Prom 2008

With mixed emotions, I watch Mic get ready and leave for her final high school prom last night.

How can it be that my baby was attending one of her final high school functions? Where have the years gone? Needless to say, we think she looks beautiful! A special thanks to Drew for being her escort since Ben couldn't be here! (gotta take those college finals!) My pictures are from home since it rained and "grand march" was held inside and my camera doesn't take nice pictures in our auditorium.

Following Grand March, the rest of us came back to the house for what to have been a cookout. Since it was still raining, we had our picnic indoors. Was a late night, but we were all happy!









Irene

Red-n-Black

I joined a birthday block swap at Ohio Quilters (http://www.ohioquilters.com/ ) in 2007. We send a focus fabric and pattern request to each swapper in our group. I sent out a Kona Black square and requested "red herrings" blocks be made for me using this pattern: http://www.quilterscache.com/R/RedHerringsBlock.html

I thought this would be a great way to get a quilt and not have to do all that paper-piecing myself! Sellecting reds with my black was a way to get a quilt for a graduation gift for Mic. Her school colors for high school are red and black.

My friend, Sheryl from Parkersburg Sewing & Quilting (http://www.sewwithsheryl.com/) quilted it for me using a metallic gold thread for me. Yesterday I got the binding done and now have one less thing to finish before May 25th!

Maybe Mic won't like it and I can keep it for myself????

Irene

Prayers for Lesa

Thoughts and prayers for my friend, Lesa (http://www.lesabame.blogspot.com/) today during surgery. May it be successful and may she have a speedy recovery!



Luv ya GF!
Irene

Got the bug.............

So many quilters are talking about and making strip quilts and it sparked an interest. So this week I have been going through my stash and sorting it. The smaller pieces in red, white, and blue have been cut into 1" - 2.5" strips. I now have 20 10.5" blocks made and still have a pile of strips! I plan on using all of them before I quit! Will see how many blocks I get for a quilt! Here are a few of the blocks.

irene a few of them.

Sewing Frenzy

I was disappointed that the Mini-Retreat I was to attend last weekend didn't happen due to a lot of illness. Ok, so now what? I already had some projects ready to go and really needed to get some of them done. Ummmmmmmmm, yep, gonna have my own min-retreat at home! Since I had planned on leaving on Thursday, I began my home-retreat after lunch. On Friday Lesa (http://www.lesabame.blogspot.com/) joined me! We had a lot of fun and Wednesday rolled around way to quick! I did return to work on Monday but sewed between routes and evenings.
So, what did I get accomplished?

First on my list was a crib quilt for my friend, Maria, who is expecting a baby boy. "Baby Boy Blue" was made by adding sashing and borders to some embroidered blocks. It is ready for the shower we are having later this month.

Have you ever lost a quilt top? I have been seaching for my purple/white log cabin twin top for three weeks now and still can't find it! Since I wanted this quilt for a graduation gift, I gave up finding it and created "Churnin' Purple." Rebeka is redoing her room in purples, so this will be her graduation gift.




Next I finished (with Lesa'a help) a sample, "Nancy's Glory," for Sheryl's quilt shop (http://www.sewwithsheryl.com/).

Time to have some fun and try something new (well,new for me!). It seems like everyone is making bags and totes. I wanted to make one but didn't trust myself! But I DID it! I made the "Professional Tote" by the Creative Thimble. I love love love it! It will be a wonderful carry-on bag when I travel this summer!

At a retreat a few years ago, a demo was done on making the "Traveling Case" by P3Designs. I didn't make one then, but made one over the weekend (no pictures yet). Now Michelle thinks we should each have one to use as a MP3, cell phone, etc. organizer. Not a bad idea! She can keep it her purse, sports bag, etc. as she travels to/from softball games, visits friends and if I add a handle, it will be a great way to carry everything when we travel to Hawaii in June. Smart kid!

