Luv 2 Stitch

Fleeting February!!

2012-02-12T19:55:00.000-05:00

Yikes! Almost two weeks have gone by in February and not one post from me. Really, I've been keeping busy, but most things I can't show just yet.

I did finish a second lacy scarf and purchased a few more skeins of yarn. I tried to take a picture of the scarf around my neck. Maybe the floor was a better shot.

Connie made the sample for February's Prairie Woman's Sewing Circle. It was a lot of flying geese units and turned out so pretty in pinks and browns.

It seems I missed my five year blogaversary! My first post was February 3, 2007. I also hit 100 followers and am close to 400 posts. Those milestones should require a giveaway, don't you think? I'll get back to you on that one.

So long, January!

2012-01-31T17:48:00.000-05:00

Saturday, Connie and I attended a small quilt show up north that is held in a former church. Here are a few of my favorites. The first is a Quilt of Valor with an embroidered pillowcase.

Monday was Bee day at Jane's house. We enjoyed pineapple upside down cake as our treat. My finishes were smaller this month, but still finishes. Connie gave me these little waste triangle units years ago and I always wanted to make something from it. Finally, they became a little zipper pouch.

Everyone is making the lacy scarves around here. This is my first one and I don't even knit. Connie showed me how to do it with Red Heart Sashey Yarn and a pair of size 9 knitting needles. One skein makes a scarf.

And, I made one little house!

Pink Lemonade

2012-01-21T20:05:00.002-05:00

Lori from Humble Quilts just finished another cute quilt-along. Today I sewed my blocks together. As I was auditioning different yellows, none of them seemed right. Finally, chose one and am happy with it. The color is a tad washed out in the photo. Thank you, Lori, for a fun project!

ADDED: Lori has links now to over 40 Lemonade quilts HERE.

Love A Retreat!

2012-01-17T19:04:00.001-05:00

We had a week-end quilting retreat up north at The Springs sponsored by The Quilted Cottage. Just the best way to spend a week-end with friends and fabric.

This is the 12 Days of Christmas quilt that Temecula Quilt Co. posted during December. The number of pieces in each block increases as the days go by. Isn't that a clever idea? I did add an inner border before the final border and used the same fabric for all four sides instead of two different fabrics.

This snowman was made by Judy. He's been on my 'to do' list for awhile so it was fun to watch her finish this. He still needs his embellishments.

Helen brought a stack of blocks as one of her projects and left with a beautiful top!

Connie has a start on the little houses that are sweeping the blogs. Notice Santa in the window? These blocks had everyone oohing and aahing over their cuteness.

Linda brought a stack of Grinch fabrics and made two wonderful Christmas tops with them.

This pile shows 20 big Mickey Mouse nine patches that will be cut into four pieces and become a Disappearing Nine Patch.

Both Jo and Judy made the January quilt from Kim Schaefer's Calendar Quilts patterns.

A dozen more little cheddar bow ties that will be added to the tin that is currently missing somewhere in my sewing room. Don't you hate when that happens.

Here is my ear buds pouch made from the tutorial at Dog Under My Desk. It was fun and easy to make.

Connie showed me how to make the lacy scarf from the Red Heart Sashey yarn. More about that and Pinterest in my next post.

More Progress

2012-01-09T23:00:00.001-05:00

I was excited to see that Lori had posted the second step in the Pink Lemonade quilt-along. My fabrics were still piled on the cutting board from last week so I got right to it.

Month 3 blocks for the Cotton Club BOTM are now done. These blocks finish at five inches and are fun to make.

Next is the latest quilt for The Prairie Woman's Sewing Circle. The instructions were to cut squares instead of strip piecing the nine patches. There's a whole lot of room for screw-up and I managed my share. I think this would make a cute table topper.

The last photo is a bonus project. There are several gals at The Quilted Cottage who share their scraps (rather than throw them away) with Connie and me. Last week I received a bag with these HSTs and had to stitch them into a doll quilt.

Bonnie Hunter is linking up photos of cheddar bow ties. If you haven't done so, hop on over and check it out.

New Starts

2012-01-06T14:51:00.001-05:00

No, I obviously don't have enough UFOs waiting to be finished as I felt compelled to start a few new projects. First is the Just Take 2 from Brenda Papadakis and Gay Bomers. I've purchased background fabric, but will use the reds in my stash. On the 1st of each month, Gay will post patterns at Sentimental Stitches and on the 15th, Brenda will post patterns on the Dear Jane website. You might want to check it out.

Lori at Humble Quilts is doing another quilt-along. This time I'm not waiting to join in. Finished my six little (4.5") blocks this morning. The pink is not as bright as the photo shows. I couldn't get the camera to cooperate.

I also printed out several pages of the paper pieced little houses from Jeanneke and hope to make a few of those, too.

A couple of other things have been downloaded, but that's as far as I got. Maybe I should be locked up...in a room with my machine and internet and stash!

Ready for 2012

2011-12-31T15:35:00.000-05:00

I get very excited each time the new year rolls around. It's a fresh start on making things better, getting organized, finishing those UFOs, etc. This feeling usually doesn't make it through the month of January, but I enjoy the days that are hopeful.

Yesterday, I finally caught up with my blog readings. (over 2500 posts) I didn't leave many comments, but Sunday is a new year!

I'm cutting fabrics to make some DNP quilts in 2012. That pattern is wonderful with novelty prints.

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T23:07:00.000-05:00

Buttons & More

2011-12-23T14:46:00.000-05:00

This adorable, button bouquet was made by my talented cousin, Mary. I am the lucky recipient.

My talented friend, Helen, made this gorgeous towel for me.

And my talented sister, Connie, made this pretty poinsettia pin for me.

Christmas Gifts Done

2011-12-17T23:27:00.001-05:00

No, that doesn't mean I have finished my shopping and wrapped all of the gifts. It does mean that Helen, Connie and I have each finished our Christmas Gifts tops. This is the pattern that LuAnn from Loose Threads so kindly wrote the directions for using a charm pack instead of the layer cake. We finished the blocks in Shipshewana and put the top together at our December 'Sleep At Home' retreat. Thanks again, LuAnn. We had lots of fun making these together.

Sunday

2011-12-11T22:43:00.000-05:00

It's been a busy week-end. Friday started out with Clothesline Club and then Quilt Red's Christmas party. The theme for CC was yo-yos.

Friday evening was the Fantastic Friday Christmas Party. (more good food) At each table was a Christmas fat quarter, a charm and some candy. I finished the present quilt that LuAnn at Loose Threads kindly gave directions for on her blog here. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and an evening of sewing or knitting.

Have you seen those ruffled scarves? It's almost impossible around here to get the yarn to make them. Luckily, I secured a few skeins while in Shipshewana last month. (and I don't even knit)

Yesterday, I finished the applique for my snowmen noses. Now it's ready to baste and quilt.

And tonight was our Christmas Concert at church. Jim and I sang in the choir and Jim also played hand bells. IMNSHO, it was a very nice concert.

Can you believe there's only two weeks until Christmas? We don't even have our tree up! Anything baked has been taken somewhere, so no progress on that front either. I'd better get busy this week.

Quilter's Knot

2011-12-08T12:17:00.000-05:00

Reading through a few of my blog links this morning and I came across Rebecca Silbaugh from Ruby Blue Quilting Studio. She shares how-to versions of the quilter's knot for both left and right handed quilters. There are other tutorials on her blog, also.

The little, felt ornaments are ready to hang on a tree. I really enjoyed making these.

