Martha's Blog

Jonquil Poster Quilt

2012-02-05T20:37:00.000-06:00

I have been wanting to create this quilt for a while. I had a full photo of yellow jonquils (daffodils) to use for this quilt, but then found a photo of the jonquils in the foreground and my parents' home in the background. I just had to create this for my parents since they live 200 miles away in an assisted living home and cannot see the flowers. I printed the photo on white material backed with freezer paper. I did not treat the fabric since this is a wall quilt and will not be washed. I cut the material slightly smaller than the 8.5 x 11 piece of freezer paper and it printed perfectly on my inkjet printer.

I created the word "jonquils" by typing in a Word file. After printing, I then used my light table to trace the words on freezer paper. I ironed the freezer paper to top of fabric, and then ironed the fabric on fusible web. Then cut the words out and ironed on fabric. I loved the whole process. My biggest problem was how to quilt the photos. I choose to only quilt the black fabric.

First Quilt of 2012

2012-01-09T17:12:00.000-06:00

Oh, I have forgotten how I enjoy making a quilt. I wanted to make a boy baby quilt for my niece's baby--expecting in February. I wanted a blue, soft color. However, when I went to fabric store I saw this precious fabric called Farm Fresh. The cows and the pigs had me at first sight. I had seen a precious tumbler quilt on Accuquilt and wanted to make one. The Accuquilt quilt was made from 3" tumbler die cutter. My die cutter was a 6" tumbler--Oh, such as life. I still like it. I have added a few photos. Just had to show the back with those cows and pigs. I also "heart" the red and white polkadot binding.

2011 Christmas Stockings

2011-12-29T15:10:00.002-06:00

Just took down my Christmas stockings and thought I would post for my records. I have 11 stockings -- one for each grandchild. The 11th was born on December 27.

Happy Day

2011-12-27T12:44:00.000-06:00

We welcomed Samuel Easley Coon into our family today. He was born at 8:20 a.m. this morning weighing 8 lbs. 4 oz. and 19" long. We are so thankful he and mother are doing great. God is so good!

Sharing a Little

2011-12-26T23:20:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to post a couple of pictures.

Picture 1 -- Sonny made doll picnic tables for the granddaughters. This is a picture of J and JC playing on the stairs with one of the picnic tables.

The girls played "Dirty Santa" but the gifts had to be a gift made by the giver. We had a nice variety of gifts. This is the gift I made.

Sonny's Quilt

2011-10-27T14:04:00.001-05:00

Last year I started a Layer Cake QuiltAlong and began making two quilts--one for my mother and one for Sonny's mom. Sonny's mom got sick about this time last year and went to her heavenly home in February. I put the quilt on hold and recently decided to finish it for Sonny and he loves it. Right now, my grandson, Jase, is snuggled in the quilt.

I took advantage of the beautiful fall day to take my photos with Jase's help. The quilt measures 60 X 70. I machine quilted it in an overall pattern. On the bottom border I quilted the name of each of our 10 grandchildren. Grandchild #11 will be here in December but name and gender will be a surprise so will add name later.

Thought I would add picture of Jase and Josie Clare dressed in their Halloween costumes.

Latest Quilt

2011-10-15T19:18:00.001-05:00

This quilt was a wedding gift for my nephew, David, and his wife, Taylor. I made the top a couple of years ago and wanted to custom quilt it but did not feel comfortable quilting it with a sewing machine. So this was my first custom quilt on my longarm. It was so much fun. The quilt was a mystery quilt from Hugs from Helen. This was to be MY quilt. I would pull it out and just look at it. One day I pulled it out and my heart said this quilt belongs to Taylor and David. I hope they enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making and quilting. (Again, my lighting it poor so camera shot is not best.)

2011-10-07T08:14:00.002-05:00

Welcome Fall!

I saw this happy pattern and could not resist. After looking a little on Internet, I realize it is a familiar pattern. Oh, well--I enjoyed learning how to do prairie points. I was pointing out the candy corn to my 4-year old grandson. He studied it a minute and then said, "but that middle one is not candy corn, it's camouflage." Takes a child to see your creations in another light. My one fall creation, next on my list--finish a WIP and make some Christmas items.

Red and White Completed

2011-09-22T09:52:00.003-05:00

My Red and White Quilt from the Red and White 5 inch Square Swap. The beautiful red squares came from all over the world: 37 US States, Canada, Australia, Holland, Scotland, Malaysia, Slovakia, Israel, United Kingdom and Thailand! I loved this swap and making this quilt. My original idea was to make an Irish Chain but saw this quilt made by Sunshine Yellow and asked permission to use her idea.

The quilt measures 68" by 68" and is quilted by me on my new Gammill longarm. This was my first project on the Gammill and I quilted in an all-over flower pattern.

Monday Morning

2011-09-19T08:11:00.002-05:00

This is a gloomy Monday morning from my hill, but no one is complaining about rain. I had a wonderful weekend with my friend, Virginia, and family. I am sharing this photo because it makes me smile when I see it. We were celebrating my SIL's birthday. My husband was at the deer camp, so Virginia and I set out on a 3 - 4 - 5 hour trip--oh, we had a good time. First we met at the Bottletree Bakery in Oxford, MS for "The Help" birthday party. Oh, there were some dressed for the part and they looked so cute. The party was fun. We even had chocolate pie. Then we gathered again for a nice dinner at a local restaurant--hence, the photo below.

In photo is Shirley, SIL; Marilyn, sister; Virginia, friend; Oby, brother; Richard, Nephew-I-L; Jane, niece; Mary Claire, niece; Marianne, sister; James, BIL; and me.

The invitation said "no gifts" so I took the "happy" below. I have been busy and have not had time in my quilt shack so took time and made these potholders. I had so much fun making these and vowed to spend more time this week in my quilt shack. I have a quilt on the quilting frame and must get it finished and another one waiting the frame. Potholder pattern from Pretty Potholder.

Red and White

2011-08-24T22:23:00.001-05:00

Getting ready to quilt my Red and White quilt.

Women of Bible Blocks

2011-08-09T20:22:00.003-05:00

Wanted to post a little about each block but I have gotten way behind so think I will post the ones I have completed. These are 6" blocks and a challenge for me.

This is Hannah's Altar Steps

This is Abligail's basket block

This is for Ruth--Farmer's Wife

Rizpah -- Night Watch

Michal -- Open Window

Queen of Sheba -- Queen's Delight

Woman of Abel -- Save All Ways

This is Woman of Endor -- Wheel of Fortune

Bathsheba -- Whirlpool

Women of the Bible Sarah

2011-07-25T22:42:00.002-05:00

Sarah means "Princess". Sarah was the wife of Abraham and at the age of ninety, she gave birth to Isaac, child of the promise. Her life was not an easy journey. God had promised he would give her a child--but in His time. Sarah, being impatient, took matters into her own hand--as we tend to do. Sarah gave Abraham permission to sleep with Hagar, her Egyptian maid. Ishmael was born. This brought bad relations between Sarah and Hagar. Several years later, the Lord appeared to Abraham and told him Sarah would have a child this time next year. Sarah laughed and the Lord said, "Is anything too difficult for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14).Wow!

