Chicken pin cushions

Our quilt group made chicken pin cushions on Wednesday. The tiny one I had made a long time ago. I made the one log cabin with the gals and will stuff with white rice.
When my grandsons, J and J came to stay overnight they saw them and wanted to make 'big' ones. They knew exactly what color and 'how' they wanted it. So these are their designs. Josh's is the yellow one. Jacob's is the brown rooster. We used felt for the red and yellow cones. They are simple to make unless you get the tails turned around as I did. J and J pulled from my stash and of course took those wonderful moda etc. fabrics. What is a Gram to do ...oh yes, the best for the grandchildren...what joy they bring!!

I keep this blog for quilting....I have one where I posted their pics...it is a family and inspirational blog. You can check it out if you like.

Star BOM #12

This is #12 in a series of 13 with Block of the Month with Judy Laquidara. This has been a learning for me with 16th measurements. Below all the block are pictured. They will be set on point so they will look different but this gives you an idea.

Table Runner

Our group took a trip to Sewing by the Sea in Trenton a few months ago and they demonstrated how to make a runner using the 60 degree cut on the ends. One of the gals, Pauline(above) came home and held a workshop for us. The choice of material is the making of it. Some of them are so beautiful. Saturday I went to Fabric Garden in Madison and they had many fabrics that would make beautiful ones. We used a micro stitch gun (size 11/64" fasteners) to tack it together to line it up which is very important. I used Jinny Byer material for mine (below)This table runner was sent to Tn. for my son, Mike and daughter in law, Nancy . He surprised all of us and came home for his brother's 50th birthday party. Had not seen him for a couple of years.

Star BOM #11

This is Block of the Month I have been doing online with Judy Laquidara and many other ladies. We get 2 blocks a month, complete and post on her blog with a link back to ours. We have 2 more blocks and then the borders. This is the type of quilt I would never do on my own so this has been good for me. We also used 16th inch and that was been a stretch for me but I conquered it. Always nice to add more expertise to what you already know.

Hearts-Tacoma

We got up this morning and it was a very light snow and so the thought was that not many would show up to our quilt meeting because of the possible slick roads. We all came except for one gal that was sick. Each month we decided to do a block with a theme. We would put our name in the pot for each block we made and the person whose name was drawn would get them all.This month was a heart that could be 6" or more and any technique you chose and signed. I chose to do a paper pieced block with an appliqued heart. The winner was Pam....this was her first meeting and she became a member. What a welcome gift. We were so happy for her. She is a gifted quilter and we told her we expected it put together in about a month. (smile) Next month will be a Spring Block using pastels. Our chapter banner is behind Pam...

We always have show and tell....quilting projects, purses that some of the ladies had done at a workshop and this was Rayna's offering today. I had a full picture but I am good to the gals and I promised I would never show anything on the blog that they would not like. But I told her I would fix her up and so here are her socks she made...she is a gifted knitter and she always has something in hand that she is skillfully doing. There were a lot of laughs...

This was a quilt that Kayleen did in an evening and we all really liked it so we decided to each make one using material from our stash. It is called Fool Around Fun by Susan Fuquay. It is always good incentive when working with a group to get things done that we would not do on your own, and also enjoyable to see all the different colors that will be used.
It was a fun day...we were suppose to work on a charity quilt but forgot some of the elements and so decided just to enjoy one another. We are a small group of about 17. It was a great day and the sun was shining by the time we were headed home.

Camille's Bag

It is has been unseasonably cold here in Maine in January. Our local quilt group had a workshop for this bag and I chose bright Spring colors and lined it with green plaid.Can you tell what I am looking ahead for!!!! This is a ps013 Camille bag designed by Penny Sturges. I made some minor changes, enlarged the band at the top and also made the handles a little lighter by not using full wide of the fusible fleece. I also put more pockets inside with Velcro. It does not look big in this picture but it is about 14" wide x 14" tall. It is an easy bag to do.

