Rags N Quilts

A new tutorial

2009-09-17T16:58:00.003-04:00

In case you don't know, I've moved my blog to my new website and it's all up and running. I'm still adding , so there will be lots of new things in the coming days.

Already there are free EQ6 project files and a new tutorial on making fabric for a 'moon' appliqué added just today.

So come visit me in my new home and be sure to update your reader and subscribe to my website feed so you don't miss anything!

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I'm moving the blog

2009-09-02T22:24:00.002-04:00

I'm moving the blog to my new website. Same name, new address. Don't forget to update your reader and add the new address; blog.deborahlevyart.net so you don't miss anything. The heading still says RagsNQuilts...just a new address.

Please continue to visit with us in our new home.

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Looky what I got today!

2009-08-31T16:35:00.003-04:00

First up, I received a signed copy of my friend Cathy Wiggins new book! "Clowns on Parade" You can see it and purchase it here. Congratulations again, Cathy!

And then, new stuff from Vicki. Isn't this just yummy! Love those colors and all the texture.
And this is a selvage to selvage gradation...boy is this rich looking! Good work, as always Vicki!
I've actually commissioned her to develop some custom palettes for me. Looking forward to seeing those!

If you haven't yet tried Vicki's fabric, head over to her shop. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

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Goodnight Teddy

2009-08-26T20:20:00.005-04:00

You will be missedjust as your brothers still are today.

A life full of very human flaws; but that did so much for so many. May you find peace. I thank you for all you did for this nation.

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And the latest loot from Vicki!

2009-08-22T22:06:00.008-04:00

And, I saved the best for last! My latest stuff from Vicki came today. Just look at these lovelies! No drooling on the fabric please..LOL!Can you say oooooh,

Ahhhhhhhhhh

Also in this package were 3 new tie dyed shirts for Don.

2 short sleeve

And one long sleeve. I have to say, this one is my favorite so far. And he has quite the collection from her!
I have to say again; Vicki, these are all spectacular! Thanks.

And if you haven't yet visited her shop and purchased some of her gorgeous fabrics....what are you waiting for???

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Sharon Schamber visit

2009-08-22T22:00:00.013-04:00

Last week, Sharon Schamber was visiting and doing a series of classes for my guild. I hosted her in my home for the duration of her visit. And one of those days included a longarm class in my studio.

No narration, just the photos.

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I get a round postcard swap

2009-08-22T21:52:00.012-04:00

These are from the latest MQR swap. Mine...Lisa's

Carie's

Michelle's

Dave's

Linda's

Helen-Mary's

Betty's

Jami's
Mary Ann's

and Vicki's

They are all fabulous, thank you!

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Allright, I know I'm way behind...

2009-08-22T21:45:00.009-04:00

First, the last mango off our tree for the season. They have been huge this year! And sweet with perfect texture. This one though is the biggest of all. 16 inches in diameter! And just as yummy as the rest. Can't wait to see next years crop!And then the latest family postcards ..most for my birthday. From Mary...

from Mother

and the rest are from my daughter Kelly and her girls. They are all just learning to sew and bead. The "stuff" on them and the fabrics are items they "lifted" from my stash while they were here in July. I think they all did very well. I love them all!

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having some fun

2009-08-19T22:54:00.003-04:00

Almost recovered from all the company. Tomorrow the latest edition of my Premier videos will be available on MQR. Be sure to check it out.

Here's a short preview.

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A finished top!

2009-08-07T16:25:00.003-04:00

Life is still on the hectic side here, and we still have company (adult this time), but I managed to carve out a little time here and there and got this top finished. While far from perfect piecing, I would never have attempted this before the "GO" cutter. It really makes things a lot easier and more accurate. As I have said before... good thing I can quilt halfway decently, because a piecer I'm not!

After quilting, this will go to my oldest granddaughter Kara and she will do the beading. I designed this specifically for quilting and beading. I just love how the batiks 'glow' on that purple background!
So now it goes in the pile to be quilted one day...hopefully not too far away! I also (finally) finished up my postcards, so those will go in the mail tomorrow.

Tonight we're taking our house guest out for dinner. We'll be trying a new crab house that just opened up in town.

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Some progress

2009-08-01T17:05:00.003-04:00

Doing a little piecing between cleaning and laundry. Only have two star blocks left to do and one border strip left to piece. Might have the top done by the end of tomorrow.....Getting the guest room ready for our next guest arriving on Tuesday. No kids...a good friend. Then when he leaves, I have a day to get ready for Sharon Schamber's arrival on the 11th. I'm hosting her while she's here doing a series of classes for my guild, including a longarm class here in my studio for some of the longarm quilters in the guild.

July and August this year are giving our guest room a workout! Good thing I have a live in Chef! Thanks, honey...I couldn't do it without you.

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Back to almost normal.......

2009-07-30T20:36:00.010-04:00

First, the last tiara...mine! Well, not actually the last...I am doing more, but of my own design...

this is the last from the pattern I bought...and only the outer shape is from the pattern. The stars and circles I cut with my "Go" cutter" All the embellishments are mine. I have drawn several patterns of my own now and will be sharing them soon.

Also, I have a new hairdo and color......whatdoyathink?

It's a nice, cool... hot weather cut...Don's not so sure.......

What do you think...should I change my avatar to this?????????
Well, believe it or not; I actually have some quilt content tonight. Today my guild had a sew-in, I went and took a project. I whipped up a pattern in EQ6 that was "GO" friendly. Took it, the fabric, "go" cutter and appropriate dies, and sewing machine and assorted paraphernalia. This is my design...simple but striking...lots of space for quilting later. Only I took dark purple instead of black for the background.( My granddaughter Kara loves purple)

I did all the cutting here with the "GO" And then started piecing. I just LOVE how perfect my piecing is....all thanks to the perfect cutting with the 'GO" New thing for me to have good piecing..LOL

Although, I didn't get the entire quilt pieced...(due to visiting and running my mouth) I did get it over half done. Here are the star points.
the border pieces

the half square triangle blocks for the star block corners

A completed star block (minus the center purple square I forgot to put in for the photo)

And I even did a kaleidoscope trial block while demo-ing the "GO' cutter....I should be getting a commission...many went online and ordered today!

And here are all the blocks I finished....
This weekend I should be able to finish the top. Then, back to work getting those videos made.

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Pool TIme!

2009-07-22T18:03:00.006-04:00

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Fiona is here!

2009-07-21T21:38:00.006-04:00

We made it out of the airport just before the afternoon storms. Lots of rain on the way home, but that's OK...at least it waited till the plane was on the ground.

Too much visiting to do to spend much time here, but here are a couple pictures of Princess Fiona with her tiara...her Mom too...
Can you believe they match their tops?? Amazing!

And we have to try it on daddy too...oops upside down!

OK, now it's right.

After a late dinner and some chat, all are off to bed after a tiring travel day. Tomorrow Fiona gets to spend the day in the pool...and she is chomping at the bit!

Later gators!

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two more

2009-07-18T15:57:00.006-04:00

I'm slowly getting all the towels and other linens(sheets, placemats,napkins) done from the girls last week. Fiona and her parents arrive Tuesday. So naturally Fiona and her mother will need tiaras also....you know how it goes, what you do for one you have to do for all!

That's what I'm doing today (instead of laundry and cleaning...any excuse will do, you know)making two more tiaras. I'm about half done with beading the edge on both of them.
After that's done, I'll start on the bling for the body of the tiaras. I wonder which one Fiona will choose? Care to venture a guess? I really like how these two are looking...kind of like sunshine and tropical waters...

Chloe and Harry are just about recovered from the girls visit...good thing to, because Fiona will give them a workout!

I'll leave you with photos of what total relaxation looks like!

Guess, I'd better get busy! Have a great weekend.

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The girls are gone......

2009-07-14T20:57:00.039-04:00

The week went soooooooooo fast! First pool pictures...Kara is the tall one, Samantha the short one. no narration...

Kara discovered she loves beading! This is her tee shirt. We made it into a decorative pillow for her room (she collects elephants) and she beaded it all by herself.

And then...the crowns/tiaras They had a ball making these! First Kara in hers...You can't really tell in the photo, but the edge is beaded and looks like ice crystals.

And Samantha's. Sam was born on Halloween...hence the orange theme.

Kara modeling the one they made for their step-sister Becky

And their Mom, Kelly with hers that I made.

The queen and crown princesses

Of course they immediately thought of others they needed to "crown"...here is the beginnings of one
And they decided daddy needed one too..as in his words...he is the "King of Nothing".... ROFLMAO. His house full of girls takes everything he has....Mom and the girls will bead his at home.

We had a great time. All at once it is too short a time, yet just the right amount of time ... to be under one roof....for all of us. The ideal? Would be if we all lived closer together so that we could enjoy time together all the time, and still all have our own place to go home to.