One last thought from my study of Sarah--"It is heartening to realize that God accomplishes his purposes despite our frailties, our little faith, our entrenched self-reliance."

This 6 " block is called Sarah's Choice.

My Mug Rug

2011-07-24T21:05:00.000-05:00

Now I have made a mug rug. I really need some around my house for my coffee cup or tea glass. I saw this pattern and tutorial and wanted to make one. The material is from Farmer's Market. This mug rug is about 8 inches.

Tutorial is from Freshly Pieced Blog and also Lily's Quilt.

Women of the Bible Eve

2011-07-24T20:48:00.003-05:00

Since January I have been in an online Bible Study Women of the Bible. We study one women a week and make a 6" quilt block. I have loved the study but have been very challenged making the small blocks. There are very little instructions and I have struggled through each block and you can tell. I may need to make some blocks over but not yet.

I have had a very busy year and have not kept up with all the blocks, but hopefully I can catch up. I will posting a couple of blocks each day for a while. This will be my journal of my study.

The first block I completed is Eve. Right now, I will confess these are not perfect blocks, but nor were any of the women I have studied. Now that I say not perfect--the Garden of Eden was a perfect place with a perfect companion and a perfect relationship with God. Perfect--until Eve throught she could have more. Eve means "Life-Giving".

Thought from Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler: Throughout scripture, God's grace is often most beautifully evident within his judgments.

A scripture: From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16

This block is called Garden of Eden.

Oh, this week we are studying Jezebel--cannot wait to study her life and see how she fit in God's plan.

Layer Cake Quilt Along Quilt

2011-05-14T14:11:00.002-05:00

Here are a few photos of one of my Layer Cake Quilt Along Quilts. I began the quilts a few months ago following a layer cake quilt along on Moose on the Porch blog. One quilt was for my mother and one quilt was for my mother-in-law. Both have birthdays close to Mother's Day. Back in October my mother-in-law became ill and was sick for less then four months. In February she went to be with the Lord. I continued with the quilt along and decided to finish the 2nd quilt for my husband--he is happy with that idea. This is a picture of the first quilt. I have completed all the block for the second quilt but have not put it together.

The material is "American Jane" by Moda. My mom's name is Jane and she is a true American Jane.

Using Scraps

2011-05-02T20:49:00.001-05:00

Been in my quilt shack for a few days trying to finish blocks for two quilts. I have completed the top for one quilt and will be posting shortly. While taking a break from the quilts, I used the left over fabic to make a potholder. Pictures show front and back view. I found the pattern at Oh, Fransson!.

Monday Morn

2011-04-18T07:51:00.005-05:00

Oh, my!!! This video is amazing and so inspirational. It is about a blind quilter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lfaSmDxVZQ&feature=youtu.be

Look what I did this weekend--another monthly wall hanging. This wall hanging is April Showers. Much of the small hanging is paper pieced--lots of little pieces. I think I have done four of these in the last three years. They are fun to do in a short bit of time. One thing--I never seem to make the sleeve on the back large enough for my dowel thus a tight fit and the wall hanging does not hang loosely.

Oh, My!

2011-04-08T11:32:00.005-05:00

Well, it has been a while since I have posted on my blog. It has been that long since I have been in my quilt ~~shack~~ studio. My husband and I spent 15 days of March in Peru. We traveled to the jungle--even had a monkey over my head watching me for a while. We love visiting our friends in San Ramon, Peru.

Here are a couple of pictures of me giving my two friends, Nicole and Kira, a doll quilt. Not sure if they knew what it was. I learned to say doll quilt in Spanish.

Last summer I posted a picture of a table runner I made for Jack's mother. He seemed to like it and asked teasingly for a quilt for his table. So I made him a quilt for his room. Goofy picture of me but this is only picture of the quilt. Just one more comment. The colors for this quilt were inspired by one of Jack's photos -- a photo of a parrot in the jungles of Peru.

Beautiful Day

2011-03-02T19:14:00.001-06:00

I was walking past this tree and the sun was shining just right and I captured this photo with my phone. I just love the blue sky. God is so good.

Reflections of Visit in Michigan

2011-02-10T08:07:00.009-06:00

Last week Sonny and I traveled to Michigan. We were in lots of beautiful snow and enjoyed visiting with my son and his family.

I could not resist a picture of doll quilts in the snow. Skies were cloudy but that did not stop me.

Maggie's doll quilt.

Hannah's doll quilt. I am still enjoying my Accuquilt -- notice hearts and flowers.

Maggie's Doll quilt.

Perfect age for doll bed and doll quilt. Each bed has a mattress and a pillow and pillowcase.

Gabby and Hannah with their doll beds and doll quilts. Grammy and Granddaddy had so much fun with these gifts.

Not to be left out--Andrew and Jacob (making faces) playing with their
Amish toys.

When we left Michigan we traveled in snow from Michigan to Mississippi. This is a picture of Michigan highway.

Always have loved passing through Effingham, IL and seeing this magnificent cross.

Picture of David, Gabby, Hannah, and Andrew at church.

Oh--cannot leave out a picture of this super mom, Betsy, with Gabby.

Baby Quilt

2010-12-29T10:11:00.004-06:00

Below is a baby quilt that has been in the making a while (great niece, Lucy Allen). You would think I have lots of this material but only had 2 charm packs and have made 2 baby quilts and a doll quilt and still have material left. I see another doll quilt on the horizon. :-) I just love this pattern. It is a divided disappearing nine patch. (I made up part of that name.) It measures about 38 inches square.

Oh, I love the material for the back.

Doll Quilt

2010-12-27T22:28:00.002-06:00

Still working on my doll quilts. I have three more to make. Just finished the binding on this one. I used the 6-inch tumbler die with my Go! Accuquilt. I had to try out this die even though it is a too large for a doll quilt. The cutting out and sewing took one hour to complete--total time. I am loving my Christmas present!

Doll Beds

2010-12-25T20:37:00.002-06:00

Dolls beds with doll quilts made for my granddaughters.

Oh what fun my husband and I had with these gifts! The beds were made by high school carpentry students. Then Sonny and I painted them, and I made the quilts. The purple quilt is a disappearing nine patch pattern using 2" blocks that were cut with my "Go" Accuquilt. The blocks were cut from 3 to 4 inch blocks from the stash of my daughter-in-law's mom. She passed away a few years ago and stash is very special. The pink quilt was from part of my stash.

Each doll bed has a mattress and will have a pillow -- I will post later.

Week Before Christmas

2010-12-16T08:21:00.002-06:00

It is the week before Christmas and . . .

