The Case of the Too Short Binding

I am part of a wonderful group of 16 quilters who have been together for 10 years; The Calendar Girls. Every year, we pick the parameters for a block, make 16 of them, have a block exchange in June then make a quilt and have "Reveal Day" in December. Reveal Day this year is December 13th and it is my favorite day of the year. The Taj Mahal couldn't rival the splendor of the decorations of our host, Cooky. We gather around 11 am, everyone brings goodies and other edibles, we pick at them and visit, then we sit down at the magnificent dining table set with Spode Christmas china, crystal and the 'good' silver while surrounded by her Santa collection, her Christmas quilt collection (decorating every spare wall space and chair back) and the lighted village that runs all through her home.

There's show and tell, a gift exchange, then dessert and more visiting! Then we get down to business--The Reveal. Everyone's quilt is wonderful, stories are told about the sewing of them, photos are taken (to be kept in a comprehensive scrapbook, almost 3" thick now!) and at last, we choose a theme for the next year's block. (This year's was red and white baskets).

I can't show you the whole quilt, which is 98% finished, because it's a surprise and they might peek but I have a little problem: Yesterday as I was putting on the binding I cut months ago, I realized I didn't have enough and had run out of fabric! I remember where I bought it (wonder of wonders) but that's a 2 1/2 drive--each way! I've scanned the fabric and emailed it to the shop and will call them tomorrow and see if they can send it to me. (Good thing I'm one of those people who finished things early instead of waiting until the last minute. Do YOU do that?)

Tree Skirt

A completed project! F-I-N-A-L-L-Y!! I started this a couple of years ago and were it not for a UFO Challenge at our quilt guild, it would have probably been another 2 years. So, just in time for the season. . .

The Cat Wears a Different Hat!!

That Cat in the Hat fabric quilt I had on my design wall last week just wasn't working for me. I love Sandy Klop's "Triple Crown Quilt" pattern but just didn't like how it was turning out with this fabric. So I tore it all down and tried something different--and LOVE IT! Most of the left side is sewn and the right side will be added today sometime.

Unfortunately, I need to make 5 more triangles out of the light fabric--the one with all the words on it--and have run out of fabric! It means I won't be able to finish it right away--ARGH! I only need a 2 1/2" WOF piece!! I called every quilt shop within a 50 mile radius and no one has it! (I bought this online). Guess I'll have to order a whole half yard and wait for it to come in the mail. . .

Little Bags and The Cat in the Hat

I found this little pattern by Valori Wells at PIQF (Pacific International Quilt Festival) a couple of weeks ago and can stop making these cute little bags! I'll give them to my friends for Christmas . You can put a lipsitck, a tissue and a couple of cards inside. Or, better yet, all those punch cards from all your favorite quilt shops!! Snap the snap and put it in your purse or pocket. Easy-peasy!

Finally getting back to this project which will be a Christmas throw for my daughter and her wife. They're writers (creative and screen, respectively) and love all the classics--Dr. Seuss being one, of course. This quilt isn't easy to put up on the design wall, I've found. Quite confusing with all the colors but I'll get it. Need to make at least 5 times more blocks (with 6 triangles apiece!) before I can begin to put this together.

Hop on over to Judy Laquidera's blog to see what everyone else has on their design walls!

The Cat in the Hat meets American Jane

I didn't mean to start a new project--I really didn't! But how could I resist this new Cat in the Hat fabric knowing my daughter would LOVE a quilt made out of it for Christmas? Never mind that she's 25 years old--I think she likes Dr. Seuss more now than she did when she was little.

I've chosen Sandy Klop's American Jane pattern "Triple Crown Quilt" and think it will look great. I'll be getting a few more different fabrics in this Cat in the Hat line and have already purchased an aqua Minkie for the back, another thing my daughter will love about it!

Oh, the dreams that she'll have with this quilt!

Someone else's 'design wall' today

I'm traveling on the east coast for a couple of weeks so have nothing to show on my design wall--however, that does not mean I'm not steeping myself in sewing and quilting along the way! Today I'll be visiting the Folger Museum on Nantucket Island, MA to see the Susan Boardman exhibit of the most exquisite hand work imaginable! When I first saw these works in a magazine, I thought I was looking at applique on quilts that were quite large. Oh, no! These are completely hand worked with fine gold and other threads, tiny beads and accouterments on very small incredible works. This is a photo of the front of her book documenting the lives of 'notable Nantucket women" many of them whaling ship captain's wives, left for years at a time while their husbands were off at sea. This 'quilt' is less than 14" x 16" and every stitch is hand wrought with single strand silk thread and a beading needle! I'm so lucky to be able to see these works of cloth arts in person.

My Design Wall's a Secret. . .

This quilt is not technically on my design wall but what I've had on my design wall for a couple of weeks now is my Calendar Girls group block exchange blocks. Since I think there are a couple of women in the group who read Judy's wonderful blog, much as I'd love to show it off (as I'm VERY happy with how it's turing out!) I can't post photos of it as it will spoil the surprise of our annual 'reveal' in December.

This is a small quilt I finished just before the 4th of July. It started with a Schnibbles pattern but then I added the 2 border edges, the "fireworks" complete with fused on crystals and hand-appliqued circles, and the flag. I love the way it turned out!

For the next couple of weeks, I'll be on vacation on the east coast so I won't have any input but I'm bringing my computer with me so I won't miss Judy's or anyone else's posts. I find I LIVE for Design Wall Monday and all the inspiration it brings! Thank you, Judy Laquidara for your wonderful "Patchwork Times" blog!!