Casey Fall Retreat

A sunny Fall day 10 of us from Casey Quilters headed to Helen's home armed with machines, material and everything that goes with quilting for 2 days. Helen, our hostess so graciously offered to cook our 5 meals. She out did herself with a full turkey dinner, biscuits that melted in your mouth, pies and on and on. Our project was Christmas Star. There were a variety of sizes depending on what their use would be. So here are a few pictures of our wonderful time together.

PLEASE NOTE: This blog updated the blog posting and for the life of me I cannot get to put the description in some of them....and the spell check is gone. herry is pictured with her '22' pillow cases she completed. Janice is pictured with her adora

Two different sizes. The smaller one was done in EQ6 by Sue R. Helen's was the larger one. That is the original patterns 29"x70 table runner.

This was Barb's and she had the cutest snowmen material that will border it.

Kay's who host's Casey's Q twice a month.

This is Sue's pillow case in an adorable print. We had a lively discussion whether the print should face up or down...She has it the way she likes it..and of course it was the right way!! (smile) We love to kid with one another. We have lots of laughs!!

Margo, Kay and Sherry at dinner...I promised the gals that when their pictures do not come out good I will not post. The were 3 others ....But!!!!

These are a few blocks that I worked on for my grandson..The pattern is a Theresa Star that I did at another retreat for my brother. This one is done in blue's, purple's and grey center.

Sue R. was re sized on EQ6 and a very nice size. Really nice!! She finished first and was excited about that....we have a few finishers but most of us take a little longer.

(aboved) My block that I am going to use for a topper for both my washer and dryer. I will add on to them and make them larger. Not sure how I will finish them off yet.

Helen, our hostess, Chris, Laura...a table fit for a queen!! Her beautiful home is shown above, the back yard where her husband stores the wood for winter. The house was designed by her and so lovely. It was truly a wonderful weekend with friends.

A Wild Rose

So much nicer on the bed than hanging because of the heavy stitching

Finally Finished!! I put the last stitch in last night around midnight. I took the pattern from Old Fashioned Patchwork magazine, Spring 1994. Called 'A Wild Rose' I used the flower pattern only and finished it off different. I had the blocks around for a long time so decided to just sew them together and put the border on and finish on my quilter. Every quilt is a learning experience for me and I guess that is what it is all about. With so much stitching in it it hung awful on the line so I put it on a bed which was a lot nicer.  My friend Sue saw a label done this way so I tried it..Another one down for the year!!  PS-I changed to a new look for posts and am having a hard time with it......forgive me for the way it is lined up

Tacoma Quilt day

We are doing a challenge again this year that will be displayed at the July, 2010 Maine Quilt Show.We have all levels of ability and decided to have workshops demonstrating needle turn applique, fusible applique, hand blanket stitch, and machine blanket stitch. For many some of the techniques were new or we needed to bone up on them. The quilt chosen is Morningstar by Linda Hohag. We have other workshops planned to continue working on it.

We always have show and tell and here are a few from our talented gals..

#1. Helen's unique Christmas quilt.
#2. Kay's Ho Ho Ho!!! Getting a head start on Christmas.
#3.Janet is a new member this year and displayed this colorful hanging.

#4 Koleen's- someone gave her all these hearts and this is what she skillfully did with them. All hand appliqued. Very striking!

It looks to be a very active year....we meet in the morning and then as many as can have lunch at a local restaurant. And there is also a local quilt shop that many of us frequent afterwards. There are about 25+ members. We all agreed it was a wonderful day!!!

Funky Folk Flowers

One of these UFOs I had stashed away. Funky Folk Flowers. I took a class at Busy Thimble Quilt shop in 1999 with Susan L. Powell, designer. The only one I have left to do is the center that is a basket of flowers. Four were easier and four with more detail. It is done with freezer paper and needle turn applique. I really enjoy this process even though it takes a little longer.

Justin's quilt

I promised myself that I would make a quilt for each grandchild when they graduated High School. Justin is 24 so this is long overdue. Justin is a sports fan and he wanted bright blue and purple so when son, Mike was home we went shopping and he helped pick some of the fabric. I added the browns etc. The pattern is 'Fool around Fun'. Now to get it on the quilter and done for Christmas. I have one more to make for Matt, 21. It is only August ...wow I am doing good!!!

Casey's Christmas in July

11 of Casey Quilters descended to the home of Helen, our hostess. I called from the driveway and said 'Am I here'? It was 8:45am. This beautiful home designed by Helen that looks like something taken out of 'House Beautiful'. The porch goes around 3 sides and beautiful greenery and flowers are everywhere. Pictures cannot really do the job. It felt like a home in the South and we should of had long flowing dresses on. A little sampling of the day follows: Also the picture in my header is on her porch.A couple of flower gardens

Here are the gals and Kay, in the center, whose home we meet in twice a month, we were doing 'show and tell'. Tables were set for our machines, iron and cutting stations at the other end. It was our Christmas in July and our aim was to work on a project and get it done before the rush comes.
This was lunch and our very gracious hostess, Helen who had worked very hard to get ready for us. There are those people who do it but then there are those who love what they do and she is one of them and made us feel very special all day, always wanting to do something for us to make us more comfortable.

Helen set this beautiful table for our final meal together.

Whenever quilters get together there is always 'show and tell'. This was the project that Barb did for the day. The cutest little purse. She had a few things left to do but colors are vibrant and cheery.

Pam, who had worked on this block fo the month for about 2 years. You cannot see the detail but it was wonderful.

This was one of the blocks of 12. The birds in the sky, the fish net and all the buttonhole stitching.

Sherry who is known for her wonderful Christmas quilts and buttonhole stitch that she puts in all of them. This is her latest. She is still working on detail. Barb on the right is the one who did the purse above.

