Catching up

My 2 oldest granddaughters are coming for a visit in just 11 days. So I've been working to get caught up so I can play while they're here. This is a picture of Samantha from last years' visit. And this is Kara, also from last year. Can't wait to see them!

Well, I've been working hard, and have finally caught up with work. I had quite a few quilts due for June, but have gotten them all done...nothing like going down to the wire. Fortunately most of them were pantographs. That is unusual, as most of my work tends to be custom. The photo, is of the one custom piece in this month's batch. It was small though, so I was able to get it done within the month. And I am now working on my friend Gert's quilt. She is planning to put it in a show, so I am taking my time. But it'll be done this coming week. I think that I may have time to work on something for myself here soon!! I got new pictures this week of my newest granddaughter, Fiona. She was born Nov. 17th 2006. I went to see her in Dec., but haven't seen her in person since then. She is getting sooo big! Can't wait to see her (and her dad & mom) again. Hopefully this fall.
And then there's the 4th of July, one of the things I really miss about living in Virginia. We always had a big 4th of July party and all of the family came... including my Mother, all my brothers and sisters and their children. As wonderful as living here is, the hardest part is being so far away from the family. And so to all of you, Happy Fourth of July!

Dye painting

I had a request for info on the tape measure on my longarm table in the side clamps photo.

It is a centering tape for longarms (http://www.colonialneedle.com/) Love it! I do full floats, and this helps me keep the top aligned perfectly as I roll.

As proof to Mary that I indeed was working today, these ladies were painting fabric for quilt backs. We had fun , and they went home with several beautiful, one of a kind pieces of fabric. Fabric dyeing and painting is another thing I love to do. I do much of the fabric in my quilts with various painting and dyeing techniques. There just isn't enough time to get all the things done I like to do!

Thanking those who served

Today, on behalf of our guild, a few of us went to the Veteran's Home and distributed 30 patriotic quilts to the new residents there. We go twice a year in June & November to bring quilts to those who have been admitted since our last visit. It is a very rewarding experience to honor their service. And they are so grateful to receive a gift from the heart.

Tools

I have many long arm tools. Like most of you. I have many that sit in a basket unused because once I got them home, it wasn't what I needed. But these side clamps are incredible! They are from Tomorrow's Heirlooms and they are great! The best $20 I have spent in a long time. They provide even tension along the entire side. Not affiliated, just a very happy customer.:)

I have a premier: if you have a classic or larger you will need 2 sets. But still a great find. Can you tell I'm thrilled?

Homecoming

Well today my quilt arrived home from MQS. And the awaited Judges' comments were opened. And as always before, after the big excitement of winning a ribbon, comes the letdown of reading the critique. I just have to keep telling myself, it's not as bad as it looks on that paper. Although, there are positive comments too, I seem to focus on the "needs improvement". All in the name of growth.

And just at the height of my self pity, this caught my eye. I smiled, and grabbed the camera. Got to remember what's important.

And, I have a judges' critique by Linda McCuean! An autograph by the $100,000 award winner. Something to aspire to.

So in the end; my quilts aren't all that bad. And my next one will be even better.

Sailing and my life

Don is happiest when he is at the helm of the boat. And when he's happy, I'm happy. Many of my quilt designs come from pictures I took on our cruises.

Sailing has been a huge part of my life. My husband has sailed all his life. When we worked, we sailed on the weekends. When we retired we started cruising the islands. We'd leave Virginia in mid October , sail down the east coast to the islands and return the beginning of June the following year. It was great fun and we saw amazing places. We also saw all the neat seaports on the east coast from the perspective of the water as opposed to seeing them from a land-locked view. What a huge difference that was.

We did that from 1996 until 2003. Then in 2004 we moved to southwest Florida. Here you can sail all year long without making the 7-8 month commitment to living aboard.

So since we have lived here, we are doing more day sails which is really nice. And Don (my DH) is racing with a local club. The picture below was taken during the Leukemia Cup Regatta this spring that we participate in each year. Our boat is the one on the right.

And another passion, grandchildren, this picture is of Aunt Mary with Fiona, my youngest granddaughter born in November last year. Just so we don't leave Mary out of the conversation!

Amazed

I can't believe how fast this takes off. Of course Mary had allot to do with it. Thank you to all of you who posted comments to welcome me, it makes this vast format seem more personal and manageable.

So today I spent WAY too much time on the computer and not enough time working...maybe I can catch up tomorrow. But I did find out that the quilt I did for the Venice Area Quilt Guild's raffle will be in the Vermont Quilt Festival the end of this month. It'll be exciting to see if it ribbons.

And also today my babies were sooo cute today. They have really bonded. everyone will probably get sick of these pictures pretty quick, but after all it is Rags N Quilts!

Beginnings

Well this is a start. My sister Mary has been after me for a while now to start a blog. So here it is. I suppose it will evolve to be a forum for my work (ie; quilts) and my beloved ragdolls...cats for those of you who aren't aware. And along that vein, the photo is my older kitten Chloe, a 7 1/2 month old blue mitted ragdoll. Her brother Harry, is 3 1/2 months old and a seal bicolor.

These 2 and my quilting (one that just got an honorable mention ribbon at MQS) after my husband, kids and grandkids make up the stuff that keeps me going.

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