tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180172842024-03-07T19:38:56.877-08:00msjanquiltsMs. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.comBlogger315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-39033078902340359632017-10-16T20:35:00.001-07:002017-10-16T20:35:55.537-07:00Burning Down the HouseJust over a week ago a fire storm hit Santa Rosa, California and some of the surrounding communities. Our home was a casualty of those storms. This is my journal.<br />
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It all began on the evening of October 8, 2017, when unusually high winds kicked up, coming from the Northeast, and, while such winds are not unusual in our Sonoma County "summer," which is typically September and October, these were different. We smelled smoke, but didn't worry too much about it. (Mistake #1) Winds were whipping through the trees, and eventually the power went out at 11-ish. We decided to go to bed since there was nothing to do, but neither of us slept. The power came on briefly, then went out again so we sat in bed, smelling smoke and listening.<br />
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Around 2:15 we heard a knocking sound, which I thought was just our bedroom door blowing against the door stop, but when it repeated, Mike went to the front door. Our neighbor Scott, a hero, yelled at us that the fire had breached the nearest crossroad and we better get out. A word about our hero neighbor, he is a father of 3 kids 13-7, and while he was warning us, his wife was packing a bit of stuff for the kids. When Mike answered the door, we could see the glow of the fire on the hill. We jumped into action--got dressed, leashed the dogs, grabbed our computers and I drove the car and dogs down the hill to K-Mart. Mike followed in our truck, which is worth more alive than dead.<br />
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The smoke coming down the hill was thicker than a Visalia Tule fog, and trees were downed all over. Once at K-Mart, we left the truck and took the car to another part of town to get away from the smoke, not knowing that K-Mart would eventually burn to the ground. Mike gassed up the car and we went to the Veteran's Building, which was just being opened as an evacuation center. Not many cars were there yet, and we did not go in, but stayed in the car with our pups.<br />
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Around 6:30, we got a call from a friend who told us to come to her house, which we did. Becky provided us comfort and solace for two days, even though she had no electricity. We were in limbo, not knowing, yet hoping that our house had survived the fire.<br />
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That was not to be. Our friend David sent pictures of the carcass that was our home.Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-82729048527645262712012-01-11T10:56:00.000-08:002012-01-11T10:56:16.735-08:00Adios Sarah and Ramesh....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgy1nvciiufBROQcm2sLluzz6X3aTpylcenc0pyrkmdtZ-z2XayyxspYcRG82pVWndkhpYvhSvuhZ7tjneJjDcPZVlWgBwHG1_ZK9nxxHCUcds16QrH_cUKh1ZYWX03y48UJt/s1600/01.10.11+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgy1nvciiufBROQcm2sLluzz6X3aTpylcenc0pyrkmdtZ-z2XayyxspYcRG82pVWndkhpYvhSvuhZ7tjneJjDcPZVlWgBwHG1_ZK9nxxHCUcds16QrH_cUKh1ZYWX03y48UJt/s320/01.10.11+003.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today, January 11th is a day that Mike and I refer to at "Billy/Willie Day." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mike's dad, Bill Andrews passed away on this day in 1984. My mother Wilma Jones Brackett was born this day in 1920. We honor them by fixing a nice dinner and toasting them with a tasty adult beverage.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYLQVtnneKLeSY1jifIw6BmPMzRZXeSzOOHV9V1IWxD_zNa6dZL4Jc_UuadIt8t-Ovn_U3fgq2_kqm6sfwE-gDP1dEJzVS7si1Ap6gB2jCyqf1eWSPNUABc6H608l14db4RAF/s1600/01.10.11+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYLQVtnneKLeSY1jifIw6BmPMzRZXeSzOOHV9V1IWxD_zNa6dZL4Jc_UuadIt8t-Ovn_U3fgq2_kqm6sfwE-gDP1dEJzVS7si1Ap6gB2jCyqf1eWSPNUABc6H608l14db4RAF/s320/01.10.11+008.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, today we have a new event for the 11th of January. Mike's daughter Sarah and her boyfriend Ramesh left San Francisco International Airport for Panama and the beginning of a year-long journey around the world. Sarah saved, paid off debt and planned this for two years, and today it came to fruition.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sarah and Ramesh brought a van load of Rubbermaid tubs to store under our house and a lovely leather chair to store in our bedroom. We took them to breakfast yesterday morning and kissed her goodbye just after. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVX8O5q8Oqbs4wP18lzz_pYTeRA89m-1TfZTVrA9FIu_nc5NVWJb9Nbi_zcgXxT5qzHqotxs_BIytlZTuhhWAWdarnFJW1DP41ayTKmpMCat_7vEdIPjHwIMBhs6Uq17wf3nM/s1600/01.10.11+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVX8O5q8Oqbs4wP18lzz_pYTeRA89m-1TfZTVrA9FIu_nc5NVWJb9Nbi_zcgXxT5qzHqotxs_BIytlZTuhhWAWdarnFJW1DP41ayTKmpMCat_7vEdIPjHwIMBhs6Uq17wf3nM/s320/01.10.11+012.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We will see Sarah and Ramesh in May, on Mike's birthday in Rome, which is the final day of our cruise. That's a good thing, because I'm having a hard time envisioning an entire year without her smiling face. Mike points out that we've done this before when she studied abroad in Leeds, UK, 1998-1999, but still. A year is a long darned time! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This trip has been brewing in her mind for a very long time, and at age 33, the time is now! I'm proud of her for following her dreams and I know she will have some great tales to tell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can follow their trip at:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.rameshandsarahsexcellentadventure.com/">http://www.rameshandsarahsexcellentadventure.com/</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-20733882122383667962012-01-08T10:17:00.000-08:002012-01-08T10:17:41.940-08:00A Few Finishes in 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm-sWAMXnp-5z0iX2J2rCfWii186ta8P5AHxkQ4-YvvPgSNrS_C0oe0jh1RDks8_-8_F2yAGQVdtUSzQ433FGWzusW8tb8IuZEhnAD3TX9jI_obEY4ySgochs5jEdqHCVzal6/s1600/misc+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm-sWAMXnp-5z0iX2J2rCfWii186ta8P5AHxkQ4-YvvPgSNrS_C0oe0jh1RDks8_-8_F2yAGQVdtUSzQ433FGWzusW8tb8IuZEhnAD3TX9jI_obEY4ySgochs5jEdqHCVzal6/s320/misc+002.JPG" width="320" /></a> While 2011 was consumed by a lot of quilt guild activities, I did manage a couple of finishes for some very-much-desired new babies. This quilt was made from a pattern I found on Moda Bake Shop and is for the baby daughter of my my son-in-law's cousin. She was born in December 2010. The adorable boys in the picture are, of course, Benjamin and Alex.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOusgTWT6cusBVRpu5P5by7qHm8Scr1XGx8Ghu-j1E_wxnlXLkDtry491vfhanw_hoUGdT4P6nlB1MBSoipF925AwD7-hBiqAOfimsblV6E261lHdbg3S0W2E78mgfwlM2StKN/s1600/05.05.11+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOusgTWT6cusBVRpu5P5by7qHm8Scr1XGx8Ghu-j1E_wxnlXLkDtry491vfhanw_hoUGdT4P6nlB1MBSoipF925AwD7-hBiqAOfimsblV6E261lHdbg3S0W2E78mgfwlM2StKN/s320/05.05.11+066.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
