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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Wishing Everyone!

New Year's Eve fireworks in black circle
Making one Resolution this year, Quilt More and Eat LessHappy Quilting to all in 2012!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  Luke 2:14

Friday, December 23, 2011

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

News from Ami -- Little Quilts Keep On Giving

On Monday volunteers from the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) presented a check for $30,000 to Dr. Sylvie Garneau-Tsodikova at the Life Sciences Institute of the University of Michigan. Dr. Garneau-Tsodikova and her research team will be using the money raised predominantly through the sale of donated quilts to develop multifunctional drugs for Alzheimer's disease.

Pictured above (from left to right) are: Jacob L. Houghton, Todd J. Eckroat, Wenjing Chen, Keith D. Green, Rebecca A. Reed (kneeling), Joshua J. Bornstein, Dr. Sylvie Garneau-Tsodikova, Ami Simms, Pat Holly (kneeling), Sue Nickels, Debbie Chenail, and Ruth Langdon.

It is unusual for researchers and those who fund them to ever meet. AAQI volunteers have had this opportunity three times. It is an extremely rewarding experience.

We bring quilts to explain our mission of raising awareness and funding research through art. Dr Garneau-Tsodikova's grandmother and aunt have Alzheimer's. She is motivated by their struggles with AD to work towards a cure.

We also bring Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts to sell. They become tangible reminders of the hope we all share that some day there will be a cure for this horrible disease.



It was truly amazing how science and art came together as Dr. Garneau-Tsodikova explained the work of her research team to quilters Pat Holly and Sue Nickels using a quilt from the AAQI traveling exhibit ("Alzheimer's Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope") made by Mary Andrews. In the background are exhibit quilts by Mona Fallis and Gay Young Ousley.

For everyone who sews for the AAQI, I know you do so because you care deeply about finding a cure for Alzheimer's. Let me assure you that what you do matters. Every single stitch counts. Your art touches people in a most special way. Just look at the faces of the people below holding the quilts you made!

Together we CAN make a difference.

To everyone who supports the AAQI by making quilts, buying quilts, and through financial contributions to our nonprofit, please accept my personal and heartfelt thanks for the work you do to make the AAQI a reality.

Together we have raised more than $679,000 since the AAQI began in 2006. This is the 10th research project we have funded.

Thank you!

Ami Simms
Founder & Executive Director
Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative

Monday, December 19, 2011

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

The Lord of hosts offers strength.  I Samuel 1:3

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

The Lord send peace.  Judges 6:24

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

The Numbers Are In

The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) raised $62,000 during International Quilt Festival (IQF) in Houston, Texas. From November 2-6, 2011, volunteers sold 1,141 Priority: Alzheimer’s Quilts (mini quilts measuring 9" x 12" or less) breaking all previous sales records for the all-volunteer nonprofit organization.


Click here to see the quilts that sold in Houston.

This was the sixth year the AAQI was invited to display and sell Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts by IQF founder and director Karey Bresenhan. Brooke and John Flynn, from Billings, Montana, again sponsored the booth.

The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative awarded $115,000 in grants in 2011, funding research at the University of Michigan, the University of Pittsburgh, and Cornell University. AAQI grants are made possible in large part from income generated by selling made by its supporters. Nearly 9,000 Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts have been donated since the effort began.

The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative is a national, grassroots charity whose mission is to raise awareness and fund research. Alzheimer’s Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope, a nationally touring exhibit of quilts about Alzheimer's, and the Priority: Alzheimer’s Quilts project are two of its programs. The AAQI has raised more than $679,000 for Alzheimer’s research since January 2006. Ami Simms of Flint, Michigan is the founder and executive director of AAQI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Her mother had Alzheimer’s.

YEA!!!  What a great year.  Keep those quilts and bids coming in 2012Happy Quilting!



Monday, December 5, 2011

Only Nine Hours to Go!!