Prairie Woman's Sewing Circle

2011-12-04T17:12:00.000-05:00

Connie and I make the quilts ahead of the meeting time for our Prairie Woman's Sewing Circle. This paper-pieced one was fun to do. Here is Connie's on the left and mine on the right. Pinned to the bottom of each quilt top are our month 2 blocks for the Cotton Club BOTM. They finish at 5". I love the fabrics used for this project.

Following PWSC, Wilma's Woolies meets at the shop. We had a work session yesterday after show and tell. I brought an ornament pattern/kit that was purchased several years ago. Now, they are all ready to stitch and one is even finished.

November Bee Finishes

2011-11-29T19:25:00.000-05:00

Jane finished a fun wall hanging that she had started in Amy Bradley's class last August. She stitched the edges differently from the pattern and quilted in swirls and curves behind the bathing beauties.

Connie finished a wonderful, winter table runner which fits perfectly on her display case.

and a cute, reversible Christmas tote bag with lots of pockets.

Mary finished a lovely Jo Morton quilt,

aprons for her daughter and granddaughter (which she had given away before Bee)

and a gorgeous wool table mat/centerpiece.

And I finished one of my oldest UFOs (almost 20 years old). It was a kit from my first trip to Paducah, bought at the Rotary from Judie Rothermel.

Stitcheries are done!

2011-11-26T21:53:00.000-05:00

We don't have a fireplace or enough wall space to hang a banner. I think I will make two three block wall hangings and maybe a pillow with the last one. These designs were so much fun to do that I may stitch them again sometime. Thank you to Lesley at Sew Happy for the wonderful patterns.

The leftovers from Thanksgiving are almost gone now, although I am still hungry for pumpkin pie. Jim has a large kettle of soup in the works with the turkey we saved. I can't believe that December is just around the corner.

Shipshewana

2011-11-22T13:47:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed another wonderful retreat with about 100 fellow Dear Jane quilters this past week-end in Shipshewana, Indiana. The time goes by too quickly. It's always a treat to see what others are working on and/or have finished. The show & tell this year was awesome and many Dear Jane quilts were shown. This link will take you to a slide show of my pics. There are a lot of heads in them, but I think you can get the idea.

I've Been Working on These Projects

2011-11-12T16:09:00.001-05:00

It seems I'm also behind on showing the things I have been working on at home. These are the main projects. The first five blocks for the Cotton Club BOTM were a joy to sew. The colors are so much prettier than this photo. The Christmas banner stitcheries started out on time and then --- boom. Back on track, though. The remaining four are traced and ready to stitch. The next two quilts are from The Prairie Woman's Sewing Circle II Club. I'm working on the third quilt now which is a paper pieced square in a square, in a square, in a square, in a square, in a square.

While I have been working on these projects, one or more critters (skunks?) have been 'working' on our backyard. My husband set a live trap, but what if he catches one?

Three Of A Kind

2011-11-02T21:07:00.000-04:00

Those who guessed 'Three Of A Kind' were correct. From the correct names, Connie was drawn. If you'll send me your mailing address, I'll get your treat in the mail. Thank you to those who played along.

Mary hosted our October bee. We have a year-long challenge to finish our UFOs. Besides the Halloween pumpkin from a previous post, I finished my 'Spinning Flowers' quilt. This was a shop sample that I made a couple of years ago. Jane showed a couple of tie purses she made at a recent retreat and Mary had two gorgeous wall hangings. Connie wasn't feeling well so had to miss this time.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T15:18:00.000-04:00

We enjoyed another Fantastic Friday Halloween Party at The Quilted Cottage. There was a wide variety of creative costumes and an awesome potluck. After some group singing with the Morbid Tabernacle Choir, we got down to some sewing.

The last photo is of Connie, Helen and me. If you correctly email me what you think we represent, I'll send a little treat to the name drawn from the correct guesses. You have until tomorrow night at midnight.

An Autumn Finish

2011-10-14T18:17:00.000-04:00

Back in January, 2008, I made a pumpkin block at a Fantastic Friday night at The Quilted Cottage. It sat around until this post. Now almost four years from the beginning of this little project, I can report that it is a completed wall hanging! The timing of my finish corresponds to the upcoming holiday, too. I'm really happy with how it turned out and think it sat just long enough.

For some reason (maybe the soil) my morning glory blooms have been all purple in color instead of blue. The first year I planted them, there were blue flowers galore. Since then, only purple and a dramatic decrease in the amount of blooms. Imagine my surprise when I stepped outside yesterday and saw this.

I've been glued to the television or radio for every post season Tigers' ballgame. Each game is a roller coaster of ups and downs. The Tigers head back to Texas now and I'm hoping for two more wins. They've given us a tremendous year!

On to Texas!

2011-10-07T14:28:00.002-04:00

Sewalong

2011-09-26T15:53:00.000-04:00

Have you joined the SewHappy Christmas Sewalong? I stitched the first one last night and can't wait for the second pattern. They are only available for one week, so get your patterns even if you can't start them right away.

It's a beautiful fall day. The colors are changing and leaves are beginning to fall. I love this time of year.

Sweet Pickins & More

2011-09-20T12:37:00.001-04:00

The retreat was wonderful, as always. It allowed me time to catch up on the Moda Sweet Pickin's Mystery. This pic shows step eight. Meeting is tonight.

The blocks from Redwork Seasons are now sashed and sewn together. This was a free BOTM from Paula Stoddard at Pacific Patchwork. The blocks were quick and fun to stitch. I'm not confident about the two blocks that are sashed with the darker fabric in the top and bottom rows. Should I change those? That paw on the pineapple block is Jasper 'helping' again.

LuAnn from Loose Threads made the Flurry quilt by Kate Spain in a smaller size using a charm pack instead of a layer cake. She was kind enough to post a tutorial with her cutting sizes, etc. Her version was a huge hit at the retreat. I wonder how many will bring one to the next show and tell.

Jasper and Annie pictures just because...

Clothesline Club and SAHR

2011-09-14T23:09:00.000-04:00

These are the projects that were shown for Clothesline Club last Friday. We were given the patterns for the casserole carrier and the tissue cover. The quilt pattern is in the Precuts magazine. Tomorrow is the first day of the September "Sleep At Home Retreat" at The Quilted Cottage. I played around with the waste triangles from my Starstruck top today at Open Sew. I hope to add a row or two in length, add the HSTs and an outer border of blue. I think this top was started last September when Bonnie Hunter taught classes here.

Bow Tie Update

2011-09-08T18:07:00.000-04:00

Here are my little bow tie blocks for August and the beginning of September. I'm using some of the smallest repro scraps I have saved and a gorgeous cheddar from Marcus Brothers called "Nineteenth Century Backgrounds" from the collection of Judie Rothermel. The blocks will finish at 3 inches - someday.

The temps have cooled here, but not the Detroit Tigers! They're on fire and I'm enjoying every moment of the final stretch.

Tomorrow is Clothesline Club and Quilt Red Group at The Quilted Cottage. Hopefully, I'll have pictures from show and tell to share.

36 Patch Blocks Reduced

2011-08-30T16:15:00.000-04:00

AmandaJean's latest QAL was using 36 Patch blocks that measured 12" (finished). I am enjoying making these, but while sorting through some scraps I wondered how the block would look with smaller strips. If you cut six strips (3 light and 3 dark) at 1 1/2" x 10", you'll get a 6" (finished) 36 patch block. Since I love 'little', I think they're stinkin' cute!

