My Writing

I think today will be a good day as far as my writing goes. I spent the morning watching my three nephews, and now have the afternoon to put my ideas on paper. I managed to do a rough draft of an article as I was watching the two older ones play Mario Karts.

I read not too very long ago that a writer should have a notebook and pen in every room of the house. (I only wish I could remember which article it was, because I would include the link.) Plus, in a vehicle or purse (women only I'm presuming, but hey, who am I to judge) in the event an idea pops into your head while you're away from your desk. I feel this is very good advice, but I have to admit I still have not done so. I always think I will remember the topic I thought of, but in the end...I don't.

It is also sometimes difficult to stay on track. Persistence is the key to getting the articles finished in a timely manner and published. In the days of the internet and so many distractions it can provide, it is advisable to do your work away from the computer, or at least offline. I have email and Twitter notifications pop up occasionally and sometimes find myself checking them instead of concentrating on my work. I am just as guilty as the next person, and I do try to stay on track.

I find myself with hundreds of ideas, but when it comes time to write I draw a blank. Going back to that notebook and pen in every room theory one should collect those books once a week. Make a list of the ideas, and see which inspire you first. Never discard an idea, as it may be the one to earn the most recognition and/or revenue. The notebooks could be the spiral type, and idea pages torn out and placed in a three ring binder. This way time isn't being wasted re-writing everything, and all ideas eventually end up in one place. As the articles are written, they may be crossed off but not erased.
Back to my article I have started...which proves the distraction theory. Have a great day!

More Writing

As the days go on and I do more research, I find more writing sites where I am able to submit my work. I enjoy having the variety of sites to publish on, as it is increasing my audience as well as my earnings.

The latest I have found is Triond. They do much of the ground work, and publish my work on the sites most appropriate for the content. I have submitted four articles in the last two days and they have been published to as many different sites. Between my work on Triond, Helium, HubPages and here I will be building my portfolio quite nicely. I encourage anyone who is looking for a place to publish their articles to join one or all of the sites above.

As I was out and about today, I purchased more cotton yarn for dishcloths. I will be making another 10 or so and replenishing sold ones at a local shop. I went to see how things were selling today and got a nice surprise...over $50.00 worth of items had been sold. I paid my next two months rental fees and still had some left over.

I wrote an article on Home-based business ideas today and had it published. As I sit here writing this Blog, I can't help but think of more businesses. The one I am thinking of in particular is a Craft Consignment Shop. All one would need is a room or an out-building (the ATCO trailers work nicely) to display the crafts in. Let crafters in the area know about your shop and invite them to display their wares. Fees could be either a percentage of their sales or a fixed price for the space. Personally I prefer the latter as there will be income collected each month even if some clients didn't have any sales. Different booth sizes are set at different prices, and it doesn't matter how many items the client has in it. They are responsible for their craft display but it will be up to you to keep floors clean and ensure their items are not being mistreated. For an additional fee, you could keep the display tidy. This may be a service appreciated by those who live several miles away from your shop.

Now that I have inspired myself to write another article and you to work on your crafts, I bid you a good day!

Foundation Paper Piecing

Good morning all! It is nice to see warmer temperatures for a few days...I'm sure it is the calm before the storm so to speak. We can quite easily see -40 temperatures in the not so distant future.

The cold always gets me thinking of my quilts in progress and the ones I want to make. I usually take on a full size quilt, but sometimes it is nice to do a small one to hang on the wall. When doing the small ones, I like to use Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP). The blocks are more accurate and a person isn't working with tiny pieces of fabric. Bigger pieces are used, then trimmed once the seams are sewn. One has to be careful to sew the pieces together in the right direction...I have ripped out many a seam because I placed my fabric backwards. Occasionally that backwards piece does add some character to the quilt, so before you rip out that seam, have a good look.

To become familiar with the technique, I suggest starting with a small project, such as a coaster or Christmas Tree ornament. Some of my first attempts of FPP still hang on my tree each and every year. They are a reminder of my little accomplishments in life and my quilting career.

