archives June 2008

MO Quilter

Thanks KIM

09:26 AM, Thursday, May 29, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

I received the books in the mail last week, so sorry to take so long to say THANKS. I wanted to take a picture, write a nice note, etc... BUT as usual I am too slow. I need to back post it to Thursday night, b/c the gals that came over just ooh and aw over the double wedding ring book.

While I am on a roll about apologising for being slow. I still need to mail out butterfly sets to Riet (are you back from your trip yet?) and to Kim. Hope to get it done this week. (seems when every I am thinking about it I am at the office and packets are at home.)

Sorry again for not getting my shouts out of THANKS- love the interaction on this site- everyone be good cheryl

Guess What I did Today?

11:08 PM, Tuesday, May 27, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Nothing as fun as a PJ day but I did get to leave the office a little early to run to town to get an allergy shot.

The weekend wore me out as far as all that breathing stuff we are suppose to be able to do. Wonder if I am the only one that gets sick as soon as the weather gets nice. Church picnic in the park on Sunday and I looked like a fish with such big puffy eyes and runny nose. Cough, cough, sniffle, sniffle.

Throw in an asthma attack just for giggles and I was a hoot the past couple of days.

Good for me that Doc. keeps an open appointment just in case. He said he expected me a couple of weeks ago. I was trying to tough it out. Didn't make it.

Still pretty congested but feeling a bit better knowing the allergy shot will kick in in a couple of days.

I decided to take a little time working on Nancy's Mystery. The top went together very quickly. I am not sure if I am going to follow her outer border or cheat and strip the border. I will hang it up and 'look' at it awhile. Might even add another row or two. This is the twin size 5 x 8 blocks. I wanted a scrappy top and am happy how it is turning out.

I am thinking I want to do one more row of blocks and then maybe a 5" print to border the top. This was a fun project. I am usually pretty bad about finishing things but think this has a shot of getting done soon. Can't wait to see Nancy's quilted.

Not that am making a list but: 1- I cut this entirely from stash scraps

2- I cut the left-over scraps into strips and sorted them for future projects

3- I have most of quilt #2 pre-cut (blue and white)

4-I will most likely cut several kits of this top to bag up for gifts.

Thank You Nancy- this really was a fun mystery, not to hard, not to soft, think it was just right! Can't wait to see pictures of everyone else's. be good cheryl

We get to use our ORANGE! step #5

09:34 PM, Sunday, May 25, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

For those following Bonnie's Orange Crush Mystery with me she posted step 5.

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://quiltville.com/orangecrushmystery5.shtml

I have a couple of other things I really need to work on first, BUT I know I will sneak a couple of block in just to see how beautiful they look in my fabrics. As always I am a fan of scrappy so I can hardly wait to see this reveal. We should be getting pretty close. cw

Nancy's CLUE #5

09:19 PM, Sunday, May 25, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

For the gals that are following the mystery with me, I will pass out the paper version next time we meet. There are a couple that are working ahead and like to see it when it is ready- here you go-- http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/nancyrose/7156/

I hope to put my top together this week and poss. get the 2nd version a little further along as well. Good luck. love cheryl

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/7177/ here's the link to mine so far.

Little Brag for Kelly

06:48 PM, Friday, May 23, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

Last night as I was getting things ready for the quilt group, I scooped up a handful of "scrap" kitty cat fabric printed blocks. I asked Kelly if she wanted them b/c she is the queen of spring colors.

YES- but what do I do with them?

First let's see how many- 14

Ok that's a start, cut them apart (they were in several strips)

Now cut some squares to set them with.

Cut and sewed- yikes too small, now what?

Add a border. 2" is all I can get out of this piece-

Sew it!

Now what? Add another border! Let's go 6" on this one- looking good--

Want it larger--??-- Add ANOTHER BORDER! (64 x 80ish)

I am thinking the girl is getting carried away with adding borders!

What a beautiful utility quilt to give to the friend that loves CATS. One of a kind-

Not a bad way to bust a little stash.- good job Kelly- love mom

Thursday at Cheryl's (again-already!)

03:47 PM, Thursday, May 22, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

Here's last times- http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/7037/

1: Newbies (same old hens with a couple of chicks. we had 9 tonight and a lot to do.)

2: Grad. Quilt Project (The star quilt is quilted and we worked on hand sewing the binding- sure goes quickly when there is a group of gals working on it) We need to finish the binding tonight if poss. -- the church dinner is on Sunday, we can sign it then.

3: Blogging ..(Love getting to play on the computer and 'see' pictures and stories of our projects being reviewed by others. It has been an inspirational experience for me and I hope to encourage others to participate with me)

4: Wedding/Anniv NEW Baby etc..Projects (Need to add one more wedding quilt- MATT (the college kid) & TBA (out of state girl)

5: Charity Project (WOW- the fabrics that have been selected- wow wow wow- we are getting a good start on our 9-patches. Looks like at least half of the project is in some form of being worked on. One top stitched up and a couple more in the process.

I tend to PIN everything to the blinds to hang to shoot the photo, sorry for the picture quality, I am sure I will get a better one after this is quilted.

example of some of the strips of 6" we plan to use.

Begin sewing strips in the following order 1-2-1 2-3-2 1-2-1

cross-cut at 6" and assemble into the traditional 9-Patch

It take a good 2 yds. of fabrics #1 & #2 and a half yd of fabric #3. (12 strips of #1, #2 and three strips of #3)

Then cut the 9-patch block into 1/4's , rotate two opposite corners and re-sew into a 4-patch block

IF CUTTING into 6" sqs. cut 80 of #1 & 80 of #2 and 20 of #3 (You can interpret the colors by Red White & Blue; or Light, Med, Dark or Mix and Match any or all to get the required number of sqs/strips/blocks for this quilt.

The top in the picture was done using a 1A, 2A ,1B --- 2B ,3 ,2B --- 2B ,2A, 1A pattern, I used two different strip fabrics in the #1 position (thus the 1A & 1B) and 2 different fabrics for the #2 spot also. (producing a neat pattern of 5 fabrics.) ALL NINE fabrics can be different, all 27 strips can be different- you do what you want to. For a two color top do a traditional 5 of one and 4 of the other.

There is no right/wrong way to do these very forgiving blocks. Have fun experimenting with colors, and even more fun when you set the top together- there are multiple ways to place the blocks but please stick to a 4 x 5 block layout.

(ON your own if you choose to do this for a kid project and 3 x 4 layout is a nice size with or without borders, FYI)

6: JR Quilting (.I am thinking next time to have a cook out, I was talking to Dawn about it and she thinks the parents should get to come too. Well if Dawn thinks I can behave with adults and kids I am all for it. 1st -4th graders and families at the Willis- no one tell Carl - he likes surprises... )

7: MYSTERY Quilt (rules and regs) WE WILL GET CLUE 4 tonight ( Thanks to Linda coming over Tuesday I am caught up on my scrappy quilt- even finished clue 4) (Deb was so hot tonight she had to take her shirt off- couldn't tell if it was the temperature or her over working helping out spirit. We did get a complimentary fabric picked out and cut for her clue 3. She is ready to start any time now. Deb is one of the only ones to pre-cut everything first)

8: New Ideas/Wanna Learns (.Nothing new, we KNOW it ALL- just kidding.)

9: Pre-Sept Ladie's Night Thoughts (.Didn't EVEN think about IT.)

10: Thought of the Day (.Just b/c you take your pictures to be transferred to fabric to the same store that every one else has for the past 7 years, doesn't mean they will tell you they are under new ownership and have not actually done a photo-transfer before. But when you get back home and see what a mess you just paid for... oh let's just let Lois tell the rest of the story...)

Be good cheryl

When DOGS attack

12:17 PM, Tuesday, May 20, 2008 .. 4 comments .. Link

I know I said I was going to slow down on the posting, BUT this is too important to wait- Got it today and had to share.....

Dog Pack Attacks Gator In Florida
At times nature can be cruel, but there is also a raw beauty, and even a certain justice manifested within that cruelty.
The alligator, one of the oldest and ultimate predators, normally considered the 'apex predator', can still fall victim to implemented 'team work' strategy, made possible due to the tight knit social structure and 'survival of the pack mentality' bred into the canines.
See the remarkable photograph below courtesy of Nature Magazine. Note that the Alpha dog has a muzzle hold on the gator preventing it from breathing, while another dog has a hold on the tail to keep it from thrashing. The third dog attacks the soft underbelly of the gator.

Not for the squeamish!

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Laughter is good for the soul. Have a great DAY!

Oops, I did it again---

11:02 AM, Monday, May 19, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

I've got LAND (2nd try) (reposted from my 'other' life)

I started to blog early Saturday, I had that "I Sure Love Life" thing going that comes from a good nights sleep and a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning.

My TITLE was Hey I've got LAND! catchy isn't it.

