Solstice Studio

Favorite Fabric Friday

2012-02-17T06:31:00.002-07:00

Oh rose,

Strong and vibrant
with your silky petals
and seductive scent.

You open slowly,
petal by petal,
as we all do.

A bright blossom,
a piercing thorn,
a life lived.

The theme today is roses.

I love this soft floral from the Clermont Farms line by Minick & Simpson. The rose is sweet and the wispy blue fronds make me feel like it's a mild summer day, I'm wearing a lightweight white dress (with tucks and lace)and have a thornless wild rose in my long wavy hair that's wafting in the breeze. Can't you just visualize it?

It's nice to feel dreamy sometimes because the reality comes in the short gray haired variety.

This is a picture of some Valentine roses that my sister thoughtfully sent to me. The note said, "This is a lot better than conversation hearts." She absolutely hates conversation hearts.

Fill your day with joy,

Single Awareness Day

2012-02-13T19:50:00.002-07:00

I went to my first Jo Morton Little Women Club 11 last Tuesday and made up the little quilt called Raspberry Swirl. Because my husband's favorite pie is made from rhubarb I think I'll call it Rhubarb Swirl instead.

The paisley border was very low contrast and I'm a high contrast girl. So I used Kona Snow for the backgrounds on the blocks instead of the suggested beige.

The mother and daughter team that taught the class are self-proclaimed Jo Morton purists. I guess the substitution means that I am not.

I've wanted a red and white quilt and now I've got one.

Cute cute cute,
R

Happy Valentine's Day (early)

2012-02-11T21:05:00.002-07:00

We are making a basket row quilt in my quilt group.

It's a cute little patten. I've only got one 6" block made but it's progress.

I finished one of the two baby quilts I need to get done It's just tied so it can be laundered extensively . . .

Favorite Fabric Friday

2012-02-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

I bought this fabric sometime in 2002. I don't know who designed it or who manufactured it. It has been such a fun fabric to use in my reproduction quilts.

I fussy cut it for the Savery Friendship quilt stars.

I haven't quilted this top yet.

You can see that I've cut flowers out from the middle of the piece of fabric.

And I've saved everything. Sometimes the cut-outs don't work but they are too precious to loose. I've got a stack of tiny pieces that are as valueable to me as the large piece of cloth.

I used this fabric on the current quilt that I'm hand quilting. Here is a churn dash block.

I fussy cut for the center of this block.

Here is are two sawtooth stars.

Number 1

Number 2

I've used this fabric as a border for the applique words and for the binding on this quilt.

It has been fun to creatively use this fabric and I'm so glad I still have enough to continue.

2012-02-07T14:53:00.002-07:00

I completed the three marigolds quilt top. I think it turned out nicely. I wanted to get it done because I started Jo Morton's Little Women club today and was hoping to immerse myself in the first little quilt.

I have two baby quilts I need to tie before I should start something new. One of them is more than half tied and th other one needs to be enveloped.

As you can see by the photo below I changed the pattern a little. The HSTs from my exchange were 2 1/2" instead of 4 1/2" so I just doubled up between the flowers. Then I wanted to use them all so I added the little border on the bottom. I also added the flower pot because I cut the stems shorter than they needed to be.

I think it turned out great. AND, now I don't need to fret about how I will used the HSTs before my next meeting at the end of the month.
R

At last. . .

2012-02-06T13:46:00.002-07:00

I finished block # 12 of the Baskets, Berries, and Leaves quilt (I've got to come with my own name for this quilt other than the pattern name). This is the first block that I prepped last March and now all 12 blocks are done.

I would love to go down to the studio and put them all together today but I need to get the marigold quilt off of my sewing table. I finished the machine applique around the flowers and stems on Saturday so now it just needs to be assembled.

I also have a baby quilt to tie. . . alas.

Maybe tomorrow,
R

2012-02-04T08:41:00.002-07:00

Isn't this just about the cutest block ever?

It is a 6" appliqued block set on point (photographed on my filet crochet table topper) that was given to me by my friend Marlena in the exchange we are doing. We are making our own version of the Florence Peto quilt. She matches up colors and objects so cleverly.

I'm just tickled.

Favorite Fabric Friday and the Empress

2012-02-03T08:19:00.003-07:00

Isn't this piece of fabric beautiful? It is Giverney by Bernartex. It came out a number of years ago and I still haven't found the perfect project for it so it languishes in my stash.

This large pink and white flower is the real reason I bought this fabric. Just gorgeous!
Any suggestions for it's use?

I've been working on this little quilt below.

Notice the length of the stems in the picture above and the picture below. There is a problem here. I checked and double checked and triple checked the instructions and measured but this is how it turned out.

So I have placed a little pot at the bottom of the stem so it will be the right length for the OLDS side piece. Crazy. I also used my 2" finished HST from the exchange instead of the 4" finished ones in the pattern. I just used twice as many and since I have 80 it was not problem. AND, who knew 80 is cleanly divisible by 16? So I have exactly 5 strips of HST's that are exactly the right length for this pattern.

And last but not least. . .

I'd like to introduce you to the "Empress" of my sewing room. The "Empress" of Solstice Studio.

Ta Da!

My new iron that steams up a storm.

I'm so happy.

#11 is done

2012-01-31T15:01:00.003-07:00

Now that I can see the finish line I'm anxious to devote all my free time to completing this quilt. On to block #12 and then complete assembly.

Sigh~

I bought the pricey iron, I LOVE IT!

2012-01-30T11:40:00.002-07:00

We had a HST exchange/challenge in my quilt group and I've been trying to figure out what to do with the 80 or so units I received. I've decided to make the 3 marigolds quilt on the cover of Alphabet Soup by Tammy Johnson and Avis Shrier. I bought this book a couple of years ago and other than look at it often, I haven't made anything out of it.

It's been a while since I could just go to my sewing room and create without being disturbed. I've either had church work, house work getting ready for company, or kitchen work cooking for company. I thought the holidays were over but I haven't been able to relax and sew til' today.

But, as you can see from the picture below,

I am without an iron. I can't sew without an iron, it just isn't possible.

My irons usually start leaking because I'm an avid steamer and they last about 2 yrs. My last iron's demise was late fall. I decided I didn't want to pay the cost of the pricey irons and so I just bought one at my local grocery store for $18. It was adequate, nothing special. It steamed well. My main complaint (and I know I'm spoiled) is that the ironing surface wasn't stainless steel or coated to make it glide. I would put this iron down and instead of slipping over the surface it would push the whole piece along.

I gave in last week and bought an iron not unlike the previous pricey one I owned. The only problem is that the auto shut off was hyper-active. The iron would only stay on 28 seconds before it automatically shut itself off.

Was it afraid of me? Had it heard of my reputation for steaming the life out of things?

I'm fustrated because now I've got to take the time out of my 'precious sewing time' to return this iron and purchase another.

Again, I am so spoiled.

Favorite Fabric Friday

2012-01-27T06:32:00.003-07:00

This is my favorite fabric today. It is from the "Crossroads to Texas" line by Betsy Chutchian for Blue Hill fabrics. I haven't cut into it yet. In fact, I just ordered 2 more yards to have enough for the project I have planned

This is a picture of the fabrics I have purchased from the line.

I added the yellow from a colonial line. I think it adds a nice touch.

I think one reason I like the fabric so much is that is a bright tomatoey red. Much different from the reds I usually pick out, below.

Here they are together to compare.

The book below has quilts made out of this line. It is available here along with her 'History Repeated' book (wonderful).

I particularly like this one. It is so quirky. Not only is it tremedously scrappy but there are random blocks at different areas of the quilt.

This is the original quilt that the pattern was taken from.

Just when we think we've invented the wheel, we find out someone invented it a long time ago.

And, as a side note, here is a picture of the back of the quilt from my Favorite Fabric Friday two weeks ago (and two adorable grandsons). The blue fabric is from Ella's Linen Closet by Blackbird Designs. I didn't have a picture to show before and I accidently discovered this picture yesterday.

Enjoy your day,

All tied up

2012-01-21T12:13:00.002-07:00

I tied this little baby quilt the other day. The fabric is from Aneela Hoey's first line. I'm not sure of the name but it has a little girl in a swing. I'm trying to get a few baby quilts ahead so I can start giving them away.

I purchased the charm pack on sale and then bought a couple of yards of the yardage. It has the pink dog print on the back as well.

I want to make 10 utility quilts to give away this year. I ordered 10 batts from Connecting Threads recent batting sale so I could make my goal. I have three more tops ready to be tied and I'm sure I have enough scraps for the other seven.

One down,

Favorite Fabric Friday

2012-01-20T07:52:00.004-07:00

I had a desire to quilt for many years. But, because of our meager budget and especially because I had five children in 8 yrs. I only made a few blocks in the 70's that were made into pillows and one went into a collective quilt for someone else.

I made a sampler quilt top in 1982. It still hasn't been quilted.

I made my first "real" quilt in 1992 (yes, 10 yrs. later with babies #6 and #7 in between).

I must do things in decades because I made my next quilt in 2002. I was enamored with the new Civil War reproduction fabrics and Barbara Brackman's books. This fabric was my absolute favorite. It has the brown and pink combination that is always attractive and if you look closely, it has a hint of aqua.

I used it in my own interrpretation of the "Birds in the Air" block. I hand pieced the quilt, hand quilted it using an elbow pattern, and did a rustic applique in the middle.

Here it is. One of the blocks using today's favorite fabric is at the right and another is at the top of the quote.

I kind of hoarded the leftover fabric eventhough I only had little pieces of it left.

I used it in the center of the star above and in flying geese units below. (I'm in the process of quilting this quilt.)

And then it was gone..............

But "what to my wondering eyes should appear?"

Marcus Fabrics reintroduced this fabric last year!!!!!

I didn't buy an abundant amount but as you can see, it's back in my stash again.

Block #10 done

2012-01-18T07:39:00.002-07:00

This is kind of a quirky block.

