Quilts + Color

New/Vintage Dining Room Chandelier

2012-01-29T08:59:00.002-06:00

Recently I replaced the chandelier in my dining room with this vintage piece I found on eBay.
The colors work with my decor.
It is iron that is gold leafed or painted and the pink and clear parts are lucite.
The seller thought it was about 20 years old, but I think it could be much older than that.
It came from a mansion in Florida.

Although our dining room is small by today's standards the chandelier is very large.
We were concerned it wouldn't work in the room, but by hanging it at the height we did and because of the see thru quality of the lucite it is perfect.

The chandelier that was in the dining room was moved to the front hall where it is much brighter than the fixture that was there. The one that was in the front hall was moved to the back hall where little light is needed and it is more in keeping with the colors and decor of that part of the house.

This was a four hour procedure for the electrician as he had to figure out how to put the chandelier together and then we had to make some decisions to see if we could adjust the height of chandelier in the front hall so even the tallest member of our family could walk under it without hitting it.

The cut for this puzzle is called "Bulbs"! How appropriate!

My Accuquilt GO Cutter

2012-01-28T09:43:00.004-06:00

With a price too good to pass up I ordered an Accuquilt GO! fabric cutter a week ago today. I was told it would take 2-6 weeks for it to come in.
Imagine my surprise when I got a phone call yesterday - just 6 days after I ordered it letting me know it was in.
Since I already was planning on a trip to pick up other sewing supplies I was able to pick it up.

I got out my box of scraps and immediately read the directions and tried it.
So far I have just used the die that is included with it.

I was surprised I had such an assortment of fabrics in my scrap box and that many of them were fat quarters or coordinated groups of fabrics.

This is SO much fun! I can't wait to try and cut pieces from some of my fused fabrics too!

I feel a lot of simple quilts coming on!

And to think, it all started when I was asked to review a book!

Waste Not, Want Not - Scrubbies!

2012-01-27T10:06:00.004-06:00

Perhaps you saw the dish towel I posted recently that I knit with scraps of cotton yarn a friend gave me.
I used the remaining yarn to knit these scrubbies. There are 3 different types of yarn in this photos and it will be interesting to see which work the best when cleaning dishes and pots and pans.

The pattern for the scrubbies was one I found on Pinterest.
I hope this link will get you to the directions to make them:
http://crochetpatternsonly.blogspot.com/2005_05_16_crochetpatternsonly_archive.html

I enjoy crocheting but there are not a lot of crocheted items I want. This was a way to do a little crocheting.

Knitting is more my thing, and there are so many things I have on my list to knit!

Christmas Brunch - Recipe and Menu

2012-01-26T11:50:00.001-06:00

I know Christmas is long past, but this is the first chance I have had to edit my photos and write the recipe for our traditional family brunch recipe.
My grandson Blake wanted me to teach him how to make this. I had planned on letting him help me but he was in New York playing his trombone in the Pin Stripe Bowl.
I have had other requests for the recipe too so I hope those of you who wanted it will find this post!

For 7 hungry people you will need:
One pound Oscar Meyer regular sliced bacon
1 pound fresh mushrooms,sliced
4 Tablespoons butter
28 ounce package frozen OreIda Potatoes O'Brien
16 eggs
2 T water
8 ounces grated cheddar cheese
Lawry's seasoned salt

1. Cut bacon into 1 inch segments and fry until crisp.

2. Remove from fry pan and set aside.

3. Fry mushrooms in the bacon grease that is left in the pan.
4. Brown mushrooms so they are cooked al dente. Remove from pan and set aside.

5. Add butter to the remaining grease in pan.

6. Put entire package of Potatoes O'Brien in the pan.

7. Cook until potatoes are crispy and brown on the outside and cooked on the inside.

8 Put bacon and mushrooms back in the frying pan.

9. Mix eggs and water until well combined.

10. Pour eggs over potato mixture.

11. Season with Lawry's seasoned salt.

12. Stir and turn mixture and let eggs cook until set and done.

13. Sprinkle cheese on top and stir into mixture.

14. Cook until cheese is melted.

15. Serve to your hungry guests. Complete the meal with the rest of the menu.

16. We make a fruit salad by starting with a can of some type of fruit cocktail. We cut up and add whatever fruit we have on hand. We always use this bowl to serve it.

17. We mix cranberry juice and orange juice half and half and serve it from this pitcher.

18. We always serve some sort of pastry - either home made or from the bakery. Since we now have a German bakery in town that makes Danish Kringle we chose Turtle and Cherry Kringle to complete the menu.

This year we also learned it can be refrigerated and reheated and is just as good. We took out a portion for Blake who arrived the next day and he said it was every bit as good as fresh.

This is also a great thing to serve anytime you have a group for brunch. It would make an excellent Easter brunch too.

Enjoy!

The Quilting Connection Is Alive And Well In The Villages

2012-01-23T08:57:00.008-06:00

Last night my friend Beth and I had the pleasure of attending a reception for Debbie Jones at her friend Donna's home in The Villages.
What a lovely group of quilters we met.

I was so glad to meet Donna. What a lovely creative person. I am sure she will be someone to watch with her quilting as she gets even more involved in it.
She is also a fabulous creative cook. Look at the presentation of her lollipop style cupcakes on a stick! Fabulous.

When I walked in I was immediately struck by this fantastic quilt she had on her wall. I believe it was done with the Nine degree circle wedge ruler. It was so striking.

Then she called my attention to the valances on her windows on the adjoining wall and the fabric was the same one. How clever is that!

The trend today in quilting often is how much can I do to one quilt. I am a firm believer that often the simplest things, well designed, are the best. This is a perfect example of that. It also is an excellent and judicious use of fabric to enhance the decorating style and showcase other items in the area.

In case you don't see what is happening - the entire quit is cut from just this one fabric reversing the sections so that light and dark alternate around the quilt. I didn't see this when I first viewed it from closeup, even though I thought it was extremely attractive. When I stepped back into the next room it became apparent to me.

It was so good to have a chance to chat with Debbie and of course we caught up on our visits to New Mexico with our mutual friend Sue and got updated with what is happening in her life. There are some people who come into your life and you want to keep them forever. Debbie is one of them and Donna is another I hope to remain in touch with.

I also look forward to seeing many of the new people I met again - what a vibrant enthusiastic group.

An all star puzzle for an all star hostess!

The Villages Quilt Market - A Great Adventure

2012-01-22T09:50:00.007-06:00

The Villages hosted a Quilt Market yesterday and today. This was their off year for their quilt show and they came up with this great idea. There were over 50 vendors there with quilt and other fiber related items.
What a great idea.
You may know I collect "tasteful" flamingo things! I found all of these items and they came from several different vendors. I have no idea how I will use them, but I will enjoy looking at them and coming up with ways to use them.

I bought this Dovo scissors from Debbie Jones.
Debbie invented an original technique she teaches called "Fabric Decollage". You would swear you are looking at a fine art painting when you see her work. She uses these scissors for the cleanest sharpest cuts.
You can find her store on line and get your own scissors at:
http://www.debbiejones.com/Store.html
Take some time and enjoy looking around her site so you can see her art and her hand painted and hand dyed fabrics which also are art.
YES, she does offer items for sale online and also is a great teacher if your guild is looking for something unique and wonderful.

I also purchased this kit from Lily Ann Stitches.

Lori Kabat came all the way from Wisconsin to be a vendor at the market. She creates felted wool projects and sells them either as a pattern or a kit.
Fall is my favorite season and I love wool so that is why I chose this project. Having it as a kit is a big time saver as I have everything I needed. I also bought the threads to complete it from her.
You can visit her website at:
http://lilyannastitches.com/
You can order either her kits or patterns online and you might also be lucky enough to find them in your local quilt shop. You just might be lucky enough to see one of her trunk shows at your local quilt shop or show.

Her projects are something even a novice can complete and are so appealing. A kit is a great travel project as the size is packable and the materials are all there for you. Most of us don't have time to hunt down the materials we need for a project when we are in the frenzy of packing for a trip.

And now........DRUM ROLL PLEASE............
The one thing I coveted but didn't purchase:

It was the most gorgeous metallic magenta machine I have ever seen. It had tasteful sparkles in the paint. I don't know what you call that technique but I have seen it on cars that have been painted with many coats of paint.

If you'd like to buy this machine, a featherweight in any color, have your featherweight painted or need repairs, reconditioning or parts for your featherweight this is the man to get in touch with:
http://theoldsewingmachineman.com/

It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon and be able to see and shop for such a variety of items all in one place.

Quilted Curves & Strips With the Accuquilt GO! Book Review

2012-01-21T11:51:00.004-06:00

I had little interest in the Accuquilt until I read this book.

There are endless possibilities of things you can do with this.

One of my favorite is the Scrappy Braid.

I did not realize you could piece units and recut them to form new shapes.

It is particularly useful for shapes that are difficult to cut accurately with a rotary cutter.

Guess what I am buying today?

Color - Pinterist Why Do You Show Me These Things?

2012-01-19T11:28:00.003-06:00

I have been pinning things to Pinterest for almost a month now.

Is Pinterist a waste of time or a chance to be able to find things I loved?

I found this pattern for a knit dishcloth using small pieces of left over cotton Sugar n Cream yarn. A friend had given me a bag of her leftover yarns with pieces ranging from about 20" up to about 2/3 of a skein.

This was the perfect project to use them up and use them up I did!

I enjoyed doing this and it was almost mindless relaxing knitting, but I probably could have had a good start on or finished another sock in the same amount of time.

I am not a pastel person, but there is something about these colors and the way they work together that is mesmerizing.

I still have to work in all the ends but that too will be a good wataching TV project.

