I have a new participant in my 1880 Sampler Quilt Along. 

Mary from Quilting in OZ (her blog) has joined in and caught up with the rest of us in no time.

And Jill from PA surprised me with this picture of all her SAL blocks.  They are pieced and she is playing with the setting.  She did a fantastic job. 

She made duplicates of some of the blocks that she originally didn't like her color choices for, and then decided she liked them after all.  I try to tell my beginners, who learn to piece by doing a sampler quilt, to wait until the end to make changes to blocks.

I should listen to my own advice.

I cannot tell you how many times I will remake a block until I am happy with my fabric selections!

All 50 siggy blocks are done and ready to be autographed.

I think I was dreaming of Spring when I chose the fabrics for these fellas.

Today is the monthly meeting of my SSQSG and we are exchanging signature blocks.

We are also expecting a much anticipated guest.

I'll be back to tell you all about her visit if she makes it.

Hopefully, she will bring some of her exquisite quilts to share!

Lots of applique, ribbon embroidery and hand quilting!

Some more handmade gifts and a mystery visitor!

Finished these for some very special people--

THE GIRLS!

That is how we fondly refer to the lovely ladies who own and operate the Olde World Quilt Shoppe in Phoenix, AZ.  Two sisters and one daughter.

If you ever find yourself in the area, give them a visit.

You will not be disappointed.

Besides their charming personalities and knowledge base, they have an awesome collection of reproduction fabrics to choose from.  It is rumored that celebrities like Renee Plains of Liberty Star and Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Company frequent the shoppe.

I can assure you it is more than a rumor!

So, who is my mystery visitor?

I received an email from Barbara in California, who surprised me in November with her completed SAL quilt. I didn't even know she was participating.

She will be in Scottsdale soon and we plan to meet at the aforementioned Olde World Quilt Shoppe.

I am so excited to meet her.

Blogland has opened up a whole new world of associations for me.

Most remain faceless.

Hopefully, soon, I will put a face with her lovely quilt.

Speaking of SAL quilts, I would like to do a parade of SAL quilts before I start my 1880 sampler.

Please send me pictures of your quilts, no matter what stage of completion and I will add them to the pictures I already have.

Mine is still only half quilted. Maybe this will motivate me to get busy and finish it.

And if you are looking for a bubble gum pink fabric for your 1880 sampler quilt, check out this line available at Sew Unique Creations.  It is called Little Pink Stars by Margo Krager.

Wish the blues were not so dark in value or they would have been perfect too.

A new winner, SAL progress report and a gift from down under!

Congratulations, Sandie ~call me crazy!

You are the new winner of the pattern-fabric follower appreciation gift.

I learned that next time I need to have people leave at least a comment so I know they are actually reading my blog on a consistent basis and are interested in winning.

And apologies are in order.  Linda from Stray Stitches has finished her SAL quilt and I neglected to report on it.  I know she will forgive me with all the last week has thrown my way.

I like her choice of setting.

It truly shows off the intricate and precise piecing in each block.

Hats off for a fabulous finish, Linda!

Carolyn has decided to use a cheery, cheddar background for her first two blocks.

I can hardly wait to see this one when finished.  My idol, Sally Collins, is a proponent of using color in your 'background' fabric instead of a typical 'white on white' or 'beige on beige' background fabric.  Sally states, "...using one of the chosen colors in the background area help(s) to integrate the design and background."  I think Carolyn's version will demonstrate this quite nicely.  Add blue and this triadic color combo will have a very pleasing effect. (Can you tell I just taught a color wheel seminar!)

Finally, a perfect gift! A mysterious package arrived today from Australia. What could it be? My DD was as curious as I was.  First was a fall themed card with a lovely verse entitled 'Fall Thoughts.'

A chill is in the air, the days becoming short.

A time to settle down and give my quilting scraps a sort.

The reds, rusts and golds remind me of Fall,

These crisp autumn days are the best time of all

For planning, arranging and finally sewing,

Contentedly watching each quilt block growing.

I press them, inspect them and put them in order,

Measure and plan and add a pieced border.

Pinning and basting, happily knowing

I'll be ready for quilting when it starts snowing.

Elaine Brackett

'Quilt' magazine

Fall 1984

And then...

