Treasured Top

whole quilt top

First off a great big, huge, THANK YOU to GiveAwayMommy for such a nice feature article about me in her blog.  You can find her and the article by clicking here.

Talk about tattered.....a couple of holes near one edge

Some time ago, while going through fabrics that my mom gave me, I discovered this tattered, piece of a quilt top.  It's a top that must be quite old as it looks like it's been around forever.


When my older sister, Angie, came for a visit a few weeks later, I showed her the quilt piece.  She instantly said it came from Ma-ma.  Our grandmother on mom's side of the family.  She loved to sew and play with fabric and there's no doubt that Ma-ma made this quilt top.

Close inspection revealed that the top is entirely hand pieced.  That makes me believe that the only way to quilt it is by hand.  So, for 
the next few days, this will be one of my projects.  My husband is having surgery in the morning and I must keep myself busy while sitting with him at the hospital or I'll go crazy.

Can't wait to figure out how old these fabrics are.

That said, I've picked out a book, prepared the quilt top for hand quilting, and found a magazine.  All of those plus the computer and a few low cal snacks will go into my busy bag.

Remember packing a busy bag for your children when getting ready for vacation?  I always included stuff for myself in the busy bag because I'm the one in the family with bad ADD gene.  :-)

some must be feed sacks....they have a very rough texture

I'm OCD enough that I've prioritized my projects.  The most important is quilting the old quilt top.  That doesn't mean that it's the first thing I do, though.  It really only means it's the one I'll feel most guilty about if I don't get some of it done.

I've wanted time to work on this quilt since its discovery.  Now that I'll have to be still and quiet, I figure I'll try to get some of it quilted.  Here are a few more close-ups of the quilt top with pins in it all ready to go.

Isn't it interesting how she put the diamonds together?
Not really always matching.

The top is not big enough to do much with, but I think I can get t table topper from the center section.  The plan is to quilt as much as I can to stabilize the fabrics, then to use the fabrics on the outer edge to repair/replace any pieces that are torn or too fragile.

For the backing I've chosen a piece of light yellow cotton that was in mom's stash.  This way the finished topper will include something from both of the women who influenced my sewing and quilting: Ma-ma and Momma.

Showing part of the backing I've chosen.....
light yellow cotton from my mom.

Alright, now for the question of the day:
Have you discovered an old quilt or part of an old quilt?  What is it's story?  What did you do to preserve it?  Leave a comment for an extra chance to win the fleur de lis applique and click here to go to the original post.  Remember that you must be a follower to be eligible to win.

Back from Break

My wonderful husband decided a while back that I simply did not have enough space.  Actually, I've figured out that he's worried I'll get the itch to move.  Of our three sons, two live an hour away in Lafayette.  But I'm really quite happy here.  I'm moving back to a school nearer home where I taught for many years, I have my studio, a pretty garden (well before the drought, that is), and now the goats and chickens.
A home.
A home that I love, where I can be my silly or serious or whatever mood I'm in home.

Of course, I had enough sense not to tell him all that before he started adding on to the studio, but really, things were very crowded.  Funny how we start out with all this space, and in no time the same amount of space is just not working any more.

I tried sewing through the construction, but it was just too messy once the wall between the two spaces came down.  The dust was unbearable, and I found myself cleaning, cleaning, and cleaning.  Sweeping, dusting, shaking stuff out....nothing will get rid of that dust.  Not getting rain during the construction time didn't help any, believe me.

Finally, we're almost done.  I say almost because there's still lots of painting to do and the floors are rough concrete.   I've almost been convinced to paint now that the concrete paint available is much better than that we used many years ago in another project.  Plus, I can choose my colors and have them mixed.  Once I've finished the walls, I'll make the decision of what I'll do with the floor.

But, in the meantime, I can get back to my sewing.  I've got two quilts started, both for my sister's grandchildren.  Of course there are gobs of ideas in my head, but I'm forcing myself to wait till these are finished to start another big project.

Question of the day: How many works in progress do you generally have going at the same time?  Leave a comment to be earn extra chances to win the giveaway.  You can also click here to leave a comment on the original giveaway post and you must be a follower to be eligible.

In Memory of Momma

Last Saturday would have been my mom's birthday, but since she passed away in November, it was a bit hard to come up with an idea to honor her life.  Then Sunday it finally hit me....she loved flowers and our church needs flowers to decorate the altar.  Good combination, I figured.  I'd pick up some flowers and arrange them in a nice bouquet to donate to church.  I found this tin on clearance for $6 at Hobby Lobby and knew I had the perfect container.

A little floral foam to hold the flowers in the container.

 A bored granddaughter to take pictures.

 And a couple piles of silk flowers.

I picked these up at Hobby Lobby, too.  (not on clearance)

These white and gold flowers are some that I used for arrangements for mom and dad's 50th anniversary party a few years ago.  She would love that I saved money and used her flowers.

