Sit N Sew/Surprise Retirement Party

We had a fabulous sit n sew last night. The surprise party was another thing entirely. The guest of honor had to be called to join us so it wasn't much of a surprise. Now Terry never misses a meeting. I believe she has missed two sit n sews since we started meeting. One because of surgery and the other was just last month. She and I were both sick and decided not to spread our germs around because of this swine flu scare. So, of course, we try and plan a surprise retirement party she doesn't show up. Cath had made this wonderful pound cake with strawberries and homemade whipped cream. Mom had sewn her a cute little bag and the rest of us had filled it with fat quarters. We were ready and waiting. The Friend of the Cat finally reached her by cell phone and suggested she stop by. That really gave it away. Oh well. Our guest of honor finally shows up and we finally get to dig into the pound cake. Anyway. We all had a good time. So all's well that ends well. I just won't plan anymore surprises. At least, not until the next one.

The "A" Word

I know I'm not the only person that considers applique a bad word. I have avoided it like the plague. But not anymore. I took a class Saturday, and even though it was a very beginner class, I feel I can tackle about anything now. Nellie, our instructor, was extremely patient. I had warned her we were all beginners when it came to applique. Nellie found out fast that I was not exaggerating.

I never knew thread could be so thin or that they that they came in different weights. I've always just picked it by the color I needed. I thought a needle was a needle. I now know what a straw needle is and why you need to use it as opposed to the needle I do my quilting or hemming with. I do need a magnifying glass to see how to thread this needle even with a needle threader. Very, very tiny eye. Very thin and bendable needle. I had a bunch of the tiny applique pins that I've used in various craft projects. They were perfect for the tiny pieces we were working with. I would never have thought to use them in applique, even though they said applique pins on the box. They were craft pins to me.

What a difference the right tools make. I took notes. Lots of notes. I was very pleased with my practice pieces and have even started one of my Dear Jane blocks. It is a very simple block, but I had avoided it because of the "A" word. I'm going back next Saturday for more wonderful instructions in needle turn applique. I can hardly wait. Sunbonnet Sue look out.

Thank you Nellie for such a great class. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and I learned so much.

Thanks

To all my quilting friends. Thank you. You have truly kept me going since the death of our grand-daughter, Richey, on July 22nd. I haven't been able to bring myself to post anything because it all seems so frivolous. Death of someone so young (Richey was only 23.) has a way of making you stop and really think about everything. So again I say a big THANK YOU for all the prayers, visits, cards, flowers, food, thoughts, and just everything. Just for being there for us.

Now I owe a couple of apologies.

First Kim taught a fantastic class on her Kitchen Sink about a month ago and I was to post some pictures. I'm sorry Kim. Those will be forth coming soon.

Second Rosemary took some great photos at the last sit n sew and sent them to me because I had forgotten my camera. So sorry Rosemary. Hopefully those and the ones from tonight's sit n sew will be on the blog this weekend.

Now tonight is our monthly sit n sew. Really looking forward to seeing you all there. Saturday I'm taking another of Kim's classes. Christmas Ribbons. I can hardly wait. I know it will be another great class. I think I will bring my pineapple cheese bake to the class. So see you all tonight.

Oh Where! Oh Where has Deb gone?

Have you seen the lady with the camera, you know the one that catches you with your eyes closed or your mouth full of food. She is missing in action. If located please let her know she is missed.

"A Friend of THE CAT"

The Day after the day after, Other words Monday!

Have you ever taken a class and thought this lady really knows her stuff AND she brings carrot cake. That was Saturdays class, 11 people showed up to take this class and Kim did a wonderful job. She never got upset, not even flustered. She walked around the room and talked with everyone and she showed some really good hints and suggestions. THANKS KIM FOR A GREAT CLASS, NOW....WHEN IS THE CHRISTMAS RIBBON CLASS?
I did not take pictures but......Deb did...come on Deb, lets see what you got!!!!
Stay tune this quilt will be finished in 2009 well............o.k. here is the challenge. Anyone who took that class and finished with a top first can buy me dinner! LOL
Keep the needle threaded and the stitched coming.
Ren

