Shogun's World

Updates

2011-12-21T10:50:00.000-08:00

The purple and green above is the start of a new quilt. Not sure how it will end up, just enjoying the colors right now.

The bottom quilt is actually quilted at this point and tonight I will add the scrappy binding. This one has english paper pieced centers hand appliqued down, two fish hand appliqued on the ends, and hand appliqued flowers that are cut from various fabrics. I was in a mood to do hand sewing I guess.

Old Sewing Book from 1913

2011-09-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

I bought this old sewing book. It is so cute, there is a story and the drawings are adorable - plus it comes with patterns! All of the patterns fold out and are complete.

And please don't miss my earlier postings!

Autumn

2011-09-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight we're having roast turkey, mashed potatos, broccoli, rolls, and pumpkin pie for dinner.

I added a few photos of our yard - a granite birdbath filling up with leaves, cimicifuga, and an oakleaf hydrangea. Of course, a "hidden" applique on a scrappy quilt I use often, and a couple more english paper piecing appliques. It is very relaxing to make a few of these while watching TV or sitting on the front porch.

Please be sure to check out my other blog. I am hoping to reach others who have been through the same experience. Thank you.

Scrappy quilt

2011-09-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

This quilt is all scraps - including the hand-appliqued pieces. This photo is during pin pasting. The entire thing is now quilted and the binding is done.

It is fall and the trees are changing colors in Michigan. Today we visited a cider mill for donuts and cider. We planted a new tree out front - a coral bark Japanese Maple. It is also Homecoming so here is a photo of our 16 year old son.

Please check out my 2nd blog

2011-09-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

http://rememberingmadison.blogspot.com/

Thank you!

And I have LOTS of quilts to post here and will do so as soon as possible.

More English Paper Piecing - Dresden Plates

2011-06-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more -- to be hand appliqued onto quilts at a later date. The basting threads are still on these, but will be removed obviously!

Faces

2011-06-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

This is the english paper-pieced dresden plate with faces; hand appliqued down onto some fabric so it is somewhat "hidden".

Finished projects

2011-06-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

Photos of my gardens: clematis and lily.

Photos of Quilts:

The front and back of a beige and blue asian quilt. It is very wrinkly in these pictures as it was left in a pile overnight.

The other quilt is the repaired and finished quilt that was done for a friend. To remind you, the quilt was her husband's grandmother's. My friend's mother-in-law cut the quilt top into 4 pieces for 4 people to inherit. I took one of the pieces and made it into a lap quilt. I used actual old pieces of fabric, some reproductions, repaired parts, made it sturdy, added a few things like some applique and a border, backed and quilted it.

We are getting a new roof next week after some water damage. Got a new washer and stove last week since ours broke. Our 16 year old son is busy with baseball, tennis, and high school workouts. He's a great guy and is doing well. He loves driving the car with his new license! Too bad it is an old minivan. I am still working at two hospitals doing medical social work. Thank you to everyone who has posted or sent emails to me checking on me. I really appreciate it.

I have more pics to post and will post them soon.

Time has passed

2011-05-27T03:48:00.000-07:00

I am still missing someone we lost last July 2010.

Wall hanging in honor of my cat

2011-01-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been a while. Seems like tragedy after tragedy. But - - I am trying to get back into quilting so here is what I have been up to!

He will be missed

2010-10-15T06:17:00.001-07:00

Passed away October 14, 2010.

New Quilt Block

2010-07-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

I made this one on a whim this weekend just for fun.

Please check my last post for updates on my life...I am also trying to check all of YOUR blogs to get caught up!

Quilts and flowers

2010-07-10T17:24:00.001-07:00

Here are my long overdue updates:

My daughter is doing much better. We received good news on her medical tests, however, she's having lots of headaches which she never had before. We're sending her to a cottage in the thumb for a week with grandparents, so hopefully that will relax her. I have lots of catching up to do now that all her medical appointments are done.

I have made some bright blocks with purples, blues and green. I have my daughter's dorm quilt top finished and need to pin baste it soon. I don't have a photo of her quilt top yet.

I bought an old silk flower quilt at a yard sale for $5. I posted that picture on HGTV but will post it again here soon. This week I met up with an old friend. She brought her first quilt block with her - a hand appliqued block.

Monday I work in the NICU at the hospital and then we have an end-of-seaon baseball party for our son. A day to do nothing would be wonderful.

Thank you everyone who has written to me - I will try to be better about responding and posting!

More blocks and an update

2010-06-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

My daughter's graduation weekend was perfect.

DD has to go back to hospital and more appointments.

The finger I cut with the rotary cutter is healing, although does not have full feeling.

My son's travel baseball team is doing really well.

I am taking my machine in today for a yearly cleaning. (I'll miss you sewing machine!!)

These are 6 more blocks for my daughter's dorm room quilt. It is sort of a sampler of whatever I feel like putting together at the time. It has her favorite color thoughout (reds) and I hope to get it done by August.

Next week is the Columbus Quilt Show!

Bird Rescue

2010-05-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

Nothing to report about quilting today. Today's topic is birds.

We have been watching a family of birds in the neighbor's roof. She has a part of the roof that overhangs and there was a small hole in it. Birds nested there and have been feeding the babies for about two weeks. Well, the neighbor decided to let the parents fly out and board up the hole. We could hear the babies peeping inside very loudly while the parents, with worms in their mouths, scratched at the boarded up hole. It was awful. The parents eventually moved down the roofline to a vent and were trying to poke worms through the slats. We spoke to the neighbor - she didn't care. A bird rescue group and the local humane society tried to convince her to let them out, but she wouldn't give permission. It broke my heart.

Today after work we discovered 4 ducklings making a racket in my gardens. One area has really thick ferns under 3 large Japanese Maples. The ducklings were hiding in there. We spent 3 hours chasing them down. We captured 3 and lost sight of the fourth, much to my sadness. The 3 are now on their way to a fowl rescue center. My husband is driving them to the facility, which I think is a woman's home. She informed me that mother ducks just head towards their destination and the ducklings either follow or get lost. We have a busy street on one end of the road and a large, natural, swampy area on the other. They must have started in the natural area and became separated. We didn't want our cat to find the ducklings. So, they are on their way to a new life.

