FRIENDSHIP QUILTER

Baby Go Givaway

2011-03-19T10:07:00.002-04:00

There is a Baby Go giveaway over on Sunshower quilts. It would be so awesome to win this it sure would be helpful for cutting up all those scraps etc. If you would like to go on over and check it out here is the link to her blog, and the givaway post.

W.)
http://sunshowerquilts.blogspot.com/2011/03/accuquilt-baby-go-give-away.html

Back from Bradford, and Quilt

2010-07-21T17:08:00.003-04:00

Well, DH, Kyle, and I went to Bradford, PA last week for the Case Collector Reunion. We all had a great time. I presented a quilt to a wonderful employee of case which I made, and had CCC forum members sign at our forum dinner. I got many wonderful comments on the quilt, and it was greatly appreciated by the recipient and his wife. This is the picture of the quilt before it was signed and presented.

W.)

WOW it's been a long time

2010-06-27T15:57:00.003-04:00

I guess it is time I started blogging a little more. Let's see, my Mom has been sick a lot, and I to have had my ups and downs in the last few months, but I'm hoping things are finally starting to settle down.

I was totally shocked yesterday when the phone rang, and DH said it was for me, and when I got on the line, I was told that I had won a 40" LCD flat screen TV. I sure wasn't expecting that. I had bought 3 tickets for $5.00 from the legion in a neighboring town, to help with scholarships etc., a while ago, and had totally for gotten about it, so it sure was a wonderful surprise.

In March I finally got Brutus, my Voyager 17 quilting machine. It is great and I love using it, the only problem is I don't have enough time to do everything I want with it. He is not a big fancy machine, but for my quilting hobby he is perfect, in size, and price. He can do anything that the big monster machines can, but he is not computerized so everything I do is freehand, or pantographs by hand, so everything has my personal touch, and is not a carbon copy, cookie cutter pattern coming from a computer, as even if I use a pantograph it still is not 100% exactly as it come off from the roll.

This is a picture of Brutus, I took it a while ago, so he has had a few updates since this picture was taken. Well, I guess it is time for some more quilty fun.

W.)

Life

2009-10-04T14:34:00.002-04:00

I guess life must really be getting in the way!!! It has been well over a month since I have posted anything to my blog. Sometimes I just get to involved with other projects to remember to update my blog. I have had my 50th birthday since I last posted, some family illnesses, as well as my own health problems, but I do believe that all is getting better for the time being.

I really need to get busy with my quilting, and other necessities of life (yes, I consider quilting a life necessity for me). So to all of my blog followers I am going to try to keep up better.

I would also like to Thank my Secret Pal, for the wonderful September package. I can't wait to finish the miniature quilt, and hang it in my office at work.

W.)

August DJ Secret Pal Package

2009-08-21T11:53:00.002-04:00

WOW it sure has been a long time since I have posted! I guess life has been to busy, and exciting lately.

I got this lovely package for my Birthday month from my DJ Secret Pal. Every month I can hardly wait to get my package, as each one is so unique, and I love them all. I got some teapot fabric, which I love, and I know I will have a hard time cutting into. Some tweezers, for just those times when you need a little something extra to pluck a stray thread etc. Binding clips in a tin, I just seem to never have enough of them. Mini duster, and how fitting that my Secret Pal said that she used hers on her side winder, as I just purchased one yesterday, and my package arrived yesterday. Glue for all of those crafty things, and a chain piecing thread cutter, I had never seen one of these, and just from looking at it I can tell just how useful it is going to be, and I am sure that once I start using it, I won't know how I ever lived without it.

Everything is great and I thank her from the bottom of my heart. These packages are great, and lift my spirits tremendously when I have had a rough day.

W.)

Case Forum Prize Package

2009-07-08T17:23:00.002-04:00

My package arrived today for the July CCC Forum drawing. What a great package it was. There was a Case polishing cloth, a sharpening stone. A Stainless Steel Lockback, a Yellow Sod Buster, and a Seahorse Whittler Knife, last but not least, was a Rick Garcia (Rayban) original handmade knife case, designed specifically for a seahorse whittler. The generosity of the men, and women on the knife forum, never ceases to amaze me, as is shown with the package that I received from Blademon (JC) on the knife forum.

W.)

Winner of a Monday

2009-07-07T09:23:00.003-04:00

Monday was the first official day of my much needed vacation from work, and what a great day it was. Full of Surprises, and just a calm relaxing day. First thing in the morning I found out that my name was drawn for the July drawing on the Case Knife Forum. My first instinct was to say YAY! I never win anything, but after thinking about it, I no that it isn't so, as I have won several different drawings, and contest where Case knives are concerned, but it was a wonderful surprise.

Later in the early evening, after having spent some quality time with my DH, when we arrived home I had received a surprise package from my DJ Secret Pal. A "SWEET" bouquet of lollipops, some hot iron transfers which I will use to try some red work, a sweet little brass teapot pincushion, which will add nicely to my teapot, and pincushion collections, an Angel for my Angel collection which is now hanging in my sewing studio, over my quilting frame, a stencil which I didn't have, and last but not least , a cute fabric covered box that I had the perfect spot for. I had just set up a small table in front of my bay window, and I had an opening on it that I just wasn't quite sure what to put there, and low and behold my package arrived with the perfect box to put in that spot. I will use this to hold all of the sweet cards that my secret pals from last year and this year have sent. I certainly have been very lucky, as I have had 2 of the best Secret Pals anyone could ask for.

Well, day 2 of my vacation is getting well underway, and I believe it is time for some quilting!!!

W.)