Going to A Quilting Class

This Saturday is the Kitchen Sink class taught by Kim Bracket at the Quilting Station. I have been looking forward to this day since I signed up. It is not that I could not follow the directions in the book (the instructions are great in the book) but it is the fellowship, time away from the stress in life, having someone who has done the pattern before giving the hints and suggestions, spending time with friends and meeting new quilters and of course the food. Come back here in a few days and I will tell you all about the class and what fun we had. If you get a chance to take a class and especially with dear friends, I would suggest you do. It is like a mini vacation. Hope your stitches are straight and your heart full of love today.
Ren

Things Not To Do When You Have A Toothache!

I, of course, have to learn everything the hard way. One of the things you shouldn't do when you have a toothache is cut out fabric for a specific project. The second thing you shouldn't do is try and sew that fabric. I know this because I've tried to do those two things. Now that I've had my root canal and am feeling better I can see the error of my ways. I've been reverse sewing a lot tonight. Re-cutting fabric and re-sewing the re-cut fabric. I'm keeping one of the erroneous blocks as a reminder to me never do anything when I have a toothache. Except maybe sleep, if possible. Deb

Sit N Sew

We had another great time at the last Sit N Sew. Some of us brought in our first Dear Jane blocks and some of us didn't. I think the five that did their Dear Jane did a fantastic job. Hopefully I'll have more to show you next month. If we don't all decide to quit. I've heard rumblings.

We also had a couple of show and shares. The ladies didn't want their picture taken, but didn't mind me taking the picutre of their quilt tops.

Jacobs Ladder


Mystery Quilt

I can hardly wait for Friday night. I think I'll work on my Dear Jane. Or I might just visit the whole time. Just depends on how stressful work is. See ya'll Friday. Deb

Temporary Insanity

At least that's what I'm claiming in regards to this circle challenge. Which, I've completed. I've been asking myself why I picked up one of Ingrid's bags and temporary insanity is the only answer. I mean I do not like to step too far out of the box. I'm a very traditional quilter. I like the old patterns. I mean a stack n whack is about as far out of the box as I want to get. I don't like curves. A circle is all about curves. Yes. The only reasonable answer is temporary insanity. For future reference if any of you see me go for a little brown bag that will help stretch my imagination, please drag me away and tie me up until the temporary insanity has passed. I will be indebted to you forever. Deb

Friday night at the hangout!

Just wondering who all is coming to the Friday night Sit and Sew. I am ready to party, I mean sew. Hope all are keeping cool in this Florida heat, even the pool water is boiling. Bonnie your first blog was wonderful and that is so neat how you made your table to quilt on. Deb tells me your not making it on Friday, I pray for safe travel for you.
I wanted to let everyone know that Ellen at the "Quilting Station" has add a class on Aug. 29, Disappearing Nine Patch Ellen's Way, Deb and I thought it would be fun to sew all day on a Saturday for those who work or just don't want to get out in this heat. This quilt is the brown, beige and green quilt we had at the show in Mobile, you can see it at the "Quilting Station".
On a different note, if you remember my blog a while back talking about sewing/quilting for a hour a day or maybe just finishing up projects. Well...it was not that easy but I have finished a few projects, I made pincushions for the Pensacola Quilt Guild to sale. Some turned out really cute and some turned out really really not so cute. Hey I can not do cute 100% of the time. My next project is learning to put pictures on my blog, ok first take pictures and then put on blog.
Well, Sweetie just went outside to pressure spray, MY MOM AND DAD's mobile home, so I have to go supervise (LOL). Hope everyone is doing well and let me hear from you if you are coming Friday. (Thanks Catherine, I put you on the list), Catherine and Deb so far are coming!
OH! OH! One more thing, let us encourage Sheila to make it Friday night cause her and Joe just got back from the VERMONT QUILT FESTIVAL, and we want to hear and see pictures all about it.
Ren

My first blog

Ok, I am trying to see if I can figure out how to get this posted with some pics. I enjoyed my first Sit N' Sew with you gals (or I think the other word was witches). I was ready to start trying to quilt and try the free motion, so I was trying to come up with a way to have a flat surface without buying a table.....