Instead I ended up with the now famous: http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://activerain.com/blogsview/513760/Feel-Like-Crying (Sorry haven't figured out how to do the copy thing yet)

Sorry everyone MISSED the original, from what I remember it was brilliant and heart felt. Best writing I have done in a while. ( Did learn to save and work from a WORD doc. so good did come from my lack of experience in the tech world)

The point of the first story was if you are "looking" for land, we have it here in the lovely state of MISSORUI. (SW Missouri is my favorite stomping ground) I will have to take a couple of days to work up a few more posts of what this area has to offer. For now, let me leave you with a picture of what I get to view when the rooster starts to crow!

Check back to check out the rest of the story.... be good cheryl

For the quilters- most of you have been very helpful as I wear my other hat, the one in Real Estate, most of what I have learned about blogging has come form getting comfortable in this medium honing my writing skills. I can't thank you gals (and guys) enough. FYI- I will continue the quilt blog but on a less manic time frame. I purpose to check in daily to offer encouragement and see what is going on, but my posts will probably slow down a bit till I get the other blog off the ground. http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/7007/ this is points based site so if you know ANYONE in real estate, financing, insurance etc... send them to my site- it is a neat little world (over 80,000 members as of today)

I am waiting to see if LANE gets signed in- would be neat to have a fabric friend on the rain site.

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://activerain.com/action/referrals/ozarkcastle

Just for giggles: here is the first post I 'LOST' on quiltblog. (should have learned from that one but NO have to try it my way) http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6280/

Nancy posted CLUE 4

10:05 PM, Saturday, May 10, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

For the gals in my group that are following this Mystery we will get the printed version next time we meet. I know there are a couple that 'work' ahead so if you haven't beat me to it-- here ya go......

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/nancyrose/7058/

We are getting close, so it is good that this is an easy one to give the slackers a chance to catch up. cut cut sew sew see ya soon. - cw

Orange'you glad it's time for STEP #4

01:39 PM, Friday, May 9, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

Bonnie just posted step #4 if you are doing the Orange Crush- take the rest of the day off with me and lets get those blocks sewn up. I'll show you mine later, you can show me yours now.

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://quiltville.com/orangecrushmystery4.shtml

be good cheryl

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6637/ my step # 1 are done!! yeah b/c we need them for step #4

(my bad is that #2 is about done and haven't started #3yet- could have swore I did, must have dreamed it or worse yet miss placed them- oh well deal with it later)

took me less than 2 minutes to pick the supporting stash (actually grandson LANE picked it out-) I was waiting to see how it was going to be used before committing yardage. Might still change my mind on the 'orange' but so far this is it.

2yds of orange (only 2 yd piece I had, might decided to use smaller fabrics if I can sneak them in.)

My black is really a MARY E. fabric and the only reason I am using it is b/c my friend PAM will die, when she sees I am using a M. E. in a scrap top!!! (Pam is the last of the true fabric snobs - seriously just kidding- she has reprimanded me on other occasions about using my 'good stuff' in my ''throw together tops"- hopping this will lighten her up a bit)

My red is going to be multiple red/w/black- now that I see we are doing spinning stars I feel better about this choice.

I am using 6 different fabrics for the red so I only need to make 5 blocks of each. Have the first set of 6 tri/sqs sewn waiting to trim. Most likely I will sew all the sqs. and bag them trimming later at the lake. My dad cut me several plexiglass sqs. of all the standard sizes.( this needs a 3 1/2") It makes it very easy to just sit and yak and trim. Very relaxing.

The blue that Bonnie is using up different fabrics, I am going to do the easy way and stick to one yd of a print I haven't worked into anything else yet.

TOTAL Quilt will be from stash. I am so excited to be sewing blocks together! be back soon. cw

Thursday at Cheryl's

11:32 AM, Thursday, May 8, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

This is meeting number 4 (there I go with a list again) , link to last week: http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6912/

Items for tonight:

1: Newbies (most of the same crowd- couple of extra kiddos)

2: Grad. Quilt Project (The star quilt is quilted and we worked on hand sewing the binding- sure goes quickly when there is a group of gals working on it)

3: Blogging .....

4: Wedding/Anniv NEW Baby etc..Projects (Need to add another wedding quilt- MATT & KATIE- I am working on ideas on how we can all participate)

Edna brought a lovely panel with bears for new great-grand TBA later. We seamed a back, sewed the top (pot holder style) Turn style and Kelly quilted big flowers, Deb hand stitched the open area for turning it . Less then 45 min start to finish for a lovely baby gift. We know 'it's a girl!', we think we know the intended name, now let's see how surprised everyone is when the twins get here- just kidding.

5: Charity Project (WOW- the fabrics that have been selected- wow wow wow- we are getting a good start on our 9-patches. Looks like at least half of the project is in some form of being worked on. One top stitched up and a couple more in the process.

I tend to PIN everything to the blinds to hang to shoot the photo, sorry for the picture quality, I am sure I will get a better one after this is quilted.

example of some of the strips of 6" we plan to use.

Begin sewing strips in the following order 1-2-1 2-3-2 1-2-1

cross-cut at 6" and assemble into the traditional 9-Patch

It take a good 2 yds. of fabrics #1 & #2 and a half yd of fabric #3. (12 strips of #1, #2 and three strips of #3)

Then cut the 9-patch block into 1/4's , rotate two opposite corners and re-sew into a 4-patch block

IF CUTTING into 6" sqs. cut 80 of #1 & 80 of #2 and 20 of #3 (You can interpret the colors by Red White & Blue; or Light, Med, Dark or Mix and Match any or all to get the required number of sqs/strips/blocks for this quilt.

The top in the picture was done using a 1A, 2A ,1B --- 2B ,3 ,2B --- 2B ,2A, 1A pattern, I used two different strip fabrics in the #1 position (thus the 1A & 1B) and 2 different fabrics for the #2 spot also. (producing a neat pattern of 5 fabrics.) ALL NINE fabrics can be different, all 27 strips can be different- you do what you want to. For a two color top do a traditional 5 of one and 4 of the other.

There is no right/wrong way to do these very forgiving blocks. Have fun experimenting with colors, and even more fun when you set the top together- there are multiple ways to place the blocks but please stick to a 4 x 5 block layout.

(ON your own if you choose to do this for a kid project and 3 x 4 layout is a nice size with or without borders, FYI)

6: JR Quilting (3rd &4th graders- http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/7003/ )

7: MYSTERY Quilt (rules and regs) WE WILL GET CLUE 3 tonight (several are working on less scrappy versions and are going to 'skip' this clue until the reveal)

8: New Ideas/Wanna Learns (No new quilting 'gotta knows' but a lively discussion on getting rid of ants..... something about hitting a spouse in the head while...... you had to have been there)

9: Pre-Sept Ladie's Night Thoughts (We will get more on tract later)

10: Thought of the Day (Blessed are the peacemakers....)

Be good cheryl

Paducah KY 2008 winners

08:36 AM, Tuesday, May 6, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

Get a cup of coffee, and sit back and enjoy- lots of 'new' (or new to me) to see!

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.americanquilter.com/shows_contests/paducah/2008/quilt_contest/winners.php

Think I will spend a lot of time re-visiting this site! Wish I could have run up there and seen the beautiful quilts first hand. One of these days I might just have to put a trip at the top of my TO-DO's. Who's going with me? -- be good cw

Active Rain Referral

02:22 PM, Monday, May 5, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

I signed up on a real estate blog site a couple of years ago and didn't really understand all the ins&outs of it. Now that I have got my feet wet with the quilting blog, I think I am ready to spend more time on developing the business side of my brain.

This is a point based site so what I need from you is to sign in under my link and get me a few points to put me at the top of my area. It is suppose to help me get my name 'out there' to the public and hopefully generate clients who have common goals.

The payoff for you is that there is a LOT of good info on this site and a little FYI never hurt anyone. Even if you are not going to buy or sell in my part of the state, you can pick up on a few market trends that may prove useful.

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://activerain.com/action/referrals/ozarkcastle

Also I need a few ideas to BLOG about, evidently the good bloggers write on a regular basis- from how I am starting I think once every other year is my trend. I think I cover a lot of good subject matter on my website but this active rain community is suppose to be geared more towards peers.

Any help from the computer savvy in the group, please feel free to jump in and coach me. Thanks for your help in getting me to a higher ranking. be good cheryl

5th of May (Cinco de Mayo)

11:50 AM, Monday, May 5, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

History Lesson?

---

Hellmann's Mayonnaise - a bit of history
Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in NewYork.
This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost.
The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day.
The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as Sinko De Mayo.
WHAT??? You expected something educational from me?

Isn't the web wonderful- I had seen this one a couple of times and now it is showing up in my IN-Box. Making the rounds, thought I would share. be good cw

Ride Um Cowboys!

