Teapots and Vintage Children Quilted Placemats

Having taken several weeks to do so, I finally finished the quilted placemats! There are four and I'm featuring two here so you can see the difference in the quilting. One has a smaller stitch pattern in the quilting, which was a mistake that went unnoticed until I was finished. This is done on a 2 inch measure while the larger one was completed on a 3 inch. I do prefer the 3 inch because the tighter quilting causes the mats to curl a bit.

What I would do differently next time is save enough fabric for an edge binding!

On the board today is a long time awaited project! I've had fabric and boards for valances for a long time and I'm finally working on them now. Will post as I go!

Reversible Teacup and Vintage Children Placemats

Here is one of the placemats I mentioned earlier. The fabric with the teacups came from Frugal Fabrics in Newnan, Ga. (this place has some really great deals on end of bolts and remnants) and the vintage children came from a local fabric store. I forgot to keep track of the selvages and having tossed them, I have no clue who makes these! Sorry, I'll watch it closer in the future and have the info on the next projects, I promise!

I use a rotary cutter and mat to cut crisp, even lines. Honestly, if you frequently cut straight lines or angles, I cannot recommend this enough. It is fast and accurate and having sewn for more than 30 years, I can't believe I didn't know about it until I began quilting just about four years ago. Anyway, this project was super simple. I made the placemats based on the size of six panels from the vintage children print. It was quite oversized when freshly cut but once I added batting and quilted it, it is just right.

I cut the fabrics and batting based on the size of the vintage children panels. I wanted six panels in each mat, so I cut about 1/2 inch around the design area. If I didn't have the panels I would have measured 14 1/2 X 19 1/2 inches for these large mats. Why large? Because I wanted the mat to gracefully accomodate the place settings without being crowded.

I put the fabrics right sides together with batting on the outside. I simply stitched the "sandwich" together, leaving enough room on one side to turn everything inside out. Making sure to push the all the corners out, I then closed the seam on the side and pressed the placemat to prepare it for quilting.

I was careful to use black thread in my bobbin so it would coordinate with the black side of the placemat, and beige on the top. All of the thread I used was cotton.

You'll note a green pin in the center. I placed it there just for the blog as it might be hard to see the washable marked X in the actual center of the placemat. I marked it after laying my long ruler from one corner to the next, turned the placemat and went from the 3rd corner to the 4th, making an X in the center of the mat. I lined the up X with the needle, though it doesn't look like it in the photo, and sewed from one corner to the other. This line served as my guide for the rest of the quilting. All this time, my cellphone didn't ring! I can't believe it... it is just lying there.My Pfaff machine comes with a guide so the quilting lines are evenly spaced. It's that little metal thingie on the right of the presser foot. If your machine doesn't have this you really can eyeball it pretty easily. One of the instructors I sew with told us to always remember it is "just" a project... not life and death, so things do not always have to be perfect! While that does make creating a project more enjoyable, I do prefer lines and seams to be as straight as possible. It is the control freak in me... maybe one day they'll make a pill for that!
So I quilted from one side to the other, then turned it and quilted the rest. Simple enough and now it is finished! I might still put a finishing edge on it, but then again maybe not. I'm kind of impatient with projects that repeat, and I still have three more placemats to make! Anyway, here's the view with the vintage kids. I plan to use the teacups for the more formal days and the kids for everyday.
Here are the simplified instructions:

• Measure your fabrics based on either an existing placemat (add 1/2 inch around for seams) or the theme of your fabric pattern.
• Put right sides together and batting on the outside.
• Stitch closed, leaving an opening to turn.
• Turn right side out.
• Push corners out with a dull but pointy object (a closed pen will do), then stitch side closed
• Iron placemat
• Mark center
• Quilt

Hope you enjoy this project!

I finally got back into my sewing room and have I ever missed it! Just having the fabric pieces around me and sewing one to the other was like therapy. Anyway, here's the latest: A baby quilt for a precious little one. This is the one I hinted about earlier, here's the original picture: It is a cute little kit from JoAnn's, about $12 and the directions are very easy. The only problem was that I have a hard time reading patterns and measured probably four times to make absolutely sure I was cutting correctly. I knew I wouldn't be able to replace the fabric if I didn't take extra time to do it right. Here is the kit opened up: For a pro, this would work up in probably a matter of three hours, from cut to finished. It took me about five hours which still makes it a fast project. I did an extra step by adding batting to the blankie. The directions don't call for batting but I think the softer the better, so batting it is! Sweating over those measurements cost me extra time for sure, but what a cool gift to give... not too time consuming, already color and theme coordinated at a price that is quite reasonable. I'm now a huge fan of these kits! Here's the little blankie finished:

A close up of the fabrics with a Noah's Ark theme... so cute! The green feels like Minky. If you aren't familiar with it, it is an incredibly soft baby fabric that is perfect for everything from blankets to PJ's for grown ups! If you'd like a larger view, you can try clicking on the pix.
Here's the underside. I hope the little one enjoys it!
Upcoming goodies from The Empty Nest:

• Two-sided placemats for the dining room table. One side features vintage children the other teapots.
• A skirt inspired by some beautiful Moda charms a friend gave me as a gift.
• A small denim purse (Junk Drawers / see post from Sept 19) for neice Lindsay
• Pix of some vintage sewing goodies I received with Grandmother's sewing machine!

I'll post as I work on these and more surprises!

Thanks for visiting the Nest and God bless!

Thanks for being patient!

I've heard from a few of you who have asked about my blog. Thanks so much for your interest and your kind prayers while my mom was ill and our subsequent loss in early March. Mom left us on March 10, when the door of her mansion in Heaven swung wide open and Jesus welcomed her home.
Mom's last photo taken on dad's birthday on Feb 24 08 (Pix added on April 8)

Of course, I'm selfish and wanted to keep her longer. But not to dwell, mom would say, "Pick yourself up by the bootstraps!" So that's what I'm going to do! It's time to SEW and try out the machine left to me, an Italian made antique that belonged to my grandma, Mommy Lollo. Yes, strange name for a grandma but if I'm ever a grandma, I want the little varmints to call me 'Her Royal Highness' as soon as they can pronounce their 'R's'. Anyway, I found the paperwork that came with the machine. Grandmother made payments on this machine while she made clothes for my cousins and me as well as dresses for her to wear to church. I can't wait to run some thread through it and honor my mom and grandmother.

It is truly something to cherish and I'll take pix once we get it home and set up. I have lots of new projects on the horizon, having received some beautiful charm squares from my dearest friend Ange and also some fabric for a skirt from my dad who sent me to the fabric store with a gift certificate!


Meanwhile, the pix below is of me and dad on Easter Sunday. Such a strong and handsome guy, don't you think?


He is so precious and I am blessed with him in my life.

Kerby Meets Max

I just had to share this photo of our little Kerby. She is such a bold little dog, so much so, that when she met our Lipazzaner grandpony Max for the first time, she gave in to curiosity. Her questions were written all over her face: "What does that thing taste like? Can I eat it? Can I keep it?" She was bold and excited to meet him but our little Hooveman, our second Boston Terrier wasn't amused at all and actually shook all over at the sight of the horse, then promptly got sick. Poor thing, we had no idea he was so afraid! Kerby, however, wanted so much to be let loose with her new friend, an indulgence we did not allow! Photo credit: Aubern Mason copyright 2008.

How NOT to make a wallet

I just realized it has been a while since my last post! I have been super busy and though I've sewn a new wallet, I forgot to take pictures of the process which really is a good thing because I also forgot to quilt it! Don't know what I was thinking but here it is, just don't look too closely! This is a Moda fabric and I'd love to give you the details of how to make it, how much fabric it took etc... but I must have been asleep while sewing because I kinda made from scraps and made it up as I went. My friend has one from a "famous" designer and I got my inspiration there. If you want to know how NOT to make a wallet, check this out:There is a place for the driver's license, which is way too big so it also holds business cards, discount cards and is almost big enough for a change of clothes! Ha! Also there are slots for bank cards and then a zipper pouch for coins, but I guess I thought I'd be poor forever because I didn't put a place in for dollar bills! We'll call this one a prototype of how NOT to make a wallet.

Too bad I don't have enough of this gorgeous fabric left to give it another shot, but I found some other in my stash that is funky and cute and I'll photo that as I work on it.

I'm happy to share the flukes as well as the fabs, so drop in again soon to see what we've created or ruined! :0)

Noah's Ark Baby Quilt

I needed another baby gift and enjoyed making the last one so much that I decided to do it again... this time it is a Noah's Ark themed quilt, a kit from JoAnn's. The "kit" concept is cool because everything is already there and I don't have to consider challenges like color value, fabric weight or design. Here's the kit, which consists of fabric and the pattern. This design can be used for a little boy or girl but I will be adding pink ribbons for accent since our gift is for a girl.

