Patches And Pieces

A Couple of Quilts Finished

2012-02-07T21:21:00.001-05:00

I know my photography has a lot to be desired. How can I not admit this fact with the proof on my blog!

I finished a couple of quilts recently. I wasn’t able to take photos of these quilts until I got to the office on Monday. Right now my house is a total wreck because of a bathroom remodel. If you have ever done any remodeling you know exactly what I am talking about. So I got to the office, laid the quilts out on the floor and then used my cell phone to take the photos. Yep!!! Not good photos at all! I have an idea of how I would like to hang the quilts here at home for photos. One problem though! I haven’t found a wall big enough, one that is available anyway. Hopefully in the really near future I will get that figured out! In the meantime, here are the photos of my last two finishes.

This first quilt is a Take 5 pattern. One of my coworkers need a baby gift. After I was almost done with it, I found out the new parents are doing an ocean theme nursery. It couldn’t have worked out better!

This next quilt is a Turning Twenty quilt using batiks. It should actually be called a Turning Thirty since I used 30 fat quarters for this quilt. My absolutely wonderful, fantastic, knows all my secrets, talented, I know her secrets, bestest friend Joanne over at Splitting Stitches had sent me a fat quarter bundle of batik fabrics. I just had to use them for this quilt, plus a few more! Thanks Joanne! I sure do miss our Saturdays together! And no you can’t ask for your fat quarters back now! LOL

That is it for now!

Rhonda

February FMQ Challenge

2012-02-01T20:40:00.001-05:00

The start of a new month means a new tutorial for SewCalGal’s FMQ Challenge. This month the expert is the fabulous Diane Gaudynski. Her feathers are fantastic!

When I got home from work and seen the tutorial, I couldn’t wait. I jumped right in and got it done. It doesn’t look bad but if you look closely some of my feathers are a little flat. I definitely need more practice!

Have a great evening!

Rhonda

Take the pledge! I did!

2012-01-12T11:56:00.001-05:00

I have taken the Sewcalgal Free Motion Quilting Challeng for 2012. You can play along by clicking on the link on the right.

For January, we were challenged with a leave design by Frances Moore. So here is mine for January. The fabric is some that a friend gave me a while back. No it isn’t my kind of fabric but it works for this challenge.

Rhonda

Merry Christmas to All!!!

2011-12-25T20:17:00.001-05:00

I haven’t had a lot of time to blog lately. But I did want to make sure to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! So…..

Merry Christmas!

We spent a fantastic day with the family. It was one of the best in years. I only wished my brother could have made the trip this year. It was our first year in ages that we weren’t together for the holiday.

What did I get? Great things! My wonderful hubby gifted me with a $100 gift certificate to one of my favorite quilts shops, L & L Yard Goods in Madison, IN. My son gifted me with a $100 gift certificate also. This one was to Margies Country Store, another great quilt shop in Madison. Received some cash, great photos of my niece’s family, some clothes and of course a gift card to McDonalds. Love their Vanilla Iced Coffee!

Well, that is about it for today! Looking forward to a peaceful day tomorrow finishing a quilt on the frame. I am starting to build a pile of tops in the frame room!

Merry Christmas!

Rhonda

Quilting Gallery weekly contest

2011-12-16T05:25:00.003-05:00

I entered a quilted wallhanging in this week's contest. Sure would appreciate a vote from you if you feel I deserve it.

http://quiltinggallery.com/2011/12/16/vote-christmas-quilts/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_content=416375&utm_campaign=0

Thanks!

Rhonda

Giveaway Alert

2011-11-16T06:14:00.001-05:00

Hurry over to http://www.ourbusylittlebunch.com/2011/11/giveaway-for-9-yards-of-new-eco-cotton.html to enter for a chance to win a great giveaway for 9 yards of Pellon Eco Cotton Batting.

Have A Great Day!

Rhonda

Some Projects Finished

2011-10-01T18:55:00.001-04:00

I know it has been quite a while since I posted. I have been busy but that really isn’t a good excuse. LOL

Between school and work I have gotten some projects finished. So here they are!

This was the Buck A Block project from L & L Yard goods in Madison. I know the photos are pretty bad but I don’t have kids around enough to hold them up for me. I knew there was a good reason for having kids at home.

This is one of the blocks of the quilt. Just wanted to show the quilting design in it.

Here is a photo of the quilting on the back.

This is a photo of a quilt that I did for one of my coworkers.

Here is the quilting design on the back.

Here is another quilt I did for a coworker. A Turning Twenty Around the Block.

The quilting on the back.

A tote bag I made one afternoon.

Another quilt for a coworker. This is Quilters Weave from the book Color Shuffle by Karla Alexander.

The quilting from the back side of the quilt.

Another quilt for a coworker. This is a Turning Twenty.

The quilting from the back side of the quilt.

Well, I think that is it for now. Working on a few other things so maybe I will post again soon. I will try not to take so long the next time.

Rhonda

Update on Perfectly Paisley

2011-04-16T19:55:00.001-04:00

My Perfectly Paisley quilt top is ready to be quilted. But, yes there is a but, I don't like the size. I don't feel it is long enough for a lap quilt. I am thinking about adding some fabric to the top and bottom. What do you think?

At least one of the kids was home today so he could hold it while I took the picture. Not the best photo but better than on the floor!

I also started a Color Theory Class in one of the Yahoo groups I belong to. The group is called Stitchmap. This is my lesson 2. We had to make our own color wheel.

Hope you are having a good weekend. It is cold and rainy here! Heading back to the sewing room to cut up some scraps with the GO cutter.

Rhonda

More!

2011-04-15T18:02:00.001-04:00

I thought I would show you a little bit more of the quilt I recently started. There are 18 blocks that go around the center section. All of the blocks are the same design but do use some alternating fabrics. Here is one of the blocks.

This quilt is a free pattern that you can download online at http://www.wilmingtonprints.com/PImages/Pdf_125.pdf
I did make a slight adjustment to the pattern. Instead of the kaleidoscope blocks in the center I just fussy cut the poppies instead.
Hope you can get some sewing done this weekend!! I plan to!
Rhonda

Something New!

2011-04-14T19:24:00.002-04:00

I started this quilt Tuesday evening and so far it has been going together pretty fast. It was a kit that I purchased at the local quilt shop. I don’t usually buy kits but I had went in this shop twice and it kept grabbing me! It is called Perfectly Paisley by Cynthia Coulter. This is just the center section. There are 18 blocks that still go around it. The photo is horrible since I used my cell phone to take it.

Rhonda

I know it has been a while!

2011-04-12T21:49:00.000-04:00

But I really have been BUSY!!!

I got the binding on that ugly quilt that I did a poll on a while back. Thought I would post a photo for you!

I am sure I will be able to find it a good home!

I also got another quilt finished. Actually finished the binding this past weekend. I went through all of my scraps and made a bunch of wonky log cabin blocks. Hope you like it!

I know it isn't a great photo but it was bigger than the floor space available. Don't you hate when that happens!

I have another large scrap quilt ready to go on the quilting frame but I got to do a little practice first. You see I finally broke down and purchased a stitch regulator for my Janome 1600. It arrived yesterday and it was pretty simple to attach. I loaded some practice fabric and was off and running. Running pretty good if I say so myself. So I plan to get some practice with it done before I load the next one.

Hope to post another finish again soon!

Rhonda

Giveaway Winner

2011-03-01T20:45:00.001-05:00

I truly appreciate all of you that stopped by and voted on binding the quilt! I love all the comments that were received, but it is now time to announce a winner. The quilt will have the binding put on it and given to someone that will appreciate it. I am sure it won’t be hard. I do donate a lot of quilts for various charities and fundraisers.

If you remember, the winner receives this tablerunner that just has no hope of surviving my family.

I won’t make you wait any longer!

The winner of the table runner is……………

Becky said...

I absolutely love your tablerunner!!!! Definitely bind the quilt and use it:)

Congratulations Becky!!!

I have sent Becky an email and await her snail mail address. If I have no response from her in the next 48 hours, I will draw another name.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog!

Hope you had a great day!

Rhonda

Giveaway & Another Finish

2011-03-01T11:30:00.001-05:00

First of all, I just checked and the poll has 2 hours to go. Once the poll is closed I will try to get a winner chosen for the tablerunner. If you haven’t gotten in on that giveaway you need to just scroll down one post and leave a comment. That is after you vote in the poll! Good Luck to all that have entered so far!

Lately I have managed to get some quilting done on some tops that were finished. Here is one that is completely finished and already off to a new home.

Sorry about the photography but that isn’t one of my strong suits.

This quilt was a kit that I had purchased from Connecting Threads. The quilt was suppose to be smaller but since they sent so much print fabric, I substituted the white with some I already had and made the quilt larger. This quilt has been donated to a church in Charlestown, Indiana so that they can raffle it off to raise funds to help someone with surgery costs. I hope they are able to raise quite a bit of money. I know it will go to a good home as they were really excited to get the quilt.

I have New Student Orientation this evening at school. So I best get something done before I have to go.

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

Is it worth putting binding on? And giveaway!

2011-02-22T14:31:00.001-05:00

I quilted a top over the weekend and have to say that I think that is one ugly quilt! I am considering not even putting a binding on it. I wonder if a nice dog would like it to sleep with. Maybe it would make a good chew toy for some nice doggie!

Just think if this adorable dog had that quilt to chew on instead of those shoes. Don’t you think he would have had more fun, after all, shoes do correspond with foot odor!

Maybe that quilt would have saved that chair!

Anyway, I thought I would let my readers vote! Is this quilt worth binding? You be the judge!

I will do what ever my readers choose for me to do!

To place your vote, just look to the right side of my blog and place your vote in the poll. Then leave a comment telling me you voted. Why do you ask? Because that will get you in the drawing to win a prize. What is the prize you ask?

This is the prize! I was looking for something in my sewing room today and found this tablerunner I made. So why not give it to someone to use because I won’t. You really need to live with neat people to use tablerunners and placemats and I don’t see this family changing anytime soon. LOL And before I forget, anyone can enter but please only enter once!

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

Just had to let you know!

2011-02-21T16:09:00.001-05:00

There is a review of the Cutting Edge rulers over at Fresh Cut Quilts. There is also a giveaway! So head over there fast because it is about to end!

Hope you are having a better day than I am!

Rhonda

Late Valentine’s Day Gifts

2011-02-15T17:22:00.001-05:00

I don’t know about you but I just can’t see paying so much for those pretty red boxes of chocolates for Valentine’s Day. So it has kind of become a tradition in our house that we celebrate the occasion on February 15th. I hit the Walgreens this afternoon and got all my kids and of course the granddaughter, those nice boxes of chocolates. All at 50% off! I even got the granddaughter a stuffed dog at 50% off. So instead of paying $72 for those items I paid $36. So that is $36 that I can purchase fabric with and do you think the kids care. Not a bit! LOL

So next year think about hitting the Valentine’s Day aisle a day late. Even the flowers were 50% off. In previous years, there was a larger selection to choose from. Today I was still able to get some nice things but not like I had in the past.

So I hope you had a great Valentine’s Day!

Rhonda

Back Again!

2011-02-13T13:22:00.001-05:00

I was talking with my dear friend Joanne on Friday and again on Saturday. Joanne was nice enough to remind me that I hadn’t posted to my blog for a while. So here I am again!