In this closeup you can see the texture of the stitch I used. I do love that too and it was one of those things you could do by memory after the first few rows. Not only was it an easy stitch to do, but because of the pattern of the stitch and the multiple colors used it does not show mistakes. In case you didn't know, I am still working on my word for 2010 - which was IMPERFECTION!

I thought this made an interesting puzzle.

Quilt Number 362

2012-01-16T10:32:00.006-06:00

This is a lap sized quilt I finished yesterday. It is simple, yet striking with only 6 fabrics.

The color scheme came from the backing fabric.

I was able to resize this and adapt it as a puzzle!

I backed it with Polar Fleece.
There is no batting.
The Polar Fleece makes a warm quilt and it is not slippery so it stays where you put it.

I have also done the same thing with children's quilts and they love to snuggle under them.

I Would Really Appreciate It If You Would Vote For My Quilt

2012-01-14T22:24:00.006-06:00

I have entered my quilt "In Living Color" in this contest.
The winner will be chosen by popular vote and I'd be honored if you would go to this link and vote for my quilt.

Scroll down to see my quilt.

Votes must be entered before midnight on January 25th.

Thank you so much.

Just click on this link to get to the voting page.

https://apps.facebook.com/offerpop/Contest.psp?c=59778&u=15957&a=255558194495800&p=73173250093&rest=0&v=View

You may have to choose to like Aurifil threads and allow them to access your Facebook information to vote? Wish that wasn't required.

The best quilt may not be the winner - the quilt by someone with the most Facebook friends may win?

I am not sure whether or not you have to even be on Facebook to vote?

They have not make this clear to the entrants.

I am going to attempt to find out.

A Wonderful Reconnection With Long Lost Friends

2012-01-13T18:58:00.004-06:00

What a treat to have friends I haven't seen for at least 50 years visit.

Like so many of my friends from school, life got in the way and we lost track of each other quite some time ago.
Marilyn found me on Facebook and she had been reading my blog. I was so excited to reconnect with her and even more so when she told me they'd be in the area in January. They arrived yesterday afternoon.

We had a lot of catching up to do. We will not wait 50 years to see each other again.

They left this morning to head further south where I hope they'll find warmer weather than what I could offer them today!

Yes, there are no friends like long time friends!

Family Gift Christmas Time and Pizza Fondue - 2

2012-01-11T11:12:00.012-06:00

Life got in my way and I am very late with this post about the other half of the family.

Over 20 years ago I made these shirts for my husband and myself. They still look like new. It pays to use good quality fabrics when you sew.
My son Greg and my granddaughter Jessica wore them for our gift time and pizza fondue dinner.

Jessica and her brothers Jared and Nicholas are clowning around before we open gifts.

Jessica shows her Santa ornament.

Nicholas shares his Santa ornament.

Jared is studying his Hummel figurine he received. He is always reading so I felt this was quite appropriate for him. He let me know that what he reads is not a German language newspaper which is what this Hummel figurine features!

Blake, like his Uncle Jeff, seems to think his Santa is an earring! Blake missed the pizza fondue dinner. He was in New York City playing his trombone in the Iowa State Marching Band at for the Pin Stripe Bowl. He arrived in Wisconsin on the morning of January 31st so he could join the family for his cousins New Years Eve wedding.

Julie is admiring her Mrs. Santa ornament.

Greg is wondering why I gave him a Santa who is sitting on top of the world?
Maybe that is because I think of him as being on top of the world as he flies so often!

I have only shared the Santa gifts, but this year included Handmade Bear Of the Month ornaments, beer steins, golf towels, rings, jewelry, and many other pieces of family memorabilia.

Potato Chip Quilt - A Decorating Flair

2012-01-10T09:54:00.002-06:00

I received this photo of one of the things Lindly Haunani made from my Potato Chip tutorial.

This is what she had to say about her project:
Thank you for sharing the Potato chip quilt "recipe" with me. I got a little carried away - I was afraid I wouldn't have enough yardage for my planned project which was to cover my rolling drawers in my studio area. I went through my fabric stash cutting strips and setting aside the extras. Once I amassed a collection of of strips, I sorted them by color and began assembling the piece. I prepared a gift package of extra strips and fabrics that didn't fit into the rainbow idea and mailed them off to Dayle Doroshow so she could use them in her fabric collages.

So, Now I have Potato Chip- for twelve feet of drawers, a queen sized bed and a ruffled vanity cover.

Lindly is a foremost Polymer Clay artist and behind her "curtain" are drawers full of her polymer clay suppplies.

It is so much fun seeing what how people have been taking my tutorial and running with it - in so many different directions.

Potato Chip Quilt 2 - It's Quilted!

2012-01-09T10:42:00.002-06:00

I decided how to quilt this and the quilting was finished in one day. It only took part of the day as I spent quite some time knitting another hat.

I used medium gray thread and quilted it in vertical lines.
The batting was Pellon Fusible polyester fleece. I fuse this to the back of the pieced quilt and then pin the backing to it to complete the sandwich.

I used a walking foot on my machine which allowed me to quilt without wrinkles forming.

I'm very pleased with it. The only thing left is to add the facings and casing and it will be done.

I thought this was perfect for a puzzle!

Potato Chip Quilt - A New Angle

2012-01-05T12:05:00.002-06:00

I received this photo of Nancy's Potato Chip Quilt.

What creativity. She took my directions and flew with them.
I love it when people can be so creative.

I believe she calls it "Carnival".

She had carried the fabrics through into a border too.

Is there no end to where this tutorial can take you?
I am waiting for the photo of YOUR quilt!

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T14:29:00.002-06:00

I hope your year will be the best yet!

We rang in the New Year at Jenny and Sam's wedding.

Australia Checking In - Potato Chip Quilt

2011-12-29T10:18:00.003-06:00

I received this photo this morning from Cassandra Philpot from Australia.

It is her version from my tutorial for creating a Potato Chip Quilt.

The addition of a double spacer - both green and yellow - take this from being a ho hum quilt to a WOW quilt.

As you can see it is bed size. Notice she has added a border to this which is a great finishing touch for a bed quilt.

She also mentioned she has made several others as have the members of her group, the Queanbeyan Quilters.

I am always pleased to receive photos of things I have posted tutorials for as it makes me realize it was worth my time to write them and people really do use them.

Family Gift Christmas Time and Pizza Fondue -1

2011-12-28T11:32:00.006-06:00

This is the first group of photos of one of our newest family traditions.
We gather for Pizza Fondue - an old family recipe.
After we eat I gift each family member with various family memorabilia and other meaningful items.

When my son Jeff opened this he was a little confused! He thought this was an earring!

Heidi is enjoying her Santa ornament. She is wearing another gift - a necklace that belonged to her Great Grandma Sorensen.

Somehow I missed getting a photo of Dana with her Santa ornament. She is showing her University of Wisconsin ornament. She is a Junior at Madison and will be enjoying seeing the Badgers play in the Rose Bowl in California this year.

Jeffrey's Santa ornament is a perfect Father Christmas.

Kierstin is wondering why she got a Santa with a tennis racquet? She is one of my first grandchildren to be able to enjoy the new tennis courts at the local high school.

Cooper is smiling as he sees his Santa ornament.

Because I no longer do the BIG tree with the Radko and other glass ornaments each year I am sharing them with my family.
In case you haven't guessed, the theme for the ornaments this year was SANTA!

My Christmas Card To You

2011-12-25T09:00:00.000-06:00

I hope you have a warm and wonderful Christmas with those you love.

Enjoy putting this puzzle together, whether you do it on Christmas or later.

Merry ChristmaSocks

2011-12-24T09:58:00.005-06:00

I finished knitting this pair of socks about 2 weeks ago but I saved the reveal to show you until today - Christmas Eve day.
I plan on wearing these later today.

This is the second pair I knit that turned out.

I have been wearing the first pair and they are perfect for our 32 degree weather here.

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

I forgot that you were waiting for a Christmas present. Here is your puzzle to entertain you and keep you warm!

Could You Do Me A Favor?

2011-12-23T09:56:00.002-06:00

I need a small favor... if it's not too much trouble.
I am going away on vacation and I need someone to come
over to water my plants while I am gone.

In the hot weather they'll probably need water twice a day.
Thanks a lot. I'll send you a postcard.
I've attached a photo for your reference (see below).

THE LADDER IS IN THE GARAGE

Colors of Christmas

2011-12-21T09:34:00.006-06:00

I love being able to enjoy the Christmas colors around Florida.

When the holidays are over and our pointsettias start to look like they are on their last legs, we plant them outside and get absolutely beautiful plants for several years until we are hit by a hard freeze.
This is in my neighbors back yard.

This is just one of the three "bushes" growing in their yard. They have grown to this glory without any help.

Although these aren't what we think of as Christmas plants, when I saw the colors I immediately thought what a gorgeous Christmas planting.

Hopefully we will not get a hard freeze this season and they will all survive.

Oh Christmas Tree, Huge Christmas Tree

2011-12-20T09:49:00.004-06:00

When my friend Betty and I went horse hunting, we were in awe of the size of this Christmas tree on the square in Ocala.

Can you imagine decorating a tree this size?

This photo of the gazebo on the square was taken from across the street where the Brick City horse was located.

When I posted the first horse photos on the Town Square I got a message from my friend Mary Nolan in North Carolina. Her late son Dick was an engineer for the city of Ocala and designed the town square. Next time I visit Ocala I'll share more pictures.

This puzzle is especially for Mary, Robin and all of you who have remained nameless to me who are addicted to my puzzles!

