It's a good day when......

We had loads of fun at Sit n Sew yesterday. When do we not have fun at Sit n Sew? There's nothing like getting together with friends and sewing your heart out all day. While I didn't accomplish a lot, I did. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.

Today, I'm going to show you some of the stuff that the others were working on. I didn't get pictures of everyone's work, but we were a full house!

I love how some of the ladies have projects that they only bring to Sit n Sew. I have stuff like that as well.

To start, Linda brought her Town and Country quilt to show us. I believe she sewed the top and bottom border on in the morning. The blocks were all together. This is such a fun quilt. She still has a long way to go. I was looking at the blocks - the buildings all have a name on them. It sure looked like they had been put on with a marker, but NO - each of those words is HAND STITCHED. The stitching is super neat, but we all know that Linda LOVES to hand stitch. Beautifully done Linda - I can't wait to see the finished quilt.

Town and Country (Linda's version)

I bought the patterns and I have intentions of doing it. I know exactly what I'm going to do. Just need to find the time.

Then we have Diane. Diane is my competition for getting projects completed for the year. Last week, we were both sitting at 58. Well, after a bit of advice of myself and the loan of my big sewing table, Diane managed to get the entire jelly roll rug completed. Yes - she made the strips in the morning and sewed it together in the afternoon! I tell you - Diane is a machine!

The rug looks gorgeous. She used a batik jelly roll and used the strips as they were placed in the jelly roll. It's beautiful and she did an EXCELLENT job of keeping that rug flat. Impressive Diane!!!  She's already put in a request to use that big sewing table at the next Sit n Sew as she has one more rug to make!

Diane's jelly roll rug

When Rose was here last week, she was finishing up these blocks. I think it's the disappearing 4-patch block. She laid claim to the design wall and had all her blocks up to check the colors and then she got the entire quilt top sewn together. Well minus borders. I love the quilt. It's so bright and cheery. The blocks were made with a layer cake from Me and my Sister. (I love their stuff - bought some a while back and since their collections are mostly the same look, I'm NOT buying more).

Rose's disappearing 4-patch quilt

Pat was busy getting this airplane quilt together. I've never seen this pattern before but it's super cute. The planes are 3-D and appliqued down. The mom of the child the quilt was made for had requested those colors. That pink is BRIGHT, but it's definitely a fun quilt. I do believe the top is finished and it's off to be quilted. Pat had purchased the pattern as our guild's garage sale a while back for $1. She needs to take the quilt to show n tell so the person she bought it from can see!

Pat's airplane quilt

Helen-Anne was working on this gorgeous quilt that was designed by Patti Carey. Patti was our guest speaker a couple of months ago (at our guild) and she had graciously donated a couple of kits to our outreach program. This was one of them. Helen-Anne offered to make it. A big thank you to Patti for that kit which was partially constructed. Helen-Anne had fun with all those inserts yesterday. I'm still in awe that Patti designed this quilt in EQ7. I've no idea how she did that, but the end result is pretty spectacular.

Helen-Anne working on a fun bright quilt

If you check out this link, you can see what the finished quilt will look like. It's pretty spectacular.

And the center part is made of two panels that you can see at this link on Northcott's web page for ColorWorks Concepts. 

Pauline was working on a baby quilt. And the only reason I can show you a picture is that she left the quilt here. I found it by accident last night as I was digging out a book. As she was packing up, she must have put it on the stack of books and not on her table. Hmm - I wonder if she wants it back? It's very cute.

Pauline's baby quilt

I was the guest speaker at the Barrie Modern Quilt Guild last night. So the moment, the last of the ladies left, I unpacked the suitcase from the previous trunk show last week and repacked the suitcase with the MODERN trunk show and off I went.

I love speaking at the various guilds around and so nice to meet new people and see some familiar faces. It's great fun. Thanks to the Barrie Modern Quilt Guild for hosting me last night - I had fun and hope that they enjoyed my presentation and maybe inspired some of them to try something new.