Remember this little quilt?  I made it for the Alliance of American Quilts contest entitled "Alliances".  I created this little quilt "Stars Above Us" as my entry.  All entries, after the contest judging and a little traveling schedule, are then auctioned off on eBay with all proceeds going to the Alliance of American Quilts.  I support the great work of AAQ and their mission statement:

The Alliance for American Quilts (AAQ) is a nonprofit 501c3 organization established in 1993 whose mission is to document, preserve, and share our American quilt heritage by collecting the rich stories that historic and contemporary quilts, and their makers, tell about our nation's diverse peoples and their communities.
In support of this mission, the Alliance brings together quilt makers and designers, the quilt industry, quilt scholars and teachers, and quilt collectors to further the following goals:

•to promote the understanding of the quilt as an important American grassroots art form

•to make information about quilts available to a broad public

•to educate Americans about the importance of documenting quilts and quiltmakers so that their stories will not be lost

"Stars Above Us" and others are presently on eBay for auction, with only 9 hours to go.  Check it out and make a bid.  You could win a great quilt and support the work of a vital organization preserving history and the understanding of the American Quilt.  Happy Quilting!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

The Lord sanctifies.  Exodus 31:13

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

The Lord protects.  Exodus 17:15

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Make Your Wish List

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 08:45 AM PST
Some times you have to drop a hint. Other times you have to drop an anvil. Either way, the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) is here to help with Wish Lists!
We’ve got ‘em and now you can get ‘em. Totally free, easy to set up, and best of all now Santa knows exactly what you’d like for Christmas.
We have more than 600 quilts for sale and every time one sells we raise more money for Alzheimer’s research. It’s a gift that does good. And you’ve been good this year, haven’t you?
Set your Wish List up today and tell your family, add the link in your email signature, put it in your holiday newsletter, or email it to CNN. It’s all good.

Check it out!  A great way to get a miniature quilt and support Alzheimer's Research.  Lots of wonderful quilts to choose from.   Happy Quilting!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

The Lord heals.  Exodus 15:26

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Vintage Fabric---The Rest of the Story

Monday, I shared a post about a AAQI quilt I'm making from some vintage village fabric.  I did some investigation and discovered that the fabric is a  Grandma Moses Fabric from the original painting "Williamstown".  I'm still not sure of the year, but it was made by Riverdale Fabric Co.  I know I'm going to have a good time using this interesting fabric for AAQI.  Happy Quilting.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Vintage Fabric

I found a wonderful piece of vintage fabric at a yard sale a few months ago.  I really didn't know what I wanted to do with it, but I just knew I would find something to show off this neat old fabric.  The fabric is a cotton, maybe for drapes.  But, it is light weight enough to use for quilts.  This is just one section of a village of houses and landscape featured on the fabric.  I'm making this little whole cloth into what else, but an AAQI mini.  I fancy cut a section with a Church in the Vale.  I'm hand quilting to accent the mountains, church and trees.  I'm also adding beads to the trees.  You may be able to see them on the left size of the photo.  There is an old church hymn entitled "The Little Brown Church in the Vale".   This brings back some wonderful memories of my Grandmother.  When I would vist my grandparent's farm in rural Missouri as a child, my grandmother and I would go to the country church and clean---she was their cleaning lady--anyway as we worked we would sing that hymn.  Great memories and as I work on this quilt I'm thinking of the fun we had working and singing along.  Anyone know that hymn? 
I'm setting my goal for 2012.  Presently I have contributed 70 quilts to AAQI.  I believe 7 are still for sale, anyway in 2012 I want to round that number of contributed quilts to 100---so 30 quilts in 2012.  I always try to have my contributions completed by September 30th so that they can be sold in Houston.  I urge you to think about a contribution to AAQI.  It could be a donated mini quilt, the purchase of a mini quilt or one of the many options available on the web site.  Stop by http://www.alzquilts.org/ and check out how you can help this year or in 2012.  Happy Quilting!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

The Lord Provides.  Genesis 22:14

Friday, November 11, 2011

Veteran's Day 2011

Thank You for your service to Our Country.


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Monday, November 7, 2011

Housework

It seems like I've been away from my blog for ages.  Maybe I have!  I've lost tract of time---housework has been front and center lately.  I can appreciate the saying "I'd Rather Be Quilting".  Today I'm working in the office and thinking about quilting.  I uploaded one of the quilts I purchased at a farm auction a few years ago.  I'm not sure of the pattern name, but it is a beautiful quilt, all hand stitched and never used.  It is a real keeper for my collection.  I also have been looking at a few posts about the Houston Quilt Show.  The photographs of the quilts displayed are outstanding.  I hope to get to Houston and enjoy the show first hand.
During the Houston Show AAQI was selling quilts.  Ten of my mini quilts were at the AAQI Booth along with 1,490 others---all for sale for the cause.  The final numbers are not in, but from all indications it was a successful weekend for Alzheimer's.  Seven of my quilts sold for an approximate total of $247.73.  I'm thrilled and I've already started making more for 2012.  Well, better tackle this desk or I'll never get to my quilting projects.  Happy Quilting!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

