The Quilting Booklady

Traveling Stash is heading to......

2012-01-07T12:58:00.001-05:00

It's fun to include my family in my blog giveaways. I asked DS to give me a number from 1 to 22 (there were 22 comments). He choose number 21. On the 21st of the month , he will be 21. The winner of the traveling stash is Karen M. of Karen's Sewing Room. Karen please send me your mailing address. I'll get DS to take me to the post office early next week (Pain meds.from surgery and driving don't mix:) Thanks for all the wonderful comments about your goals for 2012. Check Karen's blog in a week or so to enter her giveaway for the Traveling Stash!

Opinions, please!

2012-01-05T09:10:00.000-05:00

One of the things I love about quilters is that we have lots of opinions! :) I received some $$$ as part of a Christmas gift. The newest fabric line by Blackbird Designs, Blueberry Crumb Cake is so me - love the blues , browns and creams. I checked with my local quilt shops, but they were sold out of the pre-cuts or didn't carry the line. Burgundy Buttons, an online shop, had an after Christmas sale. I snatched this jelly roll and fat eight bundle. I'd love suggestions on the pattern or design to use these lovelies. I'd like to make a "big quilt" for our bedroom - queen or king size. I can order yardage online, but want to use as much of my pre-cuts as possible. The design that is appealing to me most at this time is a log cabin quilt. Any other ideas? Thanks for your input and ideas!!!!

It's been three weeks since my surgery. I'm doing quite well in my progress. I'm able to do most things for myself except for hauling things up and down the stairs. I've graduated to a cane from my walker.I'm still on pain meds. but am taking them less frequently. I was able to attend some holiday events (very low key ones). This week I am scheduling more naps and trying not to over do:)

Reflections and Goals for 2012

2012-01-02T09:34:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite activities as a new year begins is to reflect on and review the previous year. In the past, this was the time that I took my old planner and transferred important dates into my new planner. With the use of electronic calendars (Google calendar and Iphone calendar), this activity is quicker than in the past. I've looked at digital photos from last year on my laptop, reviewed lists, looked at completed quilts (joy!) and reviewed my UFO lists. What a blessing to have all these tools and ways to review, reflect and set goals for a new year.

In 2011, I signed up for several UFO Challenges. This did help to motivate me to complete projects and have deadlines. I plan to work on UFO's again in 2012. This is my list of projects to focus on in 2012.

1. Red and White AP&Q calendar quilt -
2. Eventide in French General Fabrics from Quilt-along
3. Patches & Pinwheels (Bonnie Hunter pattern; swap project)
4. Machine applique Pumpkin Blocks
5. Flannel quilt in Buggy Barn fabrics; on Design Wall
6. Chelsea Lane BOM from SNQ
7.Retirement Quilt with signatures and book titles
8. Blue and white BOM from QE (one of my oldest UFO's)
9. Star Gazy in black and tan
10. Christmas Pineapple blocks
11. Green, black n white BOM from PC
12. several Schnibbles in progress

At the same time, I don't want to restrict myself to just "old" projects. I do want to embrace new projects. I've already made a commitment to several new "creative" endeavors and know that I will begin others as the year progresses. A blog that I discovered in the past couple of weeks is Cat Patches. Barbara is motivating her followers to begin a new project each month. Well, that appeals to me, too. Read more about this NewFO Challenge here.

I've started a list of projects that I would like to begin in 2012.
1. Our guild is doinig a 12 Days of Christmas BOM. I've already paid my $$$ to join this fun.
2. Twister batik quilt for my cousin. Fabric is purchased for this one. It's a technique I'd like to learn.
3. Blueberry Crumb Cake. Love the fabric, but need inspiration on the pattern
4. Blue & tan swap
5. E-reader cases
6. Swap projects with Thimblettes
7. Year of Schnibbles

Sinta and Sherri are hosting their 3rd year of small quilt projects. I already have the pattern for January's project, Full House.

Choosing a word of the year has been helpful, too. Last year my word was Savor - enjoy. The word that seems appropriate for this year is STRETCH. Reach out or stretch in relationships, reading choices, sewing techniques and projects, spiritual time, movement and communication.

2011 was a year of many blessings! Welcome to 2012 and all its blessings and challenges!

Traveling Stash - Giveaway

2011-12-31T15:32:00.000-05:00

"One man's trash is another man's treasure." These words definitely describe quilters. For months, the traveling stash has been visiting the homes of lucky quilters. Like the book, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, the traveling stash adapts itself to each quilter that it visits.

I was fortunate to win the box from Sara at Growing Stitches . I was actually in the hospital when I received the email from Sarah saying that she needed my address for an early Christmas gift. Due to the holidays and my recovery time, the Traveling Stash has patiently lived on my dining room table for a couple of weeks. It is anxious to visit another quilter. Here are the rules for entering the giveaway for this Traveling Stash.

Here are the rules:

1. You must have an active blog.

2. You may take whatever you want from the stash but you must replenish the box

3. You agree to host a giveaway on your blog and send the Traveling Stash on to the winner.

4. U.S. friends only please due to the shipping costs.

The box contains a list of directions and a history of the quilters that the stash has visited.

It was fun to examine every piece of fabric, study each pattern, and open each bag with "bobbles and bits."

In spite of the extreme temptation, the treasures that fit me best were some pieces of fabric, quilt labels, thread and a notion for old needles.

In place of these items, I added two older charm packs, Pampered Pooch and Hydrangea Garden, the recent Quiltmaker magazine (I had duplicates), patterns, notion for marking rows, a bag of selvages and whatever else jumps in the box in the next week.

The giveaway begins as soon as I hit "Publish" and will end next Saturday, January 7, 2012 at noon EST. To enter, leave one comment describing your goals/resolutions/plans for 2012.

2011-12-24T16:10:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas, dear friends! This holiday has been a wonderfully, quiet one for our family. My surgery went well. Recovery just takes time, good food, naps, physical therapy and prescription meds:) Wishing you and your family, a Christmas filled with much love !!!

Occupy Your Sewing Room

2011-12-13T19:24:00.000-05:00

Barbara at Cat Patches challenged bloggers to "Occupy Your Sewing Room." Several times last week, I spent some time in my fabulous sewing cavern.

The flannel quilt that I began last Summer was placed on the design wall. I was ready to begin piecing the borders when I discovered that I had arranged the blocks in a different design (ie. I didn't follow the pattern), but I like this design so it stays. The two borders will be next on my sewing list.

Dad's Christmas gift involves new pairs of slacks. Removing the button and adding zelcro helps with the arthritis in his hands. Three pairs done and actually mailed:)

I wish I would have take a before photo. My quilting buddies donate fabric and batting scraps for my pet bed projects. I had a MAJOR mess. It took a couple of hours, but several pet beds are near completion and

fabric was organized for various donations - Goodwill, Guild and an elementary art department.

Rusty received a "Snuggie for Pets" but it was TOO BIG. A little alteration was added so he can stay warm this winter.

I wasn't able to do as much piecing as I had hoped, but my sewing area is organized and ready for the next sewing session. Thanks, Barbara for challenging us to spend time in our sewing rooms.

Winner of Holiday Giveaway

2011-12-13T18:47:00.000-05:00

The winner of the Ruby charm packs is Connie from Quilting By the River. Thank you for the fabulous movie suggestions. I have a wonderful list for my recovery period. Thank you also for the kind words and prayers for my surgery. I have finally completed most of the items on my " To Do List." Christmas gifts are purchased and wrapped. Rusty had a bath, "pedicure" and flea treatment. My walker and other "aids" are out of the basement and in place. Can you tell that I'm so ready to get this surgery adventure DONE? Not sure if I'll be able to blog with the pain medications, but I will be reading blogs and keeping up with everyone. Take care, dear friends!

Becky

Holiday Giveaway!!!!!!!

2011-12-06T14:35:00.001-05:00

If you've read my blog for any amount of time, you know that I love blog giveaways. I love entering them and hosting them. In the evening while DH channel surfs, I read blogs. I've been blessed to win a number of giveaways (thank you, friends) Just this week, I received an email from April at KoolBeenz . April does lots of neat things on her blog especially a weekly giveaway.

I was fortunate to win a gift certificate from SkyeReve fabrics. Natasha has lots of cute fabric; but once I saw that she had Ruby by Bonnie & Camille for Moda, my decision was made.