Horse Fever

2011-12-16T08:40:00.006-06:00

Ten years ago Ocala, Florida did an exhibit of painted and decorated horses, much like similar projects of various animals around the country and abroad.
I LOVE those types of things.
This year they repeated it with 27 fantastic horses.

Yesterday we set out to go "horse hunting" to find as many of the 27 horses as we could. Our information was incomplete and they had already been sold to various businesses and individuals so many were not easily found.

We did find the 4 from the first Horse Fever a decade ago on the square. Then we found a few more in that general area.
The ones I'm showing on this blog post are from the current herd.

Broken Beauty was just a block off of the town square.

This "Quarter Horse" was covered with quarters and the artist also painted quarters on it.

"Brick City" was directly across from the square facing the square. It was our favorite of the horses we were able to locate.

This is the other side of Brick City.

I hope to spend another day horse hunting and find a few more.

If you enjoyed this post let me know as I have more photos and some closeups I can post at another time.

Is This The Real Santa?

2011-12-14T09:16:00.004-06:00

My friend Beth Sherman makes the most fantastic Santas.
I have purchased two for gifts for friends this Christmas.
When I saw this one yesterday I had to have it for myself.

I have a feeling he will be traveling to Wisconsin to spend the holidays where it is colder!

His coat and hat are velvet and I believe they are trimmed in maribou?

My friend Ethel made this really wonderful personal red work towel for me. On it I am industriously hand quilting on of my quilts in my floor hoop. I usually expect people to use the pretty towels I hang in the kitchen or bath, but this one will be "hands off"!

I have the most talented friends.

Our Quilt Art group met at my house yesterday since our usual meeting place was being used by someone else.

I am only sorry I did not take photos of all the wonderful things each person brought to show and share. There were some absolutely amazing things made by my amazing friends.

I promise to do better at that in the future.

It's Looking Like A Quilt May Be Happening!

2011-12-12T09:11:00.004-06:00

When I posted some of these fabrics I had dyed a few days ago I liked what I saw.
I also realized I would have to dye some more fabric to make it work as a quilt.

This weekend I dyed two more vats of fabric - one Loden and one Chino.

The fabrics I've added to this are from both of the vats.

As soon as I looked at the picture as I was writing this post I could see some places that needed changing. This picture shows it with those changes.

This does give you some insight in how I design - although I work many different ways when designing something.

It still needs more tweaking and possibly additions, corrections or take aways.
This is the stage where I need to study it to decide what to do. That usually takes days or even longer.

Tangerine Tango - Clothing I Have Made

2011-12-11T09:46:00.005-06:00

So many people seem surprised that Tangerine Tango was picked at the top of the Color Forecast for 2012.

As I look back I realize I also have been making clothing with it for many years and also buying clothing in the exact color.

I made this pleated wool skirt and vest in the late 50's. It would be right in style for 2012 - both colorwise and style wise.

OHHHHHHH, pretty polyester double knits - I would guess I made it over 35 years ago. I felt so great when I wore this halter dress. I can hand this down to my great great great grandchildren as the fabric will never wear out!

I would guess I made this body suit about 25-30 years ago as that is when they came into style to prevent blouses pulling out and looking messy. The hat was made to match a raincoat that has long since disappeared. I felt I needed something BRIGHT on those rainy cloudy Wisconsin days.

A friend of mine called this "The Safety Patrol Dress". This was made about 30 or more years ago when color blocking was big.

Yes, what comes around goes around. Some say fashion repeats itself in 20-25 year cycles and these fashions would certainly go along with that statement.

Tangerine Tango - 2012 Top Color Forecast

2011-12-10T09:18:00.006-06:00

Pantone has selected Tangerine Tango (17-1463) as it's top color for 2012.

I do so love that color. I'd like to share two of the quilts I've used it in.

This is quilt 15 from the Colors Of My Life series.

This is Colors Of My Life number 7.

I feel like I am always a little ahead of the pack in my use of color as these quilt were finished in 1994 and 1995!

I think I have made at least 20 quilts that use Tangerine Tango.

Scarves - I'm Knitting!

2011-12-09T10:20:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday evening I got an email from one of my sisters asking it I could knit some scarves for the Soujerner Truth House in Milwaukee. I said I'd try but wouldn't promise as I had so many irons in the fire.

Well, within 5 minutes I found yarn and started a scarf.

This was the first one I knit. It is a textured bulky yarn with a little bit of sparkle from the turquoise I added. I love this and wouldn't mind wearing it myself.

For the second scarf I also used the bulky yarn with one with a little sparkle, but this time the colors were closer to each other. I also wouldn't mind wearing this one.

I made them long enough so they can wrap them around their neck for warmth or just let hang loose for a fashionable look.

I am sending them to my sister in Milwaukee to add to the 20 she is doing, the 4 my other sister is doing and hopefully many more that other friends will be knitting so that if there are 40 ladies there they will each get one.

Hand Dyed Fabrics - NEW

2011-12-06T08:23:00.002-06:00

I dyed more fabrics yesterday.
These are a few of my favorite results.

Almost looks like Christmas with the reds and greens!

I thought these made a great puzzle.

Victorian Tea - Posts 1-4 Rerun

2011-12-04T13:37:00.004-06:00

The Victorian Tea in our community was so lovely and nostalgic.
I am sharing all 4 parts that were previously posted in this one post.
I hope you enjoy it.

Today the Tequila Rose Tea club in our community held their Christmas Tea. The theme lent itself to some lovely decorations and table settings.
I would like to share some of them with you.

It would have been very difficult to pick a favorite as there were so many absolutely gorgeous tables.

Many of the tables had so many wonderful ideas and I will be sharing more details soon.

This is another lovely table setting.

The colors on this table were unique and beautiful.

It is good that there is no voting for the best table settings as it would be impossible to pick a favorite.
The ladies at the tea lent a true Victorian elegance to the event.

My calendar says it is 2010 but looking at this elegant lady I'd almost be fooled into thinking it is the 1890's.

Not only do you see another elegant lady, but in the background is one of the Tea Pourers, property attired!

The real Santa Claus was also in attendance.

This is a very Victorian wreath.

It is a tradition to take a photo of all the table hostesses at each tea. This is a most elegant group.

Each tea has a goup of ladies who keep everyone's tea cup full. Their attire is always appropriate for the theme.

Each course is served by the men who volunteer as butlers. I think they enjoy themselves as much as the guests at the tea.

I am always fascinated by the creativity of the individual place settings.

Another lovely place setting.

And one last place setting for you to enjoy.

For this tea ALL the chairs had white covers. The hostesses used a lot of very creative ways to decorate the backs of the chairs to coordinate with their tables.

It looks like the bow on this chair is made with tulle.

This chair back's deep burgundy ribbon reads very Victorian to me.

This one uses doilies in a very creative way.

Here we see a wreath and tulle for the decoration.

It is amazing that there are so many different ways to decorate the backs of chairs and have them co-ordinate with the table settings.

The tea was really a visual feast. The food was fantastic as always.

Santa's Christmas Stocking and Candy Cane Dreams - Rerun

2011-12-03T14:08:00.000-06:00

In our community we have a club called Tequila Rose Tea Club. Each year the club sponsors a Spring Tea and a Christmas Tea. They are such festive happenings.
Ladies volunteer to set a table that represents the theme for that particular tea.

Each table has a hostess who sets the table and a butler. The men in the community serve as butlers and serve the food for each course of the tea. There are 4 courses and the tea ends with a Tequila Rose liquor toast.

In addition to the butlers several of the ladies serve as tea pourers and circulate and keep your tea cup full.

This table did not use the typical reds and greens. It was just lovely.

This table did an excellent job of representing the theme and no detail was left out.

She had full chair covers decorated with the candy canes.

This is a closer view of her lavish centerpiece.

Here is another table that interpreted the theme in a very creative way.

As you can guess the limited number of tickets available for this event sell out immediately. I did not get a ticket this year. The room is open for those of us who didn't get tickets to come in and view the tables and decorations 45 minutes before the tea. In the past I have served as a hostess twice. It is something I have enjoyed doing.
It is also one of the few times we get a chance to really dress up and many of the ladies also wear hats.

I chose this centerpiece as my puzzle for tonight. Enjoy!

Fiber Artist's Offerings for Christmas Gifts

2011-12-02T10:54:00.005-06:00

I know there are many Fiber Artists offering items for sale on the internet.
I am sharing three who's work I admire with you.

Don't hesitate if you find something that appeals to you as these are one of a kind and when they are sold there are no more just like it.

These artists have have some exceptional pieces at very affordable prices.

Collages ready for framing at very affordable prices:
http://windyhillsfiberartshop.blogspot.com/

Mary does some really exciting things with beads and fabric.
http://www.marystorishop.blogspot.com/

You can not look at a piece done by Melody without feeling happy!
http://fibermania2.blogspot.com/

Take some time and browse these sites so you can order something for yourself or a gift and have it in plenty of time for Christmas.

Jan Myers Newbury Class - My Work 8

2011-12-02T08:02:00.005-06:00

This is the last installment showing the work I did in Jan's class.
If you look at 1-8 you can see how much I accomplished in this one week class.
We actually only dyed fabric for 4 days as the last day was set aside for design work.
If you think I created a lot of pieces, I want you to know I was one of the slower students in the class and many created a lot more than I did.

So without further ado - here are the last 5 pieces.

If you think a lot of these look very similar it is because I was trying to create a coordinated group of fabrics with the pieces in My Work 5-8. They definitely have a coordinated look. But, they ended up too busy to use together with nothing else added for a place to rest your eyes.

Since my design was already in my head and waiting for my fabrics to be washed out, I used the time that last day to roll 7 more pieces to dye when I was at home. I did complete them this week and you will see them in due time.