The second finish was made by my friend Kathy B. and I for the new granddaughter of our late friend Sand B. Sandy passed away in 2005, shortly after her oldest daughter, then 40 got married for the first time. Six years later, a baby arrived, and we know that Sandy would have been over-the-moon happy, so we had to make a quilt for this welcome addition. Since Kathy and I inherited much of Sandy's collection of 1930's reproductions, we decided to use some of them in our quilt for her granddaughter.<br />
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There was a third finish, but I seem to have neglected to snap a picture of it. The third quilt was for a special baby girl who was given a middle name that my daughter and I share--Aileen. Her mother became a friend of my daughter in grad school and we consider her a part of our extended clan.<br />
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I plan for many more finishes in 2012, and may actually touch my sewing machine today. I have 12 pillowcases prepped to sew up for the troops in Afghanistan. <a href="http://www.broadwayquilts.com/">Broadway Quilts</a> in Sonoma is collecting them for the hospitals in lieu of paper pillowcases. I think it's a great way to get reunited with my sweet Bernina, don't you?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-86985919479530017692012-01-04T18:09:00.000-08:002012-01-04T18:10:03.082-08:00The End<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjc524qh1dQxwVfzg3qmmb6t-QeWbAINsBxtx5oqMiVlssuC4ZY3xL5w3MhMHmUuZJIj2Rtjii5t5eJ3H5-MaeJm3Gta2BaZOzgxTNcq1buVqeyEw8hTemSo9oj0z2ELZA3ma/s1600/end01sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjc524qh1dQxwVfzg3qmmb6t-QeWbAINsBxtx5oqMiVlssuC4ZY3xL5w3MhMHmUuZJIj2Rtjii5t5eJ3H5-MaeJm3Gta2BaZOzgxTNcq1buVqeyEw8hTemSo9oj0z2ELZA3ma/s1600/end01sm.jpg" /></a></div>
I can't get the song "I'm Getting Married in the Morning" from My Fair Lady out of my head because tomorrow I will swear in my replacement and become a regular schmo at the guild. I'm so excited! I got my January newsletter done today, so I'm going to actually sew this week! I still do the monthly newsletter and keep up the database/roster, but I've been doing that for years and could do it in my sleep. I will get to knit or stitch during meetings, go to the loo whenever I please, chat, sip tea or coffee....the list goes on.<br />
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I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" /></a><br />
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PS: Don't get me wrong, it was fun, but enough is enough!Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-22519114733889412972012-01-03T10:37:00.000-08:002012-01-03T10:40:20.351-08:00The Holidays are Over!<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Well, the kids are gone, the house will be un-decorated today and the exorcise (not a misspelling, my sister's name for it) program has been resumed in full. Life can go back to normal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">As I said before, I am so looking forward to 2012, for more quilting time and less responsibility. Also, 2012 is a milestone birthday for me--60--and we are celebrating by taking a cruise around Italy in the spring. Shortly after that, we will go to the annual Winemaker Magazine conference at Cornell University in New York. I've never been to New York, and given the choice of side-tripping to NYC or Niagara Falls was not really a decision for me. Niagara Falls is on my bucket list, and I can't wait to see it in person, and from the Canadian side.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">In my absence from the blogging world, my grandson Benjamin, who will be 7 in February, has become a budding chef and is playing the piano. Alex is 4 1/2 and in preschool and is a very active little fellow. They are soooo fun. My stepson Scott got married on Halloween 2009 and he and wife Erin are doing well. My stepdaughter Sarah is realizing her dream of quitting her job of 12 years and travelling the world for a year. Her boyfriend Ramesh has decided to join her and surf around the world. They leave on the 11th and I can't imagine how a year without Sarah will be. My son Daniel moved into his own place after living with his best friends until their recent wedding. He's enjoying the simple life in his own place and is a wonderful uncle to Kate's two boys. Kate and Steve have been married 11 years this week, and life is good for them as the boys continue to grow up. My dogs Gator and Ace are 13 and 11 respectively and are doing fine for being so old, and they are definitely happy that the guests are gone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Mike is good and is making some mighty good wine. We planted some Pinot Noir grapes in part of our yard previously unused and they will be producing in 2 more years. That keeps him on the run, for sure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Last summer, Mike wanted to go to a pitch and putt golf course and play nine holes and I told him I'd go and walk with him. Well, that wasn't allowed, so we rented some clubs and a pull cart and I was going to just walk and pull the cart. Well, me being me, I decided that if I had to rent them, I was going to play, even though I'm left-handed and the clubs were rightys. So, I played that day and did OK. The next time, we rented the lefty clubs and I did better. Within 2 weeks, Mike had ordered me a basic set of clubs online and I was enrolled in lessons. Since then, we have enjoyed playing golf 2-3 times a week, and have introduced both of the girls to it. Our boys, who took lessons together 15 years ago both play regularly and we've had the pleasure of playing with both of them this month. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5RMfmSezTMPG1DKoPCH9i_zyeUmwqD5S3kSup_9y_qOJ6Qj0N6Tz14SZJ72EdoEMywem08MHgC0l5o9BbZ-H7nZJydHJd_ceIyMJws7V3eS1JApAuZHIExzbeptwMV1MUPLN/s1600/2011+Holidays+146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5RMfmSezTMPG1DKoPCH9i_zyeUmwqD5S3kSup_9y_qOJ6Qj0N6Tz14SZJ72EdoEMywem08MHgC0l5o9BbZ-H7nZJydHJd_ceIyMJws7V3eS1JApAuZHIExzbeptwMV1MUPLN/s320/2011+Holidays+146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">As Mrs. Goodneedle says, Life is Good!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" /></a><br />
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<br />Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-66099257926426270172012-01-01T20:30:00.001-08:002012-01-01T20:31:40.526-08:00Welcome 2012!Welcome 2012!
I just finished up a two year stint as president of my quilt guild, a time-comsuming job that has seriously affected my time to quilt and my desire to work on my blog. Well that is about to change.
This year, I plan to work on <strike><a href="http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/"></a></strike> Fee Motion Quilting Challenge. My partner in crime is my new HandiQuilter Sweet 16, a lovely machine with a 16 inch throat that I can sit down to use. She's been sitting in my sewing room while I finished up my duties, patiently waiting for me.
So, the word for 2012 is Mastery. I will master machine quilting in 2012.
Want to join me? Just look up Sew Cal Gal on Facebook and join the fun@
Happy New Year!