09:42 PM, Sunday, May 4, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

What a beautiful day today. A couple of kids from my Fourth grade bible class came out to the house to 'quilt' (which is code for CLEAN) or in today's case ride the horse. Kids cleaned and vacuumed out my car!! Close enough to sewing as far as I am concerned. This is oldest grandson, Lane 4 1/2 yrs old riding Apache, 3 yrs old. Our yearling, Dixie was brought in to wean and Apache was corralled with her to keep her calm. Yesterday, Dixie got her first lessons in 'leading' wearing a halter. Apache helped train her and both did very well.

Granddaughter, Karlee, did most of her riding with her daddy and/or the other kids. She wanted to go as many times as we would let her. Doesn't she look so big sitting up there on that horse. Future little cowgirl?

Hard to tell from a photo but even at only 15 mo old, this kids rides pretty well.

For the Newbies- FYI's

01:44 PM, Wednesday, April 30, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

Let's all comment on our favorite "Must Learns" to hang out on this blog. Anything you found necessary to know or anything you think a newbie needs to know. I will link to what ever we come up to have a spot to share so we don't have to repeat the same ole- same old.

My original question was: http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/5216/

AMY had a good way to post pictures: http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/sweetnstacked72/5063/ Think she used the Photo Bucket program as I do.

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.photobucket.com/ a free hosting site, you can down load pictures to it and re-size to website friendly sizes. I use the 'direct link' to then put on this blog site. (I try to remember that not everyone has high speed so don't make pic to big- sometimes we forget)

I bulk load pictures. re-size and use the Direct Link to post to this blog. My daughter had to teach me how but once I learned to 'open' more than one tab at a time it went much faster going back and forth between the blog and photobucket. hope this helps

something else I thought of: when you add a picture you don't like, you can back space over it to remove it. I tend to 'write' first and then fill in with pictures and sometimes put them in the 'wrong' spot, just back up and then re-do.

also don't be afraid to use spell check. couldn't believe how many words I misspell because of typos.

You all know I love this Blog, it is a wonderful way to journal what we are doing and get a little feed back and encouragement to try new things. Everyone be good cheryl

R/W/B Firemen Quilts

09:53 PM, Tuesday, April 29, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

I have been wanting to post our Fire Station Quilts for awhile. I know I have mentioned them off and on but had not taken the time to scan the booklet and give the project the attention it deserves. These utility quilts were started in the fall of 2001 and finished several months later. This booklet was the collection of quilts and essays by our group.

good friend Leona (LJ) was brave enough to pose with Fire Chief and crew

We hosted an Open House to show off the quilts. The community was invited. Fire safety literature and smoke detectors were passed out. Tours of the Fire Truck were a big hit

The little kids were not the only ones to enjoy taking a tour of the Fire Engine or getting a 'hat'.

Basically a 12 1/2" block. The sewing group pre-cut the back ground sqs. (we choose tan b/c the quilts were for men) Women from Barry Co. and Lawrence Co in MO sewed blocks for these quilts. Five quilts from these patterns were made. Blocks were either red or blue and made lovely 2-color quilts.

The 'red- chain' was cut and sewn in one meeting. The 'blue-chain' didn't even make it to the cutting table. This is a wonderful top to make once, but twice in a row was pushing our luck. A 6 1/2" 9-patch made with 2 1/2" sqs. set alt. with 6 1/2" background sq. = this simple Irish Chain.

Our version of "Hole-in-the-Barn Door and "friendship Star" or as we renamed it: "Doris Star" for our friend who really like the star block. Both blocks are made with the same 9-patch idea, the 1/2 tri/sqs are just in a different position. In the HOLE quilt the tri/sqs are in the corners pointing towards the middle sq. In the STAR quilt the tri/sqs are on the sides with a background sq in the corners. Gives two totally different looks to similar blocks. We made Blue versions too.

Checker Board is a fast and easy and beautiful way to make a two-color quilt. This red one and the blue twin were strip cut. Two people working together can make this easily in a morning (factor in time for kids, hubbys, phones, shopping, etc......)

This is one of the 'cheater' quilts, literally strip cut and pieced. The R&W quilt has a Navy back, The B&W has Red, and the B&R has a Tan back. We started the project with good intentions. Since the group only meets two times a month, we didn't get everything done we hoped too. This was a fun night and we complete 3 of these lovely cheater tops.

The Missing Blocks or 'Late Blocks" were a nice surprise and enough for the last quilt top. A mix of reds and blues and stars and doors, this was one of my favorites. I love the scrappy!!

Some cut, some sewed, some donated material or $$. Everyone offered encouragement. We were very happy to have such lovely quilts to give to our firemen.

Thanks for letting me share. It has been 6 yrs and the station is due for another round of bed toppers. This years project will be a cut-up-9-patch. Should be done by Sept. if all goes well.- cheryl

Orange Crush -

12:42 PM, Tuesday, April 29, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

Bonnie's Mystery has posted step three! http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://quiltville.com/orangecrushmystery3.shtml

I actually have all of #1 and most of #2 done, hope to get home tonight and cut and sew on #3

(as usual I start writing when I am at the office and don't get 1/2 of what I have planned done- step 3 will have to wait)

On Nancy's Mystery I am caught up and cutting a second quilt out this week.

Dawn is making hers in Red & White and I wanted to copy her idea- I did get my blue print picked out from stash and the "tans" cut, I will most likely sew clue 2 first.

Linda's grad quilt is in the frame hoping to get quilted soon.

Janet's grad quilt top for granddaughter is hanging up trying to tell me how it wants to be quilted. I am thinking something flowery but am open to suggestions-

This is a favorite setting for the grad. quilts. A 6 1/2" 9-patch, and 6 1/2" sq. sewn into a 4-patch block and a 12 1/2" solid for embellishment. (The kids do everything from photo to applique, embroidery, signatures etc...) The tops are set 5 x 6 for a 60" x 72" keepsake quilt.

I pulled out a box of R/W/B fabrics, hope to get a couple of KITS cut out for our Fire-station quilts.

I finally posted the pictures from the last time we did quilts for the Monett station. http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6961/

"Found this adorable pre-printed apron and lined it with a yellow check. Hope to finish it with a black thread overcast stitch someday for grand-daughter, Karlee.

The green doesn't show up, but looks '70's

I sorted through the rest of the 'over flow' and now just need to put things away. The six large bags under the table will go to PAM for her rugs. The smaller piles on the floor will get placed with like kind stuff. Some will be tote bags for our Kid's projects, small donation quilt backs and other on going piles I save material for.

Last but not least- a new TO-DO

Mom finally gave me Grandma's quilt to re-do. The top has 20 Nose-gay blocks and I think each flower has at least one or two fabrics that need attention. As luck would have it, I have a good stash of period fabrics that should blend in nicely. I was able to print a pattern that matches the pieces perfectly and if I needle turn I think I can keep the original look.

cw

Today got "Chilled-Out"

05:41 PM, Sunday, April 27, 2008 .. 4 comments .. Link

Thanks everyone for the B-day wishes- weather here is a tad bit cool so we are going to post-pone the lake and sneak a nap. I am requesting a couple of honey-do's get finished this afternoon and a nice movie tonight. Don't really see a lot of that happening except the nap.
On the last Sundays each month our church group does a dinner and early devo. Today was going to be a picnic at the park but we got 'chilled out' and held it inside. Had so much fun laughing at the kids try do "egg races" with golf balls (no one would volunteer to clean the floors if we used real eggs!).

The Tug-a-War made me laugh. In this go-round there was a 'Dad" at each end of the rope but those boys sure thought it was them doing the pulling.

The funniest round was the under 40's vs the over 40's- I have not laughed out loud so hard in a long time.

Fellowship, Food and Fun, what more can a gal ask for on her B-day. ( OH and CAKE- there was lots of cake!)

be good cheryl

Clue #3 (nancy-rose mystery)

05:36 PM, Sunday, April 27, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

For the gals in my group who are following the MYSTERY Quilt, here you go--

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/nancyrose/6937/

If you are working ahead have fun. Bring your 'Brags' to share with the rest of us.

I will print directions to pass out at our next Thursday Get-to-gether the 2nd Thur. in May.

Be Good Love Cheryl

"Nancy Singer" Add Mobile Alert
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To:
"Cheryl Willis"

Subject:
Re: clue 3

Date:
Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:23:14 -0400

I'd go with "B"

Hope this helps!

Nancy

----- Original Message -----

From: Cheryl Willis

To: Nancy-Rose

Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:32 PM

Subject: clue 3

thanks, for us scrapy gals it will be a piece of cake- for the ones doing a more controled set of fabrics I am thinking a couple of different things. (we don't meet again for a bit so correct me if I am WAY off)

1- IF nickels are varitly of fabric do directions as printed.

2- IF nickels are all of FOCUS (or all same) fabric do the following:

A- WAIT until the final reveal and decided what you want to do...(for this step). or

B- Do a checkerboard with 2 (or more) support &/or contrast fabrics.

C- Do the 4-patches with FOCUS fabric and one or more support fabrics following printed directions

Quilt/Roof/Brag

09:16 AM, Saturday, April 26, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

I had a hard time thinking of a title for today- Do I go with the Pre-Birthday theme ( http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6921/ ) or... On my way to Roof a Home or..... BRAG that we got another one done.