The pattern shows initials of the maker stacked up between the flowers. I didn't want to do that so this is the way it turned out. It's one of those blocks that doesn't shout out, "Look at me, look at me".

A quilt needs quiet blocks as well 'shout out loud' blocks so this one will stand back and let some of the other blocks shine.

I changed the leaves from the pattern too. I think they look great because they are so different from the rest.
R

2012-01-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

Go here for the cutest vest quilt ever.
R

Favorite Fabric Friday

2012-01-13T05:42:00.001-07:00

This piece still stirs my heart. It is from Ella's Linen Closet by Blackbird Designs. It came out in 2003 or 2004.

This book came out in 2004 and I think I've made four quilts from it.

I'm considering making another one but that's for another post.

This is the main quilt using the 12 different 18" blocks.

This is the first one I made. It was a BOM from Thimbles and Threads in Draper when Dana Moffat still owned it.

I used some of the featured fabric in the roof of the house. I loved it so much that nothing else would do for the backing so I paid full price (I usually try and get my backing fabric on clearance). I have since gifted this quilt so I don't have it to show you the lovely blue backing.

I made another quilt from that book and used the feature fabric on the saw tooth star upper right.

This is a picture of that quilt from the book. I made a different center from another Blackbird Designs book.

Notice another patch of the fabric below the basket.

I also used some of the fabric as a border for my 2nd Women of Grace & Charm quilt. I haven't photographed it yet because it isn't quilted. It has a large star in the middle instead of the house and the star is partially made from that same fabric.

I'm certain there is a diamond of this fabric in my charm quilt.

I wonder if I still have some left, I better go check...............

2012-01-12T16:34:00.001-07:00

Abyquilt has a cute post today. It's worth the time to go see (if you're a quilter).

Relaxing in the sunshine

2012-01-09T17:20:00.002-07:00

The only good thing I can think of about this "Winter of moisture zero" is that the sun is bright in the south window of my bedroom and makes an excellent place to applique.

I finished the 9th block in the Baskets, Berries, and Leaves quilt.

This has been like a self-imposed BOM. I started last March and I still have 3 more blocks to go before I'm finished. So, I keep chugging away. . .

I had a really busy Sunday with church and meetings and visits and so it was nice to rest a little today. I made a double batch of White Chocolate/Cranberry cookies. They are okay but I'm a walnut and chocolate chip affectionato and so when I take a bite of one of these my palate just isn't satisfied.

I obviously didn't make them for me. So, enjoy! everybody else............

Favorite Fabric Friday

2012-01-06T12:23:00.001-07:00

I don't know why some fabrics attract my attention. All I know is that I like them and feel badly when they are all used up.

The fabric in this leaf was purchased in Grand Junction Colorado in the early 90's. I wanted to make a sunflower cornice for one window. I ended up not using it for that but I've used little pieces of it in various quilts.

You can see the placement of the leaf in this quilt - lower right.

I used up most of the fabric in the leaf above.

That is part of this quilt (upper left).

Here is a small diamond of the fabric from my charm quilt top.

Look closely and you can see another small piece on this quilt that is mixed in with the other 1 1/2" pieces.

What was it that made it a favorite? I have no idea because gold is usually the last fabric picked in collecting for a project; perhaps it was attractive because of the placement of the fall colors.

Whatever the reason it is unfortunately long gone.

2011-12-31T16:16:00.002-07:00

I've been experimenting with this block using blacks and golds.

I think it's very striking but I it will be hard to hand quilt so I'm not sure if I want to keep making more. I haven't decided whether to make one more for the center of a medallion-type quilt, continue using up my unusually large gold stash to make a whole quilt top, or try to find an alternate block that would accent it for a larger quilt top.

Oh well, I don't need to make this decision in a hurry. It will wait for me.

It is a rather daunting. . .

2011-12-30T16:04:00.003-07:00

I made this quilt top a few years ago. As a hand quilter I think this quilt is going to be a rather daunting task. My husband and I put it on the board and stand frame yesterday, it is too big for my usual roller frame. It takes up a good portion of the downstairs room with just enough space to walk around the perimeter.

I decided that since the fabrics are Civil War reproductions I would quilt it using the Baptist Fan pattern. I must admit I like it a lot.

And after experimenting yesterday and 2 1/2 hrs. of quilting today I finished eight fans. I think it just might get quilted faster than I expected, a nice bonus.
R

Fruit Cake Tutorial

2011-12-26T12:04:00.005-07:00

No, I'm not kidding.

I make a killer fruitcake.

It's moist, filled with things I like, and just a touch of the traditional candied fruit and citron

First I get out the Betty Crocker's cookbook I received at my wedding reception in 1973. It's complete with a duct tape binding (and in need of more repairs).

I turn to the cake section where I have written down the recipe for a fabulous fresh apple cake I tasted back in the 70's as well. Then below the recipe (sorry it's sideways) is my variations for my famous fruitcake.

First I peel and cut up 6 medium apples (usually Golden Delicious)

Grate them into a large mixing bowl.

Add 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 eggs, and 3/4 cup vegetable oil.

Mix well with wooden spoon. This isn't a recipe that require an electric mixer.

Stir in 3 cups white flour,

1 tsp. salt,

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda,

1 tsp. cinnamon,

1/4 tsp. allspice,

1/4 tsp. nutmeg,

1/8 tsp. ginger, and 1/8 tsp. cloves. All spices are ground.

Add 1 generous tsp. rum extract and mix completely.

Now, for the pretty part. Mix in

8 oz. red candied cherries
8 oz. green candied cherries
8 oz. candied pineapple

4 oz. candied fruit and peel mix

8 oz. raisins

8 oz. whole pitted dates
1 cup unchopped walnuts

1 cup unchopped pecans.

Mix just until all is combined.

Grease 3 regular loaf pans. Line with foil that overhangs the edges and grease again.

Bake at 250 degrees F

for 2 hours minimum.

The fruitcakes are done when they are firm to the touch in the middle of the loaf.

Take the loaves out of the pans to cool on a baking rack. Do not remove the foil.

When cool wrap the foil around each loaf.

Place them in a plastic bag. A regular bread sack will work.

I usually put them in the lower part of my refrigerator so the flavors can meld. This takes about 2 weeks.

Or they can be put in the freezer.

When read to serve (thaw) unwrap the foil and slice. Yum!!!

I know it's too late in the year for this recipe to do you any good this year. But, it will still be here for the next holiday season. It's best to make these fruitcakes sometime in November and let the flavors combine.

On to the New Year!

Little Welsh Quilt Study

2011-12-23T10:16:00.004-07:00

I've been wanting to make a welsh quilt for a long time. Ever since I saw Marjorie Horton on 'Simply Quilts' years ago. I bought her book "Welsh Quilting Pattern & Design Handbook" published in 1999. I don't know if it is still available.

I made this little welsh quilt study from the book "Making Welsh Quilts (2005)" by Mary Jenkins and Clare Claridge. It is available used here and Mary Jenkins has a new book available on her blog. It is called "Little Welsh Quilts".

There is a lot of hand quilting on a traditional welsh quilt. I think that is part of the attraction.

This shows the leaf border. I was thinking about putting a heart in the triangular space but I'm just ready to be done. I did a knife edge instead of putting binding on. For a traditional welsh quilt knife edge border tutorial go here to Pippa Moss' blog.

This picture gives an idea of the size of the quilt which is only 29 1/4" square. This picture is taken on my queen size bed.

Here is a picture of the two books I've studied and loved. The quilt I made is based on an original quilt called the Pembrokeshire Chintz quilt in the Jen Jones collection and on page 13 of the Mary Jenkins book. The pattern for the smaller size is on page 88. The original is pictured below and measures 72" X 82".

The hand quilting on it is totally amazing!!!

I've already pieced 2 other small welsh quilts to hand quilt but for now I'm content with what I have. They'll get quilted next year.

Such a striking quilt~

2011-12-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

I finished my 10th UFO of the year. Isn't it a pretty little quilt? It goes so well in my dining room. Too bad I'm not keeping. it.

I took a picture on a bed to try and avoid my pink carpet in the background but it didn't turn out as well as the picture below.

This quilt was done as a controlled exchange. I supplied the fabric. This is the label with every one's name and the date they completed my block.

Here is a picture of the back (a fig tree green) and the quilting done. I wanted to get this quilt done by Sunday so I have been working really hard. I completed the quilting this morning and pushed myself to get the binding done. My fingers and especially my left thumb are really sore!

I dismantled my quilt frames to make room for my holiday company that will arrive next week. It feels good to have this quilt done well before Christmas and not be scrambling to complete it while everything else is going on.

If you hear anything - it's me sighing with relief.

2011-12-16T13:38:00.004-07:00

How much time does it take to find some fabric?

I finished this block and now I'm on to the next one but I have to make thirty-two 1" red berries and there is no red fabric to be found.

The red should be with this fabric below, the extra backing fabric and the inner and outer border fabric.

I know I wouldn't have have tossed it out. So the hunt begins.

Ahhhhhhhhhh, I forgot how much I liked the Rural Jardin line. I need to make this up.

Oh and here's a lively collection waiting it's turn. I haven't figured out what I want to do with it yet.

This Jennifer Sampou fabric was calling my name a few years ago but alas it's in the queue as well.

The red fabric is not to be found with Jo Morton on the "Road to Texas".

Or in any of bins of scraps.

So this calls for desperate measures. Yeah, like reading the writing on some of my storage boxes - duh!

And there it is, right on top. Now the berry making marathon can begin.

Ta Da!!!

my new tradition

2011-12-15T13:25:00.002-07:00

This is my favorite Christmas cookie. I make them every year now. Last year I made a double batch and they lingered into the new year. So this year I decided to just make one batch.

I approached the cookie jar with joy to eat one of these delectable little morsels.

I took off the lid and peeked inside.

What, only one!!! I should have made a double batch again.............

You can find the recipe for these jam thumbprint cookies here. It is Ina Garten's recipe, the Barefoot Contessa, from food network.

You won't be sorry,

Have you seen Elizabethtown?

