Needle & Threads

Another year end quilt

2012-01-10T12:39:00.000-05:00

Here is another recent customer's quilt. A very interesting color palate.

I got a lovely thank you note from my customer, she said " the designs you chose took the quilt from something very simple to something remarkable"

I love my job!

Happy New year!

2012-01-02T14:29:00.000-05:00

A new year, a fresh start. I love the idea of all the possibilities. Hopefully some of my aspirations will take hold.

I finished out the last year with a few quilts for customers. No surprise there. But one was especially dear to me. While on the Sew Nice retreat in Nov., Diane - the shop owner- made a wall quilt for her partner, Flora. It was to be a surprise for Christmas so we were all sworn to secrecy. I looked at this quilt and knew immediately how I would want to quilt it if I had the chance. The more I looked at it, as it hung on the design wall all weekend, the more it spoke to me, so I offered to quilt it. Mind you it is four weeks until Christmas and I still had two other quilts to complete.
Sometimes you just have to squeeze one more in.

In addition to wanting to quilt this little gem, I was honored to give something back to Diane and Flora of Sew Nice in Norwich, NY. They have always been very supportive of my business and have allowed me to teach many, many classes at their wonderful shop.

Here are a few pictures:
details; Qulters Dream midnight poly batting, Superior So Fine tread in many colors! Swarowski crystals applied afterwards.

2011-09-18T17:20:00.000-04:00

What a wild few weeks here in central NY. First an earthquake, then hurricane Irene, followed buy tropical storm Lee.
We have been drying out form the last two but so many homes and businesses in our area have been devastated. Two major floods in five yrs is just too much.

On a cheerier note, I have been quilting,

Where are the lazy, hazey days of summer?

2011-08-22T12:01:00.000-04:00

How is it possible that it has been two months (less one day) since my last post? And summer is coming to an end, it was 55 degrees this morning. I was tempted to put socks on!

What has been keeping me so busy you might ask? Along with my usual jobs, I have been teaching twice a week at a local quilt shop. In addition I've been putting in lots of extra hours at the computer at the Volvo Club's new website. The integration of our database to the new software of the site has been less than smooth. In fact for the first time in 25 yrs of this job I seriously thought about if I could make up the income with more quilting.

We did have one lovely week off in the Finger Lakes. We visited wineries, breweries, quilt shops, yarn shops, took a cruise on Seneca Lake and stayed in a charming B&B.

See you soon, I am off to the studio to quilt!

Baltimore Album - Amazing

2011-06-23T11:51:00.000-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of quilting an amazing example of a Baltimore Album Quilt 96" square. This was a four year project of Rhoda Bushnell, a customer of mine. She call this her mourning quilt as she made it in the months and years following her husband death. Here is the kicker, its not hers! She was hired to make it for a friends daughter in AZ. I sure hope she charged enough, not that you ever could. Enjoy the show!

This is the center block

More of the center top

Side view of center block

Corner of center block

One of four wreath blocks surrounding the center

a second wreath block

Cornucopias in each corner

Center block flanked by four large baskets, this is one

Last row, notice- no borders.

Last but not least, the back.

Socks!

2011-06-13T11:13:00.000-04:00

After much trepidation I finally got the courage to make a pair of socks. They are about an inch too long but hey, finished is better than perfect! I have already started another pair, hopefully they will fit better.

My First Zentangle Quilt

2011-05-05T15:25:00.000-04:00

Lat month I took a class from Pat Ferguson at MQX on Zentangle. I have been playing a bit and finally decided to put my needle to cloth. Here are my results. I love it! The Zentangle tile is on the left and my quilt, enlarged 200% from the tile is on the right.

MQX

2011-04-18T15:09:00.000-04:00


Third Place Small Wholecloth

My expression does not do justice to my excitement at winning this ribbon. Do you think David could have taken another picture? or waited for a smile? He claims he was focused on the quilt, I guess it could be worse.

A visit to Old Sturbridge Village

2011-04-18T15:04:00.000-04:00

On our way to MQX quilt show in Providence, RI we took an extra couple days and visited Old Sturbridge Village. It had been at least 30 yrs. since our last visit and in our early marriage we were members (courtesy of my parents) and visited often. Thankfully it has not changed much. Life in the 1830s seemed like a pleasant time to be alive. Between wars, technology was advancing, for the first time people had leisure time as there were machines to do some of the labor of the past. If you are ever passing by be sure to plan a visit, well worth your time.

