hollydeequilts

Where were you?

Published on September 11, 2014 by hollydeequilts4 Comments

The question of the day seems to be where were you 13 years ago – September 11, 2001?

It was a Tuesday and here in Texas it was a beautiful day.

I had just spent a fabulous weekend with my quilting friends in Round Top, TX at our annual Fall Retreat and my beautiful niece had even flown in from SLC to spend the weekend enjoying the hill country and sewing.

I was working as the service manager for Marine Max in Seabrook, TX. I had driven over to our accounting office on the other side of the lake and as I left to return back to my office I called my sister in Atlanta, GA to see how she was doing. She had been ill that weekend. Her husband, Phil, answered the phone and he sounded a little strange, he was watching the news and said a plane had just crashed into a building in NYC, at that time we thought it might have been a small plane – while we were on the phone and he was watching the news he said he couldn’t believe it another plane had just hit another building. We were both in total disbelief, one plane is most certainly an accident, a second plane could only mean evil was among us. We hung up and as I tried to find information on the radio I began to cry. I called my husband who had not heard yet and we knew our lives would be forever affected. When I returned to the office I don’t recall if they knew yet or not, but we scrambled for a radio or TV. Then I headed home and we pulled the TV out of my quilting room and took it back to work so the news could be on.

I called my team together and told them if anyone felt they wanted to go home to their loved ones they should. I myself would be staying as I did not want to go home to an empty house. The majority of our team stayed and we tried to go about our work.

My thoughts went to my son, who was living in Utah, I was wishing my baby, who was 22 at the time, was with me (or I with him!). Momma’s need to know their chickens are safe!

I never take the sound of an airplane overhead for granted – I LOVE that sound. I recall when our airlines were given permission to fly again and we would meet outside the building to watch them fly over and embrace that sound. I must say I am not fond of all the hoops we jump through when we fly – but if they prevent this from happening again then it is ok. I just build a little extra time in for security and I remember why we stand in those security lines.

I am going to share another momma’s take on 9-11, she had very young sons in 2001 and here is what she did – so they will never forget.

This post is from my Facebook page – HollyDee Quilts

HollyDee Quilts

March 3, 2011 ·

How will your children remember 9/11 – We Remember

In 2010 I was contacted by someone to see if I could quilt 3 quilts for her. She lives over 50 miles away but she wanted to come show me the quilts and talk to me about them. We had a consultation and I gave her my ideas for quilting them and a quote to quilt all 3. She took them back home to piece the backings together and decide on some quilting options I have given her. The 3 quilts are almost identical, 1 is for her, and 1 each for her 2 sons, 11 and 14. She brought the quilts back to me and I put them in the schedule for January.

These quilts were quite large 102×102 and like I said very similar. I knew once I started quilting them I would be challenged to keep working on them because I enjoy variety! I quilted the boys quilts back to back but had to wait to get more batting for mom’s quilt. During this time she called to ask if I could quilt the boys names into their quilts. I explained that these quilts were completed, but I offered to create machine embroidered labels for her quilts.

She sent me an email with correct spelling and the information she wanted on the quilts.

In Memory of 9/11/2001
Made for XXXXXX
2002-2011
Love, Mom

And then these quilts took on new meaning for me. Her sons were very very young on that day in our history and she wanted them to always remember and this was her way to honor that horrific event in our history. I was touched to be part of her gift to her sons.

Here are the pictures

I honor that day by trying to serve in the community more actively. At the end of 2001 we began hosting a sibling group from a Group Foster home in our area – I love those kids and I am blessed to have them in our lives.

I quilt many donation quilts for organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Special Olympics, Rainbow Girls, Special Needs Students at Friendswood High School etc.

Most importantly I try not to take life for granted. I enjoy my family and friends. I make the extra effort to be a positive force in my grandchildren’s lives.

Where were you?

How do you honor those that were taken from us before their time? And those that are still fighting for our freedoms!

I am honored and blessed to do what I do and be able to share it with the world!

Thank YOU for taking the time to share!

Denise

Oh No – Not Another House Post!

