Fernleaf Lane

Itty BittyLil.......

2012-01-13T19:02:00.001-05:00

While on retreat this pass weekend I finally finished all the blocks for my New York Beauty I started 4 years ago. One of my New Years resolutions is to finish this quilt.

It is now on my design wall awaiting for the next step.

Also on retreat I found out where to get a Itty Bitty Lil Twister Tool.

Received it on Wednesday.

Above are my graphed out design plans.

Here is where I found it.

And here is my first finished Itty Bitty!

9 by 9

Getting in the Christmas spirit...

2011-12-03T17:01:00.000-05:00

Today found Ashley (DD) and I at the NC Farmers Market off I-40 & Sandy Ridge Road.

Every year for the past 5 years

(usually the 1st weekend after Thanksgiving)

we go to the Hummingbird Hill Farm booth to get our Christmas wreaths.

They had just pulled up with a trailer

load of freshly made wreaths.

After 45 minutes (or more) we finally made our minds up and purchased our wreaths.

This is the one picked out.

If you have not gotten your wreath I highly recommend the drive to Greensboro to get yours.

They have never disappointed us.

Thursday evening I met my brother & his wife in Old Salem for the Christmas Candle Tea in the Single Brothers House. This is something the three of us have done for many years. Brother always looks forward to the Moravian sugar cake & coffee.

My favorite part of the evening is the last stop of the tour. The Christmas Putz.

Being of German descent, I have always enjoyed the viewing of the Old Salem scene and the Nativity.

When I was a small child my parents would take us "UP home" to Grandma & Grandpas in Shrewsbury, PA during the holiday vacation.

I always looked forward to into their living room.

Because, there in the far corner of their living room would be this huge cedar Christmas tree all decorated and under it would be a scene. Grandpa would make miniature houses, barns, farm animals, sledges and people during the year and at christmas he would make this beautiful "putz" . Each year there would something new that had not been there the year before. Friends and family from near and far would visit their home to see Grandpas handy work.

This has always been one of my favorite memories. What is one of yours?

Last tailgating of the year.......

2011-11-29T22:02:00.000-05:00

This is proof I finally made it to a Wake Forest football game this year!

The kids were with us also.

Looking for...

2011-11-20T21:18:00.002-05:00

Does anyone out there in blog land have the January/February 2011 issue of McCall's Quilting magazine?

I am interested in getting the directions for Susan Guzman "Architectural Gem" quilt.

I think Kaffe fabric would look great in this pattern.

2011-11-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

Cough, Cough, Cough!

Hack, hack, hack!

Please make me better?!?!?

I usually don't get on a soap box......

2011-11-09T19:12:00.002-05:00

I usually don't get on a soap box......

BUT today will be an exception!

This morning I went to our LQS to conduct the finally Serger Mastery Machine class

of the series of three that I teach.

(They say at SO, that I am the Serger Queen... but by the end of the classes my hope is that there are more Serger Queens in the area)

I walked in, checked the sign up book to see I had 2 students. :)

(Which I feel is the perfect number! Too many things can go wrong with a serger (student). You know 9 times out of 10 any thing that goes wrong with a serger is user error.)

I set up my classroom for two, get supplies out for two, etc., etc., etc.

(Remember two is the magic number.)

The students arrive early. I ask them to thread their serger for a 4-thread overlock.

(Which they do beautifully... they practiced :) )

We are on time starting.

I begin giving them directions for the first sample they will be doing....

Now mine you class starts at 10 am.

We open our doors at SO 30 minutes early to allow students into the building to set up,

so class will start on time.

It is now 15 minutes after we begin and we are on a roll....

In comes a student complaining that she got behind a

Haz-mat truck and that is what made her late.

My response was, oh I didn't know you were even coming ..... you didn't sign up before hand.

Her reply...." I thought I could just show up.

I said..... "What if the class was canceled due to no one signing up, you would have gotten here and there would not have been a class."

So I stop, set up another table, get her a chair, find a pillow for her to sit on and

wait for her to thread her machine.

After 30 minutes of her not getting the machine threaded (she did not practice)

remember I have 2 students, who were on time and waiting to continue.....

I make her stand up so I can thread it for her.

It is now 11 am. One hour behind schedule!

So-o- the point of this post is...

1. Please sign up ahead of time for the classes you want to take.

Lots of times teachers will cancel a class if there is only one student.

Teachers need to know how many to plan for.

2. Be early and ready to go on time!

There I said it all. I feel so much better.

Have a good night.

And thanks for listening.

2011 Fall Retreat

2011-11-07T10:15:00.001-05:00

This past weekend found me

(and 17 friends from all over North Carolina)

in Montreat, NC.

Salem Stitcher does all the leg work getting and setting up our little cabin in the woods. It is suppose to be a quilting retreat.....but it turns into a period of catching up with old (and new) friends who have not had time to sit and be girls. Our everyday lives and responsibilities prevent us from doing this.

Here Quiltkemosabe, Ms. Goodneedle & Pat are focusing on their catching up. (with a glass of wine of course)

Of course there was fabric flying right and left between our catching up, also runs to the local quilt shops, lunch in Biltmore Village, Starbucks, hikes up a mountain and the list goes on.

Here is one of three projects I worked on. There is still 64 flying geese to be made for the border.

The Fancy Feather birds are now together in one place. It too lacks the final border. This will be the first UFO from the weekend that will be finished.

Sorry there is not a picture of the project I did get finished. The battery in my camera died. But the battery is in its charger so in the next day or two there may be a picture of it.

Again I want to thank Salem Stitcher for all her hard work setting up this wonderful time away with the gals!

It has been a while........

2011-09-25T15:58:00.003-04:00

It has been a while since I last posted.....

Much water has rolled over the dam so to speak...

May - NC Quilt Symbolism..

June - Added a pool to the back yard...

July - I attended Bernina University in San Antonio, Texas

(learned a lot and enjoyed the company of the gals from the shop who also went)

August - 6 days in Key West, Fla.

( a really good time, had by all who went, but was it HOT)

September - the month from h---!

But after Tuesday morning and minus one body part (gall bladder) I hope October will be better!

This past week while trying to pass the time until Tuesday,

I began working on these little birds

Are they not the cutest Birdies ever?

Hopefully I will be able to get all the embroidery finished in the next week or so, so I will be able to get the quilt together at our up coming Fall retreat :D

Wish me luck!

Project in progress.......

2011-05-20T21:24:00.005-04:00

A couple weeks ago, I treated myself to class

at Sew Original
with Susan Edmonson.

It was her "Winter Nights, Spring Morning" class.

There were 4 of us in the class. We each used different color fabrics for our backgrounds. I was the only one to use colors that depicked a landscape.

It now hangs on my design wall, waiting for borders and the final placement of a few more birds.

(One more UFO that needs to be completed)

14 Days and counting..........

2011-04-17T19:20:00.004-04:00

It has been 14 days since I last posted!

But have I been busy.

This was the project I was working on in the last post. To give you an update.....

the Frixion pen marks have not returned ........ 14 days and counting.

I used Tsukineko inks and Fabricon pens to paint my creation AFTER quilting the project.

And there might be another one in the works.

$5 Quilt from Sew Original is now finished! Quilted by Gina Boone

Now we are down to the latest project.

About 2 weeks ago, Ms Goodneedle and our Pastor asked me to make a

Wedding banner for our church.

Yesterday I finished it,

tomorrow I take it to Pastor.

Easter is fast approaching.

May you all have a

Happy Easter.

Long time no post!!!

2011-04-03T15:16:00.005-04:00

I can't believe I haven't posted for 3 months!!!!!

Christmas, New Years, Valentines, St. Paticks day, & April Fools have come and gone

(l-o-n-g- g-o-n-e)

I have tried the new Frixion Ball Erasable Gel Pen.

It's great

Draw with It!

Stitch the design! Iron It!

And it's gone!!!!!

Now the real test begins....

Does it last!!!!!

Mistletoe And Wine

2010-12-16T09:55:00.001-05:00

Spreading the sounds of the season

2010-12-15T11:32:00.001-05:00

Let's spread the joyous sounds of the season.

Jingle Bells by Ricky Tims

2010-12-13T09:27:00.001-05:00

Quilters DO have a sense of humor!!!!!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Irish Tenors are coming to town.......

2010-11-28T20:14:00.001-05:00

Hubby and I have a date night coming in the future!

We have tickets !!!!

Can't wait......

Great White Hunters Are Home

2010-11-18T19:32:00.006-05:00

This past Thursday DH & DS flew to South Dakota for a fun filled

weekend with "The Boys".

It was the annual pleasant & quail hunting trip that their boss gets up for

a few employees & customers.

Their destination was the Thumbleweed Lodge in

Harrold, South Dakota.

Here they are standing behind the birds from Friday mornings shoot.

Just a close-up of all the birds.

They got home Monday night, tried, but full of great memories. You ask DS about the

hunt and all he can say is "awesome".

(It was his first experience at a nationally known hunting lodge)

And guess what was on our doorsteps Tuesday evening when I got home?

A box of 164 dressed pleasant breasts.

So I guess we will be eating pleasant this winter and some will be shared

with friends & family.

