Faithful Quilter: Elaine's Journey

2012 Christmas Ornament Exchange

2011-11-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

Here is my Christmas ornament that I made for the Jo Morton Stitcher's exchange.

I used 5/8 inch hexagon papers purchased from www.paperpieces.com. The back is identical to the front. I embroidered beads to the center fabric following the printed design of the fabric. After completing all the hexagons I then whip-stitched them together to make the "flower".

I whip-stitched the back to the front, stuffed it and then attached the bells and thread for hanging.

The pincushion is made using an antique salt cellar and the decorative pin is made from assorted beads.

I sure hope my exchange partner likes it!

Hope you all have a great day stitching...

Hugs,

Elaine at the beach

Airplanes for Baby William

2011-10-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

Brent and Tonya decorated the nursery in red, white and blue with an airplane theme. Brent's father was a pilot for American Airlines and a model plane buff. So it was to be an airplane quilt for Baby WIlliam.

I finished the quilt Thursday night, to be shipped out for machine quilting by Jo Richards of "Spotted Dog Quilting". And Baby William was born Friday morning, October 21st at 9:11, the same time I was shipping out the quilt! A little early (6 weeks) but weighed in at 5 pounds, 15 ounces. Great weight for a preemie and he's beautiful!

The quilt was made using Jo Morton Fabrics and the airplane block is "Lucky Lindy" created after Charles Lindbergh's nonstop solo flight from New York to Paris in 1927.

We are so happy for Brent and Tonya ... William Anthony, God's blessing to you!

Life is Good!

Hugs,

Elaine

The BIG Reveal in Tennessee

2011-08-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

Will it be a boy or girl??

We were invited to Tennessee for a "Revealing" party for our good friends, Brent and Tonya, who are pregnant with their first child. They are a special couple to us and we decided we should be their for this monumental occasion. Both Jim and I were in their wedding 4 years ago, we consider them part of our family.

Of course, Tonya's OB doctor knew if it was a boy or girl. Then the results were given to the baker who was going to make the cupcakes, one of which would have the pink or blue filling in the center to designate boy or girl. The cupcakes were put together to make it "look" like a sheet cake. Here's a picture of Tonya getting ready to hand out the cupcakes.

We all waited until they were all given out, 42 cupcakes, and then we all bit into them at the same time. Amazingly enough Tonya got the one with the "special" center...and it was BLUE!

Brent and Tonya will be having a boy this coming December! What a wonderful blessing for them, we are so happy. And of course they would have been just as happy if they were to have a girl too!

Brent and Tonya...we were so blessed to be there with you for this special day!

Life is good!

Hugs,

Elaine

YIKES!

2011-08-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

WOW...It's been over 3 months since I've posted! I can't believe so much time has gone by...

Anyway, lots has happened. I went on retreat in June to Nebraska City, we moved to the beach, I was diagnosed with Diabetes Combo Type I and Type II and then we went to Nashville, Tennessee for a "revealing" party for special friends of ours who are pregnant with their first child. The "revealing" party is for everyone to find out if they are having a boy or girl...more on this later. Oh, and then there was the patriotic churn dash exchange on the Jo Morton Stitchers yahoo group!

Yes, it's been a very busy and frantic 3 months in my life!

Thank you for staying with me over this time. I have so much to write about so please check back soon!

Hugs,

Elaine at the Beach

Liberty Quilt Retreat "Show and Tell" Part 2

2011-04-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

As promised here is the second installment of "Show and Tell" from the Liberty Quilt Retreat this month in Nebraska City, Nebraska with Jo Morton.

The quilts shared were gorgeous...enjoy!

Courthouse Steps ... Jo's Little Women's Club Part 10

Churn Dash ... Jo Little women's Club Part 1

Autumn Cross Variation ... Jo's Little Women's CLub 9

Churn Dash ... Jo's Little Club Part 1

The fabrics and colors were so rich!

Jane/OK used Jo's "Bird Chintz" fabric for her center...absolutely gorgeous!

Diane's version of "Wish Upon A Star"... fabulous LeMoyne stars!

Another of Diane's beautiful quilts!

Sew much creativity in these quilts ... and all so gorgeous!

I hope that you are enjoying my memories of a wonderful weekend filled with quilting, laughter, friends and good food... what could be better?

Stay tuned, I still have more to share with you from the Liberty Quilt Retreat!

Life is good...

Hugs,

Elaine
PS: Please excuse that chair in a number of my photographs ... you think I could have moved it!

Liberty Quilt Retreat "Show and Tell" Part 1

2011-04-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

Show and tell was fabulous...so many absolutely gorgeous quilts! Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy...

Remember the Signature Block Exchange over on the Jo Morton Stitcher's Yahoo group...well here is a version on Jo's "Kindred Spirit" quilt.

Beautifully done...

And the center square is so wonderful and unique...last year Kathy Hall gave us all an applique heart made from real vintage fabric and then used a "Jo" fabric for the background piece. The previous year she embroidered two hands clasping each other. This quilt incorporates both into the center block...also notice Jo's signature block!

A close-up of the two hands...absolutely beautiful!

Gorgeous applique...

So beautiful ...

Gorgeous...the colors so vibrant!

Bold and absolutely beautiful...

Another beautiful quilt...the fabrics are wonderful!

Churn Dash quilts are one of my favorite and this one is no exception...beautiful! I love the fabric combinations!

Sew many quilts to share...stay tuned for part 2 of "Show and Tell" at the Liberty Quilt Retreat!

Hugs,

Elaine

Liberty Quilt Retreat - Jo's Quilts

2011-04-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

WOW...I can't believe that I've been home a week and just getting around to posting pictures of the Liberty Quilt Retreat with Jo Morton. Where does all the time go??

Okay, back to the retreat... first up is the quilt retreat project. The quilt is a square within a square or as it is named "Double Square"

Another view...

Here are my blocks...I used vintage Jo fabrics.

Jo showed her quilts from Club #10 of Jo's Little Women's Club. It was a real treat for me to see these quilts up close. Most of the ladies are lucky enough to have a JLWC in their area but I have to do mine on-line. So this showing was fabulous for me!

"Vintage Holiday"...

"HST Challenge" (sorry about the photography, I think I was shaking from seeing all these fabulous quilts up close and personal)

"Lizzy's Little Quilt"

"Amy's Choice"

"Point of View"

"Redware & Harvest"

Again, so wonderful to actually see and touch these quilts...photographs just do not do them justice as they are all magnificent! The colors, texture and quilting are amazing in person!

Next post will be "Show and Tell" from the participants at the retreat and more "Jo" quilts. And they are GORGEOUS!!

Hugs,

Elaine

California or Bust!

2011-04-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

On my way home from the LIberty Quilt Retreat in Nebraska City, Nebraska. It's been a fabulous 6 days in Nebraska but I'm looking forward to going home and seeing my dear husband!

Pictures of the retreat will soon be posted and wait until you see the quilts that Jo Morton shared with us!

WOW!!!

Life is good in Nebraska too!!

Hugs,

Elaine

You've Got Scraps!

2011-03-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

And the lucky winner of my scrap collection in my "Help Me Give-A-Way" is Sandie~call me crazy.

CONGRATULATIONS SANDIE!

Thank you all for your comments concerning scrap accumulation. I learned some great ideas ... if you haven't had an opportunity to read the comments for getting control over your scraps please take a few minutes and check them out. As I said there are some great ideas!

Again congratulations to Sandie... I hope that you will find a place for my scraps in one of your fabulous quilts!

Hope you have a great day stitching!

Hugs,

Elaine

PS: Thank you to my dear husband for his help in picking the winning number...#14!

"Simply Charming" - A Review

2011-03-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

I just received Tara Lynn Darr's new book "Simply Charming, Small Scrap Quilts From Yesteryear"*...

It's a keeper...absolutely worth purchasing...If you like small scrap quilts this is a "must have"! There are 20 projects in Tara's book that are inspired from patterns of the past.
Here are a few samplings... "Stars Over The Mountain"

"Living Off The Scrap Basket"

"Mountain Pathways"

"Tabitha's Trinkets"

Tara's instructions are very clear and detailed.

Tara also shares her "time -tested tips" for working on small quilts!

I thought that this was a great quilting book, not only for the beginning quilter but for those that have lots of experience too. You'll finds quilts with baskets, flying geese, star blocks and sew much more. I loved them all!

Check out "Simply Charming, Small Scrap Quilts of Yesteryear," it's a keeper in my quilting corner!

I hope you have a great day stitching your heirlooms of the future... and don't forget to leave a comment on my March 24th post to be entered to win my scraps and tote. My "Help Me Give-A-Way" closes tomorrow night (Sunday, March 27th) at 11:59pm.

Hugs,

Elaine

* No affiliation or connection to Tara Lynn Darr or Sew Unique Creations. This review is based strictly on my personal opinion.

On the Road Again ...Quilt Retreat WOO HOO!

2011-03-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess that should be "In the air again"! Yes, I'm getting ready to leave for Nebraska for a quilting retreat with Jo Morton! I'm getting my bags packed so I'll be ready to go. Of course I started with my quilting and retreat supplies...the most important part of packing when going on a retreat or for that matter any trip!

And getting my "Jo" fabrics ready...

The focus fabrics are from Jo's older lines and background pieces from "Toasty" and "Attic Shirtings". I'm going to precut my fabric so it will be easier to pack and then once I get to the retreat, I will have a head start!

And there will be more "scraps" to add to my give-a-way tote! Please read yesterday's entry (March 24th) and enter to win my "Help Me Give-A-Way" and don't forget to tell me how you deal with your scrap accumulation!

Hope you all have a moment to stitch a little today!

Hugs,

Elaine

Dilemma: Those Scraps..Help Me Give-A-Way!

2011-03-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

I have a problem...a scrap accumulation problem!

These are great scraps, lots of Jo Morton fabrics that are large enough to make a mini or doll quilt. Strips left over from my "Abe's Log Cabin", triangles and squares from other various projects. These are good scraps...

And those triangles and squares...big enough to really make "something" cute!

What do you do with your scraps? Do you just toss them or do you have a ....GIVE-A-WAY??

Yes, that's how I can solve my problem....I'll have a Give-A-Way and I'll even include the Rubbermaid Tote that they are stored in and 5 fat quarters of civil war fabric to help you with your "scrap" project!

Please leave a comment on how you address the issue of scrap accumulation.

Give-A-Way will close on Sunday evening, March 27th at 11:59pm PDT (pacific daylight time) and be announced on Monday, March 28th. Please leave your e-mail for contact purposes... I would like to mail your package before I leave for my quilt retreat in Nebraska on March 30th.