Published on September 10, 2014 by hollydeequilts1 Comment

These seem to be my least popular posts – so I apologize in advance for boring you yet again! There are a few of you out there that do enjoy them, so for you, I will keep on posting. For the rest of you – you can help me picture in my mind all these fabulous walls and surfaces with QUILTS on them!

Enjoy the update!

This sunrise is from back in March - in no time at all I will be able to walk to the end of the drive each morning and enjoy this view! — This sunrise is from back in March – in no time at all I will be able to walk to the end of the drive each morning and enjoy this view!

This country road leads to sunrise hill (as I am now going to call it!) I am standing near David and Lilli's driveway looking east, our home is on the right. — This country road leads to sunrise hill (as I am now going to call it!) I am standing near David and Lilli’s driveway looking east, our home is on the right.

This past weekend we cruised the neighborhood and found the neighbor directly behind us is staking out the corners for their new home site. A couple of roads over we also met Mr. Fletcher, he and his wife hope to break ground in the next few weeks.

David and Lilli's new house is coming along nicely. I am so so so excited for them! It is so much fun to watch the dream of others come to be! We are blessed to have them as neighbors! — David and Lilli’s new house is coming along nicely. I am so so so excited for them! It is so much fun to watch the dream of others come to be! We are blessed to have them as neighbors!

A little bit of update on our home…..

One friend asked Corey when will he quit calling it “the property” I told him to tell Mark – “when we can flush!”

We met with the builder and the flatwork supervisor yesterday and mapped out the driveway – Brian the concrete supervisor had some great ideas and I am really excited about what he has suggested! The framing should be in place when we head out this weekend and so we can see the footprint before it is poured on Monday!

One of the favorite features of our new home is the beautiful Austin stone and we incorporated this into our porches on the columns….

Our mason's do fabulous work - but these little guys just needed something a little bit more. A call to our builder resulted in..... — Our mason’s do fabulous work – but these little guys just needed something a little bit more. A call to our builder resulted in…..

This - I love the cut stone caps! Yes, our masons ROCK! — This – I love the cut stone caps! Yes, our masons ROCK!

We also love the cedar accents on the porch columns/ceilings and will soon see…..

Hopefully when we head out this weekend this ceiling will have..... — This ceiling covered with……

This beautiful stained cedar for its new adornment! — these beautiful cedar planks

Neither one of us take “baths” – we prefer showers, so we found a bathtub that will look great! Even if we don’t use it!

I picture a beautiful fern in this tub - what about you? — I picture a beautiful fern in this tub – what about you? (PS – the sheetrock behind the tub has now been repaired and is waiting for touch-up paint! I will post a new photo when the fixtures are in place!

And a photo of the man of my dreams and the man that I choose everyday to build my dreams with! He is amazing and a hard worker and I love him to the moon and back!

Find your passion and your dream and follow it!

Dee

Today – I made ART!

Published on September 8, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

Usually I make quilts! When I finished this one my first thought was “I made art today!” Even hubby said “WOW!”

I purchased the fabrics in April of this year at The Quilted Skein in LaGrange, TX. I had not even opened the pattern before we got there and I started pulling fabrics. Then I had to do a quick read to see what my fabric requirements would be as I was not following the same placement as the cover photo. Fabric pulled and acquired in less than 45 minutes.

I didn’t get started on this project right away as I was working on some market samples for Island Batik and Quiltworx as well as many other projects that were not all sewing related.

After I completed the pieced leaves, the gold and purple ones – I said “Oh Oh it is quite LSU!” Nothing wrong with that, just not what I was going for.

Enough pieced here to lay it out to get a feel for what it will look like.

Then I started adding my other fabrics and it just came to life!

Got to lay out a few more pieces while I was with the Golden Needles Quilt Guild

I am sure it will be a little bright for some of you – but that is the fun about ART – it is in the eye of the beholder!

Pattern information Fire Island Hosta by Judy Niemeyer Quilting!

Wall Quilt - 74"x74" — Wall Quilt – 74″x74″

Queen Size - I am planning a FART for this one! Fabric Acquisition Road Trip! — Queen Size – I am planning a FART for this one! Fabric Acquisition Road Trip!