Tree peony

2010-05-13T17:20:00.001-07:00

24 hours of heavy rains just ended...the sun came out...and this tree peony suddenly bloomed!
I will share the progress of my daughter's dorm quilt soon - working 7 days a week right now.

Purple CQ with cottons

2010-05-03T15:46:00.001-07:00

I have been playing with what I call "swirly" fabrics, making english paper piecing shapes and now these CQ-style blocks. It will eventually become a very vibrant and busy quilt with purples, greens, and blues.

I have included a photo of Bobbins, who turns one on Mother's Day, and a photo of my daughter from this weekend's senior prom. We're going through all of my daughter's lifelong items, so I will definitely need lots of sewing as "therapy" to adjust to her moving away to college.

Updates on my life and some quilt blocks

2010-04-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I have been so busy - I apologize for not commenting on your blogs and keeping this up to date. I will read all of the blog postings very soon. I miss all of you.

I started a new job and have three weeks of full time training. My daughter is being checked this week to see if she is finally improving. She has really lost weight and is pretty tired all the time. Let's hope she has improved and can enjoy senior prom on May 1st. I have started playing with fabrics and blocks for her "going to college" quilt. I am just making things up and playing - not sure which blocks will make the final cut or what direction this will go.....

My son started freshman baseball - I cannot believe the politics. If you are buddies with the coach or donate lots of money or do something important in town, your kid can be unable to walk a straight line but will play any position they want every single game. (I am all for letting every kid play, no matter the skill level, but this is obvious favoritism.) They cut some decent kids from the team, who really wanted to play, and who were much better players than the "favored" kids. If you are talented and work hard, you just might sit on the bench. Parents and grandparents yell terrible and cruel things to kids on the opposing team. Parents swear. Parents "coach" from the sidelines - screaming directions to players and cursing at them if they make a mistake. My husband and I sit quietly and watch the game, offering no coaching advice and never yelling negative things to our own team or the opposing team. My son is pretty pleasant and is enjoying baseball, so we're just hoping for a fun season. As long as he is playing AT ALL he is very happy. He's a great pitcher.

Garden updates - We have had frost and hard freezes every night this week, but I protected my peas and some of my favorite perennials. I didn't want to take any chances. The bleeding hearts are blooming, as well as the wood poppies. I'll get some garden pictures next time.

I would love to read some comments - I am missing hearing from all of you. When my three weeks of training has ended, I will only be working contingent and will have more time to quilt and blog and post on HGTV. Ali

Quilting, Job, Children and Gardening News

2010-04-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

These are the plum blossoms on a very large plum tree in our backyard. The actual plum that grew into this tree came off of the tree in the yard where I grew up. We planted the plum many, many years ago and I took it with me in a pot of soil until we moved here. Plum blossoms smell so good!

So my daughter's biopsy results were negative, which is GREAT. But the infection is not clearing up, so more medicine for her. She's not thrilled - hope this does the trick. Prom is May 1st and I am hoping she is back to normal by then.

I got the medical social work job! I currently work contingent at a small hospital very near my house, but I work very few hours and am lucky to get called to work. This new job is also a weekend/holiday/contingent position, but at a much larger hospital farther away. I am hoping that between the two I can earn some money and eventually get regular hours. This larger hospital will expose me to new types of medical and social issues.

I am working on the quilt for my daughter's college dorm room in the fall and will share some blocks soon. She loves red so this quilt will have a dark reddish color throughout as well as some cranes in Asian fabrics, which she also likes. I am still english paper piecing at night before bed.

I will try to be better about posting and reading other blogs :) Thank you so much to those who have written to me with encouragement.

Gardening News

Blooming right now: pulmonaria, a couple of daffodils, hyacinths

About to bloom: bleeding hearts, eastern red bud, tulips and daffodils, tree peony, magnolia

My peas are up about an inch out of the soil. Raw peas are delicious.

Many of my perennials are up a few inches, including the tall phlox, filipendula, wood poppy (love this plant), lilies, and many more, too many to list!

I am looking forward to the NQA Columbus Quilt Show.

Photos of the Arboretum

2010-04-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

So the staples have been removed from my son's head and my daughter is now on antibiotics for the infection. Today was the first day we have been able to get out a little bit, so my husband and I went to an arboretum. I thought these tree roots were pretty. Hoping for some sewing time soon....

Crocus and Diamonds

2010-03-30T14:37:00.001-07:00

It has been a long, long night. My daughter's face is so swollen and painful that she can't speak. About every 2 hours something needs to be done: warm salt water rinse, pain meds, "sockit" gel on the stitches, and replacement ice packs. My son's staples will be removed this Friday. I survived the interview and hope I did well despite everything going on right now.

These are some crocus growing in the front lawn. The two diamonds are my latest English paper piecing projects that are perfect little portable activities when caring for sick kids. I tried the diamonds two ways since I learned about both methods. These will be appliqued down onto a quilt eventually. One method has you leave the "tails" out and when you get to the point of appliqueing, you snip most of the tail and needleturn the rest under; the other method has you fold it all up when basting so there are no tails.

I am running out of soft food ideas....anyone have more? We have already tried a thick soup, pudding, mashed potatos, Wendy's Frosty, Jell-o and soft pasta.

So much going on!

2010-03-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

First, there must be a photo so this is some fun fabric I have. I will be bringing it with me tomorrow morning when my daughter gets her 4 wisdom teeth out (and they are checking into some cyst in her jaw under the teeth) so that I can English paper piece something to occupy myself for two hours. This week is our school system's spring break so she will be spending it with pudding and ice packs. Yesterday, we received a call from our son's buddy who simply said that our son had bumped his head and we should come over. Well, a freak tennis accident caused our son's head to slam into a metal pole. He's home now and fine, but has staples in his head. Tomorrow, after our daughter's surgery, my husband will stay home with her so that I can go to a second interview for a really great job. Monday afternoon was the only time they could all gather to interrogate, er, interview me. Wish me luck! I hope to get back into some serious sewing and blogging soon. I found a place that sells 100% cotton velvet for CQ and I also have to get going on my daughter's college quilt.

More english paper piecing

2010-03-09T05:49:00.001-08:00

It was much easier than I thought to remove the basting stitches and the paper pieces. This is just the beginning as I have more to make and this is only the beginning of the blocks. They are hand appliqued down and I need to pick up a couple more colors of the silk thread this weekend.

I also made a black 'n red asian "fan" block for the ongoing Panda quilt.