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-81399247152670511982012-01-01T20:07:00.001-08:002012-01-01T20:07:39.902-08:00<a href="http://www.homeworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/vinyl-letters-arts-and-crafts-initial.jpg://"></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-27657560481600562882010-08-12T20:09:00.001-07:002010-08-12T20:22:22.741-07:00Pets on Quilts!<a href="http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2010/08/pets-on-quilts-show.html"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2010/08/pets-on-quilts-show.html"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgen9OOqwc1CrBhBWqdfsVxXf081Nyw58YsewcaIqMIX530h3vD3dvfhCtI1rQoIU_R2jnvprBMnD6g7rtLj6e1pZGr-yeNmsiswvuZz6n5ztHTTQ2M1Tn7LFlUHTMFedg4-Gap/s320/SewCalGal+Dog+%26+Cat+Quilt+Show+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504726510523447410" border="0" /></a><a href="http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2010/08/pets-on-quilts-show.html">SewCalGal </a>is hostessing a Pets on Quilts online quilt show through August 21st. Well, I love pets on quilts, so I had to enter it with an oldie but goodie of mine.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzWOcETDtUwoXkRxlhNIuM6VjBxCj-bTshW-o_MWGKHBchuv9Rxi4qFKkiMgyhUaDIH6L1qtlljLXLhqlKRnUgRVJ5zWRg2lcsOMFZiR0SNsL3sfqsRd8djiw4gaTKyPg7qc6/s1600/CIMG2283.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzWOcETDtUwoXkRxlhNIuM6VjBxCj-bTshW-o_MWGKHBchuv9Rxi4qFKkiMgyhUaDIH6L1qtlljLXLhqlKRnUgRVJ5zWRg2lcsOMFZiR0SNsL3sfqsRd8djiw4gaTKyPg7qc6/s400/CIMG2283.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504727004389886130" border="0" /></a>This quilt is entitled "There's a Schnauzer on My Quilt!" I started this quilt back in 2005 at a <a href="http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=85448122313358544&Store_id=472&page_id=23&Item_ID=1133">Billie Lauder</a> workshop held by our guild and finished it in 2006. I modified Billie's pattern a bit to make it a Miniature Schnauzer complete with 3-D eyebrows and a long floppy tongue (just like my wee Gator, who loves to lick people's teeth).<br /><br />I hand quilted this quilt and gave it to Michelle, my husband's ex-stepdaughter for the birth of her first son Arjuna. Back in the day, my hubby and Michelle's mom had a fabulous schnauzer, Cindi, a little darling and when I met her, it was love at first sight. Cindi's life was cut short by diabetes, but her memory lives on and on.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-5679144817138654052010-08-08T12:53:00.000-07:002010-08-08T13:05:55.499-07:00Borders: Long May They Wave<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWe258AHhshvrhirwOUVYrpVv5MnKEgPHnRXniVvpo8QI3S1rGNIG0gK2AmmAZ1E2zy9XquSo9YAZEIqkVcuYz9xbu1MGwDbTcg6AvBQ_bJA2Y3i3Ig-xp6dWx1hIFSZRKPgj/s1600/good+jan.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWe258AHhshvrhirwOUVYrpVv5MnKEgPHnRXniVvpo8QI3S1rGNIG0gK2AmmAZ1E2zy9XquSo9YAZEIqkVcuYz9xbu1MGwDbTcg6AvBQ_bJA2Y3i3Ig-xp6dWx1hIFSZRKPgj/s320/good+jan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503130176313288946" border="0" /></a>Do you ever find yourself in a quilter's quandry? <br /><br />Or maybe it isn't a quandry at all and you just fail to pay attention to what you "should" do and take the easy way out? You think: "Self: it won't matter just this <span style="font-style: italic;">one little time </span>if you don't measure your project before adding the border. After all, the project is only 35 inches square." "The border isn't pieced, heck half of it is even straight grain of the fabric." "No problemo, dude."<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >WRONG</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tFj9xiBP49OZ3c5VkrmCaaMKnjqYDcPzZmfXNRF0cRrImjBiP8zWr8iZ7jYajQzYh8UHobq_iKAGxHjvUUGI4nYAiIhBveE22LPdiHyxBN_rAhVkpGKH9F97246ECpb4MRdI/s1600/bad+janno.png"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tFj9xiBP49OZ3c5VkrmCaaMKnjqYDcPzZmfXNRF0cRrImjBiP8zWr8iZ7jYajQzYh8UHobq_iKAGxHjvUUGI4nYAiIhBveE22LPdiHyxBN_rAhVkpGKH9F97246ECpb4MRdI/s320/bad+janno.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503129956358885826" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm here to tell you that it doesn't pay to listen to the bad girl on your shoulder and take a shortcut. Having just added said border to a wall-hanging for my son, I can tell you that size doesn't matter. No matter the size of your top, measure it in three places (top, middle, bottom) horizontally and three places (left, middle, right) on the sides. Then you may average the three numbers for each dimension and arrive at the correct border size. You do not, I repeat do not just slap on a long piece of fabric. The time saved by not measuring will surely be spent bonding with your favorite seam ripper!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-12698490811904560082010-08-04T20:20:00.000-07:002010-08-04T20:40:11.660-07:00A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nW1ZLLG9ShdsyO1uJecxdY6-FIL94ojC7FgzhdejWv3-BYCycqzMm_y2x7wvv-0qzdRn2xBbZMZ1LVeXaIb7-bS-VkZ1XcQ78L6eaoRTk3r0HQ7ReF7Wjhy3dFTivgBywIf6/s1600/misc2+018.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nW1ZLLG9ShdsyO1uJecxdY6-FIL94ojC7FgzhdejWv3-BYCycqzMm_y2x7wvv-0qzdRn2xBbZMZ1LVeXaIb7-bS-VkZ1XcQ78L6eaoRTk3r0HQ7ReF7Wjhy3dFTivgBywIf6/s320/misc2+018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501763008173980866" border="0" /></a>And all that jazz.<br /><br />Last week, I spent the week in Lompoc with my friends Becky and Kathy and Laurinda. We sewed, chatted, laughed, cooked and ate, not necessarily in that order. Becky was hard at work on a <a href="http://www.debbiescreativemoments.com/">Debbie Caffrey</a> "Three or More" quilt for a family member in Christmas colors. Nice.<br /><br />Well, mostly. Did I mention that the recipient of this quilt is an Elvis fan? Did I mention that Becky found the most am<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKgsBbzHEiAmCDKaGDzACbftbFEsSEmxjj71JwbH0oqWeYTzqFaRp15ndLZGBiqFjUVbViOawiynwuS3SNg1fRRFey-gvgsJAuQITQc8xYG1s-Jo6ZOBv7fGEuxQiba-Q09c6/s1600/misc2+020.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKgsBbzHEiAmCDKaGDzACbftbFEsSEmxjj71JwbH0oqWeYTzqFaRp15ndLZGBiqFjUVbViOawiynwuS3SNg1fRRFey-gvgsJAuQITQc8xYG1s-Jo6ZOBv7fGEuxQiba-Q09c6/s320/misc2+020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501764285826527938" border="0" /></a>azing Christmas fabric for an Elvis fan? Not the most beautiful, but certainly Elvis. Wait......maybe this IS the real E. Our personal favorite is the one at the center of the top of this piece of fabric, the picture affectionately nicknamed "Seizure Elvis." A closer look will reveal eyes kind of rolled upward and we thought the name more charitable than "Stoned Elvis."<br /><br />Becky deliberated long and hard about putting this fabric on the front of the quilt as an outside border, but decided that it might be a bit over-the-top. Good call. BUT, Kathy and I pounded her mercilessly until she agreed to put just a wee piece of the King on the front. We thought she placed it perfectly, don't you?