I made an Abby Bag for a shop sample. It was fun sewing with these happy fabrics.

Saturday

2011-08-27T11:24:00.000-04:00

My prayers go out to all those in harm's way of Hurricane Irene.

My 36 patch blocks continue to grow in number. I may just keep making them until I tire of the block.

I belong to a group called "The Lunch Bunch" which meets monthly at The Quilted Cottage. Sandie, our leader, is always coming up with fun things to do. Last month we brought in scraps of fabric in a brown paper bag and swapped them out. We were to add one fabric of our own to the bag of scraps we drew and make a mug rug for that person. This last Thursday was our big reveal day. The mug rug I made was for Bonnie. I paperpieced a cup and saucer, added a B and four friendship stars. Sandie had my scraps. She used the flowers in one of the fabrics as a resting place for a yellow bird. On the right she sewed a pocket to hold silverware or a tea bag. This was a fun exchange!

Nightmare

2011-08-18T18:42:00.001-04:00

This week has been a nightmare. Last Friday, Connie (my sister) and Nick lost their wonderful grandson in a motorcycle accident. Dustin was 21 years old, the oldest of three sons born to Matt and Julie. He was Army and had just graduated from jump school. To make the nightmare even worse, Dustin's brother, Dylan, had just left aboard a ship to Afghanistan. Dylan is a Navy man. The funeral was originally scheduled for today, but Dylan couldn't get home until Saturday. Please keep Matt, Julie, Dylan, Dalton, Connie and Nick and our whole family in your prayers.

BB Civil War Blocks

2011-08-05T17:09:00.000-04:00

Kathy asked me to post a picture of my civil war blocks. I hadn't laid them out together for quite awhile. I need one more block to keep me up to date. There's a couple that need a little tweaking, but overall, I'm pleased with the results. How are you doing on your blocks?

Making Progress

2011-08-04T14:49:00.000-04:00

Progress is good, but it's not on my UFOs. Can't help it. These blocks are speaking to me. Six blocks for the 36 Patch pile and five for the 3" Bow Tie tin. I love tins and baskets. This little tin will hold quite a few bow ties.

Bow Tie Quilt & More 36 Patch blocks

2011-07-31T23:06:00.000-04:00

Another great "Sleep At Home Retreat"! The group was smaller this time, but fun and laughter are always there. My stack of bow tie blocks stopped growing when I ran out of red fabric for my setting squares. It's still a reasonable size, though. I'm happy with the results. This is the final quilt for our Prairie Woman's Sewing Circle Club.
Four days and four 36 patch blocks so far. They sew up very quickly. The four blocks together are bigger than most of the little quilts I usually make.

Quilt for Abby

2011-07-28T22:25:00.000-04:00

To celebrate my granddaughter's 'Sweet Sixteen" birthday, I made a new quilt for her bed. The colors and fabrics are happy ones. We watched her open the present via Skype on Jim's laptop.

I've spent the last two days at The Quilted Cottage enjoying the July "Sleep At Home Retreat". Bowtie blocks are piling up near my machine for the last quilt in the Prairie Woman's Sewing Circle. I also made one 36 squares block just before I left tonight. AmandaJean has been making these and it looked like fun.

The First Sixty

2011-07-18T10:36:00.001-04:00

In the first 60 years of my life (like there'll be a second 60), I was blessed with not needing any surgeries. Now, in the last seven months, there's been two. I hope this pattern changes. Thursday, I had surgery for a torn miniscus on my right knee. I'll be good as 60 in no time!

It's been so hot outside that I'm hibernating inside with the a/c and these projects. Finished the little "Leftovers" mini, the stitches on the scissors holder and another cross stitched ornament from Little House Needleworks. I'm also up to date on the Moda U "Sweet Pickins" mystery. AND...the "Sweet Sixteen" birthday quilt for my granddaughter is on its way to Abby!

Now I could list the projects that I am behind on or the ones listed as UFOs, but that would be a loooooong post!

Summer School

2011-07-01T13:29:00.002-04:00

My local quilt shop, The Quilted Cottage, held a Quilters Academy this week. Many different kinds of classes were offered. I chose five of them. I wish I could have done a few more, but I did have to sleep sometime. My classes were a clothesline rope bowl, scissor holder featuring ten embroidery stitches, Texture Magic tote bag, a reversible cap and a no-sew cord wrapped bowl. I liked the bargello class, the button making class and the fabric jewelry class, too. (next time) Yesterday, all of the classes met for Show & Tell, group pictures and to receive our T-shirts. It was an action-packed week. I managed to finish my tote, rope bowl and cap and am still working on the needle holder and the other bowl.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2011-05-25T20:53:00.000-04:00

Here I am, behind and negligent with my posting. Time just keeps zooming by and I'm holding on with both hands. Several family members traveled to Detroit to see Mitch Albom's play about the life of legendary broadcaster, Ernie Harwell. There was a quilting retreat up north in Gladwin and a wedding for nephew, Trevor and his bride Lakyn.
Connie and I graduated from Moda University and have the certificate to prove it. I finished an old scrappy blues top from way back. This month's Prairie Woman's Sewing Circle project is four patches and pinwheels. The blocks were made at the retreat and the border was sewn on tonight. Our Bee was Monday and here's a picture of Mary's project. Those are little hexagons! Amy Bradley is coming to do a lecture and class in August. A new quilt shop opened in Pinconning in a former church building. It is charming! Lots of Jo Morton fabrics, too.

Mother's Day Review

2011-05-11T11:11:00.001-04:00

JJ sent me an Edible Fruit bouquet for Mother's Day! It has delicious strawberries, pineapple, apples, grapes and melon, some of them covered with dark chocolate. I was surprised and delighted. Kari, Craig, Abby and Ian sent me a gift certificate for Barnes & Noble which I will have lots of fun using soon. And from Mike and Simone, a Detroit Tigers toaster! It will imprint an English D on the toast. How cool is that?

Today I am waist deep in fabrics trying to thin out some of them. They must multiply while I'm away. A few 'lost' items have been located and scraps are being cut into usable sizes.

April On The Run

2011-04-29T23:27:00.002-04:00

Way back in 2008, I participated in a swap called "Polka Dots & Rick Rack". I was fortunate to have May Britt send to me. One of the many delightful items in my package was a printed stitchery which I finished here. Then it sat. On two different occasions I tried to finish it, but was never satisfied until last week. Some projects just need time to finish, even small ones like this. May, I hope you like how I finished it.

This runner is the latest project for The Prairie Woman's Sewing Circle at the shop.
It needs to be quilted before next Saturday. The half square triangle units finish at one inch.

April has been a busy month for me. I've been to Shipshewana, Indiana and West Bend, Wisconsin and sang in lots of church services during the Lenten season. The Quilted Cottage is part of a shop hop right now. Yesterday, Connie and I worked at the cutting table. What fun and what temptation! When you handle all of that delicious fabric, it's difficult to not cut some for yourself, too. (and I did)

I can't believe April has only more day. It is a special day, too. My youngest son, JJ, will be 31.

Weekly Themed Contest

2011-04-04T15:24:00.000-04:00

I noticed this week's category for the Quilting Gallery's weekly themed contest is applique. I love to applique. I entered a purple quilt

that I made in 2008 for a challenge. Please take a look on Friday when the voting begins.

