I'm a guest blogger over at Sew We Quilt @ Stash Manicure

Yes, even though I had to endure bonehead English in college, I am a guest blogger over at Sew We Quilt @ Stash Manicure!

Probably the scariest thing I have done in recent years, besides get my scuba certification.

Big hugs to M. Samm for even considering me for this honor!

And a bigger hug to my editor-in-chief, Rosie, for giving me my lead in lines.

My focus is charitable donations and the tutorial I provided is geared towards FAST, FUN, and NO FUSS quilt piecing.  I know, so out of the box for me, the precision piecer, but I did have a blast putting the quilt together.  I had so much fun that I have started another one that is red, white and blue and will go to the Quilts of Valor organization. I would encourage you to collect those orphan fabrics and make a quilt designated for a charitable organization of your choice.  There are so many of them out there that would love your contribution, no matter how humble.

In other news, I finished a doll quilt from Kathleen Tracy's new book, The Civil War Sewing Circle.  It is her Shoofly Doll Quilt.

I also bound my Calico Comfort quilt and can take it off my UFO/WIP priority list.

Now on to the next project~

perhaps my album quilt, now that I have all the 'out of town' signatures collected.



Permission Granted!!!

"I'm so excited, and just can't hide it. I'm about to lose control and I think I like it."

The Pointer Sisters aptly described my emotions in their 1980 song! They were talking about something a little different, but the mood was the same.

Ann Seely has given me her permission to publish my derivative of her quilt, Fall Harvest. She was so gracious. All she asked for was a complimentary copy of the pattern.

I just need to add a few more applique shapes and some embroidered accents and I am ready to interview quilters. I could do it myself, but I know one award-winning longarm quilter and one up-and-comer who could really make this quilt shine. I plan to teach it to a few loyal friends to test drive the pattern, and then I will look to publish it.


And the postman brought another great package today. Wool from Sue Spargo. Don't you think these will make a great background for another pincushion?!

Another favorite blog of mine is Stash Manicure. You can find their button on the left side of my blog. This is what most of my stash looks like. I was so embarrassed when my dear quilting friend, Betty, came to harvest lights this weekend. She sat in my sewing room and patiently weeded through my piles, cutting what she wanted, and lovingly folding each one neatly and placing it back in the container. After she left, I started my stash manicure!

Look at the container now! I used Rae Ann's suggestion to use shoe boxes. I used the only two I had. OMG, I might have to go shoe shopping!

Now all I have to do is tackle all the other containers in my stash closet. There are at least another 6 carryalls full of crumpled fabric that need my attention as well. They represent the fabrics for the 6 quilts I have in the queue! Will I ever get to the finish line?

I may finish one or two, but you can guarantee that I will add at least 3 projects to my list for every one I complete!

Giveaways Galore!

So this must be the month of giveaways. Stash Manicure has a great one going on until Sept. 5th, so hurry for your chance to win a witches hat pattern by Crabapple and the fabric to make it with, as well as some other goodies. Their button is on the left of my blog.

My little giveaway is progressing nicely. A little more embroidery and she'll get stuffed!

Good luck to everyone.