Two More Great Weekends

2010-11-10T17:45:00.010-05:00

(Gee, I started this poster 4 days ago....maybe I'll get in finished now.)

Two weekends ago DH and I went to Asheville for a few days of R & R. It was a well desired treat to ourselves after the wedding. We stayed at the Grove Park Inn and had a great time. Of course we went into Biltmore Village for a little shopping and down town to "Topps" (a great shoe shop).

Our last night at the Grove Park we ate on the Sunset Terrace for supper. This is the view facing out from the open air porch.

Here we are after the sun went down.

The weekend after, I traveled back up I-40 to Montreat, NC for a quilting retreat.

There were 21 women total.

We pieced, laughed, talked, pieced, laughed and talked some more.

Designer Stitches came in Saturday morning to join us.

Quiltkemosabe got a few paper-pieced stars for the LQS block of the month finished.

LP got her LBB's all sewn in rows and attached to a quilt she has been working on for over 6 years. Was she happy to have it finished.

All in all everyone had a great time and no one would believe how many

quilts got completed. There are two quilt shops in Montreat, so of course,

there where trips to them to see what fabrics we could find. Some even made more than one trip. Also a few drove into Asheville to the quilt shop near Biltmore Village.

Quiltkemosabe & I even ate lunch in the village on Saturday after

visiting the

quilt shop.

Looking forward to the trip up the mountain in the spring for the next retreat.

Memories from a month ago.....

2010-11-08T17:53:00.004-05:00

Just a few of my favorite pictures that I took October 9thMr & Mrs Fogle
Bridesmaids on the way to the church......

Rehearsal dinner with the cousins.........

Dad walking her down the aisle

(this made me tear up a little!)

And purple shoes....

What a great weekend.

Long time no Post!

2010-10-11T09:44:00.009-04:00

Things here on Fernleaf Lane can now get back to normal.

The day after my last post DH, DS & wife and DD & boy friend went to Asheville

for "Christmas at Biltmore"

After dinner in the Stable Resturant and doing the candle light tour of the house, Allen dropped to his knee on the front steps of the house

and asked Ashley to be his wife, with all of us watching.

Of course she was surprised and said YES!

So-o-o there has been dress shopping, contacting vendors, cake tasting, etc., etc., etc

to be done.

Portraits to be made (one of many shots), a ceremony to be planned and the list goes on and on. And of course I have been sworn to secrecy.
But now I can introduce.......
Mr & Mrs J. Allen Fogle!

What am I thankful for.....

2009-11-26T20:04:00.003-05:00

What am I thankful for.....family and friends

May you all out there in blogland have a safe & restful

Thanksgiving holiday.

Dixie Classic Fair

2009-10-10T10:04:00.007-04:00

Fall has officially arrived! The Dixie Classic Fair is in town.
Last night Speed Racer, DS & I went to the fair.

We walked the Midway, saw the animals, listened to country music in the Yesterday Village, walked through the Flower show (one of my favorites), saw the quilts and other arts & crafts, watched the 4-Her's with their animals (Happy Birthday 4-H) saw relatives & old friends

and ate!

My favorite is Cotton Candy.
m-m-m-m-m
If you haven't been to the fair. Time is quickly running out.
You better hurry, it's over tomorrow.

I've been busy as a bee!

2009-10-05T09:07:00.005-04:00

I've been busy as a bee since last posting.

While using the embroidery option of my sewing machine to quilt this quilt.......

I made this "Mini Bow Tuck" bag. The first of December I will be teaching this bag at the LQS where I work.

It is now hanging in the shop.

(I like it so much, I made a second one (different fabric)to carry now. I couldn't wait till after the class.

And.....................

This bag , "Silver Handle" bag by QuiltsPlus. It's a cute little bag for ME. I really like this pattern. It is a quick little bag. The great thing is you can make as many different bag forms and change them at will to match your outfit. The frame is changable. I have the larger verison of this bag and really enjoy carrying it.

And last night I put the finsihing touches on this table topper.

"Holiday Happenings"

This also is for the LQS as a sample for another class

I will be teaching at

the end of this month.

I used the

Cedar Canyon rubbing plates and

paintstiks to make each of the

blocks.

The corner motifs where made by me to go with the rubbing plate designs.

Now that I have ALL my shop samples complete...

I have a few UFO's to complete..

m-m-m-m ............. which one do I do first!

I have been inspired!

2009-09-24T12:10:00.014-04:00

I have found a new group of toys to play with from Cedar Canyon Textiles. I didn't get to go to Bernina University this past summer. :( But those who did from the shop came back with a LOT of new information. One of the big rages at BU were "Paintstiks on Fabric".
So the first conversation from those who went to conference upon returning went something like this...
"M" you need to get up a class using these products, they are just up your alley. They were demonstrated there and EVERYONE was excited about the finished projects. They were just

Beau-ti-ful!

So I have experimented with them. And they are fun to work with. You can get very interesting effects with them. A little on the messy side....but who doesn't like a little mess every once in a while?

The paint sticks come in Matte & Iridescent colors. (Of course I'm an Iridescent color gal!) However the Matte sticks come in a wider variety of colors. But have no fear....there is an Iridescent Blender that can transform the matte colors into Iridescent wonders.

Using the 2-hour Paintstik Lesson plan the"girls" got at BU....here are the results with the first experience with them. CCT has rubbing plates in 7 different designs ( curves, Op art, leaves, triangles,garden flowers, floral fantasy and Holiday Happenings) Fun, fun, fun. Beside doing rubbings, you can use pre-made or make your own stencils.

Then I got down the the nitty-gritty and did their "Leaves" pattern for the next project using Paintstiks.

Here are 3 of the 6 blocks I made.

Ginkgo Leaf,

Maple leaf,

and the beginnings of the Oak leaf.

The pattern calls for making the blocks into a 27" x 40" quilt, but being the rebel I am, I choose to make 2 table runners for my dining room table & buffet.

Ah-h-h, I think they turned out right pretty! Don't you?

(And....Yes, I am going to teach this class in October.)

Now I'm off to finishing my next Paintstik project....Holiday Happenings. Pictures to come later.

Have a great day!

Busy-busy summer!

2009-09-04T12:29:00.002-04:00

I can't believe the blogging bug has passes me by. The pass few weeks of summer has flown by. It has been busy here on Fernleaf Lane. Working at the shop has taken up a lot of my time. There have been 2 of the girls out with health issues and how another has left for a teaching job in Gastonia. I am happy for her, but sad for the shop. With three employees out all the rest of us has had to pick up the extra days & hours they worked. Hopefully soon those at home recoping will be back this us.
I have been able to spend a week at the beach with DH, and the DD & SnL and DS & DnL AND the granddog! We had a house full.
I had to get a new computer and have not had time to download and pictures, so this is a pictureless post. Just wanted to let everyone know I am still here, just busy!
Hope you all have a great Labor Day Weekend. (And I don't know to go to the shop ALL weekend! So excited to having some MY TIME.)

L-O-N-G overdue......

2009-07-13T16:16:00.005-04:00

Where to begin! The month of June has come & gone......and the middle of July is here. Where oh where has the time gone? It has been busy ...many projects completed . Here are only a few.

The quilt to the left started out small, but while some of the blocks were up on my designer wall DD came in and fell in love with the fabric and arrangement I had designed. So-o-o-o I was asked to make it Queen size for her extra bedroom. She plans on displaying it on the bed her Nana gave to her. The pillow shams are to be made from the brown & blue floral stripe fabric with large purple cording . I have named this quilt "Ashley's City Blooms" after the name of the fabric line. I designed the quilt from scratch, no pattern.

This is for two future classes I will be teaching in the next few weeks at the LQS where I work. The first being a Machine Crazy Patch technique class using Bobbin work for the fancy stitches.

Then the second class is making the

"Big Steel Ball Frame Purse" by Quilts Plus. My idea was to have a project that those who take my MCP techniques class or the Machine Needle Felting techniques class could use their samples as the front of the bag.
DS asked me to make a needle-point belt for him. (Our children really know how to get us to do things for them!) So-o-o-o, I began the belt for him. After about a week he decided I wasn't getting it finished fast enough, so he asked me to show him how to needle point. I did and the rest is history. He has completed all the stitching and is now waiting for it to come back made up into his belt. I am so proud of what he has done and surprised.

This is a baby gift that was given to my daughter-in-laws sister who is expecting her first child in August. Other goodies in the bag were burp cloths, small changing pad quilt to match the bag and other goodies for the traveling baby.

Also the end of June found the family at VIR for the Sold Cup which DH raced in. Here he is getting buckled into his car prior to the start of one of his races. (He finished 2nd in his group)

Also Memorial Day weekend found DD and I in Asheville for a girls only overnight. Shopping and the Biltmore House were on the agenda. The gardens at Biltmore were beautiful.

There were other projects started , but not complete...

(surprised that they aren't finished...I am not) I have got to finish each project before starting a new one. Also what would help is not signing up to teach a class unless I have a completed sample. (I promise myself every newsletter that I won't do it again......but oh well.....it doesn't happen!

Just had to share!

