Sunday---Precious Promises

God has poured out his love to fill our hearts.  Romans 5:5

Wild Flower Sampler

Fussy cut, hand quilting, and machine quilting created this little Wild Flower Sampler.  This little AAQI sampler is 8 x 7 inches.  The flowers come from the fairy print fabric I have used in the past for AAQI fairy quilts.

I enjoy working with this fabric and have a few more wildflowers for another little project.  Have a wonderful weekend. 

 Happy Quilting!

AQ - Tour Mary Ghormley's Miniature Quilts

What a wonderful collection, Happy Quilting!

Happy Holidays

Sunday---Precious Promises

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

Storm is Over

Those of you in the Midwest, know what I mean when I say the "Storm is Over".  We here in Missouri received more wind than snow, but I know other parts are digging out this morning.  At about 6:00am is started.  Mean skies, drops of rain that turned to snow and a wind.  In our area the wind was between 40 and 60 mph.  We received just a dusting of snow, but the wind was with us until about 9:00pm last night.  It brought down one small tree in our back yard--we suspected was dead--it was.

So what do you do when the wind is howling, and your hubby is at a meeting?  You quilt.  I made an AAQI quilt for Houston.  I think the theme will go well in the November 2013.

2013 is my year of getting to know my new "old" Bernina --most of my quilts this year will be machine quilted and appliqued.  I fussy cut the flowers.  Attached with fusible webbing and then with gold and silver metallic thread (used black in the bobbin) quilted the flowers, a matching green thread for the leaves and finished up with Christmas green for the background.  Poinsettia was created in a very short time.

The morning sun helped to show the quilting.  The quilt is 8 1/4 x 10 1/4 inches.  I really like the machine and practice will make my stitches more uniform and improve my techniques--I can use that.  I'm working on a second little Wildflower Sampler that will have some hand and machine quilting. Hope to finish today.
Enjoy your weekend and Happy Quilting!

Gift Exchange

 I'm blessed to have a group of  Monday afternoon friends.  Each Monday we meet at one of our  homes, have a great lunch and conversation together and play a game or two of Pinochle.  Today is our Holiday Party and Gift Exchange.  I wanted to make each one a quilt, but time didn't allow that, but it did allow for a little art quilt in a shadow box.

   For Clara

Christmas Snowflake

For Karen

One More Tree

For Marty

Giving Hearts

For Dot

Praise the Lord

The little quilts are 6 x 6 inches and I tried to pick colors, match personalities and interest for each friend.  The little quilts were all hand quilted and embellished with beads--Holiday Sparkle.  Have a great Monday and Happy Quilting!

Sunday---A Positive Thought

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.  If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.  He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning.  Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.  He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.  What about the Christmas gift in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary.  Face it, He Loves You.  From a recent email received from a friend

Quick and Easy Christmas Gift

Bookmarks

  I made these little bookmarks for my quilting buddies at church.  Each year we have a luncheon and most of the ladies give out Christmas Cards to everyone, but I like to make a little something.  This year:
1.   I  took backing board/cardboard and cut it 2" x 7"
2.  Picked out some interesting fabrics and used some wonder under to just tack the fabric to cardboard--so it wouldn't slip around.
3.  Top stitched to cardboard
4.  Put a hole in the top of the cardboard and fabric with a hole punch.
5.  Decorated with ribbon, yarns, beads and you have an interesting little Bookmark.
***There are so many interesting ways to make and decorate a bookmark, check out pinterest for more ideas and have fun.
***Make a bookmark to go with a great book as a gift for a special person.
Wishing everyone a fun weekend and Happy Quilting!

Quilts for Backpacks

In one of my earlier posts I talked about making small quilts (35 x 45 inches) for Festival of Sharing Backpacks.  Well, I've started.  With the help of some "cheater fabrics" I've put a plan together for six quilts.

I chose "cheater fabric" to help me get some practice with machine quilting.  Last year I purchased a used Bernina at an estate sale.  She was very well taken care of and is in great shape.  What quilting I've done on her has turned out well---not because of me, because of her.

 I love this machine and want to learn more about her and improve my quilting.  What better way to start is with some novelty prints.  The little quilts will be shipped to the Festival of Sharing in August.  So I have plenty of time to complete them, plus a wall hanging for the Festival of Sharing Quilt Auction.  More about that later.  Have a great Wednesday and Happy Quilting!