When I was looking for my missing top, I found some patterns I forgot I had. One of them was the pattern for the "Whimsy Bag" by Lazy Girl Designs. So I had to make one of these too!


Also finished up my Ohio Star blocks that will be swapped at the June retreat--The twelve red/white ones and the twelve blue/white ones look rather lovely sitting here awaitin' their new owners! Then I made my black-n-white pinwheel blocks for this quarters exchange. Feels great to be ahead of the game for a change!

A very productive 5 days! Too bad life and work won't let me extend my home-retreat, but maybe I can have another one soon! Wanna join me?

Irene

In Memory Of Jan

In Memory Of You

We want to always remember
The beautiful life you lived
And keep alive the memories we have
Through remembering what you did
For you’re so special to all of us
A wonderful person indeed
Your love, laughter and warm smile
Reflected a heart that believed
Just in the everyday things we do
We remember your faith and love
In the words you spoke to help us through
Is a continued reminder for us
Although we miss you so very much
We know we’ll see you once more
For this is the hope we have in God
Being re-united in the Lord
And as we gather we’ll continue to share
Special times we went through
For these are memories that warm our hearts
As we honour the memory of you

By M.S.Lowndes

Sad.....

Tonight I am so sad. My friend Jan has been ill and in the hospital for a while now. ( http://jansquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/) News tonight is not good as she has been diagnosed with advanced liver cancer and the cancer has metastasized in her heart. There is no treatment due to the advanced stage. They have given her days to a couple of weeks. She will be discarged tomorrow into Hospice care.

Friends, please pray with me for Jan, her hubby, Travis, her daughters and grandchildren.

Irene

Which Way

do I turn first??? It's spring break and I have so many "things" I wanted to get done, so many places I wanted to go.......Now here it is half way over and what have I accomplished??????

I must admit that Anna (from Germany) is a joy to have here, but I am not used to having anyone around during the day and most evenings! Let alone, someone who can't drive! I (we) have adjusted and some daily chores just get pushed aside!

Haven't accomplished any quilting this week! I've been looking for a top I had stored away, wanting to finish it for a graduation gift, and after cleaning/rearranging three rooms, I still can't find it! But, my quilting supplies and fabrics are organized now! I've decided to start a new quilt and see if I can get most of it (maybe all) pieced this coming weekend? Am going to a mini-retreat and will have 3 days of blissful sewing/quilting without someone wanting something! Gosh, I need to get my "stuff" packed...I leave in the morning!

Tonight they will come replace my ceiling fan in my living room. The motor burned up Monday night and we are thankful I found it before a fire started or other major damage was done!

Now, won't you join me in wishing Debi a Happy Birthday? See her blog here:
http://debiquilts.blogspot.com/2008/03/birthday-blog-giveaway.html

Happy Birthday Debi!


~Irene~

This-n-that

Once again time has flown by! Spent a weekend snowed in in Columbus awaiting the arrival of our German exchange student. Her Friday evening arrival was delayed until Sunday noon, but was well worth the wait. Anna-Lena is fitting in with our family and I will hate to see her leave again in two weeks!

Haven't been sewing or quilting much, jus a little here and a little there. Accomplishments this month include: 3 blocks for a QOV quilt, 3 friendship star blocks for a comfort quilt for our friend "Tippy" whose husband passed away this past week, and 25 4" blocks for a QS sample for a friend's shop.

Part of yesterday and today were spent doing a little "touristy" things with Anna, and some remodeling and rearranging in our family room. Am very tired, but happy with the results so far. Now to get everything completed? Hopefully before the May 17th wedding of DS and the May 25th graduation of DD! I'll just keep working at it a little at a time!

Happy Easter to each of you!

~Irene~

Still quilting

Even though I have limited time right now, I try to steal a few minutes eash day. After unquilting this quilt twice, I finally finished it! Not throughly thrilled with my quilting but Mic loves it so will be satisfied.

Now, which UFO do I finish next or do I start a new quilt?? With all the chatter of quilted bags, I may try one.....will have to see what the new week bring? (as long as it's NOT more snow and ice!)

