LOVIN' SPOONFUL

Every time I look at these little hexagons beginning to take shape I am just so happy! I promised myself that I would start with a small project so as not to get discouraged. Ever feel that way? Then I decided to begin adding the filler hexagons, so those didn't seem overwhelming. Sometimes new quilters are overwhelmed with the size of a project. I get that! But with any project, it is breaking it down into smaller components that makes it do-able. I guess I have learned this over time with my many projects. "You only need to make one block at a time", says I. This is the eating an elephant one spoonful at a time philosophy. Which begs the question, "how many elephants have I eaten in my lifetime"? 

I have also learned that persistence pays off. So I decide how much I am willing to finish. Then do it! For this project I am already seeing how darling it will be in the center of my round kitchen table. I was just going to make the star points, then decided I could manage the sides also. I guess the whole thing will be appliqued down. Experimentation will be needed as I have never finished a hexagon project before. How are the rest of you finishing the edges of your hexagons?

Notice I said I never finished one before. I actually made tons of these hexagons long ago and  recently gave them away to Rose Marie at Applique 'n Patch Quilting. Rose Marie has already begun playing with the hexagon blocks and I will love watching what she creates. Those hexagons were a case where I bit off more than I was ready to digest. Again with the elephant thing. 

So I am still stitching away and I know you are too!  Happy Threadtrails!

VARIETY SHOW

Look what I just got back from my quilters! I made this little quilt quite a while ago when I first came out with the Wintergreen pattern. I made a couple extra blocks for teaching the class, and then finished it up for shop display ('cause sometimes they prefer a smaller sample) or for my own use ('cause sometimes my big quilts are on loan and I miss them).
You may remember last summer when I made the above quilt from the Wintergreen pattern, only used Minnick and Simpson's Prairie Paisley line by Moda. I am convinced that anything would look spectacular in that fabric, and this quilt sure does. It is a favorite of mine!  

SCRAPPY BY DESIGN

Just thought I would travel back in time and show you the very first quilt I ever designed. I called this one Scrappy Patches, and it won me a ribbon in the Block Party guild quilt show that I was in at the time, in Bellevue, WA. This was about ten years ago, and before we were blessed with so many wonderful reproduction fabrics. I find it interesting to note that the quilts that I design today are not unlike that first one. My preference in quilts has not changed, although I do believe I have learned quite a bit along the way.

The above picture is a portion of a quilt that I designed and just finished. It is off to the quilters! I am working on directions and can't wait to show you the finished quilt. This is just to, hopefully, whet your appetite. You might notice that RED is still my favorite color!

I have had a sudden influx of individual orders for the Indian Paintbrush pattern this weekend. After visiting a couple of my favorite bloggers, I discovered why. Karen, the Mistress of Leehaven, has posted her Indian Paintbrush quilt on her blog again today. Karen completed hers quite a while ago, and it is a beauty! Also, Mary at Quilt Hollow, just completed herIndian Paintbrush quilt, and has it on display for us. Be sure and take a look at both these blogs in case you haven't been there yet.  I should have mentioned this earlier, but the Olde Green Cupboard has been at the Paducah quilt show with lots of kits and patterns for Indian Paintbrush as well!  

Don't be left out of this ordering frenzy! Visit Patchalot Patterns web site and order your pattern today! I always honor Canadian customers with the same postage rate as US. 

As always,  stitch a little, Patchalot!

LOSING IT

The grip of growing older is becoming more firm. Right now the grip is firmly around my left thigh as it burns and cramps up on me if I am on my feet for a while and mostly while I am in bed sleeping. It has turned my favorite place of refuge, my bed, into a pit of potential pain! Doctor gave me medicine for the pain and told me I have some arthritis in my joints. But it is my thigh muscle that hurts! Since January! 

And then there is the problem of my brain cells. You can almost see them fleeing like rats off a sinking ship. I was looking for something in the file of paid bills yesterday when I came across our most recent cable bill with the check I had written stapled to the back of the bill. Apparently I mailed the cable company the carbon copy. Duh!

I have been doing goofy things like this for a few years (or more, depending on who you talk to). Recently I was at Home Depot inquiring after an octagonal window that we need to replace.  I was checking sizes and what have you, when I actually asked the man what the circumcision of the window was. Yes, I did. Fortunately, I don't think he was really paying any attention to me. I have reached the age of invisibility. So I picked the remaining crumbs of my brain up off the floor and ran for the exit door.