Sue who finished her fool around quilt. It will be one of 9 hanging together as a chapter challenge in the Maine Quilt show next week.

That was our day. I got home around 7:00pm and showered and went to bed. It was the most wonderful time for all of us. Great group of gals.....nothing like friends sharing the love of quilting.

Tacoma Summer Get-Together

Today we had our summer get-together at Koleen's new studio. We always have wonderful show and tell. Here are a few. This beautiful bargello by Maggie. Of course I really like it because black and white to me is so sharp and a favorite of mine. I have never done one as it always intimidates me. We talked about having a workshop on it this Fall. Sounds good to me!

Pauline's block of the month done in a very different color scheme. But was beautiful!

Koleen who always does exquisite work. This is a delightful pattern!

Last but not least is a bag that has a new technique...It is a cut-away design done with freezer paper. Kayleen will do a demo this coming year for our group.

Close up of the bag.

Pillow Cases for Cancer patients

Today was the day that I made pillow cases for conkerrcancer. What a joy this has been!! They are to be bright and cheerful. There is nothing like making a young one smile!!

ConKerr Cancer started when Cindy Kerr’s son was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and she began making pillowcases to brighten up his hospital room and to put a smile on his face. He loved it and so she began making pillowcases for other children on the Oncology Unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Their goal is to give a bright cheery pillowcase to every seriously ill child in North America by 2012. In addition, we are expanding internationally with chapters in Canada & South Africa.

You can click on link above to see more information.

Sunrise instead of rain!!

This is the first sunrise that I have seen for weeks. So I decided to take a pic in case it continues to rain for days. (smile!!)Sunrise

July 4th - The Flag

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world. Look up and see me.
I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners,
My head is a little higher.
My colors a little truer.
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped - I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected - and I am feared.
I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy.
Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me.
I'm presently in the mountains of Afganistan and the hot and dusty deserts of Iraq and wherever freedom is needed.
I led my troops, I was dirty, battle worn and tired, But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud. I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt for I am invincible.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my country.
And when it's done by those Whom I've served in battle - it hurts.
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield . When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,I am proud.
I will fly proudly forever.
---------------------


This was sent by a friend and it is meant to make us ponder and think of the men and women who today are fighting for our freedom. I give thanks for them and pray for them and for their familes who also make the sacrifice.

Olivia's Pillow Cover

On a recent shop hop I purchased 5" charm pack for my great-granddaughter, Olivia for her birthday, with a promise that we would have a day when she could come quilt. Today was the day and she arrived at 8:30am . I gave her a choice of making something she could take home today or start a quilt. She opted to do a 16x18" pillow cover. She did the sewing of the squares and borders and I finished the back. We also made a pillow for it to fit into to. She loves to sew and has done some things by hand and also came with a cut out skirt. She used one of her skirts to cut a pattern from. It is to be worn as a costume at her 4 year old sisters birthday party. She is a talented young lady and has a real gift of the choices that we had to make with lay-out, special stitching and thread color. She is on her way as a quilter and has signed up for the special class for her age group at the Maine Quilt Show in Augusta July 24-26. What a joy this brings to my heart. It was a fun day for both of us.

Donated Quilts

Backroads, an area quilt group met recently for a work shop day and we made quilts to be given to those in need. My husband, granddaughter and I had the privilege of delivering several to National Newborns in Need, Picture is Ann (left). President of NBIN in Maine. Allison, (right) had also worked ironing, sewing, ripping as needed. She brought the red, white and blue one home and she lined up the colors and gram finished and quilted.These particular quilts will be funneled through KVCAP (Healthy families) because they were larger than what is needed for preemies/newborn's. KVCAP is an organization helping needy moms in Skowhegan, Waterville and Augusta area. They teach parental skills to single moms or young parents as well as work with babies that have health problems etc. they are far reaching. They help provide toys, bedding and clothing for these babies that are sick and needy.

The need is always great in an area and it was a real joy to be part of this process of giving comfort to little ones.

Quilt Hoop

Don't you just love 'freebies'. I was just given a 30" free standing quilt hoop. It is something I have looked at in magazines many times, but just figured I did not need it. I usually just quilt in my lap with a small hoop. The quilt pictured is the first quilt that I did myself. I did not feel good that winter and spent a lot of time on the couch so decided to do one block at a time. I purchased enough fat quarters for one block at a time. It is hand appliqued and hand quilted around the borders and the figures. This frame a real incentive to finally add some more hand quilting around the girls. This quilt that will be Allison, my 13 year old granddaughter. It was started in 1993 and finished to where it is now in the Fall of '94. Sunbonnet Sue - collection of 12 old and new favorites. copyright 1992 Leman Publications, Inc.

Flower Pot Pincushion and Threadcatcher

Casey Quilters met this past Friday and some of the gals made these Flower Pot Pincushion and Thread catcher. Each one had its own unique design.



Kay's

This one is Sue's in progress.















Janice's blue and yellow.

Helen's had a small butterfly on it...

It is fat quarter friendly. The Pattern Basket. Designs by Margo Lanqueboc

Quilt binding finished by machine

Judy Laquidara posted this video finishing binding by machine...She makes it look so easy. Check it out...It was great

http://www.patchworktimes.com/2009/06/05/binding-vide/

Tacoma - June

Today was our meeting with Tacoma Quilters. We brought our 'patriotic blocks'. This has been so enjoyable. Each month we made a block and then had a drawing to pick a winner. The last drawing for the year was won by Kolleen. She was not at the meeting so I am using a picture that I had. Below are the blocks that she won. It will be interesting to see what she does with them. She is a very skilled quilter who has her own business. (check it out)

This is the block that I made. It is an 8" Flag and Heart paper-pieced taken from Quilterscache.

The Quilter's Cache/Marcia Hohn.