Inner Piece

Remember I was supposed to work on month one of the BJ's BOM on Tuesday but got distracted by the tower of project boxes.  Well, yesterday I decided I needed to "get 'er done."  After all, month one was not just 1 block but 24 pieced blocks!  Yes, I needed to find my inner piece on this one.  When I read the cutting instructions I knew I had to bring out the tools.  I love this suction cup handle.  Whenever I am strip cutting my ruler always slides a little even with the non slide stuff on it...but with this handle, not only does it not slide but my wrist and arm don't hurt!

Thanks to my early days taking mystery classes with Debbie Caffrey I learned the fast method of cutting.  Laying the strips down where they overlap slightly and are even I can cut 96 squares in minutes!

Accurate cutting and nice neat little piles results is the correct size block, lol

look at these  blocks!  All 24 of them measure out to exactly 6.5 inch squares!!!  Month One Done!!!

Another UFO bites the dust!!!  We are officially at the end January 2013! I finished quilting my table runner just in time for February!  Thank you to every one on the Flicker Site...I am enjoying the encouragement and hope you are also!  I posted a couple of close up photos on Flicker of the quilting.

I wanted to also let you know that I am trying to commit to answering any comments on the blog posts...so if you haven't received an email from me and you are a "no reply" I will reply on the blog, so please check back.  

My Way...

Over a cup off coffee I discovered the Fat Quarter's Shop Designer Mystery BOM for 2013...very tempting...so off to water exercise class I went where I discussed it with my friend Lori who is an addicted enabler.  I am not sure which one of us is the enabler and which one is the addict...I really feel like is goes back and forth.  I told her to check it out and let me know if we were going to do it, LOL.  

My afternoon was going to be spent working on my BJ's 2013 BOM which are due this Sat. but I realized that I would only feel FREE if I could empty a project box...since the tower is now the same height that I am...yikes!  I pulled out the BJ's 2012 BOM and took a long hard look at it.  I came to the conclusion that I did not need another big Christmas quilt!!!  I had a talk with myself and said...SELF, you are the boss of you...no one else...you  can do WHATEVER you want with these blocks.  Remember this is a judgement free zone!!!  And the word for the year is EMBRACE...so start embracing these blocks!!!  Suddenly Enzo yawned in boredom and said...get on with it and the idea came to me...much like the Grinch...as I rubbed my hands together I thought...table runner!  And 2 hours later I had an empty project box that immediately got new tenants and I had pieced an awesome big table runner!  Yes, as Frank Sinatra said, I could do it My Way...and so can you!

Today I thought I would leave you with a funny...whether you are a cat or dog person...you will understand!

Good Advice

I decided to take her advice!  Stop Whining and find something to do...first thing in the morning I climbed on my elliptical with my latest read, The Road to Cardinal Valley by Earlene Fowler.  So far it is an engaging read.  Once I was done sweating I took a shower and headed to The Material Girls.  Enzo loves this outing because he is the Quilt Service Dog for the group, checking out the quilts for softness and warmth.

I received a great lesson on hand quilting and will keep plugging away at it till my Crow Gossip is ready to hang in my new sewing room! And will officially be a new 2013 completed UFO!  I love the conversations, quilting support and new ideas!  

After the MG's we (Enzo & I)had to gather up a couple of wool quilts and take them to QuiltWorks.  The Woolies are the featured group for February's First Friday Gallery opening. All those wool quilts in one room...I can't wait for that slide show!!!  While at QuiltWorks I took some shopping photos of the new merchandise...so many fabrics to be touched.

I wrapped up the evening with wine and girlfriend talk.  I did heed the advice and found something to do from morning till night...ahhhh.  Today will be exercise, book work and sewing time...what about you?  Are you going to stop whining and find something to do!?

This free digital slideshow created with Smilebox

Holy Stitchery Batman!!!

The new stitchery of the month sponsored  by Sew Many Quilts is a huge success with over 30 participants!!!  I checked with Sharon and Gayle and any Woolie readers who want to participate they will sign you up by mail!!! You are going to want to sign up to get the patterns as it is the only way to get the little fusibles provided with each one!

They are absolutely adorable and are made to hang either on a wire stand or on a wall hanger...but, I hear some people are thinking about putting them together into one quilt top!!!

