Today I have been practicing feathers on my Longarm! I’m taking thr feather class from Debby Brown online. It is interesting! Not good yet, but getting there if I would practice every day

Red and Black Scrappy Mountain Majesties

the happy recipients

Cheshire cat smiles

 Scrappy Mountain Majesties in Red and Black

two borders

on the longarm at Marriner's Compass Quilt Shop

Hard at work

and of course a label

completed project.

     This is the scrappy mountain majesties quilt in reds and blacks that I made for friends.   They were kind enough to install a handicap shower when my Hubby came home from the hospital after his stroke.   It really has been a Godsend.   Her favorite color is black, so I added red to it. It is very scrappy with all kinds of red and black prints.  Loved doing this.   I love this pattern and have made several.  It is quick and easy, but looks complicated.
       I am working on a small version.  This one used 8 1/2" squares to start.  I am now using 4 1/2" squares.   It is really cute.
     This one was quilted by me.  I rented time on the long arm and am doing all right for now.  Would like to have one so I could get better at it. The label is ala Bonnie Hunter.    I did it the way she does hers.  She suggests your own handwriting, although I make mistakes, I still leave it as is.  I give her credit for the pattern, who made it, who quilted it and who gets it with the date.  This one I added washing directions.

About time!!!

Clue 4 - my sewing (room) space

clues 1-5

first 2 blocks DONE

It's about time I got the clues all done.

I have had a busy winter.  Sometimes out every day for physical therapy and Doctor's visits.

I still have to do all the barn chores, tending to wood fires and all the household chores, too.   It

takes a lot of time to do all of this.  Week-ends are no better.  Always something to take me from

my sewing machine or else too tired to even think about it.   

     I have been working on my hand quilted wedding quilt.   It will be done soon.  FINISH is my 

word for the year.  I probably will be finished when this year is done, Me that is.

I think the colors of these blocks look great.  Was not  sure about the orange and greens, not my 

favorite colors.   I am finding them to my liking.   Looks good against my scrappy Purple Mountain 

Majesties quilt, which is mine to keep and on my bed.   Love it.

I gave my Easy Street to my Granddaughter for her 17th birthday.  She was speechless. Could not

believe   I had given it to her.  She loves it and has it on her bed.   She has a twin bed and has the queen-size quilt folded to fit.

Hubby is doing well.  Gaining every day.  His spirit is better with the gains he is making.   Getting more 

independent all the time.  Praise the Lord!

I have had a busy time since I last posted

My Hubby after his stroke
On September 17, 2013 my Hubby had a stroke.   He was in the hospital and New England Rehab until October 11.
I went to Portland everyday from 6 to 8 hours a day to help with and learn how to take care of him.   I helped with therapy and how to take care of him when he came  home.  It was a very tiring time.   My daughter from Virginia stayed with me from Oct. 1 to 21.  She was a big help and comfort. 

Post surgery
On November 25th, he had surgery on his Carotid artery.  Again he was overnight in the hospital in Portland.
My daughter again came from Virginia to help out.   My oldest grandson came with her.  They were a real comfort.

My second attempt at Longarm quilting

close-up of cowboy block

This is the cowboy quilt I made for my son for his 45th birthday.   He was very pleased with it.  I am still  finishing sewing on the binding by hand.
I have been working on another quilt that I will show at a later date.   I have also been working on Bonnie Hunter's Celtic Solstice.

I have clue 1 & 2 done and working on clue 3.    I had to put these on hold in order to finish the Cowboy quilt.  I actually worked on clue 3 as leaders and enders.   
   As far as Hubby goes, he is coming along slowly.   After Rehab he developed hand and shoulder syndrome.   It caused him lots of pain.   With the new meds that seems to be helping the pain.   He is doing more with his hand.   He can walk without his cane now, but  only on even going and inside.  Takes a long time to get over this.   But, his spirits are good.

Quilt cruise

Sawyer Glacier

on the Norwegian Jewel 13th deck open air (except for some Plexiglas) favorite place

my cabin mate from Calgary, Kat

This has taken a long time to post.   On the cruise, I did not have internet usage, so no post.
I took a lot of photos but I am having trouble with my photo program, trying to transfer them.  My Kodak program won't work and I can't work the Nikon program yet.   So here is a few shots from my phone.
    Had a wonderful, wonderful time.   You can't imagine unless you have been to the Inside Passage, Alaska.   I loved it. The Sawyer Glacier and the trip up the Tracy Arm was breathtaking.  I really got some beautiful pictures, but having problems transferring them.
Had a great time in class with Bonnie, but can't show you the quilt I started YET  You know she has many secrets she can't show because of coming books, magazines or mysteries.
  Kat, my cabin mate from Calgary was very gracious to put up with me.  Actually, we got along very well.   Had a great time and I am thankful that she wanted to be in my cabin, Thanks, Kat!!!
   It took me several days at home to finally get my land legs under me, after over 7500 miles in motion, either in air or on sea.   I was surprised my house was rocking just like the ship.  I have been really tired but am very happy that I went.   It was an experience that I won't soon forget.

