Punch Needle Embroidery

This is my newest venture. Last summer at the Maine Quilt show I purchased a kit to do punch needle embroidery. It has been sitting because I got stuck and did not know where to go. A couple of friends took a class a few week ago and they showed me 'how to'. I am hooked ...it was so much fun.. this is my 1st one and I used some left over binding to edge it and plan to frame it.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS!
Home is where you can hang your hat!

Home is where you can be yourself!

Home is where you make the rules!

Home is where you can make others feel accepted and loved!

Home is where you can Laugh, Love and Live!

Janome Sewing Desk

I had worked off an old desk and decided it was time to invest in this wonderful cabinet from Tony's in Biddeford. http://www.tonyssewingmachine.com/sewing-cabinets/
This fits my Janome 6500 and I had a perfect nitch for it. It also has a drop down leaf on the back that will make it double its size that I can use when doing a large quilt. I put wheels with locks on it so I can roll it out but also will keep it stationary when using. I put a 6 inch board across on the middle brace so I could store some things (not pictured as it was an after thought).

Black/White Sampler - Roses

How beautiful the flowers are this year. This is the old fashioned rose bush that is at least 75 years old. It gives off the most wonderful fragrance. I am reminded of the the scripture 'the Rose of Sharon' that speaks of the Lord.

This is a close up of the Rose which is so intricately made.This is one of my first peonies.
My appreciation of the beauty of a garden comes as a memory of my dad who worked a few years as a gardener. And of course, our family always had a vegetable garden and he spent many hours planting, weeding, hoeing etc. I remember picking beans and my mother canning in my younger years.

Have not done much quilting this week as my machine needs a minor adjustment. I also have worked off an old desk for years and it is time for me to purchase a table for my Janome. Tony's in Biddeford custom builds them, so will pick up mine on Monday. My studio needs a complete overhaul. I am a saver and I need to do some serious throwing.

I did add a red border to my black/white quilt (pictured in my last post). My husband thought it needed to be a little bigger, after following his suggestion I am pleased with the result.

God smiles when we praise and thank Him...

And then an amazing thing happens....

When we give God enjoyment,

our hearts are filled with JOY!

quote by Rick Warren

Black/White Sampler+ Tacoma

Wednesday was our last meeting for the year. We had potluck and this is the group in attendance. L-R First Row...Beth, President who has served us well this year and is always thinking of new challenges for us, Arlene our 90 year old who looks wonderful is a delight and has done a lot of hand quilting for the group over the years, Maggie, Treasurer who is a marvel with all her quilting, Carol who joined us this last year, her husband pastors the church we meet in. She has made some unique things. Back row ..Pauline who has won 'best of show' with one of her quilts and adds beautiful embroidery to her quilts, Judy, who retired and has joined us, always has something to show that she is working on. Donna, VP owns an ice cream shop but still finds time to do unique quilting, Bea, who bakes the best pies that the group has enjoyed has made some adorable quilts this year for her family, Bev, who is quiet but does beautiful work and Rayna who always has something in her hands, knitting etc. These are all gifted ladies in their own right. The nice part is that we are all at different levels skillfully, different personalities and we have melded together in a special way this year and we have learn so much from each other. Missing is Lori, Andrea and myself.

This was a Sampler project that Beth challenged us with. We got a pattern twice a month and chose our own colors. A sampler teaches you some of those techniques you avoid and so it becomes a learning process. I started out with black and white. People kept saying it needed color...I decided to just start adding red and yellow. I got so excited about the material I had found that I just kept going. It just has to be quilted now. It is our summer project to complete.It will be fun to see all the different ones at our first meeting in September.

The word fellowship has lost most of its biblical meaning "Fellowship" now usually refers to casual conversation, socializing, food and fun..Real fellowship is experiencing LIFE together.

Colorful Waves

In 2006 I took a workshop sponsored by Maine-ly Sewing in Nobleboro and Freddie Moran was the teacher. She has very unique philosophies about quilting and of course, we laughed a lot. Taken from her book "Collaborative Quilting" we did a quilt called Freddy Dot.com 70x70. It is done in circles and pictured on Page 85. But I wanted to do something outside my box. So of course I put my own twist on it. Recently, dealing with a physical challenge I found time to sneak in some quilting and finish the tops of some UFO's (unfinished objects). See Below-
I shopped for DOT material everywhere I went and each center is different. It is sometimes difficult to do repetition for me and the remaining 15-20 blocks I would do one each day until conquered. I used black for a sharp look for framing and also decided to give it some movement
Closeup.

A Wild Rose Quilt

I finished the top of the 'Wild Rose Quilt', needle turned applique, still needs to be put on the short-arm quilter. ANOTHER UFO ALMOST CONQUERED! It fits very well on a single bed. I was not sure what to use for the the borders and have had lots of wonderful suggestions. A couple of Saturday's ago a group of my friends and I went to breakfast and then on to Cotton Weeds in Freeport and I finally purchased the final border that picks up the various colors I used.