As you approach the village


The village green


The sawmill

Oxen at rest

The blacksmith shop

The manor house, opposite end of the green from the church

Stopping for a chat

David, checking the map of the grounds.

Spring!

2011-03-24T12:28:00.001-04:00

Well, by the calendar anyway, yesterday we had more snow... and not just flurries either. Shoveling is getting old!

Not much new here, I finished the One Block Wonder quilt and my customer was here to pick it up before I got it unpinned. So no new pictures, but she loves it, whew!

Last week I took a bus trip to the AQS Lancaster, PA quilt show. Up at 4AM back home at 11:45. Looong day....
The quilts were amazing, the vendors plentiful, the company outstanding. Here is a picture of some of my loot.

First thing I purchased this wonderful basket to carry all my stuff. I found a new presser foot for my Featherweight machine, and belts for same and a treadle. A couple new books, one on piecing and one on Zentangle. A bunch of new stencils, not pictured, and a very cool powdered fusible product. I have already used that on on my damaged wholecloth.
And last but not least a piece of George Washington fabric for my mother. She has a "thing" for George. How many have a George wall in their home? Nuff said.

Last Week Of February

2011-02-28T11:18:00.000-05:00

The longest month of the year is almost over. None to soon in my book. Spring is coming, the birds are singing their mating songs, the trees are tapped for maple syrup and the sun is getting stronger.
While I have been waiting..... I have been sewing, quilting and knitting.

I an currently working on a king size One Block Wonder, almost finished with the ruler work you see here then it is on to Slab 'O Borders

I have also been working on my Feathered Star. I have the star border almost finished.

And I also made 3 Dear Jane Blocks this month:

Not much to show for my knitting, I am attempting to learn Magic Loop. Unraveled once, on my second try. So far so good but I only have a couple of rounds completed.

Have a great week, productive, happy week!

Chenango Piecemakers Featherd Star Raffle Quilt

2011-02-10T14:01:00.000-05:00

I will deliver this tonight at the monthly guild meeting of the Chenango Piecemakers. Every two years they have a Festival of Quilts in October. One of the big attractions is the raffle quilt. This year Linda Scheben pieced the center block and the members of the guild made the surrounding stars. Cally Pletl had the vision and the challenge of putting it all together. I had the pleasure of quilting it.
I hope it brings lots of $$ for the guild and its charities but mostly I hope it goes to a home where it will be appreciated.

Kathy's Applique Quilt

2011-01-30T15:05:00.000-05:00

I am so lucky to have the best customers! Kathy B. appliqued this gorgeous quilt and asked me to quilt it for her.
After many hours of serious quilting time I am so pleased that she got to see it finished today when she picked it up. I must admit I am going to miss having this masterpiece around to enjoy.

Some details for my fellow quilters, the quilt measures 88" square, I used Quilter's Dream Wool batting, stitch in the ditch with Maderia Monolon, all other stitching Superior So Fine. Bobbins were Magnaglide.

Dear Jane

2011-01-19T11:45:00.000-05:00

Every two weeks or so, that's the plan anyway, I meet with my friends Pam, Pam and Linda and sew. Pam R., Linda and myself work on our Dear Jane projects. and Pam S. works on her Album applique. On Monday we met at my house. I was the lucky on who did not need to go out in the cold. Linda S. is on the left, Pam R. is center and Pam S. is on the right,we are sewing in my center parlor, a basically useless room of doors and windows. Works well for this though. Come and join us!

Snow and more snow

2011-01-13T12:05:00.000-05:00

It seams as if it snows everyday this winter. We have not been walloped like New England, our snows are more of the lake effect variety. Snow showers, snow squalls, snow. My sister in CT got 21" yesterday, but afterward the sun was shining and the roads are clear. Here on the other hand.... it's snowing..... still....and cloudy....still.....

And to add injury to this insult, this morning I am in my office thinking to myself "g it's a bit chilly in here" i look at the gas stove and it is stone cold! Not even a pilot. How nice, I am out of propane! So I plug in my EdenPure heater and call the fuel company. Grrrr. or shall I say Brrrrr.

Oh goodie, I was going to add a picture here but Google tells me that feature is not available at the moment? WTF? I guess I'll go quilt, see ya!

A New Year!

2011-01-04T13:00:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to all my friends! Those who read my blog anyway, lol.
I loved having a long holiday weekend to start the new year. David had friday off so we drove to Syracuse to visit his step dad Bob, who just turned 90. We were talking about how long we had known Bob and realized it was more than 25 yrs. Then David said, gee, that's longer than I knew my Dad. David's dad died when David was 21 and our first year of marriage. It was the end of November and the holidays have never been the same for him. I treasure the relationship I had with my dad as an adult, I'm so sorry that David never had that.

