Splitting Stitches

Quilt Show Today....

2012-01-23T09:49:00.000-05:00

Haven't been posting as much as I should, getting a little better at reading and checking in on you all. Like everyone else life is just as busy as ever. Here's a few cool quilts for you enjoy from the comfort of your home.

Karen in NH

I did these for Karen way back in December, wait!! Was that just last month?? Seems like forever ago! Both quilts were Christmas gifts.

Lisa in VT

Lisa is a new quilter and began with this beautiful applique quilt. We decided to do an all over meander stitching. Lisa did a wonderful job on this beautiful quilt!

Barbara in MN

Remember the orange quilt from last September? It was made for hubbie to celebrate their anniversary? Well, Barbara has come up with another great quilt. How fun is this for a school fund raiser?

Great Job, Barbara!!

Ann Marie from FL

Ann Marie was a half price quilting winner and sent me this Bonnie Hunter stash buster quilt. Loved seeing all of the different fabrics that she used. Check out her blog posting at 16 muddy feet. Fabulous quilt!!

Judy M in NC

Yep, another Judy in NC! I think that brings the count up to 5! lol!! Judy M sent me a couple of great quilts to help her finish.

Betty Lou in TX

Another blogger!! Betty Lou also sent me a couple of fabulous quilts to add to her stash of finished quilts. Perfectly pieced these were a charm to work with! Check out Betty Lou's blog Sugarland Quilts. LOVE the broken Dresden plate quilt, wish I had time to do something like that!!

Dana in NH

Dana is in one of my guilds and is a sweetheart! She works with our super talented techie Chris to get all of the wonderful pictures on our flicker through our web site. Clear as mud?? If you belong to a guild or any group, this is one of the best things you could possibly do for new members. Pictures with names!! Anyway it takes a ton of time and I appreciate all of the effort that goes into what she does. I used one of my favorite designs, "Paws Prints" on two of her quilt it goes perfectly on any quilt with animals. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the last one with the dyed backing and the swirly stars-perfect and fun!! Here's Dana's quilts..

Okay, that's it for today!! If you'd like to see a few more pictures of these great quilts just check out the other blog:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

Got to get out of here and deliver a couple more quilts that I finished up and then the guys in my life for some unknown reason think they need to be fed, so the grocery store in another stop. While I'm in town Staples, JoAnn's and maybe treat myself to lunch out. Who knows...

Well, you all have a wonderful day, and a better week!

Thanks for checking on me!

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say........

What does Cotton Candy, Christmas Paisley and Dutch have to do with quilting???

2012-01-17T23:31:00.000-05:00

Have you ever sent an email to a wrong person?? Well, that's what I did earlier today, but I did it big!!! I sent the email to a group, not just one, several people!! Yep, not just one person, but an entire guild!! Of course it made absolutely no sense to them and I've had a couple of people ask "what does Cotton Candy have to do with quilting?". Here's the email that I sent to the group (slightly changed-I checked my spelling and corrected a couple of errors that I noticed AFTER I hit the send key). Well, here is the email and what Cotton Candy has to do with quilting.....

Hi Ladies,

I've added a couple of quilts that I have recently. I used "Cotton Candy" on one, and my customer LOVES it!! She is a new quilter and the design allowed a little room to move some of the "extra" that comes with slightly wavy borders. She loves the back as much as she does the front. I used a dark thread that blends well with the front, but jumps out on the plain muslin backing.

Second is the "Christmas Paisley". Again I used a completely blending thread (at customer's request) and the quilt is going to have some beautiful texturing after it's washed!! LOVE IT!! Very subtle Christmas design.

Lastly I wanted to share the "Dutch" design that I used. This is a cheater quilt made way-back-when, but was part of my customer's UFO pile. Using Dutch it brings out the printed motif on the fabric and gave her a beautiful backing that she can be proud of!!

Thanks for looking, love to hear what you think!!

joanne

That's what Cotton Candy has to do with quilting....it's the name of the quilting design from Anne Bright where I get most of the quilting designs that I use. This message was supposed to go to the Anne Bright Yahoo group, I sent it to the Northern Lights Quilting Guild group. Think I've got too many irons in the fire? Maybe....lol!!

I do see things slowing a tad and I've had time to check in with a few of you blogging gals. Love all of the fun stuff you guys are doing, but what's up with Blogger?? Am I the only one having issues with posting comments?? Can you say annoying???

Okay, that's it for today! I'm thinking I've done enough! I've got more quilts

to share so stay tuned!!

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.......

Where are the words?

2012-01-10T09:17:00.000-05:00

I've been hit or miss reading blogs, and definitely a miss on the postings of my blog. Checking in now and then more often than not I see others with the same general postings about not blogging, being busy, life getting in the way.

The blogging community is HUGE, but I probably don't have to tell you that. If you are reading this post chances are you are a blogger and know all about the blogs and the postings. The blogs you follow may be different than the ones that I do, but I'm sure you have run across the same thing and know exactly where I'm coming from. I have written before about the unbelievable commitment that blogging can be and again I'm probably preaching to the choir.

I've been as busy as ever machine quilting for a number of wonderful gals. I have plenty of quilts to share. Just yesterday I shipped three boxes out (Betty Lou, Ann Marie and

Judy M). I've got Barb's ready to go, and I'm working on Dana's and Caitlin's is up next. Bev called yesterday and she's got another one she would like to drop off. And I'm working with a new gal and will see her quilt soon.In the mean time, I start as President of one guild and I'm arranging a fashion show with the other. So I guess life is kinda busy my direction.

So for today I'd like to share a few quilts that I have come my way. This year I'd really like to stay caught up on just posting the fabulous works of love that I have been trusted with by their owners.

Let's begin with Terry. Terry (blog link there) is a sweetheart and we all know it. She waited much to long for these to get done and I really appreciate her patience. Her first quilt is a half square triangle quilt that is so bright and cheery. I love it!! The second one is very country charm. I think the quilting will add to this one once it's washed and all puckery they way we love them.

Next I have Karen in IN. LOVE this t-shirt quilt that she sent me. Many of the t-shirts that she used are so inspirational. We finished it off with a simple meandering stitch. Here's a link to Karen's blog. Now here's a picture of the quilt:

Judy S in NC sent me the following quilts. The first one is for her son who is a huge football fan and the other two are for her adorable little granddaughters. Here's her quilts...

It amazes me that if I can force myself to sit, the words will come. It seems difficult when I don't have anything on my mind before I sit down to actually sit and do it! Clear as mud? Well, that's sorta how I roll...

As always take a peek at the other pictures I've posted on the

other blog, here's the link:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

Thanks for checking on me,

Have a fabulous week.....

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say........

See what I've been up too....

2011-12-29T10:16:00.011-05:00

"Happy New Year!!"

Remember when Frosty the Snowman wakes up and says that and we all chuckle because he is clueless about the day and time? That's kinda where I feel like I am these days. Clueless about what day it is, where I am, but I just keep on going!! lol!! Yes, LOL!!! I know you all can relate!!

I've been as busy as ever!! Here's just a few, yup I've still got more to share, but here's a few of the latest beautiful quilts that have come my way.....

Bev in NH did this drop dead stunning quilt for a 16 year old niece. I love it!! Bev does such fabulous work!

This great one came from Caitlin in NC. Caitlin works at Spoonflower, it's a cool place to get your own fabric printed. Take a peek! This was a Christmas gift for her brother and sister in law, lucky couple!

Next we have Cecelia in WV. I LOVE this one too!! The colors are fabulous!!! Makes me want to add another quilt to my "Gotta Make" list. Cecilia has a blog: My Quilting Room, looks like she hasn't posted in a while (we all know what that is like, right?), maybe this will be a little inspiration to get back to it.

Tita in VT finished this beauty at the quilting retreat that we attended last October. She decided to use up some of those Kaffe Fassett prints that she had in her stash. Resulted in this great little quilt.

Erica in NY - love the contrasting colors of this one! Erica also has a blog,

Heart, Poodle ~ A Quilting Blog drop in and read her story on this quilt she sent me.

She can tell the story much better than I can.

Sandy in NH - dropped off a couple of wonderful quilts for me to work with. The pink baby one is going to wash up all soft and wonderful for some special little girl. Loved the daisy's on her other one and I managed to find just the perfect design to go with it!

Rachel in NH kept me busy with these three. Notice the way she fussy cut the first one? It appears as if there is a true lattice around each one of the blocks! Rachael has the patience of a saint, probably because she is! You might remember Rachael from my blog posting Retreat Fairlee Credible Bowheads when she attempted to teach us how to make Cathedral Windows and we started at 10 pm. Not good!! AND Rachael also put the quilt together for Sharon and Andy, she is a sweetheart!! Okay, back to her quilts - the second one is interesting that the antique style print shows the Sun Bonnet as a print on the wall of the little girl's room. The last quilt is a sampler style quilt that I helped get to the finished stage.

Northern Lights Quilting Guild in NH - great quilt using half square triangles. This quilt will go into our Community Service quilt stash and will be given to a family when needed. Great program.

Nancy in PA sent me these three great quilts to work with. I did a simple meandering stitch on the first one and it came out wonderful!! Again another perfect example that you don't have to have a fancy stitching to finish a quilt nicely. We used a deep contrasting black thread for the next one. NOT my style, but it's what Nancy wanted to do so I stepped out of my box for this quilt and LOVED the results!! The last little quilt had so many cute little cats on it, so fun to work with!

Marsha in VT kept me busy with her quilts. The first one is one that she did using the 2" strips at one of our guild's Sit & Sew Saturday. It turned out fabulous!! The second is a scrappy one that she works on continually. She cuts all of her scraps into 5" lengths and then used a white strip to sash them with. The finish quilt is great and a PERFECT way to use up those scraps! The third quilt is a blue and yellow sampler, followed by a super sweet baby quilt and lastly a warm and cozy fall quilt. They were all great quilts for me to work on, and now Marsha has 5 less unfinished tops-YAY, Marsha!!

Can you believe it??? THIS is what I've been up too!! All of these and more!