Let's BRAG!!! (quilt stuff takes precedent!)

Kelly surprised me by coming over last night to 'work' on Linda's wedding quilt for Bill's nephew. (side note for me 'working' on it would mean, pin it to the frame and go do something else) Kelly is not as worn out as I am and quilted the piece in less than 2 hrs. total start to finish.

I was so impressed that it motivated me to throw together a little scrap beauty for granddaughter, Karlee. Linda had sewed the 'piano keys' for a border on her gift quilt and I stole her left overs ( http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6915/ ) to make this drag -along quilt for Karlee. The top was a little wiggly so I squared it up (translates to actually ironed something) and added a border of little frog prints. (think I stole them too from Linda's stash that she left at my house) Now that I look at it, the label needs to say gifted by Auntie Linda and G-Ma Cheryl

. front & back

The guys left early this morning to head over to tear shingles off Bill and Linda's place. Kelly and I will head over in a bit to help with the 'lunch'. Today the weather is beautiful so it should be a fun time for all. Nothing like seeing your men work up a sweat! Makes me wish we were doing a barn raising too. Here's a pretty good picture of Lane (4yrs) up on the roof hammering away. (Reminds me of his daddy- when he was little)

Not all work though, have to have time for bubbles and....

Time to build a play fort from the debris.

Happy Birthday to ME

11:10 AM, Friday, April 25, 2008 .. 4 comments .. Link

Birthday is not till the 27th (Sunday) I really just needed a reason to post - I got the pictures loaded on our group meeting last night and want to share - http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6912/

The gals were made to EAT cake and SING Happy B-Day to me- I was forced to lissen to the singing and eat the left over cake! Tech 3 days to go before I hit the BIG 4???? (aren't we supose to quite counting by NOW?)

Who would have thought that getting older has it's rewards.

Tomorrow I will celebrate my ONE DAY before the BIG DAY by helping friend Linda cook for the crew that is coming out to re-shingle their house. I SEE a cake for Saturday too or at least a big pan of Brownies.

And on the real BIG DAY, we are getting to have a church picnic at the park (Not for my B-day but that is not going to stop me from insisting on CAKE)

Carl and I are going to overnight it out at the lake Sunday Night- don't know how I am so lucky to get a Get-a-Way with favorite hubby but I think it is going to be better than CAKE! Happy Birthday to ME!

STARS and KEYS

04:49 PM, Thursday, April 24, 2008 .. 3 comments .. Link

This is the top for good friend LINDA's grad quilt for her niece. I CUT the pieces, MADE her sew the blocks and sew the four 3 block rows. AND had her sew the piano keys (did them as Width Of Fabric) eight of each color and then cross cut at 6".(The extra was used in a child size quilt top) I was nice enough to set the top and add the borders. (I couldn't take the crying - mostly me saying: "Learn to FISH!") I am pleased with the KEY border turning out so well. I cheated and re-seamed at the blue and greens to 'sneak' in an extra strip- made the key colors run around the outside without double-ing up.

Other than Linda HATES stars- this will be a lovely keepsake for her loved one.

(On a side note- she doesn't hate stars, she just hadn't sewn in a while and was flusterated at me for not taking over sooner.- that's where the famous Teach a Man to Fish story comes in (she is sick of me telling it) I usually trick her into folding my laundry while I work on her pieces. She is training me to fold my OWN laundry, next she is going to insist I do my own dishes!)

The gals that are coming over tonight for group will get a chance to see Kelly pin this one in to quilt. (Kelly worked on the wedding quilt instead, this got bumped down the list). Thanks for letting me share. Cheryl

Thursday= quilt group #3

10:28 AM, Thursday, April 24, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

This is meeting number 3 (there I go with a list again) , link to last week: http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6799/

Tonight the focus is going to be on the Cut-up- 9-patch (disappearing 9-patch)

Hopefully we will get a few kits cut out to start one of our charity projects for this year.

I found this link today- showing the block set on point-

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.quiltingpassion.com/blocks/pieced/ninepatchvariation/index.html

Kelly cut 6" for a KIT Debra sewed the demo block

(I need to write up a materials list, but basicly the rules are: IF you donate 6" sqs, we will mix/match to make scrapy "KITS"

IF you want to purchase fabric get 2yds each of colors # 1 & #2 and 1/2 yd of color #3; They will be strip cut for KITS

IF you want to cut or sew JUMP in at what ever part you like. We have committed to at least 12 Red/White/Blue for the downtown firestation. The more the merrier so feel free to participate.

IF you don't 'sew' or 'cut' then come over to learn or just come hang out and have fun.

I originally got hooked after seeing some of Nancy's charity quilts. Now I am 'seeing' them everywhere. Easy block to make and who doesn't love a nine-patch for using up scraps. Def. a block after my heart.

links to some I have made:

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/4810/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/4923/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/4817/

Items for tonight:

1: Welcome to Newbies (tech no Newbies BUT some New BRAGS) Sue attended a class and learned a new to her block. She was nice to share the tops with us. She had enough to make a lg and a small top. Beautiful colors!

2: Grad. Quilt Project http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6915/ (thanks Deb for being the designated sewer tonight, the girls laid out Andrew's blocks and sewed it up Right-Quick-Like.

3: Intro to Blogging (showed off the site to the couple of gals who had not been in the office before)

4: Wedding/Anniv Projects

(This is the Wedding quilt top for Linda & Bill's nephew's upcoming day. Linda had purchased material in the new couples "colors" and left the top design up to me- I decided instead of a lot of blocks to 'show off' the material by doing strips. Linda is very pleased with the result and can't wait to see how Kelly chooses to quilt it.)

5: Charity Project (Happy to say the gals took to the 9-patch idea and we will be seeing a lot of these neat quilts over the next couple of months. Should have at least 12 ready to donate after our Dinner in Sept.)

6: JR Quilting (Next meeting is a week from Sunday and it is the BOYS turn to spend the day out at our place)

7: MYSTERY Quilt (rules and regs) WE WILL GET CLUE 2 tonight (mine are done- envision me doing the "I'm Done Dance" ) http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/nancyrose/6824/

(Sue is working on several and brought blocks to share- Her Daughter-in-law is making one for the 'new' baby due this fall)

(the puppy nickles are soooooo cute!)

(Thanks Nancy-Rose) {This will be a hoot- Stash is offered to the ones who hate mysteries so they DON'T WASTE their good fabrics- just kidding- After we learn the mystery I will redraft the block to a larger size for the ones who already hate anything less then 2 1/2"- I love the challenge but know that not everyone will. I THANK the gals in advance for participating with a spirit of fun}

8: New Ideas/Wanna Learns (Deb wanted to do a lone star and we found a kit this week for her to start with)

9: Pre-Sept Ladie's Night Thoughts (Evolved to a more formal Tea and Antique Fashion show.)

10: Thought of the Day (Tonight was a perfect example of Godly Women just being together and doing the things we do with each other. The fellowship is awsome. I am so blessed to have such good friends that would take time to just hang out and be there for each other)

{Notes in the parenthesis are edited in b/c I don't want to write a second part}

Wish you were able to join us-kinda a cyber friends meets the quilt group- oh well some other time. Be good cheryl

New Arrival

03:46 PM, Friday, April 18, 2008 .. 5 comments .. Link

Queenie was 'due' about 5 wks ago- yesterday the horse guy said 'Nope- not going to get one this year" Look what the girl did this morning. She is the neighbors horse being kept at our place. She was bread to throw a spotted-mule. Other than the white on the little guys legs - it doesn't look like he got what he was hoping for.

I call over to Ray's home this morning and asked if he wanted to come over and check the baby out. He asked 'what baby?' I said 'Queenie's little one'- He laughed and said 'you have got to be kidding, I was going to bring her home today- isn't that just like a woman, wait till you give up'

I think she just wasn't in the mood to give birth in our cold rainy weather. It is still cold out but not as bad as last week. Baby is nursing and doing well.

Can't believe I AM making a LIST

03:10 PM, Friday, April 18, 2008 .. 7 comments .. Link

1- been reading your blogs, but haven't commented on all I want too- the stories have been great and the quilts/blocks have been too. Sometimes it is hard to get a minute to jot down my thoughts during the work week-love getting to see what everyone is working on out there in cyber-space or Canada (same thing)

2-finished Nancy's Clue 1 & 2 (this alone merits recognition!)

3- started pulling fabric for Bonnie's mystery (only 2 steps behind the pack)

4- asked Hubby to change the bulb in sewing room he did! (NO whining on either of our parts)

5- I mentioned (with out sarcasm) that I really would like the cutting table raised 6-8 inches- (good thing for cinder blocks- now the PERFECT height) Hubby is on a roll!

6-set up a staging area (table space to pre-sort the clutter from the sewing obsession) What ever it is, it now has about 12 boxes of stuff to go through THEN I am officially DONE moving things around. (until I decided to straighten up the fabric on the shelves- but I really think I can over come that urge!)