Back to the long weekend.... I should have been in my studio working on a customer quilt but I am waiting for a thread order. I decided I did not have the perfect thread I needed. Do we ever? Yeesh.
So I spent Sat and Sun. in my jammies and in my sewing room. Never even stepped outside. Just sewed and played with fabric for two whole days. What a great way to start the year!

One of my internet quilting friends, Gayle, and I took a class at MQX 2 yrs ago. Well Gayle has been working on hers again and has inspired me to pull mine out and hopefully finish it this year. Somehow my center was 2" too small so I needed to redraft the sawtooth border. I made fewer and larger blocks but then decided to ad another element to them. Instead of 2 color I used 3.

Here is a picture:

The blocks above are Dear Jane, another ongoing project......

The next border is stars set in a black background. I have begun selecting fabrics for that. I think I am almost there and ready to begin cutting. maybe next weekend?

Winter is here

2010-12-07T11:48:00.000-05:00

After what seemed like a long autumn I do think winter is here for awhile. We have had snow everyday since the weekend and it is starting to pile up. I am once again shoveling my way to the studio and office to work. Yesterday in the snow we had new kitchen windows installed. It actually went pretty well considering the weather. The kitchen sure seems warmer without all the drafts but it will take some getting used to looking at the broad expanse of white windows. It is the only white in the kitchen :( sure wish we could have afforded wood but there were expensive enough and will have to do.

On a cheerier note here is a lovely little girls quilt I finished recently for a customer.

Just Checking in

2010-11-16T11:38:00.000-05:00

How time flies! How is it even possible that Thanksgiving is next week? Like most professional quilters this is a busy time for us, however none of my customers are expecting quilts for xmas this year. Since I specialize in custom work my lead time is at least 6 months. Fortunately I have wonderful customers who desire my quilting and are willing to wait. Life is good.

Here is a quilt if finished recently, it was King sized and the borders are 14" filling that space was a challenge but I am pleased with the results.

My next one is loaded, it is a beautiful applique quilt and I will spend some serious time on it as soon as I return from quilt retreat this weekend.

Vacation Sept. 2010

2010-09-29T15:54:00.000-04:00

Niagara Falls Canada, taken from the Skylon Tower

Niagara on the Lake, a charming town. We had lunch at the Irish Harp. A pub brought over from Ireland.

Gum Wall. Who does this? How does it even get started?

David and me, at the Flower Clock.

View from our room 32nd floor, and my knitting basket.

Watkins Glen, NY on Seneca Lake. View from our room.


Spanish Aero Car. 250 feet above the whirlpool rapids, down stream from Niagara Falls. Yikes! This was scary!

Daivd and I took a real vacation this year. One that did not include Volvos, quilting or family. And we took 2 weeks off! First time we have done that in 20 yrs. When you are self employed it is hard to get away for that long. We easy to get away but hard getting back as no one takes care of the work while you are gone.

We decided not to fly and that limited our choices but Niagara Falls seemed like a good choice. And it was. We took advantage of almost all of the touristy things to do, the first full day we signed up for a bus tour that took us to several of the sights. No parking, no tickets, no lines, no waiting. It was great! But exhausting too and we got soaked, twice. Once on the Journey Behind the Falls and later in the day on The Maid of the Mist boat ride.
The other days we did lots of walking and one day we drove north to the most charming town. Niagara on the Lake.
The down side was that the food was fair at best and very,very expensive. We were glad to get back to the states for a few days before heading home. One the way back, first stop was in Buffalo, NY. Duff's, home of the Buffalo Chicken Wing. David and I shared a plate of hot wings for lunch - yum! I should have taken a picture of that too, lol.

Vintage Roses

2010-06-08T15:34:00.004-04:00

Twenty one yrs ago we purchased our home from Mike and Harriet Carr Van Valkenburg. Harriet was born and lived in this house her entire life until she and Mike moved to assisted living, they never had children. Harriet was an only child and her mother too was born and lived here here entire life, also an only child. Harriet's grand mother moved in at 1 yr. old and also stayed here her entire life, again an only child.

I was fortunate to have been able to correspond with Harriet every month,as they held the mortgage. I learned much about the town, village and the house. About a year before Harriet passed on she stopped by and was able to see the changes we had made. I think she approved.

One of the thing she shared was that her grandmother had planted the climbing rose bush at the back door, right around 1900-1910.