Maybe one day...

Now, to do the quick turn around in preparation for Kelly's brother and his family to arrive....exactly one week from today!

Guess I'd better get those sheets and towels done........

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A tiara and an announcment

2009-07-02T20:42:00.028-04:00

I have started another crown. But this is the last time I will call them crowns. As I originally purcahsed a kit for the first one, there were many things I didn't like about it. So, I did some research and found TONS of royalty free "tiara" drawings. I have also drawn some of my own. And you can buy foam crown templates at Jo Ann's, and patterns from simplicity and vogue.

As for the original kit, I didn't like any of it other than the shape, which I have found that exact shape in 5 other royalty free places. So I figure I can use that shape. The directions and the foundation I pitched...I didn't like them. So I used my own stuff and developed my own directions. This is the first one. The others will have different shapes...my own drawn shapes. So, before I show you the steps to make this one.....

I'll make an announcement. I have started a new site where I will post basic instructions to make some of the things I create and some of my quilt designs. Keep in mind, I draft all of my patterns in EQ6 and they are very simple. I like to use basic, simple designs and embellish them with applique, the quilting, and other mixed media type stuff . So if you're looking for complex patterns, this will NOT be the place for you. It will also assume you have basic cutting, piecing and applique skills. So don't be emailing me with questions about basic skills. I will provide more in depth instruction with some of the art techniques. But keep in mind this will all be free...and you get what you pay for (;>)... that means, no hand holding. If you can figure it out from what I post...it's yours to use how you like. If not, it's not my problem.

That said, I'm hoping to have the site up and available by the end of the month. I'll post the opening here.

So, now to my latest tiara. I will have several patterns and instructions for some varieties of these on the new site.

OK, first cut out your shape from peltex (I use the NON-fusible, because it's easier to work with (IMHO)
Then I fuse wonder-under to 2 fat quarters (one for the front and one for the back) and fuse them to each side of the peltex

The leftover fused fabrics and an accent (also with fusible)

Next, you cut the shapes for the front of your tiara. I am using a shape on one of my "GO" cutter dies here. I have also cut some on the Sizzix Big Kick.

fabrics with fusible folded over the shape to be cut.

cutting mat in place

rolling it thru the cutter
Voila!

Next fabric folded over the shapes I want to cut

cutting mat in place and rolling it thru the "GO" cutter

and here are my circles..2 sizes (and a few bonus shapes from the fold that I'll save for use in another project)

fused to the tiara

next I stitch the edges to secure them
this is opal dust....glitter in an acrylic polymer base. Much better than glue..doesn't attract bugs. Drys clear too. i fix it after it's dry with a textile medium mixed with versatex fixer and let it dry.

nice sparkle! Really spectacular on dark fabrics.

And of course, my helper Harry!

All dry and fixed.

There's also gold dust....I think the girls will use this on their tiara's.

Bias binding for the lower edge.
And, then the fun stuff to be added

All finished the machine work. Now to add the bling!
oops, forgot to show you the velcro on the back...makes it adjustable.

And, I've started adding the bling. I bead the top edge first and then will go back and add crystals and other beads and special sequins to the appliques. I'll post a photo when I'm done.
So, keep watching for the launch of my new site!

Have a great night, be back soon.

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Details of the crown

2009-06-30T07:52:00.002-04:00

I purchased the crown pattern here. The pattern designer has a very specific written statement regarding use of her pattern that prohibits me from sharing how to make the crown here.

However, the pattern contained a couple of supplies and some instructions that I found did NOT work well, so I substituted my own supplies which I detailed in this post.

As to the embellishments, I used hot fix crystals, pearls, specialty sequins that I gave the link for in this post; and beads from my stash to bead the edges of the crown.

Sorry, that's the best I can do given the constraints by the designer, but I'm sure you'll figure it out!

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More fabric and a crown!

2009-06-29T17:20:00.006-04:00

I got another of Vicki's palettes today. This one she calls Caribbean Blue. My favorite colors! Just look at the incredible texture of this piece..fabulous! And the rest have just as much.Here's the whole set, the darkest piece is an extra piece.

Just beautiful. Thanks Vicki!

And the first crown is done...beading and all! Pretty swanky! I love the beaded edge; time consuming but so worth it.

I've got the blanks for the others done and ready for the girls to get here and pick out their fabrics. They'll be here in just a week! Yippee.

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More of Vicki's fabric....

2009-06-28T21:41:00.006-04:00

decided it needed to come live with me.... this one is called "pebbles" Hey Adam, think I should QUILT pebbles on it? ROFLMAO! Seriously though, it's perfect and will find it's way into some of my landscape and pictorial quilts....eventually, after I've had ample time to drool over it and pet it.Well crap, I forgot what this set is called...oh well, it is beautiful sun-type colors. And the yellow/orange/ red piece is absolutely luminous!

And then as a gift, she sent this piece. Just Fabulous! and it is sooo metallic..it glows!
I still have one more palette coming...the Caribbean blue one. Should be here in the next day or two. I really need to quit looking at her store for a couple days to give my credit card a break!

And just because it's been a while, and he posed so pretty, here's a shot of my beautiful Harry.

Chloe is currently asleep in a very un-lady like pose. We'll post a picture of her when she's in a pretty pose!

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new hand dyed fabric

2009-06-20T20:27:00.011-04:00

I got another set of hand dyed fabrics from Vicki's etsy shop today. And they are GORGEOUS! This palette is called " mineral pool" and was taken from this photograph.Here are the pieces individually...notice the incredible texture in each piece.

This piece shows a little darker than it really is...the truer color is at the bottom of the first photo.

A few people have e-mailed me and commented that they think these fabrics are too expensive. Well, let me tell you...if you don't dye, you have no idea of the cost of both raw materials in fabric, chemicals and labor that goes into making these fabrics. Add to that; Vicki has spent the countless hours and attention to detail that is required to create formulas that allow her to reproduce these exact colors time and time again...accurately. In addition to that, she researches the color palettes and puts these colors together so that you have a beautifully coordinated set that will be successful in whatever quilt pattern you choose to use them in.

I am not affiliated...yada yada...but I think these "palettes" while not appealing to everyone, yield a fabulous, time saving find to anyone who values a work of art. These fabrics, in and of themselves are a work of art. Imagine what incorporating them into your art pieces will do for your work!

Thank you Vicki! I love them and can't wait to see the new palettes you come up with. I'm sure they'll find a way into my art!

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A day with Mary

2009-06-18T08:36:00.002-04:00

Mary and I had a wonderful day together. I know you're all dying for pictures, but it's not nice to post bathing suit pictures...unless you're 20 years old and 98 pounds...which neither of us are LOL! So here is a highly cropped photoshop version from one of the pictures I took of Mary yesterday.

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A visit with Mary

2009-06-16T20:12:00.002-04:00

Mary arrived here in Southwest Florida this afternoon. Tomorrow we get to spend the day together!

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Look what the mailman brought!

2009-06-15T16:39:00.004-04:00

First up is a cute postcard from my cousin Mary Ann's youngest daughter. It's wonderful Ashley! Thank you very much!And the other treat I got today was my " red sunset" palette of fat quarters from Vicki's Etsy shop.

They are beautiful in the photo, but it doesn't come close to how beautiful they are in person! Thanks Vicki for another gorgeous set of fabrics! I've got my eye on the "mineral pool palette now, yum. Do you think I can resist the urge?

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You already know....

2009-06-12T15:27:00.015-04:00

I have way too many beads. So, since it won't be much of a surprise, I thought I'd show you my latest find. Sequins! A couple years ago at MQS Mary and I found this vendor that had unique sequins. That particular vendor hasn't been back to MQS since. Well, I've been looking for more shapes and sizes of sequins and last week I found this place. Oh boy, oh boy... what a feast for the eyes! Well my order came today. And they are fantastic! They are holographic so they don't photograph real well, but you'll get the idea. First up large leaves.

Then small leaves

And stars

Snowflakes

Small shells

Larger shells

very large flowers(for sequins) they are larger than a quarter!

And Sunflowers (or you could use them for suns)

also larger than a quarter.

Some of these have already found their way onto the"crown" .
And lest you think I'm too bad...Look all packaged up to share!

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New fabric in the mail today!

2009-06-10T20:28:00.006-04:00

Vicki opened an Etsy shop the other day. I just had to have the beautiful sunprints she had. Well they came today, and they are even more gorgeous in person! These are perfect sunprints!And this one too!

And because I was her first customer she sent me this prezzie! One of her handpainted metallic fabrics. Metallics are notoriously had to photograph, and this one is soooooo much more beautiful in person..it actually glows! Thank you Vicki, I love them all! If you haven't visited her shop you need to get over there!

