My OCD

I have edited this post from its original form as I was trying to line up photos and that didn't go so well. I have been working on new pattern covers, and that has taken up some time. But they are coming along nicely. I have always loved this little log cabin design! Just a normal LC, but the border makes me happy. You may have noticed a trend with me and two ended borders. Don't ask, I have no answer. I just get a kick out of that.
I seem to have a touch of OCD when it comes to certain things. Quilting for sure, and then my second passion is family history, or genealogy. Like  sewing, I became involved in this at a young age and the interest has stayed with me. Since I was a child I began writing down names and dates and bits of stories. Over the years I have compiled quite a lot of family information. I have had the pleasure of interviewing people who were distantly related and ended up forming wonderful relationships. I think old people especially love to share family information and to know that someone cares. You reach an age where life spins around you and it is nice to know you still have something of value to share. I am not quite there yet, but I can see it approaching! (The old thing is chasing me down!)

Anyway, I have become reacquainted with my cousin, who became interested in family history, and she is driving down here from Buffalo, NY this week so that we can share family information. I am so excited. Thanks to the internet we re-united and have each been searching ancestry.com, etc. 

 Now to clean up my house so it is presentable for company. Too bad I am not a bit more OCD about that!

 

Dream Catcher

A nice surprise came in the mail today. McCall's Quilting magazine sent me their latest release. It is the September-October issue, and I have a quilt published in it. It is the quilt pictured above called Dream Catcher. Anyone remember when I was working on that one? See it here.

This quilt was so much fun to make because you can really have fun combining scraps. I love a quilt where I can use both old and current fabrics. Scrapdillyitious!
This one was quilted by my good friend in Arizona, Marae Harris, with lovely feathers running down the strips. 

It is such an honor for me to be in this lovely magazine with so many designers that I admire, including Pat Wys whose blog I read! Cool! Watch your mailbox or retail stores for this magazine. It will put a smile on your face!

The Season of Fun

These two cute girls have been with us for the past couple weeks, my granddaughter, Danielle, and her friend Mabry. It has been rather busy around here. Along with the girls, my son and his wife were here and also my dad. We had a great time together. Fun at the beach, riding bikes, reading, and food from the grill. After a week all the adults went home.

And then we took the girls to New York City for the weekend. Pictures of them are on my family blog, but this one is about ME! So we were walking down Broadway in the Fashion District and I had to have my picture taken with this guy at the sewing machine.

We took the girls to Soho shopping. There are some really great shops there for teens, young adults, and for those who need to be trendy (not me). The shop I loved the most was All Saints Clothing, and it was not because of the cloths. I loved the decor.

All Saints Clothing had walls of old Singer sewing machines! 

And huge spools!

I just basked in the environment that I love. And you know it is not trendy clothes!

A New Twist

Call this a new twist, if you will, on the ever popular "klosjes" that are spooling around blogland. I have had pinwheels on the brain and they seem compatible, don't you think? 

Also, newly hung on my wall is my ancestor quilt that I showed previously here  and here. I got it back from Rosie, my quilter, and it looks terrific. You really cannot see her efforts in the photo, as she straight-line stitched around each block, and then added feathers in the squares and borders. It all complements my quilt beautifully. I love this little quilt for many reasons. The simplicity of the blocks, the family names and the sentimental stitching around the border. It all makes me happy!

P.S. The Ancestor Quilt was designed by Leslie Ison and Norma Whaley of Salt Lake City, Utah. I bought the pattern at The Corn Wagon quilt shop, 801- 491-3551.

Happy Birthday America!

I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

by Lee Greenwood 

 
I get chills when I hear this, or any other patriotic song! Back in the 1950's, when Ike was president, we were raised to be proud of our flag and our country and our history and we pledged our devotion to the flag, right along with our devotion to God and family. This day, July 4th, seems to bring that all back to me as we all join together and celebrate and wave our flags and feel thankful for the things that unite us. Happy Birthday America!

 I love to bring out the red, white and blue quilts this time of year. The colors always please me. I am happy to report that the quilt on the left, Homeport, will be shown in the American Quilter Magazine that is coming out this month. It is a pattern that I designed a few years ago and my friend, Kim McWherten, was asked by the magazine if they could publish the one that she made. I look forward to seeing the magazine and Kim's quilt!

This is another favorite that has adorned our deck each summer. Even in the summertime there are cool breezes and naps to be taken out in the fresh air, so we must have our quilts available.


Enjoy a wonderful weekend, whatever you are up to!