MO Quilter

I decided to 'share' another in the series of quilt booklets we have put together over the past 10 years.

Patterns for Living Sept 2000

I have been planning on going back a few years and posting pictures of different projects our little quilt group has worked on. We are gearing up for our 10th Anniversary of sharing food, fellowship and fun with other gals in our area. The following is a little cut and paste booklet that was made from our 12" Block Exchange. The idea was for each person to make five blocks of their own choosing. One was donated to a FELLOWSHIP pile to be used for quilts FROM the group. One block each went into the DRAW-PILE. 2 blocks each were randomly passed out, with each person taking home one of their own and 2 from friends. This process proved to work well, allowing creativity in the block design and quilt layout. Even though we were "Allowed" to "trade" with the fellowship pile, most of us chose to keep the blocks dealt to us. (A metaphor for life perhaps?) Our exchange quilts are all "beautiful one of a kind quilts". Thanks to everyone who helped in this project. Your love and support will be remembered when ever we snuggle under our quilts"

Leona is quite the poet, she writes from the heart, this group meant a lot to her.

Connie is one of my favorite quilters, this gal has passion and she can make it look good!

Alice didn't like having to 'write' an essay. I love her HIS version- to the point!

Birthday quilts were made for Floyd, Eugene, Janice, Anna, Blanche, Hazel, Herman, Mabel, and Hattie.

Hospital quilts were sewn for Hope, June, Mildred, Evelyn, Nancy Allen, Marie, Hazel Roberts, Jan and Clifford.

Wedding &/or Anniv. quilts were made for: Roy & Doris, Flyod & Goldina, John & Mabel, and Kris & Jenny.

Something old....

I have been hearing a lot about gals finishing their UFO's. I am one to believe that my great-great-grand-kiddos will have their hands full trying to bust my stash. (Not that this is my mission, I am working on as many as I can) There is a lot to be said about starting a project and handing it off to the next set of hands.

These are some lovelies that have been passed on to me. I consider myself still in training before I tackle the repair work a couple of these need. Hopefully I will be inspired by someone to restore one or two to the original quilters vision of beauty. enjoy...

I have two of these tops, I think they have been passed around a bit, in need of very minor repairs, they both have life left as utility quilts, and most likely will get hand tied or machine quilted within the next few years.

These next two are more work than I want to tackle right now. They both may get "gifted" to one with more desire for hand work than I have. Either top would be beautiful on a bed or even a quilt rack. For now they are just going to have to lay on the shelf until I find the right soul to hand them over too.

One more for now: This is a 'pile' of pieces, there are 7 more of the blocks that can be attached for a small top. Couldn't decide to finish the top or just use these for repairing other tops I have. Might have to hand this off with one of the fixer-uppers.

One thing I love about quilting, we are the ultimate re-cyclers! Wonder which grand-kid of my (or yours) will be the one to finish what we are starting today? be good cheryl

Two more...

Took me a while but I did manage to get two more of our fireman quilt tops sewn today.

Thursday Quilt Night (Short version)

Someone has been busy sewing this week and it wasn't me! Big congrats to 'new' Mary for jumping in and finishing her version of the 2008 Mystery Quilt. This is a beautiful queen size quilt top. I have offered to teach her to 'drive' the big machine and let her quilt the top when she is ready. Several of the gals think they are up to the challenge of learning something new. Maybe I can get my stash of tops finished if I let each one do a couple for themselves and a couple for me!!

Pat finished her Fireman's quilt top- lovely, lovely, they are going to love it!

I am working on two more, and have them strip sewn, One quilt is in 9-patch blocks and being cross cut to make the disappearing-block. The other set is still waiting to get cross cut for the 9-patch. Can't wait to see them done!

I know there were more things shared and worked on, we just didn't get everything photographed. Sean's quilt is waiting a binding (that was prepared, ready to apply) Leigh brought a wall hanging pattern and fabrics to consider and get feedback on. Dawn won't let me see her blocks until she is done (tired of me picking on her, I guess). Her top is going to be beautiful!

IMHO we had another wonderful night of fellowship and fabric. I wish every night could be quilt night!- be good cheryl

Dawn's working on her version

Last night I was blessed to have my friend Dawn come over. It was Thursday (not quilting night Thursday but close enough). Our group meets out at my house on 2nd & 4th Thursdays. Every now and then there is a month with 5 and some of us forget it not just every other week. (self included, I was ready to sew!)

I trimmed on a top I just quilted (2weeks ago) and hope to pick out a binding sometime this century!

Dawn showed me the blocks she had worked on in Nancy-Roses Mystery. Then she had me print out the instructions again for the setting pieces. (We got side tracked a bit on the computer!!) Her strips and setting sqs. are cut out and ready to go.

I really like the way her piece is turning out. Makes me want to revisit the idea I had about doing a blue version to copy her.

Talk about fast!

I really enjoy seeing what the gals do with the butterfly packets, good job KIM! extra 2 points for fastest turn around.- I love what you did with your set.- cheryl

Cheryl, thank you for the set of butterflies. They came Monday and I think I have some sort of plan for them.I didn't see any 2 fabrics the same. You must have a lot of scraps. Talk to you later, Kim

This butterfly quilt top was definitely a collaberate effort. Thank you Cheryl for the butterflies, they are on tie dyed fabric that looks like they are flying in the sky with the clouds. I wanted to do something different with them, and this is my version of the Butterfly quilt. I used my Mom's new Janome to do heart shaped antenna and for the applique. Also this wouldnt be possible without Molly, I now know why I dont do scrappy quilts, they just to fiddley for me. But with Molly's "Tip of Day" it made it so much more pleasureable. THANK YOU!