There hasn’t been much going on around here except snow, then a little more snow, then even more snow and a little ice too. I have been working on using up some of my many scraps. That sure will take a while!

I have complete 3 quilt tops but I haven’t gotten them quilted yet. Still waiting on backing fabric to arrive. As soon as it does, they will be loaded on the quilting frame and quilted. So in the next couple of weeks I should have some finished quilts to show you.

Until I have some quilts to show you, head over to Joanne’s blog and check out what she has been up to!

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Rhonda

Shiisa Quilt purchase!

2010-12-03T15:42:00.001-05:00

Shiisa Quilts is a fantastic quilt shop in Bloomington, Indiana. Lots of color! So on Monday when Janet, the owner, was having her Cyber Monday sale, I stocked up!

Here is what I purchased! Forgive my photography!

This first one is really a dark Navy blue.

This is really a wonderful red and black print. Again, please forgive the photography! lol

The next one is actually the real color! Yeah! Won’t this be a fantastic quilt!

A few batiks and another print. (real colors, lol)

These 3 prints I thought would look great with a cream solid.

So that was some of my shopping on Cyber Monday! Notice I said some! My other fabric purchase is winging its way to me as I type. Hopefully it will arrive tomorrow.

Thank God it is Friday!

Rhonda

Been Quilting!

2010-12-02T19:09:00.001-05:00

I have another quilt finished! Yeah! This was one of those simple ones. Didn’t take long and was so easy!

The pattern was from the December/January 2011 Quilt Magazine. I used Fairfield 80/20 batting and Isafil thread.

Here is the back. I used a meander design from Quilters Niche.

I got a box in the mail today from Shiisa Quilts. They were having a great Cyber Monday sale that I couldn’t pass up! Just a Christmas gift to me from the DH. I will tell him later what he purchased me. Don’t have time to post photos today but will tomorrow!

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

Civil War Love Letters Quilt

2010-11-24T19:37:00.002-05:00

By now I am sure everyone is getting ready for their Thanksgiving holiday meal. I am no exception. I have a couple of things to make for the family dinner tomorrow. I am lucky that I don’t have to clean house because we are all going to my wonderful Mother In Laws for dinner. So here is hoping you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
The title of this post is not about Thanksgiving though. It is about a Civil War Love Letters quilt that I started probably 3 years ago. It has been a UFO for quite some time. But not anymore! I started this quilt with the intentions of doing all 121 (6 1/2”) blocks from the Civil War Love Letters book. If you haven’t heard of the book, check it out on Amazon or your local quilt shop may have it. After 3 years in the UFO pile, I just couldn’t bring myself to do ALL those blocks. I had around 40 already completed when I started working on the project again recently. At 50 blocks, I decided this quilt needed to be done! So using just 49 of the finished blocks, I completed this 75” x 75” quilt. Lets just say that sashing can be a UFO’s best friend! lol
I used an 80/20 batting, Isafil thread and a meander design from Quilters Niche.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday! And be sure to stay safe on the highways while traveling!
Rhonda

Christmas Quilt Show 2010

2010-11-15T17:17:00.001-05:00

Sewcalgal is hosting the Christmas Quilt Show 2010.

So here is my entry in the show!

I made this wall quilt a couple of years ago. It is an original design created by myself with the help of EQ5.

Hope you like it!

Rhonda

Oops!!

2010-11-15T16:36:00.001-05:00

I was so excited yesterday to actually download and use the Windows Live Writer that I didn’t add any photos! lol

So here are some photos of my recent purchases!

This is a pattern I purchased on my last shopping trip to Shiisa Quilts in Bloomington.

Some fabric I also purchased from Shiisa.

And of course some Accuquilt dies were also purchased. Hope Mom likes them!

Hope you had a great Monday!

Rhonda

Windows Live Writer

2010-11-14T20:28:00.001-05:00

This is a test! lol A fellow blogger suggested Windows Live Write to deal with photo issues on blogger. So I just have to try it out!!

Rhonda

Another Finish!

2010-11-14T13:26:00.000-05:00

I did get my Log Cabin quilt finished Friday night. Yeah!!

I used Hobbs 80/20 batting, a golden brown Isafil thread and the Just Curls design from Quilter's Niche.

The photos are NOT great! Have you ever tried to get a quilt to lay on the back of a leather couch? It isn't easy at all. My language got a little rough before I finally just took the photo.

Is it just me or is blogger? I had to upload my photos in my Picasa Web Album to get them uploaded to my blog.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are having a great weekend!

Rhonda

Purchasing Fabric Online

2010-11-07T20:50:00.000-05:00

My feet and back hurt so I think it is time to sit down!

Two loads of laundry. Cleaned the floors. Quilted most of my Log Cabin Quilt. Bet you are ready to see some pictures of that! Almost have my Civil War Love Letters quilt pieced (yes, I have been busy on that one)! Cut out a quilt so it is now ready to piece. Made a trip to Madison to Lowes for some necessary items (which included a new iron). Picked up lunch at Rally's so I did sit down long enough to eat. And finally fixed dinner and got the dishes in the dishwasher. I go back to work tomorrow to get some needed rest! lol

I have to take a 1/2 hour lunch tomorrow so I think it would be a good time to call my friend Joanne. Hope you are reading this Joanne! lol

Now to the title of this post! I purchase a lot of fabric. I purchase a lot of fabric online. I purchase fabric from stores that have great customer service. I purchase fabric online and expect to receive it quickly. So a couple of weeks ago I purchased some fabric I desparately wanted online. I won't mention the name of the store (you know it must have been bad or I would have mentioned the name). After waiting 2 weeks, I emailed them asking about my order and if I needed to take my business elsewhere. What I had ordered was 4 pieces of fabric (each 2 yards), and 3 pieces of fabric (each 3 yards) from their clearance page. After my email I received a call the next day from them. I was expecting an apology for it taking so long. That is not what I got! The girl told me they hadn't cut my order yet because they were waiting to see if one of their customers wanted that fabric. WHAT!!! I purchased this fabric! What am I? Chopped Liver! Why are they waiting to see if someone else wants it!
I didn't get the clearance fabric I ordered! The rest of the order came 2 days later. I WON'T be ordering from this store again. They definitely lost a customer!

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Rhonda

A Quilt Finished!

2010-10-26T14:29:00.000-04:00

First of all, if you have left a comment on a recent post and didn't receive a response from me, blame it on Yahoo. After just sending 5 emails in a row, Yahoo blocked me from sending any messages. I am planning to change the email address I have associated with my blog in the next day or so. I realized this is because there are certain human beings that believe hacking into email accounts and sending spam is an acceptable practice. Those certain people make it hard on others and what they do just really makes me MAD! This had happened to me recently and was so upsetting. I just don't understand why people feel the need to do that or those that start virus's so they can disrupt so many people's enjoyment of the internet. So enough on that subject, because I am sure you all agree.

Over the weekend, I was able to get the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt loaded on the frame and quilted. I used a design I purchased from Georgette at Quilter's Niche. I really like the way the design turned out. I used leftover jelly roll strips for the binding.

Here is a photo of the quilting on the back.

Would love to hear what you think!!!

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

Sneak Peek of Border

2010-10-22T19:25:00.000-04:00

I hope to get to the sewing room yet this evening and finish up the sections of border for the Log Cabin Quilt. I just wanted to stop by and give you a sneak peek of the border.

Hope you had a great day and are ready to enjoy your weekend!

Rhonda

During Commercials!

2010-10-21T21:59:00.000-04:00

I have been working this evening on the border for my log cabin quilt. It is coming along quite well! But then an interruption happens. I usually record the show Project Runway, but tonight I just had to watch it now. So while commercials are on, I can finish up 2 sections of border! Or I can post to my blog! lol

I am planning to give you a sneak peek of the border tomorrow. See you then!

Hope you had a great day and a better tomorrow!

Rhonda

Busy! Busy! Busy!!!

2010-10-20T21:19:00.000-04:00

I have had a really busy schedule at work lately so I haven't had much time to blog. Just been barely able to skim through those that I read.

I have also been busy working on a border for the log cabin quilt. I got quite a bit of it done this evening so I hope to have it on the quilt soon.

I really need to be putting something on the quilting frame and getting some quilts finished. I already have 2 that need quilting and 1 that is ready for binding. Maybe I can get something accomplished this weekend.

See you again soon!

Rhonda

Fall Into Fall Giveaway Winner!

2010-10-16T09:03:00.000-04:00

With the help of http://www.random.org/ and lots of counting over and over (wanted to make sure I counted right), a winner has been chosen to receive the $25 gift certificate for I Have A Notion. 829 comments were made so I wasn't able to reply to the comments but I hope I can find the time to check out all the blogs.

Congratulations to Monica! The following comment was the winner.

Monica said...: My blog can be found athttp://diaryofaquiltmaven.blogspot.com; October 1, 2010 2:15 PM; Congratulations Monica and I have sent you an email!; Thank you to all that participated in the Fall Into Fall Giveaway and to Debi for being such a great giveaway hostess!; Thanks for playing!; Rhonda

Guess What!!!

2010-10-14T19:08:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago, Qubee Quilts was doing a giveaway for an Accuquilt GO Cutter. I had already decided to quit entering those giveaways, but one night I was reading my blogs in Google Reader and there was another post about the giveaway. It was the last night to enter and there was about an hour left to do so. So, why not!

The next morning I got up and was checking my email before I went to work. There it was again! Another post from Qubee Quilts naming the winner of their giveaway. Guess what!!! I was the winner! Yeah! I couldn't believe it! And you know what happens when you win something like that--no one is around to tell!! lol

So yesterday the little brown truck came and left a large brown box on my back deck. I took a picture but blogger is having issues and won't let me add the photo.

What was in the box? One of these!

I haven't had any time to play with it so I can't tell you any more than that I received it. I hope to take it up to my Mom's in the next week or two for her to try out.

Don't forget about the giveaway going on! Go here to enter! I have decided to continue taking entries until Midnight on October 15th. I have to work all day tomorrow and won't have time to pick a winner. So I will do that on Saturday the 16th.

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt

2010-10-12T21:20:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for the giveaway, it is here. You have until midnight, October 14th to enter. Thank you to all that have entered!

I finished the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt top this evening. So now I have 2 quilts ready for the frame. Maybe I will get started on one of those this weekend.

Hope you had a great day! Thanks for stopping by!

Rhonda

Craft Town in Salem, Indiana

2010-10-10T21:28:00.001-04:00

If you are looking for the giveaway, you need to go here.

Yesterday, I did a little retail therapy. I drove to Salem, which is about an hour from here, to do a little fabric shopping at Craft Town. If you have never been there it is well worth the trip. The selection of fabric is amazing!

As I was heading down the highway, I came upon this. Not unusual for this area, but unusual for me to see. Don't get that way as much as I would like.

So I arrived at Craft Town with my need list in hand! Notice I said need! I managed to get a photo of the front of the store. It would have been better if I had walked across the street but I wanted to go touch fabric! lol

Once I got in the store, I head for the clearance section. I was looking for a fabric for the border of my Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt. This is what I ended up picking for that. But once I got home, I changed my mind! I guess it will just have to go in the stash. While I was in the clearance section, I did meet a couple of very nice ladies from Bedford. I didn't get their names but if they are reading, send me a message!

