I'm alive...barely

Busy, busy fall semester...no time for blogging or quilting :(

Baby Wedding Ring wins blue

This weekend is the local quilt show and what a beautiful show it is! So many very talented quilters around here! I was thrilled to be the recipient of one of the home-made quilt ribbons for my "Baby Wedding Ring" quilt. I decided to make it when I had no clue about quilting or how hard it would to piece curves for a first pieced pattern. Also I used poly-cotton for the "rings." Again, no clue about quilt making but I did know that I love to hand quilt and design.

Each of the quilting designs are different inside each block. It was fun to figure out many different designs. One special design was drawn by my (then) 6 year old son after he saw me working on this quilt all the time he wanted to help. I let him draw his design right on the quilt then quilted it exactly as he drew it. YIKES! But it is now priceless :)

PS. College update. Yes, son stops by the house about every day or two for some food or some computer time or something! We don't often actually SEE him when he comes by as it may be 11:30 PM or during the times we are out. I think he is liking it and is definitely keeping busy with various ventures.

Water Lily Progress

No work has taken place due to the beginning of school and teaching a new course in Aug. But, Before that I did a little more including lay out some fabric to audition borders. Here it is! I can't wait to get back to it!

Son to college today

Well, he packed a few clothes and notebooks and things and headed off to college....just down the street. We helped him get things arranged (slightly) in the room and met his roommate and parents. I am sure they will have more success in arranging things now that moms are out of the picture!Next few days are "Welcome Week" activities and orientation and classes begin Wed. I think he will like it. Hope he will study. Sure we will see him often :)


The Water Lily has had to take a back seat to all the college prep. and first week of classes planning. But, before that...a little more work was done and some auditioning fabric for borders. Too bad cannot have it done in time for the quilt show! The photo above are fabric swatches...more gifts from the family in Japan who hosted our daughter in the Sister City exchange. I must come up with a good plan for them.Right now...no clue!

Japanese Fans

These are more gifts from my daughter's trip to Japan. They are fabric fans about 8 inches in size. Pretty Neat!

Quilting & Sewing gifts from Japan

These are about 4 & 1/2 inches square, flat like a coaster. Hand sewn.



These are the generous gifts from the host family and neighbors to Jasmine on her recent trip. Way cool! I have 2 more items to post in the next few days too!
Now, I must think of a good plan with them and prepare gifts for the Japanese delegation coming in Sept/Oct.

Water Lily takes shape

This is tooooo much fun! I ration my time working on it every few days AFTER other real life work is done (grading papers, teaching classes online, cooking dinner :)
It is coming along great!