the end of [2010]

As the end of 2010 is almost upon us, I thought I would show some of my finishes I have blogged about this last year.

I started the Canoe Ridge Creations blog in August, and only really started blogging regularly in the last month and a half.  It is amazing how many great people I have met since the middle of November.  There really is an awesome blogging community out there and I am so honored to be a part of it!

So, special thanks to everyone who has taken time to look at my creations and read my blog posts.  You have no idea how much it means to me!

I cannot wait to see what 2011 brings!

potluck anyone?

Church potlucks, 4-H potlucks, sports team supper potlucks, family reunion potlucks, family holiday potlucks, Saturday sewing potlucks.  You get the picture, right?  It may just be a Midwest thing, but around here there always seems to be a potluck on the calender.  In other words, lots of casseroles that need carrying.  So why not be stylish about it? 

The other day, I came across this tutorial for a super classy and tailored casserole carrier and knew it needed to be at the top of my "to-do" list.  So when I snatched up some awesome Amy Butler fabric on sale earlier this week, I decided to give it a shot.

Mmmm.  Topstitching!

It turned out way cuter than I expected!  Too bad it wasn't done in time for all the Christmas potlucks last weekend.  Oh well.  I am sure there will be a potluck in need of a casserole sometime soon.

So, potluck anyone?

WiP Wednesday {7}

Things around here are finally starting to get back to normal.  It is amazing how one whirl-wind of a Christmas weekend can scramble up a person's schedule!  Somehow through all the chaos, I was actually able to accomplish a few sewing (and one crafting) related projects.

NEW PROJECTS:

Cupcake Embroidery

We did quite a bit of movie watching over the holidays (probably because of the ridiculous amounts of snow limiting us from going outside) and it was a perfect time for some handwork.  I am not quite sure where this little guy will end up, but I sure am happy with the way he turned out. Potholders? An apron?

NEW AND COMPLETED PROJECTS:

One VERY Last Minute Project.

This little wristlet was sewn up only minutes before it was gifted.  Talk about stressful! 

Casserole Carrier

I finished this casserole carrier two nights ago, but man it sure would have came in handy this weekend.  More on it tomorrow.

Bottle Cap Magnets

These were gifted over the weekend.  

Disclosure: Although I enjoy the occasional adult beverage, I want to make it known I am not a lush. HA!  I realized after posting these, it may or may not look like I have a drinking problem.  :)  I have actually been collecting beer bottle caps for over a year now.  When I first started, I was going to school in a college town and made friends with a few fellow classmates who were bartenders at a local sports bar.  I had mentioned to them I would like bottle caps for a craft and I had no idea how many bottles of beer go through a sports bar in a college town.  Lets just say I had grocery bags full of beer bottle caps!

Twisted Table Topper

If you haven't had a chance to try this pattern, you need too!  It really is a lot of fun.  Plus, you have a finished project it no time at all.

ONGOING PROJECTS (with progress):

Spiderweb Quilt

I have all the blocks sewn and now have two rows together.  One step closer to a finished top!

ONGOING PROJECTS (with no progress):

Knitted Wrist Warmers

Still need to take pictures.  Maybe next week.

Freebird Stained Glass Quilt

I really need to get going on this one and now I have that matching twisted table topper to go with it.  Perfect!

QUILTS AWAITING QUILTING:

Red, White and Blue Quilt

Crazy 9 Baby Quilt

I did get the backing pieced but still need to get pictures on the blog.

Urban Windows Quilt

Backing fabric has been bought, now I just need to come up with a pieced back pattern. 

Whew, I think that's it for this week.  Looking at it all now, I actually feel pretty productive since the last WiP Wednesday.  Especially considering there was a weekend of festivities included in those two weeks.

WiPs Stats:

Last WiP Wednesday Total: 7

New Projects: 5

Finished Projects: 4

This Week's Total: 8

Go check out more WiPs over at Freshly Pieced.

babe, HUGE QUILT SALE!

Yesterday morning's phone conversation with the boyfriend.