Linda is our moderator and instructor and not only is she a sweetheart...she is a great instructor!

I really like this stitchery card and for $4.95 it was clear written and well worth it since it could stand up in front of me.

I couldn't believe it...I was coming to stitchery class and one of my friends, Carrie brought me a little cross stitch on linen kit!!!  with a wonderfully sweet note...I am so blessed!  Isn't it adorable!  

Today is Material Girls...which means for me...a big stitch quilting lesson.  I am trying to finish another UFO...Crow Gossip.  hope your Monday is Amazing!!!

Girlfriends...What Would I Do Without Them?

Lori drove Robin and I out to Sisters yesterday.  First we stopped at the construction site, nothing dramatic changed but it was cleaned up and all the trim was done.  It looked awesome and I loved sharing it with the besties.  Next we headed over to the Sister's Coffee Company for some caffiene, carbs and girl talk...boy, did I ever need all three of those! lol

Yesterday was the Stitchin' Post open house where they showed off their new classes and the newly freshened up digs.  I put together a small slide show of the class offering for you to enjoy or contemplate signing up for.

As you can see from the photo...Robin is a better actor than Lori, lol  We ran into so many quilters that we knew...like old home week.  

May your Sunday be filled with blessings and a little quilting!

Make a free slideshow

Inspiration!!!!

The 2013 Flicker UFO site has exceeded my expectations in the effect it has had on my drive to keep working on projects.  It has not only affected my desire to complete UFO but it has inspired me in all aspects of my quilting life.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!  I especially love that we can leave comments on each others projects...because who doesn't like a little kudos!  There are no deadlines to joining or when you have to complete a project...this is all about you and you make your own rules!

yesterday I got excited when I received an email that we could pick up the first Kathy Schmitz QOM (quilt of the month)!!!  Remember this sneak peek photos from a couple of weeks ago.

We are starting with the March Quilt which is the Easter Bunny delivering eggs.  I love Kathy Schmitz stitchery designs and this series which is 12 months has some interesting fusibles.

Isn't it cute.  Once the stitchery is completed you cut the fusible provided (there is one in each month) and fuse them in the designated area.

totally fun!!

my new hexie stamp arrived and I am kinda bummed...I thought it would be smaller???  I wonder if she has a smaller one?  I am a mini kinda gal.  Did I ever tell you that I was published in Miniature Quilt Magazine, twice.  I am going to have to research this one out....it really is a clever idea!

I have been taking a series of photos of Enzo.  He crawls under the curtain that hangs behind my dining room chair and sits over the heater vent.  I have been taking a daily photo of him in his babushka...with the song Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match...catch me a catch...playing in my head!

I am riding out with some girlfriends to check the construction site and visit the open house at the Stitchin' Post.  Hope you have a wonderful Saturday!

Free Wool Pattern & Shopping The Local Quilt Shops

I found this sweet penny rug pattern by Minick and Simpson and it was free!!!  Here is the link if you'd like to get a head start for the 4th of July decor. Just copy and paste it to a browser and the pattern can be printed.

http://www.minickandsimpson.com/wool-penny-rug-2013.pdf

Yesterday was shop your local quilt store day and although like many of you my expendible cash flow is down to a trickle I really wanted to show my support.  Although I didn't have time to make it to all 9 shops in the Central Oregon area I did visit the 3 shops that were in the town of Bend...yes, this town has 3 extraordinary shops.  Before I left home I visited the Command Center and made a list of what I needed.  

QuiltWorks

home base for the Tuesday Woolie Group

Owner Marilyn and one of her loyal staffers, Diane!

Sew Many Quilts

Once a month Sunday Wool Group

I was greeted by Sharon co-owner of the shop and first time shopper Sandy...look at what Sandy's first fabric choice in the shop was!

 Had to give you a peek at the new wool that arrived at Sew Many Quilts!

BJ's Quilt Basket was my final stop!

Vicki, the owner is flanked by her amazing staff that agreed to be in the photo...LOL

Having read on a friends blog the rudeness she experienced at her LQS  I am again grateful for where I live and shop.  Our shops are filled with friendly people willing to assist you and because of this you want to support them!  As the snow thaws and people start traveling remember Central Oregon has 9!!! yes 9!!! shops and we would love to have you visit!