Wednesday work day

2011-03-30T15:46:00.002-04:00

Here's the last four Civil War blocks from Barbara Brackman's site. I enjoyed making each one of these. The colors didn't photograph too well. I think my battery needs charging. The second top is the third little quilt for The Prairie Women's Sewing Circle which meets this Saturday at The Quilted Cottage. The four patch mini measures 17 1/2" x 17 1/2".

Our quilt show was a wonderful variety of sizes, colors and techniques. This quilt was voted the Best of Show. It's hand appliqued and hand quilted by Nora Hickerson.
Nora does beautiful work. If you'd like to see the rest of the quilts from the show, click on the Piecemakers Quilt Guild link in the right column (scroll down) and then click Quilt Show.

Reality Check

2011-03-24T21:19:00.000-04:00

Last week - hot and sunny. This week - cold and snowy. It was fun while it lasted. We saw three Detroit Tigers games in Lakeland, FL and spent a lot of time outside, around the pool at our hotel. This picture was taken at Treasure Island. Every day was sunny and 80 and no humidity.

I finished my Christmas Wishes quilt from the online BOTM by Gail Pan. It's hanging in the guild's quilt show tomorrow and Saturday. It seems to go with the second picture.

St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T22:33:00.000-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Lakeland, Florida, where it was 80 today and the Tigers beat the Twins! Heading to Treasure Island tomorrow.

Mini Quilt & Red & White

2011-03-09T00:09:00.000-05:00

Today I finished a little mini quilt for the Habitat Auction coming up in April. It measures 10 1/4" x 12 1/2". It took me as long to select a border as it did to piece the top. After the two borders were attached (of course), I noticed the top four patch was turned the wrong way. I was about to rip when I saw the bottom four patch matched the top one. No ripping required!

Lori posted today about Taryn having her own red and white online quilt exhibit in honor of Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts in New York City. Here is my red and white quilt hanging on its quilt rack. My husband purchased this for me at an auction a few years ago. I love the circles that are quilted around the outer parts of the quilt.

It's March!

2011-03-01T16:42:00.000-05:00

Although there's plenty of snow left outside, I get really excited when the March page turns on the calendar. Not only is spring just around the corner, but it's time for Tigers' baseball. Their spring training game is televised tonight. Guess where I'll be at 8:00!

I've been sewing every day and have a few photos to share. I finished the top for the second quilt in The Prairie Women's Sewing Circle. It turned out larger than I was expecting, but I'm liking it. Three more blocks sewn from Barbara Brackman's Civil War Quilts blog. This week's block is not difficult, so I should be able to stay up to date on this project.

I made the notebook for Moda University from Moda fabric, of course. The spool block is one of thirteen sewn during a class by Ami Simms, called Spinning Spools. The spools are dimensional and all made with striped fabrics. Any class with Ami is a fun time.

The four star blocks are the first part of a mystery from Moda U. It's exciting and a bit scary not knowing where the project is going.

Go Tigers!!

Kindness in the Mail

2011-02-14T00:46:00.000-05:00

Isn't this a cute mug rug to sit my coffee cup on each morning? It arrived in my mailbox from Greenmare. Mare had a give away for a mug rug to celebrate her 300th post. Instead of choosing a winner, she sent one to each person who had left a comment. What a sweet, thoughtful and generous thing to do! It makes me smile each time I see it. Thank you, again, for making my day.

Happy Valentine's Day!

February Update

2011-02-08T12:28:00.001-05:00

Winter is getting old here. I'm so ready for spring - green things, flowers peeking from the ground and Tigers on the ball diamond! I like football, but I love baseball! Now that the Super Bowl is done (Congrats to the Green Bay Packers)I want baseball!!!!!

Several of my projects are moving along. Here are Redwork Seasons blocks from Pacific Patchwork, blocks from our Civil War Club signature exchange sewn together, the first five civil war blocks from Barbara Brackman and the first project from The Prairie Woman's Sewing Circle. I also stitched four Raggedy Ann and Andy blocks and a Christmas ornament. (no pic yet)

January finish & progress

2011-01-21T16:00:00.010-05:00

Way back in 2007, I made this top with some scrappy nine patches and Winnie the Pooh fabric. It is now quilted, bound and delivered. The Underground Railroad will be the recipient.

I've been working on many of my stitchery projects. The Christmas Wishes BOTM from Gail Pan is now a top. I'm working on the Raggedy Ann and Andy BOTM from The Painted Quilt and am half done with the BOTM blocks for Redwork Seasons by Paula Stoddard. Also have the first two blocks from Barbara Brackman's Civil War blog done and working on the third one. The little sampler is framed and my sewing room is getting an overhaul. (the latter will take some time)

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T19:11:00.003-05:00

I have a good feeling about 2011. The key word will be 'finish' instead of buy. I hope to get at least one UFO finished each month.

My New Year's Eve was spent in a hospital bed after having surgery last Tuesday. Today I was able to go home and that feels good. In a couple more weeks, I should be better than I've been in a long time.

Happy New Year!

Hint of Stitching

2010-12-20T00:08:00.004-05:00

Just a hint of stitching around here lately. The little sampler will be framed for me and the kitty will become an ornament. The latter was in JCS Ornaments issue this year. I'm behind on Bonnie's mystery quilt, but enjoying each step when I can. Anyone else 'migrate' their feeds on Bloglines to the new Bloglines site at Merchant Circle? It took less than 25% of my feeds and now I have to add the rest one at a time. (unless somebody knows a shortcut) Busy week ahead and then things will slow down some. Merry Christmas.

A Little Piecing or Piecing Little

2010-11-30T23:32:00.005-05:00

Today I played with little 'waste triangles' or those chunks you cut off when making a half-square triangle from a square. The first top measures about 12" x 14" and was started this past summer. It just needed to be a bit longer and have a border. The second one is made from HSTs that my sister, Connie, gave me years ago from a charity quilt she had made. It measures about 7 1/2" x 9 1/2". I have an idea how I will use it, but that will be another post.

Step Two

2010-11-30T00:13:00.003-05:00

So far, so good! I'm up to date and happy with my results for the Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll Mystery.

Cotton Boll Mystery Part One

2010-11-28T19:56:00.003-05:00

The first step in Bonnie Hunter's Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll Mystery is finished and the strips are cut for the next step. I wonder what's coming in the next clue?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T16:21:00.002-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Take time to count your blessings and then eat pie.

Cinnamon rolls & quilting

2010-11-24T14:03:00.013-05:00

Last Friday, we were able to spend a couple of hours at the home of an Amish family in Shipshewana. Elaine greeted us at the door with a warm cinnamon roll. Two rows of tables were set for us to enjoy a coffee or tea while we watched the cinnamon roll- making process. After the rolls went into the oven, we entered the next room which had three quilting frames set up for us. We were told to sign our names on the quilt as previous quilters had done. There was a large box in the corner for us to put slips with our names, in hopes of winning one of the three quilts. In the last photo, you'll see Pat from Pat's Patter. It was wonderful to meet her. Check out more photos from Shipshewana on her blog. As we left Elaine's, we were given a fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll to take back to The Farmstead Inn. Mmmmmmmmm.

Home again!

2010-11-22T12:11:00.016-05:00

Connie and I returned home yesterday afternoon after spending a wonderful time in Shipshewana with about 100 other retreaters. Upon arrival into town on Tuesday, we went straight to Lolly's. It's always great to see Chris and her family. (and the fabrics) Then we went to The Farmstead Inn to check into our room. Priorities.

Can you believe this is the end result of a round robin? It could be a block of the month! It was simply gorgeous and belongs to Claire. I'll show the others in my next post.