Me: Hello.
The Boyfriend: Babe!  I just drove by the quilt store and there is a big sign out front that says HUGE QUILT SALE!
Me: Yeah? (But I am really thinking, Are you felling well?)
The Boyfriend:  I think you should go check it out.  I'll even buy if you want.
Me:  Silence (Ok, something has to be up.  A. He wants me to go buy more fabric, and B. He's offering to pay?!?)
The Boyfriend:  Hello?
Me:  Yeah, I can go check it out if you want. :)

Little did he know, I was already on my way into town to go check out the HUGE QUILT SALE he was talking about.  Look what I found.  After all, he did say he would buy. :)

Midwest Modern fabric by Amy Butler for $2.99 a yard!

And...he called back after work to hear about my purchases.  Yes ladies, he's a keeper!

bottle cap refrigerator {magnets}

Now that the holidays have come and gone, I can show off one of my creations that was gifted this past weekend.  These alphabet letter magnets are a great alternative to your traditional refrigerator magnets. Not only are they cute, but they are made from recycled bottle caps.   What do you think?

Tutorial to come!

{last} minute

There's nothing like waiting until the last minute to finish something.  Yah, ok.  Right.  

8:00 am - shower and get ready

9:00 am - eat brunch with the family (mmmm....mimosas)

10:00 am - start last minute gift (seriously?!?!?)

11:15 am - leave the house

12:00 noon - Christmas dinner

This morning, sometime during brunch, my mom mentions she wanted (this was her way of asking for my help) to make a little clutch to put a gift certificate in for my cousin's Christmas gift.  Ok, not a big deal.  Except that this Christmas get together was less than two hours away (which inludes a 45 minute drive time).  Ekk!  Needless to say, this little guy was completed in less than an hour.  The pattern is called Cash and Carry by Terry Atkinson.

I literally finished the bag seconds before we left the house to make it to dinner on time.  So that called for an impromtu blog photo shoot in the back seat of my parents' SUV (please keep in mind that there were three adult passengers already occupying said backseat).  Special thanks to my sister and boyfriend for putting up with my madness! :)

Close up on the hand beaded zipper pull.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas weekend!

happy holidays!

happy holidays from canoe ridge creations!


i will be taking a blogging break to spend time with friends and family this weekend.  be back next week. 

spicing up the kitchen [a modern swap]

I just signed up for the spicing up the kitchen [a modern swap] this afternoon and I am really excited to get started.  Here is my inspiration mosaic for my swap partner.  Yummy!

1. Urban Swap 2, 2. Kitchen Nook, 3. Modern tea towel, 

4. Vintage Style PERFECT CIRCLE Full Apron in Juicy Alexander Henry Print, 

5. Midwest Modern Half Apron, 6. A cheerful yellow curve,

7. Hexagon string baby quilt from Quilt Scene magazine, 8. Quilting detail, 

9. YIP 365.299 :: Honeycomb Hexagon quilt from Fresh Quilting, 

10. Pillow Top Sneak Peek, 11. If it's a boy quilt - front, 12. Bicycle Pincushion 2

Another great thing to look forward to in 2011!

just a little {twisted}

It is just like me to start another project when there are plenty of works-in-progress begging for attention.  But after seeing Heather's twister table runner last week (over at Quilt Story), I knew I just had to try it out.  Can you honestly blame me?  It is stinking adorable! I remembered my mom had made one over the summer, so I knew I could snatch the ruler from her. :)  {Thanks mom.}


Late last night (and I mean late!), I decided to have at it.  With just one charm pack of Freebird by MoMo for Moda and some Kona Cotton, I had an awesome table topper in no time.

The whole technique is simple and amazing!  I don't know why I hadn't tried this ruler earlier.

On the table and ready to go.  What do you think?  

I am linking this to Fabric Tuesday.

a look at what's ahead {2011}

It is hard to believe 2010 is coming to an end.  Where did the time go?  That means it is time to start looking ahead to projects for 2011, and what better way than Don't Call Me Betsy's linky party that is going on now.  Here are my goals for this year: 


1. Bees.  I am very excited to participate in my first (and second) ever sewing bee this coming year.  
~The first one is the {Sew} Beautiful Bee, a modern bee, starting in January.  I am really looking forward to working with this very talented group of ladies!  My month is July.
~Do. Good Stitches {a Charity Bee} starts in February and I am super excited to take part as a quilter.


2. String Quilt. This has been on my "to-do" list for a while and I think 2011 will be the year. :)

1. 002, 

2. polka dot string quilt, 

3. polka dot string quilt, 

4. string quilt, 

5. DQS9 Simple String Angel Quilt, 

6. String Quilt front

3. Graduation Quilt.  My little sister will be graduating from high school this spring and I want to make a quilt for her to take along to college in the fall.  I haven't decided on a pattern yet, but I know it will be modern with lots of Kona cotton.


