Saturday...Saturday

It was 4H Super Saturday and it was a busy day.  Being the only leader and helper really kept me hopping.  The kids were able to sew their quilts together and begin cutting the fringe.  They will have to finish the fringe at their own homes.  The only downfall is my housekeeping did not get done today.  I am now working on another scrappy quilt.  Will keep posting on the blog as time allows.  Hope you all have a fun St. Patrick's Day this coming week.  Keep sewing and enjoying the journey.

This years theme - Red White & Blue

It's been a busy month.  Lots of things going on, lots of things to do.  Even so, I managed to get 2 quilts done.  The first one is called "Utah Americana".  A friend who works for the State of Utah gave me one of his "seed bags" and I just had to use it in a quilt. Since I used an Americana pattern and the seed bag is from the State of Utah, I had to call it "Utah Americana".  The second quilt was another Tumbler Flag quilt.  I used several left over red fabrics and a cream with a blue print in it.  I absolutely love the results.  I believe I am using an America theme in my quilts this year.  It's been alot of fun.  I have more Tumbler blocks cut out of red, white & blue scraps and will sew them into another quilt, though it may not be a flag pattern this time.  Then again, you never know what I'll do!  I hope everyone has found something they love to do and are willing to share their talents with those around them. 

Teaching the Tumbler block

This past week I had the honor of teaching a young woman how to make her first quilt.  I used the Tumbler die cutter from Accucut and used blue, cream and red fabric.  She did a marvelous job.  I machine quilted it for her and she is now in the process of hand sewing the binding on.  I hope if you have a chance to share what you know with someone, that you will take the time to share.  It was a wonderful afternoon.  Next month - Pillowcases!

Tumbler Flag Quilt

The new year has been cold so far.  Of course, it is winter.  The quilting bug has got me again.  Started off with an easy pattern - Tumbler Flag Quilt.  I enjoyed using my Accuquilt tumbler die cut pattern to cut out the lap sized quilt.  While I was at it, I cut a second one out and taught a young lady in our town her first quilt lesson.  We enjoyed this afternoon and she did a great first time job.  Hopefully, she will continue learning and enjoying sewing.  I intend to give my quilt to one of our soldiers who will be leaving once again for Iraq.  I hope we can all keep our service men and women and their families in our prayers and thoughts.

Merry Christmas to all

Santa's coming.....the age old belief of children young and old.  He brings with him the reminder to be caring, mindful, and kind to those around us.  I believe in Santa.  Or rather, I believe in the spirit of Santa.  He reminds me what the season is about.  It's not about the gifts under the tree.  It's not about a jolly man in a red suit.  It's about faith, family, friends, and forgiveness.  If I stay still and ponder these things, it becomes clear that it's all about Christ.  The caring for those less fortunate; the sharing of what we have with those who are in need; the loving of all mankind.  This is what this time of year brings to me.  He is the reason for the season.  Let us be mindful of those around us.  Enjoy your families and friends.  Live as Christ has lived and still lives.  May all the blessings of the season surround you each and every day.

Naughty or Nice

We had our potluck soup day at work this week and the Naughty or Nice quilt was won by Bonnie.  She's a great gal and I am glad that she was the lucky one to win the Christmas quilt.  It's always nice to share lunch goodies with your co-workers and share a smile or two.  Especially if the day has been a bit difficult at work.  This season, the Christmas season, truly does make me appreciate the good people around me and reminds me to be patient with those who seem to enjoy making the day less bright.  So here's to all of you who bring light and joy into lives around you.  You know who you are.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  May God Bless you each and every day.

Quilting is such great fun

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I don't think I am going to piece another quilt until after the Christmas holidays.  Now that doesn't mean that I won't be thinking about the next quilt.  There's always a design going through my mind.  Whether it's one I want to design myself or a pattern in one of the quilting magazines, there is always a next project in my mind.  My mind is really working overtime this week.  You see I just received my new strip die cutters from Accuquilt this week.  Oh my!  I bought the 2 1/2" and 4" strip dies.  I use the 2 1/2" strips on all my bindings and with all of the jelly roll patterns out there I may be constantly in quilting mode this coming year.  I hope you all have a great day.  Let's all be aware of those around us who are in need.  Share your smile, your love, and your bright spirit today.  Enjoy the journey!

Naughty or Nice

I had to play with some of the flannel that I bought at Joann's Fabric the day after Thanksgiving.  By cutting out the stocking shapes with my Accuquilt die cutter this took me almost no time at all.  What great fun I had.  It is a simple pattern I designed and I finished quilting it last night.  Now it feels like the holiday season.  I don't know how I got so behind in making a Christmas quilt.  I am usually done with one before Thanksgiving.  Anyway, let's all begin this week in good spirits.  Share a smile or just nod at someone today and see what happens.  Keep enjoying the season and have joy in the journey. 

Deer Days

Finally finished the last in the series of deer panel quilts.  This makes number 4.  I called it "Deer Days".  I used lots of flannel to surround the cotton panels and used flannel for the backing.  This will be a nice quilt to snuggle with.  The machine quilting was fun too.  I actually did deer pantograms on the top and bottom borders.  Lots of swirls and loops in the body of the quilt.  It was a fun quilt to play with the machine quilting on.  Hope you all find joy in what you do.  Share your talents with those around you.  Always be thankful for what you have and for those who share your life.

Day After Thanksgiving Sale

This morning my daughter in law and I arose at 4 am to get ready to stand in line for the Joann's Fabric Day After Thanksgiving Day sale.  We have done this before and always end up with great flannel and fabric.  This morning her oldest son decided to get up with us and spent the morning standing in line waiting for the doors to open at 6 am; pushing carts; gathering his favorite prints for PJ's and quilts; and helping others around us move their carts and fabrics.  It was a great day!  We enjoyed each other's company, got tons of fab fabric and notions, and then had lunch from Carl's Jr.  I am thankful to have such wonderful people in my life.  I hope you all took time to think of those who enrich your lives in so many ways.  Happy Thanksgiving to all.  By the way, I am still machine quilting the final deer quilt.  Hope to have it done soon.  Christmas awaits.