...this is what the box contained--an enchanting pincushion, taking its rightful place alongside my now rather extensive collection of pincushions. Merilyn participated in the Small Quilt Talk maple leaf block exchange and this was the 'thank you' gift she sent my way for being a hostess. Heck, if it means that I will receive gifts like this, sign me up again!

I especially like her sense of humor.

My husband can relate to this one!

Not much creativity will happen around here for the next week. Maybe a mug rug or two. Maybe even an applique shape or two.

Guests arrive on Saturday to begin celebrating Thanksgiving.

I know I cannot resist blogging again before turkey day, but just in case,

I hope everyone has a happy, tryptophan loaded, Thanksgiving celebration.

Secret SAL participant and 70 followers, all in one day!

Barbara in California, my home state, dazzled me with her completed SAL quilt top today. How pretty is this one. Until today, I didn't even know she was participating. Who told her my favorite color is orange? She even mastered the Kansas Troubles block, the most challenging block in the series!

Fantastic Finish, Barbara!

And my new quilty friend, Cheryl, became my 70th follower. How fitting that we share the same name.  She will receive a copy of my 'Grab n Go' pattern and the fabrics of her choice to make it.  She is in my class this coming Thursday and we will shop together!  I will still choose 2 other winners.  This time I will just put all the names in a basket and let my DD choose. No RNG gadget!  

Congratulations to Chi in Japan!

We have our first really totally finished SAL quilt!

Chi is definitely a finisher. 

I love her machine quilting and the way it enhanced the streak of lightening setting.

She does intricate needlework as well, so make sure to visit her website.

Anne-Mette has finished her main blocks and just has the half blocks to make.

She plans a blue setting fabric like mine.

I am slowly working on my hand quilting. I know this will surprise you, but I got a little distracted with other projects. One of them is the Mug Rug craze going around blogland. So this morning's coffee had me making this.

It is for my DD, made from the scraps of her table runner.

Need to find a good mug to match it.

Another crazy week ahead with 3 classes, another tennis match (just in case you are wondering, I won last time!) and a long overdue coiffure. The following verse came in yesterday's electronic post from Rosie's grandson.

 "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life."    Proverbs 16:31

Oh, boy! Now I am wavering on whether or not to color my hair!

A SAL finish!

Chi in Japan finished her SAL quilt top.

I love the stripe border she added.

Here are Jill's latest blocks.

Looking good!

I pieced half of the maple leaf blocks I received from the Small Quilt Talk block exchange into this table runner this morning with the aid of my coffee. One block in this quilt came from Spain, another from France, several from Canada and the rest from around the good ole US of A, including Alaska!

It is my first experience with a block exchange and I enjoyed it.

Today will be a special day! How do I know this? 3 bobcats walked through my side yard this morning. How lucky am I! Too bad there isn't a GO giveaway to win today ;O)

Sorry the pictures are so poor quality, but I didn't have my telephoto lens on.

So, several of my followers have queried whether or not there are more hours in the day here in the southwest. I had to laugh. No, we have the same number of hours, although no daylight savings time. There is something everyone should know about me.  I start a lot of projects! I finish very few of them. I feel good when I finish something, but I don't fret over all the UFOs in my quilting closet.  I have to cook, clean the house, etc., but I don't have to finish my quilting projects. I take them to a point of satisfaction. If I tire of the process, I simply move on.

No regrets.

So you can call me the starter, but not the finisher. 

That is Kay!

A shopping I will go!

So, did you see this fella over at the holiday blog hop! I learned to punch needle embroidery this year and know where I can get one of those antique oil cans.

Then I went to Brenda Gervais's website and did a little shopping.

One punchneedle pattern and one X-stitch pattern.

I know, I am supposed to be focusing on Christmas gifts, but I couldn't help myself.

I did pick up one gift, but can't show the picture.

Jill in PA started her SAL blocks.  She is toying with the idea of making it totally scrappy. I am anxious to see her next blocks. 

Remember to keep me updated on your blocks and/or quilt tops. And for new followers, check out the SAL patterns via the link button on my sidebar.

Finished my relandscaping project yesterday. Under the Cape Plumbago, I planted mexican primrose that hopefully will give me a mass of pink blooms in the spring. 

Winter is when we can enjoy annuals in the desert, so I potted up my containers with a riot of color. I just love my new aqua and limey green pots. 