Speaking of invisible people, I imagine Susan Boyle was feeling that way as well, until this past week. You have probably seen clips of this British woman on TV, as everyone is trying to cash in on her now. If you haven't seen the YouTube film, you need to watch the whole performance. It is a stunner! I have never seen an expression of awe like this on Simon's face before. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

Watch this and rejoice in the talent of an ordinary person with an extraordinary gift!  

PUT A HEX ON YOU

Long, long ago, before I ever made a quilt, my aunt got me started making hexagons. My color choices were pinks and blues, and I am sure some of you can date this project fairly well. You probably even recognise some of the fabrics! After reading about Libby's hexagon adventures, I took mine out of hibernation for inspection.  Each individual hexagon measures 2 inches across. What on earth will I ever do with them?  I know what I should do with them, but will I? It is doubtful. I have about 30 of them. Anybody interested? Only respond if you actually will do something with them. I want them to go to a home where they will grow into something productive! If too many respond I will have a drawing a week from today.

Well leave it to Libby to draw me into her fun! I started following links from her posts to others who are creating very nice hexagon projects. So I started playing around. I know there are some nifty methods out there these days, but I came up with my own little tricks, so I thought I would share my madness.

First I trace a hexagon template to a strip of freezer paper. I fold the freezer paper several times, then cut around the drawn hexagon. This gives me four to six hexagons. If you are concerned with the freezer paper slipping, you can actually press the layers together on the outside edges with an iron. Don't press within the lines of the hexagon tho, 'cause it will seal it together. 

Next, press the hexagons to the back side of fabric, shiny side down, of course.  Trim around each hex leaving a seam allowance. Fold the seams over and baste down using some yukky colored thread that you don't like any more.

Now you can sew your hexagons together into pretty patterns. My current hexagons measure 1-1/4 inch across. They are still not as small as some that Libby did, but they are a size that I am happy with for creating a table topper, or whatever this turns into.

FRIENDS AND FUN STUFF

I can't remember if I showed the above photo before, and I am too lazy to check back through my blog right now. These are my friends here at home that I pal around with when possible.  The photo shows Sue, me and Joan at the Olde Green Cupboard booth at Mid-Atlantic Quilt Fest. We just couldn't get enough of that booth! Gloria, the shop owner, and the other gals there, were just so friendly and fun that we wanted to keep hanging out with them. Also, notice that they made up my Indian Paintbrush pattern (in background) and had kits! They are traveling around to different shows, so if you see them in a show near you, stop by and say hello, and buy a kit! Yes, I am shameless, but truthfully, they had other really great kits too. So you could buy Indian Paintbrush and another kit as well!This darling notebook was made for me by my friend Sue. Wool applique, as you can see. It is darling! Don't we all love friends who know just what we like?!

And just to prove that I have been sewing, or at least I was sewing before the wedding, here is a little progress that I have made on my House Sampler quilt. This is a pattern by Cheryl Wall of Country Quilts. Follow that link to see some of her beautiful creations. 

I am still suffering from the illness attacked me in Montana. Oh, I haven't even mentioned Montana. I drove with my daughter and grandkids back to Missoula after the wedding. I will have to remember to share more of that when my brain clears.  Meanwhile, I need to grab a diet coke and go back to the sewing room and get busy! Ideas are brewing in my brain. Are they real or delusions brought on by illness? Wait and see!

BIG WEDDING

Here is our beautiful bride and new daughter-in-law, Keira Patch! The pictures were taken outside the Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka: Mormon) in Las Vegas, Nevada. My youngest son, Renn, finally snagged this darling girl after a long search! We couldn't be happier with his choice, and also hers, of course! They will continue living in Provo, Utah for a while as they are both working and going to school there.

They both look so happy!

For those of you who follow my blog and have become my friends, I hope you enjoy a few of our family photos. Below, Renn and Keira, of course; and Renn and his nephews, and Grampa Jim, and our little Plumpkin with my husband--isn't that the cutest photo? She is also pictured with her dad, aka: the pharmacy student who may or not love me (see previous post).

We were so happy to be able to come from all across the country to celebrate Renn and Keira's wedding. I love my family so much and enjoy their company and affection when we are able to be together. Usually when the group is this large it is difficult to get enough time with each individual, and of course that one on one time is where we are best able to forge intimate bonds of love and friendship. We look for more of that in the future.

HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME NOT

I just wanted to post a quick note to say I am alive, barely. My son's wedding was March 14, in Las Vegas. All went well and he is very happy. His wife is a sweetheart and I look forward to knowing her. She loves my son, that is very clear, and that makes me very happy! More pictures and stuff in a few days after I get home and recover.

Yes, I am sick. Whatever bugs my grandchildren were carrying around attacked my husband last week. I was feeling a little smug as he caught it and I didn't. "I had a flu shot", I proclaimed! Well now I have it, and it is death warmed over. I am hacking and sneezing and coughing my guts out.

I went to Montana with my daughter and family after the wedding. Her husband is in pharmacy school. I lined my medications up in front of him and asked, "what cold medicine can I take while taking these". He did a little research on line and told me I shouldn't take pseudofed with my blood pressure medicine. I told him I have taken it before and it didn't kill me. "Try taking two", he glibly replies. Very funny.



I will be back in a couple days when, hopefully, it won't hurt to laugh.

CHEEP TRICK

Or maybe I should say, "cheep decorating". Yeah, it's me playing with words again. I like birds and find cute ones from time to time. This plate rack has become one of my favorite little places to decorate and change with the season. I have shown it before in other arrangements. This time I put this antique bird book up with a nest and a couple little birds that are both made of wood. I am not very clever, so sometimes the decorating comes a piece at a time. I will walk by and think of something to add until I have it the way I like it. They will never hire me for HGTV, I am just too darn slow! Even if I think up a cute name, which is really one thing I seem to be good at. But wait, they do have those cameras that speed things up. It could look like I really think and move fast! Speaking of moving slow, I wonder how long it will take for this quilt top to reach Tracey in Australia? Tracey is collecting blocks to make quilts for victims of the bush fires that destroyed so many homes and lives in Australia recently. I had a top that I never managed to get quilted and so I sent it along to Tracey. I hope she will find a volunteer quilter to finish it up for someone.

Our nasty, cold weather of last week has turned, and this weekend it was in the mid 70's here. Today my husband and I went to eat at Bubba's. They have outdoor seating on a bay inlet, and the weather was perfect for sitting outside. Yummy crabcake for me, thank you very much!
I wish you all pleasant weather and smooth sailing into the new week!

THE MANY FACES OF RENN

Remember that wedding? Well it is fast approaching! Of course we knew that March 14 would come quickly when they only announced their wedding in January. My son is nothing, if not decisive! Above you can see how he has changed through the years! The photo of Renn in the gray T-shirt was last summer when he visited us here in Virginia. They are preparing a video slideshow of Renn and Keira, his wife to be, for the wedding reception, so I have been going through photos all day long, scanning, etc. I couldn't resist sharing a few with those of you who have any interest, which I realize is not many. But at least I know my family will get a kick out of seeing these, and sometimes I have to consider their enjoyment when I write on my blog. After all, life has to include more than just quilts, doesn't it? And this is the happy couple! Renn and Keira! They are both 30 years old. Isn't it nice they finally found each other? We are all delighted! And we can't wait to meet her! Yes, you heard me right--we haven't even met her! They are both working and going to school in Provo, Utah which is 2300 miles from here! All our kids and grandkids will be there and my Dad and other family members. I am a little anxious, but really, I can't wait!

A BRIGHT DELIGHT

I am not usually into the wearable arts thing. I admire it, and the fine work involved, but it is just not me. Being the conservative soul that I am, I could never wear this jacket either. But isn't it just so cool? It is all wool! Apparently the judges liked it also.

This is just a short post with another picture to share from Mid-Atlantic Quilt Fest '09. Enjoy and be inspired!

ENLARGED

What is the point of showing a whole quilt if it doesn't enlarge? So I reposted these pics with the hope of better viewing.

WEATHER OR NOT

Whether or not to go back to Quilt-Fest was actually the question. See that foreboding sky? The birds are holding on tight to the wire, which wouldn't be my first choice in inclement weather. The weather was very nice on Thursday when we went, but over the weekend it turned miserable. Sunday Joan and I faced the storm with the heat turned up in the car and drove back to Newport News.