If you would like to make this quilt – you can join me in Wimberley, TX January 29-February 1st. I am hosting a retreat and this is the selected pattern. There is also a queen size option. Click here for more details. The food is fabulous, thanks to our wonderful cook, Ronda! The Quilt Ranch is fabulous and the setting is in the hill country of TX and is just beautiful. All we need is you to make it perfect!

Go be creative and make the world a beautiful place!

Denise

The Woodlands Area Quilt Guild

Published on September 5, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

This week I was headed north of Houston again. This time to visit with the talented quilters of The Woodlands Area Quilt Guild. If you live in Montgomery County you have access to some really nice community centers – non-profits can make their reservations each year and there is no charge. The guild meeting was held in a very nice facility that encouraged visiting with your fellow guild members.

The meeting in process - this is a very busy guild with lots going on. There is something for everyone! — The meeting in process – this is a very busy guild with lots going on. There is something for everyone!

The guild had a fabulous Show and Tell – here are a few that I could photos of. I was at the back of the room so getting full frame was not an option.

Show and tell - this piecer was "gifted" more than a few tiny triangles from Nancy - she brought this beautiful quilt to show the guild and Nancy what she made with those tiny triangles — Show and tell – this piecer was “gifted” more than a few tiny triangles from Nancy – she brought this beautiful quilt to show the guild and Nancy what she made with those tiny triangles

I believe this is a pattern by Kaffe Fasset but this piecer used her autumn fabrics from her stash. Yes here in SE Texas we are all hoping to see Autumn!

This group has been working for a while on these quilts. Encouraging each other through the process. There are 8 members making this quilt, 6 of the quilts were shown

Then it was time for my lecture – an added bonus is their Scholarship Quilt this year is a Judy Niemeyer pattern – Cabin Fever so I added details about this quilt to my lecture.

The Guild's Scholarship Quilt - Cabin Fever — The Guild’s Scholarship Quilt – Cabin Fever

Our workshop was held in a smaller community center on the other side of I-45 with more than enough tables and reasonably comfortable chairs. We had plenty of space for our 18 workshop attendees.

The guild had chosen Winter Wonderland Table Runner for their workshop and everyone was very productive. A few mistakes were made but these became learning opportunities for the group and look at our fabulous compilation Snowflake!

These are our A2 units waiting to be paired with their A1 units to make snowflakes.

Ruth, a first paper-piecer completed her wedge. I think she was surprised she could do it!

A compilation of a few of the completed units!

Next week you will find me in Stafford, TX at the Coastal Prairie Quilt Show. I will have a booth setup featuring patterns by Judy Niemeyer and Cindi McCracken. I will have many quilts in my booth to inspire you – even a couple from Cynthia England’s new book!

Do what you love and love what you do!

Denise

A Well Kept Secret – Galveston Children’s Museum

Published on September 2, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

A friend of mine was telling me a new place they took their grandchildren. In July of 2014 the Galveston Children’s Museum opened to the public. It is in the basement of the Moody Mansion and I must say it exceeded my expectations.

It is small, but very well organized. There are plenty of aproned helpers to be sure the little museum visitors stay safe. Local businesses funded many of the activities and they are designed to inspire creative play.

There is an Art Room, where children can make projects from a variety of items. They can also take their projects home with them.

The art room - the floor are painted with children's hand prints. I love the windows that show the beautiful landscaping outside. — The art room – the floor are painted with children’s hand prints. I love the windows that show the beautiful landscaping outside.

There is an outdoors area with areas to play with sand as well as well as water activities.

This wall and arbor is perfect for photos - my daughter-in-law took these photos! — This wall and arbor is perfect for photos – my daughter-in-law took these photos!

A pretend cafe area where the children are serving up “pizzas, burgers and salads”. There is a also a cash register and children take turns ringing up their customers.

A performance room with a variety of costumes and you can make your own puppet.

The toddler room has a variety of educational toys. A favorite for kids of all ages is the kinetic sand play area.

There is even a workshop where the children can saw, drill, hammer and build all kinds of fun things.

