As I awoke the sun was just starting to peek up over the mountain and over Flathead Lake – I started the coffee and headed to the balcony to enjoy the sunrise with my trusty camera in hand. I will set the stage for you, the sky had that little tinge of pink/orange and yellow about it where Mr. Sun would soon be making his appearance. I decided I would try to capture his grand entrance – I hope you enjoy…..
Quilts to follow later!
Good Day and welcome to technically day 3 of our adventure, but really the 2nd day of sewing. I shared sunrise with you yesterday, today I was up before the sun peeked over the mountain and decided to take my quick shower – well up came the sun as I showered so I will share quilts this morning – they will brighten your day almost as much as sunrise! I love the crisp cool mornings, I find them energizing!
So here are a few frames from our progress yesterday!
Yesterday my trusty companion, Peggy from Pinwheels and Posies, and I traveled to Montana. The plane out of Houston was delayed and our connection in SLC was going to be tight. The trusty flight attendants asked all passengers to please let the Kalispell passengers leave the plane first. We were also told our connection was already boarding – so we hoofed it over to concourse E from the far end of concourse C only to find out that they had not started boarding! Well we considered that our exercise for the day – and took the opportunity to purchase a bite to eat for the plane. Then it was time to board our plane. We were at gate E70 which is a portal to many more gates – of course we were gate 23 which was quite a jaunt. But the end of the journey is so worth it. Arrived in Kalispell around 3:45 local time and it was 90 degrees, but NO HUMIDITY – we Houston gals can get used to this in a hurry!
Our gracious host and teacher above all teachers joined us for dinner and gave us a trunk show – here are a few pictures from the trunk show…..
Feathered Star in a new color way – these are all blues and just off white. Quilting by Judy and Del Niemeyer!
Close up of the quilting!
More Quilting – just lovely!
One of the many up and coming wedding ring quilts – I love teaching these classes!
Cactus Rose gets and update – stunning!
Queen size feathered star – I didn’t think I needed to make this one, I’ve made the small one – but oh my oh my – I want to make one now!
An overall picture of the feathered star!
This is the back of one of the more modern wedding ring quilts – love love love it
Weeping Willow – I have my papers all cut out – now just to choose my fabrics and get started!
Judy also shared some of the quilts that are designed by Cyndi McCracken
Design by Cyndi McCracken
And here are a few pictures of the view – I hope you enjoy!
Moon Rise over Flathead Lake
The sun just starting to peak over the mountains…
Peeking up some more!
I had already put my UV lens cover back on the camera so there is a little sun with the big sun – but you get the idea!
Cheers!
Today is my niece’s 5th Wedding Anniversary! Congratulations to Brittney, Peter and little J Man. (PB&J)
Early in the spring a visit to Houston allowed her Houston friends and family to celebrate with a bridal shower.
Previously we had also been able to shop for the dress, I worried that momma would feel left out, but my gracious sister was quite thrilled that this task was one as she knows how particular her eldest can be at times. Luckily this was not one of the times and the bride actually picked the 1st dress!
A destination wedding made it fun for all! An all inclusive package in Jamaica, with a couple of excursions for the ropes course, catamaran and the falls!
One of the most beautiful weddings….
Time flies by – hard to believe it has already been 5 years since this happy beautiful day! Here’s to the next 55 years!
Love Aunt Dee!
As a longarm quilter I have the privilege of working on some really amazing quilts. Many times I was also the teacher for workshop to make the top. Earlier this year I had the pleasure of teaching Barbara from Pflugerville. She had signed up for a workshop I teach on the Bali Wedding Star (pattern by Judy Niemeyer) at Pinwheels and Posies. She had quite a drive so she and her mom decided to make it an adventure and headed out a day early so she could arrive at class bright and early the next day. While Barbara was in class her mom scouted out the local mall and just had a day to herself. Barbara had decided this was the quilt she would make for an upcoming wedding so she had a deadline, she also made her reservation to get on my quilting schedule even though we had just met and she had only seen a couple of examples of my quilting – what faith!
Barbara plugged along on her quilt, 106×106 and we met during the Kerrville Quilt Show over Memorial Weekend for her to hand over her quilt to be quilted. She received her quilt back this week and now I can share a few photos. (On facebook I had commented that I may never do continuous curve again as I had performed this design numerous times on her beautiful arcs!) I love the earthtone colors of the Hoffman Bali Pops she used in her arcs and I think her blue stars are outstanding in this quilt, they really get to shine!