So I had this stuff that builders use on the outside of houses for insulation. It is about 3/4 inches thick and one side is covered in foil looking stuff. I had almost a full 8 ft x 4 ft section, that I had left over from making some cornices, so I had this brainstorm to build a little platform that my machine could fit down in.

I think it turned out rather well, and I tried practicing on it tonight.

You can cut this stuff with a bread knife and then hot glue the pieces together. I added some little cork pad so it would end up the exact height I needed. It probably weighs less than 2 pounds. I added some contact paper, because that foil stuff can rub off on your hands (so I would think it would rub off on fabric, too!) That would not be good.

P.S.

I forgot to tell ya'll I finished one of my works in progress. This is for the first reunion that I attend in July. I normally start it the Friday before they auction it off Saturday afternoon. I'd say I was a little ahead of the game this year. Deb

Traveling Companions?

Since Deb wrote about our trip, I thought I would mention a few things to remember when traveling with another person. No, I am not a professional traveling companion but I did spend 35 hours traveling with Deb so o.k., I did gain some insight about having and being a traveling companion
First, when planning your trip make sure you agree on a destination: quilt show, grave yard(number of grave yards your going to visit), side trips (shrines, grotto's, map read wrong, items not on agenda).
Second, how many hours spend at grave yards (we did take what 400 pictures or
more? that is just of graves), so it is important to find out if said companion has small, tiny family or "Broxson Family 200 and counting". Maybe that was Wise Family, no, no that was Tucker Fam.....will you get my drift.
Thirdly, when at show (quilt show, grotto, shrine, Chic-fi-la) you have room for ALL the camera equipment, purchases, Fireballs, drinks (diet coke) etc. etc. etc. All the maps, map quest (that had wrong directions), hand written directions from nice men at the auto repair shop.
Last but not least is synchronize bladders, WHAT IS THIS! When visiting cemeteries all bladders should be on the same time schedule, when traveling down I-65 rest area's are 80 plus miles apart again synchronized bladders are important. When traveling 100 miles down the wrong road, while talking, eating fireballs and drinking diet coke to stop the fire in your mouth is very important to have bladders schedule's that compliment each other.
Thank goodness, Deb and I had all the above because we had a great time in Cullman Alabama!
By the way, do ya'll know how much it is to rent a U-haul trailer, we might need to next time cause we thought we might go..........................to another quilt show one day.
Just a quick welcome to the Wicked Chicks that joined our Sit and Sew, "HOWDY", we look forward to Stitchin and Rippin with ya.
For those that missed Sit and Sew, we missed ya and hope you make it in July. Don't forget to work on those DJ blocks this month and remember Friday night at Ren's, June 26, let me hear from you if your going to make it.

Happy Piecing!
Ren
Traveling Companion

Quilt Symposium, Cemetery Hopping, Ave Maria Grotto, Etc...

Ren had mentioned to me a couple of months ago about going to a Quilt Symposium in Cullman, AL. I thought that would be neat because that's where my Mom was born. I half jokingly mentioned that we could do some cemetery hopping while there as a lot of my relatives are buried there. Ren thought that was a great idea. So we set off Friday morning heading to Cullman. We made very good time. Laughed a lot. Even stopping for dessert along the way.

I had mapquested the two cemeteries I wanted to visit. That was a big mistake. Mapquest had us looking for a road that no one in Cullman has ever heard of. Fortunately, there were no men driving so we stopped to ask directions. The first people we stopped to ask had never heard of the Duck River. This did not stop us. At the next stop these people had not only heard of Duck River they gave us excellent directions with landmarks to follow. We decided we would try and find a map just in case, which we did.

On the way to Duck River I spot another cemetery that on of my grandmothers was buried in. Ren is so nice. She stopped and help me look even though this wasn't on our itinerary. We couldn't find her. I knew I was at the right cemetery. This cemetery was on both sides of the road. Ren suggested I look on the other side. But, I just knew Grandmama was on this side, but I looked anyway. Ren was right. Somebody had moved Grandmama to the other side of the road. While they were at it they moved my Uncle Hulett and cousin Fred. That has to be the answer because I wouldn't forget a thing like that. Right? We got my pictures and were on our way again.