I must say that I feel a wee bit lost this morning. While I have loads to do, I don't have a pressing deadline. Now how did that happen? That doesn't mean that today isn't going to be jam-packed with stuff to do.

I was busy prepping for an upcoming class and had to dig out some feet for the sewing machine. I have two dual feed feet. Don't ask. I picked up one of the boxes and then I picked up the other one and opened it.

Two Dual Feed (Walking feet)

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!    There's my missing USB stick!!!  Now, how the heck did that get in this box? It would appear that when I packed up the sewing machine and accessories for the Halloween quilt months ago, that I threw all the bits into this box where they do NOT belong.

My MISSING USB stick

Needless to say, I was doing the happy dance this morning. Not so much because I needed what was on the stick, but just because I found the darn thing. I swear, I need to get better at putting stuff in the appropriate place. I'm way, way better than I used to be, but when I get into a panic clearing up thestudio, then I throw all caution to the wind.

I'll be spending the day going through stuff to try and put some things back where they belong, like all the accessories in this box. It's a box for a walking foot and there isn't even a walking foot in the box!

I keep saying that I need to make a list of all those things that go missing so I can cross them off when I find the item. I think I might start, but now I can't remember what else is missing. So I'll have to wait until I realize that something is missing and then I can start my list. I should also include the date so I can see how long it takes for me to find the missing item. I know - that's a bit crazy, but what the heck - life is crazy anyway.

Oh - and don't forget to check out QUILTsocial today. You can see my last post of the week.

On that note, I'm out of here.

Have a super day!!!!!

Ciao!

What we did at the sit n sew!

Sit n sews are the best days ever! It's a day of great conversations, loads of laughs, inspiration, creativity, and we get a bit of work done as well. It's time spent with friends and that's what life is all about!

While I wasn't as productive as I would have hoped, I still got things accomplished.

I started the day off by sewing the backing together for a quilt. I also made the binding. This project has been added to the "to be quilted" pile. That pile is getting higher and higher. I'm trying to get one of my own quilts quilted every week. I didn't get one done last week. I'm on a bit of a learning curve with the computer.  I had to call the support team yesterday for another question and OH BOY - there's so much I have no clue about!! 

Backing, binding, and top - ready to be quilted 

I didn't take pictures, but there's stuff crammed EVERYWHERE downstairs in order to clear the tables for the sit n sew. I'm going to try and work away at one or two of the piles, just to get things done. So this top and binding and the backing fabric were sitting there and all that needed to be done was to sew the backing fabrics together. Now, this quilt is also ready to be quilted.

Backing, binding, and top ready to be quilted

I got six more blocks sewn for the 150 Canadian Women quilt. That makes 138 blocks done. You know what that means. I've only TWELVE blocks left to go. I'm so excited about that.

Six blocks for 150 Canadian Women quilt

When I sew these blocks at Monday, I always seem to screw up the cutting or piecing on at least one of them. Oh shoot - I'm looking at the picture above - do you see what I see???  Yep - there's a boo-boo in one of the blocks. Anyway, since I was sewing these at home, there weren't any fabric mishaps. Of course - just when I had easy access to the rest of the fabric.

The white had been cut for the remainder of the blocks and I decided to bite the bullet yesterday and I cut EVERYTHING for the last 12 blocks. Now to sew them together. I wonder how far along Peggy is?  Will she beat me? I could sew them today to beat her. But I have work to do so that isn't going to happen. I'm going to keep on my schedule of 6 a week. That means two more weeks and I'm done the blocks.

Remaining 12 blocks are cut out.

I also did a few of these little pinwheels as my enders and leaders. They are small and they are fiddly, but better to get them done as enders and leaders so I don't drive myself crazy.

Pinwheels as enders and leaders

I didn't get pictures of all the projects that the others were working on, but here's what I got pictures of.

Claudette finally finished her Vintage Moments quilt (by Marsha McCloskey). I ran this as a class twice and Claudette attended both classes, but she got the quilt done!!!  I have to say that mine is on my UFO list for 2018. I think just the last two borders need to be sewn on. Yes - I'm going to be focusing on those UFOs, so mine will be done before long. It's a gorgeous quilt and lots of learning.

Claudette's version of Vintage Moments

 Claudette has several long-term projects that she brings to the various sewing days. All of them are VERY labor intensive. This one is called Wild and Goosey - it's a Bonnie Hunter pattern.  The pattern is paper pieced and I think you can find it on the link I've provided. Otherwise, just search for Wild and Goosey and the link to the pattern will come up.

Claudette's blocks for Wild and Goosey

 I've no idea how big she's making it and no idea how many blocks she has completed, but it's pretty cool. Actually, this would be a good use of those cut-off triangles I have from making binding and borders. I have THOUSANDS of them. Now to get those paper patterns printed.


Linda was working on That Town and Country quilt by The Gourmet Quilter. I absolutely adore this quilt (you see what happens on a sew day?  I like everything that all the others are working on).  I did buy the pattern for this. I've met Susan-Claire (the designer) and she's a hoot. I love her and I got to ride around Quilt Market one year on her scooter, but I digress.

That's me on Susan-Claire's scooter at Quilt Market

Anyway, the pattern is also available as a book.  While I know it's super easy to borrow this or any other pattern from your friend, sales of patterns are HOW DESIGNERS MAKE A LIVING so they can provide more patterns for you. I can only ask that you respect copyright.

Linda's That Town and Country quilt to date

 Here's a close up of a couple of the blocks. Linda has done an amazing job with all the stitching by machine and by hand.  LOVE IT - LOVE IT!!!!!

Linda's version of That Town and Country quilt

Linda was also working on this small wall hanging. I LOVE the contrast in this piece. It's gorgeous.

Red cardinal wall hanging

 I'm sure I have the pattern to that little guy somewhere. I'm not sure who the designer is, but I can see the pattern in my head.

Pat was working on the borders to her embroidered elves (I had posted that quilt last sit n sew day). Then she worked on a couple of pillowcases.

Pillowcases by Pat

Pat was also working on a shoe quilt for a very special person's birthday (not me!)  I love the blocks and she had used fabrics that were special to the recipient. That's a great idea to customize a quilt like that. I think Pauline should be making one for herself s she did an inventory of her shoes and well, let's just say that she has a lot of shoes. The pattern for the shoe quilt is by Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts.   I couldn't find her pattern on the website, but you could always contact her if you wanted to buy it.

Pat's shoe blocks

Pauline was working on a table runner from batiks and laser cuts.  I love it.

Pauline's table runner

 Now here's an interesting thing about the pattern. I was at Thimbles and Things in Orillia this past week and saw some patterns that I loved. They looked like row by row patterns and in fact, they were. This designer in Alaska had an amazing response to her rows (from Row by Row Experience) that she decided to put them together as real patterns. I think some of them have been rejigged to make table runners like the one above.

Yep - just checked out the webpage for the shop (the owner is the designer - Marie Noah) and that's the same designer. Check out this link. The patterns are to die for. And how about that big quilt with the six rows. I'd make that in a heartbeat. I love it. I didn't buy any from Thimbles and Things when I was there because I think????  that I got the dog sled one when it was part of the Row by Row?? I'm not sure. I need to check.  But I love all that stuff. And how about this pattern - it's gorgeous.  I know that Sue has it at her shop in Orillia.

The last project that I took a picture of yesterday was also Pauline's. These were made from scraps of fabric (purple batiks) that she had hanging around. They'll make a nice wheelchair quilt or small lap for someone.

Pauline's blocks

Let's see - Diane was working on Night Sky by Jaybird, Linda K. was working on blocks for a quilt that I didn't see and Ruth was working on her blocks for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler.  It was a super day and I thank everyone for coming out. Even though I don't get a lot done myself on these days (well sometimes I do), it was a fun day.

And did you ever want to know about cremation and burials? I learned a whole lot yesterday!!!  Not sure that I want to be cremated now. But I guess I won't really care. It's something that we should all be thinking about and then the big question - what do you do with those ashes. I'll have to tell you the ash story another day!

Before I close today, I'm going to list the quilt shows in the area that are happening this weekend. I won't be able to attend them as I'm teaching all day on Saturday and have another Sit n Sew on Sunday, but you might be able to get out there and support the local guilds as well as get some inspiration.


Upcoming Quilt shows

New Millennium Quilter's Guild -- Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26  - Mildmay, Ontario

Oh - that's the only one I could find for this weekend, besides the St. Jacob's show I mentioned yesterday, as well as The Quilts of Iceland in Ailsa Craig and don't forget the small quilts at the St. Mary's Museum, in St. Mary's.  (there is no information about the show on their website, but the quilts are there).


There are a TON of shows next weekend and I'll post those this weekend. I have a ton of stuff to do today. Not sure where I'm going to start, but I'll just pick something and do it and then move on.

On that note, I'm out of here.

Have a SUPER day!!!!


Ciao!!!

Paducah - Day One

Can you spell    B  U  S  Y???   Even though our booth is in the "dungeon" and we're at the back of that area, we were swamped the entire day!  Sometimes at shows in a location like we're in - it takes an hour or so for people to trickle in. Not so with Paducah. It did quiet down a bit around 4 pm but was still pretty steady almost to closing time.

I've said my label spiel many times.  Thankfully I didn't dream about labels. People are loving the demo and loving our booth.  So bright, so colorful and everyone loves Stonehenge. The fabric that is!

We've had people from Australia, England and the Netherlands stop by the booth.

Eating and drinking well at these shows is sometimes a bit of an issue. But we found an excellent solution - we stop at Kroger's (the grocery store) on the way and have sandwiches made.  These are excellent sandwiches and for the price - well worth the stop.  There are tents outside the convention center for eating, but I would imagine the lines are long and we don't have time.

I think I managed to eat my sandwich around 2 - I had to - I was fading fast.  I took my sandwich outside the convention center and had to sit on the curb to eat.  I'm sure if I walked over to the tent, I may have found a chair.  But here's the deal - the outside of the convention center looked like there had been a fire alarm.  There are people EVERYWHERE.

The lunch tent

People come rushing up to our booth - OH - you're here - I need help.  They are looking for fabric they can no longer find in the stores.  I'm sure if we brought fabric to sell, we would be busy.  Very busy!

There are some quilts in the area where we are located - Tentmakers of Cairo and a display of Japanese quilts (I think).  No time to look at them.  Since we are at the back of the room, I take a different route every time I go in and out and so I've seen a lot of the booths there. I might buy something at the booth across from us - The Christmas Shoppe from NH.  She has gorgeous stuff in her booth and well - I could just say - I'll take one of everything.

Once we were finished for the day, Patti and I headed to Hancock's of Paducah.  Oh my - what a place.  I've heard stories about this place, but until you actually go there, you have no idea.  It's huge - I mean warehouse huge. And the place was packed!!!!

Employees only area - it's crazy!

Kits and pre-cut area

One of the first things we saw when we went in was Susan's quilt from New Zealand.  The Town and Country 365 Block a Day quilt.  They had starter kits and the background fabric.  Susan is there every afternoon to chat about her quilt. After looking at hers again, I must get started on mine - it really is a gorgeous quilt and so much fun with all the personalizing you can do.

Town and Country 365 quilt - Susan Claire

I'm on the hunt for something extremely specific and I keep asking, but there is NO ONE who is even stocking the brand of fabric (yes - it's a competitor product) that I want.  Hmmmm  - that tells me something!  Maybe I'll get a chance today to sneak upstairs to have a peak around, although we've heard from the AQS folks that yesterday was a slow day and today and tomorrow are the busy days. I didn't believe them in Lancaster, but they were right so I'm guessing they are right again for this show.

Anyway - wandered around Hancock's of Paducah and I glanced at a few bolts, I browsed through the patterns and I took a couple of pictures. But I bought NOTHING!  I think I was too tired, I was too hungry and just overwhelmed by all that fabric and with nothing specific in mind - well - it's not like I need anything.   I didn't even look at prices to say - oh - it's a better deal here than back home.  No idea what the prices were like.  How's that for an exciting visit to a HUGE quilt shop!!

Have run into a few people that I know - there are the girls (Audrey, Marsha, and Marilyn) from Waterloo and I saw Marsha again at Hancock's of Paducah last night.  I ran into another person from Toronto who used to be in some of my classes and oh yes - Elspeth, whom I've just met last week in Toronto. And I think that's it!

The aisles are jammed with people in our area and I can only imagine that it's jammed equally everywhere. We did have another quick peek into the main quilt display and some of them are stunning. You know, I'm not even antsy to see them.  Hmmmm - I've been quilted out and it's only day one!

Anyway, time to get ready for the day and to find some pictures for you.

Have a great day!!!

Ciao!

Block a day MADNESS

As if working on ONE quilt that has 365 blocks isn't enough for me - OH NO - I have to work on TWO of them!!!!

I showed you how I was making out on the pieced quilt yesterday.  Sadly - I didn't get back to the little blocks for a number of reasons.  But look at those scrap bins.............

The green with other colors - bin is almost full!

Only shades of green

Yes - it's amazing how much stuff can collect when you start to save scraps.  Thankfully I found these clear plastic shoe boxes and they are perfect for storing scraps.  They can be pulled off the shelf to dig through, yet don't take loads of room and if you are diligent about sorting the scraps, they are always ready to use and easy to get to.

I am very diligent about my scrap boxes and seem to be always pawing through them looking for bits for applique, tiny blocks or whatever.   These boxes also hold loads of memories and definitely keepers at my house. This is ususally the first place I go BEFORE the stash. Of course - I love little things!

Now that I have sorted - or mostly sorted the green, I have to find something to do with that first box.   Hmmmm -   what could I do???????    Got a couple of ideas - I need to be sewing full time - 24/7 if I were to ever exhaust the list of things in my head that I want to sew!  Just too darn curious!

This is the basket of scraps that I haven't sorted through yet - most of them are greens or various shades of green, so what I don't use in this quilt will go into the shades of green box.  I have a feeling that pulling for this big quilt isn't going to make much of a dent in that pile of green!!!!  But sure looks a lot nicer when it's all organized.

To be sorted pile!!!!

Remember - this is what the quilt looks like -

365 Block Challenge

The dark area is my green.  Looks like a lot will be used, but I don't think it will be enough to make a big difference!!!!   Guess we'll have to wait and see.


So today instead of working at home - I did have to go shopping to a quilt store.  I had ordered the backgrounds for the OTHER block a day quilt that I signed up for.  This one I bought the pattern so feel obligated to work on it   (and I LOVE IT!)  It's all applique.  It's going to take a while to catch up since I only just got my back grounds yesterday and I'm still not 100% convinced that I want to use them.

Backgrounds for the applique quilt

 And while I was wondering around (Village Square Quilt Shop in Burlington)- I saw this bolt of fabric which would be perfect for the backing.  It's not big enough, but I'm sure I've seen this around somewhere - got to find more!!!!   I really like the Village Square and well - I could have spent a WHOLE LOT more time and money, but I needed to get back home.

Perfect backing!!!!

Remember what that quilt looks like........................

That Town and Country Quilt

I've been watching what the others are doing and their blocks are gorgeous.   I will catch up - just not sure when!!!!!

It was such a beautiful day that the girls and I went to the dog park.  We were there for an hour and they just loved it.  There were loads of dogs to play with and some of them just loved playing in the mud.  Not only were they playing, nope - they were rolling in it. Not Lexi or Sammy!


But the good news is this - I finished quilting my quilt for QuiltCon.  YEAH ME!!!!!!!!!!!!    I do have a confession to make.  I was procrastinating a bit because I wanted the quilting to be just right. After all - there will be THOUSANDS of people at this show and people will be looking and taking pictures and well - I wanted it to be good. I had no idea what style of quilting to do on it - what design and I procrastinated.  I tried several designs - using my cellophane and a sharpie to preview the designs and at last, I was happy.  I started quilting and well - I'm very pleased with the end result.  Sorry - can't show you, but soon it will all be revealed!!!!!!

On that note - I'm out of here!!!!


Have an awesome day!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ciao!!!!!!!!!!

Goals and challenges!!!!

Phew - just got the pictures sorted into a new (more refined) system of file folders - I didn't go back - what's the point, although there will be a few pictures that I would like to have more accessible.  The big issue will be to keep everything organized as I move forward in 2016. 

Here are a couple of pictures of things that I acquired, but never had a chance to post.  And then I'll give you an update of how my meeting with the BOSS went last night. 

Jelly rolls - one can never have too many of the darn things.  Honestly - I don't know why I keep buying them.  Although - these ones are Australian fabrics and quite nice. Well two are Australian - the other is Kaffe Fassett. 

More jelly rolls

So what exactly does one do with a jelly roll???  (At Northcott - we call them STRIP PACKS - just in case you were wondering.)

(You gotta love those graduated colors!!!  - there are six different colours and each one has FIVE gradations -  I'll have five meters of each please!!!!)   It's called STONEHENGE - Gradations Brights and is available in stores FEBRUARY!!!!!!)

 Indigo

Lagoon

Anethyst

Rain Forest

Hibicus

Sunglow

You could always do the jelly roll race or 1600 or - well - there were several names for this quilt.  You can do a Google search or just follow that link.  Hundreds - perhaps thousands of these quilts were made in the last couple of years.  Some people like them, some people don't. Each to their own.  I have made one - it was fun to make - would I do it again????   Maybe if I wanted a fast quilt, but there are way more interesting (and controlled) quilts to make than the jelly roll race quilt.   And I would NEVER NEVER NEVER agree to do in a race format.  What's the point in that????   This is supposed to be a hobby - hobbies are meant to be relaxing.   Nope - I just want to sew nice and quiet!!!

Here is ONE version of the jelly roll quilt.

Jelly roll race quilt  (doesn't have to be a race though!)

Besides this version - there are MANY MANY other versions of this kind of quilt on-line.  If you want to try something new - why not check it out.  And then there are TONS of patterns for jelly rolls (usually adding some background)  - the sky is the limit with these things!

See - I never know where the blog is going to go some days - when I sat down - I had no intention of talking about jelly roll quilts!

Whoever came up with the pre-cut idea for fabric was a GENIUS.  As quilters (well - as consumers) - we are obsessed with impulse items.  The pre-cuts seem to tie right in with that internal drive.  Somewhere this past summer, I came across these charm packs of a bright paint box line of fabric. It is called Art Class.

Two charm packs of ART CLASS

The problem with a lot of pre-cuts is that you will find the pre-cuts in the store, but NOT the yardage - so if you want to add borders or binding, you have to find something else.

When I was in Saskatoon last month, I went to one shop and look what I found!!!!!   Yes - YARDAGE of ART CLASS.  So I bought enough for the borders and now with two charm packs and maybe a tone on tone - I will have a nice bright lap quilt!!!

Art Class yardage and Charm Packs

 The other thing I found out west was this fabric.  It is all about RESCUE animals (I think dogs!)   Of course - it flew out of the store when there was a local fundraiser for the animal shelters.  DRAT!!!!   This was the only piece left.  I will have to make Lexi (and Little Sammy) something.  I will have to try and find more on the internet or just use this as the focus fabric.

Rescue Me by Windham Fabrics

 A quick search revealed the entire line.    Check it out at the link, but here is the panel.  Thank goodness one of those dogs is NOT a husky!!!!





I saw this next item when I was at Market and it was one of those DUH moments.  The creator of the tool even said - "it only took me 20 years to perfect it!".  I'm talking about the ADD-A-QUARTER ruler.  It comes in three lengths (6", 12" and 18"), three different widths (1/8", 1/4" and 3/8")  and I think there is also a pink one.

I have two different lengths of the 1/4"

 And in my paper piecing box (yes - these are paper piecing tools), I have the 1/8" and the 3/8".   BUT the creator made an improvement to the rulers.   Check out the picture below to see what I mean.

Add a Quarter PLUS is on the left

 Now instead of using card stock to fold the paper - you just use the opposite edge of the ruler, from the trimming side.  So yes - one side is for trimming and the other is for folding.  I LOVE it - now I have to revise my paper piecing cheat sheet.  Well - not that I need it, but if ever I teach the class again.

Based on my schedule - I don't think many classes are going to happen in my future. Lexi and I have some serious training to do - just wait for her blog next week.  Oh yes - and I'm learning all about WordPress and hope to move all the blogs over to that platform once I become somewhat proficient at it.  No worries - I'll let you know when that happens.

So how did my appointment go last night????   Well - I managed to get TWO more categories into my notebook.   Quilts to be quilted for customers (which is thankfully the shortest list!) and Projects to be done for guilds.  Also not a long list, but long enough!!!!   I shall not be volunteering to take on any more quilts or blocks or whatever, until that list is DONE!!!!!!  

Actually making the goal list for this coming week was almost anticlimatic.  I had thought about the deadlines all week.  Then I sat down with my calendar and what needed to be done and next thing I knew - there was a LONG list of items on the page.  No serious negotiating with the BOSS was required!!!   Now some of the tasks will take not long - like making a label and sewing it on.  But these things need to be done and now they are on that focus list.   I did carry over four items from last week.  The two quilts to be designed - well they are partially designed and the designs are on my work laptop and well - I couldn't get the screen to come up last night.  Does that mean that I still don't have the dual monitor thing working properly?????    Good grief - you would think I would have it done by now!!!!

I must confess that I have been working on something on the side that isn't on any list and YES - I must not do this - at least not often.  But I figure if I am working hard on the things that are on the list, that I'm allowed a couple of slight deviations.  It is all Ronda's fault and here is a preview of what I'm working on which I'll go into more detail tomorrow.

A small project!

On top of all this general madness, I signed up for not one, but TWO quilts that require a block be made EACH DAY for the entire year.  I know - what the heck was I thinking.   The first one - I saw at Market and it is all applique.  I had to pay for that one.  It is called That Town and Country Quilt.

That Town and Country Quilt

It was designed by an Australian - of course (Susan Claire)!!!!   They have some very cool designers in Australia.   Anyway - there are a number of stores that are doing this in the area and I am hoping to buy just the backgrounds from one of the stores. I can start with the applique prep and then call tomorrow to find out about the backgrounds.  Otherwise - I'll go through my stash to find something that will work.  The applique pieces will just be from scraps in my scrap boxes.  No need to buy for those small bits!!!!!


The second quilt (also designed by an Australian - Kathy) is also 365 Challenge Quilt Blocks. It is entirely pieced and is free - although donations are welcome (I did donate!)

365 Challenge Quilt Blocks quilt

Some of the blocks look pretty intense and others are very easy.  My biggest issue is that I haven't chosen a fabric yet.  I know - I had better get myself organized or it will be June and I still won't have chosen something.  I have four different versions in my head - make it primary color bright.  The inside is yellow, the next round is green, then orange, then blue and lastly red.  Or something like that. Version two - batiks. Version three - red and white (although that is very hard since you don't have LIGHT red - you have pink!).  Version four - teal/purple and pink.  Like these blocks that I stole off of Facebook. Thanks Sofie

Love these colors for the dark!!!!

Well - I must get that figured out because those blocks are on my GOAL list for this week.   I'm really tending toward this color version and I wouldn't have to buy a single piece of fabric which would be perfect. Although - I do have something else in mind and now that I know we are going to work on that inner dark border for the next couple of months.....................hmmmmmmmmm.

On that note - I have a head in my lap and a wet nose on my hand.  I think I'm being asked to go for a walk.


Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!