Great is thy faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:23

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.  Luke 11:28

Friday, October 28, 2011

Little Quilts At Work

AAQI Awards $30,000 to Cornell University

The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) has awarded its ninth grant to Dr. Chris B. Schaffer, Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. The $30,000 grant is the second grant the charity has awarded for Alzheimer’s research at Cornell University.
Dr. Schaffer explains his work: “In the conventional view of Alzheimer’s disease it is thought that neurons in the brain are damaged by the accumulation of a small protein called amyloid-beta, but recent work shows that the blood vessels in the brain are also affected by amyloid-beta. In addition, Alzheimer patients have less blood flow in their brains than people without the disease. It is possible that the vascular effects of amyloid-beta and this blood flow decrease could contribute to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and add to the impact of the direct neuronal damage by amyloid-beta.
Our work suggests that the blood flow decrease may be caused by white blood cells that block small blood vessels in the brain. Normally, white blood cells become activated, stick to the wall of blood vessels, then exit the vasculature and tissue in response to an infection or injury. However, in Alzheimer’s disease such activation may be detrimental because it could slow blood flow and deprive brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. In addition, the decreased blood flow may trigger the accumulation of more amyloid-beta, producing a vicious cycle of injury to the brain.
In this work, we will test potential therapies that prevent the white blood cells from plugging blood vessels. We expect to see an increase in blood flow and hope to see a decrease in amyloid-beta accumulation. This work relies on new imaging techniques that enable us to track changes in amyloid-beta and blood flow with micrometer resolution in mice that are engineered to develop Alzheimer’s disease. If successful, this therapy could potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in patients.”
Learn more about research that has been funded by the AAQI here:

http://www.alzquilts.org/researchawards.html

Hard to Concentrate on Quilts

I have to confess I have not looked at a quilt or picked up needle and thread since it all started.
From the Rally Squirrel to last night's Unforgettable Game---The Best World Series Game ever.  The quilts have been put away and I've been glued to TV.  This is the first year hubby and I have not purchased Post-Season tickets, who would have guessed.  Go Cardinals.

But, some people have been thinking of quilts not baseball. 
Our biggest sale of the year is just around the corner. International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX is going to be the AAQI's home away from home November 2-6. We will be in the Exhibit Hall, Row T, in the front.
 
We asked our supporters for 1,500 quilts AND WE GOT THEM! Watch this short video to see a sampling of the quilts we will be selling in Houston.
November 1-10 (overlapping with Quilt Festival) is the Stanley Cup Quilt-Off. Twelve extraordinary quilts will be on the auction block at
Take a sneak peek at the quilts here: http://www.alzquilts.org/quiltauction.html  Happy Quilting

Monday, October 24, 2011

Go Out of Business Sale

Hubby and I are always going to auctions---he likes sports memorabilia and I like the quilts.  A couple of weeks ago we went to an auction in a small Missouri town, where a Quilt Shop was Going Out of Business.  She sold  her major inventory of fabric, threads, notions and embellishments to another shop in the area.  What she offered at the auction were Quilts and Quilt Tops.  Did I ever have fun.  Years ago, because of my hubby's growing sports memorabilia, we opened an eBay Store.  Since then I have added fabric, notions, quilts and quilt tops.  These new quilts and quilt tops I bought at the Auction are now listed for sale in our eBay store.  If you would like to see my finds just Google---Walnut Forest Collectibles and click on the first entry.  That will take you to the Home page of our store, you'll recognize Bo.  Check out the quilt and quilt top categories.  This was a fun auction and some wonderful quilts.  As Always, Happy Quilting!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.   James 4:6

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Monday, October 17, 2011

We're Going to the Fall Classic

Not a Quilt Show.  The Cardinals won the National League Pennant race last night and will meet the Texas Rangers in St. Louis on Wednesday to start the World Series.  YEA!!! Cardinals.
But what does a girl do while she and hubby watch the Baseball games???   Quilt of Course.  I started a little AAQI quilt that is just plain FUN. 
The little quilt is just 9 x 9 inches and has a spider web center fabric.  I'm using hand quilting to accent the spider webs and quilt at the same time.  I'll then finish with some free motion quilting on the borders.  Just a fun little quilt to work on while watching the Cardinals make their bid as Baseball's 2011 World Champions.  Happy Quilting!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

I am with you says the Lord.  Haggai 1:13

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

$805.00 WOW!!!