After so many changes here it remains constant. The roots probably go to China at this point, lol. It blooms every year, except for the years we cut it back for a rest. Once we had a robin nest in it. And every spring our song sparrow visits and serenades us. It is right by the door to the yard off of the kitchen. This area was once a porch before being closed in.

My New Studio Sign

2010-06-04T11:13:00.005-04:00

You can't miss the studio now, eh??

Two years ago I had an Open House at the studio to introduce my rental business. I hung my bright batik Lucky Stars quilt on the front of the building for the day.

My friend, Pam Ross, loved the way it looked and asked if she could paint it for me. Well yeah!! She asked how much detail I would like and I told her, just enough so there is texture to the piece. She delivered it on xmas eve and I was blown away. She did an amazing job! I was a bit afraid to hang it lest it get damaged, lol.

Last weekend David and I had a moment of free time and got it put up. Wowzer, it looks great, no?

Thank you Pam.

My Poor Wisteria

2010-05-14T12:13:00.002-04:00

My poor wisteria blossoms were not able to withstand three nights of temps in the 20's. We have had the strangest spring weather! Luckily the wind blew down one blossom and I was able to press it. It might be the only wisteria I will ever have!

We have flowers!

2010-05-10T16:09:00.003-04:00

At long last we have wisteria flowers. Not what I think of, when I think of wisteria however. After 15+ yrears of waiting I hate to be ungrateful, but..... shouldn't there be some leaves?? I remember seeing beautiful lush green vines with pendulous purple flowers. This poor vine looks naked!

Can it possibly be?

2010-04-27T12:31:00.003-04:00

Around 15 years ago our dear friends Steve and Naomi gifted us with a wisteria plant from their garden in Virginia. David built a trellis and it grew happily around and through it. Patiently we have waited for flowers, tried to coax it to bloom by pruning, chanting ( not really ) you get the idea. The birds love the foliage to camouflage their nests and we hang a thistle feeder on the trellis for the goldfinches and a bird bath beneath. We watch the trellis from our kitchen window, season by season, year by year and nary a bud or blossom.
So last night around twilight, David says" LOOK! NO, it can't be" What? I say, wondering what kind of bird was visiting. No, he says, look, BUDS!

Well, I am hoping these are buds, having never seen them on the vines before I am assuming so. Now we wait and see if we are graced with flowers. I will be amazed!

Monday a lady?

2010-04-26T08:44:00.002-04:00

I always find it hard to drag myself out of bed on rainy mornings, especially Mondays. But I have a full day, full week ahead so I am up and at 'em. David used to wake me saying "up and at 'em Mrs. Adams" lol.
Yesterday's Meet the Teachers, was very nice. I always enjoy spending time with my comrades and with out this scheduled day I probably would not see many of them. My Machine Quilting 101 class in June filled right up, ten students and a waiting list, so I have added a second class. I am amazed at how popular this class continues to be. This is my fourth year teaching this series and the classes are still full. Good thing I love to teach!

Sunday morning

2010-04-25T10:36:00.002-04:00

This morning is a lazy, rainy, sleep late Sunday. Could even qualify as a jammie day except I have to attend a "meet the teachers" event at a local quilt shop this afternoon. Bonus is that I can stop by Wegman's (grocery store) on the way home and pick up dinner. Now I know that going to a grocery store is not much of a bonus to most, but Wegman's is not your everyday grocery store. It is a foodies delight!

Finished wholecloth desidn

2010-04-21T16:56:00.002-04:00

I have finished my online class designing a wholecloth. It was great, I will definitely look for more classes to take that way. Here is my final design. I need to get to to Staples and have it enlarged 250% so it is 40x40" Then mark it. I have chosen grey hand dyed fabric from Cherrywoods and lavender silk thread. Still not sure what to put in the circles.... hopefully it will speak with me as I mark.

Saturday

2010-04-17T10:27:00.002-04:00

Today is the last day of MQX, The Machine Quilters Expo. For the past six years ihave spent my birthday week there among my peers and quilting idols. This year David's work schedule would not allow us to go together and since I was not working for APQS this time I opted not to attend by myself. But it has not been easy, I missed it more than I thought I would. Most of all I missed seeing my Internet friends. I also missed seeing one of my own quilts hanging at the show. No ribbon but I am looking forward to the judges comments. The quality of the quilts entered is so amazing I never had any expectation of a ribbon. In fact every year I look at the quilts and some of them make me wonder why I even bother. Yet, I must, it is who I am and what I do. So, today I will quilt.