Seth's Graduation Cake

2009-07-03T19:43:00.002-04:00

My nephew Seth graduated from High School last week, and we are all so proud of him. His Graduation party is tomorrow, and being that I am the resident cake decorator for our family for everything from Birthday's to Weddings this is what I came up with for his Graduation it is a then and now cake with his Kindergarten, and Senior picture on it. I am really hoping that he likes it. I now consider myself on vacation with this cake finished, and now I can relax for a week. I'm really hoping to get some serious quilting done, and spend some quality time with my DH.

W.)

Flower Head Pin

2009-06-29T19:47:00.003-04:00

I am not sure if this is a testimony of the durability of the Janome 6600, the Organ Sewing Machine needle, or just plain old fashioned luck. But tonight as I was layering a quilt and basting the edge to get ready to frame machine quilt a quilt, I accidentally got to close to a pin, and I didn't see it, until I was done, but I felt a pop - pop - pop, and I heard it as well, and just assumed it had hit a thick seam. Well to make a long story short, as I removed all of the pins, and went to meander the first row, I haven't to see a pin that I had missed under the edge of the seam, and I had to get my seam ripper out to remove it as I had sewn it the the quilt threw the flower head. I couldn't believe it. The needle didn't break, the machine is purring like a kitten, and so far (knock on wood) it is still sewing like a dream. This just amazes me as I have broken needles just sewing over a seam wrong, and this didn't sew just once threw the head as you can see it went threw it 3 times. Now is that luck or what.

W.)

Family Traditions

2009-06-26T18:34:00.002-04:00

This is the newest addition to my Case Knife Collection. This is a mint set offered only to Case Collector Club Members, and you have to have your name added to a lottery to win the chance to purchase them, as there are only 500 sets made. Well, in all honesty my DH won the chance to purchase them not me, but I had won one from the winter promotion lottery, so I swapped him as I love the family tradition sets. I know knife collecting is so much different from my quilting hobby but this is something that I do with my husband, and we have a great time doing this together. He has many more than I do as I only collect on a small scale, but I enjoy it none the less.

W.)

Another SP Package

2009-06-20T19:55:00.002-04:00

I got another DJ Secret Pal package yesterday, they are always a nice surprise when they arrive. I love receiving home made gifts, as they are from the heart, and are a part of the person who made them. they show there personality, and creativity all in one, and give me inspiration as well. For this reason I just love this picture frame she made for me, with all of the buttons, butterfly's, hearts, and lady bugs, which just happens to be my Case Knife forum nick name. Don't my 2 grandchildren look as cute as button in this frame. I was going to take a picture of my 2 four legged children to put in the frame, but being that my grandchildren are cousins, not brother and sister they aren't at my house at the same time very often, so when they both came at the same time today, I decided that this frame was meant to have a picture of the 2 of them together in. The wind chimes are sweet, and I have them hung in my sewing room so I can hear them chime when I have my window open, and I also love the lords prayer charm. She sure is doing a great job, choosing gifts that are me.

W.)

Purple Lasagne

2009-06-14T19:47:00.003-04:00

My beautiful red headed granddaughter ordered a purple quilt to take a nap with when she is at Grami, and Papa's house so this is what I came up with. It is a Lasagne quilt, done in every shade of purple imaginable. It is also the first quilt that I machine quilted on my new machine quilting frame, and I think I did quite well for my first quilt. It is a basic large meander.

Machine quilting is not as easy as some may think it is. There is more to it than just moving the machine around. When Lexi was here Friday it was still on the frame, and she wanted to finish it for me. I think she just may be a quilter. She always asks me about my "chine" as she calls it, and goes in and looks over my fabric and feels it. She just loves all of the fabric, so I am thinking that it must be a good sign.

I am hoping to get another quilt quilted but it is just so beautiful outside, that I want to be out there enjoying all of the warmth and sunshine. It was such a long winter, and summer seams so short, that I need to enjoy it while I can.

W.)

DJ Secret Pal

2009-05-16T13:13:00.002-04:00

WOW! It sure has been along time since I posted. Things have been very hectic at home, as well as at work.

I have the greatest Secret Pal. The first picture is from my package that I received yesterday from this months gifts. The second picture is the contents of last months package. I loved everything in both of them but some how I got behind and never got last month posted.

I have been practicing on my frame and am getting better at it. It is not as simple as it looks, and it take a lot of practice, but for me it is just like piecing blocks, it is very relaxing, and a great stress reducer.

I have started sewing together a quick lasagna quilt in all purples for my granddaughter who at 3yrs old loves the color purple, and said to me awhile back Grami I want a purple quilt to cover up with at your house. So being that she has me wrapped around her little finger, I thought that I would throw a quick one together so I could use it for frame practice, and make her, her purple quilt at the same time. Her middle name is Rose so I am going to try doing a rose panto design on it for her. I am going to have to make her cousin, and my grandson Kyle a quilt also, as I don't want anyone feeling left out.

W.)

Another Postcard

2009-04-18T16:33:00.002-04:00

I had another postcard in today's mail. I have been doing the alphabet with some other swappers, and this one was made by Janet Parde. I love all of the different themes everyone is coming up with for the different swaps. I never would have thought of Bee hive how clever.

I have joined the spring fling swap on the DJ list, so I need to get busy making my blocks for the swap. This is my first time doing the spring fling swap so I decided to only do 2 blocks, but we are to make 5 of each block so 10 total. I am going to add the blocks that I receive back to my "Helping Hands Quilt" made by other DJ'ers that I have swap block's with in 30's re pro fabric. I think with these block's and the one's I have I will have enough for a nice size quilt.

I have been busy today working on a basket block that I am doing with another group. I will post a picture when I get it finished.

W.)

Quiet Easter

2009-04-12T18:19:00.002-04:00

Well, my weekend is almost over, boy 4 day's sure go fast when you are having fun. We had our Easter dinner last weekend with the kids, as our youngest went away. We had dinner with my Brother last night, and just spent a quiet day at home today.