7- Started a new project at the office to get over involved with-
http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/email/27823/577462/index.ipv

8-Cleaned house with out anyone having to be there cheering me on (Although I DO think it was a waist of sewing time- I will probably do it again in the near future)

9-Watched the DEM Debates and wondered if it is too late to choose a 3rd candidate?

10-Day Dreamed about taking the grand-kids to the lake on Saturday.

(what is it about sitting on the deck with bubbles that makes the day so perfect) Grandpa Carl & Karlee 14mo

11-realized that it is very hard for me to make a list and almost harder to stop- (How does DAVE only do a top 10?)

I'll get picture edited in someday. Everyone be good - cheryl

Bonnie's step 2

11:39 AM, Wednesday, April 16, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://quiltville.com/orangecrushmystery2.shtml

in case anyone is doing this one- enjoy cw

Thursday Quilt Night ch 2

02:59 PM, Thursday, April 10, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

ouch, lost my pre-view entry, here goes the short version, I will edit later and add photos.

link to last time: http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6668/

Our group meets 2nd & 4th Thursday Nights out at our house. Last time we tried to get together the weather didn't cooperate and we had Tornado Warnings all evening. Several of the gals opted not to get out in the rain. Seems tonight might be part II of Thunder Storm Cinema b/c it looks like we are getting a repeat performance. (Only rumbling was my stomach- weather held nice)

We usually get together in town but I really needed a motivation to straighten up around the house

( hope this gets me in a better mood about the chores!) This way I can throw things together and not have to be so rushed. Rule is first one to the house breaks in and makes the coffee!

I have my CLUE #1 from Nancy's Mystery Quilt finished and will show it tonight and pass out directions to the gals that are participating. I am anxious to see every-one's choices of colors & fabrics.

My choice for WHITE is white background and small prints that amuse me>

My NICKELS are from a stash of 6" I have used in other much loved projects>

My TAN is yet to be determined, keep changing my mind and might hold off till I have to commit to a fabric, thinking towards either a stripe or dots or poss check. Saw a floral strip fabric in my stash that might be considered. I just don't know what I want to do!!

Here is an example of my CLUE #1 Blocks I made 3 of each set.

Kelly chose a floral print for her NICKLES and a white on white for her WHITE, her TAN is actually 5 bright prints to hopefully give her quilt top a Bright Springy Look.

Linda's version of the Mystery will be done in yellows and golds as an anniversary quilt for her parents 55th. She is also working on a Star Quilt as a graduation gift for her niece and has plans for a wedding quilt for an upcoming family event next month. This gal has been bitten by the quilting bug and bit good.

Several of the women have decided to make the smaller version and didn't bring their fabrics to show off tonight.

Group is working on a star quilt for a SR boy at church, we hopefully will have all 15 blocks turned in and get the top laid out to be sewn together. (13 of the blocks got brought tonight so we need to wait on the other two to set the top.)

My idea of an agenda is to take the notes from last meeting and touch base of each idea. I am looking forward to a good turn out, weather permitting. Linda said she was coming b/c it is just as easy to ride out a tornado in my basement as it is out at her farm. What a friend! (11 were in attendance, 6 had unexcused absences, 3 others just don't know if/when they can attend but want to help, so it looks like we could have upwards of 20 gals working off and on this session.)

Items for tonight:

1: Welcome to Newbies (no new bodies, mostly just us 'old ladies' not quite a dozen, we had eleven)

2: Grad. Quilt Project (close --but two blocks short- our First UFO!)

3: Intro to Blogging (had to brag about the cyber-quilters)

4: Wedding/Anniv Projects (Linda added another wedding quilt to her list TO-DO)

5: Charity Project Discussion (R/W/B cut up 9-patch was agreed on for the fire station, we will cut 6" from scraps to bring next time and then count them into kits and sew one for demonstration. Fast and Easy, with several machines going should get one done that night.)

6: JR Quilting Ideas (To funny to repeat- you had to have been here)

7: MYSTERY Quilt Intro (rules and regs)

(Thanks Nancy-Rose) {This will be a hoot- I can't wait, Stash is offered to the ones who hate mysteries so they DON'T WASTE their good fabrics- just kidding- After we learn the mystery I will redraft the block to a larger size for the ones who already hate anything less then 2 1/2"- I love the challenge but know that not everyone will. I thank the gals in advance for participating with a spirit of fun}

8: New Ideas/Wanna Learns (I have an on going list and know as I post for help I will find what I need.)

9: Pre-Sept Ladie's Night Thoughts (Evolved to a more formal Tea and Antique Fashion show.)

10: Thought of the Day (Don't miss a meeting of the quilting group unless you want to be volunteered to finish projects. Congrats to Leona for having another commitment this evening, SHE gets to set the STAR Blocks for Andrew's graduation quilt!)

Again I will add ideas to each as we get it figured out- you are getting the before hand cheat sheet that will hopefully keep us on track tonight. {Notes in the parenthesis are edited in b/c I don't want to write a second part}

Wish you were able to join us-kinda a cyber friends meets the quilt group- oh well some other time. Be good cheryl

Got a call from youngest daughter-

10:16 AM, Tuesday, April 8, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

I know I write as much about the kids as I do quilting but you know you do what you know!

Favorite youngest daughter, Sarah, and her family live in the great state of TN. She works with the DELL company in their sales department. She said they are having a 'great time to buy' sale right now on their printers and I can drop her number to family/friends if I want too. This is NOT a SALES PITCH just more of a FYI from me to you. The sale is good for the rest of APRIL- if you were looking at printers anyway give her a call to see if her companies products/prices are what you need.

Sarah works 12-9 central time (M, T, Th, F, Su) 1-800-901-3355 ext 2160743 (use the ext so you can tell her that her mommy said to call)

She is the mom to my favorite two youngest grandsons, Andrew & Ben

We have quilt group on Thursday and I will update on how our version of Nancy's myster quilt is going. Everyone be good- cheryl

Best day ever!

07:40 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

My Bible class students have decided to take me on as a charity project in need of some organizing and sorting help. Last month the 4th graders come out to the house and we had a blast (Or at least I did) moving books and toys around. (and giving hubby a hard time about not having the sewing room finished)

This month five girls ages 4 1/2-10 came over and attacked the quilting room. This is the best-est age ever for getting detailed sorting done. I have had my quilting table for over 10 years. I have NOT seen the top of my quilting table in most of that time. These little helpers cleaned every inch of the 14 ft. table the machine sets on. All the patterns got rolled up and back on a shelf. ALL the loose pins and needles are now sorted. Loose threads all gather and thrown away. Clutter BE GONE- these girls are a force to be reckoned with!.

The afternoon was not all about the free labor:

1- We enjoyed feeding the horse (Queenie is 'due' anyday now, we were hoping to get to see her little one),

2-running through the house (3 out side doors, 2 levels and a wrap around deck- you get the idea, lots of door slamming) ,

3-sweeping the kitchen floor (don't know why that is so much fun at this age, but I am good with it),

4-beating the rugs out on the deck (again, they could NOT get enough of it), and

5-a buffet dinner of mac & cheese and hot-dogs (I am the best cook ever!).

6-The girls brought several more boxes of toys up to the playroom. Who knew stuff from the 1980's would be such a hit.

We laid out and sewed up a quillo (quilt & pillow mix) for a friend of a friend. The girls pinned, I sewed, they trimmed and did the turning inside out. Over all I think we had an enjoyable day. AND I got to blog and write a list! Can't wait till next month to do it again.- cw

Sewing Room is working-

10:16 PM, Thursday, April 3, 2008 .. 6 comments .. Link

Linda came over tonight and worked on her nieces grad. quilt. We also finished her two blocks for Andrews quilt. I sorted the pile of TO-POSSIBABLLY-DO's that was growing way to high. I also surprised myself by finishing a small doll quilt for granddaughter, Karlee.

I am really a scrap quilter at heart but sometime I see a focus fabric that calls to me. When I was young my mom embroidered a set of Holly Hobbie dolls for my room. (I need to dig them out and re-frame them for my sewing room.- great ...another TO-DO!)

Anyway, when I came across this Holly Hobbie print I set it aside for a favorite little girl project. Tonight while Linda sewed I fiddled around and threw together a little keepsake. The hearts in the border were re-sized from ones given to me from a friend's mom., she didn't think there was enough to do anything with them. (I just hung on to them for a country project) This top is 33 x 33 so it will be perfect for a sweet doll baby. Karlee is 14 mo now and likes to put her doll in the cradle and cover her up. (And then try step on her or pile toys on her or etc... you know, pre-parenting play.)