~Irene~

February blues?

Even though we haven't been having schoool, ie work for me, I am not getting much of anything accomplished! All the snow/ice/wind/cold has me hiding in the house, but no energy to quilt. Seems all we get done is shovel snow and then shovel again!

Did manage to find a small car that Mic will drive to replace the Explorer. Her dk. green Neon arrives next week. Not exactly what she wanted, but the price was right and we got a great deal on it, so.............

Did get the taxes done and the wedding rehearsal dinner menu made. Since the wedding has been moved up to 5/17 and Mic graduates the next weekend, I needed to get started on menus, etc. Have part of the graduation party menu done.......thinking on the line of appitizers/finger foods so suggestions appreciated!

All to soon it is time to head back out the door....have to readjust to the "normal" schedule again! Maybe I will feel like quilting this evening? Sure hope so because my machine is calling my name! Can you hear it too?

~Irene~

Another UFO completed!

Time marches on.....winter is still with us! The cold wind chills, ice, & snow gave us three days off last week but I still didn't get much quilting done! Mic and I did get a room ready for our exchange student arriving from Germany on March 7th. Since we were cleaning and moving furniture around, we did our spring cleaning early. Just have to do the drapes/curtains and windows when it decides to warm up outside!

Ry & Amber have decided to move their wedding date up to May 17th! With Mic graduating on the 25th, I will be extra busy the next few months! I did get a chance to go visit Lesa over the long weekend. Met up with Janet and Kris for some fabric shopping and lunch on Saturday. Sure was fun!

I also got the quilt quilted (and the binding on) that will be given to Ry & Amber as a wedding gift. Another UFO crossed off the list! Also got my Autumn Tints blocks into a top. Then I cut out 4 more of my "God's Eye" blocks. All to soon it was time to head back east! At least I beat the sleet/snow home!
(Ripple Effect pattern)

Am thrilled we only have a four day week this week. I find it harder and harder to go to work each day, but alas, if I don't work, I can't play! (and I love my hobby and traveling to visit other quilters!)

~Irene~

This-N-That

Another day off school due to the sub-zero wind chills. bbbrrrrrrrrrrr! Was all to happy to crawl back into my warm bed this morning! Finally about noon, Mic and I ventured out. First stop was the local sherriff's department to pick up a copy of the accident report she was involved in last Wednesday. We are thanking God she wasn't hurt more than bumps and bruises! Can't say the same about my Explorer! After twelve years, I have to say good-bye to my old faithful! Then again, cars can be replaced, my kid can't! Mic was not at fault, the driver of the other car blew a tire and came left of center, side-swiping her.

We stopped at the bank, depositing paychecks, then went on another prom dress hunt! Finally after three shops and trying on A LOT of dresses, she found the dress she liked! So one more thing I can cross off my list! YEAH!

Haven't been doing any sewing/quilting! Just to darn busy with everyday stuff. I am hoping to get back to my machine this week sometime, I hear it calling my name. Can you heard it too???

IF we get another car by Friday, I would like to go see Kris and Lesa over the weekend since we have a long weekend again. Will see what happens as the week goes along.

Stay safe and warm! They tell me spring IS just around the corner!
~Irene~

Brrrrrrrr, so quilting!

Oh so cold outside today! Layers of clothes but still quite cold on the bus! Decided I didn't have to be outside anymore than absolutely had to, so sewed/quilted.

Got my version of "Starry Nights" completed.

Way past bedtime so am off for today.

~Irene~

Still quilting

Still quilting away as time allows......great way to pass the time as the cold winds howl!

Selected three blocks from a swap and make a tablerunner this time around.

Saw the new Keepsakes Catalog, (http://www.keepsakequilting.com/) and oh my! Love some of the patterns! Now, how can I justify buying them and starting more projects before I have this list of UFOs finished?????

~Irene~

Another UFO bites the dust!