I've been busy (read that as 'stressing') about figuring out financial aid, doing scholarship applications, and basic college planning for our daughter for this fall. Not to mention job hunting in the state with the highest unemployment rate. But, I can hear and see all sorts of beautiful birds in my yard and that, combined with sewing, always cheers me up.

Panda Quilt

2010-03-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

So here is one of the blocks I made today. I have been working on a Panda quilt, which utilizes my favorite colors and fabrics. The sun is shining, the snow is melting, and I can hear birds outside my window. In two weeks I have my check-up at the cancer center, which I hate, so I am trying to distract myself with fabric.

**UPDATED to add two more blocks. These are each 8x8 right now. **

My First Origami Bag

2010-02-28T13:05:00.001-08:00

Today I decided to try and make an origami bag. The snow is starting to melt and I expect there will be some flooding soon. I'll write more later!

Snowstorm & Finished Purple Quilt!

2010-02-22T09:21:00.001-08:00

I have about 3 feet left of binding to hand sew and then the purple quilt for my husband will finally be done! Here are some photos of the snow so far - we are expecting more snow through the afternoon. The stone birdbath was made by my great grandfather many years ago, eventually went to my grandma's house, then to my yard after she passed away.

*UPDATE* The purple quilt is completely done. My husband gets home from work in a little while and I can finally give it to him.

Finished!!

2010-02-13T14:21:00.000-08:00

I know, it's about time. The binding and label are done! I just love this one. There are some great small details that just don't show up in the photo. If I have time tomorrow, I will post some close up pics. I wanted to finish this one before I completed the purple quilt -- which I swear will be this week. I really have to start on the college quilt for my daughter.

DH's birthday went well on Friday. Bought ingredients to make apple pie, pumpkin pie, and sesame seed sugar cookies this week. This is a new recipe for me, so I will let you know how they turn out, but I love sesame seeds on anything.

Snow Day and Rabbit in the Snow

2010-02-10T07:44:00.001-08:00

Slash just loves to play in the snow. After a few hours, I will let Fuzzy out to play as well and will take more photos. They like to dive under the snow and also do the "plow" move. The rabbits will push the snow with their front feet like a snow plow.

Progress and News

2010-02-09T05:43:00.000-08:00

The red and black HST scrappy quilt is done and labeled. Here is the label with my personal informatiom blurred. I used my new #9 Bohin applique needles with red silk to hand applique the label down and it was like a hot knife through butter. I used off-white Kona cotton and a black pigma pen, then made a border of the red fabric also used in the binding.

The purple fabric shown is what I am using for the binding for my husband's purple quilt. The purple is a deeper grape purple than it appears here, has a blue background, and there is also a black stippled asian pattern in the background. It's a nice small pattern with the correct colors so it will be a perfect binding.

The scrappy 30's signature quilt is done. It won't need a label since there is so much stuff written on all the blocks! Most people used dates, cities, etc. The binding is black with a tiny flower pattern.

Sorry for the shadows on the pictures.

We're expecting a blizzard today in the midwest and it has already started to snow. The kids are hoping for a snow day tomorrow as the snow is supposed to last all night. I am going to make a pie so that we have something sweet to eat in case we are snowed in.

My news is that my daughter has been accepted into a University School of Art & Design. We're very proud and she's so excited. Financially this will be tough. College costs have really skyrocketed, combine that with no financial aid, the financial impact of my cancer, high unemployment rates, and the crazy world of scholarships...and it is very stressful. We're trying for scholarships but won't know the results for months. Wish us luck!

More english paper piecing

2010-02-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

Made these tonight while filling out eighty zillion forms for college and scholarship applications. (These still have the basting threads in them.) Today I also quilted the red and black scrappy quilt, which means I now have 3 quilts that just need the binding, and one purple quilt that needs quilting. Almost there!

My Quilting Helper

2010-01-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

Project Runway is on soon and I am pin basting a top with my assistant. (This isn't Bobbins, this is his older brother.)

My first attempt at a doll

2010-01-26T15:53:00.000-08:00

Borders were added and the quilt top is done. This is it folded up on top of the ironing board. (Now I have to pin baste and quilt this top and the purples top.) I had some scraps so I threw together this doll, mostly hand sewn, which is lying on top of the quilt. Not very good, but it was my first try. She has a little hat, maybe like the 1920's cloche hat with an embroidered flower on it, but you can't really see it in the picture. I tried to give her little thumbs :) I will make another doll following a pattern soon, with a kimono, which will hopefully turn out better. My son is much worse now, so tomorrow should be fun depending on whether he is grumpy sick or pleasant sick.

Red and Black Scrappy HST Quilt Top

2010-01-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

It's almost done! My son is holding this up, so you can't quite see all of it, but at least you can see most of it. He's home sick today, so I doubt I will finish the top until tomorrow or the next day. It's actually straight, the quilt was just blowing in the breeze.

Here is my daughter

2010-01-23T19:19:00.000-08:00

Wow - three posts in one day! It's so nice to get so many comments.

Here is my daughter, just hanging out on the couch playing a video game....leaving me this fall! Part of me is excited to see her go off to college and part of me wants to cry.

To answer another question - I am a medical social worker at a hospital - but only contingent. It's a great job. I help patients cope with illness, assist families in dealing with a patient's illness and/or death, help locate resources, arrange for home safety or services, etc. Many patients have no health insurance or are underinsured.

I plan on quilting more tomorrow and all this week, so hopefully I will have more photos soon.

Scrappy quilt and cat in the case...

2010-01-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

I know - two postings in one day!

So the scrappy red and black quilt top is now taller than I am! This is just a small piece of it. I am going to really use this quilt around the house, so I made it tough enough for many washings. This is Bobbins inside the sewing machine cover. I can't resist his adorable face. Whenever I am quilting, he is always by my side, sleeping or 'helping'.

Quilts and Jewelry

2010-01-23T07:22:00.000-08:00

Here is some fabric (Hoffman Gypsy Princess crackle fabric) that my DH ordered for me! I am going to make my daughter an asian quilt for college (fall '10) and these will be some of the fabrics included. No idea what I will make yet, although I have some ideas. I need to find the main fabrics as I think these fabrics will be accents.