Making New Friends

2010-04-10T15:38:00.003-04:00

I am always so thankful to be able to do what I love for a job. I meet the most wonderful people and every once in awhile someone comes along that really touches my heart. Laurie came to me a month ago to take a beginner class to rent the longarm. She and I just hit it off. Fast forward to Friday, Laurie is scheduled for rental time. She arrives bearing a birthday month gift for me. Not just any gift but a witch and one she made just for me! Here she is..... aren't I lucky?

Drawing a wholecloth quilt

2010-04-07T16:02:00.002-04:00

I've been taking an online class at Mqresource.com, taught by Adam Chenenivert (I know I spelled that wrong, sorry Adam!) This is my first time taking a class in this format. It is interesting, not as enjoyable as taking one in person but quilt useful.
Here is what I have drawn to date.

Spring Musings

2010-03-30T11:56:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I was having lunch with the Monday Afton Lunch Ladies and two of my friends mentioned my blog. My poor neglected blog. It seems as if Facebook has eaten up any extra time I might find to spend at the computer to share musings and events.
I think they both have a place and I need to do better here.

Speaking of eating up time, have you seen the Owl box? http://www.ustream.tv/theowlbox

I was up late last night watching McGee bring food for Molly and the wee ones. And I find myself checking on them several times a day. I find the whole thing amazing. I can't help but wonder what my Dad would have thought. He was a big animal lover and as a kid we had several wild baby birds that we raised.

Middle of January

2010-01-19T13:06:00.002-05:00

Gosh, how does it happen? Time just flies by. Seems like last week I was at retreat. Since then we have had 3 holidays and now a new year.
At retreat I finished my sister's quilt. Gave it to her at Christmas and she loved it. Not too surprised, I loved it myself.

Over the River and Through the Woods

2009-11-12T11:17:00.002-05:00

Well not really, but close. Today I leave for Hamilton, NY (home of Colgate University) and the White Eagle Resort. My favorite quilt shop, Sew Nice of Norwich, NY is having their 4th annual quilters retreat. 53 quilters will spend 4 days, 3 nights sewing their little hearts out. Do you have any idea what it is like to sew from 8am to 11pm? It's exhausting I tell ya! Good thing they make us break for meals. And what meals they are.... full buffet 3 times a day and always different. Yikes! Since I gave up cooking a big Thanksgiving meal this will do for me. I'm pretty sure we will have turkey one night, and prime rib and lasagna and and and...

A Festival of Quilts/Chenango Piecemakers Show

2009-10-13T12:24:00.002-04:00

The Chenango Piecemakers held their semi (or is it bi?) annual show this past holiday weekend. I set up Friday and the show ran SSM 10-4. Thank goodness I have a DH to help me schlep all the stuff! I made lots of new contacts and got lots of folks to take the Mille for a spin. All in all a good weekend, even if the lawn still need raking ;o)

Early Fall Morning

2009-09-28T11:47:00.002-04:00

We had rain last night and the air is heavy and moist today, yet cool. This sight greeting me from my kitchen window this morning.

Purple Aries Women Magical Mystery Tour

2009-09-02T14:46:00.005-04:00

On Monday the Purple Aries Women (l-r Sharon, Barbara, Eve, Gretchen) took a trip to Cazenovia, NY. Sharon was the tour guide for the day and took us to an amazing art park full of wonderful sculpture. We than had lunch and did some retail therapy in town.

These books are wood, an amazing sculpture growing out of a fallen tree.

Check out the view, a perfect fall day, except it was August.....

Standing trees.

The Purple Aries Women are four women who became friends through Barbara. We are all born in April, on four consecutive days and we all have purple room in our homes. A perfect reason to celebrate and enjoy one anothers company, don't you think ;o)

Sudoku quilt

2009-08-24T11:55:00.003-04:00

I am currently working on a Sudoku quilt sampler. There are 9 nine patch blocks, 9 different fabrics, threads and quilting patterns. Here are two I have done. Over the weekend I finished my sixth set, three to go!

APQS Road Show

2009-08-12T11:47:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I spent the day in Vestal, NY (about a 40 min drive) at a Hampton Inn. I had the pleasure of working an APQS road show with Bob and Jim of APQS. They drove out from Iowa in a sprinter van virtually non stop, they say it took 16 hours. UGH, I'd rather clean my house, lol.

We set up in the AM and then were joined by 7 lovely quilters for a little info gathering and play time on the machines. I purchased my first long arm at such a show 7 yrs ago.