Not much hapening this week. Braving the cold and snow! Had a wonderful birthday and now must get back to doing stuff in "my world!"

Quilted my Jaunty Rails last weekend and finally finished

the binding this week. Will either give as a gift or keep for

future grandkids.

I also started machine quilting my Starry Nights, but messed up in the borders so am in the process of unquilting...uck! So back to the chair with my ripper and book on tape! Should keep me out of trouble for a bit!

~Irene~

UFO Progress

Joined a few friends over the weekend to quilt and sew. Made some progress, but didn't completely finish anything. Quilted a baby quilt and tablerunner, but they still need the bindings sewn down. Started another new quilt, yes I know, I supposed to be finishing quilts, not starting them, but...........I have a lot that need to be quilted, so I may have to set up the hand quilting frame and start hand quilting again. Would rather machine quilt them, but can't quilt the bigger ones on my machine.......maybe I can get some done over the next long weekend?

Thanks to Sherry for the bed and getting a room for us! Thanks to Sherry, Bonnie, Lesa, and Lucille for your companionship! I totally enjoyed myself! Now it's back to the working world tomorrow.

~Irene~

Cold weather, warm quilts!

Winter has come to NE Ohio! Cold, windy, icy, and snowy! Not the kind of weather I like for school bus driving!

On the quilty side, I finished piecing my leaf quilt (Third Week in October) on Saturday! Every spare minute I had last week was spent trying to get this top done! Now, to get it quilted...hope it doesn't take me 15 month like it did to piece it!

Now, what is my next project???? I will contiue to work on my UFO's but for those of you that know me, I just have to have a WIP too! Am thinking about a black and bright batik of some kind...will see what comes up this weekend!

Going to visit quilting friends for 3 days....and yes, my pal Lesa will be there too.....oooooooooo we may get into trouble looking at patterns, fabrics, quilts, etc......wonder if we will get any sleep?????

~Irene~

Another UFO becomes a quilt

I finished up another UFO. I am determoined to clean out the cupboard of unfinished projects! I know there are some in there that I no longer like or want. They will be donated to PL or some other group. Now, to figure out what to do with the fabrics I don't care for anymore......

~Irene~

Still quilting

Had the honor of Lesa visiting last week for a few days and sew/quilt we did! She made a bright flannel quilt (http://www.lesabame.blogspot.com/) and I managed to make two more tops to add to my UFO pile! Hopefully I will get them quilted soon!

I have been struggling with the actual machine quilting--doing more unquilting than getting anything finished! I have joined Ohio Quilters UFO challenge (10 finished in 6 months???). One is done...only 9 more to go! Sad to say, this only puts a small dent into the UFO pile!



Not sure how much I'll get accomplished over the weekend (working tomorrow). Break was wonderful and I really didn't want to go back to that big yellow school bus yesterday, but survived the two regular days. Tomorrow will be short, but good pay. I will most likely work more Saturdays since a coworker has been diagnosed with cancer and starts treatments next week. Prayers for John would be appreciated!

K.....off to fight with that huge flannel quilt again!
~Irene~

The last of the 2007 quilts

Finished up two more quilts on New Year's Eve.....

A bargello wall hanging

and a baby quilt made from swap blocks.

Now I need to do another invetory and decide what I will work on in the year of 2008! Slowly my pile of blocks are becoming quilts!

~Irene~

Update

Time is flying by! I am on break and loving every minute of it!

Christmas was a happy time at our house. Just the seven of us but we had fun eating exchanging gifts, and playing games!

Mic is coming along really well with her rehab...in fact, if her brace arrived, she will throw away the crutches tomorrow--oh happy day! She is walking around the house without them anyway but they protect her when she is out and about. We are so thankful that she has very little pain! Only occassionally uses Advil--no prescription drugs anymore!

Most of us are fighting allergies right now--it's no wonder! First is below 32 the warms up to 45 on Christmas day...crazy Ohio weather! Have had a lot of rain again but at least it's not SNOW!!!