I also spent some time today making bead mixes. I was really surprised at how many beads I had in the "brown" family. Mary will get a kick out of that since I'm always ragging on her about how much brown she uses! And yes, these are quart size zip lock bags...and yes, I know I have a sickness..lol! But I do share with Mother and my sisters when they need beads.
And, I also added some crystals and did some beading on the "crown" today. Beading the edge really takes a lot of beads...that's why I need so many.....(:>)

And I did get some client quilting done too. What did you do today?

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DVD's are shipping!

2009-06-08T20:16:00.006-04:00

Today was the day! Suzanne got the "shop" open for business at MQR, and I got the inventory ready. We started taking orders this afternoon, and the first batch has shipped. It all went fairly smoothly..a little "fussing" with the international shipping, but that's all worked out now. All the copies I had ready, sold and were shipped today...so I'm "burning" more as we speak! If you want a copy be sure to visit MQR and click on the "shop" banner at the top to order. Anyone can buy them, don't even have to be a member, though Premier members get a 20% discount. Just in case anyone needs to know, this DVD contains the first quarter premier videos I have done on MQR and include;

Applique SID

What to do with Wide Borders Parts 1 & 2

Grid based background fills

Crosshatching (both straight, and curved)

Faux Trapunto

We will be releasing a new one each quarter with new videos.

If you live here in my area, you can e-mail me directly if you want a copy. That will save you the shipping costs...of course you'll still have to pay Florida tax, but you'll pay that either way.

And onto other things...my fur babies have been extra cute this week, and since it's been a while I thought I share yesterday's photos with you. Here's Chloe and Harry!

Aren't they just the cutest?!

Have a great night!

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Fit for a Queen...or a couple princesses

2009-06-06T17:35:00.007-04:00

I'm always on the lookout for fun things to make with my granddaughters when they come for their summer visit. Well, that time is almost here! Not too long ago, I came across a cute pattern here that I thought the girls would have fun making. I always test our projects before they get here to work out the bugs, so I got this one out today to try.yes, it's a crown! And very quick and easy to make. It comes with the foundation...I did not like that at all. Very difficult to get the fusible to stick..and it distorts terribly with heat. So I threw it away and used peltex..the same stuff I use in my fiber postcards. It worked great! And without any fussing.

They also give you a tiny piece of velcro..again, I didn't use that either. I cut a strip the whole length of the back piece...that way the crown can "grow" with the girls. The other thing is the directions don't tell you to cut the binding on the bias...you should, it'll go around the curve much nicer..next time I will.

Such fun! Now to add some bling! Plenty of room for lots of beads and crystals.

Hmmm, I even know a Queen (of quite a lot)...wonder if she'd like this spiffy red crown?

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A new place to shop !

2009-06-06T10:09:00.002-04:00

Vicki has opened a new Etsy shop with beautiful hand dyes! You've got to see her gorgeous fabrics and of course tie dyed shirts.

I just couldn't resist those sunprints LOL.

She's having a giveaway to celebrate her grand opening, so be sure to drop by her blog and sign up.

And of course you just have to shop at her new etsy!

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A Sneak Peek!

2009-06-05T16:44:00.005-04:00

Well, I've been working feverishly since returning from MQS and finally, as of this afternoon have a finished product!

Those of you who are members of MQR know that I have been doing twice monthly videos since the beginning of the year. Well, they have been fairly popular and I had requests for them to be made available on DVD. So Suzanne and I discussed it, and we decided to give it try.

So, I bought the replicator; all the necessary stuff to go with it, and started compiling and re-formatting my videos . Designing and printing jacket covers, etc.... finally, after lots of work, the first run of DVDs is all done!! They've all been checked to make sure they're complete and run properly. They can be played in your computer dvd drive or even in your tv dvd drive...and that is really great because you don't have to squint at that tiny computer screen to see!

So here's your peek...the front cover
the back cover

the dvd label..this one has a typo but I fixed the others (this is Suzanne's copy, ROFLOL)

all packaged up in the plastic wrap and ready to ship!
This disc contains all of the video's I did for MQR from January to March 2009. If there is an interest, we will produce a new DVD each quarter with the newest videos I do for MQR.

The cost is $14.95 plus shipping

MQR Premier members will get a discount.

As soon as Suzanne has the shopping cart ready to go, she'll post an announcement on the MQR home page, so check it often!

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Remember the inchies??

2009-05-29T15:57:00.007-04:00

A long, long time ago in a galaxy far away.... Well a long time ago anyway, I participated in an inchie swap at MQR. Carla organised the swap and we all made inches and traded them. Carla made everyone who participated a cute little birdie that the inchies came stuffed in. Well, I have been trying to think of a unique way to finish up the project and display them. Then one day it finally came to me....mixed media on canvas.

So I took an 11x14 gallery wrapped, primed canvas and painted the background with Golden fluid acrylics (anthraquinone blue & hansa yellow light). Then I added several layers of texture using molding paste... pushing some thru a word stencil to get raised words, and fiber paste in other areas. Once that was dry I painted over the entire piece with interference blue, interference green, and interference gold. Then a layer of clear leveling gel over everything. Once all that was dried I finished up with a varnish coat.

The next step was to add the inches. I punched a 1/8" diameter hole in each one and pulled a piece of 1/4" wide organza ribbon thru the holes. Then hung them staggered over the top and secured them in the back with glue and staples into the stretcher bars. They hang free on the front.

Lastly, I added Carla's birdie at the top. Attached with wire. All finished now, it is hanging in my great room.

So, can you find your inchie??

I think it turned out to be a pretty cool piece of art.

Anyone else finish theirs?? I'd love to see them!

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A prezzie!

2009-05-29T15:43:00.006-04:00

I have really gotten behind on my posts! Well, I have been busy.... Anyway I'm working on catching up. And to start Suzanne sent me this nifty little prezzie a week or so ago. I love this light! We saw it at MQS in the A-1 booth, but they were out of them at the time. I came home and promptly forgot all about it until Suzanne posted about hers. I was so surprized and thrilled when this arrived in the mail! (ignore the lint, please!)It is a magnetic LED light that fits perfectly between my needle bar and the hopping foot. And it puts the light right at the needle.

I just ran the wire along the side of the machine with the supplied magnetic wire clips that came with it

and down the back
And Don mounted the on/off switch here on my carriage..doesn't get in the way or caught on anything here and then it plugs in under my table.

Perfect! Thanks Suzanne, I love it!

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I'm Home!

2009-05-16T21:14:00.012-04:00

And totally exhausted! MQS was fun, my classes went well, my auction quilt sold, and I met lots of online friends in person. Suzanne came for a day, so we were able to brainstorm some and visit. All in all a good trip. Got hung up in Atlanta on the return....could have driven home in less time; oh the joys of air travel!

Did get some shopping in; I'm too tired to narrate, so here is a small sampling of my buys... if you're a longarm quilter it should be pretty self explanatory.

Talk to you when I recover!

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2009-05-09T20:23:00.002-04:00

I got this beauty from Mother today. Thank you Mother, I love it. I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day too.I head out first thing tomorrow morning for Kansas and MQS. I'll be gone till Friday evening, but will have laptop with me and try to post while I'm away. I'll be busy with teaching my classes and checking out the quilts, and of course shopping the vendors. I hope my auction quilt will bring in good money.

This is the give away quilt I made for my class....one of the students will go home with this.

So, I'll check in when I can, but I'll see you after I get home.

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Soaps and body butters

2009-05-08T20:46:00.008-04:00

Between quilting and getting class material together, I started some body butter and soap. This is body butter.I start by melting shea butter and mango butter. To that I gradually add while whipping... apricot kernel seed oil; avocado oil, and rice bran oil. A little crushed and macerated lemongrass. And at the end a little lemongrass essential oil that I make, for fragrance.

All of this in my kitchenaid mix master (used only for this) and I whip for 15 minutes then cool for 15 minutes and repeat that cycle for 3 hours. Then I spoon the light airy whip into jars. It's a really light and emollient whipped butter...decadent, but my skin loves it. No water or preservatives...it keeps about 3 months.... if it would last that long....I use it up in about 8 weeks.

And this is my new batch of soap. Same ingredients, with the addition of lye. It'll be ready in about 3-4 weeks. The floaters you see is lemongrass...not crushed up...a good exfoliate...smells refreshing too.

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More Stuff....

2009-05-08T17:19:00.005-04:00

What in the world did I ever do before this stuff? I hate binding..hate it, hate it, hate it! Best Press makes it a little easier. And no, I don't want to hear about your easy way to do it. Just send me a binding fairy to do it for me.

Finally got my MQR postcards in the mail today..right on the due date, that's a first! The theme this time is "Home Sweet Home"

And I received two postcards today! Obviously from those who do not procrastinate...LOL.

This one is from Judy...it's beautiful, thanks Judy!