Here is a ~~record~~ picture of some Christmas happies--pot holders/hot plate mats.

I used my fancy rotary cutter blade to cut the binding. Then sewed the binding on with a wavy stitch. I liked the way it frames the Christmas tree. (I used my Christmas present from my sweet "Santa"-- a "Go" Accuquilt?)

I had fun with my "Go"--just did not have the time to play.

Bedside Organizer

2010-11-29T12:10:00.000-06:00

My dear mother-in-law is now in a nursing home. She spends lots of time in bed and misplaces her phone and remote and then cannot reach other things. So I decided to make her something to hang on her rails. Not having a pattern really made this more difficult than it should have been. I am still not sure it will work but here is a picture. I am on my way to nursing home to try it out.

Bake Sale

2010-11-12T12:24:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow our church is having a bake sale to raise money for the children of Elim Orphanage in Cusco, Peru. Here is a picture of my contribution.

Idea from Skip To My Lou

Hexagons

2010-11-06T11:17:00.002-05:00

I love hexagons. This has proved to be a lengthy task, but it is great handwork for traveling, doctors' offices, hospital rooms, or just relaxing. Tally: 63-20=43 more to go.

October Wall Hanging

2010-10-23T18:18:00.002-05:00

Just completed my October Wall Hanging. Think I will use it for November, too. The patten called for sewing sides and turning. I really prefer adding a binding and think I my do that if I make another one. I outlined the pumpkin and then stitched in the ditch. I had so much fun using my blanket stitch to outline the stars and pumpkin.

September Wall Hanging

2010-10-04T21:26:00.004-05:00

Yes, I know it is October, but I just finished my September wall hanging. I started to create a monthly wall hanging back in February 2009. Well, this is my second monthly creation. I know I am really behind. I do have an October quilt planned and hope to finish before the end of October. I just do not have any fall material in my stash and will need to go shopping soon.

Let Me Share

2010-09-30T18:12:00.004-05:00

I am sharing a picture of my "new" dining room table. This is the table I shared many meals when growing up. I think my mother grew up with this table, also. Our dining room table sat in a dining room that was at the center of a large home built in 1926. So it was the center gathering place of many meals and many events with lots of friends, relatives, and family. This is where we studied. This is where we worked on projects--whether cutting out dresses to doing science projects. This is where we had family discussions. I cannot imagine how many hours of visiting went on at that table. I can count seven generations of people who sat at this table.

The table is wider than normal tables. I remember my grandmother always saying she could not find table cloths to fit so she just crocheted her table cloths.

Well, I inherited the table from my folk's home. I just love it and know we will continue to enjoy it and maybe make some more memories.

Saturday Fun

2010-09-11T19:27:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I decided to make a doll quilt. Since we had 5 sons in our house, I did not have a doll around. So I purchased a baby doll and then wanted a doll quilt. This quilt is square. When I make another one, I will make it rectangle. I really did not have a plan. If I had a plan, I would not have done pinwheels with such a small piece of material--always learning. I also made a cute little pillow to go with the quilt. Now how fun is that?

Tonight I fixed Chicken Quesadillas, and they are so good that I thought I would share the recipe.

Chicken Quesadillas

2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I cooked 3 chicken breasts)
2/3 cup salsa
1/3 cup sliced green onions
3/4 to 1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
6 flour tortillas (8 inches)
1/4 cup butter melted
2 cup (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
Sour cream and guacamole

In a skillet, combine the first six ingredients. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Brush one side of tortillas with butter. Spoon 1/3 cup chicken mixture over half of unbuttered side of each tortilla. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup cheese; fold plain side of tortilla over cheese. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 475 degrees for 10 minutes or until crisp and golden brown. Cut into wedges; serve with sour cream and guacamole. Yield: 6 (But if have a hungry crew, double the recipe for 6.)

Jelly Roll Quilt Along Quilt

2010-09-10T13:19:00.008-05:00

Well, here is my completed "Jelly Roll Quilt Along" quilt. I really had fun with the quilt along. I enjoyed seeing every one's completed block since each person chose their own fabric. The variations were amazing. Then when these ingenious people began posting their completed quilts, I was in awe. I am one who "colors within the lines" and follows directions. Well, some of the ladies used different layouts and made an entirely different looking quilt. I could just see some of these quilts in the quilt magazines.

I hesitate posting my quilt on Flicker Jelly Roll group with all those beautiful quilts. It is a bit "loud" and greeen. Also, I was reading a discussion group on the Internet and several stated very definite opinions on how they disliked batiks. This is my first time to even purchase batiks, but I just loved the colors in the jelly roll as it appeared on the Internet. So here I am with a loud, batik quilt--but I like it. It is mine and I will enjoy it. Every time I make a quilt, I am asked, "Whose quilt is this one?" This, again, it is my quilt. I bet my grandchildren won't mine playing on it. So here's the quilt.

Oh, I used the left over strips from the jelly roll to make the binding. I love the way the binding looks.

Monday, Labor Day

2010-09-06T11:26:00.005-05:00

I am tired of opening my blog and seeing that block from the Jelly Roll Quilt Along. I have been very busy lately and have not had time for blogging. BUT will post my completed Jelly Roll Quilt soon. I am in the process of quilting it. Have had a really hard time because my machine does not want to cooperate. My thread keeps breaking--cleaned machine, changed needles, changed thread, leveled quilting frame. I am at a loss at what to do next. It is very frustrating. I traveled to the quilt store --now 45 miles away--and bought some more thread and will try that today.

We had a wonderful weekend with lots of family and friends. My mother-in-law is feeling much better and returned to her home today. My #4 son will return to his off-shore job on Wednesday. I will miss having them around.

The weather is beautiful and all is well on our hill today.

God is so good.

Happy Labor Day

Jelly Roll Quilt Blocks --

2010-08-17T13:04:00.004-05:00

Jelly Roll Quilt Along -- last blocks. I finished the last three block for the Jelly Roll Quilt Along. This was fun and, hopefully, will get it put together shortly.

I promise these blocks are square. The problem is my picture taking.

This is block 10

This is Block 11
This is Block 12

Prayer Quilt

2010-08-05T10:41:00.004-05:00

Just completed this disappearing nine patch. I just love this pattern because it makes up quickly. The fabric is by Moda and is lucious. This is a prayer quilt for a dear friend who has been very sick. This quilt measures about 60 inches square.

Close up view of the disappearing 9 patch.

Jelly Roll Quilt Along

2010-07-27T21:00:00.006-05:00

Here are a few more blocks to my Jelly Roll Quilt Along. I am behind on my blocks but will catch up soon. The last block (Block 12) will be out on Monday. Hopefully, I will be caught up by then. I am now making a prayer quilt. I completed the top today and will quilt it on Thursday. Hope I have a picture to post.

Cannot catch a pretty day to take a picture.

Jelly Roll Quilt Block 7--looks like a Christmas Block.