Then I started looking for some backing fabrics. Craft Town has a very good selection of backings. I wish I had gotten a picture. Check their website out online and see for yourself the great selection of fabrics, etc. they carry.

I got this blue backing for an applique quilt that just needs quilted. I guess I should get that done!

This brown backing is for the Log Cabin Quilt that I have been working on.

This is really more of a rust color. Darn camera (or is it computer)! This backing though is for the Jelly Roll Sampler or it may be for that applique one. Either way they both will end up on the back! lol

I was done choosing backings that I NEEDED! So I started looking for some wants! lol I picked up these pinks to go with some others that I have in the stash. I am thinking some little girl I know needs a quilt soon!

Then of course, I couldn't pass up the FQ Grab Bags. 6 FQ's for $5! Plus they are so much to open!

Here is what I ended up with in the Grab Bags!

I had originally taken a photo of Julie, an employee of Craft Town, that was cutting my fabric yesterday. The photo turned out blurry and I bet she was glad! lol But I did want to share one more picture from yesterday. I took a photo of the Christmas Section. I wish I had taken more photos but I felt kind of stupid! I did have fun though! lol

So if you are ever in Salem, Indiana, make sure you stop by Craft Town! You will love the fabric selection, the friendly staff, and a lot more! Ordering online is super easy and their service is first rate! Make sure you check out their blog while you our browsing around on the computer!

Thanks for going with me, in an unusual way!!

See ya tomorrow!

Rhonda

Good Day!!!

2010-10-09T23:14:00.000-04:00

If you are here looking for the giveaway, it is here.

I managed to get all 24 log cabin blocks finished and sewn to the quilt top. I love the way it looks!

I really like the size now. I am going to be putting it aside for a little while. I haven't decided on how I want to do the border yet. I know I want to use up the darker fabrics I used. Until I decide what I want to do, I have the Jelly Roll Sampler to assemble. It is up on the design wall and the sashing cut. Thought I would go ahead and do that before I end up losing the pieces I have cut.

I also got some awesome fabric today. No, I didn't buy this. I did buy some but I will post about that tomorrow. Someone, I won't say who, thought of me while they were on a recent trip. She brought me 4 pieces of Robert Kaufman fabric that is just to die for!!! Excuse the wrinkles!

I might just be taking this fabric to bed with me tonight! LOL

Hope you are having a great weekend! It sure is flying by fast!!

Rhonda

Still Here!

2010-10-08T21:38:00.000-04:00

I have missed posting the last couple of days. Work has really gotten in the way. Darn it!

If you are looking for the Fall Into Fall Giveaway, go here.

I did get the call yesterday! You are probably asking, what call? The call from L & L Yard Goods saying they were starting their Buck A Block. The first blocks were ready to pick up as well as the finishing kits. So I had to hurry down there yesterday to pick that up. I haven't started on them yet, there are 2 each month, because I am still working on those Log Cabin blocks. Getting closer though.

This is the finishing kit for the quilt. The blocks use the same fabrics. I have never done a red, blue and cream quilt so this will be my first in that colorway. Pretty, huh?

The Buck A Block also uses these. I haven't use the Thangles much at all. We will see how it goes!

Hope to get started on my first blocks soon!

See ya tomorrow (after a little retail therapy)!

Rhonda

Thank You!

2010-10-05T21:56:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for the Fall Into Fall Giveaway, you can find it here. Don't forget to leave an email address where you can be contacted.

A great BIG Thank You to all that have left comments on the giveaway. You sure aren't making it easy for me. But that is quite all right!!! So many blogs to visit and not enough time in the day. Hopefully sometime in the next few weeks I can go visiting! I am happy to see so many comments about how much you enjoy Kelly's blog. I know I do.

I didn't get to post last night. Sorry! I got home from work, did some laundry, fixed some dinner and then crashed on the couch. I woke up about 11 so I could go to bed. I had to work later today than I normally do so I didn't get home until 6 this evening. So it was Take Home Taco Bar for dinner tonight along with some more laundry. How much laundry does this family have? It seems like I am always doing laundry!

No sewing tonight! I did watch a few shows I had on the DVR. I got plenty more to catch up on but I might save those for the weekend.

I didn't get to go to Salem last Wednesday like I had planned. I really need to get some backing fabrics and that is the place to go for those. So I thought I would go tomorrow. NOT! Got to work on my day off. That is not a bad thing because I sure could use the hours. So maybe Saturday I will get those backings. We will have to see. I think I will just quit planning to go!

Hope you are enjoying the blog hop but remember, please hop responsibly! There actually should be a warning attached to a Quilters Blog Hop! LOL

See ya tomorrow!

Rhonda

Just a boring day!

2010-10-03T22:18:00.000-04:00

I didn't get a whole lot done today. Shame on me!

I did get some done on the Log Cabin blocks I have been making. So there was some progress. But that silly couch started calling my name this afternoon and it just wouldn't shut up! lol What can I say! It was great napping weather!

See ya tomorrow!

Rhonda

You Should Never Assume!

2010-10-02T21:34:00.001-04:00

If you are looking for the Fall Into Fall Giveaway, you can find it here. I really appreciate all the awesome comments! Thank you to all of those that have participated in the blog hop.

I needed to go to Jeffersonville today to take some tile down to a friend of mine, so I decided to get a few other things while in the big city! Jill was off work too so I asked if she wanted to go with me. Of course she did! She wanted to get a few things at Kohl's.
So we leave about 11 this morning and as soon as Jill gets in the car she wants to know if this trip includes food. The kid only weights about 100 pounds but she sure can eat! So during the hour drive I suggested that we eat at Our Best Restaurant. They have pretty good food and I was really in the mood for one of their Chef Salads.
Our first stop was at Kohl's. I needed to get a couple of pair of Dockers for my work attire. The pairs I have I have used for a little over a year and a half and they are really showing some wear. Nothing major just around the edges, if you know what I mean. But really, when you are cleaning up poop does it really matter! lol
So we went our separate ways in Kohl's for each of us to do our shopping. Jill is 20 years old and can choose her own purchases. While I was trying on pants in the fitting room, my cell phone rings and she wants to know where I am. Seems she has found was she was looking for. We strolled around the store for a while looking at the home dec. things mainly but no other purchases except a Dr. Suess book and stuffed animal for a Christmas gift. We get to the check out and I told her she could pay for her things first. And what does she say, "I don't have any money!". Hence, the title of this post. So she got me out of 2 pairs of khaki pants and 3 tops.
So we went to Our Best from there and she didn't hesitate in ordering enough to feed an army. I am happy to report that when we went to Meijers, she didn't put one thing in the cart.
So never assume your adult child plans to pay for their purchases while shopping!

On the quilting front, I have started making the 24 more blocks for the Log Cabin Quilt. The comments were mostly in favor of adding a row to each side. Which I think will be better. I started thinking about who I thought I would give the quilt to, and adding the extra rows would be best.

I did pick up some awesome chocolate today! Just a little container of Godiva Dark Chocolate Pearls! Yummy!!!

See ya tomorrow!

Rhonda

What a day!!!

2010-10-01T22:34:00.001-04:00

WOW!!! If you are looking for the giveaway, it is here.

I hope everyone is having a great time hopping from blog to blog in the Fall Into Fall Quilters Blog giveaways!

Somebody really wants to win a gift certificate for IHAN! If you are one of those somebodies, make sure you go over to Joanne's blog, Splitting Stitches. I am sure you will like her giveaway also!

Keep hopping but please hop responsibly! LOL

Rhonda

Fall Into Fall Quilters Blogs Giveaway!!!

2010-09-30T21:47:00.002-04:00

This giveaway is now closed! A winner will be announced shortly!

With the help of http://www.random.org/ and lots of counting over and over (wanted to make sure I counted right), a winner has been chosen to receive the $25 gift certificate for I Have A Notion. 829 comments were made so I wasn't able to reply to the comments but I hope I can find the time to check out all the blogs.

Congratulations to Monica! The following comment was the winner.

Monica said...: My blog can be found at http://diaryofaquiltmaven.blogspot.com; October 1, 2010 2:15 PM; Congratulations Monica and I have sent you an email!; Thank you to all that participated in the Fall Into Fall Giveaway and to Debi for being such a great giveaway hostess!; Thanks for playing!

Since I have to work tomorrow, I am going to go ahead and post my giveaway this evening. I just want to make sure my giveaway is ready for tomorrow.

First off, a big thanks to Debi at Quilting With Debi for hosting this great event! It is incredible the amount of bloggers participating! Make sure you go over to the Fall Into Fall Blog and visit all the blogs having a giveaway! I can't wait to see what everyone is giving this year.

So here goes!

For my Fall Into Fall Giveaway, I searched high and low trying to decide what to give one lucky winner. Everyone has such different tastes and of course, things they want, so it was a really hard decision to make.

I thought maybe someone would like one of the Hobbico Irons that I had posted about before. But then I thought maybe not! So I kept looking!

Then I saw these greats Bendable Bright Lights for your sewing machine. Neat idea and what a practical gift! But no, I just couldn't choose that!

So I kept looking! Then I seen this great craft organizer that would be perfect to take to a retreat. But I didn't choose that either! So I kept looking!

Then I seen the new rulers that have been introduced lately. I know you have seen them too. The ones that sharpen your blades as you cut. But what size would be good? Such a decision to make so I didn't make that decision. So I kept looking!

I looked high and I looked low and finally found the perfect gift to give to one of my friends in the blogging world! So simple!!!! Yet so much fun!!!! I hope you will like what I have chosen!

So are you ready to see the prize that I am giving to one lucky reader? Are you sure your ready? What if it could be any of the above items I mentioned? Well it can be!

I am happy to announce that I will be giving away a Gift Certificate to a great online shop called I Have A Notion!!! The winner of my giveaway will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to purchase something they would enjoy. I am sure you will be able to find the perfect item for you in her online shop. Kelly is sure to help you in any way. Her great service is something that keeps me going back to her website!

This giveaway is open to everyone! International entries are welcome!
Non-reply comments will be automatically disqualified unless you include an email address to be contacted at.
The winner will be drawn on October 15th and notified by email.

So let me tell you how you can get some entries for this $25 I Have A Notion Gift Certificate giveaway!

For each entry you MUST leave a separate comment. ALL COMMENTS MUST BE ON THIS POST ONLY!!!

Entry #1--Just leave a comment on this post. Only comments on this post will count towards the giveaway!

Entry #2--Follow Kelly's blog over I Have A Notion Blog. Make sure you leave a comment here on this post letting me know. Her blog posts are very informative with a great deal of humor thrown in! If you already follow, just leave a comment letting me know.

Entry #3--Follow my blog. If you are already a follower please leave a comment letting me know.

Entry #4--Leave a link to your blog! If you don't have a blog, leave the link of your favorite blog!

Entry #5--Post about the Fall Into Fall Quilting Bloggers Giveaway on your blog. Spread the word about all the great giveaways!

I think that is about it! 5 chances to win $25! lol I don't think I will be able to respond to all entries. Don't think I am ignoring you or don't think you comment is worthy, but I do have a job and occasionally get to the sewing room!

