Snowed in Again!

Yep, snowed in again.  My poor Chicago-land friends are really taking a beating today.  I made the most of it by sewing.

Thanks MB for sending me this fabulous fabric I just love it.



I received it yesterday and it has all my favorite "down home, Chicago" themes on it.  I used it on the back of my Midnight Stars, Quilt Along from Lori's Blog.  


The colors were just right for it.



I loved Lori's idea of doing hanging diamonds, but I was engrossed in Iron Chef and turned it wrong and ended up with dropped diamonds.  Doh!  I really wanted to try it her way, as I usually do it this way - next time!

I didn't mark it and just let the lines fall where they may.  I agree with Lori, it gives it an old fashion - devil may care look :)



Doesn't that black fabric look like a bacterial virus?  I used this funny little black cat, like my Luna, and the computer for the label.

Happy Birthday to my friend Sheila!  She received this quilt for her special day.  I quilted it with cross hatches - my favorite no mark method.

I've also made more rag balls - I just can't stop.  After I trim off batting, it must be rolled and covered with homespun -



Lastly, my daughter received an acceptance letter from her 1st choice college today, Miami of Ohio.  She was home to receive it and be the first to know - it was a thrill and I was grateful for the chilled champagne on hand!  Congratulations Hanna!

Snow Day

We have had a beautiful overnight snow here in Northern NJ. I know my daughter would have loved a snow day, but they are doing a 2 hour delayed opening instead.

The famous Punxsutawney Phil groundhog as predicted 6 more weeks of winter. Well, I guess that means more time to cuddle up by a fire and quilt or read quilting books.

Here is a little doll quilt that I sent my friend, Sheila, for her Birthday. I almost always make a her a little quilt and it has often included half square triangles. This time I incorporated matching blue selvages as a little inside border.


I used this backing again - it was great for the cheddar cheese and crackers and works well here too. Instead of a separate affixed label, this time I inked right on the backing fabric.


Last weekend Jill and Susan went to a little exhibit at the The Drake House Museum in Plainfield, NJ. Susan was nice enough to send me her photos so I thought I'd share them with you. Some lovely antique quilts. I especially like the streak of lightening log cabin.







Thanks Susan!

On Friday I'm off to Chicagoland for a girls weekend. After spending a few days with my best (non quilting) school girl friends, I'll be visiting with my quilt friends. I can't wait to see what everyone has been up to.

In the new world order of air travel, it is less expensive to UPS a box of show and tell then to pack a separate suitcase. It was $42.00 round trip with insurance, versus $60.00 for the second bag. I guess the other upside is, I won't have to carry it and it will be tracked along the way.

I'm really looking forward to meeting Jan, of Be*mused. I've been a fan of her blog for years and it turns out she is a member of my old mid-west weekly sewing group. She is having a wonderful 5 year anniversary give away on her blog.

See you next week
Go Colts! (for mary)