Photo Taking Session

Melissa came over this afternoon and our task was to take pictures to be used on note cards to be sold at our quilt show coming up in March. She has one wonderful camera. I had scrounged around and found all kinds of old things that we used to set up little groups of still life plus some that she had brought along with her.

I took some pictures, too, with my Sony and here are a few to give you an idea of how we carried out our assignment. We also got some wonderful old Egyptian wall hangings that Alice has and Melissa photographed those, also. They will make lovely cards, too. Do you think people will buy these? I know that Melissa will get pictures that are much better. However, this gives you an idea of how they will be.

This picture is kind of a salute to my late husband - his shoes, book and wooden toy are in that one. His mom kept so many things and I am eternally grateful to her for that. (Click to enlarge)

Need to Get Back to This One

About two years ago, I pieced this wall hanging with oriental fabrics. It is partially quilted and I want to get it finished this winter. As you can see, I am doing circles or stones and then just straight stitching down the center of each row. It is very repetitious and hard to stick with for too long but it does look nice.

The way it was pieced and trimmed out, there were enough pieces left over for another small quilt and I used most of them to make this tablerunner, which I gave as a gift.

I was pleased with the way it turned out. Oriental fabrics are a big favorite of mine. Come to think of it, I sure have a lot of favorite fabrics! (Click to enlarge)

I Had a Complaint!

Today was another "Sit and Sew Day" for our quilt guild at the civic arena. A nice group of quilters showed up to spend time sewing on projects and enjoying each other's company. This time I just took along some crocheting to work on so I would not have to tote my sewing machine. Several of the gals follow this blog and this pretty lady was complaining to me that I had not added to my blog for awhile. I replied that it was sometimes kind of hard finding something to post - and she said how about the scarf I had crocheted. So I made her model it for me and here is a new picture - Leslie and my scarf! We have a fun group of gals!!
(Click to enlarge)

Rocking Christmas Eve

Bill had a great setup in his basement for the X Box thing (I'm not sure just what it is called) and he had Guitar Hero and a Rock Band deal. Let me tell you, everyone loved it! He works with videos and all things high-tech so has a great space for this. Above, you can see the big screen he had stretched on a frame. Below you can see how intense everyone is trying to keep up with what is going on for each of them. They actually are a pretty talented bunch. Two on guitars, one drummer and a vocalist. Lots and lots of fun. However, none of my family got their musical talents from me since I have none!! The only lessons I ever had was tapdancing - not much call for that!Everyone took turns on different positions - such fun to watch. They took it over to Norah and Chad's Christmas Day and played it a while then, too, on the tv. (Click to enlarge)

Jigsaw Puzzle Fans

Working the "leglamp" puzzle from "The Christmas Story". Jigsaw puzzles have always been one of my favorite things (especially right after Christmas). That seems to have been passed down to Sherry and now to her girls. This is such a cute puzzle - and kind of a difficult one - but they got it done in record time. Hannah, I am sorry I didn't get your pretty little head in the picture!!I remember working puzzles with my Dad on the dining room table and keeping them under the tablecloth between times we worked them. (Click to enlarge)

Another Book of Applique Patterns

The last time I was in Joann's, I had a coupon that was burning a hole in my pocket. Finding something to buy that isn't on sale (can't use coupons on sale items) is a formidable task sometimes since there are always so many sale items. Generally, I check out the book section to see if there is a new book that wants to come live at my house. That is another story since the way they have the books displayed is a challenge sometimes, too. It is easy to knock something down when you pick something else up. (Even if I complain a little, I love Joann's for lots of things!) I saw this book and leafed through it - it came home with me.

Some really nice patterns that can be reduced, enlarged or used as is. Applique is and always has been probably my favorite part of quilting.

Love the motif on the right. I can see if in batiks, brights, Aunt Grace, etc. Great patterns - great book. (Click to enlarge)

Happy New Year!

My very best wishes for a healthy and happy 2009. There are resolutions that I should make but probably won't. However, I will try to stay as healthy as I can and hope my mind continues to function in a reasonable manner.

Since I will be putting things away that I got out for Christmas and getting back to normal, I thought I would take pictures of a couple of pieces that I use on the dining room table and the old round coffee table in the middle of my living room. This first piece was from a picture in a magazine someplace. I hand buttonholed the centers. Takes a while, doesn't it? I do like the colors. The bottom piece was taken from a pattern in Quiltmaker a few years ago. That one was machine buttonhole applique. (Click to enlarge)