I have been busy. I finally quilted two quilts (the blue & beige asian quilt and the siggy quilt) which means I now have enough basting pins available to pin baste the purple quilt for DH. I also sewed together almost 200 HSTs for a scrappy black and red quilt I am also trying to finish up. The bindings are ready to go on the two that are quilted..not sure if I will bind them first or quilt the purple quilt. He was supposed to get it for Christmas, but looks like it will be a birthday present (Feb 12th.)

My daughter is busy finishing up pieces for her portfolio review at a local university. Here is a photo of one of her recent necklaces. My photos of her jewelry are terrible, but hopefully you can see the fox - there are so many small details on this that this photo doesn't show.

Some of you know I am in the state with the 15% unemployment rate. I am using my job-free time to work on quilts and help with the college process. Hopefully I will be able to find a job soon, though, to pay for her college. She's very talented and very sweet. I still work contingent at a local hospital, but I need something with more regular hours. I love working at a hospital and can really relate to the patients.

I'll be back soon with photos of these finished quilts. Even though I have been very busy with college paperwork and quilting, I still enjoy reading all of your blogs. So even though I am not posting regularly, I am still stopping by!

Better picture of the purples quilt

2010-01-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

My very tall son (over 6 ft) is holding this up outdoors to try and get more light on this quilt top. It isn't done, but the other photo was so dark that I wanted to take a new one. Tomorrow my friend and I will lay the tile on the kitchen floor.

....and the english paper piecing project

2010-01-08T10:47:00.001-08:00

...continued...

I also made these english paper piecing hexagons this week. The basting threads are still on these. I had never done this before - it's perfect for sitting in bed or on the couch. It's also ideal for the times when you can't get out a big project or don't have time to do something more involved. If you like hand sewing, this is for you. Not exactly sure what I will do with these, but there are so many possibilities.

...continued!

2010-01-08T08:43:00.001-08:00

Don't miss the first posting below!

This is a picture of the tile. Boring photo I know, but thought I would share.

The wool blanket is one I got as a throw away. It is all wool, army green color, with a little piece of muslin sewn to the blanket with a name and the date 1914. I wonder who it belonged to - I just couldn't see it thrown away. I use it as a blanket now and just keep it around, although I bet I could cut it up for wool pieces. The cats just love to sleep on it. Any thoughts?

The other photo is of the two ready to be quilted. The siggy quilt and the asian blue/beige quilt. Soon. I am determined to have these 3 quilted and done next week, as well as finish several others by the end of the month. I'll keep you posted.

Here's the purple top!

2010-01-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

I have neglected my blog and apologize! These aren't the greatest photos, but they show some of my purple (and green) blocks laid out on the floor and then the quilt top. This week is the first chance I've had to quilt in a long time, so I am pleased to announce that I have two quilt tops pin basted and ready for quilting (plus the binding is done and ready to go) in addition to this quilt top. (The top isn't trimmed yet in this photo - don't panic at the edges.) I have the batting and backing ready to go, but pin basting it will have to wait. I have some purple scraps left so I want to make something to go with this quilt top - not sure yet.

We are getting a new tile kitchen floor Monday, which means everything in the kitchen has to be shoved into the living room. Then we have to tear up the old floor and clean up by Sunday night. It's winter and we have no garage or basement, which means appliances, table, chairs, cabinets, plants - - *everything* has to go in the living room. But the floor will be gorgeous after this. When I had C, the washing machine flooded and ruined the old floor and we've been living with it since that time. This new floor means a lot to me. Next week, I hope to quilt these 3 finished tops because I hate to leave them unfinished. I have several other projects partially done and some new ones I need to work on while I don't have a job.

I plan on meeting many other quilters from HGTV in Columbus in June at the NQA Quilt Show. Can't wait.

Thanks to those of you who have left me comments or email me - I appreciate it!

Countdown to the Secret Santa Stocking Swap

2009-12-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

We are allowed to open our boxes from the HGTV SSSS at 10 p.m. tonight! I will post those goodies later. Hoping the package I sent out is just what she likes.

Until then, here is a photo of Bobbins sleeping. Doesn't he look like he's sinking? Wish I could sleep that well.

*UPDATE* I opened my package! This is a photo of the stocking that was inside my box as well as one of the gifts wrapped in beautiful fabric. Another item inside the box was one of those origami bags that I have seen posted all over but I have yet to try. Quiltsewpieceful on the HGTV Boards handmade many wonderful items for me. Thank you Quiltsewpieceful!

As far as what I mailed out -- I am still waiting to see the posting from the person who received the package from me, so I can't say anything more yet.

More Purple..is there ever enough?

2009-12-16T18:45:00.000-08:00

Still making my purples & greens sampler quilt when I get a few minutes. Snuck in a little blue.

Heaven help me my in-laws are coming over Saturday and I am not their favorite person. The entire day Friday will be cooking and cleaning and worrying.

PB Chocolate Swirl Cookies are Baked! and Siggy Quilt Top

2009-12-12T06:11:00.000-08:00

Here are a few just so you can see what they look like after being baked. They are delicious and headed to a Christmas party this afternoon.

The photo of the quilt top isn't the best as I am in a rush - it is being held up with hangers! There are 30 signature blocks from all over the country, including HGTV board members, co-workers, friends, relatives, etc. I wish I were more patient, then I would have included about 100 more people. The borders (on two sides) are done and I have the batting and backing ready, so hopefully I can quilt it this month. I absolutely love this quilt as it reminds me of so many people.

Steampunk Dragon and Cookies

2009-12-11T08:18:00.000-08:00

This metal dragon shape was created by my daughter using the steampunk method. Then she embellished it to create a pin/jewelry. Art schools have been calling for her as she graduates high school in June.

The other photo is of the cookies I am baking today. They are chocolate peanut butter swirls. First, you make a layer of the peanut butter dough, roll it out into a long (2 foot) sheet of peanut butter goodness. Then melted chocolate is spread on the dough. The whole contraption is rolled up into a log shape, placed inside wax paper, then chilled in the fridge. Later tonight I will slice it up to bake the most delicious swirly cookies.

Tonight was supposed to be special because my daughter was headed to her best friend's house to celebrate the friend's 18th birthday. Last night we learned that the girl's father died suddenly while at work. We're all in shock at this point.