Yep, more!! I've got one on the frame now (Karen) and I'm working

with Terry, you all know, Terry's Treasures, who has been so

patient in my getting to her quilts.

I've got three boxes (Judy Mc, Betty Lou and Anne Marie) that need postage

and emails written and I'm waiting for Judy S to let me know her box arrived. And Tita called today tempting me to go on a road trip to Quilted Threads!!

For more pictures of these great quilts head on over to the other blog you won't be sorry that you did, here's the link:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

I probably won't post again until after the New Year, so I'd like to wish all of you a

Safe and Happy New Year!!!

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say............

Bedrunners?

2011-12-06T09:10:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of a bed runner that I quilted for Judy in NC a while back. Judy always does a fabulous job on her piecing and makes my job super easy.

She also sent me this adorable little quilt. The pictures do not do the quilt justice.

I believe she called this one Crisscross Applesauce. The back of this one was as fabulous as the front. But I can always count on Judy for sending me nothing but wonderful things to work with.

I don't think I've been out of my room for the last 4 days! Thank heaven for the crock pot otherwise my family would starve. I spent 5 hours on one quilt on Sunday and 2 and half hours on a bed runner for Brandy last night! Both were just an edge to edge designs, nothing really that special. I'm beginning to log the time spend on each quilt to get an idea on how much time I actually spend at the machine.

Speaking of...I'd better get back at it. I'm just now getting to quilts that came in the first of November, so I am terribly behind. I've posted more pictures of Judy's quilts at the other blog, you can check them out here:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

But before I go....anyone doing the SewMamaSew giveaway day?

I'm thinking....yeah or nah? Do we really need it right now?

Well, that's it off to do a load of laundry and try to get a quilt or two done today!

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say...............

Quilts on Monday

2011-11-28T09:13:00.000-05:00

Judi in VT sure can keep me busy!! Most of her quilts are lap quilts, but they are fabulous! The color combinations and the designs that Judi works with are amazing!! I would say that Judi is very much the non-traditional quilter, throws caution to the wind and ends up with some very cool art quilts. Here's the ones that I have recently worked on for her......

Cute little I Spy, not a traditional quilt for Judi, but a work of love.

Again, the color combo on these were amazing!! The fabrics were beautiful!

I think this is one of my very, very favorites! the top is one piece of dyed fabric, and the bottom is a combination of many different pieces. Judi appliqued some flying geese (used print on fabric) on this and it was stunning!! I wish I had a picture of the finished quilt!

Don't forget that you can click on the picture for a closer look and as always I've posted more pictures on my other blog, check them out here:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

Hope you all had a super fabulous Thanksgiving with lots and lots of family and friends at your table. All the kids were home and we had some friends from Indiana join us, it was a great Thanksgiving at our house. The time passed much too quickly and the house got quiet faster than I would have liked for it too.

I'm off to finish a story about Sally the Left Handed Quilter for the guild, and a couple of other fun games to play at the December meetings. Got a fun idea of using quilt block names to create words from Sue at Quilt Times. Using EQ7 to make the words, managed to come up with a block for every letter except the Y and I'll be using "Yo-Yo's" for it. It's going to be fun....I hope!!

Got to scoot...tons to do, and those quilts are screaming my name!! Have a super duper wonderful week!

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.............

Yep, I've been busy or A Parade of Quilts

2011-11-18T08:49:00.000-05:00

Recently I posted that gals love coming to pick up their quilts because they get to see all of the ones I have sitting around in my quilting space. Can't call it a 'studio', don't know why, just something I've gotten hung up on way back in the scrapbooking days. Everybody had a 'studio', not me I've got a 'space'. More on that later. Let's get to it shall we?

Bev in NH

OMG!!!!! I just about couldn't let go of this cute little puppy dog quilt!! Bev does such a fantastic job with her piecing and she keeps telling me she's a beginner. If we all could quilt like Bev there would be no bubbles in the borders, open seams in the quilt, just

a perfect job. Anyway here is the adorable little puppy quilt complete with

puppy paw prints.

This quilt was a gift for a friend of Bev's, another perfect quilt....

Andrea in NH

Andrea got my name and number from Karen (Kelsey's mom and I've got a Karen quilt on the frame now). This lovely quilt had been laying around unfinished for a few years. I got the impression that Andrea loved the quilt, but not the hand quilting. I can completely relate!! So for about $35 she got the quilt machine quilted and here it is ready for binding....

Tudy in OH

Tudy is a blogger, and is Terry's Mom. Terry always has great projects on her blog! Just checked Tudy's Craft Cupboard and the gals have posted lots of pictures and a short story about Tudy's quilt. The thing I love best about this quilt is the name of the quilting design, Emily. Emily is Terry's daughters name and the quilting design looks beautiful on this great quilt. Here's a picture that I have to share...

Betty in NH

This is the second quilt I've done for Betty, it is an adorable little girl's quilt with

lots of colors and pieces! She did a fabulous job....

Sue in NJ

Sue has sent me a few quilts, but this one is the best yet! Love the color combination of this one. Sue now has another great quilt to add to her collection.

Gene in AL

We all know Gene from Gene Black an Alabama Artist he sent me his Lantern Quilt for quilting. Here's a picture that I got before sending it back to Gene.

Sue in NH

This is another example that simple meandering can finish any quilt nicely. Here's a quilt that I quilted for Sue, the charge was $35 and her quilt is just about done. Looks great!!

Joyce in NC

The gals from North Carolina sure do keep me busy, but I see some super fabulous quilts working with them. Here's the last batch that I got from Joyce, I think she's been working on or through her stash. Some really great quilt here...

Well, that's it for today! I still have more that I could post but I need to scoot the feet and get busy!! Making all of those Thanksgiving plans to cook, picking up Marcy my sweetie daughter later today at the airport and hopefully some friends from Indy will be joining us too.

As always, I've posted more pictures of each one of these fantastic quilts on the other blog pop on over and check them out, you won't be sorry that you did!

Insanely Cheap Quilting

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say............

Catching up....

2011-11-09T09:18:00.000-05:00

Things have been as crazy as always, but I'm beginning to see the light of day here. My new co-position of programs chair at the guild is slowing down as Annette and I have set the schedule for next year and have signed on for a monthly Sit & Sew for our members. Good thing, I'm slated to take over the prez. at the other guild that I belong too...I'm already having one way chats with many of the member about the guild. More on that later, I want to take this post and get some things out of the way.

I received this wonderful PIF from Clara at Cannellaemele. Clara lives in Italy, how cool is that? Her blog name translated to English means cinnamon and apples, and it makes perfect sense! Her wonderful blog is filled with examples of her hand work and often she shares pictures of her wonderful cooking. If you'd like to see a little of Italy head on over to Clara's blog and become a follower. She posts in Italian as well as English so it's a very easy read for those of us state side. Okay, here's what she sent, isn't it adorable???

Easier than trying to take picture of self while wearing apron...

Isn't her hand work beautiful???

My hubs is second generation Italian, I muddied the waters being of 'mut' decent. I am lovin' this new book that Clara sent!

I've picked these as the first things I'm going to try. Can't wait!!!

I've just about got all of the quilts that I've been working on in files and posted but not published in the Insanely Cheap Quilting blog. I've shameless fallen waaaayyyyy behind and not posted since October 4th, which was about the same time I unloaded the camera. I have no idea how many quilts I'm going to have to share, but I'm just going to post them all at once. I've got more that I'm working on/with.

Checked out Suzan at Reluctant Quilter this morning, looks like the fabric is flying! She's on a bag marathon and her room is a mess!! BLESS her for sharing, makes me feel good!! Also poor Linda at Fiber Fabrications is dealing with some pretty vicious spiders - ICK!!! I noticed that The Mennonite Girls are making some pumpkin cookies- YUM, but I'm thinking half the batter will get some mini chocolate chips. Terry is doing more hand work and it looks great as usual, check this out: Terry's Treasures. These are just a few of the blogs that I've quickly hit. I still need to catch up with Kelly, Barb, SewCalGal, Allie, just to name a few of my favorite gals!! Looking forward too some great blog reading!

Off to the quilting room, need to get things in order for a guild meeting tonight and another quilt on the frame. Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.......

Keepsake Quilting....

2011-10-27T08:51:00.000-04:00

The retreat was just a few miles away from (of all places) Keepsake Quilting!

How fun is that??

Here's a few pictures I took to give you an idea of what the Keepsake

actually looks like. Talk about some major shopping!!

I spy a few retreaters in the pictures!!

I am looking forward to a quieter November, I'm still on

that fast track, sigh....

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say......

Quilting Brings us together....

2011-10-24T09:01:00.001-04:00

Just finished loading the retreat pictures and I've got tons to share. Seems like my last few posts have been about friends. I thought I'd start on the same note with the retreat pictures.

Retreats are fun. You eat too much, usually sleep too little, some of us get a project or two further along in the process. But the absolute best part of retreats I have found to be spending time with the important people in your lives. Just take a look at these pictures that I have today...

Sisters Nancy and Eileen

Had to take a couple...they were out of control.

Sisters Nina and Suellen

Sisters Anne and Mary

Mom and daughter...Ruth and Gisela

Cousins Peggy and Penny

Friends Terry, Pat and Judy

Friends Linda, Josie, Betsy and Joyce

Friends Barb and Jane

This is what it's about....family and friends spending time together. This was my second retreat with this group and learning the stories behind the friendships was time well spent. I hope in the years to come I can learn more about these amazing women and their stories.

To quote a line from the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding "The men may be the head of the house but the women are the neck and they can turn the head anyway they want." Yep, the men may have the illusion of being in charge but it is truly the strenght of women and their bonds that keep the world going.

It was a fabulous weekend thanks to everyone who attended. More pictures and stories to come this week. Hope you all had a fantastic weekend, I certainly did....

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say....................

Where do I begin???

2011-10-19T12:10:00.000-04:00

Hello Friend!!