Linda Woodard of Marion, Illinois, raised $805 for the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) with her donated 8.75 inches by 10 inches quilt which sold during the charity's October auction. The AAQI holds online auctions during the first ten days of every month. Woodard's quilt, Making Waves in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s, sets a new AAQI record for Priority: Alzheimer's Quilt sales, surpassing Sue Nickels' quilt, This Bud's For You, which sold for $350 in 2006.

"I am in shock—a good shock. How exciting!" said Woodard after the auction closed." She continued, "I loved making the quilt and grew very attached to it. I know the person who purchased it will love it too. I am so pleased that my quilt raised so much for Alzheimer's research."

Woodard's quilt was created as part of a challenge issued by the Shawnee Quilters of Southern Illinois. The group has supported the AAQI for several years through the AAQI's Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts project. More than 8,500 quilts (none larger than 9" x 12") have been donated by quilt guilds and individual quilters since 2006 as quilters make finding a cure for Alzheimer's a priority in their lives.

The AAQI's November auction (November 1-10) in honor of National Alzheimer's Awareness Month features quilts by Alex Anderson, Hollis Chatelain, John Flynn, Becky Goldsmith, Renae Haddadin, Sue Nickels, Caryl Bryer Fallert, Pat Holly, Libby Lehman, Judy Mathieson, Mary Sorensen, and Ricky Tims as they compete in the "Stanley Cup Quilt-Off."

The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (www.alzquilts.org) is a national, grassroots charity whose mission is to raise awareness and fund research. It auctions and sells donated quilts through the Priority: Alzheimer's Quilt project and sponsors a touring exhibit of quilts about Alzheimer's called "Alzheimer's Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope." The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative has raised more than $591,000 since January 2006.

Thanks Linda for the wonderful quilt. 


Wordless Wednesday

Monday, October 10, 2011

Virtual Retreat

Last week I participated in a Virtual Quilting Retreat. Members of the Lib-Quilters Group at Yahoo spent four days quilting as if on a retreat via cyberspace.  We had guide lines for this retreat.  Make a miniature quilt, no larger than 20 inches and get our inspiration from an Amish, Gees Bend, or Gwen Marston quilts.  Make it ours with no embellishments, applique, embroidery etc., just a plain mini liberated quilt.  I completed two AAQI size quilts.  I put away all my quilting tools except for scissors, machine and thread.  My first quilt I call Gees Bend Summer.

It measures 7 1/2 x 11 1/4 inches and started with the black and pink stripe fabric.  I then found some corresponding fabrics and just started playing with shapes and stitching.  I used pink thread for the hand quilting and made lines of quilting that corresponded with the quilt.  The second quilt I call Gees Bend Christmas.

This one is 7 1/2 x 8 inches.  My inspiration fabric was the red sparkle fabric that is the center of the Liberated Log Cabin block.  I then added the Christmas color.  As I look at this little quilt I can see a Log Cabin block and a Housetop block.  That's what fun about liberated quilting---you're free to do as you please.  This mini has more hand quilting that follows the individual pieces of this little quilt.  I plan to make more of these little liberated mini quilts.  Try one yourself---it's fun.  Happy Quilting!!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

Happy is the person who remains faithful under trials, because when he succeeds in passing such a test, he will receive as his reward the life which God has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Not a Mountain Lion

Thanks to Paula in Colorado for correcting my error.  The picture I posted was a Mountain Lion. We do NOT have a Mountain Lion.  Funny thing is that I got the photo from the Missouri Conservation Magazine article on Bobcats????????????   Anyway, this is what we have in the neighborhood.


Thanks Paula!

Talk of the Neighborhood

This morning our neighbor, Ted,  walked out of our woods---dressed in camouflage and caring an impressive looking hunting bow.  It's deer season in our area and since we live in a Missouri woodland, our neighbor usually takes his morning walk in the woods to see if he can find one of our resident deer.  I always stop feeding the deer this time of year----I want them to stay hidden and away from Ted for a month or two.
This morning Ted told us of a new critter in the neighborhood.


Missouri has a Bobcat population, but most of us never see these shy, silent guys.  But, now we have one among us.  It is exciting, for those of us that enjoy the critters of the woods.  We are lucky to have a family of Red Fox, Coyote and of course the Deer and Turkey not to mention the little critters that the Bobcat would enjoy.  I hope I'm lucky enough to see our newest resident.  They like to be out in the early morning and at dusk---I'll be watching.  Maybe he'll earn a spot on the Critter Quilt   Happy Quilting!

