Ronda’s Words!

Published on April 16, 2014 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

Ronda has been working on a beautiful quilt designed by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings, while at Market in Houston last November the quilt was staged in Moda’s booth. Ronda and I trekked over there and took some photos of the quilting by Linda Hrcka of the Quilted Pineapple. We also were able to visit with Lisa and Linda both, as well as Lisa’s charming husband who was manning the booth! I was so enchanted by Lisa’s quilts and Linda’s quilting that when I attended preview night for the main show I made a beeline for the Primitive Gatherings Booth to make a couple of purchases. Log Jam will be made for my brother-in-law, he has a beautiful home in Island Park, ID and this quilt will fit in perfect. And for Cordeeaiybray I will be making Portland Rose. But we must get back to Ronda’s Words!

Ronda calls this quilt her “Words” quilt, it is actually “Words to Live By” and we should all strive to live up to this quilts expectations! I have been watching Ronda chronicle the making of Words on her blog and I knew I was going to have to step up the the plate and hit this one out of the ball park. When she dropped the quilt off we visited The Quilted Pineapple to see what battings were used, wool and bamboo were the soup du jour, Ronda had brought the wool and all I needed to do was add the Bamboo…. easy you would think right? Well I forgot the bamboo until she called to see if I remembered – I had started quilting and it was a bunch of feathers and I really did not want to perform the frog stitch on all of those feathers, Ronda said it was ok. So I quilted some more feathers and then had a skipped stitch and said OK – the quilt wins! I called Ronda to let her know I would be taking the quilting out and adding the bamboo – obviously this quilt would not be happy with out it!

Those stitches go in a lot faster than they come out! Threads were removed and needle holes were carefully steamed and the quilt was reloaded, but only after a VERY thorough clean of the machine and re-thread from scratch with several adjustments to be sure we had no more skipped stitches!

Now I was ready to quilt, stabilizing the quilt first means quilting the borders and any ditch work as well as outline the appliqués. Then the fun could begin. I referred to my photos from market and visited The Quilted Pineapple a lot! Some of Linda’s quilting was outright copied and sometimes I put my own spin on it! I hope you enjoy!

Click on the photo for a larger photo!

Detailed of the medallion — Detail of the medallion

Setting units for medallion and companion blocks

I love love love how this block looks quilted - Thanks QP! — I love love love how this block looks quilted – Thanks QP!

Patience – While quilting this beauty – definitely!

Kindness – I love when the fabric helps with the marking for the quilting!

And with permission from Linda Hrcka a link to The Quilted Pineapple. Her quilting is PHENOMENAL! I hope you will take the time to visit!

Man’s Best Friend 12/09/00 – 4/14/14

Published on April 14, 2014 by hollydeequilts5 Comments

Today we lost our little Belle. She was a sweet little thing, one of 9 pups resulting from a neighbor’s amorous dog that was able to leap a 6′ fence! My husband had had a lot of pets over his lifetime but this was the first one he had from the very beginning of life! She was also named after hubby first Jeep, Annabelle.

She would anxiously wait for him each morning, and would not accept her morning bone until she first received her morning pet! She loved to swim and would swim laps for hours at a time.

Sunday she had to be coaxed out for her breakfast and when she came out she was wobbly and would only walk in circles. She didn’t lift her head for pets, nor did she roll over for tummy rubs. She fell in the pool and had to be rescued. After a call to the emergency vet hubby took her in. (I stayed home to babysit momma dog who was quite upset) They did blood work at the vet, it all came back normal, all vitals were good. They said a ruptured ear might be the problem and to take her to our normal vet on Monday. At home she became less and less responsive. At 3:00 am hubby drove to work to get some things done so he could take her to the vet when they opened at 8:00 am. Our vet said they wanted to keep her for a few hours, they planned to give her an IV and a steroid to see if they could get her responsive. Hubby left her there, came home changed his shirt and headed to work, he had only been gone a short time when he receive the call our little Belle did not make it.

