Mary Mannkee - DAR repro. quilt

My Mary Mannkee - DAR reproduction quilt pattern arrived this week! (Available from the online DAR Museum Gift Shop). I am so enamored with mid 1800's applique quilts! Wish there was more time to sew, but school started this August, putting my quilting life "on hold."

At the beginning of the school year, I often select a motto to guide me through a new year. This year is "FOCUS & FINISH." I wish this was directed at quilting ventures, but no, it is for school. I will put that "book" on the shelf this school year! (with God's help!!) Happy Quilting everyone - I will join you when I can :)

Invite to West Coast!

This beautiful quilt hangs on the wall in Coral's quilting studio. She is the master of 1/2 square triangle design! Take a look at more photos of the New England quilting weekend to see projects we worked on Coral's blog A Fine Line Studio Her photos of us and our work are much more flattering them mine (which I did not post) since I seem to have caught people with their mouth open, eyes shut etc!

Did you notice the LOVELY Sumac quilt hanging on the wall in her photos? It is her own creation inspired by colorful leaves in her yard a little over a year ago (see tiny photo next to hanging quilt) and brought to fruition during Ruth McDowell's Western Mass. "Designing from Nature" workshop in Western Mass. where Coral and I started our quilting friendship in Oct. 2009.

After reading about my New England weekend, my dear cousin on the west coast assured me that there was fabric and food to be found there too! YIPEE! I have plans to attend a conference in Anaheim, CA in October - right down the street - so to speak from her and she has lined up some great outings while I am there. Can't wait!

I began on the second to last of the 12 blocks of Simply Delicious by Piece O' Cake Designs (an 1996 pattern) before the traveling last week. Applique is always a joy!

New England Quilt Weekend

I had a great time last week away on the much cooler east coast!(although a little humid with an occasional refreshing rain shower) First I was encouraged and inspired by a great five-day Summer Institute workshop at UNC, Chapel Hill led by Mary Lynn. I met some wonderful people and learned a lot. Main take away message: I can and WILL do this!

After the workshop, just a hop north on Southwest Airlines landed me in Providence, RI late Friday night. Quilter friend Coral was my devoted hostess for a lovely weekend in her rural Massachusetts get away-quilt studio! She coordinated a quilt day with friends on Saturday. I met / renewed acquaintance with lovely, talented and inspiring quilters.

Each quilter participated making quilt blocks for a "Quilt Friends are a gift" wall hanging. Inspired by Moda Bake Shop Pattern "Each Day is a Gift."

Gina taught me how to make a cute little fabric wallet and made the best wild rice chicken salad for the delicious potluck lunch. We all enjoyed sewing away all day on various projects including the flower bag pictured here.


















Sunday afternoon included a trip to the New England Quilt Museum and a late lunch at a Greek restaurant in Lowell, MA. The current exhibition included Maine's Quilt Heritage and pieces of the AQS Study Group Star Quilts Challenge. Those small wall quilts inspired by 19th century star quilts were delightful. Pictures from this trip shown here.

Monday included more work on the wall quilt, Coral's work on a round robin project, and various other fun projects! Coral also took me on a mini shophop to Appletree Fabrics in Auburn and the Charleton Sewing Center in Charlton, MA while scalloped potatoes and ham summered in the crockpot at home. The Center is located in a decommissioned church complete with stained glass and a pipe organ! Take a stroll inside... The owner played the hymn Amazing Grace on the organ by request. Wow!

I had such a nice time all weekend! We ate lots of yummy food and made many fond memories and gained personal insights that will be preserved. Thanks Coral!!