2011-12-13T20:09:00.002-07:00

Elizabethtown is a new line by Jo Morton. I just love these two pieces!!!!

I sure don't need anymore fabric. I think I just like to collect Jo Morton. . . . . .

Somewhere Sewing is selling these for $8.50 yd.
R

2011-12-12T13:19:00.002-07:00

Winter is a favorite time of year because it is cold outside and tantilizingly warm within.

Some say there is no beauty during winter, it is all gray and brown.

The tenacious dandelion still squeezes it seed bearing head through the dead grass and bursts forth becoming a soft and showy gem in the bleak blossomless yard.

A lonely Christmas cactus blossom thrusts herself forward as if she were an angel bearing an urgent message.

At dusk, the hazy sky filters the waning rays and give a warm salute to the day.

Winter's beauty is more subtle than the other three seasons.

Only a vigilant soul will be able to notice what winter shyly exposes.
R

Yet another Baskets, Berries, and Leaves Block

2011-12-10T20:28:00.003-07:00

I really enjoyed making this block. I changed it a little adding more leaves. I'm getting better at the reverse applique (in the flower) and it gives me some confidence. This is block #8, only four more to go.

I've been out of the loop lately. I had a number of church related responsibilities to take care of like a lesson on Mary the mother of Jesus last Sunday and making a bunch of gift bags with a little extra dough for Christmas (cookie dough).

My quilt group came over on Thursday for a delightful Christmas party so I have been busy all week cleaning and decorating.

I also mailed out the long distance gifts (and it cost a whopping $60 for five boxes - gasp!

The Festival of the Trees held at the Southtowne Expo Ctr. was last weekend. Two of the quilts that I made the tops for were sold in a silent auction.

This one sold for $325.

And this one sold for $650. Wahoo!

Now, I can get some of the things done that I've put aside for a few weeks.

Back to work,

Why did it take so long?

2011-12-06T18:56:00.003-07:00

HOW TO MAKE A WREATH IN SEVEN STEPS.

1. Don't be in a hurry.

Make a circular wreath with the prunings from your concord grape vine.

2. Age it 12 years..........

3. Collect ornaments, ribbon, and flowers with good intentions and save them all in one place.

4. Wrap the grapevine wreath with two unmatched artificial everygreen garlands
~sigh.

5. Buy candycane colored lights from Modern Display in 2002. Age them well.

6. Wrap 5 lights in a cluster and wrap them with wire. Attach them to the wreath.

7. Assemble all the unrelated decorations into a satisfying collage (not using the ribbon) and sit back feeling smug.

2011-11-21T14:54:00.003-07:00

I really think the original story of the 3 little pigs was about three post-menopausal spinsters who wouldn't let their nephew (the mooch) in to their house. It's the part of the story where they keep repeating "not by the hair of my chinny chin chin". Believe me, I know.

There is no picture with this post.

Your welcome,
R

2011-11-15T13:44:00.003-07:00

I've been concentrating on my applique and was able to finish Block # 7, the pomegranate block.

It was fun to do but took much longer than it looks because each pomegranate is four separate layers.

Here it is on my make-shift design wall with the other six blocks. I'm anxious to work on the next block and be able to hand quilt this top soon but it's time to prepare the house (deep cleaning) for the holidays and for company.

I went to the Bishops Storehouse this morning because we had so few sign up. I was hopping for four hours to keep my assigned shelves stocked. The bread shelf emptied particularly fast. My feet are killing me but it feels good to exercise my body instead of just sitting at the frames for a change.
R

2011-11-10T08:51:00.004-07:00

IS IT HALLOWEEN YET?

Are you kidding? Halloween is long gone. The costumes are gone, the eerie noises are gone, the violent TV programing is gone (well, the Jason and Chuckie type programing is gone).

And look, we just have a little candy left from all the trick or treaters.

We've moved on into what they call "the holiday season". It's time to prepare for Thanksgiving which is actually my favorite holiday because all it requires is that the family gather.

Thanksgiving is about family.

The ones who live far away.

And the ones you get to see often.

Thanksgiving is about being grateful for the little things (as in size) like a new grandchild,

And the big things like her daddy returning from Afghanistan.

It is about being grateful for the year that has past; it's highs like a short term deployment for my son-in-law to Iraq, and lows like Mark and Casey's ER visits.

And looking forward to the new year ahead.

And especially for a returning missionary. It's time for the "family" to all be back together.

Snowmen as promised

2011-11-08T06:00:00.002-07:00

These little guy just make me feel festive. I love this time of year when preparations are being made and secrets drift in from the North Pole to hiding places.

We got our first big snowstorm last Saturday and everything was so pretty.
R

2011-11-07T11:20:00.002-07:00

The ornaments that I made for Nathan to give out are done.

I figured I would put a piece or two of fudge in each one of them. (wrapped up of course)

It was a fun little project.

And it went much faster than I expected it too.

It feels good to be just a week into November and this project is done.

Tomorrow I'll show you the cute little snowmen that my daughter crocheted to go in the package too. They are so cute they may not make it in. Maybe they won't fit............

Spooky visitors

2011-11-01T10:21:00.002-06:00

My first trick or treater last night was this ladybug. She's can barely see with all of one eye and most of the other covered. Maybe she doesn't want us to know who is inside that costume.

Oh, too late, we know it's you Z. Standin' next to her cousin the butterfly/fairy/princess. I never did ask if she was supposed to be anything in particular or if she was just satisfied to be "PINK". She even carried a pink hollow pumpkin to put her candy in.

The Ladybug crawls off (literally) and we get the full attention of Princess Pinkness~

Next, a former Jedi comes to call. He didn't like his picture taken AT ALL!!! So H didn't stay very long. I've got to remember to keep the camera away.

Hopefully, I'll get some pictures of the other trick or treaters in the family and then I can share them too.

We visited with the ladybug and her parents, ate some yummy soup, and put a Halloween puzzle together. It wasn't the most exciting Halloween I've ever celebrate but sometimes it just feels good to be together.

(I ate the peanut butter cookies dipped in milk before I went to bed - thanks Tina!)

Orange Nonsence

2011-10-31T06:00:00.007-06:00

I thought it might be fun to go around the house and just take pictures of the color oORANGE.

This quilt is from the book "Quilts of Indiana" by the Indiana Quilt Registry Project. It is made by Anna Clemmons circa 1880. It is a delightful use of ORANGE, don't you think?

The motivation for my ORANGE post is that this is the month that ORANGE is most associated with (don't end your sentences with a preposition my english teaching sister would interject here ).

So, here is the ORANGE portion of this well-known quilt pattern. It is a keeper.

I attended a class on Saturday and the recipes were given to us on ORANGE paper which I thought was rather appropriate. We ate some yummy popcorn, I'll tell ya! My favorite was the popcorn that was covered with ORANGE colored and flavored candy coating wafers and then drizzled with melted dark chocolate - yummy!

Here is a picture of a little ORANGE embroidery on one of my bags.

Of course I have to include pictures of the autumn leaves in a post on ORANGE.

This is the maple tree in my side yard that I have been enhanced with for weeks.

Yes, I couldn't have a post on ORANGE without including this. . .

My favorite copper colored frame. The picture just doesn't do it justice.

I wasn't aware until I started searching for ORANGE things around the house that it is a color used widely in advertising. I would have guessed red and yellow were used more but then what is red and yellow but ORANGE after they are mixed.

A harvest colored tissue box,

fabric softener,

a Gatorade cap,

and Tang are all very ORANGE.

Of course pumpkins are ORANGE

(someone neglected to erase the white chalk quilting line gasp!)

and we display a lot of them this time of year.

even on our clothing which I noticed on top of the washer while I was in the laundry room.

This is a funny little doll that my sister gave me years ago. She was collecting weird and ugly dolls at the time and when she decided to get rid of this one I snatched it up. How many of you can say you have an ORANGE head doll? Hmmmmmm? It makes me happy.

And I can't leave out the 2nd best spherical ORANGE shape next to the pumpkin, a basketball, shown here painted on one of my nesting dolls.

An ORANGE dress on a doll in a picture in my laundry room.

I found ORANGE game pieces. The cards from Monopoly have been well played with (that preposition again). That used to be the Sunday afternoon routine at our house between my oldest son and his dad. Once my son got good enough to beat his highly competitive, accountant father, the interest in Monopoly waned and they went on to Risk.

I found a beautiful bottle of ORANGE cologne. The color here probably means that it's too old and I should get rid of it. Alas. . . .

I found orange ponytail bands

and an ORANGE hymn book.

So, I thank you if you've stayed with me this long and for your reward I'll share the other fabulous popcorn recipe that we got to eat on Saturday.

It's called

Pop Fly Popcorn

10 cups popped corn

1 cup pecan halves

1 cup slivered almonds

(I'd add 1 cup ribbon coconut)

1 1/3 cups white sugar

1 cup butter (no substitutes)

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

1/2 tsp. baking soda

In large bowl, combine popcorn, nuts (and coconut); set aside. In large saucepan, bring sugar, butter, and corn syrup to a boil. Boil 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and vanilla, cream of tartar and baking soda. Drizzle over popcorn mixture, stir to coat. Immediately spread onto two greased baking sheets, let dry about 1 hour. Store in airtight container.

HAPPY 'ORANGE' HALLOWEEN

Block #6 done

2011-10-27T16:51:00.005-06:00

This wasn't a difficult block, just leaves and 12 berries but for some reason it has taken me an unusually long time to complete it. Could it be because . . .

I finished hand quilting the quilt here. That seemed like it took forever.

I have recently cut out, sewn, and prepped the Hallowe'en 1904 quilt by Blackbird Designs. It was a fun project to due during the Halloween season. Speaking of Halloween, I also "big stitched" a Halloween quilt for our quilt drawing a couple of weeks ago.

Or perhaps it's because I have been embroidering 12 ornaments that you can see here and below. Now the embroidery is done I can start sewing them together.

I've also been working on my nine-patch/applique exchange. The November block is the pears below,

but you can see some of the others here and here.

