Slow Progress

Every now and then I read about slow stitching on someone's blog. I don't think this project, my version of the Ann Ruggles quilt, would qualify for slow stitching but it would definitely qualify for slow progress!

This picture is from September, 2012.

Here it is today - nearly the end of October, 2014. I have finally finished stitching the pink and brown rosettes to the center.

Its probably not the hexagon quilt project I would choose if I were starting it today but it has been good to get out and work on again. I hope I don't wait another two years to update my progress! 

Do you see the notebook and papers underneath? I've started working on this project again as a stress reliever. I'm not a meeting/paperwork kind of person but I'm learning.

I'll be at the Houston Quilt Festival Thursday through Friday. I'm looking forward to seeing the special exhibit about Australian Quilts and hope to attend the lecture about it too. If you recognize me there, please say hello!

Until next time, Mayleen

Inspiration at Dusk

Prairie Quilt Guild 2014-15 Block of the Month

"Where Inspiration Blooms, Block #1"

Every year our guild president asks a member to choose or design a Block of the Month program for us. This year, I asked a small group to take on this responsibility.

I'm going for a contemporary look so I've chosen to make my first block using Kaffe fabrics. I'm not sure I'm happy with the polka dot star but will make a decision about it when I have more of the blocks finished.

I've seen the Block #2 pattern but for any guild members out there, I'm not going to give away what it looks like. However, I will say I'm looking forward to the piecing!

Until next time, Mayleen

Pictures - Better Late than Never

This may be a review of a few of the 2014 AQS Des Moines Show winners' photos for some of you but for the rest of you, enjoy!

 

Best of Show

"Isabelle" made by Kathi Carter

Best Hand Workmanship & Viewers' Choice

"Heralds of Spring" made by Joann Webb

Best Modern Quilt

"Diamond Dust" made by Doris Brunnette and Trina Kirkvold

Best Wall Quilt

"Zen Garden" made by Margaret Solomon Gunn

Best Bed Quilt

"Tulip Serenade" made by Barbara Clem

Best Wall Quilt - Home Machine Quilted

"No L" made by Janet Stone

Bed Quilts - Machine Quilted, 1st Place

"Dresden's Dilemma" made by Deborah Poole and Sharon Del Pino

Wall Quilts - Home Machine Quilted, 3rd. Place

"Adagio" made by Dianne S. Hire and Pat LaPierre

Wall Quilts - Modern, 3rd. Place

"Fire and Ice" made by Kimberly Einmo and Judi Madsen

Wall Quilts - Modern, 2nd. Place

"Honey, What Color?" made by Jeri Fickes

Wall Quilts - Hand Quilted, 2nd Place

"Landscape" by Susan E. Ziel

"Vintage Moments" pieced by Jan Zimmerman, machine quilted by Jan Hutchison, two very talented quilters in my quilt guild, which also hung in the show!

"Afternoon Delight" made by Judy R. Williams and Michele Pettorini

I really liked this quilt! It was red and it had lots of pieces.

"Shimmering Stars" by Kristin Vierra

 Unfortunately, this photo doesn't do the quilt justice. It was hanging next to my quilt and I admired the use of crystals on it. 

Another unreal experience - being interviewed by Bonnie Browning of AQS. Here I'm getting my microphone pinned on. I was worried I'd have a silly grin on my face or babble away but I'm happy to say it turned out better than I thought it would!

Its been about two months since I've been able to work on one of my own quilting projects but I may actually get to today. You have no idea how happy that makes me!

Until next time, Mayleen

September 30

Have you ever had a day that you're never going to forget? 

September 30th was that kind of day for me!

  Our third grandchild, Ethan, was born premature on September 30th but will soon be released from the hospital! We're looking forward to getting to know him better.

That evening was also my first board meeting as President of the Prairie Quilt Guild. I survived.

During the meeting, I received a phone call letting me know my quilt, "The Cotheals at Home" (Phebe) won 2nd place in the Bed Quilt - Machine Quilted category at the AQS Des Moines show!  Here I am standing next to it at the show just this past weekend.

My "Selvage Star of Bethlehem" quilt didn't win a ribbon but there may be some fun news about it in the future!

I'll share some of the other winners from the show in my next blog post.

Until next time, Mayleen