This new rose is called 'Hot Cocoa.' It reminds me of an old austen rose with its profusion of petals. No fragrance though. Supposedly roses do well here in the desert.  I also planted a climbing Lady Banks rose along the courtyard wall. We'll see what it does in the spring as well.

The rest of my day will be spent doing some more shopping, but of a different kind. This ole procrastinator needs to buy a whole new bedroom set and all the fixings.  I am expecting guests Nov. 21 and the guest bedroom is totally empty.  We took the old brass bed to our cabin.  What the heck! 19 days is enough time to clean, cook and decorate!

Happy Halloween and Merry Christmas

My daughter and husband were busy today.  These are the pumpkins I so patiently nutured this summer. Hubbie had to resort to power tools to carve his, but the bat stole the show.

And look at this totally fabulous table runner Ardis made using the SAL blocks.

Very festive don't you think!

I cannot believe how creative everyone has been with these little blocks.

Tonight we dined on a recipe from Sunset magazine -- Squash and Chickpea Fritters.  I will share the recipe tomorrow along with all the pictures from my monthly meeting of our SSQSG.

Holiday Blog Hop

Starting in November several of my favorite designers will be doing another blog hop. I enjoyed the last one and actually made one of the projects. Well, half made.  It is in the finishing pile.  More like a mound, perhaps approaching a hill.

Nov 2nd * Brenda Gervais from

www.withthyneedleandthread.blogspot.com

Nov 5th * Debbie Field from

www.granolagirldesigns.blogspot.com

Nov 9th * Jan Patek from

www.janpatek.blogspot.com

Nov 12th * Kathy Schmitz from

www.kathyschmitzstudio.blogspot.com

Nov 16th * Renee Plains from

www.libertystar.typepad.com

Nov 19th * Tracy from

www.plumcutedesigns.typepad.com

Nov 22nd * Lisa Bongean from

www.lisabongean.wordpress.com

Nov 26th * Lynda Hall from

www.primitivepiecesbylynda.blogspot.com

Nov 29th * Cheri Saffiote-Payne from

www.quiltsbycheri.blogspot.com

Dec 3rd * Tara Darr from

www.sewuniquecreationsblog.com

Dec 7th * Debbie Busby from

 ww.woodenspooldesigns.blogspot.com

Dec 10th * Stacy West from

www.buttermilkbasin.blogspot.com

Perhaps some ideas for gift giving. All of a sudden I feel anxious over the holidays. Why do I do this? It isn't about the gifts! And yet, just about this time every year I get a panicky feeling in the pit of my stomach.  Do you know the feeling?

Linda at Stray Stitches is getting closer to the finish line with her SAL blocks.

Don't forget to send me pictures.

'Thanksgiving' by Doreen Johnson

I just could not wait to share this one!

What a stunning quilt!

She should enter it in a contest somewhere, don't you think.  

I so need to make her version. Of course, she used my favorite fall colors, including black.  I think every quilt needs a little black! Most of mine do. 

Fabulous job, Doreen!

A Quickie!

My dear friend, Kay, finished her SAL quilt. She doesn't normally work with reproduction fabrics, but I think she did a grand job with the colors in this one.  The most important thing is that she had fun with it and will be back for more!

My morning coffee had me piecing Block #1 for the Paris in Fall BOM. This block measures 14 1/2" square. Big for me! I love the deep, rich colors in this line of fabric.  The kits for the BOM are available here.

I'm off there now to teach, my favorite thing to do.

SAL setting update

I have started the hand quilting on my SAL quilt. I just love how the little stitches give it texture, which a camera has difficulty capturing. 

And as is always the case, the back can reflect the quilting the best.

I am using a Hobbs Wool Batt and Signature quilting thread. I have found I like a John James No. 11 Quilting needle. It is tiny, but makes the finest stitches.

My fingers are a little sore! I only wear a thimble on my right finger and let the fingers on my  left hand tell me when the needle tip has passed through all three layers.

Ouch! is heard quite frequently.

Doreen's scrappy setting instructions are now posted and you can find them here.

Oh, but her colors sing to me.  Like her, I may make another one and use her setting.

 Ok, I have a few other things on my To Do List and the holidays are just around the corner.

Sigh! I didn't win the raffle from Linda at Quilts in the Barn, but I know my monies went to a worthy cause!  