When you open the bundle, you find an assortment of fabrics that you will cut from. The pattern is easy enough to follow and after cutting everything out, the first one I made took about 4 hours. I think this one might go faster since I've already done one before. At least I hope it does!

I'll post pictures during sewing and when completed. If anyone is interested, I found these cute little blankets at the store, not online. The only one online was a red firetruck themed quilt that has sold out. Call your local JoAnns for info. To check out the red one, log on to: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat463846&PRODID=prd62090&source=search

Fluffy Baby Blanket

I needed a gift for my niece, who is expecting a baby girl in February. When I saw this kit at JoAnn's I just knew this would be something she would like. Not only so the expressions on the bunny's faces (see below) make this quilt special, but also the puffy heart border fabric, satins and of course the sweet little pink checks. I put little "X's" at the intersection of each block because Mr. Empty Nester said to. I like to do what he says on occasion, just to let him think he is in charge. It works pretty well that way.

The kit came with lengths of fabric and I had to cut the exact sizes required on the pattern. Doesn't sound hard, but for me, it was a challenge and the squares are just a half inch off on the sides, so I had to rip out one section as I put 8" square side where I should have put the 7 1/2" square side.

The pattern did not require batting but she lives in Ohio, so I put some in it so baby would be super duper warm and cozy. Today it is off in the mail to my niece, who hopefully will enjoy the blanket as much as I enjoyed making it for her!

Aubern's travel wallet: Amy Butler

My daughter Aubern asked if I could make her a travel wallet. She needed one that would hold her passport and foreign currency. The key here is "foreign" currency. She had several bills from other countries for me to measure, and there are huge differences in size between bills from the U.S. and Italy, France and England. All of the coins she had were much thicker than ours (and much more ornate, I might add) so she needed places in the wallet to accommodate these things. I went on a search for a pattern and could find nothing suitable. Her requirements, besides the accommodation of over sized currency, were:

A long strap

A folding design that would lie as flat as possible

Cute fabric

She found fabric in the Amy Butler line that is just gorgeous. I, however, couldn't find a pattern suitable for her needs. Everything I found was designed to hold a checkbook or was large enough to be a small purse, so I custom made this for her:

I machine quilted the fabric and fussy cut the design so when she unfolded it, the back would feature the large design.

The magnetic clasp inside is covered with two pound British coin on the outside. I used E-6000, a very strong glue, to adhere it to the fabric. Here's the back:

And here's the inside:Both sides function as bill carriers, so she can carry large bills on one side, small on the other, or foreign on one side and American on the other. The change purse (below the green pocket) is over sized and right now has all of her foreign change in it. I'm surprised that it holds all of it. I put a zipper closure on it so the coins wouldn't fall out when folding and unfolding the wallet. The green pocket is for her passport and made from my stash of free upholstery samples of quilted Duponi silk.

The strap is adjustable with D rings, so she could even wear it around her waist if she chose to. If I were to make a second one, I think I would make the body just a bit longer so the coin pocket and the passport pocket would be just a bit further apart. Other than that, I think it will work just fine.

Travel Totes

This pattern must have been a class assignment because honestly, with all due respect to the appliqued flowers on front, as we say down south, "It ain't pretty". It is such a challenge for me when I see a pattern like this, to picture it in fabrics and accents that I like. I don't sell this pattern, but you can probably find it by calling Timber Lane Press at 208-765-3353. Here's the pattern:
I made this bag in 2006 as a Christmas gift for my daughter Aubern, who travels frequently. The fabric is from Laurel Burch, a textile artist who uses whimsical designs that often feature cats, horses and birds. I purchased this fabric from a local quilt shop and it was a limited edition. You can find great Laurel Burch fabrics at http://www.fabric.com/ The last time they were visiting us, Aubern commented that her husband needed a bag too. Between the two of them, they have enough magazines and stuff to carry that it would be helpful if he had one. Mr. Empty Nester and I shopped for some manly fabric, conferred with Aubern for the steel gray monogram, and here's the result.
By the way, the wall you are seeing behind the chair is a faux finishing that Aubern and her husband Ian did in my kitchen. They are professional artists and they made my plain old wall look like authentic old Savannah brick, complete with aged posters. It is undoubtedly my favorite part of the house! (to see more of this wall and to check our their website, log on to http://www.flyingcatstudio.com/ ) Anyway, as featured in an earlier blog entry, Ian was excited to receive his bag for Christmas though I actually finished it this past weekend when he brought it with him for their visit. I had forgotten the inside binding!
This is a great bag because of all the compartments. It has two wide ones inside (I sewed one up the middle to provide two map pockets), two on each end that have elastic at the top, a small zipper pouch with a pocket behind it, and an outside pocket. It has hefty wide straps to help with the frequent overload of weight a bag like this might have to bear. This is the kind of bag you fill up, then add more!
So that's how an otherwise boring pattern became two cool bags. I'll make one for myself this year, but not for a while... I have a lot of other things to sew just now!