If you are still with me you are definitely a friend. I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted, yet I can believe it. Checking my calendar I have been away from home 10 of the 19 days this month and that is not counting the grocery shopping. Now remember I live in the boonies, so when I go to the grocery store it's at least a 2 hour event and those 10 things rated an entry on my date book. I knew it was a bad sign when I plugged the camera in and the last day I unloaded the pictures were October 5th. OH MY!!!

I've got so much to share and today so little time to do it. Today I headed to Henniker to an absolutely wonderful quilt shop named Quilted Threads. I'm doing their BOM with a friend and it's a 42 miles or a 45 minutes drive. Now that might seem like a haul for some of you, but for around here's that's nothing!! When Lynn said she wanted to do it and asked if I wanted to join her I thought she was out of her mind!! I asked if she would do it without me, and when she said she would, boy was I relieved!! I didn't want to say yes and have her do it just because I said yes. Did you get all of that?? Well, I just didn't want to be her green light to crazy! We solve all kinds of world problems on this quick drive!

Okay, about the shop Quilted Threads. Here's a picture of the BOM that we are doing.

Today I am LOVIN' them!! I am really not surprised, Quilted Threads is a very, very classy shop. They carry the latest in everything! Fabrics, patterns and gadgets, you really can find it all there. Take a minute to visit the shop by staying a moment on their home page. Different pictures of the shop will appear. BUT!!!! This is a cleaned up visit to the shop!! Usually there are beautiful quilts draped over the second floor railing and they are just to die for!! AND they definitely give you the inspiration that you need! This is the first time I've seen my BOM's on a design wall, and I LOVE the blues and creams together. We just picked up block 10 today and will have 2 more after that. 13 blocks set on point...I have a feeling it's going to be a great quilt. I just need to figure out the sashing, borders and all of the rest of the details.

Moving on....guess who's packing for a retreat??? ME!! ME!! ME!! You know one of those place where to go and eat too much, sleep too little, rub elbows with the local talent and if you are lucky get a little sewing done?? I'm dragging the laptop and camera. Won't get to upload any pictures until I return but I am hoping to check in with and catch up on my blogging friends.

I have TONS of quilt pictures to share. Spending so little time at home this month has put me behind again on posting the wonderful quilts that come my way. I also want to share the info about a block swap we are doing with the guild. It's a "Freddy Moran Style" swap, and I've really got the gals stepping out of their boxes and scratching their heads. I'm already keeping very close tabs on November, I don't want it to get out of hand like October did. Hope all of my blogging buddies are doing well!!

That's it for today, thanks everyone for checking in.

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say...........

Blogging Friends.....Make me smile!

2011-10-04T10:23:00.000-04:00

Everyday I am reminded of how lucky I am to have met some of the greatest women on the net. Yesterday my post was about just three of my blogging friends. A couple more today.....

This little guy just makes me smile....

It was sent to me by the super, super sweet Laurie. I was following her blog and noticed that she was gathering some blocks for another gal who was going through a bad time. This is just Laurie's style, thinking of others. I had a pet project of my own at that point and couldn't help out. But later I discovered some quilting still needed to be done so I offered to do it. Well....so that lead into doing a wonderful quilt for Laurie you can see the posting here and I found this little cutie in the box when it arrived!! My blog posting that day is Smiles and this little guy definitely brings out smiles. Laurie moved from Maine to Texas and many of us followed her in the journey. She's been a little lax about the blogging lately we need to send her some blogging love to get her going again. So hop on over and say hello here's the link:

West Texas Threads

Another sweetie.....is Terry and you all know her from her blog:

Terry's Treasures

This gal is amazing!! I just finished a quilt for her, it was a beautiful Irish Chain, done with WHITE!! I don't do white, and am in awe of the gals who do. I've worked on a few of quilts for Terry and they are wonderful!! Perfectly trimmed on the back, I'm thinking she's a perfectionist!! If you don't know Terry pop on over to her blog and check her out. Her hand work is amazing and she does some of the cutest little projects. Want to know how I know? WELL....THIS came in my mail yesterday.....

How amazingly cool is that??? See!!! I told you blogging friends are the best!!! Here's a link to Terry's blog where she blogs about working on this project. AND gosh darn it!! While I was capturing that link I saw some really cute little chicken things that I need to go back and read. I get behind but ALWAYS go back and read all of the post that I missed on the blogs listed on my side bar.

Okay, now I need to show you pictures of the last quilt that I worked on for Terry....

I've posted more pictures of this amazing quilt on my other blog:
Insanely Cheap Quilting

Now didn't I tell you that blogging friends are the best???

thanks for checking on me,
hugs,
joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.......

Blogging Friends are the BEST!!!

2011-10-03T10:09:00.000-04:00

Dictionary.com has this to say about blog, blogging......

blog

Show Spelled [blawg, blog] Show IPA noun, verb, blogged, blog·ging.

noun

1. a Web site containing the writer's or group of writers' own experiences, observations, opinions, etc., and often having images and links to other Web sites.

verb (used without object)

2. to maintain or add new entries to a blog.

Here's what it means to me:

Blog:

1. Great place to meet wonderful people.

2. Valuable source for new ideas and project.

3. Enabler - ;) (you know what I'm talking about!)

4. HUGE responsibility!

5. All of this and much more.....

So today I'm going to share a couple of quilts that recently came my way. The first one is from a very famous blogger. This gal is a hoot! Everyone absolutely LOVES her and she has the best little shop on the net. Know who it is yet? Well, if you guessed.....

Kelly at I Have A Notion

you were correct. She is one of my very, very favorite bloggers! I know when Kelly writes a post it's going to be filled with valuable information and loads of fun. I'm sure most of you already know and follow her blog, but if you don't...it's a MUST DO in the blogging world. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Kelly and I Have a Notion shopping.

A little info about the quilt before the pictures. Kelly needed this quilt done ASAP and asked if I could do a quick turnaround. Not a problem. I can and will do quick turnarounds for special people when the pressure is on. I've been there myself, pushed it out till I was stressed because of the deadline. Now, I don't think this little quilt was that critical, but it was a cute little quilt that took me no time at all. The flip side to that for me, is I didn't take as many pictures as I should have. So I only have 3 pictures to share. Here's one....

Got it in, got it out. No problem. Very easy design. Fastforward a little and I get an email from Kelly. She has a friend who is in need of something done quick. It's a signature piece for a wedding.....ha!! who hasn't been there? Yep, a week (or less) before the event and we're still plugging away. Totally insane isn't it? Anyway, sure I can do it. It was another small piece so I could get it on and off in one evening. Here's what Kelly's friend Diane's piece looked like.....

It is a beautiful little quilt/wall hanging that I know the bride is going to cherish for years to come. I did have the opportunity to chat with Diane after she got the piece back and she's was so easy to chat with and a real doll.

Another blogger that you may or may not know is Barb. Her blog is...

A Corgi to Quilt By

I had the pleasure to meet Barb and her hubbie when they came up to New Hampshire to drop off her quilt. I blogged about it here. What a sweetie she is!! AND she teaches High School!! She has my admiration!!

Barb is having a 200 followers giveaway. So if you don't follow her, now is the time. Head on over to her blog, enter in the giveaway, she's got three different prizes going so I'm sure there will be something for everyone. Let her know I've sent you her direction.

Okay, so I've got one more blogger to chat about this morning.

Sandi over at.....

Crazy 'Bout Quilts

has listed me on her list for the Versitle Blogger Award. Look for a posting from me in the next couple of days to see where I take this one. Sandi's blog is fun place to hang out as she post about all of the fun stuff that she's working on. Head over her direction and check out the other bloggers on the list.

I'm thinking that's enough for today...See I told you blogging friends are the best!! AND I only shared about three of them!! I'm thinking I've made up for my last post when I couldn't find anything to rattle on about...other blog of mine for more pictures

But before I go, don't forget to hit the

from Kelly and Diane. Here's the link:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say................

No words....just quilts....

2011-09-29T09:24:00.000-04:00

I've been putting off posting, can't seem to find the

words....life is just as hectic as ever, but isn't every one's?

So, here's a few quilts to enjoy.....

From Nancy in PA......

The first two are fun quilts and the last one is beautiful! As usual, you

can find more pictures are at the other blog....

Insanely Cheap Quilting

Hope you all have had a wonderfully productive week,

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.......

Houston Quilt Show

2011-09-27T12:08:00.000-04:00

Quick post about the most amazing hour and 10 minutes I've spent on the computer watching a video in ages!! Here's the link:

Houston Quilt Show

It is brought to us by the wonderful people at C & T Publishing...read further, but don't forget to go and watch this video-it is amazing!!! Here is the info I got in the email......

Exclusive invite to view "Stitched: The Film" for FREE!

We have a fantastic FREE gift for you! From all of us at C&T Publishing, and our friends Alex and Ricky at TheQuiltShow.com, we bring you FREE access to Stitched: The Film. For a limited time you can watch this engaging film, which is sure to give you new insight into the world of quilting and quilt competition.

Stitched was created and produced by Jena Moreno, a long-time Houston, TX resident. After watching thousands of quilters descend on the city every year, she decided to find out what was going on. The result, Stitched, profiles three notable quilters—Hollis Chatelain, Caryl Bryer Fallert, and Randall Cook—and their quest to enter pieces into the International Quilt Festival competition.

This exciting film is not available anywhere else online, making this an exclusive treat just for YOU! The film will be available starting Today, September 26th through Wednesday, September 28th, 2011, and can only be accessed by clicking this private link.

Be sure to “like” C&T Publishing on facebook for exclusive offers and exciting opportunities like this one.

Don't forget to stop by and let C&T know how much we appreciate this special viewing. They are wonderful to the quilters and sponsor so many events for us.

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say............

That's some quilt!

2011-09-26T20:26:00.000-04:00

Aren't these just three of the best looking quilts you have ever seen?

I just LOVE Judy C in NC!! Her quilts are such a dream for me to work with. Notice how in the last picture the edge of that quilt is straight, go ahead click on it...you will be able to see how great that gal puts together her tops. I can always count on the easiest quilts to work with when they are coming from Judy.

I've posted more pictures of these beautiful quilts over at the other

blog. Here's the link for you to check it out....

