Some finishes for 2011

Finally getting in the mood for a bit of sewing.  This table topper has been sitting in original blocks for at least a month. Just had not gotten around to using the twister tool.  Done!!

Thursday, I made this little one with the left over pieces from the first one.

These have been sitting around for a couple of years, unfinished.  For two of them, it was just the baskets, not borders, and two had the borders, but were not quilted.  Done!

Here is the update of my Klosjes.  I pieced the rows by hand as well as the individual blocks.  I have not worked on this is ages.  Got the rows together.  Still have lots more to add on.  Decided it was time to get back to this.  It is going to be at least a throw size.

Yesterday, I worked on 4 angel ornaments, and 4 Santa ornaments.  Today I sewed together the "Prairie Flower" blocks I received from the 2011 Annual Friendship Block Swap.  Now to decide on borders.  No pictures yet!

On Christmas Day, we found this fox sunning himself, in a stand of bushes, in the community where my Dad lives. He was so kind to pose for us. 

These are just some of the finch's I have been feeding in our back yard. They are so much fun to watch.

Happy New Year to everyone!

Mary

Presents, I received wonderful presents.

Thursdays, I sew with a wonderful group of ladies.  Our local quilt shop lets us use the classroom from 10:00am until 4:00pm and sew.  We had a little gift exchange.  Marilyn made us each a set of Christmas tree napkins, Kay made us Christmas angel ornaments, and was kind enough to give us the instructions to be able to make more. Cheryl, gave us the cute star ornament. Sharon made the glass ornament. She embroiders a design, and somehow, slips it into the ornament.  It looks really neat.  Jan, gave me the wool bundle, and the candy cane with the cute scissors for our sewing kits.  It was a lot of fun.

This darling hot pad holder was sent to me by Ruth Janssen from Country Log Cabin.  It is made with bottle caps. They are yo yo's with the caps inside.  So cute, I don't want to get it messed up!

My friend  Isabelle Stirnemann in France sent me a wonderful present.  I had sent her the "Lil Twister" tool and pattern , and she sent me this adorable mug rug made using it.  There was also this cute pouch, that  has the most wonderful chocolates in it, loose tea, and a lavender sachet.  This was a lovely surprise.  We are going to be making   a Bonnie Hunter pattern, Oregon or Bust during 2012.  This way we can exchange different fabrics for our quilts.

My sweet husband came up with the most wonderful surprise.  While I was on this last cruise, he had heard that Jennifer Chiverini was going to be at a book signing in Naperville, at Andersen's Book Store.  He got there a little late, but still in time to purchase 5 of her book, including The Wedding Quilt, and have her sign all of them for me.  I am impressed with his thoughtfulness.  Looks like I have some relaxing reading time coming up.

My Hungarian friend, Magdi Csendes sent me such a pretty heart ornament. Since we met several years ago, we have been exchanging ornaments each Christmas.

My friend, Sandy in Georgia, got me started on iris folding for making cards.  She sent me the one on the left. It is oh so cute!!  Jane in Michigan made this really cute Santa card this year.    We are all sharing our talents, which is so nice.

I bought these two  books. The one on the left is "Elizabeth Roseberry Mitchell's Graveyard Quilt", by Linda Otto Lipsett. This quilt has been featured in several books and articles, and has an interesting history.  The other book "Kentucky Quilt Trails: Views and Voices" is right up my alley.  My husband and I love to travel the back roads and look for quilts on barns.  There are some wonderful trails.

I have more updates in the works. Need to get the pictures organized.

Thank you to all that stop by and read my online journal.  I have learned so much this past year on how to play with my blog,  been involved in some awesome swaps, gained additional sewing knowledge, and made and met wonderful new friends on the internet.  I would love for everyone to have a happy, healthy and wonderful 2012. 

Happy Quilting
Mary

Happy Holidays

From our family
to yours, we


Wish you all the Wonder, Joy, and Peace
the season brings.

Happy Holidays

Stitched Together, Art and Science

Tuesday was a fun day out.  Three of my quilt bee friends and I went to a wonderful exhibit at "Fermi Lab", in Batavia, Illinois. It was titled "Stitched Together, Art & Science".  "Art Quilts by Midwestern Artists".  The exhibit will be on display until January 20. 2012. First off, I did not know they had an art gallery

The Professional Art Quilters Alliance (PAQA) exhibited 28 quilts. The criteria these quilts had for the exhibit, were to depict some type of art or science. The quilts had to be 18 inches square, and could use any technique. I don't have the name of these nine quilts, but I have the makers name. Starting at the top left, was, Sharon Malec, Wendy Reed, and Susan Jackan. Second row, Linda Sorkin-Eisenbert, Angelika Brinkman-Busi, and Rachel Wetzler. The bottom row the quilts were made by Lisa Kay, BJ Parady, and Kathleen Jayko.  Several of these quilts were for sale.

