Apparently Blogger thought my blog was a spam blog and blocked me from posting while it investigated. Blogger has an automated robot program that searches all the blogs to weed out the spam blogs. I don't know what in my blog would have triggered the robot, but today they gave me voice again.
Several others on my quiltart list also got blocked this week, so maybe the robot suddenly doesn't like quilt content!
Tuesday 7 of us in the TTT gang took a trip up to Charlotte, NC for a visit to Mary Jo's Cloth store. Mary Jo's is renowned around the Southeast as 'the' destination for fabric addicts. It's probably a good thing that it's about 3 hours from here or I'd be spending $$ there on a regular basis. It was a fun day for all of us.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Slip & Slide
The kids were here on Saturday so we pulled out Noah's slip & slide and set it up on the grass next to the driveway. When Noah first used it last year he kept trying to slide on his knees. It was hard to describe to him about just flopping on his stomach to slide so Jerry got in the act and demonstrated. That was a site to behold. From this photo it's obvious that Noah figured it out. (photos are clickable for a larger view)
Hayden watched Noah for a while and then she proceeded to crawl down the slip and slide. When she reached the end she would crawl off and back up the drive to the start and do it again. I guess she figured that if Noah would go back up the drive to the start she would too. The driveway was tough on her knees. She is walking but is still more confident crawling so she sticks with that mode of transportation most often. You would have thought she'd want to walk on the driveway instead of crawl.
Both kids had a great time and it was fun to watch them.
Hayden watched Noah for a while and then she proceeded to crawl down the slip and slide. When she reached the end she would crawl off and back up the drive to the start and do it again. I guess she figured that if Noah would go back up the drive to the start she would too. The driveway was tough on her knees. She is walking but is still more confident crawling so she sticks with that mode of transportation most often. You would have thought she'd want to walk on the driveway instead of crawl.
Both kids had a great time and it was fun to watch them.
Friday, July 18, 2008
More beach retreat
Every year our beach retreat has a theme. This year's theme was travel. We were issued a challenge during retreat to make a post card - an obvious travel related item!
We voted on our favorite and the winners each received a big bundle of fat quarters. (click on photos for larger view)
Many participants raided the scrap table for their creations!
We voted on our favorite and the winners each received a big bundle of fat quarters. (click on photos for larger view)
Many participants raided the scrap table for their creations!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Beach retreat projects
I spent most of retreat working on this paper pieced daffodil wall hanging. I've had this for at least 10 years and finally pulled it out to work on. Since this photo was taken I've added a small 1" border (which will finish to 1/2") in the darkest yellow. I still need a wider outside border, but will have to go shopping for just the right fabric. The pattern is by Eileen Sullivan. I've done a couple of her other paper pieced patterns which look complicated but aren't really all that hard. (photos are clickable for larger view. If you enlarge the daffodils you might notice the registration marks showing through the fabric. Those marks are on the paper pattern and were to assist in getting each segment joined to the next correctly. The paper-and the registration marks-will be removed)
After I finished the daffodils I cut out two more four patch swirls. This first one is out of some incredibly cheap fabric that I stumbled across in the stash the other day. I was going to donate it to the silent auction, but decided I'd see if it would work as a 4 patch. It actually made some interesting blocks but the fabric is still really cheap!
I then cut out this one. These blocks are smaller than the other blocks because the repeat on the fabric was smaller. I haven't decided what to use as sashings for either of these 4 patch swirls, but I expect a shopping trip is in order!
After I finished the daffodils I cut out two more four patch swirls. This first one is out of some incredibly cheap fabric that I stumbled across in the stash the other day. I was going to donate it to the silent auction, but decided I'd see if it would work as a 4 patch. It actually made some interesting blocks but the fabric is still really cheap!