2009-06-04T15:27:00.003-04:00

Back in the winter DHubby , B-I-L and other close friends did the male bonding thing and went to Arkansas duck hunting. Here is a video of pictures taken on the trip. Why anyone wants to get up early in the morning (well before sun rise) and stand out in the COLD is not what I call fun. But I quess being a North Carolina "boy" doesn't mind the hardships of duck hunting. Enjoy!

May is going by fast...........

2009-05-22T10:58:00.005-04:00

This has been a busy month. The past three days found me participating in a Bernina 830 machine mastery class. Those of you who have not experienced this machine need to go by their local Bernina shop and give this machine a try. The things this machine can do is endless! The educators are still discovering new things it is capable of doing.

(This post may not make sense when I finish. I've been to the eye doctor this am. They dilated my eyes, and I am having trouble focusing! I am looking through a fog.)

This month I taught a Reversible III class at the LQS. Here are two of the finished blocks. The first is the block using very traditional fabric, and the second is done with batiks. Two very different looks.

Also the class schedule for the LQS is finished for the next newsletter. I need to get the class sign-up book completed and then ALL will be finsihed for another 3 months! I'm always glad when I have this behind me. Coming up with new classes can be a little crazy.

I have been busy working on a quilt for my daughter, (pictures to be posted after it is quilted (hopefully next week). Also one of the local quilt guild I belong to, had a lady come an show the "Square in a square" technique. Of course I had to try this method out, and those pictures will soon be posted also. I really need to learn to stay focused on ONE project, start to finsih, before starting a new one. There are TO MANY UFO's lying around my sewing space.

I and DD are planning a short trip to Asheville for a girls only weekend. Neither of us have been to the Biltmore House in a long time. Can't wait to see the new rooms that have been opened to the public since the last time we were there. Also the Biltmore Village shops are on our list to visit.

May all in bloggerland have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Summer is offically here!

Hoofin' 4 Hooters

2009-05-03T13:21:00.006-04:00

Early yesterday morning, I and DD met up to go to

Old Salem for the

"Race for the Cure".

The day started out sunny and cool, but before we reached the staging area for the race , it had clouded up and became very humid.

The race organizers held the race up for about 15 minutes to allow late comers to register for the race. They had hoped for 10,000

runners/ walkers, and they got their wish.

This is how far back we were from the start line.
It took us..............

10 minutes to get to the starting line after the race started.

And 1 hour, 2 minutes and 57 seconds later (minus the 10 minutes it took to get to the start line) we crossed the finish line.

Needless to say when I got home, I spend part of the afternoon out in the screened porch laying on the couch !

I walked in memory of friends (Shirley & Suzanne) I have lost and family (Lynda) who is a survivor.

Everyone there,

for whatever reason

was there for a great cause!

I hope to be there again next year.

Oh and I forgot

2009-04-26T17:56:00.003-04:00

Oh, I forgot....

My quilt "a Tribute to Mother"

won a blue ribbon at the Kernersville Quilt show last weekend!!!

So much to share....

2009-04-26T16:54:00.006-04:00

Oh I have so much to share.

The past 3 weeks have been busy, busy busy!

First, today our church (Augsburg Lutheran) honored its pastor (of twenty years) with a luncheon following our service today. A quilt made by the Quilting Ministry, a scrap book filled with twenty years of memories, and a stole made by the children of the church depicting their favorite bible story were presented to him.

Mrs. Goodneedle was asked by the Youth director to make it for the children to give to him. She then asked me to help with the layout and construction techniques.
(I feel very honored to have been asked)

Here I am with the finished stole

(That cute little fury pup is Hannes. He had to give his approval too)

And here is Mrs Goodneedle with the stole also.

We are both very proud of the finished project.

Pastor Wren seemed pleased and surprised also.

Here the stole is in the construction stage. There were 23 4-inch pictures we needed to use in the stole.

Second, Mr H. P. Ueltschi, President of Bernina International AG

visited the LQS where I work part time.

The week prior to his visit had us cleaning the store top to bottom.

(In the above picture you can see Mrs. Goodneedle talking to him.)

Here Shirley & Melinda (co-owners of the shop)are presenting him with a gift basket full of goodies from the area.

He visited with four Bernina shops in North Carolina. He even brought us some Swiss Chocolate....m-m-m-m!

Thanks HP!

And thirdly, DH raced at VIR Easter weekend!It was a good weekend of racing. He improved his lap times by 4 seconds AND
the car came home with no broken parts!
Now things, I hope, will slow down. I still have a list of things that need to be finished and a few things that need to be started.
1. Samples for Kids Camp to finish
2. Fabric to cut for an upcoming class
3. Completion of a bed spread/comforter for DD
4. Classes & newsletter articles for the upcoming Sew Original Newsletter.
5. And whatever else might need to be done...
house work, exercise, rest, etc., etc. etc.

Purple Frustration

2009-04-01T09:36:00.004-04:00

"Purple Frustration"

It is finally finished! Some would not call this a UFO, but I have been working on this Reversible III Quilt since the Staff Retreat in February.

Many (almost) tears have been shed over this quilt.

I have never been as frustrated with something I have work on,

as I have with this project.

It is a quilt as you - go technique - which I usually enjoy. But it did not go smoothly. After finally getting the second, or third block put together, I finally got the bugs out of the process of making it. However 18 blocks later (& I only needed 12), I could not find 12 blocks I was truly satisfied with. So off to the LQS, to find out there was no more of the fabric for the back of the blocks available! I therefore had to complete a project I did not feel as my best work. But I guess in time --- and they say "time heals" all things ----maybe, maybe , maybe

I'll get over my frustration with this quilt!?!?!

(Hope so - because I really like the fabrics and colors I used.)

A Tribute to Mother

2009-03-18T20:48:00.007-04:00

I would like to introduce everyone to my mother, Melba Merritt. She was there for me threw thick or thin. A day did not go by that she did not let me know how much she loved me. The last few years of her life she suffered with diabetes, congestive heart problems and the list goes on. But she never complained.

After she passed away, the family had to go threw all the "stuff" she, Dad and 3 kids had collected over 50 years in our home. Mom was a pack-rat. She had report cards, pictures, magazines, dried flowers .....anything she thought she might need.

While going through her quilting things, my sister placed 12 of mothers' blocks she had made in the trash. I went behind her and put them out of the trash. Mother was a craftier, a flower show judge, a knitter, a hand quilter...the list goes on and on.

This is the quilt, I placed those blocks into. These blocks date back to the mid 80's. I believe they are the earliest form of what we know as a

"Stack and Wack".

Each of mother's hand stitches were evenly spaced and stitched. She took much pride in her hand work.

After completing the quilt top, a dear friend, Kay Preston, offered to quilt it for me. Mother loved birds and butterflies. As you look at Kay's beautiful quilting you will find them intertwined in the feathers, leaves and bubbles.

Mother would be so proud of this quilt. But not as proud as I am for being able to pass her blocks on to her grandchild.

I love and miss you Mom.

Just a few more.....

2009-03-03T20:29:00.003-05:00

Here are a few more from the

Mid-Atlantic Quilt Show..

Each

Special

It's own way!

More eye candy.....

2009-03-02T12:01:00.006-05:00

Just a little more eye candy for those who did not get to

The Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival.

This is a detail of.....

This!

It is raw edge applique with

wonderful thread painting to show

the details of the leaves and pea pods.

More Trees from a different perspective.

Ah-h-h-h-h..... the quilting was unbelievable.

This is the back ,

and this is a front detail

of this!

This is a whole cloth composition.

Another abstract compostion that is pleasing to the eyes. Love the placement of colors and shapes that were used to create it.

Hope you enjoyed the show. I have pently more pictures to share.

Just a few.....

2009-03-01T17:34:00.008-05:00

Here are just a few of the fabulous quilts I saw at the
Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival.

There were about 17 different Special Exhibitions from Quilters all over Virginia, as well as the Juried Competition Quilt Show.

I especially enjoyed the

Black & White Challenge.

"My World in Black & White Revisited".

Then there were the trees.

I'm not sure of the title for this group.

Each tree is from a different perspective.

This is a tree that is

shown in the four seasons

of the year.

And the quilting was unbelievable. I was

amazed at what could be done with

cloth, thread & needle.

This New York Beauty also caught my eye.
"Name That Tune" is the name of this challenge. Each participant chose a song title, then with fabric, thread and needle they created their version of the song.
Can you guess the title of this song?
"Ring of Fire"
The artist name her quilt "Radiant Fire"
One day I hope to have my
New York Beauty finished.

Over the next few days I am planning to
share more of these beautiful
pieces of art.

Look where I am.....

2009-02-27T09:28:00.002-05:00

Look where I am...... Mrs. Goodneedle & Quiltkeemosabe invited me to travel with them to Hampton, Va for the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival.

My first experience!

So much to see.......

This and

this................... lead to.................................

to this.
More to come later.

Just a few..

2009-02-23T10:37:00.005-05:00

Just a few more pictures from the Shop Retreat.....

Faye and her all day Oti-light pouch..

Cathy and a block she worked on......

Jeannie and her quilt of circles.Shirley with one of her quilts........

and here Jane, Holly, Shirley and Sheila just talking....... We did a lot of this.