Once I started dying fabric it got me in the mood to do more so I have been rolling more fabric and when all my poles are used I will do another batch of dyeing - on a day when it is warmer than today!

I've fit this rolling of the poles between my quilting and knitting. (Of course occasionally I also clean, straighten the house, do paper work, cook, socialize, shop and spend a little time on the computer - not necessarily in that order!).

Jan Myers Newbury Class - My Work 7

2011-11-30T11:22:00.003-06:00

I now have more work to share with you from Jan's class.

Again, photos only and no words!

Potato Chip Quilt 2 - Process

2011-11-29T08:27:00.009-06:00

I basically used the same process to create this as I did for the original Potato Chip Quilt or Sunrise - Sunset Quilt.
You can find the original tutorial here:

http://quiltspluscolor.blogspot.com/2011/04/sunrise-sunset-quilt-tutorial.html

This is a brief picture story of how I created Potato Chip Quilt 2.

I started with these fabrics which were already cut into small pieces and were 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide.

I sewed them all together in one long strip, alternating the colored pieces with the black/gray pieces.

I then sewed the long strip together aligning the two ends.

Seam 2 was sewn by folding the ends to meet and stitching them together.

Seam 3 was done the same way.

Seam 4 created this finished top.

It you can't follow this brief explanation of this quilt, refer to the original directions and it should all make sense.

I'd love to see the quilt you create with either the original tutorial or these brief step by step pictures.

Potato Chip Quilt 2

2011-11-28T11:00:00.004-06:00

When I finished the first Potato Chip quilt I knew I wanted to do another but with a different twist.

Yes, it is addictive and while I was making it I also ATE potato chips!!!!!!
I would portion out a small amount of chips in a bowl, eat them and continue with what I was doing.

The biggest problem was just like potato chips you can't eat just ONE (bowl) so I had about 3 bowls while finishing the piecing yesterday. fortunately it was only a small bowl!

It is hanging on my design wall while I decide how I want to quilt it. I like a quilt to incubate while I decide the BEST way to quilt it. I don't rush this process. However when I have made the decision I want to do the quilting ASAP!

It does not look at all like the other one, but the overall technique was the same. I'll share how I created it in a later post.

Jan Myers Newbury Class - My Work 6

2011-11-26T10:08:00.004-06:00

It has been a while since I posted my work from Jan's class but I have not forgotten about it.
Today's blog showcases 5 more of the pieces I did in the class.
No words necessary as each image is "worth a thousand words"!

I am including a puzzle for all of you who love doing my puzzles.

First Thanksgivings!

2011-11-24T10:27:00.009-06:00

There are so many things I am thankful for.

Family and friends are at the top of my list and I have shared many photos and stories along the way.

Since I can't begin to tell you about all of the things I am thankful for I will share some eclectic "firsts"!

This is the first TV we owned over 50 years ago. It was also the best design and would be right at home in any today's mid century modern or Scandinavian home.
Although there have been many others since then, I will always remember this one the most fondly.

This was the first Thanksgiving the "men" celebrated watching TV in my new studio. My son brought over a big screen TV and set it up and they were in football heaven!

This is my friend Sally. She was the first person I met when we moved to Ohio. We were out of touch for almost 40 years and recently reconnected. I spent Thanksgiving with her family last year for the first time and will again today.

Wishing you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving.

A Visit From My Son And Grandson

2011-11-22T07:54:00.004-06:00

My long time blog readers know I take a photo when guests arrive in front of the quilt on the wall and they each receive a flamingo necklace from me.

My grandson and son arrived a few days ago from Minnesota. They flew from Minnesota where the roads were snow covered and hazardous with traffic moving about 10 miles an hour.

I don't think they realized they didn't need these warm clothes in Florida where the temperature was 80 degrees!

By the time they left to drive back to Minnesota they were wearing short sleeve T-shirts. I hope they kept those warm jackets accessible as they are going to need them as they travel north.

I was a great visit and we accomplished so much while they were here. On a future blog post I'll be sharing one of our projects with you.

Hers and His!

2011-11-17T11:12:00.006-06:00

What is different (besides the models) in this photo???????

Don't peak at the comments before you figure it out.

Jan Myers Newbury Class - My Work 5

2011-11-16T10:25:00.004-06:00

I have more pieces to show you today.
These use mostly the same colors with the exception of the last one which only uses one of the colors that appears in all of the pieces.

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For those of you who enjoy doing my puzzles I've included one today. Have fun - it's a pretty easy one.

Jan Myers Newbury Class - My Work 4

2011-11-15T09:14:00.007-06:00

I have more of my work from the class to share with you today.

These pieces have more than one color.
What you previously saw were all work done with only one color.

Each of the above pieces were done with the same colors. The patterns I created were similar, but not at all identical.

It is always exciting to unwrap a piece and see the design that I created.

There can be some planning involved, but much of what happens can also be serendipitous.

I guess my middle name should be Serendipitous!

SOCKS - Identical Twins!

2011-11-14T16:39:00.005-06:00

We interrupt this post about my results in Jan's class to share the most exciting thing that has happened to me in a long time!

I finished my second sock today and it is the same size as the first. I weighed them and they are within a fraction of a gram of each other. There is enough yarn left over to knit a third sock, but I will save it for some other project.

Now that I know I can do it, I am raring to go on the next pair. I'll cast on for that pair this evening.

The yarn I used is Sophie's Toes from Emily Parson in the color Christmas Lights.

For those of you who wonder what the big deal is I have to tell you I knit another pair previously. Not ony were they too big, but they were not the same size.

If these look slightly different it is because of the camera angle and the fact that I haven't blocked them yet.

Jan Myers Newbury Class - My Work 3

2011-11-14T07:44:00.003-06:00

I got an early start today and I am ready to share more of MY WORK from Jan's class.

Again - not words - just the eye candy!

I haven't forgot those of you who love to do my puzzles - a challenging one with my favorite cut. Of course I had to pick lizards for this green piece as it is the colors of the lizards that live outside of and sometimes on the lanai!

Jan Myers Newbury Class - My Work 2

2011-11-13T12:35:00.006-06:00

I have more pictures of some of the pieces I created in Jan's class.

I will not be making any comments about them - just remember one picture is worth a thousand words!

Stay tuned as there will be more coming!

We Love Our Veterans - 11/11/11

2011-11-11T14:24:00.003-06:00

This is the view as you look down our street on this sunny crisp day.
Many of my neighbors have served in the Armed Forces and we all appreciate the sacrifice they have made so we can live in a free country.

Jan Myers Newbury Class - My Work

2011-11-10T13:25:00.007-06:00

Someone asked to see "MY WORK" from the class.
I decided to photograph the individual pieces and I'll be sharing them all with you on this and subsequent posts.

I will not be describing each piece - just showing you the eye candy.

If you'd like to see more just come back again soon to see the next ones I post.

A Wonderful Friends Connection Along The Highway South

2011-11-08T09:09:00.013-06:00

After leaving my cousin Mary's family in Cincinnati I headed to Tennessee to visit my friends Joan and Rich.

It had been 4 1/2 years since we had seen each other but we picked up right were we left off.
We recalled fond memories and also updated each other on our lives and families.
Joan cooked a delicious dinner the night I arrived.

For years we traveled to many places with Joan and Rich and Sharon and Fred. I never realized how unique this was as we all were so compatible. I could write many many blog posts about the trips we took, but that was years ago and this blog is now!

On Tuesday the weather was perfect. We went for a pontoon boat ride around the lake they live on.
The fall colors were at their peak.

The large house you see is the one they built but have since sold.
Since then they have renovated and sold several others.
Their current home is so lovely and guest friendly.

Joan definitely has a green thumb. All of these hydrangea photos are flowers from the same bush. There were also other colors I am not showing you.

Tuesday evening they treated me to dinner at the Catfish Cabin.

The food was delicious and the portions generous. We each took home over half of our meal.

Wednesday morning it was hard to say goodbye. I am hoping they will decide to visit Florida this winter and we can have a reunion with Fred and Sharon.

I left a little before 9 Wednesday morning.

I arrived at Seldom Inn at 6:30 p.m. and uttered the familiar words "Honey, I'm Home" and have been settling in since then.

A Wonderful Family Connection Along The Highway Leading South

2011-11-06T09:46:00.011-06:00

After I left Baltimore, Ohio and my Jan Myers Newbury class I headed south to Cincinnati, Ohio.

My destination was my cousin's home. We had lost touch almost 40 years ago. With the aid of Facebook we are now connected again and will keep in touch.

This is my cousin Mary and her daughter Margie.
It was through Margie I was able to reconnect with Mary as Mary was not on Facebook.
Fortunately their last name is not extremely common.

One of the highlights of my trip was 2 visits to see my Aunt Catherine (Kate). She recently celebrated her 95th birthday. She is just as sweet and pleasant as she was the last time I saw her which was almost 50 years ago.
She was also able to add some information on a table I have that was made by my dad or one of his brothers in Manual Training class a long long time ago. She thought it was made by my Uncle Charlie which makes sense to me.

Mary and her husband Glenn took me for a wonderful tour of Cincinnati.

They are standing in front of the fountain at The Overlook, a most impressive structure with a most impressive view of Cincinnati.

This is the view we were treated to when we climbed to the very top of The Overlook.

This is the apartment Mary lived in when she and Glenn met almost 50 years ago. It is in a very trendy area of Cincinnati with many restaurants, bars, and shops.

A view of the sports complex and freeways downtown.

We were greated by this pig as we entered the Montgomery Inn on the Ohio River for dinner. The view from our window table was spectacular.
My ribs were the very best I have every had anywhere. My mouth is watering as I tell you this!

It was an amazing two days and I am sharing only a small part of the visit.

