Finally Friday!

It's has been a very long week. I've been trying to sew in spite of a toothache and headache.  Thursday I called the dentist and went in...two cracked teeth that will need treatment. I hate throwing my DH's Hard earned $$$ at fixing my teeth, but it's one of those necessary evils...  My DD asked how did I crack them?  Who knows?  Sore subject when my teeth are in the discussion.  I have a love/hate relationship with dentists to make a long story short.   I only see what the cost of fixing them could buy for my Quilting "wants".  It's almost the cost of a Homesteader machine that I have looked at... I only need the machine and this one fits the bill- no fancy- schmancy stitches, just straight stitching.
My Author's Album Swap Blocks came in Thursdays' Mail.  They will be shown on Monday's Design Wall. You can see a Finished Quilt done with the block HERE.  This link takes you to Jennifer's book page.

Anyway, I'm so happy that it is FRIDAY! That means the November/December issue of McCalls should be in my hot little hands soon! The new Country Register is coming out this week-end also. You'll need Adobe Reader to view this online.  Go to page 14 to read about and see my Challenge #2 quilt, since the #3 quilt isn't available- YET!

I have great plans for the week-end.  It's General Conference and since I have BYU-TV I don't have to leave my house.  That means I can quilt or sew all day Saturday.  Sunday will still be a Day of Rest - between sessions.

It has been suggested that I hand quilt my project...hummmm, I'm not sure that I could compete with my 'hand quilting' either.  I've been in a FUNK since I couldn't do what I wanted to do with it the other day. Yes, the toothache has something to do with it too... I can't let it keep me down, I'm going to get this completed, come what may!  Even if I have to borrow a machine to do it, I WILL get it done!  If I mess it up, I'm going to have to get more fabric and make it again. Just saying.

Wednesday progress???---and a Surprise

I put a border on my Challenge quilt today and it said- "I'm DONE".  Some days a quilt speaks to you and you have to listen.  It is NOT the design I made and revised several times on EQ.  I took it out to Lynn with the intention of  Quilting an all-over Panto on it and calling it all the way DONE today. Much to my surprise Lynn said it would be better if I did the quilting on my home Machine.  Her computerized Longarm can't do "stitch in the ditch" and that is what my quilt calls for.  She said I should do the middle and then come out and do the Borders.  I feel that if  I quilt the center the borders need to be done on the same machine.  The stitches would be different if I switched to do the borders. Now, Lynn has seen it and Thankfully she knew the song on the first guess just like my VT, Noel did. I am more hopeful the Judges will know the song.  So the rest of today was spent questioning myself---can I do this?  I 'dream' that I can do it, I hope I can do it.  I really want to be able to say, "I did it all Myself..." It isn't the Stitch in the Ditch that scares me- it is what else I'd have to quilt on it to finish it. Please wish me LUCK!  I'm going to need it, because with the machine I have there is no Stitch regulator...
If you see the November/ December issue of  McCall's Quilting magazine, Check out Page 18!  Bookmark the McCall's Quilting website and get ready to vote in about 21 days...

While I was there I saw that our Quilts were returned from TRENDS!  There were two Boxes, so Lynn said for me to open the smaller one thinking my two quilts were in it. Instead this is what we saw... and below is what was in the basket... more quilting Books and fabric bundles.

Because I didn't want to count it on  STASH Report, I said to Lynn, "You keep it all."  That didn't keep me from buying  fabric when I went to the LQS this afternoon to see what they had for the Shop Hop.  Fabrics like to scream at me to take them home somedays... I have designed my next quilt in the process of elimination for the #3 Challenge and making it will be my reward for finishing the McCall's Contest. It will have a song for the name as well and it will be "PURPLE"!

Design Wall Monday, September 26, 2011

My Quilt Buddy, Lynn thinks I'm Crazy!  I joined SWAPs on the Yahoo Groups and they are almost all done.  In between the Contest Challenges I thought I'd not be still in, I thought I can do this!  I have had to buckle down to make the deadline. The Swap Blocks arrived a day late on the two I've sent, I'm not the last to send though so it was OK. This week I should receive my first Swap back from the SBS group..  So, is it worth it?   Ask me later...  For now I can say, It was a lot more fun when I did the Swaps with Lynn and could work on them together.

Here are the Swap Blocks I mailed off this week.  21 Prairie Flower blocks signed  in the Center.