Linda didn't do the dishes!

But she did make me get this top sewn together last night. One of the nice things about having a best friend is spending time together (even when they don't wash your dishes). Linda knows I have been slow about getting to the machine the past month or so and offered to come over and give me a hand. Our version of sewing is: I chain sew, she cuts the threads and hands them back to me. We did the strips for two more fire-men quilts (just need to cross-cut and make the 9-patches etc...) and we threw together this beauty for her niece, Alison. The girl is on a mission trip in New Zealand so we still have time to get it quilted and mailed to her.

The larger sqs are 6 1/2" and the strips were 3 1/2". All 30 blocks were sewn in the same layout and them set 5 x 6. Every other block was rotated to give attention to the diagonals that were formed. The top is about 60 x 72" and may or may-not get borders.

Kelly's interpertation of Nancy's mystery 08

One thing I personally like about Mystery Quilt Projects is the banter of the gals working on it together. Some will be totally by the 'rules' and do exactly as the instructions say. Others will hold off to 'see' what is happening and "have a quicker or better way" to achieve the same look. Some of us will try predict that the instructor is doing and 'work ahead'. I wish I was a psychologist in quilting and could get a grant just to observe and write about the different styles.

Speaking for myself, I followed directions up until I 'figured' out the border and decided to 'try something different'. Kelly followed directions for the blocks but decided NOT to do the setting strips or original borders. IMHO this is another of the wonderful aspects of quilting. We don't have to do things the exact same to get beautiful quilts. For our Ladies Night this September we are going to display our quilts &/or tops, along with our 'stories' of working on a Mystery from a gal we may never meet. Our thanks go out to Nancy-Rose for giving us permission to 'play' with her idea and make it our own. I know we will have many quilts sewn with her ideas that may not have been conceived if it wasn't for meeting her in cyberspace on myquiltblog.com.

This gave her a way to use the rest of her spring fabrics. The top is so beautiful and I can't wait to see how she chooses to quilt it.

I like to hang them up on the window to get a picture, sometimes it doesn't turn out so well.- my bad. I am sure this one will be photographed in better light soon.- be good Cheryl

Another Thursday night Quilt group

We had not meet as a group for the past month. I had a bunch of business going on in our home life and the girls gave me a bit of a break to get our life in a little order. Have to admit I was really missing the sewing group and getting together tonight was a blessing.

I had been posting our schedule and then editing in my comments after we got together. Today slipped away from me and I didn't have time at the office to start a draft. This is the chaotic version of the night.

We had two Mary's in attendance (One is a newbie to the group, she has just moved here with her family and we are all excited to have her participate) I think we will be seeing a lot of good quilting from this gal. The other Mary doesn't get to come very often so we were thrilled she stopped by. Especially b/c we got the see the lovely baby quilt she had made from the mystery we worked on.

I love how the same pattern takes on a life of it's own. Several more of the girls have their tops complete and we will get pictures when I can.

Edna & Debbie are excited about their soon to be born (great)granddaughter. The babies Aunt made this lovely cross stitch top for Kelly to machine quilt (hopefully before the birth)

This is soooo cute I had to take several pictures!

The women from Purdy had been sewing a bunch. Several more of the fire-men quilt tops have been finished and they brought one to share tonight. These are made from the cut-up-9-patch blocks. I love the fabrics and look of this top.

I don't want to leave anyone out but I didn't get pictures of all the different things that were done. Kelly worked on her mystery and is about finished setting it together. New Mary helped Linda cut out a graduation quilt to be sewn later. Lane, Karlee, Andrew, Joshua, Andrew & Ben all played well together (even though there were two Andrew's we knew which was which)

June, Dawn, Carla, Pat, Marge, Deb, Edna, Linda, Mary, Kelly, new Mary and I did get to discuss upcoming plans for our Ladies Night in September. I am wanting to do a 'dress-up' for TEA Party (won't that be fun--especially since I got voted down for a PJ party!) Most wonderful Hubby missed out on a lot of hens in the house. (Lucky for him he is out of town on quilt night)

It was really a blast getting together, sharing some hopes & sorrows, meeting new friends, and just being in each others company. (The sewing was fun too) Thanks for letting me share- wish you could have joined us. cheryl

Where's LANE?

What is it about a sandy beach and a couple of boys that compels them to try bury each other?

Chicago trip 07-08

There are many great ways to get around while visiting the exciting city up north. Grandson Lane loved riding the subway (red-line), and the buses (you have to get the passes) but his "favorite" mode of transportation was "Unkle Jess". Grandpa Carl came in a close second- Grandma Cheryl doesn't feel competitive this go around.-

Thread Holder's "DIY"

This is inspired by Nancy's post about her new thread holder. I bought one at our Walmart years ago and was disappointed with the "plastic" bending out of shape when I would leave it in a hot car. (That's what I get for dragging it back and forth to quilt meetings!)

Years ago I decided to 'make' my own (Mostly b/c of my compulsive nature to always have one for me and one to share) Thought since I can't share with you one of mine (they are not worth shipping) I can share with you how to make your own.