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Q2o6hVKzj_-p82UmGq71vQE-758THuesZgBWdRk3wJIanje8n_ilfkxOTrDz8doylhpTGKVLkll96jKbYzpQwl_EhdTftDsZEBLh8oQ4tOKpwGlvFWLMvRXpDIwZfdlylqSk/s1600/misc2+021.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Q2o6hVKzj_-p82UmGq71vQE-758THuesZgBWdRk3wJIanje8n_ilfkxOTrDz8doylhpTGKVLkll96jKbYzpQwl_EhdTftDsZEBLh8oQ4tOKpwGlvFWLMvRXpDIwZfdlylqSk/s320/misc2+021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501764761600053538" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now I know you want a close up of that, don't you? Well here you go:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Priceless!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"> </a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-9044452578432501412010-08-01T19:07:00.001-07:002010-08-01T19:20:26.814-07:00A Long Term Project<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2t5NKbOExlTU7OjkSBl7z_aTbMIp7bRRShKkOy5gWwiZYSZ2g9OwgHxrlK62nbAkaGpnaTBURS18Caxi_fWkC7D0j_LmKK6NuzlN3JF-x_BYzLFaZcYpYNaMw302n9EbYNHKB/s1600/misc+025.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2t5NKbOExlTU7OjkSBl7z_aTbMIp7bRRShKkOy5gWwiZYSZ2g9OwgHxrlK62nbAkaGpnaTBURS18Caxi_fWkC7D0j_LmKK6NuzlN3JF-x_BYzLFaZcYpYNaMw302n9EbYNHKB/s320/misc+025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500628627069033090" border="0" /></a>You may remember the <a href="http://msjanquilts.blogspot.com/2009/01/round-robin-received.html">Mini-Round Robin</a> that I joined several years ago after <a href="http://abyquilt.blogspot.com/2007/09/mini-round-robin.html">May Britt</a> and her friends showed their projects off. <br /><br />I decided to do something completely different this time, so I started with a heart that contained my Hubby's and my initials. I asked the participants to keep it pastel-ish with a Robyn Pandolph kind of look, and I think they went the distance, don't you?<br /><br />This fun group decided to call it a day, but <a href="http://katesquilting.blogspot.com/">Kate</a> is having a Stay-at-Home Round Robin for those who are interested. Not sure if I have time this year, but I have considered doing one for myself.<br /><br />In the meantime, I did finish a quilt for a certain birthday person who will be celebrating later this month. No picture yet, but soon. I'm also working on a wall-hanging for my soon-to-be 30 year old son. I spent three days in Lompoc at my friend Becky's house, joined by friend Kathy and we sewed our hearts out. It was great therapy!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-72489699855062979902010-07-21T21:08:00.000-07:002010-07-21T21:59:18.463-07:00Win!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoN4xA74r__Xd0clNarJUCp5IkbPeqExaV3ap1ssdvgWkRnFAq7jwc0jirPygfLnZkLdhaXFi2q1iVBgXnQj7eFaeZcC4b_fNSJPJYt-dh4DB9NesVomXsQWykYypVkgvI_m9/s1600/judy+hopkins.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoN4xA74r__Xd0clNarJUCp5IkbPeqExaV3ap1ssdvgWkRnFAq7jwc0jirPygfLnZkLdhaXFi2q1iVBgXnQj7eFaeZcC4b_fNSJPJYt-dh4DB9NesVomXsQWykYypVkgvI_m9/s320/judy+hopkins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496578830551506754" border="0" /></a><br />One reason for not blogging much is the demonic, time-sucking Facebook. On the other hand, thanks to said demon, I won a book from Martingale for suggesting a name for the star block on their lunchroom floor. "Martingale Star" seemed pretty obvious to me, but apparently it was a winner, so lucky me! I have all three of Judy Hopkins "Around the Block" books, but it looks like this book has even more blocks and I do love her multiple size cutting information. Thanks to Martingale!<br /><br />One of my l<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGwqOBc0T7LRy_ZTrSNNaB1Lifl2eqO2y8hLFZDjdGSD8lbYoZ7jN0oveuhgk549-9zcMfADFaf0WCRQBuNs6NWtZs3vads2eFuUQU8gyaXn0ShB_c3XfbBFCj6FtVu-wpefT/s1600/ichabod.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGwqOBc0T7LRy_ZTrSNNaB1Lifl2eqO2y8hLFZDjdGSD8lbYoZ7jN0oveuhgk549-9zcMfADFaf0WCRQBuNs6NWtZs3vads2eFuUQU8gyaXn0ShB_c3XfbBFCj6FtVu-wpefT/s320/ichabod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496590085923880258" border="0" /></a>atest projects is a block of the month from <a href="http://www.thimblecreek.com/">ThimbleCreek</a>, a quilt shop in Concord, CA. Those who know me, also know that I adore Halloween and have several fabulous Halloween quilts in progress. I plan to leave one for each of the kids when I can no longer enjoy them. This one is called Ichabod Hollow and was designed by Joe, one of the owners of ThimbleCreek. The applique portion is nearly done and I have the picket fence and star fabric waiting for my attentions. Next week is a quiltfest with Kathy B. and Becky in Lompoc, and I hope to make a bit of progress on this.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-41137639707015348722010-07-09T10:06:00.001-07:002010-07-09T10:17:18.949-07:00Having Fun With The Boys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5qYZwNyMBGo4sHoYSznxE8gje0Sr1jTTiIhRvNjfWvRYE1l9T4ZLn_bKCG88ZCnppV43RY5aNnaB754iL7NXDlPYPQzNaJmcNNGgerjQ_T18Lc5kLRt9QTdL5aNB7y-HeAsN/s1600/CIMG4802.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5qYZwNyMBGo4sHoYSznxE8gje0Sr1jTTiIhRvNjfWvRYE1l9T4ZLn_bKCG88ZCnppV43RY5aNnaB754iL7NXDlPYPQzNaJmcNNGgerjQ_T18Lc5kLRt9QTdL5aNB7y-HeAsN/s320/CIMG4802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491954687495854802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Benjamin and Alex and their parents came by over the long weekend going to and from Crescent City to visit friends, so I got to see them twice!<br /><br />On Tuesday night we went to Rosso, a local wine and pizza place and were lucky to get the family booth at the back of the restaurant. Right behind the us was a sous-chef station where a very sweet young lady making flatbreads and salads chatted with the boys nonstop. They loved watching her prep the food and had to be coerced to take a snap with Nana (can you tell?). The boys were given a lump of dough to shape as they pleased and it was returned with a cup of red sauce for dipping. As you might imagine, it was the hit of the evening. <br /><br />We are back to normal now, and today our handyman will finish our mini-renovation of the master bath. We removed our 10 gazillion gallon bathtub and are tiling in the space to use for storage of wines-in-progress and a cabinet for supplies for same. According to Dan the Handyman, it costs $20 in water to fill these tubs and I'll bet we'd not used ours in 5 years. Only the boys did, and they like to shower these days. Adios tub, hello wine room!!<br /><br /> </span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-49770510861585533102010-07-03T19:29:00.000-07:002010-07-03T19:39:43.479-07:00Long Time No Blog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHYMwPmh31qlIcqjYCCFKOBxYZwK_WVE9j0mjvqqAR9jH5y0OrQ8MJ1KMqQdTZ5i9EA_8NL0B9TkAme_9hX2VgTCMyBSRjBqCuij8ECx6IG09mEyTbPPu1w_nArwhx8ybE9b7/s1600/CIMG4759.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHYMwPmh31qlIcqjYCCFKOBxYZwK_WVE9j0mjvqqAR9jH5y0OrQ8MJ1KMqQdTZ5i9EA_8NL0B9TkAme_9hX2VgTCMyBSRjBqCuij8ECx6IG09mEyTbPPu1w_nArwhx8ybE9b7/s320/CIMG4759.