Bob and Jim left right after break down and drove to Manhattan for a show today. Me? I drove home.... contemplating how fortunate I am to do what I love and have such a great company behind me.

Pincushions

2009-07-16T16:09:00.003-04:00

I am totally smitten with making these little pincushions. They begin with a bottle cap, add some felt and a bit of stuffing, pearl cotton and VOILA! Aren't they the cutest?

New Inspirations

2009-06-23T14:32:00.003-04:00

I spent the weekend in Bennington, VT. While there we took a drive through a large cemetery and admired the stones and landscape. I also got lots of ideas for quilting motifs. Cool, huh?

Ready to Fledge

2009-06-15T11:57:00.004-04:00

They grow so fast! One left the nest last night, the other three I imagine will fledge today.
When I was a teenager I raised a Robin, he was brought to us still in quills. We caught gypsy moths and worms to feed him and he lived! His name was Oscar and he spent most of the his youth on my shoulder. By fall he was on his way.

Robins

2009-06-09T17:02:00.008-04:00

We have a nest of Robins under the eave of our shed. Last year we put up the shelf for a nesting place and to try and keep them form nesting above the dryer vent. I had visions of hard cooked eggs!
Here is momma coming in to feed the 4 little ones.

I finished a top!

2009-05-26T14:13:00.002-04:00

I made the conscious decision to take a bit of time for myself this past long weekend. Since I didn't get to the farm stand to purchase any plants I sewed. I finished my Cherrywood's fabric Soduko quilt. I plan to quilt each color in a different patten as a sampler for the studio.

A new venture

2009-05-21T20:12:00.002-04:00

I have been intrigued with the GO! cutter system since I first read about it. I had the opportunity to try one out at MQX in April and really liked it. So.... I am now an authorized dealer. I am waiting not so patiently for my order to arrive.

http://accuquilt.com/

My week at MQX

2009-04-24T12:45:00.014-04:00

Some pictures from my week at MQX, in no particular order...

Here is Marcia, an APQS rep from Maine that we had the pleasure of working with this trip.

And here is opening night at the Superior Threads booth next door.....

Karen McTavish and Sue Patten talk with Marcia...

Bruce from Sew Batik, deep in thought....

Amy from the APQS factory showing me the new Quilt Glide option -- love it!

Karen's tattoo.... ouch!

A quiet dinner out on Friday, Jim, Wilma, myself, Amy, Amanda, Marcia and Tony. David is the camera man, thanks sweetie!

Wilma enjoys a bit of down time...

More Fun With Jane

2009-03-19T14:34:00.002-04:00

This morning I was able to get away for a couple of hours and send time with my fellow Janaic's Linda and Pam. Pam had to leave early so I do not have a picture of her work but here is mine and Linda's. My Dear Jane is made in Batiks and Linda's id 1930's repro. I haven't made a block for several weeks and it shows -- finished is better than perfect.... Linda's block has yet to be trimmed to it's proper size.

My new obsession

2009-03-07T13:17:00.004-05:00

Knotwork! I must be nuts, as if I don't have enough to do..... I first saw this at the Harrisburg Quilt Show last Sept. They had samples of each design that Teresa offers, I was enthralled. I had to do it, so I bought a kit. Fast forward to February. I was having a lovely lunch with my good friend Barbara (the dream year blogger) and she was showing me the small travel loom she had purchased for their camper. We proceeded to have a discussion about how sometimes the tools of a craft are as enticing to us as the craft itself. Then and there I decided I *needed* the frame to mount my knotwork miniature rug. I came home and placed my order, gathered my floss and not so patiently waited for it to arrive. Here is my progess to date.

I work on this in the evenings in front of the TV using a maginifier lamp. It is tiny. I am doing a Colonail knot using a single strand of embriodery floss. Most evenings I can complete 2 nine patches. Once you master the knot it is almost like coloring, you do your best to stay within the lines.

Check out the link for more designs, just click on the title of this post. I thought I'd start simple and work my way up.

Bobbin Donuts

2009-03-04T12:22:00.003-05:00

I've been working on my Dear Jane quilt and many of the blocks are applique. I like using Superior Bottom Line thread for my applique because it is so nice and thin, but I hated having to go out to my studio and raid the thread cupboard for each color. So..... I bought some bobbins on Ebay and wound one in each color and put them in 2 bobbin holders. Now I have no excuses for avoiding the applique blocks ;o)

Fat Tuesday

2009-02-24T10:24:00.004-05:00

Today is Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. To celebrate I made David a new scrub cap to wear in the OR today, he'll wear the beads too -- perfect for clipping his name badge to. He won the fabric as a door prize during his recent trip to the APQS Rep Rallye.
I should make red beans and rice for dinner but I think not.

