self binding blanket...

I just finished this "tactile temptation" baby blanket for my new baby nephew--it's the first time I've made a blanket using the "self-binding" method.  It was super simple!  The blanket is made with soft corduroy, minky, flannel and cotton.  I've added "tabbies" made from ribbon, felted wool balls, and ric-rac that is snipped so that it will fray.  It's not perfect, but alright for a first attempt!  I like the concept, and I think I'll experiment with the pattern until I come up with something that I love.  Then I'll post it if anyone is interested!

Grandpa Woodward 1925~2011

My sweet Grandpa Woodward (Melvin James Woodward) passed away last night.  I woke up this morning to a "face-ache" from crying so much yesterday.  He's my first grandparent to die, and as I'm almost 40, I've had the very unique circumstance to know all of my grandparents through an adult relationship as well as the fond memories of my childhood interaction with them.

I recall that my grandpa, ever the "coach", taught me to play basketball, and golf.  He loved sports and he LOVED coaching!  As a child, I could always expect to be treated to Big Hunk candy bars in his shop.  And, as an adult, I could request that he make a piece of furniture for me in his shop~a table,  lamp,  chest, wall rack, and more.

As a young man, my grandpa was a Marine and served in WWII aboard the USS Enterprise~ the most decorated aircraft carrier of the war (the Star Trek Enterprise took it's name from this famous ship).  Grandpa received several battle stars, and shared stories of the times he shot down enemy Japanese planes, as well as the bomb that hit the deck of his ship but failed to detonate.

He was also a star basketball player and track participant at the University of Utah.  His basketball team won the national championship, beating Kentucky, and placing the U of U on the map in college athletics!

The most admiral quality about my grandpa was something that our family witnessed in the last 6-7 years of his life.  He lost his leg when he was 80 due to diabetes, and yet not once did anyone hear a single complaint from him.  He was so happy and positive for all the years when he suffered with poor health and disability.  He has been a great example to me of being tough, and sweet at the same time.

Go Utes!

looking like a movie star!

Grandpa with his dad & brothers (in the white suit, 2nd from the right)

track & field star at the University of Utah

Grandpa in his Marine uniform

Grandpa (in the middle) somewhere in the South Pacific during the war

rugged outdoorsman

Grandpa making tables for the grandkids

I love my grandpa, & it's with great sadness that I said goodbye for the last time yesterday.

Sweet Caroline Quilt

I guess I should be a little careful about posting this, because I'm giving it to my mom for Christmas.  My mom is something of a blog stalker, so it's likely she's going to see it here.  (Just pretend you didn't, Mom)!

Anyway... here is the latest creation!  It's made using my Sweet Caroline quilt pattern from an assortment of fabric from my stash.  For the complete PDF files of the pattern (the files will be available for a short time only), visit:

https://public.me.com/petiterougehttps://public.me.com/petiterouge

Our First Recipient!

Andrew Gardner is the first recipient of a quilt stitched with love!  He is on his way now to Denver for testing in the next phase of treatment for the devastating lung disease that he contracted as a result of a drowning accident over a year ago.  Our hearts and prayers are with Andrew and his family as he battles the illness that has plagued him.  We all love you so much!

"Pirate Ship" quilt

A new quilt pattern designed by me & Melanie Morris-- who doesn't love this one?!  I'm making it available for free for a short time... check out the details on my Facebook page!

As promised... the best headband in the world!

On Friday I participated in the open house at Quilt Quilt Quilt in Sandy Utah.  I was one of several people selling patterns and showing a quick demonstration.  While my demonstration had nothing to do with quilting, many people wanted to see how to make this quick, cute headband.  So, I promised that I'd post it on my blog!

The Killer Cute, Quick Headband

Using the template below, cut a piece of single sided-fusible interfacing

Iron the interfacing onto a piece of fabric using guidelines from the interfacing package.  Trim the fabric to within 1/2" of the interfacing

Cut the reverse fabric to the same size as the front fabric (I strongly recommend corduroy, as it grabs the hair and won't slip.  Be sure to cut the corduroy  so that the grooves of the corduroy are horizontal along the headband).  Cut two 15" strips of ribbon and secure them with a pin between the two layers of fabric.  Make certain that the edges will get caught in the seam on the end.

On the other end of the headband, secure a 4-6" piece of ribbon that is folded on the inside of the headband.  This will be the loop for the ribbon on the other side.  Again, make certain that the ends of the ribbon will get caught in the seam on the end.  Stitch around the headband, using a 1/4" seam and leave a 3.5" opening along the bottom edge of the headband for turning.

Turn the headband right side out, using the ribbons to pull the ends through.  Topstitch along the edge of the headband to close the seam, or hand-stitch the opening closed.

Voila! Your headband is ready to wear!  

Secure the headband by slipping one of the long ribbons through the loop and cinching it snug around the head.  Using both of the ribbons, tie a bow in the back or on the side.

The best headband ever!  This one was made using "Texture Magic" on the fabric before cutting.  Pretty cute, huh?

New Quilt Club...

I'm excited to be involved with a new quilt club that a few of my friends and I have created called, "Sweet Dreams".  Our purpose is to meet monthly and make quilts for children who have had devastating illness or injury beset them.  Check out the link to our blog:  http://quiltsbysweetdreams.blogspot.com if you'd like to be involved or know of a child that could use one of our quilts!