Materials include (but are not limited to): scrap wood for 'base', one Large spool, one Small spool (for thread holder & metal thingy holder), glue, some sort of sealer (poly is my preferred) If you don't want to use spools, use stacks of buttons, or other small size items of choice that a cone spool can fit over. Metal coat hangers cut into two pieces and use pliers to straighten to preference (I like them wonky) and bend the top into a circle shape to hold the thread above the height of the machine.

My daughters and I have made hundreds of theses over the years. Pretty much every quilter or woman who sews has one in their sewing room. At first I used applique fabric pieces to embellish the base covered with poly. I evolved to pictures cut from magazines. One year we found round metal plates and use them. Pretty easy craft project for a quilt group to do as door prizes or give away items.

Here is one of my favorites- a four spool-er--

Enjoy, I hope to inspire you to make a couple for yourself and of course a bunch to share. I think they make nice 'thinking of you' type gifts. What say you?

A little Political Brag----

Happy 4th of JULY- 08

It's about TIME introducing my OC

In the spirit of a good PJ day (OK just a couple of stolen hours) look at what I finally got done!!!

Can't sew them scrappy enough as far as I am concerned. If you think the photo of the top looks good, you should stop by and check it out in person. Gonna be one of my favorites. I can see me cutting several more of these out for To-Do Kits.

This is a alternate block in the Orange Crush by Bonnie Hunter ( http://quiltville.com/orangecrush1.shtml ) Check out her site and get the pattern to make your own. I love her version with borders. On my To-Do list for a nice rainy day.

Congrats to Becca's family

This has always been one of my favorite butterfly quilts. Made with a scrappy center and border. Embellished with scrappy butterflies w/print wings and solid/bodies. This beauty has hung on display in several locations over the past couple of years. Proud to announce it has a new home. Jump forward to last Friday.

Favorite clients from VA closed on their dream house in Marshfield, MO. I had the privilege to work with the wife on the picking out of their first abode as first time home buyers! Hubby is stationed in VA and ready to deploy to Iraq, there was no way I wanted to refer them on to anyone else. Purchasing a property is stressful enough without the added worry of moving to an unknown area.

From first contact to close was about three weeks. Our tour of homes produced the ones of highest interest and Becca's choice was well informed and thought out. Hubby won't 'see' the place until after he gets back but just knowing that his family is safe and secure will go a long way in easing his burdens of service to our country. I can't wait to get invited over for B-B-Q!

I love getting to wear my quilting hat almost as much as my help a gal find a home hat. This family was above the crowd when it comes to knowing what they want and how to achieve the goal. It all started with a call to me, after finding my website on line.

Rita is their 2 yr old daughter and she likes dolls, this little throw kid quilt was picked out just for her.

When you have friends or family looking to move to SW Missouri, keep me in mind.-- thanks cheryl www.ozarkcastle.com

Missouri love company

grandson, Andrew helping grandpa load the truck. TN was a fun place to call home but it is time to move back closer to the rest of the family. Missouri is the place to be!

Think my quilting days are going to slow down a bit, and be grandson days for awhile!!

Yeah Mary- what a nice surprise

I mentioned last week that good friend Mary, snuck one in on us. She was kind enough to let me bring the beauty home to snap a picture to share. This is from our groups version of Nancy-Rose's Mystery Quilt.

Mary will be the even more proud Grand ma to a lovely granddaughter sometime soon. This lovely keepsake will be a much cherished snuggle under for the precious little one.

Grand -daughter KARLEE 16 mo spent the day with me at my office. Here she is taking a nap after lunch. (Hey I had dibs on cutting some ZZZ's on those chairs.

I love this age! I asked her do you want to nap on the floor OR on the chairs? She said "chairs" I said OK, but have to close you eyes and sleep.........2 hrs LATER, she is awake and ready to 'help' again.

Mary, I know your granddaughter will be even more perfect than mine, can't wait to meet her. love CHERYL

Yeah- it's quilt night

save this spot- I will fill in the details after we get together. (We got together and I am filling in the details-here I go...)

Lois' grad quilt is traveling to it's new home. Of course I didn't get a picture (yet hint hint)

We are getting our last clue tonight on Nancy's mystery. Imagine my surprise last night at church when Mary S was showing off her newest little brag. A beautiful baby quilt made with our mystery blocks. http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/7293/

She didn't even tell us she was working on it!- how much fun is that- she snuck one in on the group. (In Mary's defense she is a busy gal and even though we give her grief about NOT participating as much as we would like her too,- she is a great source of encouragement. Two PTs for being one of the first to finish the top. )

Dawn brought her mystery fabric to cut and get a quick hands on lesson (private lesson mind you get what you pay for) to learn how to make the spool block. Can't wait to see her finished blocks so we can get started on the quilt top

Kelly is working on her's in "Hot Colors" and floral. I am not a good enough M-I-L to snap a picture of her working BUT I did take a shot of her little pillow case she threw together for Karlee.

This was made from the left over, left-overs that she made the top from last time.

Tonight we are working on the Fireman Quilts and I hope to have several to show off. (could-have, would-have, should-have but we didn't- my BAD)

I have SEAN's quilt in the frame and plan to get a little done on it this week. We are traveling to Chicago the first week of July and I want to have this welcome to the family gift ready to take with us. Grandson Lane is getting to tag along (he tells people, we are going to Chicago to see Unkle Jesse and ride the train) I can't wait, I am so ready for a mini vacation. Run up north to St Louis, hop the Amtrak, ride the rails for a bit, walk our legs off in the Big City and then head to Nashville to see the other two rug-rats. Life is so good. (Life is good, I am slow, didn't get to the quilting yet)

The gals from Purdy didn't make it tonight, so proud of each and every one of them for having a separate excuse (no copies). Lois is excused b/c she is out of state, Deb had a meeting, Edna doesn't drive at night, and the other gals only come to see Lois. Next time I am staying home, oh wait we meet at my house- my bad.