I took the picture so I'd have something to show on the Design Wall Monday.
The Teasing and Taunting goes on with my Sons on Facebook. They want me to spill the beans about my Design and my husband has joined in on the teasing on the phone with our other son Sunday Night.  No Fair telling on me, I tell him!  Only 3 weeks until the Big Reveal and Voting starts once last time.  Thanks for the Votes you have supported me with so far.  Newsflash from McCall's-  the November/December issue of McCall's quilting magazine has the pictures of the final 15.  It went to print before the Final 12 was announced.  Do I feel famous yet?   I don't know, but I'm getting close.  Pinch me, I'm dreaming...

Check out the Links HERE to see more Design Wall Monday Posts.

Stash Report - Sept 25, 2011

I dreaded counting all that was added to my STASH this week.  Actually Lynn had to count it for me... The deals at Trends were just too good to pass up!  You can see the stack HERE.  I had to do a Stash Enhancement post to prepare for this one.  I've tried to use up some with my Challenge quilt this week, since some of what I bought was for that purpose.  Some was just because- no particular project in mind. Christmas is coming - the ticker says 91 days.

Total Fabric Used this week: 5 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 138.5
Fabric added this week: 92 yards + a Layer cake (about 3 yards 10 ")
Fabric added Year to Date: 239 yards
Net Fabric used Year to Date: -101.5 yards

Click HERE to see more Stash Reports this week.

The Guessing Game continues...

My #2 Son-Joe entertained me last night by trying to guess the lyric I'm using for my 3rd and final Challenge for the McCall's Quilt Design Star Contest.  He suggested something by ACDC... Then this morning he posted the link to a Wiggles song- "Fruit Salad- Yummy Yummy" on his Facebook page.  While I think that he is funny - I would NOT choose an ACDC or a Wiggles song.  I should be happy he is showing interest in my Quilting, HUH?  So nice to hear from you JOSEPH! The quilt, when it is revealed, should tell you what lyric of a well-recognized song I used.  I showed what I have made so far to Paul, my DH, and he couldn't guess. I may have been a bit too cryptic in my interpretation of the title.  It might have helped if he knew the name of the quilt block I used.  I'm hoping that the judges know this block and the tune and can figure it out.

Here are a few other songs that have been tossed around in my head then- ruled out:
"You Are my Sunshine"- My first choice but I just couldn't make a YELLOW quilt this time.
"Don't Fence me In"- I saw all kinds of quilts with this one, but NO...
"Please, Please Don't Eat the Daisies"- see reason #1 above - same thing.
"My Grandfather's Clock" - This one had possibilities too, but I just couldn't get them to work in EQ
"Red Roses for a Blue Lady" -  Too easy...
"Swinging on a Star" - Another song from my childhood, long ago. Sang it with a friend for a Talent show.  EQ possibly?

So now you know a few of the songs that weren't selected... do you remember any of them?  Keep watching the BLOG to see if you know the name of the song when you see the quilt. The decision was made when I saw the fabric at Quiltmania. Actually there are at least 3 songs I could think of, that would fit the fabric. NO TELLING- NaDell or Lynn W.  They have seen the fabric.  I can't show that on here YET, either!!!  I will say it is NOT Pastel!  I'm hoping for a Winner this round!

OUCH! Clumsy Me...

These steep stairs plus my rolling sewing machine cart did not make a good combination last week...

Steep Stairs

Rolling Sewing Machine Cart

Sore ankle

I thought it was just sprained and it didn't hurt much all week-end in Portland, but the past two days I've noticed more swelling and it really hurts!  I got it checked out, x-rayed and the Dr affirms that I was right - "it will feel better when it stops hurting..."

Just call me clumsy!  Word to the wise here, don't carry heavy things down steep stairs... Unless you like hurting and visiting the Urgent care. 

I know my children tell me not to carry stuff down the stairs and I usually let Paul carry them down for me, but he was at work and I really, really needed to sew! 

The deadline for the McCall's Quilt Design Star FINAL Challenge is coming up way too fast!  I have finally

  selected a song or at least a couple of songs that could apply to the fabric I chose. Fabric has been cut and I'm liking how it looks on the wall so far. I hope no one else chose the same well-recognized lyric. Only a few weeks left before I have to show it to at least Lynn W.  She can hardly wait, I'll quilt it on her Longarm- then it will be sent away for a while to Golden, Colorado for photography and judging- then VOTING begins October 18th and goes until November 9th.  

