Winter Birds

I made this quilt a month or so ago. I just love cardinal fabric and was given 2 different kinds. So I decided to make one of my favorite and easy patterns. It is on the back of my couch for chilly nights while reading or watching TV. This one stays here.

Christmas Fun

When I was browsing one of the million online quilt shops.....I found Beatles fabric. DH is a total fan of them and has been for Years.

So I made this quilt for him. I also bought the new DVD and CD collection of Paul McCartney from Starbucks. That is an amazing DVD to watch this old Beatle that still looks and sound fabulous.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER IN IRAQ , LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
'SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY! COUNTRY, MY CORPS.'

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, 'CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.'

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
'MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,!
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.'

This poem was written by a Marine.

American The Beautiful

I just cannot think of one thing I need to say to add to this picture.

Comfort for Fort Hood

Quilts of Valor will be sending quilts for a very special ceremony to honor the medical personnel at Forth Hood. These are the brave and wonderful people who had to step up and take care of the dead and wounded from this horrible tragedy.

I have 3 quilts to send off for this endeavor. I try to keep a small stash of ready made ones for just an opportunity like this. They were all quilted using my wonderful Handiquilter.

The ceremony will take place January 7. I wonder if our news people will be able to stop talking about Tiger Woods or the White House party crashers long enough to cover this story????

Quilt for Piecing Hope

I found about a wonderful church making quilts for children in Africa who have lost their families. It is very compelling and I signed up to make one. Tabitha is her name. Joel is still waiting for someone to make a quilt for him. Would that be YOU???????

http://www.piecinghope.org/index.php

I found a wonderful panel full of pictures of native people and other fun stuff from Africa. I just framed them with bright fabric and put black in between the rows. I did this without a pattern which is VERY unusual for me. It was a perfect way to use my bright fabric.

The center is done and just needs borders. I put it away for a bit and will finish is in a week or so. I was tired of it and know enough to stop when I feel that way. I will get excited to finish it in a couple of weeks.

The girl's favorite color is gold and I found some perfect fabric for the backing with gold and brown.

I am grateful I taught myself how to quilt to help with all these wonderful causes.

I can watch TV and hear over and over how Tiger Woods is in a mess, people are fighting all the time over politics and who is RIGHT--or I can go make a quilt. Easy choice for me. How about your time?

Strip Tube Fun

When I went to my North Carolina retreat, one of the gals was working on a quilt using the book and ruler called Strip Tubing..I think. She had an extra copy of the book for me and I found the ruler in a quilt shop on the way home.

This was really fun and I used up some Fat Quarters from a fabric line. This quilt is destined for the local nursing home. I see more of these in my future.

Quilts For Kids and Downey

I sent away for a quilt kit from Downey Fabric Softner and the organization Quilts For Kids. It is very cute and easy. The fabric was a nice quality and most of the cutting was already done. Here is how cute this turned out.

It was very quick to quilt as it is small compared to what I usually make.

Quilt Retreat

I just returned from our second annual online quilting friends retreat in the mountains of North Carolina. It is a beautiful place to spend several days sewing, eating , and visiting with friends.

Also DH was able to install the new tension assembly with a little help from HQ tech support. I have at least 8 tops waiting for quilting so I will be busy with them for a bit.

Too much travel in a short period of time but I would not have missed it for anything.

In Conclusion

Mary--my traveling companion--and I were off to the airport and home. It was a very long day.

I would have to say HQ could not have possibly done anything more for us. I hope this ad campaign works out very well for them. They are a fabulous family type company.

I would love to go back there to one of their teaching retreats. I am not sure that will ever happen due to economics but you just NEVER KNOW.

Tuesday Fun

Our hotel provides us transportation to the HQ site each day. The driver today took us for a little side trip up and down the mountains to see some of the homes and views. She got in a little trouble for getting us there late but we did enjoy the scenery.