I taught her to use needle-nose pliers to hold her nail - so I didn't have to hold the nail! — I taught her to use needle-nose pliers to hold her nail – so I didn’t have to hold the nail!

UTMB plays an important role on the Island and community outreach at the museum is fun learning experience.

UTMB has sponsored a "doctors" room, with kid-size lab coats and this really cool interactive X-ray that shows how your bones move when you move. — UTMB has sponsored a “doctors” room, with kid-size lab coats and this really cool interactive X-ray that shows how your bones move when you move.

Here is a link to their page so you can learn more. http://www.galvestoncm.org

So when you are looking for an inexpensive activity that includes air conditioning keep this one in mind. We took a lunch break at one of my favorite haunts – Mosquito Cafe!

Denise

Quilting Inspiration

Published on August 30, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

I know I already posted about my visit with the Golden Needles Quilt Guild in Conroe, TX, but there are a few quilt photos that I did not share that I really should. I tried to capture the quilting designs they used, I hope you can see it.

Lou Ann's Summer Solstice - it won a ribbon at their show last year! — Lou Ann’s Summer Solstice – it won a ribbon at their show last year!

Close-up of Valerie's Desert Sky - I hope you can see the quilting. — Close-up of Valerie’s Desert Sky – I hope you can see the quilting.

Valerie's Bali Wedding Star - it was GORGEOUS! — Valerie’s Bali Wedding Star – it was GORGEOUS!

A close-up of some of Valerie's Quilting — A close-up of some of Valerie’s Quilting

I also wanted to wish their Guild a Happy Birthday! They get to celebrate it twice because their efficient hospitality hostess panicked in August because she thought she forgot the cake and ordered it at the last minute, then after getting to guild meeting realized their Birthday month is September – so if you are looking for something sweet in September stop by they Golden Needles Quilt Guild for Birthday Cake! 27 years and going strong!

Another idea from their guild I want to share is how they promote their upcoming workshops. Lou Ann you did a great job!

Prior to going to Conroe I hosted Niemeyer Wednesday at Pinwheels and Posies. (Due to my upcoming move we will not have one in September, October or November) Stay tuned for word on an event for December! So keep working on your projects we will be having a giant show and share!

Ann started this Celebration Tree Skirt in a class with me 2 years ago - and then put it away. She finished this wedge in bee and I have since seen a photo of the finished top! Congratulations Anne! — Ann started this Celebration Tree Skirt in a class with me 2 years ago – and then put it away. She finished this wedge in bee and I have since seen a photo of the finished top! Congratulations Anne!

Sharon's Captain's Wheel from the Retreat, she joined us at Bee to keep on sewing. And Sara's done in all neutrals from her stash! Just read a report on the Quiltworx Support board that Sara is loving her quilt! — Sharon’s Captain’s Wheel from the Retreat, she joined us at Bee to keep on sewing. And Sara’s done in all neutrals from her stash! Just read a report on the Quiltworx Support board that Sara is loving her quilt!

Carolyn attended my workshop with the Bay Area Quilters Guild in June. She brought her finished top in to share. (She also worked on her Captains Wheel from class!)

I hope you are inspired! I am on my way to teach the Judy Niemeyer Wedding Ring Quilts – make it a great weekend and be inspiring to those around you!

Denise

Golden Needles Quilt Guild

Published on August 28, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

Last week I gave my trunk show and taught 2 days of classes for the Golden Needles Quilt Guild in Conroe, TX. This was my 3rd visit to their guild and I am always delighted to visit with them. I live south of Houston and Conroe is north of Houston. Houston is a very large city so I make it an overnight event when visiting the Golden Needlers! This year my hostess was LouAnn and she took very good care of me.

She and her husband had just moved into this home in the spring. The selling factor for LouAnn was the studio – and I have to agree with her – it is FABULOUS!

The workshop they chose was Cactus Flower Table Runner, normally a 1 day workshop. I must say by the 2nd day they were off and running on their own. I helped pull papers so they could do more curved piecing! I am scheduled to teach this workshop one more time this year at the Baytown Area Quilt Guild, Tuesday, October 7.