Warning- STASH ENHANCEMENT post

After sorting bundles with Lynn on Monday after Trends--- these fabrics made their way into my Stash cupboard.  I have to get the confessions out , I couldn't  wait until Sunday's Stash Report.  34 fabrics in varied yardage, including some "Wild Rose Basics" from Maywood( 6 pieces in the bottom row) for a total of 50+ yards. 2 of the pretty fabrics and bolts aren't in this picture, they are secret for now...  I had to pre-wash some of the white background fabrics in preparation to CUT OUT my Challenge Quilt! And unpack and catch up on Laundry after a good nights sleep.  Sleep will be limited in the next while with the NEW shows starting the FALL season this week on TV. The DVR is working overtime tonight - NCIS, NCIS LA and Dancing With the Stars... gotta watch them without commercial interruptions. So sewing is on the AGENDA TONIGHT!!!
With a slight distraction of a Missionary returning this afternoon to WallaWalla.  He'll be landing very SOON!
WELCOME HOME!!!  Elder Matthew Rehburg!

hugs for Mom

Welcome home signs!

Fall Trends Week-end Recap

Our Weekend started on Thursday  morning. One of our stops was at the Hood River Quilt shop "ETC" (Every Thread Counts).  We left a copy of our 1st Pattern, the owner was at the Columbia River Quilt show in Stevenson, Washington.  We also went to the Country Manor before checking into our  Spring Hill Suites Hotel, we have stayed there twice before, we didn't get our 'LUCKY' room this time.  We ate dinner at the Olive Garden near the hotel.  The ladies at the desk of the Hotel said to show our key card to get a free appetizer.  The server didn't know there was a Special like that so the Manager came to apologize and visited with us.  She told us that our meal was on the house and even came out to the van afterward  to see our Quilt.

On display as you walked into the Warehouse was our Birthday Card to TRENDS!

My 1st Challenge from McCall's Quilt Design Star- (Lynn's Blue Mosaic Tiles on the Right)

 Friday Morning the Warehouse opens at 8:00 am.  By 9:30am we had filled our cart and selected most of the fabric bolts and bundles we brought home.

The Judges Choice Winner was this House Sampler -
Best use of Color was the Giant Dahlia seen left of the Birthday card in the 1st picture.

 Viewers choice on Sunday Afternoon was announced this Wolf Quilt by Rosie's Cupboard in San Diego, California.  Who, by the way, bought our patterns to use at one of their Retreats.
 Terry Atkinson was the Guest speaker on Saturday Morning.  We got her name for our Author's Siggy Quilt and had pictures taken with her in her booth.

 In the COMING ATTRACTIONS---I saw the TRADITIONS from Elm Creek Books that is coming out in November.  It was great to hold it in my hands and get a sneak peek.  Thought I'd share it with you on here.  This is Dorthea's Quilt "Dove in the Window" from the Union Quilter book. This book didn't have page numbers on the Table of Content's page...interesting. Saturday was full of Vendors to visit and order from and Make and Take it classes. We got "Birthday Cards" to enter the $500 drawing. The Birthday Party was Saturday Evening with more prizes on each table.  Lynn won the wrapped box on our table. You can see the picture of her HERE.



Sunday Morning we put our Tickets in the basket for the drawings that are announced through the day.  THREAD AND BOLTS was announced quite a few times this year, but not for the BIG Prize, Darn!
Pictured below are my prizes...

A very Yummy fabric Layer Cake from Leicien, Hot Cold Bag from Kona Bay, and Applique scissor, mini mat and purple mini tote from Olfa.  Lynn got 2 of the Hot/Cold Bags from Kona Bay and two sets of fabric pre-cuts from Red Rooster & Studio E (?) and the same applique scissors from Olfa.

We drove home Sunday night with a stop in Lyle to see one of Lynn's quilt buddies from her days there.

Design Wall Monday, September 19, 2011

 I have to show the quilt that Lynn and I made for the Quilt Contest for TRENDS 50th Event.  Their theme was "Happy Birthday" for this Event so we made a Birthday Banner for them using the WORD PLAY Book again. It was quilted with square doodles. The Happy Birthday Button the candles on the cake scallop at the top, the pennants, the curtains and the tablecloth with ball fringe at the bottom are the embellishments and 3-D effects we used.  This was a rush job for sure with the shipping date being a week before the Event.  There are categories for Embellishment, Color, Judges Choice and Peoples Choice to be had at Trends each Spring and Fall.  Lynn has won the Peoples Choice twice.  We UPS-ed 5 quilts to Trends.  We sure hope one of them wins a prize.  That means $100 to spend at Trends for us.