The class for this AM was taught by Suzanne Hyland who is Mark's wife and a VERY talented quilter. She is also the inventer of the gloves for machine quilting called Machingers. We all brought quilt tops for her suggestions of how to quilt them. She had to think long and hard about a couple of them and others chimed in on their suggestions. Very good information. I bought 3 DVDs by her all about my machine and quilting from the front.

I had my video filmed while the class was going on. This was not hard for me after 2 years of being a historical interpreter and having to talk in front or cameras or groups of people. We also gave out tips for other quilters.

Then we had another delicious lunch and people started departing for the airport. Us East Coast gals were not leaving until the butt crack of dawn the next day so we relaxed for a bit until going back to the hotel.

The lack of sleep was catching up with me but I knew that would go on another night. When I have to get up early for a flight, I wake up constantly looking at the clock. But I will be able to sleep at home for sure.

Here is my video

Mountaintop Dinner

When we were done shopping the limo took us to the mountain side home of Mark. This is a lovely house in a gorgeous setting. This family is just wonderful and very welcoming to their lovely home.

I sat outside to eat and enjoy the beautiful view. Dinner was delicious and I managed to hold myself back from desert.

Off To The Quilt Shop

After we finished our free motion class, it was time to head to a local Quilt Shop.
Imagine our surpirse when we went out front and there was a HUGE LIMO. We had a ball inside calling our families and taking each others photos.

We arrived at the quilt shop and were in for another surprise and gift. Mark had a $30 gift card for all of us to spend. He also arranged for a 10 per cent discount from the store. So we headed inside for some fun shopping.

Afternoon Class

We had a wonderful lunch put on by the folks at HQ. They also have snacks for us to munch on and a refrigerator full of sodas and juice. Such wonderful folks.

The afternoon class was all about free motion designs from the front of the machine. This is what I do all the time. I tried pantos once and hated them. I thought it would be super simple. NOT
That is a whole other skill and one that will require more time than I want to give it right now.

I practiced my designs with King Tut thread and just love it. It is quite pricey and I would save it for a part of the quilt where it would really show off. I have a lovely practice sandwich to remember all the new things I learned at school there.

Threads and tension class

After we settled down from our wonderful tour, we were ready for our first class. This was held in a huge room full of beautiful quilts and lots of machines.....Pure Nirvana.

I must confess to a dirty little secret first. I have had my machine since March and NEVER changed the needle. I change mine all the time on my Janome but I was afraid I would never get it right in the big one right. And every quilt---all 50 or so of them----had been just fine. What a machine.

Out comes the biggest needle in the world. We proceeded to learn all about needles and I found out I would HAVE to change it on the machine. But there were several educators with us so I knew I would be in capable hands to learn this.

I found out I am doing my bobbin tension right. I think my problem might be due to a rusty tension assembly and I bought a new one there. I am not touching my machine until I get the new one installed.

We were given a baggie full of different thread and I had a ball trying them all out. But first I changed the needle with one of the educators and it was not hard at all.

Tour Of HQ

After we all recovered from our greeting we were given a tour of this fabulous facility. It was so interesting to see how our machines are made. And one of the very best parts is MADE IN THE USA.

I am going to insert the youtube video so you can join me on this tour.

I love my machine and every day am grateful that I have her. BUT--having said that--I must admit I did lust after the new Fusion. HHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMMM now how can I figure out a way to get that. It will be back to getting on Oprah for the reunion of the soldier, nurse and me from the magic letter. Guess it is back to emailing her. I KNOW it would be a fabulous show.

HQ Greeting

Here is the wonderful greeting we received when we entered HQ headquarters

Chapter 2 HQ Retreat

I forgot to add that we all received a wonderful bag from HQ with lots of goodies inside. There was a HUGE pair of batting scissors. I could not figure out how to get them past security at the airport as I only brought one suitcase for carry on to save money. Not to worry---they would mail our things home. I think airport security would blow every whistle and have a myriad of officers ready to arrest this little ole lady if they ever saw those scissors.