Missing Grandmother



I think Ren was a little overwhelmed with just how big Duck River is. I had brought two camera's and we started clicking away. I was very excited. I haven't been back to this cemetery in more than ten years. We then headed onto Welti with a stop for a couple of Yoohoo's that were ice cold and much needed. Funny how your mind plays trick on you. I could have sworn that the Church at Welti was a white block Church not a red brick Church. Oh well. This was also a large cemetery but not near as big as Duck River. With two cameras we had located my relatives in a very short period of time and headed to the hotel and some hot showers.

Great Great Grandparents


Supper was enjoyable. There was a toddler that was trying to help himself to some soft serve ice cream. He was standing on is tippy toes pulling on the handle and had his free had stretched out to receive that good ice cream. I wish I had my camera. That was definitely a Kodak moment. His Mom didn't think it was too funny.

Now the New Beginnings in Quilting Quilt Symposium of Alabama, Inc., Quilt Show 2009. The quilt show was held at the St. Bernard Retreat and Conference Center. The show was held in the gym. They had several teachers, lots of vendors, and a couple of judges. I took pictures of all the quilts and will bring a disc to our next meeting for all to see that want to see. There was a very good variety. I personally love the traditional quilts, but I love looking at all quilts. This was the one I picked for best of show. It reminds me of my Grandmother and was made with 30's fabric. The dresden plate is one of my favorite quilt patterns. This quilt did get a Judge's Choice ribbon and Honorable Mention ribbon.



Another quilt I just loved because it's patriotic.



Here is a picture of the Opportunity Quilt and it's Quilter. I'm still waiting on the phone call that says I won this quilt.



The show was set up very nicely. Not as cold as the quilt show last weekend, which was nice. Ren didn't put me on restriction this time. She probably should have. Oh well. I was able to get a lot of 30's fabric I had been searching for so that was a good thing. Here is a pic of Ren.



So we've finished looking and buying. We're going to get a bite to eat and get back on the road. That was until we drove by the Ave Maria Grotto. We, of course, had to stop. The rain had finally ceased so we decided to walk through the grotto. This grotto is the work of Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey. It is amazing. It was well worth the addmission price and it didn't take us long to walk it at all. Of course, we had to be different and start at the end first. This Brother had a sense of humor.


Brother Joseph used anything available to him to put together this grotto. There are over 125 minatures of famous Churches, Shrines and buildings.



Just truly amazing!

We are now going to get something to eat and get on the road home. The trip home was very uneventful. Yeah right. But you'll have to ask us about that next time you see us. I don't want to leave any incriminating evidence online. My cat was glad to see me.