By lunch on day one most students had 4 M units done. Here is a compilation from a few of the students.

And a compilation of the CS units pieced with the M units

And 4 of Ginger's blocks. Hoping for fall should be the title for this one as it was 100 degrees outside! — And 4 of Ginger’s blocks. Hoping for fall should be the title for this one as it was 100 degrees outside!

When we drove up to the venue for the workshop I was a little surprised.

But one step inside and it was a very happy place!

With a kitchen and Shipley's donut holes! — With a kitchen and Shipley’s donut holes!

Be sure to stop by the Coastal Prairie Quilt show, Stafford, TX on September 12 &13. I will have a vendor booth there, but most importantly are all of the beautiful quilts that will be there.

Want me to come visit your guild? Send me a note.

Now to sew!

Denise

It’s A Live – WEBSITE!

Published on August 27, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

YIKES!!! I have entered the next step in my wee little business – I have a REAL LIVE WEBSITE! Where you can buy stuff and track my happenings! This is just too cool! Many, many thanks to Sharon Dinsmore of SewFunComputing for all of her hard work! Especially when she was trying to teach me something new! It is hard to believe that I did software support for 8 years!

Anyway – as you navigate the site you should notice that we are able to incorporate the blog and the website to work together nicely. I had to learn some new stuff on WordPress too! Then when you click on the “Retreats” tab you will see a new flyer – well I had to learn a lot about photos to get that to look decent and not all pixelly. (Do you like that word? I just made it up!)

Sharon had sent me some screen shots for the blog but I think I will just let you take a trip to the website to see all the cool stuff she has done.

I would also like to thank Nancy for letting us stage quilts at her home for some of the photography and some of my students for willing participating in having photos taken – you will see more of those in the future!

Just in case you don’t want to click on one of the buttons above, you can click on this link to hollydquilts.com.

I am just so excited! (I know I am being a nerd again!)

Thanks to all of you for your support!

Denise

Mighty Muscles Camp!

Published on August 21, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

A couple of weeks ago the grands and I headed to San Antonio for Mighty Muscles Camp. My 2 grands were joined by a set of triplets and another grand for a total of 6 happy campers! Mighty Muscles is a day camp and we would drop the kids off at 9:00 am (I must say that first morning was a little hard for me; my daughter-in-law had entrusted their care to me and what if something happened?) and we would pick them up at 3:00. Each day for 4 days they had a variety of activities that they did, including but not limited to, swimming, karate, dance, climbing a rock wall, tennis, arts and crafts. When we would arrive to pick them, they were exhausted. Somehow on the air-conditioned drive home they would gain a second wind. Good thing we had lots of fun stuff for them to do in the off-camp hours.

My friends hosted all 6 children and 3 additional grandparents for a total of 5 adults. This kids took over the quilt room.

A soccer tent provided a great indoor camping experience for the girls

And the boys had a small tent that we also set up indoors.

Swimming of course was a major activity (grandma’s know this will wear them out!)

We dropped them off the first day and they figured out how it all worked…..

Some of our evening activities included tie-dye, decorating cupcakes, making a snow globe and scrap booking……

Snow Globes – did you know a LITTLE bit of glitter goes a LONG WAY!

One of the kiddos favorite activities was ‘smores. One of my least favorites – we are giving children long poky devices with hot marshmallows on the end!

We attempted Crayon Art!

A few photos from camp….

Waiting to perform "Who Let the Dogs Out" This is one tired puppy! — Waiting to perform “Who Let the Dogs Out” This is one tired puppy!

A great dance for boys - it included basketballs — A great dance for boys – it included basketballs

And just a few with the grands!

Thank you to all the grandmas that hosted our gang. My grandkids are still talking about how much fun they had and they can’t wait for next year!

Dee

Happy Birthday Mr. B

Published on August 20, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

Today is Mr. B’s Birthday. There are a few funny stories about Mr. B that I think I will share here.