And I am VERY interested in hearing your "scrap control methods".

Hugs,

Elaine

"My Quilt Shoppe" In Florida

2011-03-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

Of course, we visited a quilt shop or two while in Florida... "My Quilt Shoppe" was my personal favorite!

I love walking into GREAT quilt shops!

Yes, they had beautiful quilts on the walls...

Absolutely beautiful quilts...

In fact, lots of gorgeous quilts were on their walls...

But they also had "Jo Morton" fabrics by the boatload!

In San Luis Obispo county, there is only ONE shop that carries "Jo" fabric , so when I actually get to see so much "up close and personal", I think I am in quilter's heaven!

We had a great time at "My Quilt Shoppe"!

And I left very happy!

It was an excellent day in Florida...

Hugs,

Elaine

Florida Palm Trees

2011-03-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Palm trees are abundant in Florida...even on the wall paper!

The beauty of nature...

It takes you breath away...absolutely magnificent!

Life is good...

Hugs,

Elaine

On The Quilting Front...

2011-03-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

I've been working on my stamp basket quilt...remember this one from the Jo Morton exchange?

I needed to make 8 more blocks to get the size quilt I wanted. Well, I have 6 blocks in various stages of being "almost" done!

Wow...seems with retirement I have more time to get some sewing done...Imagine that?

And the house is clean with the laundry done too!

Life is good ...

Hugs,

Elaine

Lots of Rain in SLO

2011-03-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

It's been pouring here in San Luis Obispo. Over a 12 hour period, we received 3 inches of rain making the total since Friday at 4 inches. Lots for the central coast of California!
This is the creek that runs behind our home...usually nothing more than a trickle. Now take a look!

And its running...

We drove over to Avila Beach to see the waves...

There is such a force behind these waves... nothing like a tsunami but still powerful.

View from Joe Mamma's ... huge waves for Avila Beach!

Apple orchard under water...

San Luis Creek...this runs through Old Downtown San Luis Obispo. And believe me it's really running now!

Even the ducks decided to stay out of the water...

The walkway is flooding from so much rain water in the creek.

The rain is expected to continue all week with the only break on Tuesday. On the positive side, our lakes will be filled to capacity this summer and our mountains are so beautiful and green. Sorry for the picture quality...it was a "moving" picture as we driving along the highway. To clarify, Jim was driving, I was the one taking the pictures!

It's an excellent day to be quilting!

Life is good...

Hugs,

Elaine

Florida Flowers

2011-03-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

The foliage in Florida is amazing, their colors are so vibrant! I truly enjoyed just walking around and snapping pictures of all the blooming flowers. Please join me for a walk around the neighborhood...

The pinks...

The purples...

And oranges...

Oh My!

Vibrant blooms ready to pop!

The clusters of color...

And the dramatic...

So beautiful...

Thanks for sharing my walk with me this morning!

The memories are priceless...

Hugs,

Elaine

Out of the Closet

2011-03-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

I finally was able to organize my fabric closet this week. I wanted to get some of the projects out that I have been working on forever and see what I needed to do to get them FINISHED (my word for 2011).

One of the first things out was an older project that dates back to around 1996. I had started the quilting but never finished.

Then there was my blocks from the Jo Morton "Sawtooth Block Exchange". I might make an applique center, whig rose, and then set the blocks around that.

Then there are my half square triangles. I set them similar to Jo's "Chocolate Mint" and will follow that pattern by placing an applique border around them.

My stamp basket blocks from the Jo Morton exchange. I still have another 8 blocks to make to get the size quilt I would like. Another enjoyable block to hand piece and applique!

Update on works in progress:
My spool blocks have progressed to 25 blocks. I have no idea how I will set these or how many more I will make but they sure are fun! Very relaxing...

Abe's Log Cabin is almost completely quilted! It has been really enjoyable to hand quilt this little mini quilt.

No further progress on my mini stamp basket quilt other than choosing a quilting pattern.

Lots to do but now I can see "light at the end of the tunnel" on finishing a few of my projects. It was so nice to get them up on the wall and actually "see" the blocks, very helpful in reaching a decision on how I want to complete them.

Life is good in my sewing room...

Hugs,

Elaine

Bucket List Checked!

2011-03-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Another "event" checked off my "Bucket List"...toe dipping in the Atlantic Ocean! Our fabulous hostess, Frummie, gave me this opportunity by taking Rosa and I to the beach...absolutely GORGEOUS! Unlike the Pacific Ocean, the water is aqua blue and warm, and the sand is almost white.

To get to the beach, the homeowners along the beachfront have private entrances down to the ocean.

I remembered the movie "Something's Gotta Give", with Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton and Keanu Reeves, when I saw these stairs...

This one is a public entrance down to the beach. We came down on the other side and there it was ... the Atlantic Ocean, up close and personal! It took my breath away at the same time bringing tears to my eyes. This was on my "Bucket List" of places and things that I wanted to do!

And I walked straight into the ocean even wearing jeans! The water was wonderful, so warm and inviting. I could have stayed there all day! It was a moment in time that I'll never forget!

Until we meet again...

Life is good...

More to come on my Florida Vacation!

Hugs,

Elaine

Rose's Cafe San Francisco

2011-03-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful way to start your day...breakfast at Rose's Cafe, located in the Marina District of San Francisco.

We chose to eat outside...they have heaters above each of the tables so it was a perfect place to enjoy our Sunday breakfast. Jim loves to sit and watch the city "come alive"!
Inside was busy...

And everyone was there because of their wonderful menu...

And the pastries, especially the Orange Rolls which are baked only on Saturday and Sunday. Fresh and so yummy!

We started out with THE best freshly squeezed orange juice, lattes and orange rolls (we even took a couple home to enjoy later)

We shared a Smoked Salmon Pizza with Creme Fraiche and Scrambled Eggs. Jim also had their homemake granola and yogurt. It was DELICIOUS and very filling. I ended up just eating the salmon and eggs! Almost like having sushi in the morning, eh? So good...!

We were well fortified and now ready for our journey back home. What a wonderful weekend!

Life is good...

Hugs,

Elaine

Harley Davidson Shop Hop

2011-03-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

Much like a quilter who goes from one quilt store to the next, Jim was on a "mission" to find few things at one of the larger Harley Davidson shops up in the city. After the third one, I thought that this was exactly like a quilter's shop hop.

Jim didn't find the chrome bolt or headlight that he was looking for but enjoyed browsing at the shops. Seeing the new bikes, custom paint jobs and chatting with the service clerks made his day! And those new Harley shirts are really nice.

At one of the shops, actually one of the oldest Harley Davidson shops (1914) I came as close to driving a Harley as I ever would.

I'm a happy camper on the back of the bike and I think I'll stay there!

Our Harley Davidson Shop Hop was fun..the time spent together was "priceless"!

Hugs,

Elaine

The Streets of San Francisco

2011-03-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

We spent a lovely day in the city after exchanging out the Stamp Basket blocks with Mary. Love the streets of San Francisco...

And the street where my son lives... nice view! To the right you can see the the bay...

Only in the city...Donuts and Chinese Food! What's with that??

And people expressing their views...Free Speech alive and well in San Francisco!

It was a wonderful day! The highlight of the day for me was visiting with my son...he LOVES living in the city and is really enjoying his new job. We had a wonderful visit and great time over dinner. It made me so happy to see him, he looks so good and is very happy with his decision to move and new job..my heart burst with joy!

Hugs,

Elaine

Stamp Basket Exchange

2011-03-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

Today was the day for exchanging out blocks for the Jo Morton Stamp Basket Exchange.

Our Stamp Basket Hostess Mary...

Stamp Basket blocks ready for exchanging...all so beautiful!

And here's the other side of the table... gorgeous stamp basket blocks!

Mary was so organized...it was truly a pleasure to be able to help her with exchanging the blocks.

And we had a great time together chatting about "all things Jo"!

Thanks again Mary for hostessing this exchange...you did a fabulous job!

Hugs.

Elaine

Jet Lag...

2011-02-28T19:02:00.000-08:00

Back to regular programing soon...

Had a wonderful vacation in Florida, thank you for all your wonderful e-mails asking about my trip!

I will soon be posting pictures and telling you all about my adventures.

Jet lagged but happy...Life is good!

Hugs,

Elaine

Announcing Perfect Scissors Winner!

2011-02-28T09:20:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO LUCKY #39

MARY FROM OREGON

YOU ARE THE WINNER OF A PAIR OF KAREN KAY BUCKLEY'S

PERFECT SCISSORS!

Please send me your mailing address so that I can order your scissors and have them sent directly from Karen Kay Buckley.

Thank you to all who participated in my Give-A-Way and for leaving your comments on your favorite block and whether you prefer machine or hand piecing...I really enjoyed reading them all!

Hugs,

Elaine

PS: Winner was generated by Random Number Selection. There were 64 entires, however only 60 were included in the draw as three people entered two comments and one comment was deleted. Thanks again!

Hi From Florida!

2011-02-20T07:30:00.000-08:00

Just passing by to tell you all "Hi" from Florida!

Well, actually this is an egret that came to welcome Rosa and I to Florida...

More to follow!

Hugs,

Elaine

Leaving On A Jet Plane...

2011-02-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

My bags are packed and my boarding pass is printed. I'm ready to go!

I'll use my time now to sit back and relax, enjoy some hand quilting and chat with my dear husband.

He told me it would be quite here at home without me and I'm pretty sure he meant that in a nice way too!

I'll be "seeing" you from Florida real soon!

Hugs,

Elaine

Love on Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T21:06:00.000-08:00

Valentine wishes from Jim. First he got me flowers and gave them to me early so that I would have time to enjoy them before leaving on my trip to Florida.
They are gorgeous...

And tonight when I got home from work, he gave me a wonderful card. The sentiment inside made me teary... I am so blessed by his love.

And then he gave me a "traveling companion" to take with me on my trip. This "tradition" started when we took our first "big" trip to British Columbia. I packed a little stuffed animal in Jim's luggage as a surprise and he would set it out wherever we stayed. With each trip that we've taken since, I continue to put a little "surprise" in his luggage. This time he surprised me with this "LOVEy" caterpillar!

"LOVEy" will be one of the first things I pack in my suitcase tomorrow! And when I get to Florida, I will set him out to enjoy the Florida air!

Color me LOVED!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hugs,

Elaine

How Many Breaks in a 7 1/2 Hour Day?

