Climbing Vines

This is 'Climbing Vines' taken from Thimbleberries guide for Weekend Quilters. My friend, Bren and I decided to do a quilt together in 2006. A weekend quilt sounded good to us. We shopped for material and then proceeded to cut it out. I am a camper so took mine along and did some work on it and just kept on going. Obviously it took a little longer than planned. The needle turn applique itself took lots of hours and I have tried several ways but my preference is using freezer paper and then turning it under with a toothpick or the needle itself. This is a quick pic so I could show it to my friend and let her see 'it is finally done'. Her's is still waiting in the wings to be finished. Quilting was done by Ann Hussey. I opted not to do it myself as I wanted to hang in our quilt show and felt stressed as the time was drawing near. Another UFO done!!!
Close up.

Perfect Binding

I am teaching this technique at our quilt show this weekend. I have recently learned how to finish off a binding that you cannot tell where you start or end. It may have been around for a while and I am just finding it out. I put these pics together to help people see 'how' as I teach.

TO Begin: Sew binding onto quilt. Leave approximately 7" tail at beginning that is not sewn down. When ending binding leave enough so you can work comfortably when these two ends are sewn together. I left approximately 12" gap.

#1. Measure 6-7" of first tail and cut off

#2. Take the 2nd tail and butt ends together and fold back excess on itself.
Measure the width of your binding strips and cut the same width (I used 2 1/2").

#3. Make the cut IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE IT IS CUT THE WIDTH OF BINDING.
#4. Take the 1st tail and place WRONG SIDE up. Mark a 45 degree line.

Place on the 2nd tail that is RIGHT SIDE up as shown. Pin and Stitch.

SEW!! Perfect binding every time.
Trust this is helpful to you. If it is not clear please email me.

Embroidered Wall Hanging - Bl. & White Sampler

It has been a busy week but I feel like I have accomplished some things. Casey's retreat held on Saturday was a plus for me and I accomplished a lot. I am determined to finish my UFO's.

This Bareroots embroidered wall hanging is done except for the binding. I will use it to teach a new technique of binding off a quilt at our May 3-4 quilt show. This is the first time I have taught publicly. Quilters are friendly people and always ready to learn something new. Should be fun!











Below is a close up of one of the panels. It was a long process from start to finish. I find embroidery very relaxing and it is something I enjoy doing while sitting watching TV with my husband.

Taking a break

I have been so busy this week. It seems all the quilt groups I am involved in had all their meetings this week. I also work 2 days a week. I just felt overwhelmed so decided that today I just could not get up and get ready 'to go'. So cancelled out Kay's meeting, 12 of us meet twice a month and have potluck dinner together and quilt. It is a great group and tomorrow we are having out annual retreat. Instead of a new project we decided it would be a UFO day. So I am working to get things ready to take.

I live on a small farm and my husband is away for a few days. There are mother's in-waiting and mother's with calves. So I am playing nursemaid right now. This one particular cow has hung on for a week waiting to birth. My husband checks her 2-3 times during the night. My son who lives about a mile away thought it would be this morning, but she is up again and we are just 'waiting'. I wonder if they get tired like we do?

BRQ is having a quilt show May 3rd and I have committed to putting some quilts in the show, plus teaching 'how to finish off a binding' with this new technique that I have learned.

I washed and pressed a quilt that will be going into the show that I made for my husband, Richard so it would be ready and not be a last minute project. It needs a sleeve and name tag. I am 'in learning' as far as 'short arm quilting and I looked at it today remembered I was interested in getting it finished that I got happy and just quilted without being aware of continuity and the size of the meandering. It was so great that machine and tension, thread all seemed to be going smooth that I just kept stitching away. So I have a few places that could have been improved. I am trying to decide which way to hang it so the inperfections of quilting will not show. Now when you finish a quilt for a bed it really does not matter. But if you are hanging a quilt you want the best part to show. Women are going to carefully scrutinize every detail. And depending on the level of viewer of that quilter it will be judged accordingly. We forget to consider the skill of the creator. At least I am guilty of that. I need to always remember I had a began at some point and isn't it always a learning process. I know I do not have it all together yet.

It is a simple quilt as I think it is important to have basic quilts as well as well as highly skilled from those with beautiful artistry that are being done today. I always want to remember that loving hands made the quilt and the truth is I am better than some and not as good as others. I am a pianist and tell that to myself all the time. It is easy to be intimidated and not participate. We encourage the girls whatever their skill level that it is important to share it with others. In getting this label together I used a picture of my husband with his cows(pictured). I made it on the computer...but I see the color ink was not so great..also two tools I really like to remove threads etc. A surgical ripper and an eyebrow remover to pull out those stubborn threads.