(Oh, I forgot the plumber finally showed up today)
:) :) :) :) :)

Shop Retreat at Magnolia Manor B & B

2009-02-22T20:36:00.005-05:00

Early Friday morning found 10 of the employees from

Sew Original

in Winston Salem & Boone on their way East toward

Warrenton , NC.

After lunch at "The Hardware" in downtown Warrenton,

we arrived at the

Magnolia Manor Plantation B & B
(www.magnoliamanorbnb.com)

for a fun filled weekend of sewing and most of all just being girls.

After everyone arrived we presented Sheila (the owner & quilter, herself)

a quilted banner made by all of us.Last year after our retreat, I suggested we all make Sheila a wall hanging. I designed & constructed the center panel,

everyone else paper pieced a civil war block for it. After all blocks were made, I took all the parts home and put it together. Gina Boone , then quilted it for us. Here we and Sheila are with her new wall hanging.

I worked on many things, but didn't seem to get very far with any of them.

A block from "Aunt Millies Garden"

(I have chosen to machine applique my garden)

Dog Collars
and the girls modeled them for me!

(They were all howling with pride over their new collars.)
I also worked on blocks for another reversible quilt I am working on. This one from the "More Reversible Quilts",
and blocks
for a quilt found in "StrataVarious" by Barabare Persing & Mary Hoover.
It was a great weekend and one we all remember for many years to come.

Still waiting....

2009-02-18T09:18:00.004-05:00

All plumbers, electricians, and repair men

work on one schedule and one schedule only!

LATE!!!!

Last week I had garbage disposal problems. So I called the plumber, as DH tried to fix it himself. The plumber came some what on time, fixed the disposal, but did not have parts for leakey facet. So he called office to find out the part needed to be ordered.

Monday got the call the part was in. I and the receptionst set time for plumber to be here (today at 8 am).

And the rest is history....

I'm still waiting.

So begins my day of cancelations or being late to appointments.

At nine I had to call my trainer and cancel my 10 am time with him.

I'm still waiting.

Wonder if I'll make it to my 1 pm appointment????

2009-02-15T19:53:00.005-05:00

This past Thursday night was the last evening of the Reversible II "Eleventh Hour" class I taught at the LQS.

Here are the results . Some didn't get their borders on & others

only had their binding to finish when they got home. Side one & side two

I am so proud their results. Great work girls!

In the next quarter, we will be doing a series of quick classes for our customers. One I plan to teach is "Burps & Bubbles".

At one time or another everyone needs a last minute baby gift. So I will be covering different bib & burp cloth ideas.

These are two of four I have planned.

And the two below ARE a baby gift I am working on.

And I am now trying to get the crib blanket finished.

I just love the soft colors I have used to make this "blankie".

This coming week brings much to get done. Tuesday is $5 Quilt day at the LQS and I work that day. It will be good to see all the ladies who are participating in it this year. Next will be getting the baby quilt finished and the most fun of all will be getting things ready for shop retreat this coming weekend.

Where did January go?

2009-02-04T12:53:00.009-05:00

Gee, I can't believe January has come and gone. It has been a busy month. Usually January is so-o-o-o-o slow. With the holidays behind us and nothing really to look forward to, January usually drags on. But this year it seems to have gone by in a flash!

I just put the finishing touches on the wallhanging the gals at the shop are going to present to the owners of the Bread & Breakfast where we go for our shop retreat. We choose Civil War themed blocks to surround a picture of Magnolias and the name of the B & B. I do think it turned out great. It goes to the quilter today. (I've done my part!)

Two weeks until the retreat. Can't wait, a whole weekend to sew,

laugh and just be friends with some great gals.

I am also participating in the Applique Quilting Bee at Sew Original. However, I have choosen to do machine applique instead of hand. The first two blocks are ready for the the machine stitches. This is one of the projects I'm getting ready for the retreat!

I hope to get a few more ready before then.
Stay warm on this cold, cold day. Hopefully by the weekend it will be warmer.

What a nice surprise the morning light brought us

2009-01-20T17:20:00.009-05:00

This morning, we all had a pleasant surprise waiting for us when we awoke! It had snowed!

Not much, but enough to cancel schools in and around the area.

I remember during my years as a teacher in the Surry County School system the unexpected news in the morning that there would be no school. I and the kids during our unexpected "winter vacation" would sleep late, watch TV, play in the snow and make snow cream. Sometimes there would be a 1,000 piece puzzle to put together.

Ah, the fun!

Today, the cancellation of school, also keep the shop closed. Our policy is no school, no classes as well as the shop being closed! So I had another type of unexpected fun day ahead of me.

I used my time wisely. I stitched Block one "love" by Gail Pan Designs. This is the first of nine (I think) blocks she is creating for her BOM called "A Christmas Wish". Of course I am changing the colors. I plan to do all blocks in red. Here's hoping it will work, time will tell.

Another part of the day I worked on a "Speedy Stars Quilt" using the Fun & Done! Quilting method.

This is another quilt-as-you go method. No hand work, all machine. I will be teaching this method in the next quarter of classes at Sew Original. I'm only making a table top size sample of this quilt. The shop is so limited in its display space, I decided to keep it small. Students will be able to complete their quilt in crib, lap or twin size.

Tomorrow I hope to get this project completed.

(And a few other things too!)

Oh, I almost forgot! A quick Thank you to Ms. Goodneedle's D-I-L for my new button. If you would like to grab my button and add it to yours in your sidebar, use the HTML code to attach it to your blog.

The Geese are flying south.....

2009-01-14T20:32:00.002-05:00

Quiltkeemosabe shared one of Ricky Timms "How to" videos..

One seam Flying Geese

Yes, one seam!

I now have a flock of geese ......

M-m-m-m........ what is a person to do with them?

The Mystery is solved!

2009-01-13T13:05:00.005-05:00

Since last posting, I have been busy putting the finishing stitches to a class sample for the shop. I will be teaching Reversible Quilt II

"The Eleventh Hour"

for 3 Thursday nights beginning January 29th, 6pm - 8:30 pm at Sew Original.

This is a fun easy quilt using a "quilt as you go" technique. I also with this quilt checked off a "Bucket" list item, to make a Black, White & Red Quilt.

Back in October (I think it was) one of the local Quilting Guilds handed out directions for a Mystery Quilt. Never having done one I decided to participate!

Drum roll please........

And here is my completed

"Durango Mystery Quilt"

Of course being a Free-spirit and not ever being able to complete directions as given to me, I did use my "artistic license" to make it My Own!

The borders should have been one fabric (of my choice) with the same Green corner stones that are in the setting sashing.

Now, the next step is to Quilt (myself) or not to Quilt (someone else).......

Christmas will soon be here...ready or not!

2008-12-21T20:30:00.004-05:00

The past month has flown by! I can't believe it has been

that long since I last posted.

I, like eveyone, have been getting things ready for Christmas.

There have been Christmas cards to address,

"thank you" gifts for the Augsburg quilters,

(who made this beautiful quilt for me) to be sewn,

Christmas tree ornaments to be made,

TWO tree skirts to be made,

and many more things to get finished before December 25th dawns.

2008-11-23T14:47:00.003-05:00

Ellie & Bama met each other this past weekend. They jumped, ran and played together for about 3 hours. Needless to say both sleep good Saturday night!

Oh, but let me show you what Ellie did on Thursday while DD was at work.

Look closely,

It was a window sill!

She has spend a large time in her box since than.

No free time for her!

New Member of the family

2008-11-20T09:09:00.004-05:00

I keep forgetting to introduce the newest member of the family!This is Ellie.

Our daughter adopted her two weeks ago. Ellie's' owners after about a year decided they did not want her anymore. They had moved into a upscale neighborhood and home here in the area. The Dad decided the dog needed to go! He didn't want the dog in the house, and didn't think the yard and neighborhood was the right place for her. So "A" (DD) took over her ownership and care. This should be a reminder to all of us who plan to get a pet, not to get one, unless you are really going to care and look after it as you should.

So we are now a family, who at one point had two Boxers and a Aussie,

to a family of one Aussie and TWO Golden Retrivers!

(Things will be great as long as Bama & Ellie don't come to live with the King of Fernleaf.)

Another UFO - complete!

2008-11-18T21:17:00.003-05:00

The first of the two "Siggy Quilts" I am doing for the newly weds is complete. Glad to have it finished. Over the weekend I hope to get it to the lucky couple.

I received an e-mail this past week from a friend. He sent me this link to one of the most beautiful renditions of

Amazing Grace.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtrnB4FZ-yc

It's been a busy two weeks!

2008-11-17T09:13:00.008-05:00

I can't believe it has been two weeks since I last posted! The past two weeks have been busy ones. Since posting last, I have worked three days, been to the Boone shop for a OESD Embroidery program, taught one serger class, attended the two Quilting Guild November meetings, gone to the gym, sewn on a few UFO's, and been to the Capitol City for the NC State and Wake Forest football this past Saturday.

(And other household duties and appointments!)

One of my husbands good friends, invited us to tailgate with him and his family on Saturday in Raleigh for the

Wake Forest & NC State football game.
So, we loaded the truck with the kids and headed to Wolfpack country.
The weather and final out come of the game (Wake lost) could have been better, but the fellowship was well worth the trip to the Capitol City.