I did some PPP on my machine quilting frame, started out quite well, but toward the end I started having some problems so decided that maybe it was time to quit for the day. As, I name my machines etc, and I couldn't think of a name for my frame, I thought of a name awhile ago. I am dubbing my frame "MAX" as it is at the maximum size that I can set it up at for the size room I have. I can do a queen size quilt on it so I am quite happy with it.

Well it is back to work tomorrow so I had better get going and get my stuff around.

W.)

Dinner & a frame

2009-04-05T18:47:00.003-04:00

I finally got a picture of my new quilting frame. I have been in practicing since my kids went home. It is not as easy as it looks, but it does take PPP, and I am not doing so bad.

It was a beautiful day but quite cool today, but we are supposed to get a nasty snow storm starting tomorrow. It sure was good to see all of the kids, and my sister in law together today. We had a great dinner, and we then went to see my Mom who isn't feeling real well.

W.)

New Frame

2009-04-05T09:31:00.002-04:00

Well I got my new machine quilting frame Friday. I love it. One we got it together I haven't had alot of time to play yet, but was I have done I have really enjoyed. As I try to name some of my
quilting equipment I haven't been able to come up with a name yet. My 6600 is Daisie May, but I am having trouble with thinking of a name for my frame.

DH has been great helping me put it together, and he has been watching for a used quilting machine for me to use on it so I don't have to keep putting Daisy back and forth onto it. I have an old brother machine that I can piece on but once you get used to it bigger machine with all of bells, and whistles it is hard to go back.

I have been watching Micki's blog with interest in her Vampire series. I have read some other vampire books by Ann Rice, and now these sound quite interesting. I really enjoy these kind of story lines, and I am going to check into these books as I enjoy setting outside and reading in the summer, other than quilting it is probably the most relaxing thing I do.

Well, I will try to get a picture of my new toy later. My family will be here for Easter dinner today, as it is the only time we can all get together so I need to get busy. I enjoy having them all here together when we can.

W.)

More Blocks, and a beautiful day

2009-03-14T11:06:00.002-04:00

Here are my latest 2 blocks that I have made. The first on is M-1 Spinning Hourglass for my SBS quilt, and the second on is F-1 Big Top of my DJ quilt. Both were the BOW's and I am quite pleased with how they have turned out.

It is a beautiful, yet still chilly day here in WNY, it is supposed warm up later, so I can't wait. But it is mid March so pretty much it will only get better from here.

I am still sorting out my sewing room for my machine quilting frame. It is amazing how much stuff is accumulated in such a short time. I can't wait for the frame to arrive. I'm sure that my children totally think I have lost my mind, but now that they have grown, I now have the space for it. I can't say that I have anymore time, as it seems I have less, and less time now. Now I no what my grandmother used to mean when she said the older you get the faster time goes.

W.)

Secret Pal Gift, & Machine Quilting Frame

2009-03-12T20:29:00.002-04:00

I had a lovely surprize in my mailbox today from my DJ secret pal. I also look forward to my little gifties from her. Inside the package was a hot pepper pin cushion, a deck of travelors playing cards, 2 I'd rather be quilting note pads, a cute shamrock with an Irish saying, a scissors leash which I didn't have but needed as I am always losing my scissors, and a baggies of 2" squares which I love, as my favorite quilts are scrap quilts, and the more different fabric I can use the prettier they turn out.

I can't believe it but I ordered my machine quilting frame today. I have been wanting one for a few years, and finally took the plunge today. I feel so guilty about spending the money, but DH convinced me that I deserved it, and that I should order it while I had the chance. I am so excited, I can't wait for it to get here. I am very busy cleaning out my sewing room to put it in. It sure is going to take up a lot of space.

Tomorrow is Friday the 13Th, and I feel a little apprehensive about it as usual since losing a couple close relatives on Friday the 13Th, but I keep telling myself that it is no different than if it were to happen on say Monday the 12Th, it is just that the date keeps me thinking the worst. Well, it's about bed time, and one of my favorite shows is about to start so gotta go.

W.)

SBS, and DJ BOW's

2009-02-28T19:23:00.003-05:00

I have finished this weeks BOW for the SBS group. I think it turned out quite well. It sure feels good to be working on this quilt again. Michael Millers fairy frost is my favorite fabric, and I can't wait to see what this quilt looks like when it is finished.

I have also finished this week's BOW on the DJ list I haven't done a lot of work on this quilt in awhile either. I am hoping to also finish the TOW for this group. The triangles can be a real challenge, but I am glad that I have decided to do them as I think they add real character to this quilt.

A new quilt shop has opened in our area finally. It is only 20 miles away, and in the same city that we do our main shopping in, so it is going to be great to be able to go when ever I get groceries.

W.)

Another UFO finished

2009-02-22T11:59:00.003-05:00

I just finished putting the borders on this quilt top that I did with the Quiltville Chat group. It is called Strip twist it was done on Super Bowl weekend this year, as a group sew along. I did it in a lap sized quilt, as I wasn't sure what I was going to use it for, and I new that I could always use it as a couch quilt.

All of the talk on the DJ Alternates site has me thinking of my siggie quilts again, and I think I am going to get the borders finished on my 2007 siggie quilt this afternoon. I am going to quilt it on my Janome 6600, and I think I am going to do scalloped borders. I also want to work on some more DJ blocks, and triangles as well as my SBS blocks. Well I guess I had better get busy.

W.)

SP Package, and Lexi's visit

2009-02-21T13:03:00.005-05:00

I had a lovely surprise in the mailbox yesterday, a package from my DJ secret pal. It contained a lovely quilt journal. I never had one before, so I just love it, and I no longer have any excuses, and I can now keep a journal of all my quilts that I make. I also received a sweet note pad, with 2 angels inside of a heart on it. I collect angels, and I have always loved hearts, so both of these gifts hit right at home with me, and I love them both.

