Fun For Friday - Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles.

First and foremost.  Thank you to everyone who took the time to send me a comment or email regarding my quilt at the AQS show.  I told my husband that in many ways they are more meaningful and valuable to me than the ribbon or the prize.

So, why this new feature you ask?

I put a very high value on fun.  I try to inject fun into my life and those around me.  I believe having fun is a state of mind and I want to inspire fun to others (wow, that was almost a mission statement on fun, weird.)

Here is what was recently fun for me:

Drinking  bubbly.  I couldn't wait for RV to get home, so I started and he joined me, wee.

Playing with my new light up bubble gun.  I got this in Disney World and it's so fun!!

Here I'm trying to show you how they look in the dark - the bubble sort of light up!

Don't have a bubble gun?  These work just fine!

The only NOT fun thing.   Poor coco has a belly ache and I'm hoping she'll be back to her old self soon!

I bought these salt & Pepper shakers in WDW.   They look almost toile' to me.  Pretty elegant for mouse merchandise.

Eating our family's favorite WDW treat.

When was the last time you picked up bubble gum?  It's still fun! 

Tomorrow I'm leaving at 0-dark hundred to go to the show in Lancaster.  It's always fun to pack some treats for my car mates.  You are never too old for treat bags with your name on them.

In closing, I'd just like to say that I know life is not all fun.  I too have my own challenges, disappointments and worries, trust me, I do.

Having said that, I hope you find some fun near you!

Life Goal Realized

I normally try to avoid this, but wanted to share the news that my Mother's Garden Quilt won 1st place in the Wall Hand Quilted category at the AQS Lancaster 2012 Quilt Show.

I am beyond surprised.  I was thrilled to have it accepted and for other quilters to see it.

Betsy, a guild friend, sent me this phone picture from the show this morning.  Thanks Betsy~

And here is Abe with Betsy's beautiful Silk quilt -

you can see a video of all the winners here -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QBf4TI3yqMk#!

After the dentist and house chores I plan to sit down with this and celebrate properly.

Thank you to all my quilt and blog friends who have encouraged me through many quilting projects and goals!

This is especially sweet for me because the quilt is a tribute to my mother, Catherine Clarkson Bednar 7/11/42 - 12/10/90.
You can see the full story of the quilt by clicking here.

Sew What?

Here's what:

These little needle books in honor of Presidents Day.  I had to wait until I gave some to friends before sharing them here.

Look at those handsome devils.
I realized these were a perfect size for a little book.
You can bet I'll be on the look out for fabric that lend themselves to needle books~

Making the prototype and figuring out cutting -

Morning work station - so much easier to do when everything is pre-cut.

Front - crooked (which is why it is mine and not a friends)

Inside.  I used ultra suede.  A little thick, but the color was good.

Back - a little heavy on the glue - again, that is why it's mine.

You can make your own if you follow the general instructions of the coffin needle case on the tab at the top of the blog.

Finished the hand quilting on this:

I'm thinking I'll bind it in red.

Here are flying geese units that I'm trading with Susan and Jill (the cupcakes).  We're going with solids and modern/bright fabric.  I know, a departure for us!

I recently realized you can get the streak of lightening with these - a real ah-ha moment for me.

and finally thanks Anna for the Moda fabric.  If you need moda, Thimbleanna is your go to gal!

I ordered 90" wide, so no pieced borders or backing - yahoo!

See you on Friday for a new blog feature I'll be calling:
Fun For Fridays

Here we Show Again....

Here are the last quilt photos to share from the quilt show.

But first Good News~  The Silk Quilt was voted Viewers Choice, so there is justice in the world.

Hanna loved this quilt.  It was fun to tell her about the Dear Jane phenomenon.

This quilt

Is made up of this - 

I'd love to do one of these one day -

Beautiful quilting here!

Here was one of my favorite features of the show:

Photo of the original quilt

Original

 Original

In the meantime, I'll be visiting the Happiest Place on Earth, or as my husband calls it, The Mother Ship, since he works for a Disney company.

Have a fun week everyone!