Insanely Cheap Quilting

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.........

Printing a Blog

2011-09-20T09:38:00.000-04:00

A while back I was whining, I KNOW, hard to believe isn't it...about running

out of space for my pictures. Here's what I did to eliminate that little problem....

This was a super fun box to open. Inside this little brown box was my blog in print! Here's what the front cover looks like. I downloaded this picture of the carnation from somewhere on the web. But I could have used any picture, you get to choose.

The web site: Blog2Print makes the process easy!! Trust me, if I can do it, you can do it! Blog2Print has made it quick and easy!! You will need to sign in and create an account. Then you can start creating a book right away. **MAJOR HINT** Clean up your post. In my first book (shown below) I printed one year and just threw caution to the wind, and printed it all. With the second book, I went through all of my blog post and deleted

post(s) that I didn't want to keep. You know, those quick two line post telling about a giveaway that happened over a year ago. I also took the time to delete some of my pictures that I didn't want in the book. If you take the time to do this it will reduce the number of pages in your book and will end up costing less for the printing. If you click on this picture you can see that it is my very first blog posting.

Here's a picture of a couple of my posting from August 2009. My beautiful daughter and her Goodwill suit and us moving. WOW!! Can't believe two years has passed so quickly.

Here's the post from our fun trip to the Cabot Sock Factory! It really was

lots of fun, I'm hoping to go back again this year.

Here's the cover of the first book that I printed. Since it was Marcy's Purdue quilt

that got me started, I felt it very appropriate to put it on the cover of my

Insanely Cheap Quilting blog book. It was the quoted price of having this

quilt machine quilted that pushed me into purchasing my HQ16.

Here's a page from the book. For me this is a fantastic way to keep tabs on all of the quilts that I have quilted. It does bring back some good and some not so good, hey, not gonna lie...not all of those quilts were a piece of cake you know!! lol!! But the blog book was easy peasy!!

Here's the two books, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!!

Like I said, you can spend as much or as little time and money on this

little project as you like.

Blog2Print

makes it do-able, very do-able!! OH!! Before I close, I need to tell you that at

one point I couldn't figure out what I was doing, imagine that...anyway, they also have wonderful customer service without making you feel like a big dummy. (just sayin'...)

And another...... OH!!!

Since I've gotten all of my old postings in print I can just delete them freeing up more space and I can just keep on posting! After all, who (no one!!) is going to go back and read any post over a year old!

Okay, that's it for today, I've got to get that machine moving.

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say..............

Simply Elegant....Seeing Double?

2011-09-16T12:42:00.000-04:00

My house is almost like living in an ongoing quilt show, but better....I get to touch the quilts! Everyone knows the first rule at a quilt show is "Don't Touch the Quilts". How lucky am I that I get to "Touch the Quilts" and I love it! Having so many beautiful quilts coming and going all of the time the ~~family~~ boys are pretty used to working with them. The boys, AKA - the quilt hangers (they hold the quilts for pictures) know the proper way to handle the quilts. Don't drag the ground, hold it up, fan fold it, you know just "the rules". Having them know "the rules" made them extra handy last spring when they (ahem) volunteered to help set up and take down the guilds quilt show. Okay, back to my point.....seeing all of the quilts that we do, the hubs will occasionally comment on the ones he really likes. He loved these two quilts, but who wouldn't?

Recently I had the pleasure of working on a couple of quilts that were amazing!! I met Ester at one of my guilds and was thrilled when she asked if I would quilt her quilt. Who? Me? Really?? Ester's quilts are fabulous! I *think* she's been quilting for years and years! She has perfected the art. Her pieces draws the big bucks at the quilt show auction, because "Ester made it". So here's a couple of pictures of her beautiful quilt.....

Then I get a phone call from Betty. She's been working with Ester and Betty wanted to know if I could quilt her quilt, sure no problem. I was surprised when she arrived and I pulled out this beauty! Just like Ester!And here's a couple of pictures of Betty's quilt.....

They look like the same quilt, don't they? Both quilts were a dream to work on. I used the same design for the quilting, Denali by Anne Bright and it was the perfect addition to these beautiful quilts. I didn't realize until Ester introduced Betty the other night at our guild meeting that Betty is Ester's niece! Such a talented family!

I've posted a few more pictures at the other blog:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

That's it for today...
Thanks for checking on me, have a fabulous weekend!
hugs,
joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.........

Half Price Quilting Again?!?

2011-09-14T14:48:00.000-04:00

One of the lucky winners of my "Half Price Quilting Giveaway" has her own machine! And I was completely clueless!! How Insane is that??!! Well, that's me Insane, but I keep telling people, I've got 4 teenagers...that should explain it!

Being the sweetie that she is, she's decided to pass the opportunity along.
For all of the details, you'll need to head over to Sandi's blog:

Crazy 'Bout Quilts

Sandi is a real sweetie, and you will love her blog as much as I do, I'm really
lovin' the little house quilt that she just did. So, click on over to Sandi's for another
chance at the Half Price Quilting.

Good luck
thanks for checking on me,
hugs,
joanne

love to hear what you've got to say......

Quilts and GO! Dies....

2011-09-13T09:14:00.000-04:00

Here's a beautiful sampler quilt from Jessi in CA. It was a quick and easy quilt for me to work on. Definitely a pleasure.....

Here's a t-shirt quilt that I received from Laura in TX. Here's what she tells me about her son: "My son's name is Dane, and in my humble opinion, he's a rock star. Number 4 in his class, varsity basketball player on the number 3 ranked team in Texas, Eagle Scout, outdoorsman, and just an all around good kid.". Dane headed off to college in August and I'm sure he was happy to take this wonderful quilt with him. This block just makes me smile.

LOVE this picture!!!

This huge, wonderful, fun quilt came from the Northern Lights Quilting Guild. We played Bingo with the blocks and then some wonderful person put the blocks into this quilt. I LOVE these quilts!!

Just makes me smile.........

Anyone interested in these GO! dies?? This set is $50, plus shipping from New Hampshire. I'm attempting to do a favor for a friend who would like to sell these dies and a few others. If you are interested in these or any other GO! Dies, post a comment and I'll send you his info.

Don't forget you can click on the pictures for a closer look, and for additional pictures of these and other wonderful quilts hit the other blog:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

Thanks for checking on me,

Hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.....

Barb's's Quilts....

2011-09-08T09:34:00.000-04:00

gotcha!!

Sharing a couple of quilts today, both were made by

a "Barb". One lives in CT and

the other lives in MN! How funny is that??

Barb in CT delivered this beautiful quilt that just brightened up

my quilting room! I loved having it and it was a dream to work with. Barb

is a blogger and you can visit her blog it's:

A Corgi to Quilt By

Checked on her today, and she's showing another fun quilt, looks

like Halloween at her house! It was fun to meet Barb and her hubbie when

they dropped off this quilt. Here's a couple of pictures of her

beautiful quilt.....

My second Barb from MN sent me this drop dead orange quilt!!

It was so fun, I loved the colors and fabrics that she used. I think I

can tell you that it's a quilt for her hubbie, he probably doesn't read my blog.

The quilt is an anniversary present that

she has made for him, orange is his favorite color.

Their 11th anniversary is in November, so it will be

11-11-11 for their 11th!! How fun is that??!!

Barb told me that she is a new quilter and found this pattern at

Patchwork Times the pattern design is called Peaches and Dreams.

Barb mentioned that she didn't use all of the borders, she didn't want

the quilt to be that large. Barb did a fabulous job on this quilt and

I know her hubbie is going to absolutely love this gift!! Here's

a couple of pictures.....

You can see a couple more pictures of these wonderful quilts

(don't forget you can click on the pictures for a
closer look) at my other blog:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

That's it for today!

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say...................

Peeping season is coming & here's "the list"......

2011-09-05T10:15:00.000-04:00

Here' s a tree in my neck of the woods....the snow will be here soon...
not sure I'm quite ready for it, but I should have a few quilts
to keep me busy.

I asked the boys for the numbers, yep, they were my random
number generators....after all, they are my quilt holders. So if your name is on

this list you can thank Danny, Joey or Tory. Here we go.....

Sandi-Call Me Crazy

Needled Mom

Rhonda L

Stray Stitches

Gene B

Reluctant Quilter

Ann Marie

Jen CA

Mike IN

Rachael D

Teresa N

Devon V

Ferne W

Michelle G

Barb CT

Barbara MN

Mommarock

Lori Quilted Horses

Beeps

Donna FL

If your name is on this list, I am offering you the chance to have a quilt of

your choice quilted by me at half my already low price. Email me for the details.

Hope you are having a wonderful holiday weekend....
Thanks for checking on me,
hugs,
joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.......

Quick Post - Quick Quilt!!

2011-08-18T08:48:00.000-04:00

Things are moving faster than fast this week. I've had something every single day and looking forward to tomorrow when I head down to Manchester to attend the: World Quilt Show . That is a link to the most pictures from the shows. I hope to have some pictures of my own to share when I return.

Have you all heard of the 1600 Quilts? Here's a link to a fast and fun video: Heirloom Creations. Heirloom Creations has done a wonderful job on this video and it's so much fun. The quilts can be made with Jelly Rolls or Bali Pops. Here's a picture of the one that I just put together yesterday, and yep it does take less than 3 hours to complete start to finish. I used straight seams to connect the strips end to end, you can see from the video others have angled them. Here's the pic...

The quilt works best with the Jelly Rolls and Bali Pops because you have a complete fabric line included in the quilt. It makes for a fast throw size quilt, absolutely perfect for someone that you would like to make a quilt for, but not invest all of the precious time that it would normally take.

Here's a peek at a couple of quilts that I did some time ago for Pat in VA. Her blog is Artfully Ooflebloops, hop on over and let her know you've seen her quilts. These are the scrappy of scrappy quilts. She picked these interesting quilts up at a thrift shop. They have enough character to definitely make them interesting.

As always I've posted more pictures over at my other blog:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

If you haven't signed up for my giveaway, you still have time. You can read about it here. If I don't post before Monday, hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say................