Linda, started yet another graduation quilt. This one is going to be GREEN. Linda decided she really Hates to sew stars so we are doing a very simple 4 patch made up of two 6 1/2" blocks and two 3 1/2 x 6 1/2" strips. On paper it looks like it should work well. She has 4 fabrics and just enough to get a 60 x72" top. I'll keep you posted. Here's a peak at the fabrics.

Guess I didn't re-size that one- sorry. It's getting late so I am headed to bed. be good cheryl

Thanks KIM

I received the books in the mail last week, so sorry to take so long to say THANKS. I wanted to take a picture, write a nice note, etc... BUT as usual I am too slow. I need to back post it to Thursday night, b/c the gals that came over just ooh and aw over the double wedding ring book.

While I am on a roll about apologising for being slow. I still need to mail out butterfly sets to Riet (are you back from your trip yet?) and to Kim. Hope to get it done this week. (seems when every I am thinking about it I am at the office and packets are at home.)

Sorry again for not getting my shouts out of THANKS- love the interaction on this site- everyone be good cheryl

Guess What I did Today?

Nothing as fun as a PJ day but I did get to leave the office a little early to run to town to get an allergy shot.

The weekend wore me out as far as all that breathing stuff we are suppose to be able to do. Wonder if I am the only one that gets sick as soon as the weather gets nice. Church picnic in the park on Sunday and I looked like a fish with such big puffy eyes and runny nose. Cough, cough, sniffle, sniffle.

Throw in an asthma attack just for giggles and I was a hoot the past couple of days.

Good for me that Doc. keeps an open appointment just in case. He said he expected me a couple of weeks ago. I was trying to tough it out. Didn't make it.

Still pretty congested but feeling a bit better knowing the allergy shot will kick in in a couple of days.

I decided to take a little time working on Nancy's Mystery. The top went together very quickly. I am not sure if I am going to follow her outer border or cheat and strip the border. I will hang it up and 'look' at it awhile. Might even add another row or two. This is the twin size 5 x 8 blocks. I wanted a scrappy top and am happy how it is turning out.

I am thinking I want to do one more row of blocks and then maybe a 5" print to border the top. This was a fun project. I am usually pretty bad about finishing things but think this has a shot of getting done soon. Can't wait to see Nancy's quilted.

Thank You Nancy- this really was a fun mystery, not to hard, not to soft, think it was just right! Can't wait to see pictures of everyone else's. be good cheryl

We get to use our ORANGE! step #5

I have a couple of other things I really need to work on first, BUT I know I will sneak a couple of block in just to see how beautiful they look in my fabrics. As always I am a fan of scrappy so I can hardly wait to see this reveal. We should be getting pretty close. cw

Nancy's CLUE #5

For the gals that are following the mystery with me, I will pass out the paper version next time we meet. There are a couple that are working ahead and like to see it when it is ready- here you go-- http://www.myquiltblog.com/nancyrose/7156/

I hope to put my top together this week and poss. get the 2nd version a little further along as well. Good luck. love cheryl

Little Brag for Kelly

Last night as I was getting things ready for the quilt group, I scooped up a handful of "scrap" kitty cat fabric printed blocks. I asked Kelly if she wanted them b/c she is the queen of spring colors.

What a beautiful utility quilt to give to the friend that loves CATS. One of a kind-

Thursday at Cheryl's (again-already!)

1: Newbies (same old hens with a couple of chicks. we had 9 tonight and a lot to do.)

2: Grad. Quilt Project (The star quilt is quilted and we worked on hand sewing the binding- sure goes quickly when there is a group of gals working on it) We need to finish the binding tonight if poss. -- the church dinner is on Sunday, we can sign it then.

3: Blogging ..(Love getting to play on the computer and 'see' pictures and stories of our projects being reviewed by others. It has been an inspirational experience for me and I hope to encourage others to participate with me)

4: Wedding/Anniv NEW Baby etc..Projects (Need to add one more wedding quilt- MATT (the college kid) & TBA (out of state girl)

5: Charity Project (WOW- the fabrics that have been selected- wow wow wow- we are getting a good start on our 9-patches. Looks like at least half of the project is in some form of being worked on. One top stitched up and a couple more in the process.

I tend to PIN everything to the blinds to hang to shoot the photo, sorry for the picture quality, I am sure I will get a better one after this is quilted.

It take a good 2 yds. of fabrics #1 & #2 and a half yd of fabric #3. (12 strips of #1, #2 and three strips of #3)

Then cut the 9-patch block into 1/4's , rotate two opposite corners and re-sew into a 4-patch block

IF CUTTING into 6" sqs. cut 80 of #1 & 80 of #2 and 20 of #3 (You can interpret the colors by Red White & Blue; or Light, Med, Dark or Mix and Match any or all to get the required number of sqs/strips/blocks for this quilt.