A pile of puppies - she is the black and brown with the white nose. — A pile of puppies – she is the black and brown with the white nose.

I wonder why my plants won't grow? — I wonder why my plants won’t grow?

Not always the angel, she loved to dig after we had fertilize the strawberries. That's what we get for using organic fertilizer! — Not always the angel, she loved to dig after we had fertilize the strawberries. That’s what we get for using organic fertilizer!

It's a man thing! A man and his dog! — It’s a man thing! A man and his dog!

Yes you are cute! — Yes – You are cute! No – You may not have another bone!

No you cannot like the camera! — No you cannot lick the camera!

Too busy asking for attention to pose for a picture. They had just been to the groomer!

Decided to shave her in 2013 - she was less than thrilled at first! — Decided to shave her in 2013 – she was less than thrilled at first! We were surprised by how brown she really is!

Cordeeaiybray – aka Home Sweet Home

Published on March 31, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

They started framing for the foundation last week – woo hoo! Some additional cut and fill was required and now that is done and they have started framing for the foundation. They will bring in some base and then start laying out the in-slab plumbing and electrical. We should have a concrete pour in the next 3 weeks.

Sweet hubby had sent a few photos of the framing but seeing is believing….. this is so exciting! Also in the excitement is our neighbors directly across the street are getting ready to map out where they will place their home – they decided they needed to go at Sunrise on Saturday to see where they might build – to quote Lilly “We went out to see the sunrise see what angle we may want to put the house and realized it is beautiful at any angle.” I think Lilly and I have some fun times ahead of us – can’t wait to meet her!

Lilly's photo from sunrise — Lilly’s photo from sunrise – taken from Crockett Lane road – their property to the left – ours to the right.

Here are a couple of photos of our foundation framing……..

The inside of the house, the opening is the garage area and just to the left of that is my quilt from.

The cut in the hill side and a view of the back of our home - the area that juts out is the covered back porch — The cut in the hill side and a view of the back of our home – the area that juts out is the covered back porch

The view from the top of our hill - I love how the trees will be disguising our home. — The view from the top of our hill….

Then we took the scenic route home to Houston –

This field of bluebonnets is just the other side of the subdivision - I did not realize bluebonnets smelled so yummy! — This field of bluebonnets is just the other side of the subdivision – I did not realize bluebonnets smelled so yummy!

A bluebonnet - up close. — A bluebonnet – up close.

What are these bright red flowers? These home owners invited us to "come on in and take photos" We asked if we could come back next week with the grandkids - they said "Happy to Have You!" — What are these bright red flowers? These home owners invited us to “come on in and take photos” We asked if we could come back next week with the grandkids – they said “Happy to Have You!”

Blue Bonnets, Indian Paintbrush and those vibrant red flowers!

Yep - you have to get off the interstate and see life on a country road — Yep – you have to get off the interstate and see life on a country road

Same front yard - different angle — Same front yard – different angle

That hill was gorgeous! And the horses were wandering over to say hi!

Next year I hope to take these photos while I am riding a bicycle through the areas that surround our new home!

Enjoy Spring!

Denise

Two-fer – Today is a Two Posts in One Day Kind of Day!

Published on March 26, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

Getting ready to head out for a wonderful girls weekend of sewing…..

but! – I really wanted to update you all on the HOME! We have broken ground! WooHoo!

Here are a few photos to catch you up!

It's spring in the country - photo taken 3/20 — It’s spring in the country – photo taken 3/20

Love the indian paintbrush. There were bluebonnets too but they still need to grow a little for you to see them.

And of course we visited with the neighbors!

Early January the power company cleared a swath for the power poles to be installed - I will be seeding this area for wildflowers. — Early January the power company cleared a swath for the power poles to be installed – I will be seeding this area for wildflowers.

Then they installed the transformer.... — Then they installed the transformer….

