I managed to get this week's CW block from Barbara Brackman's site done.

I didn't like it until I saw my blog friend, Merilyn's, block. 

I didn't have a fabulous floral stripe, but this came close and looks rather handsome on point, which is how I plan to set my blocks.  I have become obsessed with on-point settings recently.

On the topic of the anniversary of the Civil War, I found a new blog to follow called The Civil War Quilter.  Becky is working on a book that I will be anxious to see and reproduces Civil War era quilts.  Make sure to read her April 30th post about Love and Valor. 

My feet are on ice, hoping to reduce the inflammation so I can get back in my hiking boots.

But, until then, I am making lots of quilting progress...

3 more 1880 sampler blocks, more pinwheels and some gifts that I can't show.

I can't go exploring for wildflowers to photograph,

but at least my garden is starting to bloom.

My favorite color in the garden is purple...can't you tell!

And these are the pine cones on the Colorado Blue Spruce that are planted around the perimeter of our land.  My Snow in Summer is finally getting its little white flowers and I love the contrast with the Dianthus.  I am an amatuer gardener, but sometimes my combos actually work.

A Sneak Peek

I decided to participate in the second round of Christine's doll quilt exchange and after much deliberation, I have finally chosen my pattern for my exchange partner, Nicky at Sew-Organized.

This is always a grueling process...I worry whether she will like the color, pattern, etc.

I decided to contribute to this year's auction quilt for Linda, of Quilts in the Barn fame, to raise funds for breast cancer research.  Jo Morton, one of my fav designers, will be the star of the show this year and I would love to attend.  Alas, Macchu Picchu calls this fall and then I am determined to make it to the Houston Quilt Show (yes, Rosie and Kay...this is me inviting myself!)

My contribution is on it's way down under.

Friday is the monthly meeting of the Farmer's Wife Sampler Club at TOWQS, so I am busy drafting and constructing my blocks.  Here is this morning's progress:

May's theme is baskets.

I purchased my red and white Bella Solids today.  I have selected my pattern from a quilt featured on Barbara Brackman's blog.  I am determined to make a red and white quilt!

Will someone please make more hours in the day!



Doll Quilt Exchange

I received my doll quilt from Lisa of Stray Threads yesterday.

I simply adore it!

She even took the time to hand quilt it.

I don't have a doll bed, so the only doll I have from my childhood (she is a Hawaiian doll given to me by my grandmother--her grass skirt has disintegrated over the years) proudly took possession of the quilt.  Since she is lacking in apparel, the quilt will keep her warm and I will be shopping for a doll bed for the two of them while antique shopping this summer.

Thank you, thank you Lisa for this lovely doll quilt and thank you again to Christine for organizing the exchange.

This is a lopsided picture of the quilt I sent Lisa.

It was my attempt to reproduce a doll quilt in the Mary Ghormley collection from a picture I had seen.

Now back to the sewing machine.  It is National Quilters Day and I am 2 blocks behind in my Barbara Brackman Civil War BOTW.

Signature Blocks and a Civil War theme!

This week will be consumed with signature blocks.

First I will make 50 siggy blocks for my Small Quilt Talk Yahoo group's exchange.

The fabric is washed and ironed, ready to start.

Then I'll continue to work on my Album Quilt from Kathleen Tracy's new book,

The Civil War Sewing Circle.

Just waiting on a few signatures.

Love the Civil War Chronicles fabric from Judie Rothermel!

#6-Richmond

and... 

#5 Kansas Troubles

from Barbara Brackman's Civil War Quilts BOTW. 

Here they all are.

Notice the one that is conspicuously missing!!

I finished piecing my doll quilt for Christine's exchange.

I attempted to reproduce an antique doll quilt.

I am very pleased with the result and hope Lisa will like it as well.

Teaching, Tennis and Time!