The top in the picture was done using a 1A, 2A ,1B --- 2B ,3 ,2B --- 2B ,2A, 1A pattern, I used two different strip fabrics in the #1 position (thus the 1A & 1B) and 2 different fabrics for the #2 spot also. (producing a neat pattern of 5 fabrics.) ALL NINE fabrics can be different, all 27 strips can be different- you do what you want to. For a two color top do a traditional 5 of one and 4 of the other.

There is no right/wrong way to do these very forgiving blocks. Have fun experimenting with colors, and even more fun when you set the top together- there are multiple ways to place the blocks but please stick to a 4 x 5 block layout.

(ON your own if you choose to do this for a kid project and 3 x 4 layout is a nice size with or without borders, FYI)

6: JR Quilting (.I am thinking next time to have a cook out, I was talking to Dawn about it and she thinks the parents should get to come too. Well if Dawn thinks I can behave with adults and kids I am all for it. 1st -4th graders and families at the Willis- no one tell Carl - he likes surprises... )

7: MYSTERY Quilt (rules and regs) WE WILL GET CLUE 4 tonight ( Thanks to Linda coming over Tuesday I am caught up on my scrappy quilt- even finished clue 4) (Deb was so hot tonight she had to take her shirt off- couldn't tell if it was the temperature or her over working helping out spirit. We did get a complimentary fabric picked out and cut for her clue 3. She is ready to start any time now. Deb is one of the only ones to pre-cut everything first)

10: Thought of the Day (.Just b/c you take your pictures to be transferred to fabric to the same store that every one else has for the past 7 years, doesn't mean they will tell you they are under new ownership and have not actually done a photo-transfer before. But when you get back home and see what a mess you just paid for... oh let's just let Lois tell the rest of the story...)

When DOGS attack

I know I said I was going to slow down on the posting, BUT this is too important to wait- Got it today and had to share.....

Dog Pack Attacks Gator In Florida

At times nature can be cruel, but there is also a raw beauty, and even a certain justice manifested within that cruelty.

The alligator, one of the oldest and ultimate predators, normally considered the 'apex predator', can still fall victim to implemented 'team work' strategy, made possible due to the tight knit social structure and 'survival of the pack mentality' bred into the canines.

See the remarkable photograph below courtesy of Nature Magazine. Note that the Alpha dog has a muzzle hold on the gator preventing it from breathing, while another dog has a hold on the tail to keep it from thrashing. The third dog attacks the soft underbelly of the gator.

Not for the squeamish!

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Laughter is good for the soul. Have a great DAY!

Oops, I did it again---

I've got LAND (2nd try) (reposted from my 'other' life)

I started to blog early Saturday, I had that "I Sure Love Life" thing going that comes from a good nights sleep and a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning.

Sorry everyone MISSED the original, from what I remember it was brilliant and heart felt. Best writing I have done in a while. ( Did learn to save and work from a WORD doc. so good did come from my lack of experience in the tech world)

The point of the first story was if you are "looking" for land, we have it here in the lovely state of MISSORUI. (SW Missouri is my favorite stomping ground) I will have to take a couple of days to work up a few more posts of what this area has to offer. For now, let me leave you with a picture of what I get to view when the rooster starts to crow!

For the quilters- most of you have been very helpful as I wear my other hat, the one in Real Estate, most of what I have learned about blogging has come form getting comfortable in this medium honing my writing skills. I can't thank you gals (and guys) enough. FYI- I will continue the quilt blog but on a less manic time frame. I purpose to check in daily to offer encouragement and see what is going on, but my posts will probably slow down a bit till I get the other blog off the ground. http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/7007/ this is points based site so if you know ANYONE in real estate, financing, insurance etc... send them to my site- it is a neat little world (over 80,000 members as of today)

I am waiting to see if LANE gets signed in- would be neat to have a fabric friend on the rain site.

Nancy posted CLUE 4

For the gals in my group that are following this Mystery we will get the printed version next time we meet. I know there are a couple that 'work' ahead so if you haven't beat me to it-- here ya go......

We are getting close, so it is good that this is an easy one to give the slackers a chance to catch up. cut cut sew sew see ya soon. - cw

Orange'you glad it's time for STEP #4

Bonnie just posted step #4 if you are doing the Orange Crush- take the rest of the day off with me and lets get those blocks sewn up. I'll show you mine later, you can show me yours now.

(my bad is that #2 is about done and haven't started #3yet- could have swore I did, must have dreamed it or worse yet miss placed them- oh well deal with it later)

took me less than 2 minutes to pick the supporting stash (actually grandson LANE picked it out-) I was waiting to see how it was going to be used before committing yardage. Might still change my mind on the 'orange' but so far this is it.

2yds of orange (only 2 yd piece I had, might decided to use smaller fabrics if I can sneak them in.)

My black is really a MARY E. fabric and the only reason I am using it is b/c my friend PAM will die, when she sees I am using a M. E. in a scrap top!!! (Pam is the last of the true fabric snobs - seriously just kidding- she has reprimanded me on other occasions about using my 'good stuff' in my ''throw together tops"- hopping this will lighten her up a bit)

My red is going to be multiple red/w/black- now that I see we are doing spinning stars I feel better about this choice.

I am using 6 different fabrics for the red so I only need to make 5 blocks of each. Have the first set of 6 tri/sqs sewn waiting to trim. Most likely I will sew all the sqs. and bag them trimming later at the lake. My dad cut me several plexiglass sqs. of all the standard sizes.( this needs a 3 1/2") It makes it very easy to just sit and yak and trim. Very relaxing.