I then cut out this one. These blocks are smaller than the other blocks because the repeat on the fabric was smaller. I haven't decided what to use as sashings for either of these 4 patch swirls, but I expect a shopping trip is in order!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Back from the beach
As always, the guild's Beach Retreat was great fun. We had some ugly weather on Friday, but the rest of the weekend was beautiful. Saturday was a rare South Carolina summer day - the humidity was down and it was pleasant to sit outside and enjoy the soft breezes coming off the ocean.
Here we all are lined up in our retreat t-shirts. It's hard to get this many women lined up in such a way that everyone's head is showing, but they managed to do it! (clink on photo for a larger view)
Lots of beautiful work was done at retreat. I think everyone had a great time and we're already looking forward to next year!
Here we all are lined up in our retreat t-shirts. It's hard to get this many women lined up in such a way that everyone's head is showing, but they managed to do it! (clink on photo for a larger view)
Lots of beautiful work was done at retreat. I think everyone had a great time and we're already looking forward to next year!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Retreat Weekend
Friday morning I leave for our guild's annual beach retreat held on Seabrook Island at Camp St. Christopher. Craig attended camp there a couple of times when he was a kid and really enjoyed himself. I'm glad our accommodations are better than what Craig had when he attended! There are about 50 of us that attend each year and we spend the days working on whatever projects we bring along. We all set up together in one big room and have a good old time. I think we'll see a number of the swirling 4 patch quilts as it seems like EVERYONE is working on one! I'll be back on Monday and I hope I have good photos to share.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Photos finally
I've been busily working on various projects.
A couple of weeks ago a teacher from the upstate of South Carolina (Lynn Buske) came to our guild and taught a couple of classes on her "Four Patch Swirl." The pattern is a lot like a stack & whack. This is a photo of the quilt I started in her class. We were supposed to have a focus fabric with an approximate 24" repeat but my fabric ended up with a 15" repeat. Because of that, I didn't have as many blocks & ended up setting them on point. I actually like the on point setting better.
This photo makes the quilt look less brown and more green than I think it looks in real life. I'm pleased with the way it turned out. I may have to send this one out to be quilted, but haven't decided for sure yet. (click on photos for larger view)
Lynn warned us that making this pattern is addictive and she's right. It's so fun to cut up the fabric and then rearrange the blocks to see what the result is. Our guild was recently given a bunch of fabric from a sewer's estate. A box of the fabric was brought to our mini quilting group meeting a couple of weeks ago with the hope that some people would use the fabric to make donation quilts. One of the pieces had the necessary design repeat so I took it to make another 4 patch swirl. I like the soft colors in this. I did some simple quilting on this and only need to bind it so it will be ready to donate.
One of the sample quilts that Lynn brought with her was a striking black & white. I ran across a black and white with a bit of red fabric at the quilt shop and had to buy it. Here are the blocks I made with that fabric. Now I need to decide on the sashing. I'm auditioning both a black & red and a black & white. I'm leaning toward the black & red but will certainly entertain comments about which should be used!
Finally, I finished quilting the faux log cabin from our quilters day out and once I bind it I'll donate it to one of our charities.
A couple of weeks ago a teacher from the upstate of South Carolina (Lynn Buske) came to our guild and taught a couple of classes on her "Four Patch Swirl." The pattern is a lot like a stack & whack. This is a photo of the quilt I started in her class. We were supposed to have a focus fabric with an approximate 24" repeat but my fabric ended up with a 15" repeat. Because of that, I didn't have as many blocks & ended up setting them on point. I actually like the on point setting better.
This photo makes the quilt look less brown and more green than I think it looks in real life. I'm pleased with the way it turned out. I may have to send this one out to be quilted, but haven't decided for sure yet. (click on photos for larger view)
Lynn warned us that making this pattern is addictive and she's right. It's so fun to cut up the fabric and then rearrange the blocks to see what the result is. Our guild was recently given a bunch of fabric from a sewer's estate. A box of the fabric was brought to our mini quilting group meeting a couple of weeks ago with the hope that some people would use the fabric to make donation quilts. One of the pieces had the necessary design repeat so I took it to make another 4 patch swirl. I like the soft colors in this. I did some simple quilting on this and only need to bind it so it will be ready to donate.
