Flower Shop soon to be done.

Yesterday I spent the day quilting Flower Shop (pattern by Renee Plains). I dragged my feet, but figured I needed to get it done. Minor flaws (trust me, most crafting flaws are minor, if we keep a healthy perspective on life) kept me from finishing it. It is like I lose enthusiam when I don't get things "right." That has been a problem of mine ever since I can remember. Seriously, quilts are beautiful when they are quilted. Minor flaws (even major ones) be damned. Today, at the church quilter's group, I will apply the binding. Mom and I have been having discussions on why I insist on doing bias binding. She says it isn't necessary; I need to try new things. I will be up there on Saturday (flying AIRTRAN) to spend a few days.

Connectivity....

Has been a problem around here, but I think we are finally "on" our AT&T DSL line. My "housemate" doesn't understand that when you switch cable service, it affects the computer too. He is heavily invested in tv time while I prefer computer time. We only come together for Jeopardy, and if he starts getting more correct responses than me, there could be a war right inside my home. But then again, he always forgets to phrase his response in the form of a question, so technically, none of his responses are ever correct. I win, I win! And no, I don't think I am too competitive.

My version of Renee Plains "Flower Shop" is ready for me to decide what to do about quilting. My borders didn't quite go on the same way as her original quilt's did, so I am having such an inner battle about what to do. I was in such a quandary about it, I had to go to Patchwork Cottage to partake of retail therapy. Sandy is such an enabler!

Here is yet another gift from "Simon at work." I hope he is out of gifts. It is starting to feel a little funny, and "housemate" is especially curious about what's up with the generosity. But I do love the quilts! And I don't think Simon means anything by it at all. I think he is a good guy.

This lovely piece of fabric (5 1/2 yards!) was given to me by a student of the college where I work. I love it! It matches the thread I bought in the Ozarks at Saltbox Primitive Woolens. Mom had asked me what I needed the gold thread for. Well, here you go.

And finally, here is something new I have started. And boy is the progress S L O W. Does the end of summer do this to ya'll too? My sewing room and it's Kitten attendant are getting lonely for me.

Ta Da!

And thank you to Pam at Patchwork Cottage in Lawrenceville for helping me select the binding fabric.

Renee Plains "Flower Shop" progress

At "Thimbles" Friday night I got back to work on the "Flower Shop" piece I began at "Primitives" in Missouri. I have all the blocks fused. Oh wait, let me tell you a little about my first fusing. There are big differences in that fusible web stuff. It helps to know what you are doing. I had forgotten the web I'd bought in MO, so I stopped at Hobby Lobby on the way to Thimbles to purchase more. There were so many types; I did my best to get what I needed, but the stuff I bought was dreadful. The web part would not stick to the sheet no matter what I did. I just hope I didn't do any damage to Chris' iron or ironing sheet. I had some of the other web at home, so that is what I used today, except on the pots because it wasn't wide enough. Also, don't look too close at the pots; at least all my flowers face the same way! (Oh, freaking DUH! I just checked Renee's picture, and I can see I did all my flowers facing the wrong way. Well, GEEZ, at least they are CONSISTENT!)

Next thing is to remember what Pat told me about stitching the fused items down. I will have to do some practice stitching before I work on the real flowers.

But I Need a Better Picture

I took this picture of my new quilt, but I am not happy with it (the picture). I just can't capture how beautiful it is! This is Robin, the quilt maker, holding up the quilt at Harper's. Problem is, I didn't know I was going to purchase it, and I didn't have her in the picture with the quilt. How rude of me! Then, when I got it home (to Mom's house), I tried to get a picture on a bed. That didn't turn out well either. I am going to show it at Spirited Quilter's meeting in Duluth on Tuesday. I will eventually get a better picture, so you may get your fill of seeing my new acquisition.

Today at Primitives of the Midwest I had class with Renee Plains. We started on "Flower Shop." I love it, but since I only got one small portion partially done, you will have to see the finished quilt object'dart (not sure about that spelling) in the future. In the afternoon I took class from Stacy Nash and fell in love with cross-stitch all over again.

Below is a project I have been working on in Mom's studio. Tomorrow is my last day here in Missouri. I will miss the freedom to work on my projects and spend time visiting with Mom and Dad.

What's up on my vacation?

I came into Kansas City on Sunday. I can't tell the story of why Mom and Dad left me standing at the airport for nearly 5 hours; suffice it to say I was the only one truly traumatized by the experience. Everyone was okay; it was a case of miscommunication which can be easily remedied by cell phone. If all parties have cell phones, that is.

I am in Kansas City for the Primitives of the Midwest gathering. On Monday night we enjoyed listening to Jennifer Keltner, editor of American Patchwork & Quilting at a reception held at Quilter's Station in Lee's Summit. On Tuesday morning I took a class with Renee Plains. We (students Kim from up north and I) worked on a rag doll. I have mine almost completed (it is pictured above). On Tuesday I had an all day class with Lisa Bongean (sharing a table with Linda the Joplin mail carrier). We worked on a beautiful nine-patch quilt with wool embellishment. I will have pictures of that when I get further along with it. Today (Thursday) Mom, Dad and I went out to Harper's where I was able to purchase the quilt I have had in my dreams for a year. I am so glad Robin decided to part with it. I will love it forever! The fabrics and free motion quilting patterns will provide me with inspiration for many years.