I fell in love with Cincinnati and I'm sure part of it was because of an excellent tour by two of the very best ambassadors for their beloved city.

I hope I have a chance to return soon.

Jan Myers Newbury Class Results - continued 3

2011-11-05T09:14:00.006-05:00

Today I am sharing some of the final projects from the class. This does not mean these are exactly how they are going to look as class members study them, possibly change them and then sew them together.

Donna from Canada is standing beside her final project on her design wall.

Elizabeth with her final project

Pauline with her final project

This is Judy's final project.

And last, but not least, a puzzle for all my puzzled friends!

Jan Myers Newbury Class Results - continued 2

2011-11-04T09:31:00.006-05:00

This blog post shares a variety of different things from the class, all exciting and beautiful.

This is an example Jan did that shows techniques she taught us all in the class. Of course I am not at liberty to share these methods and techniques with you.
If Jan teaches this class anywhere within 5000 miles of you, take the class. It will be worth your time. This class is great for both the experienced and the new dyer.

Here are two poles wrapped and ready for a dip.

The soft patterns and colors in this piece by one of the students in the class create a very elegant work of art.

This composition by B Fredette meets my criteria of great art. It could hang anywhere and be a positive addition to the surroundings.

Jan Myers Newbury Class Results - continued

2011-11-02T10:33:00.007-05:00

I had hoped to post these results from the class sooner.
I did not have internet access while I traveled after the class.
On arriving in Florida I was told my ISP might not be able to furnish service this year.
What a relief when I finally got service two days ago.
It took another day before I got phone service.
Then my computer started acting up and at 1 a.m. today I was on the phone with my son and he was able to tell me what to do to solve the problem.
I hope this is the happy ending to this story for a long, long time!

Since it has been almost two weeks since our class ended I am going to do my best to share some work by others in the class and hope I get things correct.

This is Kathy Alles's final design project. Her fabrics had such great textures and design they didn't need small pieces to create a strong graphic image. She produced a lot of really interesting unique work in the short span of the 4 days we dyed fabric.

I LOVE the colors and patterns in the fabrics Brenda Jennings created. This is her composition for her final project. A very valuable learning experience in this class was Jan's help with composition and design.

This is Brenda's composition after it had been reworked with Jan's assistance and the cutting of a few pieces of her fabric.

This is Desha's composition. Her fabrics have an awesome detail that was quite labor intensive to create. This is a very elegant rich composition.

Nancy Crow's Barn - The Story

2011-10-22T16:43:00.001-05:00

The story of how the barn was moved from a neighboring farm and repurposed as Nancy's studio and class areas is fascinating.
I have photographed this article and posted it for you to read.

I have left if very large and by clicking on it you will see it in the larger size on your screen. You will have to scroll back and forth to read it, but it will be worth it.

Years ago I hoped to someday live in a repurposed barn. I eventually realized it was a fantasy, not a goal that would ever happen.

taking classes here is how I get to spend some time in the most wonderful barn I can imagine.

A Pole And A Piece Of Fabric - Day 5

2011-10-21T19:59:00.005-05:00

Today was our last day of class. I will share some photos and will continue sharing photos in the days to come when I have access to the internet.

These were just a few of the fabrics dyed by Donna from Canada. Her bright cheerful colors were just like her personality!

These were dyed by Linda, who is my neighbor in Florida. We just met at the class!

Here are just a few fabrics dyed by Linda from Michigan.

These fabrics were dyed by Mary Ellen.

I have tried to show a variety of types of patterns and colorations as each person has their own color signature.

We also were expected to design a final project, although we were not required to sew it in class.

This is my final project in progress. I will be tweaking it a little or a lot.

I'll be back with more as there is just so much to share with you.

A Pole And A Piece Of Fabric - Day 4

2011-10-20T19:17:00.004-05:00

I can't believe we have completed 4 days of class already. The time has gone so fast.
Tonight I'd like to share with you some of what I have accomplished as well as some of the work of two of the other class members.

These are the fabrics I have completed as of the end of our work day today.

These fabrics are just a few of those created by Mary Valerie Richter. (I got a message from a friend last night and I found out Mary is also a friend of hers) Small quilting world!

This is the work of Mary Porter Vaughn. She created a very strong graphic image and has done a very similar design in various colors. These are only a small part of what she has created.

Tonight's puzzle is the fabrics I have created.

A Pole And A Piece Of Fabric - Day 3

2011-10-19T18:12:00.004-05:00

Before I came to The Barn for the class I got a message from Elizabeth, one of my blog readers.
She said that she enjoyed my blog and it made her decide to come to The Barn for the class.
I was looking forward to meeting her.

These were the fabrics she has created so far. She certainly has a great color and design sense. Aren't these GREAT!
I've also enjoyed meeting her and visiting with her, what a lovely lady.

This is a closeup of some of her work. I hope you can appreciate the interesting textures she has created on these fabrics. If you would like to see a larger version of either of these just click on the picture.

Today's puzzle is the palette of colors we are working with this week.

A Pole And A Piece Of Fabric - Day 2

2011-10-18T19:20:00.005-05:00

This is the palette of dye colors we are working with in this class. Aren't they luscious?

Here Jan is explaining a new shibori technique she developed.

These are some of the fabrics I dyed today. I love them.

This is my very favorite piece of fabric I dyed today. In fact, it may be my all time favorite piece of fabric I have dyed.

Of course the food today was exceptional as usual.

A Pole And A Piece Of Fabric - Day 1

2011-10-17T20:06:00.010-05:00

We started class today.
I can not believe all the different ideas Jan has come up with for us to try.
It is going to be a great week if today was any indication. And from previous experience I know it will be - any class at the Barn is just the best.

To start the day we learned many ways to wrap the fabric around the poles. We use PVC plumbing pipe for poles. This is just one of the poles I wrapped waiting for it's turn in the dye pot.

This is the first group of dyepots being stirred by the designated stirrers.

These are my first 3 pieces of fabric and they were dyed in the first dyepots.

This was today's lunch - delicious!

We had warm freshly baked cookies for our 3 p.m. snack, along with other interesting delicious fruits, nuts and candies.

Dinner was wonderful and concluded with a blueberry dessert.

What more could a girl (or for that matter even a guy) ask for? Great company, excellent instruction, great finished product and meals to please the discriminating palate.

A Pole And A Piece Of Fabric And More

2011-10-16T19:43:00.005-05:00

Tonight we had our orientation dinner at Nancy Crow's barn before we start our week of classes.
The quilt you see here was made by Pauline Davy from fabrics she shibori dyed.
We are taking another shibori class from Jan Myers-Newbury called "A Pole And A Piece Of Fabric". I hope I produce something half as nice as this gorgeous quilt Pauline created.

Here are most of the participants who will be taking either Jan's Class or Nancy's class this week at dinner. The dinner was fantastic.

This is Margaret Wolf, our chef for the week. She is a creative cook who feeds us lunch, homemade afternoon snacks and dinner. Her cooking alone is enough to make someone become interested in fiber arts so they can come to the barn and take a class and eat Margaret's cooking. And yes, she is just as nice as she looks in this picture.

This is John, Nancy Crow and Nathaniel who have created this wonderful place we all keep coming back to for the wonderful classes and the whole farm atmosphere.

Keep watching as I share more as the week progresses. I am looking forward to it.

Why Did I Go Missing And Where Am I Now?

2011-10-15T19:32:00.005-05:00

These baskets contained the last things I shipped on eBay last Tuesday. That is one project that kept me busy, along with all the other purging and organizing of my house the past several months. That is why you have heard little from me.

I'm hoping to be back each and every night this week if the internet cooperates.

Do you know where I am when you look at these pictures? You may have seen this on someone else's blog recently and then you will know where I am!

Soc-tober in Wisconsin

2011-10-10T14:19:00.003-05:00

I decided I needed to knit a pair of warm wool socks before the weather changes for the season.

I love what is happening with them. What I don't love is the amount of time it is taking me to knit them. I am using Emily Parsons's Sophie's Toes sock yarn. The color is Christmas Lights. I love the names she picks for her yarns.

This is over one weeks work!

I am knitting these on Size 0 double pointed bamboo needles. I am getting a gauge of 7-8 sts per inch.

I am quite certain these will fit me perfectly.

The last pair I knit ended up far too big so I just use them to put on my feet while I sit around if I am chilly in the evening!

Introducing ALEXANDRA

2011-09-25T14:36:00.008-05:00

I have a new quilt and I did not make it.
My long time friend Mary Stori created it and if you read her blog you may have seen it.

She is hanging in our breakfast area. It seems a perfect place for her as the kids drink their milk in Wisconsin, the dairy state!

One of the groups Mary belongs to did a challenge that was to be inspired by an artist, but not a copy of their work.
She chose Alexander Calder and this really is recognizable as being inspired by him.

I fell in love with this work early on in it's creation and contacted Mary. I agreed to purchase this long before it was finished. She certainly did not disappoint me in the piece. The entire piece is an artistic triumph.
Her quilting stitches are unbelievably small and even. The beading is a delight for the eye. The polka dots you see in the binding are beads.

My friends and family who have seen this have been just as enthusiastic as I am about it. It really IS getting rave reviews.

http://marystori.blogspot.com/2011/08/alexandra-separation-anxiety.html

The above is a link to a better photo of the quilt at Mary's blog and a few words from her about the quilt.

She is a perfect subject for a puzzle.

Great News - My Real Live Studio Assistant

2011-09-24T17:06:00.005-05:00

Quilting Granny loved to flaunt the fact that she had quilting on her lap, but she really never lifted a finger in the studio. I don't think she wanted to mess up her hair!

