Across continents

  With all the problems Blogger has given us in hindering our comments reaching inboxes of email,  I wondered if our blogging days were numbered.  I am really rebelling and not willing to even pretend to go along with the new "so called rules".   Other than to state this time only.....I don't make money from this blog, I don't collect email addresses to sell or share, I don't use cookies.  You are free to comment on my posts, and I am free to respond, or delete them if I feel they are spam, or etc. 
  With that said, I love my blog time, and reading of others lives and activities.  I have made some very special and sweet friends during my years here.  They have held me up, held my hand, sent me cards and gifts.  Just become part of my life. 

 On my blog I share my passion....you know me as the "one who does water color quilts".  LOL....yeah, that is me.   The one who still buys floral fabrics, the one others send floral fabric to.  So I lavish my talent and learning on my blog.  I have tutorials, and details, lots of information to help, to lead, to guide.  I have taught on line, as well as locally, and shared every tidbit I have gleaned from the experiences.  I expend energy just passing on what I know or have learned.  It satisfies my soul.

  Today was one of those "off" days for me---health wise.  Things are rarely easy for me now since I deal daily with much pain, and peripheral neuropathy.  Energy drain gets thrown in and often I deal with "brain fog".   You get the general drift.  So little things mean a lot to me.  I look for those small things that are miracles to me now.   

   So a little while ago, I had a wonderful surprise.   I felt I received a  gift, a validation freely given that lifted me up.   In my email was a note from Evie.   I can't remember when Evie first asked questions about the watercolor quilts, but I remember giving her info and directing her to Whims for fabrics.    



  Well, her note was short and included a photo of her first watercolor project recently completed.    You see, Evie took the challenge up and did this on her own.  She learned by doing on her own......in Vienna!

  Evie ordered fabric from Whims and turned this project into her own special creation.  I love her hummingbird applique.  She claims it is not perfect....who is....but loves it. 
  She challenged herself by adding the inset (red) border, and solved the special problems that arises from it.  And she put some shadows in the outer border.  I so love the effect.   I think she did an outstanding job on it and hope to see more from her. 

 


 Across the ocean on another continent, I touched someone to try.  That fills me with happiness and lifts my spirits.  It makes me get back up and fight another day.   
  Sending hugs from South Carolina to Evie in Vienna!  Thanks, you made my day.
Happy stitching. 

Friday finds...July

I have been slack  on posting Friday Finds.....let's say I am in the summer doldrums.   This week is a little bit different.  It's about paying it forward and giving back to your community.

I am sure you know about the Million Pillowcase Challenge.  There are great tutorials all over. .... the taco style pillowcase with flange, the simple pillowcase,  or make up your own style.  Most local quilt shops are participating to donate pillowcases to children in hospitals across the nation.  Make a pillowcase, help a child, then make a few for gifts and of course, one to keep!







   Now there is Skirting the Issue......to make a simple skirt to donate to a girl in foster care for her first day of school.  My local quilt shop is participating and supporting this project.   I found a simple one seam pattern here to make a skirt  with information on all sizes.  Check with your local shop for details.

  My sewing life began when I was young....making clothes for school.  Later, I made clothes for my daughter, until she became the sewing whiz and designer.   So I think I can whip  up a simple skirt or two for this.  Actually, it sounds like fun and provides a way to use up some of the neglected stash elements.   I may not be able to build a house, or do home repairs for those in need, as my talents are located in the sewing room.  It's all about that.....using your talent and paying it forward.

  As always....follow the links rather than pinning from here.  Happy stitching.  

Bingle Jells!

  Bingle Jells all the way! Oops, I just woke up from my long Autumn nap, and that should be Jingle Bells.  In case, you don't know me, I am Rudy the official and very sociable mascot for the Get Your Mrs. Claus On project.
   My Mrs. Claus had this bright idea a few years ago to make a few doll quilts to go along with the doll beds and cradles that the Greenville Woodworker's Guild  make each year.  Since  Sir Old Man is the woodworker and my Mrs. Claus is the quilter, the projects just complimented each other.
  Well, let me tell you, what she thought was a few doll quilts needed actually was  60 that first year.   That is when so many wonderful blogging quilters stepped up....actually sewed up a storm.....and helped my Mrs. Claus fill the need.  And the Get Your Mrs. Claus On project began.
    Since then, quilts arrive all through the year from around the world.  Each one special, and wonderful.  And a very big antler shake and thank you goes to that group of quilters from the HGTV Message Board.  This group of quilters have supported this project from several years now,  and really stepped up when my Mrs. Claus broke her shoulder.  They send quilts dedicated to every state in the USA and territories too.  You can't imagine how excited Mrs. Claus gets when she opens one of the packages and sees where it is from and which state it represents!

   This year close to 80 beds and cradles were made by those busy elves at the Greenville Woodworker's Guild.  In total over 540 wooden toys.....beds, cradles, chairs, push toys, wooden puzzles, cars, trucks, and fire trucks were made.  All of them to be given to various organizations that work with children----from hospitals, to child development centers, and rescue groups.  These quality toys and quilts are much needed and will be much loved.  And....a new addition was  bed/cradle mattresses and little pillows made by the wife of one of the woodworkers!   See what we started.....another antler shake.