But wait! I've been wanting to do another giveaway and what better thing to giveaway than something I'd love to have myself. Natasha has agree to this change in the giveaway. She has set not 1, but 2 of the Ruby charm packs aside for us. The giveaway will end on Monday, Dec. 12th at 5:00 EST. To enter the giveaway for the 2 Charm Packs of RUBY fabric, leave a comment telling me the name of a movie that you enjoyed. Next Wednesday, I'm having hip replacement surgery. I plan to watch lots of movies during my recovery period and need some suggestions. Thanks for entering "OUR" giveaway! Thanks especially to April and Natasha for their generosity in their giveaway!

A Day in Death Valley

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

In early November, one of our trips to visit Dad allowed us to attend an LSU game in Tiger Stadium, better known as Death Valley. Since it had been years since we attended a game, it was indeed a memorable day for DH and me.

There were a variety of ways to tail-gate.

There were a variety of ways to show Tiger spirit.

DH in his "LSU is Football" gear.

A variety people to meet including Bobby Hebert, now a radio announcer but once a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons. His son T-Bob Hebert plays on the offensive line for LSU.

DH in his "LSU is Football" gear.

An opportunity to watch the team come down the hill to the stadium

Tyrann Mathieu, Heisman Trophy nominee, in the red sweater.

Mascot, Mike the Tiger, dressed as a band drum major

the Golden Girls

and the BAND coming down the hill

and finally in our seats ready for the game to begin.

Stash Sale

2011-12-05T14:11:00.001-05:00

Have you ever "overdone" it when shopping for fabric? Please tell me that I'm not alone in this obsession. While shopping at Sample Spree, I purchased too many fat quarter bundles. I'm feeling "quilty" guilty especially since a couple of other fabric lines are SCREAMING my name. This is the newest line by Kate Spain (I love her designs) called Good Fortune. The pre-cuts are due in quilt stores in January. Here is a link to the line on the Moda/United Notions website. There are 36 fat quarters in the bundle. It is still sealed. It has never been opened. I would like $80.00 for the bundle. This will include free shipping. I think I've figured out how to accept payment through Paypal. Please email me if you are interested. Many thanks!

The FQ Bundle has been sold. Thanks!

Fan Day - LSU Style

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Dear blog friends from UGA, Auburn, Clemson and Alabama, You can quit reading now. This post will not make you happy. I've been taking photos for months, but have yet to post them to my blog. Definitely, superstitious:) Allow me a few minutes to CELEBRATE with all LSU Tiger fans, especially those of us who live deep in UGA 'Dawg country.

This past year, I've made many trips to Baton Rouge. My Dad is in a nursing home near my brother's home. (Lafayette is our hometown) I try to visit him every other month. This year one of our visits just happened to be on LSU Fan Day.

While Dad napped, DH and I made a trip to the LSU campus to savor LSU Fanaticism.

Tiger style Moonwalk

the Defensive team entering the room

signing autographs for fans

a table of quarterbacks

Special Teams

The longest line for autographs and photos was for Coach Les Miles.

a variety of spirit wear

but my favorite is the one from "Swamp People." Choot 'Em, Liz (if you haven't watched Swamp People on the History Channel, you're missing out. My favorite part is the subtitles because the Cajun accents are so strong:)

And just when you think that you've seen everything, a child's potty chair awaits you in the LSU Store:)

A Kodak Moment

2011-12-04T14:36:00.001-05:00

Although, we are 39 years apart, we share common bonds/bands. Yes, my nephew and I are both wearing braces. DN has some spiffy invisible wires. I have all the metal that my orthodontist can fit into my mouth. DH snapped this photo for us, our "Kodak Moment" on our last trip to my brother's home. On returning home, I emailed it to my SILs and brothers. I could just hear dear nephew's Mom remarking "how special" and meaning it. I had made one major mistake. I forgot "Men are from Mars, Women from Venus." My brother, dear nephew's uncle, lovingly sent a reply. And I quote, "I am glad that you 2 suffer from crooked teeth and not hemorrhoids." :))))))))

One to Geaux

2011-12-04T12:42:00.001-05:00

"One to Geaux" - the headline on today's Baton Rouge Morning Advocate

This past football season, I've been a bit superstitious. Our LSU Football team has played a phenomenal season. I was just afraid to blog about it and jinx us:) I've become almost as fanatical as my DH, an LSU graduate. Congratulations to the 2011 LSU Football team, SEC Champions for 2011.

GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!!

Christmas Quilt for 2011

2011-11-27T10:31:00.001-05:00

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..." Christmas Lights is my entry for SewCalGal's 2011 Christmas Quilt Show.

Like all my quilts, this is one that has taken several years to become a QUILT:) It began as a fun mystery quilt from Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville.com in Quiltmaker Magazine. The pattern is now available on Bonnie's website to download for free. (at least today it is) Christmas Lights has larger pieces than most of Bonnie's quilts. All the completed quilts that I've seen have been stunning. I'd love to try this one in different colors.

One of my goals this past year was to finish some of my Christmas quilts so that we could enjoy them during the holiday season.This is one quilt that will remain in our home. I love the fabrics. The red, gold, green and blacks have become some of my favorite tone-on-tone fabrics. The backing is one fabric. It makes a fabulous quilt, too. Most of these fabrics were purchased at Sweet Home Quilt Shop. I took a big risk with the border fabric. I purchased it in a quilt shop in Baton Rouge WITHOUT having the other fabrics with me. I felt like it might work, but was truly surprised at how much it works with this quilt.

Of course, all quilts including Christmas quilts, MUST be inspected by The Boss of the Family:) Please head to Insights from SewCalGal to enjoy the quilts in this year's Christmas Quilt Show.

Christmas Quilt Show

2011-11-27T08:33:00.001-05:00

As you are beginning to decorate for the Christmas holidays, you might like to snap a photo of one of your Christmas quilts and enter it in the Quilt Show hosted by SewCalGal. The quilt show begins on Monday, Nov. 28th (tomorrow). This is a fun event. There is lots of quilty inspiration and holiday joy. An added bonus is awesome sponsors who donated wonderful prizes/gifts for the quilt show. Thank you, Darlene for organizing and hosting this event! Happy Holidays, y'all!

2011-11-24T11:02:00.001-05:00

May your day be filled with Family, Friends and Food! Blessings to all!

A season of Thanks and Giving

2011-11-22T17:47:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It has always been my favorite because it is a simple holiday

- holiday of gratitude and thankfulness.

This salt and pepper pair from our Publix grocery chain is a favorite.

Don't you just love turkeys and pilgrims?

and then there is the FOOD!

Smoked turkey

Punpkin Pie

Sweet potatoes or Yams or whatever you call them

rich holiday stories shared with 100's of kids

and a prayer for EVERYDAY!

My "Who" from Quilt Market

2011-11-10T08:09:00.000-05:00

The thing about Market is that it would be next to impossible to meet and talk with everyone at Market. Near the top of my list of "folks that I would love to meet one day" is

Alex Anderson. For many years, the only connection that I had with the quilting world was watching Alex Anderson on the HGTV program Simply Quilts. It was a delight meeting and talking with her.

Arlene Sachitano is the author of the Harriet Truman/Loose Threads Mystery series. I love combining my love of reading with quilting/knitting/dogs/and mysteries.

One of the hightlights of Market for me was meeting a blogging friend. Jackie from Canton Village Quilt Works blog, online shop, and podcast was so friendly and warm. Sometimes, it's a strain meeting someone in person that one has meet online. NOT so with Jackie. It was a pleasure meeting and chatting with her.

Sue Spargo stopped and chatted with Pat and those of us in the booth.

Another delightful "blogger meeting" was visiting with Anne from Cottons 'n Wool. AnIne does lots of sewing for designer Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs. On her blog, she described building her new home with her fabulous "nest" for sewing. Her wool applique is exquisite.

Mary Lou Weidman, awesome quilt artist, who specializes in bringing Out of the Box the artist in each of her students.

Our "next booth" neighbors were Paula Barnes and Mary Ellen Robison from Bonnie Blue Designs. It was great spending time with these talented ladies. Mary Ellen is a retired elementary school librarian, too.

Kathy Brown from The Teacher's Pet (Take Five Patterns and books). Kathy is from Baton Rouge so it was great talking Louisiana and quilting with her.

The awesome Kelly Jackson from the online store and blog I Have a Notion.

Barb and Mary from Me and My Sister Designs. Barb is the blogger. She is great about answering comments and keeping us laughing.

and of course, THE KING, Elvis was in the Primitive Gatherings booth.

Thanks for visiting Fall Market with me. Many of the links on my posts have additional pictures and happenings from Market. It's time to morph into action. I have a plumber "visiting" for a leak in MY bathroom sink. Tomorrow, DH and I are leaving for Baton Rouge to attend the LSU game in Tiger Stadium this weekend. With our work schedules, etc, it's been 25 years since we have attended a game in Tiger Stadium. We're EXCITED. Geaux Tigers!!!!