2011-02-13T07:31:00.000-08:00

Only 7 & 1/2 hours left of work then...

I'm on V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!!!

I can hardly stand it....that's 450 minutes.

I think I can do this. Yes, I think I can!

Yes, I know I can 'cause I'm going on

VACATION TO FLORIDA!

WOO HOO!!

Hope you have a great day!

Hugs,

Elaine

A Half Day of Pampering...

2011-02-11T21:02:00.000-08:00

In preparation for my upcoming trip to Florida, I spent half the day being pampered, the first half I worked...needless to say I LOVED the second half of my day the best!
First stop "Kim and Co. Salon"

First I saw the aesthetician, Sabrina .

Then a pedicure with Sara...

I LOVE pedicures... After a day at work, where I stand for 8 hours, a foot massage is very much appreciated. And to have my toes painted ... well, that's the "icing on the cake" in my humble opinion!

Next stop, "Ciao Bella Salon", time for a touch up!

Here's Deborah, my hairdresser

Color and cut...VOILA!

I LOVE days like this...

Now, I just have to pack and I'll be ready to take-off for Florida!

Can't hardly stand the wait...

Hugs,

Elaine

"Git er Done" or "Soldier On" ?

2011-02-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

That's the question! As I previously posted, my word for 2011 is "FINISH"... but I came across a dilemma with some of my projects that have been waiting a long time to be completed.

Remember my hand pieced "Which Way Is Up" quilt that I started on a United Airlines flight in April 2008? At the time we were on our way to Washington D.C (Cherry Blossom Festival). , Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (Amish Quilts) and then Harrisonburg, Virginia (National Quilt Museum).

Well, they're still just blocks ... not a quilt yet! They are all done but I would really like them to grow into a "FINISHED" quilt!

So here is my dilemma ... Do I remain a purist and complete the quilt as I had originally intended to do? Or do I just finish it on the machine?

And then what about the quilting... send out to be machine quilted or should I hand quilt it? I want to be happy with my decisions but am stuck between "FINISH" and doing it as I had intended.

Any opinions out there??

Thanks in advance, I sure need to hear from you as I am spending too much time just "thinking" about it and that really is not getting it FINISHED!

Hugs,

Elaine

Thanks for the Support...

2011-02-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for the comments that were left yesterday on my post "Vacation Plans Interrupted".

They were all so supportive and made me feel that I wasn't alone in my thinking. Your comments encouraged me to look into other avenues that I hadn't even thought about as well.

Again thank you all for your comments, they were GREATLY appreciated!

As for what I'll be doing on my day off ... I'll be packing my bags for Florida, of course!

I'm going on my vacation ...

Hope you all have a great day!

Hugs,

Elaine

Vacation Plans Interrupted!

2011-02-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a very upsetting day for me. Upon arriving at work, I was immediately informed that ALL my upcoming vacations were cancelled due to personnel relocations. The reason...they aren't sure IF there will be coverage when I would be gone. Keep in mind, I am planning to leave for Florida next went for a trip that was planned about 8 months ago! My other trips are at the end of March, June and September.

I immediately told my boss that I have airline reservations for all my vacations that had been previously approved along with hotel and car accommodations. He in turn told me that I "would be allowed" to take my vacation next week BUT all my other vacations ( I have 3 weeks) have been cancelled until further notice. And my trip to Florida? I am not even using any vacation time as I have been working extra hours, I've been called to come in on my days off and like a good employee have gone in!

Now, I don't know about all of you BUT I am a planner. In fact I make definite plans, then make arrangements as in airline tickets, hotel accommodations and car rentals. I pay for the airline tickets at the time I make my reservations and they are non-refundable tickets. If I do change them, there is a $150.00 charge attached, not something I want to incur when I have another 3 trips arranged for this year.

You might be thinking at this point that ... WOW, that's a lot of trips! In reality, I am only supposed to be working between 24 and 32 hours for medical reasons after my stroke last year. That means, that if I have a full 8 hour day, I should only be working either a 3 or 4 day work week, enough to keep my necessary health insurance along with the monetary earnings. So really along with my 3 weeks of accrued paid vacation, I have "extra" days during the week.

My trips are a week long or less, quilt retreats in fact. I went last September to one and promised myself that I needed to do this type of activity more often as it was so rejuvenating and good for the soul. I came back so refreshed and invigorated! A trip just for me ... I finally reached a point in my life that I can do this!

Anyway, back on point...I called my HR department this morning and yes, my boss has this authority to cancel even planned, paid for vacations. Can you believe this? It's all about Corporate and making that $$$.

Don't get me wrong here, I am very grateful to have a job in this economy but where is that employer to employee relationship? We all have families and a life outside the workplace...I've never worked 24/7 for a corporation and don't plan on starting now. I work hard and put in an honest, full day at work and this is how I am treated ... I'm just another grunt employee, another number on the payroll list. They really don't care...making money is their goal.

Sad commentary on our world...

Elaine

PS: By the way, I will be going on those trips... retirement just might come earlier than expected. I am very blessed that my dear husband is my personal advocate. Along with God, he is my rock that I can lean on during the good and bad times. I AM very blessed...

"Perfect Scissors" Review And A Give-A-Way

2011-02-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

After receiving several comments and questions about Karen Kay Buckley's "Perfect Scissors", I thought that I should post a review on how I thought they performed. IMHO, I think that they are PERFECT!!

I spent the afternoon and evening cutting "apple core" and "thimble" pieces while watching the Superbowl game with my DH and MIL. The apple core is a curved pattern, one that can't be cut using a rotary cutter. The thimble pieces are straight and I certainly could have used my rotary cutter on them. However, I opted to "test cut" everything using my new "Perfect Scissors".

I cut a lot ... every piece of fabric in this picture was cut, and we're talking lots of fabric here!

The scissors were PERFECT, my hand never got tired nor did it cramp. Needless-to-say, I was quite impressed with their performance. I couldn't stop from cutting more and more pieces out...they made cutting out curved pieces so easy. Since they have a micro serrated blade that keeps the fabric from slipping, my hand cutting was more accurate. It literally was like cutting butter with a hot knife!

I still LOVE my Dovo's but I think I will use my "Perfect Scissors" for cutting out more complex and curved shapes now that I know just how "perfect" they are!

To celebrate my "new" find, I will be having a give-a-way of a pair of Karen's small "Perfect Scissors". Please leave your comment on this post. Let me know what kind of piecing you do ( machine or hand) and your favorite quilt block. Since I will be on vacation to Florida next week, the drawing for the winner will be after I return home. So, the drawing will be the last day of February, the 28th at 11:59 pm. Winner will be selected by Random Number Draw.

Good Luck!

Hugs,

Elaine

PS: No affiliation or connection to Karen Kay Buckley or her products. This is strictly a personal review of one of her products.

Progress on "Thimbles" Quilt and "Perfect Scissors"

2011-02-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

More Jo Morton fabric pulled from my stash for my "Thimbles... a Tribute to Jo" quilt... sorry the picture does not do justice to the colors of these pieces. Trust me, they are gorgeous! Shown here are Jo's "Annandale" and "Indigo Berries" collections.

After work yesterday, I was able to get some "thimbles" cut and YES, they are very small!

But I think I will have some help with the cutting...in the mail was my order from Karen Kay Buckley!

My "Perfect Scissors" are here! I read your comments from my post on "my" favorite scissors and everyone who commented on Karen's scissors gave them rave reviews. I "needed" to find out more about these scissors and give them a try! And I found them to be ... in my humble opinion... fantastic!

I put five pieces of fabric together and cut... and they cut perfectly! They held the fabric, there was no distortion or pulling due to their having serrated blades. I think that they will be "perfect" for cutting multiple fabrics that have curved shapes, those times when you can't use your rotary cutter. They are indeed..."Perfect Scissors".

Great day at work and an even greater time at home!

Hugs,

Elaine

"Rocky Mountain Thimbles"

2011-02-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

On my lunch hour at work, I started marking fabric for another hand piecing project. It's called "Rocky Mountain Thimbles". The pattern is from the book "Small Blocks, Stunning Quilts" by Mary Elizabeth Kinch and Biz Storms.

Here is what clip of the quilt...

I have decided to make mine using only Jo Morton fabric, showcasing all of her fabric collections that I have in my stash, my "Tribute to Jo" quilt! The size of the "thimble" measures 1 1/4 inch in height and 1 1/4 inches at the base, perfect to hand piece! This photo shows the cutting line for the "thimble", I still need to mark the 1/4 inch sewing line on the inside portion of the block.

And this is the fabric that I marked during lunch. Hopefully, I will mark the sewing line at lunch tomorrow and get them cut within the next couple of days. It is surprising how doing a little quilt related project at lunch made me feel so relaxed...and what a great way to unwind!

With such gorgeous fabric to use, this is going to be a fabulous project! Don't you agree??

Hugs,

Elaine

I'm Getting Excited...

2011-02-04T04:34:00.000-08:00

Eleven days to go and then ... Florida here I come!

I will be flying into Ft. Lauderdale Airport

and arriving here at Terminal 3...

If everything goes according to plan, my friends will be waiting for me... Frummie, who is our hostess for the week and Rosa, who will have just arrived from Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.

We will meet here...

The closer it gets to leaving, the more excited I'm becoming... it seems like we've been planning this trip for months ( well, than again I guess we have!) and now we're almost to the runway. I can't wait to give Frummie and Rose a REAL hug!

I have all my quilting projects lined up and ready to pack. I know what clothes I'm taking so it's just a matter of packing them. And my hair and pedicure appointments have been made so that's all taken care of too! The pedicure is a traditional event for me, I always have my toes done before going on vacation or to an event. It's kinda like a marker that I'm going to be doing something special and a good way for me to relax!

I "think" I have everything that needs to be taken care of either done or at least ready to be done and marked off the list!

Can you tell that I'm getting EXCITED???!!!

WOO HOO!!!

Hugs,

Elaine

PS: If you noticed, it 4:34am PST. I had a really bad dream and now I can't go back to sleep...must be watching way too many episodes of "Criminal Mind" and "NCIS" before bedtime!

Ready to Quilt - Abe's Log Cabin

2011-02-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

I felt well enough yesterday to finally do a little sewing. I was able to completely sew the top to my "Abe's Log Cabin" quilt. Yes, I realize that the little quilt is only 11 inches by 14 inches but a huge accomplishment for me to get it done in one session at the machine! I had arranged the strips previously so all I really had to do was get behind the sewing machine and push the peddle! The picture looks a little wonky but "up close and personal" it is straight.