I finished my Kim Diehl quilt top, so I rewarded myself with a small quilt from Lori Smith called 'Nine Patch Nostalgia.'  I am handquilting it with my new YLI thread that I had read so much about.  So far, I like it.  I'm using wool batt again, and it is heavenly.

Speaking of heavenly, handquilting is the perfect activity while I enjoy watching the Aussie Open Tennis.  A belated Happy Australian Day to all my Aussie friends!

The 'fly by' over Kim Clisjters' match was quite a sight.

My friend, Doreen, sent me some of her 'gray' reproduction fabrics from her stash.  Now how can I NOT participate in Barbara Brackman's Civil War BOTW.

Here is my Block #4.

The grey stripe is one of the fabrics Doreen sent me.

I am making my blocks 6" finished and when I drafted this one, it came out looking a little strange.  I think the bars in the middle square should have been wider.  Oh well.

Two SAL participants had a little online sew-in last weekend and helped each other finish their quilt tops.

This is Elin's. 

And this is Anne-Mettes'.

Congratulations on finishing them ladies.

 Both of the quilts are stunning.

I must apologize.  I have been up to my elbows with teaching and meeting deadlines that I have had little time for the computer.  I have not been blog hopping and commenting like I would like to.

Hopefully, next week, I can free up some time and get back to perusing all the wonderful and inspiring blogs again.

Today's goal is to write the patterns for 10 blocks for the Farmer's Wife Sampler club, continue hand quilting, prep for Paris in the Fall BOM class tomorrow, hike Pinnacle Peak and of course, watch the tennis. Whew, sounds like a busy day.

Look for the next block in my 1880 Sampler Quilt on Friday. 

North Star and Be Mine!

North Star--the second block in Barbara Brackman's Civil War series.

If you want to sew along, the link is on my sidebar.

And now, my follower appreciation gift. 

'Be Mine'

Be a follower of mine and leave a comment.

Included is the pattern, material, including binding, a Quilt in a Day ruler for squaring up triangles, and a few other sweet treats.

I will draw the winner Monday at 5am.

Thank you again for the great reception I have received since starting my blog last summer.

It has be a fun ride!

P.S.-no need to mention this on your blog.  Just keeping it simple.

Remember, I have to have some way to contact you.  If you are a non-reply commenter, please include an email address where I can reach you if you win!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

Catch Me If You Can-

the first block in Barbara Brackman's Civil War series.

It is so hard to decide which of the many new projects offered in blogland to do!

I've joined Christine's doll quilt exchange and look forward to getting assigned my exchange partner soon.

Next choice is Lori's doll quilt sew along and it is small, just like I like em!

Then there is Madame Samm's mug rug contest, and it has prizes!

Of course, there are all the other ongoing projects out there as well. 

Just too many quilts and sew little time!

So after the last affront to my dignity I could stand today...

which is worse??--mammogram, pap smear or the annual all over skin check by a dermatologist with magnifying glasses on!...

all of which I have put myself through this last month...

I made a decision.

I will only add the Civil War Quilts project to my commitments.

It is 52 blocks over 52 weeks.

I think I can handle that.

And besides, I have a use for the end product.

I have been wanting to make a donation quilt for the Quilts of Valor, and this will be perfect for it.

So my colors are chosen--red, grey/white, and blue.

I may decide to join Lori once I get a handle on all the things I have cooking right now.

Her little quilt is so darn cute and a reproduction of an antique!

Finally called the machine quilter today to get my place in her queue.

She is in high demand around quilt show time.

I was secretly hoping she would not have room to fit me in, but alas, I am scheduled the first week in February.  Can't use that one as my excuse and now have a second deadline to meet!

She did call me last minute Miller, though.

My fingers are screaming STOP! They are so sore from the frantic hand appliqueing I am putting them through.  I use a straw needle and it punctures the skin every once in awhile.

My quilt entry form is due Jan. 15th, accompanied by a picture of the quilt.

Off to the quilt shoppe to get something to protect my finger!