Yeah! He was glad to see me. Deb

Quilting since 1872...yes, 1872

yup, that's correct..........quilting since 1872. The ladies I met have belonged to the same group for YEARS (they aren't the original guild members, tho!! hahaha) While I was in Maine for vacation....well, actually on Campobello Island..........I discovered the quilting group that has been meeting every Wednesday afternoon at the St. Anne's Anglican Parish Hall since forever!. I had been hiking for the day in the woods and looking/smelling pretty 'woodsy'. Walked into the parish hall and there sat 5 ladies sitting around a quilting frame having a ball. I introduced myself....received a pretty good welcome being a Mainer, a DownEaster and better yet, a seasonal resident. What really opened the doors was the fact that my sister is married to a 'Finch'. The Finches have been residents of the island for at least 5 generations that we know of. Once that door opened, I was one of the girls!! They are very firm believers in hand quilting but will allow machine piecing for 'strength' and 'durability'. They were planning their summer tea and fund raiser to be held in late July (I"ll be back so will be able to enjoy)....all the work they do during the year is for sale at the tea. this is how they pay for the insurance on the parish hall where they meet. IN fact, they have a very dear friend who retired to Panama City, FL who also quilts. The Fl friend and her fellow quilters make items to be sold at the Campobello function & fund raiser. I forgot her name....... in looking at the original journal the ladies kept, in 1872 at the annual meeting, the '10 female communicants" made 4 quilts, 56 aprons and 78 articles of underwear! :-)) Their journal notes also indicate that anyone who missed a meeting had to pay 2 cents. The current ladies had found an article in 'country living' magazine a while back that indicated the oldest continuous quilting group in the US was formed in 1876....they were pretty pleased to beat that record by 4yrs. For those of you that don't know, Campobello Island is in New Brunswick, Canada.....you cross a 500ft bridge from Lubec, Me to the island.........I also met Anna Folkesson, a Swedish quilter and weaver who lives on the island. she invited me to her studio...........wow............not only does she have a really cool studio, some lovely works both weaving and quilting, but an incredible view of the ocean while she works........ she lives 4 houses up the street from where we have our retirement cottage..... I'll be going back for two wks in July and she has invited me to join her at her studio for an afternoon......she has a web site but for some reason I have it written down incorrectly......will try to get it so that for those of you who are interested........... one thing i discovered is that quilters everywhere are just a bunch of nice, fun loving, friendly, welcoming, social group of gals who have formed some great friendships............... just thought I'd share one of the high points from my trip and the pleasure of meeting some new quilters....... can't wait to join them in july...........

Zucchini

My husband likes to plant a garden. In fact, we have one almost year round. This year he was going to be sure and plant plenty of cucumbers for me to make my cinnamon pickles. He came in the other day with some good and bad news. The bad news - he thought he bought cucumber plants. The good news - I'll have plenty of zucchini to make bread with. The zucchini has only just started coming in. I've already made one batch of bread, put up seven packages of grated zucchini for future bread and given away a bushel of whole zucchini. Last night he brought me more zucchini. I put up more grated zucchini and made four batches of bread. I was planning on making some for tonight and then my hubby asked me to make some for him to take to work on Friday. My son saw what I was doing and asked me to make some for him to take to work. I couldn't leave out my other son so I made four batches of zucchini bread last night. Were still going to have zucchini coming out of our ears. There will be no cinnamon pickles this year, but we may get tired of eating zucchini bread.

Next year, I'm buying the cucumber plants.

Deb

Mobile Quilt Show/Azalea City Quilt Guild

I had such a fabulous time Sunday working in The Quilting Stations' booth. I met so many nice quilters from all over. Ellen and Ren kept me laughing. I got put on restriction first thing. I really didn't spend too much money. I left with money in my pocket so I didnt' spend too much. Right? I wish I could have been there Saturday. Everyone has told we what a great time they had. There was one lady that came through that was 91. She didn't look a day over 65. Still quilting. That's my goal. To still be able to do the things I enjoy the most.

The Azalea City Quilt Guild was so wonderful to all the vendors. They had plenty of food and drinks for all the vendors. Just stop by and get what you needed. The food was wonderful. There was this potato salad and home made sweet pickles that were so delicious. Unfortunately, Ellen let Ren and I go to lunch first. She didn't get to sample those items. Or the peanut butter chip cookies. Maybe in two years.

What I have been doing!

Hi all,
Hope everyone is doing well and getting their DJ block finished for Thursday's meeting. I have finished mine but it is not finished to my standard but....I am going to keep it like this so I can see my improvement as the project proceeds.
I have been really really busy this past week and wanted to share with you what I have been up to. First off, I have not been home much, but I have been doing a lot of quilty stuff. What????
I have been spending time at "The Quilting Station" helping get ready for the Mobile quilt show. O.K. O.K., I have been having fun, read that as blast, cutting, measuring, sewing, chatting, packaging and yes working at the show. I have enjoyed helping the customers (that would be quilters) and those that volunteered to help Ellen at the show. Kim Brackett, author of "Scrap-Basket Surprises" was there for a book signing. Such great comments about a really wonderful book and such "my kind of quilt patterns", so I was happy when so many people bought her book. Go KIM!
Tomorrow is the last day of the show, yes, I am going to win the donation quilt from this show! Sorry guys.........just kidding but it is a beauty donation quilt and then it is back to life as normal........WHAT IS NORMAL YOU ASK! Good question?
Well gotta run, will see you Thurs at the Stitch and Rip meeting and don't forget if you are going to take Kim's class on July 11 to sign up for it. Also tell Deb what you are going to bring for lunch.
Happy Trails to you, that would be stitching trails.
Ren