A Special Christmas Quilt

Draped over a wing backed chair with a little red gift box for some whimsy is a very Special Christmas Quilt.  This quilt has been a focus of many a room during the holidays from its creation in 1960.  My Mom, Helen, was an embroidery, applique kinda of gal.  I'm so blessed to have this quilt and two others she made.  I believe this to be a kit quilt, from back in the day.  I don't know it's true name and have never seen one like it, but every Christmas Mom would put it on the bed for the holidays.  It's a full size, so doesn't really make a statement on our king size bed, but in years past it has been on the stair railing, back of the sofa, or draped over a table.  This year greets guests in the foyer.  I love this quilt and have thought many times of making a miniature so I can frame it and display it every day of the year.  Have a great Monday and Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

Do not worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Philippians 4:6

The Numbers are In

Unconditional Love sold for $41.57

I've been anxiously waiting for the numbers to arrive from the AAQI Houston Sales.  Over the years I have made and donated 100 miniature quilts to be sold for Alzheimer's Research and this time of year is always so exciting.  Most of the AAQI sales happen at the International Quilt Show in Houston and this year was no exception.  With all the bookkeeping to be completed, individual quilters eagerly  wait for their quilt totals to be posted----last night my page was updated.  Nineteen (19) of the twenty-six (26) quilts I made this year for  Houston were sold for a total of $632.22.  Eight (8) of my 100 quilts are still available for sale on the AAQI web site and my grand total is $3,493.61.  My mini that earned the most was:

Celebrate selling  for $55.43

 I'm just a little short of my personal goal of $4,000.00, need to do some more stitching.  Think about joining me and make a mini---it's fun!!!      Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

Trust in the Lord with all you heart, and lean not unto your own understandings.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.  Proverbs 3: 5-6

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing everyone a wonderful day filled with family and fun.  As Always Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good...  Galatians 6:9-10

Sunday---Precious Promises

He who guards his lips guards his soul.  Proverbs 13:3

Wonderful News from AAQI

Great news from AAQI, 1,597 quilts were sold and a record amount earned $75,000.  To the best of my count--- of the 26 quilts I had in Houston 15 quilts were sold, I'm looking forward to the final tally.

In the meantime, check out Ami's thoughts.

Finding New Homes
People who buy our quilts aren’t just shopping. As one buyer said, “This isn’t shopping. It’s a duty.”

They are affirming the journey of those whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s. They are validating the experiences we all share with others on that journey. They are reaching out to soul mates and rescuing each other with quilted art.

We saw it over and over. People look until they see a connection, until they see a quilt that speaks to them. It could be the quilt, but just as often they are moved by the words written by the quiltmaker. Sometimes the connection hits like a lightning bolt, other times it is only after meticulous searching. But when quilt and buyer come together it is a beautiful thing.

Tears
We’re the only venue at IQF where people cry. And we give more hugs per square foot than anybody else. When you’ve been touched by this disease and you see the work of so many who have been down that road or who are traveling that road right now, trying to make a difference, it’s hard not to become emotional. It’s OK; we’ve got tissue.

Joy
The AAQI booth is also pretty noisy. We try to clap every quilt home. And we’re not shy. We can’t be. Our work is too important. Yes, some of us could double as carnival barkers, but it’s such a thrill to be with so many of our supporters in one place, we just can’t help ourselves.

After all, look how many quilts we sold! AAQI Board Member Beth Hartford (and Quilt Registrar) keeps a straight pin tally of quilts sold. One pin per quilt. This picture was taken on Day #4.

See You Next Year
There is still much work left to be done to close out the show. Volunteers are coming in about 15 minutes to file paperwork and prepare quilts that didn’t sell for the Quilts For Sale page. We should be caught up in a few weeks.

Hopefully, we will be invited back to International Quilt Festival next year.

Meanwhile, don’t forget to bid on the Celebrity Invitational Auction Quilts.

Ami Simms

Sunday---Precious Promises

I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

AAQI goes to Houston

My AAQI quilt Unconditional Love is in Houston along with 2,000 other quilts at the International Quilt Show.  The show starts today and the AAQI booth is open and working hard to sell these little gems for Alzheimer research.  I will be watching the postings of sales closely as 26 of my quilts are being offered for sale and it is always so exciting to see them do their job for the cause.  If you're at the Show stop by the AAQI booth and purchase a quilt or the AAQI website where quilts are for sale daily.  Remember the Celebrity Auction starts tomorrow.



Happy Quilting!