Funky Valentine Hanging

WOW the first day of another month. Where did January go? After Christmas it is like you take a deep breath after finishing all the projects for gifts. Then you realize that time is still moving and you better get going again with projects promised, projects in the wings waiting to be finished, new projects and on and on it goes. I get older and realize that I will never accomplish all I want before I die. Last year my goal was to finish UFOs. This year I am still working on UFOs or WISP (works in slow progress). One of the groups I belong to did a valentine project making covers for Kleenex boxes. I would have no use for it so decided to do something different. Do you ever feel like you try to get ahead but you get be hinder??? Another group I am in decided to do a block each month and draw names and someone will get the whole batch. This month it is a valentine so I got mine done in pink/reds and hand appliqued only to find out I need to have red/white...Soooo I took the pink/reds and made the above block for the valentine project in place of the Kleenex box. And made a new red/white block for the monthly drawing. So if you are confused so am I. But I think I have got it right. (smile it is called life)


Candace wanted to see a picture of the quilt 'flowering green' that I finished recently on my bed. I would recommend if you are making pillow cases to make them extra long so they would hang down on the sides.

Climbing Vines

It was -14 degrees this morning here in Maine. I decided it was not a good day to go out even though I had made a commitment to a quilt group. My husband was away and we have a wood furnace that needs to be fed so I opted to stay home where it was warm and cozy. My friend Bren and I started a 'Weekend Quilt' from Thimbleberries by Lynette Jensen in 2006. It took a lot longer than we planned. I finished mine in April, 2008. She and I worked a couple of times this summer piecing it. Life gets busy and so I decided to take it out of the box and finish the top
It came out beautiful. The colors are darker than this picture shows. She has a couple of colors to add to it.

This is a close up of the detail.This is mine finished only in different colors. I hand appliqued flowers, leaves and vines and it is machine quilted by Ann.

This is what I missed yesterday at Casey's Quilters...they made covers for kleenex boxes. Kay just sent pic to me...aren't they adorable? Great job Gals!!

WISP- Pumpkin Seed Runner

This is my second finish of WISP (works in slow progress). We started this in our quilt group in Oct. '08. It was taught by our President Barb and is taken from 'Rob Pete' a quilt smart product. It is named 'Pumpkin Seed' It can be made into a full quilt but I was learning the process and just did a Runner. I hand appliqued the pumpkin seeds and then did a machine stitch around each one. Hand bound it. WISP is a group that has challenged us to finish our projects old or new ones that we have lurking around. It is a good motivator. I even got the name tag on the back....plus put 2 more on other projects I finished in December. I am off and running!!!

WISP Pillow Cases

I decided to join WISP-- it means 'Works in Slow Progress' (otherwise known as UFOs). A challenge was put out by Kris and the idea is to finish a project by the end of the month. 2009 has been a slow start for me as it is tax time and I have spent a lot of time cleaning out old files and setting up new and getting all the 'numbers' ready for the accountant.
My first finish are the pillow cases that go with the 'Flowering Green" quilt that I finished in December. I accidentally cut one the wrong way so had to redesign with the extra band. Sometimes mistakes turn out to be good. I finished it off with a french seam. These are on my bed.

Kris says, 'Participants will try to complete at least ONE craft project by the end of each month. This can be something you've had partly done for a while (a WISP!), a pattern you bought ages ago that you finally get around to making, or a completely new project - it's entirely up to you.' Motivation is a positive thing.

Flowering Green

My goal for 2008 was to finish my UFO's. This quilt was started in 2006 and is bound and done as of Dec. 29th. It will replace one I have had on my bed for 15 years. A friend helped me shop for the material for my old quilt and then helped show me the process of making it. I was hooked although it took me a few more years to really get into it. (it is pictured at the bottom) I call this 'Flowering Green.' It was a block of the month started in 2006 at Whipper Snapper's a local quilt shop and designed by Mary Ann Florek. I have a short arm but do not have it set up to handle a queen size quilt. So I had a friend, Sherry Flagg machine quilt it for me on her short-arm. She has a business and does a beautiful job. I am so pleased with it.

