Ready for Christmas

All I could get Cindy to do was peek her head over the top of this beauty -- it is a Red Wagon design from Gerry Kimmel-Carr's book, "Every Seven Years." Cindy was the one in the shop I made crazy with the block of the month programs! We always had a good time though.

Another Project by Sharon

Sharon just got married this spring so it was good to see her again! She used to work in the shop with me, and is such an accomplished quiltmaker. This is the latest one she's finished.

Working with Wool

This beautiful wool table mat is being made by Debbie. Perfect for Fall!

Candy's small quilt for the sale

The end of September brings the Quilters Guild of Greater Kansas City annual quilt show at Crown Center. Candy made this small quilt for the sale benefiting the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund. She's just finishing the binding.

Sew N Tell Pictures

Last Saturday I went to my Sew N Tell group in KC -- always fun to see others and what they're working on! My "new" niece, Andrea, came from St. Louis to go with me; here she is with her first quilt -- she hand pieced it and is in the process of hand quilting with varigated thread. She loves the whole process, and is anxious for her next project!

Mini New York Beauty

This wonderful quilt was made by Mary -- one of Jo Morton's Saturday Sewers and another true artist! The tiny New York beauty blocks are accented by her own applique design in the border. Another "must be seen" to be appreciated -- I'm just glad she brought it!

Jo Mac R's Art Quilt

Here's Jo Richard's own design -- I think she has a split personality -- The reproduction look and this. This quilt was made with several layers of different colors, she outlined the shapes and then cut through to the layer of color she wanted, and used the quilting machine for the thread painting, then embellished with lots of crystals. You have to see in person to fully appreciate it!

My friend Jo Mac R

At the first retreat Jo Morton had last June, I met Jo Richards from New Cambria, Kansas. She is a very talented quilter, especially with her long arm quilting machine. Here she is with her completed block from June, the appliqued flower basket. I've enjoyed getting to know her, now we have to go to all the retreats!

Salt Cellar Pincushion

Look at this darling little thing! Cindy brought it to the retreat and we all went crazy. It inspired a mad search of the local antique stores by some for the small salt cellars. I came home and found a few in the cabinet, and bought a few more off of eBay. What a great treasure to make for a special friend!

Sewing at the Orchard with Jo Morton

Last Thursday, I drove to Nebraska City, NE for my third time to attend Jo Morton's "Sewing at the Orchard" retreat. It was a great time -- being with friends and making new ones, and being inspired by others. The class project was making LeMoyne Stars by hand piecing; I used the stamp set from Cindy Blackberg and loved it. Here are blocks that were made during the class. We are having a block exchange for this block on the JoMortonStitchers Yahoo group, and the stamps will make it much easier!

Time Flies!

Wow! Where did the last month or so go? It is a beautiful summer here, and we enjoy every day the sun shines.
I'm leaving in a few minutes to go to Nebraska City, Jo Morton's "Sewing at the Orchard" retreat, where I'll see some old friends and make some new ones. I know I'll return inspired!
On the JoMortonStitchers Yahoo group, we just finished a Secret Sister Pincushion Exchange. I received a wonderful package from my SS in San Diego (one of my favorite places) and I'm posting a picture of it here. What a treat to receive something like this in the mail! I'm taking it along to use this weekend.