Winter Casualty

We had a storm last night. High winds and rain on an already ground soaked soil from the heavy snows of two weeks ago has weaken the base of one of our big Walnut trees. We always hate to see damage to our woodlands, but that is also nature's way. Hubby is going to make some calls today---we would love to have the tree taken down, but the ground being so wet may hamper any attempts to take it down before it falls and breaks apart or damages other trees in it's path. The woods is always changing, this year we have seen a new bird at the feeders. Yellow Belly Sapsucker, this little woodpecker is fun to watch and not shy at the suet feeder. I plan to do a little quilting today and look forward to my Crossroads quilters meeting tonight---here's wishing you a great Monday and as always Happy Quilting!

Winter Surprise

This morning we woke to a winter surprise. The woods is laced with snow. This is a wet/heavy snow. They usually come this time of year and are gone quickly. You can tell from the photo of the driveway, the snow doesn't stick, but the trees are dressed in a soft white--it looks like a fairy land.

Thinking about a new mini quilt lately. I've been doing some sketches and will be looking through my stacks of fabric for just the right colors. I'm inspired by the wonderful Civil War quilts that were produced for fund raisers during the 1860's and anxious to read the next Elm Creek Quilt book by Jennifer Chiaverini. The Union Quilters is in at our local library and I'm number 9 on the reserve list. So I guess that's why I'm thinking Civil War Quilts. Not sure exactly where I'm going with this mini quilt idea, but the research is fascinating. Wishing you a fun weekend and Happy Quilting!

Bagged up and Ready to Go

I belong to a small quilting group, we call ourselves Crossroads Quilters. In January we had a AAQI challenge. Everyone made a quilt that would be sent to the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative and be put up for sale or auction. The little quilts are all bagged and ready to be mailed. The group did a wonderful job---they are all so creative and wonderful quilters. I learn so much from this little group; they keep me moving forward in the quilting journey. Do you have a group (no matter the size) that would like to have a challenge for AAQI? It's easy, decide on a date for all the quilts to be turned in, then one person is assigned Temporary Quilt Registration Goddess. She can go to the AAQI site and just follow the instruction for registration of a group of quilts. It's fun and goes for a great cause. Have a wonderful Monday and Happy Quilting!

It's In The Mail #2

I've completed my second entry in an Alliance For American Quilts Contest. Last year I entered a quilt entitled "Bridal Bouquet Bling". This year's entry is entitled "Stars Above", I think. I'm still writing my artist's statement---so no telling where I'm going to go with this. This little contest is always a fun creative challenge. The quilts are auctioned off and the proceeds go to help AAQ with their mission education and preservation of the American Quilt.

This year's theme is Alliances and I starting thinking of the world alliance we all have with our planet. Thinking along those lines our common bond are the stars above. No matter where we live we can look up and see a beautiful well lit sky. Like I said I'm still working on my statement.

About the quilt...Stars Above measures 16 x 16 inches and is both machine and hand quilted. I drew the different style houses free hand and then raw edge appliqued them to 3 x 3 inch blocks made up of blue for the sky and green for the grass, except the igloo's snow. The stars are liberated and the colors very crayon basic.

Visit http://www.allianceforamericanquits.org/ there's still time to join the fun and make an entry. Entries must be postmarked by March 7, 2011.

Lastly, but more importantly Happy Valentine's Day to everyone and as always Happy Quilting.

BRRRRRRR

We're home from our wonderful vacation in Arizona. It is always nice to come home and I did miss all my critters, but boy is it cold here. On the bright side, Missouri will have a little heat wave next week. Today, was the first of a couple of getting organized days. My first project was to get my Mug Rugs in the mail. I completed them in Arizona and they are now on their way to ...... Oh! can't tell, but here's a picture of the completed rugs and some of the hot drinks to keep my Mug Rug Partner warm.

Stay warm everyone--have a great weekend and as always Happy Quilting!

Quilts in the Valley

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours at the "Pieces of Time" Quilt Show presented by Friendship Quilters/Fabric Artists in Sun City, Arizona. It was wonderful and well worth the $3.00 admission---if your in the area the show will be open today from 9am - 3pm.

I believe a picture is worth a thousand words---here are a few of the great quilts.


If you love cats, this is a great quilt. Notice the little mouse quilting around the blocks.

Sunbonnet Sue's Flower Garden was made from orphan quit blocks---very clever.

Wishing you a great weekend---and Happy Quilting!

Back in the Valley

We have just returned from our short trip to Prescott, AZ. Prescott is a delightful little town, filled with wonderful antique and gift shops, restaurants, and a great Bed and Breakfast Prescott Pine Inn. We had a great time and found some neat things. I located a little quilt shop by the name of Seams Sew Right Quilt Studio. It was filled with very interesting fabrics. Not a big shop but floor to ceiling bolts of color. I also discovered a variegated quilting thread King Tut. Purchased a blue and gray/black to try on Liberated Stars. If your ever in Prescott, AZ look up Seams Sew Right, I think you will enjoy your visit.

I found this cute little wall hanging at an estate sale here in Sun City West. The quilt is perfect for our guest bedroom. I have been doing a little hand work while I've been here. Completed my Mug Rug Swap rugs. Will post and get them in the mail next week. It was a fun swap project and perfect as a Take Along project. Tomorrow is the Quilt Show in Sun City---can hardly wait. As Always, Happy Quilting!