I've been working on my TWiO quilt......am beginning to wonder if I'll ever get it done? Moved my sewing room into the living room today setting up two tables. Have some quilting friends coming tomorrow to spend a few days. My sewing room is just to small for more than one person so we are taking over the living room!

Now I must get some sleep as I know I won't sleep much the next 2-4 days as we tend to sew late into the night/morning when we get together! Oh I can hardly wait!

Wishing you all a safe and happy New Year.

~Irene~

Finishes

Finished my BellaBella top.

And the Baby flannel rag quilt.

This-N-That

Cleaning--YUCK! I hate to do it, but it must be done! This week I worked on getting my sewing room back into a presentable condition! It was messy and dark! Tubs and bags stashed everywhere and half the time I couldn't find what I needed/wanted although I was sure I had it!

Before: (because of the poor lighting, you can't see the mountains piled under the table)

After:

I still have a set of shelves that need to be sorted, but at least now I know what I have and can find it! Oh, and it's a lot nicer sewing with more lighting! The ceiling fixture needs an electrician and he can't come until later this month.

As far as sewing/quilting this past week. I did finish a baby flannel rag quilt. I will either store it for future grand kids or give it to my neighbor who is due on Christmas Day.

I also worked on my BellaBella. I need to add the center circle and it will be pieced. Want to pick up a yellow thread first. Need to find a quilter for this one.

Then I started setting my Autumn Trails blocks...need to make more blocks to have a nice sized lap quilt. So I guess I know what to work on in my spare (?) time this week! DD starts rehab and I am driving more as we have a lot of Holiday concerts to take the kids to plus basketball games. Company coming Friday so also need to make sure the whole house is spotless! Maybe I should go grocery shopping too so there is food here too????

Have a wonderful week!

~Irene~

Post-op

Mic had her ACL surgery yesterday. Long 12 hrs. in the hospital but she's home and is doing great so far. One pain pill every 4 hrs. seems to be enough for now. She had a great night last night (only got me up once) and is about to settle down for tonight. Did have some visitors this evening and she enjoyed that.

Back to see the Doc on Wed. then will find out when rehab begins (ut-oh). She's been doing the little stretch/bend exercises he told her to do so am hoping thatis helping.

Thanks for your prayers!

~Irene~

Flannel Quilts

So have you ever made a flannel quilt? I'm not fond of working with flannel, but I just can't pass up that yearly swap! The quilts are soooo warm! This year we did our blocks a little different, raggy style! Got my oldest daughter, Stacy, to swap too so we'd have more blocks. Of course, she then got the finished quilt too!
(front) (back)










I also am working on finishing last years blocks. Am waiting on the last border fabric to arrive as I ran out and had to order more...Mic will get this one then all my kids will have warm flannel quilts. Does mom get one next year?

Also pulled out a raggy baby flannel quilt I started about 2 years ago and never finished. My neighbor is having a baby around Christmas Day....might make a nice gift?


~Irene~

Frustrating Day

Why is it when I want to get a lot done, nothing goes right? Trying to get some swap blocks done, first I cut wrong--how can you cut 2.5" strips wrong? I can and did--grrrrrr! Finally have them all cut correctly and start sewing---now I need 14 blocks--no big deal--wrong again! Half of them I had to unsew and redo! After five looooooooooooong hours they are finally done!

Also need to make two more of the 30's blocks so I have enough for a baby quilt....pieces for those are cut. Am hoping to still finish them tonight.

Then I'd also like to start seting my flannel blocks from the 2006 swap, bu I can't find them! Mic and I have turned this sewing room upside down and then some looking for them! I am beginning to think that I took them to retreat with me and left them there..will have to call Sheryl and see or did I take them along to Lesa's and leave them there? Don't think so as I didn't see them last weekend. huuuummmmm

Did get the 2007 flannel blocks into a quilt yesterday before work..It's a "raggy" quilt so still have all the snipping to do. (Picture later).