4. New bed quilt for me.  As of right now, I don't actually have a quilt on my bed.  Sin, I know.  Although that doesn't mean there is a shortage of quilts in my house.  I've just never made a quilt specifically for my bed.

1. Princess 05, 

2. String Knot, 

3. Stepping Stones quilt top, 

4. Alice - Quilt top, 

5. HST Quilt, 

6. hopscotch quilt

5. Bento Box Quilt.  

1. Sunny in the Tropics Modified Bento Box Quilt Top, 

2. My Bento Box Quilt, 

3. Mod Bento Box, 

4. Mod Bento Block FInished #1, 

5. Mod Bento Block Swap (Received), 

6. Mod Bento Block Pillow #2

6. More FMQ.  I want to do more FMQ in 2011.  I actually just worked up the courage to try  it on my home machine last week and loved it!  So there is no excuse now to avoid FMQ in 2011.

7.  Reorganize sewing space.  More specifically install a design wall in my sewing space.

8.  Finish at least 5 UFOs.  It should not come as a surprise that I have my fair share of UFOs just waiting to see day light. :)  In 2011 I would really like to finish up some of these projects, even if that means a little redesigning.  Maybe one UFO for every new project?

9.  Swaps.  I hope to participate in a few swaps this coming year.  As of right now, I am participating in Kona Your World Fabric Swap and am really looking forward to adding to my Kona Cotton stash.

10.  Two words: Sewing Summit.  Enough said.

11.  Cathedral Window quilt.  I really like the look of this quilt.  However, mine will most definitely be machine pieced; no hand sewing for this lady.

I think 11 is a good number to end with considering the date of the new year is 1-1-11, don't you think?  (Thanks Elizabeth for pointing that out).  Maybe keeping with the pattern will ensure my productivity in 2011.  Ok, that's probably a stretch. :)  

What will you be working on next year?

i'm in a hurry to get things done...

....oh I rush and rush until life's no fun.  Ok, that's a little over the top. :)  But you know which Alabama song I am talking about?  That seems to be how I am feeling lately.  Between work and getting ready for the holidays, I just feel a little scatter-brained.  You know the feeling, right?


I did manage to squeeze a little sewing in last night for FNSI.

It's not the whole top like I had hoped to finish, but I have a pretty good start.  My sewing time was interrupted by a much needed, relaxing pizza and a movie date with the boyfriend. :)  It is nice just to relax and take a breather this time of year.  That is after all the best part, right?  Right.  Spending quality time with friends and family.  That's what the holidays are all about!


Have a great weekend everyone!


If you would like to see more FNSI results head on over to Handmade by Heidi.

Giveaway Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered this week for the Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day!  I really enjoyed reading everyones responses.


And the winner is......


#104 Lora


Congrats Lora!  I am e-mailing you now and will be sending the Go Green Shopping Bag soon!


Thanks again for everyone who entered!

FNSI {december 17}

If you are looking for my giveaway, 

please click here.

Two FNSIs in one month!  Here's what's on the chopping block tonight......

I am hoping to get my Spiderweb Quilt top pieced tonight.  Maybe a little ambitious? :)  Will see.  Have a great Friday night everyone and if you would like to participate in FNSI, go link up over at Handmade by Heidi.  

WiP Wednesday {5}

If you are looking for my giveaway, please click here.

It's already WiP Wednesday? :) That means only a week and a half before Christmas.  Yikes!


COMPLETED PROJECTS:

Crazy {9} Quilt
Yay!  This is a big finish for me and I am absolutely loving this quilt.  With the help of a huge winter storm that hit this weekend, I was able to get some serious sewing time in.  There is more snow forecasted for today through tonight, so I am hoping to have a little repeat sewing session. :)  If you would like to see more pictures, check out yesterday's post.


As far as everything else on my WiP list, haven't touched it. Oh well, I am pretty happy with my finish this week.  I have a feeling this is going to be a very productive week so stay tuned. :)


WiP Stats:
Last week's total: 8
Finished projects: 1
New projects: 0 (yay!)
This week's total: 7

If you would like to see other great works-in-progress, 

check out WiP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced.

crazy {9} quilt

It is finally complete! 

