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Saturday, December 18, 2010

Happy Holidays

I'm unplugging Familypatchworks for the season. I'll be back in January after all the celebrating. From our House to Yours...........

Wishes for the the miracle of hope, the joy of sharing, the comfort of friendship and the blessing of peace during this Holiday Season and the upcoming year. Happy Quilting

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Monterrey Medallion Results



Back in October I posted photos of our church bazaar silent auction quilt Monterrey Medallion, with the promise to let you know the results. The auction was the first of November, little late on this report. But, it was successful. The quilt sold for $505.00. The word is next year's quilt is a Log Cabin.

Today, is an icy day in Missouri and even though I have some office work to do I plan to do some quilting---or at least quilt planning today. It's also a great day for a slow cooker meal. I hope it's sunny were your are, but what ever the weather enjoy your day and as always Happy Quilting!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Little Quilts Pay Off

Just received wonderful news from AAQI Blog Update and I want to share with you.


AAQI Update Blog
Quilters Finance Alzheimer’s Discovery!

Posted: 12 Dec 2010 12:18 PM PST

We have just learned that the research financed by the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) and carried out by Dr. Mi Hee Lim and her colleagues at the University of Michigan has yielded positive results! Their research has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science and if you google “Unraveling Alzheimer’s: Simple small molecules could untangle complex disease” you’ll see that thousands of web pages are carrying the story.
In March the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative awarded a $30,000 grant to the University of Michigan. This was the third of six research grants awarded by the AAQI so far. We hand-delivered the check to Dr. Lim and brought quilts to show too.

We explained that the money we were giving came from quilters across the country, most of whom stitch for us in memory of someone they have lost to Alzheimer’s. Each stitch is a prayer for a cure. We talked about the personal toll this takes on both the person with Alzheimer’s and their family, and how art has a way of touching hearts. For many people who are hurting, quilting is a way of coping and grieving.It was an amazing visit. I am so glad that we got that opportunity.

We now have proof that what we do with a needle and thread can truly make a difference.
Because of our funding, Dr Lim and her team were able to create new molecular tools that show promise for cleansing the brain of amyloid plaques. These plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, are clumps of misfolded proteins thought to cause cell death leading to devastating memory loss and cognitive decline.

Please see our press release for more details on this research. To see the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative listed right next to the National Institutes of Health on one of the thousands of web sites carrying this story, click here. (Last line.)

To everyone who has supported the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative — whether you threaded your needle, opened your wallet, or helped spread the word — EVERYONE can take pride in knowing that what they did has moved us just a little bit closer to a cure! The road ahead is still very long, but…

NEVER underestimate the power of quilters! Celebratory donations in any amount are also welcome! There is much more research to fund!
Thank you for your continued support,Ami SimmsFounder & Executive DirectorAlzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiativehttp://www.alzquilts.org/810 637-5586

Join the cause and make an AAQI Quilt and as always Happy Quilting!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

From This to This

About a month ago our family spent a wonderful weekend in the woods in Northeast Missouri with friends. We stayed at a cabin---really a very comfortable 3-bedroom second home of our friends brother and sister in law. It was so nice of them to lend us the cabin for the weekend, that I thought why not make a cabin quilt wall hanging thank-you. Since I always carry a camera I took this shot.


And turned it into a 22" x 13" quilt. We will be with this couple on Saturday for a family/friends Christmas dinner, so I have been very busy the past week completing the little wall hanging.

I took my photo and used an overhead projector to increase the size, cut fabric that corresponded with the house parts and added buttons for flowers. I used embroidery floss for most of the quilting. I hope she likes it. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Priority Quilt Contest



Alzheimer's Art Quilt InitiativeQuilters Newsletter and Electric Quilt ask you to vote on your favorite Priority: Alzheimer's Quilt. Please "share" this with your FB friends.

AAQI – EQ Contest Inside Quilters Newsletter http://www.quiltersnewsletter.com/
Back in October we announced a contest where we teamed up with Ami Simms of the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative and Electric Quilt. Contestants had to design an AAQI quilt measuring no more than 9 x 12 inches.


I have three quilts in this contest #6030, #6031 and #6032. Stop by the site and cast a vote, you can vote for three quilts and I would love to get your votes. Happy Quilting!!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Liberated and Lovin It

I've always thought of myself as a "liberated" quilter, but now I feel liberated with a purpose. Since my last blog entry, I have joined a Yahoo quilting group "Liberated Quilters". This little group offers wonderful quilting conversation and interesting challenges that keeps everyone on their creative toes. The group introduced me to the book Liberated Quiltmaking by Gwen Marston. I have so enjoyed reading her ideas and had to try out Free Pieced Stars---oh what fun. I highly recommend her book and I look forward to reading the second Liberated Quiltmaking that has just hit the book stores.

Saturday was a quiet day at the house, so I quilted from 10:00am to about 6:00pm. I made this little liberated star quilt top.

The top is 9 x 9 inches square (little to big for AAQI). I used some of Gwen's techniques and I don't think I will make a traditional star again--I enjoyed making the new free pieced stars. On a piece of scrap paper I created the placement and idea for the quilt top. Using very thin thread and needle put things together. I will say even thought I measures at almost every stitch, I still had many seams to rip and resew.
The thread size I used was #50 by DMC and the needles 60/8 by Schmetz. I did have to adjust the bobbin tension for this weight thread. Super Fine silk pins were a great help and pinning from the fabric to the edge is a great way to keep small fabric pieces together without puckers. I'm letting the quilt top rest for a few days, before I start quilting. I'm thinking about using metallic thread and machine quilting---I think I have a few to many seams to hand quilt. I'm also trying to decide if I want a border??? Have a great Monday and Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving
to
All

Monday, November 22, 2010

What a Surprise

I just checked my Facebook page and there is one of my quilts being featured
by AAQI. Sun Bonnet Sue Harvest Time is for sale on the AAQI website. This is a great little quilt with Thanksgiving just around the corner. Sun Bonnet Sue Harvest Time sells for $40.00 and all the money goes to Alzheimer's research. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving and Happy Quilting!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Lost for Words


Do you ever have a day where your just lost for words. Like you want to say something, but nothing seems right. Well this is one of those days for me. I've taken a little break from quilting---meaning I've not quilted or work on blocks for about 3 days. I've looked at some quilting books and admired some great photos on the Internet of beautiful quilts, but a needle has not touched my fingers. Tuesday I will be quilting with my church group and I know that will get me back into the spirit. In the meantime, have a great Monday and Happy Quilting!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Angels Among Us

Sunday is usually not a day that I post on my blog, but this morning I wanted to share a story of two wonderful angels, who entered the life of a young couple. Yesterday, hubby and I went to a funeral in a small town in North Central Missouri. The town, Fayette, Missouri is the home of Central Methodist College (now Central Methodist University). CMC was where we received our college degrees, met, fell in love and started our life together many years ago. Also, in this town was a couple, she a nurse, he a farmer with three children, who took us under their wings and became good friends. This friendship continued as we moved away from Fayette and began our life's path together. The annual Christmas card, the visit when ever they were near our home and our visit with them when ever we returned to Fayette. The type of friendship that is characteristic of a conversation that picks up where it left off. Mary Lou passed away a few years ago from cancer and Cliff passed away this past week. We returned to Fayette, Saturday to Cliff's funeral and the burial of their ashes together.


As I think back on Cliff and Mary Lou and the friendship they offered a college couple---I have come to realize they were angels who entered our life, to help us establish our path as a couple. We learned so much from them, they were wise, honest, wonderful parents and true friends. I'm so very thankful God placed these two Angels Among Us when we were far from our own families and beginning our life together. May we all be Angels for others. Thank You Cliff and Mary Lou.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Critter Quilt Blocks

Keesha, one of the prettiest dogs--but so high strung, she was a lovable challenge


I've started working on my blocks for the Critter Quilt. My master plan is sketched and measured---I'm sure there will be adjustments. But, as of now, the quilt will have a variety of blocks---applique, painted, patchwork. They will be pieced together in a liberated patchwork style, no set pattern. The Keesha block was sketched using a light box and fabric pens.




Bodhi, husky mix who passed away this year--we still are adjusting to his absence.
This block was sketched using a light box and fabric pens.






Bear, our yellow lab. Very polite dog and a real joy even in his old age.




Mr. C, a white rabbit my Dad brought home when I was in about the 7th grade. Mr. C, was a--service rabbit. We would take him to the St. Louis Head Start programs in the 1960's. It was great to see the kids with a big white rabbit. Many of the city kids had never seen a rabbit before. He wore a red dog harness and weighted about 20 pounds.



Both Bear and Mr. C were needle turn applique. The butterfly was fabric that I also needle turned applique. Both blocks have embroidery to highlight ears and legs.



I can already see that my Critter Quilt is going to be fun. Just the remembering of my many pets and their personalities has been a treat and I've only just begun. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Just about a Year Ago

St. James Park, London
Charming

Monday, November 8, 2010

Houston AAQI Sales



I have been anxiously waiting for today and the posting of AAQI sales results from the Houston International Quilt Show. My personal pledge was to make 52 quilts this year for AAQI. I fell short by only making 42 by the September 15th deadline. I have since added 3 more that did not go to Houston. I had 33 quilts go to Houston and 13 sold. I was hoping more would sell, but sales from the 13 came to $494.00 and I very pleased about that. I have met my $1,000 Promise pledge with these sales, and I plan to keep on making and donating AAQI quilts. It is a thrill to make a quilt that someone else enjoys and to give to a cause that needs research monies.

Thanks to Ami for all she does in support of Alzheimer's Research and to my Mom who was a victim of Alzheimer's, but not before she gave me the desire to sew and create. Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Ready for Auction



The church bazaar quilt is completed and on display. Monterrey Medallion is on display and ready for the Silent Auction to begin. This quilt measures 100" x 100" and is very colorful. We are all anxious to see how well it does in the auction. The monies we receive from its sale goes to our various outreach programs.
No quilting today for me---outside leaf work is in order. Have a wonderful Wednesday and Happy Quilting!

Monday, November 1, 2010

First Saturday in November


The first Saturday in November is always the Church Bazaar. It's a great time of good food and wonderful handmade and holiday items for your buying pleasure. This year I've donated a box load of items. Message Mats




This one was made by splattering bleach on a black and green fabric and placing it in the sun for a few hours, then adding to gold print patches. The background behind the Comfort of Psalms fabric is a used dryer sheet, hand quilted with metallic thread and finished with raw edging.


The little Dream Message Mat is made from a vintage quilt block, with embroidery message and hand quilting.





I've added tiny Quilts in a Jar. The jars are jelly jars about 3" tall and the quilts inside consist of wordings from Christmas cards and of course quilted fabric. Cute to add to a gift or sit on a shelf.



Cookie Jars full of Christmas Sweets



And Art Jars full of craft items to spark the imagination of any child.

Wishing you a great Monday and Happy Quilting!

Friday, October 29, 2010

I Found Dots

Do you ever have a night when you just can't sleep? Last night was one of those nights for me. I woke at about 1:30am and just could not go back to sleep. So, I got up and decided to find dots. A few months ago I was going to make a post on my blog, I logged on and up came my blog without the background of dots. I really liked my dots. The fact I'm still learning about blogging and the different features, didn't help me to retrieve the original dots. So, for months familypatchworks has looked different (thanks for being patient) while I looked for my identity. Anyway, last night I found dots. They're not exactly like the original ones, but they are dots and I'm glad to have them back on my background. Hope you enjoy them too!!!




Back to quilting, I'm presently working on paper to lay out a quilt for me! I've made everyone in the family a quilt and now it is time for a quilt for myself. This is going to be a memory quilt of all the wonderful pets I've had during my life. I can never remember my life without a pet. I guess since I was an only child I gravitated to animals and always had one by my side (usually a dog), but others like parakeets, hamsters, a couple of cats hold special places in my heart. I'm not exactly sure where this quilt will be going---photos will follow. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Cotton and Silk Completed

About a month ago, I blogged about the beginning of a little quilt made from a self-rusted cotton and silk. I weaved the cotton silk combination and then hand quilted, following the patterns that were created in the fabric. Well, today I can say it is finished. I'm calling this mini Jungle Shadow.


The little quilt measures 7 1/4 x 9 inches. After hand quilting I then added an elephant, and leaf shaped beads. A little fabric paint created some shadowy leaves and now the mini will be ready for an AAQI mailing. Happy Quilting!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Cecelia's Quilt Before & After

A few months ago I told the story of Cecelia's Quilt. My friend was ill and I was working and not able to spend time with her---so I quickly made this little quilt to give her comfort. I viewed the quilt as quite ugly, but she loved it and it did give her comfort. As you can see it is tied because I didn't have time to quilt it and it was one of the first quilts I ever made. Anyway, I wanted to give it a little pick me up. I tried to do that with the addition of a little applique. Cecelia enjoys her cat Lola and so I decided to make cats my applique theme.

I enlarged the cat silhouettes from clip art, so they are in keeping with the size of the quilt. Each cat is between 8 and 10 inches tall. I hand appliqued the silhouettes of the cats meandering around the quilt, then using a very small blind stitch outlined the cats again. I did this because I know the quilt will be well used and go through many washings. Cecelia did get better from her illness and is now on vacation with her grandchildren, when she returns her quilt will be wrapped with a bow ready for use this winter. Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Houston Here We Come




Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) will be making a big splash in Houston on November 3 - 7, with 1,000 miniature art quilts available for sale. All the monies raised will be going to Alzheimer's Research.


Thirteen of my AAQI quilts will be among the 1,000 making the trip to Texas. Check my side bar AAQI and view a quick video of some of the other quilts making the trip. If your going to be in the Houston area from November 3-7 make a point to stop by and see a wonderful International Quilt Festival, with a special stop at the AAQI booth in Exhibit Hall Row S and take home a mini quilt for the cause. Happy Quilting!




Thursday, October 14, 2010

Rooster in Contol

I love tag sales----I found this wonder Rooster at a tag sale for $1.00. He is actual size and I was anxious to use him in a centerpiece. Autumn was the perfect time. He is surrounded by a metal urn (also a tag sale find), greenery, decorative bean balls, candles and berries. He looks totally in control.

Along the quilting lines, I'm completing Cecelia's Quilt. I will be pushing the Rooster to the side so the table will have room for the completion of the quilt. Hope to post photos of the completed quilt next week. Wishing you a wonderful October weekend and Happy Quilting!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

A Real Friend

Our two Labrador Retrievers gave us a quick look today into a "dog's friendship". It was a beautiful day in Missouri--leaves changing colors, warm sunny breezes. Just perfect for outside activity. Bear and Bo were no exception. Today was a day for a game of "run and chase", stick fetching, pond swimming and a good wrestling match. Bear, the yellow lab is the oldest (twelve)and paces himself when it comes to outside activity, but today was an exception---just to pretty to be inside. Bo, the black lab mix is four years old and all puppy. The two had a wonderful day of dog fun and games. Then as evening wore on---the photo says it all. A real friend, warms you back after a big day.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

It Must Be Fall


It must be fall----I'm binding the quilt for the church bazaar. This years quilt is entitled Monterrey Medallion. This is a very pretty scrap quilt made up of a wide variety of colors and floating stars. This is just a teaser---I'll post the quilt when it is completed and on display so you can get the full view. The quilt is an extra large queen size. I'm headed back to binding. Happy Quilting!

Monday, October 4, 2010

First Flight

In the late 1800's cigarette companies would offer what they called "premiums" in their cigarette packs. Most of the time they were small cards--baseball cards, flag of the countries cards, solider cards, bird cards, dog cards---you get the idea. But, some times they gave away what is called "silks". The silks usually measures 2 x 3 inches and had a picture in the center of the silk fabric. The butterfly on First Flight was taken from a collection of silks I bought at a tag sale. They come from Tokio Cigarettes in the 1890's.


I clipped the butterfly from the middle of the silk, hand stitched it to the quilt top and then carefully (if not done carefully the butterfly will disappear) pulled threads to get the raw edge effect. The one thing I have noticed about these butterflies---they look real.






The backing is a soft cotton with the batting only under the darker center silk blend. On top I used a weave with hand quilting, beads and of course the butterfly. The prairie points are also raw edge and stitched between the backing and quilt top. This little AAQI quilt is completely hand stitched and measures 7 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches. Happy Monday and Happy Quilting!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Log Cabin Butterfly

Today has been a computer day for me, so I'm late with my usual Friday blog. I added a new item to my Etsy Shop, Familypatchworks. I made this little collage about a month ago, with the idea that I would put it in the shop for the holidays---today is the first time I had an opportunity to get that chore done. I'm offering for sale a Framed Fabric Art Collage. I've entitled the collage Log Cabin Butterfly. The piece is made of a Miniature Log Cabin Block measuring approximately 2 5/8" x 3 1/2". The block is matted and framed with a collection of three wooden beads, vintage hand made tatting and a butterfly silk. The butterfly silk is from Tokio Cigarettes in the 1800's and was offered as a premium in their cigarettes. The piece is matted with a chocolate brown mat and brass/gold frame with hanging wire on the back and their is no glass covering the piece. The piece measures approximately 4 1/2 x 9 3/4 inches. Happy weekend and as always Happy Quilting!


Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Cotton and Silk

I mentioned in a previous post that I was going to start working slower. I took a few days off, life was to busy to think of quilting. But, last night the house was quiet and I had a thought. I'm fascinated with the weaving of fabric to make a quilt top. So I took some of my self-rusted cotton and a silk scarf, cut both into 1 1/2 inches strips. Weaved a patchwork quilt top.




I made my quilt sandwich of cotton batting and a silk backing. It thought of cotton as a backing, but I want the piece to be extremely soft---so silk became my experiment.



I noticed the silk both on the back and front shows fabric movement. Working with silk is always a challenge as the fabric is in constant motion. I think this will make the finished product quite interesting.


You may notice a patch above the needle, I plan to add a few of those thought out the project. I will hand quilt the piece and presently thinking a black animal applique would add interest. I'll keep you posted. Happy Quilting!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Rust, Plastic Bags and Sunshine

I've started thinking out of the box, and trying some new things. I read about creating new fabric colors from rusty items. So I gave it a try. I was pleased with my first try and I know this will not be my last.

To do this treatment take fabric, your choice, I used whites, but next time I plan to try colors and prints. Soak the fabric in vinegar. Wrap rusty things (anything) in your fabric and then wrap the fabric bundle in a plastic bag. Let it sit in the sun for 2 to 5 days. My items were very rusty, so it took only 1 day. Rinse the fabric in clear water and wash with soap and water. Dry, iron and your ready to start designing. Have a great weekend and Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Monday, September 13, 2010

Log Cabin Christmas



Log Cabin Christmas is my last quilt to be sent to AAQI for the September 15 deadline. I will be sending more later in the year. Log Cabin Christmas was made from a vintage Log Cabin Block that started as a 5 x 5 inch square. What was so interesting about this block is that it is made up of what I believe to be a man's tie, silks and the center block looks like a little girl's dress. As usual, found it at an auction in a box of fabric. I'm not sure how old the original block is, but with the addition of the Christmas novelty prints and black it sure looks like Christmas.