The Kernersville Heart of the Triad Quilting Guild , for those who are interested, are doing a Mystery Quilt called "Durango". Having never done a mystery quilt before, I decided to participate.

I had to choose 4 fabrics.

Main (floral),background(gold) and two accents (pink & green).

I have completed the first two parts of the challenge. Here are the beginning pieces and parts. Can't wait to see what and how this is going to go together!

The Progess is Complete

2008-11-02T20:37:00.002-05:00

This weekend I presented my SIL with her final sole.Just in time for the new church year that will begin

the first Sunday in December.

The creating and designing of her stoles,

have given me more

pleasure than I can explain.

Today I attended her installation as Pastor at

Sardis Evangelical Lutheran Church

in Hickory, NC.

I was also with her when she got the initial call from the "Call committee" of Sardis. I and DH were visiting with her & my brother while

she was still in

her senior year at the Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, Pa.

She (as well as my brother) were welcomed with open arms. It gave me a good feeling to see her at her first church.

She will, with God's help, be a wonderful Pastor

who will

love, serve and pray for her sheep.

Road Atlanta

2008-10-19T21:24:00.004-04:00

This past weekend was the final weekend of racing for the SVRA (Sportcar Vintage Racing of America) organization. In order to be a member of the SVRA, your car must be at least 20 years old to participate. DH has a 1970 BMW that he road races. (For those of you who are not in the know - his car goes both ways, not like round track (Nascar) that goes only left.)
This is where he spend a lot of his time on Friday. Up under the car laying in the rain. The oil pan had a leak and he tried to stop it with this black glue stuff made especially for this. Needless to say with the rain on Friday there was not much raceing by anybody.

But Saturday the sun came out and the patching he did the day before worked and he got to run the first qualifying race of the day.

His second qualifying race of the day was canceled after the first lap. During this lap one of the cars in his group, crankshaft broke and came up into the car and injured the driver. Luckily it did not kill the driver, but did cost him part of his leg.

Here we are by his pride and joy before I left for home Saturday morning. Oh he does enjoy his car, but at times I wish he would go back to playing golf. It's safer!

A Ta-Da Moment

2008-10-13T19:41:00.002-04:00

Gee, before I get to the Ta-Da Moment..I need to comment on the Big Game last Thursday night at BB&T Stadium.

First of all congratulations to the

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

for beating the

Clemson Tigers.

It seems this lost for the Tigers was a gain for the Head Coach!

(Or so it seems.)

He was fired! But he was fired at the tune of about 3.5 Million Dollars. What is wrong with this picture?

Now for the Ta-Da moment.

I have completed the $5 Quilt from the LQS.

It needs to be quilted...,but the piecing is complete.

One more UFO has "Bit the Dust".

Onto the next one....

Which one is next?

Maybe one of the signature quilt for one of the newlyweds.

Almost finished!

2008-10-07T12:14:00.003-04:00

I am on a mission to complete the LQS $5 Quilt before the next meeting.

Block # 12 will not be given out until the next (& 12th) meeting. At that time Holly wants samples of how a few of us that work in the shop are finishing our quilt.

I have chosen to place the same border around each block. Holly is doing applique around each of her traditional blocks.

It wasn't hard deciding to do the same border! but I am having trouble choosing the placement of each block!?!?!

Do I choose

# 1,

or # 2,
or # 3? I'm leaning toward number.....?
M-m-m-m
I guess you will have to wait and see!

What a great fall weekend

2008-10-06T12:41:00.002-04:00

Look who came to visit Saturday night.

Bama.

His cousin, Bentley, was not to happy having to share his stool and backyard with him.

As you can tell he didn't want to have anything to do with "Gram" and her camera.

Sunday afternoon found DD, a close friend and I at the Winston Salem Fair. The weather was perfect.

Sunny and warm.

The exhibits were great. A few of the gals who come into the local quilt shop, won ribbons. Congratulations to all the winners.

These pumpkins were unbelievable. The one on the back row and in the corner, weighed in at 612 pounds.

Of course we did our fair share of sampling the food. m-m-m-m-m

Roasted corn, apple dumplings, steak sandwiches, pork tenderloin, the list goes on and on.......

The 4th in a Series of 5

2008-10-01T19:55:00.004-04:00

This past Sunday afternoon my SIL became

"Pastor Anna".

After her Ordination, I presented her with the 4th of a series of 5 that I am making for her.

The next one will be her Advent stole.

It will be made in shades & tints of blue.

You know Christmas will be here before you know it!

Only 84 days, but who is counting?

A Time to Rest......

2008-09-21T19:02:00.004-04:00

Yes, it is time to sit back rest & relax. The wedding is behind us, and the newly weds are on their honeymoon.

Mr & Mrs Adam B. Riggs

Just a few pictures of the wedding activities.

The happy couple with friends at the Rehearsal party.

(The milk bottles used as the center pieces are from my Uncle Thomas and Aunt Mary Carmen dairy farm.)

Adam & Marideth attended college rivals.

Adam - WCU & Marideth - App state.

(They will play the Battle of the Old Mountain Jug each fall as their schools play the final football game of the the season.)

It is time to really begin to close and

REST!

Time is quickly running out....

2008-09-15T11:25:00.003-04:00

This time next week, my sons wedding will be a thing of the past. I and the mother of the bride have spend the better part of last evening working on the sitting chart for the reception. It is a job not for the faint of heart. We did as of this morning realize two more tables are a must in order to get everyone in their right places. Keeping the bride & the groom happy are at this time,

is getting hard to do.

I have finally caught up with the block of the month for the past two months. And it's a good thing number 11 is given out tomorrow. Of course this is a picture of the shops #10 block.

Hope this time next week I'll be back on track

for "Me" time to sew.

I'm off to fine fabric for the 2 extra tables cloths we need.

Have a good week.

2008-08-25T20:16:00.004-04:00

It's been a busy week & weekend.
First the fun parts!

We attended my husbands high school class reunion. He graduated from Mt. Airy Senior High School in 1966. Hard to believe it has been 42 years. The reunion covered those graduating in the 60's & 70's. He got to see many, many friends in the classes before and after his class.

Each time there is a reunion the numbers get smaller. His class has stayed closer than most over the years. When one or two come into town, those that live close by are called and they travel to MA for a short visit, only if it is for a quick dinner at a local restaurant.

After church on Sunday, I made this cute little bag. It is the

"Two Hour Tulip Bag".

The pattern comes in 2 sizes, this is the smaller size. The bag may have 2 pockets inside, one pocket on the outside and can be made to be reversible.

And it takes only two-hours to complete!

This is the front of the bag and the picture above is of the back with a pocket.

One of the Quilter's guilds I belong to in September is having a program on aprons. Each member who attends is to wear an apron. Not having an apron (that I would wear in public), I decided to make myself one. This is it, minus the little roses that will be added to the pecks on the over skirt. There was more to this apron then I realized before I started it. But it will be a cutie when it is finished!

Wedding list Update!

Picked up my dress - check

27 - 60" table cloth overlays for reception (used Serger and finished with a rolled-hem) - check

(the m-o-b was going to Roll, press, roll, press & pin then stitch! She would still be working on them if I had not volunteered to help. 5 hours and they wer finished!)

Invitations for Rehearsal Dinner - addressed & mailed - check

Pictures of Son growing up gathered for diplay at reception - check

Memorial pictures of Grandparents who are no longer with us - check

I'm getting there!

(I just need to stop volunteering - need to learn to say

No-o-o-o-o!

As I promised......

2008-08-19T22:08:00.005-04:00

As I promised here are some pictures from the wedding at Ocean Isle Beach, NC I attended weekend before last (8-9-08).

There were buttons to button,

flowers to be pinned in the hair,

petals to be spread,

peaking to see...

the bride and her dad.

It was a beautiful evening for a wedding. The bride was beautiful, as a bride should be. Much luck and happiness to the couple.

Now to the rest of my time.....

I have now completed a few more thing on my list for my son's wedding!

Bridesmaid's purses - check

The brides purse - check

Wedding quilt - quilted & bond - check

Flowers for Rehearsal Party ordered - check

Invitations for Rehearsal party ordered - check

Still to do:

1. Have my dress fitted (to be completed on Friday)

2. 20 - 25 table toppers for the reception (to be completed Thursday at the

M-O-B's house on Thursday)

3. Address and mail invitations

My list is getting shorter!!!!!!!

I'm sure before it's over there will be a few more things added to the list.

BUT it is getting shorter.

On the road again.....

2008-08-07T13:45:00.006-04:00

Two days ago (Tuesday) I left WS headed for Emerald Isle Beach to visit with a good friend and her husband.

We spend a fun & short 24 hours together.

During a tour of the island, we came upon this little fellow in the front yard of one of the homes we passed.

He (or she) walked away from us, but soon ventured back toward us. He ventured so close we were afraid he might come to close to the car.

Wednesday, before heading south toward Ocean Isle, J & I visited a local quilt shop in Jacksonville, NC.

Both of us walked out with a bag full of fabric & new patterns.