...our feathered friends

Penny and Scot-the wrens - are busy at it....with all the wind and rain we had this wkend, they weathered the storms better than some of the plants. the nest appears to be complete and Penny & Scot have taken up full time residence....have named the wrens after the Penobscot River in Maine - (my parents had a beautiful place there on edge of river w/tons of birdfeeders, etc.....). We should have eggs within the next week.......I'm working on getting my husband to help me move my sewing space into the FL room by the window so the activity can be enjoyed. I used to breed lovebirds and it is sooo much fun to 'share' the nesting experience....the hatchlings are some cute! for those that may be interested in following the antics of Penny & Scot, i'll be updating..........sort of a birding journal. Will take pics if lucky.....

Memorial Day

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope you are all having a wonderful Memorial Day. I will be spending the day with four of my favorite Veterans, Bert - Marines, David - Navy, Douglas - Army, and Becky - Air Force. I will be missing those that have gone on but they will be with us in spirit. I am very proud of our Military Men and Women. Thank you for serving. Deb

Dear Jane Blocks

I just wanted to let everyone know that I have finished my first Dear Jane Block. At first I didn't understand the directions.... Called Deb and left a message.... turned the stupid TV on but kept looking at the pattern sitting there on the table. Told myself it can't be that hard. Remember the V-8 commercials?!? Well I did just that... hit my forhead and asked myself what was I thinking before. However my block turned out to be a 5 inch square and not 5 1/2. Did I do something wrong??????

Happy Sewing !!

City News

I took this class last Saturday. I have it pieced. Yeah! Of course, I had help deciding where to place each block. Ren and I did that last night. It took about two hours. But I am pleased. What do you think Ren? Now I'm ready to go back to The Quilting Station and pick out some borders and backing. Yeah!!! Deb

I am so blessed.....

Last night Deb and I went to visit her Mother, Doris, I just love that woman. She shared some of her wonderful quilts with us and after cleaning up my drooling over them. I ask her to do me a really......really.....really.....big favorite. She said she would. I am not going to tell you about it till "DEB" (please please please) takes a picture but I want you all to know how thankful I am to have all of the STITCH AND RIP GANG in my life. Thank you! Have a wonderful weekend and God Bless America!
Ren

Special Quilts

Here are a couple of my favorite quilts. There is nothing special about them. The one is just squares sewn together. The other is a maple leave design. What makes them special to me is they were both quilted by my Great Grandmother. My Dad was going to burn them. I couldn't believe him. But they've been rescued and live in my house now. Both my sons know these are special quilts. They will have to fight over who gets which ones when I'm dead and gone, but I won't have to worry about them being burned. I just wanted to share them with you. Deb

Not Enought....TIME!

As Deb mentioned in her last note, what a great time we had at sit and sew. I was having such a great time, that "TIME" just flew by and I had to leave. It was like I was only their for a moment and then it was over. We talked over our Dear Jane possibility (project), Anne went to the Home Machine Quilt Show in Utah and brought back such great pictures, WOW! awesome quilts and she did a great job taking pictures. Several of the ladies are taking classes at the Quilting Station (I am jealous) today, as a matter of fact. Hopefully Deb will post pictures! (hint hint). Terry brought her new baby with her (Jem Gold sewing machine) and we played with it. Rebecca was busy in the corner sewing on a project and I did not get to find out what is was all about, if you read this Rebecca let us hear what you are working on? Of course we laughed and laughed and talked "quilting". What do you do at your sit and sews? Oops, I forgot, we also stitched some on projects. LOL. I hope you have as much fun at your sit and sew as I do at mine.
On a different note, I am having a busy week with family responsibility's and not enough sewing time. Do you find that happens to you? When do you find time to sew? knit? cross stitch? or whatever you find relaxing? I would love to hear from other's maybe you will have the solutions to my problem....NOT ENOUGH TIME. Gotta run...............
One stitch at a time,
Ren