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489874758309516882" border="0" /></a>It seems like forever since I blogged, and it pretty much has been. Sometimes your star points just don't match up.<br /><br />In January, I became President of the quilt guild and within 10 weeks, we had to put together a tri-guild luncheon for the three local quilt guilds. The learning curve has been steep, dealing with the various and sundry <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">personalities</span> of different members pretty much tapped out my creative energy during the first half of the year. I have my "sea legs" now and have agreed to do a second year, with hopefully fewer hassles and stress. After all, we're supposed to be there to have fun, aren't we?<br /><br />I'm also looking forward to more quilting time!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-82422423061277756062009-11-07T16:08:00.000-08:002009-11-07T16:20:54.155-08:00A Shout OutTo the staff at the <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/">Fat Quarter Shop</a>. I have no affiliation, I'm just a very satisfied customer.<br /><br />Last year, I participated in the Designer Mystery BOM and I was so happy with the results (currently with my long-armer), that I decided to jump in and do this year's sampler too. I think I've mentioned before that each monthly kit includes a very generous amount of fabric in case of, well, you know, bad cuts. I'm the queen of bad cuts, so I know.<br /><br />Recently, I joined a Holiday quilt swap with the <a href="http://fourseasonsquiltswap.blogspot.com/">Four Seasons Quilt Swap </a>group and I used my leftover fabrics to make a mini-quilt to give my recipient. I wanted one particular fabric for my outer border, so I ordered a half yard and it was here in three days. Shout out number one.<br /><br />When I went to cut the borders, I figured that I'd have to cut on the cross grain simply due to the length I ne<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvu7MBB6RCy9JMl28apnwPJl8rCjmI6Dr83EqdlmYTbmS2b_FHJKTH5yYSaG5Cvk0H0Uvrpg50_PIg1W8XLIfoWjj8NlkZjAjKIN7w-a9WfoaUSKefRYizskj6JgB1xf1aJlT/s1600-h/temp+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvu7MBB6RCy9JMl28apnwPJl8rCjmI6Dr83EqdlmYTbmS2b_FHJKTH5yYSaG5Cvk0H0Uvrpg50_PIg1W8XLIfoWjj8NlkZjAjKIN7w-a9WfoaUSKefRYizskj6JgB1xf1aJlT/s320/temp+002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401519729927168194" border="0" /></a>eded, but not so. This half yard was actually TWENTY inches long! I was shocked! And not in that unhappy way I've been when I've measured half yards or fat quarters from some other online retailers. Shout out number two!<br /><br />Is it any wonder that the <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/">Fat Quarter Shop</a> is my number one go-to place for online fabrics?<br /><br />I'm doing the <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?sid=89121171925258912&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=34115&Parent_Ids=">Civil War Tribute BOM</a> after the first of the year and I can't wait!<br /><br />Thank you <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/">Fat Quarter Shop</a> for going the <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> extra inches </span>that make quilters happy!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-18065073587135906682009-10-11T17:14:00.000-07:002009-10-11T17:33:21.502-07:00The Winemaker's Wife<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2INL7pCONeLY3qsZNAXhCEelc0MbUzR-6lQ1zOkwxbaPDcoxLxH_2rn41w0R0jAxQDH686IXwVmclGE4lcpa4XtlPjo1Uj4cy1RknhBNPKi5LazT5S5jx8KAtN6jcVIiQiAm/s1600-h/stringX.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2INL7pCONeLY3qsZNAXhCEelc0MbUzR-6lQ1zOkwxbaPDcoxLxH_2rn41w0R0jAxQDH686IXwVmclGE4lcpa4XtlPjo1Uj4cy1RknhBNPKi5LazT5S5jx8KAtN6jcVIiQiAm/s320/stringX.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391502417139361186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Has been busy helping with this year's harvest. Over the past few weeks, we've crushed and destemmed approximately 1000 pounds of grapes and pressed all but the last 300 pounds. It all started, as it always does, with the Pinot Noir and progressed to the Zinfandel, the homegrown Cabernet Franc and finally the Cabernet Sauvignon. We purchase most of the grapes from a broker who can get us premium grapes from nearly any grower in the Sonoma/Napa area or beyond. We have about 30 vines of Cab. Franc in our otherwise useless side yard, and this year, they yielded a bit over 200 pounds of great looking grapes. It keeps us busy, let me tell you.<br /><br />In addition, the guild is doing a lot of administrative work re-tooling our new member handbook and making notebooks for new officers detailing their responsibilities. I'm doing a fair amount of graphic work on same, but I do love that. Then there is Time Waste Central, also known as Bejewelled on Facebook. It's addicting.<br /><br />I have done some sewing work, though, and am eagerly anticipating my trip to PIQF next week. Pictured above is a block from the quilt I blogged about earlier, Bonnie Hunter's String X<br />quilt, made with linens, pinwale cord and the like. I have 3 blocks done and all of the foundations and set triangles cut<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VYMrFCYC1Dixr7FWnQIE9dPKCFFzWW4-FDHiw19j0Ys9GwSOrs0yUG8AglADiADkPKhDDQSfeC_MrKmABbS5Yaz0WAAhQ18_cDKo5BhMK-VhyphenhyphenVBXp4_5EftUFCb6Fm0Ksxpq/s1600-h/trick+or+treat+2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VYMrFCYC1Dixr7FWnQIE9dPKCFFzWW4-FDHiw19j0Ys9GwSOrs0yUG8AglADiADkPKhDDQSfeC_MrKmABbS5Yaz0WAAhQ18_cDKo5BhMK-VhyphenhyphenVBXp4_5EftUFCb6Fm0Ksxpq/s320/trick+or+treat+2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391503268000789266" border="0" /></a> and ready for the string piecing. In the meantime, I had to get a couple of quick things done, such as the Trick or Treat bags I made for the boys. Alex got a giraffe costume, so he got the giraffe bag made with a very edible looking leaf print and a baby giraffe on the pocket. Benjamin got a darling firefighter's costume and his mommy found cool rubber boots to go with it, so we used these great Alexander Henry prints for his bag. The bags are 9x9x3, so will be a good size after Halloween for toting books to and from the library.<br /><br />Finally, though I'm not the organizer of the Sew-a-Row project this year, I am participating. This project is only 14 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM0YKq85kRXi7gpHwAWymZuXT7fFzUbI5VRlFpB9IuCg_uLvYERAMsnWD-cE3guWKW2Q46AjtDwQ873Nk5CLzuFe9lN11-xOYgwFU5wK36TdYDzP6gJYCYpBT1I2F0njsGPgE/s1600-h/SAR2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM0YKq85kRXi7gpHwAWymZuXT7fFzUbI5VRlFpB9IuCg_uLvYERAMsnWD-cE3guWKW2Q46AjtDwQ873Nk5CLzuFe9lN11-xOYgwFU5wK36TdYDzP6gJYCYpBT1I2F0njsGPgE/s320/SAR2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391504706483125442" border="0" /></a>1/2 inches wide, started by Mitzi, a member of my mini-group who does the most amazing applique ever started it with the Dresden Plates. Phyllis, from my other mini-group added the Sunbonnet Sue and I did my old favorites, the 1930's dogs and cat. Two more rows to go and I definitely want to win this!