The Command Center

Some people call their special room The Quilt Room, The Nest, My Sewing Room, Design Studio...HH calls my room, The Command Center!  With that much power I feel responsible for maintaining a Defcon 5!  Here are my guidelines as rewritten for the Quilting Defcon System.

DefCon 5 - Normal quilting operations.

DefCon 4 - Still considered "quilt time", but intelligence gathering is increased and spending is loosened. The Woolie was at DefCon 4 for most of last year.

DefCon 3 - All quilting assets are readied. "Quilt signs" for deployed assets change from publicly-known signals to classified ones. The Woolie has been at this level 3 times, most recently after announcing her retirement.

DefCon 2 - Further increase of quilting readiness. All credit cards not already in position are placed on "stand by" alert. DefCon 2 was used once, after HH announced his retirement.

DefCon 1 - Maximum Quilting readiness. All projects are active. Mailman is arriving daily and a new shelter is dug in the back yard to hold additional kits.  I have not been at Decon 1.

All is at peace in the Woolie World!

I decided what my next cross stitch on linen project will be.  It is a sewing box which I have to paint and then stitch the little inserts.  Each square should be fairly quick but I am not sure exactly when I will start.  I have Kathy Schmitz QOM (quilt of the month) starting in a week (they are hand embroidered and small).  I still am embracing the life of handwork! lol

The Fabric Stalkers retreat is only 2 weeks away and I will be out of town the weekend before so I decided to make some retreat decisions and start orgainizing.  Top on my list was the 2011 BOW from Primitive Gatherings.  I have had the blocks done for several months but they just sat in a nice neat little stack taking up space...plus I really need that project box!  Yesterday, I spent part of the day re-bonding with this project.  I think sometimes you have to do that because, due to time and  a disorganized Command Center tend to lose the love for some projects.  They get buried and pushed aside in my brain.  Nothing jump starts the process more than squaring up the blocks.  They are so beautiful!

The sashing and the border involved a major cutting operations!

Now, I have one retreat project ready for retreat!!!!

Remember last week I told you about a quilter who offered the Heart to Hand Christmas BOM patterns to me!  Well they arrived!!!!  Cathy you are the sweetest!  I cannot believe the card that arrived with it...I know it is handmade and so adorable!  Quilters are the most amazing people...always willing to share.

I know what is going on my 2013 list of projects!!!

Hope you have a wonderful Thursday in your Command Center! And Don't forget...today is Shop Your Local Quilt Store Day!

Officially A Groupie

For those of you that don't follow my Facebook Page I thought I would share the latest photo of HH.  He is prepping for retirement and I am not only a quilt groupie but a music groupie, lol.  I have always been in awe of his ability to play music by ear.  Me...not so musical.  I am enjoying his return to playing the blues.

For those of you asking about Jerry's Quilt and the pattern that Twilene was using...here is a cover photo.  The pattern is several years old but the email address on the front is quiltgal@cyberport.net and the phone number is (406)257-5799.  I don't know if either of these are still functional but best of luck.  As for Jerry he is working hard to stay with us and please continue adding him to your prayer and thoughts.

I am most proud of my latest completed project!!!  I purchased it last fall and through dogged persistence I have completed my first cross stitch on linen...and I love it!!!!  I am ready for the next one!!!

I had two...lucky gal that I am...two quilt groups so far this week and decided to combine the slide show.  Join us in the fun!!!

Slideshow design personalized with Smilebox

A New Day is Dawning! And, It Is The Best Day!

 I love this poster.  My life is what "I" make it...I love being the boss of me!

There is a new long arm quilter in town!  Keith, who is also the manager of Hancock Fabrics.  He had a business display at Sterling Bank so I had to go check out his work.  If you ever have an opportunity to knock on his front door you'll understand his logo, lol.  He also had several quilts in last years Sisters Outdoor Quilt show and has his own sewing studio.  

If you click on the photos they will enlarge and you can check out the quilting.

Here is a close up...great work!

This motif totally cracked me up!  If you are game to have Keith quilt something for you just email or call.  The info is on the first photo, lol.

Even though I am buried in UFO's and I can't fathom adding anything new I couldn't pass up the Pin Keep Swap!  If you click on this button on the left sidebar of the blog you can check out the info. Sounded like too much fun to pass up!

Have a great Tuesday!  I am heading to Woolie's today which should be filled with invigorating conversation!