The hotel had a lovely breakfast including the neatest waffle maker. You just pour in a little container of the batter and soon you have a waffle. I had no idea how to work this but another quilter showed me. This group was wonderful.

We set off in transport to the HQ headquarters. It is a beautiful building in an industrial park. Mark came outside to greet us and hold open the door. When we went inside we were in for a HUGE surprise. Every single employee was lined up on the stairs and balloons were tied everywhere. They were all clapping and cheering. To add to the fun----out came cans of silly string.

I think it was about this time when I began to realize this was really a BIG DEAL for us and them. An enormous time and energy had gone into this ad campaign and we were the main stars.

Let the fun begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Arriving at Salt Lake City-HQ Story Retreat

I have struggled how to share my wonderful story about the HQ Retreat. The only way I can figure out how to do that is a little at a time. So today will be just that.

The flights were just fine and it was so much fun traveling with the other lady who won the contest. Her name is Mary and she lives outside of Baltimore. I drove to her house, left my car and her husband kindly drove us to the airport. Quilters are not strangers when we meet each other.

Most of the other winners were sitting outside the hotel on the porch when we arrived. It was fabulous meeting and sharing a little of our lives.

HQ had a great southwest dinner catered at the hotel that evening. Mark---CEO----Brenda in charge of market (if you ever want something organized perfectly---get her) were there to talk to us a bit. We LOVED putting a face to her as she was the email contact. Mark is just such a great guy and so NORMAL for a CEO. This company is really like family as we will find out later in the trip.

We settled into our rooms after a long day of airports. Little did we know we were in for the adventure of a lifetime.

This picture is across the street from out hotel. I did not know the mountains were so close.

HQ Story Retreat

It will take me a little time to write about the marvelous time I had on this retreat. These people know how to do it right. But as a teaser here is how we got to the quilt shop and the CEO's house for dinner. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhh

Fun with Fall Wallhanging

I found a pattern for this in the latest Fons and Porter magazine. Whittles (one of my favorite online shops) had the panel for only $3.00. I changed one of the borders so it would not take so long to get done. It was fun to work on and a nice break from red white and blue.

5 more days until UTAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trouble Sleeping?

SLEEP LAST NIGHT?


Bed a
little lumpy...


Toss and
turn any....

Wish the heat was higher...

Maybe the a/c !
Wasn't on...

Had to go to the john......

Need a drink of
water...


Please remind me not to complain so much.

Quilts With Hugs

I just sent out a bunch of quilts for the families of a Hero who gave his life for us. There are numerous children involved in these families. I wanted to make sure each one got their own quilt.
So here are the pictures of the ones they are getting.





This quilt is for his wife who is excepting a baby soon.



This quilt is for his 6 year old son from his first marriage.



This quilt is for his 9 year son from his first marriage.



This quilt is for his 2 year old son.



This is for his unborn baby that is wife is carrying.

I was a young person during the Vietnam War and remember how the military was treated during that time. A very shameful period in our history. We have learned from our mistakes and are doing a much better time now. This is just my little way to help these families. I hope they wrap these quilts around themselves and feel the love.

Winning Essay

My wonderful HQ16 and I are a successful partnership. I tried several different brands and asked questions of many quilters. I never hear a single person say they were sorry they chose the HQ16.

I am mainly a charity quilter for our local Hospice and Quilts Of Valor. I am a prolific quilter and can do tops quite fast. Then I became bogged down in the quilting process. It took over 2 hours just to do the pinning. Then I had to wrestle a big quilt through the arm of my sewing machine. My shoulders would ache with this effort. I can load the top and have it finished in about 2 hours. This is a quilt about the size of a twin bed.

I do free motion from the front of the machine and have just the best time. It moves easily and I feel like I am painting with thread. I just finished stippling a quilt that I will use as a sample for a local Quilt Class I teach through our County. It is beautiful and may bring me into the process of quilting for others for pay. I hope to be able to do this soon to help pay for all the charity quilting and fabric buying.