Our son and granddaughter came to visit today, and after lunch she said Grami I'm so tired, I want a nap so I got her a pillow, and a quilt that I have hanging in the living room to cover up with. Lexi looks at the quilt and says no I want a purple one to cover up with, so Grami being Grami, promised to make a purple one for her to cover up with when she is here, so I guess that will be the next thing on my to do list, but that is OK, as she is so sweet, and I now know that purple must be her favorite color.

Lexi will be waking up soon so I better get going, I also have a few other things I need to do.

W.)

DJ and SBS Blocks

2009-02-20T14:00:00.003-05:00

I have really started getting in the frame of mind to get to work on both my DJ and my SBS quilts. I really love working on both of them, and my biggest problem is deciding on which one I want to finish first, so I am going to work on them both at the same time. Here is my latest DJ block F-11 On Target. Probably not my best work, but I worked hard at getting it right. I think it is a keeper, especially if I go with the DJ motto finished is better than perfect. This brings me up to 103, 21, 0, 2692. I am going to go finish the SBS block that I started so that I can get a picture of it posted also.

I found out that I won a raffle for a selected Case Collector Club knife. It is the first drawing of this type of special knife that I have won for my collection. These are special limited edition knives and I can't wait to see it. I will be posting a picture of it as soon as I receive it. Well I have to get to work on my SBS block, as well as finishing up a couple of post cards. Micki, and Rosa yours will be on there way soon.

W.)

Siggie Fever

2009-02-13T11:42:00.003-05:00

Well Siggie fever is striking again, I have sent my Birthday Siggies to the first 2 people on the Birthday Siggie Exchange list. I also recieved these 2 siggies from my DJ friend Kathy Dillman. The first one is for last years Birthday Swap. This will make a great addition to my Birthday quilt. And, the second one is for a one on one swap from last year. I can't wait to get some of my siggie quilts finished.

The BIG SIGGIE SWAP is going to be announced Sunday, and I can't wait. I already have my fabric, it is a blue CW repro fabric, and I have my stamp picked out to use for the center, I have been thinking of using this design for the last 2 swaps, and have decided that this is the year to do it.

DH took me to our not so local quilt shop a couple of weeks ago, and I got some more CW repro fabric for my DJ quilt, and also some Michael Miller fairy frost for my SBS quilt. I can't wait to finish both of them, but I have to work on them in order to finish them. LOL. I seem to keep getting myself to involved in other things, that and a full time job keeps me hopping.

W.)

Valentine Fabric Postcards

2009-02-07T11:15:00.003-05:00

I just finished these fabric postcards for a Valentines Day swap. I am calling them "A CANDY HEART VALENTINE". I hope everyone that I made them for likes them. I made them on Michael Millers "Fairy Frost" fabric. I am thinking about sending one of them to my Grand-daughter but not quite sure as she is only 3 and she may think that they are candy and try to eat one.

I am going to start my DJ Birthday Siggies later today. Got a new stamp for them. Can't wait to see what they are going to look like. I also have my stamp for the big swap picked out, and want to order it, but I want to wait and be sure there is going to be one this year.

It sure is a beautiful day. It is 56F, and partially sunny. I can't wait for spring.

Well I guess I had better get busy.

W.)

2009-01-26T19:53:00.003-05:00

I have another new hobby, as if I needed one, but oh well, ya only live once. My newest hobby is fabric postcards, I enjoy making and trading them. I made one and that was all it took. I am not quite as addicted to them as making siggie quilt blocks, but I am getting there. Almost makes me want to get a embroidery machine, or embellisher, but I'm not even going to think about that until after I get my quilting frame. Here are some pictures of some of the postcards I have recieved. They are all so special. I can't wait to trade some more.

2009-01-17T11:45:00.002-05:00

I got a package yesterday from my Secret Pal 2009', she made me this very sweet DJ friends cut out. It is so cute. I am going to put a hanger of some kind on the back and hang it in my sewing room to remind me of not only her but all of my DJ friends, and what a close group we all are. I have been working on some mystery quilts, and need to finish them. I love a good mystery, and these are turning out great. I just need to learn to finish what I start before starting another one, but oh' well that's not going to happen. I always have several works in progress, and it just doesn't seem to change. I always do finish them but not always in the order that I start them in.

I have been enjoying making fabric postcards. For some reason I never remember to take pictures before sending them on there way, but maybe later I will post some pictures of some of the ones I have received. I have also received several siggies from the international swap list, and I love them all. I have signed up for this year Birthday Siggie Swap, but there is a much smaller group of ladies on it, 23 compared to 103 I believe from last year. I also need to finish my Christmas siggie quilt, when I get a chance it will be my only Christmas quilt, and I really would like it to use next Christmas season.

It is very cold here today, -14F when we got up now it is up to a whopping 4F with a wind chill of approximately -25F a good day to stay inside, and quilt.

W.)

Last 3 quilts tied for gifts

2008-12-20T09:22:00.002-05:00

Here are the last 3 quilts that I tied to give for gifts. I liked how all of the Christmas quilts turned out. I can't wait to start some new ones. The Red and Black quilt is a Mystery that I did with the Quilts by Kos Yahoo group, designer was Tara Kos. The Carpenters Star is a Mystery Quilt called Tamara's Choice, I did this quilt with the Pocketful of Mystery's Yahoo group, this quilt was designed by Dorothy Young. And the last one is a quilt that I made the top for in 2002, after losing my Father the previous year, and breaking my leg in 2 places, and dislocating my ankle at the same time, the following year. I pieced this top with my cast on, and I named this quilt "Putting together the pieces", and I am giving this quilt to my youngest son Matthew, as he was a teenager at the time, and we were all putting together the pieces.

W.)