Some "What I Saw" from Quilt Market

2011-11-08T10:34:00.003-05:00

Quilt Market is HUGE!!! I am in awe of the shop owners who preview all the items at Market and actually come to a decision of what items to order for their shop. There was so much to see! I feel like I missed more than I actually saw. Even looking at some of my photos, I'm at a loss of who or what is in the photo. Luckily, I was at Market to work for one company and everything else was "lagniappe" or extra as we say in Louisiana.

Perhaps one of the neatest new notions is the Pilot FriXion gel pen. Our quilting group was introduced to this product last Summer. The pen is used to mark fabric. The marks are erasable using a hot iron. I particularly like using my pens to mark half-square triangles. Red, black and blue are the colors that I knew existed. Looks like they are adding color in the gel pen and thicker highlighter version. Ask your quilt shop owner about these pens.

B.J. of Silver Thimble Quilt Company designs holiday and sewing cards. B.J. had several new cards to add to her line. I loved the Thanksgiving and Christmas additions. Your quilt shop owner can get these from Checkers Distributor or you can order some directly from the Silver Thimble website. Kristie had a wonderful idea. She is framing some of these cards to hang in her sewing room. I may "borrow" that idea.

Like most quilters, I first learned to sew garments or clothing. Cindy Taylor Oates of Taylor Made Designs was down the isle from us. The new Camp Shirt pattern has lots of potential. I especially liked the back of the blue one on the left.

Brenda and I both picked up brochures from Serendipity Studio. Look at the awesome lines on this dress and jacket. This is a new company to me. Looks like their patterns can be purchased on their website if your local quilt shop is unable to order the patterns for you.

Trace 'n Create E-Tablet and Paper Tablet Keepers from Clover was a new item. I missed the demo at the Clover book but discovered this video with Nancy Zieman demonstrating how to use this product.

One designer that I've been intrigued with as of late is Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts. I wasn't able to meet her. The line in her booth was always long when I had the opportunity to go down that aisle. Reason for Quilts is her newest book. I feel a new project coming on:)

Isn't this the cutest Dachshund bag? Of course, the pattern went home with me. It's from Buttons & Bees. Brenda found THE cutest pig pattern. If I remember right Kristie found a neat dog pattern. Cute stuff from these folks.

Our neighbors to the left were the wonderful Mary Ellen Robison and Paula Barnes from the Bonnie Blue Quilts company. Their patterns are one of my favorites.

This is one of their new patterns (I've forgotten the name) Several of their patterns found their way home with me. Thimbles Swap partners, we found a new design for one of our swaps!

Charlie Brown fabric! I don't remember which company, but for us Peanuts lovers, this is good news.

Ed Emberley fabric for all of us who loved his drawing books in elementary school.

And you just never know what you will see at market. A bike came in handy for some of the convention center helpers.

Houston Quilt Market - 2011

2011-11-07T18:46:00.000-05:00

"To market, to market, to buy a plum bun,

Home again, home again, market is done."

Pat Wys and B.J. Laird, design partners of Silver Thimble Quilt Company

There are lots of wonderful blessings in my life. Last week I had the awesome opportunity to attend the International Quilt Market in Houston!!!! It was one of those "I can't believe that I'm here" events. My friend/teacher/mentor Pat Wys asked Brenda, Kristie and me to help her in her Silver Thimble Quilt Company booth. Well, this is something 3 elementary Library Media Specialist can do. It's so like our many years of running Book Fairs for our schools. Just like a school book fair, setting up the booth takes some time. Friday was a busy day at market. We worked on the booth,

assisted Pat and the gals from Martingale Publishing (publisher of Pat's book Spotlight on Neutrals) at Schoolhouse,

completed the booth,

new pattern Glory Garden

visited Painted Pony & Quilts in LaPorte, Texas just south of Houston. The ladies at Painted Pony had starter fabric packs for Pat and BJ's quilt Star Spangled Celebration .

followed by fabulous Mexican food at Little Papasitto

arrived back at the George R. Brown Convention Center to attend "Spree"

braved the lines at the Moda table to purchase fabric bundles and "earn" this year's Moda Bag

I had to restrict my "quilt budget" for several months to splurge at Spree. (Seasonal Little Gatherings from Primitive Gatherings , Rouenneries Deux from French General, Good Fortune by Kate Spain, Bali Pops, neutrals, cool batiks and a thread pack from Aurifil

For now, I just want to visually enjoy my new stash. Yes, indeed, lots of blessings from Fall Quilt Market:).

Bloggers' Fall 2011 Quilt Show

2011-11-04T19:20:00.000-04:00

Twice a year, Amy hosts the Bloggers' Online Quilt Festival. It is a visual treat for quilters. Today is the last day to post to her site, but the quilts will remain on her blog to enjoy. The last time I looked there were almost 600 quilt entries.

My entry this Fall is White Chocolate. This is a UFO that I have finally finished. It is in the book Spotlight on Neutrals by Pat Wys. I supersized the quilt and made it king size. I wasn't sure about my choice of fabrics for this project. I used only neutrals that I had in my stash. I was afraid that some of the tones wouldn't "play well together", but once the blocks were arranged and the top was quilted, it worked. This quilt was made in honor of my mother. Although, she wasn't a quilter she valued quilts and always wanted a handmade one. Unfortunately, by the time I began quilting she was no longer with us. It will be gifted to my brother and sister-in-law this Christmas season.

Apples & Pumpkins

2011-10-17T10:27:00.002-04:00

Fall is arriving in Georgia. One of my absolute favorite things to do in October is to drive to the North Georgia Mountains for a visit to the apple orchards. Just uploading photos for this blog makes me happy:) My cousin Peg visited us from Houston last week so a trip was planned.

Our favorite place to visit is Ellijay, Georgia. There is an area with many, many warehouses ready to captivaate visitors.

Many varieties of apples are available for purchase. Mutsu is our favorite, but we sample and purchase many varieties.

Not only are there fresh apples, but jellies, jams, pickles, baked goods (fried pies and apple cake are my favorites), fresh vegetables, apple cider........

Pumpkins!

Located a couple of miles from the apple warehouses is Burt's Pumpkin Farm.

Lots and lots of pumpkins!

a wonderful place for families

You know from reading the sign that someone did all of these things.

"My Sewing Room"

2011-10-15T08:12:00.000-04:00

In the past months, I seem to have lost my blogging mojo, but you already knew that. It seems that good old-fashioned "Catholic guilt" does wonders to motivate my dormant blogging skills. Even folks who I didn't know read my blog have asked "How is your sewing room coming?... Well, when are you going to show photos on your blog?" Ok. I get it.Today was absolutely gorgeous outside, so I took my camera to my basement room and took new photos to show you "My Sewing Room."

I searched many thrift shops before I found this treasure to hold my stash. It's part of an old entertainment unit. I'm still moving fabric from the closet in my former sewing/bedroom, folding it and organizing according to color. This is for my larger pieces of fabric to use for borders, binding and backing.

My "works in progress" are stored behind the floral fabric under the bar area. Out of sight, out of mind:)

I have wanted a Big Board for pressing for a very long time. With the help of my SIL, this ironing board was created for my space. It measures 68" by 25". We purchased plywood from Home Depot, used batting, insulated fabric and drapery lining fabric. I plan to use some orphan blocks to make a colorful ironing board cover (one day....). The plastic drawers hold my scraps, fat quarters and other small pieces of fabric. It helps to organize my fabric by type (civil war, black and white, neutrals, plaid, patriotic, dog prints, holiday and strips)

This new design wall is amazing. Using two foam insulation boards from Home Depot, covering the boards with Warm and Natural batting and bolting it to the wall, this design wall measures 86" by 88". That's the Rotweiller quilt waitinig for an additional side row and borders.

It's a luxury to have floor space to actually measure a quilt top for borders.

This table was in my childhood home. I remember Mom refinishing it years ago. With bed risers added to the legs, it's become my new cutting station. Might have to purchase additional cutting mats.

I love looking out the window when I'm sewing. Luckily, my sewing cabinet fit near the two windows. It's fun to watch the "neighborhood" from my nook.

Books, magazines, and patterns all live on the wall adjacent to the ironing station. The row of binders contain patterns ripped from my older quilt magazines. The shelves are filled with great inspiration for future creations.

This is the one area that I've can't decided what to do. The entertainment cabinet weighs a TON. Dear Son said it will remain in the house FOREVER. There is an old TV in the cabinet that I had hoped to use with my laptop to stream movies. The television is so old that it doesn't have the right inputs. I keep thinking we will load it and bring it to a charity shop, but it too weighs a TON. The recliner is Rusty's chair. Yogi from Aunt Polly's Porch takes wonderful naps while Polly sews, but NOT my Rusty. He watches my every move.

