Teaberry Stars--Oh Baby!

Has anyone out there missed me? I have been in Arizona for the past three weeks as my Dad suddenly ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. As I arrived he was transferred to a rehab facility for another week and a half. (heaven help we call it a nursing home). I seriously hope we never have to see that place again. He is home at his apartment now and recovering quite nicely I am happy to say. It has been nice to be here and spend time with him. When I think of all he has been to me in my life, it is a pleasure to be able to do for him for a change.

I feel bad that I don't get into blogging when I am away. There is just so darn much keeping me busy and running around. Once again I am getting a few things done at our house in Mesa while I am here. Yesterday I ordered carpet and am so excited to have that installed. Coughing up that much money has not been easy. After that we can begin moving in. Just waiting for my husband to retire to make the move official. It is so beautiful here this time of year and I don't miss the onslaught of pollen that is clouding the skies in Virginia Beach this time of year.

So here is some exciting news to share. McCall's Quilting May-June 2012 issue, is featuring a baby quilt that I made for my granddaughter Ellie who will be less than a year old when she finally receives it! McCall's also featured her brother Isaac's baby quilt, so I am delighted that they will both be able to say that their quilt was published by McCall's. That is when they can speak! 

 These are five inch blocks made primarily with a darling fabric line called Little Pink Stars designed by Margo Krager.You may be able to find some online if you check. There is also fabric from my stash included. I love pink, so I am always collecting it! McCall's also has an online pattern available for this quilt using 10" blocks to enlarge the quilt to bed size.  I have considered making it larger in blue. Wouldn't that be pretty?

Tomorrow I am leaving to drive to Utah with my son-in-law. He has been here helping me on the house and making himself very useful. He is done with school and about to embark on a new career as a pharmacist. A man of many talents! My daughter, Polly, is driving to Provo, UT from Missoula, MT and meeting us there. This is the home of my darling twin grandsons, and also Ellie and Isaac, so my life will be filled with grandbabies for the next two weeks!

I doubt I will be blogging until I return to Mesa, and then I will have baby pictures! Thank you dear readers for coming to visit me once again, and check out my Pinterest boards--see the link at the top right.

It's a Grand Old Flag

I love pictures with flags! This one happens to be my grandfather, I think around 1907. Just guessing by his age. How do you like that outfit? I wouldn't be surprised if he was marching in a parade that day.

 

Wally Winspear, about 1907 

I just was visiting Minick and Simpson's blog and they have a link to Jimmie Cagney dancing his heart out. Honestly, you should go see the video, it is awesome! I remember watching his movies when I was a kid and they had the old movies on late at night. I watched a lot of the old black and whites when I was up babysitting or whatever. Cagney made Oscar winning Yankee Doodle Dandy in 1942. Some of those old movies just can't be beat, even in black and white!

This is my darling granddaughter, Danielle, taken at our house a few years ago. Another flag waver! The quilt behind her is a favorite old pattern from Little Quilts!

Here is a quilt of my own design that McCall's published last summer. It is called American Dreamer and Minick and Simpson designed the fabric. They really do patriotic well! I mentioned once before in a blog post how active they have been in providing quilts for the military and funds as well. They are awesome! I can't tell you how much respect I have for them!

You can help too, just click this link for Quilts of Valor to find out more.

So I just wanted to share a little bit this 4th of July weekend! Hope it is a good one for you and yours!

AMERICAN DREAMER

My darling granddaughters sent me this photo of themselves with the McCall's Quick Quilts magazine that my quilt is in. They must have taken the photo on the laptop because the cover is reversed, as in a mirror image. They are very proud of me, and apparently the youngest stuck stickers on the magazine that said, "Good job!", "WOW!". and "You did it!"  Usually it is me who is proud of them, so this is a very nice reversal of roles! Thanks girls!

Here am I, all wrapped up in my American Dreamer quilt and the McCall's Quick Quilts magazine. Do you have your copy yet?  

Tomorrow I am off to Minneapolis to Quilt Market. I have never been before, but it is in Minneapolis this time, and since I lived there for many years and have family there, I figured it was the time to go. I will be in familiar surroundings and get to see family as well. I don't have a booth or any of that, I am just going to check it all out. Next week I will be back and let you know what all the fuss is about!

STARS IN MY EYES TOO!

First there was an idea, then a design was developed with the help of EQ6, then came blocks of 9-patches and stars, and finally a quilt! This was supposed to be a quilt for my newest grandchild born last December. I was way ahead of schedule and finished it last summer. So instead of waiting for the baby, I sent the photo to McCall's magazine. They liked it! This is their photo below.

Today I was informed that it will actually be published in the June-July issue of McCall's Quick Quilts! Check out the link to McCall's to get a preview of my quilt, American Dreamer, and all the other quilts that will be appearing in this up coming issue. There is even a link to directions for a queen size version! My quilt is 49" x 49" --a large sized baby quilt, which is a good thing because baby won't be getting it for a while!

This issue will be out April 13 through May 4, 2010. Now I will be circling the mailbox in anticipation!

Here is baby Isaac without his new quilt. See how he is suffering.

PS: Mary at Quilt Hollow quilted this and did a beautiful job!