And left the wires - to be hooked up after our electrician installs our meters. Local power company only does 200 amp service and we doubled that! You just never know how many "irons" are going to be in the fire (or plugged in at any one time). — And left the wires – to be hooked up after our electrician installs our meters. Local power company only does 200 amp service and we doubled that! You just never know how many “irons” are going to be in the fire (or plugged in at any one time).

That's a lot of power! — That’s a lot of power!

The panel on the left will be for the house, the panel on the right for the barn, well and other auxiliary buildings

0000000 power used - we are still waiting for this turn over! — 0000000 power used – we are still waiting for this turn over!

This is all the small equipment could do - they brought the big boys out to play on 3/24 — This is all the small equipment could do – they brought the big boys out to play on 3/24

3/24 update from builder Lot is cut! Trees are down! Surveyors and Foundation Crews to be onsite 3/25! — 3/24 update from builder
Lot is cut!
Trees are down!
Surveyors and Foundation Crews to be onsite 3/25!

This little neighbor is still not quite sure about us!

Oh my gosh this is getting so exciting!

Denise

Spring, Spring, Spring!

Published on March 26, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

I love spring! And yes, even here in SE Texas we have spring. This year we actually had a winter too – boy was that a long day! I am so looking forward to complaining about the summer heat!

We have had a lot more “grey” days than we are used to – how do folks in the NW handle it? I need my vitamin Sunshine!

I stepped outside this morning because I could hear equipment in the neighborhood, 7:00 am is a little early for that here. Well they are completing the last manhole for the new sewers they have been installing for the last several months. A new road is next – woo hoo.

Oh yes, I digressed, I stepped outside and Spring was there to greet me – at first I was just going to take a quick iPhone photo to text a picture of the grapefruit tree to my wonderful hubby – then the smell of Jasmine caught my attention – had to take a photo so then I toured the yard and I thought I would share with you. Once again – these are quick iPhone photos – no editing.

As the last bloom fades from my moms Christmas Cactus (yes it has been blooming since before Christmas)..... — As the last bloom fades from my moms Christmas Cactus (yes it has been blooming since before Christmas)…..

The finicky grapefruit - seems to only bloom every other year since hurricane Ike. — The finicky grapefruit – seems to only bloom every other year since hurricane Ike.

Most of my azaleas have died out - but this one will be gorgeous in the next few days — Most of my azaleas have died out – but this one will be gorgeous in the next few days

And this little guy survived winter just fine!

My artichokes have at least quadrupled in size.

The tomatoes are in the ground - that was hubby's Saturday project! — The tomatoes are in the ground – that was hubby’s Saturday project!

Be sure to get out and enjoy spring – it doesn’t last very long around here!

Here’s to a bountiful harvest!

Denise

Jamestown – Stonehenge Style!

Published on March 4, 2014 by hollydeequilts1 Comment

One of our local quilt shops did Stonehenge Meets Jamestown as their Saturday Sampler this past year. Now those quilts are starting to roll across my long arm frame. Sandy and Sheryl each made the brighter version of this quilt. They called me last fall to secure quilting spots for February of this year. Then they frantically worked to complete their quilt tops for the reservation dates. This pattern is designed by Patti Carey; to see more of Patti’s designs click here. You can also search for specific patterns once you are in her blog. In fact, one of my own quilts made it to Patti’s blog, see it here, scroll to the bottom once you are in the link!

So back to the quilts – when the girls called for reservations they loved the quilting on the shop samples, I explained that I had not quilted those. But they wanted me to quilt them. I contact Patti Carey, who then put me in contact with her long arm quilter, who happens to be in Canada. Not a lot of help for us down here in TX. I contacted the quilter, Sandra Reed, who was very kind and sent me a photo of the poster of one of the quilts, but had turned the 2 quilts around for Patty very quickly and she did not have photos of the quilting. (And the samples had already been shipped back to Northcott so I was unable to photograph them myself. ) If you would like to see some of Sandra’s work click here. Well, no problems, eventually another call came in for a reservation and this savvy piecer had taken several photos of the quilting.

