Spring in February

Another day of melting..... way to early for spring at least here. I do not mind the warmer temps but I do hope that when spring is supposed to come that we have those temps then too.

Another weekend that I hope to work on my challenge quilt and maybe start on a wall hanging.
 One for my sewing area with my blog title in. Sheila and I are each working on one.
 We'll see what happens, as we are also getting some company this afternoon. Hubby's niece is coming to check out some trucks at the dealerships out here. she totaled hers off a little while back, with the icy roads in the city.
I best get going and have some lunch and get ready for a nice visit.

in stitches
Annette

Labels and loose Threads

Well it's Wednesday once again and time for w.i.p's.

This weeks works in progress are a few quilt labels for some baby quilts. I like to use my Brother machine for  these. They get a little large but everyone seams to like them.I have a couple more to make to get caught up and then get the quilts off to the wee ones.

My other project is trimming any stray threads off the back of "Jewels of the Night " quilt ..... my challenge project. I do not want any stray black threads showing through in the light areas of the quilt. After I clean up the back a little I will get it ready to machine quilt.

Sorry to keep going on about this one with out any full pictures. I am very happy with how it is turning out and hope you all will like it when it is unveiled in April .

Well that weather outside is way too much like spring. We drove down to the beach (Manitou Beach) a 5 minute drive. and believe it or not there is a skunk out there, his perfume gave him away.

remeber to check out The Needle and Thread Network on my side bar to see what all the ladies have been up to

in stitches
Annette

Happy Dance ....... piecing done!

Jewels of the Night

I have the challenge quilt all pieced borders finished and now just the quilting to do. It sure takes time to decide what you want in different places on the quilt when you are designing. After changing my mind a couple times I went back to my  original thought and I am happy with it. It id different from any thing I had done before but I feel it works here.

Here is a peek at the border. I will revel the whole quilt in April after the deadline for enters and the quilting will be done then as well.

Sew now that I have met that challenge to myself to have the top pieced by the end of the month. I can do a couple other jobs that I have on the back burner . This is a quilt that I am fmq for a friend. The pattern is Yellow Brick Road. She wanted a meander stitch across the top, I should have it done some time today.

Then I will start to plan what I want to quilt on the Challenge quilt.
In stitches
Annette

All together

Well I have the challenge quilt all together just have to decide what I want on the last border. I think some applique. It is just over 90 inches square in size. Have the backing picked out just have to piece it. might have to do that while I am thinking over a couple ides. No picture just yet I will post one after the cut off date of April 15.
I guess I might have to find another project to do when I get this one complete. I do no think that will be to hard if I just try to finish a few that are started and work on the ones promised this year.
Off to stitch
   take care

In stitches
Annette

Off to Humboldt

This afternoon a friend and i went off to Humboldt to check out Haus of Stitches One of our favorite quilt shops.
There we found a few pieces of fabric to help finish off a project or two. I did find these for myself. The bottom three are to finish off my challenge quilt and one to make a Christmas item for next year.

At the Haus of Stitches we found that the conference schedule are ready. Wendy had given each of us a few. one to study and a few to share.

Sew now I will mark my calendar and start to pick a class or three. I will have to call another friend as we had talked about doing some together this year. I am looking forward to it already.
We where also told that the challenge projects are starting to come in. Way to go you early birds!
 Oh to be that organized.

Sew that was the fun part of my day today. Tonight I hope to finish the one border that I am working on and maybe get a start on the last border....... I just might make that dead line that I set for myself.
Take care
in stitches
Annette

Great quilts Ladies

The class went very well the students all get gold stars.
They turned out some nice work either a runner or a quit  and some both or doubled up on what they made first.
Sew with out further a due here is a class photo and a few of them hard at work.

9 Patch with a Twist 
aka
D9P

Well that is most of the gals at work. They all loved to see the different color choices and amount of color used. The look with using only 3 or 4 fabrics changes the quilt sew much. A few made an extra quilt after seeing the possibilities.

Sew once again Great job.I hope you continue to play with the block to see what else you can come up with.

In stitches

Annette

W.I.P. Wednesday

Well not to much to show just a little of the border that I am working on. Two sections down and only 38 to go as well as the corner units. I have given myself a goal date for the end of the month to have the challenge quilt top finished. I just might make it. It all depends on if I keep changing the last border. I think I will try to keep it simple and add only a few details to add to the over all quilt. I will unveil the complete top in April after the dead line has past. I have really enjoyed working on this quilt. It has made me step out of my comfort space and explore and play. I have learned more about my EQ7 program, and I am sure I will learn more as I continue to play with my fabrics.

Tonight is the second part of the D9P class. the ladies should get the tops all ready to quilt and may even try to machine or hand quilt in class. The next set of D9P classes have been set for Feb 8 & 15. I know space is limited sew we will have no more than 8 in the class. I think we are almost half way there.
I learn a little more each time that I teach from the students. And I get a little more comfortable teaching as well. This is also outside my comfort zone ...... but to grow I think you have to at least try.
Sew now I am off to make a couple samples for the class for quilting and binding.
Have a great day ( the sun is shining and the snow is a melting)
Check out my side bar for the link to The Needle and Thread Network to see what the other Canadian Gals have been up to.
in stitches
Annette