Hang In There

Thought you would like to see a new quilt that is being donated to AAQI. I belong to a local quilting group, Crossroads Quilters. We are a very casual quilting group that meets once a month. We bring personal projects to stitch, show completed projects, discuss new ideas, work on community projects and upcoming challenges. Anyway, I'm always talking about and showing my AAQI quilts. Twig, one of the members, told me she was fascinated with what I have been doing and was going to give it a try---she had never worked on anything so small. She created Hang In There with pen and ink, acrylic paints, applique and both hand and machine quiting. Twig was excited about her little quilt, she said it was fast and she finished it in a weekend. If you have some extra time and want to be creative try making a AAQI quilt. A link is on my side bar. Just Click and start Stitching. I know AAQI will put this little gem and yours to good use.

Campaigning for a Vote

I have entered a Weekly Themed Quilt Contest sponsored by Quilting Bloggers. The theme this week is fathers. I have placed my quilt, I call The Generals in the contest. I made this quilt for my hubby a few years ago. It is machine pieced and hand quilted. I found these unique pictures of Union and Confederate Generals on fabric from a lady on eBay. She made these blocks by enlarging photos from a set of 1890 cigarette cards. Then transferred them to fabric. I just couldn't pass them up. My hubby is such a Civil War buff---I knew he would enjoy this in a quilt. The quilt has fabrics representing each side of the war. The backing is Confederate gray, the front has Union blues, with reds, tans and tiny hearts to represent the battles, the deaths and the loved ones that served in this grueling war between the states. My hubby really enjoys this quilt, not only for the warmth, but for all the stories he can tell about these men. An avid reader on the subject, the stories are endless.

When I think of these men/fathers long ago and our military fathers of today, I think of how they are giving a gift by example to their children---Men of honor, doing their duty and living their convictions. So I entered the contest. Now for the campaigning----Your Vote Would Be Appreciated. You can click on my sidebar (Quilting Bloggers) and then click on Weekly Themed Quilt Contest to Vote. Thanks for considering The Generals. Wishing everyone a fun weekend

Wordless Wednesday

New Addition

This weekend I've been playing with my new, but old addition to my sewing family. A friend of mine has had this machine for years, it belonged to her aunt and had just been sitting in her basement. When she first showed it to me (two years ago) it almost took my breath away---the machine is perfect---complete with carrying case, attachments, booklets and sews like a dream. After much consideration as to what I could pay---I brought the little Singer Featherweight home on Friday. I'm using her (she seems like a her to me) upstairs in the great room area of our home. It's wonderful---I can now sew on a machine while being with the family. My sewing room is on the lower level of our home and I'm always so isolated when I work there. Of course, sometimes being isolated is what I need, but my little Featherweight is just perfect for putting me back into the family mix when my projects allow that. The Featherweight is so quiet, no one even knows I'm sewing. After some investigation using her model and serial number I found out my new toy was actually built between 1938 and 1940.

I've started a little free form project using different weights of fabrics. This project is a break from my usual techniques, but it will allow me to see how the Featherweight handles different fabrics---so far so good. Another thing I've noticed about the machine is that since she is so light weight---I can clean up my projects in seconds. Can you tell I'm in love?

Happy Father's Day

Always remembered.

Paradise Patchwork

It wouldn't be summer without thoughts of the an island paradise. Thoughts of tropical breezes, white sand beaches and colorful flowers prompted me to create Paradise Patchwork for AAQI. The fabric for Paradise Patchwork was purchased in Hawaii about two years ago. I love the rich bright colors---they bring back memories of a great island vacation. The applique is going on the patchwork now and I will machine quilt the entire quilt. Will keep you posted on the final product. Have a Wonderful Weekend.

Wordless Wednesday

Bodhi March 1997-June 2010

Companion, friend, and confidante, A friend we won't forget. You'll live forever in our hearts. Sweet, Sweet Bodhi, Rest in Peace.

Sneak Peek

Back to blogging. Just returned from a little working/leisure vacation in Arizona. In my last post I talked about Cecelia's Quilt, that I was going finish. Well, the best made plans sometimes have to be adjusted. I started the quilt, but just could not find the time to work on it while we were in Arizona----so here is a sneak peek of what I'm planning. I'm pleased with the first little cat and I'm anxious to complete the others.




On a very sad note---in the past I wrote about Bodhi our Husky mix, who is battling cancer. Today is the second day he has not eaten or drank water. He is very weak. After our second family meeting concerning Bodhi's well fair, we have an appointment with the vet at 10:30 this morning and I know the prognosis will not be bright. I'm very grateful that he came into our lives in his very unconventional way. He has always been unconventional and did his best through the years to keep us all on schedule and into the routine he thought was best for us (maybe for him). Bodhi has given this family many joys and unconditional love during his 13 years and I thank him.