Yoder's had a run all week on these colorful and comfy shoes! The stock was almost depleted by the time the retreat ended.

A couple of Hitty gals came to the retreat with their 'moms'. I think these belong to Susan and Carolyn.

After Show & Tell on Friday evening, LuAnn from Loose Threads enjoys the chocolate fountain. Be sure to check for more pictures on her blog.

Darlene buys the Dear Jane book and has Brenda Papadakis sign it for her.

Connie, me, Helen and Darlene pose under the Dear Jane letters at Lolly's.

More soon......

Heading to Shipshewana!

2010-11-16T10:56:00.007-05:00

Jasper begged and pleaded. He used his cutest poses, but eventually I was able to get my clothes inside the suitcase instead of a cat. I have enough projects packed to last me the rest of the year. Wonder if it will all fit in the car?

I participated in Paula's 3-2-1 Tote Bag swap. Laura made me a really cute tote where the lining pulls out to give extra height. She included lots of goodies, too. Thank you to Paula and Laura! When I get home, I'll be able to show what I made for my swap partner.

Retreat to Retreat

2010-11-15T11:09:00.026-05:00

What a fun time at The Quilted Cottage "Sleep At Home Retreat" this past Wednesday through Saturday! As I unpack the tote bags, I am re-packing for my trip tomorrow for another retreat in Shipshewana, Indiana with the Dear Jane group. My sister and I call this our 'fall tour'. We'll be home the rest of the year. (so far) I hope you enjoy seeing some of the wonderful projects that were finished or worked on at the retreat.

I was, also, the lucky winner of 30s scraps from Jane's Fabrics and Quilts. Isn't it a nice selection!

333 Winner

2010-11-09T20:43:00.002-05:00

I found three items to send to Kathie who is the winner of my 333 Giveaway. If you send me your snail mail address, I'll get them in the mail to you. I used a random number generator and it chose 8. Thank you to everyone who played along.

333

2010-11-05T21:01:00.002-04:00

If I'm counting correctly, this is my 333rd posting. To celebrate that and the fact that Bloglines is still here, I'll have a giveaway. Not sure yet what to give away, but I'll come up with something. Leave a comment with a way to reach you on this post and I'll draw a winner on Tuesday, November 9th.

I waited until the last day to export my blog list to Google Reader. Each day after, I would check and Bloglines was still there with my blogs. Today I read they are not closing. I am thrilled!

Month 11

2010-11-02T15:36:00.004-04:00

It still needs to be pressed, but I have finished sewing the block for month 11 of The Civil War Tribute Quilt. This block measures 36 1/2" square which is like a whole quilt for me. Our club meets Saturday.

We had one knock on the door for Halloween. This is my nephew, Jeremy, his wife, Andi and their adorable girls.

The Quilted Cottage Fantastic Friday Halloween Party

2010-10-31T22:35:00.014-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
My sister, Connie, and I are known as 'the sisters' among our quilting friends. We decided to use the term for our costumes this year. We used old choir robes and made the collars and head pieces. Our sewing buddy, Helen, said she usually didn't dress up for the party. Well, we appointed her "Mother Superior". So here she is with 'The sisters'. Helen found the wooden crosses for us and Connie's husband fashioned the wooden ruler on a leather strap for Helen. We had a terrific time. Some of the comments were, "quilting can become a habit" - "those gals are habitual quilters" and "no nunsense in this area". Many of the gals dressed up for the evening of sewing which began with a delicious potluck, of course. There was a Halloween FQ and candies next to each name tag. Jackie, also, give each attendee a charm (witch hat with dangling pumpkin) to add to our sewing machine pins. Hope you enjoy some of the other costumes, too.

Phantom Postings

2010-10-29T16:12:00.011-04:00

I'm doing it again. Writing posts in my head that never reach the keyboard. I imagine the pictures that I'll share and the stories I can relate. Then it almost feels like I did write. Well, this one is for real.

Had a wonderful time in Gladwin last week-end at The Springs. There were about 80 gals
who gathered for fun and sewing. I finished enough blocks for the throw size Starstruck that I started in the class by Bonnie Hunter in September. I can't decide if I want to make it bigger or add a border and call it done. Any ideas for a border?

Tonight is the Fantastic Friday Halloween party at The Quilted Cottage. We are encouraged to dress up for the evening. (in costumes) I'd better get mine on before I'm late.

Here are a few if the projects from the gals at the retreat.

When I returned home on Sunday, Annie immediately jumped on my suitcase and gave me a look.

10-10-10

2010-10-10T18:24:00.007-04:00

I intended to post at the beginning of the month. If I don't hurry up, it'll be November.

At the last Moda U Saturday, we were fortunate to have Deb Strain speak to us about the process of how she designs fabric lines and how she began her career. She's been designing for Moda for 13 years and is a talented and very friendly woman. An added bonus was a display of paper items with artwork done by Deb. These included calendars, note pads, bookmarks, recipe cards, etc. She didn't have nearly as much to take back with her when the day was over.

My LQS is starting three new groups. As Stacy tells us, a group has 'a guide on the side, not a sage on the stage' as in a class or club. Group One is The Thursday Morning Divas. This should be a fun time making bright and happy little projects. The second group is Quilt Red which will involve hand work of any kind. We'll be sharing and helping each other learn new techniques and just spending quality time together working with our hands. The third group is Wilma's Woolies. This one hasn't met yet, but will be making things from wool.

Since the Civil War Tribute Club is coming to an end, we have two new clubs starting in January. One is Prairie Women’s Sewing Circle and the other is a BOM that I can't remember the name of right now.

Jim, JJ and I spent last Monday in Grand Rapids viewing many of the entries in the 2010 ArtPrize. Amazing doesn't even come close to the right word to describe this event. The weather was perfect for walking downtown (five hours) and we saw many of the over 1700 exhibits. Chris LaPorte, formerly from Bay City and now living in Grand Rapids, won the top prize money of $250,000 with his 28 foot long pencil drawing (The Cavalry) taken from an old photo found in his father's home. You can read about it here.

The weather outside this past week has been wonderful. It could stay this way for many more weeks if I had my way.

Happy Birthday to

2010-09-24T17:28:00.004-04:00

Jasper! The vet sent Jim an e-card this morning. It was a Happy Birthday to Jasper
card. We've been singing to him all day and I think he's heard enough.

Here's the two rows of the Civil War Tribute Quilt that Connie finished hanging in the shop. We're getting close to the finish now.

Heading out to Fantastic Friday at the LQS.

Bonnie was here!

2010-09-20T14:28:00.013-04:00

Last Wednesday was the first guild meeting of the year. We had a special speaker this September (we usually don't have a speaker for the first meeting). Bonnie Hunter from North Carolina and Quiltville fame delighted a packed room of eager quilters. It was wonderful to meet her and actually see her quilts up close. I've been following Bonnie for many years. Here are a few of her quilts piled on the table after the meeting.

Bonnie taught her 'Star Struck' class on Thursday. It was a great day. I chose a variety of my repro blues, one background and a Pennsylvania cheddar for my blocks.

On Friday, Connie and I brought our finished Carolina Crossroads quilts for a photo opportunity with Bonnie. Thank you, again, Bonnie.

It can't be September!

2010-09-09T13:10:00.009-04:00

It's been a while since my last post. I've been keeping up with reading the blogs on my Bloglines, but posting my own is another story.