Winter Hail & Secret Sister

2009-12-03T14:52:00.001-08:00

So we had two bouts of hail today tossed between some periods of bright sunshine and dark gray clouds. This is my bunny "Slash", now almost 3 months old. The red and white quilt is a gift from my HGTV Secret Sister, who revealed herself today in the final package of the year. While I am finally glad to know who she is, it is sort of sad to come to the end. I hope that we can stay in touch - she's been very generous, creative and fun. I will post photos of the final package and more about her on the HGTV message boards.

Here's my prize from Nickilee's 7000th post contest

2009-12-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

Isn't this needlecase beautiful? The colors are dreamy.

It's a work of art in colors that I love with intricate hand-sewn details and embellishments.

I feel so lucky. Thank you SO much!

(I took about 15 pictures but chose these 3 to post now. I am hoping they show some details, but these photos don't do it justice. It is simply amazing. )

In case you don't remember the contest on the HGTV message boards, here is a refresher:

"The first person to post after I hit Exactly 7,000 to a thread (whichever one it might be at the time - and not just my threads)) will win one of my custom made Needle Cases in your choice of color. "

Here is a link to her blog http://www.cqnickilee.blogspot.com/

Another purple block

2009-11-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

Made this one today! It's pouring rain today, perfect for sewing.

Purple Quilt in progress

2009-11-28T15:09:00.000-08:00

I am working on a quilt using deep purple fabrics and greens (sages, olive greens, limes) but in these photos some of the purples appear blue. It is harder than one would think to find fabrics in deep purple tones. I am going for a scrappy look with all sorts of blocks I am just creating on the fly, so I have been looking for fat quarters and fat eights, even leftover scraps, in deep purples and greens to off-set the purples. These pics are just a few of the blocks I have been making in my spare time. It is very relaxing to use all these different fabrics and just create.....

This box made of recycled rulers was from a cool store with interesting doo-dads and I couldn't resist.

I should be receiving my CQ needle case from Nickilee soon (the one that I won) and I will post it very soon.

We spent Thanksgiving relaxing at home then visited Frankenmuth and Bronner's, where I bought a little something for the Secret Santa Stocking Swap (did I get that name right?) on HGTV. We have almost no (blood) relatives, so we spend holidays with the 4 of us here at home and then visit friends (who are like family) around the holidays.

On a side note, we're working on the fine art of parallel parking with our 17 year old daughter so that she can take the road test and finally get her license.

My temporary job ends at the end of December. I have been covering at a non-profit for a woman who is on maternity leave. That should leave me more sewing time (and time to search for a new job.) I am still contingent at the hospital, but some regular work would be great.

I will write more soon, but I wanted to make sure to post something since I haven't been very good about posting.

Stocking and experiment

2009-11-16T18:54:00.000-08:00

This is the stocking I made for the HGTV secret santa stocking swap. I sure hope the recipient likes it. Of course, it will be full of gifts. The purple and green block is an experiment...I am creating something so I played with fabric tonight. This is one of the blocks -- I thought I would share it.

Autumn photos and HSTs

2009-11-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

The top picture is a project I started on a whim - 200 scraps (and a few identicals) sewn into 200 HSTs. My seams are getting sooo straight with all this practice. I really need to finish my other projects but for some reason just HAD to do this. Only a few more left to sew, then I can put it on hold while I finish my other projects. The other photos are from an Arboretum - this is one of the oldest houses in the area set in some woods and near a peony garden. The red leaves are from a sweet gum.

Siggy Quilt

2009-11-06T05:29:00.000-08:00

Today I am going to work on my signature quilt. I am still waiting for a few blocks to arrive back to me via the mail so I can't finish the top today. So, here is a photo of two of the strips to give you a sample of the progress, I have 6 strips so far. These rows of blocks are resting on top of a red blanket which has nothing to do with the quilt. I have the border fabric and the backing ready, so as soon as the remaining blocks make their way back to me, I can get this one done. Although I am toying with some ideas and who knows what I will create today. I have to say, I really love this quilt. It is chock full of memories of my friends, co-workers, pets, and family. Some people have simply signed their names, while others have written very personal statements.

*UPDATED* I have put together part of the top. It is lying on the curved back of the sofa, which makes it appear wonky. As soon as I get the rest of the blocks and create the border, I will post it again. I was never a 1930's person but I have really enjoyed using these fabrics. I hope to finish this soon as I am still working on my Asian quilts and the wildlife quilt. Oh and the batik quilt. Oh and the red, black and white quilt.

Tile Art

2009-11-01T15:25:00.001-08:00

We visited a local botanical garden today - it was a beautiful autumn day. This sweet gum tree has such beautiful colors. The other 3 pictures - of the entry gate and the tile art - could be made into quilts. I am going to work on my signature quilt tonight and once it is further along I will post a photo. A few more people signed some blocks and I know that whenever I am feeling down, reading these blocks will cheer me up.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-30T03:22:00.000-07:00

Just in case I don't get a chance to post before Saturday, I am posting now. Happy Halloween! My daughter made this decoration for her Spanish class at school. Today I work at the hospital - the local preschoolers are supposed to be dressed up in costume to trick-or-treat through the hospital. On a quilting note - - I have many blocks signed for my signature quilt and hope to start sewing all the blocks together soon. I am really excited about this project. More later!

I Won!!!

2009-10-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

I won a contest which required that the winner be the 1st person to post on the HGTV message boards as soon as Nickilee posted her 7000th time. It was fun to play along with the others in anticipation of her 7000th post!

Here is her blog:
http://www.cqnickilee.blogspot.com/

I will post a photo of the item I receive as soon as it gets here, but that should be in a couple of weeks. I can't wait! She does beautiful work.

Scarf

2009-10-23T03:41:00.001-07:00

Whoops! How did those pictures of Bobbins get on here????

My son gave him a toy he won at the community fair this summer. Somehow, the cat is very attached to this toy. We have a very tall bookcase with an old wooden box from my grandparents on top of that. We throw this toy to the top of them, then Bobbins climbs up there, gets the toy in his mouth, and carries it down. We do it over and over and over.

My daughter bought some sheer fabric in the hopes of making a scarf - the movie star kind, not for warmth. I have never sewn with flimsy material and do not have a serger, so Lisa-TX from the HGTV boards put this together for my daughter. The material was wide, so she had to cut it, sew it back together in a long narrow shape, and finish the edges. This scarf is perfectly done and my daughter is so pleased. This is just a quick photo I took when she was on her way to volunteer locally, but I wanted to show off the beautiful scarf and thank Lisa-TX!