Mom's Quilts

My Mom, Doris, doesn't do computers. So I thought I would show you a couple of her quilts. The first is a Disappearing Nine Patch. Isn't is gorgeous. The other is a French Braid. Also Gorgeous. She hand quilts most of her quilts and they are just beautiful. To think this woman didn't want to quilt. I had asked her to work on a quilt for each of my two sons. I wanted them to have a quilt that their Mother and Grandmother had worked on together. She complained the whole time. When we finished those two she asked me to cut her another one out. She liked the piecing, but that was all. It wasn't long before I couldn't cut them out fast enough. I bought her a rotary cutter, mat and ruler and said have at. She is always doing something and she finishes her quilts. She's on vacation this week. She called just a few minutes ago to say she has another top ready. She is amazing. Deb

Bags, Bags & More Bags

We had a very nice lady by the name of Shirley that came and taught us a quilted bag class. It was so much fun and not too difficult. A couple of the ladies got a little carried away. I won't name any names. Mom got carried away too, but she was too quick to be caught on camera. Deb

Baby Quilts

These are three baby quilts that have been finished and delivered before the babies were born! Yeah! The pink quilt is a Disappearing Nine Patch that was so much fun. The backing is Alabama. The father is a huge Alabama fan. The other two are Trips Around The World. I love making these quilts. The one at the bottom was done all in flannels and the one on the right was not. Both were for boys. Deb

A Completed Quilt

I've actually completed some projects. This is a rag quilt done all in purples. It was very hard to part with as purple is my favorite color, but my niece is a lover of purple so it wasn't too bad. Deb

Sit N Sew

We had another great Sit N Sew tonight. I just love getting together with the girls. We discussed taking on a Dear Jane Quilt project. I like the idea. I wasn't too keen on it when we first started talking about it, but now I'm excited and can hardly wait to start. Ren, what have you started?

Deb

I have Problems!

Hi Ya'll,
Well......I had two projects to complete last week and......and.....and.....you guessed it. I only completed one, my next project is still sitting their. You know when you plan something and organized it and your all excited about it, fired up to complete it and......and......things happen. Well that is me, my life, so move on. This week, no project to complete, taken care of family but next week will start on project 2. This UFO, PIG, WIP, etc are about the experience, the knowledge, the doing, the completion. Not the speed or the how many I can cross off my list....O who am I kidding it is about getting these projects done so I can go shopping for more projects. I am hopeless.......welcome to hopelessville, home of me. Come join me, stay a while finish one of my projects...ya'll come back, here or is it hear?
Ren

Happy Mother's Day

I want to wish all my friends a Happy Mother's Day. You are all so special and I am very lucky to have friends like you. Enjoy your day.

Deb

WIP's

Now that I've listed my top five UFO's I thought I would list my top five WIP's.

1. Circle Challenge with PQG. Due in June. (Why did I do this?)

The next three are crochet projects

2. Wedding gift - name in crochet Due in June.
3. Reunion - auction item. Due in July.
4. A different reunion - door prize. Due in July.

Something fun to work on.

5. Souvenir blocks for quilt show. Due whenever I get them done. I needed one with no stress.

Deb

LOVING THE NEW MACHINE

Hi Ya'll,
Hope this finds everyone doing well. As you know my sewing machine was electrocuted a while back..................(gee, I miss it) and I have been looking for a new machine. So........checked out Bernina (that was my last one), checked out Viking (oo la la), checked out Janome (loved it but was very loud) and checked out Brothers.........fell in love with a Innovis QC1000, so I brought it home to live with me.....and.......and......I am loving it. I bought it at the Quilting Station in Pace and using it is so easy, I have not had to take a class, yet.
I have also started cleaning out the sewing room, making a pile of get rid of, and I am making a UFO, PIG, WIP, WHY DID I EVEN START THIS PROJECT, oops I forgot I had this project and WHAT IS THIS PROJECT SUPPOSE TO BE "?" pile. My number came in bigger than the national debt (don't tell Sweetie). So I have challenged myself and Miss Deb to start finishing up those......will you know.......would anyone like to join in. I will be posting a picture of each project I finish....maybe.....would that be another project? Well lets hear what you think of my plan !
Have a great day.
Ren

UFO's

I have too many UFO's to list, but I thought I would list my top 5 UFO's and maybe this would encourage me to finish them. So here goes.