She raised over $10,000 for breast cancer research.  She is working on a fundraising project that will extend  beyond her exhibition, so go here to check her out. 

Just in case you are wondering, I didn't make it to the gym yesterday.  Thought to myself, "Why do I want to spend my special day doing something I don't like to do?" DH and I have a gym date for today. We'll see if I come up with another excuse.

I don't think my 'special' friend knew what a hard case I would be.

A big thanks to those of you who have commented on my blog's new look.

The picture is one of my favorites from our walk in the aspen grove.

Madame Samm is looking for fall pictures for Stash Manicure's November look. I may send a few of mine to her and just see.

Who knows? National Geographic, here I come! LOL!

Finally, if you are looking for a full scale quilt along,

 check out Thread Head here.

Finished!

It is finished and I am very pleased!

 I am a little short of the background fabric to put on the top and bottom rows, but I'll remedy that problem today with a visit to TOWQS.

At this time, I don't think I'll add an outer border.

I will just bind it in the navy stripe.

Instructions for this setting will be posted by this weekend.

Also, look for Doreen to post her instructions for the scrappy setting she is using.

And yes, I will hand quilt this puppy.

Made another little pincushion this week.

It went to a friend who loves pumpkins for her birthday.

I am addicted to this crazy wool! 

A few projects to put the final touches to and then back to my Kim Diehl applique quilt.

I started  'Sparklers' from Summer Gatherings and that will be my next machine piecing project to complete.

These are the sawtooth stars I have pieced already. It will be a throw size quilt when finished. 

Don't forget to send me pictures of your finished SAL quilts, or even just your blocks as you finish them, and I will keep everyone updated.  I really enjoyed this, loved the positive feedback and will definitely do something similiar in the future. 

Hopefully, I will print my Quilt Piecing 101 manual this weekend. 

If you are interested in a copy, please let me know.

Cost will be $18.95, plus shipping.

Proceeds will go to my daughter, the graphic designer of the project, to help fund her education in Radiography.

SAL setting update

The instructions for setting the individual blocks is now posted. 

This is the traditional and simplest way to set these blocks, using the half blocks at the top and bottom of the middle row. Instructions for the half blocks has been posted.

Just add 1" finished inner borders and a pleasing outer border,

 maybe 3 1/2" finished.

I always 'interview' my borders. 

 I decide what width is pleasing to me visually and then I measure it, adding a 1/2" for seam allowances.

However,

this is where I am going.

Floating LeMoyne Stars incorporated in the border.   

Stay tuned!

Mystery Quilter Found!

Yesterday I posted a picture of this quilt.

With Carolyn's help at Lee Prairie Designs, I was able to identify the 'mystery' quilter.  It is Missie of Hallbrook Designs.  She invited me to take a look at her work on her website.

WOW! She does some amazing things and I purchased a punchneedle pattern from her.

Make sure to check out her favorite things.

She has a few miniatures, one of them appliqued!

I will not bore you with the 125 pictures I took yesterday on our hike on the Anderson Trail in the Weimenuche Wilderness.  We didn't need to drive to Ouray!  Fall splendor was in our own backyard! 

These are just a teaser.  If you want to see more, try this link

http://s1099.photobucket.com/albums/g400/Cheryl5319/Anderson%20Trail/

Ignore the confusing background display and just press slideshow in the upper right corner.

Enjoy!

Anne-Mette is making great progress.

Look for setting instructions in a few days.  We will be closing the cabin up and making the drive back to AZ today and tomorrow.

Advice Wanted!

Denise in Italy would like advice on which setting fabric to use for her SAL blocks. Go to the SAL patterns blog and click on her blog link.  You can then translate it when you arrive and give her your advice. 

 I like the brown or pink. How about you?

And Linda is making steady progress.

I am thinking about my next small scale project.  I like the Farmer's Wife Quilt, but 6" blocks are too big for me.  Perhaps 4 1/2" blocks set medallion style like the following quilt.

This quilt was hung at the Des Moines show this weekend.  I need to find out who made it to give them credit if I mimic their setting. I know two women there this week who might be able to help with that. If you do know who made this quilt, please let me know.

This quilt is in the book Just Plain Nuts by Liz Lois. 

I love the cheddar and blue setting and the complexity of the blocks.

I will be buying the book soon.

Food for thought.