After working on one of these quilts I like to wind down with a quilt that has less intense quilting, I loaded this t-shirt quilt which had a couple of new items for me. First of all most of the t-shirt quilts I quilt have quilting fabric sashings or other designs along with the t-shirts, this one was sewn t-shirt to t-shirt. Next there was no stabilizer used on the back of the t-shirts, meaning if I was not careful I would have some stretching issues. It also had a flannel backing which can be stretchy and this quilt was also quite large, 96″x104″. I did have a couple of small tucks on the very outer edge that will disappear once the quilt is trimmed and bound. I enjoyed quilting this quilt that will go away to college in a few short weeks – the fun part for me was reading all of the various t-shirts, the places this young person has been and all of the various activities they have been a part of – what a wonderful childhood this young adult had, I know the future must also have great things in store for them as well. And I must confess if I ever do make a t-shirt quilt – I might just have to break all the rules and construct it just like this one – when I took it off the frame it was the softest, most cuddly quilt I think I have ever made and it will only get better with each washing!
And then because it was the weekend – I decided to do one of mine – this one will be heading to Salt Lake because I am teaching this class July 30, 31 and August 1st – we will be quilting until we are wilting at Elaine’s Quilt Block – call today to sign up!
Enjoy your day! The weekend is almost here!
Last year I started a summer camp for my grandkids with their cousins that live in another state. This year the cousins were not able to attend so we invited a friend’s kiddos.
Day 1 we used the afternoon to let the kiddos get to know each other ~
then we headed out to a Skeeter’s Game. This was our first visit to this ballpark. We chose the “lawn” because it is near the playground. I was extremely impressed with the ballpark and especially the playground. The staff working the playground were very attentive, if children were not obeying the rules, they were not just told to “stop” they were pulled aside and it was explained why the rule was important. The staff also took the time to show the children how to use the equipment properly. Little Toot was so proud of herself after she did the “ropes” course all by herself! Next time we will be bringing the swimsuits, as the splash pad is pretty awesome also. The lawn seats are right above the bullpen so the kids were able to watch the players warm up as well. Players and coaches are encouraged to give out autographs and the kiddos thought that was pretty cool!
Day 2 involved a little bit of tie dye activities – A big thank you to the older sister of our guests for making all the kids pants to tie-dye! Each kiddo was able to dye a shirt, pants and pillowcase!
Day 3 was just the grands, we headed to “Luling, TX” for the Big Watermelon Thump. Now a smart grandma would’ve checked the weather to know that the heat would be close to unbearable (111). We had fun anyway with lots of cool downs. Little Toot participated in her first watermelon eating contest – I thought I had my record button on, but it wasn’t so I will just have to tell you – it was really fun to watch! Both kids enjoyed the Magic Show and little toot was even chosen as a volunteer! A couple of removable tattoos were added to the children and then we headed to lunch at Blakes! Luling is known far and wide for their BBQ, but we enjoy Blakes!
Day 4 was spent at home, we worked on a painting project but realized it was going to take a while to paint enough popsicle sticks for our project and headed out to ride bikes and swim instead, then we had BBQ chicken, hotdogs and smores!
Days 5 & 6 were enjoyed with the kiddos new friends, we made pizzas, suncatchers, played video games, watched a movie, played “Angry Birds” (not the electronic version) and found a new favorite game for children and adults to play together “Left, Center, Right”. And of course lots and lots of swimming! Oh and we also had some water balloon games and lots of fun with bubbles! Have you ever made bubble snakes with a water bottle and a sock?
We also built a fort! Thanks to our Camp Counselor Samantha for the great walls and roof!
Day 7 we picked up donuts and then got the car inspected while we munched, then off to the carwash! Once we got home the last of the laundry was finished up and momma was there to pick up her kiddos! They had to show her some of their projects and teach her how to play LCR! Another new game we played was the word game “hangman” momma was pretty impressed with how well little toot could play this game!
Momma was also able to play while the kiddos were away, dinner with dad, then celebrating a friends 30th birthday, she also participated in the “Electric Run” and had a girlfriend day that included lunch in Galveston and other fun without kiddos!
