Spring has arrived

Today was my quilt guild's monthly bee. We have meetings every month but on the 4th Wednesday of the month we meet at a member's home for an old fashion bee. We bring something to work on as we talk of quilt guild business, accomplishments, disappointments, and children. Today we did all that and more.

The sun was shinning today, it has most of this week. Spring has finally arrived and the daffodils are blooming and the grass is turning green again. It has been a hard winter as it has for most of the country. Lots of snow and ice. We had to cancel several guild events due to weather. We are so happy to see the sun again. It rejuvenates us as it does the earth.

Part of the renewed energy is reflected in planning this year's 'raffle' quilt. The design has been decided and now we are collecting fabric to make the top. Members are volunteering to work on the committee and dates discussed on when to meet.

The lunch break is called and we gather, in this case, to a hearty soup courtesy of our hostess. Side dishes have been bought by us and recipes are shared. Before we know it is time to return to our respective home's, rich with plans and memories. We look forward to the next bee to share life with friends.

Mid-Atlantic Quilt show

Last weekend I went to the Mid-Atlantic Quilt show in Hampton, Virginia. I go almost every year. The show is a Mansuco production that has held for many years. I go almost every year. The quilt exhibits were top quality. The quilts were beautiful to look at, to admire the fine stitches, and maybe to learn something from. While I did not take any classes this year there are classes to meet every need.

Dozens of vendors were there. Batik and many types of fabrics were available. Notions of every kind were there to stock up on and more types of rulers than I have ever seen. I bought some lovely specially threads.

One trend I noticed was the number of 'raffle quilts' from regional quilt guilds and groups. There must have been a half dozen or more. I was impressed with the number of course but also with the beauty and quality of these opportunity quilts. I spent has much money on these quilts as I spent on the vendors. Knowing that I not only have a chance, slight as it may be, to win the quilt, it is also knowing that I am helping a charitable group and helping a neighboring quilt group.

Cabin Fever

More snow and more snow. Actually, the snow has finally stopped. Wednesday was the day of snow and wind. Blizzard conditions. We watched the roof of the screened porch very closely. Another 10 inches on top of the 24 inches of the strom before. On Thursday my husband was finally able to get out of the house and put a ladder next to the porch. He was able to shovel all the snow off of the porch roof. What a relief.

The roads were barely passable and I was able to teach my class on Thursday evening. Rest assured we made an early evening as the temperature went down and the ice was forming.

What has all the snow to do with quilting, you ask. The first thought would be all the time one would have for sewing and quilting. Not so! I spent so time much time, between snow storms, outside shoveling the walkway and drive way. I spent more time outside than I do during fair weather. I think I lost 5 pounds this week. Nice but not the way I would prefer to lose it.

In the end, I did get some sewing done. Now, the sun is out and I am going outside once again. To the grocery store.

Warm weather and happy stitches.

Tired of Winter

Yesterday was Groundhog Day. According to custom, we will have 6 more weeks of winter. Last night it snowed - again. We have had rain or snow every four or five days. Just enough time in between to dig out and come to life again and it (snow) comes again. Its not heavy/deep as the mid section of the country has had, just 5 inches. Enough for neighbors and myself to say... I'm tired of winter and ready for spring.
Recently on one of the better weather days I took a knitting class. I wanted to learn so I could share with my daughter. She knits beautifully. As the daughter of a quilter she has made a couple of quilts but prefers knitting. I can respect that and as such I wanted to understand the terminology and process. I want to share in her passion as she has in mine.
The class was fun and I learned the basics. Now I have a pink knitted square I haven't any idea of what to do with it. That's okay. I feel I can now walk into a yarn shop with her and join in the conversation creating memories for both of us.

'Ahoy' Demonstration

A few days ago I had a demonstration on the construction of a quilt block. The block was my entry 'Ahoy" which appeared in "Quiltmaker's 100 blocks'. I made several samples each a step further in the process of construction. I also made a quilt top using the 'Ahoy' block. The quilt was a twin size using 30's era reproduction fabrics. If you look through the archives you will see virtual pictures one which is the 30's zig zag layout that I used for the demo. quilt top.

The demonstration went very well. The ladies commented on the ease of construction and liked the fact of various possible layout designs.

I would like to thank the ladies of Haymarket Quilters Unlimited and 'Quiltmaker Magazine' for the opportunities given. I can't wait to make the 'Ahoy' in other fabrics and layouts.

Holiday Memories

Happy Holidays! I hope you all had a Happy Holiday. Ours was wonderful, our children and grandchildren were here and the 'grand dog' too.

My granddaughter loves 'sock monkey'. That is an understatement. Last fall I found a 'sock monkey' at the Houston Quilt Show s0 that was one gift taken care of. I also had bought 'sock monkey' fabric. I made her a quilt with the fabric and put it and the monkey under the tree. It warmed all of our hearts to see the joy on her face. All afternoon the quilt and monkey were her constant companions.

this is why we make quilts, to make memories. The quilt may be dragged on the floor and shared with the dog. Decades from now the quilt may no longer exist but the memory of this Christmas will stay with her as an old woman and told to her grandchildren.

I hope your Christmas and holidays were memory makers too.

It's Snowing

It's snowing in Virginia. The first snow of the season. Wet sloppy stuff. No fun at all. It made the drive to the fabric store watchful of the road and the other drivers. I know I should have made the trip the day before or wait another day but I just have to buy the remaining item and finish the project.
The holidays are quickly upon us and I still have two more quilts to finish for Christmas. The outside decorations are up, we did that last week when the temperature was 68. Tomorrow we will start on the inside. I guess I'll get up an hour early next and spend it in the sewing room.