AND, I've been working a little here and there on the "Stars Wars" quilt here.

Oh! I just remembered the Thanksgiving wall hanging I made here. It now has a different border on it.......... I'm not sure whether I like it with the border or without.......still deciding.

WOW!!!!!

Now that I've listed everything it's no wonder that I finished block #5 on September 9th and it took me seven weeks to finish #6. I better not let so many things get in the way of the next blocks or I won't finish this quilt top 'til 2013!!!

Why do we do this to ourselves?

2011-10-24T20:13:00.002-06:00

I have put the next quilt on the frames. It is from an exchange in my quilt group "Bound Together", from 2005 (I think).

We each picked out the project we wanted. Some of us just wanted a specific block done, others wanted something made for a certain theme or fabric colors .

I wanted a specific block and I included the fabric, a line from Buggy Barn called "Crazy Daisy" or something like that.

It turned out really cute and it's the quilt top #3 son and wife have picked out for their own.

I'm hoping I can get it done by Christmas.
R

The Lost Lamb by N. C. Wyeth

2011-10-23T14:00:00.000-06:00

I just love this painting. Look at the long shadows in the right foreground and the stars peeking through the evening sky in the upper left. He has been looking for this lamb all day long. And finally, when the day is about to close, he find her. She cuddles close in his embrace. He bows his head and thanks God.

"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it , he layeth it on his shoulders rejoicing."

Luke 15 : 4, 5

2011-10-22T10:53:00.004-06:00

I have finished the embroidery on 10 of the 12 little ornaments I am making.

I wasn't going to make the bird because of the extra work in the background but I think it has turned out to be my favorite one.

I am not the most deluxe needlewoman when it comes to embroidery but it looks cute anyway.

We went to Wheeler Farm on Thursday. This is the old farm house. Doesn't it look like something out of "Psycho"? I'm sure they make it look very scary with extra lighting and sounds at night.

Here is my ever moving grandson and his parents.

The wagon ride I neglected to buy a ticket for.

Look very closely, there is a little boy hiding in there.

witch or angel?

2011-10-20T13:16:00.003-06:00

My sister-in-law and I have very different taste in decor. She decorates with a Victorian flair that is unmatched by anyone I know. I tend to the Country theme with a little primitive thrown in.

I bought this statue of an angel one Christmas a couple of years ago. When my sister-in-law saw it she wanted one too and we finally found one for her after a bunch of searching.

My sister-in-law dresses her up like a witch for Halloween.

Don't you love the spider necklace?

This is how she looked originally. I normally display my angel without her wings on my mantle. Every time my sister sees it she asks me when I am going to get her some hair............

I have some ideas for dressing her up but I seem to spend most of my sewing time on quilting rather than costuming.

Here they are together. . .

2011-10-14T13:17:00.004-06:00

My daughter made the mummy for me in May~ for Mother's Day. She made the rest of the crew a week ago and I finally got them all in a row for a picture. Cute - cute - cute!

I've started making some Christmas ornaments that I need to mail. I plan on making 12 of these, that's 2 each. They're kind of little but good things come in small packages.

I've made two of the trees (the upper left on the pattern). I had some white kettle cloth (I think they call it weavers cloth now). It is quite sturdy and is thick enough that my knots don't show through. Only 10 more to go. . .

I bought the new Quiltmania at Material Girls in SJ. I just love the reproduction quilts that are displayed on the inside. The cover quilt has a lot of exchange possibilities, don't you think?

My phone has rung and rung and rung today. Someone was looking for a pattern for an altar cloth. I threw my copy away when I was released last summer but I tracked down a sister in the stake that had a copy and was willing to share.

I had another call about cub scouting ??? I guess I look like someone who knows~

And then I was asked for advice on an anxiety-ridden German Shepherd pup.

My sister who used to be called "THE KNOW-ER OF ALL KNOWINGS" has officially relinquished her title to my oldest son.

Maybe she should have passed it on to me.

I am a little bit giddy!

2011-10-04T19:41:00.002-06:00

It's probably not a big deal to most of you out there but it's a really big deal to me. I bought myself some boots!

I haven't had fashion boots (as opposed to snow boots) since I was 13yrs. old. They were black with black fur around the top and I wore them on Halloween when I dressed up like a pirate.

I have chubby calves (it's from my sturdy Swiss peasant stock) and so I haven't worried about boots eventhough I've secretly wished for some for years and years.

Now, that we are empty nesters there is money to buy these pricey items. I know, I know, I could spend $$$ on fabric but I have a hard time spending the money on me.

2011-10-03T15:17:00.005-06:00

I finished a few more blocks for my exchange. I'm about half way. The flag is the "late" September block and the bird is October. I'm going to try and get two more sets done very quickly for November and December and then I'll concentrate on the other things for the holidays.

We had a funny thing happen over the weekend. We were expecting company late Friday night. They were coming from Wyoming and wouldn't be here till 12 midnight.

My husband and I locked all the doors and went to bed about 10:30pm. We didn't worry about them because we knew that the doorbell would wake us up.

My husband woke up about 3:30am and went outside to find two of them in sleeping bags on the back lawn and two more scrunched inside their car in the driveway. They had arrived about 1:30am. They said they rang the doorbell twice and knocked but we evidently were sawing logs........

They went to visit their son in Orem on Saturday afternoon and said they would be back in time to change for the priesthood session that they had tickets to go see. I was in the kitchen at 3:30pm and someone wiggled the kitchen doorknob. I thought it was odd because I could have sworn my husband was still inside the house. So I opened the door, no one was there, and my husband came up behind me from inside. I looked around the corner and saw my nephew all dressed in a white shirt and tie and mocassins. "Oh, good," he said. "Now we can get our Sunday shoes."

They had been trying to get our attention for about 1/2 hr. They said they kept ringing the doorbell but they didn't knock.

My husband immediately went to the doorbell in the hall to see what was wrong. He checked the (insert his technical language here) and when he could find nothing wrong, went outside to check the doorbell button. No problem with the wires going from the doorbell to the electricity source. He began to clean out cobwebs inside the unit and out slid a very big earwig!!! It had prevented the button from engaging the doorbell.

Who would have thought?
R

2011-09-30T16:18:00.002-06:00

It doesn't seem like I'm making much headway but here are a few of the blocks from the "darkside" that I machine appliqued today. I think I've done about 20 of the 37 blocks so far.

I finished the lighter side, just no picture.

Some progress is always worth noting.

I received some lovely roses on Wednesday. They are still bright and fresh so I thought I would share.

I love Victoria Magazine

2011-09-27T13:13:00.004-06:00

and Country Living and Country Home etc. etc. etc. this time of year.

The autumn photographs (which my camera captured unworthily) that make you want to comsume them, to permanently wall paper them inside your eyelids!!!

The above photograph is from the HOLIDAY BLISS special issue of Victoria that is currently available. My picture doesn't do it justice - it is dazzling.

Some of my previous favorites include these pictures of little girls. Aren't they adorable?

Here are some pictures of arrangements that I saved. I'm not certain which magazine they are from.

I loved Victoria magazine in the 90's. I especially loved the photography of Toshi Otsuki. I loved the "Writer in Residence" sections and the "Reader to Reader" and the vacations I took to England if only in my mind. Ahhhh, so comfortable and enticing.

Victoria Magazine waned early in this century and then publication was stopped. It had become a shadow of itself and didn't capture my attention any more.

But, it has been revived for about two years now. I'm so glad someone brought it back to life, especially the Fall, Christmas, and Blue & White issues.

This is another picture of a bouquet that I tore out of a magazine and saved.
The colors are probably more summer than fall but I like the combination.

Did they match plate to the corn or the corn to the plate?

I like many things about autumn but one of my favorites is the smell. The scent of a pile of leaves, the ripening concords wafting on the breeze (it's a good as lilacs in the spring only richer), geraniums as I re-pot them to bring them inside for the winter, chili sauce bubbling on the stove, waiting to be bottled. . .

2011-09-22T12:43:00.002-06:00

I haven't even decorated for Halloween and I'm working on a Thanksgiving wall hanging. I'll explain.

I bought these fabrics last summer. I just bought fat quarters except for the dandelion looking rust print, I bought 1/2 yd. of that. These fabrics have been sitting on my sewing table ever since. I'd move them aside as I cut, I'd move them aside as I sewed, I moved them aside when I needed to use my light box. Finally, I folded them together and put them on a stash shelf. But, I didn't stop thinking about them.

I have been wanting to make a Jo Morton-type wall hanging with these fabrics in mind. One day, about a week ago I remembered that I had won 5 machine embroidered blocks at my quilt club about a year ago and wondered how they would look with my fat quarters.

Voila! No, it doesn't have a white border . . . that is my make-shift design wall. This little quilt will look fabulous on my dark kitchen table or hanging in my hall. The picture below just doesn't do it justice. I'll have to post another one once it's in place.

I made the nine-patches to look like plus signs and then the combination of dark blocks form a large plus sign as well. I might change out the cornerstones and make little nine-patches instead. Probably not, it's done after all...........

The embroidered blocks were made by my friend Lilia. Here are some close-up pictures of the other four.

Bale of hay and vegetables,

stylized pumpkins,

lovely turkey,

and corn (I wasn't sure which way was up with this block).

It was a fun project to put together and my need to play with the autumn fabrics is satisfied. But, I have to admit, I still have a need for a real Jo Morton quilt~

THERE OUGHT TO BE A LAW . . .

2011-09-21T12:43:00.002-06:00

I swear (well, I don't really) that there ought to be a law concerning quilt finishes.

I think that once the quilt is quilted - - - it should be done.

What is this with all the binding and label issues?

Well, I finished this quilt yesterday. That is, I finished the quilting and the binding.

Today I made pillow cases (yet another addition to the post quilting) and put 2 labels on. One label was to show that I made it and who it is for.

The other label is the riddle. I call this "The Riddle Quilt" so there had to be a riddle.

Can't you just see someone picking this quilt up 100 yrs. from now in some out of the way thrift shop where my great great great grandsons have taken it to get some money for whatever the 22nd century equivilant of Wii games will be?

