Poker Quilt

My plan for these fabrics fell through.  DS says, "I like to play poker", when he saw the fabrics.  So, new plan.

Back of Quilt

David with his new quilt.

2013 Charity Finishes

A nursing home quilt finished for my quilt guild.  This one is geared toward the Ladies.

Christmas Stockings finished.  The quilting bee, that I belong to, turned in over a hundred stockings in 2013.

Texas Wildflower Quilt

The Texas Wildflower Quilt top is finished. The last two borders were sewn on at my weekend retreat, at the Red Barn, in February.  It was the beginning of my" I am in love with ORANGE" phase.

 Finished Quilt 66" x 86"

6" Blocks, 2" orange border and 4" Wildflower border.

While visiting the "Needle Nest Quilt Shop" owned by Joyce Godfrey, I expressed my interest in several quilts being displayed.  Joyce gave me the sheet of drawings that the ladies had used for the pattern.  Joyce passed away in 2011, so I am dedicating this quilt to her memory.

Bonnie Hunter at WHQG

  Bonnie Hunter was the guest speaker at the West Houston Quilters' Guild in February.  It was so exciting to finally see and hear her in person.  She spoke on using up your scraps and explained Leaders and Enders.  She brought lots of awesome, scrappy quilts to show us.  I went home with my head full of scrappy quilts to add to my long "to do list".  The good news is, it is possible to make a scrappy quilt while working on your current project.  Instead of using that scrap of fabric to begin and end sewing on and then tossing it, I can use small squares and strips  and end up with a quilt instead.

Her website is www.quiltville.com.  She explains her scrap system and offers loads of free quilt patterns.  You will never look at your scraps the same.  Remember, those scraps are still $10-$12 a yard fabric.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from South Texas.  It is clear, sunny, a little windy and 77 degrees.  This is a little warmer than we have been lately.   My heart goes out to all of you that are buried in ice and snow.  For some of you, this is normal, but so many areas are not prepared for these harsh winter conditions.  I live in an area that wasn't even prepared for the first freeway ice.

Stay warm and safe.  May your day be filled with Warmth and Love and whatever brings you Happiness.

Houston Quilt Festival 2012 - Part 2

I was able to stay at the Hilton during the IQA Show, which is connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center.  Across the walkway, up the elevator and down the long halls can seem like a long painful trip on my tired feet each night, but it sure beats a long drive home.  Not to mention getting up before dawn to travel downtown, in traffic, for any morning classes.

My girlfriend and I had a blast, attending luncheons, classes and lectures.  We saved plenty of time to spend with the Vendors (Oh, Yeah) and the Quilts, of course.

I took a class with Karen Linduska.  www.karenlinduska.blogspot.com  If you have ever wondered what to do with all those decorative stitches on your machine, see her blog and books.  I had so much fun.

The Lobby of the Hilton.  Each piece on the chandelier is hand-blown glass.

 

Quilt Artist/Teacher:  Karen Linduska

Above is some of her art displayed during the class.

 

This is my class project.  I need one more flower and three yo-yo flowers.  I plan to take off the felt circles.  The yo-yos are my way of making it uniquely mine.  This was a quick moving class and it took all of my "Old dog learning new skills" concentration.  We changed threads and stitches at lightening speed.  I was using a very new Baby Lock machine with all the bells and whistles which was wonderful, but all new to me.  Combine unfamiliar with machine and speed, with "Old Dog", and I feel good about finishing everything that we were suppose to, in class.  I look forward to finishing this art quilt and playing with the new skills that I have acquired. 

 

 

I was fortunate enough to attend a Discussion/Questions & Answer Panel with Paula Nadelstern, Jo Packham, Liz Kettle & Kaffe Fassett which was moderated by Lesley Riley. Wow, I was blown away at having all that talent in one room. The wisdom they shared is priceless.

 

left to right:  Paula Nadelstern, Jo Packam, Liz Kettle, Kaffe Fassett, Lesley Riley

I have been a big fan of Lesley Riley for many years.  I fell in love with her art through lalasland, years ago, when she was making and selling fragments.  She was nice enough to take a photo with me after I gushed all over her.

 

 

Houston Quilt Festival 2012 - Part 1

Here I am with a late, late post about my fun at the Houston Quilt Festival 2012.  I know, I know, better late than never.  Where have the last few months gone?  Anywho.

I took ATCs and a Mug Rug to trade at Festival (See Oct. post).  I traded for these cute cards and a fabulous mug rug.  I hope this is a standing tradition.

These are the thirteen ATCs that I traded for.  I am thrilled with the creativity of these ladies.

 

 

 I, also, traded for this Mug Rug by Elaine Poplin.  Love it. 

 

Below are the two postcards that I purchased at the International Quilt Festival's Pet Project to raise funds for Friends for Life, Houston's no-kill shelter.

 

 

Postcard on left was made by Karen Linduska and the one on right was made by Jean Boardsen.  Thanks Jean, I am a turtle lover and that is what I see.  I took a class from Karen and did not realize she made this card until I got home.  More on my class later.

I had to visit the Alzheimer Quilts Booth and I always find some treasures to bring home.  Just look below.

Spider Webs by Jan Stone of Josephville, MO

Memories of Kenneth by Yvonne Webb of Irvine, CA

 

Dragonfly and HST 2 by Clara Lawrence of Elgin, TX