Quilt Pictures and More

I took a couple of pictures of my second version of the Mapleton Avenue quilt today. I am sooooo happy that I took the time to un-sew and change the layout!

I didn't take the time to stage some great pictures of this quilt because I really wanted to share it ASAP. I'll get better ones later. I love how these fabrics look against the changing grass color, the still-barren tree limbs, and that beautiful blue sky.  

I quilted a simple all-over meander and I am happy the results. I know that some people feel that a meander is kind of like cheating, but I disagree. I know how this quilt will be used and know that I wanted the fabrics to shine and not the quilting. Besides, I really do like the look of a meander.  A few years back, one of my granddaughters told me that she loves "those swirly all-over lines" that I quilt because she likes to trace them with her finger while she's trying to fall asleep. Who needs more reason to continue to quilt meanders?  :-) 

I am very happy with my binding! Yep; it's the stripes that were in the pre-cut package of strips.

There were two of each strip and I sewed them in an alternating orders so there was a nice flow around the quilt.

I love this picture and the beautiful tree and sky above it!

And just because I like to show it, here is the back. This was the original grey that I was going to use for the background on the front. I am very happy to have made the change.

I like how the stipe looks against this grunge backing.

Much to his chagrin, I had to get a picture of my quilt holder/binding consultant/quilt namer - AKA Jack. I am blessed with his constant support and encouragement.

Do you see that little bit of green way in the back on the left side? That's the Peace Bench that Ronan and Jack rebuilt last summer.

We had a very old garden bench that we were going to get rid of when Ronan asked if he could put it back by the "Peace Trees." I didn't know what he was talking about, so I asked him to explain. He said that the area way in the back is very peaceful and he loves to go back there when he's upset or just needs a break. There are a lots of trees, wild flowers, etc. back there, and it's because it's away from the house, it's quiet. (During the summer, it's actually hard to see from the house because of the trees and other plants that are quite tall.) 

Shoot! When he asked like that, how could we say, "No"? He and Jack spent a lot of time taking apart the bench, painting the wood (Ronan picked the color), and then putting it back together. They had a good time doing this and each learned a lot. Ronan ended up with his own toolbox and tools by the end of the project, which certainly made him happy.

When the restoration was done, Ronan asked his sisters to help move it to the Peace Area.  It was kind of an interesting undertaking, but it got done with no injuries or damage to the bench. 

All of this was done prior to Jack's back surgery and broken ankle. When he could finally get around without a wheelchair or walker, the kids asked if he could join them on the bench to say a prayer for his complete recovery. I love this picture! 

Of course the cousins love the bench too!

I am looking forward to spending time back in the Peace Area and know the kids are too. I think I'll take a few quilts back there and get some pictures. 

It's Here!

When I saw this truck approaching the house yesterday afternoon, I knew that the fabric for the Desire to Inspire Challenge had arrived. 

 

It was fun to open the box and see this...

 

And then this gorgeous bundle of fabric.

 

Can you see the pinecones in the top left of the picture? Our grandson Ronan was here when the fabric arrived and when he walked in he was carrying some pinecones. So, how did he know that I was going to be getting Christmas fabric delivered?  Mmmmmm  (Please, no judging that we still have pinecones sitting around our yard.)

 

When he saw the fabric, he got all excited and said, "Isn't it too hot for Christmas?" You've got to love the mind of a four year old.  :-) He was thrilled when I said I wanted to take a picture with the pinecones and even more happy when I suggested that we go outside and take a picture of him holding the fabric and the pinecones.

 



 

I've already got some ideas and am going to start figuring out some cutting plans. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Wow!!

First of all, it's been two weeks since I last posted.  WOW!! I've been busy, but not really too busy that I couldn't and shouldn't have taken a few minutes to post something here. Even if it was for no other reason than to tell you that I am still alive and kicking, I should have posted. Oh well. here it it today. Better late then never, right?

So, what have I been doing? Here's a partial rundown, in no particular order.

Jack and I made a trip south to see Bobby and his bride Mana. That was fun, and as an added bonus, Ann and Claire went with us. We all spent the night at Nikki's house and then spent the next day with Mom, Terri and her family. Since Bobby and Mana were only in for a couple of days, a bunch of the family came to visit as well so we saw a lot of the family. YEAH!!

We had Lynn's bridal shower last weekend and that was fun. Ann, Claire and Nikki did a ton of work to get ready for it. Thanks Ladies! You all are so talented and you rock! Of course since Nikki and Zach were here, so were the kids. Now I don't know how it happened, but I didn't get any pictures of the girls! Here's a couple of Ronan though. Here he is, just chilling out. I see that I have to get another outlet safety plug. WOW! I wonder how long that's been missing.

Ronan had a good time with Grandpa Jack. He enjoyed sitting at the radio desk and listening to the morse code and thinking about all the trouble he's going to get in to some day when he tries to "help" Grandpa work on some of the equipment.  :-)



 I've spent a bit of time canning lately. Lynn brought over a bunch of green beans, tomatoes, peppers and beets. We froze the green beans and pepers, canned some yummy salsa, and pickled and canned the beets. YUMMY!! (Of course I didn't take a picture of the produce until just this was left. DUHH)

Gretchen and I completed the mailing for the fourth annual Bras for a Cause. We are aiming at receiving 75 entries this year. Here's a link to the information and entry form. Be sure to look at the previous years' entries by clicking on the photo gallery. It's quite entertaining.  :-)

http://www.girlsnightoutcharity.com/entertainment.htm

There is NO entry fee this year! E-mail me or call the number of the papers if you have questions.

On the quilting front, I've been busy. I'm finalizing my Fall classes, getting the descriptions and samples ready, so be on the lookout for that very soon. I'm putting the final touches on the paper piecing workshop that I'm holding this weekend, and I have to spend a bit of time tomorrow or Wednesday making sure everything is in order for that.

I finished Sadie's chenille quilt and of course don't have pictures yet. I love how it turned out! :-) I finished the Down the Rabbit Hole quilt that I tested for Angela at Cut to Pieces.  It might be a bit hard to tell, but the fabrics are Halloween-realted from my stash. I would hate to venture a guess as to how old these are. Again, I love how this turned out!

I am adding my final border to the Gateway to Paradise quilt and I have finished two Easy Striped Table Runners. I'll post pictures in the next couple of days.

I've been binding the qult samples Kare has been making. I have eight completely done right now, with two more ready for the machine stitching. Have I ever mentioned that I love to do binding? Well, you might think I'm nuts, but I do!



And today, I had the pleasure of joining Kare at Checker where we learned a lot and chatted with Judy Niemeyer, Karen Montgomery, the Teacher's Pet Kathy Brown, the Swirly Girls Susan and Christine, Penny Haren, and Daniela Stout. (What a bunch of talented people!) It was also fun to see some people I haven't seen in  while like Karen Conley, Sandy and Keith of Quilts and Kreations, Lisa and Tammy of The Quilt Foundry, and Linda and Brenda fromTennessee Quilts. I had a really fun day!

Ok, now I have to get busy adding those borders...

It's a Boy!

Ronan Gene Marshall arrived early this morning!

Isn't he beautiful? Ok, I might be a bit biased., but I think he's just wonderful!   :-)

He was born at 12:59 this morning, at home, as planned. All went well and I can't wait to see him. I'll provide more details later.

I need to start working on a quilt for this little guy, don't you think?!?