My break has been long enough...so need to get back to work.


I had a fellow quilter send this quote. Something to ponder.
"Take too many pictures, laugh too much and love like you've never been 'hurt' because every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

My saying is "The person that laughs LASTS"

Thoughts & 90th Birthday

'Be Still and Know that I am God'....that is a scripture from Psalm 46. It has been ringing in my heart for a couple of weeks....this is how God speaks to me. Stillness, what a wonderful word. It speaks of quietness, freedom from disturbance or agitation, and peacefulness. There are many more adjectives and also a Hebrew meaning from the Bible. But what it is saying to me is to listen, look, comprehend what is around me...stop chattering, be observant. It is in the quietness that we hear and then can move in that direction. I have been with many people in the last few weeks at different gatherings. And there seems to be a lot of 'noise'. Everyone wanting to be heard, laughter, sharing. It is all wonderful, but at times we just need to come aside and 'listen'. Soon the frogs will be croaking in the ponds and streams. What a wonderful sound as you lay in bed at night listening to them make a statement. The coyote down in our pastures ready to pounce on a new born calf. All nature resounds!! Life itself can be filled with a lot of 'racket' so to speak and cause a lot of stress. But for me, I just need to stop, be still and listen and let quietness sweep over me and bring rest. Just a thought for today that I wanted to share for someone who may need a little 'stillness' in their life.

It is 60 degrees today here in Central Maine and there is a bustle in the air. The robins are digging into the lawns, the Martins have come to take residence in our birdhouses. The cows are delivering their offspring. The flowers gardens are starting to green up and stand tall and produce their beauty. All the residue of winter is being cleared from the lawns. How can one truly describe what happens after winter and life comes to take residence again. How Majestic nature is.

Today, 12 of us met at a local restaurant to honor Arlene, a fellow quilter, for her 90th birthday party. She is a delightful lady and one of the founding members of our quilting group.



Her latest project was something someone threw away. She saw the potentional beauty in it and is hand quilting it to make it a treasure and will be donating it to a charity. She also shared her wool purse that she had made. It is knitted wool and is then put in hot water to shrink. Of course, we all agreed it was a beauty and some of us would like to try our hand at it. You know how it is with women when we see something new.

She shared some wonderful stories. She even sang a song called 'the Umbrella man' She was telling in her younger years of the milk man, the bread man and others that came selling their wares. None of us had heard of anyone who would fix an umbrella but of course we are not 90. She has put it on tape for her grandchild telling the story of how it came about and singing the song. The little one plays it every night when she goes to bed. What a treasure.

It was a wonderful day of just being 'still' and enjoying one another with no agenda for a little while.

My Rendition Sampler & thoughts

Here is another UFO finished!!
I call this My Rendition Sampler. It's Middle section layout was designed by Koleen Painchard. It was part of a workshop that I took at her studio. I added the 4 patch and 4" border and quilted on my super quilter. I think I have finally wrapped my brain around 'how to' use my quilter and really enjoyed doing this one. I have a brother sewing machine and it is very tempermental and likes certain needles, thread and absolutely no lint and it has to be threaded exactly and then you have to deal with putting each layer on and attaching it to the leaders. I float both the batting and the top. This is different than suggested but works for me. I also learned how to finish the binding a different way than I normally do and the process looked better and was easier than anything I ever tried. You can find it detailed on my friend, Sue's blog. http://northwindsquilting.blogspot.com/ . You will also find a lot of other neat things she is doing.

This quilt I call a 'utility quilt' and will be on my couch. The grandchildren will make tents, toss it around etc. It is fun to watch them gather all the afghans, quilts etc and begin to lay them out so they are completely enclosed under the various furniture they use. Aren't grand kids a JOY!

This will be my last entry until I return from attending the Quilters Heritage Celebration in Lancaster, PA. About 12 of us fellow quilters will be a part of a group of30 riding on a bus for about 10-11 hours. What fun!! Shopping! Eating! Laughing! and probably not much sleep...

Yesterday were very strong winds..today it is 26 degrees and the sun is shining and of course we are looking for signs of Spring, the flowers are peeking their heads up in some places and the greenery is starting to show ever so slightly. It always amazes me that in the Fall the leaves fall and the next leaf is there waiting it's timing to spring forth. Such a joy to watch and experience the wonders of nature as everything starts to live again after the cold, dark, lifeless winter.

BRQ Round Robins

Backroad Quilters started a Round Robin last Fall and this past Monday they displayed the finished tops. It takes ‘stepping out of the box’ for those who had never done it. The thought and design that went into them and how each one fit the personality of the person receiving them were amazing. The designs were so unique and exquisite.