This is what is on my Design Floor to be shown this week.

I mailed off these Author's Album blocks to the SBS and other Elm Creek Quilters' Yahoo Group for a SWAP.  One of them is going to a very special person.  Some of us are sending a 2"x20" strip to be used in the border with each block.  They are basted on the side in the picture.  We were to use Civil War fabric and Kona Cream.  I almost ran totally out of my Kona Cream.  I had to make a bunch to make sure they were the right size. that used a lot of the Cream.  I need it for another SWAP I'm doing so a trip to Hancocks was on the Agenda while we are at Trends.  I found out that my idea of cream isn't the Kona Cream... My blocks are made with the Natural Kona color, opps!

Click on the Link's HERE to see more Design Walls.

Stash Report - September 18, 2011

It's my #2 Daughter's 25th Birthday.  I had to buy some fabric for the McCall's Quilt Design Star Final Challenge this week.  Time is ticking away!  My Secret Pal at Guild gave me some new fabrics too.  It all adds up.  I've used a bit for my swaps and will buy a bit more since I used up some that I still need for swaps before the week-end is up...

Total Fabric used this week:  2.5 yards
Fabric used year-to-date: 133.5 yards
Fabric added this week:  7.5 yards
Fabric Added year-to-date: 154.6 yards
Net Fabric used year-to-date:  -11.1 yards

HERE is where you click to see other Stash Reports.

Many Asked for it- Now IT"S HERE!

The Raffle Quilt inspired Bouquet of Friendship Quilt Pattern  has been published by Lynn and I this week and is ready for purchase.  We are dreaming of it in more colorways and backgrounds- even a totally scrappy one would be fun!  It is self-published under Lynn's Quilt Shop's Business Name "Thread and Bolts".  Many Thanks to Lynn, Becky at Wilson Designs, and Tara at Copier Specialists!  My Sample Quilt and patterns are available this week-end at the Walla Walla Valley Quilt Show at the STASH booth . Patterns are also at Quiltmania in Richland and Janean's Bernina in Pasco. To buy a pattern direct from us you can send an e-mail and request address to send the $9 plus postage depending on how far away you are from Washington State.

Quilt Guild -Secret Pal

I am amazed at how loved I feel after coming home from guild.  My secret pall outdoes the gifties from the previous month.  I think there's nothing more I could get and she finds something.  She has been more than generous with me!  This month I took a picture of the stuff.  I've picked the book "Fancy to Frugal" up in stores several times but never bought it.  Now it's mine!  The fabric in the front is to make an Apron.  There are crushed walnuts and a pattern to make a Pincushion.  Scrapbook cardstock, Quilty notecards, two spools of King Tut Thread in my favorite color-purple, all wrapped up in a couple fat quarters and placed in the bag.  WHOA!  you'd think it was Christmas at my House...  Whoever she is and if she reads my BLOG, I have to say a BIG THANKS!  I'm overwhelmed.  The only sort of  bad thing is-- I have to count the fabric on my Stash Report this week.  I considered leaving it in the trunk so I could count it next week.  

Marlene and I were honored at guild.   I am one of the two from our guild here in the Walla Walla area still in it to WIN it! We showed them our Challenge #2 Quilts from the last round, both are still un-quilted. We are both hard at work narrowing down the Design and choosing a song that is well-known and represents us as quilters.  I thought choosing the song would be the hard part.


Note to the GIVEAWAY Followers: I have gone way over the 75 Followers I was shooting for with my Giveaway.  There are almost 100 now and 65 Comments!  I knew Jennifer Chiaverini was popular, but I didn't know I would get such a Big response.   As far as International Shipping goes, I hadn't thought of that and have decided that I will ship to whoever is lucky enough to be chosen to Win by the Random Generator.
             The GIVEAWAY Ends October 31st, right before the books are available.
 Thank you for following me and I hope you still enjoy what is going on in my Quilting World with a bit of Life thrown in there once in awhile.