I have about half a dozen projects in the works - my signature quilt is gaining speed and I had to make more blocks. It is heartwarming to read what people are writing to me. I am also making a stocking for the SSSS swap on HGTV. Still working on a few others and just do a little at a time for each one. I haven't been great about posting, but I am reading all of the blogs that others write.

Signature Quilt and Autumn Gardens

2009-10-07T18:17:00.003-07:00

We've had frost already. Pee Gee Hydrangea, Sedum, and Sensitive Fern. (I thought the Pee Gee bloom looked heart-shaped.) These are some signature blocks I made last week - loosely laid out on the table - I plan on writing important names and dates of relatives, having friends/family members sign blocks, etc. Someone on the HGTV board suggested using freezer paper on the backs of the blocks to help stabilize the fabric so it is easier to be signed with the pigma pen.

Signature Quilt and Autumn gardens

2009-10-07T18:17:00.002-07:00

Signature Quilt and Autumn gardens

2009-10-07T18:17:00.001-07:00

Signature Quilt and Autumn gardens

2009-10-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

Antique Quilt

2009-10-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous quilt is huge. It is being held up on a deck, which is several feet off the ground, with hands held high in the air. These two photos show the quilt folded in half, showing one half in each photo.

It is a crazy style quilt, with no embroidery, just lots and lots of different, interesting fabrics. I bought this at an estate sale from a very nice woman who thinks her grandmother might have made it. It's just a beautiful quilt.

I have close up photos if anyone is interested.

Mastering curves and old sewing machine

2009-09-30T13:12:00.001-07:00

I found this cool old sewing machine for $8 today. It has beautiful blue pansies on it.

Today I tried to make my first curved seam. This is a photo of my first one - made several more after this one - it got easier each time and they looked better with each attempt. Now I need to make the drunkard's path with Asian fabric....

Dragons, Skulls, Flowers and Pumpkin Pancakes

2009-09-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

Today I baked a pumpkin pie and sewed two more blocks for the red and black panda quilt. The dragon is a small batik piece I got at the Columbus Quilt Show and the skull is Alexander Henry fabric. The rest of the fabrics are from my scrap stash. We've also been eating pumpkin pancakes...so good...if you have never eaten homemade pumpkin pancakes you are really missing out.

Growin' up bunny

2009-09-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

This isn't quite as cute as a couple of samoyeds, but still, pretty adorable and he gets into just as much trouble. Here is Slash a month after adoption at about 2 months old.

I have taken part in a few group projects, but I cannot show those pics yet. Should have some of my projects further along in the next week and will show pics soon.

I'm back! plus new mini quilt

2009-09-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a few weeks because I was scheduled to work at the hospital and simply had no time. School also started and this week the family has the flu, or at least something flu-like. Now that school has started and I am not scheduled to work (yet), I will have some sewing time. Here is a mini quilt I made this weekend. It is about 6 inches by 10 inches, made entirely from sapphires and beige scrap fabrics.

Thank you for all of the nice bunny messages. He is doing well, walks on a leash, is very cuddly, and seems to be a nice, friendly, happy rabbit. He lives outdoors in a hutch with an open area for running free.

I need to get caught up reading blogs and posting more, but wanted to at least post something.

Here's the new rabbit

2009-08-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

Isn't he cute?

This is just a very quick posting - The fair is over, ribbons and prizes collected, crowds are gone. School starts Sept 8th. More later!

My newest addition!

2009-08-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

The top rabbit is just gorgeous - blue eyes, luscious black fur, long luxurious lion's mane! His tag said his name was "Skunkie"!!!

The rabbit I have adopted is the tiny one on the bottom, a harlequin dutch male named "Slash" by the 15 year old owner because he has one black slash line across his face. The other two photos show Slash with his mother and silbings. We can't pick him up until Sunday morning at 8 a.m.

I will also post photos of the other farm animals and craft/vegetable displays in the next day or two.

Fair Entries

2009-08-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

Here is the quilt top, which I decided to enter into the local fair. This year they have new categories, including group quilts, old quilt top newly quilted, professionally quilted, etc. We suggested some new categories: mini quilts, crazy quilts, team quilts (one who pieces and one who quilts). The categories were very limited in the past. I also entered a quilted needle case and two other completed quilts. In the antique area, we entered my DH's great great grandmother's pieced quilt top. It's fun to view all the entries, especially when so many local people are involved. This week I will be working at the hospital, but hopefully I will have time to get over and check out the displays.

Little bit of everything...retro skirt, rabbit, flower

2009-08-21T10:17:00.001-07:00

Found this skirt at a garage sale....great fabrics that I could rip up for a quilt. But isn't it cute? The fabrics appear to be old or replica of old fabrics. One looks like sashiko and the other is swirls. Plus my pet rabbit and a flower in the yard. I finally finished the asian quilt last night while watching Project Runway - just needs to be quilted and then the binding. Today is my daughter's 17th birthday!

My latest quilt...part two

2009-08-16T15:10:00.001-07:00

Be sure to see part one!

My latest quilt...part one

2009-08-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

I finally found a few hours today to work on this quilt. The quilt top is done, sort of, as I ran out of the blue fabric used in the sashings. This quilt needs something more around it. As you might know, I never plan out quilts, follow patterns, or measure in order to buy the correct yardage. I just pick up fabrics I like. So I will need to think up something "more" to do to this quilt. We took some photos of it outside, but it is so muggy and hot - it feels like the desert to me. We took some quick photos and ran back inside. I will post the entire quilt top in just a few minutes. When I can get some more quilting time and once I finish whatever comes next for this quilt, I will re-post.

Tomorrow is my daughter's mini birthday party and I have been called into work. It will turn out fine. They can entertain themselves until I return home.

On a funny note, as we were trying to race back into the house to cool off after snapping the photos, my son thought it would be funny to lock us out. Now, this is sort of a family tradition, especially if it is raining or snowing, but this time I thought I was going to go through the glass!!

Bobbins

2009-08-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

...and Bobbins peeking out of my traveling sewing case!

Not feeling well....and a moon flower!

2009-08-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

I woke up today with a terrible cold. It feels like there is glass in my throat, I'm achy and it's difficult to think. Here are a few flower photos to pass the time until I can get up and about and sew. Hopefully I can still get things together for my daughter's b'day party Monday. The photos are of white lilies, stargazer lilies, (blurry) balloon flowers, and my pee gee hydrangea.