While driving down 17 & I-140, I noticed the temperature posted on my dashboard. Oh-h-h so hot! Today will be another scorcher with possible storms to follow. Sure hope it cools down and the storms and rain passes before Saturday evening. This is first of the two weddings ahead of me. My best friends daughters wedding is this weekend. Pictures to come!!!

While on the beach today I have been reading "The Shack" by William P. Young. It is an awe inspiring work which opens & answers many questions most humans have about God and his relationship with us. I recommend it to everyone. It may not answer all your questions, but it does set you to thinking!!!

Is this me?

2008-07-31T22:03:00.004-04:00

Today Ms. Goodneedle shared a web site that explains what your name means. (The web site is: What's in a Name?

This is what my name means???? Could this be me???

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way.And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life.You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it.You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

See what your name mean!!!!

Another busy weekend

2008-07-28T11:40:00.002-04:00

As you can see Bentley has decided to drive/ride the new John Deer lawn mower. Yes, Pop is going to make Bentley a platform for him to ride on. When we had our beach house, we had a golf cart that did not go anywhere without "B". He would ride in the cart for hours if we would let him. He must now think he has a new ride at his inland home! This weekend found me hosting my dear friend, (Big Al) daughter bridesmaids luncheon (with another dear friend). About 22 of us gathered at the Salem Tavern in Old Salem for a fun filled few hours.

Here you find, Big Al, the bride to be, DF, her daughter (flower girl), myself and my DD.

At the luncheon I presented the B-to-B with Memory Blocks for her wedding. Each of those who were present signed their block so they would not have to do theirs at the wedding.

The wedding takes place in 2 weeks at Ocean Isle, NC on the beach at 7pm.

Soon A & M will be celebrating their wedding, Gee how times flies.

What 52 days!

So much left to do, but it will have to wait until after Anna's wedding.

It's her time in the sun!

Check, check, & check!

2008-07-14T10:32:00.003-04:00

First of all, Bama & Bentley have finally met. Things went well! Bentley did not know what to think about this strange dog in his backyard at first.

Before long they will be big buds, if Adam has anything to do with it.

1. B-O-M Club - Month 7 - Rocky Mountain Puzzle - check

2. B-O-M Club - Month 8 - Contrary Wife - check almost!

(the border still needs to be added, but the block is finished before 3rd Tuesday of the month and the new block is handed out at LQS)

3. Handies for soon to be brides for their wedding - check
4. 200 Signature blocks for my son & his brides wedding day - check
The list is slowly getting shorter!

But I'm sure before THE DAY there will be more things added to the list.

And finally, I'm enjoying the wind, surf & sand of

Virginia Beach, Va.

DH has the Virginia Propane Gas Association convention here. I got to ride along and enjoy the beach for a few days.

(Of course I'll have to help entertain customers & wife in the evening, but the days are mine!)

July 1st? It can't be!

2008-07-01T20:22:00.002-04:00

Oh my it's July 1st and I still have not completed my B-O-M blocks for May & June. What is to become of me and all the UFOs I need to complete.

I'm trying to get 200 Signature "Sigee" blocks made for my sons wedding, and I guess this is what is at the top of my list to get completed first.

(I do have 100 finished, so I'm half way to goal!)

The wedding is under the 3 month mark, it will

be here before I know it.

Oh, I have five Clutch Purses to make for the Bridesmaids before the Bridesmaids Luncheon also! Future D-I-L asked if I would make them using fabric to match the BM dresses. Of course I said "Yes".

Gee, it is time to stop this, do my supper dishes and head upstairs to my Sweat Shop (my sons name for my sewing area) and get the sewing machine humming!

There is a (John) Deer in the house!

2008-06-22T13:12:00.003-04:00

Papa has a brand new ride!

Yesterday DH got his new lawn tractor.

You know boys (men) and their toys.

He has decided to let the guy who usually mows our grass go and

do it himself!

(Which is fine as long as he weed eats after he mows.)

The last time he did this, he purchased a walking mower. I was not happy with the results. He was not neat with his mowing & weed eating(if he did any). So we will see how long & how neat this new job goes.

I am behind with my Blocks of the Month, 2 to be exact!

This afternoon will find me trying to catch-up.

Hopefully you will see the results.

Happy Sunday!

Dreaming......

2008-06-19T20:18:00.002-04:00

Gee, I'm dreaming of being way down south...

I've been back from Key West now for what.. 3 days...

and

I'm wishing to be down south again!

The last two days I have been at the shop

(and have one more day to go)

teaching "Kids Camp" at the LQS where I

work. There are 6 young girls ages 8 - 12 years of age. A few of the girls have no sewing experience at all.

Things are going well. Yesterday was spend getting to know their sewing machine (Berninas of course) and cutting out their patterns & fabric for their projects.

Today they completed a zippered bag and got the pocket to the apron attached.

Tomorrow brings the completion of the apron, a pizza party and watermelon for afternoon snack.

I will be one tired lady by the time 3pm rolls around

the girls will be on their home.

(Pictures tomorrow of the finished aprons, as long as I don't forget the camera!)

My Point of View

2008-06-17T19:55:00.007-04:00

The past seven days this has been my point of view,

and mainly this!

DH and I went to Key West, Florida for a few fun, restful days to rest and regroup. He has been under a a lot of stress with work and moving his mother into a retirement home

over the past few weeks.

He laid by the pool and spend a lot of time just floating in its cool water.

On the other hand I am a sand, surf & wind person.

The resort had hammocks tied from one palm tree to another. Many days that is where you would find me if you were looking for me.

(Over the seven days there, I read 2 1/2 books. - Nothing is more restful than to lay in a hammock with a book , also a few z-z-z-z's were worked in .)

Each day we would finish at the pool bar, drink a toast to another great day,

go to the room , shower, change clothes and head for

Duval Street and Malory Square to watch the sunset and have

dinner.

Yes, Ms. Goodneedle "Life is good"!

And it was HOT... HOT... HOT!!!!!

2008-06-08T21:29:00.004-04:00

For the past three days DH has been participating in the

Gold Cup Challenge at Virginia International Raceway.

Friday and Saturday I joined him. And the heat was unbearable!!!
NO man,

or woman for that matter,

needs to be sitting out in heat as hot as it has been over the past three days.

Lucky for me, I had a bridal shower to go today for my future D-I-L.

Meet Bama

2008-06-03T08:17:00.005-04:00

This is the newest member of our family.
(No he doesn't live at Fernleaf Lane.)

However he will be visiting a lot.

My son & soon-to-be D-I-L has purchased a six-week old

Golden Retriever Puppy.

They have named him "Bama".

Of course Papa has fallen for him, hook, line and sinker.

(he will never admit it!)

The next step will be introduce him to his cousin, Bently.

But that will be a while.

Have a good Tuesday.

M-m-m-m-m

2008-06-02T13:11:00.003-04:00

These are the dishes I fixed for the Quilt Ministry picnic last Thursday. (The same picnic Ms. Goodneedle wrote about. And yes there was a dish to explode for no reason, we could figure. )
The first was made from my grandmother Merritts Coconut Pie Recipe. This was always on the menu at all family reunion or just the family get-together on Sunday. My brother and I would race threw our meal to make it to the dessert table for a piece of this. M-m-m-m.
This is a recipe I got from Quiltkemosabe. Macaroni Salad. Simple. Simple. Simple. I have tried many, but just did not like them until I got this one. Thank you Quiltkemosabe.
Pot luck meals always are the BEST in my book. The food and catching up with friends (or family) are always fun.

A forgotten photo

2008-05-19T08:27:00.002-04:00

I was going through pictures in the different folders found on my computer, when I ran across this picture.

I am fascinated by this stained glass window.

Most stained glass windows are constructed with colored glass and lead framing. But this one looks as if, hand painted and has the transparent feeling of a water color.

The window is in the church found on the campus of the Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg. The students diffidently have a beautiful setting for their studies and meditations.

Opa!

2008-05-17T20:53:00.003-04:00

The second weekend in May every year everyone in Winston Salem is

Greek!

This is the weekend that the Greek community has their Greek Festival.

Wine, Food, Greek goods, Greek music & traditional Greek dances are performed.
For the past two evenings I have enjoyed the festival with daughter (last night) and gal friend (tonight).

(DH is racing at VIR this weekend)

Both nights we shared a bottle of wine and ate souvlaki.

M-m-m-m!

Both evenings were very enjoyable. If you have never gone to a Greek Festival you should.

The piecing is finished.......

2008-05-17T13:28:00.007-04:00

The piecing is finished, the borders are on.......

It's off to the long arm quilter on Tuesday.

I am so-o-o-o glad to have this behind me.
The lucky couples first shower is June 8th. Do I give it to the bride then or do I wait and present it to both, son & soon to be daughter-in-law at their couples shower on June 28th?
I guess that's up to the quilter!
But which ever shower, I hope they are please with it. Neither bride or groom know I have made this for them.

Six down - Six to Go!

2008-05-07T08:48:00.002-04:00

It's official! I have now successfully completely the sixth Block of the Month for 2008! (Without the seam ripper) Weathervine is now ready to go in storage with its brothers & sisters (Barbara Fritchie Star, Nextdoor Neighbor, Water Wheel, Yankee Puzzle, & Peace & Plenty) Next week I will be introduced to the next block.

Can't wait!

A Gift from the Heart

2008-05-01T11:29:00.005-04:00

I have completed another stole for my SIL. I hope she likes this one as much as she liked the one I gave her when we visited she & bro a few weeks ago.

A week from today she will graduate from Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary.

Congratulations Anna!

See you in a few weeks.

Periwinkle it is!

2008-04-30T17:53:00.006-04:00

This afternoon after lunch I took a trip to Judith Warren Boutique & Bridal in Eden, NC (about 1 hour & 20 minutes away)to check out the Mother -of-the-Bride/Groom dresses for my son wedding in September.
A friend, who at one time worked in the LQS and still teaches classes for us, sent me there. I am so-o-o glad I took her advice. (Yes, Cathy you were right!)
When I arrived at the shop, Judith had me look at the collection of dresses she had in stock. I was to pick out the dresses I liked. She then put me in a dressing room with those and dresses of her choice. The last dress she presented me was the dress at right. At first I didn't know if it was "really" me, but I was a trouper and tried it on. Upon reflection I narrowed my choices down to two dresses (these were of course, 2 of the ones she choose for me). She then went to the phone and called the company that made the dresses to check for colors available in my size(?).

Drum roll please:

Periwinkle is the color and the above dress was chosen!

The down payment has been made and now we wait for it to arrive (end of July) Next on the list is to find shoes and jewelry.

Spring has sprung

2008-04-26T09:08:00.004-04:00

It may be snowing in Minnesota, but it is spring in North Carolina!

When DH and I left last Sunday for a few days in the Northern Neck area of Virginia, most of the flowering
trees and bushes were in bud. Now, 6 days later everything is blooming.
I think spring is my favortie time of the year. It is the season of new birth and life.
Later today I hope to go to the one of the local garden & plant centers and begin the transformation of my yard and porches into a picture perfect setting of plants and flowers. (Hopefully our cold weather is behind us) Have a happy Saturday.

Beautiful Wedding

2008-04-22T19:49:00.004-04:00

Over the weekend I directed a wedding. Something I had never done before. The couple met at the beach about 4 years ago. The bride is a friend of my daughter, Ashley.
The wedding was at Magnolia Manor in Greensboro. The venue is a perfect spot for a small outdoor wedding. The reception followed in the Manor House.

Ashley was the Maid-of-honor. All the girls looked beautiul. I helped with the set up and tear down of the wedding site and reception area. By the time I got home I was so-o-o tired! It was a long day.

Weren't the flowers beautiful?

A Busy Week

2008-04-16T20:29:00.005-04:00

This has been a busy week.

Twice to the gym, worked on Tuesday,

taught the second half of a quilting class

and then this weekend,

I will be helping decorate for a friend of my daughters wedding.

And I completed this Hi Tech Tote, also!

I will be teaching this class in June at the LQS where I work. This is the perfect bag for carrying your laptop. It has two outside pockets on one side and a zippered pocket on the other.

Short & Quick Trip North

2008-04-08T10:10:00.010-04:00

I have been busy over the past days trying to get another UFO completed. Bentley now has a new travel blanket. It is to help keep his hair from getting all over the inside of my car when I take him to the vet for his monthly bath. I chose colors that match the inside interior of my Mini. It could have been just little larger. Oh well!

I and DH have been on a short trip to Gettysburg, Pa. to visit with my brother & his wife who is in her last year of seminary. Before leaving for Pa. I finished her stole for her ordination. She seemed very pleased.

Now for the real reason for the trip.

My brother is a Civil War junkie. He has been since he has been old enough to read.

Knowing this, and never having spend any time in Gettysburg before. DH wanted to visit and have time with "Little Bro" on the battlefield. In a day and half they transversed 40,000 acres, climbed Little Round Top, went down to Devils Den (where the creek ran red with rebel blood), followed Pickett's charge up Seminary Ridge, ending at the High Water Mark.

Both of the guys had a great time. They decided the South would have won the war if they had repeating guns like the north (the Rebels could only load & shoot 3 rounds in a minute, while the Yanks had guns that could shoot 8 rounds off before having to be reloaded) and had more men. Did you know that 40,000 men lost their life at Gettysburg? One of every four who died where from North Carolina.

This is the Pennsylvania monument. There are over 400 monuments on the battlefield to all who served there.

Saturday night we got together with our cousin's. Many stories and many fun memories and times were relived. There were 8 (out 0f 14) of us and our young Aunt Ginny.

AR-R-R-R-R

2008-03-30T19:50:00.005-04:00

Well here I am again working on the BOM from the LQS.

Thought I was finished,

but found out, I and my Seam Ripper were soon to become fast friends,

AGAIN.

If you look closely,

the corners of the outer border are wrong, wrong, wrong!

So after many expletives,

I finally got the block complete with the corners in the right directions!!!

Now all 5 completed blocks have borders that match.

Oh to be able to get these blocks finished the first time around.

I now have 7 more (blocks) tries to maybe, get one finished without the seam ripper.

Time will tell.

Quilt Ministry

2008-03-27T21:28:00.003-04:00

Today I spend the morning at

Augsburgs Lutheran Church participating in the Quilt ministry.

Each Thursday during the school year, these lovely ladies come to the church and make quilts for newborns, lap quilts for people in wheelchairs, etc.

The above quilt is one they were getting ready to send out to an older lady by request of her daughter (I think, that's the relations.)

While there, low and behold who should appear to help with the quilt making to day,

but Bonnie from Quiltville, USA .

She mixed and matched, sewed and pressed and complete a quilt top today.

(I completed a top today, too.) Plus the group completed 2 other quilts that are now ready to be added to the finished stack.

After spending the morning at church, I headed out to find the perfect dress for my sons wedding in September. This is going to be harder then I had hoped.

I found something I liked, to only find out it is the same dress as the brides mother.

SO-O-O I'm back to square one.
The weekend, I hope, will be better. I will have to order the dress, so I am on a time schedule. It must be ordered by the end of April to be sure it will be in time for the wedding.

Wish me luck.

Free Quilt Give Away!!!!!

2008-03-19T17:28:00.004-04:00

Yes this is true.

Go to www.oldredbarnco.blogspot.com to register for this give away and see a picture.

Another fun blog is:

www.blindpigandtheacorn.com/blind_pig_the_acorn

A Sunday Afternoon in my sewing Room....

2008-03-09T20:34:00.005-04:00

LOOK what I did this afternoon after church!!!!

DH went to Mount Airy to spend the afternoon with his mother, so Bentley and I had the house to ourselves!!

What fun we had.

B at my feet taking a nap and me at my 730!

I chose Peggy Martins "Quick-Step Paper Piecing" book as my inspiration.

After much thought her

"Millennium Star"

was my goal.
Tomorrow I'll quilt and bind it. I think this would be a great class

for the local quilt shop where I work.

What do you think?

Needle Felting the easy way........

2008-03-08T21:14:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I was at the LQS teaching again. I had designed a simple tote for those interested, who could practice and learn how to use their "Punch Tool" attachment for their Bernina Sewing machines.

Below is the bag used for inspiration.

I designed a simple composition of three flowers. Each student choose their own color combinations and each turned out a little different.

One lady filled her design area with only one flower with swirls and curls of yarn added to frame the flower. The others placed two to three flowers on the front of their tote.

The totes were not totally finished when the class was over, but the felting was complete. (I over planned). They each went home with directions to complete their tote. Below is the one tote that is almost complete. Handles and lining are all that are needed to complete the bag.

The four ladies in the class did not know each other before they purchased their machine(s). But have gotten to know each other as they have learned how to use their machines over the past few months. They discussed during the class how they all needed to go to the same Retirement home together and give the staff a hard time.

It is so nice to teach people who are really enjoying what they

are doing and who they are doing it with.

Stretch, pull, push & run...........

2008-03-05T09:00:00.004-05:00

I have started a new hobby (if that is what you want to call it).

As if I didn't have my days filled with enough, last week I joined the gym and gotten a personal trainer!

Oh, there are muscles I have not used in while. Twice a week on Monday & Wednesday mornings if you need me, you will find me there,

stretching, pulling, lifting and praying I get through what J. Hunter has planned for me.

I have finished the BOM for February. Maybe not as quick after receiving it, but it is complete and in the folder with its sisters waiting for next month. Four down, eight to ago.

My next project is a small quilt to fit in the back of my new Mini. I needed something to put in the back to protect the leather from Bentleys claws when taking him to the Vet for his baths. Also hopefully it will keep his fur from going all over the place. When I pick him up from his baths he has a LOT of loose fur that comes off in the car and the house the first few hours he is home.
Ah, it is now time to end this post, get my socks & tennis shoes on, and go visit J. Hunter. Have a great day!!

The Missing Camera.........

2008-02-25T14:24:00.008-05:00

The missing/lost camera has been recovered!

I had left it at Sawtooth School for the Visual Arts after the last class of the

Landscape Quilting

class I taught!

I am soooooooo happy for having recovered it!!!!!!