A couple of weekends ago a few of us quilters got together for a “quilt camp”. We met at a very dear friends house in Pipe Creek and she and her hubby were wonderful hosts. (Although I will say the latter was scarce most of the time! Can you blame him with 6 wild and wacky quilters on the loose in his home?)
The food was wonderful – Mexican at a local restaurant, take out from Rudy’s BBQ another night, this wonderful salad and casserole. The last night was my friend Holly’s FAMOUS spaghetti, but sadly Marilynn and I had already departed and did not get to enjoy the feast. 🙁
A little bit of sewing did occur….
And just so you can get a feel for how peaceful and relaxing our time was there……
This past Sunday we stopped by the local pick-your-own farm, with the grandchildren. “Fruits and Such Orchard”, find them on facebook for daily updates. Anyway, we stopped by because Renae had posted that she had pre-picked tomatoes for sale. We purchased about 25 lbs. to supplement what we had on our 24 plants so we could have enough to can a nice batch of quarts.
Our wonderful neighbors, the Smith’s, have tutored us through the process, starting with the growing – Ross has the most wonderful tomatoes – they have a double driveway and grow the tomatoes on a strip between the driveways.
So Monday evening I prepared the kitchen for the process. This includes, clearing the counters, sterilizing everything to be used including the counters. This time to sterilize the jars I went with a recommendation in one of my preserving books, it said to place the jars in the dishwasher and fun a full cycle with heated dry, the heated dry will keep your jars hot while you pack them. The timing for this was tricky, we had to wait for the dishwasher to finish before we could begin – I prefer the boiling method of sterilizing and then pour boiling water in your jars to keep them hot while you work with your produce. It is always good to try a technique before you shoot it down as invalid. (Now maybe if I was canning a higher quantity the dishwasher method would have more benefits.)
A couple of years ago Drue invited me over to “help” can some tomatoes. This tutorial probably saved our marriage (just kidding) but their hints were really helpful. First figure out the path the tomato will have to take.
My better half does the first 4 steps
1) cut an X in the bottom of the tomato and core it at this time
2) drop several scored tomatoes in boiling water for about 60 seconds (this loosen the peel)
3) drop these tomatoes in an ice bath to quick cool them
4) peel them and set them aside
Now for my part of the process
5) cut the tomatoes into chunks and place in large bowl
6) using the jar funnel and a ladle scoop tomatoes into a quart jar
7) use the bubble remover to remove the air pockets in the jar and continue to fill until 1/2″ space remains from the top of the jar
8) wipe the jar top clean
9) Using the magnetic lid lifter carry the lid from the 180″ water to the top of the jar, then add sterilized ring and tighten
Then I do clean up while he prepares for the hot bath, which consists of boiling the filled jars for 45 minutes, we had 3 batches of 5 jars (15 total). The last batch was finished just before 11:00 pm. Hubby finds the “jar lifter” a very handy tool when removing the processed jars from their bath.
My husband and I both enjoy working outdoors, producing small amounts of food from our vegetable garden, fruit trees and herb garden. We both enjoy the process of preserving these tasty treasures. While it is no longer necessary for survival, nor can I say we do it to “save” money, there is just something about it that takes us back in time.
Here is Corey’s grandma’s Green’s old stove, it sat outside her home on a back patio away from the house and she spent many summer and fall days preserving their harvest so the family could eat during the winter. This beauty currently resides in our garage laundry room (it took a little bit of clearing so I could share this photo with you). In our new home we are designing a special place to show case her. I think she needs a name – I will have to ponder this….
This past Sunday we helped celebrate the birthday of a very dear friend. She and I met through quilting and she has unknowingly mentored me for the last 16 years.
By the time we met, she had retired from IBM, but retirement did not mean slowing down. A couple of us younger gals like to joke “that we hope to be as young as Jerryann” when we are her age. We actually say this about several of our quilting friends – you are all admired for “aging” gracefully!
She and Bob will have been married 59 years this month – another reason to admire this wonderful lady. I am also blessed to have a sweet and kind man for my husband!
In the years I have known her she has volunteered her time to our local quilt guild, serving on the board several times and can usually be found on one committee or another. She also volunteered at the local middle school to teach the “wave” kids how to make quilts, I enjoyed volunteering to help with this group also. When Jerryann volunteers for something – you know it will get done! As a member of our “Friendship Bee” she has encouraged numerous new quilters to learn new techniques and so much more than just quilting!
