Now it's time for the Borders!

Finally the blocks, sashings and corner stones

are all quilted!

Now it's time to move onto the borders!

Marking and quilting as I go...

around midnight last night

a thought popped into my head and woke me up....

One side of  the feather is quilted backwards!!!

Not really sure why this woke me up ... but it did!

So at 12:30 this morning I'm in my sewing room

"frog stitching" out feathers!

Rip-It ...Rip-It...Rip-It!!!

The swirls on the lower part are curing backwards!

Oops! 

I've decided to leave in the bottom feather....

it will be my dyslexic feather!

My dead line for the quilting is July 30th - 

Do-able.

Quilting the applique - 

Questionable.

 the Piping, binding and beading

Not going to happen!

At least not by July 30th, but hopefully by Sept 14th.

Have two more quilts that need quilting before

SCQG show judging on Sept 14th!

Silver City Quilt Guild's Fourth Show

is September 20th and 21st.

Check here for details.

In between hours of machine quilting I have been able to 

enjoy some time fishing with Hubby at the Canal.

He does the fishing,

I take the pictures and embroider!

For some
spending a summer quilting would not be fun....
for me ...
it's a slice of Heaven!

Thankful for a great machine Janome 6600 (thank you mom),
air conditioning, a pool that feels like a hot tub! and
a very understanding family!

Stitching in the New England heat wave!

Spent the heat wave at the canal watching my husband fish!

The sun was brutally hot, we only lasted an hour in the sun,

thankfully there was a bit of shade which made the

six hours of fishing

(2 bites, 1 snapped line, no dinner!)

a bit more enjoyable!

I was prepared! Brought along my latest

embroidery project

"Sun and Sea"

 by Sandi Bard Designs.

A very cute design of small children at the beach!

Using a variegated Sulky 12 wt thread #4014

it runs from a medium blue to  aqua 

very pretty and reminds me of the ocean!

To beat the heat at home

(thank you central air conditioning)

worked on outlining my applique,

it's a work in progress,

I've never done this before so

there is a bit of a learning curve going on!

Enjoying the process!

Happy 4th of July ... spent in the ditch!

Yup I'm in a ditch!

Stitching the ditch that is!

Finally at the stage where the machine quilting has started!

 Getting as close as I can!

 Love my Sharon Schamber's Halo.

Gives great control, no gloves and my shoulders

are not killing me!

Since my new Janome 6600 has a 9 inch bed I can 

fit the quilt thru with ease. My Bernina 440 only had a 7inch

bed which made quilting larger quilts a bit more, 

Difficult, Challenging, "Interesting"!

The Aunt Millie's Garden Quilt is 70 x 80 and fits thru nicely!

Very Happy!!

My LQS is having a retirement sale ... I'm so sad

It is so sad when a quilt shop closes ...

I have been a customer at Quilter's Stash for 11 years, 

worked on the floor with customers and taught classes

for 9 years... and now it's sad to say

but they are having a retirement sale.

Quilter's Stash has always been my favorite quilt shop,

the selection of fabric is wide a fresh,

the classes and teachers are fabulous,

and the classroom is the best around,

and I have meet some of the BEST Quilty Ladies there!

I'm just not sure what I'll do now (tearing up)

without my favorite LQS just 20 minutes away.

Sue is having a retirement sale starting on July 5th

where everything is 25% off.

Check here for shop details.

Let's help Sue retire with a bang, stock up on

things you will need ( notions, patterns, books, fabric).
There will be new inventory

coming in during the summer so check in often.

I will miss you Sue (and Barry!) Quilter's Stash
will be my favorite Quilty place forever.

Gammill Classic + LongArm For Sale

My girlfriend Diana is selling her long arm

~so thought I'd help her get the word out!

Diana is a fabulous quilter who has really

own grown her machine! She has her eyes set

on another more advanced machine.

Here is an example of her machine quilting work...

