Greetings From The Holiday Inn I35W

Two days of class down and three to go! When the brochure said 30 hours of comprehensive training they were not exaggerating! We start at 8:00--somewhere around 10:00 someone will ask if we could have a break. She gives us about a 5-7 minute break. For lunch she stretched it out to 45 minutes and the afternoon break is "take a quick break when you finish with your group work." We wrap up around 3:30.

I worked on machine stitching for about two and a half hours last night. The baby quilt is coming great. I worked about two hours again tonight. I plan to finish quilting the outside border yet tonight. I found the black print for the Mystery quilt--hope to work on that tomorrow night and Thursday night.

Wednesday, after class I am heading to St. Paul to visit Dar, Len, Louis, and Evelyn. I will be seeing Evelyn for the first time. She is the baby I made the Charming Baby quilt this spring.

It is HOT in Mpls!

Take Care,
Linda

One more finished--and a question!

Next week I am attending an Orton-Gillingham Comprehensive Training in
Minneapolis for five days. I will be staying at a Holiday Inn in Bloomington. Now for my question--Would it be totally weird to take my sewing machine with me to work on projects at night? All I can think of is uninterrupted time to quilt!!!!!!!

What do you think?

Thank you! Happy Friday,

Linda
gpfarms@centurytel.net

I finished one more project! This is for me to use now! It is a purse tote. I found the pattern in a Fons and Porter mini mag which I received when I subscribed to their magazine. I made a few changes in it--But I like it. DH is going to cut a piece of something to give the bottom stiffness.

Let's finish some of the things I'll started:

First project finished was the table runner--I know these seem minor projects to seasoned/experienced quilters, however I am thrilled with what I am learning to do.
I found this pattern at the Moda Bake Shop site.






Christmas runner- This is for a wedding gift. I plan to make the Christmas Tree Skirt to match. The patterns are from Gathering Friends-Special Requests book.



Christmas Time Tote Bag--Pattern from Charming Totes 4.
I used a charm pack to make this one---- I added pics of both sides.

I know the next one I do I'm going to think of a way to add a zipper-or button and loop to be able to fasten the top together.










Special Request:
Baby Will- The little guy who I made my first "cowboy" quilt has been diagnosed with a small aortic value in his heart. His heart is not allowing the oxygen to mix with the blood -or something like that. The first time I saw him at one week, I was very concerned because of his blue coloring and his legs were very blue. His mom and dad did take him to his local doctor where he was sent to Fairview Hospital-associated with the University of MN.
The pediatric cardiologist ordered many tests. Currently it is not life threatening--However, they go make in six weeks for more tests. This is a very young couple that is frightened. Please hold little Will in your prayers. Thank you.

Tonight I hope to finish a tote/purse to take to a conference next week in Minneapolis.

Have a great day!

Didn't mean to leave anyone out!

I was afraid if I put this picture on-there would be culture shock! However,--SOMEONE--remembered how young we were-so here we are! How about those suits! (No-they didn't sing with the Temptations!) Do you have any idea how many yards of fabric went in those skirts?????? We all sewed our own bridesmaids dress for each other's weddings.


Quilting News! I have cut my 2" squares for the mystery quilt and started sewing them together last night. Thank you Amy, for teaching us how to chain squares together. I still need to find a black print.

I learned a new expression today--it is not a stash. It is a "Fabricologist Resource Center"...now does that sound more impressive than "fabric stash" ?

We Said, "I Do." June 15, 1974

"We've Only Just Begun" by the Carpenters


We've only just begun to live,
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we're on our way.
And yes we've just begun.

Before the rising sun we fly,
So many roads to choose
We start out walking
And learn to run.And yes! We've just begun.

Sharin' horizons that are new to us,
Watchin' the signs along the way,
Talkin' it over just the two of us,
Workin' together day to day, together.

And when the evening comes we smile,
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow,
And yes! We've just begun.