Updated - I added a moon flower. This one is almost 8 inches across and very fragrant. The bear is an old cement garden statue. I embroidered a moon flower recently but not sure it is good enough to show! I need to somehow incorporate all these flowers into my quilts...I haven't done the photo printing onto fabric and am not sure how. Several people have mentioned using the photos in my quilts - any suggestions or ideas?

Crazy Quilt Gallery

2009-08-12T13:40:00.001-07:00

I saw this link on another blog, checked it out, and am amazed at the beautiful Crazy Quilts!

http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/

Is anyone a member of this organization?

We're having a heat wave...

2009-08-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

There is a heat advisory today. The humidity is terrible and it is difficult to breathe outside. We've had a relatively mild summer so this comes as a shock. I made the home made lemonade, which was wonderful - - now I know why the great homemade lemonade at the outdoor art fairs are $5 each. You use so many lemons and it tastes so great. Today I was finally able to get a few minutes of (machine) sewing time, the first time in months. I have vowed to finish my unfinished projects before starting anything new. I made a few blocks to go along with my giant panda panel I bought at the NQA Columbus Quilt Show. I had planned on finishing the beige/blue asian quilt now that I have the backing but it just didn't happen. I also need to make a pink/white BC block within the next week and plan for my daughter's 17th birthday party next week. (Note: this block pic is taken lying on a navy blue ironing board.) Update - pink and white block done and mailed!

Skunk fabric

2009-08-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Look at this skunk fabric I just received today from my BSS on the HGTV Secret Sister swap - this is like looking out my back door! Yesterday I bought some backing fabric for my beige/blue Asian quilt and hope to finish it very soon, post a pic, and then do a wildlife quilt.

Tomatoes, jobs, and quilting

2009-08-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some flowers in my gardens. I am not really a yellow person, more of a purple-pink-blue-red person, but I happened to take these photos this morning. These tomatoes are Red Lightning and they are so delicious.

So my greenhouse job on a working farm has ended for the season, which makes me sad, but I might actually get some sewing time. I still have my hospital job but that is only on a contingent basis. Hopefully soon I will post pics of my quilts. My blue & beige Asian quilt top is almost done, so I think I will tackle that one first.

I am waiting for my Secret Sister (HGTV) package to arrive soon. It's always something to look forward to every month. This weekend we will attend an MLB baseball game. Oh - and we've started filling out college applications online and it is maddening!!!!

Anyone know how to make homemade lemonade?? (and garden pics)

2009-07-30T06:23:00.000-07:00

I recently had some homemade lemonade that looked to be made of sugar, ice and lemons but when I tried to search online for recipes, there were so many recipes with varied ingredients! Anyone have a simple, delicious recipe using real lemons?? (If you look at the purple phlox, there is a tiny bee in the photo!)

...and here is the photo tour of the campus

2009-07-26T14:46:00.001-07:00

The first photo is inside a 75 year old ice cream parlor that also sells ice, newspapers, donuts, etc. My dad used to go to this place when he was a little boy in the 1930s-40s. They have the best hand-packed ice cream and the decor hasn't changed in all this time. The 2nd photo is of an old building on campus and the third photo is the artwork on the dormroom walls outside my daughter's doorway. It has been extremely busy here so I don't have any quilting photos to post yet. I have been working on the CQ quilt, but I am anxious to finish up some quilts that were almost done before summer came along! I will try to quilt in August, but there is always the gardening to do, the fair (with the quilting, crafting, canning, vegetable, antiques, and livestock exhibits), work, and the family. As soon as school starts, I will be able to quilt again.

Here is my daughter!

2009-07-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

This is our daughter, who will turn 17 in August. Today we dropped her off for a week-long residential art program at a major university. She'll be a senior in high school this fall. I took a few photos around campus to share with you. (See next post for the photos)

Talia's Tatting, Old Cigar Silks, and Books

2009-07-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finally received my 3 pieces of tatting from Talia!! They are gorgeous. I want to show them to you before I add them to my CQ quilt, but will also post a picture of them after they are added and embellished. They will go on my cancer CQ quilt that I mentioned in an earlier post. She's really good if anyone wants to order one!!

My family and I went to the art fair in a nearby town. Sadly, I think the economy and the 15% unemployment rate in this state brought smaller crowds than usual. I like to promote art and artists, as my daughter is an artist, but I rarely buy anything there. We typically just walk, talk and enjoy the event. This year there was an antique store and a used book store that set up booths. I bought the old cigar silks for a dollar - - I would be afraid to use them but find them an interesting part of history. The old books were two dollars, one silk ribbon embroidery book by Michler and one history book with photos of old quilts from a museum.

Resale Shop Quilting Finds

2009-07-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Today I found a few good books/magazines, in addition to an old handkerchief with roses that I cut up and added to my CQ quilt by appliqueing it down (needleturn), adding some embroidery, and doing a cool stitch around it. The hankie was 25 cents, not bad, so were most of the reading materials.

Looks like next week I will be meeting qltnrules! from the HGTV boards. I can't wait!

Another Great Giveaway

2009-07-14T16:53:00.001-07:00

http://dyecandy.blogspot.com/2009/07/giveaway-day.html?showComment=1247595084229#c5159238891093201360

Don't you just love hand dyed fabrics????

Barn Sale Find

2009-07-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I went out early this morning to a barn sale and found this old sewing table. In the area of the sale we saw a mother turkey and 4 small turklings (no idea what a baby turkey is called) following her, a wild rabbit, and 2 families of deer.

I worked some more on the peacock feather today...anxiously waiting for the tatting pieces to arrive from Talia so I can add them to my CQ.

Peacock Feather CQ

2009-07-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

I worked a little on the quilt I mentioned previously (that I must finish after recovering from cancer) and here is first my attempt at a peacock feather. It needs a few more touches, but I thought I would post this. I did some CQ on this quilt way back when I started it, but don't have the guts yet to share photos as I am still learning. But I am going to keep practicing!! I also need to learn to take digital photos of small things close up - this is a little blurry.

Right after posting this, we put two ears of corn in the front yard and watched a deer eat them! It was a beautiful sight. They are such beautiful creatures.