The block is now a 9 x 9 inch square and could be hung, framed or used as a Mug Mat for Hot Chocolate.

Have a Great Monday and Happy Quilting!

Friday, September 10, 2010

New Thoughts

This blog entry is being typed at 9:07pm on September 9, 2010 on my word program. I felt I needed to read this in the morning before I published my thoughts. My mind will not rest---maybe the fact I'm taking medication for a sinus infection and running a temperature. I'm probably delusional.
Anyway, I was in bed trying to get comfortable when I started thinking about my AAQI quilts. I feel like it is time to try my hand at more expressive quilt with new, to me, techniques. I consider myself a self-taught quilter. No lessons---oh, I would watch my grandmother and her church quilting group quilt in the church basement. I would watch my mother do beautiful applique blocks, but I did not quilt until the 1980's. I tried my hand at making a few baby blankets, they were bad, but my friends accepted them graciously. Basically I see an idea or technique, I get books on said technique, read them and then give it a try. I taught myself to bind quilts, I've had some disasters there too, but now I bind the quilts for my church quilting group, and no one would guess I figured it out myself. I don't work from a pattern, patterns make me nervous,---I like to create my own patterns and ideas, some are better than others, as I'm sure you can tell on my blog.
But, back to my desire to create something more than patchwork---maybe art. This year I wanted to send 52 quilts to Ami Simms and AAQI, but as of this week I'm at 42. I will continue to try to complete my goal, but I want to slow down and create---have a message. Maybe I need to listen to an inter-voice, improve on my skills and step out of the box of traditional quilting blocks.


The AAQI quilt I'm featuring today is called Maze of Memories. I wanted to try painting on fabric, so I found a stamp at the tag sale, brushed paint on it, stamped corresponding fabric color, machine quilted, added some buttons and then just looked at it. Usually I have the name of the quilt before I start quilting, but this time I didn't. As I looked at the the quilt it appeared to be to be a maze within a maze, going no where. As the blue stands out from the muslin fabric, it appeared to me to be standing out against reality. Then it hit me, Alzheimer's victims are thinking in a maze of thoughts and non-
thoughts. Not knowing reality as it slips by their world.
I will continue to quilt for others, in hopes of making a small difference. But I hope to listen to my inter-voice and create miniature quilts that make a statement and satisfy my creative desires.
Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Island Patchwork


Island Patchwork is a 7 1/2" x 9 3/8" AAQI miniature made from Hawaiian cotton print. An abstract daisy with a button center adds a spot of whimsy. I can feel the island breezes now.
Happy Quilting!

Monday, September 6, 2010

I Did It



I completed my goal of five miniatures. They will be shipped off to AAQI this week. I relied on some vintage quilt blocks and raw edging to speed up my quilt making, I think they added a little different twist. I had originally set a goal of 52 quilts in 2010---I'm presently 10 short. I'm still hoping I can reach my goal, but some additional quilting projects are calling out for my attention and they have deadlines. So now I have a list of what needs to be done first and dates they need to be completed. I won't be working on miniatures for awhile.



This little mini was made from a vintage quilt block of red, white and blue. I call it Good Morning USA. I'm keeping the back plain---I think this would make a perfect "Mug Mat" for that morning hot drink. The mini is only 7 1/8 x 7 1/8 inches. It's hand pieced and machine quilted. Red, White and Blue, perfect for Labor Day, too! Happy Labor Day and Happy Quilting!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Victorian Patchwork

I'm going to spend part of my Labor Day weekend quilting. Ami Simms from AAQI just sent out a request for addition miniature quilts to be sent in by September 15. These additional quilts will help her reach a goal of 1,000 AAQI quilts for sale at the International Quilt Show in Houston, TX. My personal goal is to have at least 5 ready by Tuesday.