Now for the good news! I WON a door prize during Planet Patchwoos One Day Mystery Event today!!!!

Hopefully the rest of the week will go much better sewing wise! I need to get a few things added to the finished list before the new year rolls around!

~Irene~

Sewing frenzy

Spent a few days with Lesa last weekend.....made progress on many "little things." The BellaBella is getting bigger! Am now to the point of connecting the four sections---am stuggling with it, but----am also down to making six sets of HSTs and adding the final borders for the "Wedding" quilt! Yippee! Some "top" finishes coming up soon, at least I hope so! Also made 120 2.5" HSTs for a Jaunty Rail Quilt made of 30's fabrics.

Lesa and I were busy sewing, shopping (ut-oh!), and playing with her new Pfaff mid-arm! Thanks Lesa for a wonderful weekend!

Happy thanksgiving to each of you!

Week of appointments

This past week was our week of multi-appointments! UGH! I think that ehausted me more than working 12 hours days!

Mic had a MRI done on Monday, results on Wednesday. She did tear her ACI (plus other damamge in there) in her left knee. As of now, she is scheduled for surgery on November 30th. There is a lot this mommy has to get done before that day rolls around! I have asked for a week off but haven't been told I can have more than three days.

I am slowly getting the top made for Ry and Amber. Still have to make 20 HST's but need to sew more dark strips together. Wonder how I managed to miscount my strips? I am using the pattern "Ripples."

I am also working on another flannel quilt. These are blocks from last years swap. Still collecting the blocks from this years swap. Yep, a year behind again!

Since it's cold, rainy, and windy outside, I'm off to cuddle with a quilt and a book for this afternoon.

~Irene~

Updating

November and no snow!!!!! Altho the mornings are frosty and nippy, I have been able to go to work with mostly a sweatshirt, but I think that is coming to a hault as there is snow in the forecast..brrrrrrrrrrr..and I don't like driving the bus in the snow, but then, we've made it so far without snow and that's unusal!

Not much sewing going on this week, been running with Mic. She will possibly have ACL surgery yet this month or early December.....not what we had in mind for the holiday season, but..............

A few more "comfort quilts" I've had a hand in making this year:

Month's End..........

......and I feel like I haven't accomplished much of anything! Looking over my chart, I do see that three quilts are completed! WAHOO!

I also, ummmmmmmmmm, joined two block swaps. Oh boy, I'm not supposed to be doing that! My goal is to empty the block drawers NOT fill them up! But, I only had to buy one yard of flannel for the two swaps, the rest of the fabric came out of my stash! This does justify joining the swaps---right?

It's time to pull out last years flannel blocks and get them done---that four lettered word I don't like to hear (namely, snow) is in our forecast for next week....guess fall is about over? Will need the flanel quilts, jammies, etc. if it's cold and the fuel prices keep going up!

Wonder if I can accomplish anything quilty in November?



~Irene~

Duh!

One of these days I will learn not to try sewing when I am tired! Everything I pieced Tuesday night, I have to undo and try again! ggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Maybe it's time I take a breat, clean up the messy room and hand quilt for a day or two? But wait, I can't do that right now, I have to get 12 blocks made for a swap I join (which, by the way, I cut wrong too and have to recut!) Oh well, more fabric into the scrap bin. Someday I'll figure out what to do with all those scraps...............

Weather turned cooler. Had lots and lots of rain the lst few days. Windy and the leaves are falling fast. They say we could have our first hard frost this weekend. Brrrr I'm not a fan of cold weather!

Well, best go see if I can salvage any of my booboos. (altho today I'd rather curl up on the couch with a book and quilt!)

Later

Irene

Busy, busy, busy................

Time to slow down! I am tired! Helped at school a lot last week, very emotional week, but God is giving us the strength to go on. Celebrated Mic's 18th birthday over the weekend---where has the time gone? My "baby" is ready to spread her wings (well, as soon as she graduates high school!). Weather has been so beautiful so am outside as much as I can. Just a few more hours and we will be ready for the snow (gasp). The leaves aren't as pretty this year, but there is still some color around!