New rule on the sewing room is nothing comes in that does not have a chance of getting finished. So far, so good. Even the scraps have been cut into strips &/or strings. I did designate a drawer for my pineapple UFO and hope to start working on it again soon. I have a couple more clutter piles in the hall that need sorted and then NO MORE EXCUSES for not busting some stash on a regular basis. -cw

4-patch stackNwack

04:42 PM, Wednesday, April 2, 2008 .. 5 comments .. Link

This is a 4-patch posie link that shows a lot of neat block ideas. In the tradition of stack N wack. Makes me want to take a second look at some of my large print fabrics to see it there is something I can play with.

enjoy the show-

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/slideshow/557024028AVOyWX

Anyone else out there made one yet?

cheryl

Grad.Quilt 2008

02:58 PM, Wednesday, April 2, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

This year we only have one SR. at church. Andrew has asked for a quilt made with Royal Blue fabrics (or as close as we can get.)

Several of the quilters will be working on Grad. Quilts for family/friends so we should get to see a couple of pretty quilts fairly soon.

We need a total of 15 Stars for this quilt, each packet has background for 2.

STAR BLOCK is 12 1/2" unfinished, (please don't re-size the star block we will do that when we put the top together). The stars will be off set with 12 1/2" background blocks that Andrew can embellish however he chooses.

For Andrew's quilt, I have cut packets of background, I need sewers to add from personal stash a total of 5 (five) 6" sqs. of your version of royal blue. ((actually the center sq is only 4 1/2")) Stars Blocks need to be completed by next Thursday Night.

step # 1. draw a line down the middle/diagonal of each background sq. (total 4 per block)

step #2 sew 1/4" down both sides of drawn line, cut on the drawn line: yields triangle/squares block (total 8)

step #3 set four tri/sqs aside for resizing and make 2 sets right sides together opposite colors facing each other. Now draw a line down the center on the opposite diagonal. Sew down both sides of this line. Cut apart on drawn line. Set aside.

step #4 Re-size the 4 tri/sqs and the 4 quarter/tri block and a blue center block all to 4 1/2"

step #5 Assemble in a 9-patch layout using 1/4" seam allowance (12 1/2" block)

Please NOTE the LAYOUT: The outside corners will make a secondary design when the top is assembled. IF you press your tri/sqs, press toward the dark.

I am working on scanning pictures of past graduation quilts and will blog about them separately. I remember Morgan and Rachel were the first two we did as a group. There have been quite a few over the years. I will get with Pat to see if she has pictures to share. be good cheryl

packets of background for 2 stars were picked up by: Leona, Pat, Sharon, Linda, Debbie, Edna, & Sue. I did the odd one for a total of 15. We should get to see the finished top in about a week.- cw

This pattern should make for a nice scrappy quilt- blocks can be sewn side by side like in this yard sale find by Linda.

She is going to hand tie this top to several layers of muslin to give weight but not fluff to the quilt. The top is rather wiggley and is not 'quilting' worthy but interesting enough to try save as a couch throw.

Joy of the Sewing Room....cont.

09:54 AM, Tuesday, April 1, 2008 .. 3 comments .. Link

I am about to admit: I AM INSANE!

Don't know why it is taking so long to get moved in to the sewing room. I have always wanted a space just for being creative, or cluttered or whatever. You know all the stuff out in plain site!

(This is my "QUILTING ROOM") there was no room for the sewing machines.

(My 'cutting table' is former dinning room table- it should feel at home in the new room)

Linda is coming over tonight to cut out her nieces grad. quilt. The "cutting" table is piled high with misc. items that need a home.

My goal was A Place for Everything and Everything in It's Place. Nothing in unless it had purpose. For some reason my warped mind EVERYTHING has purpose!! I was going to draw the line at dryer lint but then learned crafters have several uses for it.

On the TO-DO for tonight-

1: box up and carry out the clutter (even if it just gets moved to the hall, I WANT that room Finished!) ((most of it is gone, couple of piles left))

2: cut packets for Andrew's grad quilt and help Linda cut for her niece. ((got Linda's cut and she sewed for a bit- I'll get Andrew's done tomorrow))

3: Cut stash for our Mystery quilt. and hopefully sew my blocks (Kelly can do hers later) ((Guess we can both do ours later))

4: TAKE a least one photo to prove that I really have done something lately. ((Took the picture and am surprised it is not at cluttered as I thought it was- could have swore the piles were 6" tall- just kidding))

((The plant got watered! and carried upstairs!! I will put a 'fake' plant in the window to collect dust))

What did I learn today? DON'T Make Lists- I am not any good at it. - score: less than a Brownie point!! (1/2)

What do I find amusing about these photos?:

1-the floor is amazingly clean for a sewing room- where is the 2 ft of threads?

2-I can sure stack a lot of stuff on top of stuff-

3-Technically the 'country doll' has to go until she gets hair- NO UFO'S ALLOWED!

4-Looks like I have every piece of 'wood' no one else in the family wanted.

5- Darn that Nancy-Rose, I wrote another list- cw

Wish me well-

Let the MYSTERY begin!

10:00 PM, Saturday, March 29, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

Yeah, Nancy just posted CLUE # 1 http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/nancyrose/6692/

in case you missed the fabric list http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/nancyrose/6622/

For my group in Missouri (USA) some of the girls already have the fabric list and some don't. We had pretty bad storms blow through and not everyone made it out on Thursday. I will see most in the group tomorrow and those that I miss I will mail out a list to keep them up to speed.

Kelly plans to do her quilt in pastels, I'm undecided but most likely something scrapy- Linda has committed to golds for an anniv gift. A couple of others haven't declaired which way they are leaning. Now that we see the first clue, it may be easier to plan for fabrics. Think we will have about a dozen ladies attempt the project, hopefully we can get many lovely mystery quilts made before our September Dinner.

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6668/

This is really going to be fun!- be good cheryl

ABSTRACT & RANDOM!

09:15 AM, Friday, March 28, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Who would have thought--- maybe this is why I seem to "Play well with others" quote from Kindergarten report card.

Your Thinking is Abstract and Random

You are flexible, adaptable, and creative.
There's many ways that you can learn - and you're up for any of them.
You relate well to other people, and you do well working in groups.
You can help people communicate together and work with each other's strengths.
You don't work well with people who are competitive or adversarial.
You prefer to work toward a common goal... not toward conflicting goals

It's THURSDAY must be Quilt Night!

02:24 PM, Thursday, March 27, 2008 .. 4 comments .. Link

I am so excited- our group has been a bit slow about getting in gear this year (MY BAD) but I think I have a solution!

My plan is to blog our activities this go-around---- kinda a 10th year anniv. project. Hope to create a little excitement in the gals to add a spark to doing the same old stuff we always do. You know the yakking, the procrastinating, the excuses for not getting "around to it" and of course the fellowship, the fun, the just being together in a similar mind and time.

I am a very 'fly by the seat of my pants' type of girl. I don't like planning to far in advance. I am a fan of schedules for others, I just don't like being required to DO something. SEW>>>>> for the group this year I am hoping to get out of my comfort zone (instead of pushing and pulling everyone else out of theirs) and HAVE an AGENDA. {In this case a 10 point plan of action}

For one- we are going to meet at my house for the first couple of months. This serves several purposes- I have to clean the house (hubby will like this) I don't have to pack stuff up for the class- I can run a little late and still be on 'time'. I am seeing a pattern of "I", "I", "I". Not trying to be selfish BUT it really is going to be a motivation for me to declutter knowing I have a couple of dozen 'peers' to hold me accountable to 'DO as I DO, not as I say I do' (Plus they can go home and be thankful they are not as bad as me).

Second, I don't have a number two or part "B"- it IS all about me. I really love the group experience but have a busy schedule so being at home I can throw things together as I have time and not worry about "forgetting" a key item.

I really have been watching too many organizational type shows lately. The one Oprah did on the 'hoarder' family put me over the edge. Don't know if anyone saw the show but I taped it and plan to watch it each quarter to remind me to start purging NOW before I have to call in a hundred volunteers to help DIG ME out of the PILES! Even I think I could draw the line at 75 TONS of trash! (watch the show) It will change your life!

Good friend Linda came over Tuesday night to help straighten up. Or as she says- clean our tails off. (Evidently a pre-reg. to be my friend is a strong back) Good thing about real friends is you don't really have to tidy up for them- we are cleaning for the insecurity of the off-chance showing up of an unknown lurker who says they are a friend but really only wants to snoop and expose my clutter. (I know there is NOT really such a person BUT I still have a dark fear that I might give ammo to the 'Out-to-get-her' crowd- not being paranoid, just prepared)

For the purpose of time, I am writing now and editing later- as usual I never know if we had fun until I see the pictures- This may take a bit, but hang in there with me- this is the start of Chapter ONE of PATTERNS FOR LIVING Quilting Journal, 2008.