This quilt was made by Mary Beat, and called Horticulture & Psyche Horticulture. This quilt was not for sale.

This quilt is "Tulip: Queen of Night" was made by Emily Parson. It is 82" x 82".

This is "Chicory" by Laura Wasilowski and is 37" x 43".

Here is "The Microscope - Portal to Diagnosis and Treatment". It measured 32" x 50", and was made by Debra Kinder.

This one is "Endangered Sea Turtle" by Shelley Brucar. It measures 42" x 54".
A wonderful catalogue was made up with the descriptions of the quilts, who made them, the technique used, and a statement by the artist.  The exhibit featured 61 quilts. 
The exhibit was wonderful. The gallery was a wonderful place to display the quilts.

This is my friend Linda at the exhibit.  After viewing the quilts, we all met at a restaurant called Fiona's in St Charles. It was a great place for the ladies.  There were several little Christmas parties.  We all enjoyed a wonderful lunch and caught up on what is going on in our lives.  A great breather during this holiday season. I had not seen my friends in so long.  After lunch I decided to go shopping.  I was in an area I don't get to very often and had fun checking the shops out.  I did not get home until 9:00 that night.  Had to pickup some things along the way.

Finishes!! Four more table mats and the 14 Santa ornaments are done.

Also, got caught up on the Block of the Month. You can click on the button on the side of my blog to check it out.  I thought it would be a fun  quilt to make.

Another new button is the "Building Houses from Scraps".  The count is over 1000 participants.  You can make one house or 367 houses.  We are to use our scraps and make one house a day. We received the pattern yesterday.  You can log on to the website by clicking the button and getting the pattern and sewing along.

Have a great day, and happy quilting.
Mary

Christmas is coming

Barb at Bejeweled Quilts showed working on these cute Santa's.  It is right up my alley.  I love to work on cute ornaments, and these are adorable. Caroll, from Attic Window Quilt Shop also got the bug to make these Santa's too. I love to visit these two sites for their inspiration.

I made 14, now ready for finishing. They were easy and fun.

Then I worked on these cones for Christmas. (not a great picture) One is hanging on my machine. Two done and 2 to finish, then work on filling them.  I have a few Christmas green, and maybe small ornaments. They will be fun to hang on a door knob.

Put together 4 more table mats. Now for the handwork.

On the last bus shop hop, I found this stitchery for a towel.  I think I back to do some embroidery.  I have not done embroidery for many, many years. It is fun and relaxing.  I had forgotten how much I liked doing it.

Had the notebook cover cutout, but not sewn.  Done!

While I was on the cruise, I had been working on the embroidery for 2 more needlekeeps.  Now to cut out the fabric and put these together.

I put together 6 gift bags for a Christmas party for the employees where Dad lives. The employees are not allowed to accept gifts or money from the residents or their families during the year.  This is the one time we can show our appreciation of their kindness and services.  I made up gift bags with things I have made during the year.  Mug rugs, aprons, journals and small bags all fill the bill.  I put fillers of cocoa, CHOCOLATE, recipe cards, pencils, pens, calenders and gift cards in to compliment each of the handmade items.  I hope they will like what I chose.

Dad has 3 doctors appointments, and me one this week. These are always good times to do handwork.

Have a great week. Thank you for stopping by.
Mary

Hawaii Cruise (part 3)

Our stateroom!. My bed is on the right, can you tell??

Sunset at sea

Every night we were treated to towel animals, chocolates on our pillow, and a copy of the next days schedule. 

This is Anna with me. Anna is one of the wait staff, and was on Dad and my South Pacific cruise a year ago. We got to know each other very well.  She actually met Dad on our first day out and recognized him.  There was a security office also on this trip, that we met on the South Pacific cruise.  I find it amazing that Anna remembered us.  It was fun to catch up, about each others family.  When you are on a ship for even a week you forge friendships. You never know where or when you may meet again.

Christmas is coming!!  Even on the ship, Christmas decorations were  showing up everywhere.  Not everyday you have a picture of yourself in summer clothes in front of a Christmas tree.

Ensenada, Riviera del Pacifico, Mexico.  We had a 3 hour stop in Ensenada, before returning to San Diego.  We did take a little trip to the Riviera Del Pacifico.  It was built by american and mexican investors and opened in 1930 as a glamorous resort and casino.  It now serves as an active social, civic and cultural center.   We were treated to a Mariachi show and Ballet Folklorico.  It was a festive fun stop.

Flying over the mountains on the way back to Chicago.
We met a lot of fun and interesting people and made a few new friends.

Happy Day

Mary

Hawaii Cruise (part 2)

This is Akaka Falls on Hilo. This falls is the longest unbroken waterfall in the state.  It was beautiful,

Of course you have to visit Mauna Loa, the home of Macadamia Nut products.  These are the easiest to purchase on the mainland.  The ship had the best white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies.  They were my sinful treat in the afternoon!