And this from Michelle...so cute Michelle, thanks!

There are messages behind all the doors and windows!
Back to finish the last minute details before my trip on Sunday. Have a great evening!

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A surprize!

2009-05-08T12:20:00.004-04:00

Look what was just delivered! A mother's day gift from my son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter Fiona! How cool is this...Geez, I should have taken the pictures BEFORE Don and I dove into it..LOL.

Thank you kids! I love it and it sure is tasty! Can't wait to see you in July!

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"Pretty in Pink"

2009-05-07T18:13:00.014-04:00

This is my latest finish. Another in my Flaminingo series of quilts. Similar motifs to "Placidos Flamingos, but almost a wholecloth...the birds are the only elements keeping it from being a wholecloth. This little quilt is 47" x 49" and will be donated to the auction for education at MQS next week. I also did step by step video instruction on how to make this little art quilt. It is available to premier members of MQR . Click on the photos to enlarge them.

The feathers are free hand cut from wool felt and were attached on the longarm during the quilting process.

And the back is a wholecloth!

I used two layers of batting; Quilters Dream Puff over warm & natural. And all the threads are by superior..all King Tut except for So Fine in the "sky" background fill.

If you're going to MQS you can see this quilt up close and personal and bid on it with the proceeds going to a great cause.

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Die cutter comparison

2009-05-07T14:27:00.012-04:00

I have had a ton of e-mails asking about my two die cutters...mostly if the dies are interchangeable. They are not. Some still don't get it even after I respond to explain. SO since a picture is worth a thousand words..here are the pictures (along with a couple words) Here is my Accuquilt "GO" beside my Sizzix "Big Kick" As you can see, there is a huge size difference.

Then the dies..this is a "GO" die ( it's 10x10)
This is a "GO" die (it's 5x10) and there are others..some as large as 10x24.

This is the largest available sizzix "Bigz" die on top of the "GO" 10x10.

The "GO" cutting mats are obviously larger, but also thinner and more flexible than the Sizzix mats

Sizzix large mat

And my sizzix "BIG KICK" dies stored

"GO" dies stored
Both cutters side by side..(the "GO" is closed up in this photo)

So, does that make it clear??

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Creating some pretty fabric

2009-05-02T13:14:00.010-04:00

The quilts are on their way to MQS. All my teaching supplies for my classes all boxed up and on their way too. So, now all I have to do in preparation to go is make my quilt for the auction. That means a play day for me to get some pretty hand painted fabric done for my background. This is the finished piece. Done with Dye-na-flow paints diluted 1:1 with water, brushed on wet PFD fabric. I then scrunched it, threw a little sea salt on it, and laid it outside in the sun to dry. The beauty of drying it out in the Florida sun, is that it heat sets it at the same time...saving a step. It works because the sun is closer to the earth here and much more intense than up north. and a close-up of the salt effect.

And of course Harry claims it right away! Once I get him off, I'll load it and start quilting!

Now, I have tested this sun heat setting process many times. It did not work in Virginia...even in the heat of the summer. Because it has more to do with the intensity of the sun relative to it's position to the earth. But it works like a charm here and I love it...such a time saver. Once it comes out of the washer and dryer I use Mary Ellen's Best Press and iron out the wrinkles.

If you don't live under a tropical or sub tropical sun, you'll need to heat set yours, You can do this easily by covering your ironing board with foil and pressing for 10-15 secs in each area. Then turn over and repeat. Then it can be washed.

And here are the rags I used to clean up and use up the rest of the paints I had diluted.

This one I'll use again as a rag...still has room to soak up more color!

Have a great weekend!

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Where does the time go!

2009-05-02T12:56:00.005-04:00

Don't you wish you could slow it down sometimes? I sure do! But alas, time doesn't wait for any of us. Since we are still in the dry season here I was out watering the fruit trees and snapped a couple more pictures. This is the mango, yum! These babies will be ready in August. And the tree is loaded this year.

To keep the trees from dropping the fruit, we have to water twice weekly when it's this dry.

But it sure will be worth it later this summer when they're ready to pick.

June is the beginning of our rainy season, when every afternoon will be punctuated with a rain shower. It's so nice, because it cuts the heat for a little while. And some of the thunderstorms give us the sky for those perfect tropical sunsets.

Next up is the lemon, this is a Meyer lemon...a sweet variety.

These will be ready in about 4 weeks. Here in south Florida the lemon and lime trees are

"ever-bearing" which means they goes from one fruiting cycle to the next, producing fruit
all year round!

This is the same lemon tree and shows you how they fruit all year long...they begin to flower again right after the fruit gets about the size of a half dollar. So that about the time the lemons in the first photo are harvested, these flowers will have become little lemons, and then the process starts all over again!

And it's been a while since I posted fur baby photos. This is Harry, into mischief as usual! He will be 2 years old on Wednesday!

And beautiful Chloe, keeping an eye on her crazy brother!

Hope you are enjoying your Saturday!

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Postcards and "For Services Rendered"

2009-04-26T18:02:00.012-04:00

Postcards first...got this pretty one from Mary yesterday for our April family exchange. Thanks Mary.And this is mine for April, it is on it's way to Mother. We are sure enjoying those die cutters we bought!
I am using both the sizzix and the 'Go' cutter to make my latest MQR postcards...those cutters are truly addicting. Now, on to Mary's quilt.... "For Services Rendered" For those of you who don't know the story of this quilt, it belongs to Mary. Mother made it for her to 'pay' Mary for all the quilting she does for her. Then Mary decided I needed to quilt it. I finished quilting it back in November, but kept putting off doing the binding...I hate binding. Well, It has to get shipped off to MQS tomorrow, so I figured I'd better get it done. So this past week I did the binding, sleeve and label. Then I had to soak it in cold water to get all the marks out, then wash and block it.

So I put it in the washer to soak....then had a panic attack! It's red and white...I never thought to ask Mother if she pre-washed those reds!!!!!!! Well, too late now...so I paced thru the whole process of soaking and washing.

Happily, there was no bleeding! And now it's all blocked and dry and packed up ready to ship out first thing in the morning. Here are the photos after binding but before soaking and washing/blocking. The blue you see is from the marking pen. It's all gone now.
The light isn't the best, but you get the idea.
The lattice...pretty, but very time consuming. Of course, now I have figured out a quicker way to do it...by just backtracking tiny segments you can zip right along...duh! And I figured this out on the LAST row...LOL
It's far from perfect, but all in all it turned out fairly well.

Now to finish putting my class kits together and finish up some postcards!

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It sure is hot, but....

2009-04-26T17:55:00.004-04:00

The fruit trees love it! That is one of the biggest perks here, having a mini orchard in my back yard. First up is the fig.A better view

And this is the lime tree...see the tiny baby limes starting?

Also fruiting right now is the lemon, kumquat, Mango and Avocado...pictures of those another day.

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Busy as a bee!

2009-04-17T14:57:00.005-04:00

My goodness, where does the time go? I haven't posted for ages! I assure you though I haven't been slacking off! I just last week finished teaching a 4 week online class on custom quilting, and started another on Monday. The class is offered through MQR...a great resource for machine quilters...if you haven't checked it out yet you really should. Just click the button on the right hand side of the page. In addition to teaching those classes, I'm trying to getthe editing done for a DVD, and also getting ready for MQS. I decided "Bye Bye Blackbird" needed more quilting in the large leaves, so that's back on the frame. I'm also working on my little quilt for the auction for education that they have each year. And... putting the kits together for the art quilt class I'm teaching there. Lots to do and very little time left to do it. Oh, and I'm still hand stitching the binding ,sleeve and label for Mary's quilt. I've been putting that off for months due to our quilt show, finishing up client quilts...you know stuff! Then it's got to be washed and blocked. Trying to get all this stuff ready to ship. in 10 days. Soon, it'll be time for me to pack and head out to Overland Park! But I got two nice surprises in today's mail. This cute postcard from my cousin Mary Ann!

And this beauty from Mother. Boy, I think she is really enjoying her new die cutter! You should see all the great postcards she has made....I hope she sends me more, hint, hint!

She is getting very creative with her postcards.

Well, break time is over, so I'm back to work! I'll try to check in a little more frequently...and maybe after it's washed and blocked, I'll share a picture of Mary's quilt before I ship it off....we'll see!

Have a great weekend!

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2009-03-31T21:24:00.004-04:00

I can't believe it's been this long since I've posted! Well, had to get a new desktop...the laptop just wasn't cutting it for all the video editing and rendering for my classes. Got a new state of the art quad core with 8 gb of memory, 750 gb HD and vista 64 bit. Dedicated video memory too..This should cut my rendering time by 2/3's.