Jelly Roll Quilt Block 8--I think this is yelling at me.

Jelly Roll Quilt Block 9--this does look like the name of the jelly roll -- Island batik

One Modern Granny

2010-07-21T21:05:00.003-05:00

Here is a video of my Mom and sister and father on a TV segment about my mom using technology. In an earlier post I explained about my mother's hearing problem and how we set her up with a wireless network where she uses a netbook and IPod Touch to communicate.

Peru Quilt

2010-07-20T20:22:00.005-05:00

Here is a picture of Jack's (our guide) mom receiving my table runner. I really think she loved the gift. Miss Margarite is a precious lady and I love her and her family. She lives in a "Mayberry" town in Peru called San Ramon. Travel in the town is mostly by motor taxi. Their home is attached to the church. Their church services begin with one hour of singing praises--all standing up. The music is awesome even though I do not know any Spanish.

Table Runner

2010-07-07T08:30:00.005-05:00

Been a while since I have posted anything. We are busy around here. I made this table runner for a dear lady I will be visiting in Peru. I have tried to use some colors from her region. The inspiration came from a picture of a parrot not far from her home. Since the weather is warm year around, I chose to make a small quilt project to be used on end of bed, back of sofa, or table runner. It measures 21" x 46".

Jelly Roll Quilt Along Block 6

2010-05-24T19:20:00.003-05:00

Here is the Jelly Roll Quilt Along Block 6. I have completed Block 7 but day is cloudy and not a good day for pictures.

A Couple of Things

2010-05-17T22:05:00.005-05:00

First, I wanted to share an idea my brother had to help our Mother who is very hard of hearing. We set her up a wireless network and gave her an Ipod Touch and a Dell Netbook. The visitor to my parent's apartment can key the conversation on the Netbook through Google Talk (Instant Message). She will then read the message on her Ipod. We hope to be able to use Google Talk and the Ipod when we call their apartment. She will be able to know what we are discussing.

Then I thought she might need a bag to hold her netbook. I took a 2004 conference bag and added a quilt block to each side to cover the writing on the bag. So here is a look at both sides. It turned out cute. Not so sure about the pictures--my wonderful husband took them in a hurry.

Another Handbag

2010-05-11T16:50:00.005-05:00

While blogging I found a new handbag pattern and just had to order it. It is not a difficult pattern but wish I had centered the print and then matched the stripes on the sides. That is just a reflection on my lack of sewing in the last 30 years. I would have thought about all that 30 years ago. Oh. well, maybe I should stick to quilts.

I made this for my mother-in-law. This handbag has lots of pocket space and is just right size to carry her new netbook. Oh, she now has email and a FaceBook account. In fact, her friend list is growing faster than mine ever did. She has more FB friends than her son/my husband. Her FB friends will soon outnumber my FB friends.

Jelly Roll Quilt Along Block 5

2010-05-02T19:42:00.003-05:00

Here is Block 5 of the Jelly Roll Quilt Along. I was determined to use a red strip. I had a difficult time trying to decide what other material to use. The block always looks so different to me then when auditioning the fabrics.

Jelly Roll Quilt Blocks

2010-04-16T21:56:00.004-05:00

I really got a late start on the Jelly Roll Quilt but have caught up and want to share my blocks.

I am using a fabric called Island Batik. I selected it because I just like the colors. As I made these blocks I used a color wheel, but not sure it helped. I am color challenged. I guess I am a visual person and need colored pictures as I work.

This is block 1.

This is Block 2.

This is Block 3.

This is Block 4.

Block 5 will be posted later this month.

Jelly Roll Quilt Along

2010-03-27T13:12:00.006-05:00

I just ordered my material for the Jelly Roll Quilt Along from The Fat Quarter Shop. I could not wait to undo the fabric and then wanted to make it a jelly roll again. That did not work. I just wanted to make pictures as I quilt along. This is my first step.

Welcome Spring

2010-03-11T20:50:00.004-06:00

This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24.

My yard on a cloudy day.

Micah 6:8

2010-03-09T10:54:00.006-06:00

Finding God's Will--comments and permission to use by Rachel Anne Ridge.

Baby Quilts

2010-02-28T19:21:00.013-06:00

I had a fun but busy week working on TWO baby quilts. I did finish them early Saturday morning before the baby shower 3 1/2 hours away at 2:00 on Saturday afternoon.

A little background--We were in the attic at my parent's home and we found this old quilt. We are not sure how old the quilt could be. It is in pretty bad shape, but we feel it is an antique quilt. When I saw the quilt, I had an idea to use the pattern and make baby quilts for two great nieces to be born in March and April.

Here is the picture of the quilt from the attic.

Here are the two quilt I designed and completed. I call them a crazy patch quilt. The first quilt is fabric by Moda called Birdie. The fabric is so bright and cherry. (Again, my picture taking is sad. The lighting is not so good.) This quilt will belong to Anna Kate.

The second quilt is made from a some fabrics I had but most are Moda fabrics. Some fabrics are from Windham Sweetest Gifts Fabrics. This quilt will belong to Ava Montgomery

You might get a better view taken at the shower.

Signs of Spring

2010-02-23T09:24:00.003-06:00

Thought I would take pictures of my jonquils before another night of cold and maybe snow.

Granddaughters

2010-02-13T17:10:00.005-06:00

These are two of my granddaughters--Gabby (8) and Hannah (7) at their church during Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Gabby is reading Psalm 139:13-16. ". . . I am fearfully and wonderfully made. . ." Hannah is singing "If the stars are numbered one by one, then He knows when I slumbered and life has begun. . ."

Farmer's Market Quilt

2010-02-07T21:15:00.007-06:00

Has anyone seen a quilt made entirely of Farmer's Market material? Well, here is one. I made it for my niece, Ellen, who is a dietician. She advises everyone she can on how to eat wisely. When I saw the material, I knew just the person who might enjoy a quilt made of this material. I did see a quilt made like this, so I duplicated it. The pattern is Turning 20 -- maybe Turning 18 since I used 18 different fat quarters. I hope she enjoys it. The size is 67 by 83.

Now I guess I was playing with taking a picture of my quilt -- so look at this. Am I a complete dork???

Another WIP Completed

2010-01-29T15:27:00.006-06:00

Wow! This month I have finished 3 WIPs. I have a couple of more WIPs to do. One is an antique (maybe vintage) wedding ring quilt top. The other is also an old quilt top made by my husband's grandmother out of old clothes. It has an assortment of fabrics other than cotton. I can show you two of the quilts I finished. The other is a surprise for someone and I must get it in the mail before showing. It is an interesting quilt and not like any I have seen on my blog hopping.

I am always wanting to be more creative in my picture taking but I think I have a lot to learn. This first quilt is "my quilt". My husband went on a school trip to Wyoming--without me. He went shopping at a quilt shop and the wonderful ladies at the quilt shop helped him pick out these fabrics and also the pattern. He bought the material home and said, "Make you a quilt." At the time I was always making quilts for grandbabies. So here is "My Quilt."