One of the sample quilts that Lynn brought with her was a striking black & white. I ran across a black and white with a bit of red fabric at the quilt shop and had to buy it. Here are the blocks I made with that fabric. Now I need to decide on the sashing. I'm auditioning both a black & red and a black & white. I'm leaning toward the black & red but will certainly entertain comments about which should be used!
Finally, I finished quilting the faux log cabin from our quilters day out and once I bind it I'll donate it to one of our charities.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Asilomar
One of the highlights of my years living in California was being able to attend the Empty Spools Seminars held at Asilomar in Monterey, CA. I even attended two sessions the last year I lived there because I was afraid I'd never be back.
This year when I got the brochure I shared it with the TTT gang. (TTT stands for Trailer Trash Tuesday. It's a group of us that meet to sew at Karen's double-wide trailer/studio on Tuesdays.) By the end of that day 4 of us decided to go to Asilomar in April next year. Two others have since decided to attend so there will be 6 of us. Some of the people going have never been to California before so we want to do a little tourist stuff while there as well.
I'm really excited to be going back to a wonderful seminar held in one of the most beautiful areas of the country and it will be even better sharing the experience with friends. Of course my huge fear of flying may present a problem, but that's what they make booze for isn't it?
This year when I got the brochure I shared it with the TTT gang. (TTT stands for Trailer Trash Tuesday. It's a group of us that meet to sew at Karen's double-wide trailer/studio on Tuesdays.) By the end of that day 4 of us decided to go to Asilomar in April next year. Two others have since decided to attend so there will be 6 of us. Some of the people going have never been to California before so we want to do a little tourist stuff while there as well.
I'm really excited to be going back to a wonderful seminar held in one of the most beautiful areas of the country and it will be even better sharing the experience with friends. Of course my huge fear of flying may present a problem, but that's what they make booze for isn't it?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
I've been quiet on the blog lately, but have been busy sewing. Just no photos of anything, so I thought I'd share a photo of the two cutest grandkids around.
I've been completing some quilt tops and spent yesterday pin basting 3 quilts. I really dislike the basting process and have been putting it off as long as possible. All 3 quilts I basted will be donation quilts and I'm going to work on my free motion skills while quilting them. I have a really hard time with the quilting step. I never seem to like the design or the technique I've used. The only way to get better is to practice, practice, practice!
I'll be sure to take photos before turning the quilts in to our community service coordinator.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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Saturday, June 14, 2008
Birthday time
Hayden's first birthday is actually next Wednesday, but her birthday party was today. She enjoyed her cake! She also enjoyed eating melon with Grandpa. (click photos if you want a larger view)
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Photos of recent work
Here are the photos from the projects I mentioned yesterday. This first photo is a faux log cabin from our quilters' day out session in May. We were all supposed to bring one jelly roll pack and were provided the pattern. I wanted to use a different layout-one that looked more like a log cabin-but I didn't have enough contrast for the layout I wanted so I ended up with this layout. Once I quilt this, I'll probably donate this to one of our guild's charity projects.
This table runner is the first of two I made while getting my precise piecing lesson from Karen. I finished the quilting after taking the photo and now need to finish the binding.
This sunflower wallhanging caused me a great deal of angst. This is the project started when 9 or 10 of us took a lesson from Judy Heyward up in Karen's studio. I wrote about the class here where you can also see a photo of what the original pattern looked like. I didn't want to make my project exactly like the pattern, but wasn't having much luck in making a composition I liked. I finally ended up with this design and while I don't love it, I don't hate it like I did an earlier version. The fabric for the inside of the sunflower and the brown border at the top and the left was made by weaving together thin strips of 3 fabrics. It was a lot of work for not much effect.