We are "Ironing Women!!" with pride!!

2011-08-12T13:51:00.001-04:00

Do you know what an "Ironing Woman" is?? It's a BLAST!! Last year our wonderfully creative program gals at the Northern Lights Quilting Guild came up with this fun program. Now, I'm not sure if they created it, or just brought it into our lives, but I have got to tell you it's one of the funnest programs we do at the guild. Here's the info that went to the guild members before the event (and it was an EVENT, not a meeting!):

EVERYBODY SHOULD BRING:

* no more than one gallon-size ziplock baggie of fabric

* no more than one gallon-size ziplock baggie of embellishments

(fyi - prefused or presewn pieces aren't gonna help you this year, honey)

(and they don't have to be in a ziplock bag, just using that to give you a visual for size)

* an unlimited amount of fabric scraps that will be shared (with the understanding that they will be mixed with others and that they may find other homes at the end of the evening)

* basic sewing kit - scissors, needles, thread, seam ripper, etc...

* If you have a Goddess sheet or similar

http://ihavea-notion.com/store/item_743/Goddess-Sheet.htm that might be

helpful!

We will provide:

* batting
* backing

* fusible web (wonder under)

* parchment paper

We need people to bring the following: (this was a predetermined number by Michelle & Judi, you need one machine and mats for each table, irons & boards can be shared, besides they can blow fuses so you want to watch your numbers here.)

**Sewing machines:

** Rotary Cutters and Mats

**Irons and Ironing boards

Here's pictures of the in-process....

look at that pile of fabric!!!

carefully trimming.....

some heavy brainstorming here.....

what a nice group ....

Esther is in charge.....look at those hands on her hips!

what are we doing again????

After about 45 minutes you are supposed to have a somewhat finished wall hanging. We stretch it longer, rushing through the business end of the meeting and back to ~~playing~~ creating and.......

Here's what a few of the end results were:

lady on vacation complete with drink (I want to go on vacation with her!)

colorful flower with fence wall hanging

almost done.....

frogs and fish....

mountain scene with river

look at the sunset on this one.....

See how much fun we had???

Last year the completed wall hangings were auctioned off at our bi-annual quilt show. They were quite successful. Since this is the second year for our Ironing Woman, Michelle and Judi mixed it up a little by allowing each group some time, and then they grabbed the creation off of a table and swapped it with other creations on different tables. So we had to pick up where the other team left off!!

You can't begin to imagine how much fun this really is!! It's a great time for everyone! You are not allowed to pick your own team members, so it's a fabulous way to get to know other members in the guild. Here's our Michelle and Judi, we sure do love 'em!!

Okay, a quick reminder about the half price quilting giveaway, and I'm off to do some quilts. Got a box in the mail today from Nancy in PA. Haven't seen anything from her for a while but I'm looking forward to seeing what she has sent to me.

Have a fabulous weekend, thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say......

HOT! HOT! HOT!! Info on 2 Great Giveaways & Quilts

2011-08-08T11:06:00.000-04:00

If you are a Wantobe Quilter you have got to head over to Stach Manicure and read about the fantastic giveaway that Madame Samm has listed today!! It's a Janome Sewing Machine! It is FABULOUS!! And if you have signed up as a Wantobe Quilter you need to comment on todays post. Don't forget if you win this fun, fun prize you will have to pay postage, but what the heck!! It's a new machine!! If you are not signed up or you know of someone would would like to be a Wantobe Quilter, it's not too late. Email me their name, email and phone numbers. This info is kept confidential and not used for any other purposes other than this giveaway. If you have any questions, just shoot me an email and I'll be happy to help you out!!

You want to see what Brandy's been up to recently? Here's a couple of shots of her latest quilts that I worked on for her. The first is a red and yellow wall hanging and the second is a drop dead cool quilt for her Father In Law who must be a Steelers fan!! I had fun with the football motif on his and used a simple flower that resembles the print on Brandy's red quilt. What a lucky guy he is, to have such a sweetie as Brandy for a daughter in law and to get this wonderful quilt.

Don't forget you can see more pictures at the other blog:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

And if you haven't signed up for my giveaway it's mid page on this post:

SplittingStitches Giveaway!!

That's it for today, hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say....................

OH NO!!! and a giveaway to tell you about....

2011-08-05T16:53:00.000-04:00

Blogger has informed me that I have exceeded my photo what-ever, what-ever.....what I know is I can't upload any more pictures until I delete a few!! Darn it!! Well, now is as good a time as any to get the blog cleaned up and ready to print. I've printed my other blog and have the coolest blog book. I'm going to do the same with this one. So, I'm off to delete some pics, I'll be back with a new post soon!! Wanted to tell you about a giveaway going on at Stray Stitches, I'll post it on my sidebar later. And if you haven't signed up for mine, you do have until the end of the month. Let me know if you all have any questions about it.

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say...................

Fun Quilting

2011-08-01T09:54:00.000-04:00

Here is a quilt that I recently had the pleasure of working with. Bev who is a neighbor of mine, brought me this colorful quilt that she had made for a niece. I just loved the oranges and greens and the butterfly, dragonfly design was perfect. I added the Anne Bright Dragonfly edge 2 edge stitching and I just love it! Here's what it looks like on the second row ....

Here's a quick look at the design up closer...click for an even closer look!

This Anne Bright design was just perfect for this adorable little quilt. Want to know how much I charged for this cute little quilt? The charge for the quilting was $25, thread $5 (because it was variegated). Bev got this quilt machine quilted for $30!! I am having a giveaway, see my previous post, you could win the opportunity to have one of your quilts machine quilted for half this amount. If you don't understand the giveaway, email me. As usual you can see more pictures of this cute little quilt at my other blog:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

Got to scoot, I've got a kid headed to the doctor today, hopefully we'll get the go ahead to resume life as abnormal as we do.

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.......

HUGE Giveaways!! Sewing Machines & Free Quilting Anyone???

2011-07-31T10:06:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow

Stash Manicure

will begin unveiling the prizes for the month long campaign for

The most

AMAZING, Spectacular, over the top

WANTOBE QUILTERS GIVEAWAY!!!

I have added the button to my sidebar and you can follow the link to read more, but if you want to WIN you must send me the names of people (and they can be men, women, young teens, relatives or anyone who would like to win some really cool prizes!)

Think about anyone whom

you know would love

to begin quilting --- they may not even YET have a sewing

machine, they may not even YET have stash....they may not even

YET, know what a rotary cutter is.....

Send me their names and email addresses NOW!!

My email address is:

joannelendaro@yahoo.com

(these will not be used for any other reason than this fun giveaway!!)

Here’s the fun part…..

They could win: fabric, patterns, rotary cutter, or maybe even a sewing machine! There are tons of fabulous prizes tied into this giveaway!! AND!! I could win something too!! There are tons and tons of goodies here's a link explaining the fun and the sponsors.....

Want To Be Quilters

Now how about the

SplittingStitches Giveaway.....

I've been hinting about it for about a month and working my little fingers to the bone getting ready. I've even started a new blog:

Insanely Cheap Quilting Info

I couldn't decide if I wanted to giveaway free quilting or do another

Splittingstitches Stimulus Package

Click on the link and you can read about my first one. Since it was such a huge success I've decided to do both!! I've decided to giveaway 20 half price quilting AND for every 200 entries I will draw a name for a free quilting for one lucky entry. There will be several ways to enter here's the list:

1) Follow Splittingstitches and Insanely Cheap Quilting Blogs. One entry for each blog, if you are already a follower let me know.

2) Blog about the giveaway, this will earn you two entries. Make sure you link back to my blog. If you get someone to mention your name because they saw your blog posting about the giveaway, I'll give you another entry.

3) If you participate in the Wantobe Quilters by sending me a name and email, I'll give you two more entries, we all know someone we'd like to see become a quilter!!

4) If you have commented on previous post mentioning the giveaway, you've already got entries. I love comments!!

Stay tuned! I *might* just give extra entries. The free quilting and half price will be limited in size and there will be a time frame in which I would like to have the quilts sent to me and completed. I am also asking for a $10 deposit on the half price quilting. When I did this before I had a few gals that took the slots and never sent the quilts. This kept someone else from the opportunity to save some money.

Winners will be announced during the first week in September, you will have 24 hours to respond or I will choose another name. You must contact me. Free and half price quilting will be limited to a quilt no larger than Queen (90 x 108). The quilting design will be my choice, but we can talk about this one. I'm kinda flexible, but I have the final say. (Not trying to be difficult, just trying to avert any problems).

My Giveaway are always subject to rule changes. Sorry about that, just sitting here trying to cover all of the bases is sometimes hard. It's always meant to be honest and fun. Let me know if you've got any questions. I'll be posting more quilt pictures soon.

Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.......

So Stinkin' Cute!!! And some quilts too...

2011-07-25T09:30:00.000-04:00

This little guy gave me a visit a couple of weeks ago. Isn't he cute!?!? I sat at the computer and watched him waddle through the yard and stop right in front of the huge window and proceed to dig a hole in the yard. He was completely occupied digging as I stood and watched him. Why is it they look so cute that you just want to cuddle with them?

He stayed with it for a while and then decided to move on. Good thing, those holes are hard on the lawn mower. Speaking of wild animals, I also caught a quick shot of this big guy in the yard.....

Sorry for the blur, I've usually got about 10 seconds from the time I see these critters to find the camera and snap the shot. I'm usually running around like a chicken with it's head cut off trying to figure out where the last place I had the camera was. By the time I've located it the Kodak moment has passed. And speaking of chickens....look at what Judi in Vt had me work on for her...

I'm callin' this one Funky Chickens!! Another fun quilt from Judi! But the wildlife at my house gets better! I had a couple of elephants!! Yep, here's proof....

I bet you didn't believe me! These adorable little guys came from Annette in NH. They were baby shower gifts and simply wonderful!! Who else could I have seen??? How about these little guys....

This was another adorable little quilt that I had the pleasure to work on. All of these little guys made a fabulous quilt, the colors were perfect! Sue in NY did a great job with the little owls. I also had a fun little guy on the machine, everyone loves.....