2 Christmas quilts tied and bound

2008-12-19T11:51:00.002-05:00

Well, I just finishe these 2 quilts for Christmas gifts. The blue one is the crumb quilt that I made for my grandson Kyle, and the other one is a Mystery Quilt that I made with the quiltvillechat yahoo group of Bonnie Hunters. This quilt is called "Orange Crush". It was the April fools mystery quilt this year. I am giving it to my oldest son John, as he was born on "April Fools" day, so I thought that it was only fittin that I give to him seams it was the April Fools Mystery. I only have 2 more quilts to bind, and they will be done, and just in time, as we are having our Christmas on Sunday. I am going to post pictures of the other 3, one of which is already finished, after I finish the last one.

I got another lovely pachage from my DJ Secret Pal yesterdy, her identity was revieled to me so "THANK YOU" Penny Jones, for being such a great Secret Pal. I hate to see the year end. Everything you sent this year was great. Well, time to get back to work on the quilts.

W.)

DJ Secret Pal Gift

2008-11-28T15:43:00.003-05:00

This is a little teapot pincushion, that I recieved from my Secret Pal. I just love it. It is probrobly my favorite gift from her yet, although it is hard to say for sure, as all of her gifts have been great, from the January Calendar, to the snails trail scrap quilt pattern, to the Angel paper piecing quilt pattern. Actually I can't choose which items are my favorite, as I love them all. She has been an absolutely great SP.

I am still working on my Christmas gift quilts, that I am tying. I think I will make it, but only time will tell. We went to our son's for Thanksgiving yesterday, after I got done with work. The dinner was delicious, and the company was great. I had a great time visiting with our Grand-daughter Lexi. She sure is full of energy, but most 2 year olds are. She knows all of her ABC's and can count to 20. She knows all of her shapes, including rectangles, triangles, and octagon's. She is a sweet heart. Time to go, and works on quilts.

W.)

2008-11-15T13:32:00.003-05:00

I haven't posted for a while. Life has been so hectic. This is a mystery quilt I made the top of last year. I made this with the Quilts by Kos, yahoo group. I had originally planned to machine quilt it, but never got to it, so I decided to tie it, and give it to my sister in law Sharee, as a Christmas gift. I hope she likes it.

Today is the first day of Deer season in our area, and there has been a lot of traffic the last few day's even if I do live on a dirt road. The weather is miserable and raining, so today there hasn't been a lot of anything going on.

DH and I just got back from Olean Joann's, and I got a new cutting mat, and also one of the rotating cutting mat's. I have been wanting one of the rotating ones, but they are quite pricey, in my book anyway, so when I got to Joann's to buy the regular cutting mat, and realized that they now carried the rotating ones, I couldn't resist with all cutting mat's being 50% of this week, with an additional 10% off your total order even sale prices.

I really want to get started on some siggie quilts, but I have a few more quilts to tie for Christmas gifts.

I had an inspection by the state yesterday at work, the inspection was to check my paper work and to be sure, I was keeping accurate records. When we were threw with that part of the inspection, until it was serving time I was taking a little break with the inspector, and as we were talking, I was nicely surprised to find out that she was also a quilter. She said she tries to stop at all of the little quilt shops in the area she is currently at, as she has to drive several hours to get to the area she is inspecting at for the week. She was telling me that her husband says Oh no, more fabric every time she comes home.

Til' next time,

w.)

Crumby Sunday

2008-10-19T20:20:00.002-04:00

Well, this was a crumby Sunday, in a quiltie sort of way. Here is a close up of the crumb quilt I am currently working on. This is my first crumb quilt but it definitely won't be my last. This is a good relaxation quilt, as it is a mindless sewing project that you really don't have to think much about. There are so many layout possibilities. I have another layout in mind already for my next one.

W.)

Quilt Finished

2008-10-18T14:53:00.002-04:00

I just finished Lexi's Christmas Quilt I think it came out quite nice. It was a mystery quilt that I did with the stash mystery group. I tied this quilt, and then used one of the decorative stitch patterns that were on my machine to stitch the binding down rather than doing the stiching down by hand. The thread has all of the focus fabric colors in it and was perfect for doing this. I chose the heart stitch, as I call Lexi my "Sweet Heart", so it seemed fitting to use this heart stitch on the binding. I am going to name this quilt quite simply "Sweet Heart", and it should look really sweet on her Dora the Explorer bed.

I got my Secret Pal Package yesterday, and I loved everything in it. It is always a surprise when it comes as for some reason I always forget about it until it shows up in my mail box. Yesterday was a double surprise, as I also received my fabric postage stamp swap pieces. I have been using these 1.5 inch pieces of fabric for my leader / ender project while I am sewing. For those of you who don't know about leader / enders you really should visit Bonnie Hunter's quiltville site. I have the pattern all picked out to use these tiny 4-patches in, and this is a quilt that I intend to keep for myself. It is now time work on couple of other quilts. One is my April Fool's Mystery called "Orange Crush" for my son John as a Christmas gift as he was born on April Fools Day, and the other is my Grandson Kyle's Crumb quilt.

W.)

Case Forum Round Table Swap

2008-10-04T12:25:00.006-04:00

I recently participated in a Round table type swap on the Case Collector Club forum that I belong to. It is a very active, and fun group, and it seems like there is always something going on. Anyway 2 of these knives, I received from our friend Greg, who got my name in the round table drawing. The first is a breast cancer awareness Rough Rider small stockman knife. and the second knife is a "County Doctor" limited addition Doctors knife by Case. I love them both and they have been added to my collection, and are considered 2 more of my prized possessions. The third knife, I received from our friend Lynn, he was the keeper of our round table, and he organized everything, and handled the drawing for everyone to send there knives to. I won this Red/Rose small stockman for guessing what he was thinking of to do next, and I guessed round table.

