Looking back, preparing to look forward

To See Such Fun

We're in a new year it seems, so it's time to look back. I'll look forward in a day or so, but I need time to process last year. So much has happened, two new babies in the family, the loss of Richard's dad, my hospital stay and surgery. 

Another Red Feather from Red Is a Neutral challenge

Still, as it turns out, I've been quite busy in my little world. 

Dora and Diego 

Busy with what, you might be asking yourself (because I did set myself up for that question). My sassy answer is finish reading the post. But I'm not particularly sassy. 

Mr. Stripey made by Marley

I made or finished several quilts, taught a grandie to sew as she made her own quilt. All of these are quite small--lap or baby quilts, and a few are some tops that I simply quilted. That basket of tops waiting to be quilted is just a little lighter.

Pink Pieces

A Touch of Teal

We finally finished our bedroom and bathroom remodel, which ended the procrastinating to make (or buy?) a cover for the bed.

The Biggest Finish

The Biggest Finish required a great deal of time and effort to complete because, well, it's the biggest finish. It's bigger than a normal king so that it has a nice, long drape to hide that huge mattress. I don't remember the crazy measurements, but it may be the reason I'm going to therapy for this shoulder.

Dresden Teaching Quilt

So those are the quilts I made: from cutting to binding, even if they've been languishing for a year or four. 

Apparently I did some things that are not on my normal Things To Do list.
A quick rundown:

• made monkey costumes for Beta 
• learned to use the Silhouette machine and completed several projects
• chaired the silent auction (and donated items) for the annual church fair
• turned Daddy's old wooden ladder into two quilt ladders (thanks to Richard)
• and I organized this thread cabinet he made for me (It's crazy how much time that took.)
• 
  

I also ended my presidency for the Cotton Quilters' Guild, managed the CQG quilt show and managed a (first time) CQG sewing room tour, including my room.

Finally, I tackled Doctor Zhivago Yes, reading is generally on my list, but this book!

Retirement is paying off, and I started some new things that I'd like to pursue, such as

1. GSQA meeting (circuit teacher)
2. GSQA Pursuit of Excellence class
3. BRMQG retreat (three finished tops)
4. CFAL show (Baton Rouge)
5. Quilters' Guild Acadienne show (Lafayette)
6. Houston 2019

Reese's Quilt

And then there were a couple of customer quilts. This first one is for my sister, so it didn't pay much. :) But the ones below did and 
have a special meaning for me, as well. There's a fourth that I didn't get a picture of.

If you know anything about my world, you know there is always an art project going,either sitting near my chair, ready to put needle and thread to, or on the studio worktable. I'm still into art quilts. 

Bayou Des Glaises at Bordino Crossing

Cotton on Green 2

Cotton on Green 1

We have our aches and pains. Richard has some health issues, pain in his neck and back, plantar fasciitis, and an annoying frozen elbow. I fall apart, temporarily, then pull it together again--thank you, Bipolar Disorder. 

Cave in Yellowstone

But all of those are simply the result of living a longer life and we are grateful that it's not worse--there are, after all, so many, many illnesses and horrors in the world. 

Indigo Dusk

We feel blessed to be turning 60 (soon). To know that we are loved by God. To have healthy children, grand children, and great-grandchildren. To be able to help others. To be able to live the life we love.

Big Sky in Montana

Happy New Year! 

Letter from the President

Hahahaa, yes! President. Of our quilt guild, of course. Can't imagine taking on anything with more responsibility than this office. So yesterday was our first meeting with yours truly at the helm. Things went well. People laughed, I didn't cry, and we began and ended on time. What more can I ask for?

So we took care of the important business of planning our guild trip to the Gulf States Quilt Guild show in April. Then moved on to "The Great Yoyo Race" a game I contrived. In December I asked that anyone who had a completed project to bring them to share with the rest of the group. Then two of the members showed how to make yoyos, the traditional way and using the Clover Yoyo Maker. Once everyone knew how to make them, I explained how the game will work. 

1.) Members are to make as many yoyos as possible and bring them to the February meeting. (any size, any color, any fabric)

2.) At each meeting, everyone will count their yoyos and the person with the most yoyos wins! 

3.) As Queen of the Yoyos, the winner receives half of the yoyos that everyone else made, giving her lots of yoyos for a project.

4.) The Queen of the Yoyos is out of play until she uses her winnings in a project, which she brings to a meeting for show and share.

It's meant to be fun and competitive and to get more members involved in club activities. Everyone has a chance at winning, if she really puts her hands to work. 

I was surprised at how much time was left after the meeting finished. I could easily include a 45 minute demonstration at each meeting. That means our project coordinator will have to get to work finding people who can teach or demonstrate a technique or project. I also hope to find a member who will do a block of the month project so that we can continue to challenge members to learn new blocks. 

I was very impressed with the number of members who brought in yoyo projects. One lady brought in her grandmother's yoyo quilt that is over 100 years old. Another brought in several pillows using yoyos that she bought at flea markets. They make really sweet decorations. Another brought in a few yoyo Christmas ornaments-- trees, snowmen, and wreaths. 

In all, the meeting was lots of fun and several members complimented or thanked me after. Now if I can just remember to take a few pictures!

The out-going president slipped up behind me and said she knew she'd chosen the right person for the job. I tried to get her to take on the BOM project, but she declined. I understand quite well and will respect her wishes, but she did offer to help me in my president duties, and that I will do!