Bags are packed

Bags are packed and I am ready and rearing to go

My Bags are packed and Bonnie, here I come!!!  I can't believe the time has finally come.   I will be leaving for Boston at 3:15 tonight (tomorrow morning), then off to Seattle to catch my cruise ship.
I have never been to the West Coast, never cruised and never been to Alaska.   I haven't flown in 47 years, way back in 1966 from Portland to Washington D.C.
My quilt project is all packed and ready to sew.  My hexie bag is ready.
My Hubby is missing me all ready, poor boy!!!   He has a busy week planned.  He will be haying for 3 days and two different fairs for ox pulling for 3 days.  I hate to miss Union Fair but, I AM ALASKA BOUND!!!!

Saturday-travel
Sunday-quilting at sea
Monday-Ketchikan
Tuesday-Juneau
Wednesday-Skagway
Thursday-quilting at sea
Friday- Victoria B.C.
Saturday-Seattle, then home

18 days to go!

notice the light on my treadle!

BBQ utensil light.???

When Bonnie Hunter told about the magnetic light for the featherweight, I started thinking about it.
When I was in Tractor Supply yesterday, I noticed this little light.  HMMMM, maybe that would work.   It was only $3.99 so I got it.   Works great!!!.   So, today I went back and bought the last one for my Featherweight.  I am a happy camper.  Since it was the last one, I thought I would check it out to see if I could find more.   Amazon.com here we come.  http://www.amazon.com/patio-lawn-garden/dp/B0042AUIEW   This is what I found for $6.92 if you have Prime it is free shipping.  Just look for BBQ utensil magnetic  light, and there it was.
   As for quilting, let's see,  I had 3 quilts hung in the Maine State Quilt Show put on by the Pine Tree Quilter's Guild.  I was so excited, yes, I have put in quilts before but not 3.   They were all Bonnie Hunter designs:  Easy Street,  Scrappy (Purple) Mountain Majesties and Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll.  I did not have them judged, chicken, I guess.  I think the show will be up on the Maine Quilts website soon.   They are pretty good about posting pictures.
    I am presently working on a scrappy apple core. I was busy cutting up scraps and had purchased the apple core die for my "GO" so, the bigger pieces went into apple cores.  I was laying it out with the group and they wanted to see how it would come out.   Now I have it  about  half done.   I am using a scrappy 4 patch as my leaders and enders. They will be alternated with 6 inch double pink squares.  I saw this quilt at an antique shop and really liked it.   I already have enough 2 patches, now to put them together.  Smith Mountain morning and Jamestown landing still on hold.  BECAUSE, I will be starting another BH quilt when we cruise to ALASKA in 18 days.  Can't wait!!!!!!!

Fabric all cut and packaged for my Alaska quilt cruise quilt!
notice the mosquitos!

Latest painting!!!   Greeting cards of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.

Kaleidoscope Quilters Mystery Quilt
"Summer Breeze by Judy Hopkins.
I call mine "Bumblebee Summer Breeze"

My Easy Street at show n tell with "TaDa"  Bonnie Hunter

     Okay,  I know, I haven't posted for quite some time, about 6 weeks.   I haven't been idle.   My computer had to spend about a month at the "Dr.s".   He was very sick.  Actually, had to completely wipe out the hard drive and reinstall a new operating system $$$$.    Then when it finally came home, I had a virus.  Luckily, it was not a month and big bucks to get me back on my feet.
     Well,  Had a great time with Bonnie Hunter!!!!!!!    Now, I have two UFO's from her two classes that I took.    I have not had time to work on Smith Mountain Morning or Jamestown landing.   I have been too busy with "life".  I do plan on doing SMM, using Jamestown landing as Leaders and enders.
Bonnie is every bit as fun as she is on Quilt Cam.   I was totally enthralled with her.  Can't wait for my Alaska cruise in August.   I have been following her trip to Ireland and was so jealous, wish I could have gone, too.   But Alaska will be great.
     I took another painting class this spring.  I have a big painting that I am still working on.   I needed a couple of cards, so I decided to do some original works.   I love Pemaquid Point lighthouse.  So, I chose that as my subject from a photo I took on a recent trip there with my grandson.  We had a great time. Had fun with these cards, plan on more.
     Our chapter of the Pine Tree Quilter's Guild is Kaleidoscope.  This spring we had a mystery quilt challenge.   I did not have time to do it as the challenge progressed because of Bonnie's classes I had to prepare for, so I did it all at once.   It is a Judy Hopkin's mystery.  It is supposed to be more light than dark, but I had less yellow and decided to do it the other way.   I am very happy with it.   I tried for the first time to machine quilt  feathers on my home machine.   Well, black on black looks pretty good.   Just don't look too close.  It just reminded me of bumblebees, thus the name  Bumblebee Summer Breeze.
    