I hope you enjoy falling into fall this great way!

See you tomorrow!

Rhonda

And The Winner Is!!!

2010-09-29T20:09:00.001-04:00

I had hoped to draw the winning entry early today but got quite busy and just now getting around to it!

So the winner of the FQ's and Suction Cup Grip Handle is:

Needled Mom has left a new comment on your post "Today Is The Day For A Giveaway!":

Please enter me too.

The winner was selected at random by random.org.

Thanks to all that participated! Hope you will return Friday for the next giveaway!

Hope you had a great day!

Rhonda

Last Chance!

2010-09-28T21:15:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day to get entered for the giveaway! I will draw a winner tomorrow morning. If you are looking for it, you just need to go here.

I haven't been able to respond to all the comments for the giveaway and I don't know if I am going to be able to! Wow! Lots of comments!

Don't forget the Fall Into Fall Quilters Blog giveaway starts Friday. I already have my giveaway planned and I know you will want to check back to find out what that is!!! There are going to be loads of giveaways starting that day.

I have not managed to get anything through the machine tonight! Haven't even gotten to the sewing room yet. Noticed I said yet! I did get my last 2 blocks finished for the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt done last night. I am planning to start putting that together later tonight.

I have managed to fix dinner, do a load of laundry, and chat with a good friend Joanne tonight. So I have accomplished some things.

So anyway, I am heading off to the sewing room to see what trouble I can get in to. Tomorrow is my day off so I am heading over to Craft Town Fabrics. I know I will probably get into some trouble there. I just plan to get some backings but you know how that goes!

Hope you had a great day!!

Rhonda

Log Cabin Quilt

2010-09-27T21:35:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for the giveaway, you can find it here. I will be drawing the winner on Wednesday!

So I worked this evening on getting all my blocks together for my Log Cabin quilt. Now I just need to decide if it needs another row of blocks down each side. At this point, it measures 70" x 84" without the border. If I add a row down each side it would measure 84" x 84", which is more the size I would like. I plan to add a pieced border made out of the darker fabrics so that would add some more inches.
I just can't decide! So I will let my blog friends decide for me! Leave me a comment telling me what you think. On Saturday, I will count all the comments and do what you, my friends, think.

So here is a picture of it in its current state.

Please tell me what to do!!!

Hope you had a great day!

Rhonda

I got quite a bit done today!

2010-09-26T21:24:00.000-04:00

If you are here looking for the giveaway, it is here.

I finally got all of the 24 blocks I needed done today. All I need to do is sew them together and add them to the blocks I already have put together. But, I am not sure about this quilt. Every time it seems that I am getting closer to the finish, it starts acting like it wants more! Have you ever done a quilt like that? I am thinking now maybe this one needs another row down each side. I would definitely do that but I am not sure I have enough fabric left. What should I do? Well, I will just have to worry about that tomorrow!

See ya tomorrow! Have a great Monday if you can!

Rhonda

Another Saturday!

2010-09-25T22:06:00.000-04:00

If you are here looking for the giveaway, it is here.

Not much happened around here today. I had a few errands to run this morning so I didn't make it to the sewing room until about 2 this afternoon. I did manage to get a few more blocks finished but not all that I needed. I am heading back in there as soon as I post this.

We went to a 25th Anniversary Surprise Party for DH's sister and BIL tonight. It was a really nice party with lots of good food! Of course, the bride and groom were late because the groom was in the field combining. Half of the party had started eating before they even got there. That is life in the country! lol It was a good time though seeing all of DH's relatives and meeting new people. There was a lovely older couple sitting across from us that will be getting married in 3 weeks. I don't know their names but they were so nice!

Anyway, I am heading back to the sewing room to see if I can get some more of those blocks made.

See ya tomorrow!

Rhonda

Sneak Peek

2010-09-24T19:43:00.001-04:00

First, I would like to thank all of those that have commented on the giveaway. Thank you for being followers and your subscriptions to my blog. I will try to respond to all the comments when I have a day off tomorrow.

**If you are looking for the giveaway, it is here.

I wasn't able to get any sewing done last night so I just want to give you a sneak peek at what I have been working on. Maybe by the end of the weekend I will be able to give you a better view.

Hope you are enjoying your Friday evening! See you tomorrow!

Rhonda

Today Is The Day For A Giveaway!

2010-09-23T17:24:00.000-04:00

Don't you love that title? Say it out loud! It rhymes. Thought that was fun but what do it know. lol

So today is the day for the giveaway that I promised. I got a couple of things for one lucky winner. So here is what is up for grabs in this giveaway.

First we have one of the Super Grip Suction Cup Handles that I picked up at Menards last Saturday. It works great on your acrylic rulers.

Second, you will also win this decorative metal basket containing 15 coordinated fat quarters.

In this giveaway, you will have 4 opportunities to enter. International entries are welcome! The deadline for entering is September 28th with the winner being announced on September 29th.

Here are the 4 ways you can get an entry in this giveaway. Each of the 4 ways requires a separate comment!

1. Leave a comment on this post. Only comments on this post will be entered. Non-reply comments will be disqualified unless an email address is contained in the post. I have to have some way to get in touch with the winner.

2. Become a follower. Leave a separate comment letting me know you are a follower. If you are already a follower, you will need to leave a comment letting me know.

3. Become a verified subscriber by email. There is a box to the right that will enable you to do this. Just add your email address and click subscribe. You will get an email at the email address so that you may verify your subscription to my blog. You will need to leave a separate comment letting me know that you have chosen to subscribe. (I really like this feature on blogs! Every time a post is made it goes right to my email.)

4. Post this giveaway to your blog. You must leave a separate comment letting me know you have done this.

So that is it! I am looking forward to hearing from everyone soon!

Rhonda

It is Day 21!

2010-09-22T19:24:00.000-04:00

I did it!!! I posted 21 days in row. So what does that mean? According to some guy a few years ago, when you do something 21 days in a row it becomes a habit. I say at 21 days in a row, it is time for a giveaway. So tomorrow make sure you check back to see what it is!

I had planned to show what my latest project looks like with all the blocks put together. I got sidetracked!! lol I did get quite a few put together but no more blocks made. Plus I decided to add a couple more rows so instead of needing 4 more blocks, I need 24.

I also remembered today about the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along that I started a few months back. I still need to finish up blocks 11 and 12. I thought I only had 3 projects going on but I guess I have 4. Probably more than that if I would look.

I did manage to get to the bank and get groceries this morning. So I guess I accomplished something!

See ya tomorrow!

Rhonda

Some of my favorites!

2010-09-21T21:15:00.000-04:00

I got home from work early today and manage to play around with the quilting machine for a couple of hours. Sorry, no pictures. Really nothing worthy of photographing.

I have been working on some log cabin blocks for a few weeks now and did get a big part of those finished last night. If I work really hard tomorrow maybe I can get those put together. Still need to make at least 4 more yet. I hope to get those done tonight.

So tonight I thought I would post some of my favorite websites to shop at. A couple are local and I really like to visit those in person but when I can't get time, I know I can order online.

http://www.shiisaquilts.com/
http://www.crafttownfabrics.com/
http://ihavea-notion.com/store/
http://www.electricquilt.com/
http://www.allbrands.com/
http://www.alleyfabrics.com/

Have fun visiting these great places!

Rhonda

Great Mail Day!

2010-09-20T20:29:00.000-04:00

NO BILLS!!!

It is always a Great Mail Day when you don't get any bills. But you know they will come. Every month like clock work!

I did get a great package in the mail today though! Debi from over at Fall Into Fall Quilters Blogger Giveaway and Quilting With Debi sent me an awesome package today! Debi is also hosting the Fall Into Fall Quilters Blogger Giveaway and it isn't too late to sign your blog up!

Do you want to see what she sent me? And no it isn't the sewing machine!

It is a Sewing Machine Mat and I just love it! It has 3 pockets in the front to keep all my essential tools handy! Thanks Debi!

Hope you had a great day!

Rhonda

Day 18

2010-09-19T20:30:00.001-04:00

Today is the 18th day in a row for posting to my blog. At day 21 I will be letting you know about a giveaway.

For today though, I am just going to show you some things I purchased on my trip to Menards yesterday. And I also want to show you what I have been doing with the quilting machine and PC Quilter.

Here is one of the things I purchased at Menards yesterday. This kind of reminds me of the plumbing snake you use when you have to clean out your pipes but this one is for your sink. No, I don't have stopped up sinks but at 99 cents I thought it would be handy to have around. You never know but it could come in handy for other uses.

Of course, I picked up a couple of the suction cup shower grips. Don't need them in the shower but rather on the acrylic rulers I like to use. I did pick up a couple for some patients of mine also. They aren't something they would purchase but I think they could really, really use for their showers.

Today I got busy and loaded some practice fabric on the quilting frame. The PC Quilter came with a book that contains a lesson along with a lesson CD with the necessary patterns. It really shows you more what this PC Quilter can do. So here are some photos of my lesson that I worked on today.

This is the beginning learning how to flip, rotate, etc.

This is the same design but creating 8.

This is the same design element but used 20 times. I don't have to stitch each one out separately. I just add a number to the command and it does the rest.

I was afraid that there would be a thread nest at the middle of this but there sure wasn't. Looking forward to tomorrow when I might be able to play a little more. Or is this practice! It is just fun!

See you tomorrow!

Rhonda

Today!

2010-09-18T21:37:00.000-04:00

I made it to Menards today but have been really busy all day so I haven't gotten a lot of photos taken of my purchases. While in the big city, I did go to Hobby Lobby also. When I say big city, any place is bigger than Deputy. My DH actually gave me $$ and told me to buy something I wanted. After walking around Hobby Lobby for about an hour, I did purchase a quilting book with my 40% off coupon. Didn't really need anything else so I saved my $$ for another day.

Free-Motion Quilting Made Easy by Eva Larkin. I know you are probably asking why would I need this book since I have the PC Quilter. Because it has a lot of amazing block designs in it that only use 8 basic shapes.

Are any of you having trouble with blogger? It really has been a pain tonight.

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Rhonda

Are you ready?

2010-09-17T19:53:00.001-04:00

For the weekend!

I sure am!!!

I am heading out in the morning for one of my favorite places. Menards!!! They always have some good deals going on. This is what I will be on the lookout for!

I know it says it is a Safety Grip Handle but you all know what I will be using it for. Going to pick up a couple for some gifts for my quilting family this year.

So I hope you have some great plans for the weekend! See you tomorrow!

Rhonda

Do you love to paper piece?

2010-09-16T17:58:00.001-04:00

I absolutely LOVE to paper piece!!!

And lately I have been working on some paper pieced blocks. But it wasn't until the last couple of weeks I started using something I had purchased months ago. Can you guess what it is?

It is one of these--the Hobbico Sealing Iron!

I have it sitting on a snack tray table beside my machine. No more getting up to use the iron that sits on my ironing board. Of course I use with one of those reversible cutting/ironing mats that you get at Walmart. But I have to tell you, this iron is handy. Gets super hot! Is so much lighter than my regular iron! Takes up very little space! And best of all saves me so many steps! I heard it is also great for applique.