This quilt has been an on again, off again work in progress for far too long.  I came up with an idea for a quilt using crazy 9-patches about four months ago.  As usual, I was motivated in the beginning, and then fizzled shortly after.  

It wasn't until I started participating in WiP Wednesdays over at Freshly Pieced (if you haven't checked it out, you need to!) that I became determined to finish this quilt. With a little ripping out, sashing change, redesign, and the help of a weekend being snowed in because of a blizzard, I finished the quilt today.  

That all being said, I am in love with it!  I think it just might be my favorite quilt I have ever made.  What do you think?

Like I mentioned, there was a blizzard this weekend which limited my travel, including driving to my LQS for backing fabric.  Bummer huh?  So I came up with this pieced back using almost all of my leftover scraps.  

See that snow drift in the background. Eek!

I quilted it with an all over free motion stipple on my sewing machine.  This is the first FMQ I have ever done on my home machine, and I am pretty happy with the results.

Quilt Stats:

Name: crazy {9} quilt

Size: 65" x 65"

Designed by: Me

Quilted by: Me

Fabrics: Midwest Modern by Amy Butler, 

Kona Cotton Bone and Kona Cotton Artichoke

I am linking this to Fabric Tuesday

Giveaway Day!

It's giveaway day! Yay!  Thanks for stopping by at Canoe Ridge Creations.  I have been wanting to do a giveaway for a while now, and what better time than for Sew, Mama, Sew's Giveaway Day!

So, one lucky person will win this:

It is a Go Green Shopping Bag!

There are two ways to enter (that means two chances, but please leave a separate comment for each):

1.) Leave a comment telling me what your favorite part about sewing/quilting is.

2.) Become a follower of Canoe Ridge Creations blog, or tell me if you already are.

Pretty simple, don't you think? :)  The giveaway will be open until December 17th at midnight EST.  The lucky winner will be chosen at random and announced on December 18th. (Sorry, but the giveaway is only open to people within the United States)  So check back then and good luck!

FNSI {december 10} results

Snow, snow, snow and sew, sew, sew.  That is what was happening in my neck of the woods last night. 

Here is what I accomplished:

This has been a WiP for a while now, at least for a couple months.  Ekk!  After changing my mind (about a million times) I came up with this final design last night.  What do you think?  It is funny how you can take a WiP, change it up a bit, and fall in love with the quilt all over again!

View outside this morning.  We are in a Blizzard Warning until Sunday afternoon.  

And because it looks like this outside, and isn't suppose to stop anytime soon, I am hoping to finish piecing the top this afternoon.  Maybe even get it basted and ready to quilt??  Fingers crossed. :)

But first, I am off to see what everyone else got done last night.  Happy Sewing!

Also, I will be participating in Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day, so check back Monday and see what it is!

Friday Night Sew-In {December 10}

Tonight is the first of two FNSIs for the month of December.  If you haven't participated before, head on over to Handmade by Heidi to sign up.  It is always a ton of fun!

I have a ton of WiPs I would like to finish up by the end of the year.  So, there won't be a shortage of projects to work on tonight.  The best part, I don't have to work today.  That means my FNSI starts now! :)

WiP Wednesday {4}

Well, after having a productive night sewing Friday (while being snowed in), my momentum fizzled over the weekend.  I guess that's what a busy weekend work schedule will do to you.  Oh well, I am starting to get back at it this week.  

Here's this week's WiP stats:

NEW PROJECTS:

None.  Yay!

ON GOING PROJECTS (with progress this week):

Crazy 9-Patch

I have all my crazy 9-patches pieced, pressed, and ready to be sewn together.  Here's a sneak peak of the progress so far.  I am really happy with my decision to scrap the original white sashing and switch to a Kona Solid.  Hoping to finish piecing this one by the end of the week.

Spiderweb Quilt

Almost all the spiderweb triangle pieces have been sewn.  Now I just have trim them and start piecing the blocks together.

Knitted Wrist Warmers

One down, one to go.  Pictures to come.

ON GOING PROJECTS (with no progress this week):

Same as last week.

QUILTS BEING QUILTED:

Same as last week.

QUILTS WAITING TO BE QUILTED:

Same as last week.

If you would like to see some more great works-in-progress, 

check out WiP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced.