The Magic

I hope and pray that each of you had a glorious Christmas time.  I also wish for each of you a blessed and prosperous New Year!

I overheard a little girl ask her mother why people say that Christmas is a magic time of year.  I did not get the privilege of hearing the answer and have pondered it for a few days now.  Every year I watch all the old movies and the myriad of sappy Hallmark movies during Christmas time.  I cannot help myself and have been doing that for years.  While pondering the little girl's question and watching one more movie I came to the conclusion that at least the movie industries meaning of "Christmas Magic" is the idea of renewing broken relationships, forgiveness, the goodness of humanity,  and remembrance of better times of the past and hope for a better future.  These are all good things to want and desire.

Is it possible to want and desire better relationships, forgive others and hope for a better tomorrow every day of the year?  I believe it is and becomes a matter of changing your perspective, strengthening your value system and understanding the true definition of love.  For me love is God coming to us in the form of the God/Man, Jesus Christ and taking up permanent residence in our hearts.  It really does change the way we see the world.  I plan on putting into place some very tangible ways of reminding myself of this every day so that 2015 becomes a full year of magical times.

Make the most of the last day of 2014!

Dee

Retreat information coming very soon.

Getting it Done

What do you get a little boy for Christmas?  He will be turning 3 soon and has all the toys and love a little guy could hope for.  I decided to go simple and made a cloth alphabet to help him learn his letters.  They go in the bag along with a picture book.  Old fashioned but hopefully enjoyed well.

Finishing up some embroidery projects and english paper piecing as well.  Sent off a quilt to be quilted, second one close to being done and planning for the winter retreat are just a few of the projects getting checked off the "to do" list.  

I do hope you are taking time to relax and enjoy the season.

Christmas Blessings!

Making My List and Checking it Twice

Christmas time can be so hectic with everything we need to get accomplished that it can be easy to forget what is at the core of the festivities.  I have my own list of "to do's" and it gets longer by the day.  I'm sure most of you can relate.  My husband has been creating a to do list every day of his grown-up life and derives a lot of satisfaction in checking off the things he accomplishes.  He puts everything down, nothing he does escapes his daily "to do" list.  It has only taken 36 years to openly and honestly take a good look at this daily ritual instead of making fun of the things he writes down.  (All in good teasing humor, of course)

I on the other hand keep my to do list in my head and continually focus on what I don't have done and often feel overwhelmed.  He on the other hand looks at his written list and sees what he has accomplished and gets a certain satisfaction from the days accomplishments.  I don't believe this "aha" moment will change how I go about my daily routines but I do hope it will include looking at what I have accomplished and feel good about that instead of focusing on what I haven't completed.

Along with me, will you focus on the accomplishments of the day and take time to just sit and relax and remember the reason for the added "to do's" this time of year.  For me it is the fact that Christ came into the world to accomplish His greatest "to do" and that is to be my Savior.

Following is a holiday recipe that is quick and quite delicious.

Maple Custard Creme Brûlée French Toast

1 stick butter

5 eggs slightly beaten

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 cups whole milk or half and half

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla

8 cups cubed day old bread

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional

Melt butter with brown sugar and maple syrup, and stir to blend.  Pour into bottom of greased 9x13 pan.  Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.  Top with cubed bread.  Combine the eggs, mild, vanilla and salt until well blended.   Pour over the bread and stir slightly to coat bread.  This may be refrigerated overnight or baked right away.

 350 degrees for 35 minutes.   Invert or serve right from the pan.

The custard will be cooked through and the glaze will be thick and bubbly on the bottom of the pan.

Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am so grateful to all of you who stop by the blog and share a little in my life.  Many of you are dear friends and I am so thankful for your friendship.  May you be blessed this day as you celebrate with family and friends.

I am thankful today that my son and his wife are celebrating with us, our niece and nephew along with his girlfriend are also here.  They have traveled from Indiana, Nebraska, Texas and California.  We are truly blessed.

"Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving to God the creator triumphantly raise,..." Katherine Davis

Ink

The snow is falling falling falling, my to do list is getting longer and not much progress is being made on the projects that should have been done already.  So, what do I do - I make ink.

My parents farm had a small black walnut orchard and cookies and cakes have never quite tasted the same as mom's without the black walnuts.  One of my students had a tree in their backyard and she was giving them away.  I jumped at the chance and boy do the cookies bring back delicious memories.  That is when I decided to make black walnut ink from the hulls and that is what you see in the picture above.  So now instead of working on what I should be I want to ink or dye everything in sight.

How do you procrastinate?  I don't seem to have any problem finding things to do that keeps me from doing what I should.

May you have a positively productive day, whatever it is you choose to do.

Dee

Pattern Reading

Today I spent several hours helping a fairly new quilter decipher a pattern she wanted to make for her Mother.  To say the least the directions were complicated and did not have all the steps one needed to do for success.  She was frustrated and I was soon on my way to frustration.  This isn't the first time I have come across this problem and I dare say I have also written some poor instructions for my patterns.  It happens.

When you buy a new pattern take the time to read all the way through it first to make sure you understand what it is you will be doing.  If there is a problem you will usually catch it in this first read through.  Put your piecing smarts in gear and ask if there is anything in the pattern that could be done a different or easier way-or just a way you like better.  If so write out how to accomplish the changes and if more or less fabric is needed.  I have found that if I cut out for one block and put it together I may find ways I want to attack it differently before I cut up all my fabric.  Once that is done and I am happy then I will cut my fabric and tackle as much chain piecing as I can and enjoy the process.

Following the author's directions took the two of us about 2 1/2 hours to complete one section.  I saw that I could accomplish the same thing with strip piecing and cutting on a forty five degree angle.  We made an additional four blocks in the next 30 minutes.  What an incredible timesaver.  She's happier and so am I.

Today is one of those picturesque beautiful fall days.  Loving it!  May you find joy in your day and remember to breathe deeply.

Dee

Bookends

This week started and ended quite lovely.  On Monday I traveled with a friend to a little shop about an hour from home.  It is only open by appointment and she had the most amazing fabrics, threads and ribbons for crazy quilting and embroidery. She was delightful and taught us a number of stitches and ribbon flowers and led us to the best ice cream shop I have been to in a long time.  The trip was amazingly energizing and it kept me going all week through teaching and my own projects I needed to complete.  On Friday, three friends and I took a trip to some of our favorite shops.  It was our own mini shop hop with lots of laughter and good food.  I highly recommend a week like the one I just had for everyone.

Life gets very busy and we don't always take a lot of time for ourselves.  There always seems to be cleaning, laundry and general household chores to do.  They don't go away-they just pile up.  Please do take time for your kids, spouse and friends.  It's good for your health and disposition.  Do something you love every day.  For me, it can be a walk with my husband, a phone call to my kids, taking 30 minutes to read a good novel, explore a new shop or doing something artsy.  What are the things that bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart?  Take the time and do it!

Happy Autumn,

Dee

Old is New

Trying to keep up with what is new or popular in the quilting world could be a full time job.  As I have been reading, scrolling and flipping magazine pages lately I have noticed a lot of new ways or easier ways to create old patterns, ideas and rehash information we all probably know but have forgotten or tucked far away in the recesses of our minds.  I enjoy the excitement that these new discoveries bring.  It motivates me to get busy and do what I love to do-create.

Since returning from the wedding festivities I have been planning for my monthly quilt club and for my fall retreat in October.  It is challenging to find new and creative ideas to share with quilters.  We all have so much information at our fingertips but what I have found is that many of us still like the personal touch and coming together in groups to learn and create.  This is what I think I like best about quilting and teaching, the coming together of friends to laugh, share, and sew.

I just saw that Moda is coming out with a new pre-cut called "jolly bars"  They are 5" x 10" rectangles.  You should check out the Moda bakeshop page to see some fun quilts they are making from these jolly bars.

Create, Enjoy and best of all Quilt - until next time....

Dee

Perfect Day!

My son was married this past weekend and it truly was a perfect day!  The weather couldn't have been more cooperative throughout the day, during the service and even the little sprinkle of rain we received during the outdoor reception just added to the charm of the day.  They made the sweetest couple and both were so happy.  I cannot remember the last time my son has smiled so much.  The day before, Carol, Lynn, Paulette and Robin came to help me arrange the flowers for the wedding and they were wonderful which added to a perfect day!  There were wonderful touches that Stephanie (the bride) and her mother did that made it truly fun and special.  Each table had a picture of Brett and Steph at the same age doing just about the same thing in each picture.  It was adorable.  One of my favorites was both of them sewing when they were in 4th grade.  They hung a chandelier between two trees over the cake and strung family wedding pictures along the trees which they aptly named the "family trees".  Their guest book was a signature quilt which I will get busy on soon.  I will keep you up to date.

Today was also a truly perfect fall day.  I don't think it could have gotten any prettier.  Fall is starting here in MI.  The air has that wonderful fall smell and the leaves are starting their change.  I pulled out fall fabrics and a few projects I need to complete for inspiration.  The festivities are complete and now it is time to get down to business before the holidays.  I have a full slate of classes and several quilts I am dying to get started on.

May all your days be picture perfect.

Dee

Something New

I finally found the dress for my son's wedding that is less than 2 weeks away.  However the chiffon sleeves needed to be shortened.  I have never sewn on chiffon before so I watched several tutorials, took a deep breath and went for it.  Happy to say it turned out quite good.  

Learning new things can be intimidating but it is always good to try new things and stretch ourselves.  I think that is one of the reasons I enjoy teaching Beginning Quilting classes.  Many come in with fear and trepidation and leave with new skills and the knowledge they can do this thing called quilting.  I recently went to a quilt show and it amazes me what people can do and create.  Quilting is changing all the time with the advent of the art quilts, modern quilting, revisiting the past with a fresh new look and many more creative ideas.  I encourage you to try something completely out of your box and do it for the sheer joy of it.  Please send pictures so we can all enjoy what you have accomplished.

I've been working a lot on wedding stuff and new material for upcoming fall classes.  This week I fly to CA for the wedding on the 20th.  I'm excited, nervous and who knows what all these other emotions are......

Below is the kids camp quilt top I finished today.  

Keep Smiling and Carry On!!

Dee

For a Moment

It has been a while since we've communicated.  My apologies for the lapse.  My husband and I were gone for almost three weeks to CA.  It felt good to be on "home" soil again and visit with family and friends.  Friends picked us up at the airport on our return to MI and asked the question, "What was the highlight of your trip?"  Both of us were rendered silent momentarily and decided there was no one moment for either of us but daily moments.

Trip highlights:
   Embracing family at the airport
   hot, sunny weather
   walking to get yogurt with our niece
   shopping for our nieces wedding with her mom
   creating the table toppers
   giving art lessons to another niece
   visiting with "family" at In Between Stitches Quilt Store
   Greeting dear friends as they arrived at the retreat center
   watching everyone's progress as they sewed all day and late into the night
   shopping and ice cream in San Juan Bautista
   Trip to the San Francisco flower mart to pick the centerpiece flowers for Rachel's wedding
   working with my daughter LeAnna to create the flower arrangements for the wedding
   The Wedding of Rachel and Mike
   The reception
   Falling into my own bed after a long flight home

Since then I have managed to write a color presentation for the quilt store here, work on my son's wedding quilt, purchased fabric for guest book quilt, made 47 hexagons and worked a few days.

It's time to get back to the sewing machine and curved piecing. :)

Dee

"Stop and consider God's wonders"  Job 37:14

Your Style!

How do you approach this activity called "Quilting"?  Do you follow patterns others have designed?  Do you like to change patterns you find just a bit to make them your own?  Are you the kit buyer?  Unsure of picking out the right fabrics?  Do you do your own designing to fit your style or the style of the person you are making the quilt for?  Art quilter?

The truth is we are all a bit different and we are all talented and make beautiful works of art no matter what our style is?  As for me, I don't seem to stay with any particular style or have the same style for any great length of time.  I believe I am moving to a new place these days.  I do want to keep designing and creating new quilts, experimenting with color and the modern look while holding on to my traditional past.  How do you that?  I don't know just yet but I am in the process of discovering some answers  for myself.  My first discovery is that I need to let go of what others are doing and simply find who and what I am.  I have known this and heard this for a long time but it is finally seeping into the deep recesses of my brain.  It's tough getting through all of that hardwood.

The last year has been an emotional and mental roller coaster.  I have some new roles to play as a Mother, friend and career person.  Today I am excited about visiting with family and leading a retreat with some of the best women I know and that I count as dear friends.

May you be blessed bountifully and continue your quilting journey with joy!

Dee

Rain and Storms and Wind, Oh My!

So far it has been a wet summer.  In the last couple of weeks we have had some type of moisture come down nearly every day.  Begs the question if I am in Oregon or Michigan?  Last week we had a big storm that knocked out our electricity for 2 1/2 days. The lightening display was a wonder to behold.  We do have a generator that kept our refrigerator running and the lights on in several rooms so that was wonderful, but having no computer or tv makes ones life a bit different than what one is accustomed to.

In spite of no electricity I managed to complete prizes for the retreat, work on the two wedding quilts, finish the ring bearer pillow and get the step-outs for the retreat completed.  Things are coming together and that feels good.  It's hard to believe that at the end of next week we will be on our way to CA.

During the electrical outage I did have a learning moment.  I had been running low on motivation for the projects that needed to be done.  Without the machine and lights I was forced to do different things and dream a little.  Playing with my art supplies and my drawing/sketching journal was just the thing I needed to get back on the creative track.  I have now decided that I will schedule a day of drawing, playing and dreaming on my calendar at least once a month.  Seeing the next few dates already in my planner makes me smile and eager to get busy.  Maybe you too could find some time for creative play and dreaming.

Living in Grace and Gratitude-

Dee

Brett and Stephanie's wedding quilt coming together

Ring bearers pillow ( silk ribbon and lace)

prizes

Stormy Weather

We have had some great thunder and lightening storms over the last week.  Of course they also bring the uprooted trees, tornado touchdowns and wind damage but they are exciting to watch and listen to.

My quilt room looks like it has gone through wind damage.  There are at least six projects in the works to finish and they are laying on tables and floor - wherever I could find a spot.  My very type A organized husband just shakes his head and asks how I can work in that mess.  Don't tell him but it is getting to the point that I need to do some organizing and cleaning.

Why is there such a mess and so many projects, you ask?  The summer quilt retreat is fast approaching and I have a bunch of favors to make, I need to complete my demo step-outs,  one wedding quilt due in July and the second one in September and prep for the classes I am presently teaching to name but a few.

In the midst of all this chaos I have found a very helpful organizing method.  As I complete projects and have just a bit of fabric left over and not enough  to use in another quilt I strip the fabric or cut it into squares and store them by size and color or style of fabric. Since I am a fan of scrappy quilts it is proving to be a very quick way to make a quilt and use up the leftovers with some pretty stunning results.  Many of Edyta Sitar's patterns are great ones for using up those strips and squares.  Baskets on a bookshelf make a pretty and organized way to store those strips and squares too.

May the storms in your life only be the gentle rains that nourish.

Blessings,
Dee

Old is New

This past week I have been doing some research on signature quilts along with just enjoying all the quilt designs from the past.  Brett and Stephanie have decided not to have a traditional guest book for the wedding but have everyone sign a quilt block as the guest book and after the wedding I will assemble the blocks.  Personally I think it is a great idea.  I know how much I have enjoyed the quilt In Between Stitches did for me when I moved to MI.  I know it will bring them a great deal of joy and warmth through the years, much more than my guest book that sits on a shelf and rarely if ever opened.

How distracted I get!!!  During my research I had a few aha moments.  Many of the antique quilts from the 19th and 20th centuries were very graphic and organic.  They look an awful lot like many of the modern quilts of today.  There are so many different types and styles of quilts and all are so beautiful.  Whether you are a traditionalist, an art quilter, modern bent, contemporary, landscapist quilter or other it doesn't matter, just enjoy it all and once in a while jump out of your box and try something new.  I have found that trying new things makes me a better "loose traditionalist" quilter.  I'm jumping into paint, gilding, felting, embellishing, couching and seeing how many different ways freezer paper can really be used.  It's messy and fun!

Following is an example of what I found and saw the similarities of todays modern or contemporary quilter.  Enjoy!

Walk Down Memory Lane

This past weekend I took a memory trip to my past.  The president of my High School Alumni Association called me about our reunion coming up in August.  I won't even begin to tell you which number reunion it is-ghastly is all I can say. :)  We talked for awhile and I caught up with all the news on everyone.  How fun to chat with her.

The same evening Steve was the speaker at a school reunion celebrating the school's anniversary serving children and families since 1849.  I reunited with my college roommate's brother there and a dear friend from college days.  What a fabulous, unexpected surprise on both counts.  It certainly made the evening delightful.

Yesterday I had the joy of sharing my antique quilts with a friend.  We discussed the fabrics and the women who created them, one being my mother, another Steve's grandmother and a woman I never met but bought the quilts from her son and heard his stories and love for his mother.  Fun! Fun! Fun!

There are so many ways to share friendships and life through quilting connections.  I am always amazed.  I have so many wonderful friends and memories that wouldn't be if I hadn't taken up quilting.  Know each of you are thought of often and lovingly remembered.

Dee

Hello! Hello!

You may have noticed some changes to the Home page of the blog.  Hopefully it will be easier for you to navigate.  I would like to encourage you to sign up to follow by email so that you are notified when new material is added to the blog.

I would also like to invite you to share projects that you are working on and comment in the comments section under each blog.  I do love hearing from you.

Following are some projects I have been working on recently.  I think I have about six projects going at this moment.  Sheesh!  When will I learn?

July Retreat Quilt Demo

Top left is a new pattern and class, bottom right is a class and the star is the middle of Rachel's Wedding Quilt

Way too much fabric to iron

                       

very small reproduction blocks for a group I sew with

No pictures of Brett's quilt this time.  I haven't been making a great deal of progress on it at this time.

Enjoy your days and keep quilting!

Blessings,

Dee

Happy Memorial Day!

How fortunate we are that men and women in the US make a choice to defend and help all of us keep our freedoms.  Thank you each and everyone.  I had six brothers who served in the military and I am grateful and thankful for their service.

I took a much needed break from a task I have been diligently working on for several months and went to the NQA Quilt Show in Colombus, Ohio this weekend with a couple of friends.   I was inspired by some amazing quilts.  It is astounding what some can do with needle and thread.  As always, if you have the opportunity to spend some time with your quilting friends you should do it.

I have not been very faithful to the blog lately because of THE project.  I am close to being done and I look forward to getting back to a more normal routine soon.

In the meantime-God bless you and God bless America!

Dee

The Wedding Quilt

One of the many reasons we take up quilting or love quilting is making that very special gift for someone we love.

I have taught many beginning quilt classes through the years and I often ask the participants why they have come.  The reasons are many and very diverse but one reason that seems to be shared most often is I want to make a quilt for a friend or family member as a gift on a special occasion.  Those occasions have ranged from births, graduations, special birthdays, weddings and a little of everything in between.  Quilter's seem to have a heart for giving and a lot of love to share.  It has been such a joy for me to get them started so that they can share their gifts and love.

I have spent months thinking about and finding fabrics for the quilt I would make my son and his fiancé for their wedding.  My decision to make The Double Wedding Ring came about through several conversations with my future daughter-in-law and a quilt hanging in the window of In Between Stitches.  Yesterday I officially began the cutting of the fabric.  For me, that means I am committed and I need to get busy.  I am piecing it the traditional way with templates and a million pieces.  This should definitely improve my accuracy with piecing.

May you always find great joy in the making and giving of your quilts.

Dee

Here is a link to their wedding website:  www.theknot.com/wedding/christopher-jensen

Sampler Sew-A-Long Finishing Instructions

Step 1:  Arrange the blocks into groups of four.  

Step 2:  Sew 1" finished sashing with a cornerstone block between each grouping of four blocks.

Step 3:  Sew 2" finished sashing between the four groupings including your center cornerstone block

Step 4:  Sew your first border around your quilt.   I continued with a 2" finished border in the same 

             fabric as my sashing.

Step 5:  Sew your second 1" finished border on.  Choose a good contrast fabric.  I used the same 

             fabric as I used for my cornerstones.

Step 6:  Sew your final 6" finished border to the quilt

Quilt, bind and enjoy.  I would love to see your finished quilts.  If I were to do this again I would like to try some brighter fabrics like Kaffe or Amy Butler or Tula Pink.

Prep Work

Today I am preparing the house and a meal to welcome my husband Steve's students for the afternoon and evening tomorrow.  They will be hearing from a couple in the business world what it means to be a leader and show professionalism in the workplace.  That should be interesting!  As most of you know it takes a lot of work and effort as well as planning to be ready for a large group.

It really isn't much different when you decide to begin a new quilt project.  There are definitely things one can and should do to prepare.  It is also a good idea to know when to take the leadership role in creating your quilt and when to step back and listen to your quilt speak.

What are your favorite quilting preparation tasks?  Do you have a system for getting things done?

I believe my favorite part is the dreaming and deciding what it is I'd like to do.  My least favorite part, and it is also where I get bogged down, is the figuring out how much fabric I'll need, doing the math to create the design and writing down the directions or pattern.  It was a smart smart day on my part when I asked Robin to help me with all that math and designing.

This certainly will not be an exhaustive list by any means but hopefully it will give you a couple of things to think about as you begin your next project.

Do you have a purpose for the project or is this for creative fun?
If there is a purpose do you have to keep to a particular color scheme or pattern design?
First, go to your stash and pull any possibilities that might be lurking there.
Check out the pattern and see what you need in value (i.e.: lights and darks), character of print, and finally colors or hue.
Take a little snippet of all your possibilities and head to the quilt store.  Yeah the best part!!!!
Make a few blocks, put them on the design wall and step back and see if you are headed in the right direction.
Relax, enjoy and always remember to breathe and breathe deeply.

Happy preparation time!

Dee

My New Favorite Color

My favorite color has always been red.  I think for this season I have discovered a new favorite; green. The snow has finally melted and the grass is starting to turn green and how glorious does that look.  I am craving the sight of green like I cannot ever remember doing before.

There is another thing I am missing this spring.  In Livermore we lived right next to the little league fields and would hear the ping of the baseball bats every Saturday morning.  I keep waiting for those sounds of laughter and cheering.  For me, baseball is a sure sign of Spring.

Today I am helping Steve put out the pots, patio furniture and prepare as much as we can for some gardening.  After that I will be ready to dig into my stash and decide on some new projects.  I'm thinking something in shades of spring.

What are you working on and anticipating this season?  Whatever it may be I hope it is bringing you great joy and time to relax and create beauty.

May you each have a wonderful Blessed Easter!

Christ is Risen!

Dee

Sampler Sew-a-Long Block #16

Here is the final block in this scrappy sew-a-long. I have put together the top and finishing up the borders today. Picture and directions to follow.

Step 1:  Once again we are working with HST's and this block goes together easily. You will need a background fabric, 2 mediums and a dark.

Step 2:  Cut four 2 7/8" squares from background fabric, cut two 2 7/8" squares from a medium fabric, three 2 7/8" squares from dark fabric plus two 2 1/2" squares, and four 2 1/2" squares from the medium accent fabric plus one 2 7/8" square.

Step 3:  Make the Half Square Triangles as shown in top picture using your favorite method and assemble block according to picture.

Sampler Sew-a-Long Block #15

Step 1:  Choose 6 coordinating fabrics for this block.  One light and one dark for the backgrounds.  One medium for the blocks, one medium light, one medium dark and one light for the accent fabrics.

Step 2:  From the light background cut four 2 7/8" squares, from the dark background cut four 2 7/8" squares, cut one medium 2 7/8" square and one light 2 7/8" square, cut four medium light 2 7/8" squares and four medium dark 2 7/8" squares.

Step 3:  Following the picture of the block and the picture above you will need to make 16 HST's and arrange them according to the picture.

Almost done!

Dee

Sampler Sew-a-Long Block #14

Step 1:  Cutting instructions; Out of a variety of your fabrics cut 1-2" strips. Cut two 4 7/8" squares and cut diagonally

Step 2:  Sew the strips together.

Step 3:  Trim the strip piece to a 6 1/8" square.

Step 4:  Sew the triangles onto the sides of your stripped square to form a square in a square block. See block at the top of the page.

Have fun.

Dee

Friends

We all need friends.  It is the way we were made.  There are many different friends in my life that make it rich and meaningful with many different interests and talents.  There are those that make us laugh, those that cry with us, those that are there when you need someone, that go shopping with you or sit and talk for hours, etc.

This weekend I was fortunate enough to spend time away with two very special women.  We drove to Northern Michigan for a weekend get away and stopped at every quilt store along the way.  I believe we stopped at 7 or 8.  What fun to see the variety of styles and shops there are.  Some delighted, some made us feel welcomed, others inspired and a few left us wanting something more but all seemed very happy to take our money and we were very happy with our purchases.

We had two separate rooms so the other two enjoyed early morning talks and relax time in their room and I enjoyed my late night reading and pattern copying that I wanted and needed to get done.  It worked out great.  Each of us like many of the same kinds of quilts and quilting and each of us get excited over very different things.  I was working on a modern style quilt, one was working on a Jo Morton project and the other worked on an embroidery project and we were all able to help each other out as needed.  Great camaraderie and conversation which also included another round of shop hopping in the area so our total rose to 11 shops by then and  added two more on the way home.  I really don't think I need to go to another store for a long while.

May you think of your friends fondly today and that you find time to spend together as often as possible because we all do need friends.

Fondly,
Dee

Where we stayed

A future project I bought fabrics for

The project I was working on.

Sampler Sew-a-Long Block #13

Step 1:  You will need one light, one medium and one dark fabric.

Cutting instructions:  From the light fabric cut four 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles. From the medium print cut eight 2 1/2" squares and from the dark fabric cut four 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles.

Step 2:  Mark a diagonal line on each of the squares. 

Sew a square on one side of each of the dark rectangles. Trim the excess from each square and press to the corner.  Silly me, I put the pieces in the wrong order. The bottom one should be in the middle.  Sorry.

Step 3:  Sew remaining squares to the other side of the rectangle units to  make the flying geese units  and press.

Step 4:  Sew a flying geese unit to the light rectangles and arrange as the picture shows.

It's Coming!

It is wonderful to hear birds singing again.  I think Spring may come after all to this frozen place.

It was an honor to speak/teach at a local quilt guild today.  The ladies were so wonderful and gracious.  It also truly warms the heart to see how much these women do for charitable organizations.  They have donated 100's of quilts per year to Linus, Veterans, soldiers and children's organizations.

It has been a lot of crazy days for me lately with my teaching schedule.  It is wonderful to have the opportunity to teach and be busy.  Everything is coming together for my April retreat in MI as well.  I'm ready to spend time with another great group of women.

Next weekend three women and I are going to northern MI for a few days to sew, relax and shop.  I cannot wait to go.  It will be fun to see and experience another part of this state I have not been to before.  The most  difficult thing will be deciding what to bring to work on.

May you find wonderful activities to fill your days along with family and good friends.

Blessings,
Dee

It’s Alive!!! (Modern Quilt Perspectives edition)…

It’s Alive!!! (Modern Quilt Perspectives edition)…

Sampler Sew-A-Long Block #12

Step 1:  You will need three fabrics; one light, one medium and one dark.

Step 2:  Cutting instructions:

From light fabric cut one 5 1/4" square, cut diagonally twice.

From medium fabric cut two 4 7/8" squares cut diagonally

From dark fabric cut one 5 1/4" square, cut diagonally twice.

Step 3:  Sew the light and dark quarter square triangles together.  Press to the dark side and remove bunny ears.  Refer to the picture below.

Step 4:  Sew a medium triangle to the quarter square units to form four blocks.  Refer to picture  below.

Step 5:  Refer to the block at the top of the page and sew the four above units together to form the double pinwheel block.

Easy peezy! :)

Dee

New Appreciation

For those who work on the computer for the better part of the work day I have a new appreciation for what you do.

Being a teacher most of my career there was very little time for sitting down and would often go home with achy feet.  They hurt more until I learned to wear sensible shoes. :)  As many of you know I am working on a project for "The Quilt Show" which requires being on the computer for long periods of time.  I must get up and run around the house and/or do something where I am moving every little bit or I kind of go stir crazy.  So to all of you computer people my hat is tipped and I say thank you.

Tomorrow is a full day of teaching and am already looking forward to the weekend and getting a little bit of sewing time in.  I just haven't been getting much of that done lately.  For those of you working on the sampler sew-a-long you know I need to get those last four blocks completed and the quilt top sewn together.  That is my weekend plan.  Yeah!!!

May you be blessed and be a blessing.

Dee

In Like a Lion

There was a saying I learned as a kid that went something like this;  If March comes in like a lion it will go out like a lamb.  I sure hope that holds true.  As we recently witnessed with the Olympics, it is quite exciting to set records and be a part of that kind of excitement.  Someday it may be fun to say I survived the winter of 2013-14 that set all kinds of records and wreaked not a little havoc.  Today with another vortex and sub zero temperatures on the way is not that day.

I returned this week from the retreat I hold in Tuolumne, CA every February.  The weather was exceptionally beautiful and I drank in as much sunshine as I could.  The women who attended were wonderful to be with and were working on many beautiful projects.  What a joy to be with them.  I have returned to begin working on my retreat I will be holding in Michigan in April.  I look forward to this time as well and starting new traditions and making new friends.

One of the best parts of my trip was staying with my son and his roommates.  They were lovely to their momma in residence.  A trip with my future daughter-in-law to the flower mart in San Francisco was a delight.  The smells and beauty were intoxicating and the time with Stephanie was a joy.  If you ever get the chance to visit the mart I highly recommend it.

My goals for this week are to get started on the demo's and welcome gifts for the April retreat.  I will be sending out forms for the July Retreat in San Juan Bautista, CA and watching more shows for my project with "The Quilt Show".  There are a few classes to teach as well.  It's good to be busy.

May your days be filled with joy and inspiration!

Dee

Friendship is a long sweet prayer....

Sampler Sew-A-Long Block #11

Step 1:  You will need two fabrics, one light and one medium to medium dark.

Step 2:  Cutting instructions

             From light fabric cut two, 2 1/2" squares, one, 1 1/2" x 8" strip, one 6" x 1 1/2" strip sub cut into 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" strips, and four 2 7/8" squares.

             From dark fabric cut two, 2 1/2" squares, one 8" x 1 1/2" strip, one 6" x 1 1/2" strip  sub cut into 1 1/2" x 2 1 1/2" strips, and four 2 7/8" squares.

Step 3:  Sew the light and dark 8" strips together and sub cut into four 1 1/2" strips.  Out of the 

             2 7/8" squares make 8 HST's using your favorite method.  Sew the 1 1/2" sub cut strips to the

             two light and dark 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" strips.

Step 4:  Arrange each section as shown in the top picture and sew together to complete your block.

Enjoy!

Dee 

Learning Curves!

Recently many new things have come into my life that have presented learning opportunities for me.  I've noticed the older I get the harder it is to eagerly jump into learning new things.  Not sure why that is because I would normally consider myself to be an open to new ideas kind of gal.

The most recent "new" in my life is a new desktop computer.  Our son gave us a gift certificate at Christmas towards buying one.  We have had our last one well over 10 years and it was no longer supporting the new systems upgrades, etc.  It will be off to the Apple Store for classes for awhile so that I can know how to use this wonderful tool.  The new touchpad instead of a mouse is pretty awesome.

In my quilt world I am trying to embrace the modern quilting and what that exactly means.  For a traditionalist like me it is challenging.  Hopefully soon you will see some results of my labors.

I encourage you to learn something new or at least try something new.  It is a renewing process and keeps your mind alert so the experts say.

May this Valentine's Week be filled with love and friends.

Dee

Sampler Sew-A-Long #10

Step 1:  Choose 3 fabrics, one light, one medium, and one dark.

Step 2:  Cutting:  From light fabric cut two, 2 7/8" squares, one 1 1/2" strip WOF, two, 2 7/8" squares        cut in half diagonally once.

From medium fabric cut one 1 1/2" wide strip WOF

From dark fabric cut two, 2 7/8" squares, and 1 scant 3 3/8" square

Step 3:  Sew the light and medium strips together lengthwise and sub cut into sixteen 1 1/2" strips. Sew these strips into eight  four patches.

Step 4:  From your light and dark 2 7/8" squares make four half square triangles.

Step 5:  From your dark square and diagonally cut light squares sew together the center square in a square section.

Step 6:  Sew two of your four patches according to the picture below.  Make four sets.

Step 7:  Lay out your block according to the picture at the top of the blog and sew together as you would a nine patch.

REMEMBER TO SEND PICTURES OF YOUR  COMPLETED BLOCKS!

They're Arriving!

Getting the first seed catalog in the mail this week took me directly back to childhood.  The Burpee seed catalog and Jackson Perkins Rose catalog both came this week and brought a lot of daydreaming and joy to this old girl.  When I was young and the catalogs would start arriving I would take a pencil or crayon and circle all my favorite flowers.  I vaguely remember showing them to my mom in hopes she would order them all.  She did order seeds but certainly not all the flowers I had circled.  When the seeds arrived in the mail there were far more vegetables than I ever circled.  My mom however did plant zinnia rows along our garden each summer and I did love those cheery flowers.  I'm not sure I can say that they made the hoeing or pulling weeds during the summer months any easier but they were a joy to look upon.

This week as the snow continues to pile up and smash all kinds of records for Michigan snowfall and cold temperatures I certainly enjoyed looking at the beautiful flowers and roses and dreamt of past gardens and hopefully future ones to come.

There are far too many busy days ahead to daydream for too long.  Three new beginning classes coming up, a class at a local guild this week and another guild later this spring, hand applique and several classes based on my patterns.  Throw in preparing for a retreat at the end of February and I realize I better get busy and stop all this daydreaming.

May you enjoy days of sunshine and warmth if that is your preference, or days of rain or snow if that is where your joy lies.

Blessings,
Dee

Finding Your Creative Self

There are times when creativity and ideas flow like water and there are those times when the well runs dry.  For the past few weeks I have been in a slump as far as creativity and motivation go.  In trying to get things completed amidst a very busy time and jury duty I think I may have discovered a couple things about myself.  A creative stopper for me is when I have too many things that need to be done and I don't know where to start or how to get it accomplished.  The second is lack of exercise and not getting out and about with people.  The snow and subzero temperatures have kept me home and inside.

When creativity comes to a screeching halt for you don't try and force it to be there.  Let it go and do the things that bring motivation and creativity back.  Here are some ideas for you.  What can you add to the list?

1.  Listen to your favorite music and let your mind go.
2.  Keep a journal.  Draw inspiring things you see, write about incidents you experience, meaningful    
     quotes, song lyrics, etc.
3.  Go shopping;  shoes, clothes, window shopping, fabric, boutique shops, etc.
4.  Have lunch with a friend.
5.  Get lost for a while on pinterest.

Last night I went to my first meeting at the Modern Quilt Guild of Ann Arbor.  This should be an interesting way to bring new creativity to my quilting.

Create Friendship Piece by Piece!

Blessings,
Dee

I So Agree

My sentiments exactly!!!!!

Sampler Sew-a-long Block #9

Step 1:  You will need 3 fabrics for this little basket.  Background, floral and a dark for the basket.

Step 2:  Cutting instructions:

Background fabric;  cut one 4 7/8" sq.,  four 2 7/8" squares, two 2 1/2"x 4 1/2" rectangles

Basket fabric;  cut one 4 7/8" square, one 2 7/8" square floral fabric;  cut three 2 7/8" squares

Step 3:  Make the HST's by drawing a center line and two stitching lines 1/4" away from the center line and sew and cut, press. You will have 6 floral HST's, 2 small basket HST and 1 large basket HST.

Step 4:  Arrange as shown above and sew together in rows.

Enjoy!  Dee

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

Yeah!  I lost five pounds over the last week and a half.  The bad news is that it was from shivering.  Not a recommended form of exercise.  Two weeks of subzero weather and wind chill is enough but they say it isn't over yet.  Today it got up to twenty degrees and it felt warm.  Crazy!!

Finished up the gifts for everyone attending the February retreat today and started cutting for a new quilt.  After a busy week with work and jury duty it felt good to have a day to myself.  Jury duty here is a two week stint so I will have to call in tomorrow to see if I go back next week.

Block #9 will be up tomorrow!  Have a blessed and warm day!

Dee

Friendship is a long,

sweet prayer

made up of kind acts that 

reach heavenward.

Sampler Sew-A-Long Block #8

Fabric requirements:  1 dark, 1 medium to med. dk, and 1 light

Cutting instructions:  

From the dark fabric cut one, 1 1/2" x 12" strip, cut two 3 7/8" squares

From the medium fabric cut one 2 1/2"x 12" strip, cut two 3 7/8" squares

From the light fabric cut one 2 1/2" square and four 1 1/2" squares.

Sew the two strips together and press to the dark side. Cut this strip into four 2 1/2" segments. Make four HST's from the dark and med. squares.

From the 2 1/2" strip segments sew a 1 1/2" square diagonally to each side of the medium fabric.  Cut away excess fabric and press before sewing the other square on.  These will become your center star points.  Arrange your units as shown below and stitch rows together.