The blue that Bonnie is using up different fabrics, I am going to do the easy way and stick to one yd of a print I haven't worked into anything else yet.

TOTAL Quilt will be from stash. I am so excited to be sewing blocks together! be back soon. cw

Thursday at Cheryl's

2: Grad. Quilt Project (The star quilt is quilted and we worked on hand sewing the binding- sure goes quickly when there is a group of gals working on it)

4: Wedding/Anniv NEW Baby etc..Projects (Need to add another wedding quilt- MATT & KATIE- I am working on ideas on how we can all participate)

Edna brought a lovely panel with bears for new great-grand TBA later. We seamed a back, sewed the top (pot holder style) Turn style and Kelly quilted big flowers, Deb hand stitched the open area for turning it . Less then 45 min start to finish for a lovely baby gift. We know 'it's a girl!', we think we know the intended name, now let's see how surprised everyone is when the twins get here- just kidding.

I tend to PIN everything to the blinds to hang to shoot the photo, sorry for the picture quality, I am sure I will get a better one after this is quilted.

It take a good 2 yds. of fabrics #1 & #2 and a half yd of fabric #3. (12 strips of #1, #2 and three strips of #3)

Then cut the 9-patch block into 1/4's , rotate two opposite corners and re-sew into a 4-patch block

(ON your own if you choose to do this for a kid project and 3 x 4 layout is a nice size with or without borders, FYI)

7: MYSTERY Quilt (rules and regs) WE WILL GET CLUE 3 tonight (several are working on less scrappy versions and are going to 'skip' this clue until the reveal)

8: New Ideas/Wanna Learns (No new quilting 'gotta knows' but a lively discussion on getting rid of ants..... something about hitting a spouse in the head while...... you had to have been there)

Paducah KY 2008 winners

Get a cup of coffee, and sit back and enjoy- lots of 'new' (or new to me) to see!

Think I will spend a lot of time re-visiting this site! Wish I could have run up there and seen the beautiful quilts first hand. One of these days I might just have to put a trip at the top of my TO-DO's. Who's going with me? -- be good cw

Active Rain Referral

I signed up on a real estate blog site a couple of years ago and didn't really understand all the ins&outs of it. Now that I have got my feet wet with the quilting blog, I think I am ready to spend more time on developing the business side of my brain.

This is a point based site so what I need from you is to sign in under my link and get me a few points to put me at the top of my area. It is suppose to help me get my name 'out there' to the public and hopefully generate clients who have common goals.

The payoff for you is that there is a LOT of good info on this site and a little FYI never hurt anyone. Even if you are not going to buy or sell in my part of the state, you can pick up on a few market trends that may prove useful.

Also I need a few ideas to BLOG about, evidently the good bloggers write on a regular basis- from how I am starting I think once every other year is my trend. I think I cover a lot of good subject matter on my website but this active rain community is suppose to be geared more towards peers.

Any help from the computer savvy in the group, please feel free to jump in and coach me. Thanks for your help in getting me to a higher ranking. be good cheryl

5th of May (Cinco de Mayo)

Hellmann's Mayonnaise - a bit of history

Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in NewYork.

This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost.

The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day.

The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as Sinko De Mayo.

WHAT??? You expected something educational from me?

Ride Um Cowboys!

What a beautiful day today. A couple of kids from my Fourth grade bible class came out to the house to 'quilt' (which is code for CLEAN) or in today's case ride the horse. Kids cleaned and vacuumed out my car!! Close enough to sewing as far as I am concerned. This is oldest grandson, Lane 4 1/2 yrs old riding Apache, 3 yrs old. Our yearling, Dixie was brought in to wean and Apache was corralled with her to keep her calm. Yesterday, Dixie got her first lessons in 'leading' wearing a halter. Apache helped train her and both did very well.

Granddaughter, Karlee, did most of her riding with her daddy and/or the other kids. She wanted to go as many times as we would let her. Doesn't she look so big sitting up there on that horse. Future little cowgirl?

Hard to tell from a photo but even at only 15 mo old, this kids rides pretty well.

For the Newbies- FYI's

Let's all comment on our favorite "Must Learns" to hang out on this blog. Anything you found necessary to know or anything you think a newbie needs to know. I will link to what ever we come up to have a spot to share so we don't have to repeat the same ole- same old.

www.photobucket.com a free hosting site, you can down load pictures to it and re-size to website friendly sizes. I use the 'direct link' to then put on this blog site. (I try to remember that not everyone has high speed so don't make pic to big- sometimes we forget)

I bulk load pictures. re-size and use the Direct Link to post to this blog. My daughter had to teach me how but once I learned to 'open' more than one tab at a time it went much faster going back and forth between the blog and photobucket. hope this helps

something else I thought of: when you add a picture you don't like, you can back space over it to remove it. I tend to 'write' first and then fill in with pictures and sometimes put them in the 'wrong' spot, just back up and then re-do.

also don't be afraid to use spell check. couldn't believe how many words I misspell because of typos.

You all know I love this Blog, it is a wonderful way to journal what we are doing and get a little feed back and encouragement to try new things. Everyone be good cheryl

R/W/B Firemen Quilts

I have been wanting to post our Fire Station Quilts for awhile. I know I have mentioned them off and on but had not taken the time to scan the booklet and give the project the attention it deserves. These utility quilts were started in the fall of 2001 and finished several months later. This booklet was the collection of quilts and essays by our group.