What a fun mystery it will be for the future quilt historian.

Think Shabby Chic

2011-09-20T14:16:00.003-06:00

I just finished quilting this sweet little quilt. The fabric is from "The Patterns of History" by Barbara Brackman. I made this quilt top in 2006 so it is officially a completed UFO.

It is so soft and pleasing. . . I hate to give it away. But, alas, it is already promised.

I just used the blue, lavender, and green prints from this line of fabric. I saved all the pink ones for something else. A baby girl quilt perhaps?

I have alot of the backing fabric left over so I think I'll quickly make some pillow cases to match.

(still feeling queasy)

Food Poisoning. . .

2011-09-19T18:41:00.003-06:00

I was rudely awakened early Sunday morning with an attack of food poisoning. No fun!!!

I blacked out at one point and have bruised and cut my left eye around the eyebrow and damaged my glasses.

I am feeling much better today but still feel weak. My husband fixed his own dinner (below) and I just had some (bland) mashed potatoes.

Not a very good picture but he was creative in the presentation, don't you think?

2011-09-16T10:40:00.002-06:00

I've been working on the Star Wars quilt a couple of blocks at a time. Here is a picture a few of the blocks from the dark side.

And here is a picture of the same blocks done in the 1930's (the light side).

A few of the blocks still need to be machine appliqued. Here is the dark version,

and here is the light version. I really like the way the Thimbleberries blocks are turning out. . . not so much with the 1930's.

I'm loving the fall weather and watching for the changing of the leaves. I live in such a beautiful area for autumn's showcase.

The sunflowers are particular pleasing this year.

Along every roadside and ditch is sparkling yellow, gold, and amber with every blossom pointed directly at the sun as it moves overhead.

Block #5

2011-09-09T14:43:00.004-06:00

I finished block #5 of the Baskets, Berries, and Leaves by Jan Patek. The purple part is a bit overpowering but it won't look so out of place when I get the other blocks done.

This is how the quilt looks so far. I'm doing so many other projects inbetween making these that it is turning out to be a BOM.

I've been working on my Star Wars quilt but I haven't taken any pictures yet. I will take some next week so I can show you my progress.

Aren't we having lovely fall weather. I went out and took pictures of the wild sunflowers a little while ago. They just have a luster in the afternoon sun. I came home with as many goatheads stuck in my flip-flops as I did pictures.........

My son and his wife went to the ER together last night. He had appendicitus and needed surgery, she had broken her ankle during a soccer game. It's going to be a matter of "who's taking care of who" when they get home. I hope they'll let me know when they need my help.

2011-09-05T17:03:00.002-06:00

It's been a lazy day. We have had cloud cover since early this morning so everything is in shade. It is the first Labor Day in years and years that I haven't been busy in the kitchen canning peaches. I hardly know how to act!

I worked on the "Ode to the 1930's quilt. I made two more blocks. I need to machine applique a few that I have been working on so no pictures until they are completely finished. I've decided to make this quilt reversible with the 30's on one side and Thimbleberries on the other. Since one side is the light side and one side is the dark side I've decided to call this my Starwars quilt. It's coming along nicely.

I pieced a really simple quilt top. It has a 35" square floral center with 10" borders and outer corner squares. I am going to quilt it in the Welsh fashion so it doesn't need much piecing. I'm not sure when I'll get back to it but I wanted to move the fabric out of the way so I just decided to sew it up.

I ground up some elk, mixed it with a little hamburger, added some pre-cooked bacon, and made a meatloaf. I saw a cooking show over the weekend where they added bacon grease to their meatloaf and so I added about 2 TBs. along with the other regular meat loaf ingredients. It should be yummy.

I only have to sew the center scallop on the fifth block of the Baskets, Berries, and Leaves quilt. Maybe I'll post a picture tomorrow.

R

2011-09-02T17:12:00.002-06:00

It was peachy pie day!

Swiss Days have started in Heber City today. And once again I will miss it because the peaches are ripe. I had two bowls in the refrigerator and this 3/4 bushel was waiting in the shed.

I was able to make a pretty pie, fill the dehydrator (before picture below).

and bottle 7 quarts of halves. I put a few back into the refrigerator that will have to wait until tomorrow. I'll fill the dehydrator again, and again and again - there are still more peaches on the tree.

I did a couple of hours of hand quilting this morning before my callus' were softened by all the peach juice.

I do have my priorities - grin.

2011-09-01T15:20:00.004-06:00

I picked up my "She has the key" quilt from the Springville Quilt show today. I didn't win any awards but I was curious to find out what the judges had written. This is only the 2nd time I have entered a quilt competition and my 1st quilt won "Honorable Mention" (The Quiltmaker's Gift Challenge).

I was rated highly for my overall visual impact, design, and binding.
Kinda a funny that my binding was excellent but the center wasn't dazzling enough to get a prize~

There were good comments about my hand quilting which made me feel good but both judges seemed to feel like it needed more quilting - gasp. I thought it had plenty. . .

There were no comments one way or another about my applique which I thought was unusual. There was one comment about my curved piecing in the large circles. It wasn't curved piecing, it was applique. I guess I have a tiny enough applique stitch that it looked like machine sewing.

Oh well, we can't all win and I learned things that will help me next time. Because I want there to be a next time.
R

2011-08-23T15:47:00.003-06:00

I don't know why I'm so mad to sew but it seems like that's all I want to do. I know it has a calming effect on me so I must be in turmoil and just don't know it.

I got two more blocks done in the Ode to the 30's quilt. The one above done in Thimbleberries fabrics is much more dynamic than the one below in the pastels.

They are all sewn and ready to machine applique. I had a hard time with the side pieces, I kept rotating them wrong using the diagonal as the outside edge. I did a lot of unpicking on the Thimbleberries block but the 1930's block went together quickly.

I saw my first falling leaf today. I was walking along the sidewalk and it floated down in front of me. It wasn't orange, red, or yellow poor thing. It was glisteny dark green. I know the days are getting shorter but this little leaf was in too big of a hurry. . .

Alas, an orphan block

2011-08-22T13:51:00.004-06:00

I woke up this morning and made up my "To Do" lists for the week. I'm expecting company so the whole house needs a once over.

Sometimes I have to trick myself into cleaning house. I decided to sew a little and then clean a little and then come back and sew a little . . .

When I started thinking about what I would like to work on I surprisedly chose this Ode to the 1930's by Lori Smith. I don't know when I started it (I think 2 yrs. ago) but when I did I decided that it would be just as easy to cut out and sew two blocks as it would be to sew one.

I decided to make two different quilts. One would be sewn with 1930's fabrics and one would be sewn with Thimbleberries. I'm on block #4 and here is how they turned out.

Unfortunately I didn't cut out the Thimbleberries block correctly so the block below measures 12 1/8" square instead of 12 1/2". I'm going to have to make another one (argh! as Charlie Brown would say)

Some of the other blocks may need to be made over because I'm not convinced my fabric choices were the best. There's not enough contrast.

I got the whole basement vacuumed and now it's time to dust.

I like to read Emily Dickenson. She always says so much in just a few words. Sometimes I have to ponder the "inner deeper secret meaning" because it's not very obvious to me. Like the poem today~

In lands I never saw, they say,

Immortal Alps look down,

Whose bonnets touch the firmament,

Whose sandals touch the town-- I get this part.

Meek at whose everlasting feet

A myriad daisies play.

Which, sir, are you, and which am I,

Upon an August day?

I'm not really sure what she is trying to say here.

Maybe I'm trying to hard.

2011-08-19T13:28:00.005-06:00

I usually like quilts that are mostly light/neutral with the color contrast. This quilt is mostly dark. This picture really doesn't do it justice because those flying geese units really make it sparkle!

Did you read about the lost quilt as Bunny Hill's blog (Anne Sutton)?

What a great story.

2011-08-17T17:24:00.002-06:00

Sometimes a piece of fabric just grabs you and won't let go. This piece is one of those particular fabrics. It is from a line called Pat Nichols II. I bought it in 2002. It was so pretty that I couldn't bring myself to cut it up.

I finally came across a pattern I liked where I could use this fabric in a big 12" square. Now that the flying geese units are done (they took forever) it's coming together quickly.

The fabrics for the flying geese are also from this line, that is, except the coral colored cornerstones.

Don't you "love it when a plan comes together"?

(quote from Hannibal Smith- A-Team)

2011-08-16T19:40:00.004-06:00

So don't you wonder sometimes why people pick out the names they do for their blog?

I found some cute ones today. The Pickled Pepper Patch is a delightful prim and wool site.
Friendship Crossing has a country friendly feel and she currently has some pictures of a cute lemonade pillow that she just finished. She also has links to dozens of blogs that I have never seen. One of them is Sugar Pie Farmhouse that currently has a recipe for Aunt Lizzie's Buttermilk Pie that I will HAVE to make.

I selected my blog title because that is the name I have given little sewing room. I keep track of the solstices and equinoxes (that's a mouthful of a word). I even have a picture on my wall that marks the place where the sun appears on June 21st, the longest day. I considered 'Le Petite Soeur' because I am, after all a little sister. And my older sister is my best audience!!!

Why did you pick out the title of your blog? Please share.
R

2011-08-16T11:25:00.004-06:00

You just gotta love leftovers?

I got some odds and ends out of the freezer to make some soup. When I made broccoli/bacon salad the last time I only used the florets, not the stems so that went into the freezer. I always put leftover turkey or pork roast or chicken in the freezer, saving it for a later meal. I had leftover rice and chicken gravy in the refrigerator from Hawaiian Haystacks too. So I cooked the broccoli and some celery leaves until tender and then put them through the blender. I added the turkey, rice, gravy, and some fresh green beans from the garden. Cooked it through and called it "leftover leftover soup".

No picture, it wasn't that picturesque~

Now, I have to admit I've tasted yummier things but it was fine and filling and made me feel very frugal.