I will explain simply the process of a Round Robin. There is a recipe (instructions).The originator does a block of any design she chooses. This is then passed on to another person. She works on it for the appointed time adding her own particular design. Then it is passed to the next person and so on until the finish. Then the big REVEAL! Enjoy them….they are really very beautiful ....Excellent job!

Black & White Sampler

Have you ever had a block that was not your favorite. The spool block is not mine. My group is doing a sampler and I really did not want to do this particular one. I decided not to be a rebel and do my own thing. Samplers give quilters opportunities to do different techniques. I chose black and white, but then found I really needed to add some color and put red and yellow throughout. On this block I used a template and hand pieced the block. When sewn together will be 12 1/2". We have 4 more blocks to do.It is really the choice of fabric that makes a block look nice. I am very happy with this and glad I decided to follow the crowd this time.

Today it is sunny and 20 degrees. Spring is just around the corner ....our clock's have been set ahead and my inside clock is having a hard time adjusting.

Tbis year I have decided to finish my UFO's. It is very hard not to start something new. The materials are gorgeous! But I am refraining myself. I am headed to Lancaster, Pa. the end of the month with a bus load of quilters to shop and attend the Quilter's Heritage Celebration. And of course, there will be many opportunities to purchase. You know how it is when women get together. Oh such fun we will have....we can hardly wait.

Barb's Veggies

Twice a month a group of ladies meet at the home of Kay and we are called Casey Quilters. Just a group of friends who love to quilt and we share dinner together. It is always a fun time where we do our own UFO or present project or sometimes have a planned project.

This is Barb and she loves 'gadgets'. Just ask about something 'new' and she usually knows about it or has it. She is a very gifted lady who will see something and goes home and makes her own pattern. She not only quilts but does pocketbooks, aprons, wall hangings, you name it and she has done it. She always has several 'show and tell' and we 'ooh and 'aah. Pictured is 'one' of the projects she shared this week. This is a something she saw and knew she could do, drew a pattern and she was off and running and created this adorable carrot and tomato. She will add a hot pepper and eggplant. It is always fun to see what she has in 'her bag' to share.

Kathryn' Crib & Quilt

Our church youth were doing a fun raiser for missions. I saw this doll crib and decided to purchase. It sat in my closet for about 3 years and my intention was to give it to one of my grandchildren. But they had some so I began to ask the Lord what to do with it and He spoke and gave me the name of a family in my church. They were going to come pick it up and I got to thinking little girls need bedding and a blanket. So I looked through my 'stash' and made a mattress -quilt and pillow. Ms. Kathryn now has a complete bed for her dolly. It is more blessed to give than to receive. It was a joy to do this.

The following is what I include in all my quilts...I use pictures of hearts and overlay this message and print out directions unique for each person. This is the one for Kathryn

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - KATHRYN
I am a quilt to keep your dolly warm. But when you have the need to wash me

(pillow, mattress and quilt) throw me in the washer on gentle and

slightly swish me around in cool water. You can dry me in the dryer on low heat,

but do not put me in the sun as I fade quickly as I am all cotton.

…If you take care of me

I will last a long time…I have been made with love. Enjoy!
February, 2008

Eagle Pic for classroom

My son came home excited from Tn. with panels of Eagle scene material that he had found on sale and had bought the whole thing It sat for over a year in my studio as I was wondering what to do with it. When you make quilts from scratch what do you do with panels. Just did not seem like much of a challenge. A lot of options went through my head and finally I made 3 throw pillows and this picture about 45x50". I simply put a border on it and stitched it on my super quilter.. did some fussy stitching edging the border with a fancy stitch with my Janome 6500.

Eagles are so impressive soaring with their huge wings above the storm clouds. I am reminded of the scripture in Isaiah 40:31, 'Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint'.

This will go into a 5th grade classroom in Tn. I boxed it up Monday and off it went. Now I still have 2 more panel and he wants a throw....our kids are always our kids no matter how old they are and mom can do anything!! (smile) What joy we find in doing for them.

Husband's Quilt-Giant Star Quilt

My husband and I celebrated 50 years of marriage in January of this year. Sometimes you forget the ones you love the most. I thought I would make him a quilt. It is called 'Giant Star Quilt' made at a quilter's retreat last year.If you look close those are small cow figures. He has owned cows since he was 14 years old. I always told the Lord I did not want to marry a farmer. But.....I met him and fell in love and my story is, "I never smelled the stink on him". We have laughed about that for years. If you have ever been around a farm it is a smell that is very distinct. We raise beef cows and have our own meat which is a real blessing.