A new toy for me!

2009-02-18T14:39:00.003-05:00

Well I did it. I finally could not resist any longer. I ordered myself a Kindle. For those of you who are not familiar with the Kindle check it out here www.amazon.com -- but I warn you, if you like to read it is hard to resist. Next I will start my wish list of books to download, any suggestions?

Progress on Dear Jane

2009-02-16T12:26:00.002-05:00

I've been working, albeit slowly, on my DearJane blocks. The first row is done! and the second is in progress. the block to the lower right is one I worked on with my fellow Janiac's last week.
Yesterday morning's project was Row B bolck 5.

Fiber Arts Guild

2009-01-14T16:11:00.002-05:00

Monday, my friend Eve and I attended the Fiber Arts Guild meeting. It was a nice way to be able to spend some time together and I got to see friends I had not seen for many months. The project was Origami and we made a covered box, a dove and a heart.

Ezra & Raven

2009-01-14T16:06:00.003-05:00

Here are Ezra and Raven. They are Shih Tzus and will each be five next month. They are fun but I sure miss my Basset Hound. We chose Raven as a companion for me and Silas (our aging Basset) Ezra came into our family as a placement from the breeder. He is good company for Raven so we now have two little dogs. I have had cats larger, Ezzie is about 12lbs and Raven 14lbs.

Worth the trip

2009-01-10T12:11:00.002-05:00

Yesterday DH and I made a trip to Binghamton to do a bit of shopping. Mostly to get panels for my new design wall. One the way down on the Interstate we follow the Chenango river for a stretch , and somehow David spots it. There on the opposite bank, well camouflaged among the snow and trees, was a Bald Eagle eating a large fish. What a wonderful sight. I wish I had had the camera but it would have been really difficult to pull over in time to have gotten a shot.

A New Year

2009-01-05T11:42:00.000-05:00

Wow, another year has gone. Maybe not a bad thing. Lot's of possibilities for the new year. I'll consider 2009 a clean slate. I have joined a diet/weight loss group with my on line quilting friends. I am hoping that having to check in weekly will help me keep on track and meet my goals.
The above picture is of my ShihTzu, her name is Raven and she is almost 5 yrs old. She is my little buddy and she has a companion named Ezra. I'll see if I can get a picture of him too.

My new thread catcher

2008-11-26T12:13:00.001-05:00

Kristen, on www.mqresource.com posted a fabric basket she has made. There is a tutorial on her blog too -- http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2008/05/tutorial-fabric-basket.html
I needed a thread catcher on the closet behind me as I work on my Mille. I think this will fit the bill. I might even whip up a few more for gifts. They are super easy.

Hunter's Moon

2008-11-26T12:02:00.000-05:00

I just was not happy with my first attempt at the Hunter's Moon block form Dear Jane. Yesterday I tried it again using a different technique. I am much happier with this one (on the right).

The left block has a circle appliqued to the block and then the four legged piece on top of that. I could not get the points crisp enough. The block on the right has four beige pumpkin seeds appliqued to a solid block - Much Better!

My Batik Dear Jane

2008-11-25T13:00:00.000-05:00

This week I began my Dear Jane journey. There are two women in my local guild that are joining me. Are we crazy or what? Here are my first four blocks. I am not happy with the first one and will probably re-make it. Even though the motto for Janiacs is" finished is better than perfect"
Don't know about the Jane Stickle Quilt? Check it out here www.dearjane.com

Floating on Cloud Nine

2008-11-21T15:31:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I had an appointment with well known a quilt artist. We are forming a partnership for her next BIG work so it can be entered in to the Houston show. Hush Hush on the details for now but I am so excited and nervous at the same time. How will I be able to get any work done with my mind swimming about the possibilities?

APQS Road Show

2008-11-19T16:27:00.000-05:00

After I returned form retreat I needed to get a quilt quilted for a customer on Monday, work for Volvo Club on Tues, laundry and grocery shop on Wed. then leave for Albany on Thursday. Thursday night we set up four machines for the APQS road show at the Holiday Inn in Latham, NY. I fully intended to take lots of pictures and of course I took none. I am so bad.....
Honestly we barely had time to do anything other than work. We set up Thursday evening, ate pizza during the set up, Friday morning we did stitch outs and adjustments on the machines. Our first seminar was at 1PM with 8 attending. We wrapped up around 5ish. Saturday we had 2 seminars, 5 in the first and 7 in the second. We sold 5 machines on Sat, whew! Not bad in this weird economic time. After the last session ended we quickly changed clothes and began breakdown. After it was all said and done I realized I hadn't taken a single picture to post. Next time -- I promise.