May Day goings on

Easy Street complete

Easy Street, the flip side

Watercolor, in progress
 

May Day!!!
     Easy Street is done.   I do need to add a temporary hanging sleeve so I can hang it in the Pine Tree Quilter's Guild annual quilt show in July.  I really am very happy with it. I love the back, too.  Not sure what I am going to do with it since it is tooooooo big for my bed. 
     What else have I been doing?   Working on my watercolor painting.   It is far from finished, but I think I like it as is.  I want to give it more depth.
     I am really excited!!!!   I am getting ready for my week-end classes with Bonnie Hunter.   She will be coming in tomorrow.  Hope to spend some time with her.   Then,  Jamestown Landing class, guild meeting with Scrappy lecture on Saturday, and Sunday will be the Smith Mountain Morning class.
Busy, busy week-end.

Tee Shirt Quilt ready for the next step!

Tee Shirt Quilt

Richmond High basketball Star Quilt

     This is a Tee Shirt quilt top that I have been working on.   It is 80" x 91".  Another large quilt.
It is for the star of the Richmond Maine girls basketball team.   She also made the MacDonald's
All Star team.  Yeah, for her!!!!! Tried to balance the color.  It was not easy.   The gray and pink two are the front and backs of special shirts.  I am happy with it.   Now, it's time for the backing and quilting.

No Fooling, I quilted this on a longarm at my LQS

Easy Street Quilted with Sir Edgar, my helper

Reverse side of Easy Street

     Can you believe this????  My first full size (extra large full size) quilt on the Longarm. My first try at a Pantogram (Paisley Feathers).  No, it is not perfect!!!   but I am loving it anyways.    It looks pretty good overall.  My cat loves it.
     It took 5 hours to do, not sure how this measures up to a regular longarmer's time.   I was very tired when I finished, but it sure was worth doing it myself.  I have only had one lesson and quilted  a small lap quilt that I did stars and loops freehand.
     I was afraid to look at the finished product yesterday, so I left it in the bag overnight.  Was not sure how well the pattern came out with all my nervousness, but it looks good overall.  Thankfully, it is really busy.
     I am not a great fan of long arm quilting but if I am going to do all the quilts I want, I just cannot hand quilt them all.  I have been converted.   Same as someone who only pieces by hand, I just don't have the time left in my life to do all that.  I still have more than a lifetime of fabric that needs to be turned into something beautiful

New Babies

Ramius and Rusty
My new Babies!

This is my new pulling team.   New Babies.   My son got them for me.  They are Devons.  In a couple of years they will be my pulling team at the fairs.   First, lots of work training them.  Can't wait to get them to my house so the training can begin.

What I have been working on???

My Watercolor class!

     I have been taking a watercolor painting class.  Took a picture of my picture and realized that
it really needed some more work done on it..
     This is the best way to check out your work, whether you are painting or quilting.  If you use your camera, it really points out what works or doesn't work.  I often use this method when auditioning fabrics for a certain project, rather borders, binding or block sashing fabrics.  The camera will tell you, this works or that doesn't.  Sometimes the one I think would be perfect just does not look good at all.
     I went to a quilt show and looked and looked at a quilt.  I could not make out a pattern at all.  So I used my camera to look through,  WOW, there was the pattern.    Interesting to do this.

De-boning shirts

12 1/2" of new snow!!
 

quilt rack or cat's cradle???  BOTH  Sir Edgar loves it here!

What have I been doing this past week???  Traveling !! Not for fun.  Have a grandson in the hospital 100 miles away.   Some long snowy miles!  I have been keeping my son company as well as seeing my grandson.
I have also been de-boning some shirts for the upcoming classes with Bonnie Hunter.  I need 5 yards of nuetrals for the Jamestown Landing quilt and 4 yards of blues.  I think I have all that now.   Next is 3 yards of blues, 3 yards browns and 3 yards muslin(think I will do tone on tone creams) for Smith Mountain Morning quilt class.  Can't wait!!!!  Again it will be 100 miles for the Jamestown landing class,  45 miles for the quilt Meeting and Lecture and 30 miles for the Smith Mountain Morning class, just a hop skip and a jump for that one.   Think I will be worn out, you betchca!!!   Will it be worth it,  ABSOLUTELY!!!!