While this quilting is similar to Sandra’s original quilting, I did feel the need to switch it up a little bit, not much though because her quilting was fabulous!

Here are a few photos I took to share with you. Click on the photo to see a larger version!

Sandy's quilt - 87x108, 35 total blocks — Sandy’s quilt – 87×108, 35 total blocks

Sheryl's quilt is 36 blocks, an extra border (checkerboard) and her other borders a little larger than Sandy's 110x110 — Sheryl’s quilt is 36 blocks, an extra border (checkerboard) and her other borders a little larger than Sandy’s 110×110

Custom free hand quilting in each of the sampler blocks

Custom freehand quilting in the sampler blocks

Little curly sunshine designs as fill in the light half of the log cabins

Hard to see the quilting in the dark side, the outside logs have leaves, and the inside is a swirl with petals

Sheryl used some leftover blocks and fabric to make her backing, cool effect with the quilting

I have at least 2 more of these quilts coming up this year on the reservation list! I know at least one of them is done in earth tones and it is scrumptious!

Thanks for viewing! Please leave comments!

Seeking Spring in Wells, NV

Published on February 26, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

Last August as we strolled through Vail, CO I received a call from Wells, NV. For those of you that don’t know this, I was born in NV, just down the road from Wells, NV so when I saw this town pop up on the caller ID I answered. And to my surprise it was a member of the Humminbolt Quilt Guild asking if I would come teach. I said that sounded like fun, when were they thinking? She said February – I said REALLY? It is cold there then! She said, yes, it would be very cold and they would be very tired of the cold by then and a quilting class would be just the ticket to “Beat the Winter Time Blues!” We decided on Total Eclipse for the pattern and in February I found myself headed west on I-80 after flying into SLC, UT.

The members of the Humminbolt Quilt Guild were fabulous and we had a great time! Here are some photos from the workshop!

H spikes - aren't they pretty? — H spikes – aren’t they pretty?

This stitcher was not happy with her colors - I LOVED them! — This stitcher was not happy with her colors – I LOVED them!

Look at those Kaffe's — Look at those Kaffe’s

Heading back to SLC - there is snow in those hills! PeQuop Pass was a little scary! — Heading back to SLC – there is snow in those hills! PeQuop Pass was a little scary!

What workshop would you like me to teach in your area? If you are in the Houston, TX area I will be teaching Total Eclipse with the Coastal Prairie Quilt Guild in April – learn more here.

Stay tuned for more blog posts from this trip!

Denise

An Even Dozen – Quilt Tops that is……

Published on February 1, 2014 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

In January I posted a quiz on my HollyDee Quilts Facebook page – How many of my own Judy Niemeyer Quilts Tops do I have to quilt? The answer was 11 – that was on January 16th. Today is February 1st and I now have an even dozen! I am so excited because I just finished my Captains Wheel Quilt Top, pattern by Judy Niemeyer. (Judy’s Original). (Someday I will count how many other quilt tops I have of my own to quilt!)

I started cutting the fabric on December 16th. (Remember I also am a long arm quilter and we had the holidays in there – I did not sew every day on this project, I just fit a couple of hours in here and there.

The fabric - time to chop it into little pieces..... — The fabric – time to chop it into little pieces…..see the tan and bright yellow in the back? They did not make the cut!

A fantastic rainbow of color – I hope this is as pretty as think it is going to be!

Lots of little pieces – the one in the very front here are the replacements for the tan and bright yellow

I think I am in love!

Look at the magic when you sew those little pieces back together to make a big piece of fabric again!

When you take the time to spin the ends you get rid of that huge bump that makes it very difficult to quilt. And a very pretty pinwheel. Thanks to Ardelle from Canada for teaching me how to do this!

I think I like this one.... — I think I like this quilt!