My husband capture this quilt blowing in the breeze. I liked the quilt with the sky background.

Sampler Quilt

2010-01-17T14:15:00.004-06:00

I have been working on a strip quilt but ran out of thread on the final border. The local quilt shop (30 miles close) was out of the thread and had to reorder. So I decided to finish quilting a quilt I have had for a while. Years ago, I began by hand quilting it, but it was taking too long--since I never would pick it up to quilt. Anyway, I decided to finish it by machine quilting. I really had fun because I quilted much of it free hand. The quilting is not perfect, but it is my quilt and I love it.

My big, big problem is my wavy border. I think since the quilt has been finished for three years and just being sifted from place to place caused some stretching in the border. Hopefully, the strip quilt will be an improvement on the border. I will post it soon.

Back to this quilt--I saw a similar quilt hanging in one of my favorite quilt shops -- Yoder's in Shipshewanna, IN. On one of my trips up there, I bought the pattern and some 30's fabric. I later bought some more 30's fabric in a shop on the coast of Mississippi. That shop is no longer there after Hurricane Katrina washed it away.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T08:18:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!

May the Lord richly bless each person reading my blog.

Sunday -- Heirlooms

2009-12-27T15:46:00.004-06:00

After spending much time cleaning out the home where I was raised and also, in the same house, my mother was raised, there are lots of wonderful memories. We have found lots of beautiful heirlooms. I found this video by Amy Grant and--at this time--is so beautiful to me. And, yes, my memories and my Savior are more than an heirloom to me.

Sharing

2009-12-10T18:59:00.005-06:00

As earlier posted we have been dividing furniture from our childhood home. My grandmother had some beautiful pieces of furniture and I wanted to share some pictures.

The first was her bedroom suite. My sweet niece has it in her bedroom now. I know she will love and cherish it.

This wardrobe was in my grandmother's bedroom. Her furniture came from Germany many years ago. We have always been told (and amazed) my grandfather moved all this furniture in the back of a small pickup truck from Auburn, Alabama to our home in Mississippi which is about four miles from the Mississippi River. My sister now has this wardrobe in her home. They had just finished putting it back together when this picture was taken--thus the reflection of the ladder chair.

It's Snowing

2009-12-04T21:22:00.003-06:00

It is snowing in south Mississippi. My son and family in Michigan would laugh. I went outside in the cold and made these pictures. The first is a picture of my outside Christmas tree. Looks small--it is 17 feet tall and brightens up my hill. My sweet husband made it for me. It was a challenge to put up; but when my grandson saw it, he was thrilled and just ran toward it smiling. Well, that made all the effort worth it.

Then we wrapped lights around our columns and banister on our front porch. Looking a little like Christmas around here. Next is the inside.

Sharing

2009-12-01T13:57:00.006-06:00

My new furniture--Thought I would share my new piece of furniture--a marble top dresser. Actually, this piece was in my bedroom when I was a child. It belonged to my family and was the dresser that went with the bed my mother was born in. The dresser was given away to a needed family and just in the last few years returned to our family. Since my parents are now living in an assisted living home, I was the blessed recipient of this beautiful piece.

This china cabinet is filled with cut glass and crystal I also received. I had so much fun unpacking and placing it. Every time I look at it, I will be reminded of my dear grandmother and how she loved her cut class and also how many times I dusted it as a child growing up.

Christmas Table Topper

2009-11-18T10:35:00.013-06:00

I finally completed my "simple" Christmas table topper. I had trouble quilting it because my machine would not cooperate. My husband helped me level the quilting frame, and the machine worked like a dream.

Taking a picture of my quilts is a challenge. My favorite place to take a picture is my front porch. I like the sunshine.

Oops! Give credit where credit is due -- this quilt was made from two Moda "Crazy Eights" charm pack and idea came from ModaBakeShop. For the white I am using a sheet from IKEA--which is another story. No IKEAs around Mississippi, but I found one in Atlanta. An IKEA store is a pretty amazing place.

Tuesday Pictures

2009-11-10T10:39:00.005-06:00

Just sharing pictures of two of my GRANDchildren. . .

Can you tell we live in hunting country?

My Latest Project

2009-11-03T20:31:00.009-06:00

This is my latest project. Hope I enjoy my homemade purse. I really added lots of pockets and I think I will love that. This is an interesting bag because it has an removeable tote. That made the construction more time consumming. The verdict is still out on whether I will like this or not. I did learn quite a few things and hopefully if I do this again, it will be easier. The tote measures 12" x 10" x 5".

Thursday

2009-10-30T18:18:00.002-05:00

Oh, what a great day. I kept Josie Clare (4 months) and Jase (2) all day. They were so good and I had a wonderful time with them. My friend, Harriette, sent me a list of quotes and this one caught me . . . "Kids are like sponges. They absorb all your strength and leave you limp. Give'em a squeeze, and you get it all back."

I also have a new button on my blog--Company Girl. I have been seeing this on http://www.homesanctuary.com/ blog which I check every update. I knew Rachel Anne was special and today she introduced her neighbor and friend who is Priscilla Shirer. Wow! Priscilla has done Bible Study video series with Beth Moore and Kay Arthur. Rachel Anne will be blogging for Priscilla. How awesome!

Just one more sharing--the Lord showed us favor on something we have been praying about.

Give Away

2009-10-28T19:37:00.001-05:00

Jackie at Canton Village Quilt Works is having a great GiveAway and sharing her fortune of Moda fabric. Check her out at http://cvquiltworks.blogspot.com/.

Our Trip

2009-10-21T08:01:00.016-05:00

"Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, Thou art very great . . ." Psalm 104:1

Our mission team of 6 returned from Peru on Monday morning after rather difficult plane connections that caused us some stress...but we made it safe and sound.

Our trip is beyond description . . . we traveled over 9,000 miles by plane, bus, motor taxi, beat-up van, new van, train, small taxis, and foot. (How many Americans can you get in a taxi--not as many as Peruvians.) We saw some of the most beautiful sites in the whole world. The mountains were awesome but the people were more than awesome. The Peruvian people are such kind and loving ones.

Our mission team visited the orphanages our small church has funded. Can you imagine entering an orphanage that you have never seen and 29 kids greet you with a hug, kiss, and I love you, Martha. . . with a Spanish accent in English? I have never experienced anything quite so marvelous.

Here is picture of the girls and boys in the girls' orphanage. The boys will have a new building within the next year. The girls' orphanage is named Talitha Koum meaning "Little girl Get Up". The boys' orphanage is named Elim meaning "Oasis".

Puppets . . . remember the puppets I made . . . how much fun! We had Bible School on a basketball court outside the orphanage and invited the neighborhood. On Saturday night we fed hot dogs to more than 200 people. God blessed us every step of the way.