We had a fun time, after breakfast and shopping we ended up checking out the lawn sales on the way home and made some great purchases...I could not fit anymore in my car. We laughed and agreed it was a wonderful day. I have been fighting a very fierce physical condition and have been home for most of the week unable to even work. I am on strong meds. and they make me very sleepy and on and on it goes. I prefer Herb's but it got a hold of me and I needed something immediate. Well enough of that.

The beginning of each year I ask the Lord for a scripture for that year. He has always been faithful in speaking to my heart. This year 2008 was, 'In Him I live and move and have my being'. Acts 17:28a. I need to always remember that He walks with me and I am hid in Him and safe no matter what is going on around me there is peace in the midst of the storm.

I have added one of my favorite bushes that I can see out my kitchen window... it is very picturesque with the greenery so bright and the cows in the pasture, watching the baby calves are fun to watch interacting with their mother and one another.

Maine-Five Islands Trip today

I have had a severe attack of asthma the last 8 days. My husband wanted to go for a ride somewhere today and I thought maybe the salt air at the coast would help my breathing with the clean, fresh smell. So we left around 11:30am, ate dinner in Bath, and headed in the direction of Reid State Park. You pass the entrance of the park and continue a few miles until you arrive facing the inlet and are met with the building below which houses a lobster eatery. An ice cream stand is on the opposite side. It is probably my favorite place as it is so tranquil and picturesque.

This view is straight on and greets you when you enter the driveway. You can see tables set to the right and they go all the way around the platform to the back and to the left overlooking the water. Many people were milling around or sitting eating their lobster. Delicious!!
Below is where they unload the catch of the day and if you are fortunate enough to be there when they come in you can watch them. It is quite a site.
Below are the lobster traps stacked up.
You can walk on the rocks and get close to the water...summer homes along the side.
Trust you have enjoyed a little taste of Maine. Weather was 70's and very nice today.

Portraits from Nature

A few months ago I saw Jean Wells demonstrating her 'Portraits FROM NATURE'. You know how you see something and it quickens within you. Her suggestion was to start a portfolio of photo's and create a sketchbook to build a collection of flower's, trees etc. She describes how to applique, embellish and bind the portrait's and how to machine quilt the background. I just love the technique so am beginning to collect photo's of flowers (pictured below). I have done some sketching of my own ideas. Who knows where this adventure will lead. A quilters mind is always working and planning. I also will begin to look for just that 'right' fabric. Pansies in my window box. I can see them when I sit in my leather swivel recliner in my living room. They have such pretty faces and bring much joy to my heart.

Hibiscus - the plant was given to me by Bruce and Vickie, son and daughter- in -law

for Mother's day.

My garden is so sad after a tough winter. I have this one lone red/white tulip.

As for man, his days are like grass;

As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. Psm. 103:15

Beauty of nature

This Sunday morning I came upstairs to my office and looked out my window to this wonderful display of clouds and the sun was trying to peek through...what an awesome sight! The splendour of nature!This is a crab apple tree in front of my house. I have watched it for years, and in the ice storm we had a few years ago, I saw it bow down under the load of ice but, it always rises and gives off this wonderful display of beauty each year. It is not quite in full bloom as yet but so enjoyable to me to watch. Scene is taken from my house across to the other side of the road where our barn and more property are.Friday morning I went to our local park and just enjoyed the beauty of nature. It was so quiet, only a mother and her child sitting on the grass. It is not a big park and is located next to my old high school (which is no longer there) I attended and I remember walking around and around the path every day with friends at lunch time. It brings back lots of memories. Sometimes it is good just to take 'me time' as I call it and have no plans, and just relax and enjoy the moment and beautiful surroundings given to each of us.
When coming from work on Thursday I drove around this park and saw these beautiful tulips and decided to get a picture. They have started to pass their prime time but nevertheless are beautiful.

I am thankful this morning just to have eyes to see His beauty everywhere I look. What a blessing to me. "One thing I have desired ot the Lord. That will I seek. That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. To behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple" Psalm 27:4

My quilt & Thoughts

'Today is the first day of the rest of my life', that is a saying that has been around for awhile and I have often quoted it realizing that our days go very fast. Today it is 62 degrees and a little overcast, but nevertheless a wonderful day to be alive. Yesterday was a nerve wracking day as I had an MRI but everything is fine. I had cancer in 1997 and decided to go the natural way and changed my diet, took a lot of herb's and PRAYED and God healed me. I never had surgery but it is always in the back of your mind especially with so many people that you know having to face the fight of their lives. I feel life is a gift from above and what I do is important each day. So onward and upward...I am doing this quickly as I am going to get one of my twin grandson's for overnight and that is always so special... Many times my grandchildren kept me going with those unconditionally hugs. What a joy, Allison, 12, Jacob and Joshua, 9 and they live just down the road. I have two grown grandsons in Tn. How special they are and what a gift to Grandma.

I finished my Bareroots wall hanging with the 'perfect binding' that I demonstrated at our quilt show. I was so anxious to hang that I have not put a sleeve on it yet. I just stuck some pins in it to attach to a hanger I had....and hung on my door in the livingroom...not sure where it will make its final home...hours of embroidery were put into this but I am very pleased with the result.

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!