In fact, not only is it sewed but backed and basted, all ready to quilt! Unbelievable!!!

For me that is amazing ... I have to admit that I am slow in completing projects or even deciding which one to work on (see my post of Saturday, January 29th "What To DO" for the details). I know that a lot of you can relate to this by the comments I received on that post. And thank you for those comments, they made me feel like I wasn't the only one who got boggled down in the sewing/quilting process.

Anyway, I am going to quilt 1/8 inch from the seam allowance on the outside of each log. I'm thinking that this will be a great project to do on my flight to Florida.

Color me pleased!

Hugs,

Elaine

Looks A lot Like Spring in California!

2011-02-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

The tulips are here...it must really be Spring here in California! While the mid-west and east coast dig themselves out of the snow, those of us on the west coast are basking in the warm days, reaching the high 60's to low 70's.

I love tulips and since I've not been feeling well the last couple of days, I treated myself to these beautiful tulips when I went to get some more saltine crackers.

Now these make me feel better...don't they make you feel better too?

Hope you all have a great day, filled with laughter of friends and family...

And remember to stay healthy!

Hugs,

Elaine

Correction: Sajou of France Scissors

2011-02-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

On my post today, I stated that these beautiful scissors were Dovo. I had forgotten that they are Sajou of France scissors and was reminded of this through a comment and follow up e-mail that I received.

Thank you Sharyn for bringing this to my attention, I had completely forgotten.

I was also asked where I purchased these scissors... they are available through Nordic Needle or Silent Stitches.** Click on their name for the link to their websites.

Sorry for this error....

Hugs,

Elaine

**No affiliation with either business. I just added them for your convenience if you were interested in purchasing either Dovo or Sajou of France scissors

My Favorite Scissors - Dovo

2011-02-01T09:23:00.000-08:00

I love my Dovo scissors. I found these to be the best scissors for me. While being light in weight, the blades are very sharp and the point is perfect to use "if" you have to take out stitches. And they fit my hand perfectly!

I have several pairs of Dovo scissors. Since I like to have my hand piecing ready to go with me at any given time, I keep a pair of scissors in my piecing tote.** This is the one I keep in there...the green point protector is a "Clover" product and works great keeping the point safe!

I also have several pairs of scissors that I keep in my sewing room. These are my utility scissors that I use all the time, whether for applique or hand piecing or just cutting out small pieces of fabric. The two scissors on the right I use mainly when appliquéing, one blade is blunt the other pointed.

I also have a special pair of Dovo scissors that I take when traveling. It is a blunt tip and TSA approved. I bought this at the time when you couldn't take a pair of scissors on the plane unless they had a blunt tip. From what I understand now, you can take a pair on scissors on board as long as the blade is 4 inches or less. I'll continue to take my blunt tip scissors though!

As you can also see from my pictures, I have FOB's on all my scissors. They make them easy to locate and identify them as mine when going to classes or retreats. I enjoy the "dazzle" they add and at the same time make a great identifier.
I do have a pair of Gingher scissors that I use to snip machine threads and cut paper. I've had these since I first started quilting in the 80's. They are heavy but great to use for those things I would never use my good scissors for.

In the past I thought I was the only one who had so many scissors. Then I started going to classes and retreats and found out that quilters have multitudes of scissors. I wasn't the only quilter ... we are all (I use this term gently) "addicted" to scissors! I guess its like a carpenter who has lots of tools or a fisherman who has lots of "flies". Every scissor has a different use... and that sure makes sense to me!

What do you think? Do you have multiple scissors for different types of sewing too? I know that there are several of you who "collect" scissors...do you use them all? And what type of scissor do you prefer?
Call me "Curious George"...

Hugs,

Elaine

** Please refer to my post of January 19th "Type A Personality?" where I talk about my hand piecing tote

Flu Bug Bites and A Winner....

2011-01-31T12:08:00.000-08:00

It was a cold, dark night when THE bug hit, Saturday night to be exact. It's first attack was to my DH but he put up a good fight and won. Other than a few battle wounds, a headache and earache, he survived the massive frontal attack.

I didn't. I was attacked by THE bug head-on. It came fast, like a swarm on locusts on a hot summer night attacking me from all sides. Those nasty bugs hit me hard leaving their germs of mass destruction in their path... cold, fever, headache and assorted body aches. It's here for a while, I believe, but with plenty or rest and fluids I will fight off this army of germs. I will be a good patient and not whine - well not too much ... I AM sick you know!

Now on to a brighter subject...that being the WINNER of my "Civil War Sewing Circle" book give-a-way. The winner is...drum roll inserted here...

#62 JoR in KS

Congratulations Jo!

Please send me your mailing address and I'll get your book posted sometime this week when I'm feeling better.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this give-a-way by leaving such wonderful comments. I enjoyed reading all of them!

Please stay healthy, don't let THE bug get YOU!

Hugs,

Elaine

A Few Of My Favorite Things - TJ Thimbles

2011-01-30T08:45:00.000-08:00

I LOVE TJ Thimbles...I was "introduced" to them at a work shop with Jo Morton down at "Road to California in 2010 when she used her finger pincushion. I saw it and knew that I "needed" to have one of my own. That was the beginning of a wonderful relationship with TJ Thimbles.
My finger pincushion ... wonderful to use when I am hand piecing blocks and perfect when doing applique!

I use a TJ "open" thimble for quilting, the design is "Lacy Heart". It is the one in the middle. The one on the right is her traditional "Hearts Band" closed thimble. I trade back and forth with these when hand quilting. The thimble on the left is part of Jim's Christmas gift to me. It's a "Yubinuki" thimble and I use it on my left middle finger, under the quilt that I am working on.

Also from Jim this past Christmas was TJ's Pedestal Basket Cage to hold my "Lacy Heart" thimble. It comes with a guard chain to protect my thimble should it accidentally open. Loosing my thimble would be terrible!

This picture shows the cage with my thimble enclosed and the beautiful chain that was also part of his gift. It was the best present he could have given me...it's beautiful and functional, absolute perfection!

TJ Thimbles are perfect for me...light on my finger and very easy for me to use while working on my hand quilting project.

Is there a special thimble that you use when doing your hand quilting? Do you wear a thimble when hand stitching? I'm curious to hear what you use...

Next up for favorite quilting tools ... scissors! Stay tuned!

Hugs,

Elaine

What To Do...

2011-01-29T08:38:00.000-08:00

There are sew many things that I want to do on my day off from work... what should I do?

I would love to sit and quilt my stamp basket quilt. It's ready but then there are my spool blocks I would also like to work on. And how about my signature quilt and those LeMoyne stars? And that "Peppermint Twist" quilt from a year ago that was started at "Road to California" with Jo Morton.

Do you ever have sew much that you want to work on that you spend all your time just wondering "what" to work on?

I should also get a few errands done in preparation for my upcoming trip to Florida but that takes up sew much time.

And then there is the laundry that needs to be done ... well, I "could" do that while I sew!

Sometimes the day is gone before I decide what project I want to work on. I've spent my time just twiddling around in my sewing room! I do have a good time and that 's important but nothing gets done. Has this happened to you? Do you feel that you go around in circles getting absolutely no where?

How do you decide what to work on? Do you stick with one project until completion or are you like me that have several going at once? What about that enticing "new" project that quietly keeps calling your name? Do you start yet another?

Again, thank you in advance for your comments ... they really helped me with my dilemma about blogging and as you can see the result gave me the freedom to blog more often.

Thanks for being here...and ~~listening~~ reading!

Hugs,

Elaine

The Civil War Sewing Circle...and Lucky 13 Give-A Way!

2011-01-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

Kathleen Tracy's new book, the "Civil War Sewing Circle", is FABULOUS! I just received my personally autographed copy...

Sew many cute ideas for small quilts and accessories. Like this wool appliqué sewing box...

or this needle case and letter packet...

And then there are the quilt projects...WOW!

This one is My personal favorite...

I LOVE the quilting on it ...

Kathy also included excerpts from "The American Civil War: Letters and Diaries"

I highly recommend this book if you love "quilts and sewing accessories inspired by the Civil War era". High quality pictures and clear instructions make this book "A MUST" for your quilting pleasure. Sew many quilts and ideas! Like I said, it is fabulous and well worth purchasing.

In fact, I thought that I "would" love it sew much that I purchased two. Well, the truth is that forgot that I had pre-ordered a copy from Amazon.com. So I would like to offer a give-a-way of my "extra" copy...this is my 13th post for January and lets call it "Lucky 13"!
Please leave a comment on this post and I will draw the winner on Monday, January 31st at 12pm PDT.

Good Luck!

Hugs,

Elaine

America's Happiest City

2011-01-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

And that would be .....

San Luis Obispo, California!

Yes, my city made it to the Oprah show and was citied as being "America's Happiest City". If you click on Oprah you can view the video from the show

Just a little information on San Luis Obispo... we are located 250 miles south of San Francisco and 250 miles north of Los Angeles, 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean.

At the heart of our downtown area is Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the fifth of 21 missions in California founded by Father Junipero Serra

Our downtown is very picturesque. Lots of boutiques, outdoor cafes and restaurants with amazing food! Check out my post on Sunday, January 23rd "Dinner by the Creek" for an example of our outdoor dining. The restaurant is "Novo" and was also seen on the segment from Oprah's show.
Here is a picture of the corner of Chorro and Marsh Street in downtown SLO. We do not have any drive thru businesses and yes that means no drive-thru fast food, banks or pharmacies. Please take note of the mountain peak in the background... that is "Bishop's Peak". It is one of seven peaks referred to as the "Seven Sisters". They are a series of volcanic peaks that stretch from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay.

California Polytechnique State University is located in San Luis Obispo with an enrollment of around 20,000 students making up almost half of the population in town. Cal Poly is the second largest land-holding university in California, second only to UC Berkeley, and one of the largest land-holding universities in the nation.

And we are world famous for our wines produced here...we have amazing vineyards with fabulous tasting rooms open to the public.

Grape arbor walkway from the tasting room.

Welcome to my city... San Luis Obispo aka "America's Happiest City"

And here I thought that THE happiest place on earth was Disneyland!!

Hugs,

Elaine

PS: The video might take a few second to appear and then begins with a 15 second commercial.

WIth Mixed Emotions...

2011-01-26T09:36:00.000-08:00

My son leaves today for a new job. His house is sub-leased and all his stuff is packed up. He's ready to "Get outta Dodge" (well in this case San Luis Obispo) I am very proud of him as this is quite an career achievement. He is a computer engineer and will be working with several other top engineers on an inventive programing concept.