Now I have a real live studio assistant who does an excellent job at anything I ask her to do. I am happy to have her working here any time she is available.
She wrapped fabric on 6 more poles today for me to take to Nancy Crow's barn when I take the Pole Dyeing class the middle of October. I did one myself and she put me to shame with her skill so I let her do the rest.

Jan Myers-Newbury recommends you hang your fabric to dry after prescouring it. She said it takes the dyes better.
I did another load of fabric and Heidi hung it to dry. With the heat on and the dehumidifier running in the laundry room it is almost dry in about 3 or 4 hours.

One of the next things she'll be doing is pasting up dye samples for me in the personal color palette I dyed last year about this time. She will thoroughly enjoy that. I started playing color with her when she was 7 days old. They say babies can't distinguish color at that age, but I don't believe it. She has a fantastic sense of color and color arrangement.

She says of all her jobs (and she has others) this is her favorite. I am so lucky to have her to help me. I could keep her busy for months or longer. Sure wish I could take her along to Florida!

Blog Post Number 800! 3 years and 3 days!

2011-09-16T22:30:00.003-05:00

I just realized this will be my 800th post on this blog. I started blogging exactly 3 years and 3 days ago. That doesn't make one post a day but it's still "respectable"!

Other than the header on the blog, this was the very first quilt I showed you.
It is one of the 8 king size quilts I made for my 8 grandchildren for the Millennium, each with 2000 different fabrics.

Cubic Jubilee is another one of the quilts I showed early on. It is made from hand dyed fabric.

In Living Color is another quilt I showed you in that first month.

Bodacious Blossom was another quilt I showed you in that time period.

I think it is quite evident when you view these quilts why I call my blog "Quilts + Color".

When I started this journey I had no idea where I was heading. I now know it was a way to document not just my quilts but some of the activities that are a part of my serendipitous life.

Thanks for coming along on my journey and I hope you'll be back again soon.

Miniature Log Cabin Quilt

2011-09-16T12:03:00.003-05:00

One of the quilt guilds I belonged to has an auction of quilts at their annual show.
This was a fantastic way to aquire some wonderful quilts and donate to the guild for expenses.

This is one of the quilts I purchased. It was created by Barbara Wessel.

The strips that create the log cabin blocks are 1/4" wide and the completed quilt is 21" square.

Technically it is not a "miniature" quilt as a miniature quilt is 1:12 scale. If this were enlarged by 12 it would be 242 inches!

It is made up of miniature blocks that create a wall quilt. She does precision work with her electric needle. She even did the quilting with her electric needle and it is perfectly placed on the blocks - not an easy way to get perfect placement.

It is reminiscent of an antique quilt.

I am so happy to be the owner of this wonderful piece.

Fall In Wisconsin - I LOVE It!

2011-09-15T10:30:00.006-05:00

I'd like to share a bit if fall in Wisconsin with you.
You can't see it yet, but you can feel it.
The weather is cooling off...that is until the next warm day.
You pile an extra quilt on the bed since it is not time to turn on the heat yet.
You wake up in the morning and snuggle under the covers, not wanting to get out and face the chill in the air.
Once you finally make the move the air is invigorating.
You choose something from the closet that you haven't worn since last year and delight in the cozy warmth.
You head to the kitchen for a hot beverage and a hot breakfast.
You are now ready to face the day which can turn warm again before it cools off in the evening.

It's a wonderful time of year as you anticipate the colors that will soon be changing and the leaves that will be falling. It makes you think about football, pumpkins, corn stalks, taffy apples, cider and how fortunate you are to be spending fall in God's glory in such a perfect setting.

It's also perfect quilting weather.

It's my favorite time of the year in Wisconsin.

This just in: I gave up and turned on the furnace!

Studio - Putting Fabrics Back On Shelves

2011-09-13T20:14:00.007-05:00

This is my main quilting fabric collection.
I take fabrics out, buy new fabrics or find fabrics put in another part of the shelving.
I have been putting them in a pile on the bookcase so they can be put where they rightfully belong.

My granddaughter Heidi is working for me in her spare time doing all those things I can use help with. She works 2 other jobs, but this job is made for her.
When she was about 3 she could arrange the crayons in a box of crayons in color flow order. I trust her to put each fabric in the correct space.

I know it looks like this is FULL, but since I took out all the batiks and some of the novelty fabrics there is space in certain areas. We can spread out and condense things to make them all fit.

Patriotic Puff Quilt

2011-09-10T19:55:00.006-05:00

Years ago I taught many sewing with knits classes.
The first project in the beginning class was a T shirt. Since I taught this class over and over (at least 100 times) I had many scraps of t shirt fabric.

So what does a sewer do with scraps?
Make a quilt of course.

T shirt fabrics did not lend themselves to traditional style quilts.
I made a puff quilt from some of the red, white and blue t shirt fabric scraps.

It was a time consuming proposition making and stuffing each individual puff. I didn't make this for anyone in particular. My oldest granddaughter fell in love with it and I gave it to her over 10 years ago.

I am in the process of trying to document as many of the 361 quilts I have made over the years as possible. I believe the list I have includes them all. When I started making quilts a lot of them were given away before I took pictures. I am attempting to track down as many of them as possible to photograph.

When Heidi was over recently I told her what I was trying to do and she just happened to have this quilt in her car. I've photographed it and I washed it for her. It washed well.

As we remember 9/11 this is a fitting quilt to showcase our patriotism.

I'm Back After A L O N G Absence

2011-09-09T18:51:00.004-05:00

I've been busy doing a lot of house things.
I've mentioned them briefly before and I am still working on them.

A few days ago I received this hanger for this long narrow quilt. I had ordered it over a month ago, but it was on back order.

I think it really shows off the quilt.

I still am working on my home projects. It is a good feeling to see how much has been accomplished to this point.

I have taken giant steps getting rid of things and organizing things that I have kept. Even if no one but me can see the difference it has been well worth the time and effort I have spent doing this.

I have had a question about where I got this hanger for the quilt.
This is the link to it at halycon Yarns:
http://halcyonyarn.com/products/miscellaneous/70803200.html

Sisters' Lunch

2011-08-30T22:20:00.007-05:00

Yesterday we enjoyed a Sisters' Lunch at my sister Karen's house on the lake.
The weather was perfect and we were able to eat outside on the patio.

I remembered to take a picture of the beautiful delicious salad. Doesn't this make you want to help yourself to a bite?

I did not remember to take a picture of the appetizer or dessert.
Mary made a delicious Mexican Dip served with chips and Judy furnished one of the very best cherry pies I've every tasted - not too tart and not too sweet.

We had hoped to get one of the men to take a picture of all of the sisters but they were on their way to their own lunch, and then returned to golf a few holes.

What I did get pictures of are some of the beautiful flowers and plantings in the yard. My brother in law Clay has a knack for choosing and nurturing wonderful flowers and plants.

The geraniums were in full bloom and added a great punch of color.

Each year Clay does something different with this planting bed you see as you walk to the house. It always is magnificent.

This is a closeup of the coleus in the bed.

After lunch we had a great girls gabfest catching up on what is happening in our lives and our families lives.

We always try to fit in one lunch each summer with all six of the sisters.

Mary, Robin and the rest of you who love the puzzles - this ones for you!

Scan of Calendar from Anderson Art Center 10th Anniversary

2011-08-26T21:51:00.002-05:00

Last night after Shelley and I went out for dinner she spent some time in my studio.
When she left I gave her a copy of this calendar and also some magazines my quilts and I had been featured in.

She sent me this scan of the calendar and it is much better than what I have done with it so I wanted to share it with y'all.

I also thought this would make a good puzzle.

Ladies Who Lunch Do Dinner

2011-08-26T14:24:00.005-05:00

Last night my friend Shelley and I had a great dinner at the Lighthouse Bistro in Kenosha.

We were so busy talking I never took the "food pictures"!

While we enjoyed our dinner at a table on the grass feet from the water, we were also able to enjoy a PBJ concert on the other side of the channel by the band VO 5.

Since we both have lived in the area for a long, long time we were able to appreciate the positive changes taking place in harbourside of Lake Michigan in Kenosha.

Beautiful condos, museums, and many activities in the area make the location such a vibrant lively area.

New Floor In Office Finished

2011-08-24T18:44:00.004-05:00

One of my projects this summer is a new floor in my office.

I hadn't expected the installer would be able to do it until the end of the month or sometime in September. I heard from him yesterday and he said he could do it today.

I was thrilled. I had most everything out and ready for him to work. My grandson arrived a little before he did this morning to help move the heavy file cabinets with him.

In about 5 hours it was done and I absolutely LOVE it.

The picture shows it before I started putting things back in it.

After seeing all those clean and neat offices on HGTV, I'm going to put a little thought into this and see how I can make it look as good as it does now even after everything is put back in there.

I guess that means keep everything Black, White or Woodtone.

I'm off to Walgreens to get some Black and White folders, etc as soon as I finish this.

Colorful Puzzzles Today

2011-08-22T10:21:00.003-05:00

I know many of you are addicted to my puzzles and I have been neglecting you recently. To make up for that I am giving you 4 puzzles today.
Each one has the same subject, but the level of difficulty increases as you go down the page!
I'd love to hear how y'all do with them.

Playing With Color - Mandala Fabrics

2011-08-21T14:40:00.004-05:00

I have collected quite a few of Judi Yakab's Mandala fabrics.
One of my goals was to collect a color flow of fabrics that flowed through the rainbow and inclued some neutrals.

This is my collection as of today.

I can see some areas where I could use a few more.

I also look at the pattern on each one when I am deciding what to purchase.

If is not necessary for the pattern to be perfectly symetrical for me to chose one.