We just received our Collector Club Magazine from case which featured the Case appreciation weekend. We had a separate dinner for the forum members, and in the magazine my quilt that I made was shown, along with a case I made from memorabilia from the week-end. It all has been quite an honor, and I can't wait to see the quilt on display in the museum when they get it hung.

W.)

Kyle's Day of Pride

2008-09-30T18:15:00.002-04:00

Last Friday our Grandson Kyle was honored at school for his community pride. Last year all of the middle school students were asked to write and essay on community pride, and responsibility and what it means to them. Kyle's essay was chosen as the #1 essay, and a bronze life size statue of Kyle was made. As the statue depicts, Kyle wrote an essay about a young man who takes pride in his community by keeping it cleaned up, and how he would paint all the fire hydrants to keep the community looking nice.

When Kyle was asked how it felt to be immortalized in a bronze statue for all who pass threw our town to see, he blushed a little and said "Pretty Good" and he was beaming with pride. As you can see Kyle has grown a bit since this project was started. He is a good student, and is on the Honor Roll. Bill, and I are both very proud of him, and tell him so often.

W.)

I'm Backkkk

2008-09-17T14:46:00.003-04:00

Well, now that things have finally decided to settle down some, I have some time to do a little blogging. I have done a few of my SBS blocks, these are the 3 that I have done for this month challenge blocks on the SBS yahoo group. I really like where this quilt is going, and this is definitely a quilt for me to keep.

I can't wait to get started back on my DJ also. I have some winter projects to keep me busy that is for sure.

It is a very beautiful fall type day out, even though it is still officially summer on the calendar until next week. I have been thinking of doing a little bit of bargain shopping towards Christmas this year, for the kids, and grand kids. Every year I say that I am going to cut back, and every year it seems I don't. I love the fact that they all know what Christmas really is all about, and that they would not be disappointed no matter how much or how little they got. There favorite part of the holiday's is spending time with there family, and having a big dinner together. Anything else is just icing on the cake. Christmas is for celebrating the birth Jesus. And spending time together with family.

Well, I guess it is time to get busy on some more Christmas Siggie Signing, so I can get them in the mail later this week.

Til Later,

W.)

Shopping Trip

2008-09-03T20:00:00.002-04:00

I wanted to go to a new fabric shop, that I hadn't been to before, and DH and I went today. It wasn't a bad quilt shop, but it still isn't one of my favorites. A little more pricey than my favorite one, and no special deals. I'm not saying that I won't go again, but won't make a special trip either. I did see a stained glass angel wall hanging quilt, that I loved. I would really like to try making one, but not sure if I could handle it.

We also went to an Antique Shop, and also a Salvation Army Store, to look at everything, and also DH would like to get a display case for his knife collection, but we didn't find anything. I did see an old postage stamp quilt that was neat. Looking at all those little pieces makes me think that I must be crazy to want to make one of my own.

We didn't find much, but I had a great time shopping. DH and I always enjoy our time together.

W.)

Birthday

2008-09-02T17:11:00.002-04:00

I had a great birthday this year. I got a new Dell Laptop Computer from DH, and a whole box full of "Birthday Siggies" and a package from my DJ Secret Pal. I was such fun to leisurely open each individual envelope filled with siggies, and some cards, and notes. The siggies were from all over the world. I am going to post some siggie pictures later, when I have a chance to get more pictures. One of my siggie packages even had 4 siggies in it, and there were bikini bears in every possible situation. Thanks Rosa, they are great. I went shopping with some friends Friday, and we hit all of the major craft stores, and then some. They even told me about another quilt store that I didn't know about, that is even closer than the others. Guess where I'm going to go soon.. Problem is I have a ton of fabric already. Maybe I need to stay off from my new puter a little while and get some more sewing done. I'm thankful to everyone for the great Birthday, the siggies are great, computer even better, now I can keep in better contact with all of my cyber quilter friends.

W.)

Burger Queen Mystery Quilt, Doctor

2008-08-21T18:11:00.003-04:00

I had a Dr. appointment to get my AICD check, and things are going fairly well, all though they did tell me that my Defibrillator almost went off on August 2 but my heart rhythm straightened itself out just before it went off. Thank goodness, it would have scared the H*** out of me. It hasn't gone off before, as my meds have been taking care of the problem and keeping most things at an even keel, but you never know. Being at high risk for sudden death is a very scary thing, and when you find out something like this, it brings everything that almost happened before back. At 48 years young, sometimes it feels overwhelming, then you get busy with life, quilts, and siggies you tend to forget out it until something happens again.

This is the Burger Queen mystery quilt that I made with the stash mystery group. I put the final borders on last night. It will be Lexi's Christmas present. Her Mom saw it and loved it she said Lexi will love it also, as she loves bright colors. I only have 35 Christmas siggies left to make, plus the SIRS siggies, then I will be about caught up with swaps, and I am going to get to work on some other tops I have started as Christmas gifts. I want to give all of my family a quilt this year for Christmas we will see.

W.)

Fabric Shopping Trip

2008-08-16T13:20:00.002-04:00

After having a long week at work, and having to work 3 double shifts in a row, I decided to take a mental health day on Friday. Being lazy as I usually am when I take a day off DH decided to surprise me. He said lets go for a ride. So we went down town, and had breakfast out, and then he says let's drive down to Dansville so you can go to the quilt shop. It was a great day, I love it when he surprises me. I found a lot of fabric by the pound for my scrap quilting, as scrap quilts are my favorite. I also bought some more fabric for my SBS quilt, so now I really need to get to work on it. I also bought a piece of half price fabric, it was almost 3 yards. I'm not sure what I will use if for, but I liked it so I know that I will use it in something. Can you tell that I am a thrifty shopper. I think I need to buy everything on sale. Most all of my quilts are half price quilts, with the exception of my Dear Jane, and SBS. But then again when I go to this quilt shop, I get everything 15% off. I love a bargain. I don't have any real local quilt shops this one is the closest, and it is almost an hour away, but I love it. The other quilt shop that I like is in Arcade, NY, and I do get some deals there, although not as many. But, the Arcade shop has a different advantage, My Son, Daughter-in-law, and beautiful grand-daughter live there so I get the best of both world when I visit there.