Friday, September 30, 2011

Quilting Blahs

Do you ever get the blahs?  I think I have them.  I've been quilting every day this week.  I have eight AAQI quilts ready for quilting, Dogs and Dots is close to being completed and the Critter Quilt is in a continued state of "under construction".  Maybe I have to many quilts going at one time---I don't know, but I have an overwhelming feeling about my quilting.  Crazy!!!!  I feel like I'm accomplishing things, but that there is more I need to be doing.  Maybe my quilts are to predictable and I need to challenge myself.  Sometimes I rush my quilting projects and maybe I need to slow down and really plan and work toward a "look".  Something out of the box for me.  I'm going to reevaluate as I calmly hand quilt this little Redwork AAQI quilt.

Next week is the Liberated Quilters Virtual Retreat.  That will be four days of fun and maybe I'll snap out of these Quilting Blahs as I take a look at not only the project assignment for the retreat, but other ideas I have on my mind.  Just being in my sewing room with the radio on and no interruptions can chase the blahs away and put me back on track.  The weather is beautiful in Missouri---a great Midwest fall.  I will step away from the sewing machine and enjoy the outside this weekend too.  Have a happy weekend and as always Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Quilts Show Photos

A couple of weeks ago, the United Methodist Church at Wentzville hosted the Festival of Sharing Quilt Show.  The quilts shown here will be auctioned off on October 15 at Sedalia, Missouri.  This is just a small sampling of the quilts that have been donated for the auction.  Here are photos of just a few.  Enjoy








All sizes of quilts are represented from small wall hangings to king size bed quilts.  Some of the quilts are made by individuals and some by various church quilting groups.  The proceeds from the quilts will be used for Mission Projects in the USA and Missouri.  Many church denominations participated in the Festival.  Besides the giving of Quilts for Auctions there are opportunities to package Foods for Panties, individuals drop off various kits packaged by churches throughout the year.  For example:  Back to School Kits, Wellness Kits,  Baby and Toddlers Kits, Dental Kits and so much more.  Everyone comes together for a great day of giving on October 15.   There are so many needs in this country and so many ways we can all give something.  I'm already thinking about my quilt donation for next year.  Happy Quilting!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

May God give you heaven's dew and earth's richness---an abundance of grain and new wine.
Genesis 27:28

Friday, September 23, 2011

Row 2 is Complete

Critter Quilt is growing.  I've added row 2 and row 3 is in the making.  I can see a very busy quilt developing.  It is a fun quilt to put together, because I just make a block or two and then add where I think it will look the best.  I have some embroidery blocks planned and maybe some embroidery of critter names on the blocks with large patches of purple.  I'm not sure at this point and I guess that is the fun---not excactly knowing what the finished quilt will look like--planning as I go.  I'm finding, that I can run to my sewing room for 15 minutes and come up with the pieced strip of various scrap and feel like I have accomplished something without spending hours sewing---that's fun too.  When row 3 is finished I'll posts its addition.  In the mean time have a great weekend and Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

AAQI and World Alzheimer's Day

World Alzheimer’s Day is Today, Wednesday, September 21st
Please change your FaceBook profile picture temporarily to the photograph of a person who has/had Alzheimer’s that you wish to honor and remember on September 21st and always.
Please include this statement in your status update:
I support the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative at http://www.alzquilts.org/

If you make a $5 donation to the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative before midnight on Wednesday, post the invoice number generated by your donation to the AAQI FaceBook page at: http://www.facebook.com/AAQI.News *
We will capture the image of your loved one from your profile picture and add it to the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative 2011 Virtual Wall of Remembrance where it will remain for one year. Names will not accompany photographs.
If you are not on FaceBook, or wish to make multiple donations to honor more than one person, email one photograph of each of your loved ones and the invoice number generated by your donation ($5 for each photo) to Diane at diane456@gmail.com. Pictures may be cropped and sized to fit the wall.
As it is somewhat time consuming to snag and post your profile picture, please do not change it until you see it appear on the AAQI Update Blog, above. It may take several days to keep up! We’ll do our best.
*If you’ve never been there before, you may have to click the “LIKE” button. What’s not to like?
Let’s see if we can get this viral!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Sunday---Precious Promises

Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.  Jeremiah 17:7

Monday, September 12, 2011

Working for a Cause and Remembering

Even though the clouds hung low over St. Louis this weekend, it didn't dampen the spirits of the hundreds of Firefighters that participated in the Firefighters Weekend 2011.  The proceeds for the many events, silent auction and T-shits sales went to benefit Backstoppers and the area Burn Center.
Statue of Ice at the Fireman's Ball---the firefighter is holding a child.  The model for this centerpiece is in an area park.
Checking Silent Auction Bids

