4 patch sampler

Orginally it was going to have 12 blocks, but I wanted larger, so I added 8 more. I was using a block of the month pattern by Sundrop Designs, so I had to search and find the 8 more that fell in to the same category.  I always wanted to make a blue and white quilt and this was perfect for it. I obtained her permission to teach it in a beginners class locally. No matter what size you choose for the project, some will want smaller or larger. They can make a few blocks for a tablerunner, pillows, etc. or do the orginal 12 for a throw or make as shown. Also the white border could be smaller or  the outer checkerboard board could be left off.  Now to get  it quilted...TODAY hopefully!!

Thimble Pleasures

LOVE the batik selection!!!!

Returning to Goldsboro on Saturday, some friends and I had our first, but not last visit to
Thimble Pleasures Quilt Shop in Cary NC.  I loved all the quilt samples hanging on the wall...I had to buy a pattern as well as some batiks. What a great selection of notions, patterns and other must haves. A class was going on...they were making the cutest dragonfly wallhanging using a folding technique. 

sunflowers

I think of sunflowers in the fall, but these are looking beautiful along US 795 near Mt Olive NC. So cheery.

Finished!!!

Finally finished my Meandering Stars....first quilt I've made using paper piecing. It's made of batiks that I had in my stash. I did buy the background at the Hampton MidAtlantic Quilt show in February. I really wanted a dark background but could not find a navy or black batik. It does have a piecing mistake in it but I'm happy with it. My husband couldn't see it.  Next project will be Desert Sky...another paper piecing quilt. 

Sewing & Quilt Expo

This is the first year the Sewing and Quilt Expo has been in Raleigh ( June 21-23). A friend and I had registered for a class on longarm quilting ( Bread and Butter).It was free motion quilting. Our instructor, Dusty Farrell, was terrific. Very knowlegeable and entertaining. We started with meandering but added loops, curls, etc. It was like a WOW moment...like why didn't I think of this. It was 3 hours of practice of techniques I know I will use.....I'll show you my practice pieces as I improve!!!

Loved all her patterns!!!

Had to buy the snowman pattern at Ye Olds Forest Quilt Shop (Greensboro & Burlington NC)

Bought plenty from Sew Batiks, too!!

Quilt Tricks had patterns that I barely could resist!!

One of my favorite quilts displayed!!

I had to buy the Halloween wallhanging from Dusty Farrell's booth, plus a book,some rulers,snippers.

Some of my other favorite places to go had booth also...Loving Stitches ( Fayetteville NC), Bernina World of Sewing (Raleigh), Sewing in the Carolinas, Wish Upon A Quilt (Raleigh).

I hope the Expo will be in Raleigh again next year.

thinking...

Trying to come up with a name for our guild's retreat in the fall....I've come up with Quilting Frenzy, but think it could be snazzier than that! Help!!

new accessory

My sister came over yesterday to quilt this quilt that she had made as a graduation gift. The picture does not do it justice. She is interested in purchasing a long arm...so for the present she practices on mine.

She gave this to me...it is a Stick It ( The ultimate updo acessory) . It came from a beauty supply shop, I think. It's perfect for me...I never can keep up with a pin cushion.