats (nephews and nieces) - I even got pictures of brothers wearing the same onesie from old Aunt Sandra, several years apart - awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Fantastic bags....look forward to seeing more of those blocks 💖💖💖

Binsa said...

Enjoyed your post Karen what a. Lassie pic of the dog grin

Simone de Klerk said...

You have been quilty again! Lovely bright fabrics you have been using in your projects. Pets know the best places to be!
Happy week xox

Karen said...

You've been busy, Karen. What kind of coffee do you drink? :) Your projects are all wonderful, but I especially love those necktie onesies. Adorable.

Patty said...

Looking forward to seeing secret sewing! Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and good luck with your project.

Anonymous said...

So many wonderful gifts and great progress on the lantern quilt. Love photo of your daughter's dog.

Anthea said...

Pets always claim the most comfy spots, don't they Karen?!
I love those little totes... I started that QAL too & have also made 2 blocks... it's on my radar to finish because I love the fabrics.

Karen said...

The totes are adorable. Very fun onies. It appears your daughter is not going to use the pillow. Someone else wants it.

Linda said...

First of all...."I fly back to the east coast in just a few short weeks"...when? when? So great to be thinking about you coming back soon. We are getting closer to the big reveal and I am just busting with excitement. And...you are such a generous quilter! All your little people are so lucky. Great projects! Love those little onesies.

Janice Holton said...

So many fun goodies you have made! I must not be paying attention because I don't know what your green lanterns quilt is going to look like. I look forward to seeing it!

Needled Mom said...

That is a perfect use for those blocks. They turned out really cute as did those adorable onesies.

Looking forward to seeing those lanterns.

Lynette said...

Hey! You are jammin' with those lanterns. And yes - I love the help of finger pressing for getting a really good, accurate iron pressing at the board. :D

Abby and Stephanie said...

I'm excited about Paper Lanterns! Every doggies needs a quilt (and pillow). Crafty Daughter did a great job. The dragonfly bags are a great way to use up blocks and those are pretty bags! Pillowcases and necktie onsies...so much handmade goodness.

Allie-oops Designs said...

What gorgeous bags, and what a clever solution to using blocks! You have been busy, girl. Love the onesies, and the pillow to match the quilt - best of all, it's dog-approved, lol!

Cheryl said...

Great finishes! I love the pillow cases and the bags.

Sondra said...

Lovely work! Those tote are dazzling!! Love the sleepy dog he knows a good soft pillow when he sees it!

Createology said...

Love your enthusiasm for making your flimsy Lantern quilt. Those dragonfly totes are gorgeous! Fun pillowcases for the kids. Love the onesies with the appliqued ties. You are a sewing maven dear. <3

Bernie Kringel said...

Those onesies are so fun!! What a great gift.☺

Fiona said...

you are keeping busy..... great use of lonely blocks in the totes..... Lucky you having lots of rain.... now back to work you go!!
Hugz

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen love those bags you have some gorgeous finishes there,well done .

Karen's Korner said...

You have been one very busy girl. Lovely finishes.

Andree G. Faubert said...

Hi Karen, your totes and necktie onesies are gorgeous.

Michelle Ridgway said...

Lots of lovely projects coming together Karen x

Paige said...

Cute bags! Good luck completing your lanterns!

Sugar Free Quilts said...

Love what you do with your quilty time!! Many loved ones, including the four legged variety, will enjoy your beautiful projects!

Jeanna said...

Those totes are just too cute. They will make great gifts. Always feels good to salvage blocks when they don't make it into a quilt.

Edith said...

Lovely gifts, great pictures, hope you get your flimsy completed.

Dan Kelly said...

The necktie onesies are awesome! I also love the pup all curled up on your handiwork. :)

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Oh my. You have been so busy making all those cute gifts. Also love the monkey and your sweet puppy. Have a safe trip back.

Preeti said...

Bags, onesies, lanterns - what is going on? You really need help in making up your mind, Karen :-D
Wish you all the best in your goals and safe travels.
Hugs,
Preeti.

JanineMarie said...

These are all cute projects, but those onesies. Oh, those onesies!!

Anonymous said...

Such cute things in this post! I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks for your sharing.

Sandra Walker said...

Wow, have you been busy! Love the totes, and all the special personal gifts, but that dog (mastiff methinks?) lounging on the pillow/couch!! LOLOL

baili said...

i really appreciate your wonderful work of marvelous art!!!