35 years! DH and I have been through much in these 35 years. Births, death, droughts, sports, graduations, return to college, weddings, and now grandkids--- our commitment to each other even when we may not have liked each other very much!!! : ) Thinking of the Carpenters Song that my good friend and "sister" Jane sang at our Wedding--Maybe it is a good thing we all start out with a "Kiss for luck and we're on our way."

Now another change is life as we begin life without dairy cows. There is still enough to do with crops and beef cattle, and don't forget I'm still a teacher.--But with our "Kiss for Luck" we are on our way!

Fane's First Birthday

Happy

Birthday Fane!

Fane is one year old. He arrived at 29 weeks

weighing 3 lbs 14.7 oz and 16 1/4 inches long. The first six weeks of his life was in the neonatal unit at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, Wi. Look at him now! He was the center of attention at his party today.

I completed his birthday quilt at 12:10 this afternoon before his 1:30 party! I now know what marathon quilting is like. DH even took out the basting pins while I was pressing the binding. HEY! I actually did all four corners of the binding with no problem! YEAH ME!

I've been searching blog spots looking at the variety of fabrics quilters are selecting for their
Christmas Lights mystery quilt. I know there is no right or wrong.. I just need more confidence in my ability to select fabrics.

Little Evelyn

Evelyn is the precious granddaughter of my college roommate, forever friend and "sister". Peg used her wedding dress as the fabric to create/sew this baptismal gown for Evie. I was in Peg's wedding and at her fitting for the dress so I recognized the lace, the ruffle on the bottom. This is the ultimate in recycling with
LOTS of LOVE!

Evelyn in the adorable little girl who I made the "Charming Baby" quilt for.

Nana's Princess

Spending four days with my princess has been the perfect way to unwind from the school year! Watching an 18 month old and how she sees her world is priceless!
"Just how far will this sock stretch before it comes off!"

We read "Animal Babies","Brown Bear," Guess How Much I Love You" and several other favorites of Kasey and Nana's. We sang "Wheels on the Bus and the Alphabet Song", took lunch to Papa in the field, and watched Winnie the Pooh!

Mystery Quilt! Here I come!!!! My question is--Since I am a new quilter I don't have an extensive stash supply to select from. I am going to need to purchase some/ most of the fabric for the quilt. Should I purchase fabric that is coordinated or select mix and match fabrics for the "scrappy" look? Any suggestions will be appreciated!!

I have the top of Fane's birthday quilt together. and hope to start on the quilting yet tonight. I am gaining more confidence with each project. Yahoo!!

Mystery Quilt

Yesterday Amy, my quilting mentor, emailed me about a Mystery Quilt in the July/August '09 Quiltmaker Magazine. This is what Amy had to say,
"I wanted to share another project with you. Bonnie Hunter (www.quiltville.com) has a 3-part "Mystery" quilt lined up, and Step 1 is in the July/August copy of Quiltmaker. This is the lady (via the Internet) that has taken my quilting to the next level! She is amazing!"

So this afternoon when Kasey and I went into Spooner I picked up the magazine. It looks like a fun challenge. I am going to read about it tonight and I think I just my try it!

I'll read after I work on Fane's birthday quilt. It needs to be finished by 1:00 on Sunday for his first birthday. (Haylee and Jerry's little guy!)

Kasey and I made two trips to town this afternoon. Our second trip was to the Yellow River Gardens to buy an Apple Tree for Chad and Katie's anniversary.

WIP's and UFO's

WIP--UFO--or also know as TOO MANY IDEAS!

I think those are the terms: WIP (Work in Progress) or UFO (Unfinished Objects)-
Yes-- I have a few of those too!
2 baby boy tops--one needs the binding , one needs the back and both need quilting
1 long table runner--needs the hand sewing on the binding-(Wildflower Serenade II fabric)
1 Christmas tote bag needs the lining sewn and put together-Figgy Christmas-Moda
1 Purse type bag needs the back and lining finished (Wildflower Serenade II)
2 Christmas table runners--need backs, batting, and binding (From my collection)
1 Christmas table runner--only needs to have the hand sewing finished (from stash)

Almost finished a Moda Pinwheel Baby quilt for Baby Schrankel due in July if its a girl!! (Emma Louise by Northcutt)
Need to start a quilt for Baby Schrankel if its a boy!!!