Reversible Quilted Table Runner

I saw this cool pattern while in one of my favorite quilt stores, Heritage Quilts and Fabrics in Newnan, Ga. It really is a great store. It is well organized, the staff is friendly and the selection of fabrics are great. They have cool little kits they've put together, which brews inspiration like a fine cup of tea!While browsing in the shop this past November, I saw this table runner pattern that allows you to sew the front and back of the runner at the same time. How cool is that! Of course, I had to try it out, so I purchased a stack of various but coordinating fat quarters, cranked up my Pfaff, and pulled out the pattern.I decided to use a tropical print on one side to herald those hot Savannah summers, and a rich print to use the rest of the year on the other side. Really, the darker print is a bit Christmas oriented but it goes so well with the colors in my home that I plan to enjoy it for the majority of the year. Here, you can see the two sides and a bit of detail at the tip, with a vintage-look button and beaded tassel. (click on image to view larger) This is how I plan to use it throughout most of the year: Calling all Jimmy Buffet fans! Here's the summer splash of color, perfect for a cheerful tropical flair: I'll be shopping for coral and teal candles this summer to complement this vibrant design, and those glass coasters you see in the other image will go well with it too. Chloe the cat (upper left corner) is not amused at my camera flash!The project requires strip and triangle cutting and is something an experienced sewer can complete on a weekend. You can make it shorter or longer, depending on your needs. I thoroughly enjoyed the process of assembling it while learning how to quilt two sides at once!Of course, my fabrics are Moda, and if it weren't 3 a.m., I'd let you know what patterns they are! Soon as I look it up, I'll edit this posting and share those details.

2008 Brings A Quilt Pattern Each Day!

Remember way back when a desktop actually meant the top of your desk, not the screen of your computer? Me too, and I will never, ever get accustomed to clicking on that little clock in the bottom corner of my screen to find out what day it is. I want to glance, not click for a date, so a-hunting-I-did-go for a small, functional calendar that would give me the day and month at a glance. This one does none of that, but oh, how I love it!

To be fair, it DOES give the day at a glance, plus a nifty quilt pattern! For $8.47 at Sam's Club, I found something to inspire my sewing, take my mind off of newspaper deadlines AND give me the correct date. Though I really needed to see the month all at once, I figure I can put up with the absence of that little tidbit in lieu of a bunch of really cool patterns.
Every few days or so, you get an image of a quilt like the one above.

The following days feature individual blocks within the quilt, some with applique and others in traditional patterns.

Accord Publishing produces this delightful gem, and my only regrets are that A) it doesn't "stand" very well with it's little box that folds back to convert to a desktop holder, B) it is the "Best of" calendar, which means I've missed a few before and C) that little bugger of no month at a glance. Still, I am delighted with it and cannot wait to turn the next day to see what lies ahead!

Of course, if my editor calls to find out why I missed a deadline, you can find me at the sewing machine!

Jelly Roll Quilt: A bit of detail

When we made The Boy's quilt, Mr. Empty Nester suggested we use a different stitch in each Log Cabin square. I pushed for something faster, since Christmas was just around the corner and we were stitching things like we'd lost our minds..."we're just a little sweatshop", I told him, seam ripper clenched in my teeth. But he pressed on, literally, as the iron was hot and each 1/4" seam was folded neatly, and the result I must admit, was worth every stitch.

Here's a fancy zigzag, one of the basic built in stitches on the Pfaff we use.
This curvy stitch was one of my favorites, and one of the first ones The Boy noticed. "Wow, they're all different!" he exclaimed, with the appropriate enthusiasm after his little sweatshop parents had labored into many a wee hour.

My favorite fabric on the entire quilt is that on the bottom left section of the 2nd image. We used the same fabric on the back, and it is just scrumptious.

We're baaackkk!