Here are the pictures I promised of the final class meeting and the completed landscapes. I am so pleased with everyones finished landscapes. Didn't they all do a good Job?

Denni's first landscape.

Now Denni here even out did herself! She started another landscape before coming to class. If you close you can see the original picture on the left and her landscape on the right. She had not completed the thread painting.

Lost Camera!

2008-02-24T14:42:00.004-05:00

Well I have gone and done it now. I have lost my camera over the last few days. It is no where to be found. I am sick, sick, sick. All the photos I took of the students and their completed landscape quilts are gone. I am so mad at myself.

Ah-h-h-h finally!

2008-02-19T20:12:00.005-05:00

The blog engine is finally letting me up load the rest of the pictures from the Landscape Class I am teaching! Each participants landscape is different. I can't wait to see the details they have added over the past week. Look in tomorrow and see what they have done.

Today has been a busy day. This morning I worked in the LQS. We had about 100 ladies come threw the shop today, as today was "Block of the Month Club". Tomorrow I will work and complete (I hope) my block.

(Oh well, the blog still will not let me spell-check this. Me being the worst speller on the planet, needs all the help I can get!)

A lot of the ladies who came into the shop were rushing home to pack their suitcases for the Quilt show/classes going on this weekend in Hampton, Va. I know they will be seeing lots of beautiful quilts over the weekend. Ah-h-h to have planned better, so I could go. Safe travel to all who are going. Bring back lots of pictures and ideas.

Landscape Quilting Class

2008-02-18T09:15:00.007-05:00

Gee has it been a week since I last sat down to make a post? The past week has been a busy one.
Back before Christmas I was called by the head of the Fiber department at Saw Tooth School for the Visual Arts

to teach a class about the techniques used in
"Landscape Quilting".

Having nothing else on my plate (LOL), I said "Yes". Well to make a long story short, time caught up with me, and I was not prepared for teaching the class until the last minute!

The class was scheduled for the 1st 3 Wednesday evenings

in February.
This past Wednesday was the middle class of the 3 that were planned. Here is one of the results of the homework that was assigned.

( I now know the fustrations that "Quiltmemories" has with uploading pictures to her blog! There should be three more pictures, but the blogger is not allowing it for some reason. It's not even letting me Spell check.)

Hopefully, after class this Wednesday night, I'll be able to post the finished pieces. As of last week the compostions were complete, and they were shown thread painting using their sewing machines. When we meet this week, the final steps of layering backing, batting & top, quilting and binding will be discussed and the projects will be complete. There are 6 students in the class and each one has chosen a different landscape. Job well done class!

Staff Retreat Weekend

2008-02-11T19:53:00.000-05:00

Gee, I can't believe it has been 2 weeks since I posted!

This past weekend was the staff Retreat weekend. There were 17 of us who traveled to Warrenton, NC to the

Magnolia Manor Bread & Breakfast.

We all took new projects or UFO's to work on while we were there. This is a small church we stopped at while on our way there. It is so small only about 15 - 20 people can fit inside. It dates back about 100 years. The cemetary is enclosed by a stone wall/fence and sits right by the church. A few weeks ago I posted pictures of the fabric and 16 of 64 blocks I plan to use in a Wedding Quilt for my son and future D-n-L. The plan had been to get ALL of the blocks and the center block completed so I could put it together while at the retreat!

Well the blocks did not get finished.
BUT I had a back-up plan.

Two years ago, I participated in the $5 Quilt B-O-M. I decided to do both of the color ways...Traditional & Brights.

Of course I did not keep up with getting all the blocks completed on time. Working in the shop has its' advantage & disadvantages.

First advantage - you don't have to keep up with getting them done on time.

First disadvantage - you get behind.

I did finally completed all the Bright blocks, but had 4 Traditional blocks to complete. So these were 2 of the 4 incomplete quilts I have started.

I now have only 3 incomplete quilt tops.

The Bright BOM is now complete!

(plus one of the four incomplete Traditional blocks)

Now hopefully I can continue finishing those UFO's before undertaking another project!

OPPS!

2008-01-28T21:29:00.001-05:00

I did a BIG No-no. I have been driving my husbands prize BMW for the last 6 weeks, while I waited for my new Mini to come across the pond. I have been so-o-o carefull not to park near other cars or hit the low front end of the bumper on a curb. Yesterday as I was parallel parking the car, I hit the curb with the wheel and scared the rim. A Full twelve inches! I couldn't think of anything else but the scar and having to tell him when I got home from church. If only the Car Gods had steered me away from that curb just 3 more days.
There was no shouting when I told him, but a really good lecture! I am still alive, but so-o-o-o sorry it happened!

Pablo BEEcasios Results for January

2008-01-28T20:59:00.000-05:00

Do do you remember
these 12 items?

Each of the members of the Pablo Beecassos were each given these 12 items. The challenge was to use 9 of the 12, any way we like.
We could make anything! A wall hanging, a doll, a purse anything our minds could

image!

Here are the results.

A Box
A Wall hanging

Another wall hanging
A Doll

A Purse

An another wall hanging

An another doll sitting in a window!

(See her diamond ring on her finger

Isn't it amazing how each "artist" used their items so differently?!?

Block of the Month Club Up Date

2008-01-15T19:43:00.000-05:00

Quiltkeemosabe will be so-o-o-o proud of me!

The block below is block number 2 for the month of December.

(I forgot to post last month.)

It is named

"Nextdoor Neighbor"

Today Block 3 was handed out at our LQS.

I picked my block up today about 11am.

It is now 7:45pm,

and the block is complete.

This block is named

"Water Wheel"

Three blocks down..........Nine to go.

Hope I can stay ahead of the game.

The Race is on......

2008-01-10T18:08:00.000-05:00

As some of you know my son is engaged to a lovely young lady and the

date is set for September 20th, 2008.

So-o-o-o-o........,

This is the basket of fabric I have choosen to make them a

Wedding Quilt.

Here are the first sixteen blocks.

I chose this pattern after seeing it on Ms. Goodneedles design wall.

Hers was rendered in red prints, assorted greens, blues, grays.

I liked the layout because the blocks could be arranged to allow for a center block for their names and wedding dates.

And now I am on a time schedule!

The second weekend in February the staff of the local quilt shop where I work part time,

is going on a quilting retreat!

All of us from both store! So much fun ahead and sewing time

with no interruptions

except

maybe a glass of wine,

girl talk

and eating!

(That we don't have to cook or dishes to wash!)

My goal is to have ALL 60 blocks pieced and the center 16 1/2" square completed with the names , date and other designs embroidered

and ready to be

sewn together and borders added.

Wish me luck!

January Challenge Down - June Challenge to go

2008-01-06T11:51:00.000-05:00

Remember these 12 items I received at my first meeting with the Pablo BEEcasso meeting? I asked for help deciding what I could make them into. The challenge was to use 9 of the 12 items! We could make anything using them.

The Challenge is now complete.

This is the result !

What do you think?

Baby Smith

2008-01-05T20:57:00.000-05:00

The young lady who does my nails is expecting in June. So during the month of December I made a baby quilt for the new "Smith" to be.

She and her husband are so excited.

This past Thursday I presented it to her. She, of course, was thrilled with the quilt.

Lan and my daughter are the same age, as is her brother Steven and my son. I have adopted her as another daughter. She and my daughter are so much alike in their likes, dislikes, thoughts and the way they look at life. I wish her and the "Baby Smith" much happiness.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T20:10:00.000-05:00

May 2008 bring you

prosperity, wealth,

good health

and

happiness.

Meineke Car Care Bowl

2007-12-29T19:29:00.000-05:00

Go Deacons!

The score board tells it all.

Today we went to the Carolina Panthers Stadium for the

Meinke Car Care Bowl.

Wake Forest University vs University of Connecticut

Fun was had by all those present, except maybe all the UConn fans who traveled to Charlotte, NC to cheer their team on. At half time the Deacons had not scored! (UConn 10 - WFU 0). It was looking bad for the Deacons.

However the team came out gang busters in the second half and scored 24 points!

Pre-game activites

Here the Deacon is riding in on his motorcycle.

Touchdown & the Deacons get on the scoreboard!

And the crowd went wild!

Yes it was a great day for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons!!!

I am my fathers' daughter!

2007-12-26T20:13:00.000-05:00

My father was not really a superstitious person, except in three areas.

1. If a cat, and it did not matter the color of the cat, crossed in front of him, he would always cross out the cat with his finger in mid air.

2. He would never, ever sign his name with red ink. This goes back to accounting class, when accounts were hand written in black(+) or red(-) ink. As a business man who owned a trucking company, he wanted the books to show at the end of the year it was in the black!

3. All Christmas decorations HAD to be down and packed away before the stroke of midnight on New Year Eve. He felt all business of the previous year had to be complete and finished and that included the Christmas decorations.

So as you can see from the naked tree above, I am well on my way to having all my decorations down and put away by midnight on the 31st. The tree is officially down & out the door. The other stuff will remain in place until next Monday. Tomorrow, with good weather, the lights outside, will be down and put away. It is hard giving up old habits that one has followed for ??? years! The year 2007 is slowly coming to an end. So I too must clear out 2007 and get ready for 2008!