The last week-end in August, Jim and I, along with my brother and two sisters and their spouses, were on a Tigers Fantasy Bus to Toronto to see two Tigers/Jays ballgames. We stayed at the same hotel as the team and were able to get many pictures and autographs before and after the games. Here's Connie, Jhonny Peralta, me and Armando Gallarraga. Unfortunately, we lost both games, but they were exciting and close. We also had Willie Horton from the 1968 World Series Champion Tigers and Dan Petry from the 1984 World Series Champion Tigers on the bus with us. What a fun time!

Projects I've been working on include block 9 for the Civil War Tribute Quilt, the center block for the Medallion quilt, a seasonal wallhanging, mini using leftover HSTs and my next set of swap blocks. (no pic of those yet)

The weather has cooled down nicely and fall is definitely in the air. I love the fall season and hope it lasts well into winter.

Inklingo

2010-08-15T13:12:00.002-04:00

Have you heard about Inklingo? Linda Franz is always adding to her collection of Inklingo shapes that you can print directly onto the wrong side of your fabric using any inkjet printer. The cutting and sewing lines make it easy to sew either by hand or machine. Linda's latest offering is a free ($20.00 value) Hexagon Design Book.

And if you're a big fan of Monkey (and who isn't) here's a fun video.

Saturday

2010-08-14T19:04:00.005-04:00

Not much going on here except for Cribbage games. I haven't won a single game. My Downy quilt is finished and ready for mailing on Monday. I'm also done with the applique center of my Medallion quilt. I don't think I posted an updated picture of the 4" swap blocks. The cats have a new toy that Jim found at a sale. It makes a crinkling noise when they touch it. That's my week in a nutshell.

New Decade

2010-08-09T12:08:00.007-04:00

I'm not sure how it happened, but I've entered a new decade of my life. Last Friday was my 60th birthday. It's still difficult to say. I'll get over it. So how did I celebrate the days leading up to the big day? They were spent in a hospital bed drinking clear liquids. The diagnosis was diverticulitis. I was told it happens to many people as they get older. Okay, rub it in, doc. Feeling much better today and working on another UFO. I started the applique center for Edyta Sitar's Medallion Quilt. The scrappy HSTs units were one of my Fantastic Friday projects from a couple of years ago.

There were a few finishes since my last post. I made a little purse for my granddaughter, Abby.

In our Civil War Tribute Club at the shop, we are exchanging album blocks. Twenty-four ladies signed up to swap. For once, mine are done, signed and delivered way ahead of the deadline.

Also working a small cross stitch piece from Prairie Schooler called "Songs of the Season", booklet #81.

Finally, I finished this little table runner from a Judy Ziosios kit. She teaches water color projects and photo transfer projects among other things.

Nines & Hourglasses

2010-07-15T16:55:00.007-04:00

Nine patch quilts are my favorite - scrappy nine patch quilts are even better. This perpetual UFO didn't deserve to be neglected for so long. My sister, Connie, and I each started this quilt years ago. In order to get more of a variety of fabrics for our nine patch blocks, we took turns making ten 3 inch nines from one fabric, keeping five and giving the others. The hourglass blocks we did ourselves. The quilt has an applique border of vines, flowers and leaves. I've had the blocks pieced into four sections for some time. Anyway, the center is now one piece waiting for the borders. I hope it doesn't wait too long.

Flimsy, Blocks and Cross Stitch

2010-07-08T18:08:00.018-04:00

I finished a flimsy that I had worked on two retreats ago. One block was cut incorrectly, so I needed to make an extra and then finish the sashings and borders. This pattern was in a Fabric Trends magazine from last year. The colors shown in the magazine were not my cup of tea, but I think these fabrics chosen by my LQS clicked. Connie and Helen have finished their tops, also. At the last retreat Connie surprised us with a cup that looks like the fabrics in the quilt.

The watermelon blocks are now finished and need to have 78 (I think) seeds added to the red parts of the log cabins. Most of these were pieced at the last "Sleep At Home Retreat" in June.

The cross stitch piece I was working on is also done and framed. I've made this pattern several times for others, but this one I'm keeping.

I'll leave you with a few photos from those last two retreats.

Sewing Progress

2010-07-01T19:24:00.007-04:00

Phew! I've been working on block 7 of The Civil War Tribute Quilt from Homestead Hearth. It's a very pretty block, but a bit challenging. It took lots of concentration (and a little frog stitching), but I'm very happy with the results. Now I only to make seven more just like it! What?

This morning I made a new clothespin bag. Jim's been asking me to make one for months. LOL I used this cute clothespin fabric from the repro section and lined it with bleached muslin. Hope it will last a tad longer than the dollar store one it replaces.

Finally, here are pillowcases I finished for Abby and Ian. Kari and Abby chose the fabrics from The Quilted Cottage when they were here for my niece's wedding on the 18th. They went in the mail today.

Disappearing June

2010-06-30T14:31:00.006-04:00

I was shocked to discover that my last post was on the 3rd of June and here it is the 30th already! There's been a wedding, flower walk, retreat and family visits during this time, but no posts. Guess I'll play 'catch-up' in July.

This ornament was made for the June Christmas Challenge foundhere. Amanda has a different project 'due' each month and is offering prizes. June's project was an ornament. It's a win-win situation.

Finished a top for the Downy project. Now I need to get it quilted and sent back for distribution. I was very impressed with the quality of the fabrics they sent and have seen some great quilts made online and by friends.

Christmas Wish BOTM

2010-06-03T21:48:00.006-04:00

I sat down to do a quick post and happened to take a peek at Carol's blog (Brown Quilts). She has De-stashing Part 2 items listed for sale. If you are in the market for some great fabrics, click on over quickly. It took all of my will power to move along.

I've been working on A Christmas Wish stitcheries from Gail Pan's free BOTM and have only one left to do. The designs have been traced onto the backgrounds for some time now. Just needed the 'too hot to move' temps from last week to get me working on the rest of them again.
Jim's been bringing in bowls of berries from the garden this past week. We've overloaded on ice cream and berries, but they're sooooooo good.

Finally, here's a couple of pictures showing that Annie can sleep anywhere in any position.

Patriotic Finish & Zip Line

2010-05-29T13:34:00.008-04:00

Finished this little quilt yesterday in time for the holiday week-end. This was a little kit given out during the Shop Hop by The Ice House Quilt Shop. Kathy from Canada showed hers here.

A couple of week-ends ago, I attended the May quilting retreat in Gladwin. In addition to working at the sewing machine, several quilters (including me) did the zip line! It is the longest line over water in Michigan, measuring about 1100 feet. We had to climb a platform that was forty some feet high. I loved the experience! If you click on the photos, you can see the platform that I jumped from in the first photo. (look in the center at the top) The zip line is over the Brown Sugar River in Gladwin. The last picture shows my sister, Connie and friend, Marlene who both jumped ahead of me. Once they went, I couldn't back down, could I? Let me explain the green socks. It was the only pair I had along and I didn't want to risk losing my Crocs in the water.

Baby Quilt

2010-05-25T13:28:00.004-04:00

Several months ago, my friend, Ruthy, asked me to make a baby quilt for her to give to her future granddaughter. Another friend, Darlene, did a wonderful job of quilting it and the quilt has now been delivered.