I can't believe it has been a month since we've posted, but then again, that's pretty much how we roll here at the Empty Nest. Things get busy and the next thing you know, it's a whole new year. But on to matters at hand:

We made every gift this year and we've been busy sewing lots of things including table runners for our son's wedding , monogrammed sheets for Christmas, a travel bag for our son in law and a lap quilt for mom. Here's some pix for you to check out:

I used a pre-quilted fabric for this travel bag / carry on for my son in law. Inside, there are a bunch of pockets including two with elastic at the top and one that zips shut. I made one for my daughter (his wife) last year and they carry it on airplanes when they travel and have had to pack it really full so they would both have what they needed. Now they each have one and this one is obviously great for a guy. The monogram is from a Pfaff embroidery program and in a steel gray thread.

I chose a striped upholstery fabric for the inside because it is not only manly but durable and light enough so things can be seen inside the bag. Remember when you make a bag of any kind, the inside should be constructed of light fabric so you can see into the bag.

This is mom's lap quilt that I gave her at her bedside in the nursing home. I pieced the top and Mr. Empty Nester took care of the quilting and binding. We worked until the 11th hour to finish it in time before leaving for Atlanta for Christmas.

Here are three of five sheet sets we did this year. We purchase 400, 500 and 600 count sheets and pillowcases when we find them on clearance during the year and monogram them for family at Christmas. We went with an art deco monogram this time around, trying to match color palettes of the recipients. Last year's sheets and pillowcases featured elegant Victorian monograms... beautiful, but not everyone loves those swirls and lacy patterns. Funny, but when I asked this year if everyone was tired of receiving sheets, the response was a firm "NO"! Seems they love the Egyptian cotton AND the monograms!

And here's The Boy's quilt. This one is special in several ways. First, the pattern is very manly, and actually a reproduction of Confederate era prints. It is Moda's Jacob's Ladder, rich and detailed, and honestly the image doesn't do the colors justice. This was a jelly roll and though it measures a hefty 72" X 48" (I'm pretty sure of those dimensions), we still had some jelly roll strips left over at the end of the project. We pieced it in a log cabin design and every square features different stitches. The Pfaff machine has quite a few to choose from and I selected the ones that would stitch out the quickest while Mr. Empty Nester chose them just because he liked them. We both pieced, quilted and top stitched this one. The Boy was delighted and spent almost a week with it before his wedding day on December 29.

If you haven't tried a Moda Jelly Roll, you're missing a treat. These are fun and easy, and when it comes to quilting, I'm a level 1 beginner! I've been more of a craftsperson, sewing purses, pillows, etc. and was always afraid I wouldn't ever get the chance to make a quilt. My first was the fat quarter "magic" quilt (see photo above. quilt is behind sheets). We call it the magic quilt because everyone who gets near it cuddles up in it and doesn't want to move. It is just like a hug!

Peggy's Purse: for the infirmed

This is a bedside purse to keep things at hand like the telephone, remote control and eyeglasses. I designed this for mom to use in her hospital bed because she cannot reach well, and this puts everything close by.

I was planning to take photos along the way but forgot, so I'll describe its function: The purse has non-skid rubber underneath the adjustable straps. One strap can be high while the other low, to accommodate the tilt of a hospital bed. One of the three pockets is clear so she doesn't have to fish around to find small items... she can see them at her bedside.

The bonus to the bag is that it will convert for use on a walker or wheelchair. Just button the straps in place and go. Another feature is a removable insert to keep the bottom stable and can be removed for washing.

For the exception of the pockets, I quilted the fabric which gave it a bit more stability. Of course, this isn't like a purse for valuables, just something to hold the "stuff" one might need while lying in a hospital bed or walking on a walker.

I call it "Peggy's Purse", in honor of mom.

Leather Truck Caddy Bag

I find myself clutching most everything in my arms while Mr. Empty Nester drives happily with his stuff stashed in the console. There was no place for the junk I think I need to carry from place to place. What junk? Well, only the important stuff... my reading glasses, cell phone, sunglasses, knitting, small magazines and treats for the pups when they go off with us. I don't use the console because it is husband territory, the place where old keys, flashlights and maps live. The maps are kept handy because men do not ask for directions, they do their own research.

Having mentioned this (probably more than once), my hubby found some leather scraps that matched his truck and suggested I make something to keep my stuff in. Requirements were: It had to be manly, had to look nice, had to made of the approved leather and it had to be something that could be removed if necessary. "Necessary" means if it fades or something terrible like that and mars the innate beauty of the interior of said truck. By the way, it looks baby blue in the photo. Trust me, it is not. It is a very cool (and manly) gray.