My quilts have traveled to Iraq and Germany to comfort the wounded military. I am now entering into a program with a Major’s wife. I am going to be sending quilts to the families of those killed in action. We all know how much comfort a quilt can be and I want to wrap the families in love and let them know we are a grateful nation.

And here is why I love this machine-------------

Dear Eileen,

I am writing to express my gratitude to you and your friend, Betty , for the beautiful, patriotic quilt you sent to the 332 EMDG (Expeditionary Medical Group) in Iraq. I want you to know how much those quilts mean to us. Yesterday evening six of our Nation's very finest soldiers were flown in by chopper after a suicide bomber attacked their foot patrol. I cared for one of those young men last night. (I'll call him Sgt C.). Sgt C is a young American soldier from Utah with a wife and two small children at home. He is one of the lucky ones. His burns and bruises will heal. His ruptured eardrum will heal. Yesterday he earned his second Purple Heart.

As is customary, the Chaplain or his assistant bring the injured troops a quilt and we cover them with it, either in the ER or on the ward. If they are alert we read them the cards from wonderful Americans like you and tell them that someone from home made that quilt for them. We save them for very special days, like yesterday; for an occasion when a touch of kindness and love from home is exactly what is needed. As I write these words my eyes fill with tears. I have watched many young soldiers receive their quilts of valor and I want you to know that it touches them deeply. It touches all of us deeply.

I couldn't read your card out loud to Sgt C because I was crying as I read it. Trying to hold back tears, I held it for him and he read it himself. I can tell you that a strong soldier fought valiantly to hold back his own tears. I don't know if he will ever write to thank you, though he says he plans to, but I wanted you to know how much your kindness means to these young troops, and to those of us who care for them. This is no exaggeration…everyone who passed by Sgt C's litter last night commented on how beautiful your quilt was. It was truly one of the most beautiful quilts we've seen.

I firmly believe that the Lord puts us where he needs us. Right now I am needed in Iraq, caring for those in harms way. I was placed with Sgt C last night to tend his wounds and was blessed to read your message and admire your quilt with him. Of all the quilts that were given last night I was especially touched by yours. You see, I have left behind a husband and four beautiful children in Damascus, MD. As I read the inscription on your quilt I was even more moved by the fact that it was from one of my Maryland neighbors. I told Sgt C that I was planning to write to you and when I return I hope that we can meet for tea and chat. I will share my pictures of Sgt C and his quilt, adorned with his Purple Heart.

Thank you, again, for your kindness and patriotism. I guarantee you truly touched the lives of many last night….through one beautiful quilt of valor. I know that Sgt C is anxious to return home and show that quilt to his family. It will always serve as a reminder to him of his victory last night and of the love we share as Americans. God bless you and God bless America!
Sincerely,
Major S
USAF

I Won A Big Contest

I am so excited. I entered a writing contest at HQ (the company that makes my quilting machine) and I am one of the winners!!! I used that wonderful letter about the recipient of one of my Quilts Of Valor.
______________________________________________________________

Congratulations! Your HQ Story has been chosen as one we will feature in an upcoming Handi Quilter magazine ad. This is your invitation to attend the HQ Story Retreat in Salt Lake City!

I’d like to invite you to attend the HQ Story Retreat at the Handi Quilter Studio in North Salt Lake, Utah, on September 27- 29, 2009. You must plan to travel to Utah on September 27, arriving in time for our 6:00 p.m. dinner together. You will return home the afternoon of September 29. Some who fly home to the east coast may need to stay overnight, September 29, and fly home the morning of September 30



What We’ll Pay For

Handi Quilter will cover all of the following expenses:

1. Roundtrip airfare to Salt Lake City (or fuel reimbursement if driving)

2. Ground transportation while in Salt Lake City

3. Double occupancy hotel accommodations while you are here (up to three nights)

4. Six meals (9/27 dinner, 9/28 breakfast, lunch, dinner, 9/29 breakfast and lunch)

5. HQ Story Retreat, including all materials used during the hands-on retreat in the Handi Quilter Studio



Retreat Classes

The HQ Story Retreat will include the following classes (suitable for all machines)

1. TNT : Threads, Needles and Tension. Learn the basics of operating your Handi Quilter machine. While this will be a review for some, we promise that even the veteran machine quilters will learn something new.