On to homemade ravioli tonight..............
R

Civil War Quilt

2011-08-05T12:01:00.003-06:00

I've been participating in the Civil War Block-of-the-week on Barbara Brackman's CW blog.

I decded to put some of them together. I didn't want to applique the stars on an 8 1/2 " block as suggested for the Seven Sisters Block so I hand pieced a larger one for the center. I've got some more borders planned but I wanted to show the progress.

I got out my blow dryer this morning and when I turned it on all it would do was smoke. Kinda scary! It is now in the trash and I put up my hair in my old brush rollers. I knew they would come in handy some time - saving things for a rainy day has paid off.

Block #4 is done!

2011-08-01T16:02:00.003-06:00

I finished block # 4 of the Baskets, Berries, and Leaves quilt by Jan Patek. I thought it would be a rather monotonous block with all the leaves out of the exact same fabric but I ended up enjoying the motion of the stitching and the total lack of complexity.

Below is what it looks like with all four finished blocks. It's coming together . . .

R

Springville Quilt Show IV

2011-07-28T08:57:00.007-06:00

This was another one of my favorites. I love the treatment of the border and the soft colors are so peaceful.

It is "Charlee's Flower Baskets" by Cheryl Barlow below.

This next quilt was beautiful, so dramatic and well executed.

"Let him ask of God" by Susan Gilgen.

The next quilt is from one of Blackbird Designs books. I loved the line of fabric used in it and regret never buying any. The fabric line was "At Water's Edge" I believe.

Alas, I didn't get the makers name.

Well, that's all the pictures I took from the Springville Quilt Show last week (was it only last week?). I now have a better idea of what they are looking for in the show, it makes my newly discovered competitive spirit want to burst.

I just found some "At Water's Edge" fabric at Quilt Designer Fabrics online.

Quilts on the ceiling

2011-07-27T18:33:00.003-06:00

You've got to go to this blog. Scroll down to see wonderful red, white, and blue decorations.

But, especially, the third picture with the quilt on the ceiling.

I want her house................
R

Well, maybe just the blue cabinet~ sigh

Springville Quilt Show III

2011-07-27T08:16:00.003-06:00

This quilt really caught my eye, maybe it's because of all the red & white quilts seen around blogland lately.

It is made by Kathleen J. Whiting and quilted by Natalia Bonner. It won for "Best Machine Quilting".

It also won a rigorous challenge from the McCalls Quilting magazine as explained below and is in the July/Aug. 2011 issue.

This is a picture of some of the detail of the beautiful quilting.

More quilting around the corner of the lower border.

More tomorrow,

Springville Quilt Show II

2011-07-26T08:48:00.004-06:00

This is the quilt that won best of show. It is called "Turkish Delight" by Helen Butler.

Helen does beautiful work. It is all machine quilted on her Bernina. Amazing!

I think she did a wonderful and courageous job but..................... I still have a hard time warming up to machine quilting. My heart still sings when I see a hand quillted quilt

It's a good thing that there is room in the quilting world for all kinds of tastes, techniques, colors, and workmanship.

Congratulations Helen! This quilt was quite stunning.

Best of Show

Turkish Delight

Helen W. Butler

Springville Quilt Show I

2011-07-25T08:44:00.002-06:00

This is a quilt simply titled "The Blue and The Gray". The workmanship is lovely and of course I always like these sampler quilts with the small blocks. It was made by Nancy Roberts.

This is a picture of the Music gallery where my quilt was displayed (in my previous post)

This is a picture of Kim McLean's Lollipop Tree pattern done in soft woodland colors. It was so restful. I think it was made by Chris Manning.

This quilt was made by Sandi Crabtree. It was our pick for "Viewers Choice". The butterflies are hand appliqued and they are all different. It is completely hand quilted in echo quilting around the butterflies about 3 times. Very pretty.

Read her explanation below;

More tomorrow.

Springville Quilt Show

2011-07-21T13:58:00.003-06:00

I got brave and decided to enter my "She has the key" quilt into the Springville Quilt show.
This picture shows the other quilts it was displayed among. I wish the blue ribbon was a little closer to the right but alas. . . I didn't win any recognition.

This quilt has a lot of hidden meaning for me.
She has the sweetest face. (I love pink hair for some reason)
Click on the picture to get a larger image.

There is a lot of intricate quilting that isn't visable from afar.
Below is the quilting from the back of the front panel of the skirt.

This picture shows the center of the "bullseye" and her face.

The Springville Museum of Art where the quilt show takes place is a beautiful venue. The building has a Spanish tile roof with deeply inset tile floors, a winding staircase, and wonderful display space. The show lasts through August.

I will post pictures of the other beautiful quilts in the show in the next few days.

"Tis the Season!

2011-07-18T15:27:00.003-06:00

Well. . .
Not really but I got a bunch of enthusiasm to make up this quilt top about a week and a half ago. I have been collecting oranges, browns, and blacks for quite a while now and was finally motivated to do something about it.

Sometimes it feels so good to get some of the fabric made up and off the shelves, don't you think?

This was one of those times when the empty shelf space became minimal because I had to buy the green for the sashing (1- 1/2 yds.) and the border fabric.

But, I absolutely loved making these center blocks. They went together so fast! I know I'll be making more of these.

I'm sure you recognize the pattern. It was from American Patchwork & Quilting October 2005. I have been collecting orange fabric since then.

It was satisfying to sit down and see a project through quickly instead of having it linger for weeks and months but now I have to get back to the projects in the lingering mode.

Wahoo!!!

2011-07-12T17:14:00.003-06:00

My son returned Sunday from his 12 month deployment to Afghanistan. We went to the Air Nat'l Guard Hanger at about 8:30am Sunday morning to wait. We were inside so there was shade and a breeze and they served the families melon, doughnuts, cookies, and water. We were so excited!!

This is looking out of the hanger as the plane taxied past.

This is granddaughter Zoey all dressed up in red, white, and blue for daddy's return.

Ali's stilletto heels tapped nervously as we waited.

Here he is!!! The soldier on the left. Zoey crashed after all the excitement. The little family (including older daughter Monica) are spending some uninterrupted time together.

It's good to have him home~

2011-07-05T17:11:00.003-06:00

I finished block #3. I think it looks terrific.

The windows are a little wonky but that just adds to the charm.
Perhaps it needs more leaves but I'll leave that decision until I fininsh all the rest.

Here are the three finished blocks together. It's a good thing that I'm doing this to relax because I am sure not going to win any races. It's nice to have a project that I don't have to hurry and get done.
R

2011-07-04T13:46:00.002-06:00

I taught a lesson yesterday on fear and faith. I think our forefathers probably had both. But, they worked through their fears so we could have the freedoms we enjoy. What an example!

I made a strawberry chiffon pie with the abundance of strawberries from our garden (we are so lucky). I thought I'd decorate the top to look a little more patriotic.

I came across a poem on faith by Emily Dickenson this morning.

She has such a way with words.

Faith is a fine invention

For gentlemen who see;

But microscopes are prudent

In an emergency!

Don't you love this fabric?

2011-07-02T20:58:00.003-06:00

I sure do. I bought 2 1/2 yds. of it with nothing in mind other than to admire it. Pretty, pretty stuff.

I haven't posted for about 2 wks. It's been a busy 2 wks. I have a new calling that required me to select counselors. I've been to three meetings in the last 7 days with another meeting the week before. AND, I am going to teach tomorrow at RS/church. I have been doing quiet non-sensational sewing as I've pondered over my new responsibility.

This is the quilt that is currently on the frames. It's from the pattern of history fabric line by Barbara Brackman. I got the fabric for $2 yd. at a Memorial Day sale a few years back. It isn't very showy in the picture but the whole quilt has a shabby chic feel. I call it the "Riddle Quilt" because of a private joke between my ex-DIL and I. It still makes me giggle inside.

I hand pieced a seven sisters block. I have a new appreciation for anyone that makes this block and especially a whole quilt. I will never make this block again.................

My friend Marlena and I are doing our own version of a Florence Peto quilt. This is how it looks so far. The white at the base of the cake is lace to look like a doily underneath. We decided to exchange 1 appliqued block and 1 nine-patch each month (making 2 for ourselves as well) for a year so we'll have 48 blocks by next May.

The heat is finally here. I'm looking out my window at the snow that is still on top of Mt. Olympus as I swelter in the high 90's. Unreal~

Another UFO Update

2011-06-17T06:00:00.002-06:00

I finished three UFOs in the last few weeks. It's very refreshing to be able to check # 5, #6, and #7 off of my "really" long list.

I finished quilting the Scraptease quilt. The pattern is by Betty Hammock (I Think). This is a wedding gift for my nephew and his new wife. Scraptease seems like a good name for a quilt to be given to a couple who lives in Las Vegas - ha!

Here is a close-up of one of the blocks. I used a lot of my old scraps. It was so fun to "Big Stitch" and be reminded of my previous projects
.

I kept changing my mind about whether I wanted to give it away or not because it brought back so many good memories. The green strip lower right is a scrap from a Puck costume I made for Nathan in 6th grade. But, ithe quilt is labeled and we're off to the wedding.

I finally quilted the Cheese & Crackers quilt that I made a couple of years ago with a quilt-a-long on Lori's blog. I started hand quilting it but wasn't enjoying the process with all those seams and there is so much more I want to do with my time. . . I took the easy way out and machine quilted it in the light squares. I wish I'd been more alert to matching the bobbin thread because the quilting is all in white thread on the blue back, not the most attractive thing.

I also finished the needlepoint I've been working on since January. My son sent this canvas home from France in 1999 and I finally finished it up and got it framed for him. Now, if I can just catch him at home on a weekend (soccer games, you know) I can take it over.

Rebirth

2011-06-14T15:37:00.003-06:00

This spring was particularly hard on roses. It finally got warm enough for the sap to rise.
We then had a hard freeze.

Roses can't handle a hard freeze when they aren't in a dormant state.

This is my "Secret" rose bush. I pruned off all of the dead parts that were small enough to be cut with pruning shears. The other dead stems were too big and needed a saw.