Finally here is my version of the origami bag which one of my fellow Ducks demoed for us last week. I put my handles too close to the edge. The bag starts out as a square and is folded in such a way to make some small pockets inside before stitching. This one measures about 14" x 16".
As always, click on the photos for a larger view.
This table runner is the first of two I made while getting my precise piecing lesson from Karen. I finished the quilting after taking the photo and now need to finish the binding.
This sunflower wallhanging caused me a great deal of angst. This is the project started when 9 or 10 of us took a lesson from Judy Heyward up in Karen's studio. I wrote about the class here where you can also see a photo of what the original pattern looked like. I didn't want to make my project exactly like the pattern, but wasn't having much luck in making a composition I liked. I finally ended up with this design and while I don't love it, I don't hate it like I did an earlier version. The fabric for the inside of the sunflower and the brown border at the top and the left was made by weaving together thin strips of 3 fabrics. It was a lot of work for not much effect.
Finally here is my version of the origami bag which one of my fellow Ducks demoed for us last week. I put my handles too close to the edge. The bag starts out as a square and is folded in such a way to make some small pockets inside before stitching. This one measures about 14" x 16".
As always, click on the photos for a larger view.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Busy in the studio
I've actually been sewing lately. The summer heat hit with a vengeance this week and it's just easier to stay in the air conditioned house sewing. I don't have any photos yet, but I promise I have been working. I'll try to get some photos posted tomorrow.
Today I finished a top that I started at our guild's Quilters' Day Out in May. Earlier this week I finished the top I started in the Sunflower class we took with Judy Heyward. On Tuesday our mini-group, the Ducks, had a demo on the construction of an origami bag and I made one of those this week. Also today I quilted a table runner that I made in a piecing class with Karen. I'm not a precise piecer and Karen offered to give me a couple of lessons to improve my piecing technique. It's amazing how much better things look when you take your time and do it right!
Early today a group of us met at Sew n' Sew fabrics for their annual $1 fat quarter sale. Sew n' Sew is in a really small building and it's tight quarters on a normal day. Today is was shoulder to shoulder quilters pawing through the boxes of fat quarters. I didn't really need anything and just went along to join in the fun.
Today I finished a top that I started at our guild's Quilters' Day Out in May. Earlier this week I finished the top I started in the Sunflower class we took with Judy Heyward. On Tuesday our mini-group, the Ducks, had a demo on the construction of an origami bag and I made one of those this week. Also today I quilted a table runner that I made in a piecing class with Karen. I'm not a precise piecer and Karen offered to give me a couple of lessons to improve my piecing technique. It's amazing how much better things look when you take your time and do it right!
Early today a group of us met at Sew n' Sew fabrics for their annual $1 fat quarter sale. Sew n' Sew is in a really small building and it's tight quarters on a normal day. Today is was shoulder to shoulder quilters pawing through the boxes of fat quarters. I didn't really need anything and just went along to join in the fun.
Friday, May 30, 2008
More on Memorial Day
Here are a few more photos of our Memorial Day weekend. (all are clickable for a larger view)
Here are Ned and Linda. They are good friends of Jim and Susie and live near them in the Washington, DC area. We first met them about 10 years ago when we all vacationed in Myrtle Beach and have also vacationed with them at the Isle of Palms.
Ned recently had foot surgery as he's dealing with diabetes related circulation issues. Hopefully he'll be back on both feet soon. We hadn't seen Ned & Linda for several years and it was great to see them again.
This is John. Jerry, Jim and John all served together on a submarine back in the 70s. The first night we were there Linda kept the Bloody Marys going for John and he was feeling no pain.
This is June who is married to John. She's showing off the pirate booty that John shared with her! June also had recent foot surgery and has learned the penguin walk really well. She expects to be back to normal soon.
We see John and June fairly often as they live only about 20 minutes away.
Here's another photo of Jerry in his pirate get-up. He especially liked his sword.
Somehow we managed to miss getting Susie in any photos this year. You can see her in last year's photos here.