It's Just Around the Corner

Just around the corner is November 1 and the opportunity to bid on some great quilts.

CELEBRITY INVITATIONAL QUILT AUCTION          

STARTS NOVEMBER 1ST

The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AlzQuilts.org) offers an online auction during the first 10 days of every month. Each November, in honor of National Alzheimer's Awareness Month, the AAQI offers 12 very special quilts. This year the auction quilts have been made by world renowned quilters Alex Anderson, Hollis Chatelain, Caryl Bryer Fallert, John Flynn, Diane Gaudynski, Becky Goldsmith, Pat Holly, Libby Lehman, Marsha McCloskey, Sue Nickels, Mary Sorensen, and Ricky Tims.

The quilts are about 16" x 16" and the auction is open to the public.

Last year the 12 quilts offered in the November auction raised more than $14,000 for the AAQI, an all-volunteer effort to raise awareness and fund research through art.  Think about bidding on these wonderful quilts and help Alzheimer's Research.  Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at outward appearances, but the Lord looks at the heart.  I Samuel 16:7

A New Season

When you live in the great state of Missouri you know about changes in the weather.  Yesterday the high was 81 with a beautiful sun filled sky, a little windy, but all in all a wonderful day.  And then around 3:30 pm the sky grayed, the temps fell to 57, and the rain began to fall.  And so did the leaves.  We live in the woods and leaf raking in the fall is part of our life.  So next week I'll put down the quilting and pick up the rake.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend and Happy Quilting!

On the Move

The Little Yellow Quilt with all it's flaws---frayed edges, missing blocks, separating seams---is on the move.  I knew this little quilt would have a continued life even though it was in disrepair.  I started to repair it myself, but realized that it would take more time than I was ready to devote.  So, I decided to sell the little quilt as is, a cutter quilt, to someone who would take it apart and make wonderful new items that would bring joy and comfort.  The Little Yellow Quilt is headed to the "Big Apple", New York, New York---and to a new life.  I don't know where the quilt originated, or where it will end up, but like all quilts that are appreciated it will live on.  Have a wonderful Monday and Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalms 118:24

Sunday---Precious Promises

Jehovah is "I am that I am."  God is all that we need Him to be.  Exodus 3:14

It's That Time of Year

Major League Baseball playoff time of year and the St. Louis Cardinals are again in the playoffs.  The Cardinals let the first game slip away yesterday, we'll see what today brings.  What does this have to do with quilting?

An UFO that I started last year when the Cardinals were playing in the World Series.  For non-baseball fans, the Cardinals won and the series was thrilling---lots of great plays and last minute come from behind wins.  Anyway, I didn't finish my project--I call it Stars Over Cardinal Nation each star has the year of a World Series Championship.  I started hand quilting and really thought it would not take this long, but I was wrong. So I'm working on it again as I watch the beginning of what I hope to be a successful run for another Championship.  

I made a little addition to the quilt from last year's series.  The Rally Squirrel, he made a dashing run across home plate when Skip Schumaker was up to bat and we won the game.  So he became an important part of the Cardinals great win last year.  I'm prepared to add another star for 2012---hope, hope, hope.  If any of you are Cardinal fans, put on those jerseys, t-shirts, hats and cheer our team to a victory in 2012.  I'll be quilting!!!   Have a great Monday---Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law he does meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.  Psalms 1:1-3

Festival of Sharing Quilt Show Part III

The church quilting group, Lydia Circle operated a little quilt shop during the show.  Blessing Baskets had one also.

Lydia Circle's little quilt shop was created by donations of quilting fabrics, books, magazines and sewing odds and ends.  All the proceeds from the shop went to Festival of Sharing

The Blessing Baskets Project is a wonderful mission organization that generates opportunities, empowers entrepreneurs and reduces poverty.  The project provides sustainable work and pays Prosperity Wages at least 2.5 times Fair Trade directly to the Artisans from Bangladesh, Ghana, Uganda, Madagascar and Indonesia.  The work is outstanding and the monies earned from each basket sold goes to improve the lives of at least a minimum of 6 lives in the world---from production to transportation.

As always the festival was a great day of working, sharing and giving.  Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Quilting!

Festival of Sharing Quilt Show Part II

Besides the lovely bed size quilts, we had tables of  baby and specialty quilts.  A picture maybe two are worth a thousand words.