Items for tonight:

1: Welcome to Newbies {We ended up with severe Thunderstorms and Tornado warnings tonight. Several of the ladies decided not to attend b/c of weather but we had a nice little turn out and are excited to hear that there will be a couple of NEW sewers this year}

2: Grad. Quilt Project {Tech. only ONE grad from church and we will make him a BLUE stars quilt. The pattern and backgroud fabric will be out for any who want to help. (it only takes 15 lg stars) There are 2 other family/friends that will be covered with love too.- Even if we don't all work on a piece we like to motivate and put our two cents in}

3: Intro to Blogging {Its a fun world, I encourage everyone to jump in.}

4: Wedding/Anniv Projects { We have several on the TO-DO list. Newly wed this year Jacob and Regina- I like it that Regina and her mother-in-law are taking part in the young couples quilt. Linda's parents 55th anniv. will be a GOLD version of the mystery quilt}

5: Charity Project Discussion {The group decided to make cut-up-9-patch in Red/White/Blue scraps for the fire station. We had made quilts for the men several years ago and think it is time for a few more} {Lap quilts for the nursing home is always on our list and we hope to have the JR group work on putting together kits and sandwich style sewing and poss. tying the tops. We will leave it up to the kids}

6: JR Quilting Ideas {I was thinking yard work to build muscles but got out voted. We will do orphan block pillows (One for the child to keep and one to be signed friendship style for a shut-in), work on sorting for the lap quilts, Learn basis sewing techniques and learn to draft a pattern, cut and sew a block and finish a pot holder.}

7: MYSTERY Quilt Intro (rules and regs)

(Thanks Nancy-Rose) {This will be a hoot- I can't wait, Stash is offered to the ones who hate mysteries so they DON'T WASTE their good fabrics- just kidding- After we learn the mystery I will redraft the block to a larger size for the ones who already hate anything less then 2 1/2"- I love the challenge but know that not everyone will. I thank the gals in advance for participating with a spirit of fun}

8: New Ideas/Wanna Learns {Love this, for the paper piecing class, we are choosing to do the TEA CUP block to be used as table runners for the dinner/door prizes. (Blame Nancy and her tea cup Tuesday- doesn't she know you can't keep showing compulsive people great ideas week after week!) Debbie wants to try a Lone Star- I think we can get her one done! Sue has been interested in the bargello- again another good idea for a class, Kelly wants a Kansas City Chiefs quilt- she has the fabric, needs pattern ideas}

9: Pre-Sept Ladie's Night Thoughts {We had a consensus- this year the motif will be TEA PARTY (I want everyone to dress up(costume style) and bring a stuffed animal for charity) The theme is Pattern For Living, we are looking for a speaker. Menu will be finger foods. We will make aprons for the men who are serving. The tea party block table runners will be beautiful. I normally don't like to plan so far ahead BUT for a 10th anniv, it will fun to go all out.}

10: Thought of the Day (or other inspirational spiel) {started out to be about stash busting- but ended up being about Doing what you know how to Do and WHEN you KNOW better, DO BETTER! Encouragement for each to live the best life and not put STUFF above relationships with LOVED Ones - the Oprah show really got to me!}

Again I will add ideas to each as we get it figured out- you are getting the before hand cheat sheet that will hopefully keep us on track tonight. {Notes in the parenthesis are edited in b/c I don't want to write a second part}

In case you have been following the 'sewing room' saga--- NO the room is not in order, and NO the Ladies WILL NOT GET A SNEAK PEEK tonight. It may be a couple of weeks before I am ready to open the door to the 'public' (Even good friends aren't allowed in yet)- be good, wish us well. Cheryl

Even with the terrible weather (rain & hail), the gals that got out and attended had a pretty good time. Think we have a nice start on our mission for this year. Special THANKS to Linda for refreshments- that girl can fix a mean batch of brownies!!- cw

I'm NOT Bragging but...

09:04 PM, Tuesday, March 25, 2008 .. 8 comments .. Link

The sewing room is finished!

Trim is up, stained to perfection. Several of the larger furniture pieces are in place. Now for a couple of weeks of moving everything around to that 'just right' spot.

I celebrated by finishing a binding! (At least I sewed something in the 'sewing room')

I have a little library corner for my quilt books and a reading chair.

Separate stations for the different machines.

A 6 ft. cutting table.

Drawer and shelf space for the un-numbered UFO's that I will purpose to identify as I grant them access to the new room. Only those worthy of the title will be invited to enter.

The room is mainly for cutting and sewing.

Kits and TO-DO's will be kept in the quilting room till deemed of UFO quality. This is officially my first UFO to start on after the room is in order. http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/5301/

And of course I have already cluttered it up way too much to take a picture BUT as I get the piles in order I will re-post to 'show off'. I have been watching organization type shows and think it is starting to sink in. I feel I can DO IT- I can have a place for everything and everything in it's place. Clutter be gone! I am Organized Stash-busting Quilting Woman- I vow to use my powers for good.

Now where did I lay the sissors? - cw

Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilt 2008

11:48 AM, Saturday, March 22, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

Saw on stashbusters that Bonnie is doing another mystery. Here is the link for any that want to participate. http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://quiltville.com/orangecrush1.shtml

I have committed our little group to following Nancy's Mystery (b/c I saw it first and thought it would be fun to participate with a sister group in Canada). http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6623/

Mystery's are a fun way to 'learn' a little something new (or not) AND a chance to let go of the control freak and follow someone else's lead. (Not going to be easy for some- but a lot of giggles for others).

I will do my best to blog our adventures- Special Thanks to Nancy Rose for all she is doing to perpetuate the mania of all things fabric. You go Girl! - cheryl

4-patches step one finished!!

SPRING- you say?

10:37 PM, Thursday, March 20, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Here in SouthWest Missouri we have had our share of participation! The rains of earlier this week flooded many streams and overflowed many of the low water bridges on the country roads. As many as 50 spots in our area were closed due to wash out or high water or debris.

I had to run out and check on a clients home today due to his being out of town. Happy to report his place is high and fairly dry. Due to a little detour, I got to see a bit of the country on a road less traveled. Normally this is a very little 'waterfall' down the side of a hill. Today three days after the "big one" it is still flowing at a steady pace. We had to stop and let the kids check it out.

All that water and it barely gets the road wet as it flows down to the river.

I hope to stop back after we green up a bit, this would be a lovely spot to splash and play. cw

She said: "YES"

10:28 AM, Thursday, March 20, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!

Nancy http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/nancyrose/6622/

----- Original Message -----

From: Cheryl Willis

To: Nancy-Rose

Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 11:22 AM

Subject: mystery quilt

Nancy, our little group is getting a late start this year (fill in excuses and blame me) I would like to ask your permission to follow your mystery quilt. I love your taste and of course I love scraps!!

We are meeting next Thursday to discuss plans for the year (we typically do a couple of charity projects and one 'just' for the gals- can we PLEASE do your mystery? I think it would be fun not knowing the outcome until everyone does. and I like your time frame (it gives us a chance to finish before our Sept. dinner) I of course would want to blog the experience so I want to ask nicely first. Please, Please, Please? - cheryl

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow

Butterflies/NO pictures

10:24 AM, Tuesday, March 18, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Sorry but I didn't get the pictures I hoped to on this last trip. Left the camera in the truck a lot. Had a great time but not a lot of great pictures to prove it.

Did get a bunch of little butterflies cut out and some day I will do better job documenting the process. I was able to put sets together and have another 6 bagged up and looks like half dozen more to do later. (the scrap pile never seems to get smaller- had a friend give me a couple more bags this weekend)

I was able to add a counter last week- looks like I am going to have 500 hits today. In the spirit of Nancy-Rose, anyone viewing today who wants a butterfly packet, send me an e-mail. Rules will be the same for the last give away. You must finish and send me a picture of the top or PASS the kit on to someone who will.

Here is the link to the butterfly packets. http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/4829/

Beemer (March 13h)

04:28 PM, Friday, March 14, 2008 .. 3 comments .. Link

WHAT--YOU'RE MY GRANDMA? http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6564/

Little Benjamin Michael Webber (BMW- Bemmer for short) is 4 1/2 mo old. A bit of a ham (didn't get that from my side of the family!) The visit went WAY to quickly but was worth the extra drive. Love any chance to hug our daughter and hold the grandbaby. The dinner at the nice Italian Resturaunt was good too.

We met up in Little Rock AR and got to see all of the little ones tricks, he rolls over, scoots backwards and almost gets on his knees. Love the smiles and laughs and of course the getting to hug and holds. Couldn't get him to design or sew anything though. I am slipping as a professed quilting granny. Since they live so far away I will have to plan the next trip better to ensure we have time to brainwash him in all things fabric!

I am getting a lot of little butterfly pieces cut out. Will get pictures posted after a bit.- be good cheryl

I am OUT of HERE!- Headed THERE-

11:10 AM, Thursday, March 13, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Running to Little Rock, AR for a quick visit with favorite youngest daughter and favorite youngest grandson. http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/4606/ Grandpa Carl hasn't seen little Ben yet so this is going to be a fun one. Sarah is headed to Searcy for Harding College Spring Sing and we were taking a couple of days to run around Rogers, AR but since we are so close- changed hotel reservations and are headed a bit more south.