Good thing Sponge Bob brought his friends. This wonderful quilt was done by Aunt Mil. Here's what Lisa wrote when I asked about the quilt: "The sponge bob quilt is for Aunt Mil's great-great nephew who is in 1st grade! We don't have many boys in our family, and she spoils ALL of the boys!! Xander's father, (Xander is the one who will receive the quilt) asked for a quilt for his son! I believe Mil will be 85 in Nov! She is the reason Janice and I began quilting, something she has done for the majority of my life, and I will be 45 this year! She loves to embroider and make the little animals! Now, all of her nieces and nephews wants quilts made by her!!!! We are in competition of who has the most!!" Sounds like Aunt Mil has her work cut out for her! Lisa sent me a super hero......

Spiderman!!! See the cool webs that I put on the quilt? It was so much fun and I've seen the pictures of the little guy who got this one! He is a cutie and I know he adores this wonderful quilt.I have been busy having a blast with all of these fabulous quilts! Don't forget you can click on the pictures for a closer look and as always I've posted more pictures at my other blog:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

But wait! I still have more so you'll have to come back and see what else has come my way. The fabrics and the designs have been great! I also have a fun little table topper to tell you about!

The boys are healing quickly, I'm hoping the orange cast comes off tomorrow. Kid in sling is starting to move about and come back to life. I'm sitting on the kid with the hand injury, the hand is the most used and most abused part of your body and we can't afford to not let it heal completely before using it again.

Thanks for checking on me,

have a wonderful and productive day,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say......

Who has time for quilting when you live with this.....

2011-07-19T16:15:00.000-04:00

I wanted proof that all three boys were down and out at the same time. Kid in orange is the one who punched the locker and was the first injury. It's a boxer fracture, pray that the cast come off on Tuesday I need somebody to cut the grass. Kid in brown just got home from the ER less than an hour ago. He was climbing a fence (?) got his hand caught on the top and ripped it open = 10 stitches and followup from a hand doctor to make sure everything heals correctly. He is also the proud bearer of 4 stitches on the opposite arm. Skinny kid in black is the "skater dude" that was the newbie on the longboard. His first time out on the board got him the sporty sling and a broken clavicle.

BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!

All is not lost!! I am the proud owner of TONS & TONS of new Anne Bright designs!! I have been working like a crazy woman trying to get it all set up and organized before my giveaway. You betcha', the wheels are still turning and it's coming together.

Okay, now I've got a sink full of dishes, beds to make, laundry to take off of the line. Needless to say none of that got done today when you get the call "is this Dan's Mom? We are at the hospital....." Yep, Mom can run....

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say..............

Is this hot or not?!?!?!

2011-07-12T22:06:00.000-04:00

Now that I have your attention....lol!! These are shots of a portion of the quilt that I recently quilted for Judi in VT. How fun is this? I LOVE Judi's quilts, they really make me stand back and take a look at the fabrics that she uses and I'm hoping someday to be able to throw caution to the wind and be free. Judi's quilting is a reflection of her personality. I consider myself lucky to be in this gal's circle of friends. Check out the other blog and see what I did on this fun quilt for her. Here's the link:

cheap machine longarm quilting

Insanely Cheap Quilting

Hope you all are staying cool. Thinking about the giveaway? I am....okay, that's it for now.

Thanks for checking on me...

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.......

Still with me?

2011-07-10T17:46:00.000-04:00

Today I'm going to post a few pictures of quilts that I've had the pleasure to work with. Going to be a short and quick post to catch up.

Phylis in NC

cheap machine quilting

cheap long arm quilting

Cheap quilting

There were three lovely quilts! The first one above was a signature quilt and just drop dead beautiful. LOVED the colors! Phyllis is part of my very talented "North Carolina Ladies". These gals are known for sending me the most perfect quilts!

Tita in VT

Here is a quilt that Tita made for her sister who lives in Kentucky. Tita did a great job on this quilt! You wouldn't believe all of the fussy cutting that she had to do for the center of the stars. It is a lovely quilt that I know her sister will definitely treasure.

This is one of the SooNipi charity quilts that I did for one of the quilting guilds that I am a member of. I did 9 of these little Split Nine Patch quilts. It was great practice for me and some of the first quilts that I used the computer on.

Check out my other blog for more pictures of these beautiful quilts:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

Catching up on some fun things that I won.....don't you just love this little flower? It is the newest addition to my shelf of smiles. I was the lucky reader/poster over at Quixotic Crafter. Susan has a fantastic blog and puts an interesting spin on her post. I LOVE reading them. When I'm catching up on blog reading I always read the ones I've missed.

A while back Inchworm Fabrics had a fun giveaway and I won these cute little things. I found this new thing called Square-agonals, click on the link it will take you to Kelly's blog for a book review. This cute little charm pack is going to be a table runner made with the Square-agonal method. I've already completed a table topper using this method and it is absolutely fantastic.

It's been nutso around here. Got one kid with a broken hand, this happened a couple of weeks ago. THEN two days ago another on of my not so smart offspring decides to take a run on his new "longboard". It's a skateboard on steroids. Long story short - broken shoulder. This week I'll be trying to get him patched up. It's going to require a plate, screws and surgery. And if that's not enough, I chipped another, yep I said "another" tooth!

Good news for you all, I've just about got all of the guidelines for my up coming giveaway, so keep checking back.

But yesterday the hubs and I decided to blow this popcorn stand and head out for a road trip. The first 5 were taken in Portsmouth, NH and the others were taken at Rye Beach, NH. One thing I figured out is where all of the people in NH are!! Jeez! I haven't seen that many people in one place since I move here. LOL!! Here's a few pictures.....

Hard to believe it's been 25 years in October.......

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.............

Monday Morning.......

2011-06-27T10:11:00.000-04:00

Here's a quilt that Rebecca from North Carolina sent to me. She wanted the "Waterfall" (that's what I call it) stitching done. It is a beautiful quilt with my favorite color - blue!! Rebecca did a wonderful job on her piecing and it looks like a great way to use up some of those scraps! Here's a picture...

INSANELY CHEAP MACHINE LONG ARM QUILTING

Cheap long arm quilting

Life has been busier than busy lately. I've been checking on blogs but not commenting too often. Our computer is in the family room and my sewing/quilting space is above the garage. I don't get much stitching done if I'm gazing into the computer reading all of the fun blogs. I miss commenting and the fun exchanges that follow. I am working on getting a laptop to have upstairs with me, so as the HQ is stitching I can be busy "multi-tasking". That's what I'm telling hubbie anyway. lol!! I've got a kid who's laptop is dead, and he's not using it, so I'm going to see if it's worth the money to try to bring it back to life. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

It's been a while since I've had a fun giveaway, and I've got the wheels spinning in that direction. I'm thinking something really, really fun for you that would be my blog related. Care to guess?? Might be worth an extra entry or two, just to see who's paying attention.

Okay, gotta get the sheets on the line, and another load in the washer and eventually head upstairs and get some quilting done. Don't forget to stop by the other blog to see more pictures of Rebecca's quilt:

cheap long arm quilting

Insanely Cheap Quilting

cheap long arm quilting

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.......

A couple of quilts....

2011-06-20T08:06:00.000-04:00

.....for today, and not much more. Just checking in on every one and wanted to share pictures of these quilts that I had the pleasure of working on for Joyce in North Carolina. She recently sent me these beautiful quilts to help her finish up. I did loops on two of them and then used the computer for the last one. Here's a couple of quick pics....

Cheap Machine Quilting Longarm

I've posted a few more pictures of Joyce's quilts over at the other blog...

Insanely Cheap Quilting

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.....

Quick post and cute little quilt....

2011-06-07T10:40:00.000-04:00

My o' my this week is speeding along way too fast! I can't believe it's already Tuesday! Not sure where Monday went, but it's gone and we can't get it back. I've already got two loads of laundry on the line to dry and the house is picked up ready for me to set my sights on quilting a couple of great quilts from Brandy that I got in yesterday's mail. Can't wait to share them with you.

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of cooking over 300 hot dogs while working a concession stand with a bunch of high school students. It was a scholarship fund raiser for the Youth In Action club at our high school. You can click on the link to read a little more about the organization. It's really kinda cool, there is a teacher sponsor, (who is a saint with an amazing amount of patience) she works with the kids doing all kinds of local charity work. I, along with my boys have worked community dinners and raking leaves for the elderly. There are many more activities, but these are the ones that we have participated in. Working the concession stand reminded me about all of the energy that a group of kids can have. The kids were really great and we made lots of money for their scholarship fund.

Sunday we removed the old furnace from my laundry room and will be working on replacing it during the summer.

Jeff (hubbie) managed to get the kitchen floor tiled and grouted. The grout sill needs to be sealed and I'm working on picking the kitchen sink. Then it will be counter time!! Ugh!! Granite? I need/want a surface that is a real workhorse, not sure granite is the way to go, but not sure of any other options.

I managed to get this little quilt done for Sue in NY. It's a cutie, that will make the perfect gift for a little person to love and keep warm. I have just finished a couple more of Sue's quilts and you are going to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!! The new ones have the most adorable owls on them! Can't wait to share, but Sue has to see them first. They should arrive on her doorstep tomorrow!! As always you can see more pictures of this fabulous quilt at the other blog:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

cheap longarm quilting

Well, that's enough for now, plenty to do, so I'd better get busy!

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.............

Trimmings of a quilt...

2011-06-03T08:08:00.001-04:00

It's been a while.....but I'm back today with a beautiful quilt made by Karen who lives in a neighboring town. I met Karen through her wonderful daughter Kelsey. Remember Kelsey? I posted about her quilt here back in March. Kelsey is a doll who made this wonderful quilt for her boyfriend for Valentines day. Here's a picture of Kelsey and Dan....