This is a top view. As you can see there isn't anything very alive looking from any perspective.

I decided to wait and hope that the root was still alive. I felt encouraged by this one stain of yellow green on the lower end of a stem.

I waited and waited. I hoped and hoped. I had started to give up when.........

"What to my wondering eyes should appear?"

A little teeny shoot.

I'm elated!!!

Okay, it's really done this time.

2011-06-09T10:12:00.002-06:00

I finished the sashing for the Folk Art Tribute quilt by Dawn Heese of Linen Closet Quilts.

I found some great fabric for the border that has cresent moons and stars similar to the moon and star block in the quilt.

My granddaughter decorated my laptop for me.

What a nice surprise.

I won't grow up!

2011-06-07T08:35:00.002-06:00

I toppled over into my next decade yesterday. I'm feeling a bit like this guy below.

All kinds of new possibilities are ahead but because they are unknown, I'm a little nervous about them. What is this aging thing? How does one act their age at 60?

The mountains to the east still have their snow although it's June. I guess it's kind of appropriate because there's a little snow on my top too.

Sewing Day

2011-06-04T17:17:00.003-06:00

I've been working on my Folk Art Tribute quilt by Dawn Heese. I changed the lower panel and added some sashing. The sashing is something I ordered online and it didn't fit the project I had in mind. So it's been sitting at the back of my stash shelves until today. You'll have to click on the pictue to see how cute it really looks.

The picture really doesn't do it justice. It is really brighter and cuter than it appears.

The quilt top needs a red outer border but all my reds are too dark, dim, or pink. I was hoping to finish it today but it looks like I'll have to go shopping for a truer red.

I also finished block #2 of the Baskets, Berries, and Leaves quilt.

The summer has started out so nicely. I'm looking forward to lots of sun-filled days.

R

It's UFO progress day & fabric price jumps

2011-05-27T08:05:00.008-06:00

I do have a finish, a big finish. But, it is a gift so I can't post a picture until it is given away.
It is finish #5 for the year.

I'm a little concerned about the recent jump in fabric prices. It has been climbing for the last decade; from $7.50 a yard in the late 90's to $8.00 in 2001 to $9.00+ last year and now they are talking $12 to $16 per yard. They have blamed it on the excalating price of gas and now it's a cotton shortage. My budget can't keep up.

I'm worried for the quilt store owners, the fabric designers, the manufacturers. I will be shopping in my own stash instead of buying new. It's good to use up what I have but that isn't what feeds the economy. I think a lot of quilters will turn to JoAnn's or Wal-Mart instead of their local quilt shop because of the cost.

I guess it doesn't really matter what I do, I'm just one quilter after all. But, I hope our selection and quality of fabric doesn't take a nose dive because people like me can't buy the beautiful fabric just because it's pretty and they want it.

I've already put the brakes on for online BOMS, just too expensive.

Okay, I'll stop whining. It's not like I need more fabric but as any quilter, seamstress, designer knows, shopping is half the fun.

I smell a wet dog. . . .

2011-05-23T19:43:00.003-06:00

I'm sitting here minding my own business (and everyone else's per their blog) and I keep smelling that wet dog smell. The only problem is . . . we don't own a dog.

It's actually not a wet dog, more of a wet sheep. Well . . . I completed the needlepoint I have been working on since January and it's nearby in blocking mode. So, what I'm really smelling is damp wool. It's very earthy, makes me feel shepherdess - like.

No picture of it yet. I'm waiting until it's framed and off to it's new owner before I unveil it.

And speaking of things unusual~
Look at this.

Do you know what is growing on the other side of my grape arbor?

It's like it's got a life of it's own (well, technically it does).

IT'S OUR RHUBARB PLANT!

It's over six feet tall.

Usually my DH pulls out the blossom heads so it won't go to seed and will continue to produce but this year he's planning on digging it up and dividing it so he let it bloom.
It's the weirdest thing I've ever seen.

R

2011-05-17T08:58:00.002-06:00

I need 672 flying geese units. I sewed 120 yesterday inbetween shopping, cleaning the office, cooking, and all the other normal things that come up every day.

It was finally warm enough to take the insulation panels out of the windows in the basement on Saturday. I love having the sun shining through (that is, when the sun shines.............it's raining again today). I usually take the sun for granted, always shining forth, lighting up my day. Not this year, I'm not taking the sunshine for granted at all. I relish each sparkling warming ray. You won't hear me complaining about the heat this summer, even though I'm a shade loving person, I'll be quick to remember how much I missed that glowing orb of warmth and growth and promise this winter.
R

UFO #4

2011-05-13T10:47:00.003-06:00

I know this doesn't look like much but it has taken the "monkey off of my back" and it sure feels good.

I'm also working on another UFO ~ I'm more than 3/4 done with my big needlepoint project. I'm not going to show a picture till it's done and framed. Hopefully that won't be very long from now.

Whimsey Cottage has moved. It is such a colorful motivating store. It is at 1875 Murry Holliday Rd. which is 1875 E. and 4700 S.

Having the sun out for more than one day is giving me the energy I've been lacking lately. Also sticking to "one project at a time" is helping to finish things up better.

Guess I better go get a few more things done before my 6 hr. shift up on the hill.
R

Tuffets?

2011-05-11T10:54:00.002-06:00

I think I want to make one of these. I'm going to have to confine myself in the bathtub when I get ready to use the polystyrene beads though.

Does anyone have any advise?

Here's a recent picture of Nathan. He's put on a little weight I think. It won't do him any harm.

R

2011-05-09T14:37:00.002-06:00

This is what my daughter gave me yesterday for Mummy's Day!

What a hoot!

It was a nice day, I talked to one daughter in MO and one son who is in Afghanistan on Saturday night. I talked to two more sons on Sunday and one son and one daughter came over.

We were able to talk to Nathan for about an hour. He has stepped over the threshold, he is a man now. Gone is the boy that was unsure of himself and unfocused. I guess he had to get there sometime but I only wish I had been there to watch the transformation.

This has been a busy day. I went shopping for my grandson's birthday. I ended up going to three different stores as well as doing a little window shopping online. I came home, wrapped the presents and they are in a large bag waiting for DH to take them tomorrow.

I followed Anita over to the Jordan Valley Hospital Women's center to deliver the books, receiving blankets, hats, and gowns that had been donated at our Women's Conference last Saturday. Anita and I unloaded both vehicles of the heavy boxes of books. We had to partially empty a few before we could lift them.

The ladies at JVH were so thrilled to see everything that we brought. They were so grateful. You should have seen the tiny flannel gowns for the babies that don't survive. Tiny tiny tiny.

I received a call from Julie while I was at the hospital because she is out buying birthday gifts for our luncheon tomorrow.

I then went to UPS to mail the quilt to Aunt Ann for her birthday on Sunday. It's just a day for birthday preparations........

I did a couple of other errands and did all this in the rainstorm we are having. My poor hair! I look pretty scary. I guess that's kind of appropriate for a Mummy.
R

Honesty

2011-05-08T14:22:00.005-06:00

We had a very inspirational lesson today on "Honesty".

When the teacher came to the part of the lesson about 'cheating' she helped us to understand that we needed to work on not cheating ourselves. She was talking about accepting and not doubting ourselves. She used a story where she had received inspiration to accomplish an assignment. When the assignment was finished, it wasn't grand or over-the-top like the ones around her and so it caused a lot of self-doubt. She realized (after prayer and introspection) that the assignment wasn't flawed. The problem was that she had turned inward and her light was no longer being shared. The assignment was only half of the whole...........she was the other half.

She reminded us that too many times we sell ourselves short. We doubt ourselves, we feel weak, we feel underappreciated, we feel exposed, we feel tired.

We are so much more than we are letting ourselves be.

What is holding us back? I know for me, I am afraid that if someone finds out who I really am or what I am really like - they won't like me.

HOW SILLY IS THAT?

This lesson was another eye-opening experience. It was another reminder that I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father and He wants to help me be the best I can be. He wants me to succeed, He wants me to be happy.

I am going to sit down and look deep inside. I am going to figure out what I can do to be more true to myself.

I am not going to cheat myself any longer.

RB - wish you had been there.

I finished another quit top

2011-05-06T10:37:00.002-06:00

for my friend JoAnne.

I don't know if it's considered a UFO or not because I can't remember when she gave me the fabric. I think it was in December.

You'll notice I only had enough orange to make 7 blocks and there are 9 blue ones. At least I came up with a number that would easily be made into a top.

I've made 3 quilt tops with the fabrics JoAnne gave me. There was a whole bag of Dick & Jane fabric but it didn't really go together (to me) so I used the tomato red, pink ,and green along with the panel for the quilt top below and I used the muted red with some white scraps and some of my orange yardage to make the quilt top above.

The pattern for the orange quilt is called "Summer Dreamin'" from Moda Bake Shop

The third quilt top was already cut out. It was someone else's UFO and they passed it along. I sewed the plaid squares together and added a small border from my own stash to frame it. Now I can give back all three and check them off of my list.

The only problem is that I still have one more quilt top to make. I have another bag of fabric by Sharon Reynolds of Tenderberry Stitches. It is flannel with a panel and matching yardage. I'm not really sure how to make it up and to be honest, after our prolonged spring with so much snow, I'm not excited about working on flannel. Give me something with palm trees and hibiscus' on it!!!

I'm still plugging along on the needlepoint and am about 2/3rds of the way through.

That's my UFO report..........baby steps..........

I have a new mantra

2011-05-04T08:14:00.004-06:00

and it is "One thing at a time". I get so stressed because of all the projects I have weighing on my shoulders including;
1. Spring Cleaning (yes, I do clean sometimes)
2. Spring yard clean-up
3. Finish quilting scrap quilt for upcoming wedding. (done 6-15-11)
4. Finish needlepoint that has been a UFO since 2000 ( done June 2011)
5. 3rd and 4th quilt top I committed to make for JoAnn. (3rd top done 5-6-11)
6. Make clothes (a shirt and a blouse are already cut out)
and on and on and on.