Bill, hubby on the right, received a Surprise Thank You gift for all his hard work on the Firefighers Weekends
Lots of Fire Trucks at the Great Fire Engine Rally
Both New and Old Fire Trucks
The park was full of Firefighters, their families and the public getting an up close look at all the equipment as it was parked through out the rally area.  There were food vendors, vendors selling and a day long of demonstrations and Firefighter contests.  A good time was had by all. 
Sunday was the day of Remembrance.  The day began with a breakfast at the Engine House #1 Restaurant, the proceeds went to the Burn Camp.  Then Forest Park at Art Hill flew American Flags for all the victims of 911.
Church Services followed.  This was a weekend of mixed emotions and a time of pause.
Wishing you a wonderful week and as always, Happy Quilting!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Sunday--Precious Promises

He died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:10

Friday, September 9, 2011

Firefighter's Weekend Has Started

Two years ago, my hubby retired from the Fire Service as a Deputy Chief after 25 years service.  I don't think firefighters ever really retire, at least not my firefighter.  Service is still in his blood, I'm very proud of his dedication to the fire service and to his fellow human beings.  He is a person who  gives so much more than he takes.  For the past four years he has been a member of the organizational committee for the Annual Firefighter's Weekend that is held in Downtown St. Louis.  It is a wonderful function that celebrates the brotherhood of Firefighting with proceeds going to the Backstopper's and and area Burn Center.  Backstopper's is an organization that helps the widows and children of fallen Fire, Police and EMT's in the the area.  Each year there is a Candle Light Visual on Thursday, Firefighter's Ball on Friday and Great Fire Engine Rally on Saturday.  This year, on Sunday, there will be a church service beginning at the exact time the first tower fell in New York.  The weekend is always fun, but also tearful as men and women remember co-works, friends and family.  We will be participating in the weekend activities and I'm taking a camera this year.  I'll share some photos on Monday.  Wishing everyone a safe and happy weekend.  As always, Happy Quilting!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Labor Day

Have a Hoppin Good Holiday!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Sunday--Precious Promises

For evildoers shall be cut off, but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.  Psalms 37:9

Friday, September 2, 2011

Critter Quilt is Taking Form

Row 1 is done.  YEA!  After so many months of talking about and making blocks.  The Critter Quilt is finally on my sewing table and starting to take form.  This quilt is just going to happen.  No pattern and no idea of what I will do next.  I have a variety of blocks already made.  Some are photo images, applique, piece work, and fabric pen drawings.  All are different sizes, but with the use of the blue/purple solid fabric I'm making them a standard size for each row.  But, each row width size will be different too. The quilt will then have a border of the blue/purple solid fabric to finish it off.  Some of the blocks will separated by a scrap pieced sashing and all the rows will be divided by the pieced sashing.  I sorted my bits and pieces of fabric into a grocery bag and I just reach in and grab a piece of fabric stitch it to my sashing.  After I get the length I need a trim and square up the sashing to fit the row.  This little quilt is great fun and I love the memories of my beloved Critters as I work on their block.  Have a great weekend and Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

The road to Prescott, Arizona

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Check It Out

This is a big one!  AAQI is having a Challenge.

We're kicking off the Stanley Cup Quilt-Off on August 30th. There are two places to snag images and information:

http://www.alzquilts.org/qo.html
http://www.alzquilts.org/stanley.html

Check It Out these quilts are Wonderful! 







Monday, August 29, 2011

Ready for Quilting

My Liberated Round Robin quilt top Dogs and Dots is finished and ready for quilting.  I added a 2" border of various fabric I used in the project, readjusted some dots and, of course,  added one more dog with a dotted sweater.   The top measures 22 x 22 inches.   I have a Mary Engelbreit looking laundry room and I think this little quilt will work perfect as a wall hanging. 
Quilting is my problem area on projects.  I do a lot of hand quilting, but would so like to become a free motion quilter.   I'm not sure how I'm going to quilt this little project.  Any suggestions would be welcomed
I get lost in planning what type of quilting to do in the different areas of a quilt, especially one like this where there are so many different design elements.

The AAQI quilts are in the mail--all 21 of them.  So now I can concentrate on my Critter Quilt.  I have been making various blocks and collecting novelty fabrics to represent some of my critters that are a little difficult to draw or stitch together, so I'm to the point of joining blocks and rows.  As I get more of them together I show them in a post.  Until then, Happy Quilting!!