So now I'm transferring everything and all my programs to the new machine...a time consuming process, but so worth it. There are, however some programs that are not equipted to work with 64 bit vista....but all in all...a good change. Since I haven't posted any quilts lately, here is one I recently finished for a client...she does impeccable applique... I really wanted to keep this...such gorgeous applique work. But, I gave it back..... I did nothing but background fill, she didn't want quilting in the applique, I did quilt inside the compass.

I'll be back on schedule here soon. Have a great night! And enjoy the last night of March.

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More wool cut

2009-03-17T16:20:00.006-04:00

Today I finished up the die cuts to send to Mother. Isn't this a cute birdie!And I love these whimsical leaves

These flower shapes are great alone or nested...can even be used fun suns!

This flower is a pretty shape too
And last some circles!

It's all packed up now with the ones I cut yesterday and will be shipped off tomorrow. That should keep her busy for a while, don't you think?

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Mail!

2009-03-16T16:11:00.004-04:00

The mailman brought me two new postcards today....this one from Mother. Look at all those beads!And this one from Mary, this one sure speaks to me!

Thank you both, I love them!

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die cut wool appliques

2009-03-16T13:45:00.007-04:00

I was talking to Mother last night and she had been reading my blog. She was very interested in the die cutter. So I promised her I'd do some cutting and send her some. So this morning I pulled out some wool and started cutting some leaves....a birdie, butterfly and dragonfly....

some hearts....
a few stars....

and some daisies.

I'll work on a few more shapes tomorrow and get them in the mail on Wednesday. Do you think that will keep you busy for a while, Mother? And if there is more than you need, I'm sure Ann would be happy to take some off your hands!

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Discovery

2009-03-15T19:52:00.002-04:00

One of the most incredible things about living in South Florida are the shuttle launches. From our house, we can see the shuttle in the Northeast sky 1 minute and 10 secs after launch from the Kennedy Space center.

The coolest launches are the night launches...the sky just erupts like fire!

Tonight, just a few minutes ago Discovery was launched...1 min and 10secs later, it lit up our sky. It was just after sunset, so not as spectacular as a night launch, but still enough to watch the fireball and see that huge contrail from the earth to the edge of space.

I never tire of sights such as this.

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March postcards

2009-03-15T14:22:00.003-04:00

Here are my postcards for March. The flowers and leaves are wool....the shapes cut with my new die cutter. Boy is it fun!Now I'm off to finish the edges so they can go in the mail tomorrow!

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The die cutter saga

2009-03-15T13:50:00.014-04:00

I had all but entered my credit card in the ordering process for the accu cut studio. My friend came in just at that time and said Wait! She asked what I was going to use it for...selling fabric shapes? I said no...just for me. So she took me over to her house. She said she had a better idea. So I listened and watched and was convinced. Now I'm ordering the accu cut Go cutter, but I also bought this. The Sizzix Big Kick. And a bunch of dies. The dies have thick steel blades designed to cut thick things, like fabric, foam, craft metal, chipboard, etc. It has a 3 year warranty and is on sale right now at JoAnn fabrics for $49.99. It was $59.99 last week when I ordered mine) The dies are also on sale. It is 12" wide(including the roller handle) and 15" long. The rollers are also steel. It comes with a set of cutting pads, and I bought an extra set (for $5)I bought a total of 15 dies. (For cutting fabric, wool, foam,etc) you need the "original" or "Bigz" dies. There are hundreds of them.

And then I started cutting. I fused wonder under to the back of fabrics and left the paper on (though you don't need too) and cut 3 layers of fabric backed with the fusible and paper at a time. Perfect clean cuts every time. Then i took the paper off and cut 5 layers of fabric. Just look at all my pretty shapes!

And then there are the cut outs. how great will these be for postcards!

Next I cut wool felt....no problem with 2 layers at a time. Notice Harry checking the cuts..lol!

Here is a die after cutting a bunch of wool....kind of fuzzy.

One swipe of the lint roller and voila! Clean again.

I'm gonna love this! I spent a total of $249 for the cutter, 15 dies, the extra cutting pads and shipping! Now to order the "GO" for cutting blocks.

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Another great postcard!

2009-03-11T20:15:00.003-04:00

A beauty from Mother! Just like looking out the window on a spring day. Thank you Mother, I love it!

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2009-03-08T21:05:00.002-04:00

Gayle shared this on her blog. I tried it...you can too.

Your rainbow is intensely shaded green, violet, and indigo.

What is says about you: You are an intelligent person. You appreciate cities, technology, and other great things people have created. Friends count on you for being honest and insightful. You are patient and will keep trying to understand something until you've mastered it.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

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Cleaning up my computer

2009-03-08T20:41:00.003-04:00

Today I loaded a beautiful quilt with impeccable hand appliqued roses and a gorgeous mariners compass in the center. It'll be a joy to work on this. The other thing I did today, was clean my computer and transfer a lot of files to my stand alone hard drive so I'd have room to put all the video files for my upcoming class. In the process, I came across this photo. Care to guess what it is and who it belongs to?? And as to the class... I am starting a new class on custom quilting at MQR. It starts March 16th and runs for 4 weeks. This one is sold out, but if you think it might be something you'd be interested in, I'm doing it again starting April 13th and there a a few spots left in that one. And MQR premier members get a discount.

Have a great night!

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And a couple more received

2009-03-07T20:29:00.004-05:00

Today's brought 2 more postcards...yeah! This one from my sister Ann. I love the window/fractal effect. Thanks Ann!And this from our MQR Aesop's fables swap from Rachel. She depicted the crow and the pitcher; moral...Necessity is the mother of invention. Very neat Rachel, thank you!
I thoroughly enjoy these postcard swaps...great fun and all these little works of art from friends and family all over the world!

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Postcards finally done!

2009-03-07T17:46:00.004-05:00

I got way behind with everything due to the show and getting quilts finished, etc. But now I'm all caught up up my postcards. I finally sent Mary hers for the January family exchange. I forgot to take a finished photo before I mailed it off but you can see it in progress here. Then, also for the family exchange, this one is for my Aunt Nancy for February. I used a piec of my hand dyed dupioni silk for the background; free hand cut a heart from pink craft foam with a decorative rotary blade and secured it with a brad. I also put crystal at the intesections of the diamonds, but forgot to take a photo after that....

Then, there is the MQR swap. The theme was Aesops Fables. You could choose any fable.

I chose "The silkworm and the Spider"

One day,as a silkworm slowly spun it's delicate threads in the noon-tide sun, a spider cried from it's darksome nook; "Look at my web, sweet sister. look! I began at dawn, 'tis hardly noon, and yet my task will be ended soon; for while thou spinnest thy life away, I weave a web in a single day. Examine it well, each airy line is as fine and fair as the best of thine."

"True", said the silkworm with a smile, "But will they endure for half the while?"

Moral: True art is thoughtful, delights and endures.

I used black silk shaunting for the background, and I stitched the spiders web with pearlescent metallic thread.

I used a silk dupioni square (except the yellow, it's silk jacquard), a piece of a silk carrier rod,

and some silk throwsters waste to depict the silkworms work. There are 8 of them. I didn't take but one photo of each colorway.

I just love working with silk. It takes the dyes so beautifully; has such gorgeous sheen, and

nothing feels better to the skin.

This photo doesn't really show the richness of the fabrics, but I'm sure you've seen silks before.

I even got my March family postcard almost done! So I'm feeling back in control.

Have a great night, and don't forget to set your clocks forward! Daylight Savings time starts at midnight.

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Birds of a feather...

2009-03-05T20:38:00.004-05:00

Today, Don and I got the quilts hung in their new spots. The Flamingos look very happy here, don't you think?And on my antique treadle machine below the quilt, I put Mother's little wool flamingo postcard that she sent me for my birthday last year; in the frame she gave me for Christmas. Perfect sitting under the quilt, don't you think?

Have a great night!

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pre-fused die cut shapes

2009-03-03T16:19:00.002-05:00

For those who want to know where I got the pre-fused die cut shapes, I bought them from

Artfabrik

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Stimulating the economy

2009-03-03T09:54:00.006-05:00

Even though I have been crazy busy these last few weeks, I still managed to find a minute now and then to shop. Here are my latest finds. Wool fat quarters. It's very hard to find the bright colors but here are 4 I found. They don't look too bright in the photo, but they are!Love them!

Then come the books; I'm always on the lookout for books. These are my latest.

And then, from artfabriks...hand dyed, pre-fused, die cut shapes. How cool is that! So cool, in fact you are looking at $90's worth........

So I figured at $90 for that tiny little bit, maybe I should buy my own die cutter to use my own hand dyed fabrics. So I ordered the Accu cut 'studio' and way too many dies......

I decided to go with the studio rather than the 'go' because the dies are so limited for the 'go'. I also figured I'd put it to good use making kits for my classes. So, that makes it a business expense. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

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Postcards!