Hmm, getting close to what I envisioned.

 The feathers in the bouquet match beautifully with the tin.

 Can't go wrong with lilies.  They give height to the bouquet and the deep, dark purple gives it drama.

 I really love peonies, probably because they won't grow here.  It's way too hot in the summer.

 Even the back of the bouquet looks pretty good.

 Couple of more pics and we're done.

I bet you thought I'd forgotten about the question of the day, huh?  No way!  It must have something to do with flowers.....what is your favorite?  Type, color, whatever.  Just leave a comment so you can get extra chances to win the giveaway.  Don't forget to follow this blog, it's the only way to be eligible.  Well, do leave a comment with your email address so I know you want in!

Summer Reads

As a teacher and librarian, I have the luxury of summer vacation breaks and I love reading.  Generally I choose one really long book to read--1000 pages is a good start--but this summer the grandchildren and I discovered the $1 rack.  Wow, some really good books at a fabulous price is just too good to pass up.  So, the kids picked three or four books each, and I forced myself to stop at about 10.  For about 20 bucks we are all set for the summer....there's nothing like sitting in the A/C with a good book and an ice cold diet Dr. Pepper!

Following are two that I've finished and the one I'm currently reading.  I've included photos and blurbs from Books A Million followed by my personal insights.

In The Night Journey by Kathryn Lasky, "thirteen-year-old Rachel dreads the afternoons she has to spend with her great- grandmother, Nana Sashie.  But when Nana Sashie begins to reminisce about her childhood in Russia, Rachel finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of memories. As the events and characters of Sashie's past come to life, Rachel discovers a distant country and time: a time when Jews were forced to serve in the Czar's armies or were murdered in pogroms, and a time when nine-year-old Sashie devised a wonderful plan to save her family from danger."

The Night Journey plays a bit too much into the hands of children: giving Sashie more abilities than her elders. However the story becomes more and more interesting as Sashie relives her memories.  I was annoyed with the story-in-a-story concept, but I usually am.  I’d have much preferred that Lasky simply tell Sashie’s story without Rachel’s life interrupting.  Those interruptions become farther and farther apart, effectively giving Sashie’s memories more pronounced importance.  That is, until the end.

Other books by Kathryn Lasky: May, Lone Wolf, The Capture, The Hatchling

Inside Out Girl by Tish Cohen is a book about Rachel, "an overprotective single mother of two.  Rachel is acutely aware of the statistical dangers lurking around every corner--which makes her snap decision to aid a stranded motorist wholly uncharacteristic. Len Bean is stuck on the shoulder with Olivia, his relentlessly curious, learning disabled ten-year-old daughter. To the chagrin of Rachel's children, who are about to be linked to the most-mocked girl in school, Rachel and Len begin dating. And when Len receives terrible news, little Olivia needs a hero more than ever.

But the world refuses to be predictable. When personal crisis profoundly alters Rachel's relationship with a wild, very special little girl, this perfectionist mother finds herself drawn into a mystery from her past and toward a new appreciation for her own children's imperfect lives."  Although a little slow at times, the book is an interesting read and allows one into Olivia's world.  I was disappointed that it takes Rachel such a long time to make her ultimate decision, but I assume that is because I'm more impetuous and a bit more radical.   I've been reading a few books about learning disorders lately.  Most of those have been nonfiction but I like reading fictional works in which the author has done great research into the issue. Olivia suffers from nonverbal learning disability, but the symptoms are very much like those of autism, which has become so prevalent today.  As an educator I appreciate being able to see the world from the family's viewpoint.

Other books by Tish Cohen: Townhouse, Little Black Lies, Switch

"Ask for It explains why it's essential to ask and teaches how to ask effectively, in ways that feel comfortable to you as a woman. Whether you currently avoid negotiating like the plague or consider yourself hard-charging and fearless, Babcock and Laschever's compelling stories of real women will help you recognize how much more you deserve--whether it's a raise, that overdue promotion, an exciting new assignment, or even extra help around the house. Their four-phase program, backed by years of research, will show you how to identify what you're really worth, maximize your bargaining power, develop the best strategy for your situation, and manage the reactions and emotions that may arise--on both sides. Guided step-by-step, you'll learn how to draw on the special strengths you bring to the negotiating table to reach agreements that benefit everyone involved."

This one is my current read.  Usually I read short novels in a day or two, not stopping till it's done.  But this is nonfiction and I just can't gobble it in the same way.  It takes a little more time to process and there's no story that makes me hang in to the end.  So far, I really like the anecdotes and the straight-forward approach to self-help.

And now for the question of the day:

What is your favorite genre or type of reading material?  Leave a comment for your extra entry to win the giveaway posted on Wednesday.  Remember you have to follow this blog and leave a comment on the original post...click here for the direct link.  

Happy Quilting,

Mary

fleur de lis applique info

I thought you might like to know just a little more about the appliques some lucky someone will win

Page edited to include photo.