Design Wall Monday, September 12, 2011

I have two full Design Wall's and Multiple Songs going through my head! I've had suggestions of Disney songs, Nursery rhymes and Patriotic tunes.  I may have to pick a song out of a hat!  I have decided to spend this week getting something down for my design. I think I have the fabrics chosen and that's half the battle, right?? Clock is ticking away...

 These are the Shoo-fly blocks I re-did to use in my Challenge #1 Quilt.  I just want to get them put together and quilted for a future grandbaby...NO-NONE ARE ANNOUNCED and I'm not campaigning.  I just want to have one ready for whenever it happens.

This fabric is for a Shop Hop Challenge that needs to be done by September 19th...It is still just a 1/2 yard piece waiting for me to be inspired.  Will I get this challenge quilt done this week while I design my Challenge #3 Quilt??? Your guess is as good as mine.   I have a couple of swaps to finish up as well. Talk about too many things on my list!

My Challenge quilt for the McCall's Quilt Design Star Contest won't be shown until after October 17th, sorry! I am so excited to be 1 of the 12 Finalists!!!  The Bio Pages (click on link above to go there) should be updated soon with all three of the previous quilts.  Next Voting starts October 17th and ends November 9th.  WOW, Will I have something EXTRA to be Thankful for this year!  They are tempting us with another shipment from one of our Sponsors, too!  The suspense is killing me, not really, but I'm not known for my patience...

Click HERE to go check out more Design Walls, Floors and Beds...

9-11-2011

I remember!  I was not in New York City, Washington DC, or Pennsylvania...but my heart broke for those who suffered because of where they were that morning.  I was alone in my house in Burbank glued to the Television.  My 2nd son; Joseph and his wife; Kori had just returned from Seattle on their Honeymoon to see a Mariner's game.  I thought about how lucky that they were not stranded in Seattle.  All of the Airports had their planes grounded for days after.  Who knew if there would be more attacks.  

In the 10 years since I've seen as the brave Young men and Soldiers have come and gone as they were deployed to fight in foreign lands.  I was proud of those from my family that chose to be Soldiers.  I didn't want Jeffery to enlist a few years later but he felt such patriotism, that he told me he was enlisting and there wasn't anything I could do about it.

The Song; The Star Spangled Banner's last verse says:

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

This is what we heard at our LDS General Conference the Month after the attacks:

Regarding September 11th, I believe President Gordon B. Hinckley said it best in his October 2001 General Conference address: 

“Peace may be denied for a season…But God our Eternal Father will watch over this nation and all of the civilized world who look to him…Our safety lies in repentance. Our strength comes from obedience to the commandments of God.

“Let us be prayerful. Let us pray for righteousness. Let us pray for the forces of good. Let us reach out to help men and women of goodwill, whatever their religious persuasion and wherever they live. Let us stand firm against evil, both at home and abroad. Let us live worthy of the blessings of heaven, reforming our lives where necessary and looking to him, the Father of us all. He has said, 'Be still, and know that I am God'."

I've been told when the Prophet speaks the Debate is over.  I'm grateful to be able to go to Church today and worship in this Free country, the United States of America.  There is a Prophet on the Earth today and he speaks for the Lord in our Day.  His name is Thomas S. Monson. Today, President Boyd K. Packer invoked a blessing on us as parents in the States of Washington and Alaska to whom he spoke in our Stake Conference via Satellite Broadcast from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. I'm so grateful for this Blessing today.

NOTE: The Comments aren't broken, I chose to not have any on this Post...

Stash Report, September 11, 2011

My Stash report isn't as good as it could be... but it's getting better!  The songs keep coming to me and I haven't been able to stop and just 'design'.  I doubt that the editors at McCall's realize how hard it is for me to choose just one song!  More will get used in the next 3 weeks.  Because the deadline is shortened by the need to Quilt it and have it mailed to be received at the McCall's home offices for the "beauty shots"  for the Magazine.

Total Fabric Used this week: 4.5 yards
Fabric Used Year-to-date: 131. yards
Fabric Added this week: 0 yard
Fabric Added Year-to-date: 147.1 yards
Net Fabric Used Year-to-date: -16.1 yards

Click on over HERE and see how the rest of the Stash Reporting Quilt ladies are doing this week

Something GOOD Happened on that date, too!