The way the colors blend and the textures they create is also a consideration.

To date I have only had time to piece on quilt from these.
More will follow as my time opens up.

I have so many ideas what I can do with them. I am looking forward to creating some freeform assymetric pieced designs.

Another Potato Chip Quilt by Sue Scheckel, a former student!

2011-08-19T22:35:00.005-05:00

When I was shopping last week I saw one of my favorite former students. Sue is the kind of person who always has a sincere mile on her face and makes you feel glad to see her.

She told me she had made the Potato Chip Quilt from the directions I posted elsewhere on this blog. I asked her to send me a picture. She wasn't sure how to do it. I suggested she ask a grandchild! She said two of them would be there the next day. I'm not sure whether she figured it out or she got help but I got the picture the next day.

The yellow spacers are a great contrast to the mostly blue fabrics. The addition of some green fabrics takes this to a whole new dimension than what it would have been without the acid greens.

Sue took classes from me for years, starting way back when I taught clothing classes. She is now active in the Lighthouse Quilters guild. I have always enjoyed that guild and have given many lectures and classes for them when I was still doing that. Many former students (and even some of my high school and grade school friends and classmates) are members of that guild and it is so much fun to see them again.

She said she really enjoyed it and plans on making more of them.

Miniature Log Cabin Quilt - WIP

2011-08-01T11:42:00.003-05:00

This was started many, many years ago.
I've finished everything but the binding.

I think the reason I haven't finished it is because I am concerned about matching the color changes on the binding to the same clor changes on the border.

I really should get it done and add another quilt to my finished list.

The strips I used on the log cabin blocks finish 1/4 inch.
The finished quilt will be 11 x 13 inches.

After I took the picture I removed the basting stitches. There was no reason to leave them in there as the quilting was finished.

Ladies Who Lunch In Wisconsin

2011-07-28T19:40:00.004-05:00

Today I got together with my friend Lynn. We had not seen each other in 54 years!
She came to my house and got a "quilt tour" and then we went out for lunch.

We tried a new old restaurant in the area. It has been around since 1880 but it now has new owners. It was FANTASTIC. I had heard good things about it and everything was true - maybe even better than true.

We were so busy catching up on the previous 54 years that I forgot to take photos so I am sharing some from the Internet.

We each had the Reuben Sandwich with sweet potato fries. It was the best Reuben I've ever had in this part of Wisconsin.
The sweet potato fries were as good or better than what you get in the south.
The ice tea was excellent.

I will definitely be going back again - often!

I'm including a link for anyone who lives anywhere near it.

http://www.siebertspub.com/

Will A Quilt Happen?

2011-07-27T12:12:00.000-05:00

Often I sew strips of fabric together to make my own "fabric" to design a quilt with.

I have no idea what I will do with these strip fabrics when I am making them.

There are times when they speak to me and become a quilt right away.

There are also times when they need time to rest before they let me know what they want to be. This group has been taking a long nap!

Occasionally I cut the fabrics specifically for that sewing session.

Other times I go to one of my drawers or boxes and take out things I have cut already.

When I finish a project I often cut the left over fabric into strips if it is less than 6 inches. Those precut strips are a real time saver when I get the urge to sew strips together.

Sewing strips together can also be a mindless project when I just want to get on the machine and sew - ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!

I have quite a collection of strip pieced fabric at my disposal to use when I choose to make something.

These are just a sampling of what I have at my disposal.

Dinner At The Oldest Stage Stop In Wisconsin

2011-07-26T11:52:00.001-05:00

1848 Photo

Last night I had a great dinner with special friends at the Stage Stop in Wilmot, Wisconsin.
It is one of my favorites. I have never had a bad meal there.

This is what it looks like today.

I started with this salad. They serve 3 dressings with the salads and they are all homemade and so delicious. Of course I can't pick a favorite so I have all three!

I had the two lobster tails for dinner. You can see the quarter pound of butter on my potato and the second quarter pound of butter melted for my lobster.
Remember, this is Wisconsin, the dairy state and we LOVE, LOVE, Love our butter!

You can see how content we all look after our delicious dinners.

http://www.wilmotstagestop.com/Gallery.html

If you'd like to read and see more about this neat place I've included this link for you.

Japanese Quilt - Work In Progress

2011-07-25T08:01:00.000-05:00

Quite some time ago I purchased a large group of samples of authentic 14" wide Japanese kimono fabrics.
They were each about 24" long.

I constructed this quilt with 4 different pieces of the fabrics.

It is partially quilted. If you click on the quilt to enlarge it, you may or may not be able to see the quilting. I used buttonhole twist thread to quilt it. While the thread is very heavy, I quilted along the design lines with matching thread so it my be difficult to see.
It is the rest of the quilting that is holding me up. I am trying to come up with a simple yet effective quilting design that is in keeping with the Japanese aesthetic of the prints.

I ordered a bamboo hanger for it so hopefully this will make me finish it soon.

Can You See A Design And Color Signature In My Work?

2011-07-21T09:47:00.006-05:00

I put some of my recent completion pieces on the design wall along with a WIP.

With the exception of the two black and white pieces these are not pieces in the same series.
Often people say they can spot my work not matter what I do.
Can you?
Would you have thought all of these were done by the same person?

I think one of the reasons this is on my mind is because I posted a photo on Facebook.

I asked if anyone recognized who the girls in this photo were. (It was taken when I was in 9th grade)
I was surprised when several friends who didn't know me what back when recognized me in the photo instantly.

This is a recent picture of me.
Would you recognize me in the first photo after seeing this?

Double Finish - Grid Structure 1 and 2

2011-07-18T10:12:00.008-05:00

It was a great feeling when I took the last hand stitch on grid Structure 2, having finished Grid Structure 1 the day before.
These are quilts I started recently and it is good to start and finish within a short amount of time.
Often that doesn't happen as I have to wait for the quilts to tell me what they want.
These were very vocal and for that I am thankful!
I take my time with each and every piece I create and never rush to finish them until I am satisfied with both the design and construction of each piece.

This is Grid Structure 1. It is 17 1/4 inches wide and 18 1/2 inches high. I love the clean fresh graphic look of black and white.

Grid Structure 2 is 26 by 26 inches. The strong graphic image is softened by the circular quilting.

The two of them make a great pair. I hope they will both be purchased by one collector.

Life Imitates Art - or - Is It TV Imitates Quilts?

2011-07-17T20:28:00.003-05:00

As I worked on hand sewing the casing to the black and white quilts I was watching "Americas Got Talent".

I looked up and there was a fantastic performer, Snap Boogie, dressed in white. Behind him were back up dancers in black.

But it was the back drop that was what got me.
A black and white pattern that moved in and out. An amazing performance and an amazing back drop.

Tune in tomorrow to see the finished quilts - BOTH of them!

Another Finish - Quilt 358 - Enchanted Forest

2011-07-17T13:54:00.004-05:00

I have finished another quilt.
I am calling it Enchanted Forest unless I come up with a better name.
I have the right to change the names of my quilts as many times as I want!

Maybe I should get credit for finishing two quilts as I actually stitched a patterned quilt onto a solid color quilt!

There were a lot of challenges along the way and it took me quite some time to decide how to make this one work.

I'm quite pleased with the finished piece.

I have been alternating a little studio clean up with a little quilting.

The studio looked pretty good until I started bringing things out of the "studio annex" and using the studio as a staging area while I decided where to put things!

I'll See You In My Dreams - Quilt 357 Finished At Last!

2011-07-16T09:23:00.005-05:00

From the photos on my blog quite some time ago you probably thought this quilt was done.

There were a few of the heavy threads I had to bury and a few threads to trim from the back.

I don't add a quilt to my Excel spreadsheet of finished quilts until the last stitch or operation is finished. I couldn't believe I started this in 1997.

No matter how long it takes to finish a quilt there is always a feeling of exhilaration when I complete that final process and add it to my Excel spreadsheet and cross if off the work in progress page.

Blog Visitors

2011-07-16T09:05:00.001-05:00

As of 9:05 a.m. I have had 121,050 visitors to my blog.
this is for my information!

Polly, Esther And The Men Demand Equal Time

2011-07-15T08:48:00.002-05:00

Proper attire for men has changed a lot in the last few decades.

I think the men's polyester double knit leisure suit had a big influence on the changes in what was acceptable.

All of a sudden it was acceptable for men to wear pastel suits!

How nice to have a jacket that was comfortable and never showed a wrinkle.

How nice to have a jacket that will never wear out no matter how many times you wear it.

I think there was a conspiracy by ready to wear that made all these wonderful polyester double knit clothing passe and men, like women, went on to new styles and fashions!

These are all jackets I made for my husband and are being modeled by my grandson Nicholas. They all look like they were just made and are in perfect condition, even though they were each worn a lot.

They were one of the surprises I got during the "studio annex" excavation when the box of them made a surprise appearance. I had thought all clothing had been brought out last year. Most of them had matching pants but those seem to have disappeared.

These will never wear out. There is no market for them on eBay, no matter how well made they are. They will not disintegrate if disposed of in a landfill.

I guess they will have to wait until the style comes back. In case it doesn't they could make great Halloween costumes!

I know a few of my former students read this blog. I taught many classes in men's PDK leisure jackets, men's PDK sport coats and men's PDK slacks. Do any of you still have some of them?
Remember how your husbands thought you were the greatest when you made clothes for them? I certainly enjoyed sharing how to make these things and teaching y'all how to make them. I know it created a lot of good memories.

One thing I forgot to mention is there is a LOT of PDK fabric in my donation pile of boxes in the garage! If you want it come and get it before the BIG truck comes and hauls it away!!!!!!!!!!!

