It's A Cynch!

I finished the quilt for my friend, Donna, who is recovering from pancreatic cancer. She has been through so much and I just wanted to wrap her up in love and support. She didn't want her picture taken, so I can't share with you my strong, brave friend. She cried and said she couldn't believe I had taken the time to make the quilt for her. But I couldn't think of a better way to show her that I love her and am here supporting her as she goes through this awful journey. It's been hard to know what to do for her. So this little gift seemed perfect.  The quilt itself is a version of the rail fence pattern. I used a jelly roll to make it. Using precut jelly rolls, charm packs, layer cakes...I think someone was hungry when they made up these names...are a great way to make a quilted gift pretty quickly. A quilt is a gift that shows how much you love someone. And everytime they use it, they can feel your love! I have to add a shout-out to my friend, Melody. My Embroider...

I haven't posted for over a week because my father in law got very sick and passed away on March 15.  He died from complications of COPD, emphysema and congestive heart.  I want to tell you about him. First of all, he loved his family.  He wasn't touchy, feely, huggy...but he loved us.  I think he always enjoyed a good hug.  But we had to come hug him.  He wouldn't come hug us first.  He told my husband once that I was special and he should be good to me.  I never let my husband forget that.  I think it's because I have an engineering degree and work in the same defense industry he did for so many years.  We had a quiet connection...mutual admiration as my mom told me.  I made him his favorite peanut butter pie for any and every occasion...any excuse I could think of, I would make him that pie. He probably shouldn't have had it, but I figured if I could give him something he enjoyed, then I would do it.  I usually made two so...

I'm getting a little better and more comfortable with long arming. I'm not sure that's a word. But I am! I finished two quilts this past weekend! Yup. Two! The Handiquilter makes it so easy to finish tops. I'm still working out getting it straight on the rollers. Once I figure out a good method, I'll share it with you. In order to get better at long arming, I decided to focus on loops this month...loops and hearts, loops and stars, loops and flowers...you get the idea. Then I'll move on to letters.  I wanted to show you guys my loops and hearts. I chose this design because I'm giving this quilt to a good friend of mine who is recovering from cancer. I wanted to make a happy quilt for her. I still have to bind it. So I'll post the completed quilt tomorrow night. I've learned to cheat on binding too. I'll share that tip with you tomorrow also.  Don't tell the ladies who taught me to quilt. They'd be a little disappointed. Ok. I'm done...

I gave Matt's parents his finished quilt and they were ecstatic about it! I told Matt's dad about my idea for a quilt design wall. I have very little room for one. So I explained what it is and how I'd like the panels large enough to hang or stand in front of my shelves. He asked if I wanted it finished and fancy. I told him that I basically just needed a wooden frame. I'm a simple girl. I need something practical, not pretty! We joked about it and I figured he'd forget about our conversation. I got a surprise tonight when Matt's dad, Mark, knocked on our door with two wooden frames exactly the right size. It wasn't anything elaborate, but was such a thoughtful gift. My husband and I are blessed with such great friends.  The wooden frames are constructed from 1 x 4 boards cut to fit exactly in front of my shelves. The 1 x 4's are light enough that I can move them aside when I need access. I had bought a quilt design wall sheet by Fons & Porter from...

There are several old sayings I could think of in my situation. I think I can. I think I can. Or my favorite: If at first you don't succeed , try , try again ! Maybe that last part should be: Walk away and drink a glass of wine! I volunteered to quilt one of the guild's charity tops. I thought I could use it as a practice piece for the Handiquilter.  Keep in mind this is only my second top I've loaded onto the rollers.  Two tries to get it straight. Grrr....Then I had issues with thread breakage. Thought my friend, Tension, and I were going to have a fight. Nope. Finally decided it's a bad spool. You find those every now and then. So with one eye on the spool to make sure it didn't double over on itself as it unrolled, I tried to quilt. Well, you can see the results for yourself. Practice makes perfect!  Right? Happy quilting ya'll???