2. Threads. How many different threads do you use for quilting? We’re going to show you to how deal with many different weights and types of threads. When you leave, you, too, will say, “I can use ANY KIND of THREAD on my HQ machine!”

3. How to Quilt It with Suzanne Hyland.



Other Goodies

In addition to the educational opportunities offered at the retreat, here are some things to look forward to:

1. Dinner at CEO Mark Hyland’s mountain home

2. Handi Quilter gift bag

3. Shopping at one of our favorite SLC quilt shops

4. Show and tell with the other winners


WOW is all I can say. I will post my story that won tomorrow. They want to feature Quilts Of Valor in my ad.

Scrap Happy

I am not a scrap quilter at all. I usually give away my scraps to either my guild or quilting friends. But I have made up a pattern to use all the wonderful red white and blue scraps from my Quilts of Honor. That is what I am calling the quilts for the families of those killed in action.

I spent alot of time cutting up scraps and have a nice box full of them. The top goes together quite quickly and is fun to make.

I am working on quilts for a family of a young man who lost his life in the war. There are several family members who will be receiving them. When I know who is getting what--I will do a blog about that. There are 5 quilts for them.

Baby Shower Quilt

One of my co workers where I used to work---darn MD state budget cuts--is having a baby. It was a wonderful day and she got lots of lovely presents. It is her first and a girl so can I say PINK.

Here is the quilt I made for her. Quick and easy but just darling. I just love these Coverstory panels.

Another Camp Quilt Finished

I am so glad I decided to do the quilt class projects in red white and blue. This one had to be made quite a bit bigger. It was fun to do but I doubt I will make it again for QOV. It is too fussy and takes too long.

I will be sending this to the family of a soldier killed in the War. I just hope they can feel the love when they wrap it around them. We all know that a quilt can help in the healing process.

Have YOU forgotten

Darryl Worley, Have You Forgotten?

I hear people saying we don't need this war
But, I say there's some things worth fighting for
What about our freedom and this piece of ground
We didn't get to keep 'em by backing down
They say we don't realize the mess we're getting in
Before you start your preaching let me ask you this my friend

Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden
Have you forgotten?

They took all the footage off my T.V.
Said it's too disturbing for you and me
It'll just breed anger that's what the experts say
If it was up to me I'd show it everyday
Some say this country's just out looking for a fight
Well, after 9/11 man I'd have to say that's right

Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And we vowed to get the one’s behind bin Laden
Have you forgotten?

I've been there with the soldiers
Who've gone away to war
And you can bet that they remember
Just what they're fighting for

Have you forgotten all the people killed?
Yeah, some went down like heroes in that Pennsylvania field
Have you forgotten about our Pentagon?
All the loved ones that we lost and those left to carry on
Don't you tell me not to worry about bin Laden
Have you forgotten?

Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?

Quilt Of Valor Letter

I have posted this before but throught is was time again for new readers. This is why I do what I do. Now I have my own quilting machine and no longer have to send them out.

The picture is not of the soldier in this story. It is one from the website.


Dear Eileen,
I am writing to express my gratitude to you and your friend, Betty I., for the beautiful, patriotic quilt you sent to the 332 EMDG (Expeditionary Medical Group) in Iraq. I want you to know how much those quilts mean to us. Yesterday evening six of our Nation's very finest soldiers were flown in by chopper after a suicide bomber attacked their foot patrol. I cared for one of those young men last night. (I'll call him Sgt C.). Sgt C is a young American soldier from Utah with a wife and two small children at home. He is one of the lucky ones. His burns and bruises will heal. His ruptured eardrum will heal. Yesterday he earned his second Purple Heart.