We did get to do some traveling. One of my favorite things to see were the Peruvian women making their crafts. A scarf may take days to complete, and they sell them for just pennies. This is me examining the threads as this lady makes small weaved bracelets. See the awesome view she has as she works. The weather was perfect, too.

Debbie and I were discussing the handmade scarfs.

We then traveled to Machu Pichu. Here is a picture of my husband, Sonny, standing above the ruins.

This is a picture of me as I sit above the miraculous site of the Inca Bridge.

This is just a picture of the clothing of the Peruvian women.

And lastly--our "very reliable guide", Jack. We could not have made it without him.

Our trip was so wonderful. God is a Big God and bestowed blessings every step of the way.

Pillow Case

2009-09-29T08:33:00.003-05:00

As I prepare for my trip to Peru someone said I would need to carry my own pillow. So I bought a small travel pillow and made me a pillow case for it--which I am sharing. I like it so much, I think I will make another one for me and one for Sonny. I have a cool tutorial which makes this so easy to make. I will try to create a picture tutorial to share.

Getting Ready for Peru

2009-09-26T15:35:00.002-05:00

Well, my parents are settled in an assisted living home. They are three hours away but I had a nice visit yesterday. They looked great. While there I went with Mom to a tie-dying workshop. I am not sure who had more fun--her or me. I thoroughly enjoyed being with all my mother's fellow residents. One delightful man named Ross was incrediable at remembering everyone's name. He called me "Maa-tha".

On Thursday and today I have worked on hand puppets to use on our mission trip to Peru. We plan to conduct a Bible School. This will be a challenge since none of us going speak Spanish. We will have our wonderful and faithful guide and interpreter, Jack.

Here are my puppets. I will let the children make the faces with glue on eyes or using fabric paint. The colors are navy, yellow, lime green, red, and green.

Checking In

2009-09-03T20:17:00.010-05:00

Just in case anyone checks my blog--I am very busy these days helping my parents' move to a retirement home. Most of my day is spent at their home.

They will be moving shortly and all of the children and friends hope they will be comfortable. I knew when I first caught sight of the retirement home that I would like it. The house is yellow with white trim and has a front porch with rocking chairs. (They love their porch and rocking chairs. This would be one thing they would have missed.) When entering the home, there is a golden retriever to greet you. Three meals a day prepared by a great chef would be a treat for anyone. Ice cream and coffee are available 24 hours a day. My parents will have their bed made daily, apartment cleaned weekly, and clothes washed and folded weekly. The "positive" list goes on forever. There are some "negatives" like leaving your home and friends, and family. (They have family and friends where they are moving.) My mother has lived in the same house since she was 2 minus 6 years of my early life. They are both being positive and will take a little Mississippi sunshine to their new Louisiana home.

Hopefully in a few weeks I can get back to my quilting. I have so many projects in the works. (My mother can check my blog and hopefully get a glimpse of some completed projects.) Until then, God bless you.

Too Much Fun

2009-08-28T22:27:00.004-05:00

I told you I had too much fun checking blogs. One day I will have an original thought--but not today. I did my own sign.

Street Sign Generator

Blogs -- So Much Fun

2009-08-27T08:51:00.009-05:00

Oh, how I wish I had time to play in my quilt shack! Each morning I check my favorite blogs to see what these ingenious ladies are doing. Now--I want to do all the crafts.

Look what I found this morning:

Make a designer hospital gown. Check this link, too at Skip to My Lou blog. How neat is that?

Make useful items out of ice cream cartons. Cool!

Look at this precious Memo Board. I am going to work on one of these soon.

Make your own Lick and Stick paper -- homemade stickers.

And then for an inspirational thought for the day, I love checking out Rachel Anne. What an uplifting blog!

I will think on these things as I sit on the lawn mower and cut grass--along with my thoughts and prayers of mission trip to Peru, crafts for children in Peru, parents transition into retirement home, grandkids, son's job hunting, learning a few Spanish words, etc.

Wednesday

2009-08-26T13:29:00.003-05:00

Today is a beautiful day outside. Hopefully, it is as cool and nice tomorrow when I cut the yard.

My days in my quilt studio have been far and few between. Lots going on here in the country.

I now have a picture of another tag blanket I made for Josie Clare. Hers has a satin back. Hope the babies will enjoy their tag blankets.

Sew Many Ways

2009-08-18T07:38:00.001-05:00

Sew Many Ways blog has a great giveaway. Check out her blog. Every Tuesday she gives you a cool, inexpensive tool tip--http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2009/08/give-away.html

Another WIP Completed

2009-08-16T18:03:00.008-05:00

In June my Michigan grandchildren visited, and I began two quick projects (dresses) for them--while they were here in the South. Well, now it is the middle of August, and I am just now finishing my projects. We have had a busy summer. Oh, they wanted purses, too. Then I wanted to make a tag blanket for little Maggie.

I am not much on making dresses since my granddaughters are growing and so far away, but I loved making the little purses. They were too easy. I kind of made it up as I went. Really I was thankful for the request for dresses and purses because they said they were going to go back to Michigan and Mammy (other grandmother) could make them circus outfits. I will gladly let her make the circus outfits.

My daughter-in-law, Jaime, said this dress was really "funky". I think that is a compliment.

After Surgery

2009-08-04T13:40:00.006-05:00

See what can be done while waiting for hubby to have surgery. He is doing great and we are so very thankful. God is so good and we are so blessed. (Oh, I just finished two hexagons at the hospital.)

Sunday

2009-08-02T10:09:00.007-05:00

My posts have been slim and few between. I have several WIP and have been working on them in what little spare time I have had.

I wanted to post a project that I have begun, and I can work on this when Sonny is watching "Dirtiest Jobs" or when I travel, take parents to doctor visits, . . . take with me tomorrow when my husband has back surgery. He has been in lots of pain and we are hoping for instant relief.

I love the hexagons. My mother asked how long it would take to make a quilt. I am not sure but know all quilts are "one stitch at a time." Anyway, hexagons are cheerful! (I am using the English piecing method. See tutorial at SewManyWays)

Vacation

2009-07-25T21:34:00.006-05:00

Well, I have been busy the last month and have neglected my blog. This last week Sonny and I went to the Smokies and then to Knoxville to the quilt expo. We had a great, relaxful week.

Here is a picture from our cabin--don't think I need any explanation.

View from My Porch

2009-07-07T15:14:00.006-05:00

I am blog-post happy today. I just had to take a picture of my view. I love the blue sky and a little bit of green after such a wonderful rain yesterday.

Honey Bun Cake

2009-07-07T14:27:00.003-05:00

Today I needed a quick dish to take to someone's house. This is one of my Mother's favorite desserts because it can be used for a breakfast bread, too. I decided to post a recipe and pictures. Hope you enjoy.

