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Monday, May 30, 2011

Happy Memorial Day

God bless Our Heroes
for all who have served and are presently serving our country
and to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice
Bless You

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sunday--Precious Promises

God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Triangles are in Place

During thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes I was quilting in my lower level sewing room. I thought today would be a good day to work on the round 1 of the Liberated Round Robin and be safe at the same time. Even though I don't quilt with patterns, being "truly" liberated is a new thing for me. I spent a few days looking at quilt books, auditioning colors and fabrics, sketching and doing lots of thinking about what I was going to do for this first round "triangles". When I sat at my machine I really thought I knew what I was doing---wrong. Nothing looked right. Then all of a sudden I realized that sawtooth triangles would give the quilt a little dog tooth look. So keeping with all the dots that are in the center block I choose a black dot print and added the yellow to add a little spark. Our next round begins on June 10---can hardly wait. This round robin is fun and I'm learning so very much. As always Happy Quilting!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sunday--Precious Promises

I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life. ...And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8: 12, 32

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Gallery of Quilts Updated

I just completed adding some photos to my Gallery of Quilts page. I will be adding Message and Mug Mats in a couple of months. Hope you'll stop by Gallery of Quilts on my sidebar and enjoy browsing. Maybe even get an idea or two from them. Any questions or comments are welcomed. Happy Quilting!

Monday, May 16, 2011

One-Third to Go

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this quilt will be completed by June 1. I was able to do quite a bit of quilting the weekend. But it still seems overwhelming. I think setting goals for each days quilting objectives will be my only way to complete. My stitches on this quilt are not uniform and I would say it is more like a comforter--very puffy. But, time is just not on my side, so a comforter it is. I have some smaller quilts waiting for attention and I'm ready to get started on them. I really admire quilters who can work on large quilts for months even years---what devotion. Back to my project and Happy Quilting to all!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Sunday--Precious Promises

I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Summer Round Robin



I'm participating in a summer Liberated Round Robin challenge. I've submitted my center and will start the next round in about a week. This little nine-patch was given to me in a the Worldwide Swap by my partner Shirley. I love the color and whimsy this little 6 1/2" block offers. My plan is to continue with the bright colors. I've never worked on a medallion/round robin quilt before, this should be a great learning project. I'm still quilting on Nothing Runs Like a Deere and posting far more than I thought I would---everyone needs a break every now and then. Back the to Deere---Happy Quilting!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Mug Mats

I took some time out from quilting to complete two Mug Mats. I used cottons and some great butterfly upholstery fabric to make these two little hostess gifts. I thought these little mats could be expanded with a bottle of wine or an assortment of flavored coffees. Have a great weekend and Happy Quilting!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Making Progress


I'm slowly working on the Nothing Runs Like a Deere quilt. The only large quilting I have ever done has been at church on a wooden quilting frame. So how was I going to handle this quilt??? I started with a large oval hoop, but it was uncomfortable, so with some help from a quilting friend, I'm lap quilting with out a hoop. My stitches are larger than I'm use to, but I think that will improve with practice.


The holding of the quilt is sometimes awkward and I find that I rush my stitches. The other issue is a deadline. This quilt needs to be completed by June 1. I may not be blogging for a few days----just know I'm quilting. Happy Quilting to you too!!!!!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Couldn't Put It Down



Ever read a book that you didn't want it to end? I just finished reading one, Chocolate for a Woman's Soul by Kay Allenbaugh. It is a celebration of women---the stories are uplifting, spiritual, delightful, funny, powerful and so much more. The stories are written by women for women. My hubby bought this book for me after I took a nasty fall, and needed a little TLC. He also included some chocolate---smart man. It was a perfect pick me up gift. I know I will read it again and again. It's a keeper! Happy Quilting!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Dots Again---Yea!!

I found the original dots background I used when I first started writing Familypatchworks. It feels like an old friend has come home. I know my blog has had many looks since the dots disappeared about a year ago. I could never find my "look", well I now have my "look". I just have to figure out how to get rid of those birds---Where did they even come from anyway??? I think I need "Blogging for Dummes". Happy Quilting

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Sunday-Precious Promises

I will not fail you, nor forsake you. Josh. 1:5

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Happy Mother's Day



Always Remembered
Happy Mother's Day

Monday, May 2, 2011

Back to School




It has been almost 4 years since I retired as a High School Social Studies teacher in an Alternative School for At Risk students. I had taught 13 of my 28 years at this little school in Missouri and loved every minute. We had small classes where a teacher could get to know the students. This close relationship helped teachers work with students not only on class work, but personal matters and self esteem issues. It was a great way to finish my career. During that time I noticed that many students were all about themselves. No concern for others---this attitude bothered me and I wanted to think of something that they could do---give of themselves for others. Quilting immediately came to mind. So with a few personal dollars we made 4 small quilts to give to the local Linus Project.




Those 4 quilts and a grant I was able to get for sewing machines and supplies grew to 32 quilt in the span of 6 years. Since, I retired the quilt project has slowed, but has not been forgotten. This past week I spend two days at school working on a blue jean quilt with the students. And the results are the same. The students enjoy making and doing for others. They all shared stories of quilts in their past and how quilts make you feel good.




It is safe to say quilts are ambassadors of love and comfort, both for the maker and the receiver. Happy Quilting!!!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sunday--Precious Promises

My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19