These are the appliques.

They're not ironed on to anything, so they curl up along the edges, which distorts the photo some. (sorry about that) 

  Note that the appliques are all a bit different.

They are also NOT connected.  Each one has four pieces: a body, two arms, and a crosspiece.

Only the crosspieces are exactly alike.

 You'll get three different body styles

and three different arm styles.

And you can mix and match them as you prefer.

The three pics below show one body style, but each pic has that body paired with a different set of arms.

I designed the appliques with the express purpose of being able to mix and match body styles to arm styles so that instead of having three fleur de lis appliques, I have, in essence, nine differing appliques.  My intent in the next few weeks is to make one quilt with each of the nine different appliques.  I'll post a photo here so that you can see how they will work together while being a little different.

Of course, it takes a little more thought to put them together or they'll come out wonky looking--one arm higher than the other or something just a little off kilter (which is quite obvious in my photos).  To resolve that, I've come up with a template and instructions that I'll include in the giveaway so that the winner can build her appliques without the added hassle of trying to figure out how to make everything match.

And now for the question of the day! 

For a extra entry into the giveaway, answer the following in a comment to this post:

Which of the color choices in the giveaway is your favorite?  They are (clockwise from bottom) indigo, blue, purple, deep green, wine, sunshine, pumpkin, royal blue and red.  (not shown: solid black and solid white)
Remember, this posting is for an extra chance to win.  You must follow my blog and comment in the original giveaway post.

Happy Quilting,

Mary

Giveaway Time!

prize      prize      prize

Site edited to add photo

A three pack of fleur de lis qppliques

appliques have paper-backed iron-on adhesive 

and are ready to apply to any fabric or paper

cut on my Accuquilt Studio Cutter

using my custom made fleur de lis die

and you get to choose the color

from these fabrics, solid black or solid white 

So you might ask, what can I do with three appliques?  

Here are some ideas:

  add it to a scrapbook page

make a table runner

decorate a bag

embellish a garment

make a wall hanging

ahhh, the possibilities

Now the rules:

Let's keep it simple--2 rules

1. follow my blog and 2. comment on this page 

pretty please include your email address in the comment 

so that I can reach you when the giveaway is over in two weeks

(assuming you win, of course)

And the details: 

who: anyone, anywhere can enter

what: three fleur de lis appliques in your choice of color based on those in the photo above

when: beginning June 8 10:00 pm 

ending June 22 10:00 pm central time

where: anyone, anywhere across the globe

why: just cause I can!

Extra entries (yea!)

Each day I will include a question at the end of the day's post

answer the question for an additional chance to win

that means another chance every day for about two weeks

in Mary math that's 14 more chances to win 

(give or take, that's how Mary math works)

questions won't be hard, just fun (suggestions considered)

Whew! It's sure is hard

Big Daddy E's Restaurant

to live without internet service for an entire week!  I can't believe that a little one inch rain can do such long-lasting damage.  And the irony: we've been praying, begging for rain--and still are!

Images from Paragon Casino website

Last Thursday Richard wanted a little time away but not much time away, so we went off to dinner and a movie on a big Thursday afternoon.  The nearest theater is only about 30 minutes away at Paragon Casino in Marksville, and they were showing The Hangover 2 which we wanted to see since the first one was hilarious.  We enjoyed the movie very much despite the fact that it gets a quite raunchy at times, but we'd been warned by a son that this one is more vulgar than the first one.

As we left the casino we sort of sensed that the air had changed but we assume that the barometric pressure had changed as there was supposed to be rain.  Turns out the rain had already come and we didn't even know it.  On the way home we noticed that lights were out in some areas and our oldest son called to say they were without electricity.  They actually wanted to come spend the night at our house because the heat was so oppressive that they didn't think anyone would really sleep.

Calling to ask for that favor didn't do them much good as we were out of electricity also.  We managed to get some sleep but it was pretty miserable, and it only got worse the next day since the lights didn't come on till noon.  By that time the house was hot and muggy and the air oppressive.

While the lack of internet service did put a kink in my postings, it didn't stop other work from happening.  I managed to finish another quilt and will post photos tomorrow.  I also presented "Fussy Cut Dresden Plates" at our quilt guild meeting on Monday and met my dental appointment today.  Not to mention the babysitting I've done!

Richard has been busy finishing up the work we've been doing on the studio and I picked up paint today.  I'm hopeful that the big reveal will happen in another week or two.  And, since I've been planning to have my first giveaway, I'll try to have that ready by the end of this week, in the hopes that the two will coincide.

So start putting your thinking caps on, I'll have some questions for you in the next few days....posting an answer to them will be your entry to the giveaway!  Hmmm, now what could I ask?  You might give some hint to questions you're fairly sure you can answer......in fact, do better than that......send in some questions.  My plan is to ask one question a day for several days.....giving you an opportunity to enter the giveaway every day that you post an answer.