The only item on the wall is one of the first pictures that I had in my very first apartment over 30 years ago. The colors and simplicity of Picasso's print has always spoken to me.

Thanks for "visiting" my new sewing space. It will continue to evolve, but I'm truly blessed to have so much space to create.

A Copy ... At Last ...

2011-10-14T19:09:00.001-04:00

Finally, I have a copy to read and SAVOR. It's not actually my copy, but one that I need to mail to a friend. My copy is on the stack that Pat is autographing as I type this post. If you read Pat's blog, Silver Thimble Talk, you know that she has a wicked sense of humor and can she tell a story. In addition to having great quilt designs, I know her book has to be a fun read. I saw the manuscript before it went to Martingale. I saw the proofs and Pat's single advanced copy. Tonight, I can take all the time I want and actually read her book. DH is at his Friday night high school football game. Rusty and I are on the screen porch ready to shine the Spotlight on Neutrals.

This is the closest that I'll ever get to having my name in a book:)

I'm ready to pull fabric for this Summer Stitch In beauty. I've wanted to make it since Pat and Kristy put their heads together for this one.

I just as soon pull fabric for this one, too. Night, y'all.

...At Last.........

2011-10-13T17:19:00.000-04:00

AT LAST, "The Book" is finally here! It's been a blessing to be involved with Pat Wys and her newest project her book, Spotlight on Neutrals. For over a year, I've been real quiet about a quilt that I helped make for the book. On my blog at that time, I referred to it as "Stoned" because the quilt reminded me of river stones. The actual name of the quilt is "Havenstone".

This is the photo from the book. I snatched it off of the Martingale Facebook page. Here are some photos of Havenstone that have been living quietly in my camera:)

This was the first time that I had pieced a snail's trail block. Pat chose luscious Japanese neutrals for this quilt.

Just after Leisa Wiggley added her specical touch with the quilting, Pat showed the quilt to our Silver Thimble Group.

This is a quilt book that you will want to own. I've actually seen all the quilts from the book. They are stunning in neutral, but the patterns would work for other colors and fabrics. I can't wait to get my own copy in my hands (tomorrow I hope) so I can start the another project from the book. I actually made a black and white version of the cover quilt, Scrappy Nines.

Pat has the book on her website for sale with free US shipping for a limited time (until Nov. 15th). The Atlanta quilt shops, Little Quilts, Sweet Home, Tiny Stitches and Patchwork Cottage have copies. Pat signed copies of her book (with it's own ISBN number) at Little Quilts and Sweet Home last weekend. She will be at Tiny Stitches this Saturday and Patchwork Cottage on Sunday. If your local quilt shop can't order it from you, check here on Amazon.

Congratulations, Pat!

*Pat Wys and Silver Thimble Quilt Company did not pay me to endorse her book. This post will come as a surprise to her. I paid cash money to order my own copy of the

book from her website:)

What I'm Reading

2011-09-11T19:48:00.001-04:00

One of the blessing of working as a school library media specialist, was that my WORK involved reading. Other teachers had papers to grade. I HAD to read children's books and novels. Believe me, it was a real "hardship." (NOT) Once I began retirement, I gave myself a year to read anything I wanted even if it was pure "fluff" and not very good literature. I read some titles that I would recommend and some that I won't admit in public that I read from cover to cover:)

DH gifted me with a Nook this past Christmas.

Our public library system, Gwinnett County Public Library, is fantastic. He chose this brand of e-reader because I could request e-books from our public library. I discovered the Seaside Knitting Mystery Series through my library e-books. Sally Goldenbaum is the author of the series. Each book in the series is well-crafted with a fabulous setting, unique characters and well-developed plots.

The series begins with Death by Cashmere.

Followed by Patterns in the Sand

Moon Spinners

A Holiday Yarn

and the latest edition, The Wedding Shawl. I was able to read the first four in the series on my Nook. Our library does not yet have The Wedding Shawl in e-book format. One of the blogs that I read and follow daily is Bookin' With Bingo. This blog features wonderful reviews, author interviews and book giveaways. I was fortunate to win a copy of The Wedding Shawl from this blog.

Another great blog for book recommendations is Books on the Knob. This blogger keeps readers informed of e-books that are on special from book publishers or one-line bookstores. The book are often free for that day. Some are reduced in price. Most of the recommendations are for books for the Kindle, but does include books for the Nook. I've downloaded many more books than I can read, but my Nook has space for these and many more. If I think I might read it someday, I download it.

I'd love to continue sharing The Wedding Shawl with other readers. Let's do a quick giveaway for this hardback copy of The Wedding Shawl. Just leave me a comment sharing the title of a book you've recently read and enjoyed. I'll do the random number "thingy" on Friday, September 16th. Happy Reading!

Laundry Detergent

2011-09-09T20:19:00.000-04:00

I get these "ideas" at time. They don't always make a great deal of sense, but that doesn't seem to matter. I seem to become "obsessed" or "possessed" by an idea. One of my recent "wild ideas" was to make our laundry detergent. Several years ago, Lori had photos on her blog of making her own laundry detergent. I had never heard of anyone doing this nor had it ever occurred to me that this could be done. So the first step was to "Google" homemade laundry detergent. The site that interested me the most was "10 Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipes. " There are recipes for liquid soap and powdered soap. Liquid soap tends to make a mess all over my laundry area (couldn't be that I make the mess:) so I choose one of the powdered soap recipes.

Powdered Laundry Detergent – Recipe #4

2 cups Fels Naptha Soap (finely grated – you could also try the other bar soaps listed at the top)
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax

Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
Use 2 tablespoons per full load.

Recipe #4 seemed to fit my needs. All three ingredients that I needed were located at my local grocery store. I wasn't able to find the Fels Naptha Soap so I substituted Ivory Soap.

We own a cheese grated, but I thought it might be a good idea to purchase one just for my soap making. I could hear my DH and son commenting that the Parmesan cheese tasted like soap:)

These are the tools that I used. The cheese grater to grate the bar of soap, the one cup measuring cup to measure the Borax and Washing Soda, the 2 cup measuring cup to measure the grated soap and a large metal mixing bowl.

Perhaps the most difficult part was finding a container for the freshly made laundry soap. This jug was originally purchased for lemonade. When I was cleaning the basement, I purchased cat litter for the paint cans I needed to put in the trash. I purchased this one because it had such a nice bucket that I could recycle. It may work when I make bigger batches, but it was too big for the 3 batches I recently made.

Instead, I'm using it to store the opened boxes for borax and washing soda.

My "boys" have approved of our new detergent. Our clothes are clean and smell good. I haven't done a cost analysis, but plan to the next time I purchase supplies. This "wild idea" has been a successful one for us. I most definitely will continue making our own "homemade laundry detergent."

Pets on Quilts - 2011

2011-08-16T16:25:00.000-04:00

It's that time again! It's SewCalGal's Pet's On Quilts quilt show. Anyone can enter the quilt show. Here is a link to the rules and the linky box to enter your photo. There are over 40 links listed today. I'm headed there as soon as I do my post to "view" the quilts and pets.Sponsors have generously donated many wonderful prizes for participants and visitors of the quilt show. Make show you enter to win one of these goodies. Hey, it's even ok to vote for Rusty and our LSU quilt this Saturday and Sunday for the Viewer's Choice Award.

Here is my buddy and friend, Rusty. He loves quilts, but does not like cameras.

"You want me to do what, Mom? Why can't we both lay on the sofa and look at the quilt with our eyes closed?"

"Ok. Ok. I'm stepping on the quilt."

"Are you satisfied now? I'll do it, but I won't like it:)"

Thanks, Darlene for another fun Pets on Quilts event!

Work in Progress

2011-08-09T18:01:00.000-04:00

My sewing room has become a Work in Progress or "WIP". Last week when my media specialist and teacher friends had to report back to work, I plunged in on the next stage of work in my new sewing room/studio. There are some things that I'm good at doing, but PAINTING is not one of them. I consulted several online tutorials and videos before beginning.

New paint and supplies were purchased

The walls were "prepped. The painting was almost completed when I decided to change the color on one wall. I needed to purchase another gallon of paint. The idea of doing one wall in buttery yellow tempted me to buy another color. After painting one wall, I liked it so much better than the beige I had previously applied to the walls, that I repainted the walls that had just been painted. A two day job became a three day job:) I absolutely love the new color.

The paint color is called Clarified Butter, but it reminds me of wild Buttercup flowers or soft creamy butter.