Another Potato Chip Quilt!

2011-07-14T13:17:00.004-05:00

I just recieved this photo from Dolores Sedore of the quilt she just completed.

Her fabric choices have made a quilt anyone would love to own.

This is what she said:
A little while ago I started cutting the strips for your Potato Chip quilt and then I left it. During the last few days I have gone back to it and am enclosing a couple of photos of it all put together. Unfortunately, the top strip is not showing since it is tucked over my flannel board which is too small for the quilt. It ended up to be 57" X 64". I cut an extra strip without even knowing that I did and decided to just keep it in. Not all of the fabrics were 42" or 44" wide.

I don't know how I will end up quilting it but at least the top is done and out of my head. it was an interesting exercise and I may do another one in different colours.

I'd love to see YOUR quilt too and will be happy to share it on my blog.

Black And White Quilt - Number 2 - It's Quilted!

2011-07-14T10:20:00.004-05:00

I finished the quilting on this. I'm pleased with it and feel the circular quilting complements the strong graphic image.

This is a closeup of some of the quilting.

This is a detail shot of an area of the quilting where all the circular designs converge.

As usual, each photo can be enlarged to see more detail by clicking on it.

What next? Finish these black and white quilts or work on something else?
Who knows?

Lotsa Drawers!

2011-07-13T13:27:00.003-05:00

Someone asked about this cabinet that was partially visible in a post last week.
It is an old dental cabinet.

I bought it in Eagle River, WI at an antique shop and hauled it home in my trunk. I used a bungee cord to hold the trunk closed. It gave way about every 40 miles and I would stop and refasten it.

I got home expecting my husband to unload it. He was not around but I was not concerned as I returned a few hours early.

After about a half hour I got a phone call telling me he was in the hospital with a broken arm. He was standing on the TOP of a rickety ladder and and trying to saw a branch off a tree overhead with a chain saw.

I went right to the hospital with the cabinet in the trunk and finally got home after dark.

I had to call a friend to unload it so I could got back to the hospital at 6 a.m. for the surgery on his arm. My friends were already in bed for the night but they came over and unloaded it for me.

The drawers are very shallow so it does have limited use. It is in our sunroom/family room so it is not a place I would put sewing supplies.
It is a great decorative piece. It holds my grandmother's bowl and my great aunt's lamp. Neither piece is particularly valuable, but both have great sentimental value.

The cabinet also now has family history and a story - as does most everything in our house.

The Studio Annex Is Empty

2011-07-12T17:02:00.002-05:00

My assistant showed up and everything has been removed.
I still have things to handle and decide what to do with them, but they will NOT go back in the "Annex".

I spent so much time on this project today I won't have a quilt post right now.

120,008 Visits To Blog

2011-07-12T08:22:00.002-05:00

I just saw that I have 120,008 visits to this blog as of 7/12/2011 at 8:22 a.m.
This is more for my information that yours!

Hope to be back later today with a REAL blog post. I'm still busy clearing out the "studio annex" because my assistant was on vacation for almost 2 weeks. Hope he shows up today.

Black And White Quilt - Number 2

2011-07-11T08:20:00.000-05:00

This is an in progress view of my second black and white quilt.
I did not take step by step photos of this one.

This is larger than the first quilt. It also will have a lot more quilting which is why it is taking me longer to finish the quilting.

The high contrast of a black and white quilt results in strong graphic imagery.

One More Airport Coat Variation

2011-07-10T09:56:00.005-05:00

I am sharing one more variation of this design.
The others I have made are either not here or have been sold.

I made this one jacket length without the collar.
I used a woven fabric for the base and knit fabrics for the 3 outer layers.

Base Fabric - a textured cotton dress weight
Layer 1 - a tan and cream loosely knit cotton sweater knit
Layer 2 - an olive cotton single knit
Layer 3 and binding - a teal and olive acrylic sweater knit

I choose to do a chevron or V design with the stitching on this jacket, a very flattering line.
The stitching lines are three quarters of an inch apart.
The sleeve, front and lower edges are finished with a simple 1/2 inch binding using the sweater knit.

This is a great weight for fall and early winter.

Because of the slashing of the fabric the garments made from this pattern are very drapey and flattering to all sizes.

My If I Wanted To Meet A Man In An Airport Coat Variation

2011-07-09T08:56:00.000-05:00

This coat is made from the same pattern as the one I showed you yesterday.
For this one I used the following fabrics:
1. Base - woven Buffalo check cotton fabric
2. Cotton osnaburg
3. Caramel color hand woven Guatemalan stripe fabric
4. Loosely woven black and cream wool plaid
Binding and seam covers - Black cotton

This is the back of the coat.
You can see I did a more complex stitching design on this coat.
I also spaced my lines 1/2 - 3/4 inches apart. The coat yesterday had lines stitched 1 inch apart.

This is a closeup of the stitching detail on the back of the coat.
You can see a strip of black on the back of the collar. This is what I call a seam cover. All the seams in this coat are covered this way.

The coat is totally reversible.

It is also very warm and comfy to wear. It is as warm as a fur coat - and in Wisconsin in the winter a warm coat is a necessity.

Yes, even with the one layer of wool, this coat is very washable and gets better the more it is washed.

Constructing this coat was much more time consuming, but well worth the effort. It looks great on any size or shape person.

I think you'll enjoy piecing this puzzle together!

My If I Wanted To Meet A Man In An Airport Coat

2011-07-08T08:42:00.001-05:00

I talked about this coat some time ago, but did not have a picture to show you.
My daughter in law Julie was nice enough to model this for me so I could show you what it looks like.

The weight is similar to the weight of a trench coat, but it is so much more fun to wear than a boring old trench coat!

This is what I said on the previous post:
I posted today on Quilt Art about a coat I had made from my Slashed Coat/Jacket pattern. The subtitle of mine is "My If I Wanted To Catch A Man In An Airport Coat".

I didn't want to and I don't want to. But everytime I wore it men would stop me and ask about it.

The first time it happened I was on the people mover at the Atlanta airport. A man struck up a conversation with me, which surprised me since I was past the age where men hit on you! He was very interested in the coat and very complementary about it.
This continued to happen each time I was in an airport and I was flying a lot back then. It was the perfect weight to go from cold weather to warmer weather.

This is the now famous coat.
This particular one was made with 4 layers of cotton.

The base layer is slightly heavier than a quilting cotton.
Layer 2 is a carmel color quilting weight (and all the other layers) cotton.
Layer 3 is what makes this so fun and funky. It is made from diagonal strips of red, black and rust alternating in no specific design.
Layer 4 (the outer layer) is an olive quilting weight cotton.

Using 100% cotton is what allows these layers to fluff out when the coat is washed. It is one of those garments that just gets better and better the more you wash it and dry it in the dryer.

Both the front and back have a neat asymmetric design.

Since there are no seam finishes or edge finishes this is a relatively quick coat to make. All the lines are stitched in one direction and there are no extra patterns added to the stitching which also makes this a quick project.

I have made several other variations from this pattern, both jacket and coat length.
They all get a lot of attention each time I wear them.

Wedding Quilt

2011-07-05T11:40:00.007-05:00

This is the king size quilt I made for my son Greg and his wife Julie for their wedding. Although I didn't finish it in time for the wedding it was finished in 1995. It has been well taken care of. I also made coordinating pillows.

I am in the process of trying to document (with photos) most of the 355 quilts I have made over the years.

I did not have a photo of this one so they brought it with them when they visited so I could take a picture of it.

This is the first quilt I had someone else quilt on a long arm machine. I designed a feather design to fit the quilt perfectly. It was a real challenge for the quilter.
I quilted the border myself on my regular machine.

I am kicking myself now that I didn't get a closeup of the quilting for you to see.

Julie packed up a suitcase full of quilts for me to photograph.

Some I had even forgot I made.

This is a quilt that was used and loved and shows it. I made this for Greg in 1970 when he was 8. It is simply a piece of striped bottom weight cotton fabric that I quilted along some of the stripes.

The thing that made it special is the fact that I added his name to it.
I did this with my Singer 201 and a Kenmore monogram attachment.
You can see how the quilt is shredded and tattered in this close up.

I think I have only made one quilt that has been used and worn out more than this one. The last time I saw it the entire quilt was in shreds.
That was for a grandson and I don't have a photo of the finished quilt and I would guess it is in a landfill somewhere now.

Celebrating July 4th

2011-07-04T12:12:00.011-05:00

We spent the day at my brother and sister in law's house to celebrate the 4th of July on the 3rd of July again.
There were almost 50 of us there - mostly family and extended family.
I took 257 pictures. Thank goodness for digital cameras. I probably have less than 50 good ones.
I am going to share a random selection with you in no particular order.
I won't share all the 50 good ones so relax and enjoy some of the best.

Just in case you don't remember Bill and Mary I took this picture of them on the pier. Mary is wearing the apron I made her last year for the 4th.

We now have a bumper crop of young children in our family and most of them spent a good deal of time in the water or near the water. The water was warm and perfect for swimming, jumping in the water, boating, riding on the jet ski or spending time with the cousins.

These are the two youngest cousins. They are each 1 1/2 years old.

Shortly before sunset there is a boat parade. This year it was loosely organized and there was no rhyme nor reason to it. The boats did not line up but came by whenever they felt like it. We sat on the pier and watched. This was my very favorite boat!

I took about 40 sunset pictures and was rewarded with several great ones.

We concluded the day watching fireworks from the pier. It was a great day with family, food, and fresh air. It doesn't get any better than that!

Since Mary is one of my biggest puzzle fans, I think it is only appropriate for them to be the stars puzzle for the celebration.

I currently have had 118,999 visitors to this blog. This is more for my information.