As you can see quilting is her business!

FOR SALE:

Gammill Classic +

Long Arm Quilting Machine

Details:

Very well maintained, stitch regulated, clean

comes with 12' table, dozens of pant graphs (paper patterns), 

extra parts, service manual, and a full day of instructions 

from an experienced, award winning machine quilter.

Price: 

$7500.00

as is - cash and carry - a must see!

Contact:

Institchesquilts@aol.com

if interested

The quilting design process...

After playing around with quilting designs,

this is what I've come up with.

Now onto basting (not my favorite phase)

 using the Sharon Schamber's method.

Tomorrow ... may the quilting begin!

A Morning with Alex Anderson

My friend Joan and I spent the morning with Alex Anderson!

This is the third time I have had the privilege

of hearing Alex speak.

SO Inspirational!

She asked everyone....

 do you quilt? 

or are you a quilter?

There is a difference!

A quilter enjoys the entire process,  start to finish!

(Ok I'm not a fan of basting my quilts, but I think I'm a Quilter!)

She talked about how quilters have a virtual tool belt,

and it's up to the quilter to fill the pockets with tools,

to expand their quilting knowledge, learn new methods, 

and recommended taking classes to open new doors.

(Even Alex take classes!)

Great Advice!

It was a fabulous way to spend a morning.

Aunt Millie's Garden appliqué ... DONE!

Another long term project ... done!

Can not believe it that I started this quilt

back in ....Ummm .... 2010? or was it 2009?

Anyway it's not when you start,
it's all about finishing,
and enjoying the process along the way.

This quilt did that for me,
Truly enjoyed every minute of this one.
Good thing, it did take forever!! (almost!)

dimensions 72 x 83

Really pleased with the combination of
Kaffe Fassett and Amy Butler fabrics on
the red batik.

I did change the corners from the original pattern.
Just didn't like how the pattern had the top and bottom
boarders running off the sides and not connecting with
the side boarders. But of course left that fix to the last minute
so it was a tiny challenge to come up with something!
But I think this works!

Now for the EXCITING part ...

deciding on a quilting design.
Planning on quilting this on my
Janome Memory Craft 6600!

This will be the first quilt that I have quilted
on my new Janome!

I am looking forward to that process too!
Visioning feathers, swirls and flowers!

DONE ... Winter Taupe Snow Days Quilt top is Done!!

My Winter Taupe Snow Days Quilt top is done!

Eighteen months in the making

(did work on just a few other projects along the way!)

This quilt has been a joy to embroider and piece

and absolute joy.

Can't say that about too many quilts but

this one just had a serenity about it.

I loved every minute of the process.

Now for the next phase ... the quilting!

Many thoughts and ideas are floating through my brain,

Yes I have decided to quilt it myself!

Hoping this phase is as serene and joyous as

putting it all together was!

Some how I think it will be....

Taupe Winter Snow Days Center .... DONE!!!

Today I finished the center of my

Taupe Winter Snow Days

Happy, Happy, Happy!

Winter Taupe Snow Days Quilt ... coming along!

Finally all of the outside embroidered and pieced blocks are done!

Not it's time to start piecing the center!

This has been just the most wonderfully calming

quilt to work on.

It has taken over a year to slowly embroider

all of the blocks ... but well worth it.

Still trying to decide exactly how I want to quilt it ...

Can't procrastinate too long as it

must be ready for the SCQG show in September!

A Masters in Business

So proud of my son

he earned his Masters in Business yesterday

from UMass Dartmouth

Everyone received a special pin:

UMass 

Dartmouth 

Strong

there was a strong security presence

and the ceremony went off very well despite the rain!

Making Blocks for Boston for BMQG

I spent the weekend making
Blue, Yellow, Grey and White blocks
for the Boston Modern Quilt Guild effort

Starting with a Mariners Compass,
 it is one of my favorite blocks

 I know it's not very modern,
but I liked it and
hope someone else will too!