Dear Son and his good friend moved my stuff down two flights of stairs (from the second story to our basement) on Friday.

I spent the past couple of days unpacking,arranging and organizing things.

It's wonderful to have so much space.

My friend Bev puts labels on most everything. This seemed like a good time to do that with my plastic drawers and plastic containers. I consulted Bev and purchased the Label Maker that she used. I'm already loving this new space. There's lots left to do. Blinds to hang, a new design wall to construct, decisions on furniture and shelving, lighting challenges but.....

I just had to stop and play with some fabric. I took the old flannel design wall and placed it on a wall. It's probably not even where my design wall will end up.

This is my Rottweiler project. I've made some changes so I'm back to deciding on block placement. I'm hoping to actually do a little sewing tomorrow:)

+++++++++

Thanks so much for the prayers and concern about DH! He is doing better. He's receiving wonderful medical care. His medications have been changed and additional testing will occur in the next couple of weeks. Again, thank you!

Blogging Break

2011-07-31T17:22:00.000-04:00

I seem to have taken an unplanned blogging break. I'm sewing, reading and doing normal life, but haven't felt like reflecting and writing. Let's just call it my vacation from blogging and be done with it. I have lots of photos and lots of topics and hopefully lots of motivation or mojo. My hubby has had a bit of some health issues. It's required some adjustments on both of our parts. I'm planning some of our meals and cooking even. You know he's been "under the weather" when he is happy to have me fix meals. I'm actually enjoying planning and cooking. Our summer garden has provided lots of tomatoes and cucumbers.

Our garden has been a dismal failure in the past couple of years. Our backyard is wonderfully shady. This is a bad condition for vegetable gardens. In the Spring, we transplanted the plants from our side planter. The tomatoes and peppers planted in this former flower bed have made gardening fun again. Have a wonderful Sunday evening! We're having a potluck dinner with neighbors at their home. It will be fun and I don't have to do any cleaning:)

A Transformation in Progress

2011-07-12T19:11:00.001-04:00

This is the finished room in our basement. It was a MAN DUNGEON - a dumping ground. Slowly, one small step at a time, our family has been cleaning, sorting, donating, reorganizing so that this space

can become my new sewing space. My birthday gift from my family this year was to spend time and muscle cleaning and moving stuff.

A giant step was adding central heating and air to the space. I never thought an air vent or two would give me such pleasure:)

A wall and door were added to separate my space from DH's area, his father's day gift.

This wall is just waiting to grow up and become my new "design wall."

The new paint color has been chosen and a gallon of paint has been purchased. It's one small step at a time.

June UFO Challenge

2011-06-30T07:52:00.000-04:00

I'm trying to finish some "long loved projects" in 2011. I even joined the challenges at Judy's blog Patchwork Times and Nancy's blog Patchwork Penguin. Of course, I didn't finish the right "numbered" project for either list. BUT I did complete a UFO that was very aged. This quilt top, number 2, on my list is DONE!!!!! The receipt from purchasing this kit was still in the plastic container. I began this project October 2, 2004. The pattern is Friendship Crossing by my friend, Pat Wys of Silver Thimble Quilt Company. The finished project looks complicated, but it's mainly nine patches and half square triangles. I am absolutely thrilled to have this UFO on the way to becoming a much loved quilt.

Field Trip to East Cobb Quilt Guild

2011-06-28T19:16:00.000-04:00

The metro Atlanta area is blessed with many quilt stores, quilt teachers, quilt resources and quilt guilds. One of the largest guilds with over 200 members is the East Cobb Quilt Guild. Several times throughout the year, the EC guild brings in speakers/teachers with national/international reputations. Last week, Sue Spargo taught several workshops and spoke at both the evening and daytime meetings. This called for a "Field Trip." We (Pat, Kristie, Debbie, Brenda and I) headed out bright and early to attend the ECQG meeting on Friday morning. My photos from the Guild meeting are not the very best, but I thought you might enjoy them. Sue Spargo's talk was inspirational. Seeing her quilts and hearing her speak, motivated me to "STRETCH" my creativity and to try new methods and techniques.

Visit Pat's blog and Melinda's blog for better photos of the event.

Design Wall Monday - June 27th

2011-06-27T07:27:00.000-04:00

This past week I was able to spend a bit more time working on the "Rottweiler Quilt." I'm enjoying the process of creating this quilt. I had blocks from a swap. I've put blocks together, but am now attempting to take these fabrics and achieve my vision for this project. It's not there yet. I'm adding and taking away blocks. Having fun sewing!

Jumping from One Thing to the Next

2011-06-23T17:58:00.001-04:00

Fabric problem solved! I wasn't able to find more of the Libertyville fabric for my project, but Mary Ellen from Little Quilts saved the day. I was at her shop last week taking an awesome class. I pulled out my selvage from the fabric that I need. Mary Ellen suggested that I find other shirting fabrics to mix and match in this project. She called it "the Little Quilts way." I can definitely do that with this project. It's a block of the month. She immediately pulled fabric so that I could choose the two that matched the best. I'm loving the new fabric - the center fabric is my original shirting fabric. Thanks, Mary Ellen!

I just can't seem to keep up with posting on my blog. June has been a fun, busy month. I take lots of photos, but don't seem to write the blog post. This post will jump all over the place. That probably describes my month the best:)

Some sewing has actually taken place this past week. With the help of Debbie (no blog) a plan is in the works to use the blocks from the trade of black and tan blocks earlier this year. The blocks were sliced lengthwise and are sewn together with different parts.

Sharon, who organized the swap, referred to this as our "Rottweiler blocks." The black and tan palette is perfect for one of my brother's gifts this Christmas. Yes, this Saturday June 25th is called Leon Day (Noel backwards). That means Christmas is six months away.

I participated in several other swaps. In our Thimbles group, we traded 40 ten inch squares. I choose the traditional swap, but a batik swap was also available. Pat provided instruction on the Twister ruler for a possible project with our swap fabrics. Several of us "Thimblettes" also traded fabric strips for Swap 4.

Photo borrowed from Gretchen's blog, Stella Bella Quilts. (Thanks, Gretch)
Ten of us actually participated in this swap. We select a project. In this case, our new project is Long Road Home by Bonnie Blue. Kristie does some mental magic calculating how many fat quarters we need, what size strips we need to cut and how many we need to package for each swap participant. Our fabrics for this new project are totally awesome shirtings, dark reproduction and neutral fabrics.

Quilt by Sarah (no blog) which inspired our trade

I also cut 2 1/2 inch strips for a swap at Little Quilts. I forgot to take a photo of my fabrics. Next Tuesday is the swap date.

Ladder update: Hubby and I did finish painting the old ladder for me to use in displaying quilts. We're loving having some of my quilts on display in our entryway.

I have lots more to share, but better post this while I can:)

Giveaways:
1 Choice 4 Quiltin g has a giveaway for fat quarter bundles of the new Fig Tree line Strawberry Fields. Ends Monday, June 27th at 10:00 pm EST.

Bookin' with Bingo has a giveaway for some awesome new books. Some of the books include Steve Berry's The Jefferson Key. (Ends July 12th), Guy Fieri Food ends July 5th, The Welcome Home Garden Club by Lori Wilde (ends July 6), The10th Anniversary by James Patterson (ends July 12th) and Pie Town by Lynne Hinton (ends July 13th) This is one of my favorite sites for new book reviews with great author information.

Inchworm Fabrics is giving away a quilt book from her store. Looks like this ends on Saturday, June 25th.

Linda at Stray Stitches is hosting a Vacation Giveaway which includes fabric to make a tablerunner and embroidery scissors. Ends July 3rd.

Need More Fabric

2011-06-14T15:37:00.000-04:00

I truly don't need more fabric, but I do need more of this fabric. I am doing our Guild Block of the Month and may need a half yard or yard of this print. I wasn't worried about being short a bit, until I started making the blocks. I'm loving this quilt. This print was designed by Terry C. Thompson for Moda. The line is called Libertyville and this print is Horticulture Hall. If you have some in your stash and would be willing to trade or sell me some, please let me know. Many thanks!

Checking In

2011-06-09T12:04:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends! It seems to be crazy busy here. Last week I spent 3 GLORIOUS days in the north Georgia mountains with Brenda, Kristie and Pat. Once I returned home, I had to prepare for a road trip to Baton Rouge to visit my Dad. I'm presently in Baton Rouge (that's why I missed sewing at the Senior Center yesterday). I'll leave this afternoon for the Houston, TX area to visit with my Uncle and Aunt who are in their 90's. I'm getting wonderful visiting time with family. Internet access is limited and time to blog just doesn't seem to exist. I'll return home on Monday. Take care!

