Friday, November 20, 2009

Closing it down....

Life is just too demanding these days and I am going to shut this blog down until after the new year. I have enjoyed reading your blogs and sharing my quilting days and life in general, but for now, there is just not enough hours in the day to do all that is required.

A note about the previous post, which I have deleted. Noah is a real child and my daughter confirmed with the principal at the school that they were in fact collecting cards for him. His family recently requested that no more cards be sent though, as Noah's days were drawing to a close. They expressed their appreciation for all the love and support they had received through the cards, so if you sent one, you can know it was appreciated. So I removed the post and ask that if you forward the information to anyone else that you also let them know.

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas and hope that I can reconnect through blogging in the new year. I will from time to time check in on your blogs and see what you are up to, but just won't be posting to this one.

Happy stitchin'
Teresa

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Jack and Jill

I thought I would share another quilt with you tonight that my mom made. This quilt is at least 62 years old as she made it when my oldest brother, Michael, was born and used it with each of us after that. Then as her grandchildren came along, each of them got to lay on the quilt as well. I have the youngest child, and so it became mine. My grandchildren have also lain on this quilt and it is so precious to me. Mom and Dad were Marines when they met and married shortly after being discharged from duty at Pearl Harbor during WWII. The yellow border on this quilt is made from a windsock from the air base at Pearl Harbor. Don't you just love the stitchery patterns on this cherished quilt. It is hand stitched from start to finish.





We are enjoying having Mom live with us. She and I have spent a lot of time together sewing and just talking. While we watch tv or just sit together I have been handquilting butterflies on Taralyn's quilt. She is due to arrive by Nov. 20 - but actually could be any day now. I have five more butterflies to do - guess I better get stitchin!

Thanks for stopping by,Teresa



Here's an opportunity to help a young lady accomplish a great thing in Africa and possibly win this lovely quilt. Go to the Welsh Quilter blog to read all about it.
Teresa

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Trick or Treat!


Meet my two grands - Tess and Timothy. They showed up with big smiles and big pumpkins - the only two trick-or-treaters I had come by the house last night, so they got extra helpings. Not to worry - Timothy did have shoes on - but he kicks them off as soon as he comes through the door and I had to get them to back up for the picture.

Do you get the Fons and Porter Love of Quilting magazine? Its one of my favorites and the November/December 2009 has this great wall hanging on the cover. I just love the center block and the looks of the trees - but I really wanted a table runner. So I decided to make the center with the trees on either end and add the border. Easy enough, don't you think? Well, I wanted to paper piece mine, and the instruction call for using a Fons and Porter Ruler, and do not tell what the finished size of the block will be. So, I can't create my foundation pattern when I don't know what size the block is supposed to be. I went with a 12.5" unfinished center block . I also substituted a dark green for the center. Here is what I have so far:
Now I have to add the border and determine what size the tree blocks need to be.
My mom moved in with us today, for a temporary stay while she finishes recouperating. We had a pleasant day, watching football (ugh) - she worked on the Gail Pan Christmas Wish patterns I traced off for her, and I did some hand quilting on butterflies on Taralyn's quilt. Hubby was here too, working on his computer doing family research. It was a very nice afternoon.
Thanks for stopping by,
Teresa