Easy Street Flimsy DONE!!!!

Flimsy DONE!!!!!

Borders on my Easy Street

My Hubby's quilt I made for him.

Finally almost to the end of Easy Street.   The flimsy is done.  Now, I need to choose a backing for it.   I hope something in my stash!!!  It is huge!!!   95" square.  As my friend says, a quilt for her trailer.   I plan to make it my second longarm quilt.   It should be fun?????
I am very happy with the look of it.  I do not like lime green, but with the borders it really helps.
The purple inner border came from Mary Jo's.  My grandson picked it out as a color he liked, so I purchased 2 yards, just because.  The outer border is something I had, too.
Do you like my Hubby's outoor sports activities?  Those are the only way he does outdoor sports.  Made this for his birthday.  He named it "better than Viagra"  hahaha

Easy Street Flimsy

Easy Street close up

Easy Street Flimsy

Well,  finally together.   BIGGGGG!!!!! I think it is about 88" squarish.  It is hard to measure as I don't have a space big enough to lay it out.  I think I will add a deep purple 1" border and an outer 3 1/2" border with turqoius with lime green splatters on it.  Did I say it was BIGGGG!  I do not have a queen size bed.  I am not a fan of lime green but it doesn't seem to overpower it in real life.   The pic is a little blurry.  Hard to take a photo in my bedroom.  The light is terrible.
I am NOT going to quilt this on my home machine.  Will try to do it on the longarm.   May take awhile but I am sure it will be easier and quicker.
So far, my leader and ender pinwheel count is up to 47.  Not sure what is going to be done with them.  Baby quilt or border????

Easy Street A blocks finished

 

Finally Easy Street A blocks done
 

Bonus pinwheel blocks as Leaders and Enders
 

B blocks stacked and ready to speed sew
 

Finally have the A blocks done and pressed!!  This would fit nicely on my bed now with another row of A blocks.  I like it.   BUTTTTT  I still have the B blocks to go.   They have all been laid out, stacked and pinned ready to hit the sewing machine.  I have them all in order the way I learned from Eleanor Burns.  I guess Bonnie calls it Web sewing.   It works!!! This is going to be one BIG quilt.  Maybe I will be able to retain some of it on the cold Maine nights when Hubby rolls over, taking the blankets with him, haha.
I have 24 complete pinwheel blocks done using them as leaders and enders.  I also have  51 HST done ready to turn into pinwheels as L&E also. Since I learned about this method I use it a lot.  When I got my Go, it makes it all the easier.  More all cut.   I love my GO.  I can just cut up a bunch of triangles to have ready to use, setting by my featherweight waiting to become pinwheels.  Love it.

Here's my Heart finally done

Here's my heart quilt

Done!!!  Even love the binding, finally after several choices that did not work.

Finally Done!!!!   You can see I had a helper!   That is Sir Edgar (his regal name) commonly called Eddie.  He is sitting in my 1950's chair that I reupholstered in a chicken fabric.  This chair was one of two that was in our house when I was a teenager.  It was done in a PINK plaid.   I redid it a few years ago after being left in my sister's garage for many years.  We love it.  So does Eddie.
    I think I will enter this quilt  in the Maine Pine Tree Quilter's Guild in July along with my Purple Mountain Majesties.   May have Easy Street done by then, too.   Who knows? 
Can't wait for Bonnie's lastest mystery in the Quiltmaker mag.

Thanks for the Orphan Blocks

Orphan blocks sent to me from Calgary!!

I have received two sets of "orphan" blocks recently.   I was very happy with both sets. The first set had a lot of wedding ring pieces in it, some finished rings and some with the rails done.  Was very happy with this set from Michigan.
   Yesterday, I got another package from Calgary, Alberta Canada.  It was a much smaller package and I was wondering  what was in it.   SOOOOO,  I opened it.   This almost finished quilt popped out.  Wow, was I surprised.   I played with them, this way and that way.   This is what I came up with.   I think for the quilt shown, there must be another block or two.  So I slipped in the bear applique block and an archway type block (that was also in the package) to fill in.   With a little bit of added tone on tone off white and playing with a few extra geese blocks, it will make a nice topper for a full size bed.  Of course, I will add borders.   Anyway, I just love it Donna.  It will be put together real soon.   Thanks a lot!!!!!
    So, someone's unwanted blocks become another's treasure!!!!!!