To begin, I suggest a simple pattern...a 4" heart is a good start. Trace it onto a piece of tissue paper or typing paper...copy paper works too, but is a little harder to see through and to remove. Place the first piece of fabric right side up on the wrong side of the paper in behind the space marked #1, being sure it surrounds the marked lines by at least 1/4" on all sides. Place the second piece of fabric right side facing the first piece, being sure it will cover all of #2 when sewn in place and pressed open. Turn the paper over and sew on the marked line between piece one and two, using the shortest stitch. This will make paper removal easier. Sew a little past the lines...there is no need to backstitch as the next line of stitching will secure your stitches. Turn over the piece and finger press open. Continue sewing each piece in numerical order, finger pressing open between each stitching line. A nice little tool to have handy is either a paper piecing seam presser or a Clover Mini Iron...these can be kept next to your machine. Using one or the either of these will ensure seam lines are straight. I have personally used the mini iron and have found it to be the perfect addition to my paper piecing projects.

When all of the pieces have been added, press the block one final time and trim the edges even with the paper foundation. I do not recommend removing the paper until all of the blocks are joined together. If you are making a small project using only the one block, place the block and your backing fabric right sides together. You may also add a thin piece of batting to give the block loft. Sew along outer marked line, leaving an opening for turning. Remove the paper and turn right side out. Blind stitch the opening closed. Congratulations...you have made your first FPP block!

Charm squares and fat quarters work great for FPP projects. Jelly roll fabric also works well, especially for borders and long narrow strips in the pattern. I encourage experimentation with fabrics and patterns. Some miniature quilts combine both applique and foundation paper piecing techniques, such as the "I Love Flying Geese Quilts" pattern. (I purchased this pattern several years ago, but am now unable to find an outlet for it online.)

It is time for me to go through my fabric stacks and cut some fat quarters and jelly rolls. Have a good day, and happy quilting!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to one and all! It is hard to believe another year has come and gone! It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the arrival of 2010.
Now that the holiday season is practically over (we still have one more to celebrate on January 6) we can all get back to a routine of school, work and day to day activities. For those who have made resolutions, I encourage you to stick with them. I usually don't make them, but this year I have made an exception. I resolve to clear the clutter in my world and finish the quilts, wall hangings and rugs I have started. I do not see that as an unreachable goal...it is just one I have to work hard at.
When making your resolutions, never make them too hard to keep. If your goal is to lose weight, start with a 10 pound loss instead of the 50 pounds you may be wanting or needing to lose. Starting with a realistic goal is the key to keeping those resolutions. In my case, and many other quilter's I'm sure, there have been projects piling up as the years have gone on. It is time to put an end to the pile of unfinished projects and turn them into finished, usable items.
Today I am concentrating on making my list, and as I go through cupboards and closets I will undoubtedly be adding to the list. I suggest anyone with half finished projects do the same. It doesn't have to be a resolution if you don't want it to be...it could just be considered a thorough cleaning and organizing. Start with the closets, as that seems to be where everything gets stashed.
Go through the crafts and quilts that haven't made it to the finished pile yet and make a note of project, recipient and priority. I have a quilt I started for my daughter when she was a baby...needless to say I have to make it much bigger now as she turned 14 in June. It is the Apple Core pattern, and is being hand pieced. I am hoping to have it finished in time for her Sweet 16, so I had best get busy. I also have a Grandmother's Flower Garden and Kansas Dugout quilt in progress, which are also both being hand pieced. I can see myself being very busy with these three projects alone, not to mention the others.
Along with de-cluttering my world, I will be adding to my writing portfolio. I encourage anyone who is or wants to be an author to join HubPages, Helium and Constant Content. I have found these three sites to be rewarding not only monetarily but also experience wise. I have received very positive feedback on my articles, which is very encouraging.
As the coming days, weeks and months unfold, I will be sharing patterns, ideas and writing tips and sites as I find them. Wishing all a Happy New Year once again!