I am working on my quilting too. The three quilts for the "kids" have the bindings on, are washed & dried, and ready for their new home.

Also made a Homespun Rag Quilt for the shop.

Now, it's time to clean up the sewing room and start (or finish) another project.


Enjoy the fall weather!
Irene

Post retreat

Came home from retreat Sunday in time to enjoy lunch with DH and DD. Retreat was a success and I got quite a few things accomplished.

All three tops for the "kids" are now quilts! Did two of them on Friday and Janet helped me finish the third one on Saturday. Did the binding yesterday and today--yep, I had forgotten to pack them so had to do them myself. Also worked on some 4-patch raggy flannel blocks (12 made) for a swap. Then set some more blocks on my DS's wedding quilt. Have to make more HST, but for this quilt it takes a lot of consentration, so will make them here at home. I had taken my BellaBella for the others to see (well, what I have done so far). I did work on it a little on Saturday night. It did spark a lot of interest and a few books and pattern packs were ordered.

Lots of great food, fun, and fellowship. Didn't spend a lot of $$$ this time. I decided I needed to finish some UFO's before buying for new projects!

On the homefront, DD had a minor accident on Saturday. Noone hurt, just a small dent in her car. But, since she's not 18 yet, we have to go to court sometime. Hope next time she brakes harder! Just thankful no on was hurt!

Saturday night, DD, a high school senior, lost a classmate due to a horrible accident. Tomorrow is the funeral and we are still all in shock. Mic and Cody have/had been classmates since Kindergarten---friends, this is a tough one! Whisper a prayer for the 66 seniors as they say thier final goodbye tomorrow and for us as parents/friends of the family that we may be strong for them.


Irene

Mini Retreat

The time is almost here! I am so excited to be able to get away for a three day weekend! Heading to Parkersburg WV tomorrow after work for a mini quilting retreat. No hubby, no kids, no cooking, and no cleaning! Can't say no phone as I have to have the cell on in case my Dad has problems again. Even with his new pacemaker, he is having some chest pains, so need the cell in case Mom needs to get in touch.

I have packed a few projects, altho I'm not sure I'll get to work on any of them. My number one goal is to get the 3 kids quilts quilted on the HQ16! I am hoping to come home Sunday with 3 completed quilts! May even ask a few ladies to help with the bindings (gosh, I hope I packed the binding fabrics!) Will have to take time off to do a mini shop hop---good thing I stashed my last paycheck!

I did sit down today and stitched a few more stitches on the Fairy Frost quilt I am hand quilting. I think this may take me all winter to get done!

Hoping you have a great quilty weekend!

Kid's Quilts

The third quilt top is done!

Now to gather up the batting and backing!

"Fred" block

Fabrics I used and how the block was/is made:

Fabrics: prewashed Civil War Reproduction prints.

Color placement: two light squares in diagonal corners, two medium squares in the other diagonal corners. (For these corner squares, use fabrics in the beige family as shown in the picture) For the Center square use the darkest brown you have. Focus colors should be 2 that compliment each other but have some contrast. Background should be a creamy fabric similar in color to Kona Natural or unbleached muslin.

Directions: Cut and use 2.5" blocks for the individual pieces. Make half-square triangles by cutting a 3" square of each of the color and cream background fabrics. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the cream background. Place the 2 squares right sides together and sew 1/4" from the line on both sides of the line. Cut on the diagonal line to separate the HSTs. Press open. Trim to 2.5" before using in the block.

Kid's Quilts

Quilt number two is ready for the quilter! Now to get another 12 blocks made.....

Kid's Quilts

Have one quilt ready to quilt......

"Comfort Quilts"

I love making "Comfort Quilts!" Giving someone a quilt to cuddle with when they are through a tough time in life warms my heart!