We hosted an Open House to show off the quilts. The community was invited. Fire safety literature and smoke detectors were passed out. Tours of the Fire Truck were a big hit

The little kids were not the only ones to enjoy taking a tour of the Fire Engine or getting a 'hat'.

Basically a 12 1/2" block. The sewing group pre-cut the back ground sqs. (we choose tan b/c the quilts were for men) Women from Barry Co. and Lawrence Co in MO sewed blocks for these quilts. Five quilts from these patterns were made. Blocks were either red or blue and made lovely 2-color quilts.

The 'red- chain' was cut and sewn in one meeting. The 'blue-chain' didn't even make it to the cutting table. This is a wonderful top to make once, but twice in a row was pushing our luck. A 6 1/2" 9-patch made with 2 1/2" sqs. set alt. with 6 1/2" background sq. = this simple Irish Chain.

Our version of "Hole-in-the-Barn Door and "friendship Star" or as we renamed it: "Doris Star" for our friend who really like the star block. Both blocks are made with the same 9-patch idea, the 1/2 tri/sqs are just in a different position. In the HOLE quilt the tri/sqs are in the corners pointing towards the middle sq. In the STAR quilt the tri/sqs are on the sides with a background sq in the corners. Gives two totally different looks to similar blocks. We made Blue versions too.

Checker Board is a fast and easy and beautiful way to make a two-color quilt. This red one and the blue twin were strip cut. Two people working together can make this easily in a morning (factor in time for kids, hubbys, phones, shopping, etc......)

This is one of the 'cheater' quilts, literally strip cut and pieced. The R&W quilt has a Navy back, The B&W has Red, and the B&R has a Tan back. We started the project with good intentions. Since the group only meets two times a month, we didn't get everything done we hoped too. This was a fun night and we complete 3 of these lovely cheater tops.

The Missing Blocks or 'Late Blocks" were a nice surprise and enough for the last quilt top. A mix of reds and blues and stars and doors, this was one of my favorites. I love the scrappy!!

Some cut, some sewed, some donated material or $$. Everyone offered encouragement. We were very happy to have such lovely quilts to give to our firemen.

Thanks for letting me share. It has been 6 yrs and the station is due for another round of bed toppers. This years project will be a cut-up-9-patch. Should be done by Sept. if all goes well.- cheryl

Orange Crush -

I actually have all of #1 and most of #2 done, hope to get home tonight and cut and sew on #3

(as usual I start writing when I am at the office and don't get 1/2 of what I have planned done- step 3 will have to wait)

Dawn is making hers in Red & White and I wanted to copy her idea- I did get my blue print picked out from stash and the "tans" cut, I will most likely sew clue 2 first.

Janet's grad quilt top for granddaughter is hanging up trying to tell me how it wants to be quilted. I am thinking something flowery but am open to suggestions-

This is a favorite setting for the grad. quilts. A 6 1/2" 9-patch, and 6 1/2" sq. sewn into a 4-patch block and a 12 1/2" solid for embellishment. (The kids do everything from photo to applique, embroidery, signatures etc...) The tops are set 5 x 6 for a 60" x 72" keepsake quilt.

I pulled out a box of R/W/B fabrics, hope to get a couple of KITS cut out for our Fire-station quilts.

"Found this adorable pre-printed apron and lined it with a yellow check. Hope to finish it with a black thread overcast stitch someday for grand-daughter, Karlee.

I sorted through the rest of the 'over flow' and now just need to put things away. The six large bags under the table will go to PAM for her rugs. The smaller piles on the floor will get placed with like kind stuff. Some will be tote bags for our Kid's projects, small donation quilt backs and other on going piles I save material for.

Mom finally gave me Grandma's quilt to re-do. The top has 20 Nose-gay blocks and I think each flower has at least one or two fabrics that need attention. As luck would have it, I have a good stash of period fabrics that should blend in nicely. I was able to print a pattern that matches the pieces perfectly and if I needle turn I think I can keep the original look.

Today got "Chilled-Out"

Thanks everyone for the B-day wishes- weather here is a tad bit cool so we are going to post-pone the lake and sneak a nap. I am requesting a couple of honey-do's get finished this afternoon and a nice movie tonight. Don't really see a lot of that happening except the nap.
On the last Sundays each month our church group does a dinner and early devo. Today was going to be a picnic at the park but we got 'chilled out' and held it inside. Had so much fun laughing at the kids try do "egg races" with golf balls (no one would volunteer to clean the floors if we used real eggs!).

Clue #3 (nancy-rose mystery)

If you are working ahead have fun. Bring your 'Brags' to share with the rest of us.

I will print directions to pass out at our next Thursday Get-to-gether the 2nd Thur. in May.

	"Nancy Singer" Add Mobile Alert Yahoo! DomainKeys has confirmed that this message was sent by rogers.com. Learn more
To:	"Cheryl Willis"
Subject:	Re: clue 3
Date:	Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:23:14 -0400

I'd go with "B"

Hope this helps!

Nancy

----- Original Message -----

From: Cheryl Willis

To: Nancy-Rose

Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:32 PM

Subject: clue 3

thanks, for us scrapy gals it will be a piece of cake- for the ones doing a more controled set of fabrics I am thinking a couple of different things. (we don't meet again for a bit so correct me if I am WAY off)

1- IF nickels are varitly of fabric do directions as printed.

2- IF nickels are all of FOCUS (or all same) fabric do the following:

    A-   WAIT until the final reveal and decided what you want to do...(for this step). or

    B-   Do a checkerboard with 2 (or more) support &/or contrast fabrics.

