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.

A few quilts from Mid-Atlantic

Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival had some awesome quilts. Overall, the best I have seen in years! This one was fabulous and just my style! Made by Nancy L. Losee. Love the cheddar in the border!

Mary Chalmers of Alexandria, MN made two fabulous crazy quilts.  Amazing work. Above is Crazy with a Twist which won first place for traditional quilts. We are crazy about her twist! 

 Here is a close-up for you to drool over!

 This is a close-up of Mary's other quilt called In Praise of Wool.
Check out Lisa Bongean's blog for a much better picture of In Praise of Wool. What an artist!

Blogger is giving me grief loading photos today, so I will close for now. I know that Mrs. Goodneedle posted photos from Mid-Atlantic also, so check out her blog, From the Strawberry Patch.

More later! 

Mid-Atlantic Quilt Fest

Yesterday was one of those days we quilters wait all year for:  Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival! It is held in Hampton, VA at the Convention Center. I drove up there with my friends Joan and Sue, as usual. We start out together and get separated very quickly as we each see things that interest one of us more than another. So many different things for so many different quilters. Look what I spotted right off the bat--our friend Karen's book, A Bountiful Life! She would have been delighted with the setting as it was nestled in with nice rolls of wool and other cozy things.

 Minutes later I ran into Mrs. Goodneedle! We hugged and visited for a few minutes then met later to visit some more. Love that lady! One of the benefits of blogging is making some wonderful friends, such as Karen and Debbie.

 

 Notice the booth we are in, Attic Heirlooms, and the neat stuff they have. The quilt in the background is awesome. Check out their website. Lots  of wool and primitive, etc.

I ran into another friend, Janna-the president of Bloc-Loc. I met Janna and her husband Paul in Houston at Quilt Market a couple years ago. Their booth was right by mine. They totally sold me on their product and now I can't function without their amazing rulers. Their rulers each have a groove in them that gets placed on the seam line of a half-square triangle so you can trim it accurately. The groove locks in on the seam for greater accuracy. These are perfect for a scrapper like me because I am always trimming down triangles and flying geese. Yes, they have one for flying geese and they keep coming out with new ones. Be sure and check their schedule because they go to shows all over America and if you are a block trimmer you must have these rulers. They are only distributed through Bloc-Loc! I had to get a new 1-1/2" HST size because I left mine in Arizona.

Other purchases? Well, I made out OK. I bought titanium coated sewing machine needles at the Superior Threads booth. I had to get these after watching the very interesting and informative videos on their website. When you have some time you really should watch THESE. At least the ones that look interesting to you.

I also found fabric. Can you believe it? Honestly, I tried to resist, but there were a few that I had to have. Barbara Brackman's Battle Hymn  fabric is wonderful! From Moda Fabric.

One booth that I am always happy to shop is called Traditions of the White Swan. I always come away happy from that booth! They are from Hagerstown, Maryland and have lots of kits on line. Last year I bought the whole collection of fat quarters of Little Pink Stars, and designed a baby quilt that will be in McCall's Quilting magazine--June issue, so keep an eye out! This year I found this darling collection of grey and blue Buggy Barn prints from Henry Glass. I wonder what these will become?

Finally, I broke down and purchased this beautiful basket. I have been looking at these for years each time I go to Quilt-Fest. They are made in Africa and come in all shapes and sizes. The beautiful bag is a gift from my friend Sue Cruthers who made it for my i-pad! Isn't it the cutest thing?! I LOVE it!

All in all, it was a great day! I will post another day with a few quilt photos. There were some awesome quilts this year!

 

 

My Funny Dad

 Happy Birthday to my Dad! He celebrated his 89th birthday yesterday. Or as he says it, "I'm in my 90th year"!

 This photo was taken by my nephew Brock while Dad was in Minnesota last year.

It can be difficult to get a good photo of my Dad because he still likes to make goofy faces for the camera. Dad is a ham! Dad still likes to travel. He plans to fly to Florida soon to go deep sea fishing with one of his grandsons. He has always loved fishing and sports of all kinds. You wouldn't believe that one person could have so many funny stories about GOLF!

 Recently in Arizona we were all sitting outside visiting and my Dad mentioned that he was kind of chilly. Grandson Kyle went into the house and brought him back a Spiderman jacket that Dad promptly put on and zipped up over his face. Can you see the black Spidey eyes? He makes us laugh!

Dad lives in an apartment complex for (old) retired people. He said he didn't like living with all those old people, but he got used to it when he discovered it was easy to catch up to women with walkers. He still drives his car and likes to go on dates. Last week he took a friend who is in her nineties to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform in Phoenix. Her daughter drove them and picked them up, which I thought was very nice, but it also made me laugh because of all the times he drove me and picked me up when I was a kid. Things change, don't they?

We are so lucky to have our Dad around and in such good health. He is a kid at heart with a very generous spirit. He is always optimistic, energetic, enthusiastic and affectionate.  We sure love him!

Knock-knock

 

 Knock, knock. Who's there? Heart. 
Heart who? Heart to hear you knocking.

 Ok, that was a funny one. I found this cute door knocker on Pinterest and today seems like a good day to share it. I hear my husband on the phone talking to our kids about doing an intervention. Seriously, Pinterest is that bad. It is like looking at all the best photos from all the best magazines without all the junk!


Well, here is something that you won't find on Pinterest. Our darling twins are 11 months old. My granddaughter, Becky, keeps a wonderful journal of their every growing moment on her blog. This is what she shared today, and I am sharing it with you, since I haven't given you an update in several months.

 

A wonderful sentiment! (I found it on Pinterest) LOL!

Post Toasties

Does anyone remember that cereal called Post Toasties? Is it still around? I have no idea, but that title came to mind as the weather turned on us last night! I went to bed and snuggled under my electric blanket (don't tell the girls at Primitive Quilts and Projects, but my bedroom is not that primitive)! The wind was battering the house and snow was falling. Snow--here in Virginia Beach. That does not thrill me. So I am being lazy and staying toastie while I post on my blog. Now do you get it?

I made an attempt to put things away in my sewing room. It is a mess. I know I don't have to explain to you quilters how this happens. It is really time for a knock down, drag out fabric fight. In the immortal words of Scarlett O'Hara, "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."

Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival is coming our way in a week. The shops are all gearing up in preparation for lots of traffic from out of towners. It is always exciting around here. I have been getting ready also. I am introducing three new patterns. I worked on these while I was in Arizona and have been writing directions and preparing covers.

 Tinder Box 38" sq, Hickory Sticks 19" x 26", Diamond in the Rough 60" x 80"

The covers are on order and the directions are in the works. These will be up on my website soon. Hope you like them!