Candy Bags and Philanthropy Quilts

Do you drop in on linky parties seeking new ideas, inspiration and just to have fun drooling at some of the quilts that amaze and delight? Heck, there are some I wouldn't miss! I've made lots of new cyber friends and picked up a few better ways of stitching. It's out there and there are so many kind and talented people who are so anxious to share their skills.


Last week on Connie's Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, I clicked on a picture of Love of Quilting's zip bag. She made the cutest bag using a candy bag's wrapper, some scraps and a zipper. Let me tell you this was so quick and easy you will be making more than just one. The best part is eating the contents first. What a great gift idea for your chocoholic friend. Or think seasonal. I'm sure there's lots of variations.

I told you one wasn't enough. How's this red with white dots on this bag? I'll send it to my friend in AZ and I'll hear her screaming from CA.

Here are some of the quilts completed for philanthropy. Our fabric is all donated and sometimes it is hit or miss on matching things. We also pillowcase (birthing) the quilts rather than taking the time to bind. This time I got some nice fabric to play with.

Now my husband says this next quilt is ugly. But what does he know. There's that ugly gold on the fish  lures and the print is what catches a kid's eye. Also I believe kids like bright colors.

So this is my stack so far and I have another week or so.

And not to leave out my husband's talent in the yard, I bring you the cacti blooming.

I may not be a gardener, but I sure love a needle filled with thread.

Marcy

Candlemat Orphans and More

This week I parted with four of my felt candle mats. My sweet daughter will take most anything I make as long as it is small. No more big quilts.

I really enjoy working with felt. The needle just glides through the fabric. They make great travel companions.

They were either from patterns or kits. However, the cupcake mat I designed to use when I get the cupcakes out for display.

Sometimes it is fun to add beads. Other times a french knot tops it off.

Here's a funny story. The strawberry candle was sitting on my counter and somehow I spilled the candle wax on the mat. I didn't want to scrape it off so here's what I found on the internet: Turn it upside down on several sheets of paper toweling and set it in the sun on a hot day. Heck, around here there are plenty of hot days. Anyway, not only did the wax come off, but it left a slight smell of the candle fragrance. I know some was has remain as it is a bit stiffer than the others.

I have been neglecting to show you the blocks I've made so far in the Quilt Doodles 2016 BOM quilt adventure. She always has the best tutorial along with the block. Now I'm sifting through my reds and greens to make more. The blocks are small, but a great challenge. The block of the month is free during that particular month. However, she does have the previous blocks on her site or Etsy shop. Speaking of her Etsy Shop.... There's a sale going on over there and you'll love her patterns.

Oh the possibilities.

Here's a picture of the first epiphelum of the season. They are sometimes known as orchid cactus or cactus orchid.

Marcy