Below is my first quilt...a log cabin. It is starting to become thread bare in a spot so it is time to retire it and add something new. Amazing how we make quilts for everyone but ourselves. So I decided it was time. Also note the angel over the headboard. My friend, Doll who taught me to quilt made it for me. This year has been a fruitful year. I have made 9 quilts and many baby quilts, table runners, wall hangings etc. I wonder what 2009 will hold? I still have UFO's lurking and waiting for me.

Blessings on this New Year 2009 to all who have taken the time to view this blog. I have so much enjoyed connecting with new acquaintances all over the world. Thank you for your time and your comments they have been greatly appreciated.

Poinsettia Pot Wall Quilt

I finally have my Poinsettia Pot wall quilt done that I started at Casey Quilters meeting "Christmas In July". It has been finished with various techniques...I used heat and bond , light and heavy...machine and hand button-hole stitch to outline...some special stitches from my Janome 6500 on the leaves and pot...The pot looks raised but it bubbled when I was quilting around it so I put little gold clasp stitches to anchor it. Also quilted on my short arm the courthouse step blocks and scrappy square side borders. If I were to do it over I would probably do it different as it has been a learning experience for me. I am not a big fan of heat and bond and use it rarely.

I really enjoy decorating at Christmas and this will be added to my collection of hangings and it will add flavor to the ones I already have. Another finish for 2008 Hoorah!!!! Finished Size 29 1/2" x 36 1/2" design by Kim Schaefer

Christmas Gifts 2008

Christmas 2008 has arrived and all the presents for my family are delivered. I have been busy making strippy quilts for the grand and great-grand children. It has been a lot of fun and has helped me practice new designs using my super quilter. Strippy quilts have a focus material

and are very easy to make.I chose fun designs for each of them.

This first one is my grandson Jacob's - age 10 I also made matching pillow cases to go with each one. I did french seams on the inside and had learned how to do this from earlier days of sewing for my family.

This one is for my great-granddaughter, Isabella - age 2
View of close up of quilting.

Grandson Joshua's - age 10...yes they are twins.
Another close up
This is great granddaughter Olivia's - age 7

Close up
Ms Allison, 13 whose birthday was this month informed me that she would like 'money' so she and her brothers could purchase a new game. So I made this purse and fulfilled her request.
Of course, she was overjoyed.

I also have two older grand-daughters who are married. Em - 23 and Rach -28 so I decided to made them these table runners in Christmas designs.

This is a wall hanging I made earlier this year for my daughter-in-law.

So it has been a very busy time. But it is so rewarding when you put your time and energy

into items made with your hands for those you hold dear. It is very fulfilling to the heart.

Merry Christmas

Peace comes when we open our eyes to another dimension, to the mystery of God that lies all around us....especially at Christmas.

May your heart take wing in the moments of stillness and the peace God gives to us all.

Poem taken from a Christmas card sent by a friend.

Merry Christmas to all my Quilting Friends.

(manger scene was given to us by our son many years ago. The sun was shining and hitting it.)

Star BOM 10

This is the light blue I will be using and also a darker blue for contrast....#10 below

Star Block I am doing online with Judy Laquidara. This is #10 and has been a fun series. I have 3 more blocks to go. We will not get the next one until February 1 as she is writing a book and has a deadline.It will be nice to have a break as the season is so busy. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HIS BLESSINGS TO ALL!!!

Tacoma Breakfast

We in Maine have just come through an ice storm where many lost their lights and it has now turned very cold. This morning eleven of us from the Tacoma Lakes quilt group ventured out to have breakfast and present a quilt to our former President, Beth at Mill Stream Restaurant. We invited her to come and see what we had been doing. (She took a full time job and is unable to attend our meetings). Each member made a block and signed it, we worked on it for a couple of meetings and our present president, Barb (who was very sick today) did a beautiful job of quilting on her Tin Lizzie and Pauline a member finished with the binding. We were delighted and she was surprised and pleased. Several of us finished 'the tallest tree' hanging I talked about in the last posting. L-R Judy, Donna, Maggie, Margo, Andrea and Pauline. We all agreed it was a fun project and liked the result. Other members are still in the process.