A workshop was being held and I collected my materials and made this quilt.And when I gave it to him he said, 'he had been praying I would make him one'. Not sure why he just did not ask me. He has been my most encouragement for buying my sewing machines and short arm quilter. So now he has his quilt and uses it most every day as we sit in our leather swival rocking chairs with our wood furnace keeping us warm and many times find ourselves taking a snooze.

Ohio Collection

What you are seeing is a project I started in 2004. It is the Ohio Collection by Anita Shackelford. It was a class at a local quilt shop and we did one or two squares a month. They are all different sizes. I laid them out on a table to give me more of a perspective. I thought if I took a picture I could work from that and fit them together. This is a big challenge for me as I have never done anything like this before. I am a person who has to prepare and know where I am going before I start. I guess I just need to take the plunge and get going.

I have now posted enough so my friends can see the things that I have done and am doing. I am so glad my friend, Sue challenged me to do this. I am really going to enjoy this...Until next time...

Tea Time for Marilyn

We have dear friends in Florida Wayne and Marilyn. We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary and decided we would visit them. I wanted to make something for her as she has a servants heart and is always giving to other's. It needed to be something simple as when we get older we do not need a lot of 'stuff'. Whenever I picture her it is with a cup of tea. I got this book 'Teapots to applique' by Kay MacKenzie. I purchased the material for the teapot and the rest of it came as a gift from a quilt shop that our group visited. Would you believe it had cups and saucers, the reds and browns. I appliqued the teapot and then finished hand quilting the background in hatching. (guess that is what you call it) I am not really up on the quilting lingo that everyone uses. How perfect it was and fit over an old cabinet they call a 'pie safe' that was stained brick red with punched tin in the doors. She added a couple of teapots that blended and it made a statement.

Botanical Welcome Wall hangings

This pair of holly and poinsettia wall hangings are called 'Botanical Welcome' taken from McCalls Quilting Dec. 2007. When I saw them I really liked them and wanted something that would work up quick and look nice to display for the holidays. The applique shapes were simply fused to the background and the edges left unfinished. It was fast and fun.

'A Little Taste of Maine' Mike's

This was done for our son Mike for Christmas last year. It is titled "A little Taste of Maine" I wanted to give him a little feeling of home. There were flying geese all the way around each block. I intended to do two ...one for each son....but decided that one was enough. Not sure I really like doing sooo many flying geese at a time.I had this one machine quilted by Koleen http://www.quiltworksunlimited.com/ who does outstanding work. Check out her website there is much to see.

A Touch of Country - Bruce's

This was made for Bruce, our oldest son here in Maine. Entitled 'A Touch of Country' I put together the design as I did it, trusting it would come out nice. I machine quilted it on my short arm. He says the more that it is washed the cozier it feels. Isn't that true.

Vickie's Quilt-Wisteria Wreaths

This quilt was for my daughter-in-law Vickie. It is called 'Wisteria Wreaths'. It was a kit from The Quilter May 2007. This was the first time I had used a kit but decided to try it because it was the perfect colors for her. I really enjoyed the applique process and I finished it on my short arm quilter just in time for Christmas.

Nancy's Turning Twenty Quilt

I met with friends on Sunday afternoon.
They were making Turning Twenty quilts. I had done two already so did not want to do another at this time. Pictured is Nancy my daughter-in-law from Tn. with hers I made for Christmas. Really easy pattern ...takes 20 fat quarters. Everyone's was so unique.

This blog will keep me challenged to finish my UFO's.

Heavenly Sunshine-Tracy's quilt

I bought the yellow and blue moda fabrics and then designed the flowers and hand appliqued them. I had this quilt in mind for myself but then felt inspired to make it for my niece, Tracy 41 who had been fighting cancer for a long time.

She graduated in 2003 with her bachelors's degree in nursing while raising 2 teen age daughters. She worked as a head nurse until unable to continue. She showed courage to wage the battle every day and was an inspiration to every one around her.

The quilt finished I took it to her in June when she was very ill and she just hugged it and said it felt so good. She told me while laying taking her treatments she saw herself running through a field of blue flowers, arms outstretched so full of joy. Her favorite colors were blue, yellow. I did not know that, but the God she served did, the whole border was full of tiny blue flowers. He gave me the name 'Heavenly Sunshine' She lost her battle in Oct, 2007. She was an inspiration to me and will always be treasured in my heart.

How important quilts are to those who are ill. I remember hearing of an ABC anchorman who was injured in Iraq receiving a quilt. His wife being told how important that would be to him.