2009-03-03T09:36:00.009-05:00

OK, as promised here are all the postcards I have received the last few weeks. I,of course am way behind in getting mine out. But they'll be going out tomorrow...all of them. First, here is a bonus from Mary, using her selvages...cool huh?

And this is the family exchange for February. Made by my cousin Mary Ann's daughter Becca. Thanks Becca!

Now on to our current MQR swap...the theme is Aesop's Fables:

From Shirley; the pitcher and the crow...little by little does the trick

from Mary: the peacock and the crane...fine feathers don't make fine birds

from Vicki: the ant and the dove.... one good turn deserves another

from Jean: the lion and the mouse...little friends may prove great friends

from Suzanne: the astronomer....

from AnnMarie: the two crabs...example is the best precept

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A brief note

2009-03-02T20:56:00.007-05:00

I know it's been a while, but I survived the show and it was incredible. We made a record amount; and had a record number come thru the door. Of course being back downtown in our hometown, on the beautiful waterfront, in a brand new, state of the art facility was key. Our homecoming; after the devastation of Hurricane Charley to our little town and now our re-birth. It was amazing!

It occurred to me, that I never posted pictures of the red/black and white quilt after I finally got it finished. As always, Don names my quilts. Well here it is..."Bye Bye Blackbird"

As you can see it won a 1st place ribbon. The Flamingos won a third, and my fishes an honorable mention. I also received ribbons for client quilts I quilted. In all I had a pretty good ribbon haul...2 firsts; 2 seconds; 2 thirds; and 4 honorable mentions. Thanks to my clients for trusting your treasures to me for quilting.

The photos are all 'clickable' for larger images.

I also have received lots of postcards, both from my MQR swap and from the family swap over the last couple weeks...photos of those tomorrow.

For me, it's back to work tomorrow. Have a great night!

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An update

2009-02-21T20:06:00.002-05:00

First of all, thank you all for the kind comments on the flamingos.

I've been working night and day and the black/white and red quilt is now nearly finished. The quilting is done; the binding is done; all the yoyo's and shell buttons are on. Still have to stitch the lower part of the sleeve and the label.

I'm getting ready to stitch the binding/sleeve and label on the flamingos. Then I just have the binding/sleeve and label on the fish to do. All before morning.

So Harry and I will pull another all night' er. Mary does this all the time...me, I'm normally in bed by 10pm so this is a huge stretch for me....I'll be exhausted for a month!

Tomorrow is quilt take in. Monday and Tuesday is judging; Wednesday is take care of all the stuff I forgot day; Thursday is show set up; and Friday and Saturday the show is open to the public.

Enough talking...I've got to get back to work!

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One down, one to go

2009-02-17T18:07:00.020-05:00

Placidos Flamingos. Done, except for binding and sleeve. This was such fun! The background is one of my own hand painted fabrics. The palm tree is dyed batting. And the flamingo feathers are wool that I needle felted.
I used Quilters dream "Puff" batting as the main batting. So Fine and King Tut threads.

The sun has extra loft from faux trapunto using another piece of "Puff" batting.

And the back, you might see some hanging threads...I haven't trimmed them yet.

And the next one is loaded and started....not a minute to lose! They have to be turned in for judging Sunday!
So I'm working late into the night lately, and it's going to continue probably right up to Saturday night!

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A new sewing machine

2009-02-12T20:31:00.002-05:00

I am frantically trying to finish the applique and piecing for my show quilts. I have 8 days left to finish and then quilt the 2 quilts. My sewing machine decided to act up today. I fiddled around all afternoon and couldn't get it working right. Grrrrrrr. I so don't have time for this! I have an Brother PC 8500 that I have had for years....11 to be exact. It is a sewing/embroidery machine and has been my workhorse for everything...even quilting before I bought the first longarm. I guess it is tired.

But, not having a minute to waste here, I rush out to the local Brother dealer to find a new machine. Don't need/want another embroidery machine...I really don't use it enough to justify the added expense. So I figure I can get a good, versatile machine, high quality ,with that sweet applique stitch my 8500 has that I just love and the knee lifter, and adjustable presser foot etc, etc... for $300 0r $400. After all I don't quilt on it. I just piece and applique.....WRONG! Way wrong! Geez, plain old sewing machines have gotten really expensive! Oh well. It does have all the features I need/love/want, plus a few extra. And I was in a bind.......strapped for time.

So tomorrow, after the board meeting,and guild business meeting, I'll figure out how to thread it and get back to work! It is pretty, and my favorite color!

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Finished!

2009-02-08T16:24:00.008-05:00

Thankfully. I think I frogged more on this quilt than I have in the last few years put together! While nowhere near perfect, it did finally turn out fairly well. Hopefully Joyce will think it's OK too.Suzanne did a quilt not long ago that she did continuous curve in only part of the blocks. I thought the pattern created would go well with the circles on this quilt, so I 'borrowed" the idea for the chains. Thanks Suzanne!

The 2 stencils I used are by Helen Squire. And I used my circle lord to make the double circles.

The batting is Quilters Dream "Puff" and the thread is Superior "So Fine"

Now, we'll take the entire bobbin assembly apart to get all the paint reside out, clean and put it all back together again, and oil it really well. Then I should be good to go.

And the best news is that I'm finished my February quilts! Now for the next 2 weeks in between working to get our guild show ready, I'll be quilting my own 2 quilts for the show. Looks like I'll get them done...yeah!

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Rolling along...into the wall!

2009-02-05T20:37:00.007-05:00

I so don't have time for this! I'm working away on this client's quilt. It has to be finished this weekend. I have spent 3 weeks on it so far! Waaaaaay too long! A sample of my 'issues' here below. Notice how some sections are perfect, and other...well nowhere near! AT first I thought it was the thread...nope.I have spent the better part of the the last 3 weeks fooling with this quilt. I finally isolated the problem ( with help). The background fabric is a white on white print. You know, the sprayed on paint type print. And it's really thick. As it turns out, all that paint sluffed off in the quilting process and is getting caught in the tension screw of the bobbin and inthe bobbin race and shuttle and causing it to freeze up...stop dead! Well, I have frogged and frogged and frogged. The only way I was able to get through this quilt was to stop and clean (with solvent) and oil every 10 minutes or so of quilting.

Well all of the quilting on the white is done, thank goodness. I'm now finishing up the gold and blue background areas.

The top looks fine, the back, though better after being frogged and re done multiple times...still is not up to my standard, but is as good as it's going to get. Thankfully the blue and gold fabrics behaved beautifully.

After this beast is off the frame, the machine will be taken apart and thoroughly cleaned , to get rid of all that paint residue...and it's all over the place. What a mess. It is so thick in the tracks of the carriage and table, they look solid white. The bobbin case has so much paint residue built up, I have have to take a Q- tip saturated in oil to get it clean each every few minutes. I have quilted lots of fabric, but NEVER have seen anything like this that actually would freeze up the bobbin mechanism.

Hopefully, I'll still be sane when this is done.

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No, I didn't drop off the face of the earth...

2009-02-01T18:06:00.010-05:00

I've just been working like a fiend! With our guild's quilt show less than a month away I have been busy on all fronts. I am working on the last client quilt to be done for the show now. Then I'll be able to get mine finished....it'll be down to the wire for mine! Mother called me last night and reminded me I hadn't posted in a long time. So, here are some pictures of the last two quilts I finished. This is Sharon's "Burgoyne Surrounded"

She wanted feathers and and straight lines. I love two color quilts!

And the back.

And this one belongs to Janice. This is such a cute quilt. She hasn't gotten it back yet, but wanted to see the photos. Hope you like it Janice!

Those are 1/2" 60 degree diamonds in the block backgrounds.

The motif in each cup was taken from the fabric in that particular block.

The border is all one printed fabric. Sometimes these can be challenging to quilt. I elected to split this one into 4 sections and quilt each section differently. There is a row of brown diamonds on either side of the 'words' I just stitched those in the ditch. The 'word' section I did 1/2" 60 degree diamonds. And from the swirls section to the edge I did beadboard. Gives the effect of separate borders.

And I did swirls in the sashing and a loopy thing in the sashing posts. A fun quilt to do!

The next few weeks are going to be crazy, so don't expect to hear much from me. But once the show starts I'll have plenty of pictures for you. After that, life settles down, Whew!

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More hand dyes

2009-01-18T16:01:00.011-05:00

I usually share some of the fabrics I hand dye with Mary and Mother. When we were all together in December, my sister Ann expressed an interest in having some too. Mary let me know this morning that she has just about used all of the last batch I sent her and asked that I send some to Mother's and that she and Mother and Ann would divey them up when they got together the end of February. So I pulled out a bunch today and cut some fat quarters and half yard pieces to send them.