I have nearly finished the Stash Mystery Quilt called "Burger Queen" have it your way, and it is very BRIGHT, I'm sure Lexi will love it for her Christmas gift from her Mammie. My Grandson Kyle will be getting a quilt also, but I'm not 100% sure which one. I think it is going to be a crumb quilt though, as he picked some fabric that he thought would look nice with it, and it is a mottled blue. Kyle is also a great young man, at 13, and I am proud of them both.

W.)

Burger Queen Mystery

2008-08-09T12:38:00.003-04:00

Well, I didn't get my Dear Jane TOW done, but I did finish the next clue in the Stash Mystery "Burger Queen" Have it your way mystery quilt finished. Withe these bright colors, I know Lexi, will love it. I also worked on my DJ Alternates Group Christmas Siggies. I am about half finished. I need to cut some more centers, as I had everything cut out but, I needed some center for my Birthday Siggies, so I "borrowed" some from my Christmas Siggie box. I still have one more individual swap to finish so maybe I will work on one of her blocks. I also can't wait to work on my SBS blocks some more.

I was reading on Micki from Ireland's, blog about a Irish Convict Project, and I am also thinking of checking into making a bonnet for this project. I don't have an embroidery machine, but think I may be able to come up with something. I really need to do find out more info ASAP, as what I have read really touched my heart. Well I think I will get some more work done, I really need to do some house cleaning, and sorting of unneeded items.

It is a beautiful day here, cooler than it had been, but bright and sunny. My kind of day. But then again living in Western New York, you get a little of everything, and get to see the beauty of all of the seasons.

Time to get busy.
W.)

2008-08-05T20:10:00.002-04:00

I just finished another SBS Challenge block. It is called Irish Chain. I think it turned out great. I need to get to work on my DJ again soon. I think I just needed a little break. I haven't done the TOW yet, so maybe I will do that tomorrow. I need to work on somemore of my Christmas Siggies also. I have so many UFO to finish that I should work on some of them. So many projects so little time. Well time for bed got to get up early, early.

W.)

Antique Mall

2008-08-03T17:31:00.002-04:00

Bill and I just got back from the Antique Mall in Salamanca, NY, and the Case / Zippo Visitors Center in Bradford, PA. I didn't buy any quilts, or knives but I did get some ideas for quilts to make. I have learned to look at even the quilts I don't want to get ideas for new ones. I found one two color quilt with a simple block pattern, but I still need to look up the name, that alternated with a plain block to make it look like chains, but it wasn't Irish chain I have seen it before but can't remember the name of the block. Both the pieced block, and alternate plain blocks were 5" finished, simple but very nice. The other one was a 12" bears paw, with alternate 16 patch blocks it was done in plaid, and would make a nice quilt for a man. I also saw a Double wedding ring quilt top that I almost purchased to finish made with pink background, and 30's fabrics probably from the 30's the top had some stains, that I wasn't sure would come out so I decided to pass on it. It was only a twin size or I may have gotten it anyway.

We both had a great time, and it was quite relaxing.

W.)

SBS First Block

2008-08-02T17:42:00.003-04:00

I have just finished doing a Sylvia's Bridal sampler block. I am having a little trouble getting it square not sure why. I have done it twice now. Oh well maybe it is because I'm used to doing the DJ blocks and this one is an inch and a half bigger. I will get the hang of it though. I do like this fairy frost fabric.

I am starting to get excited about opening my Birthday siggies from the DJ Alternates Birthday Siggie swap I got a mailbox full today. Oh well, in 29 days I'll have a ton of them to open.

Our kids were here for a visit today, Lexi Rose was so excited to see us that see ran to me for a hug. It is so hard to believe that she is 2.5 already. My beatiful red headed grand-daughter.

Busy Busy

2008-07-26T08:01:00.003-04:00

I've been extremely busy since we got back from the CCC Appreciation weekend. This is a display with some of my momentos from the weekend. What a great time.

Since we've been home. I have sent out many of the Birthday Siggies, and also finished Rosa's swap blocks, and have worked on my Stash mystery quilt. I have also bought, and pre-washed some fabric to start making the Sylvia's Bridal Sampler quilt. I can't wait to see what it is going to look like.

While in Bradford, I went to a quaint little out of the way quilt shop. It was called "Little Fabric Garden", and it was a very nice, with a friendly cozy feeling. I also went to "Material Rewards" in Dansville, this week to get a little fabric to start the SBS this shop is by far my favorite.

I had better get busy now. Times a waisting.

W.)

Home and CCC finished quilt

2008-07-20T13:01:00.004-04:00

We are home from our Mini Vacation. We had a great time meeting all the CCC members, and especially the CCC forum members that we have been chatting with, and were finally able to put faces with names. The comrodery was great, so many people from different walks of life, all enjoying the same hobby, many new friendships were formed. This is the signature quilt I was working on for a while now to be signed by all the forum members who were present at the forum dinner, along with there guest. At the end of the dinner, this quilt with all of the signatures on it was presented to the President of Case Thom Arrowsmith, Case Historian Shirley Boser, and events coordinator for Case Lisa Boser-Miller. The quilt was excepted by these 3 people, and the president said that it will be hung in a prominent place in the Case/Zippo museum in Bradford, PA for all to see. It was quite an honor.

I also won a one of a kind prototype knife in the 200 club drawing, as well as receiving other memorabilia from this great event. I enjoy knife collecting as a hobby with my DH, and it comes second, only to my quilting for enjoyment. I will post some other photo's later.