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-12932992521760475572009-09-27T09:45:00.000-07:002009-09-27T10:11:50.411-07:00The Challenge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UukN1mc7sU8S0lxj_1V2oGLv42eSyKK3ytjAQ3b0ljzKp-Mt5EVLxBFIoefeltZn1wVdiNgqtlauKSp1R-RJFBma3PSSBOlyw6ei1IIUaZ-kz_VtEyRlatIoqFJuRyJqH_2A/s1600-h/fabric1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UukN1mc7sU8S0lxj_1V2oGLv42eSyKK3ytjAQ3b0ljzKp-Mt5EVLxBFIoefeltZn1wVdiNgqtlauKSp1R-RJFBma3PSSBOlyw6ei1IIUaZ-kz_VtEyRlatIoqFJuRyJqH_2A/s320/fabric1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386194078292646130" border="0" /></a>Ever since she was a senior at Cal, my stepdaughter Sarah has worked for a couple who own a small clothing design business in Berekely. The wife designs all the clothes, upscale women's casual wear, and her husband manages this business and several other ventures. Sarah started as an office assistant in 2000 and now manages the business while they are on frequent trips. Last spring, she brought me two enormous sacks of trimmings from the sewing end of the business (done on site), and asked if I would make her employers a quilt for Christmas. The Asian women who sew don't like to throw anything away, so the fabrics are from last year's lines and mainly rayon weaves, linens, textured linens and pinwale cords among others. These bags weighed a TON, and the first thing I had to do was sort through and pick out the fabrics totally unsuitable for a quilt, which was almost half of it. I donated these pieces to the guild's various projects and a couple of ladies who sew for a living.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkWgcLDN9yjtgL8AI6h7RGOjvfxSqrOaKZO-ZDS9kQGquv9MUNafodvGexT5N65i3Y-MQTaAdgl08It_hPw8goT1KMAd2ktpU_jY4fu1Xokxho_D_FcysVOYFGd5tOworYpgL/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkWgcLDN9yjtgL8AI6h7RGOjvfxSqrOaKZO-ZDS9kQGquv9MUNafodvGexT5N65i3Y-MQTaAdgl08It_hPw8goT1KMAd2ktpU_jY4fu1Xokxho_D_FcysVOYFGd5tOworYpgL/s320/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386192678420843442" border="0" /></a><br />I was left with a pretty good amount of fabric that would work, but obviously, this stuff had to be sewed on a foundation....a fabric foundation. Here's a shot of the fabrics I'm getting ready to cut. The white strips are the remains of the patterns that are lightly glued to the fabric before cutting. Every raw edge of this fabric is serged because they buy plain greige goods from China and dye it themselves before making the garments. They may have garments of the same color, but different fabric type, so I will have strips like that as well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKOIkBz8Vzr10JiVTQ62Mp8YE4zOWMwGv5TK0_NDkDXdlOpOi50r79eJPbGK81NTyWGjzg9PqmfaIGlvojurzXsTVWrEKkpfyICn6R0HJfPW5aNaGM949FCqGjSYpcqAYJDV-/s1600-h/fabric2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKOIkBz8Vzr10JiVTQ62Mp8YE4zOWMwGv5TK0_NDkDXdlOpOi50r79eJPbGK81NTyWGjzg9PqmfaIGlvojurzXsTVWrEKkpfyICn6R0HJfPW5aNaGM949FCqGjSYpcqAYJDV-/s320/fabric2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386194374956776946" border="0" /></a><br />So, I started cutting......and cutting.......and cutting. Strips, tons of them. Ala<a href="http://quiltville.com/"> Bonnie Hunter</a>. That would be because I'm using one of Bonnie's patterns, but you won't know which one until tomorrow. In the meantime, here's a pic of the strips. I have to say that I found this project pretty intimidating, because I am a traditional quilter, so I had to spend a couple of months looking at <a href="http://quiltville.blogspot.com/">Bonnie</a> and <a href="http://lazygalquilting.blogspot.com/">Tonya's</a> blogs, as well as <a href="http://gwenmarston.com/index.htm">Gwen</a> and Freddie's work to get my courage up.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-82441474691055671012009-09-22T18:34:00.000-07:002009-09-22T18:47:07.259-07:00I'm All Caught Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SdOI_DXL5aVkWgtaMzCzG4Cc0X0wmTltDZ54-4qVP6fJ1vW14I2uO-Wowi877LZ5M9_ZEYGzjbbv_7M6OcOVny_GaYRXByzrzuedKBqqzJtjEyTdQNa7aJe5KROvHXmWzmiq/s1600-h/DMBOM.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SdOI_DXL5aVkWgtaMzCzG4Cc0X0wmTltDZ54-4qVP6fJ1vW14I2uO-Wowi877LZ5M9_ZEYGzjbbv_7M6OcOVny_GaYRXByzrzuedKBqqzJtjEyTdQNa7aJe5KROvHXmWzmiq/s320/DMBOM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384470936253245442" border="0" /></a><br />With my new Designer's Mystery BOM from the Fat Quarter Shop. I was three blocks behind when I started out (it took me a bit of time to decide to go for it), but I vowed to get caught up and stay caught up and I did.<br /><br />This set of blocks promise to be just as great as last year's DMBOM, and I like the different setting of the finishing kit.<br /><br />Also, last week I paid a visit on this guy:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTJHCDsHoLXH2LRB_6gyc7pfv0qj9VhK1OnGvAIx0gjK2OH-vRjVJwYuOSfJye1SlOhA8_ipdcg967XYlODkzKVWzbEqL_8yEYX_2tjzCCXwUycYKUgnbb-eQVLZ9k-17DHjy/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTJHCDsHoLXH2LRB_6gyc7pfv0qj9VhK1OnGvAIx0gjK2OH-vRjVJwYuOSfJye1SlOhA8_ipdcg967XYlODkzKVWzbEqL_8yEYX_2tjzCCXwUycYKUgnbb-eQVLZ9k-17DHjy/s320/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384471890193534018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And this one:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK913RxNJmSAgd_B6K4ygm12liZvlIY8isv49aIwRstGY5Ixdfr-gCbTz9w-4p-Ewf7stqh3TQtDKzBWhzxpW5YsvMlObvvCEZjDf-BasvHixXXwTVOWmjymHYgnIddJ_CNyx/s1600-h/2009_09_15+024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK913RxNJmSAgd_B6K4ygm12liZvlIY8isv49aIwRstGY5Ixdfr-gCbTz9w-4p-Ewf7stqh3TQtDKzBWhzxpW5YsvMlObvvCEZjDf-BasvHixXXwTVOWmjymHYgnIddJ_CNyx/s320/2009_09_15+024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384472928174941090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-74394322727894218432009-09-17T14:57:00.000-07:002009-09-17T15:23:04.490-07:00DumbfoundedThat was me, today.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ptl3M306gNEZV6BKKOt2jr68x7tnyfwiDDFUkyOi4Leb8MV40Fw_KBvcldbIly7s1hbANKvCSlA63Vl25gZ8ywZMFtzD65IndIRzePJZPWGW8hTyAAsfRayfGb_afSx9o1Ny/s1600-h/logo.photo.2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ptl3M306gNEZV6BKKOt2jr68x7tnyfwiDDFUkyOi4Leb8MV40Fw_KBvcldbIly7s1hbANKvCSlA63Vl25gZ8ywZMFtzD65IndIRzePJZPWGW8hTyAAsfRayfGb_afSx9o1Ny/s320/logo.photo.2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382564928635004050" border="0" /></a><br />The third Thursday in September is always our Founders' Day Luncheon at the <a href="http://www.santarosaquiltguild.org/">Santa Rosa Quilt Guild</a>. Some of our charter members took quilting classes from <a href="http://quiltersspirit.blogspot.com/2008/07/joyce-gross-her-quilts.html">Joyce Gross</a> at Santa Rosa Junior College back in the 1970's, and founded a group that would last beyond the classroom. Well, did it ever! The guild is 33 years young this month and one of our founding member, Dotty Zagar, got up today and gave us some history. She hostessed the first meeting at her home in 1976. We are now 240 members strong and very, very busy ladies. We donate quilts to various local causes like the NICU at Sutter Hospital, the Valley of the Moon Children's Home, the local women's shelters, the Wounded Warriors at Camp Pendleton, and many more.