    C- Do the 4-patches with FOCUS fabric and one or more support fabrics following     printed directions

Quilt/Roof/Brag

I had a hard time thinking of a title for today- Do I go with the Pre-Birthday theme ( http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6921/ ) or... On my way to Roof a Home or..... BRAG that we got another one done.

Kelly surprised me by coming over last night to 'work' on Linda's wedding quilt for Bill's nephew. (side note for me 'working' on it would mean, pin it to the frame and go do something else) Kelly is not as worn out as I am and quilted the piece in less than 2 hrs. total start to finish.

I was so impressed that it motivated me to throw together a little scrap beauty for granddaughter, Karlee. Linda had sewed the 'piano keys' for a border on her gift quilt and I stole her left overs ( http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6915/ ) to make this drag -along quilt for Karlee. The top was a little wiggly so I squared it up (translates to actually ironed something) and added a border of little frog prints. (think I stole them too from Linda's stash that she left at my house) Now that I look at it, the label needs to say gifted by Auntie Linda and G-Ma Cheryl

The guys left early this morning to head over to tear shingles off Bill and Linda's place. Kelly and I will head over in a bit to help with the 'lunch'. Today the weather is beautiful so it should be a fun time for all. Nothing like seeing your men work up a sweat! Makes me wish we were doing a barn raising too. Here's a pretty good picture of Lane (4yrs) up on the roof hammering away. (Reminds me of his daddy- when he was little)

Happy Birthday to ME

Birthday is not till the 27th (Sunday) I really just needed a reason to post - I got the pictures loaded on our group meeting last night and want to share - http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6912/

The gals were made to EAT cake and SING Happy B-Day to me- I was forced to lissen to the singing and eat the left over cake! Tech 3 days to go before I hit the BIG 4???? (aren't we supose to quite counting by NOW?)

Tomorrow I will celebrate my ONE DAY before the BIG DAY by helping friend Linda cook for the crew that is coming out to re-shingle their house. I SEE a cake for Saturday too or at least a big pan of Brownies.

And on the real BIG DAY, we are getting to have a church picnic at the park (Not for my B-day but that is not going to stop me from insisting on CAKE)

Carl and I are going to overnight it out at the lake Sunday Night- don't know how I am so lucky to get a Get-a-Way with favorite hubby but I think it is going to be better than CAKE! Happy Birthday to ME!

STARS and KEYS

This is the top for good friend LINDA's grad quilt for her niece. I CUT the pieces, MADE her sew the blocks and sew the four 3 block rows. AND had her sew the piano keys (did them as Width Of Fabric) eight of each color and then cross cut at 6".(The extra was used in a child size quilt top) I was nice enough to set the top and add the borders. (I couldn't take the crying - mostly me saying: "Learn to FISH!") I am pleased with the KEY border turning out so well. I cheated and re-seamed at the blue and greens to 'sneak' in an extra strip- made the key colors run around the outside without double-ing up.

(On a side note- she doesn't hate stars, she just hadn't sewn in a while and was flusterated at me for not taking over sooner.- that's where the famous Teach a Man to Fish story comes in (she is sick of me telling it) I usually trick her into folding my laundry while I work on her pieces. She is training me to fold my OWN laundry, next she is going to insist I do my own dishes!)

The gals that are coming over tonight for group will get a chance to see Kelly pin this one in to quilt. (Kelly worked on the wedding quilt instead, this got bumped down the list). Thanks for letting me share. Cheryl

Thursday= quilt group #3

Hopefully we will get a few kits cut out to start one of our charity projects for this year.

(I need to write up a materials list, but basicly the rules are: IF you donate 6" sqs, we will mix/match to make scrapy "KITS"

IF you want to purchase fabric get 2yds each of colors # 1 & #2 and 1/2 yd of color #3; They will be strip cut for KITS

IF you want to cut or sew JUMP in at what ever part you like. We have committed to at least 12 Red/White/Blue for the downtown firestation. The more the merrier so feel free to participate.

IF you don't 'sew' or 'cut' then come over to learn or just come hang out and have fun.

I originally got hooked after seeing some of Nancy's charity quilts. Now I am 'seeing' them everywhere. Easy block to make and who doesn't love a nine-patch for using up scraps. Def. a block after my heart.

1: Welcome to Newbies (tech no Newbies BUT some New BRAGS) Sue attended a class and learned a new to her block. She was nice to share the tops with us. She had enough to make a lg and a small top. Beautiful colors!

2: Grad. Quilt Project http://www.myquiltblog.com/quilt4younow/6915/ (thanks Deb for being the designated sewer tonight, the girls laid out Andrew's blocks and sewed it up Right-Quick-Like.

3: Intro to Blogging (showed off the site to the couple of gals who had not been in the office before)

(This is the Wedding quilt top for Linda & Bill's nephew's upcoming day. Linda had purchased material in the new couples "colors" and left the top design up to me- I decided instead of a lot of blocks to 'show off' the material by doing strips. Linda is very pleased with the result and can't wait to see how Kelly chooses to quilt it.)

5: Charity Project (Happy to say the gals took to the 9-patch idea and we will be seeing a lot of these neat quilts over the next couple of months. Should have at least 12 ready to donate after our Dinner in Sept.)

6: JR Quilting (Next meeting is a week from Sunday and it is the BOYS turn to spe

April 2000 10" block exchange