See the fabric that randomly changes color around the smaller captains wheel block – that is the replacement fabric – much better than tan don’t you agree?

If you have already made this pattern or are currently working on it – you will notice that my corner is different than the pattern. I added a line down the center of the corner so my color wheel would work it’s way around the quilt properly.

Overall photo - something is still missing! — Overall photo – something is still missing!

The original pattern includes a rope that undulates around the quilt between the border and the Captains’ Wheel blocks

The pattern adds a rope and I found a slick way to do this - I am so excited to teach this method! This is not the finished look, I still need to press it back and tack it down. — The beginning of my rope – it is not finished here!

The rope really finishes it off and I love how the colors change as it goes around. I purchased the fabric at Houston International Quilt Festival in November with no particular project in mind – serendipity!

And now the overall with the rope attached - what do you think? — And now the overall with the rope attached – what do you think?

Now for some fun….. The pattern is “Captains Wheel” This is a companion quilt for “Mariners Compass”. Both of these quilts need names – do you have a good idea for a name?

Dear Mom – wish you were here!

Published on January 15, 2014 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

Dear Mom,

You left this world 18 years ago today. It was our first snow of the year and it was a decent snow! Corey was in Montana, Jenni lived in Georgia but was out of that state on business. Phone calls were made, plane reservations were made and cars were loaded up. I met my big brother John for the first time – he and his wife flew in to meet us and say good bye to you. Bill and his bride of many years also came to the services. In your death we have found each other – I know you rest in peace knowing this! We miss you often and wish you could share in our wonderful lives. Since you left the family has multiplied! You have birth to 6 children, your eldest, David left us while you were still here. How hard that must’ve been for you! It was hard for us – I can’t imagine losing a child at any age!

You had a tough life and were not able to watch the middle 3 of your children grow into very fine people. I love these siblings dearly and appreciate them every day! Your leaving has brought all of us together – so for that we are all grateful. Jenni and I are able to enjoy our big brothers and our beautiful sister! The 6 kids you gave life to – gave life to a total of 17 grandchildren. I love every one of these nieces and nephews and have met all but one! I am privileged to be invited to and attend their weddings. They include me in the day to day happenings of their families. I love being an aunt! 18 years ago when you left us the internet was just coming on the scene in homes – you would’ve loved it! To be able to watch these young adults and their families grow up is an honor!

Your 17 grandchildren have brought at least 30 great-grandchildren (with another one on the way in August).

Here are a few quick moments in our lives … I have 1000’s of photos and they all make me smile!

Lorna’s Legacy!

Me and Jenni – just a short time ago! Once upon a time in a land far far away!

Christmas 1999 we all got together! A first but not a last!

Bill and a new grandson - Penny's youngest! — Bill and a new grandson – Penny’s youngest!

A couple more of Bill's beautiful grandchildren. When they were little! — A couple more of Bill’s beautiful grandchildren. When they were little!

Remember the infant you witnessed taking his first breath? He was married almost 10 years ago, he is also a father - which means I am a grandma! — Remember the infant you witnessed taking his first breath? He was married almost 10 years ago, he is also a father – which means I am a grandma!

Aunt Dee and Jenni's 2nd grandchild. — Family time during Andy’s wedding! Aunt Dee and Jenni’s 2nd grandchild.

Uncle John meets Jenni's first grandchild! — In Houston for Andy’s wedding. Uncle John meets Jenni’s first grandchild!

Jenni - we were finishing the wedding quilt for Andy! — Jenni – we were finishing the wedding quilt for Andy!

David's kiddos - Jason and Betty celebrating Jason graduating. Along with Jason's daughter. — David’s kiddos – Jason and Betty celebrating Jason graduating. Along with Jason’s daughter. May 2011

The following photos are from Jamaica 2008

2008 Brittney got married in Jamaica - Here are 4 of Lorna's kids with their fabulous spouses! — 2008 Brittney got married in Jamaica – Here are 4 of Lorna’s kids with their fabulous spouses!