<br /><br />Another thing that happens on Founders' Day is awards. The guild gives an annual Merit Award to a member who has done exceptional work in a given field and this year member Glenda R. got the award for her constant schlepping of our opportunity quilt from venue to venue to make us a few bucks. Well deserved. Then the committee chair announced that there was an Honorary Life Membership award to be given this year and she started in about the winner's work on the newsletter (me), the membership roster (me again), and various committees like SewARow (me). I was in total shock, people. As Vice President, I'm on the Board--the same Board who votes on awards--and that sneaky bunch flew this one right by me.<br /><br />I'm touched, happy, surprised and grateful. I'm grateful for this wonderful bunch of women and a couple of guys who work their collective fingers to the bone to make it all happen. I look forward every other Thursday to the meetings because the positive energy put out by my guild is the best.....and did I mention that they are very creative? If you check this <a href="http://www.santarosaquiltguild.org/showandtell.php">link </a>in the next day or two you'll see what I mean, and in the meantime, check the archives.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-30569396750573286592009-09-09T09:26:00.001-07:002009-09-09T09:35:51.029-07:00Embroidery Addict<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CwHNFlFEspQnNqrJEnzKdCTgCyuTLvobXjivqnqVVlrAV9gcdxBKQwoP7QhnwrXboV67yXgqRGNOPH-t3J6HW9IvCNztK7aLXjUrz6iloIM97Uu-f6EKQzeknuvZs1uvEF6R/s1600-h/Misc+133.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CwHNFlFEspQnNqrJEnzKdCTgCyuTLvobXjivqnqVVlrAV9gcdxBKQwoP7QhnwrXboV67yXgqRGNOPH-t3J6HW9IvCNztK7aLXjUrz6iloIM97Uu-f6EKQzeknuvZs1uvEF6R/s320/Misc+133.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379505214704128306" border="0" /></a>I've been working on this Halloween quilt from <a href="http://www.crabapplehillstudio.com/">Crabapple Hill</a>, a kit I bought at the Napa Quilt Show last year. It is part of my ongoing plan to make an heirloom Halloween quilt for each of our kids. Number one is in the hoop for quilting, but with the wool batting, it is a bit too warm to work on much. Santa Rosa summer is September and October, so I'll plug slowly away and wait for the colder weather when it will be good for snuggling uner.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfh_lKV79uSg0Jb_nFhCY0BMyJ355q9wPIbLVcT0N_5qCdFgt_qLGDST3srl_3UVZYUCF-XDpbFNddrM6KJvzZxgyjykMT_vc6poHkL7HiLuyUto3R5pyekkPksbySbUhRuvsB/s1600-h/Misc+132.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfh_lKV79uSg0Jb_nFhCY0BMyJ355q9wPIbLVcT0N_5qCdFgt_qLGDST3srl_3UVZYUCF-XDpbFNddrM6KJvzZxgyjykMT_vc6poHkL7HiLuyUto3R5pyekkPksbySbUhRuvsB/s320/Misc+132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379505112331180770" border="0" /></a>This pattern is called <a href="http://www.crabapplehillstudio.com/items/313_hocuspocusville.aspx">Hocuspocusville</a> and consists of 12 embroidered blocks, and I have 3 finished with on in-progress. It is the perfect thing for riding Amtrak to see the boys or on a car trip, when applique is too fussy and quilting is too hard to keep straight. I think I mentioned last year that I saw this quilt finished into a flimsy at PIQF with another of <a href="http://www.crabapplehillstudio.com/items/310_halloween_journey.aspx">Crabapple's </a>Stitcheries put in the middle instead of the nine patches (click links). The gal was a customer of <a href="http://www.thimblecreek.com/">Thimble Creek's</a>, so I may contact them and see if they can put me in touch with her for tips on enlarging. Maybe.<br /><br />In the meantime, I'm also working on getting caught up on my new Designer Mystery Block of the Month and have 2 of the 3 blocks done for that. <br /><br />Progress!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-6990840501709568712009-09-02T17:44:00.000-07:002009-09-02T17:54:19.238-07:00Temptations and a Contest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhxTuLqNhKr3Nd_i7y0hzTaIlq0_ijUyEEVURAAkhiRQFz1qssGidZWlDPauef77eeRYNY_EybRZyzQcXZHLM_Elc_0MB0d-MBaoZ48BuPQy4jQjx9_N1i3JVwzM5l0HTdj-u/s1600-h/CivilWarTributeBOM-200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhxTuLqNhKr3Nd_i7y0hzTaIlq0_ijUyEEVURAAkhiRQFz1qssGidZWlDPauef77eeRYNY_EybRZyzQcXZHLM_Elc_0MB0d-MBaoZ48BuPQy4jQjx9_N1i3JVwzM5l0HTdj-u/s320/CivilWarTributeBOM-200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377037539219330786" border="0" /></a><br />All in one!<br /><br />Check out this amazing Block of the month at the Fat Quarter Shop. It is the Civil War Tribute Quilt, and I am oh-so-tempted to jump in on this one, even though the total cost is bit high. It is a big quilt when finished and would probably fit my California king sized bed if I add a border to the outside.<br /><br />Here's the contest aspect of it--the Fat Quarter Shop is giving away a $100 gift certificate! Follow <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/Civil-War-Tribute-Judie-Rothermel-Marcus-Brothers-Fabric.asp">this link</a> and visit the Fat Quarter Shop and enter a comment for an entry. Put a link on your blog for another chance to win! Sign up for the BOM and let them know on the blog for another 5 chances to win. No affiliation with the Fat Quarter Shop, just an extremely satisfied customer.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-39475561662022082292009-08-26T16:58:00.000-07:002009-08-26T17:13:16.710-07:00Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX8wekdRwpuyATcYC_O2RNjJwBwUlr5x1bbi2vwWiEf5oKhc80xpjeMauNggpW4-dwPj4fZ4o7jn-4voQzVDoPNwpO0KuH3-hyz4Fx-JJUl4ePDhBxoxFlh-oWe6HUkxr_w9b/s1600-h/2009DMBOM-finishing-450.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX8wekdRwpuyATcYC_O2RNjJwBwUlr5x1bbi2vwWiEf5oKhc80xpjeMauNggpW4-dwPj4fZ4o7jn-4voQzVDoPNwpO0KuH3-hyz4Fx-JJUl4ePDhBxoxFlh-oWe6HUkxr_w9b/s320/2009DMBOM-finishing-450.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374428019549924690" border="0" /></a><br />Or, Oops, I did it again....<br /><br />I was so delighted with my finished top from last year's <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?sid=8349826203488349&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=27920&Parent_Ids=">Fat Quarter Shop Designer Mystery Block of the Month</a> that I jumped in and joined in for this year. I was a couple of months behind, but no worries, I got all three of the first blocks and finishing kit today. The project uses the Moda Glace collection and is just yummy.