So if you are a paper piecer like me you might want to check into it. I know Kelly over at I Have a Notion carries them as well as the Accuquilt GO that have become all the rage. I haven't been purchasing fabric lately but I do enjoy going over to IHAN and checking out all the great gadgets. Great prices and great service. Let her and her co-workers know I sent ya!

And no I am not affiliated! Just found her website great to order from!

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

Fall Into Fall Quilters Blogs Giveaways!!!

2010-09-15T20:22:00.000-04:00

Have you heard? Debi over at Quilting With Debi is hosting a Fall Into Fall Quilters Blogs Giveaway! She is looking for participants right now. All you have to do is have a blog giveaway starting on October 1st with the winner drawn on October 15th. If you are interested go here and email her that you would like to participate! Debi is hoping to get 200 bloggers to participate. So hurry over to her blog and help her out please! I know I am!

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

Dawn's quilt

2010-09-14T19:09:00.000-04:00

Before my sister Dawn passed away back in July, we tried to finish up her quilting projects. Dawn and I with some help from her friends, finished up a quilt for her friend Anne. We had discussed another quilt project she had started at the time also. That second project didn't get finished until a couple of weeks ago. With the help of my great friends Penny, Olivia, Paula and Shauna, we were able to get the quilt finished. I am posting a photo of the quilt, but please don't tell my sister's son Raymond. It may be a while before he receives it even though it will be heading south in the next few days.

Dawn chose to do strip pieced blocks for the entire quilt. She wanted decorative stitching on each seam in the blocks. Plus she wanted a summer quilt containing no batting. This is what she got.

A huge Thanks to all the ladies that were so helpful in helping me finish it!

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

Giveaway Alert!

2010-09-13T21:21:00.000-04:00

Debi over at Quilting with Debi is having a great giveaway! Head over there and get your entries in!

Rhonda

Was I surprised!

2010-09-13T19:21:00.000-04:00

To start off today's post I just want you to know that this is Day 12 or 21. Won't be long before we have a giveaway! Don't know what yet, but I am sure I will find something.

I got off work early today since I didn't have very many patients to see. So I was home about noon when my doorbell started ringing. We only have a doorbell on the front door and no one we know ever comes to the front door. I went to the door and I couldn't believe it but there stood our Rural Mail Carrier with a box in his hands. I knew I hadn't ordered anything so why was Jimmy delivering a box to this house. Maybe one of the kids had ordered something.

So after I thank him nicely for bringing it to the door, I look at the address label and find it is for me. The return address was from my dear friend Joanne over at Splitting Stitches. (Make sure you run over to her blog and see what she has to giveaway to some special person!) Joanne used to live just a couple of hours from me until her and her family moved to New Hampshire last year. Usually I know when to expect something from Joanne. It wasn't my birthday! It isn't Christmas! So what could this be!

It is Mama and Daddy Mucinex that had come to visit their babies!

(The babies had arrived quite a while ago in another package!) So Mama and Daddy will be joining the 5 mucinex babies living in my sewing room. That is until I get a chance to mail something that needs some packing materials!

But that was just the start of what was in that box!

It is Christmas afterall and I am totally behind on my shopping!

Not really and I am so glad!

So I ripped into that Christmas wrapping paper and what should appear--not any reindeer for sure! So what can be better!

A Moda Bakeshop Sampler!

Aren't all these little 2 1/2" squares just yummy!

So Christmas came early to my house today! Thanks Santa Joanne!

I am even going to keep the box! You always need a box for shipping out prizes in a giveaway!

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

My First PC Quilter Quilt!

2010-09-12T18:44:00.000-04:00

I finished quilting my first quilt on the PC Quilter a few days ago. For the first one I don't think it turned out too badly. The quilt design is a BOM from Block Central. I like my quilts very densely quilted. This one is definitely that.

Here are a couple photos of portions of blocks. You can see the dragonflies in the black really well.

Here is a photo of the quilt, minus the binding. Binding is the least favorite part of quilting to me.

This photo is a portion of the back where you can see the design better. The backing is actually black so I don't know why it looks gray.

So that is my first. Now I need to practice some more! Found that out really fast but too late! lol

See ya tomorrow!

Rhonda

Big or Small & Log Cabin Blocks

2010-09-11T19:40:00.000-04:00

I am one that doesn't make a lot of small quilts. I have made maybe 3 or 4 wall quilts in the 30 years I have been quilting. When I finish a quilt it is quite an accomplishment. So you probably won't see a lot of finishes here but rather a lot of in the process. Right now I would have to say I have 3 major quilts in the process of piecing. The one I worked on today is a quilt using log cabin blocks. I LOVE Log Cabin quilts! The log cabin block has to be one of my favorites. There are so many different patterns that can be achieved using a simple log cabin block. So what do you prefer to make? Large or Small?

I did finish quilting the quilt I have had on the frame this last week. I would show you a picture of it but what would I post tomorrow? It still needs the binding on it. The quilting turned out great! You can't even see all the mistakes I made!!! Now that is good quilting! lol

Please remember those who died just 9 short years ago! Bless those families who lost loved ones, I can only imagine their grief even now after 9 years.

Hope you are having a great weekend! See you tomorrow on Day 11!

Rhonda

Day 9! I better be thinking of something to giveaway!

2010-09-10T19:50:00.000-04:00

I had hoped to post a photo of my quilt that I have been quilting. I ripped out 2 rows yesterday evening and once I resew those I will be able to post a photo.

Other than that all I did today was work. Not real exciting huh? It has been a dreary rainy day today. I stopped into the office this morning for the first time in two weeks. That is more frequent than usual. I stopped to see Ronda in Medical Records and visit with her for a few minutes. Actually I had to grab a snack size candy bar out of her desk drawer. You see I have been trying to lose weight. I have actually dropped 4 pounds in the last 2 weeks so I thought I would reward myself with a little chocolate. I got one bite off that candy bar as I was heading out the door. Then I dropped my planner onto the wet pavement. When I bent over to pick it up, I dropped my candy bar! That sucked!!! No using the 5 second rule this time! I was so looking forward to that second bite! I guess I didn't really need it after all!

Hope you are on your way to the start of a great weekend!

Rhonda

Day 8! Yeah!

2010-09-09T14:45:00.000-04:00

http://qscexpos.com/cincinnati.htm

All I can say about that is, I hope I can go!!!

Rhonda

One week!

2010-09-08T16:38:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it! I have made it a whole week of posting everyday. Nothing today about the quilting machine. Sorry! Still working on that first quilt, and working, and laundry and pool closing!

I did pick up a quilting magazine the other day while grocery shopping. I haven't purchased a quilting magazine in quite some time. I already have so many and didn't really see a point in buying another. But!!! The quilt on the cover just screamed at me! I just have to make it! The colors are fantastic!!! So which magazine am I talking about? This one!

I just love the color in this quilt! This one is definitely on my list to make next. That is after I finish 3 or 4 of the ones I have started already!

See ya tomorrow!

Rhonda

Day 6!

2010-09-07T16:03:00.000-04:00

I have gotten some of my quilt done on the frame but not even close to being done. Maybe I should have practiced more before starting out. Yesterday I had to start a row 3 times before I finally got it right. So I have been doing some ripping! I plan to do a few more rows this evening but not sure I will get time. We are in the middle of closing the pool for the summer. You know that is a job! The water was 70 degrees this afternoon and way to cold for swimming. I don't think it will warm up enough to swim so it is time to cover it up and leave it until next summer.

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I hope it wasn't too hard for you to get up this morning and head out to work!

Rhonda

Day 5

2010-09-06T09:52:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it? I have now posted 5 days in a row!

Not much to say today because I have been diligently working on a quilt I loaded to the frame yesterday. Got loads to do today before I go back to work tomorrow.

Hope everyone in the states is having a

Great Labor Day Holiday!!!!!

Rhonda

Day 4

2010-09-05T16:18:00.000-04:00

I am on a roll! Day 4 of my 21 day leading to a habit!

Not much today though. I spent yesterday afternoon playing around with the quilting machine again. I did another practice piece. This is the front side. You can't really see the quilting, but there is a feather design in there somewhere.

This is the back side. You can tell the design I used better on this side. I think I did pretty good on my spacing, if I do say so myself!

I had a comment yesterday that I wanted to reply to here on the blog. It was a comment asking about skipped stitches with my quilting system. I have only had a time or two that I had an issue with skipped stitches and then a needle change took care of that quickly. Hope that helps!

Until tomorrow!

Rhonda

Day 3

2010-09-04T14:55:00.000-04:00

So this is Day 3 of my goal of 21 days! In my last post I said I would do a giveaway when I posted for 21 days in a row. Keep me on track!

I had a couple of comments asking what exactly was the carriage that I posted about yesterday. So I thought I would explain in better today.

I few years ago I purchased the GMQ Pro Grace frame and Janome 1600 machine. The Grace frame came with a carriage like this.

When I purchased the PC Quilter, the carriage had to be changed to this.

I didn't have to change the machine or the frame, only the carriage. After I got my machine on this carriage, I plugged the PC Quilter carriage into my Janome 1600 machine. This is what that looks like.

Then I have all these wires going from the machine to the computer. I will tidy those up after the excitement wears off. Looks like a jumbled up mess doesn't it!

Only one of those wires goes to the computer. Others are power supplies and such. That one wire goes to a USB port on the computer. Don't look at the mess!

You load your quilt on the frame just as you normally would. My frame was altered slightly. I had an issue with the poles bowing inward when a quilt was loaded. So my dear husband was so nice to slide a piece of electrical conduit over my poles and then screw the conduit to the poles. No, we didn't think of this on our own. The woman I purchased the PC Quilter had already done this to her poles. So here is my frame all set up with the PC Quilter. If you are wondering how the carriage is moved, there is a timing belt that runs from one end of the frame to the other. It can best be seen in the second photo or the photo below. The timing belt goes right through the carriage.

Yesterday evening I loaded up some fabric that I had found at one time really cheap and this is what I did with my machine and the PC Quilter. This is just a practice piece but I hope you can see the design. I still need practice too but you will be able to tell that!

Pretty neat, huh!

Hope that explains it all better! I am off to load another piece to practice on. Already got the groceries this morning, did some laundry, and did the floors! I think I deserve to go play now!

See you tomorrow!

Rhonda

2 Days in a Row

2010-09-03T17:40:00.001-04:00

I once had to attend a training session on organization for the job I was in at the time. We were taught if you were to do something for 21 days in a row it would become a habit. So I am on day 2 and we will see if I can make it to 21 days. If I do, I think a giveaway would be in order, don't you? So if you see I am slipping give me a nudge in the right direction! lol

So I ended yesterday's post leaving you hanging. I don't want to leave you hanging any longer.

I purchased a new to me quilting toy about a week and a half ago. I had two quilts to tack before I could even think about my new toy. Wednesday night after that second quilt was tacked and finished I couldn't help myself but to start putting it together. It wasn't until last night that I actually had it together and working correctly, I think. No, it wasn't one of the Accuquilt GO Cutters that everyone but me is winning. No, it wasn't a new quilting frame and machine. Well, here it is!

You are probably saying, so what is that? It looks like a new machine and frame to me. My new toy is actually the carriage. You see that carriage also links in to the computer sitting out of view. Do you get it now? I have computerized my Grace frame and Janome 1600 with the PC Quilter. Last night I actually stitched out a little something. I would show you what I stitched, but the photos are still on my camera. I know, why don't I just download them on my computer. Why? Because I can't find the silly cord that will allow me to do it! How great is that! I have been taking photos with my cell phone so I might just have to keep doing that. lol

Anyway, so that is the new toy and I am now off to turn that baby on and start playing!