Love it when a plan comes together.- I am taking a box of scraps and hope to cut and document my strange way of 'cutting' while I travel (I know this is only a 5 hr car ride but you can still get the idea and I can get MORE Butterflies- yeah!)

Kelly came over yesterday and finished quilting a cut-up-9-patch I had made a while ago. I had traded a gal a quilt-to-be for a set of 4 deck chairs. I think it turned out to be a win/win. I love the chairs and I know she will love this quilt (I still need to finish the binding)

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/4810/ http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/4817/ This really is a nice pattern to throw together for a utility quilt, and you can use any size sq to start with and the block looks good.

Kelly wanted to make her friend Karen a RUG kinda like the one we made for her. Kelly designed the layout and let me top stitch them in place. My quilting machine is not a big fan of double knit BUT agreed to do just one more. I practice a bit of free motion and then ended up scribbling to get a tight over all quilting to make the rug feel thick. Took it over the Kelly's this morning and granddaughter Karlee- loves it (she is 13 mo's old).

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/5305/

Kids craft for Easter

10:39 PM, Wednesday, March 12, 2008 .. 3 comments .. Link

Cute little bunny/chick in a twinkie car w/pretzel steering wheel and candy tires. Hope the link works, don't know why some will show the picture and sometimes they don't. enjoy cw

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.recipelink.com/cgi/msgbrd...21&thread=5295

Easter Cookie-

10:31 PM, Wednesday, March 12, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

Got these from a friend thought I would share. Dawn is going to make the cookies with her boys and bring the finished ones to share with the kids at church. Love the story that goes with this.

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.cherbearsden.com/cookies.html
EASTER COOKIE RECIPE!
Making cookies with your children to teach a Bible lesson.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
You Need
Help & permission from Parents!
1- cup whole pecans
1-teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch of salt
1-cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible
EASTER COOKIES
Preheat the oven to 300 (this is important-don't wait 'til you're half-done with the recipe)
1. Place the pecans in the baggie and let the kids beat them with the wooden spoon to break them into pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3
2. Put the vinegar into a mixing bowl. Let each child smell the vinegar. Explain that when Jesus was on the cross and he became thirsty, He was offered vinegar to drink.
Read John 19:28-30
3. Add the egg whites to the vinegar. The eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life so that we could have life.
Read John 10:10-11
4. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand and let them taste it. Put the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27
5. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story ids that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
6. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes, until stiff peaks form. Explain that the color white represents the purity in god's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3
7. Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto a wax paper cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus body was laid to rest.
Read Matt. 27:57-60
8. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off.
9. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the door. Explain that Jesus tomb was sealed.
Read Matt. 27:65-66
10. Go to bed. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight and that Jesus followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20-22
11. On Sunday morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. the cookies are hollow! ON THE FIRST EASTER Jesus followers were amazed to find His tomb empty.
Read Matt. 28: 1-9

Too cute- this is me for today

12:56 PM, Wednesday, March 12, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

Am I the only one who likes to change the avatars?

this one says it all, the coffee, the bunny slippers, the happy disposition- its me to a Tee!

- cheryl

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/5314/

Saga of the Sewing Room

10:13 AM, Tuesday, March 11, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Sunday, a couple of kids from my bible class came to spend the afternoon and help me 'move' a few things around. Most wonderful hubby decided to 'work' on the trim in the new sewing room (formerly youngest son's bedroom). I of course was expecting the job to be completed and wanted to have hands available to help me fill it full of all things sewing (not to be confused with my quilting room, which is of course- all things quilting)

Husband being the procrasting perfectionist that he is spent his time and talents on the two spots that don't allow me to move items to fill them. I now have the window trimmed to perfection and the INSIDE Door Frame on the Closet! I asked: "Can you throw down the floor trim in the closet so I can start moving chests and shelves in?" His answer: "Oh that's the easy part, I'll do it later!"

I am sure this is a cosmic test to teach me patience. I was reasurred that the the room would be finished when he is home on Wednesday> Is that TOMORROW?- I am so thankful that I married a man of his word (I don't know which Wednesday it will actually be done but with certainity it will be on a Wednesday that he is home.)

Kids helped me work on the grandkids room, we moved up the collection of childrens books and sorted through a few toys also.

They helped me prep two very large bags of double knit for lap quilts (the scraps from them go to a friend who weaves rugs.) I am thinking it was so much fun working with 10 yr olds I would like to do it on a more regular basis, maybe once a month have the younger ones out for a 'move the piles of fabric around day'. Might have to start a JR-Quilters group and meet at my house- think I can get the boys to do yard work to build muscles for quilting!

I was going to take a photo of the window trim, but I don't want to jinx the project. Give me three months in my new space and I guareentee I will out grow it and start whinning about needing the next section too. What do you think I need to call it? A design room- a drafting room-pattern room, A QUILT LIBRARY? I need to start dropping hints now so when I spill over into the rest of the downstairs area it won't be a suprise. I wonder if this is why there is never a hurry to complete anything, it always leads to something else.

I have plans for re-doing the laundry area to add a utility tub for dying fabrics. (He thinks it to have a place to wash the dog- we don't have an inside dog)

The family room would be a wonderful place for a new long arm machine- OH MY he is right- I AM nuts. A gal can dream can't she. Just get the trim up!

Yes this means his back is doing better- therapy and meds. and he is already back to work- what a guy. (He tells people he threw his back out carrying bags of fabric for me- yeah I'm the nut- back at ya buddy) No way it could have been the 25 years jumpin in and out of the semi-truck or the thousands of pounds of product he moves around. Always that mean old wife! Have I said it lately: "I LOVE this MAN!"

I post pictures of the new room soon. be good cheryl

CONGRAT'S to NANCY-ROSE 25,000!

02:07 PM, Saturday, March 8, 2008 .. 3 comments .. Link

I started to comment to her post on the number counter and the auction purchase: (link below)

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/nancyrose/6513/

I think I am going to be the one to push you over- Everytime today I have started to comment I get called out of the room to do something else- the last couple of hits have been me trying to figure out how to do a counter- I am getting close to 10!!! I love that you are so good to share your experiences. The auction was a bitter/sweet story. I think it is awsome for you to have gotten such a good buy (I know you will use it well) BUT I feel for the family that the next generations were not fighting for the stash (Hopefully it just means there was so much that you just bought the left overs.)

Here's where I get to contemplating the meaning of life. (The life of fabric stashes that is) Then I wonder if my family will keep or sell what I leave. I am in such deniel that I can't even put pen to paper in reguards to UFO's. I thought I had it in control by doing service projects to thin out my surplus (Hasn't worked that way.) The more I try to give away, the more others give to add to my 'giving'. My piles never seem to get smaller. Even when I share boxes or totes of "I WON'T USE", I just get back 2X as much from the next gal that is organizing her stash.

I have heard comments in the fabric story before from gals saying they are "buying for the auction". We laugh b/c in our hearts it hurts to much to cry. A lot of what we purchase we know won't be used by us in our life time. We only get to enjoy the fabrics, colors and prints while it is stacked on the shelf. The real test of time will be the future quilter who has been influenced enough by us to break into the sewing room and clean it out for her stash before the auction. (My bet is on Kelly)

I would love that I get to personally meet everyone who is going to work on pieces I have started but I know that is not going to happen. Just as I finish blocks from 30 or 40 years ago (handed down by family and friends) I know there will be other generations like me appreciating the opertunity to have a piece of the past.

My quilting room is in a mess moving stuff around for the sewing room- if I get the nerve I will post a picture later- Sorry to be so long winded, just trying to justify my 'needing' another room in the house for fabric I guess! be good- cheryl

Butterflies (re-visited)

06:19 PM, Friday, March 7, 2008 .. 4 comments .. Link

Here is the link to the original post:

http://web.archive.org/web/20080604031531/http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/4829/

I found this picture of a butterfly quilt made for a client. I think I was trying for a dark look and used lots of blues and greens. Not as scrappy as I usually do. Wonder if I had a bunch of strips cut and just used them. Hate it that I don't remember what I was thinking. I do like this setting though and may try it again.

Scrap butterflies raw-edge appliqued diagonally on an 8 1/2" printed sq. Set with 2 1/2" sqs (most likely strip pieced). This is a fun colorful way to use up a bunch of butterflies! My butterflies have evolved to using 3 fabrics. (I use to do a lg wing print and sm wing/body solid) after about a dozen quilt tops I got tired of the solids and switched to all prints. The antennae are per.-marker (I know cheating) and I am happy with how they wash and wear. I like to make smaller throw size quilts for gifts.

Should be getting close to seeing other quilters interpretations of the butterfly packs I sent out. My friend Sue has made several more but fails to get pictures. I have threatened to make her ask for them all back so I can get a photo. One of these days I am going to have to run out and document her collection. For a new quilter she has hit the ground running. Her husband found her second long arm at an estate sale so she has two to use. He likes bidding on stuff and has tripled her stash in a short amount of time. Aren't hubbys wonderful!! - cheryl

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