Are You A Topper?

I recently had the great fortune to work with serger and sewing expert Nancy Bednar for an overlocker event at Quilters Quest in Woodridge, IL. During the event, she talked at one point about being a "Topper." You know, the person who loves to put quilt tops together but then send them out to someone else for finishing. I instantly thought about the stack of finished quilt tops in my sewing room, paired with a backing, ready to quilt. I wondered to myself, am I secretly a Topper?

I have no excuses really. I have a Gammill Longarm setup in my basement. But sadly, it is mostly used as a storage shelf for UFOs. The store where I work has a thriving longarm services department. One day I caught myself thinking, if I ever attempt to make a Judy Niemeyer pattern I would have Longarm Bob custom quilt it for me. Oh my, that's a slippery slope. I have all the tools at my disposal here at home. But do I have the patience, skill and creative talent? Can I overcome procrastination? Am I a Topper?

Are you a Topper? What parts of the quilting process to you enjoy most and least? Leave me a comment and we can support each other in self discovery. :-)

Participating in the the 31-Day Blog Writing Challenge! #31dayblogchallenge

Stampin' Up Year End Closeout Sale

The end of the calendar year always means great closeout deals from Stampin' Up! I've already shopped the sale, but you still have time (until January 3, 2017 while supplies last). 

Helpful links:

• Visit my online shopping site lisaklingbeil.stampinup.net then select Shop Now for fast and easy online orders delivered directly to your door

• Current Stampin' Up Catalogs: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/lisaklingbeil/catalogs

• CLICK to download a list of retiring items and discounted products.

Sew Together Bag Continued

This is as far as I got when a horrible flu virus took hold very early Sunday and has still got me in its grip. Not only was this NOT fun in any way shape or form, it broke my 31-Day Blog Challenge. Well sometimes life does indeed get in the way of art, so I'm not going to stress over it, but will commit to make up the days in January 2017. I'll be on a roll by then.

Not much more to do on this bag but sew the second side binding (I opted to hand-sew the second edge for a nicer look), and apply the long/top zipper. It's looking good - better and cleaner than my first attempt. Since I'm planning to use this in my purse or for travel and I am not inserting the pin and needle keeps. Actually the images below give you a pretty good idea of how the bag is constructed. Click on images to ENLARGE for better viewing. Fabrics are Cotton + Steel.

Participating in the the 31-Day Blog Writing Challenge! #31dayblogchallenge #cottonandsteel #sewtogetherbag

Sew Together Bag

This morning the ladies in my quilt bee are gathering for our monthly meeting and instead of us each working on our independent projects, we are going to all make the Sew Together Bag by Sew Demented. You can see many great examples of this bag here on Flickr. Here is a very helpful set of additional detailed instructions by the Quilt Barn which complement the pattern in a great way.

I decided to shop from my stash and pick out a bundle of Cotton + Steel fat quarters and the only thing I ended up purchasing was 3 of the 4 zippers. We have some homework to do before we meet to speed up the process, to have all the pieces cut, interfacing applied, and the outside of the bag pieced and quilted. You can see mine below! I have a passion for selvage edges and Cotton + Steel selvages are SO creative. so I decided to use one on the outside of the bag as a focal piece. Stay tuned for images of the final project! (Click on an image to ENLARGE for betting viewing.)

Here are some photos of my first Sew Together Bag. I just love this thing! It can be used for a sewing organizer, makeup, travel bag, jewelry, etc.

Participating in the the 31-Day Blog Writing Challenge! #31dayblogchallenge #cottonandsteel #sewtogetherbag

Follow Me on Pinterest

Follow Me on Pinterest

Pinterest is one of my favorite daily hang-out spots on the internet! And guess what? I have more than 5,000 followers! You can literally overdose on creative inspiration on Pinterest. I have large boards on Stampin' Up, quilting, sewing, food, and smaller boards for just about everything else! I currently have a big interest in upcycled/recycled clothing. Here is the link, I hope you'll follow me!

http://www.pinterest.com/klingbeil/

31-Day Blog Writing Challenge

This blog is sadly neglected. I would like to revive it and polish my writing skills as well. No one will be listening but that's okay! I'm going to attempt to blog once per day for the entire month of December 2016. Don't hold your breath! But hey, you may also learn something new or connect with me in a new and unexpected way. Cheers to the 31-Day Blog Writing Challenge! #31dayblogchallenge

Stampin' Up Retiring Products

Stampin' Up has released their list of retiring products, don't wait as popular items and especially supply items will sell out FAST. In addition, many items are being offered at a discount! Click HERE for the complete list. Retiring items are available until May 31, 2016 or while supplies last.