1 yellow cake mix (without pudding)
4 eggs
3/4 cup oil
1/3 cup water
8-oz. carton sour cream

Mix above ingredients together, and pour into a 13 x 9" pan.

Mix together 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the brown sugar mix over the cake (pic 1), and take a knife and swirl it over the cake (pic 2), being careful not to touch the bottom of the pan.

Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes.

The glaze consists of whisking 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp. milk, and 1 tsp. vanilla together. Pour over the top of the hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.

This smells so yummy!

Last Week's Meals

2009-07-07T14:08:00.006-05:00

I have taken some time off this past week to enjoy the week with grandkids, Gabby, Hannah, Andrew, Jacob, and Maggie and sometimes Jase. We enjoyed having the Michigan bunch. They are good eaters so meals were not such a chore, and I also had a plan. For future reference, the temperature was close to 100 degrees each day. We have had rain since they have been here but when they were here, no rain for 30 days.

Tuesday
Lunch -- homemade barbeque pork sandwiches
Dinner -- Fried catfish, potatoes, salad, pound cake

Wednesday
Breakfast -- they really enjoyed a variety of Kellog's small cereal boxes. I had also made bran muffins.
Lunch -- Hot dogs
Dinner -- roast, rice/gravy, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, salad, homemade rolls and ice cream dessert (mixture of vanilla ice cream, oreos, and Cool Whip)

Thursday
Breakfast -- pancakes and bacon
Lunch -- picnic at water park with Kentucky Fried Chicken
Dinner -- Gabby's birthday -- hamburgers and the works, birthday cake.

Friday
Breakfast -- cereal again (cereal with sugar is a treat) (I cannot believe I have not fixed this Michigan crew some grits. Oh, well, maybe next visit.)
Lunch -- ham sandwiches and chips -- picnic outside on patio
Dinner -- Chicken spaghetti, corn, peas, rolls, brownies

Prayer Quilt 6

2009-06-23T11:39:00.004-05:00

Here is the latest prayer quilt for a dear lady who has been placed on hospice.

Just a little information about my choice of fabric and design. First, we receive the material and then select a simple pattern. I receive one charm pack of 20 squares from Keepsake Quilting each month. I do not know what material will be in the package and just use what they send to make a quilt. I must add material for borders, fill in, binding, and backing. There are only two of us completing the quilts. I usually cut and iron and Jeri sews. I finish the quilt with borders, backing, quilting, and binding.

PS -- I have a great camera but always use the picture manager to crop and make smaller--so the final photo does not do the quilt justice. The border on this quilt is a soothing shade of pale yellow.

Wedding

2009-06-23T08:01:00.006-05:00

My blog and interests are in quilting, but I have found so many blog friends who are so talented and love working with their hands. I thought I would share this picture with my blog friends. My brother and his wife, David and Marilyn, and his family of 5 children built this home from the ground up with their own hands. This is a picture just days before the wedding. They were still working on the banisters around the porch and steps. My brother is so proud of his real working shutters. The home is beautiful and a wonderful place for a wedding.

Ellen and Ryan's Wedding

2009-06-22T22:00:00.008-05:00

We had a wonderful weekend attending the wedding of my niece, Ellen. My brother and his wife, sisters and husbands, my husband, my mother-in-law, my niece and her husband and I had a great time together as we honored the bride and groom with a rehearsal supper. My brother, Oby, and sister-in-law, Shirley, are so talented, and we just did as we were instructed.

Shirley instructed us on how to fold some cute angel napkins. Then she showed us how to decorate the candle stands. If anyone needs to know how to fold an angel napkin, just ask me, because we ended up folding almost 100. The menu consisted of a cold tomato soup followed with a tiny ice cream cone of sorbet. A buffet was set with grilled chicken, baked potatoes, green beans, and rolls. Dessert was banana pudding. We served about 65 seated guests.

The outside wedding on Saturday was so sweet. The bride was glowing. The bride is quite a cook, so she, her mother, sisters and friends fixed the food for the reception complete with a lemonade stand, an ice cream bar, and tables of good food. They even had a children's table complete with all kinds of outside games and toys.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T08:38:00.002-05:00

Happy Father's Day to all of the guys around me. Sonny is a great father to five sons who are good fathers. We have been blessed with wonderful fathers and grandfathers and father-in-laws who have had a tremendous influence on us. This is our day to reflect on our blessing and thank the greatest Father of all, our heavenly Father.

Grandchildren

2009-06-11T21:12:00.011-05:00

Today is my birthday and I am so very blessed. My wonderful husband prepared me a delicious dinner. My son cut my yard and I had many Happy Birthday wishes. Here are more of my blessings--the rest of my grandchildren--Gabby, Hannah, Andrew, Jacob, Maggie, Nikolas, and Shannon. Jase and Josie Clare are shown in yesterday's post.

Josie Clare

2009-06-09T10:26:00.004-05:00

Josie Clare is here. She arrived at 10:14 a.m. on June 8, 2009. She weighed a little over 8 pounds. Josie Clare and mother are doing great. Big brother, Jase (2), is great. He is staying here with Grammy and Granddaddy and wakes up with a smile and goes to bed with a smile. He is so much fun and doing great. Hope to have a picture to share.

Coin Quilt

2009-06-07T18:02:00.007-05:00

Well, I finally completed the coin quilt. Recently, I saw on Moda Bake Shop a quilt that had a ruffle edge and thought I would add a ruffle to this quilt. I do not think I will do that again. It was a PAIN! However, I have learned how not to do it. Adding the patchwork to the back of the quilt seems to be quite popular. (I saw this on http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/). I used a pantograph for the stippling quilting. I cannot doodle. I tell the story that even as a child I did not color, because I could not make up my mind which color to use. I find the same problem with quilting so I tend to buy charm packs, or copy colors from a pattern, or I get someone at the quilt shop to help me out with color selection.

By the way, the pink material were scraps from two baby quilts I have made.

Pic 1 -- front of coin quilt

Pic 2 -- close up of front

Pic 3 -- back of coin quilt

Another P & S

2009-06-06T10:27:00.006-05:00

Here is another Prayers and Squares quilt. After ties are added, the quilt is presented to the church and members will voice a specific prayer for the recipient of the quilt, and tie a knot. The quilt will be presented to Nancy who is battling effects of cancer.

About the quilt--made from a Moda layer cake, it measures 50" x 50". It is quilted in a 2" arch.

Joining the Binding Ends

2009-06-05T22:02:00.013-05:00

Do you have problems joining the ends of your binding. Well, one of my favorite tasks of making a quilt is finishing with the binding. My only problem has always been joining the ends of the binding. I always had too much material or lumps but never a smooth finish--until I found the following method. I have wanted to prepare a tutorial, and this is my first quilting tutorial. I have not been able to find a tutorial on this subject on the blogs I follow. My tutorial pictures are not as clean as those on other blogs but here goes.