A New Obsession

2011-05-31T07:41:00.001-04:00

Just looking at this photo makes me happy. I can't control the smile on my face. For the longest time, I was completely uninterested in vintage sheets. The spark to this new obsession began in of all places...
in my closet.

Not this organized side, but the shelf to the right. The one I won't show you:) I've been attempting to clean closets. I'm making progress, but there's lots to muck through. I was determined to keep only what we are using. Items that have not been used in the last year or two are to be donated. I was doing great on the shelf that our sheets are stored, UNTIL

I touched one of the old sheets my MIL gave us when she moved into her senior apartment. It was so soft and "cottony". I kept the sheet sets even though I've never put them on one of our beds.

In visiting some of the blogs for this year's Blogger's Quilt Festival, specifically Sandie's blog Crazy'boutquilts, I was totally captivated by her quilt made with vintage sheets.

Sandie has been wonderful about answering my many questions. To help me in my collection of fat quarters of vintage sheets, she mailed me some of her stash.

I'm hooked. I'm now planning visits to Thrift stores to add to my stash of sheets. The search is half the fun.

The last time I was into collecting vintage items was about 15 years ago.

Dear Son was "INTO" the Ninja Turtles. We still have a collection of TMNT items.

Anyone else collecting vintage sheets?

Giveaways

Sofia at Frugal Ideas from the Parsonage has a giveaway that I'd love to win. It's for 21 charm squares from her collection of vintage sheets. This one ends tomorrow, June 1st.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T10:41:00.000-04:00

" Memorial Day is about coming together to honor those who gave their all."

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”

The words, "Thank You" don't begin to express the gratitude for those who sacrifed so that we know Freedom.

Announcing...Emily Jane

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

Finally, I can talk about one of the new designs by my friend, Pat Wys!!! Her new patter, Emily Jane, named for one of her daughters, is one of the new designs that Pat shared at Spring Quilt Market. Because of the time crunch before Market, I was able to play a small part in getting this design ready. Pat constructed the blocks. I was able to spend some time with her in her Sewing Studio sewing the blocks and setting triangles together with her.

This quilt is my new love! I have a weakness for log cabin blocks, but these little babies make my heart sing. The logs are 1 1/2 inches wide.

Look how the side triangles are rose/red on one side and cream on the other. I have a copy of the pattern. Now to decide what fabrics to use for my quilt:) Any suggestions? The pattern isn't on Pat's website yet, but should be soon.

More Giveaways to Explore:

Randi from "i have to say" blog is celebrating the third birthday of her online shop "Freshly Squeezed" with a giveaway. Looks like this one ends this Saturday.

Kim at Everything Etsy has a giveaway for a gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop. Ends May 31st.

Tales at Wayne Manor has a giveaway for a box of fabric. Ends June 1st.

Unorganized Tuesday

2011-05-24T16:35:00.000-04:00

I usually have a mental outline when I begin a blog post, BUT not today. If I wait until I organize my thoughts, this post won't happen:)

Last Friday and Saturday was our monthly Silver Thimble Quilt Club sewing time. Our meeting room was packed on Friday during the day, but rather fewer than normal number of Saturday. It was definitely lots of good sewing and fellowship time.

The newest member of our club "Toby" the Great Dane puppy who owns Kristie and Bob paid a visit for us to just drool over him. Toby is the calmest puppy that I've ever seen. Welcome, Toby!

We had our first voluntary "charity" sewing project. Pat supplied the fabric and those of us who had the time made string block for our local guild Quilts of Valor program.

Here are the same blocks after Kristie worked some of her "magic" on them.

At home, I had cut and organized several pillowcase sets for the Quilts of Valor program (plus two of my relatives who are WWII veterans). The sewing is all complete. I just need to iron and fold them neatly:) This project was all from stash. Yahoo!

This block might look lonely. I've been working on this quilt top since October 2, 2004. I actually found the receipt from the quilt shop in my plastic project book. All the block components are finally completed. Soon, very soon, my Friendship Crossing top will be completed! I made lots and lots of progress on this project at Thimbles.

It was also time to sign-up for Summer Stitch-In. I'm just loving these days that my son is "All Grow-Up" and I can plan to attend the entire week of sewing and fun!

Last for today, recently with the help of Suzanne (no blog) I purchased these two antique ladders. The one in the front reminds me of the ladder that hung for years in the garage of our childhood home. On Sunday, Dear Hubby and I sanded and painted the front ladder. One more coat of paint and it's ready to begin it's new life as a quilt rack.

I'm super excited to have this to display some of my quilts in our front entryway. Just one more coat.....

Fun Giveaways:

Rae Ann from Cutie Pinwheel has a giveaway associated with her friend Lori Holt's new fabric line Sew Cherry. Ends at midnight May 31st

Jennifer from the blog "Sew...It's Midnight Mama" has a giveaway for all 21 fat quarters of the new Denyse Schmidt fabric line found only at Joann's. Ends this Friday.

Don't forget to visit Pat's giveaway and the many giveaways at Sew, Mama, Sew. Most of these end on the 25th.

Please vote for my sewing room on the Bernina Makeover Your Sewing Room page. Still time to vote today and tomorrow. The contest ends tomorrow evening. Thank you!!!!!

Miscellaneous Monday

2011-05-23T11:52:00.002-04:00

I admit it. I have no shame. I've entered the Bernina Sewing Room Make-over. I'm begging you to vote for me. I've "outgrown" my bedroom sewing room. We have a finished room in our basement that I could use, BUT it needs heating, cooling, lots of lighting and storage. Here is my room:

Here's the link to vote for my room. My entry is number 403. You can vote once a day until Thursday. Thanks so very much!!!!!!

Giveaways - Don't miss them!

Linda at Stray Stitches has 2 giveaways in progress. Her birthday giveaway for a fabric bundle ends Monday, May 30, at 7:00 pm PST and a gorgeous pincushion for the Sew Mama Sew giveaway which ends Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 7:00 a.m. PST. Linda is a phenomenal blogger. Definitely check out her blog.

My friend, Pat from Silver Thimble Quilt Company is celebrating her upcoming book, Spotlight on Neutrals with Martingale Publishing. She is giving away four books published by Martingale. Put her book on your calendar for October. You will want this one:) Her giveaway end this Thursday May 26th at midnight Eastern time.

Jocelyn at Happy Cottage Quilter has a giveaway for some wonderful Denyse Schmidt's new fabric line. Her giveaway ends on Thursday, May 26th. This fabric looks wonderful. You don't really need to go and add your name:)

Edit: 2 additional sites I meant to post.
Gundrun of GE designs has a book hop this week and is giving away copies of her new book.
Table runners and recipes! Yum!

Visit Sew, Mama, Sew blog for a MANY, MANY, MANY, giveaways. It started today and ends on Wednesday, May 25th. Good luck!

Tic Tac Fabric & Kit Winner

2011-05-18T19:12:00.000-04:00

Today was a wonderful day spent in my sewing room. The Tic Tac kit is now complete with the solid strips cut and enough '30's prints to make the quilt. I used the Random Number Generator to choose the winner. The winner is commenter #17,

Deb said...

My absolute favorite thing would be the people. I'd try to meet everyone there who I know from blogland! It would be splendid! And I'd check out all the booths to see quilts for inspiration.

May 13, 2011 9:56 PM

Deb has responded to my e-mail. She has sent me her mailing address. Hope to get it in the mail to Deb in the next day or two. Congratulations, Deb!

Bloggers' Quilt Festival - Spring 2011

2011-05-14T18:50:00.001-04:00

It's that time again. Time for the Bloggers' Quilt Festival hosted by Amy Ellis from the blog Amy's Creative Side. I love sharing one of my quilts during this Quilt Festival. It's a way to meet new to me bloggers, blogs, quilters and quilts. I was not sure which quilt to share this year. Most of the quilts that I've recently completed have been on my blog numerous times. Last weekend I decided to hang a small quilt in my kitchen area. It dawned on me that this is a completed quilt that I have not shared.

Don't you just love the bright colors in this quilt? Each time I walk pass this quilt hanging on the wall in our entryway, I smile. It's a Happy Quilt! The pattern is Giggles by Tammy Tadd. I had the opportunity to make this quilt as a shop sample for a local quilt shop, but was able to keep the quilt once it was no longer needed. I don't normally make a Bright quilt. This one has taken a long time to grab me, but I'm loving it more and more now that it's displayed.

There is still time to enter one of your quilts in the Bloggers' Online Quilt Festival. Amy has awesome sponsors who have donated generous prizes. Check here to learn more.