Mary also requested some dupioni silk...I had ordered a bunch of silk to dye in November, but haven't gotten it dyed yet. But I did have these pieces left from my last silk dyeing session that I'll send.

The rest are cottons. Here are some pieces that are good for landscapes and sunrises/sunsets

blues

reds....the light was not right...these are vibrant reds and all different shades

purples/violets....again not true color because of the lighting. There is much more variation in the pieces than shows in the photos.

green....I'm low on greens...need to do some more soon.

pinks and burgundy

gold and neutrals

these also are neutrals...too much light in the photo.

Anyway, it gives you an idea. I'll be sending these out later this week. That should give them enough to do a few postcards!

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A busy week

2009-01-17T16:03:00.010-05:00

A very busy week. There is a ton of guild work to be done as we prepare for our quilt show in February. We'll have 290 quilts! If you're in the area, you should come. Lots of venders too. I'm still working on quilting show quilts for clients, and mine still aren't quilted either!

But I did steal a couple hours this week to handpaint and sunprint some fabric. I used setacolor paints. Usually I use Dye-na-Flow. I really like it a lot better. But I did get some pretty good pieces. This first one is my clean up rag....not bad for a rag!

I was going for more of a colorwash here, but I didn't get the paint dilute enough....another reason I like Dye-na-Flow better...

This is a piece of Habotai...too splotchy..again not dilute enough... I'll have to add more color to this next time I have a paint/dye day. The setacolor also leaves a heavier hand...not as soft as Dye-na -flow.
For this one I sunprinted washers with a cheesecloth overlay....interesting.

This is a white on white print

I really like this piece

and this one too

Another white on white print fabric...kind of cool

And this is a piece of silk jacquard....really pretty, but again it lost some of it's softness.

What did you do this week?

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A new kitty addition

2009-01-11T17:14:00.005-05:00

To my collection, that is. I collect kitties of all kinds. Unlike my live kitties where I'm limited to just 2 by my husband, I have other kitties made out of all kinds of things. Some of my favorites are the Jim Shore Heartwood Creek cats. I had 2 of them until yesterday when I received this cute one in the mail from Mary. Thanks Mary, I love it. And it'll sit on the shelf with the other 2 to keep him company.And if you're interested here are the other 2. This is Elijah.

And this is Felicity.

What do you collect?

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On the lift at last

2009-01-11T17:08:00.004-05:00

Well, after a bit of drama Trout is finally up on her new home. There are still a couple adjustments that have to be made by the builder tomorrow, but that will do it.It'll keep that bottom nice and clean and smooth....that translates to speed!

Needless to say, all is right once again with Don's world. First race with her is one week from today!

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Trout has arrived!

2009-01-08T16:41:00.007-05:00

Well, here it is coming up to our backyard docks. Isn't it just the cutest little thing? As you can imagine, Don is thrilled. What fun this little boat is going to be. A huge change from OuiOui, but change is good. And the way we sail has changed so this will be perfect. BTW, Vicki...did you notice Don's shirt?? LOL Good thing he has a bunch of them...he wears one every day!

It was a beautiful day...not a cloud in the sky. Fairly light breeze, but this light little boat doesn't need much.

I'm really glad we decided to get the optional hull color...that flag blue hull is just gorgeous. First thing tomorrow morning the lift techs come to fit the lift to her, so we can get her up out of the water and keep that bottom nice and dry and smooth....she'll be much faster that way!

Yup, just another perfect day in Paradise!

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A change of direction

2009-01-07T20:42:00.003-05:00

I don't call this a New Year's resolution because it was decided a while back, but I have stopped taking new clients for quilting. And, when I am finished with the backlog of commitments I have on hand, my days of client quilting will come to an end. Almost... I will still do an occasional SPECIAL quilt for a long time client. But those will be few and far between. Do you realize that I have done nothing for myself other than the hurried class samples in 2 years??

And yes, I also realize that this is my own fault for not scheduling regular time for my own quilts. But it's hard to do when you're looking at a 6-8 month backlog of client quilts. I'm tired. I'm ready to spend my time working on my own quilts and teaching in between....not teaching frantically between mounds of client quilts.

Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed all the client quilting I have done. Because of that, I have been privileged to work on some amazing quilts. I have quilted quilts that I would never make which is really fun and challenging. And, to be perfectly honest....I have quilted a few dogs. But all in all, quilting for others has been a terrific experience. I have learned an awful lot...a lot faster than I would have if just quilting my own quilts. And I won a lot of ribbons from client quilts too. To all my clients, I thank you for the privilege and experience of finishing your artwork. I believe it has enriched us both.

So, I should have the last of my client commitments finished by early April. WOW....then all that time for me! And boy do I have a list of stuff I want to do. Of course I still have 2 family members quilts to do that I have had for close to a year....They'll be first.

But for now, I'm still working on those client quilts ...and this one is gonna be a beauty!

Thanks for listening and have a great night!

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Mary Ann's Quilt

2009-01-06T16:51:00.006-05:00

This is a quilt my cousin made and sent me to quilt. I am embarrassed to say how long I've had it. She does know that I quilt her tops when I have the time between client quilts...but still. It's been waiting a long time. Usually I just do an overall for her, but I thought I'd do something special for her this time.I had an instructional video to do for MQR and I had decided to do it on dealing with wide borders, so this top was perfect.

I hope the special quilting makes up for the long wait. Though I do have another one of hers waiting to be done...soon, Mary Ann!

This one will be on it's way to you tomorrow!

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Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T20:51:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone made it through last night's celebrations without too much pain. Lame as ever, we didn't make it to midnight...LOL!

I spent the day working on a few projects for a while, and then decided to take the rest of the day off and read by the pool. Very enjoyable way to spend the day! Tomorrow it'll be time time get this new year rolling!

May this be your best year ever!

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Another year almost gone...

2008-12-31T17:37:00.007-05:00

And my sewing vacation is almost over...just one more day. But that's OK, because things are changing around here with the new year. I did work on my January postcard today, that photo is at the end of this post. But first, a progress report on the new boat lift. The concrete pilings are in, the beams, and cradle are in place, and the electrician just finished all the wiring. The final few details will be finished on Monday.

The yacht builder has finished the new boat and it has been painted. It'll be delivered to the marina on Wednesday for rigging the mast and sails, and We'll bring it home Thursday of next week. The builder sent us a few pictures to tide us over the weekend. Those of you who knew "OUI OUI" will notice the huge size difference....this boat is tiny compared to her, but we don't need that big boat anymore now that we aren't doing the long term cruising. This is going to be perfect for fun days sails..plenty of room for the kids and grand kids; and ideal for Don to race in the club.

Isn't that blue hull beautiful? And a perfect mirror-like finish!
Also, those of you who know us, and know what the granddaughters call DH will get a chuckle out of her name!
Can't wait to get her home!
And as promised, here is the postcard for our January family exchange. Mary gets mine this time. I'm trying to get an irregular edge, but my beading is not all that precise, so it's a little more irregular than I had planned, but it'll do. I did use some of my hand dyed black and red dupioni silk...Mary likes my hand dyed silks!
And with that I'll say goodnight. Enjoy your celebrations this evening and be safe. See ya next year!

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And number two!

2008-12-27T17:29:00.013-05:00

I am really on a roll! I had forgotten how much I could get done, and how much fun it is when I'm working on my own projects. I have had a very productive week and TONS of fun doing it. Guess you want to see too, huh? For this piece, I hand painted the fabric for the background. This piece here is my clean up rag...how cool is that! I get a lot of great pieces from clean up rags; a good reason to clean up with cloth rather than paper towels when painting and dyeing.

This is a small section of my background. I painted starting with damp fabric and used Jacquard Dye-Na-Flow paints. I also mix a small amount of Versatex fixer into all my liquid textile paints....that way I don't have the tedious chore of heat setting. After curing, which takes about 4-5 days I machine wash and dry the pieces...then they're ready to use. I also spread some silk salt into the wet paint...that's the dotted, star burst effect you see.

And here is the quilt top. It is intentionally sparse, as the quilting will play a huge role in this quilt. It is a very simple top, just a Palm tree and the 3 flamingos but it'll be anything but plain when it's done.

The Palm tree trunk and leaves are painted batting.

I used 4 different colors of green for the leaves. Also painted with Dye-Na-Flow, and the batting used for painting is Warm and White by the Warm Co.
I just love all the variegation I got in those leaves.

And then there are the flamingos. The bird bodies are regular commercial quilting cottons. I painted the whites of the eyes....the rest of the eye details will be added later.

The beaks are soft structure tyvek, painted with Jacquard Lumiere paints with some Pearl Ex pigments added to the silver paint to darken it on the bottom section. Then I heated the tyvek to shrink it.

The feathers are wool that I felted a few weeks ago specifically for this project...3 colors, and I free cut the pieces.