This time we really had no purpose other than just wandering. We wandered back to the Olde Green Cupboard, of course. This time I got a picture of my new best friend, Gloria, who also happens to own the shop. See Karen Dianne's quilt on the left behind me? And of course my Indian Paintbrush quilt too. I should point out that Gloria kitted it up with a scrappy background, like Karen Dianne made hers. Everything comes out looking rather vintage by the time Gloria is done picking fabric. Anybody want a kit? Call the Olde Green Cupboard!

I really feel bad for those that have to drive today in this nasty weather. At least OGC is heading south.

A little show and tell: I loved this quilt! It is so beautifully done. I love house blocks. Look at this darling block with the little trellis going up the front of the house and the darling tree, etc. Beautiful!
Here is the whole quilt to feast your eyes on. I do not do this kind of work, but I surely appreciate and admire it.

Hope you are having a beautiful day where ever you are. I am not, but I will make the best of it---indoors!

QUILT FEST '09

Yesterday was such a great day! Sue, me and Joan, pictured above in that order, drove up to Newport News to attend Mid-Atlantic Quilt Fest! We are the Three Amigos, and sometimes just as goofy! It is so fun to be with friends who all relate to each other in a relaxed way that only good friends can. It is funny how different we all are, and yet how many things we have in common. Sue was at the top of her game in the humor department yesterday. We were laughing all day.

It was exciting to see my Indian Paintbrush pattern made up and kitted at the Olde Green Cupboard booth! See it on the wall behind us? They did a beautiful job, as they do with everything! I love their booth. Everything in that shop speaks to me! Gloria, the owner, does an amazing job with color and fabric in the quilts displayed. It was an honor to have my quilt right smack in the center! I hope they sell lots of kits and patterns!

I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Goodneedle herself! She is totally wonderful, and I loved visiting with her. Funny how well you can get to know someone through their blog and just get a feel for what kind of person they are. I wish we could have spent the entire day together. She was there with her friends too, and it was good to connect in real life!

By the way, the quilt behind us is all wool! It was being offered as a block of the month, and my friend Joan signed up for it. She is thrilled! It is a design from Primitive Gatherings.

Mary from Quilt Hollow was at Quilt-Fest also! We met up at the Olde Green Cupboard booth, where Mary bought the Indian Paintbrush kit! Yay Mary! Maybe she will show us her progress as she works on it. Mary and I have been e-mailing back and forth for a while, and it was so fun to finally meet up with her! I am so glad I was able to meet both these blogging friends, and seriously, if we hadn't arranged it, I never would have found them. It was not nearly as busy as last year, but still, the size of the facility is so large that I wouldn't have found my friends that I went with if we hadn't arranged a place to meet.

This last shot is another picture of the Olde Green Cupboard, just to show you how lovely their booth was. They even had lamps, giving a nice warm glow and making their booth appear so inviting. Above is one of their needle-punch projects beautifully framed. They also have demonstrations going on for needle-punch (or is it punch-needle?) and rug making.

Oh look! On the wall on the left side is a quilt made by our own Karen Dianne, Mistress of Leehaven! Gloria told me that Karen does beautiful work, and I got to see it for myself! Your quilt is wonderful Karen!

DREAM CATCHER

According to the poll it looks like Dream Catcher is the favored name for my new quilt. I am really glad because now I don’t have to over-rule everyone! 60% of those who voted chose Dream Catcher as the name for the quilt pictured in the post below this one. I loved Stina’s comment about Fudge Factor being the quilt’s working name.

Dream -catcher, for those who may not know, is a Native American tradition that began in the Ojibway (Chippewa) tribe. All the dream-catchers are similar to the one pictured, yet unique, as they are each hand made by individuals. So, like quilts in that way! Most seem to have feathers hanging on them. That gives me the idea that I need feathers on my quilt! The dream-catcher is hung above the beds of sleeping children to protect them from nightmares. The bad dreams will get caught in the web of this Indian charm. Good dreams are allowed to pass through. This sounds like a tradition we need to incorporate in every quilt we make!

You remember my last quilt was named Indian Paintbrush, and Karen Diane says she is feeling cosmic vibes with the Indian names. Let’s hope that is a good thing. I personally really enjoy Native American folklore. I believe the Native American culture has had a huge impact on us as Americans, not only in our history, but in how we are learning to respect and treasure our Mother Earth. It makes me happy to pay tribute to them in some small way through my quilts. Now I am thinking about my next quilt…maybe Dances with Scraps. What do you think?