Quilt for Kasey when she moves to a bigger bed--(I have the fabric- Little Lady from Lakehouse Dry Goods )by Holly Holderman

"Big Brother" Obediah's big boy quilt!

Herb thought Obediah needed his own new quilt as a big brother to Will. I made a second Spilt Rail Cowboy quilt. This one is youth bed size. I added two extra blocks to the length. It is the same fabrics on the top. I placed the rails in different positions. It changed the look of quilt. The back is another retro look that I love. Obediah's big eyes were even bigger when he saw his quilt for the first time.

Baby Will's Cowboy Quilt

Someday we will tell Will all the names that we came up with around "Grandpa Herb and Grandma Linda's" kitchen table. Will's mom, Susanna, has had a special place in our hearts since she was a little little girl who wanted to "go to Chad's house and play." When we learned that Will was coming, I decided he needed his own quilt. Since his Daddy loves horses and rodeos what could be better than a cowboy quilt. I found a pattern in a book called, "I Can't Believe I'm Quilting" for a Split Rail baby quilt. When searching for fabric--there it was the perfect "retro" cowboy prints. I will post a picture of Will with his quilt the next time his mom and dad stop down.

Charming Baby Quilt for Evelyn Berrit Spiegelberg

Evelyn Berrit Speigelberg was born on 03/25/09 to Dar & Len. Her grandma Peg, has been the "sister I never had" since we were college roommates. When little Evie arrived I knew she needed a special quilt. I found this pattern called, "Charming Baby". It called for a charm pack-but I cut squares. I made my first attempt at Prairie Points. The pattern called for buttons in the center of each "windmill"--instead I sewed tuffs of yellow yarn for more tactile feel.
I am making progress at machine quilting.
I will post a pic of Evelyn with her quilt as soon as I receive one! (HINT!!)

Conner's Quilt:

Before my quilting class, I had purchased the fabric to make a quilt for Conner. I had tried cutting squares and a plan. After the class--I changed my pattern and sewed the quilt. It was a major learning experience with cutting, sewing, and discovering how to use my machine!

Two years ago I purchased a Janome Memory Craft 6500. It has several quilting stitches. I experimented with a variety of stitches. I found a quilting stitch that looks like tire tread to sew across the blocks. Using an applique stitch I sewed around the large machines in the panel. After it was finished and I looked it over I found layout problems. But I decided it was OK for my first independent project.
At least Conner loves it!

New Quilter:

My love of quilting officially started in January. I needed a stress reliever and always had wanted to learn to quilt. I had good intentions of learning from a book--after all I have sewn for years. Then I learned that the Shell Lake Community Education was offering a beginning quilter class being taught by a junior high teacher-Amy. There were 5 gals in the class quilting for the first time. We made a lap quilt designed by Amy. We each came away with a new confidence , wanting to learn more and five new friends! This is my almost finished quilt. I finished the binding and machine quilting after this pic.

2nd Day of Summer Vacation!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

It is the second day of vacation! WooHoo! I worked to finish all IEP's, quarterly goals reports, and report cards so I would be able to help Julie finish cleaning our room. We finished everything and I was able to walk out the door at 1:30 when Mr. Werner checked out my paperwork and classroom.

Monday through Thursday I am thrilled to have Kasey here with us. Her day care provider takes a week of vacation when school is out. This summer I will have her on Tuesdays- For a special grandma and Kasey day!

Yesterday--I had both Kasey and Conner during the afternoon.

These "Linda's Lines and Loves" may appear to wander-as I share the things I love!