Retreat Report

2008-11-19T16:13:00.000-05:00

The past two weeks have just flown by. First I attended the Sew Nice Annual Retreat in Hamilton, NY with my quilting friend Pam. We left Thursday around noon, made a stop at the quilt shop on the way and arrived at the resort about 2PM. Like most retreats we ate lots, slept little, and sewed to our hearts content. We got home about 4PM Sunday.

This picture is of Regina's quilt. Regina is a new quilter and one of my machine quilting students. Her boyfriend sent her along to the retreat with 2 big boxes of home made chocolates that were "to die" for and he sent her roses. Is he a keeper or what? LOL.

And here is Regina...

A new week

2008-11-03T14:53:00.000-05:00

OK, I admit, I am not the best blogger. Life just seems too busy and I usually leave the office (and my computer) around 5PM. Sometimes I will check in using DH's Imac before I turn in for the night.
Thursday I leave for retreat, a quilting retreat! Yeah. This will be the 3rd year for the Sew Nice Retreat in Hamilton, NY. We use the White Eagle Resort and it is just a perfect spot to get away. I'll try to take a few pics and post them when I get back.

Also today, I registered for classes at MQX -- can't wait!!

My Review of Sit-Star Stool with Chrome Base

2008-10-06T10:52:00.001-04:00

Originally submitted at CSN Supply

Designed for comfort, safety and durability, this unique seating is perfect for industrial, institutional and medical applications as well as computer stations and offices.

Features:

Oversized tractor seat constructed of PVC coated gel
Available in black, blue, gray, green...

Worth every penny

By Longarm Quilter from Central NY State on 10/6/2008

Pros: Highly Adjustable, Rolls Smoothly, Comfortable, Ergonomic, Attractive Design

Best Uses: Guest Seating, Primary Work Chair

Describe Yourself: Midrange Shopper

Primary use: Business

I am a longarm quilter and at times need a chair to sit on to quilt. The height adjustment is perfect and the chair is easy to get on and off of. This is my second Sit-Star. My first one has a back.

(legalese)

Inchie Exchange

2008-09-25T15:16:00.000-04:00

I also participated in a Inchie Exchange. These were too much fun. Carla went way above by returning our inchies in her trademark chicken. Thanks to everyone who played!

MQR Postcard exchange

2008-09-25T15:07:00.000-04:00

I've had such wonderful mail the past few days, here are the latest postcards I've received:

Ann Marie

Vicki

Kay

Helen-Mary

Deborah

And what has to be my favorite, love the witchy theme....
Yvonne

Saturday's play

2008-09-21T15:21:00.000-04:00

I have been fighting a bug of sorts this weekend, the kind that you get little rest and generally feel lousy. Saturday I decided to make a chicken pin cushion for a friend. She *loves* pink. Especially ballet pink and brown. It was good therapy. Notice the "pin" feathers?

MQResource Postcards

2008-09-21T15:17:00.000-04:00

Here are the post cards I have received to date. The theme is "Gone with the Wind"

From Shirley:

Lily:

Becca:

Sunday Musings

2008-09-21T14:55:00.000-04:00

As usual the week was chock full of obligations. I hate it when work gets in the way of my fun. But Friday I did manage to take the afternoon off had play with a friend. We marbled on fabric using Tsukneo All-Purpose Ink on shaving cream. We had just as much fun making shaving cream sculptures as we did marbling. While I enjoy marbling fabric the traditional way this was fun and I really liked the fact that you don't have to pre treat your fabric in any way.

A productive Sunday morning

2008-09-14T13:39:00.000-04:00

This morning I finished my postcards for the MQResource.com postcard exchange, the theme this time is "Gone With The Wind" If figured the thing that is most "gone" in my life is time.

Welcome!

2008-09-13T19:32:00.000-04:00

Welcome friends, it seems I am long over due to create my blog. It takes me awhile to catch up with technology but here I am. Since I have become a long arm quilter I have meet so many friends on line and I do enjoy keeping up with their lives via blogs. So here we go... a new chapter for me!

Here is a picture of David and myself with our fellow APQS reps, Lorraine and Kelly at the Harrisburg Quilt Show last week. We are on the right.