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/">Fat Quarter Shop</a> is a great place for many things, and they are very generous with the fabrics they send. I have never run short on one of their kits unless I was the one who messed things up. That said, it is always a very dangerous place, so watch your credit cards when you visit...things could get expensive.<br /><br />Of course, dangerous places abound and Northern California and Southern Oregon are no exception. We took a short road trip because we needed to get away before the grapes are ready for the wine-making to begin in a few weeks. I found a few goodies, most notably, an out-of-print fabric to use on a <a href="http://msjanquilts.blogspot.com/2007/04/cates-brothers.html">Robot quilt</a> for Alex. It is the same print as the large focus fabric in Benjamin's, but the background is navy instead of light blue. Yippee!!!!! This print was released in 2003 and Kate got the tail end of it in 2006, so I am lucky, lucky, lucky!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-56510791120858304362009-08-19T09:52:00.000-07:002009-08-19T10:35:41.608-07:00Getting Some Things Done!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9Xs47jwjvxZ1JGe6CETalASpller3px0H9r8GYNkka5bKCaa_VXojVT9QviOg-h_5wUqIZTmyRve1KjjFOxvnbcCEZNjfBNYm8gPI12vvKkUBYBoTaNeN9DW_9c8vQEGzFoB/s1600-h/2009+08+19+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9Xs47jwjvxZ1JGe6CETalASpller3px0H9r8GYNkka5bKCaa_VXojVT9QviOg-h_5wUqIZTmyRve1KjjFOxvnbcCEZNjfBNYm8gPI12vvKkUBYBoTaNeN9DW_9c8vQEGzFoB/s320/2009+08+19+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371724359827288290" border="0" /></a><br />I just got a quilt back from my friend and long arm quilter Kat McCarty, proprietress of <a href="http://www.athreadrunsthroughit.com/">A Thread Runs Through It</a>, but I don't want to reveal it. It is a <a href="http://msjanquilts.blogspot.com/2008/10/best-treat.html">wedding quilt for Scott and Erin</a>.<br /><br />Yesterday, I finished two, count them, two tops!<br /><br />We had a sewfest at our Snooze You Lose mini-group and while sitting next to my friend <a href="http://timberhillthreads.blogspot.com/">Angie</a>, I got the rest of my Fat Quarter Shop <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=8176892056598176&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=31594&Parent_Ids=">Designer Mystery Quilt</a> together. I love this top so much that I'm thinking that I'll sign up for the 2009 version.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvimn-i8LpvD7sh5Ze9Z_A1yIyj7xqL9jWfKKaWQVuSWOvZigXkj7tYNnmkEgdEy20fEZTVbvqzehyPZaSQXUnEW4eGe2gWEKcFGLyAvXjPFuznClMLUKnmRCfwAennUGxoH-h/s1600-h/2009+08+19+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvimn-i8LpvD7sh5Ze9Z_A1yIyj7xqL9jWfKKaWQVuSWOvZigXkj7tYNnmkEgdEy20fEZTVbvqzehyPZaSQXUnEW4eGe2gWEKcFGLyAvXjPFuznClMLUKnmRCfwAennUGxoH-h/s320/2009+08+19+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371726110914103218" border="0" /></a><br />And, I got the dreaded scalloped border on my <a href="http://www.thevintagespool.com/store/products/details/?product=438">Verna Mosquera Happy Hauntings BOM</a> finished! WooHoooooooo! I'm going to have this quilt basted by a long armer so I can take my sweet time and hand quilt it. I used<a href="http://www.ezquilt.com/products/acrylictools/easyscallop.htm"> Darlene Zimmerman's EZ Scallop tool</a> and her instructions from <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Quilters-Edge/Darlene-Zimmerman/e/9780873499798">The Quilter's Edge</a> for appliqeing scalloped borders. I wasn't thrilled with Verna's scallops and I was shorted a bit on the inner border fabric, so I opted for the shallower and wider scallops using Darlene's method. I'm thinking that I may mirror the scallops for the outer edge, too. I'm loving this quilt!!!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-39686636616210521342009-08-17T09:52:00.000-07:002009-08-17T09:56:59.462-07:00We Interrupt this Quilting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcNpLmbCCi5VKh5T3qik-mVJ3OtisHFfiSgw5BSn_exYQZWIlimEkNv2FOStQjgkgpVmf4UQRE0D0EVNlXFGzmHD1E9RLKaP-5OOpohkBcRyZfQmr5wn5PavLLW8BpwS9UFIs/s1600-h/CIMG3186.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcNpLmbCCi5VKh5T3qik-mVJ3OtisHFfiSgw5BSn_exYQZWIlimEkNv2FOStQjgkgpVmf4UQRE0D0EVNlXFGzmHD1E9RLKaP-5OOpohkBcRyZfQmr5wn5PavLLW8BpwS9UFIs/s320/CIMG3186.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370977336618606898" border="0" /></a>For a visit with my big sister and her hubby. I haven't seen her since 2005, so we had a great visit in between her jaunts to a family wedding on his side. She lives in New Orleans part of the year and Cayucos, CA part of the year.<br /><br />It was so great to catch up with her and to love on her beautiful golden retrievers.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18017284.post-89380295824432545292009-08-09T14:32:00.000-07:002009-08-09T16:58:44.895-07:00More Vintage Goodies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBrMH_eFLlq5ZfTCZYyBFGd67LeZ5Egu6sLpll864URcXoYMBAf1iL6KmGQnpU9KM9KkZWERgYrdnnBUK6aPsQurBlq4Mp3ffRBWzv4L6B7sF6VSvc3ZRMgM3ukFcKSlihBGa/s1600-h/msjan.block.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBrMH_eFLlq5ZfTCZYyBFGd67LeZ5Egu6sLpll864URcXoYMBAf1iL6KmGQnpU9KM9KkZWERgYrdnnBUK6aPsQurBlq4Mp3ffRBWzv4L6B7sF6VSvc3ZRMgM3ukFcKSlihBGa/s320/msjan.block.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368115521651411586" border="0" /></a>I am the vintage goodie in this post! <br /><br />This is a picture of me with the block I made at the workshop with <a href="http://www.sallycollins.org/">Sally Collins</a> in May. Sally spoke at our guild and gave a six hour workshop the next day. Her quilts were utterly amazing, and when I asked her how long it took to make one of her miniatures, she told me that it was pretty much the same amount of time as a full-scale version of the same quilt.<br /><br />I learned some amazing things in the class, not the least of which was to measure, measure, measure. She had us measuring each piece as it was sewn in place to make sure it was correct before moving on. It was a light bulb moment for me....Duh....I've been quilting for over 35 years and did I ever do that? No. I'm here to tell you that it does make a difference.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PyRR7EaEyTFy6dIomofYUy_i3s16ijR3R18aJ_H1fi67SPyAWVvISd1c8N_EIc1zJRtFKSl9IsD-rfJbTpKDI12E4X5SCFe6EVN3nces5Wl9kO3oxXORaQ1w2KIcpVOXwEnE/s1600-h/minibasket.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PyRR7EaEyTFy6dIomofYUy_i3s16ijR3R18aJ_H1fi67SPyAWVvISd1c8N_EIc1zJRtFKSl9IsD-rfJbTpKDI12E4X5SCFe6EVN3nces5Wl9kO3oxXORaQ1w2KIcpVOXwEnE/s320/minibasket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368117468940248066" border="0" /></a><br />If you ever have the chance to take a class with Sally, jump on it. Even if miniatures are not your thing, you will learn lessons you should have learned from the get-go.<br /><br />More vintage goodness tomorrow,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85677/msjanquilts/d6ccc3c1154a7b0193491a6b4701886c.png" border="0" /></a>Ms. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.com7