That's what my Quilt Buddy, Lynn says... It's her Birthday! September 11th,  I won't divulge how old she is. When you are friends- Age doesn't matter.  I was reading through some of our first e-mails and it was very interesting reading. It was back in March of 2008 that we started sewing together.  Lynn helped me get over the sadness of not working at Hancock Fabrics, my 'dream job'. People ask if we've known each other all our lives and say we are attached at the Hip.  Well, when it comes to "quilting", we sometimes are and I find that we can finish each other's sentences, laugh together and cry together and make a thing of Beauty for all to see.  She says she has missed me while I have been hard at work,  in secret, on the McCall's Quilt Design Contest. I'm glad she was with me when I got the good news last Friday.

The Guild's Raffle Quilt in 2009 would have never happened without her helping me.  In the Month after completing the Raffle Quilt we had each made one of our own.  We debuted them at the next month's Guild meeting, you can see the TA-DA moment- HERE.  It has taken us since then to get a Layout pattern written. we are Self- Publishing it for now. I was looking for pictures for the Pattern and that is why I was looking at old e-mails.  I am happy to say it is at the Printer shop now.  Many, many People have seen the quilt on this Blog and at multiple Quilt shows and at Trends and requested the Pattern.  The Pink and White version we made for Lynn will be on display this fall at Trends in Portland.  Pictured here is Lynn with her quilt in progress "A Bouquet of Friendship".  Because that is what we are- Friends!  This year will be unusual because I am not with her at Trends on her Birthday this year.

We'll give more information on the pattern on the Thread and Bolts Quilting Blog.

  After next week I can show the project we just finished. Lynn's  husband took our picture doing the binding last week before it was sent. here we are in my sewing zone of the Quilt Shop. I've had a few quilts on that wall behind me.  If the walls could talk, what would they say?  I hope only good things.  I hope she has a wonderful day with her family this year and I'll see her later...with my bag of "Quilty Goodies" that I've collected just for her!

A day of GREAT NEWS all-around!

Just have to announce to you that I, Mary Crowther have been selected as 1 of 12 Finalists to move on to the FINAL Challenge of this contest. Our Challenge is to Make a quilt that is inspired by a Well-Recognized Song Lyric. This time we Design, Make and Quilt the Quilt to send to the Offices at McCall's in Golden, Colorado.

The WINNER of the 2nd Challenge was the AWESOME Butterfly quilt you can see HERE.

If anyone of you know me, you would know-  I can break into song about just about anything! I love to sing and have so many songs committed to memory thanks to my Mother. This quilt might have to be another one that I dedicate to her! She sings in my ear at CHURCH almost every Sunday. Especially at Christmas Time...
SO many songs are running through my head right now I can't choose just one at the Moment. Keep reading my BLOG, please.  OCTOBER 17th you can start voting on the FINAL Quilt. I'm not FAMOUS, YET

Thanks to all who voted and helped me to get to the FINAL CHALLENGE!

GIVEAWAY?!!!

Just suggesting I might do a GIVEAWAY,  3 People added their names to my "FOLLOWERS".   I have been thinking and thinking of What might be the best thing to give to my Followers in the event of getting more.  Picking a number and designating a deadline has been on my mind all week-end.

Today I decided...  Many of my Followers also Read the books I like to Read from Jennifer Chiaverini, sooooo... In November her next book "THE WEDDING QUILT" is coming out and a NEW PATTERN BOOK  "Traditions from Elm Creek Quilts: 13 Quilts Projects to Piece and Applique" is also coming out.  And I plan to get mine Signed by the Author, I thought I'd offer up BOTH BOOKS, Autographed,  as a PRIZE!  

Jennifer's 18th Elm Creek Novel

The 5th Quilt Pattern Book

All You have to do to WIN:


1- Become a Follower HERE on the QuiltinGrandma Blog by the end of OCTOBER, lets say the 31st!   Current followers who want a chance to WIN the 2 Books, Comment on this POST
2- Be a Fellow Reader of Jennifer's Books...
 (I think this should be a no-brainer.)
3- Share the Giveaway on your Blog and get another chance.   


I'll make the Random Generator do the picking for me, OK?  So go and sign Up as a Follower and in November and when I get the Books, and send them to the winner, we can read and quilt together across the miles!  

Design Wall Monday- Sept 5, 2011

Here a few blocks up on the wall to show a little bit of the design coming together for the "Commission quilt" I'm working on.  I really need my wall at Lynn's Quilt Shop for this one. Or my Design Floor upstairs.  I think I like the bigger blocks and the pieced ones went together nicely.  Working on this quilt takes my mind off the coming Results of the VOTES for the McCall's Quilt Design Star Contest this week.  Next week I hope to be working on the FINAL CHALLENGE!  Keep clicking on the Quilt on the sidebar once a day for me until Thursday night- early Friday morning 1 am MDT.  Thanks!