While I am excited for him in many ways ... I still will miss him greatly. He will be moving 250 miles away to San Francisco. Gone will be our lunch dates and playing a completive game of cribbage with Jim. I won't hear his laughter as they battle one strategy against each another. And I will miss his approach to life, taking each day as it comes.

Yes, I can visit him up in the city but will it be the same? Will it be as carefree and relaxing as sitting having lunch with him at High Street Deli? He has lived in lots of different places and adjusted very well and I will be fine. I just feel torn between so much happiness for him and a loss from his having lived in the same town for five years.

I know that I am being self-indulgent right now. He IS a grown man, making HIS way through HIS life. It's just that time has gone by so fast and I just want to slow it down...

Thanks for listening...

Hugs,

Elaine

Ready to Hand Quilt

2011-01-25T08:17:00.000-08:00

I'm getting my ready to hand quilt my stamp baskets. I still have to decide how I want to quilt it and what color thread to use. Pictured is YLI quilting thread, which I have used in the past. What color thread would you use? Do you have a favorite quilting thread?

Any quilting ideas? I would love to hear what you would do. Kathleen Tracy, the author of several books on doll quilts, mentioned "Think Small" on her blog. It has over 300 miniature quilting designs!

I have really enjoyed the whole process involved with making this project and now I'm looking forward to this final stage.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts on quilting my stamp basket quilt!

Hugs,

Elaine

21 Days = Takeoff!

2011-01-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

I'm leaving on a jet plane in 21 days ....

to FLORIDA!

I will be spending a week with my dear friend Froma at her house near Palm Beach. Joining us will be my dear friend Rosa from Saint Johns, New Brunswick, Canada. Rosa and I met "in person" while we were on our cruise in 2009 to New England and Canada. We spent a wonderful day together with Rosa showing us her city and culminating in a scrumptious lunch of lobster! We are all quilters who met on-line through the "Dear Jane" Yahoo group.

Speed forward a year and a half and now we are going to be together again and this time with Froma! How cool is that?! We made plans for this trip nearly 8 months ago and finally we are on the home stretch to takeoff!

Rosa is so excited to see ...

Yes, Palm Trees... she has never seen one "up close and personal"! We have them here in San Luis Obispo and especially down in the Los Angeles area so they aren't really "special" to me. I think Rosa might spend a day bonding with those palm trees!

I have my quilting projects all ready to go... my spools, my small stamp basket for hand quilting, JLWC Sister's quilt and some applique. Probably way too much but then again they are small and very portable...I do have long flights and plan to do some stitching on board and while waiting for my connection from Phoenix to Ft. Lauderdale.

We will be spending most of our time just visiting and quilting. There are a few places that we want to see but mainly the trip is to just relax and visit together. Time is so precious that we would rather visit with each other than run around sightseeing all day.

I can hardly wait....

Hugs,

Elaine

Dinner by the Creek

2011-01-23T10:57:00.000-08:00

Last night we had dinner at Novo, a trendy restaurant in old town San Luis Obispo. It had been a beautiful day so we decided an early dinner would be lovely and a good time to use the gift certificate that my oldest son had given us for Christmas. The patio dining overlooks the creek that runs through our city and is a wonderful place to have dinner on a warm, summer evening. Even though it's not summer yet, we sat out on the patio as they have large heaters installed to keep us toasty warm.

The patio is absolutely beautiful...

There are several levels set up for dining...

We started off with drinks and appetizers... love lemon drop martinis! Those are Shrimp Spring Rolls in the back of my lemon drop...YUM!

Here is a better picture of the Shrimp Spring Rolls and what's left of the Lettuce Wraps...

Then to the main course... I had Chow Novo which is a stir-fry bowl of fresh vegetables, beef and noodles.

Jim had Butternut Squash Curry. I was so full by this time that most of mine came home with me. It will be a real treat having it again ... that is IF I even get hungry today!

However, there was room for dessert... a McDonnell Ice Cream Sundae and a latte!

It was a wonderful evening spent chatting over dinner and enjoying amazing food! It was fun for a change of pace but was I ever full!

I think I stuffed again just looking at the pictures!

Hugs,

Elaine

Abe's Log Cabin

2011-01-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

This is my first "Fit to Frame" quilt. It is not sewn yet but just laid out for color placement. It's not a ordinary log cabin where the light values are on one side and the dark on the other. I randomly placed strips, making sure that their was a different color on each log round. I am now second guessing myself as to their placement. Do you think that my "logs" are placed correctly? I would really appreciate your opinion!

Here is the pattern by Lori Smith. This will be sewn by machine but hand quilted. The quilt finishes at 11 inches by 14 inches. I saw this made up at the Quilted Moose in Gretna, Nebraska last September when I was there for the Jo Morton "Sewing in the Orchard" retreat and thought it was charming!

I think I will frame this quilt too!

Again, thanks so much for your help on my color placement ... it is greatly appreciated!

Hugs,

Elaine

Spring Already?

2011-01-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

The bulbs are blooming so it must be Spring ... I love daffodils!

They brighten up a room and make me happy...

And my granddaughter makes my heart sing!

I feel very blessed...

Life is Good!

Hugs,

Elaine

A Perfect Day

2011-01-20T17:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a perfect day!

I had lunch with my younger son who is getting ready to move to San Francisco for a new job. I will miss him dearly but he will love living in the "Big" city and this is a great career move for him. He is a computer engineer and will be working with top engineers on a new inventive program. Should keep him well challenged!

And I spent time sewing...I only have two seams left on my stamp basket quilt and then I can layer and begin the hand quilting. Here is my updated picture, again a little wonky as the two middle row are just pinned.

I've also been working on my spool blocks. I've made seven more since I last posted a picture of them. I don't know how I will set them or if I will just put them side by side but at least you can see my progress. I never though in-set seams could be so fun to sew!

I also purchased a roll-on tote for traveling yesterday, taking the recommendations of Bonnie Hunter over on her blog "Quiltville". Her post is titled "What's In YOUR Carry On?" I found Rick Steves' "Avanti Rolling Tote" at our local luggage store and think it will be perfect for my travels.

Check out this compartment...it's actually big enough to hold by Featherweight 221. Sorry about the picture but trust me, the machine fits!

And a place for my laptop...

It also has numberous other small compartments and two bottle holders on each side. It will be perfect for my sewing projects in-flight AND it fits underneath the seat. How perfect is that?!!! I think I have found exactly what I needed. No more sore shoulders for me...I'll be rolling now!

Yes, it was a PERFECT day...

Hope you all had one too!

Hugs,

Elaine

Type "A" Personality?

2011-01-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

Just take a look at my organizational skills!

This is the best take-along that I have found yet. At the Jo Morton retreat in September, JoR had one and I thought it was perfect. I finally found it at Target! It has three snap-on compartments, in each one I have a hand piecing project along with the necessary supplies.
My stamp basket blocks...

My spool blocks...

Storage for finished blocks and a couple of applique blocks that I'm working on...

And then there are my "bagged" projects.

All of these are just my hand piecing projects that I have been working on. I like variety and as you can see I have enough going on here to keep me quite busy!

And then there is "THE" closet where I have my machine quilt projects and fabric. Quilt projects have the fabric and pattern together and are stored in flat storage bins. The fabric in the closet is yardage, my smaller cuts are washed, organized by color and kept in an armoire in my sewing room. Maybe someday I will post these picture...maybe.

I'm thinking "Type A" personality here...

By the way my "word" for 2011 is FINISH!

I'm having a sewing day today and lunch with my son... otherwise known as a perfect day!

Hugs,

Elaine

My Little Stamp Basket Quilt - In Progress

2011-01-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

This will be my first completely hand pieced project... and I'm having the best time stitching it! My picture looks a little wonky because the blocks are only pinned to the setting fabric. Hopefully today I will get some of them stitched. I'm using Cindy Blackberg's ( www.cindyblackberg.com ) stamps for my Stamp Basket block pattern. The block measures 3 1/8 inch finished.

Here is a close up of a couple of my blocks:

If this looks familiar it's because this is the same block that we are using on the Jo Morton group exchange. I have finished those blocks, making four sets of four plus and extra one for myself. The exchange ends the last part of February. I'm really looking forward to receiving them!

Hand piecing has been so enjoyable and relaxing...a great way for me to de-stress after a day at work. I have found that I am also enjoying appliqué, which I never thought I would ever do! By the way, the applique handles on the baskets were made using Karen Kay Buckley's Perfect Stems www.karenkaybuckley.com

My little quilt will measure 14 x 14 inches when I finish hand quilting it!

Sew much fun...

Hugs,

Elaine

And My Answer Is....

2011-01-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

After reading all of your great comments about blogging and what YOU expect, I have realized that my original idea of blogging my journeys and adventures was the focus I needed to maintain. Somewhere along the path I had ventured off and blogging was more of a chore than an enjoyment.

I need to remain faithful to myself and not worry so much about "who" is reading my blog or how many followers I have. This is a journal of who I am, what I do and the road where it takes me.

I would love to have you share my journeys with me, whenever and wherever they take me. My posts might be sporadic but I will keep on blogging!

Thanks for all your comments, I can't begin to express how important and insightful they were for me.

Hugs,

Elaine

To Blog or Not to Blog...

2011-01-13T09:50:00.000-08:00

...That's my question. I have been thinking a lot about my blog lately. I'm actually having a dilemma about it. I have read blogs that have polls as to whether they should have music gently playing in the background as you read along or whether or not give-a-ways are a good idea. All sorts of questions to attract people to read your blog.

I've noticed that when I post a lot, my followers stay loyal. When I don't post, as one might expect, they loose interest and stop following. I can accept this. Sometimes, I just don't have anything to say that I feel people might be interested in reading. My life is pretty routine, there's the work part and then there's the play part. Hopefully, there is more play than work but not often! And no one wants to hear about my work...I can assure you that! Even I don't want to hear about my work ...it is the "necessary" part of my life and certainly NOT a play day!

So, my dilemma is whether to keep blogging or not and just "who" am I writing this for...myself or to the people who follow my blog? Should I be concerned that I'm loosing followers or should I just go with the intent that this is a chronicle for me? Do I offer give-a-ways or does that make me loose followers or should I even be concerned?

All questions that are ruminating through my mind...and the question remains the same...

TO BLOG OR NOT TO BLOG?

I'm looking for answers ...

Thanks for your help on my dilemma!