Hope you have some great plans for the Labor Day weekend! See you tomorrow!

Rhonda

OK Joanne! lol

2010-09-02T19:00:00.000-04:00

Joanne from over at Splitting Stitches has been on me lately about updating my blog. Yes, it was April the last time I made a post, but I have to tell you, I have been really busy.

Where do I start! Let's see. The first part of May, Jill and I took a quick trip to North Carolina. Fayetteville to be exact. Went to see my sister Dawn and her family for a few days. There was a very important reason for me to go too. We needed to finish a quilt Dawn had started for her BFF Anne. She actually had a couple of quilts that needed finished but that trip we mainly worked on that one. We got it all done except for the border. I brought it home, put the border on it and quilted it. It then made a trip back to NC with my Mom. Anne received and loved it. Dawn was the designer on this one so put on your sunglasses before viewing more than 2 seconds! lol

Of course by the time all of this was done it was June. Time to open the pool. Pools are a great way to enjoy the summer and stress you in ways that you have never been stressed before. Dealing with chlorine levels, ph levels, acidity levels, etc. And then sometimes the just plain extremely hot weather does a whole new number on the water. In June the pool looked great as you can tell by the next photo. Don't you just love the turtle! It is a good thing I got this picture because pond scum led us into the month of July. But all is well now and water is clear and cool!

Then came the month of July! What a hectic month that was! Since I had a long weekend that month, I decided we needed to start on a home decorating project. Cody and I painted all that weekend. The hallway, the family room, the dining room and kitchen. You know once you start you can't stop so new flooring was added to all those rooms plus the laundry room. Love the new laminate flooring and I am so glad the carpet is now gone! We waited on the living room so we would have something to do this winter. lol Actually it isn't a living room anymore but where I keep my Grace frame and quilting machine. So once the flooring was down there were new curtains to hang and furniture shopping to do. We went from plain white walls, tan carpet, hunter green and burgundy curtains and green furniture to walls painted Faded Denim, Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Bread, laminate flooring, blue stripes and orange and red curtains and leather furniture. Big difference! Here are a few photos to see how it ended up. Don't look at the couch potato or recliner radish! We still have some things to do yet but hope to get those little things done in the next couple of weeks.

While we were in the middle of all these renovations, my sister Dawn took a turn for the worse. Dawn was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer in October of 2007. She passed away on July 29th, 2010 very quietly with me and Mom by her side. She was an amazing woman and is missed greatly. So another trip to North Carolina for the visitation and memorial service then back home for another visitation, funeral and burial. There are still times when something funny happens and I reach for the phone to call her and tell her. We always enjoyed a good laugh! Sometimes too many! But I know she is in a better place free of the awful pain she had to endure on this earth. Miss you little sister!!

So now we come to August! August was a month for finishing! Finishing the some of the work on the house we had started. Finishing quilts! I have managed to finish 2 quilts in August. The first finish I can't show you right now. It was one of Dawn's and will be going to her son. After he receives it I will post a photo but not now. The second one was actually a repair. My dear SIL, Lisa, asked me to repair a quilt for her quite some time ago. She said it was her sick quilt and it sure is ugly and I have to agree with her there. She used it when she was sick to curl up on the couch with. Anyway, the backing was almost gone as well as most of the batting. The top was in good condition but you know the double knit fabric lasts a zillion years. Yes, it was pieced out of double knit fabrics. So I left what was left of the batting and backing and added a new layer of batting and a new backing. Tacked it at the seams and put a binding on it.
If you have a weak stomach don't scroll down any farther! Here is that masterpiece!

So do you know what else happened in August? Stay tuned tomorrow when I update you on the rest of the month of August!

Bye for now!
Rhonda

Quilting Queen and other things!

2010-04-26T15:36:00.000-04:00

I have been busy lately! Unfortunately not getting much in the way of sewing accomplished. Nancy, the winner of the April giveaway, I finally got to the post office today. Your package should arrive in the next few days.

I did get block #4 done for the Moose On The Porch Jelly Roll Sampler quilt. I think it turned out really well. Now the block #5 has been posted so I need to get it done. I am trying really hard to stay on top of this project.

A few saturdays ago, some friends joined me in a day of quilty fun! Ellen H. (sometimes referred to as Classic or Apple) and Ellen S. (sometimes referred to as Zero or Lime), joined my Mom and I here in Deputy. We managed to make a trip over to a little quilt shop a few miles from here. New Frankfort Merchantile has some nice fabrics at a great price. I didn't spend too much $$$ but i did get quite a bit to add to my stash.

Ellen Classic was wonderful as usual and brought a nice little giftie for us. Isn't the bag just soooo pretty! Love her choice of colors! Thanks Ellen Classic for everything! Your a special friend! Hope to see you soon!

Ellen (Classic) also brought a gift to me from her sister Shannon. Shannon lives down south in the land of cotton where old times there are not forgotten! lol Shannon lives in the wonderful state of Georgia. Shannon sure is a sweetie and was so sweet to send me these by way of a classic ride! lol

Don't you just love this little sign she sent! Ellen (Zero) added the little decoration to it. Looks nice with the Boyd's bears and dust bunnies! lol

Don't you just love these kleenex holders!

Now, what is this!!! It is a miniature bale of cotton! There is really cotton in that little bail! How cool is that?

While the Ellen's were visiting we decorated up some pins! Special pins to use for a special project! I know we do wierd things! lol

I also managed to grab a photo of my daughter coming in one night! I hadn't seen her for several days so it was a shock that she got home before I went to bed. I grabbed the camera and took a quick photo so I would remember what she looked like the next time she didn't come home for days! Notice the cell phone attached to her hand. I don't think she is capable of elbow movement any longer. It seems like no matter when you catch her she is in the same position!

Last but not least, I need to thank Bonnie over at Nanbon's Corner for the prize I recently won over on her blog giveaway. Thanks Bonnie!

Well that is it for today! Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

We have a winner!

2010-04-21T10:46:00.000-04:00

There were a total of 55 entries for the fabric giveaway! WOW! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

Now for the winning comment!

Nancy has left a new comment on your post "Birthday Giveaway!":

Best wishes to your mom on her birthday, whenever she might have been born. The fabrics are beautiful and the giveaway a nice tribute to your mother.

So Nancy check your email! I have sent you a request for your address!

Thank you to everyone who entered!

Rhonda

I'm here!

2010-04-20T20:42:00.000-04:00

I am still here and the drawing for the giveaway will be tomorrow evening. Things have been sort of chaotic around here lately. To top it all off, I was invaded by Spam today on my blog. I received about 20 comments on different posts about Gucci shoes and bags. Spent about an hour deleting them. I just recently started letting the comments be posted without approval. I guess it is back to approval.

I got so many things to show you and I had hoped to have posted them by now. That job just keeps getting in the way! Tomorrow I have an all day class so it won't be tomorrow either! Hopefully by saturday I will get a chance to post some photos.

Hope you are having a great week so far!

Rhonda

Birthday Giveaway!

2010-04-12T17:31:00.000-04:00

It is a beautiful spring day out and a perfect day for a birthday! Not mine!!! My Mom is having a birthday today but I won't tell her age. Lets just say she isn't quite a spring chicken anymore. Love ya Mom!

So in honor of my Mom's birthday, I thought a giveaway was in order. I think these 30's fabrics would be perfect for a giveaway honoring a woman that might, I said might, have been born during that time. So here is what you will win if you name is randomly drawn from all those that entered and followed the rules.

Aren't these cute! The randomly drawn winner will win these 2-1/2 yard cuts of 30's reproduction
fabrics. But you have to follow the rules.

So here are the rules:

1. Leave a comment wishing Mom a Happy Birthday. Hopefully you will leave more of a comment than that. Make sure you also leave an email address or some way for me to contact you if you win.

2. You must leave your comment by April 20th @ 4 pm my time. I can't tell you whether that is Eastern or Central time. We started changing our time twice a year a few years ago. Before that we didn't have to bother with it.

3. Anyone can enter! Would love to hear from someone in China! So if you are in China leave me a comment telling me you are. I don't think I have ever gotten a comment from China.

If you would like to become a follower, I would love to have you. But there are no extra entries for following!

I guess that is about it! Hope to hear from you soon!

Rhonda

Awesome giveaway!!

2010-04-11T12:41:00.001-04:00

Ok, if you have not gone over to I Have a Notion for Kelly's 30 days of Giveaways Anniversary Celebration, then you absolutely need to go NOW!!!!

Here are the necessary links you need:

I Have A Notion Blog: http://www.ihaveanotion.blogspot.com/

I Have A Notion Webstore: http://ihavea-notion.com/store/

Kelly is giving away awesome prizes! Kelly just posted that she is giving away an Accuquilt Go! How great is that! That was just today's prize!

All giveaways from March 15 - April 15 2010 are open until 10:00 PM CMT. Readers can post on any of the giveaways they choose but the comments need to be relevant to what was asked for in the post.

Now onto other things! I have been doing some interesting things so I will be posting about those in the next few days. Stay Tuned!

Rhonda

Happy Easter!!!!

2010-04-04T14:03:00.001-04:00

Happy Easter!

Rhonda

Got a couple of things done!

2010-04-01T14:35:00.000-04:00

First of all, Sara, I got your Jelly Roll in the mail to you yesterday! Enjoy!

I hope everyone had a great time doing the Hoppin' Good Eggs giveaway. Congratulations to all the winners!

I was able to get my third block done for the Jelly Roll Sampler quilt along finished yesterday. I managed to follow the directions right up until the end. What is bad is that I actually read the directions and made a mental note to myself about the end construction. And I still didn't read my mental note! Caught it 2 seams before completion. By then I decided to just leave it the way it was. I should have turned 2 of the 4 patches a different way. The end result is close to being the same. You and I will be the only ones that know I did it wrong! If you haven't started the quilt along, it isn't too late! Just head right over to Moose on the Porch Quilts! Here is my third block!

I also completed my Red, White & Black Log Cabin quilt. I finished it a couple of weeks ago but just now got the photos taken. It ended up being 108" x 108" and I think very pretty! Here are a couple of photos of the finished quilt.

I offset the Log Cabin design to add some interest to it. I really like the way this one turned out and it will probably be going to a new home tomorrow. I think it will be very loved in its new home!

That is it for today! Hope everything is going good in your world!

Rhonda

More Changes! And Pictures to prove it!

2010-03-29T16:28:00.000-04:00

This isn't quilt related so you might want to just skim on by. But then again it might be interesting!

I have hated my hair for some time now. Years!!!! So today I did something about it. I guess you could say it was drastic. You might save that word for in a couple of weeks when I think I might just go back and get it colored. Maybe a red would look great! lol

So I sat down in the chair and told the hairstylist that I wanted it all cut off. You could hear a pin drop in the salon. Everyone started staring waiting for my final decision (I was still somewhat on the fence). I knew I wanted it short but really didn't know what I wanted. Then another customer came in. I looked at her hair and said, "I want a cut like hers!". So that is what I got.