Here's #1. I call it Victorian Patchwork. I stumbled across a novelty print of woman in Victorian times sewing and immediately thought what a cute mini. I added some lace, yo-yos and buttons. The little quilt measures 7 1/4 x 10 1/2 inches. If you have some free time this holiday weekend, make a mini and send it to AAQI, we can use your help. Just click on the Alzheimer sidebar on my blog and get all the information you need. Have a Fun and Safe Holiday and Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Festival of Sharing



Each year in October the Methodist church sponsor's a Festival of Sharing. People of faith from different denominations from all over the state gather at the Missouri State Fairgrounds and bring money that has been raised, kits that have been assembled and quilts that have been made during the year. Kits will be loaded on trucks for distribution throughout the world. Volunteers help to sack rice, beans and potatoes for distribution to Missouri agencies. It is a great day of sharing and the 28th year for the festival. The Festival generates approximately $1 million annually.

The quilters in the state spend the year making quilts to contribute to the live quilt auction that will take place on October 16 during the Festival. The quilts travel the state in one day quilt shows so that people from different areas can see the quilts and hopefully bid on the one they want during the auction. This year our church and a neighboring church will be hosting a quilt show and luncheon on September 18. All the proceeds will also be donated to the Festival. I was asked to make a miniature quilt for one of the door prizes for this year's show. I decided on a little wall hanging. Using the Comfort of Psalms fabric I made Psalm 119 Patchwork. The homespun patchwork, vintage tatting and buttons on a woven silk measures 10 x 13 inches. I let raw edges show for a casual look. My thought for today---Make a quilt and give it away---Happy Quilting!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Psalm 37



This weekend proved to be busier than I had intended. My plan was to complete at least two mini quilts, but time got away from me and I was only able to complete one. But, this one mini had a big message. Psalm 37 is only 6" x 7 1/4", it's machine pieced and quilted. My post today is going to be little too. I am planning a lunch for a group of friends---girls day out. Wishing you a fun Monday--Happy Quilting!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Summer Harvest


Corn Patchwork is a mini made for an vintage yellow patchwork block and the country novelty print I've used in the past for a few of my little quilts. This one was quick and easy as everything is machine stitched and the edging is raw edge zig zag stitch. Corn Patchwork measures 8 x 10 inches.
Radishes is another patchwork variation with a little check binding. It measures 7 1/2 x 11 inches. These little quilts were fun to make. Wishing you a wonderful weekend and Happy Quilting!!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Mother Nature and Cabbage

I was so anxious to get back to blogging after our trip to Baltimore, but those thoughts were quickly changed on the afternoon of Thursday, August 12. Our area of Missouri was pounded with server thunderstorms and it seemed that the lightening was centered over our house. As I was preparing dinner for 8 the storm hit its peak. Two guests had arrived and hubby was in the garage ready to see how all the new landscaping was doing in this downpour of rain and heavy wind, when a bolt of lightening hit one of our large trees about 16 feet from the corner of the house. You can imagine the sound as the tree exploded. Tree debris was everywhere.

It was great dinner conversation and three of our guests had never experienced a thunderstorm like a Missouri thunderstorm, so they had their phones and cameras out taking pictures to show their friends on the east coast.
The tree is quickly dying and will be removed this fall. The lights went out is one section of the house, but hubby quickly corrected that with the circuit breaker, but is wasn't until later that we realized that our computer was not able to receive the Internet. Thirteen days later and a few calls to our telephone company---we are now on line. I stayed busy doing some much needed chores around the house, I'd rather be blogging and completed a AAQI quilt.





I named this one Cabbage. It's a combination of novelty prints, machine pieced and machine quilted. I have three more planned from the same print. The quilt measures 8 1/2 by 10 inches and will be mailed to AAQI the first of September.


As an update, the August AAQI Auction is over and my quilt Single Thought sold for $100.00. My thanks to the winning bidder for helping find a cure. Happy Quilting!