Out of Touch

We were happy on the way to Jekyll Island before the accident.... (actually I took this photo while we were waiting for the cop to write up the accident report)

Here is the driver's side of my car. Well, technically truck.

This is the close up. Poor baby, even the metal ripped. But, we definitely are in better shape than the other guy. Luckily nobody got hurt at all in either vehicle, but it puts a damper on a litle vacation/birding trip with the kids.

Basting Update

Well, here I am, back from Mom and Dad's house for basting. Why am I back so soon, you ask???


Well, it's all Susan Schamber's fault! Look here and see what I mean....

I saw this video about a month ago. I mulled it over. I decided that even though I didn't have the rails to secure the backing and top to, I wanted to use the 'herringbone' basting stitch that she describes. It looks easier to me than the traditional way of basting.

The last time I remember hand basting a quilt top was my friend, Bev's, scrappy stars quilt. That was ages ago. Since then, I have played around with glue basting and safety pins to avoid that kind of basting.

Anyway, Mom and I decided to try it out and we completely basted a double bed sized quilt in 1 hour and 40 minutes! Last time we did it, it took a huge chunk out of a Saturday. This was quick, simple, and easy. More importantly, I can do it! I can do it easily! I dig being finished in a reasonable amount of time.

I will post photos of the basting when I get my frame put together and what not. This is way exciting for me! I love bringing some efficiency to the project!

Woo Hoo--it's here!

Janice and Marcea at Abbey Lane Quilts sent me my prize from their blog drawing. I am so excited. They even included a little note. How sweet.

I have drooled over these patterns for some time, but money is tight right now. What could be better than free? What could be better than gifts made from free patterns? I know 4 folks right now that would love an Abbey Bag and a couple who would dig the purse. Everyone I know would love My Dear Prudence, well, maybe not the guys, but you get the idea.

Hmmm. More projects. I can't wait to get started!

Making progress...

Well I have put my borders on the log cabin quilt and will be off to baste shortly!

Can't wait to put the first stitches in!

Amazing!

I never thought of my blog as anything very special. Actually, I usually operate from the idea that nobody really reads it at all. Every once in a while, I am temporarily separated from that idea for a few moments, but that is all. I write primarily to please myself. I am absolutely ecstatic that Amy from A Quilting Sheep would give me this award.

Aw, Shucks! I am truly surprised and honored. Thanks, Amy!

Now, for this award, I am to link back to the person who gave me the award (see above), tell 7 interesting things about myself and give the award to 7 bloggers that I admire and think do a beautiful job.

Here goes....

7 interesting things about me--

1. I have been married to hubby for 23 years this June. He is such a blessing to me!

2. I have 1 adopted child and 1 biological child (or "home grown," as Amy put it on her blog)

3. I have a degree in Creative Writing with a minor in Biology (hence the need to have a blog as a writing outlet).

4. My oldest son has Asperger's Syndrome, a type of High Functioning Autism.

5. I made my first quilt in 1988 for my hubby on our first anniversary. It's terrible!

6. The next two quilts I made were for my parents on their 25th wedding anniversary and for my in-laws for their 25th also.

7. I teach English Literature, (sometimes) Science, and Latin at a private Christian school.

7 bloggers that I would like to recognize with this award--

1. Karin at A Thread of Red. She keeps my LQS blog up in high style!

2. Konda at Moose on the Porch Quilts.

3. Pat at Silver Thimble Quilts. She makes me laugh!

4. Andrea at Welsh Quilter.

5. Heather at Quiltin' Like Crazy.

6. Michelle at L7 Quilt Co.

7. Edna at Needling Things.

Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along update

It's done! This is the 3rd block in the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along that I am participating in. I love how the navy and red look against the white of the alternate blocks. Fun! I could see this one in a quilt as you go.

Frugal Quilting

Okay, I am always one to shop sales and clearance racks, but when it comes to quilting, I usually have an idea of what I want to do in advance and it doesn't always work out within the confines of the "clearance room."

Now, due to some setbacks and additional responsibilities, I find myself back at my quilting roots, working with scraps from my stash. I have so many ideas and I really find that I stretch my creativity when I am having to "make do." My stash consists of some old clothes, an old bridesmaid dress, some sale purchased fabrics, stuff my mom gave me, and left over bits from other projects.

Now the challenge is to make as much out of them as possible, buying as little as possible to make good, solid quilts for gifts, charity, warmth, whatever. I'd like to get as much as I can done on my sewing machine, saving hand quilting for the best projects (otherwise, I'd never catch up).

I think I will take the lead from my Aunt who is making fabulous quilts using the "quilt as you go" method. Her color selections are very sophisticated and I would like to take a cue from her, but when you make scrap quilts, sometimes "accidental quality" is the best you can ask for.

We'll see!

I am on spring break this week. Right now I am catching up on laundry and trying to get my gumption up to finish my latest quilt along block and get my log cabin quilt ready for basting.