Then using one of my newest books....

I made three more blocks....

Diamond Ripples

Follow the Leader


and
Seeing Double

Think I'll keep going...


If you are interested in making blocks to
"Quilts For Boston"
effort please check out
the BMQG blog for details.

Quilts for Boston

I've tried for several days to write this post,

still feeling numb from the events that unfolded

at the Boston Marathon.

You see I was sitting at my sewing machine working 

on my Winter Taupe quilt when I received a text from my daughter

"Somethings happened at the finish line, I'm fine"

 I turned on the tv and my heart sank.

My daughter was volunteering at the medical tent

as part of her college experience.

I am so thankful she was unharmed and was able

to help those in need.

As a quilter there are ways to help others and 

the best way is to do what we do best...

make blocks and quilts.

I am please to share the fact that 

The Boston Modern Quilt Guild is asking for help

in making blocks and quilts for the survivors of the

Boston Marathon bombings.

Check the BMQG blog for the details

Blocks are due by May 24, 2013

SO let's do what we do best...

Let's Quilt.

Winners Announced ...

Announcing the Winners of 

Jennifer Chiaverini's book "The Giving Quilt" and Pins

Jennifer Walston

and

Linda Long

Congratulations!

Please contact me ...

Winter Taupe Snow Days quilt coming together....

Next step in the process...

Trimming the embroidered blocks....

Stitching up my Japanese taupe fabrics....

Bringing the embroidery into the pieced taupe blocks....

It's coming together ....

Loving this process!

Now the big dilemma ...How to Quilt it?

Any Suggestions?

"The Giving Quilt" by Jennifer Chiaverini ... Giveaway!

A few weeks ago Plume Books contacted me to see if I would be interested

in offering my blog readers a special give away ...

Ummm .... YES!

From Plume Books: 

Thanksgiving inspires generosity once a year, but what happens to the spirit of giving on the other 364 days? In THE GIVING QUILT, now available in paperback from Plume, New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini takes a page from her own life to deliver an emotional and poignant story very close to her heart. As a long-time member and advocate of Project Linus, an organization dedicated to providing handmade quilts and blankets to children in need, Jennifer decided to donate a very unique and special gift—a prime spot in one of her bestselling novels.

At Elm Creek Manor, the circle of quilters is hard at work preparing for “Quiltsgiving.” Held annually the week after Thanksgiving, expert and novice quilters from near and far gather for a special winter session of quilt camp to make pieces for Project Linus. As the week unfolds, the quilters respond to the question, “Why do you give?” in ways as varied as the life experiences that drew them to Elm Creek Manor. Each of the quilters, including a librarian, a teacher, a college student, and a quilt shop clerk, uses her unique talents to teach, inspire, and give back to her fellow campers.

With numerous New York Times bestsellers, Chiaverini is undoubtedly one of the masters of both modern and historical women’s fiction. Year after year, Chiaverini’s stories remain beloved by fans and praised by critics.

Jennifer is my favorite author, love how she draws you into the story,

I feel like I know Sylvia and Sarah, 

and all of the nooks and crannies of Elm Creek Manor!

"The Giving Quilt" is now available in paperback, 

and Plume Books was kind enough to send me 

a few copies to offer as a give away!

If you are interested in receiving a copy of "The Giving Quilt"

and a special enameled Elm Creek Quilt Pin!!

Just leave me a comment (make sure I can contact you!)

The giveaway will close on April 18th at midnight (East Coast time)
Please enter only once!

Good Luck!

New book by an old Friend ...

Most of you that follow my blog know that I belong

to the Silver City Quilt Guild...

The SCQG is full of wonderful women who are so willing to share

their talents and knowledge with others

especially one .... Jessica.

Jessica was our guild president back in 2007, 

she worked very hard to bring the guild up to date with all things "techy"!