1. When you begin stitching the binding, start in the middle of one of the sides, leaving an 8" tail. Stitch the binding on all sides of the quilt but stop about 10" from where you began. Remove the quilt from the machine.

2. Working on a flat service, pull the binding ends together to meet in the middle.

3. Crease both ends where they meet, leaving a 1/4" space between the ends.

4. Cut one end off at the crease.

5. Measure and cut the second end the binding width from the crease. My binding is 2 1/4" wide so I cut the second end 2 1/4".

6. Now join the two ends with a diagonal seam careful not to twist.

7. Finish sewing the binding to the quilt.

That is all there is to perfect binding. Hope this tutorial helps with your binding success.

One WIP Completed

2009-05-29T16:41:00.015-05:00

Well, I have worked this week trying to finish up a couple of projects before Miss Josie Clare arrives. The first quilt is made from squares Josie Clare's grandmother, Charlotte, cut before her death. Charlotte was a beautiful lady who had a form of dementia and died at age 57. The original blocks were 9 patches. I cut the 9 patches to make a Disappearing 9 Patch. The quilt measures 58 X 58. I am not sure about the light border but I searched hours for some material to match and could not find anything I liked.

This next quilt is a coin quilt that I have seen on lots of blogs, and I have wanted to make one. SO--here it is. I am not finished with binding so will show the final quilt when completed.

Next, I want to show off a gift I received from a friend, Frances. She crocheted a beautiful table topper. I just love it and will treasure it.

Saturday

2009-05-23T15:52:00.009-05:00

Rainy Saturday--Well, I thought today had been a slow day until I realized what I have accomplished. I have washed three loads of clothes, planned Sunday dinner, went grocery shopping, printed bulletins and prayer sheets for church, took Mother her gallon of milk, fixed some delicious Sloppy Joes for lunch, cooked chicken spaghetti for Sunday, and made a Southern Praline Cake. So I have done a few things for a rainy day.

Menus/Meals--Would anyone like help planning menus? Recently I have been following a blog who has a 30-day Meal Plan. I like her plan and also her Excel worksheet where she has created a organized list to help with planning and shopping. Well, my niece recently spoke to a group of busy mothers and gave them a four-week meal plan. This should help us with our menus when we are wondering what to cook.

Projects--I have been working on two quilts this week and also the bag pictured. Find the tutorial on Moda Bake. I made the bag for Jaime, my daughter-in-law, who will give birth to Josie Clare in two weeks. The material for the bag belonged to her mother who passed away a few years ago. Jaime then ordered two more to be made for her sisters.

In a few days I will post a quilt made from the same material.

Tuesday Boating Trip

2009-05-19T21:00:00.005-05:00

This is my precious grandson with his new haircut. He loves a boat and fishing with his dad and granddad. Granddaddy took this picture with his phone.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T16:47:00.006-05:00

We had a lovely day with my mother and mother-in-law. In fact, there were 8 mothers at my dinner table. How blessed we are!!

Here is a picture of my sweet granddaughter, Maggie, and her quilt. I cannot wait until their visit in July.

Strip Quilt

2009-05-03T16:39:00.006-05:00

My wonderful husband just returned from a business trip to Laramie, Wyoming. Would you believe he stopped in a couple of quilt shops? He bought me the quilt material below. I wanted to show the material off. He said this was our quilt and not to give it away. I am including a small picture of the quilt I will be making. A lady at the Snowy River Quilts designed the quilt. It is a "strip" quilt.

Show and Tell

2009-05-02T16:03:00.011-05:00

Well, my quilting week is over and, as usual, I did not get all I wanted to do completed. BUT here is what I finished.

First, I needed to complete a prayer quilt. I have not tied the quilt yet, but will get that done this week to be presented to church next Sunday for prayers and tieing of knots. (Prayers and Squares). By the way, I used a package of 20 ten inch squares. I had to add a few cream colored blocks to make the quilt about 45 by 55. The next problem is I could not find material that suited me for the binding--so--I binded with black. I was not happy about this. My stash is small and I spent two hours in the quilt shop trying to match material to the quilt. I thought I had the right binding but when I got into the sunlight, the color just did not work.

Want to see my quilting? I am limited in quilting but am practicing and kind of like the results.

Now, I have also completed my granddaughter's quilt and got it in the mail. Here are a couple of pictures plus a picture of my quilting. I quilted this using my Bernina setting #4 and really liked the results.

Quilt Week

2009-04-28T07:48:00.003-05:00

This week I am spending everyday quilting. I began machine quilting on a Prayers and Squares quilt. I hope to finish today. Then I finished Maggie's quilt and will get it in the mail to her later this week. I love the quilt, and want to keep it in Mississippi a while longer before sending it to Michigan. :-) I am also beginning a baby quilt for Josie who will be born in June. Pictures and stories later. The weather was cloudy yesterday and dark this morning--so not picture taking weather.

Later--I'm off to the quilt shack.

Quilt Show

2009-04-18T18:30:00.008-05:00

I want to share some pictures with you taken at the quilt show today. The two ladies who made these quilts are very special people, and I admire them both.

This happens to belong to my friend, Janet. She does not use a sewing machine--so all seams are by hand. She also hand quilted it. She won 2nd place Viewer's Choice.

If she doesn't mind, I am going to show a quilt she has been working on for ages. It is also hand sewn and hand quilted. It is beautiful.

This next beautiful quilt was designed, sewn, and quilted by my friend, Barbara. The pattern sold commercially. Barbara teaches classes at the local quilt store.

Tax Day

2009-04-15T16:25:00.003-05:00

Oh, woe is me--this is tax day. I would rather spend my money on fabric but

Then He said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.” Matthew 22:21 (NIV)

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T06:46:00.003-05:00

"Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead' . . ." Matthew 28:7

Easter Dress

2009-04-08T21:30:00.005-05:00

Here is an Easter dress for another granddaughter, Shannon. Her favorite color is pink. Sure hope it fits and hope I can get pictures with her wearing it.

4 WIP Completed

2009-04-07T19:19:00.011-05:00

As promised here are pictures of four of my completed projects which were mailed today to my grandchildren 900 miles away. I completed two similar panel quilts but only showing picture of one. On one of the Cars quilts I tried to do a binding by sewing to back and bringing forward and top stitching. Not sure I will try that again because it looked really sad, and I take pride in my binding. I also got to practice my stippling. I am going to need more practice but had so much fun learning.

The skirts are for two of my granddaughters. The blue is a size 10 and the pink is size 8. The pink skirt is completely lined. I hemmed it using the Bernina blind stitch foot, but I could sometimes see too much thread on the top. The blue was cut on bias so I used a serger to hem and then turned under and top stitched. I used a new top stitch foot for my Bernina that really made the hem look good.

So each project was a learning experience -- some very challenging and some that did not turn out to my expectations. Oh, well, I had a good time and hope they will enjoy my happys.