Hugs,

Elaine

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T13:12:00.000-08:00

Wishing you the best Christmas gifts of all -

the love of family, the warmth of home, and memories so good that you just can't stop smiling.

Merry Christmas to All!

Hugs,

Elain

Remember Those Spool Blocks?

2010-12-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

At the Jo Morton retreat in September we also learned how to stamp and piece spool blocks using Cindy Blackberg's stamps www.cindyblackberg.com
Remember this? It was my first block.

And here are my spool blocks now... finished block size will be 2 3/4 inches! I'm really enjoying making these small blocks!

They are so much fun! I still need to make more as I'm thinking about making them into a table topper. My "work box" for my spool blocks...lots more cut and ready to hand piece.

And so portable...ready to go at a moments notice. Did you notice that the Dovo scissors have blunt tips? I'm even airplane ready!

I'm loving hand piecing!

Hugs,

Elaine

Stamp Basket Exchange Progress

2010-12-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

I've been working on my Stamp Basket blocks for the Jo Morton exchange. They are all hand pieced using CIndy Blackberg's stamp set www.cindyblackberg.com I committed to doing four sets of four blocks. I also have made one extra of each set for myself. To date, I have one set completely done and the bottoms of the other three sets. Here is a photo of my "work box"...

I have also pinned the applique handle onto the top portion of the stamp basket block. Now I just have to applique them on and sew the final seam to finish off the blocks. The stamp basket block will finish at 3 inches ... I love these small blocks!

I made my bias applique handle using Karen Kay Buckley's Perfect Stems www.karenkaybuckley.com They were easy to sew on the machine and have been so easy to applique. I learned about using this type of applique stem from Jo Morton's retreat in September!

I am really enjoying hand piecing...very relaxing after a day at work!

Hugs,

Elaine

Birthday Give-A-Way Winner Announced!

2010-12-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

It's my birthday today and time to announce the winner of my Civil War Birthday

Give-A-Way!

And the winner is.... Quiltmom aka Anna!!

Congratulations!

Thank you to all who participated in my Birthday Give-A-Way and for all the lovely birthday wishes...it was greatly appreciated!

Hugs,

Elaine, The Birthday Girl

Civil War Birthday Give-A-Way

2010-11-25T09:23:00.000-08:00

In celebration of my birthday I am having my 2nd Annual Civil War Fabric Birthday Give-A-Way!

Please sign up by leaving a comment on this post

Winner will be selected by Random List Generator

Announced on my December 3rd Birthday!

I am on the slippery slop of approaching "OLD AGE" and again feel that having a give-a-way of civil war fabric is so appropriate for the occasion of my birthday!

And it's MY favorite fabric!

Hope you will join in on my celebration!

PS: To participate in my give-a-way, please post a comment here and then post a link from my blog to yours. I would like to celebrate my birthday with all of you!

Hugs,

Elaine ...The Birthday Girl

And The Winner Is.....

2010-11-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

SEWCALGAL is the WINNER of my 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Give-A-Way!!

Congatulations SEWCALGAL!

Please send me you mailing address so I can get your prize mailed to you.

Thank you to all who entered my Thanksgiving Give-A-Way, it was a pleasure to read all your comments and have you post my blog link to your blog.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Hugs,

Elaine

PS: From the accounting firm of Elaine and Jim, the result of the 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Give-A-Way was selected by Random Generator. There were 57 entries of which two people left duplicate posts and five people left two comments (only one comment per entry) leaving a total of 50 entries for the give-a-way.

2nd Annual Thanksgiving (Quilting) Give-A-Way

2010-11-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

To share my many blessings I am having a 2nd Annual
Thanksgiving (Quilting) Give-A Way!

To be entered into my drawing:
Please leave a comment on this posting and a post on YOUR blog linking it to my
Thanksgiving (Quilting) Give-A-Way

Winner will be selected on Thanksgiving Day, November 25th by Random Selection.

Happy Thanksgiving to All

Hugs

Elaine

Pincushion Mania

2010-11-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

There seems to be pincushion mania in Quilt Land...especially pincushions made from vintage salt cellars. My first one was from a Pincushion Exchange on the Jo Morton Yahoo group. It's perfect for my "take along" project kit.

At retreat, Jo gifted us with the cutest salt cellar pincushions made from her "Annandale" fabric collection. I love mine...

Jo has quite a collection too...

My newest addition was a gift from Amy R. She made me a "Sister's Pincushion" and its absolutely adorable! Amy embroidered the ladies from Jo's fabric...so cute!

Amy also sent me the tiniest pincushion... it measures 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches!! It's precious!

Just another part of quilting that I am really enjoying...

And I hope you are all finding enjoyment in your quilting experiences too!

Elaine

Show and Tell with Jo Part II

2010-10-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

And then Jo shared her quilts with us:

Gorgeous applique! One of my favorite's "Jo's Whig Rose" from her book "Traditions"

Stunning!

Another Jo favorite..."Warm Wishes" from Jo's "Vintage Journey" book.

"Prairie Basket" ...Another favorite of mine in "Yesterday's Charm"

"Second Hand Rose" from Jo's book "Remembrances"

"Baby Rose" from Jo's Little Women Club Part 7. I love the Jamestown fabrics!

Another favorite...well than again I think they are ALL my favorites!
Here is a close up of Jo's applique:

What a gorgeous collection of Jo's quilts to see "in person". They literally took my breathe away!

And there is still more to share...

Enjoy!

Hugs,

Elaine

Retreat Projects

2010-10-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

Jo's "Sewing in the Orchard" was a handwork retreat. We worked on applique and hand piecing using fabric we stamped with Cindy Blackberg's stamps www.cindyblackberg.com
The project used her Spool Stamp set...

This is my "workstation". The pincushion was a gift from Jo to all of us who attended her retreat. They are salt cellars made into fabulous pincushions by Sandy Davenport in Washington. My pincushion was made from Jo's new "Annandale" fabric collection!

Here are the pieces of my block...

Working with different Jo fabric to make spool blocks...they all play so nicely together!

For our applique lesson, we first made a "technique sampler". Here we appliqued a bias strip made with Clover's Bias Tape Maker, a strip using Karen Buckley's "Perfect Stems"www.karenkaybuckley.com and then a curved strip using the back-basting method.

Our "project" was a block from Jo's book "Prairie Flowers. Here is mine... and yes, I am still working on it! I was always somewhat leery of doing applique but with the back-basting method and Jo's lessons, I am finding myself really enjoying the process!

And for a finished example, here is Holly's block. Isn't it gorgeous...she said that the leaves were "from the burning bush"!

Maybe someday I will be good at this but in the meantime I am enjoying the learning process. I feel good about attempting something "outside my comfort zone" too!

And learning means more classes and retreats. Looks like a win-win situation to me!

Hugs,

Elaine

Old and New Together

2010-10-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

Kathy Hall from Andover Fabrics also attended Jo's "Sewing in the Orchard" retreat. She explained the process of how fabric is designed and how it is then printed. Kathy explained how reproduction fabric is designed from the antique piece and how you need to have the repeat design in the fabric to be able to reproduce it into "new" fabric. Very informative and really interesting!
Kathy gave each one of us a keepsake... an applique heart made with antique fabric using one of Jo's fabrics for the background piece. Old and the new together!
I had Jo and Kathy autograph my applique heart and when I came home I had it custom framed.

I have attached a small note to the back of the frame explaining the block and the "Sewing in the Orchard" retreat including the date.

Autographed by Jo and Kathy...priceless!

I love it!

Elaine

Retreat Show and Tell Part I

2010-10-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Jo asked everyone who attended to bring a quilt or two along with them for "Show and Tell". I brought my DH's quilt as that was very special to me. He sewed it himself and then we had it long-arm quilted by my friend Rosa's DH of "The 3A's Quilting" in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. So you can say it is a "Very Manly Quilt" LOL!!

Others bought absolutely gorgeous quilts! What a talented group of ladies...

Donna Wells...Absolutely wonderful!

Amazing applique...beautifully done!

Jo Richard's Collection: Here is her "Sister's Quilt" from Jo's Little Women's Club #9

Beautiful...

Amazing applique...and all long-arm quilted by JoR too!

Quilts by Holly Wagner...another wonderful quilter who shared her gorgeous quilts at retreat!

And check out her applique! It's absolutely beautiful... Holly's quilts are machine quilted! Fabulous workmanship!

More "Sewing in the Orchard" to share with you...the retreat was amazing!

Hugs,

Elaine

Welcome to the Kimmel Center

2010-10-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

"Sewing in the Orchard" was held at the Kimmel Center http://www.kimmelorchard.com in Nebraska City. Wonderful facility ... Welcome!

There was lots of room to spread out all our quilting supplies and Jo even had a "Jo's Quilt Shop" set up if we needed to do some retail therapy. And of course, we all wanted enjoyed the convenience of a retreat and quilt shopping all under one roof!

Jo Richards, Kathy Hall and Jeane Tucker busy appliquéing. The retreat was very personable... not having the humming of a sewing machine provided lots of time to visit with one another and still sew! Good times!

"Jo's Quilt Shop"... I did some "therapy" shopping here! Of course, my luggage was heavier on my return flight, even without the California wine and homemade cookies that I had brought from home!

All the food was DELICIOUS! From breakfast through dinner each day, we enjoyed wonderful meals together! Yummy Taco Salad for lunch!

I loved it here and can't wait to return for Jo's next retreat.

My next posting will be "Show and Tell"! Fabulous quilts and more great times!

Hugs,

Elaine

The "Quilted Moose"

2010-10-09T14:17:00.000-07:00

After landing at Omaha Eppley Airport, I headed straight to the "Quilted Moose" in Gretna.

Well, let me correct that by saying I didn't take the direct route by any means! Thank goodness my phone has a navigation application! I had no idea what direction "north" was ... in California we have the ocean and mountains to use for direction. In Nebraska, there wasn't any "natural markers" so it was only after a couple of turn-arounds and detours that I arrived at the "Quilted Moose", www.quiltedmooseonline.com

I froze "like a deer in headlights" when I opened the door!

And the Jo Morton Fabric...I have never seen so much in one place!

I went into fifth gear and zoomed ... I was "In a Jo Morton State of Mind"! They even had some of her earlier lines:

And of course her new lines:

And precut Jo fat quarters:

My trip to Nebraska would have been successful "if" this was the only place I went. But there still was the RETREAT .... "Sewing in the Orchard" at the Kimmel Center in Nebraska City!

Retreat pictures to follow... I was so blessed to be able to attend!