It still needs to be quilted and other details added, but at least the top is done! Now I have 2 quilt tops ready before the registration deadline....yippee!

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One down, two to go

2008-12-26T17:09:00.006-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday celebrations! Being down here far away from family makes for quiet holidays. But I surely can't complain about the weather...it has been PERFECT! I have been working hard this past week trying to get my quilt tops done before resuming customer work after the 1st of the year. It is paying off now... The yo yo's are just pinned on, as I haven't quilted it yet, but I am soooo glad to have this much done. After it's quilted I'll attach the yo yo's around the edge with those shell buttons I made a while back from clay.

I changed this design a couple times, but overall I'm pleased with the final product. It's pretty well balanced, and has lots of space for quilting. It ended up being 66" square.

Of course, all my buttons will go on with beads later.

And, it seems I made a few too many yo yo's AND
a few too many prairie points! There's plenty of both for another quilt! LOL....well, better too many than not enough!

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Lots of progress!

2008-12-23T17:51:00.013-05:00

I was up before dawn this morning. With only 9 days left to the registration deadline, and 3 quilts to get far enough along to register there is no time to lose! But first a couple construction photos. The crew arrived and started working on the lift for the new boat. First they pulled out the pilings that are in the way.

Then they started putting in the new concrete pilings that will support the lift (and boat). Took all day and they only got 2 started....they are drilling into bedrock under the water, so it is slow going.

The parts of the boat lift are laying in pieces all over our back yard.

OOH...looks like I need to pick some lemons!

And onto the work I accomplished today. Got some of the applique stitched down on the red/white/black quilt. I'm using metallic thread...love the shiny look!

And another...excuse the kitty fur; I'll get that off later. Harry was laying on it/helping me (;>0

I also made all of these prairie points for this quilt.

Then I worked on my painted wholecloth for a couple hours...no pictures of that today. And I also worked on the Flamingo quilt....dyed this batting for the palm tree. It is a really nice brown...the color is off in the photo; painted tyvek for the bird beaks too. And painted the background fabric.

Then I cut out my flamingo bodies from these fabrics.

and their feathers from this wool I felted a couple weeks ago specifically for this project.
Don't they look great together?

And that was my day. I got a lot accomplished. If I can keep up this pace, I just might make the deadline!

So, what did you do today?

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Home Alone again!

2008-12-22T20:39:00.007-05:00

Well, except for Don and the kitties that is! Kids left this evening. It was great having them this past week. I can't believe I didn't get any pictures this time! Well we had fun...you'll just have to take my word for it! Today's mail brought this cute quilted postcard from my sister Ann. All felted wool, and very cute! Thanks Ann, I love it!

And while on the family exchange, these are the ones I made and sent...all pretty much the same except for the background fabrics.

Now, comes the big rush to the finish to get my entries done for our quilt show in February....I don't mean completely done....just enough to take the pictures for the registration that is due by Dec 31st...yikes!

Then 2 more customer show quilt to complete before I quilt mine. Guess I need to get on the stick!

But before I leave you, Chloe and Harry are exhausted too from all the company this month!

Have a great night!

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2008-12-17T16:55:00.002-05:00

I'm getting like Mary...changing my photo.

I got my hair cut today....it had gotten way too long, but she might have gotten it a little too short! New color too....this time a slightly darker shade of blonde. Only caveat is it doesn't cover the gray as well as the lighter blonde did. Oh well!

Looks better than yesterday's photo!

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Back home; some progress, and fun mail!

2008-12-16T17:11:00.013-05:00

I'm all warmed up from the trip up to Maryland...actually had the AC on this afternoon! Had a great time and it was wonderful to see everyone even for a short visit. The party for Mother and Pat was fun too. The photo below is a great one of Mother and all my siblings. It is so hard to get all of us together, that we really enjoy it when we do.
And here is son Stephen, DIL Janet, and of course Fiona! She has grown so much since I saw her the end of July!

And here's another of Fiona with a bearded dragon named Skeletor on her.

and of course, we have to get our workouts done each day!

In between unpacking, laundry and cleaning up from my absence.... I was able to make a little progress on the black/white&red quilt. Still a long way to go though.

And today's mail brought a few beautiful things. This Christmas postcard from Vicki. The photo doesn't do it justice...it's beautiful. Thanks, Vicki!

And this one from Mother....lots of pretty beading...gorgeous! Thanks Mother.

And then this from Barbara....not a postcard, but a beautiful handmade card. Thank you Barbara, it's just beautiful!

Oh, and I also had a trip to the eye doctor for a new pair of specs! Just ignore the wrinkles and the extra chins...I do!

So, now to get ready for another kiddo to visit...Travis is arriving Thursday! We're looking forward to that!

Have a great night!

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Busy Week!

2008-12-10T20:56:00.010-05:00

Very busy week! Trying to get client quilts done before I leave for Maryland. And lots of other stuff going on too. First thing, this is the really cute Christmas postcard I received from Mary today as a part of our family exchange. Really cute...love the tree lights! Thanks Mary!

Then I'm getting a few things together for Christmas gifts. Aren't these cute? Actually, the one in the middle is not a gift...it's the one I'm keeping...lol.

Then this a client quilt I finished earlier in the week. I would have liked to do closer swags, but she preferred less, so that is what it is. Still OK though I think. I used the circle lord heartz templates for the hearts, Tracey Browning's' template for the swags, stencils for the other 2 borders, and ruler work and freehand for the rest.

Fairfield bamboo/cotton batting and Superior So Fine thread.

And I don't know if I mentioned, but we sold our big sailboat. The new owners are from Anchorage, Alaska; and they arrived today. We are helping them load and going over all the systems with them. They will set sail on next Monday, bound for the Caribbean.

As I was removing our personal stuff off the boat in preparation for the new owners, I came across this little quilt that I keep on top of the linen chest in our stateroom. This is where Sidney and Ira always sleep when we were underway. I made this when we bought this boat 10 years ago, before we set off for the Caribbean on our adventures.

Needless to say, a few tears were shed when I came across this, it brought back many memories of all the wonderful travels on this boat with our beautiful Sid and Ira.

Such a bittersweet time.

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Black,white and red progress

2008-12-07T14:51:00.003-05:00

Between working on client quilts, teaching classes, having company and all that fun stuff called laundry and house cleaning; I have stolen a few moments to work on the black,white and red quilt. As I posted before, all the black and white yo yo's are made; the shell buttons are all made and about half of them painted so far. The lone red yo yo is made.

So now I'm working on the applique. I have now finished the major applique elements of the center medallion, though there are still a few elements left to do on this medallion. But the biggest part of it is done. To give you an idea of scale...the center medallion size is 42 inches square...finished size. Feels good to have gotten this much done!

Tons more to do on this quilt top though; this is only the center medallion....Will I be able to get the top completed by Dec 31st?? It's gonna be really close!

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Just checking in...

2008-12-04T20:54:00.002-05:00

We've had company since last weekend. Always nice to see old friends. I have gotten a little work done here and there but not too much... maybe I'll get a picture of the current one tomorrow.

Lots to get accomplished before I leave for Maryland and Mother's birthday celebration next Friday! It'll be a busy week.

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The mad rush begins!

2008-11-28T20:30:00.007-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Today begins the mad dash to Christmas in this country. I have decided not to make myself crazy this year. I am working on my last client quilt due before Christmas...it'll be done by Monday. I am down to my last 3 client quilts due for our Guild show in February. And I have actually started working on MY quilts for the 2009 show season! Mary's quilt is done( except for binding) and ready for Mid Atlantic Quilt Fest (if it gets juried in); I'm almost finished my Christmas postcards. We have company coming in this weekend for a week or so; I leave for Maryland after that, and the weekend after I get home, more company coming. This is my November postcard for our family exchange. My Internet connection was out, and then I forgot to post it, so here it is. It is all felted wool. A very funky turkey..lol

And this is the client quilt I finished a couple days ago. Hope you like it Joyce!

Her mother cross stitched the center panel...Vicki, I know you'll appreciate that. Joyce designed the quilt to fit the piece her mother had done. A wonderful tribute, and I am honored to have been asked to quilt it. Joyce won't get it until next Friday, but she'll be watching for these pictures.
I used Quilters Dream Wool batting and Superior's "So Fine" thread.
I did 'longarm feathers' in the blue and red borders, but 'formal feathers' (over the top feathers) in the beige border surrounding the cross stitch medallion. Pumpkin seed in the inner red border as well as the beige strip top and bottom.
There was a discussion a few days ago on MQR asking if plain old stippling was dead. I don't think so. While I love doing fancy background fills, there are times when you just want the background to disappear. Nothing does that better than tiny plain old stippling. That was the effect I wanted for this quilt....and that plain old standby stippling did the trick.
Thanks for joining me, and have a great night!

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