Jerryann has taught me a couple of “life” lessons through quilting. 1) Stop and think – can the task at hand be simplified? 2) Share what you know – I recall the first time she asked my advice about something quilting related – WOW – at that moment I think I realized we all can learn from each other – yes there are always going to experts in one field or another – but you can (and should) share your knowledge. 3) Be attentive – regardless of the situation, if you are conversing with Jerryann – you are her priority!
I would also like to thank Jerryann’s family for sharing her big day with all of her friends. Luigi’s was fabulous http://www.luigisrestaurantgalveston.com/galleryofphotos.html
Most Memorable Moment – The owner singing Happy Birthday in Italian ~ Opera Style! to the birthday girl. (there is a video out there, maybe your grandson will post a link for us!)
Here are a few photos of friends and family members. I regret to say I cannot title all of them – as comments are made I will edit the post.
I may have mentioned that I host a longarm bee in our area (Clearlake,TX). We meet at Pinwheels and Posies monthly and usually have about 35 participants. Each month we have new members and it is such a fun bee. We have a few experienced quilters and several newbies. I love to see the newbies take the ideas they see at bee and bring back their show and tells the next month! This month we had a special treat, Kim Norton, from A Busy Bobbin was our speaker. I became familiar with her work through one of my students (who is also one of Kim’s friends and customers).
When I found out Kim had only been longarm quilting for 4 years I just knew she would be an inspiration to our group and SHE IS! Kim has a website at http://www.abusybobbin.com One of Kim’s sons is in the Navy stationed on a medical ship as a Medical Tech. Her other son is in high school. Kim’s husband is retired Navy and now works locally. He is very supportive of Kim’s career choice!
This is Kim – she lives about an hour away from our bee and she agreed to speak at our bee in exchange for a dinner prior to our meeting!
Kim began by telling us a little bit about how she started, she bought her first longarm with the intent of having a business and had her first customer quilt on the frame within days of receiving her machine. She now has 2 Innova machines so she can work leave a “custom” quilt on one frame and churn out other quilts on the other frame.
Kim loves templates and showed us how she uses these to design her quilting. Sometimes she uses them for marking, but usually she guides her longarm around the templates.
How does Kim keep the template from moving and how does she “ditch” around her appliqué?
This quilt belongs to Kim’s mom and it was a block exchange. Some blocks were pieced some were applique. To tie them all together with a common quilting theme she used one of her “Gadget Girl” templates to add and additional frame around each block, then custom quilted each block.
Ok Kim we see HOW you do some of these techniques – but we want to know where do the ideas come from? Kim uses her iphone and ipad to take photos of quilts that inspire her. She keeps these ideas in folders on those devices to refer to later. She also prints ideas and keeps them in a notebook where she can flip through them until “THE” idea jumps out. She also taught us that we all have the same tool for conjuring inspiration – in fact we are born with it.
SAS – STAND AND STARE – she explained her SAS technique is stand and look at the quilt, put hands on hips, cock her head to the right, cock her head to the left, repeat as needed!
Once she has some ideas in her head she uses a reusable auditioning medium to draw the design over the quilt to see if it plays on the quilt as well as it did in her head. She will also sometimes take a photo of the quilt and then using tracing paper audition designs over the photo.
This beautiful quilt was made by Kim’s mom – mom’s applique is beautiful! And Kim really knows how to make it shine. Kim used 2 battings on this quilt, a thin cotton against the lining and wool on top. Kim reminded us that if you are going to do dense quilting in the blocks you MUST quilt those little sashings too – keep your quilting density consistent.
And here is Linda’s Quilt – yes I have included this quilt in previous blogs – but now I get to share some of the secrets behind the quilting!
And of course the question we all wanted to know – how was the scalloping on the border on this quilt accomplished?
And now a little show and share
Then we all put our thinking caps on for “How Would You Quilt This!”
I also brought a quilt top for ideas. No photos because I was talking – but when I started to open it up Kim and Linda started chuckling – Kim had recently completed the quilting on this same quilt for the Peace by Piecing Quilt Guild. She shared how she quilted theirs and then Cindy G came up with some really fun ideas – I think I will be doing a combination of both ideas. But first I must finish this blog and get back to work!
I hope you enjoyed our meeting as much as I did!
Denise
Design by Cyndi McCracken
Design by Cyndi McCracken
Design by Cyndi McCracken