No problem, oh hubby of mine! So I whipped out the sewing machine and thought this might be "the" project to do my machine in... but no. It sewed the leather like it was cotton. No kidding! I used a leather needle and rayon thread, only because it was the only thread I had at the time, and in about an hour, the bag was hanging in the truck, waiting for my junk. I almost carried my knitting out there just to see how it would fit.

The bag is a bit (ahem!) "rustic" shall we say... I could have rolled the edges of the tabs and even lined it but I was most interested in functionality. Also, we didn't have a lot of the leather, so the back of the bag and its tabs are pieced. How's that for manly?!

Sorry I didn't take pix during the process, but if you want to try something like this, you should use rather soft leather and make sure you follow your machine's criteria for sewing on tougher materials. I winged the design since I was just needing something to fit the area above the glove compartment.

The next project on the drawing board: a pretty carryall bag for my mom's bed at the nursing home. Criteria: it has to be pretty, have sections for cool stuff like her portable telephone, TV remote, tissues and whatever else she wants to have access to. It will also need to hang on her walker when she gets up and 'runnin again!

I'll post that project as I go!

Embroidered Reversible Placemats with Covered Buttons!

These are reversible placemats I made from a recent sewing class. The paisley pattern reverses to the monogram and vice-versa. They nestle in as an insert in a fabric "frame", which is the bordering fabric. You make the frame and then the reversible placemat, and interchange as you wish. This would be great to have an everyday design on one side and then a special design (Christmas, Valentine's, birthday) on the other.


I made this in a sewing class recently. I enjoy taking sewing classes for several reasons, but mostly to learn new techniques and have a day of sewing with others. When I heard of the placemat class I wasn't really stoked over making a placemat BUT I knew that the teacher, Carol Prevatt, would make her class fun and interesting. Sure enough, she walked each of her students through the process and we created some really neat pieces.


I brought mine home and machine embroidered them. I'm thinking of stippling them next and I will also make a clear vinyl pouch to slip them in before putting them back in their "frame". That way, when the Empty Nesters get bored and have a food fight, the placemats stay pristine.


It's all about fun, you know!




How to Make: Covered Buttons!

Carol suggested that I use covered buttons on my placemats and I agree, they really set them off beautifully. Covered buttons are super easy to do. If you'd like to try, here's some pictures to show you just how simple!

A package of hardware for 4 buttons cost around $1.50.
I used some batting to "pouf" my buttons. Cut a circle of batting the size of the button and cut a square of fabric about 2X the size of the button. Notice if you have a large patterned fabric, you will want to fussy cut the square so the design will be centered. In this photo, you see the fabric, batting and what will be the top of the button.


Put the button top on the batting and wrong side of fabric.
Pull the fabric snug around the metal

Push everything into the large rubber tool that comes in the package. (see next 2 photos)

Now trim the fabric around the button. You want enough extra on the edges to close over the metal. Fold fabric over the button. Put the next metal piece over the folded fabric and press down with the blue tool (see picture above). You'll feel a "snap" as the smaller metal nests into the larger metal.

Tah-Dah! You have a button!

God's Healing Touch

Thanks to all who have contacted me about mom. Our prayers were answered in such a way that even her specialists received ministry through her latest improvement.

Mom's single functioning kidney was working at around 8% when the decision was made to put her on dialysis. It was this past Labor Day, just two weeks after her 84th birthday that she had her first treatment. She felt tired but better after this first round, so we were encouraged. Events that surrounded another treatment rendered her unconsious and rushed to ICU where she was put on a ventilator. She would spend the next few weeks alternating between hospital stays and transport to rehab. She has been in the hospital off and on ever since, and the dialysis procedures became more and more difficult for her.

I mentioned in a previous "mom" post that as an answer to prayer, it was discovered that her kidney was functioning at 31%! It was enough for the doctor to take her off dialysis and even remove the port from her chest.

People all over have been praying for mom. She is on prayer lists at churches, worship groups and at bedsides. Please don't ever think your prayers are not heard! They are. You have to trust in God's will. We have asked for God's will for mom, and are you ready for this?.... My sister Barbara called from Atlanta earlier this week to report that mom's kidney is now working at 45%!

And people say God doesn't do miracles anymore.

He does.

We prayed it, God did it, we believe it.

Praise God for His healing hand!

We don't know how long mom will be with us, as none of us know how long we have together, but we do know that her quality of life is better today and she may be able to recover from the problems she has had since the "bad" dialysis event.