 35 years ago, September 6th was the day my DH and I got my Engagement Ring and made it Official. I'll be enjoying the Labor Day Holiday with my DH and his family, maybe even some of the grandchildren...Sounds fun to me.

My wish came true and I now have 50 Followers...I plugged a Giveaway  at Aunt Mary's Quilt Shop Blog last Saturday- It runs until next Saturday- Check it out!   I'm hoping to have my own Giveaway when my number reaches 75 Followers- what do you think??  Stay Tuned!

There are more Design Wall's to be seen at JUDY L's BLOG.

Stash Report - Sept 4, 2011

This week has been filled with Quilting and stitching at Lynn's between having Family/Company. I got the Commission Quilt all cut out BUT, I won't count it on here  We made a Special "secret" project that is a joint effort for Trends this Fall.  I figured we used 11 yards for it. I 'm not counting it on here, either. A new Panel came in and I got one to play with later. It is a bit less than a 1/2 yard worth, I have to count that.  The only legal useage I had was the backing on the two UFO quilts I finished.  I used a bunch of leftover binding to bind the quilts, so they are scrappy! My Saturday stitching didn't end up the way I wanted or I'd have more in the USED portion of the Report.  Judy L has issued a STASH Challenge for the next  four months/the rest of the Year.  We are to state how much we think we will use.  Hhmmmmmm... I'm happy to see my numbers for how much I've used already this year. I think, I could possibly reach the 200 yard mark.  That's my Goal, OK?  Lets see if I can get and keep that Other  Number UNDER 200, you know the one-- FABRIC ADDED.

Total Fabric Used this week: 3 yards
Fabric Used Year-to-date: 126.5 yards
Fabric Added this week: .5 yard
Fabric Added Year-to-date: 147.1 yards
Net Fabric Used Year-to-date:  -20.6 yards

ONLY 5 days left to VOTE on this Challenge for the McCall's Quilt Design Star.  I will know by next Stash Report whether I move on for the LAST Challenge.  Watch for the Announcement on here either way.

Click HERE to check out other Stash Reports.

Saturday Sewing and A GIVEAWAY PLUG!

Here is a Sneak peek at the blocks for the Commission Quilt I am making.   The girl who gets this quilt likes Brown and Blue and wanted a very simple pattern.  No HST's or anything too hard. She selected some fun fabrics for it.  The quilting will be simple too.  I hope to have the quilt up on the Design Wall Monday.

A $20 Gift Certificate -GIVEAWAY

I noticed another Blogging friend posted a GIVEAWAY at Aunt Mary's Blog.  This Aunt Mary has been Blogging for over 3 years and only has 15 FOLLOWERS.  To encourage more Followers she is giving away a $20 Gift Certificate to her Quilt Shop.  Click HERE and go be a follower to Enter the Drawing.  She is leaving the Drawing open until next Saturday.  It's nice to HELP out another MARY who BLOGS, Right??   FREE stuff is always good.
You can also check out her website. http://auntmarysquiltshop.com 


IF THIS WORKS FOR HER, I MIGHT HAVE TO HAVE SOME KIND OF A FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY WHEN I REACH 50+ or 75  FOLLOWERS...

I've been  Lucky and Won a Few Givaways and Drawings.  My SBS (Sylvia's Bridal Sampler) won over at Sharon Pederson's Page on Facebook just yesterday.  All I had to do was post the picture of my SBS on her FB page for the Sampler Quilt Contest and I WON!  I will be getting a sample pack of Aurifil Thread sometime in the near future.  I hope this bodes well for the News that I'm hoping to get this Thursday, maybe Friday.  If enough of you have been Voting every day, the news will be in my favor and I will continue on to the LAST Challenge in the McCall's Quilt Design Star Contest.  THANKS for all your Votes to Keep me in this Contest! Just keep Clicking the picture of my Quilt over on my Left Sidebar to VOTE until 1 AM Sept 9th MDT.

Week- Well Spent

The Goodson's have come and gone, I wanted to do a synopsis Blog posting of the rest of the pictures. 