I had Leisa, the hairstylist, take a before photo before she started cutting. So here are some photos!

BEFORE

Are you ready to see the after? Are you sure? Well here it is! The picture isn't very good because my daughter took it with her cell phone. But you get the idea!

AFTER

Now onto some quilty stuff!
I don't have any pictures of anything I have made to show you. What I am sharing is simply an observation!

I have never purchased any 30's reproduction fabrics. I haven't liked them so I found no need to keep any in my stash. But recently I have been seeing quite a few quilts using them and I have found that I really like them. So much so that the next time I go fabric shopping I am going to buy me some 30's reproduction fabrics. I even have a pattern in mind for these fabrics that haven't been purchased yet.

The Observation: Our tastes change so much in regards to fabric. I used to purchase Thimbleberries. I don't anymore. Then my taste started leaning towards the bright fabrics. I do still love them but I now find my taste drifting back to the 1930's and I can't wait to start adding them to my stash!

That is it for today. Except, I did hear from Sara and her Jelly Roll will be going in the mail in the next couple of days! Congratulations to all the winners in the Hoppin' Good Eggs giveaways!

Rhonda

We Have a Winner!!!

2010-03-29T09:37:00.000-04:00

First I want to say Thank You to everyone that left a comment or became a follower during the giveaway! I was so excited to see that there were 361 comments to win that Jelly Roll. It was just totally amazing to me!

Second, Thank You to Sandi over at A Legacy of Stitches for putting this all together! What a great time we all had hopping through some awesome blogs!

Third, I am still visiting blogs for those that have commented during the giveaway! I am getting through them as fast as I can! My Google Reader is bursting at the seams with all the blogs I am following. I have found some great ones to follow so far and expect to find loads more.

Fourth, I have met some great new friends through this blog giveaway and hope to meet more. I always love to hear from my readers.

So that is about it except for the name of the winner! Are you ready? Here goes!

The winner of the Soiree Jelly Roll is (drum roll please):

Sara of Life At The Covered Bridge

Sara said...

I'm a follower

March 24, 2010 10:59 AM

Her comment was chosen through a Random Number Generator. You didn't think I was going to write all those names out and put them in a hat did you? I had thought about it! Didn't want to make everyone wait a whole week to find out the winner! lol

As soon as I hear from Sara, her winnings will go into the mail. If I don't hear from her by Wednesday morning another winner will be drawn.

I hope everyone had a good time visiting all the blogs. Make sure you check back often as I will be doing another giveaway in April.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Hoppin' Good Eggs giveaway! You are definitely all Good Eggs!

Have a great day!

Rhonda

Another Change! lol

2010-03-27T23:22:00.000-04:00

I appreciate all the comments I received about the new look. I value your opinions so guess what! It is changed again! Let me know if it is too hard to read or whatever! Thanks for the comments!

Having a great weekend so far! How about you?

Rhonda

New Look!

2010-03-27T13:54:00.000-04:00

I decided to play around a bit with the layout of my blog. I am probably not done! lol Let me know what you think!
I plan to get some sewing done today but haven't made it to the sewing room yet. There is still time!
Don't forget to comment on the giveaway!

Have a great weekend!

Rhonda

PINK!!!!

2010-03-26T19:13:00.000-04:00

Go over to Valrie's blog and find out what PINK is all about and to enter her Hop Along giveaway!

Comments are still coming in for the giveaway! If you haven't commented yet to enter, scroll down a couple of posts. Thanks so much to everyone that has entered and all those that have become followers. Sorry I can't answer every comment. I do have to work sometime.
With such a great response I have already decided to do another giveaway next month. I think it will be a great one! So make sure you come back!

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

WOW!!! Giveaway Comments!

2010-03-24T22:59:00.000-04:00

I can't believe all the comments that have been received for the Good Egg giveaway! Wish I could have thanked each and every one of you for commenting and following, but then I wouldn't get any sewing done. I have been checking out your blogs a lot of today and my Google Reader is busting at the seams with new blogs for me to read.

With this great response I might just have to add another prize!

If you haven't entered the giveaway yet, just slide on down to the next post and do that now. Make sure you head over to Hoppin' Good Eggs and check out the other blogs participating in the giveaway.

While your browsing around make sure you go by Kelly's blog, I Have A Notion, and sign up for her great giveaways. Don't forget to check out her online store also.

I do have to work some tomorrow so I won't be doing comment approvals as quickly. Darn it! But I will have something to look forward to when I come home.

See you tomorrow!

Rhonda

"Good Eggs" Giveaway!!!!"

2010-03-24T08:49:00.001-04:00

This giveaway is now closed! A Winner will be announced later today!

Today is the start of the Good Eggs Spring giveaway! The idea all came about due to Sandi over at A Legacy of Stitches.

Here is your chance to win a Soiree Jelly Roll from me. Don't the colors look like Spring!

Here are the rules for the giveaway on my blog.

1. Anyone may enter. USA, International, other bloggers doing the giveaway, my family, your family, anyone's family. I think you get the picture.

2. The deadline for entering is March 28th. I will draw a winner from all the comments on March 29th.

3. You must have something in your comment letting me know how to contact you if you should win.

What do you have to do to enter?

1. For 1 entry: You must simply leave a comment to this post telling me where you live. Just a State or Country is fine! That is all I really want to know.

2. For an additional entry: Become a Follower! Comment on this post letting me know you are a follower. This must be a separate post from your first entry.

I hope that is simple enough!

A special blog has been created to offer everyone access to those blogs that are participating. To check out the other blogs just go to the Hoppin' Good Eggs blog. I am sure you won't be disappointed.

HAPPY SPRING!!!!

Rhonda

Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt

2010-03-23T19:20:00.000-04:00

I have been doing the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt that was started over at Moose on The Porch Quilts. The second block was post last week and I finally found time to show it to you.

It isn't too late to start! So head on over and get the instructions for the first 2 blocks.

I have also been working on the BOM from Block Central. It's called Sentimental Journey and this is block #3. I really like it so far!

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

Me Bad!!!

2010-03-23T19:03:00.000-04:00

If you just received an email saying I had a new post, and that was about a giveaway, I was bad!!!! BAD, BAD, BAD!!!!

I was trying to get ahead on my post for the giveaway that starts tomorrow. But instead of scheduling the post, I posted! So, come back tomorrow when the giveaway will actually start!

Sorry!!!!

Rhonda

I Have A Notion!!!

2010-03-20T12:40:00.001-04:00

Kelly over at I Have A Notion (IHAN) is celebrating IHAN's first anniversary! Congratulations Kelly! Kelly is having some great giveaways! So run over there and visit her blog and make sure you head to her online shop and find a few notions you can't live with out!

http://ihaveanotion.blogspot.com/

Have a great day!!!!

Rhonda

"Good Eggs"

2010-03-11T17:03:00.001-05:00

Sandi over at A Legacy of Stitches came up with a great idea! A Spring Giveaway!!! Thanks Sandi! So check back on March 24th to see what I am going to giveaway! Maybe you could do a giveaway also! Just email Sandi (you can find her email addy on her blog) and let her know you want to do a giveaway also.

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

Cherry Jubilee!

2010-03-07T11:35:00.000-05:00

I just have to tell you about another highlight of the Indiana Heritage Quilt Show. It is called Cherry Jubilee and was made by an awesome quilter I know, Francis Moore of Indianapolis. I met Francis through the Quilting In Indiana yahoo group. She does absolutely spectacular quilts! She emailed me and let me know that she had entered one. So I had to look for it at the show. This is an awesome quilt and even better than just being at the show was the fact she one 1st Place in the Ensemble Bed Quilts category! Francis doesn't have a blog, but you can check out some of her other great quilts here on her photo bucket album.

Congratulations Francis!

(sorry the photo isn't very good but you know how it is when taking photos in a crowded place)

Thank You Francis for letting me display your quilt on my blog!!

I am off to get dressed, finally, and get to the grocery store. Definitely need some coffee filters! lol

Have a great Sunday afternoon!

Rhonda

Great Day at the Quilt Show!

2010-03-06T21:07:00.000-05:00

Jan and I spent a great day at the Indiana Heritage Quilt Show. Thanks for going with me Jan! Joanne and I attended last year together and had a great time. Miss Ya Joanne!!!! Maybe you can get a passport to come back to Indiana for next years show! Or do you need a passport to come from New Hampshire!

I started out this morning about 8:15 for the 2 hour drive to Bloomington. Had to stop by the Deputy grocery store to pick up a few snacks and a bottle of water. You really have to go prepared! Sure didnt' want to have to stop looking and shopping to get a little refreshment! Plus I thought Jan would be pushed for time so I made sure she had a snack also. When I ran into the store to pick up snacks I was stopped by some really cute little girls selling Girl Scout cookies. Since I never run into a girl scout to preorder those tasty treats, I needed to pick some up when I got the chance. Plus a box of those in the right tote bag can come in handy when a little sugar pick me up is needed.

I finally got to Seymour to meet Jan at just a little after 9. We timed it perfectly and was able to start our adventure without delay. We made it to Bloomington about 10:20 and were eager to start our day. Stopped and paid our admission and got the usual hand stamp. What I had forgotten to do was give a quick call to our friend Ellen to let her know we were there (Ellen lives in Bloomington). I remembered shortly after our stroll through the quilt show entries. She was only about 10 steps away from me when I called so we were able to meet up with her in seconds. We chose to wait on shopping until after our trip through the quilts. There were lots of great quilts to see! Then we just couldn't pass up all those vendors, now could we!

Here are photos of the items I purchased this year.

A couple of books that sounded interesting! The Color Shuffle book is filled with some great patterns. The Sashiko book looked like a great book for a beginner like me!

A couple of patterns that I thought would be interesting.

Some 1/2 yard cuts of fabric. Aren't they pretty colors!

Last but now least a freebie that I picked up. I even test drove the Gammill machine! It was absolutely wonderful! Brought these items home to lay conveniently on the dining room table for the DH to see. Hint! Hint!

We left the quilt show about 2:30 and made a quick trip to take Ellen home and see some of the fabulous projects she has going. Seen some of her paintings and they were AWESOME! Then we headed over to the Mathers Museum to check out a small quilt exhibit featuring Linda Gray's work. Wish I had gotten her permission to get some photos of her work. Excellent stuff!

I can never go to Bloomington without making a stop at a great quilt shop called Shiisa Quilts. Janet always has some fabulous fabrics to fondle. It is one of those shops that make you feel at home when you are there. If you love COLOR, then you will love Shiisa! Check out her website and you will see what I mean!

Thought I would share with you what I purchase at Shiisa today.

Some great fabric!

A pattern called Lollipops! Sorry about the flash!

Some Applique Glue and Straw Needles. Which can only mean one thing--I am going to try that hand A word! lol

Jan and I finally stopped and ate in Bedford at the Subway. I got home about 6:30 this evening and I was so tired but reenergized quilt wise. I really needed that! Tomorrow is a day that I plan to get quite a bit of sewing done. I need to get 2 bindings done and some UFO's started again.

That was our busy day! Hope you enjoyed your day as much as I did!

Rhonda

Something I Started!