Whatever God's will is, we are ready to accept it. We have had to truly and without faltering, put mom in His hands. I believe in my heart that God has blessed mom and is sharing His mercy with us.

Thanks to each of you again for your prayers. Please continue, for mom and for all others you are praying for. And though we don't always get the answers that "we" want, isn't that what faith is all about?

Shabby Pillow! Tatted and Hand Embroidered Tea Linen

This is a really neat pillow that I think I must have made with my eyes closed, only because of the way it turned out. It wasn't supposed to be a roll, but ended up that way. I decided to leave it and let it be whatever it was. The part I really like is the old hand embroidered tea linen and the pink tatted lace, a gift from years ago, shared with me by my friend Angela. You'll notice a lot of flaws in this and though I tend to be a perfectionist, in this case I think they are a nice touch.

The criss-crossed fabric is poly/cotton sheen, and the striped is cotton ticking. In the top photo, you'll see satin ribbon on either side of the linen. It's just some I had lying around and was just right for this project.

I've used this pillow as a "huggie" pillow at night, a knee pillow when my knee was injured and even a neck pillow for reading. Yep, strange design but thoroughly functional and decorative! By the way, no zippers or buttons, it is all sewn, so if it gets dirty I have to spot wash it.

A miracle

Peggy and Bob

My mom has been on dialysis since the early part of September. Today we learned that her kidney is working at 31%. This is her only working kidney and she is 84 years old. She will be allowed to go without dialysis for as long as she can. God is good.

Now back back to the focus of this blog! I will try not to veer off the path too much!

Thanks for the prayers!

Tough times

Dear Readers,

I haven't written in several weeks due to traveling from Savannah to Newnan to see about my mom. Mom has been in a gauntlet of medical care, from triage to dialysis, ICU, physical rehab, and now back to ICU where she sleeps tonight.

I'm the baby of mom and dad's four kids. Mom is 84 and is the strongest woman I know. She is also a Christian, and is loved by many. She's been mom to many of our friends throughout the years. She is a sister and wife, friend and confidant.

The past several weeks are a blur, and I don't really recall how many times I've traveled back and forth. I think it has been three, but never enough, as long as mom is ill. I want to be there 24 / 7.

Mom and dad have been married for 64 years. These two are the talk of at least two hospitals, as dad refused to leave her side. He stayed for fifteen days in the first hospital, sleeping first in a chair then on a cot. He is 82. I saw more than one nurse wipe a tear from her eye having witnessed his dedication to his precious Peggy.

I left Newnan this past Monday, Oct 15, to return to Savannah. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Mom was in the ER, dad by her side. She was struggling to breathe and his eyes were red from crying. I was there less than two minutes as I didn't want to put dad in the position of having to comfort me. It is simply more than my heart could hold.


Today's telephoned report from my sister reveals a slight recovery mixed with a new challenge for mom to overcome.


I found Psalm 17 to be of comfort. I believe it to be my mom's prayer to God. You can find it here in a contemporary version. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=PSALM%2017;&version=46;


Please keep Peggy Deaton and Bob Deaton in your prayers, and God Bless.

A Mary Engelbreit Duffle Bag

This is a quilted duffle bag I made, and boy howdy is it ever big! It is
22 inches long and 11 inches wide. I love this fabric because of the whimsical pattern with teapots, hearts and all. It is so cheerful! BUT I have decided I don't really need a bag this large, so I'm selling it on eBay. Listing # 290167647234 will run until it is sold. Check it out and bid if you like it, it may not last! I'll miss my fun ME bag, but I'm going to make a smaller one just like it!

This will give you an idea of how big the bag is... in the picture below, I have placed a pillow in it. Note "placed". It is not stuffed in, and it is a standard sized pillow. This would be perfect for a cheerleader, gymnast or dancer to haul all of the equipment needed for those activities. Even a new mom could use it to carry baby's blankets and toys from one place to another. Here at the Empty Nest we're done with all that, at least till the baby birds start flying in! We're told it's no time soon, so we'll part with goodies like this and make more if needed later! This bag was a delight to make. The ME fabric just makes you happy!

Chic and Shabby stepstool with cottage floral

This was a really fun project because it reminded me of making a "silk purse from a sow's ear". The "sow's ear" would be the plastic, dollar store step stool that is hidden beneath the "silk purse", a lovely cottage floral fabric with tassels and beaded trim. This was a "no sew" project and required fabric, trim, scissors, polyfil, hot glue and of course, the step stool. I saw one similar in my friend's sewing store and figured I'd try it.