And then there's all the projects that I want to work on;

1. Jan Patek Applique

2. Mark and quilt little Welsh quilt study.

3. Start Blue and Cheddar quilt.

4. Finish flying geese quilt made with Pat Nichols fabric from 2002.

5. Make blue and white crown of thorns quilt (already cut out)

6. Paint eagle and flag plaque

You know, it really helps to list things because then I can make a plan.

So, it's one quilt at a time on the frames - focus!

And, one hand project at a time which is the needlepoint.

I'm 2/3 of the way since January.

HQMS tomorrow at Southtowne Expo Ctr.

"One thing at a time"

I heart quilting

2011-05-02T08:50:00.003-06:00

Sue of Blackberry Creek collects pictures of hearts so this one's for you, Sue.

This is what I found when I sat down to my machine on Saturday. I had to grab my camera and save it before I started sewing .

I'm working on another quilt top for JoAnne's group to give the Primary Children's Hospital. I got it all cut out on Saturday and made up one of the 20 blocks. It should go together fast.
R

2011-04-27T07:59:00.002-06:00

We went to St. George last week. I don't think I took even one picture.
The sun was shining nicely most of the time we were there and DH got a bit of a sunburn during his golf tournament. AND BTW, his team took 1st place!

I have had a "bee and my bonnet" lately concerning the little Welsh quilts in the book "Making Welsh Quilts" by Mary Jenkins and Clare Claridge. I've pieced one (30" square) and am in the process of quilting it (have you seen the complex welsh quilting?).

I wanted to make another one inspired by the colors in Mary Jenkins blog header. I love the gray, blue, red mix. So, I've been sewing and unpicking and sewing until I had something that I could settle with and here it is.

It is 36" square. I think I'm going to have a hard time turning in the edge because Welsh quilts turn the back and front in to meet each other and are not bound. Maybe I'll have to give it another border but for right now I'm satisfied.

I've got Leadership Meeting tomorrow night. I need to glue a treasure box back together for our display, finish up my talk, and go buy some pineapple topping for our dessert. Sounds simple enough, I hope it doesn't take me all day.............

How do you identify your quilts?

2011-04-19T07:43:00.011-06:00

I have heard of quilters who put a piece of fabric in each of their quilts that identifies it as there own.
When I first started making quilts in earnest I entered the Benartex "Quiltmakers Gift Challenge" You can imagine my surprise when I was contacted to send my quilt to NYC for further judging. I didn't win but I was an "honorable mention".

I decided to put a piece of the 'Quiltmakers Gift' line in red as an identifying mark.

Sometimes that has been easy and other times I've had to think out of the box. . .

Alas, the pictures of my Quiltmaker's Waltz quilt are on 4 1/2" floppy disc and so I can't show them here. But maybe this post will motivate me to find a way to download those pictures on to something else......

Here are a few of my quilts (that I've saved pictures of) that show how I have used that red Quiltmakers Gift fabric.

This is my favorite way to include the fabric, in a place where it just blends in. (a combination of patterns by Blackbird Designs)

On my recent Thimbleberries Village quilt I just replaced one of the red squares with one of the Quiltmakers Gift reds.

Hiding a particular fabric in a scrap quilt is a so easy that you don't even have to think about it.

Here it is lounging among the other strips and triangles.

I didn't realize until I was almost done with this quilt top that I had forgotten to use my red fabric.

So it went in one corner before I put on the last border. (Autumn Leaves by Teri Chistopherson of Black Mountain Designs)

Here is another scrap quilt. (Scraptease by Betty Hammock)

The red fabric just blends in.

This birds of a feather quilt (Blackbird Designs) has just a berry of red fabric.

And it's a no brainer to put a piece of the red in a charm quilt. Although this picture doesn't show it, it's there.

You can barely see the red square in the lower right hand corner of the quilt below. (This quilt pattern was in American Patchwork & Quilting) I call it Cheyenne Honey.

This quilt by Meme's Designs has the red fabric in the combs and waddles.

There was no possible way to hide or blend in a red piece on the top of this quilt.

So I framed the label on the back. (This quilt pattern)appeared in Quilter's Newsletter )

This quilt is the same pattern in the background as the Cheyenne Honey quilt. I couldn't hide any red on this top either.

So, I also put it on the label.

Sometimes I have forgotten to put any of my red fabric on a quilt and once I used some of the original 4yds. as a backing for a quilt. But, since I'm using such a minimal amount on each quilt, my stash of Quiltmaker's Gift red should last me as long as there are quilts left in me.

What do you do to identify your quilts?

UFO Finish #3

2011-04-15T06:00:00.001-06:00

I finished hand quilting the Thimbleberries Village quilt yesterday. It is bound and has a label. Nothing more to do except mail it. It turned out so nice. I'm going to send it to my Aunt Ann for her birthday next month.

It took forever to do the binding. I thought it would go on forever!!!

This blue house was a sore spot for me visually so I quilted a twist down the side and over the door. I like it a lot better. I call it Lt. Cable's house.

I already have another quilt on the frames that I need to finish before June 16th. I am doing a big stitch on it so it should go together much faster than the last two quilts.

It feels so satisfying to have this done........

What do you want for your birthday?

2011-04-13T18:51:00.002-06:00

My DH has been playing golf with a friend's old clubs. He's really a basketball player at heart but with age and injury has taken up golf. His friend is much shorter than he is so he's been bending his knees to make himself low enough to get he clubs at the right angle. He's finally decided that he likes the sport well enough to invest some money in it. He bought a set of irons and a fairway club. I bought him the cart for his birthday coming up~ THE BIG SIX OH! That's right, 60 yrs. He has a work related tournament next week in St. George and so he went to practice today before the cold front came in. Yes, snow is expected again ....... He came home all aglow. He's finally got some consistancy so, it's just a matter of time before his golf score goes down. His golfing buddies won't know what hit them. R

Did some damage today

2011-04-12T12:41:00.003-06:00

A friend of mine went to Thimbles and Threads in Draper yesterday. She called me when she returned home, full of the changes in the store and all the BOMs and examples and on and on and on. So........................ of course I had to go see too. I bought this. Isn't it beautiful? The black is for one project, the rusts and aquas are for another, and the grey/blues are for another.

I was particularly intrigued with these two pieces. They are both from Kim Diehl's new line. I can't remember the name of it.

This orange/ melon/pink is so unusual. I couldn't pass it up.

I downloaded a free pattern from Jan Patek's blog today. It is called Lincoln's Platform. It is an unusual combination of churn dash and sashing. I like it.

Today is the 150th Anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. I did a little research and found that my ancesters were in Indiana, Utah, and Switzerland in 1861. The war was so hard and so sad but as one historian put it, "We had to have a war to be able to unite."

Have you seen this?

2011-04-11T19:16:00.003-06:00

Do you want to knit your own Royal Wedding?

This made me think of the Pew Sets Mary Jenkins is talking about on her blog Little Welsh Quilts and Other Traditions.

Pew Sets are pretty little porcelain crafted people sitting in a pew with a type of box around them. They were made in 1740. They are very expensive.

I will definitely watch the wedding but other than than I'm not too caught up in the whole hoopla. Now, if I was living in the UK, it would be a another story............... R

I think I'm going to have to come up for air. . .

2011-04-08T06:00:00.003-06:00

and pay some attention to my house~ But, until then . . . I sewed four more blocks of Barbara Brackman's Civil War weekly blocks. I was hoping to get some more done yesterday but my wireless internet didn't work so I couldn't get more patterns. I only get one at a time so I don't misplace them when I'm ready to sew. I made the sheep blocks for the Fold Art Tribute quilt by Dawn Heese of Linen Closet Quilts. For those of you who are more familiar with sheep anatomy than I am - you are probably chuckling to yourself - but the tail makes me happy.

I finished the first block of my self-imposed BOM with the fabulous Lilac Hill line by Brannock & Patek. They hit the jackpot with this one.

I am on the last row of the Thimbleberries quilt. Hopefully it will come off of the frames early next week and I can get the binding done.

Why, you ask?

So I can put another quilt on of course!

I'm laughing at myself

2011-04-05T11:08:00.002-06:00

There has been a lot of hoopla on blogland about red and white quilts. You can find it here and here and well.............. just everywhere. The exhibit was held last weekend in NYC. There were hundreds of quilts from the collection of one women. I think the quilts were lovely, some quite fantastic but I don't have a need to make one. Now, if you were talking blue and white I might have more interest. I thought the quilt show didn't have an effect on me until I stood back to admire the poster I just made for the upcoming Women's Conference. I guess I made a quilt in spite of myself.

Delayed April Fool's Joke

2011-04-03T08:32:00.002-06:00

5 3/4 inches................. It is April, isn't it?

There's a apricot tree in bloom somewhere under there.

Making headway

2011-03-31T10:31:00.006-06:00

One of my friends at "Bound Together" asked Heidee and me if we would help her make some quilts for Primary Children's Hospital. She gave us fabric that had been donated. I got fabric from a number of DICK and JANE lines. I bought some red and yellow, added a light background and put a few of the fabrics together. I've got other pieces left over that have a lot of orange in them. They just didn't go. I need to make another top with those pieces. I finished the Oakeson's house a few weeks ago. I finished Lt. Cable's house this week but I don't have a picture of it. I'm anxious to get this quilt done. It's been fun. The backing has shifted though, I'm not sure what I did wrong. I can only quilt along and smooth it out as I go from underneath. The things we do.................. My oldest daughter made these adorable little crocheted animals. She's the one that didn't want to sew as a youth. She does needlepoint and cross stitch now and has fun crocheting things for her son and other family members. Cute - cute - cute. This is how big my amaryllis turned out. It was so top heavy that my husband had to put bamboo stakes in the pot to hold it up. My granddaughter (the one with the silly smile) is delighted. I've been thinking a lot about the legacy I'm leaving for my children and grandchildren. I guess it's not really something you can identify before you go. I hope they know how much I love them and how proud I am of the kind of people they have turned out to be. I am blessed indeed. R