Another Wednesday

2010-05-19T12:10:00.006-04:00

After the Dear Jane Shipshewana Retreat last spring, a package arrived from Brenda Papadakis (author of Dear Jane and Dear Hannah) containing a fat quarter of fabric with fried eggs on it. My sister, Connie and I were given the name 'Chicken Sisters' many years ago by Deb and JoAnn of Minnesota. Every spring we seem to have a chicken incident. Last year was a doozy. That is why Brenda sent the fabric to each of us along with a challenge to make a wallhanging at least 18" square. She tempted us with a free meal of our choice at the retreat this year if we completed the challenge. From left to right, Deb, JoAnn, me and Connie. We had a delicious lunch at The Garden Gate in Shipshewana. This picture is 'borrowed' from Deb's blog.

Monday I took a bus with ladies from my church to the dinner/theater at Turkeyville. The show was called "Church Basement Ladies, A Second Helping" and was hilarious. Turkeyville is located in Battle Creek and everything on the menu has turkey in it. There's also an ice cream parlor, gift shop, and bakery besides the restaurant and theater. There's a little shop outside behind the tractor that is closing soon. I bought this cute apron made from an old pair of jeans there.

Checking In

2010-05-12T19:38:00.014-04:00

Mother's Day was wonderful. Mike, Simone and JJ gifted me with a lovely bonsai tree and then took us out to dinner. A special delivery brought a beautiful bouquet in shades of yellow from Kari, Craig, Abby and Ian. We, also, spent some time visiting with my mom and got in a card game at home later that evening. I was a happy mom.

We had Bee at my house on Monday and swapped our third set of four inch blocks. Aren't they the cutest! You can click the links to see the first and second sets again if you missed them. Half-way through the year already and the count is at 36 blocks.

Monday was also the day the staff of The Quilted Cottage treated us with a day of sewing and lunch for helping at the Shop Hop. We each received a lovely wine glass filled with Starburst candies and a star charm. (The Shop Hop theme was 'Reach For The Stars') I left shortly after lunch to get home before the Bee ladies arrived.

Then there was a Priority Package from Little Quilts in the mail. It contained the cute fabric I had recently won on their blog giveaway. The week has been good so far.

Middle of the Mitten Shop Hop

2010-04-25T17:52:00.012-04:00

Eight quilt shops participated in the shop hop this year. Our adventure began at 7:15 a.m. on our way to The Ice House in Grayling. Darlene, Connie, Helen and I all fell in love with the calendar quilts in this pattern. Each shop gave out free block patterns for different stars and a kit to make the block was available for purchase. The blocks were sewn together in assorted settings in each shop. I should mention the theme of the hop was stars. The shops all had unique interpretations. The Quilted Cottage had beds (sleeping under the stars) set up (including a cot in a tent) and all of the workers wore pajama pants. Connie and I were asked to volunteer and dressed in a modest shade of pink. At lunch, one woman exclaimed, "Oh, there's two of you!"

The watermelon quilt kit that is peeking out in the pajama picture also came home with me. That will be a fun quilt to sew at the next retreat. The last picture is a sample I sewed for the shop. It's a Country Threads pattern called The Farm House.

Although we didn't get to see each other, Kathy also shopped the hop with her mom and sister. Check her post for more details.

April Update

2010-04-19T23:30:00.005-04:00

How do people say they are bored or have nothing to do? There are never enough hours in the day or energy in me to do all that I want to do. I've been retreating and shop hopping and sewing every chance I get. The one thing I haven't been keeping up with is my blog. Sometimes I write posts in my mind, but they never see the computer screen. I'll try to do better.

These are the second set of blocks for our Bee's swap. They are 4" finished and are made mainly with Jo Morton fabrics. They're going to make a terrific quilt someday.

The last picture is a bag I made to carry my iron to classes and retreats. It's lined on the sides and bottom with Insulbrite so the iron doesn't have to cool down completely before packing it away.

I enjoyed a wonderful Dear Jane Retreat in Shipshewana, Indiana last week. Connie, Helen and I shopped our way down to Shipshe and were welcomed with temps in the 80s.
How wonderful to see so many talented friends again including Hanne from Norway and Valerie from France. More on the retreat later....

Edyta Sitar Classes

2010-02-21T14:04:00.003-05:00

You know the song - "Heaven, I'm in heaven..." That's how it felt the past three days as I was fortunate to take three different quilting classes from Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts. She was such a delight! Edyta is an extremely talented quilter, as well as being patient, thorough, organized, funny, energetic, generous and motivating. On Thursday, we each came home with 350 scrappy half square triangles to make her tree quilt. Friday we foundation pieced on paper and created a beautiful table runner using logs and flying geese corners. Yesterday was a workshop to learn her technique for making Dresden and 8 Point Stars. Every morning when we got to class, we were greeted with an array of her gorgeous quilts that pertained to the lesson of the day. She said next week she hopes to have her teaching schedule on her website. If you are able to attend one of her lectures or take a class or workshop, you'll be smiling from ear to ear.

I was able to get a photo of the bunny top I made for the shop sample. The patterns is designed by Vicki Bellino of Bloom Creek and Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs. It is featured in the April issue of American Patchwork & Quilting.

The last picture shows blocks from the first two months of the Civil War Tribute Quilt. I'm making the odd numbered ones and Connie is making the even numbers. It's going to be huge!

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T22:58:00.003-05:00

I hope you all enjoyed Valentine's Day in whichever way pleased you. We shared a wonderful, delicious BBQ chicken dinner with Mike, Simone and JJ that is put on annually by the Athletic Club of our church. They do a super job.

These are the Valentine pillowcases I made for our bed. I love this fabric line by Sandy Gervais.

I finished a shop sample, but forgot to take a picture before I delivered it. The pattern is in the April issue of American Patchwork & Quilting and is called Bunny Patch. More on that this week.

Connie and I are also sewing the shop sample of the Civil War Tribute Quilt. Next meeting is month 3 already. We're taking turns with the months and have over 35 gals who joined the club which meets the first Saturday of each month.

Yesterday my nephew, Eric married his love, Christina. It was a wonderful day, wedding and reception. They are so happy together.

Angel in the House & Swap Blocks

2010-01-28T11:23:00.004-05:00

Judith recently had a giveaway of this gorgeous cross stitched angel and I was the lucky recipient. The picture (from Judith's blog) doesn't do it justice. Her workmanship is superb - the piece is gorgeous. Thank you so much.

Monday was Bee day at Mary's house. It was the first of our bi-monthly swaps of 4" blocks. We decided to trade three different 4" blocks made with Jo Morton fabrics (mostly) every other month. At the end of the year, we'll have 72 cuties to put together. We all like little and were pleased with the first batch of blocks.

Patchwork Friends

2010-01-24T23:31:00.004-05:00

While cleaning in my sewing room, I noticed I had acquired a few patchwork friends over the years. I brought most of them out for a group photo. Two of the teddies are on a high shelf in my room, and I didn't want to disturb the dust. All but the two little bears were purchased at garage sales. Do you have patchwork animals to share?

Bargain Hunter?

2010-01-21T13:41:00.002-05:00

You be the judge. My quilt guild held its annual garage sale last night. Members bring their books, patterns, fabrics and projects that they no longer need or want and the guild gets a bolster to the treasury. Keep in mind that we were able to shop before the meeting began and after it was over. Look what I brought home.

Yes, you are seeing two copies of "Joy To The World" for which I paid $5.00 and $.25. I shouldn't be let out alone after dark.

Absent In The New Year

2010-01-19T18:57:00.006-05:00

Well, my good intentions for being a more consistent blogger are off to a rough beginning in 2010. This was supposed to be the year of the 'new me', but the 2009 model keeps showing up.