I hope all of you are lucky enough to have friends as great as these!
Here are Ned and Linda. They are good friends of Jim and Susie and live near them in the Washington, DC area. We first met them about 10 years ago when we all vacationed in Myrtle Beach and have also vacationed with them at the Isle of Palms.
Ned recently had foot surgery as he's dealing with diabetes related circulation issues. Hopefully he'll be back on both feet soon. We hadn't seen Ned & Linda for several years and it was great to see them again.
This is John. Jerry, Jim and John all served together on a submarine back in the 70s. The first night we were there Linda kept the Bloody Marys going for John and he was feeling no pain.
This is June who is married to John. She's showing off the pirate booty that John shared with her! June also had recent foot surgery and has learned the penguin walk really well. She expects to be back to normal soon.
We see John and June fairly often as they live only about 20 minutes away.
Here's another photo of Jerry in his pirate get-up. He especially liked his sword.
Somehow we managed to miss getting Susie in any photos this year. You can see her in last year's photos here.
I hope all of you are lucky enough to have friends as great as these!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Memorial Day weekend
We spent Memorial Day at Lake Gaston (at the North Carolina/Virginia border) with a number of friends. Jim and Susie own a house on the lake and invited us and 2 other couples to join them for the holiday. Unfortunately we were invaded by pirates while there.
Jerry even had his parrot with him...
Jim looks a bit scary don't you think?
As always it was a great weekend and far too short. We drank too much and ate too much but had lots of fun. (photos are clickable)
Jerry even had his parrot with him...
Jim looks a bit scary don't you think?
As always it was a great weekend and far too short. We drank too much and ate too much but had lots of fun. (photos are clickable)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Such a smile!
Chrystal took this photo of Hayden today. She sure looks happy doesn't she?
The romper she's wearing is one I made for her. I've made a few others - but seem to be having problems getting the size right. It's much easier to sew for someone when they're right there for quick measurements.
The romper she's wearing is one I made for her. I've made a few others - but seem to be having problems getting the size right. It's much easier to sew for someone when they're right there for quick measurements.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Fun day in the studio
On Saturday 10 of us were privileged to take a class with Judy Heyward, an award winning quilt artist. We're lucky she's a member of our guild. We all trekked up to Karen's studio with sewing machines and fabric in hand and spent the day creating our own version of Judy's sunflower wallhanging.
Here is a class sample. (all photos clickable for a larger view)
Most of us got quite far on the center part of the wallhanging, but still needed to put the borders on.
This is Betsy's version of the main part.
Here is Virginia's version. I think she got the most done during the class and was getting the check border sewn just before leaving.
After class Karen and Jolene - pictured below- surpassed all of us and completed their entire tops before going to bed that night. You can see their completed tops and more photos of the class at Karen's blog here and some photos Judy took at her blog here
My version is going slowly and I don't have a photo to share yet. Hopefully soon.
Here is a class sample. (all photos clickable for a larger view)
Most of us got quite far on the center part of the wallhanging, but still needed to put the borders on.
This is Betsy's version of the main part.
Here is Virginia's version. I think she got the most done during the class and was getting the check border sewn just before leaving.
After class Karen and Jolene - pictured below- surpassed all of us and completed their entire tops before going to bed that night. You can see their completed tops and more photos of the class at Karen's blog here and some photos Judy took at her blog here
My version is going slowly and I don't have a photo to share yet. Hopefully soon.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Friday, May 09, 2008
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Mother's day gift
My mother recently asked me if I had a wall hanging laying around that had spring like flowers on it. The request was a surprise because she doesn't get excited about any of my quilting - it's just not her thing. Now that she's living in the independent/assisted living center though she wants something to hang outside her door. The residents all like to decorate with the seasons.
Since I don't have things just laying around, I made this wall hanging from a kit and will be sending it to her for Mother's Day. Hope it fits in the spot by her door! (photo clickable for larger view)
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