Jelly Roll Quilts for Hospice patients

So many of you make lap quilts for Hospice patients that I thought I'd share a wonderful pattern for a quickee quilt for wheelchair patients, etc.
Jelly rolls come in several sizes. If you should happen to have one of the larger rolls, with as many as 40 strips(see NOTICE at bottom of this posting) of fabric, divide the strips in half and using only 20 of them. follow the directions below.
If you don't have a jelly roll, select 20 of your favorite pieces of fabric in your "collection" that have at least a piece large enough to cut a 2 1/2" X entire width of fabric usually 42" strip. Having 20 strips will be ample for making a small laptop quilt.
Sew the 20 strips together connecting all of them making one long long strip of fabric.
Once the strips are sewn together, take one end and chop off 18".
*Pick up one end of the strip and place it on the top end of the strip, placing them right sides together.
Sew the raw edges of the strips together making a strip 4 1/2" wide. When you get to the end of this, cut it into two pieces.*
Repeat the process above beginning with the * area. This will make a strip
8 1/2" wide.
Repeat * to * until you have sewn all together as wide as you wish it to be.
( 4 repeats will end up being 32 1/2" wide X 51"length. This a nice width and length for a lap quilt.
Press seams to one side in the same direction.
Borders may be added to attach to the stripped center. They may be as wide as you wish to have the desired length.
Make a sandwich of the stripped top, batting, and a backing.
Machine quilt as you wish. Add Binding as you wish.
NOTICE:The 40 strips will make 2 wheelchair lap quilts using other fabrics for borders. Follow the directions above, and when all strips are sewn as directed cut in half for two hospice size quilts.

Bobbin Lace velvet purse

Hi, all,
Christmas is coming...........you must get started on the bobbin lace activity to make presents for this big event. Look carefully at all the pictures to know how to do this. I used a fusible wash-away stablizer for the base of the snowflake. (children's coloring books have big pictures to use for angels, trees, snowflakes,etcl)Trace the pattern onto the stablizer, then hoop it up; and using straight line stitching, completely fill the pattern with circles that overlap. You must overlap, so that the stitching stays together. Outline stitching is great but be sure to catch all of the circles to be sure that they all are tied together. Metallic thread is wound in the bobbin (not filling it except about half full. Regular thread is used on top of the machine. Such fun and so effective! Once you have the pattern completely full of thread, spray with water to remove stablizer. Let dry several hours. I used a dinner plate for a large circle pattern for my black velvet. Cut two bases, and two lining circles. Fuse them together with your favorite fusing material. Pin pattern to center of front circle. Use invisible thread to attach it to the center. (I added a gold button for more embellishment) Right sides together, sew the two circles together stopping about 2" from the top. Cover raw edges with seam binding, fold inside purse, and hand stitch to lining fabric. Add braided ribbon for handles.

"Old friends" are so wonderful!

Just got an email from a dear friend named Jody,from my "other life" in Texas. She sent me a picture of her "autumn wreath" that she had made using my Christmas wreath idea from this blog back on Dec. 7th, 2010. She plans on making a wreath for each change of season! What a neat idea that is! I love to see people getting creative with the ideas that I give, as so many of you are so talented! All you need is a little idea and you run with it! WONDERFUL!
Can't you imagine how cute this wreath will be in February with Valentine fabrics all over it and hearts added. This wreath starts with a styrofoam circle and fabric "prairie points" that are so simple to make, pinned onto the circle with just plain pins!
Check the archives from years past that are also on this blog. They have many ideas that you are welcome to use! Happy Halloween!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from "Charlotte," my spider,and me!

Block #4 visual directions: see written directions below this entry

Mystery Quilt Quilt of Valor Block #4

Block #4 is so pretty. You only have to make 4 blocks. Remember to use SCANT 1/4" seams on this one. Friend of mine said that she always added a 1/4" extra on outside squares to be assured of having a 12 1/2" block when she squares up. Now, there is one smart lady. For some reason, some 1/4" foots for some machines, do not actually give you a 1/4" seam. BE SURE TO CHECK YOURS!
Follow the directions carefully.

Halloween pumpkin delight

This is absolutely to die for. I gave the recipe last year, but some of you haven't tried it, so here it is again. This has replaced pumpkin pie at our house. It is much better and even better for you!
1 15oz can pumpkin
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar or Splenda or sugar substitute that you use
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 (18.25oz) package butter-flavored yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans (if you like nuts)
1 cup butter melted
sprinkle of ground nutmeg
Lite Cool whip optional
Stir first 5 ingredients together. Pour into a lightly sprayed Pam 13 X 9 in. baking dish. Sprinkle entire box of cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle pecons on top. Drizzle butter evenly over top of all.
Bakd 350 degrees for 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 min. or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and let stand 10 min. before serving. Serve warm or at room temp. with Cool Whip or whipped cream if desired. sprinkle nutmeg on top of topping.
I used a Betty Crocker Super Moist Butter Yellow Cake Mix.