On the day he was scheduled to arrive I had kept his much older sister (by 1 year 3 weeks) and the next morning we headed to the hospital to meet the new family member. I sat down with my new little grandson in my lap and along came Little Toot and proceeded to push him off my lap. I had to ask for help so he would not be flung to the floor. She was quite determined!

The next day I had gone over to spruce up my daughter-in-law’s house as she had been on bed rest for the last few weeks of her pregnancy and I wanted her to come home to a nice clean house. I left just before 5:00 pm and headed to dinner with my hubby. While at dinner I had a missed phone call from my son, I figured it was Kat calling to thank me for cleaning the house. Before I could return her call they were ringing my husband’s cell looking for me. Apparently right after I left the power company had come by their home and disconnected their power for an “Unpaid” bill. My son had actually talked to them the day before, my daughter-in-law had been trying to get it straightened out for over 2 weeks. She had proof of payments but there was still a past due balance. Come to find out, the payments had been applied to their “old” account, not their new account.

Anyway – Andy, Kat and Mr. B came to spend the night at our house. They could not even get in their home until they borrowed a key from us because their keys were locked in the house and they only had the garage door opener, which would not work without power!

About 3:00 am there is a knock on my bedroom door – it is my daughter-in-law telling me OUR power has now gone out! I might’ve chuckled but I am sure I did it very quietly – because if you have not seen a hormonal just gave birth, unhappy mama, YOU DON’T WANT TO! Well we figured our problem was probably vines that over grow the power lines in our neighborhood and we called our power company. In the meantime, I suggested to my hubby and my son (proud papa) that they should go out to the shed and get the generator so we can run the small a/c unit. They both kind of snorted at me and I explained that was their choice, but they could tell the women in the bathroom who was crying hysterically – they both got up and headed to the shed to get the generator! Remember NEVER mess with a hormonal just gave birth, unhappy mama! Well – the generator would not start, hubby had replaced a part the previous year and something got put on incorrectly, BUT, we did not know that until our power was restored and he could see what he was doing. Remember this is between 3:00 am and 5:00 am. Luckily about 5:00 am we heard the power trucks and we had power shortly thereafter.

Except for their 1st Bday’s the kids have a combined birthday party. They do something with family on their actual birthdays, but the party is a combo – and for the past 3 years they have rented a water slide for their backyard and had a GREAT time! It really is the best way to celebrate when it is Houston and over 100!

Here are a few photos of Mr. B over the years and a few of various birthday parties!

It doesn't look too bad, but you should see in his lap! — It doesn’t look too bad, but you should see in his lap!

And DeeDee had made him a special pair of pants (daddy and his friends had pairs just like these when their were adolescents)

Grandpa (my hubby) made this for little man's first bday! It is AMAZING! — Grandpa (my hubby) made this for little man’s first bday! It is AMAZING!

2nd bday party was at the local bounce house - I enjoy the water slide at their house so much more! — 2nd bday party was at the local bounce house – I enjoy the water slide at their house so much more!

Little Toot at the party for turning 3 (bounce house, combined party)

The first year they have the water slide - that is Mr. B! — The first year they have the water slide – that is Mr. B!

And with 2 kids having a bday party the gift giving in quite a site!

Couldn't pick my favorite; so I included both! — Couldn’t pick my favorite; so I included both!

He still plays with this dump truck from his 3rd birthday!

Skipping to this year - she turned 7 — Skipping to this year – she turned 7

I love this bracelet she received - "Dance Like No One is Watching!" — I love this bracelet she received – “Dance Like No One is Watching!”

And it is always nice to have friends to enjoy the fun

Little Toot and this one have been friends since before they were born!

The grown-ups get into the slide too - it is even better when they have a little one to share the fun with! — The grown-ups get into the slide too – it is even better when they have a little one to share the fun with!

Cute Cute Cute - I took several photos of this little cutey! — Cute Cute Cute – I took several photos of this little cutey!

This young man has also been friends with the kiddos for years - Mr. Q is so polite and sweet! — This young man has also been friends with the kiddos for years – Mr. Q is so polite and sweet!

One of the family dogs! TAK loves attention!

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. B!

We love you!

DeeDee and Grandpa!