Connie and I attended a five day quilting retreat January 7th - 11th. Our LQS organizes these retreats three times a year in addition to the 'sleep at home' retreats in between.There were about 50 gals who kept their machines humming every day. Connie worked on her Jo Morton stars quilt at a previous retreat. We bought kits for these at Lolly's in Shipshewana last year. Quilted Cottage also made up kits last year and several more tops will soon be done. Theresa and I joined Connie in the photo with our finished tops. Connie sewed on another Jo Morton quilt-Fairfax County, (you can never have too many) and made lots of progress.

Garage sale at the guild meeting tomorrow night and the results of the Paint Chip Challenge issued in September. I didn't take part in this one, but am anxious to see what everyone did.

Let The New Year Begin!

2009-12-31T23:36:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

December finish

2009-12-28T22:48:00.005-05:00

Here's another little purse I finished this month. The pattern is called The Potato Chip Bag and you can find the pattern here. The bag has two outside pockets and two inside pockets. The spool fabric was bought at Yoder's in Shipshewana last month.

Passacaglia Giveaway

2009-12-27T21:08:00.005-05:00

If you click on the top button on my sidebar, you'll be taken to the Inklingo Projects Blog where Linda and Tilde have a giveaway in honor of Tilde's new table runner. You can download the free pattern here.
Check out all of the wonderful projects and read about Inklingo.

The neighbors down the road put on a wonderful musical light show each Christmas season. This is one of the displays they have.

And here are our two furry presents under our tree.

STASH REPORT - WEEK 52

2009-12-27T20:11:00.003-05:00

STASH REPORT - WEEK 52

Fabric added during this week: 0 yards
Fabric added year to date: 215.50 yards

Fabric used during this week: 0 yard
Fabric used year to date: 162.25 yards

Net fabric busted 2009: (+53.25 yards)

This is last stash report for 2009. Although the numbers are going in the wrong direction, keeping track of my fabric purchases and usage each week was a good exercise. Next year I will try to improve on the final numbers and may even end up in the negative. No snickering out there....

STASH REPORT - WEEKS 50 & 51

2009-12-22T13:34:00.004-05:00

STASH REPORT - WEEKS 50 & 51

Fabric added during these weeks: 21 yards
Fabric added year to date: 215.50 yards

Fabric used during this week: .0 yard
Fabric used year to date: 162.25 yards

Net fabric busted 2009: (+53.25 yards)

As bad as it looks, I am not totally disappointed. With one week left and no more sales until after the last Sunday, I may still break even. Backs and donations......

We celebrated Christmas with our extended families last Sunday at Connie and Nick's house. Mom and Dad were very surprised to receive a bed quilt as their gift. They will celebrate 60 years of marriage in February.

Giveaway

2009-12-12T19:32:00.002-05:00

Judi over at Green Fairy Quilts is giving away a layer cake, jellyroll and pattern. Click on over to check it out.

STASH REPORT - WEEK 49

2009-12-10T15:50:00.005-05:00

STASH REPORT - WEEK 49

Fabric added during this week: 1 yard
Fabric added year to date: 194.50 yards

Fabric used during this week: .5 yard
Fabric used year to date: 162.25 yards

Net fabric busted 2009: (+31.75 yards) (Time to piece some quilt backs?)

Fun mail received this week from Inch Worm Fabrics. I don't have to add it to my totals until next week. Isn't it gorgeous? It just makes me smile when I look at it. The fabric is "Swanky" from Chez Moi.

Sister's Choice Quilt

2009-12-03T18:49:00.004-05:00

The LAQ did wonderful work quilting our Sisters' Choice top for Mom and Dad's Christmas quilt. Just needs the binding and label now.

One more November finish & Another giveaway

2009-11-30T21:04:00.006-05:00

The pattern for this Sweet Treat Bag from the Moda Bake Shop has been on my 'to do' list ever since I saw it. There are so many great patterns on that site alone to keep me busy for months. Sorry the picture is so dark.

Go visit Vickie over at Spun Sugar Quilts. She's celebrating over 400 posts by giving away FIVE different fabric prizes. Deadline is December 5th..

A Year Of Round Robin Quilts

2009-11-30T16:09:00.010-05:00

During the past year, I've worked on six different round robin quilts of varied styles, colors and fabrics in addition to sending my center square off. It was a challenge to keep them secret for so long, but I did. Last week was the Dear Jane Fall Retreat in Shipshewana where the quilts were returned to their owners. Here are the finished tops from our group of seven that included three MI, one WI and three IN quilters.

This is the first quilt I received. When I saw all of those colors, I had to put on my sun glasses. These are not my usual fabrics to work with, so doing the RR gave me the opportunity to stretch my comfort zone and try new things. I added the pieced hearts for my round.

My second box revealed another bright beginning with some beautiful applique. I chose to applique flowers, stems and leaves and piece four baskets in the corners.

My third challenge was made from all solid colors that were pulled from her inspiration fabric. The third round of colored arrows is my work.

This is my sister, Connie's RR. I had fun paper piecing the four corner snowmen and adding the colored squares for my addition. This one was really tough to keep secret.

Strips and nine patches were added here. I love the colors in this quilt.

The last quilt had me stumped for some time. Finally I decided to add the stripped border from all of the colors used in the squares. This was a lot of fun, and I'm glad I did it. But next year will bring new challenges, so no RR for me.

My quilt top! I sent an appliqued apple pie block and love what I got back. The last round is embroidered with my great Aunt Emma's pie crust recipe and an apple pie recipe. I bought a backing while at the retreat; hopefully, this will be in the done pile soon.

STASH REPORT - WEEK 47 & 48

2009-11-29T18:30:00.003-05:00

Fabric added during these weeks: 22.75 yards (DJ Retreat in Shipshewana)
Fabric added year to date: 193.50 yards

Fabric used during these weeks 1 yard
Fabric used year to date: 162.25 yards

Net fabric busted 2009: (+31.25 yards) Serious setback with only a month left.

Giveaways

2009-11-28T22:20:00.004-05:00

A quick post to let you know about these great giveaways.

Follow the instructions here and the fantastic cross stitch done by Judith could be on its way to your house.

Helen has a wonderful quilt pattern done with reds and stitcheries. Click here to comment.

Click here to see beautiful paper German Stars being given away to celebrate one year of blogging.

Stash Report Week 46 & Giveaway

2009-11-16T13:05:00.003-05:00

STASH REPORT - WEEK 46

Fabric added during this week: 5.5 yards
Fabric added year to date: 170.75 yards

Fabric used during this weeks 9.5 yard
Fabric used year to date: 161.25 yards

Net fabric busted 2009: (+9.50 yards)Getting close to breaking even

Click on over to Inch Worm Fabrics for a great giveaway!

Retreating Again

2009-11-14T20:12:00.009-05:00

I am so spoiled to have so many opportunities for retreats. The latest was a four day "Sleep At Home" Retreat put on by The Quilted Cottage. They bend over backwards to make our time there enjoyable and productive.

Here are pictures of a few of the projects worked on during the retreat.

STASH REPORT - WEEK 45

2009-11-09T11:45:00.004-05:00

STASH REPORT - WEEK 45

Fabric added during this week: 1.5 yards
Fabric added year to date: 165.25 yards

Fabric used during this weeks 5.5 yard
Fabric used year to date: 151.75 yards

Net fabric busted 2009: (+13.50 yards)

I made this pair of potholders from a Michael Miller fabric that had cute animals in black, red and white. The handwork for the stack of gingerbread potholders is almost done, too.