The following quilts were make for "internet friends." Blocks were collected from across the USA and then I set them. Sheryl @ Parkersburg Sewing & Quilting quilted two of them and I quilted one of them on her HQ16.

Progress

I am making progress on the quilts for the "kids." Have one border to add to quilt #1 and quilt #2 then they are ready to quilt. Decided to try and make a matching patterned (as #1) quilt for #3. Means I have to make about 24 more blocks! Have the fabric, but finding the time to get them make and into a top before Oct. 12 will be the challenge!

Red, White, and Blue Quilts

What to do with a stack of red, white, and blue quilt blocks that aren't uniform in size? I had 12 swapped r/w/b Star blocks that weren't equal in size. I took 4 of them and trimmed them, yes, I lost some points, but sometime you just have to make the best of it! I then added a narrow red border around each of them. Now, what am I going to do with them?



I used them as a center row for a row x row! Two quilting friends added a row of their own on each side of my row..........Thanks Linda and Sheryl for helping me end up with a great quilt! DS had claimed this one!

I then took the other eight blocks trimmed them and added a blue border. I found eight other Star r/w/b blocks in a bin so took these sixteen blocks and made another row x row quilt. DD #1 has claimed this one.

BellaBella........

While visiting Lesa in August, she helped me get started on my BellaBella top......I finished five "wedges" then didn't work on it with school starting and everything else that has been going on with the parents, etc.

An on-line group I belong to, has started challenging each other to work on projects to help keep us motivated. Last week I was challenged to make another five "wedges." I am happy to report, I met that challenge and my BellaBella is slowly becoming a top! Not done yet, but now ten wedges are done! Hopefully you can see the light & dark yellows and reds with the black, white, and green.

Just an update:



Both parents have had their surgeries and are coming along well. Sure has cut into my quilting time, but they do come first, along with soccer games and extra driving.



As for quilting, the Fairy Frost is now loaded onto the frame for hand quilting---basically my winter project. Did take a few stitches yesterday, but this will take a while to finish!



Have been working on my BellaBella top too......paper-piecing so another "slow" one for me, but I'm learning. Also attempted to machine quilt a top on my machine. Don't like it at all so will be "froggin'" and sending it out to have machine quilted or visit a friend that will let me use their machine.



A family whose kids ride my bus had a house fire and the kids have lost everything (the bedrooms received the most damage), so I have committed to making 3 twin quilts for them.....this should keep me busy and out of trouble????

Christmas Round Robin

As you probably already know, I used to love to swap blocks, etc. At the beginning of the year I resolved to NOT swap so much and turn blocks into tops and tops into finished quilts! I am happy to report that I am making headways! I just finished quilt # 5 , have 2 out to be quilted, and 6 more ready to be quilted! But, alas, there are more on the unfinished pile! Some of them I don't even like anymore but will finish them and donate.

Another finished quilt

Spent some time in Western Ohio last week. Some "power sewing" and then got to play on a mid-arm quilting machine (wish I had one!!). Quilted two tops, but this is the only one that is completely done.

Also started my "Bella Bella" quilt....Hoping to finish my "Leaves" and then move on to the Bella soon. Maybe after the parents are done with all their surgeries?

Just Rambling

Kids are moved and settled (?). I worked on getting a guest room set up today between phone calls. Finally get to have my "30's" room! I've been in love with the reproduction fabrics for eons.......have 2 quilts on the bed and a wallhanging on one wall. I am working on taking three dresden plate blocks, found in my late MIL's sewing chest, and framing them for a wall grouping too.

Still working on my "leaf" quilt. Slowly making headways. But, am going to take a break from it and work on the Ripple Effect top for a day or so......want to get this one done so it can be quilted and ready soon so I don't have to rush next spring.

I am finding that I don't enjoy "scrappy" quilts as much any more. Have many ideas and wanna-dos and I think it's time I persued them!

Time for a snack, some TV, then bed....................later folks.