2010-03-05T17:07:00.000-05:00

As you can see on the right side of my blog, I am participating in the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along. Instructions for the first block have been posted. This Quilt Along can be found over at Moose On The Porch Quilts blog or by clicking on the logo on the right side of my blog. Each of the 12 blocks will be designed by someone different. Here is a photo of my first block. I am using a Moda Miss Jump's Scrap Bag Jelly Roll. The next block is in two weeks so if you haven't gotten started yet, it's not too late!

I have also been busy with the previous posts projects. The Red, White & Black Log Cabin is now off the frame and ready for binding. I would say I am going to get that done this weekend but I really know I won't have time. My SIL and I are heading to the Bloomington Quilt show tomorrow. If you are close to southern Indiana, check it out at www.ihqs.org.

That is it for today! I will let you know about the quilt show when we get back!

Hope you are having a terrific Friday!

Rhonda

What have you been up to?

2010-02-22T21:54:00.000-05:00

I know what I haven't been up to and that has been posting to my blog. But I have a good excuse. I have been working and also getting some sewing done.

I have managed to complete 3 quilt tops in the last couple of weeks. All 3 are now in different stages of completion.

This is an appliqued quilt I started back in October or November of last year. I finally finished all the applique, got the blocks sewn together and border added. That is as far as this one got.

I purchased it as a kit a couple of years ago. Not the kind of quilt kit I would purchase but it was 40% off so I couldn't pass it up.

This one is a quilt that I made from a Canoe Country Jelly Roll by Moda. I have actually already got it quilted and waiting on the binding. I am not really crazy about canoes but I have a friend that is planning a canoe inspired bedroom in her new home. I think this will be a perfect gift for her.

Then there is this one! My Red, White & Black Log Cabin quilt. In this photo the quilt is actually upside down but with it being so huge, I didn't take the time to turn it around. Are you wondering if this one is quilted yet? Scroll down to find out!

No it isn't quilted yet! I did finish getting it loaded on my frame this afternoon. It was a little tricky with the way I did my backing. After it is finished I will post a photo of the back. I hope it turns out like I planned! I did manage to quilt one pass on it but thought I better get dinner ready. So it will just have to wait until tomorrow. I am not sure how long this one is going to take. At some point I will have to take it off the frame and turn it around to be able to complete it. That should be interesting since I have never done that before and this quilt is HUGE!!!!

I guess that is it for now. I will try not to wait so long to post next time!

Rhonda

Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along

2010-02-03T13:20:00.000-05:00

Konda over at Moose On The Porch Quilts is doing a Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along. I think this is going to be lots of fun! Run over to her blog and check it out! You can click on the logo in my sidebar to get there quickly!

My sister Dawn, left a comment on my previous post about the birthday giveaway. Here is what she said,"Thanks for a great birthday present! I hope the winners enjoy their new birthday gifts...I hear mine is in the mail. Thanks Rhonda. God Bless!"

Yes, Dawn's gift is in the mail. It was to be delivered by our Mom last weekend but the weather didn't cooperate. If you don't get it soon Dawn, then call Mom because she was putting it in the mail.

The prizes from the giveaway were mailed today. My work schedule has interfered with my other duties! Why oh why do we have to have jobs?

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

Are you ready for a winner?

2010-01-30T09:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Dawn!!! Oops that was yesterday! Oops, I forgot to send the gift to you! Better late than never! lol

A winner has been randomly selected for the giveaway of the Moda Honey Bun! Thank you to everyone that entered! WOW! 209 comments!

Congratulations to Sally at Bells and Unicorns for their winning comment! You have won the Moda Honey Bun! I will be emailing you shortly for your address!

Have you ever found a giveaway and went to post and found you were the first one there? You never see anyone that leaves the first comment win. So do you hesitantly leave your comment or go back later to leave your comment? Well, in the case of this giveaway, being first was a good thing. Why? Because I am sending out another prize to the person who bravely left the first comment! Not posting a photo but will once she receives her prize. Who is what I will call our First Place Winner? None other than--Regina at The Queen Bee's Buzz!

I hope everyone has enjoyed visiting my blog! Hope to see you back soon!

New Giveaway!!! Modified Rules!

2010-01-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

This giveaway is now closed! Thank you to everyone that entered. A winner will be announced as soon as possible. Due to the high number of entries it may take some time!

*A slight change in rules! Please read! All changes are in red!

My sister Dawn has a birthday coming up soon! January 29th to be exact! I won't tell you how old she is going to be, that just wouldn't be right! Anyway, I thought it would be a great time to have a giveaway in honor of that special day SO MANY years ago.

To win this awesome prize of a Moda Soiree Honey Bun, you will need to be randomly selected from all the entries that are received.

Here are the rules you are desperately wanting to know. Please make sure you read all the rules! This is very important!

1. You MUST leave an email address or link back to your blog to enter. If you are a nonreply then there is no way to get in touch with you if you win. So another winner will be announced if that happens!

2. You must live in the US. It is already expensive enough to mail in the US, let alone outside the country. Anyone can enter, but (here is the catch) I will send the prize to anyone you choose in the US. Maybe you have an internet friend that you would like the prize sent to!

3. There will be different ways to gain an entry. For each way, you will need to post a comment. For example, if you leave a comment to this post and post this giveaway on your blog you will need to post a comment for each. Hope you understand that. I just don't want to have to go through each of the comments and figure entries.

4. All entries will be based on the comments on this post.

5. A winner will be drawn on January 29th. Not sure what time but it will be that day. The winner will be notified by email at that time.

Here is how you can get entries!

1. Leave a comment pertaining to my sister's birthday to this post. A post to another comment will not get you an entry.

2. Posting about this giveaway on your blog will get you another entry. Please spread the word!

3. Followers are automatically entered for one entry. But please leave a comment telling me you are a follower.

4. Since I have slightly changed the rules, if you repost this update to your blog, you will be entitled to an additional entry. Please leave a comment stating that the repost has been made!

I would really like to make this a great birthday for Dawn! I will make sure I forward all birthday comment to her. I know right now would be a good time to flood her email with birthday wishes!

I hope I have covered everything!
Sorry to have changed some rules in the midst of the giveaway!
Good Luck!

Rhonda

My Lucky Day!!!

2010-01-19T21:21:00.000-05:00

First, don't forget to enter the giveaway in the following post! I want to say a big Thank You to everyone that has commented so far! Now I need to find a good gift to send the birthday girl!

Second, you would not believe what I received in the mail today! I knew I had won a giveaway from Elaine over at Soggy Bottom Flats Quilting and Stitching, but never expected to find such a wonderful prize in my mail today!

Here is a photo of what Elaine was so generous to send me. I absolutely love all of it!!!

In the box was this magazine. I had never heard of this one before and I am looking to kicking back this evening and doing some reading.

Thank You so much Elaine!!!

Hope everyone had a great day!

Rhonda

Giveaway Entries!

2010-01-13T21:15:00.000-05:00

WOW! What a great response so far to the giveaway! Just wanted to say Thank You to all those that have commented, become a follower or posted the giveaway on their blog. I would have answered each comment individually but have been spending a lot of time reading everyone's blogs! I have been checking out some awesome quilts and learning about others and their families.

Here are just a few blogs that I have found through your comments this week!

Check out Carin's blogs! Margaret's Hope Chest sounds like a good project to help Carin with. Also be sure and check out her other blog about her family and life. http://diplofam.blogspot.com/ Hope the little guys hands heal quickly!

Also check out Southern Style! Lots of great reading!

Make sure you go by Gina's blog, http://gina-catswhiskers.blogspot.com/ Lots of beautiful winter photos!

Last but not lease by far, go over to Rhonda's blog http://ravelly1-quiltzblog.blogspot.com/ and check out her Fractured Diamond tutorials. Make sure you sign her guestbook!

Thanks for stopping by!

Rhonda

Giveaway modified!

2010-01-12T19:34:00.000-05:00

I just hate leaving anyone out of a giveaway! So I hope all those that would like to enter do so! For those outside of the US, if you are randomly chosen to win the prize, I will send the prize to someone you know in the US. This could be a relative, a blog friend or anyone you choose as long as they are in the US. It's like giving a gift you don't have to worry about sending!

Good Luck!

Rhonda

Third time is a charm!

2010-01-11T09:55:00.003-05:00

Some friends and I decided we wanted to do a Block of the Month together this year. So when Block Central posted their BOM for this year we knew what we wanted to do.

I got all my fabric ready and was able to use from my stash and not have to purchase more fabric. So I was ready when the instructions were posted for the first block. But things didn't come together so well. The block ended up being too dark! I am sure you will agree with me!

So I switched some of the fabrics around and did another block just knowing that it would turn out to my liking. Didn't happen!

By now you are probably thinking this woman is crazy! I am! So I thought about the dilemma for a while and decided it was now time to bring out the heavy artillery! Yes, I did it! I got on my computer and downloaded photos of the fabric I had chosen to my computer. Then I put them in my EQ6 program, drew up the block in Easy Draw and proceeded to color away with my fabric choices. I should have done that 2 blocks ago. So finally, here is my choice for the 1st block of the BOM. I guess, the third time is a charm!

Hope you are having a great day!

Rhonda

What I have accomplished today!

2010-01-09T22:49:00.007-05:00

This morning we had a late Christmas get together. Just didn't seem to work out that we could get together before now. We had a great breakfast together then exchanged a few gifts. Jan, my SIL, gave me something I had been wanting for a while.

These are the paintsticks she gave me. I had been reading up on some of the things you can do with these and fabric. Here is some good reading if you are wondering.

http://www.cedarcanyontextiles.com/learning.php

I hope to be able to give them a try the first of the week.

I have also been wanting to put my quilting frame back up. I have spend quite a bit of time the last few days moving things around so I can accomplish that. Well, today was the day.

Jan arrived about 2 and after we got our necessary chatting done we started to work on it about 3. At 6 we had it this far and Jan took off for home. I got a few more things to do to get it ready.

It's ready now though! The machine is even threaded for some practice quilting. Tomorrow I plan to try and get some muslin loaded and do some refresher quilting. Hope it comes back quickly even though it has been a few years.

DD Jill heads back to college tomorrow. Might be kind of strange with Tater Tot gone off the couch!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Rhonda

New Sewing Room Almost!

2010-01-07T13:18:00.003-05:00

Thanks so much for the comments on yesterdays post! The library is a great source of quilting books. I know I have been saving quite a bit by utilizing the local library. Now if could only get Goodwill to take my clothes in on trade!

I have been an owner of a Janome 1600 machine and Grace quilting frame for quite some time. I had to take it apart and store it for a while when some things were happening around here that necessitated that. I have been wanting to put it back up for quite a while but knew it would be a job. The only room large enough to accommodate the frame is the living room which was my sewing room. So the sewing room had to be moved to a bedroom. That happened on Tuesday night. I took some pictures of the new sewing room while it was still somewhat clean and organized.

I started organizing my scraps the Bonnie Hunter way a while back. This is a photo of those scraps in draws and also my collection of FQ's that seems to be ever growing.

My sewing tables! I love having two of them to give me extra room to move a quilt around.

Looks so clean and organized! Probably won't look that way for long!

Now that this has been accomplished, it is time to thing about putting the frame back together. Maybe I will do that this weekend!

Hope you are having a great day! We have at least 3" of snow right now with more falling! Stay warm and dry!

Rhonda