Happy Valentine's Day!

Does Valentine's Day sneak up on you? It does me. Wasn't it just Christmas? But, this time I'm ready. Using the same technique I used for some Christmas candle mats, I made some Valentine's mats. They'll go to my grandbabes with a cute heart container full of  chocolates, of course.

Valentine's is the perfect season to bring out one of my favorite wall hangings. And I've been wanting to make a runner that would compliment it's vibrant colors. Using a very simple design, I made a runner that works perfectly.

Have a great day!

Table Talk

It's February already! The year is well under way and I'm just catching up with Christmas. Every year this happens. The celebrations are over and I've undecorated but there are still some ufo's left on the cutting table. So, January sees me catching up.

This time I had a table runner and several table mats ready to go...but not done. 

 I used Lynn Brown's technique with 5-inch squares to make this cute table runner.

 And I used my friend Robin's idea for a few of these candle mats. They'll make nice gifts next year :-)

And, next year, my grandchildren will have their popcorn and cocoa on these mats. Thanks for the idea Sarah.

These were supposed to be done last Christmas. But, they'll all be great next year.

Have a great day!

Happy New Year!

I love the turn of the year. I always feel like the new year is a new opportunity. In school I felt that way about September. Even while my kids were in school I had that feeling. But, that time has passed for me. And, I used to feel that way about a new week but, since retiring, I've lost track of Mondays :-) So, for me, the new year is the big deal. A time to take a fresh look forward.

It's also good to take a little look back at the past year. It's good to see what we've actually accomplished on our "list" and leave the other stuff behind. So, looking at my goals for 2011, I have some successes to celebrate.

1. I joined Weight Watchers early in the year...dropped out. Later, I started the South Beach plan and have lost 46 pounds in 23 weeks!

2. Excercise? Not so much.

3. Volunteer work? Not so much. (Unless you count grandbabe time.)

4. Charity quilt group? Yep, joined and made about 6 quilts for a local church group.

5. Unfinished 2010 Christmas gifts? Done!

6. Photo album for 2010 motor home journey? Done!

7. Guild UFO challenge? Well, 2 out of 5...not too bad.

8. Use more, buy less? Less than what? :-)

9. Complete at least four "kitted" projects? I think about 6.

10. Reduce general stash for charity quilts? Made about 20 various charity quilts and blankets, reducing some stash.

11, Historical photo album for kids? Nope.

12. Clean out each room in my house? Didn't get past the guest room...then filled it up with the brand new

grandbabe's stuff :-)

As for my annual list of quilting projects and ideas...didn't do too badly. Of course there are always a few that were "camera shy" and get away before I can snap a photo.

Wishing each of you a year full of Love, Health and Joy.

 And, of course, lots of quilting fun!

Pat

Finished Just In Time

Well, it's been awhile since I wrote anything on my blog. I pray you all had a wonderful Christmas and look forward to a brand new year.

Way back in October, our guild, Quilters By The Sea, had our every-other-year quilt show. I had been working on my Atomic Blooms quilt, hoping to finish it in time. I did...just. However, it's been renamed "Oh Fudge" for a little accident that happened along the way. It's a quilt I blogged about as it progressed so I thought I'd share a few photos of the finished product.

Yep, that's a fly :-) didn't see him when he landed. He's gone now.

Our quilt show was great. So many talented quilters sharing their wonderful work. It was an honor to be part of this group. This quilt was challenging in many ways and time consuming from planning to beading. But, like so often happens, once I stepped back and saw the finished project...so worth it. I love it.

I was very honored to win a ribbon for "Oh Fudge" in our viewers' choice judging event. Three other quilts that I entered also won ribbons. I truly did not expect that to happen with such a great showing from all our members. I feel very flattered.

"Coloring Book Ornaments", a wall hanging, won a ribbon in the applique category.

"Starlit Diamonds", a larger wall hanging, won a ribbon for it's piecing.

And "Maui Sunrise" won a ribbon for the quilting.

Ending this year on such a positive note motivates me to keep challenging myself . I love making quilts for friends and family. It also brings me joy to donate quilts to charity. And, in 2012, I want to continue trying new techniques and improving my skills while enjoying a pastime that I love. 

Have a great day!

Pat

Let The Season Begin!

Yep, believe it or not, October is here. And the holidays are just around the corner. 

To kick off the season, I made this Halloween table runner from a cute Trick Or Treat panel. Grandson Bram says it will be "perfect" for their living room table.

Let's all enjoy the season...starting right now, today!

Pat