These wonderful snowmen with little lights graced our table this morning. It was made by Rayna and so adorable. There were several 'show and tell'. It is always great to get together and share what we are doing and what we have learned. Nothing like friends with the same love of quilting.

The Tallest Tree Runner

Our group 'Tacoma' met last Wednesday and our project was 'The Tallest Tree by Pieces from the Heart'. We pre-cut our background, green, brown and 44 pieces of Christmas fabric for the borders before the meeting. We then shared them. I did use some of my own to give the border variety. I also did 'quilt as you go' and then put it on my short arm quilter to do the border and finished the stitching around the trees on my Janome. Rayna brought this huge jar of red buttons for all of us to choose from. What a blessing!

This one below was done by Koleen and she chose to use identical fabric for the trees and background. This is such a versatile pattern. It was really enjoyable to do. Our president, Barb skillfully walked us through all the steps.

Star Block #9

This is a block of the month I am doing online with Judy Laquidara. She posts the pattern on the 1st and 15th. This is #9 in a series of thirteen.

Received the pattern this morning and wanted to stay caught up. Christmas season is busy and did not want this hanging over my head.

I am pleased with the result...

Star BOM #8

This is a block of the month I am doing online with Judy Laquidara. She posts the pattern on the 1st and 15th. This is the eighth in a series of thirteen.

Phew!!! Made it before the next block posting. Used the paper piecing as suggested. It was a challenge to get my printer to print correctly. But my friend Sue came to the rescue and told me to uncheck everything on my printer that wanted to pre-determine the size and it worked.

It is a busy time of year but I am looking forward to the posting Monday. Amazing how it is coming together...thanks Judy....

DownEast Trip

7:00am this morning the telephone rings and I hurriedly jump out of bed. My husband is up and ready to start his day. His agenda included a trip to Machias area. Of course, as the lady of the house I had to make sure my work is done and house neat. So I scurry around and finally off we go by 8:30am. We had breakfast about 25 minutes away from home and then made our jaunt through all the little towns. It was a very quiet day and the scenery is so barren at this time of year. A highlight of our trip and always quite a site to come upon and cross the bridge at Bucksport. It is very impressive and something you might like to do if you come to Maine.

Penobscot Narrows Observatory Open May 1st - October 31st
A one minute ride on the fastest elevator in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont will take you to the top of the tallest public bridge-observatory in the world. The others are in China, Slovakia and Thailand. Just opened in May 2007, the observatory is already proving to be a popular attraction. The beauty of the Penobscot River and surrounding countryside is immediately apparent as the elevator door slides open to a dizzying view from 420 feet up. Ascend two more levels up to find 360 degrees views, complete with identification panels showing you how to locate nearby mountains, lakes and towns.

Then we were off to Machias where I found a quilt shop 'Gingham' and of course I had to stop for a 'few minutes' and make a purchase. This is the easternmost fabric shop in the whole U.S.A. and also as a guild member I get a discount. It is always fun to see the different shops and the fabric lines they carry for their particular clientele.

Pictures below are the inlets we passed. They are so quaint and peaceful looking. But these boats represent a lot of hard and dangerous work for the men that fish with them in all kinds of weather in the Atlantic Ocean.

The person my husband wanted to see was not home so we decided to go onto Calais an hour North of Machias. I had heard that the Marden's there carried a lot of fabric so wanted to check it out. The Canadian border is just a few feet from them. There are hundreds of bolts and everything is very neat and accessible. I got a couple yards of baby material and a piece that matches a teal/black quilt I want to make using BQ2 quilt pattern by Maple Island Quilts.

It was a very long day. From Machias to Ellsworth it rained very hard and was difficult driving. After leaving Ellsworth we looked up and the stars were out and then when we arrived in Augusta they had salted the roads because they had been icy. The saying goes, 'just wait the weather will change'. We did stop and eat at 'Barb's restaurant' a place where a group of quilters ate last week. Their lobster stew was scrumptuous. Arrived home at 9:00pm. It was long and tiring but a great day to get away and change the scenery. You always feel renewed afterwards.