Spring Market and a Giveaway

2011-05-13T18:07:00.001-04:00

Many from the Quilting Industry are gathered in Salt Lake City, Utah to participate in Spring Quilt Market 2011. Designers have been working frantically to get their newest designs completed to display in their booths. Blogs have been filled with sneak peaks of new stuff for Market. It's exciting for the designers and shop owners who attend. It's not so fun for those of us who remained at home. We have to wait for our friends to blog, tweet or post on Facebook.

While we're waiting, let's have a GIVEAWAY! Members of the Silver Thimble Club, my sewing community, are rooting for our Head Thimble, Pat Wys.

We've seen her new designs and can't wait to get our hands on the new patterns to sew our own versions of her designs. Pat has graciously donated a copy of one of her "older" (meaning not brand spanking new) patterns for my giveaway. Her Tic Tacs pattern is jelly roll friendly. It's great for beginning quilters and fun project for sewing with other quilters, sewing that doesn't require intense concentration.

This is Pat's original Tic Tac made with '30's fabrics.

Pat's daughter Mary Beth sewed her very first quilt using the Tic Tacs pattern. She made not one, but

four quilts. She created one

for each of her college friends.

This is Marilyn's version (right, Marilyn?)

Kristie used a jelly roll for her quilt.

This beauty hangs at Sweet Home Quilt Shop. The Tic Tac pattern is available on Sweet Home's website.

So you get the idea that this is a pattern with many possibilities.

I raided my box of '30's fabrics and pulled enough strips to make a '30's version of Tic Tacs. Some of these fabrics are quite "aged" and no longer available.

I'll cut a strip of each of these solids purchased in Paducah for the actual tic tacs. The Pattern, '30's fabric and the solid strips comprise the GIVEAWAY to celebrate Spring Quilt Market. One lucky person will win the pattern and fabric to make your very own version of Tic Tac.

The giveaway will end on ~~Monday, May 16th at 6:00 pm EST. Most folks at Market will return home on Monday.~~ Let's make this one easy to enter.

This giveaway will be extended until Wednesday, May 18th at 6:00 pm EST. With the problems with Blogger, it only seems right to leave the giveaway open a bit longer.

Just leave a comment on this blog. In your comment include what you would most like to see and do if you could attend Quilt Market. Good luck, friends! Back to reading Spring Market posts:)

Paducah - Part Two-Best of Show

2011-05-11T06:52:00.000-04:00

Best of Show - Paisley Peacock by Pat Holly

Pat Holly graciously posed for photos and gave permission to post photos of her "Paisley Peacock" quilt.

I absolutely adore this quilt!

The current issue of Quilt Life magazine has a phenomenal double page photo of "Paisley Peacock."

This AQS video from YouTube has an informative interview with Pat Holly.

Visit the AQS site for photos of other winning quilts from Paducah

On Sale Today

2011-05-10T17:13:00.000-04:00

Not only do I love books, but I've always loved magazines especially Quilting Magazines. Today, two of my favorite special issue quilt magazines are available for sale. The Quiltmaker's Blog Tour last week was great fun. I didn't post to my own blog, but sure did enjoy exploring and discovering new blogs and quilt designers. Each issue of the 100 Blocks has been better than the last. 100 Blocks Volume 3 has blocks that I'm anxious to construct.

Quilt Sampler magazine is now issued twice a year by the folks at American Patchwork and Quilting. I began collecting this magazine before I actually began quilting. I still have all the issues. I actually found both of these publications at my local grocery store, but quilt shops and bookstores are a great place to check, too.

Paducah - Part One -The Flood Waters

2011-05-04T17:44:00.000-04:00

Where to begin? The American Quilt Society 2011 Quilt Show in Paducah was FANTASTIC! This was my very first time to the Paducah show. Folks from Paducah kept apologizing because of changes in the venues for the show, but I thought it was wonderful. Everyone in the town was kind and helpful. Every effort was made for the Quilt Show to be successful in spite of rising flood waters. To the folks at AQS and the town of Paducah, THANK YOU!

This photo was taken last Thursday from downtown Paducah. The flood gates were installed around the Convention Center. All activities planned for the Convention Center were moved to the Pavilion (folks on the shuttle bus called it the Balloon or Marshmallow) or the First Baptist Church.

Vendors and quilts first scheduled for the Pavilion were moved to two empty stores near the Mall of Kentucky. On the AQS website, a webcam is set up to view current water levels of the Ohio River.

Our hotel was in Metropolis, Illinois. It was a "dump", but at least we had a room. The folks with room reservations at the Casino in Metropolis received a call on Sunday that the Casino was closed because of flooding. I think rooms were located for them. We tried to visit the Superman statue in Metropolis, but couldn't get there because of road closings.

This "lake" is actually a state park across the street from our hotel.

Lapel Stick Winners

2011-05-01T17:50:00.000-04:00

I apologize for being late with the giveaway winners. Some unexpected events changed my schedule. Congratulations to Linda K. (no blog) and Darlene from the blog Quilting Daze. Congratulations, Ladies! Please send me your mailing address.

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T05:00:00.003-04:00

In the Kitchen

2011-04-23T18:07:00.000-04:00

This morning, I did my favorite kind of cooking - baking. For our Easter celebrations, brunch with neighbors and dinner with DH's family, I volunteered to BAKE. For our brunch after Mass tomorrow, one of our family favorites -banana bread with lots of pecans.

Baking an Angel Food cake is one of my favorites. I don't know what I did differently, but this one baked wonderfully. (Do you know how hard it is to find a "real bottle". My handy Red Hot sauce bottle is a treasure in our kitchen) In the morning, I will layer the angel food cake, vanilla pudding, diced pineapple, sliced strawberries and whipped cream into another one of my favorites, Trifle.

Dear Son is home from college. He'll return to take his exams, but he is basically back from school. Since the oven was "humming", I had to make him some cookies. These are loaded with oatmeal, wheat germ, nuts, chocolate chips. Oh yes, I love chocolate chip cookies, too.

My main reason for baking was to make the Coconut Cake for dessert with DH's family. It's called Three Day Wait Coconut Cake. The fresh frozen coconut, sugar and sour cream were mixed 3 days ago. The yellow cake layers were baked this morning. I can't remember when I've baked such ugly layers. It's probably time to purchase new cake pans. Luckily, the filling and frosting will cover most of this up. Dh is now baking a ham. He does the real cooking:)

Giveaway Around Blogland

Quilty Pleasures - The Quiltmaker Blog - has a giveaway for a box of items from a Quilter's Garage Sale. Ends April 25th.

Jackie at Canton Village Quiltworks has a giveaway for the book The Quilter's Bible by Linda Clements. Ends April 28th.

Kelly at I Have a Notion has reviewed two new books from Martingale. More Loose Change and S is for Scraps. Ends. She has a giveaway ending April 30th

Lisa at The Quilted Pineapple is giving away a pattern and the 3 charm packs to make it. Ends Sunday, April 24th.

Adrianne, blogger at Little Bluebell has a giveaway for a fat quarter bundle of Denyse Schmidt fabrics. Winner selected on May 5th.

Happy Birthday Week

2011-04-22T05:00:00.001-04:00

It's birthday week at our house.Don't you just love the LSU Garden Gnome. I didn't even know they existed. It is a gift to DS to his Dad. Thursday was DH's day and Saturday is our oldest son's day. Since this week was a bit wild for both of them, we celebrated last Sunday. Sorry, I forgot to take photos, but the meal and cake were fabulous:) Today, the landscapers arrived to do the work in our front yard. A tree needed to be removed, shrubbery replaced and sod added. DH was in his element. For years, we've done all the work ourselves. His treat this year was to hire someone else to do the work.

A finished job!

Giveaways around Blogland!

Mary at Quilt Hollow has a copy of the book Country Comfort by Cheryl Wall. Cheryl has a second book coming out in the Summer of 2012 with Martingale & Company. Enter the giveaway, visit Cheryl's website. If you need a long-arm quilter for your quilts, Mary does AMAZING work.

Pat Sloan is hosting a Blog Hop for her new book, What A Novel Idea. Visit Pat's post on Monday. There is still time to visit all the blogs, but Friday is the last day.
Tuesday – 4/19/11 Carrie Nelson: - lavieenrosie.typepad.com

Wednesday – 4/20/11
Victoria Findlay Wolfe – bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/
Amy Ellis –amyscreativeside.com/

Thursday – 4/21/11
Amanda Herring – thequiltedfish.typepad.com/the-quilted-fish/
Barb and Mary at Me and My Sister – meandmysisterdesigns.com/blog/

Friday – 4/22/11
Gudrun Erla – gudrun.typepad.com/
Erin Gilday – http://patchworkunderground.com/blog/

Please remember to enter my giveaway for a Lapel Stick.