1. Sticks & Stones - The easiest one. Prepare backing and take to Quilter.
2. Orange Basket Weave - Bind. (I love to bind so why don't I have this one finished?)
3. One Block Wonder - Add borders, quilt & bind.
4. Blue Trip Around The World - Add borders, quilt & bind.
5. Double Wedding Ring (That I absolutely hate to work on.) - Finish piecing.

That's my top 5. The worse one is the Double Wedding Ring. If I can just get it pieced, I'll be happy.

Deb

Patchwork Hearts

This is a quilt I actually finished. Yeah! I took this class at Timpoochee in 2008, but I was using purples. It was very easy and fast. I decided to switch to oranges because I had someone in particular for this quilt. Don't look too close at the quilting as I did it myself on my little Mega Quilter. Deb

What better way to spend a Saturday

I spent a lovely day at The Quilting Station taking a class. It was wonderful. I have a baby quilt almost ready to quilt. Made some new friends and saw some old friends. Bought more fabric. Signed up for another class. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday. My day was good.

Deb

Jacob Aaron

It's official. Nana Jaye has another grandson. Jacob Aaron was born May 1st and Nana Jaye is on her way. Congratulations to the new parents, Molly and David. Now Erica has a playmate.

So Much Going On

Good Morning Everyone, So much going on, since our last sit n sew. Jaye has become a grandmama again. Adam and Tonya welcomed baby Kenneth Billy into this world on April 14th. He's adorable, of course, he has Jaye for a Grandmama. Or I think she prefers Nana Jaye. Now she's waiting anxiously for her daughter, Molly, to deliver the third grandchild. Another boy. Any day now.

Our Saturday sit n sew at Sheila's was lots of fun. I completed one of the star souvenir blocks that I didn't like at all. I talked a lot. I think Ren, Annie, Catharine and Paige actually got some work done. Sheila being our hostess really didn't get much done. She was making sure everyone was comfortable and well fed. Then we went out to dinner afterwards with our spouses at the Blackwater Bistro or Grill. Something like that. I believe everyone had a great time. I know I did.

I've decided to start on my UFO's. I started by cleaning out my sewing room and taking all the UFO's and putting them under my husband's pool table. I quickly ran out of room there. I would like to try and finish a UFO a week. Of course, that's not going to happen. If I finish one a month, I'll be happy. I need to stop taking classes. With that said, I'm taking Ellen's Puzzle quilt class this Saturday. I'm really excited about that. It is so cute and will make an excellent baby quilt. With everyone having babies now I needed a different pattern. Hopefully this one won't become a UFO.

Remember starting this month we will be at The Quilting Station in Pace on May 14th from 6 -9 pm. See you all there.

Deb

Hi, my name is Ren and I am a part of the gang. I like to sew, quilt, needlepoint and am learning to grow an organic garden. The project that I am working on now is for my quilting guilds quilt show in 2010. We are doing blocks to sale to help raise money for our guild. The fabric in my block is all children's, funny I did not think I had enough children's material in my bits and pieces drawer but............well.......I am on my 11th block and going strong.
I really enjoy being a part of this group of ladies, quilters are such nice people. I hope you come back here often and see what we are doing. Also please feel free to share with us what your projects are. Thanks for stopping by.
Stitching away,
Ren

Moving Meeting Location

The Stitch and Rip Gang will now be meeting at The Quilting Station in Pace. Thank you Ellen Flaherty. Same date and time.

The Stitch & Rip Gang

Welcome to The Stitch & Rip Gang. We are a group of women that love needlework. Quilting, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, etc... We meet the second Thursday of each month from 6 -9 p.m. in the RSVP Building on the corner of Dogwood & Buckskin in Milton, FL. Come join the fun.