New Year's Resolution

OMG - two blog posts within days of each other.  I looked at my stats today and saw that I had actually posted 3 times so far this year and this makes #4.  Boy, what a slacker!!  So, one of my resolutions for 2013 is to post more often because I actually do things here "in the birds."  With that goal in mind, I will concentrate on posting on Mondays to show you my design wall and/or whatever else I am working on.  Wish me luck!!

BTW, my other two resolutions are to lose weight and exercise, AND to work on my UFOs.  I've been trying to straighten up my sewing room these last few days and it is amazing how many unfinished projects I have found under piles of books, under piles of fabric, under piles of batting, under piles of ...  To prove my point, here are 2 BEFORE pictures of my sewing space:

Note UFOs on floor!

Cutting?? table

Now, my design wall.  A UFO from 2007, it is a signature quilt that was a Jo Morton's Little Women Club project.  Just need to finish the sashing and border.  Don't know what fabric I picked out for the border and nothing in my Jo Morton stash seems to work.  Guess I'll have to go shopping!!  You can't see it, but there's another UFO behind my design wall...a wedding quilt that just needs a binding.  That should be my first project I think!!  Maybe it will be done by next Monday.  Stay tuned for my next progress report!!



Jo Morton's Signature Quilt



Please return to Judy L's blog to see all of the fantastic design walls that are posted.  Thanks for stopping and Happy New Year to you all.

Judy

Christmas 2012

DH and I had the nicest Christmas this year - quiet but relaxing with many memories being relived.  We heard from many of our families and friends and enjoyed the wonders of winter in Northern Michigan.

A few things I would like to share with you today.  First, our Advent calendar.  We actually opened the little doors each day of December and laughed and/or were surprised by what was behind each door.  Here it is with the doors shut again

Note that this is the very famous and my favorite castle in the entire world, Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, Germany!!  Sorry that this photo isn't as clear as it should be.  DH and I bought
the calendar when we went to Bronners in Frankenmuth after Thanksgiving.

I also received a lovely gift from one of my BQFF (Best Quilting Friends Forever) right before Christmas.  I am so fortunate to have talented friends that gift me with such beautiful and thoughtful gifts.  Barb is more of a Modern Quilter although she certainly has done a wide variety of quilting styles but the Modern movement seems to be her favorite.  Isn't this little wall hanging just the cutest?

 

 

The simplicity certainly adds to the overall impact especially with the straight line quilting.  I just love it!  Thank you Barb!!!  (paintcreekquilt.blogspot.com)

 

I finally finished the "All Around the Neighborhood" quilt for the BOM club at Delphine's Quilt Shop.  It will start in February and if you are interested, please go to Delphine's website or blog or now she's on Facebook!!  It was really fun to work on.

 

 

 

And last, but not least, DH and I went to Boyne Mountain this afternoon to watch the skiers and snowboarders and have lunch.  So many memories of "the good old days" when we would bug out of school on Friday, drive up north to ski Saturday and Sunday, fight more traffic on the way home Sunday night, and be back in school bright and early Monday morning.  We did this every other weekend for years!  Boyne is still a magical mountain with families and children and everyone having a great time on the slopes.  I must say that it has changed a bit since the 70s but only for the better (duh, ya think?).  Lots and lots more runs and super ski lifts and gorgeous condos.  WOW!

 

DH and I send you our very best wishes for a Happy New Year filled with happiness, health, and prosperity!



Design Wall Monday

It has been a very long time since my last post, but if anyone is still checking in on me, here is what I have accomplished recently -

A little wall hanging for a very dear friend.  I was a tad late to the stacked bowl party - I actually discovered them after the quilt-along was over, BUT, when I did see them I quickly sent away for the pattern and got out my bright fabrics.  A few days later I had it finished.  The size is approximately 9" wide by 24" long.



Closer view of the top



Note the back "hanger" - 2 triangles sewn in by the binding which will hold a thin dowel.  I discovered this method via the AAQI.  (Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative)








Another project is "All Around the Neighborhood" which will be offered as a "Block Club" at Delphine's Quilt Store.  I teach quilting there and this quilt is great fun and a great teaching tool for many quilting basics.  So far our neighborhood has a cabin, a larger home, a church, and a few evergreen trees.  More buildings are expected to be finished this week.



 

Check out the other design walls at Judy L's blog.  Hope to see you here again next week.


Keep on Sewing,

Judy in Michigan



 

Ain't LOVE Grand?

When I moved from Rochester, I left some wonderful quilty friends.  They have been so thoughtful and giving and talented and inspirational and...what can I say?  They are just the BEST!!

Here's my latest gift from my BQFF, Barb (http://paintcreekquilt.blogspot.com)...

It's a paper pieced mini quilt (8.5" x 11") that I received just after Valentine's Day.  Barb got the inspiration from a SewMamaSew post.  LOVE is now hanging right by my desk and computer station.  It's a reminder of our friendship and also a testament to the wonderful women and men who are quilters.  I am so fortunate!!!

My Favorite Christmas Quilt

Sewcalgal is hosting the 2011 Christmas Quilt Show and this is my entry.  I love this quilt and it holds such good memories.  Eight women met one day a month to work on one of the strips in their quilt.  We had such fun working on it and sharing our lives each time.  I was the leader and the strippers worked very hard on each section and then each embellished their masterpiece in their own style.  My quilt is now hanging in our living room during this joyous season.  Merry Christmas everyone!

The pattern is called "Rows of Christmas Joy" by Carolyn Beam.  Be sure to look at all the other quilts in the show at Insights from SewCalGal HERE

Busy in the Birds

We've had some busy days here in the Birds.  There has been interior painting, a trip to the oral surgeon for DH, me nursing DH (can you say mashed potatoes and gravy?), and getting ready for my classes that I will be teaching at Delphine's.  Today I worked the busy shift at the shop with my friend Kathy (busy shift = 10am - 3pm with the all-day gal).  Whew - we were busy!

When I came home I had a little 30 min. nap and then to the computer to see what's been happening in the world today.  To my happy surprise, on Delphine's blog no less, I see a darling quilt made by a lovely 14 year old named Alicyn.  Alicyn made the quilt that I designed back in 2006 for a shop hop.  Here is my version:

And here is Alicyn's version (shown here with Delphine):

Isn't it wonderful??!  I wish I had been in the store when she brought her quilt to show Delphine.  Alicyn added her own animals and wonderful fruit and veggie fabric.  I can't wait to see where her talent will take her.  Alicyn, you did a masterful job and I am so happy for you!  (click to enlarge)

I'm behind in my letter making but this weekend I have great plans for getting the house back to normal and then catching up on LMNOP.  I've decided to not be so exact in my letters and throwing my ruler away.  LIBERATION!!

Thanks for stopping by.  Happy Sewing, Judy

Back from the Repair Shop

I've been working on my letters.  Fixed the A and the B and added J and K.  All caught up!! 

Looks like my fabrics are very similar - need to look into that problem.  This is such fun!!  Join us - peek in at Lynne's (The Patchery Menagerie) - it's not too late!

Stay cool everyone!

Judy in Michigan