If I can make this "no sew" stool, you can too! If you'd like directions, email me at the Empty Nest, I'll be happy to oblige. emptynestfabrics@gmail.com

Jenny Haskins Now Voyager Quilt

When I went to my local sewing supply store a few years ago, they were hosting a Pfaff truck, which was filled with all the Pfaff sewing and embroidery machines and.... THIS quilt. The folks at Pfaff were kind enough to send me this image of the exact quilt that was on display. (Click on the image to view it larger). The photo doesn't do it justice, though. I literally stood there for at least 20 minutes just staring at it. Then I came back to stare some more. If you clicked on it to see it even closer, you probably understand why!
Here's another version. Up until the moment I saw this quilt, I had no idea what machine embroidery was. I had never quilted, never created much more than clothing and accessories. This is Now Voyager, designed by Jenny Haskins (http://www.jennyhaskins.com/) and let me tell you, it is the most beautiful thing I've seen. Little did I know, this was the tip of the Jenny iceberg...her creations are undoubtedly the utmost in machine embroidery and design. This quilt, Now Voyager, is the reason I purchased my Pfaff. I haven't created my dream quilt yet, as I have spent the last couple of years honing my machine embroidery skills. One day though... one day!

I did not take the 2nd version photo above, by the way, and there is no photo credit to reference.

Here's Now Voyager in a different color palette. This image is from Unique by Design Quilting. Isn't it lucious! I am so thankful for people like Jenny who realize their blessings from God and share them with others!

Quilted Friendship Pillow with Tatted Lace Accents

I like the back as much as the front. The back of this pillow closes with reproduction Vintage metal buttons. Inside is the pillow that can be removed.

There was no pattern for this, just a free motion piecing and quilting with a coordinating ruffle around the edge. This is a great pillow to take on trips in Mr. Empty Nester's truck. It's big and fluffy and nice to snuggle on.

Note two things here: the top stitching along the button placket (Pfaff's standard stitches on the Creative 2134) and the little appliqued rose in the corner. The rose was the very first thing we successfully embroidered after getting our new Pfaff. We used some very heavy water soluble stabilizer, stitched it out, soaked it, dried for a day or so on the countertop and poof! We had an applique. It laid in the sewing box for a year or so before I found a project worthy of showcasing our first embroidered piece. Since the fabrics in this pillow have such great memories (see next paragraph), I decided the rose just had to go on it.

This quilted pillow was my first attempt at free motion quilting. I figured I totally blew it because my stitches are quite long, but then I read that there are no "rules" hence "free motion", so I decided I was happy with it after all. I have since learned the technique and have much better results with free motion quilting.

The pillow is a favorite thing here at the Empty Nest, as it is one of two items I created from a wonderful trip with a friend to visit quilt shops from Savannah to Charleston, S.C.. My friend Angela McRae and I left Savannah early on a January morning and found our way through Bluffton, Beaufort, Charleston and ended up in Summerville, S.C. (People Places and Quilts! OH WOW!) We visited every single independent fabric shop we could find, scooping up fat quarters, patterns, threads and more. Finding all those goodies was a lot of fun, but nothing can compare with the quality time these two friends got to spend together. The pillow and a matching lap quilt (will feature that later) are like a tangible memory of that trip. I think of Angela and our fun weekend every single time I see them.

Here's a closeup of the corner detail with tatted lace.

By the way, next time you see Angela, ask her about the bookstore. It's a hoot.

Ruth's Crazy Quilt Machine Embroidered Square

So my friend Ruth, upon hearing that I had a new Pfaff embroidery machine, called and asked if I would embroider a piece for her crazy quilt. Of course I said yes, but it was one of the very first things I did and I was concerned that I might not do it well. Pfaff thought otherwise! It was really simple. I just lined it up properly in the hoop, changed thread when the machine said to, and poof! A wonderful, heirloom result. Okay, it wasn't really THAT simple, but machine embroidery isn't that difficult either! Ruth sent all the pieces and all I had to do was the embroidery. Note the tatted lace border... what a beautiful accent!

Pfaff Sampler Fat Quarter Tote Bag

So I was checking out my Pfaff Creative 2134 and realized, hey, why not do a sampler of all the decorative stitches? So I dug through my fat quarter stash, put together some pieces and voila! I didn't get anywhere near all the stitches in, but here's the result. This bag is great for my Bible study supplies. It holds large paperback books, like instructional manuals, craft books and magazines really well.