W.)

Productive Day

2008-07-15T19:08:00.002-04:00

I feel like I have had a very productive day today. It is amazing how much work can interfere with my fun. I finished the CCC quilt, and will post a picture Sunday. Hand sewing the binding down seemed like it took forever, but it did turn out quilt well.

This afternoon, after my company left, I was able to add the borders to my scrappy bargello quilt, that I made with the Quiltville chat group, on Superbowl weekend. We called the cyber get together Bargello Bowl. Bonnie Hunter owner of the quiltville.com website wrote the pattern, and it is on the quiltville web site. Scrappy quilts are my favorite, and she has the best patterns. Well I think I will get busy and do alittle work on the border of my 2007 DJ siggie quilt.

W.)

Step 2 Stash Mystery

2008-07-14T18:16:00.002-04:00

Here is step 2 of the stash mystery. I can't wait to see what this mystery looks like. I think this may be for Lexi Rose. The colors look like something a little girl would like.

I finished all but he binding of CCC quilt. Still working on that, but hoping to get it finished tonight.

I am enjoying this vacation very much. When we leave for Bradford, I am going to take some applique, and swap blocks to finish in the room if I have time. I can't wait.

Time to get busy, and finish that binding.

W.)

Log Cabin Quilt

2008-07-07T21:01:00.002-04:00

This is a log cabin quilt top that I just put together. I started it last year, and thought I should just take a minute and finish putting it together. I'm not sure how I willl do the border. I am thinking maybe I'll put either a pioneer braid, or a piano key border. I'm not sure as a plain border would make it stand out also.

W.)

Stash Mystery etc

2008-07-06T19:41:00.003-04:00

Here are the fabrics that I have chosen for the Stash Mystery quilt. I can't wait to see how this quilt turns out. I finished piecing, layering, and pinning the CCC Forum Member quilt this weekend. I think it turned out well. I have also been working on finishing my Blue / Cream Log cabin quilt, I think it looks nicer each time I work on it.

W.)

CCC Quilt

2008-07-02T18:02:00.002-04:00

Well I just got the embroidery for the CCC quilt back. It turned out very nice. I can't wait to see how the quilt turns out but, I will have to work hard at it as our get together is in 2 weeks. I'm going to take a picture of it shortly, as I want to journal the completion of it.

Today would have been my Dad's birthday. It is hard to believe he has been gone almost 7 yrs. He was a great father.

W.)

Stash Mystery etc.

2008-07-01T19:15:00.002-04:00

I have been thinking about doing another mystery quilt, with an online group that is doing a stash use only mystery, the group is called very appropriatly "Stash Mystery". The challenge is to only use you stash if possible. The background piece has to be 3 yrds, and that is a real challenge for me as most of my background fabric is less than 3 yards. I found a piece that is about 3 1/2 yards green mottle that I haven't been able to decide what to use it for, so I think that this may just be the project to use it in. I 'll have to wait and see what the focus fabrics need to be to decide for sure.

I am also trying to do another quilt, that needs to be finished in 2 weeks, but the letters need to be embroidered, and the lady doing it had her machine break down. She said that she will have them done by tomorrow, and I really hope she is right as I only have 2 weeks to have this quilt assembled, and machine quilted. Somehow work always gets in the way of my hobbies. This quilt is for the Case Collector Club, forum members get together. It is going to be a signature quilt for everyone to sign. I really hope it turns out nice.

W.)

Party

2008-06-29T16:14:00.002-04:00

We just got back from the Grad. party. Everyone loved the cake. My Aunt, Uncle, and there kids came up. It was a great party. Everyone had fun. It was nice seeing them again. I have to get back to sorting my 1 1/2" blocks again to mail for the swap. I think the postage stamp quilt I will make to keep for myself, I usually give every quilt I make to someone else but I think it is my turn now.

W.

Best Friends

2008-06-28T20:08:00.005-04:00

I just finished decorating my Great Nephews Kindergarten Graduation Cake the picture makes it look wavy but it's not. He is so much bigger than his best friend, but they are the same age. Makes me think of my oldest son when he was in kindergarten. His best friends Mom and Dad were telling me that thier son told them my son was his best friend, and they said Oh yea, and he said yea. He's the biggest kid in our class and I'm the smallest, so I figured if he was my best friend he could protect me. Now as an adult my son is still probably the biggest one in his class height wise any ways. At 28 years old he is 6'5" and I dout anyone in his class is any taller.

I worked on somemore siggies today. I'm about caught up now.

Wilma

Nephew, & Quilting

2008-06-27T19:04:00.002-04:00

I just sent a picture to John, we always called him Little John, because he was the youngest, of 5 John's in the family. It is really hard having him in Kuwait, and then Iraq in 2 weeks, but I'm sure it is even harder for him. I have a quilt picked out and have been pulling RW&B scraps to make for him. I printed the pattern, the day he left, and have started sewing it. I got the pattern from one of my favorite sites Quiltville.com, and Bonnie Hunter is a wonderful scrap quilt designer, and this pattern is perfect for this quilt. I am going to put the last stitch in the binding the day he comes home. I will be giving it to him the first time I see him when he gets back. We are all so proud of him.

I can't believe that I signed up for another siggie swap but I did. It is called the Special Irish Rose Siggie Swap, and being Irish decent I couldn't resist. It has been a long week, and I think I will go relax and do some sewing.

Wilma

2008-06-25T17:57:00.000-04:00

I have been cutting 1 1/2" square for a postage stamp swap with other online quilting friends from the Postage Stamp Quilters Yahoo Group. This should prove interesting as these pieces will finish at 1". But no surprise here as I love making small quilt blocks. This is why I am so fascinated with the Dear Jane Quilt. I am going to be working on finishing some other swap blocks also. When I get a chance I will post some pictures of some of my quilt progress.