 Here is Jackson eating his Birthday Breakfast of Strawberry Waffles.  I made breakfast for them about 4 days of the 7 they were here.  A few included my Strawberry Smoothies...

 He loved playing with the cars on the wood floor.  These are leftover cars from his mom and Uncle Jeffery.
Jacob liked the "Toy and Janessa used my "Stars Americana" quilt under it to make the floor softer.  He likes to kick his heels on the floor!

 He got to go to Pioneer Park a few times too.  Thursday is the only time I went. Blurry-Fast Moving Child!

 Janessa making Jacob laugh in the baby Swing!  He kicked his feet and kept the swing moving.

 Jackson and Jacob Pose at the bottom of the Big Green Slide for Mommy and Grandma.

 A -hold the camera out and hope everyone is in the picture- shot before we drove back home. Grandpa got home soon after we returned, after working a 15 hour day.  He asked us if we had walked- DUH, Grandma would rather drive to Play at the Park.  This was the last night before they left.  Janessa, the boys and Me.

Just for fun- here's a picture with Grandpa too! 

Below are two of the 5 Quilts I sent via UPS to Trends!  2 of them were Lynn's and 1 is a Secret Project we finished, just in time to get it to the UPS drop off! We spent 3 days working on the project.  Lynn got up at 4AM this morning to Quilt it so we could finish the rest and send it off. I went to Quilt three days this week while the Goodson's were here. Quilting MUST go on!!! They were busy visiting Jes' side of the family and seeing their friends. I am glad they could come!

Shoo-Fly Don't Bother Me and  Sweet 16 Sister Quilts

Free Day At the WW Fair

I hadn't planned to attend the FAIR this year...those who know me well, know WHY!  It's almost September and Lynn asked me how much longer she had to wait for her Fat Quarters from the WASIQ B-day FQ SWAP.  Since I don't have to mail them to her, I took them out on Wednesday.  She gets excited when she sees 30's fabrics!   NOTE the panel's on the WALL- these are NEW in the Thread and Bolts Quilt Shop!

 I was finishing up my quilting on the longarm and Lynn reminded me that it was FREE Fair day until 3pm.  I can hardly resist something FREE so off we went to see the Fair.  We got FREE parking on Orchard, and walked the short distance to the gate.  First stop is the Pavilion to see the exhibits.   SO SAD that more Quilts weren't submitted.  My camera battery was dying so I only got 2 pictures of the Quilt area. See the Pioneer dress I helped Doretha ,make?  She got a red ribbon on it.

   I didn't enter any Quilts in the Fair and neither did Lynn.  Lynn has been busy quilting Customer Quilts and I have been busy with my McCall's Challenges.  Click here to see the rows of quilts that were displayed last year.  The Canning area had EMPTY JARS with notes on them that said, "NO SUBMISSIONS this year in this category." It only took us about an hour to see all we wanted to see at the Fair and we didn't spend a dime! I went to see a Desk made by a friend's daughter, she'd asked me on FB if I was going to the Fair.  We looked all around the Pavilion, and then as we walked out I saw the Education Building and figured that was where it would be.  There were NO NAMES on any of the Woodworking exhibits, but I am pretty sure I know which one she made!  Good Job, JENNY! Saw that another friend's Daughter had a prize winning Picture!  Way to Go Kayla!  And the Newcomb's had several exhibits in the 4-H section!  Cute outfit, Kiana!

The rest of the day we tried to finish the quilt we are making for the TRENDS Trade Show we'll attend in Portland later this month.  Those quilts have to be sent this week!  Mine are ready,  I couldn't put them in the Fair since they needed to be sent while the Fair was still going on.  I've Submitted my entries online for the quilts I'm showing at the Walla Walla Quilt Festival, even though I won't be able to attend this year. I didn't get the Challenges made though.  :(
September will be a Busy month- Summer is Over and I still haven't gotten enough Tomatoes to make any Chili Sauce, weird the way the garden has produced this year,  so slow...  I might try some Bread and Butter Pickles though.  The cucumbers are producing in the flowerbeds. I can only eat a few in my Salad.  I've been eating them just peeled and sliced.

 It's been FUN to have the GOODSON'S visit.  They are on the run when they come home trying to see all their old friends and co-workers.  The house will be extra quiet again when they leave.  Last night they went to swim and visit at Joe and Kori's house in Tri-cities.  Four of the Six were there with 13 of the 17 grandchildren.  They took this picture of the Grandkids for me!