Karen is Kelsey's Mom...got that? Karen came with Kelsey when she picked up her quilt and asked if I could help her (Karen) get a quilt done that had been sitting around for years. Karen had started hand quilting it and decided that hand quilting was not her cup of tea. I told her no problem, the hand quilting would have to be removed but we could get it done. It wasn't too long after that Karen contacted me again about her quilt. All the stitching had been removed and she was ready to have it finished. I was pretty excited to see her "vintage" quilt of 30 years ago. I honestly don't know what I was expecting, but I often question what floats around in this head of mine. I *think* for some reason I was expecting wild prints from fabrics in the 60's, remember those wild, big, bold prints in yellow's, orange's and greens? Well, you all know how I do math. Anyway, Karen's quilt was this beautiful blue and purplish quilt with whites. It was a very well done sampler quilt. I know where Kelsey's talent come from.

I learned a lot doing Karen's quilt. Here's a picture of the back of the quilt as I received it. Look at all of those threads! This is my number one panic button when working with light color fabrics in blocks! The thread showing after the quilting has been done. Click for a closer view......

Working on Karen's quilt was great for me. I took the time to trim all of those loose threads! I went over the back of her quilt three times trimming and cleaning, trimming and cleaning. It was no big deal, had my ITouch listening to a book so it made the time go quickly. It paid off, here's the same area after I trimmed all of the threads....

Here's a closeup of the quilt as I'm quilting it. You can't see the threads at all!! It was wonderful! Made a huge difference and I loved the results!!

You can see more of Karen's quilt on my other blog:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

While I'm on the topic of perfectly trimmed tops. I can close without mentioning Terry! This woman has sent me 3 of the most perfectly trimmed tops, and WOW!! Terry posted about a quilt that I had done for her yesterday, here's the link to Terry's blog. And if you missed it here's my link to the same quilt: Terry's quilts. By now you might be wondering why all my fascination with the trimming of the tops. I've got a set of blocks, imagine that, me-Empress of Blocks having a set of blocks that white is the background. I was petrified to work with these blocks because of the threads! Not any more!! I'm ready to take them on!! Let me at them! I CAN do this.....okay, now I've just got to find the time.

Speaking of time...I've spend more time than I should have rambling on about all of this and should be movin' on. I've got some blog reading to do and a drop dead cute owl quilt on the frame. Can't wait to show you that one! OH!! And I'm holding back again, Lisa sent me a couple of quilts. One of hers and one of Aunt Mil's, and you know Aunt Mil, she makes those monster size quilts! Lovin' Aunt Mil!!

Have a wonderful weekend,

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.................

http://knownissues.blogspot.com/

2011-05-26T07:10:00.000-04:00

Blogger is a good/bad thing. When it works it's wonderful, when it doesn't it aggravating. Just wanted to let a few friends know that I was checking in on them, and I can't get my comments to post. This is what I found when checking on my problems:

We're investigating an issue which is preventing login and comment posting for some users, and hope to have a fix released shortly.

Thanks for your patience in the meantime. — latest update on Tuesday, May 24, 2011

AAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!

thanks for checking on me,

Hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say......(although blogger probably won't let you)

The price of quilting....$60 trivet

2011-05-22T11:34:00.000-04:00

A while back our guild had a workshop where we were supposed to make a Judy Neimeyer table runner. Now, I don't decorate with quilting stuff, but I wanted to get to know people, and the best way to do that is be involved, take classes and go to retreats. Since I don't decorate with quilting stuff, and had no real plans for this my brilliant plan was to use stash fabrics. Good plan, except and no one told me that scrappy was probably not a good idea. We had the most delightful teacher, Brenda Hall. She is talented, entertaining and she would even rip out if you put something together wrong. Pretty cool don't you think? Here's a couple of pictures of Brenda and the Judy Neimeyer quilts that she has done.

Lucky Tita!! Here is her table runner before I quilted it, but

it's FINISHED!! Way to go Tita!!

This pathetic looking thing is mine. lol!! I did manage to do two of the outside curving (is that really a word?) flying geese. But I had had enough, and didn't want to do any more of that stuff!!

Here's mine.....also all FINISHED!! They boys love to use it when they grab hot things out of the microwave. It's my trivet, and I like it.

Class...............$40

Pattern.............$20

Getting to know people who quilt.....priceless!

I still have the pattern and pick it up every now and then. I really like it, but I think my fabric choice wasn't a good one. I'm thinking I might make a couple more trivets for my new kitchen. They are wonderful trivets, this one has already been wash hundreds of times. Still don't think I'm gonna do those curving flying geese....

thanks for checking on me...

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.....

Northern Lights

2011-05-17T11:10:00.000-04:00

Quick post today with a couple of really cute quilts to share. The first one was an adorable little blue baby quilt with puppies. Since it is a baby or toddler quilt I again used the hearts for the quilting design. Hearts just say hugs and love to me, and I'll probably over use this design, but what can I say? I'm a softie and I want the quilts to read hugs, hugs, and more hugs.

Here is my machine with the new ProStitcher....

These two small quilts were done for the guild. They are going into our reserve that we call community service quilts. They will be given to someone who is in need of a little warmth. As usual I've got a couple more pictures on the other blog:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.....

Weird......

2011-05-16T08:02:00.000-04:00

Not sure what happened in blogland last week, but I do know that my Thursday post went missing. Weird...I'm not the only one, I'm glad to see blogger got the issues worked out. While I don't blog on a regular schedule, I sure do miss it when I can't.

Just a short note on what you may have missed. Here's a great sampler quilt that I had the pleasure to work on for Linda. This quilt came all of the way from California! It was perfectly constructed and a true pleasure to work on. Linda asked if I could do a meander with a neutral thread, which was the perfect selection of stitching and thread for this quilt. Linda has a blog it's Stray Stitches. She has a great blog filled with tons of great pictures, a rant every now and then (and it's one we all can usually relate too), clues us in on the giveaways she finds and just an all around good read.

I've got a couple more pictures on the other blog of the quilt here's the link:

Insanely Cheap Quilting.

I'll be back later today for another post and more quilt pictures. I just counted and I've got six drafts lined up filled with quilt pictures that I need to blog about. Hope this is the beginning to a perfectly wonderful, productive week for you.

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say........

So Soft.....

2011-05-11T08:11:00.001-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of working on this fabulous baby quilt. The flannels were so soft, it could have just sucked you right in and will be wonderful for the lucky little one that can snuggle with it for years to come. The colors were so pretty and the prints very chic. Bev did a marvelous job on the piecing which made my job so easy. Here's a sneek peek.....

I've posted a couple more pictures of this wonderful little quilt at the other blog:

Insanely Cheap Quilting

thanks for checking on me....

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say...............

Smiles.....

2011-05-07T12:21:00.000-04:00

Isn't this one of the cutest little things you've seen? LOVE this little guy, he always makes me smile. It was sent to me by Laurie from West Texas Threads. Laurie used to live in Maine and moved last fall to Texas. She is such a sweetie and I love having this little guy to make me smile and think of her. Laurie tucked this little guy in the box when she sent me her son's quilt. The quilt is fabulous!! Here's a picture that I took while I had it....

I've posted a couple more pictures of Laurie's quilt over at my other blog,

Insanely Cheap Quilting.

That's it for today....Hope you all have a Happy Mother's Day!

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say..................

Disheveled in a good way, I think??

2011-05-05T09:57:00.000-04:00

di·shev·eled [dih-shev-uhld]–adjective

1. hanging loosely or in disorder; unkempt: disheveled hair.

2. untidy; disarranged: a disheveled appearance.

Yep, that pretty much sums up my life right now. Just finishing up the last of the Thank You cards for the Guild Quilt Show, I've still got a couple of surveys to put together and then to pack it all away for a couple of years. I've got 7 quilts that I've done and need to post pictures of, so those will be on here soon -

(do you detect a note of annoyance here?)

I can figure out how to work the new.......

(camera)

I get the taking pictures part, I just can't manage to get them off of the camera (Nikon Coolpix p500) and onto the computer. I've done it once, just once, for fun. NOW when I NEED to get them, do you think I can...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. That's just not going to happen. I've installed, un-installed, re-installed the software and I still can't get those fabulous pictures that I've taken into a folder on my computer. I really would like to share, but this downloading thing is driving me disheveled. Technology!!

And more exciting news....I recently purchased......

yep, more TECHNOLOGY!!!! I am now the confused owner of the Handiquilter Pro-Stitcher. It will stitch the most beautiful designs with flawless efforts. This is a picture I swiped off of a google search. If I could get the pictures off of the camera, I'd show you mine, but since I can't.......TECHNOLOGY!!!!! Actually it hasn't been too bad, the learning curve on this isn't too bad and the stitching is looking great!! So, those 7 quilts that I've done have all been computer driven.

As if that isn't enough.....I went full steam ahead and purchased......

again, not my picture, but you get the idea. It's software to design quilting patterns. I've played with it just a bit, and it looks fabulous! Can't wait to get some time to see what I can really do. Here's the company logo with a link to their site here..

Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks? You can, it just might take longer, lol!!! Sounds like something Kelly would say! Love ya, Kelly!!

And speaking of Kelly over at I Have A Notion she's got a funny post about a cool giveaway. Go check it out. I've also added Inch Worm Fabrics to my sidebar she's got a giveaway right now. Can't forget to point out that SewCalGal has also been added up there, or over there, which ever direction it shows up when your reading this post. SewCalGal always has things happening on her blog, and if you haven't been there you are missing out!!

Alrightly now, I think I've taken up enough space for today. As always,

thanks for checking on me, glad you took the time to stop by,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.........

Welcome to all of the Visitors from......

2011-04-28T08:36:00.000-04:00

Stitch-n-Frame

Glad to have you visit my little blog, take a moment to read a few post, enjoy the music (or turn your speakers off). I'm honored to be this weeks Blog of the Week.

If you are a regular reader and haven't visited the Stitch-n-Frame shop, I invite you to do so, simply click on this link, or any of the Stitch-n-Frame names that I have conveniently linked back to their site. Once you get to the main page, click on the On Line Catalog button (I hope my link works) and it will take you to a huge host of fun places to hang out for a while.