Product Review and a Giveaway

2011-04-21T12:55:00.000-04:00

Several weeks ago, I was contacted by Leslie, director of sales and marketing for the product Lapel Stick. Leslie sent me some of their product, Lapel Stick,asked me to use it and do a review and then giveaway some of their product. This sounded like something that I would enjoy doing. Last Friday, while working on the blocks for the Rag Quilt, I decided to test the product. Instead of using pins before I sewed the top and bottom blocks to the batting, I used the Lapel Stick.

I did like how it easily went on the fabric. The blocks held together. I did not have to use any pins. My sewing machine needle didn't seem to notice there was any glue at all. I liked using this product. My only problem was that I ran out of "stuff" in the Lapel Stick before I was finished the job. I also don't know how much the product costs. Maybe, it would have been no big deal to use several of the Lapel Sticks if they are reasonably priced. Here is the product description from their website,

Temporary non-toxic acid-free fabric adhesive that goes on in seconds and dries clear for Quilting, Sewing, Crafting, and Embroidery - replaces baste stitching, pinning, tapes, spray adhesives, and stabilizers. No more messy sprays or getting stuck with pins and it won't gum up your needles or machines! LAPEL Stick is water soluble and safe to use on cottons, wool, polyester, blends, felt, linen, and leather.

Now for the fun part. I have two Lapel Sticks to giveaway to two of you. Just leave a comment on this post. Your comment could include what you would like to test using the Lapel Stick or even your favorite Easter candy. Jelly beans are my weakness:)

Let's make this a quick giveaway. I'll choose the winners on Monday, April 25th and try to mail them before I leave for Paducah on Tuesday. I believe that Melisa at Sweet Home Quilt Show in Conyers, GA has the product in stock.

Generosity of Quilters & Bloggers

2011-04-20T20:29:00.000-04:00

–noun

readiness or liberality in giving.

freedom from meanness or smallness of mind or character.

a generous act: We thanked him for his many generosities.

largeness or fullness; amplitude.

When I first began reading blogs, I was struck by the generous nature of bloggers. I could not believe that someone would give away an entire quilt top, offer to machine quilt a top, give away pre-cuts, yardage etc... Not only couldn't I believe that they were willing to give their stuff away, I couldn't believe that they would pay the postage to send it to the winners. It has taken a couple of years, BUT I finally get the generous, giving heart of quilters. It has taken receiving some giveaways and experiencing the JOY of the gift and hosting some giveaways, too. It also has taken just plain sharing stuff with other quilters for me to realize that it all comes back to you. Blessings galore occur when we share and give.

Ok. I know you that must be wondering "why" am I blogging about this. I have been very fortunate in giveaways - online, at guild meetings, wherever. I began to feel guilty about winning, guilty because I hadn't acknowledge the generous bloggers who have shared so much. After much thought, I've come to the conclusion that I need to blog about each and every giveaway that I win. Not so that you will think, "That girl is lucky", but for you to experience the generous hearts of our online community. I appreciate the bloggers who share links to giveaways, bloggers like SewCalGal, Happy Cottage Quilter, Stray Stitches and many more. I plan to join them in blogging regularly with the links for interesting giveaways. If I forget someone who has recently shared a giveaway with me, please forgive me. Some days I have complete mental blanks:)

Terry from Terry's Treasures surprised me with this lovely necklace. The words "material girl" are etched on the metal. For some time, I thought I would give it as a gift to a quilting friend, but I found something else that I thought she would like and I got to keep this. Thank you, dear Terry!

SewCalGal organizes online quilt shows. Very generous sponsors donate products for giveaways for those participating in the shows and promoting them. This wonderful pattern from Elisas's Backporch Designs was part of the giveaway for the Christmas Quilt Show in November.

The wonderful folks at Martingale & Company had a giveaway on Facebook. This book Color Shuffle is quite informative.

Several quilts in the book captured my interest and made it to my "I want to make that quilt" list.

Polly at Aunt Polly's Porch posted photos of this wonderful quilt she made from a shop kit. I looked online to purchase the pattern (great for layer cakes), but found it was from a publication for quilt shops. Polly sent me her pattern. Thanks again, Polly!

Jocelyn who blogs as Happy Cottage Quilter shared these wonderful blue (my favorite color) fabrics to celebrate a milestone on her blog. I love these fabrics, Jocelyn!

I couldn't believe Rhonda was giving away this wonderful table runner on her blog, Patches and Pieces.

Imagine my surprise when I opened the box to discover that she had included this wonderful fat quarter bundle. Rhonda, I'm still amazed at your giving spirit!

I know that I did blog about receiving this super bundle from Thelma at Cupcakes 'N Daisies for participating in the Eventide Quilt Along. Thelma is very generous with her fabric. It was a blessing to win this giveaway and

her blog anniversary giveaway. Thelma, I love your fabric selections!

Jenny who owns Sew Fabulous Quilt Shop (sewfabulousquiltshop.com) has a monthly giveaway on her blog. It was a complete surprise when I received her e-mail that I had won her March giveaway, a bundle of fat quarters from Central Park by Kate Spain. I love this fabric line, but have resisted the temptation to purchase some. Thanks so much, Jenny!

Cyndi attended the International Quilt Show in Cinncinatti. She purchased items from the quilt show and shared them with several winners on her blog, Bluebird's Wing.

The small quilt in a bag is a perfect size for a wall-hanging. I'm trying to add quilts in decorating our home. Cyndi's package arrived today. She not only sent the quilt kit, but included this other wonderful goodies. Milk Chocolate is my favorite. I collect Mary Englebritt items. Notecards, notepad and luggage tag with my initial were included in the package. Cyndi your gift is absolutely perfect. Thank you, friend!

Ok. I finally feel better. Quilters are sharing, generous individuals. Your gifts have given me great joy. Thank You!!!!

In all this receiving, it's time for more giveaways. I have several planned in the next couple of days. I'm also going to the Quilt Show in Paducah next week. I'm hoping to be inspired by Cyndy's generous shopping to find some treats for you my friends.

Quilters are the best!

Just For You Quilts

2011-04-19T07:32:00.000-04:00

One of the service projects for our local guild, Gwinnett Quilters Guild, is making quilts for the children at a local children's hospital. I'm not very proficient at machine quilting so I like to make Rag Quilts to donate. It dawned on me last week that if I didn't get busy I wouldn't have a quilt to contribute this year. My stash closet has a selection of flannel. There is a need for quilts for teen boys. Because we have lots of boys in my family, I try to purchase "masculine" flannel fabric. Thursday, I pulled fabric and left-over batting and cut 10 inch squares. Friday and Saturday while sewing with my Thimbles friend, I sewed the blocks and began the rows. Joining the rows was a bit of a strain for my Featherweight so I waited to do that at home with my Bernina and walking foot.

Yesterday, I finished the rows, clipped the seams, added the label, washed and dried the quilt. Done!!! Today is our monthly guild meeting day. I have something for Show 'N Tell and can hand it in:) Looking forward to the guild meeting today!

April Thimbles

2011-04-18T08:46:00.000-04:00

Silver Thimble Club sewing! This past Friday and Saturday our club (70 plus quilters at one time or another) gathered to sew, talk, laugh and share. This time spent with other quilters, now dear friends, is a joy and a blessing. I borrowed the above photo from Karmen's blog A Quilter Awakens. She has some wonderful photos from the Friday evening group. Pat Wys, our teacher, mentor, "Head Thimble" nurtures and grows us as quilters and friends. Pat is holding her SIL Trisha's new quilt.

Cindi had two finishes this month. Way to go Cindi!

This is one of Cindi's oldest UFO's. It's "Wild Goose Chase" from the book Snuggle Up.

Karin who blogs at Life in the Slow Lane created this beauty from the Lilac Hill fabric line and one of the Jelly Roll books by Pam Lintott and Nicky Lintott.

Gretchen's completed Eventide by Miss Rosie Quilt company.

Gretchen's quilt for her niece MacKenzie. Read more about this project on Gretchen's blog StellaBella Quilts.

Brenda's Grandpa's Legacy by Perkins Dry Goods.

Laura's batik beauty for a graduation gift.

This applique masterpiece by Judy.

Mary Agnes used her stash for Homeward Bound from 40 Fabulous Quick Cut Quilts.

Trisha's quilt using a pattern from Black Mountain Quilts.

Trisha's stunning project from the book Friendship Triangles by Laundry Basket Quilts

Great Show 'N Tell ladies!!!!