Stay tuned for more!

Elaine
PS: Just in case you were wondering ... Yes, I was indeed an active participant in stimulating the economy at "The Quilted Moose". In fact, I believe I was very helpful!

In the Midwest - Look out Nebraska!

2010-10-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

My first time in the Mid West and my first retreat..."Sewing in the Orchard" with Jo Morton! I had to keep pinching myself that this was happening to me!

Off to Nebraska I went...

Not knowing anything about "Go Big Red", the car I rented turned out to be a red Mustang convertible...I fit right in!

Cute...but not the best option for traveling with suitcases! Next time I think a SUV would be more appropriate but I do look good driving a sports car. Hint, Hint!
I loved Nebraska, a beautiful state! I can't wait to return...Go Big Red!

Stay tuned for pictures of Jo's retreat...'Sewing In The Orchard" It was FABULOUS!!!

Hugs,

Elaine

Where have I been?

2010-08-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

Well....busy that I know! I am back at work now and going to the gym quite regularly.

I learning how to box! It was on my bucket list and something that I have wanted to do for quite awhile.

But anyway, I'm back!

Thanks for checking in...adventures to be posted soon!

Hugs,

Elaine

PS: By the way, see what boxing can do for you...make you 30 years younger, in shape and beautiful! Well, being in shape would be great! And I do have those pink boxing gloves working for me too!

MVP for March Madness Give-A-Way!!!

2010-03-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Announcing the MVP and Winner of my "March Madness" Give-A-Way ......

KAREN....from "QUILT'S A LOT"

Karen, please send me your mailing address and I will send off your prize package!

Thanks you to everyone who entered and left such wonderful comments about my blog and give-a-way. I loved hearing from all of you!

Hugs,

Elaine

PS: For Accounting purposes there were 78 entries on this give-a-way. However, only 77 were entered into the Random Generator as one person inadvertantly signed up twice. Thanks again to all of you for your participation!

March Madness Give-A-Way

2010-02-19T13:04:00.000-08:00

In anticipation of "March Madness", NCAA Tournament Basketball, I am having a quilting give-a-way. This is my gift to help you through the month of endless basketball games. My give-a-way will be all things "Quilt Related"!

To sign-up, please leave a comment on THIS posting. I will be selecting the winner on March 15, otherwise known as the "Ides of March".

Watch out for this one!!!

A Special Blessing Quilt

2010-02-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

Our friends, Luke and Alyssa, are in the process of adopting a baby from Korea. They are "patiently" waiting for Kim, Joon's arrival in 3 to 6 months. So, I prepared a quilt for their "special" delivery and we tied it last Wednesday at our bible study.

The quilt is a "prayer quilt". As we tie each tie, we silently say a prayer, in this case for Kim, Joon

Everyone took part...Roxie and Chris.

Jim, parents-to-be Alyssa and Luke...

Here is the quilt, all tied. Now I just have to put the binding on and add a label. then it will be ready for Kim, Joon when he makes his arrival in SLO.

God is good...

Spoiled on Valentine's Day

2010-02-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

My Dear Husband is the best... for Valentine's Day we had decided to not do much. Yes, we exchanged cards but that was supposed to it for this year. Anyway, he broke the rule and got me a fabulous gift...one that keeps giving every couple of months...a subscription to "QUILTMANIA"!!

He ordered the subscription thru "Quiltmania" in France so to make sure that I didn't miss the current issue, he purchased a copy from "EQuilter" on-line. It arrived and he made sure to "decorate" the envelope...

Very creative, eh? He also got me a retractable scissor holder from the sewing store when he picked up my Bernina that was in for servicing. Thoughtful too, eh?

And he got a "special" dessert....

Just call me "Spoiled in SLO,CA

Life is good....

Hand Piecing - "Judie's Four Patch"

2010-02-09T12:55:00.000-08:00

I started this quilt on our cruise in October. It's so easy to take along a hand piecing project and I really enjoyed working on it during our days at sea.

Such an easy pattern and works up really fast! Here is a close-up ...

This quilt was designed by Judie Rothermel, another one of my favorite quilt and fabric designers. The finished quilt is 32" x 40" and has a total of 80 four patch blocks. I am a little over half way with 46 blocks completed. For placement purposes, I decided to wait to join the blocks together until they were all completed. This way I can "see" what the completed top will look like before piecing it together.

I'm working on this today and my applique center for my "Peppermint Twist" quilt. I'm finding that I really love to hand piece and applique!

Fun projects and no stress, A PERFECT DAY!

Stress = High blood Pressure

2010-02-09T10:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm off work for a couple of days. The dreaded "Stress" attacked and my blood pressure went sky high!

150/105 to be exact... stress is not good for you!

Treatment plan... relax with some hand sewing. Sounds like a great plan to get my blood pressure back to normal don't you think?

Peppermint Twist Progress

2010-01-27T22:22:00.000-08:00

I get it...back basting that is! I finally can do applique. Shown here is the beginning of my applique for the center square on the "Peppermint Twist" quilt that I started in my class with Jo Morton at "Road to California"

OK, so its a slow process for me but the good news is that I can do this! After appliquéing the stem, I went ahead and basted all the leaves. Today, I got 4 1/2 leaves done and I really enjoyed it!

This is a work in progress and one that I think I'm really going to enjoy doing!

Stay tuned for more updates...

PS: Interesting how the fabric looks darker in the second photo! Maybe I should take some photography classes, eh?

My Downtown SLO

2010-01-26T23:31:00.000-08:00

Mission San Luis Obispo De Tolusa, the fifth mission in California founded by Father Junipero Serra in September 1772

Front Portico of Mission San Luis Obipso De Tolusa.

Father Junipero Serro, founder of the California Missions. The chain of 21 missions are located along California's El Camino Real ( "The Royal Highway")

San Luis Obispo Creek that runs through downtown SLO. The Downtown Association has developed this area to include places to sit and a walking path. Situated along the creek are several restaurants that have outdoor eating to take advantage of the great weather and view. Shopping downtown is mainly boutiques and restaurants... you won't find a "Box Store" anywhere near downtown SLO!

More of the creek ... a nice place just to sit and relax.

We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful area.
Thanks for sharing our walk downtown with us... Life is good!

Looking for Kirsten, California's New Happy Cow

2010-01-25T21:35:00.000-08:00

We tried to find Kirsten this weekend here in SLO County....she's the new "California Happy Cow".

San Luis Obispo is a beautiful area so I thought Kirsten just might be headed our way. We traveled through some beautiful areas, green from our latest rain.

We saw water flowing in the streams, rivers...

and lakes.

We traveled the highway looking for her...

And we passed lots of "other" cows but Kirsten wasn't there.

We passed Cowboys on horses out for a ride.

The hills were alive with the "Sound of Music" as my dear husband even sang. We thought that it might attract Kirsten's attention if she was anywhere in the area!

But Kirsten was not to be found.

So Kirsten if your still looking for a great place to live with lots of open grazing, you'll find us on Highway 101. You are always welcome here!

We'll leave a light on for you...

Dinner with Jo and the Girls!

2010-01-24T15:04:00.000-08:00

Socializing over dinner with the ladies from Tracy, CA, Jo Morton and myself! Wow...this was a special occasion for me! From left to right: Mary, Kim, Jo, KathyJo and myself.

Now this was the icing on the cake for me for all time best experience at "Road to California"... an evening with Jo and the girls! Getting to know each other in person was FABULOUS!!!

Life is REALLY good...

Pressing Table

2010-01-24T14:45:00.000-08:00

One of the ladies in my "Peppermint Twist" class had a great idea for a pressing table that I wanted to share with all of you. This pressing board is made from a wooden TV tray! I thought that this was a fabulous idea to have one of these next to my sewing machine or to take to my next quilting class!

Notice how the corners are folded and then turned over. A staple gun was used to secure the batting and pressing fabric to the tray. Two sheets of batting was used on this tray.

Underside view of stapling.

I was really impressed with this pressing table and so easy to make! Now I just have to find a wooden TV tray!

PS: Thank you to the ladies from San Diego for sharing their pressing table idea with me!

Block Pressing with Jo Morton

2010-01-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

Jo's method of pressing blocks...

Jo Morton demonstrated her way of pressing blocks that reduces the bulk of the seams. The blocks lay flat making quilting easier!

Most blocks that we made in class have a "three-step" process for pressing. With the LeMoyne Star you start with the diamond points and press out then move to the middle diamond seam pressing counter clock-wise. The center seams are "swirled".

The result a beautiful, flat block!

Sometimes the seam is not "pressed towards the dark" but pressed open. In making the Churn Dash block for "Peppermint Twist" the seam joining the rectangles is pressed open. Then Jo's" clipping trick" is done at the seam intersection which is then also pressed open.

Another flat block...

Jo showed several different blocks and how they can be pressed to make it lay flay and easier to quilt. Here is the Bear Paw block... notice where you clip the seam intersection.

I learned that seams can be pressed open, especially for quilts that don't get a lot of heavy use as in a wall hanging.

The block back...seams open!

The pressing techniques I learned in class were very valuable, especially for those small blocks that we love to make!

More great tips and techniques learned from Jo Morton...her classes were fabulous! So much to see, touch and especially learn!

What a great experience this was for me with Jo at "Road to California"
Life is good...

"Decorating with Small Quilts" Part 2

2010-01-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

Jo Morton gave a slide presentation of decorating with quilts in your home. Whether you fold a quilt and put it at the bottom of your bed or have a small quilt as a center piece on your dining room table, it all looks fabulous! Jo's slides showed us how you can add interest to your decorating just by adding a small quilt.
Here are some of her small quilts...
"Nina's Doll Quilt #1"

"Cabin Corners"

"Courthouse Steps with Stars"

"Bittersweet" Four Patch Variation

"Bittersweet" Four Patch Variation using wovens

"Salem" Four Patch Variation

Doll Quilt - 48 scrappy squares

Sampler Doll Quilt

Doll Quilt - Half Square Triangles on Point

Here's Jo!

I throughly enjoyed Jo's lecture! Her quilts are gorgeous and to have the opportunity to see them "up close and personal" was fantastic... this week will certainly go done in my memory book of great times!

"Decorating with Small Quilts" Part 1

2010-01-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

Jo Morton gave a lecture during "Road to California" on "Decorating with Small Quilts". She displayed wonderful quilts and then gave a slide presentation on decorating your home with them. Here are a few of the larger quilts that she showed:

"Picken's Lane"

"Indigo Moment"

"Midnight Garden"

"Patriotic Strippy Stars"

And check out the back...great idea for a label!