As is customary, the Chaplain or his assistant bring the injured troops a quilt and we cover them with it, either in the ER or on the ward. If they are alert we read them the cards from wonderful Americans like you and tell them that someone from home made that quilt for them. We save them for very special days, like yesterday; for an occasion when a touch of kindness and love from home is exactly what is needed. As I write these words my eyes fill with tears. I have watched many young soldiers receive their quilts of valor and I want you to know that it touches them deeply. It touches all of us deeply. I couldn't read your card out loud to Sgt C because I was crying as I read it. Trying to hold back tears, I held it for him and he read it himself. I can tell you that a strong soldier fought valiantly to hold back his own tears. I don't know if he will ever write to thank you, though he says he plans to, but I wanted you to know how much your kindness means to these young troops, and to those of us who care for them. This is no exaggeration…everyone who passed by Sgt C's litter last night commented on how beautiful your quilt was. It was truly one of the most beautiful quilts we've seen.

I firmly believe that the Lord puts us where he needs us. Right now I am needed in Iraq, caring for those in harms way. I was placed with Sgt C last night to tend his wounds and was blessed to read your message and admire your quilt with him. Of all the quilts that were given last night I was especially touched by yours. You see, I have left behind a husband and four beautiful children in Damascus, MD. As I read the inscription on your quilt I was even more moved by the fact that it was from one of my Maryland neighbors. I told Sgt C that I was planning to write to you and when I return I hope that we can meet for tea and chat. I will share my pictures of Sgt C and his quilt, adorned with his Purple Heart.

Thank you, again, for your kindness and patriotism. I guarantee you truly touched the lives of many last night….through one beautiful quilt of valor. I know that Sgt C is anxious to return home and show that quilt to his family. It will always serve as a reminder to him of his victory last night and of the love we share as Americans. God bless you and God bless America!
Sincerely,
Major S.
USAF

Tote Bag for the best daughter in law

I just love these charm totes. When I was in MA in June, I found this beautiful lime green, black and white fabric in fat quarters. Of course a couple had to come home with me. I stayed with my son and his wife and she said she loved mine.

I finished hers the other day and think I will just mail it off as a surprice gift to her. She is the very best wife I could imagine for my son.

Perfect Charity Quilt

I just finished the Couch Potato quilt I learned how to make at camp. I want something that has the WOW factor but does not take 200 hours. Well--here it is.

I am going to make one for my daughter in horse themed fabric. I do not have enough of the same so will just use what I have. I am NOT buying more just so it is all exactly the same.

This will be fun to quilt on my HQ with varigated RWB thread I bought a long time ago. I have a baby quilt on the frame but this one will be next. I LOVE my HQ and am so thankful I found a reasonably priced used one.

If you see a mistake---don't tell me. It is for a non quilting hero and will not care.

Quilt Guilds

I belong to the most wonderful quilt guild on the planet. The President worked with me in my wonderful job that I lost due to budget cuts in the State. I have heard some horror stories about others and am grateful for this wonderful bunch of ladies. It would be nice to have some guys and maybe I better go search them out.

We will have our monthly sew in at the library and I will bring along my camp projects to work on. They are all nicely bagged up and all cutting is done. My sweet little Featherweight will come along.

These are the little matching bags I made. One is the Charm Party tote pattern and the other is a Lazy Girl pattern I tweaked a bit. Both are well written patterns by talented designers.

Quilt Camp Nirviana

I just returned from 3 wonderful days at the Quilt Camp. I met old friends and new ones. It is just a wonderful place to be and wish it was twice a year.

Enjoy some pics of projects. My new favorite quilt for QOV will be the one called Couch Potato. I will also make a couple to sell at the craft show I hope to do this fall. 25 per cent of what I sellwill go to QOV--maybe more.