A view of Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo.  They were as beautiful this time, as when we saw them a year ago on Dad's and my South Pacific cruise.

Bird of Paradise

Hibiscus

Diamond Head from the top of the hill at the Punchbowl.

Under the Banyan Tree in Lahaina

Looking down Front Street in Lahaina

A view of Lahaina from the ship.

Sorry this is a lot later then I planned.  I came home with a cold, and it has put me under.  Spent some quality time in bed!  Not exactly what I had planned with the holidays coming.

One of the things Linda and I did while at sea was take digital workshops.  I finally got to use the photo editing, and what fun.  I learned a lot of things from the workshops last year while on the South Pacific trip.  When I got home, I had decided I would like a lap top to play with.  I took it with us, and was able to load the digital pictures, that we had taken with Lin's, Dad's and my cameras.  It is fun to be able to see the pictures "now" and edit them.  Only one problem, I loaded the cards on to my lap top, but continued to take other pictures, they are loaded on the home computer! If I could integrate them, I would.  So still have a few more photos to share.  I only took 542 on this trip.

Thank you for stopping by.
Have a great day, and happy quilting.

Mary

Hawaiian Cruise (part 1)

At Midway Airport waiting for our plane.  We are meeting my sister Linda. She was connecting with us from Manchester, Maine.  It was fun having her on the plane too.

We flew to San Diego, on Saturday, November 12 to board the Oosterdam and begin a two week cruise.  We were too arrive in Hilo on Thursday.  The days at sea are filled with activities.  A daily schedule is given, which you can check the activities you want to participate in. Then there are the meals!! The first couple of days, the seas were rolling.  A lot of passengers did not appear until Tuesday for meals.  It did not stop us.  The three of us had our sea legs right away.

This is Linda and Dad under the Banyan Tree in Lahaina.  Looks like I have loaded the pictures backwards again!  You can get the idea.  It is hard to choose which ones to show, when you take about 100 a day on each island!  The Banyan Tree used to be considered the largest one in the world. It has grown over a city block.  It sends roots down from the branches that eventually extend to the ground, and takes hold.  It is pretty impressive.

This is our ship the M S Oosterdam.  We are anchored off the dock in Lahaina.  We had to be tendered in.  This is the largest of the Holland American ships I have been on.

Would you believe I met up with two of the crew that had been on the Rotterdam, when I sailed to the South Pacific last fall.  It was fun to see them.  The amazing thing was they remembered my Dad and I.  Not sure if that is a good thing or not!  I am hopping it is good.

This is a view toward a blowhole on Kauai.  We took a tour to see the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.  One of the stops was at this gorgeous place.

Who knew there was a canyon 3400 feet above sea level. 

 What a view.  It was beautiful.  There was 2 levels of lookouts.

Here in Honolulu, is the Punchbowl, the National Cemetery of the Pacific.  It is a beautiful setting.  Our father is a WWII veteran.  When our mother passed away 6 years ago, Dad wanted her ashes placed here.  That is what we did.  There are formalities that must be adhered to.  Her  internment was the second scheduled of seven that day.  The flag at the front entrance flies at half staff while any funeral or internment is happening.  Once they are done, the flag will then be flown at full staff.  It was a beautiful day.  The gentleman that took care of the formalities for us was so kind and caring.  We were able to decide the inscription that will be on the front of the niche where we placed her ashes. 

At the enterence to the Punchbowl.

After the ceremony at the Punchbowl we went to "Uncles" to celebrate Mom's life.  We had a wonderful lunch of fresh seafood.  We were on pier 38, right where the fish is brought in.  You cannot get it any fresher.

What trip to the island is not complete without a stop to Hilo Hatties.  This shirt is in the Guiness Book of World Records. The largest ever made.  This is Dad and I.  Oh, everywhere was decorating for Christmas.

Hawaii 5 0!  Book him Dano!!  We were right in front of where King Kamehameha's statue. It was so neat to see a real scene from the TV show.

Across the street from the statue is the "Iolani Palace"  This one side of it.  The front was being set up for a function that was going to happen on the day after we were gone.

In the Palace is one of the most remarkable quilts.   Queen Lili'uokalani was forced to step down during her reign. She was imprisoned for 8 months in a upstairs bedroom of the palace.  While there she was imprisoned she began a crazy quilt that records pieces of her history.  No pictures were allowed in the palace.  I did purchase a small book that describes this beautiful quilt.

I will write another post and show more pictures from the islands.  The only low part of this trip is only getting to spend 4 days in the island, and 10 days at sea.  There is so much more to see in the island.  I can do a blog with just scenery pictures, one with only flowers of the islands, and one with Dad, Linda and I.  I am sure no one wants to see over 400 pictures.

So on another day I will show a few more.
Thank you for stopping by!!
Mary