"Blue Bayou"

After Jo realized that the border was not mathematically correct, the border units do not line up with the points of the block, she redrafted it and made...
"Brown Bayou"

Next post will show Jo's "small" quilts and pressing techniques she uses in making them!

Jo's Peppermint Twist Class

2010-01-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

"Peppermint Twist" was my next class with Jo Morton at "Road to California" This quilt is absolutely beautiful...and to have the opportunity to "feel and touch" it was wonderful! I love to the "feel" of quilt's, don't you?
The first part of class was to learn back-basting needleturn applique. This was a new technique for me and was thrilled that I would have the chance to learn it from Jo!

This is Jo's...nice even stitches!

Close up of the center applique in Jo's quilt. I found that this technique "works" for me. I have an easier time than just basting down or gluing the applique and then doing the needleturn. The back-basting method leaves a perforation in the fabric that it makes it easier to turn without clipping the seam.

Beautiful appliqued center that "makes" this quilt so interesting!

And a couple of my "Churn Dash" blocks that I made in class the next day.

And the back showing Jo's clipping technique and pressing.

Another great class with Jo Morton! Pinch me... this all must have been a dream as I have been in "Quilter's Heaven" all week!
I am so blessed to have had this opportunity to take classes with Jo!

Life is good...

"Road to California" Give-A-Way Winner!!

2010-01-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

The winner of my "Road to California" Give-A-Way is #57 Terry!

Congratulations Terry...please e-mail me your address so that I can send you your gifts!

And these prizes from Jo Morton... the charm package is "Stafford County"!

"Timeless" has even been autographed by Jo!

I hope you enjoy my gifts from the"Road to California" Quilt Show Terry!

Thank you to everyone who participated in my "Road to California" Give-A-Way. I throughly enjoyed reading all of your comments.

I still have lots more to post about my week in Ontario so please stop by again!

Hugs,

Elaine in SLO, Ca

Cinnamon Stars with Jo Morton

2010-01-15T19:33:00.000-08:00

My "Jo Morton Retreat Week" week at" Road to California" continued with instruction on a quilt Jo designed called "Cinnamon Stars". It's published in her "Vintage Journey" quilt book. For this class we learned how to make flying geese, using Jo's "no waste fabric" method of construction.

And it was another GREAT class. This time we used the sewing machine and as you can see I am ready to get started!

A full class for "Cinnamon Stars".

My Sawtooth blocks...I was able to get three done in class!

Again Jo emphasized the importance of a good pressing techinque and her "clipping method" to reduce the seam bulk. This shows the back of one of my blocks.

A close up photo of Jo's "Cinnamon Stars"... it's gorgeous don't you agree?

Another great class with Jo ... and again I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity to take classes from Jo! She is THE BEST!

Don't forget to enter my "Road to California" Give-A-Way from my previous post. Jo has generously donated an item to be included! You have until Monday, January 18th to enter.
Life is good at Road to California!

LeMoyne Star Revisted

2010-01-15T18:41:00.000-08:00

Day 2 at "Road to California" was another class in LeMoyne Star with Jo Morton! It was great to have another day to "practice" the technique of hand piecing the star and pressing it "Jo's Way".

Jo's method of pressing allows for the seams to be distributed in such a way that when it's time to quilt you don't have a bulky seam to go through with your needle. It also makes it easier to machine quilt! The center of the LeMoyne star is swirled, a little difficult at first but over time I'm sure that it will get easier! The end result is really worth the effort and time!

My 2nd star went together much faster than my first one...

Notice how the center of the block "swirls"... ironing is a three step process. The outside points, the middle diamond seam and then the center. It really makes a difference for a flat block!
I meet some wonderful people from the "Jo Morton Stitcher's" group from Yahoo. Kristi from Livermore brought some quilts for "Show and Tell". As you can see they were all fabulous!

Thanks Kristie for sharing!

It was another great day ... learning, sewing, sharing and visiting!
Life is good at "Road to California"! Wish you were all here...

"Road to California" Give-A-Way

2010-01-14T23:00:00.000-08:00

In celebration of my quilting adventures at "Road to California Quilt Show and Convention" I am having a "Road to California" Give-A-Way!

I have purchased a "special" gift from one of the 165 vendors at the show for this give-a-way. You have until Monday, January 18th to enter by leaving your comment on this posting. Winner will be selected by Random Number Selection.

Join me in my celebration of "Road to California"

PS: Pictured Quilt Block...of course its "Road to California"! *Block image from Internet

Jo Morton and LeMoyne Star! WOW!

2010-01-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

Today was my first class with Jo Morton!

I arrived at class early...make that 1 1/2 hours early...was I excited? YOU BET!
Needless to say I was the first one there and I'm ready!

The class was "Hand Pieced LeMoyne Stars". Here are a few of Jo's blocks... fabulous!

We learned how to make plastic templates...

How to get our center points to match up...

And how to press the block.

And here is my first finished block... I love my fabric combination and am very pleased with how it turned out even if it took me the whole class time to make! I'm sure my next block will be a little easier to make now that I know the technique involved. And of course, there was much to chat about in class too! We had a great time socializing...it was like being in an old fashioned "Quilting Bee"!

Here are several of Jo's spectacular hand-pieced LeMoyne Star Quilts! Aren't they gorgeous??

What a wonderful day spent! I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity to take a class from Jo...this will certainly go down in my memory book of great experiences!

Tonight is the Quilt Show Preview!

Life is good...

Road to California Arrival Day

2010-01-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

I made it to Ontario, California! Traffic was almost non-existant ... perfect traveling to Southern California!
I checked in at the hotel and then went over to the Convention Center to check out what was going on and to do my check-in for classes. They are just setting up...here are a couple of pictures of the main room where the vendors and quilts will be. Today its empty but just wait until you see it in a couple of days! Vendors and Quilts Oh My!!

After settling into my room, I called room service and ordered in a "Cobb Salad and Ice Tea". It was delicious!

And the view from my balcony....

I could get used to this.... life is good!

Civil War Diary Signature Block Exchange

2010-01-06T08:03:00.000-08:00

These are the blocks received from the Civil War Diary Signature Block Exchange through Rosemary Youngs Yahoo group. I am getting ready to swap them out and send them back to everyone who participated. Hopefully, the Postal Service is "back to normal" after the Holiday Season!

Here is Rosemary Youngs block...gorgeous! She has written a number of quilting books..."The Civil War Diary Quilt" and "The Civil War Love Letters Quilt" are just two of my favorites from her!

And now back to swapping out these beautiful signature blocks! A quilt made from these will be absolutely spectacular, don't you think?

Getting Ready..."Road to California"

2010-01-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

I leave one week from today for "Road to California Quilter's Convention" down in Ontario! YIPEE!

I can hardly wait...I will be taking classes from Jo Morton and attending a lecture on "Decorating with Quilts".

Pictured are a "few" things that I need to take for the classes. I'm having a great time getting ready and am really looking forward to next week!

Will any of you be attending 'Road to California"?

The Hermitage and the Bixby Bridge...

2010-01-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

Our journey up Highway 1 continued with a visit to "The Hermitage"

A monastery south of Big Sur...beautiful, serene property! An ideal spot for rest and meditation for the soul.

They also sell fruitcakes, which my husbands says are THE BEST, and date bread. These are both made by the monks at the Hermitage. We bought a loaf of the date bread...I'm not a fan of fruitcakes!

First sign of the "Bixby Bridge". One of my favorite bridges, especially when we are on the Harley! I feel like one of "the pack" from the movie "Easy Rider"

On the other side of the bridge...isn't it amazing!

And a picture of the coast looking west from the Bixby Bridge...absolutely breathtaking!

It was a great day...at times the rain was very heavy but we ventured on to Monterey. All in all, it was a perfect day!

Thanks for sharing our journey with us...it was a pleasure to have you along for the ride!

The Journey Continues...Elephant Seals!

2010-01-05T09:03:00.000-08:00

Elephant Seals on the beach at Piedras Blancas in southern Big Sur near San Simeon. Once a year between November and March the Elephant Seals come here to have their babies. The males can have more than one mate but the female only one. They form a "harem" with the male being the dominate figure.

We visited at a great time as the some of the females had already given birth. Here shows a seal pup nursing. I guess the sea gull was also interested in nursing process!

Cute pup! Pups can range in weight from 60 to 80 pounds at birth. Females are between 9 to 12 feet and 900 to 1800 pounds at full growth. Males range from 14 to 16 feet and there weight is 3000 to 5000 pounds! While the seals are on land, both males and females loose 1/3 of their body weight during the breeding season.

The beach is a very noisy place during the breeding season. Males vocalize threats, pups squawk to be fed and the females argue with each other over location spots and their pups. An "Elephant Seal Symphony of Sound" is created with gargles, grunts, snorts, belches, squeaks and trumpeting of the male!

A male elephant seal..."puberty around 4 years of age, at which time the nose starts to grow. The nose is a secondary sexual characteristic, like a man's beard., and can reach the astonishing length of 2 feet."

My dear husband and his own personal interpretation of a male elephant seal "trumpeting"!

The Piedras Blancas Lighthouse ... photo was taken while observing the Elephant Seals on the beach!

Thanks for joining us on our journey up the coast on Highway 1!

PS: For more information on the Elephant Seals please refer to http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/elephant-seals.html

Driving the Coast ... Highway 1, December 26th

2010-01-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

We decided to take a drive up the coast...no destination in mind, no real plans, just a drive! We had a fabulous time, the scenery was breathtaking!

San Simeon...home to Hearst Castle.

We ate lunch here at "Sebastian's", est. 1852 ... the food was fresh and delicious! Jim and I enjoyed a Hot Pastrami on rye...absolutely wonderful! This is across Highway 1 from Hearst Castle and was written up in the "Central Coast Magazine" as one of the best places to get a sandwich ... and it was THE BEST!

It is an old grocery store...

After lunch we got back on Highway 1...next destination Elephant Seals on the beach at Piedras Blancas in southern Big Sur near San Simeon.

Stay tuned...

Vote Now..."California Happy Cow"

2009-12-20T07:41:00.000-08:00

Only 11 days left to vote for the next "California Happy Cow" at http://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/auditions/index.html

I don't want to tell you "who" to vote for BUT "Kirsten" looks awfully cold and would love the warm temperatures in California. "Kirsten" is from Canada!

Vote now!

Thanks,

Elaine

PS: No affiliation to "California Real Milk" or the "California Happy Cow" contest.