If you are new to my blog, I am a Wife, Mom to 4 teenagers and a longarm quilter who tries to make enough spending money to not make a serious dent in the old checkbook! Let me try to explain my math, it goes something like this: Honey, I went to the quilt shop today and it only cost you $25. Wow! that's good sweetheart (he is a doll and never complains), but if you only spent $25 why does the checkbook say $75? Oh, I finished a quilt and I made $50, so it only cost you $25. Makes sense to me.....

Grace passed along my blog info to Stitch-n-Frame, and if you would like to see some quilts that I have done for Grace click here: Insanely Cheap Quilting this will take you directly to the quilts that I have done for Grace. She is such a sweetheart, I posted about the work she is doing trying to get quilts to kids before they go to the hospital. You can read more about Grace and her efforts here.

Speaking of quilts...I've got a few to do, so I'd better get to it! But before I do, a quick thanks to Sherry M! We had a fun email conversation about my music and being Blog of the Week at the Stitch-n-Frame Shop.

I'll be back soon with more quilts to share, I've seen a cool quilt I'd like to make and of course I just don't have the "right" fabric on hand.

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say..................

Busy, Busy, Busy....

2011-04-26T08:32:00.000-04:00

I know we all are, busy, busy, busy. With the quilt show behind me I'm wrapping up the final details and laying a successful show to rest. I'll be sharing a few of the quilts with you soon. Can't show them all, I didn't get permission from the makers. But I do have a couple that are amazing!! Need to get my facts together and write the post.

Other things....dropped my camera, but I've already replaced it with a beauty! Lovin' my new camera, but with the new comes the learning curve! UGH!! But I've got so many huge learning curves in my life right now, I'm turning in circles.

Here's a sneak peak at Tita's quilt....

And then there is a Judy Neimeyer table runner....

I'll be using this picture again in a future blog post. It's the blue painters tape. This is what I use when I receive tops which have open seams. If I am not careful while quilting, I can manage to get the hopping foot stitched into place resulting in some serious ripping out. It gets hairy and not fun for me. By placing the blue tape I can stitch right over the open seam without fear. The tape is easily removed after stitching. I use this method when I "find" a seam after the quilt has been loaded. For more pictures hop on over to my other blog, Insanely Cheap Quilting.

Check out this turkey picture, took it with my new camera. Isn't it cool??

Alrighty now...I've got quilts to work on, people to call, dishes to wash, laundry to do and I'm still sitting here in my pj's. Got to get movin'!!

Have a wonderful day!

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.........................

Kid Quilts

2011-04-15T07:37:00.000-04:00

Quick post today, I'm still working on the guilds quilt show and it's eating so much of my "spare" time! But I am having a blast and getting to know everyone very well. If you want to get to know people the best way is to volunteer.

Here's a couple of pictures that I took of Michelle's quilts that I recently had the pleasure to help her get finished.

And this one for a little girl....

As always, I'll post a couple more pictures of the three quilts at my other blog, Insanely Cheap Quilting. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say......

Finally call out for Winners!!

2011-04-11T10:36:00.000-04:00

The two lucky gals this morning are:

Ravelly 1

Terry's Treasures

You gals just need to send me an email and I'll fill you in on the details!!

I'm sure many of you might be a little confused since there was no announcement of the contest, drawings or what-ever this turned into.

Face it, we all love the comments from our dedicated followers, and these four ladies commented the most in the last 3 months. In case you haven't figured it out, I can be a little unconventional. As a blogger I get quite a few hits per day and wonder who is dropping in, and what they think. As my way of thanking these gals I hope they enjoy what I have chosen to send them for sharing their thoughts and comments with me. If you are a fellow blogger I am sure you "get it".

That ends this fun giveaway, never know what's going to pop up next!

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say........

Winner # 3 is........

2011-04-10T13:32:00.000-04:00

Needled Mom

Here's the picture today....

Needled Mom let me know if you would like the Sand or the Gravel.

I'm not done yet....check back again tomorrow to see where I go from here.

In the meantime, I'll share this picture of Swinter here in New Hampshire,

Where else can you shovel snow when it's 65 degree's outside??? Only in New Hampshire.....

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.....

#2 Winner is......

2011-04-09T10:48:00.000-04:00

Allie from

allie-oops sweet happy life

Allie will be selecting one of the Rex's Road and a fat quarter stack! Here's what's left,

I have had a little time to do some quilting, take a look at this one......

Gotcha'!!!! More pictures of this one very soon! Lovin' this one!!

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.......

2011-04-08T08:44:00.000-04:00

I am happy to announce winner #1......

BEJEWELED QUILTS BY BARB

We all know Barb, congrats girl, send me an email and I'll fill you in on the details!!

Winner #2 announced tomorrow......

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say......

Did you win?? Here's the prizes.....

2011-04-07T10:14:00.000-04:00

Are you one of the lucky four??? We will see....details coming soon....

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.....

Retreat - The Fairlee Creditable Bowheads

2011-04-05T11:28:00.000-04:00

Retreats!!

We eat too much, sleep too little, make new friends and if we are lucky actually finish something. Here is the quilt top that I managed to get put together while at the retreat. Memory quilts have taken on a whole new meaning for me. I will forever look at this quilt and shake my head, in a funny good way.

It all started with one headband, or a 2.5" strip of my leftover fabric sitting in a bag ready to go to my scrap tub. Melynn didn't have enough hot water to shower before breakfast so she pulled a strip to tie back her hair. Then she decided I needed one, then someone felt left out and away went another strip, and it just grew from there. Before we knew it just about everyone had a headband with a cute little bow. Melynn does a fabulous bow that everyone just had to sport for the day. Here's a picture of Melynn and I...

It simply grew from here, to these....

Just about everyone fell prey to Melynn and her beautiful bows....these guys were really good sports!! Yep, there were a couple of men at this retreat! This is Andy, he's the delightful hubbie of Sharon. Andy and Sharon host this first class, fun, exhausting retreat.

Here's Roger. He brings his camera and video recorder and takes tons of pictures and film, then puts together the most amazing video of the retreat. The pictures he takes this year we will see at next years retreat. I think we gave him plenty of material this year! Roger is a sweetie!!!

Lining up to go to the front porch for the group shot, see all of the Bowheads?

More bowhead victims behind Sharon

Moving on....Here's the main house where we ate and ate and ate, did a little sewing and a whole lot of laughing and socializing...

Beyond the main building were the cabins that we stayed in. There were 4 rooms with 2-3 people per room, some lucky gals got the top bunk! Thanks Chris!!!

Of course we were not short on supplies, here's Sharon and Andy's trailer. Don't you just love the logo??

Here's the setup inside...they thought of everything!!

We took a road trip to the shop...

Here's a fun picture that I managed to get at the shop.

Yep, we had it all....Of course, I just had to pick up some really cute fabric. Stay tuned, it's going to be in a giveaway!

These cookies were drop dead delicious!!! Loved the lemon jelly ones, and then the Buckeyes, and the brownies!! Oh my goodness!! They were all way too good.....

Here's Donna, she is personally responsible for the extra 5 pounds that I gained from baking all of those delicious cookies!! It is all her fault, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

If you haven't ever had the retreat experience here is a couple of shots of our work area, aka the Sweat Shop.

Some really, really crazy people thought it would be a good idea to try the Cathedral Window. We started at 10:30pm and finally called it quits at 1:30am. And nope, they weren't done. Rachael was so patient and sweet, we were so tired we got extremely punchy and were laughing so hard we couldn't see to stitch!

Here's Tita, she did manage to finish this cute little spool block. She made a lot of progress on a quilt that she is making for her sister. I've done a quilt and a table runner for Tita recently, keep an eye out for it.

I think that Melynn was just about everywhere!! Wanted to show that yep, some work does get done, notice the pretty top in progress??

Can't write this post without thanking the wonderful staff, (isn't she cute?) at the Hulbert Outdoor Center. In this picture the staff member is leading us in a variety of stretches, waves, bends and even the macarena! Roger will of course use this later against us in his video clip next year! (just kidding, I've had the pleasure to see last year's video, but it is definitely something the gals look forward to seeing year after year, thanks Roger!!)

Quilters are wonderful people, but we all ready knew that. This year Rachael coordinated signature pieces that she made into a quilt for Sharon and Andy to thank them for all of the hard work and coordinating that goes into putting these retreats together. I love this picture of them, they are very special people...

Can't forget to add a picture of the quilt....if you click on the picture

you can see Rachael on the left.

It was a super fabulous, fun, exhausting retreat, I've already signed up to go again next year!

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.....

gone...

2011-03-30T22:31:00.000-04:00

Catch me at my sewing machine, I'll be in Fairlee, VT.

Can you say, "Retreat" ??

I'll try to get some pictures to share when I return.

Hope you all have a super weekend!!

See you on Monday,

Thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say.....

Justification......

2011-03-23T10:27:00.000-04:00

Through the years my hobbies have seemed to be justified with "oh look, we can use it for ______ (fill in the blank with the school project name needed for justification of the purchase) school project". Having 4 kids there has always been a ton of school projects. I LOVE projects!! I leave the math to Jeff my wonderful engineer of a hubbie, and I get the fun stuff!! Smart plan don't you think??

Here's the latest school project on my HQ no less...

Last year we made a new flag for the Robotics Team, you can see it here.

This year it's a new banner. After cutting all of the letter with the Sizzix Big Shot Pro I decided the letters were too small, so that plan had to be scrapped. It was about 9:30p.m. when we started the new lettering large enough for the banner. I hadn't had much success with Heat & Bond on the flag so I knew I was going to have to stitch those puppies down. So on the HandiQuilter the banner went.....

The kid finished up about 10:30 with his part, and I continued working till about 1:00a.m. Sunday morning. The banner had to be at school on Monday to go in the vehicles headed to Charleston, SC. You can read about the Robotics Competition here. The kids did great in the local competition and headed out this morning for South Carolina. Here's the picture I took Monday morning, doesn't he look thrilled??

Got to love being able to justify our hobbies as school project necessities.....

thanks for checking on me,

hugs,

joanne

love to hear what you've got to say...