Chunky Flower Petals

 From Twosies to Foursies

And then to these wonderful Chunky Flower Petals!

It seems each step goes a little quicker. 

 Now to read the instructions to

see how to do the

centers.

Happy Quilting!                               Lynda

Cake and Sewing

 We have a friend and neighbor who is a plumber. 

 His birthday was a couple of weeks ago.  

We had to get him this cake!  Isn't it the best!!

 From Onsies........

To Twosies.....

Just enjoying the process and I simply LOVE the fabrics.  

Happy Quilting!                                  Lynda

Finally.........Starting something new

 My youngest daughter, Nicky, made this cute Olaf (from Frozen) towel for her kids to use.  

 I have finally started a new quilt!  I fell in love with the fabrics and found a Dresden pattern I wanted to use from "Bee in my Bonnet" blog.  Laurie Holt has a few books and patterns and they are all fantastic.  The pieces go from these cute little wedges.............

 To long strips of sewn wedges waiting to be cut apart, opened up, turned right side out and pressed to make............................

 These wonderful petals !

Then when sewn together they turn into the most beautiful flower.  The center will be red with white polka dots.  They get sewn onto a 12 inch white background.  I've been trying to enjoy the process more and not rush through so fast just to get it done.  This one is for a graduate next year.  Last year I made 5 quilts for graduates, this year NONE.  Looks like only 1 for next year.  I do love making quilts and then giving them away (even tho I want to keep every one of them!)

Happy Quilting!                              Lynda

Finished.......with 2 days to spare!

I took the Scrappy String quilt to the quilters a couple of weeks ago hoping she could have it done in time.  She did!  So I put on the binding today and it is ready for the wedding Friday night.  I think it turned out so great.  I know I'll make another scrappy string quilt again soon.

I actually machine stitched the binding down this time because of the time.  I usually sew it down on one side and hand stitch along the back.  But this one is so big and I knew I wouldn't have time to get it done so I opted to go with the machine stitching.  It was so quick and easy that I may just forget the hand stitching from now on.  I always worry about the outcome when making a scrappy quilt..........but I'm always pleasantly surprised too when it is done.

I've already purchased the fabrics for my next quilt and I'm ready to start cutting.  I saw it on Bee in my Bonnet blog.  It is a big 12 inch block of a dresden flower.  However........the center of the flower is a big 7 inch circle.  I'm using red and white polka dot for the center of each flower.  I can hardly wait!

Happy Quilting!                         Lynda

TaDaaaaa!

 My grandson always says "tadaaa" when he does something he thinks is great.  

So.....................TADAAA!!!

It is about 80 X 100 inches right now but I think I may put a border on it.  I'm still debating.  It is for a young couple getting married and I really want it to fit on a bed.  

I love the way it turned out. It is amazing that mixing all kinds of scraps together can produce such a beautiful finish.  I was worried because some of the sashing strips had the same fabrics so close to each other but it is so busy that no one will even notice.

I've already got my next project ready to start cutting out.  

Happy Quilting!                        Lynda

RETREAT!!! Another word for fun, laughter, sewing and too much eating

 Myrna, who works at a fabric store, (could there be any better job???) brought this 9 Patch Quilt to share.  A simple pattern made a very stunning quilt.

 Kathi, has been working on this stunning applique quilt for quite some time.  I should have taken a close up so you could see all the perfect circles.  

 Studious sewers just getting started.

 Myrna and Nancy sharing ideas.

 Some people bring gifts to share.

 Kathi getting set up.  Can you see that cute little snail pin cushion next to her machine.

 Claudia, doing hand work.  

  Judy and Alice enjoying a good laugh.

 Judy's project.  At first I thought it was a Bulls eye Quilt but she has sewn each of these curved units individually to make this circle.  

 I love these rich fabrics in Alice's quilt.  

 Lori and Debbie in their little corner busy trimming and sewing.

 Another Nancy, who also works at a fabric store, busy on her project.

 Dixie came late but got right down to sewing.

Martha and Dee busy at work.

Suzanne, our hostess, binding a baby quilt.  Her home has the perfect bonus room above the garage.  Easily fits in 15 busy workers, tables, chairs, cutting mat, irons etc.  She says her husband doesn't mind when she has these retreats because he gets to eat lots of good leftover food.

Hopefully today I can put the last 3 rows on my quilt and show it tomorrow.  I'm loving it!

Happy Quilting!                        Lynda

Tomorrow is THE DAY!

 Yes, yes, Yes!!!  Tomorrow Suzanne has invited us all over for a 2-day quilt retreat.  I am sew ready!!
63  String blocks.........check

142 sashing strips................check

 80 9 Patches....................check

Strawberry pretzel salad (that can pass for a dessert)...............check

And  Waffle Cookies.............check.

Just have to throw together some chicken, brown sugar and pineapple juice (Hawaiian Chicken) into the crock pot in the morning and I am set for a fun day of sewing, eating, laughing, and more sewing.   Thank you Suzanne!!!

Happy Quilting!                                Lynda