Swap and Sew

My mailbox was filled with goodies today.   This cute little owl flew all the way from New Zealand inside a huge packet from Maureen, my scrap swap partner.  I will be making some fun projects with her charming collection.  I love all the critters, birds and flowers.   I hope she likes the ones I sent her....

My Paducah shipment arrived today, too.   The solids, textures, and graphics I bought will go perfectly with Maureens lively fabrics.  Can't wait to see what happens next.  I may be too busy to post....

Paducah 2013

Visited the AQS show in Paducah last week, and look what came home in my tote bag.  Some lovely silks for my blocks and this revolving cutting mat that I've been pining for.  The rest of the loot is being shipped...

Took lots of quilt pictures, and I also took pictures of quilters.  The Tentmaker from Cairo had all us appliquers mesmerized by his skill and speed using the simplest of tools and techniques.  Would love to take a class from him!

I was impressed with the many lovely Japanese quilts again this year.  Some happy prize winners posed for me.

And these three yoyo lovers graciously offered to bow for the camera.  What a fun group!

Of course, I cannot do justice to all the prizewinning quilts with my little point and shooter, so look for them in the upcoming AQS magazine.  But I just had to show you this little quilt that made me smile.  Ahhh, sweet memories!  Which reminds me,  I need to go soak my feet...

Stacking Up

Slowly adding blocks to my silk tie collection .  I want to try a different arrangement, however...the Boston bombing has been so shocking that I don't feel much like playing today...but rather rebuilding.

Hello Again

My late husband Pete planted these daffodils six years ago, and they keep coming back every spring to say hello.  In fact, I think they are multiplying.  I hope they spread over the whole front yard!!!  Am going to rake up some of last year's leaves today....in my shirtsleeves.  I hope your day is lovely.

New Life

Old sweatshirt becoming 

 a new jacket for Spring

Fall version

I  love these comfy jackets.  Easy to make --- Just open up an extra large sweatshirt, remove cuffs, cover with scraps and stitch lines across in both directions.  Then sew up sides, cut front open, and finish hems with a zigzag.  Finally...throw it in the wash and let it fray into a interesting texture.  This is not for neatniks, but perfect for us quilters who are always covered in loose threads anyway!