I would like to add an update because this is so bizarre. It is 1 a.m. and my husband and I were sitting on the porch in the dark watching a whole group of deer in the front yard when the new neighbor comes riding in on his motorcycle. He put the motorcycle away - walked to the end of the driveway (which is in the streetlight) and he went to the bathroom there!! Out in the open, but presumably thinking no one was around. I am just shocked...why wouldn't he go inside or at the very least go in the backyard where it is dark? Does anyone else think this is odd??

Garden Photos

2009-07-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Hopefully some of these flowers will inspire my CQ and embroidery. I started a small piece for our wedding aniversary (it is embroidered with May 2008) but it has taken me waaaay to long to finish. Not only do I need to work on that one, but I need to finish my blue & beige/gold Asian quilt, the Hungry Caterpillar Quilt, and my wool rabbit project. It's much more difficult to find sewing time during the summer, but fall is right around the corner. Oh yeah, it is my obligation to include a cute kitty photo!

Giveaway and Interesting Blog

2009-07-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

Please visit http://greenfairyquilts.blogspot.com/2009/07/its-finally-here-99th-post-here-i-come.html for a great giveaway, to see some beautiful quilts, and to read about a charity.

New Fabric and Missing Cat UPDATE!!!

2009-07-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

So my beautiful black and white cat has been missing, only since last night, but I feel like my heart is breaking. I will update this if/when he returns.

This is a piece of Alexander Henry fabric that I just love. Today I went shopping with my two teens, hoping I would return home to find my cat, but that didn't happen. We bought this fabric and a pair of size 13 (men's) shoes for my 14 year old son. Apparently once they pass size 13, you must spcial order shoes.

Back to sitting outside waiting for my cat.

UPDATE - Wednesday - My cat has returned home!!

My Antique Sewing Machines

2009-07-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

The top machine is an old White treadle machine. We picked it up today - and it works!

If only I can figure out how to make bobbins (etc.)

The other one is my old Singer (the sewing machine and the cabinet are pictured) that we bought last year. It needs a belt.

Happy 4th of July!

Looking for ideas

2009-06-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

I am looking for ideas for this approx 5"x8" piece of thin muslin with a scene painted on it. I purchased it at a fundraising sale for a local non-profit about a month ago. Now that I am sitting here with a very sore back, I need to occupy my time either hand sewing or planning a project. If you have any ideas for this piece, please share! ( I also posed this question on the HGTV message boards.)

Another flower...

2009-06-26T13:59:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's another lily, but this one has a cool green bug hidden inside it - can you see it?

Gardens and Unfinished Quilt

2009-06-25T11:22:00.001-07:00

My lilies are blooming all over the yard - this one is a deep red with orange centers. We have been able to pick some yellow beans (taste waaay better than green beans), peas, and tomatoes and the eggplants have beautiful purple flowers on them.

Yesterday I made some cat toys - we grow our own catnip - add a small bit to some stuffing (fabric leftovers), a bell, sew it up inside fabric with a ribbon tail.

I started quilting when I got cancer (about 1.5 years ago) and one of the first things I did when I was stuck on the couch was to read a CQ book and make some CQ blocks - with pieces of old clothing, fabric bits, etc. I did some embroidery stitches on them but never completed the quilt. Well, yesterday I was rummaging around and found the blocks. I am not sure if I didn't finish it because I moved on to piecing regular quilts or because it reminded me of unhappy times. Well, I decided maybe I should finish it. I've improved since I started it, so this is a very "rustic" quilt with fabric remnants, but maybe I can make it look good and end that chapter on a positive note rather than leave it sad-looking. Any thoughts?

Well, this doesn't help.....

2009-06-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

I have tried 3 times tonight to finish sewing the binding onto this quilt and each time a cat has decided to climb on (or under) and fall asleep.

Wool Rabbit...in progress

2009-06-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at using wool. I cut some pieces, experimented, and came up with this rabbit. I have more to add and then I need to turn him into something: a needle case or maybe a small bag or a pincushion. If anyone has any advice, let me know!

Link to giveaway!

2009-06-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Go to http://keepyouinstitches.blogspot.com/ for a giveaway and a great blog!

Shogun's NQA Picks

2009-06-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of quilts from the NQA Quilt Show in Columbus, Ohio. I am trying to post a variety and some close-ups, but I personally love Sashiko, fans, log cabins, and minis. My favorite this year might be the top photo with the circles and squares. Last year my favorite was the one that was done entirely in polka dot fabric. If I can find that photo from last year, I will post it.

Columbus NQA Quilt Show

2009-06-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of the Convention Center, which I think looks like a quilt.

The quilt show was wonderful and I am working on choosing photos of my favorite quilts. I will post "Shogun's Picks" once I have made my final decisions.

I was able to briefly meet three of the HGTV board members as they were gathering to go to lunch, but we were unable to attend the luncheon. (Maybe next year.) I hear we missed some good company, great food, the unveiling of a new sewing room, and gorgeous gardens.

We ran into flooding on the way to Columbus and terrible, sudden-onset thunderstorms on the return trip home.

Please check back soon for the quilt photos.

And another red, black and white quilt

2009-06-18T19:07:00.001-07:00

Tonight I added the binding to this quilt. I have shown bits of it before, but this shows the backing fabric (red poppies), the binding (all from scraps from this quilt), and one of the blocks. This quilt has several "crazy" blocks (no embroidery or embellishments) plus some other blocks and sashings. I've come to the realization that the back doesn't necessarily have to have anything to do with the front! Very freeing.

I need to hand sew the binding on and then I can post the final product. After the NQA quilt show, of course!

The Real Shogun and the NQA Columbus Quilt Show

2009-06-17T17:12:00.000-07:00

This posting needs a photo so here is my longtime faithful companion and blog namesake, "Shogun". I will be attending the NQA Quilt Show in Columbus this week and plan to post following my return. Some of the HGTV board members are meeting for lunch - unfortunately I can't meet them for lunch but I am trying to at least run into some of them at the show.

Finally finished this one

2009-06-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

Last night I finally finished the binding on this quilt.

I have another quilt top with black, red and white scraps that I need to quilt and bind, then I will post it. It's completely different from this one.

Does anyone else have any black, red and white creations to show me?

2009-06-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

These are more of the blocks I am making...there are quite a few now, all different. I haven't decided how I will put them together yet. For now, I am just having fun playing with the fabrics.