She started our web page, got us on Yahoo, made everyone sit in a circle

at one guild meeting and really introduce themselves...

To me she really brought the guild closer together 

and made it what it is today.

Not too long after her presidency she and her husband relocated

to the New York area and started a family.

I was very sad to see her go, she brought

youth and enthusiasm in to the guild. 

Well I am so happy to see that she has written a book!

Jessica always had an English Paper Piecing project with her,

so it stands to reason her book ... Yup!

English Paper Piecing!

That will be released on June 11, 2013!

I've already pre-ordered my copy!

If it's anything like Jessica it will be a treasure!

To see more check out her blog:

lifeunderquilts.blogspot.com/

My very Best to You Jess!

You Go Girl!

Rhododendron Needlers Quilt Show

Belonging to a quilting guild is a fabulous experience,
it exposes you to many different ideas, techniques and talented ladies!

This past weekend one of the guilds I belong to
 RNQG held their biannual quilt show.

With over 130 quilts on display,

 a very talented group of ladies put on a great show!

We had the opportunity to have our quilts critiqued
by certified quilting judge Pat Harrison.
To me this offers a great opportunity to learn more about
quilting, and how to strive to become a better quilter.


So EXCITED!!!

My Blue Hawaiian Hibiscus Quilt
WON
a Judged ribbon for
Exemplary Hand Quilting!!

Pinch me!!

And .... My sweet little beaded Birdie Stitches
won a first place viewers choice ribbon!

Pinch Me again!!

Must of been the Luck 'O the Irish with me!!
Had my green on too!

Had a chance to white glove and mingle amongst the quilts
(Love white gloving - must be the power of the gloves
and being able to touch the quilts!!)
and work the Comfort Quilt Table...


Notice I have my embroidery hoop out!!

New England Snow storm

What a difference a day makes!

Yesterday (and the day before!) 

it snowed, and snowed and snowed!

this is the view from my kitchen window

Friday afternoon ~ a snow day from school!

Saturday afternoon ~ bright and sunny

Used my snow day wisely to

worked on a new Sashiko table runner

My Big mistake was choosing a chalk pencil to 

transfer the pattern onto the fabric,
and it started to rub off as I worked on it,

so had to go back a re-traced my lines with my

favorite white marking pen by Clover,

now it wont rub off.

Lesson learned!

Last weekend I taught a class at 

my local quilt shop
this cute Barbados bag
by Pink Sand Beach Designs

And picked up a few goodies for myself while at the shop!

Fabric, patterns, magazines and a book,

 and my FIRST Bali Pop!

Can't wait to jump in and make a few pretty things!

Beaded Birdie Stitches Quilt

OK ... so ... I've been extremely under the weather with

asthmatic bronchitis ... cough, cough, cough!

Going on 3 weeks...UGH!

Making productive use of this down time

 I have been able to 

replace the binding, piping and

bead my "Birdie Stitches" Quilt 

all from the comforts of my sofa!!!

Sadly, the photo just doesn't show it off very well.

Block 1

Started in January of 2011

Block 2

February - Valentines Day

Block 3

March - cold & snowy

Block 4

April - Easter

Block 5

May - Flowers

Block 6

June - Rainbows

Block 7

July - Fireworks

Block 8

August - Hot Summer Sun Flowers

Block 9

September - Fall Leaves

My Favorite!

Just love the way the leaves came out!

Block 10

October - Pumpkins

Block 11

November - Thanksgiving

Block 12

December - Christmas

Originally there was a purple piping,

but it just didn't come out even.

Found this great blue iridescent cording

that blends in perfectly!

I stitched it on by hand so it looks like piping!

Let's not forget the label!
Just had to add a few embroiderd bluebirds!

If your loving the "Birdie Stitches" pattern you can find it here.

SO that's what days and weeks coughing on the sofa will get ya!

Now I really need to vacuum ...

coughing and beading are just NOT a good combination!

Stray beads everywhere!!