Jenni is happy and Phil is the guy that keeps her happy!

Jenni and Brittney (before selfies - you had to have someone take your picture!) — Jenni and Brittney (before selfies – you had to have someone take your picture!)

Jenni's 3 youngest (I am going to pay for posting this!) — Jenni’s 3 youngest (I am going to pay for posting this!)

Jenni and the brothers. Corey in the front - you remember his sense of humor don't you?! — Jenni and the brothers. Corey in the front – you remember his sense of humor don’t you?!

Kylene’s Wedding – October 2011

John's daughter with her niece (one of John's grandkids!) — John’s daughter with her niece (one of John’s grandkids!)

Bill being a granddad - nothing better than a sleeping grandchild to snuggle with! — Bill being a granddad – nothing better than a sleeping grandchild to snuggle with!

Bill's daughter and her son! — Bill’s daughter and her son!

John's granddaughter steals the show at Auntie's wedding! — John’s granddaughter steals the show at Auntie’s wedding!

John's oldest - with his 2 girls (and now he has a son!) — John’s oldest – with his 2 girls (and now he has a son!)

Missing Jenni - she was grounded from flying :( — Missing Jenni – she was grounded from flying 🙁

Various photos…….

This little guy was born on Christmas day a couple of years ago - doesn't he look just like his momma! — This little guy was born on Christmas day a couple of years ago – doesn’t he look just like his momma!

Jenni's and my grandkiddos go eye to eye! — Jenni’s and my grandkiddos go eye to eye!

Our little one made it to 10 years old and boy did we celebrate!

This one may be the younger sister but she is the bigger sister in all the ways she helps her little-big sister!

Jenni's oldest grandchild is an amazing inspiration to us all. Here she and her younger brother play together. — Jenni’s oldest grandchild is an amazing inspiration to us all. Here she and her younger brother play together.

These are a few of your goofy grandkids celebrating at Camp DeeDee in 2012 — These are a few of your goofy great-grandkids celebrating at Camp DeeDee in 2012

One of Jenni's grandchildren - he was just accepted to Georgia's Target program for gifted children. This photo he is in a mock shuttle at NASA. Maybe he will be an astronaut! — One of Jenni’s grandchildren – he was just accepted to Georgia’s Target program for gifted children. This photo he is in a mock shuttle at NASA. Maybe he will be an astronaut!

Brittney with my first grandchild! — My first niece (that I knew!) and my first grandchild! in 2007

I turned 50 this year - I remember your 50th birthday - I was 9 and planned a party for your half century! — I turned 50 this year – I remember your 50th birthday – I was 9 and planned a party for your half century! (too bad this is a horrible photo of Corey – but the rest of us look pretty good!)

My first blog post was a letter written to my son from my mom – to visit click here.

Missing you Mom! But I know you are never far…..

Dee

PS – thanks for queuing the parade at Disney World to start just as we entered the Magic Kingdom! I so wish you had been there (but you were!)

Melting Glaciers…..

Published on January 13, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

Ahhhh – this beautiful “Glacier Star” (pattern by Judy Niemeyer) is done and will soon be on it’s way home!

Susie’s colors are just fabulous in this quilt. Susie always does such nice work, it is a true pleasure to quilt her quilts! To see the detail be sure to click on each photo to expand it.

And what is next on the frame? Susie's Glacier Star! — Before quilting….stunning!

The back of the quilt - there really is quilting in those larger areas, the thread is red so you can't really see it here. — The back of the quilt – there really is quilting in those larger areas, the thread is red so you can’t really see it here.

Close up of the center - small formal feathers in the center star. — Close up of the center – small formal feathers in the center star.

Expanded view of the center, showing the geese on the pond units

The feathered star units, new york beauty units and circling geese. (192 geese circling the perimeter)

Are you a quilt maker? What are you working on today?

Make this Monday memorable!

Denise