Some were hand others machine quilted

Some whole cloth, some pieced

Some had a holiday or giving message

 Some were just amazing

This little wall hanging had reverse applique, ribbon embroidery, needle turn applique and hand quilting

The maker was 90 years old.

All done in the spirit of giving of yourself  for others.

Happy Quilting!

Festival of Sharing Quilt Show

Each year at the time our church hosts the Festival of Sharing Quilt Show.  This little show is to promote a beautiful number of quilts that are made and donated for an October 20th Quilt Auction to raise money for world missions.  This festival is held every year and supported by many different churches and denominations.  This is an event the Lydia Circle (my church quilters) really look forward to.  This year for $5.00 admission to the show you would have also enjoyed a soup, salad and dessert lunch.  We team up with two other local churches to create the luncheon.  We also have a little quilt shop available for quilt books, fabrics and sewing notions that are all donated by the community and the quilters.  All the proceeds from the days events goes to the Festival of Sharing.  The quilts displayed were from churches on our side of the state and as the show travels the quilts from the area will be displayed.  In the beginning the place looks a  like a gym, but within an hour and with lots of help from the men in our church.  The magic starts to happen.

Some of the quilt tops are made by individuals and quilted by a church group.  Some are completed totally by church groups, and some completed by one individual, and all are beautiful.  Here are a few photos of the show and some individual beauties.

This one was made from handkerchiefs, stunning.  Notice the while whole cloth on the left.  The quilting was beautiful.

Some of the quilts were wall hangings, and baby quilts.  Some were machine quilted too.  More about all that on Wednesday---check back then.  Have a great Monday and Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

He that gives unto the poor shall not lack; but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse.  Proverbs 28:27

Friday Flowers

Need a Break

Sometimes I just need a break from quilting.  How about you?  My break usually involves some type of stitching and of course a project.  Hubby and I travel to north central Missouri in the spring to do a little antique show.  We usually display vintage paper, quilts, fabric and primitive odds and ends.  To add some different items for interest I make little primitive pillows.  That is my break for a little while.

Last night while watching TV, I put together a little pillow top.  I have a few more ideas for pillows and maybe a bunny wall hanging (still thinking about that one).  Have a great Wednesday---we are enjoying much needed rain.  As always, Happy Quilting!

Quilts & The Foyer---Completed

With the help of quilts I had on hand from my collection and some quick quilt making, the foyer wall is complete.  I was in a little rush to complete this project because this afternoon I have friends coming over for lunch and a game of cards.  I always seem to start projects at the last minute.  Maybe that's my motivation.  Anyway, here is your tour of "the foyer wall".  Civil War 9-Patch and Hannah Lou's Hearts stayed in the same spot.  I added a little 5 x 9 inch strip pieced art quilt, that I originally planned for AAQI.  But, as I looked at the spot on the wall, decided it would go well there.  The fabric you see behind the center quilts is a silk, with a burlap look that I put there to had some texture.  The wood you see are from an old house:  I also added two vintage framed dog prints.

This little quilt was just stripped pieced on a foundation then I appliqued it on the quilt top---adding some raw edge fabric and beads. It is hand quilted by following the pattern in the green upholstery fabric.

This could be another AAQI quilt.  Reproduction 1930's fabric and some paper piecing made the center panel.  Thought the black and white would set off the panel.  Then machine quilted.  This little quilt measures 7 1/2 x 12 inches.  

This little Liberated Star is only 11 inches square and was made to fill a spot at the top of the wall.  Machine pieced and machine quilted, it only took me about 2 hours to put together.  I used scrap from my box of bits and pieces.
Finally, the last two quilts I had on hand.  A few years ago a quilt shop was going out of business in a small town west of us in Missouri.  They had an auction and auctioned hundreds of quilts, quilt tops, shop displays, I could go on and on.  Anyway, I came home with a few quilts and tops.  These two were from that sale and fit perfect on the wall.

Broken Dishes is 30" square.

Snowballs and Squares is 31" square.  Both have been machine quilted (I think that was one of the shop's services).  The workmanship in both quilts is excellent.  All my quilts have been pinned to the wall.  You can see the pins on the Broken Dishes quilt.   This is a great way to hang pictures too.  The straight pins hold a large amount of weight and do very little damage to the wall when removed.  Use the ones with the little ball heads and they are easy to remove.

Drum roll-----Now the Big Reveal!!!!

This wall may change as time goes by, but for now it adds some interest to an otherwise boring entry hall.  Wishing everyone a great Monday and Happy Quilting!