  Anyway, on Saturday, I got to oversee the packing up of the doll quilts.  One giant, huge display was being set up at the woodworker's complex.  Twenty five woodworkers, wives, and student woodworkers---students of that Pesky Elf--- were on hand to unpack toys, set up tables, and turn it all into a wonderful display.  So, without any more words from me....enjoy the show of toys and quilts.

There are going to be a lot of very happy children this year....don't you agree?   Thank you all....each Mrs. Claus....for making this year a success from me---Rudy, and the Pesky Elf, all the toy maker elves, and of course, Sir Old Man and my Mrs. Claus.  Wishing you Merry Christmas and lots of jingle bell days.

Weekly mail

   I decided to save the doll quilts for a weekly post on new arrivals.  Boy, did I get a wonderful selection of doll quilts this week.  It's like a quilt show in miniature!

  From Hill Country Quilter came this beauty in batiks!  Not only has this Mrs. Claus from Texas developed her eye for picking batiks lately, she has the knack for making them sing.  These are set in a chevron pattern and they just sparkle.

 

  From Mrs. Claus in Florida came a stack of lovely seasonal doll quilts.  Chris, aka cksvett, is a member of the HGTV Message Board. In her note she said that these quilts were a stretch of her talent.  I think she found a new skill with these.









 
   She created an assortment of doll quilts from  a printed panel.  Trees, stars, teddy bears, and gingerbread men all turned out delightful.














   Mrs. Claus for Indiana, aka McPatches, is also a member of the HGTV Board.  What a box full of wonder she sent!
   Christmas stars,  sampler with bargello, tiny pinwheels, and 2 Sun Bonnet Sue doll quilts .....I was in awe! Just look at those pinwheels.   But there is more.....

   A disappearing 9 patch design,  tiny flying geese, a bowl of fish, a string quilt, and a floral applique .....oh, my!  
  This Mrs. Claus has lots of skills!  She said that all the little quilts are from orphan blocks, or were  a leader/enders projects.







  Don't you want to see a full show of her quilts?   I do.

And here is the whole week's worth of quilts.
   I am so humbled and amazed each week as these arrive.  Mrs. Claus---each of you are so full of love and giving.  Each of these little quilts have started their journey and will be going to the arms of little girls soon.  Can't you just hear their squeals of delight.
Thank you all for your help and support.  Big, big hugs.

Happy stitching.

Doll quilts from the Phoebe Group

   What a delight to open the latest box of doll quilts!  A little whisper had come my way from Sharon at Vroomans Quilts that Mrs. Claus was busy in New York.   Sharon spread the word about the Get Your Mrs. Claus On project to a group of ladies in Middleburgh, NY.  Their group is called The Phoebe Group (I so love that!) and they wanted to help.  So here is what they sent......

    A precious pair of quilts in a fun character print that is  quilted with big stitch!   These two just say fun.

  Look at this beautiful embroidery.  I love the colorful butterflies.

   They used coordinating colors to create 9 patch designs with narrow borders.  Some of these are machine quilted, some  hand stitched,  and others are tied.

 
  Thank you, Mrs. Clauses of the Phoebe Group.  I so appreciate your help and support.  You gals are just wonderful!


It is almost time for the first deliveries of toys and quilts to go out......I need to check in with those pesky elves and see if they are ready!
And hugs to all the Mrs. Claus and all their efforts.  Happy stitching.

Small Quilts with a message

   From Mrs. Claus in Michigan............with the help of her Granddaughter!   FayeJean from the HGTV Message Board sent 2 doll quilts for the Mrs. Claus project.  Her note said that she had the help of her Granddaughter in making these precious little doll quilts.
    I was touched by that.  This little project has crossed generational lines to teach giving and quilting.  Thank you, FayeJean and big hugs to your Granddaughter.
 
  I enjoy knowing the story behind the quilt and the quiltmakers.  Because I believe, that what we make with our hands is a  gift of our heart.  Sharing what we love to do with younger generations ensures that our art will continue.  That's important to me.  This is one of the best examples of why  I  quilt.   Thank you again, Mrs. Claus for all you do.
Happy stitching.

A quilting weekend

   Sometimes I find myself saying things and then I wonder, "Where did that come from?".  I don't just mean the "putting foot in mouth" behavior, but the jumping in and saying "let me" variety.  At this age/stage of life, I have developed the ability to just say no to a lot of things.  So, when a friend showed me a photo of a project she was finishing and asked if a few straight lines of quilting would be okay, guess what popped out of my mouth?
  A few days later, Ann was gracious and tried to talk me out of my offer.  I insisted that I needed the practice.

This is a beautiful Christmas tree skirt she is making for her newly wed Granddaughter.  She will be finishing off the edges and adding the center hole, so that part was left unquilted.  

  When I saw the photo, I had instant visions of wonderful streams of feathers in the green and red areas.  The areas of the holly print are done in a medium scale meandering stitch.  

The back side......with lots of stitches!

  

 The cream area was just perfect for a triangular spray of feathers.  This is the first time I really tried fitting free motion stitching into a given area.  

    By the time I got to the larger areas, I was really feeling brave.  I mixed in some individuals plumes with the attached and bump-back plumes. 

   And I am really glad for our rainy weather this weekend.....I had no guilt about investing time on this.  

  

    I will be delivering this to Ann on Tuesday at class, and I am crossing my fingers that she will be delighted with it.  

   It was a magical feeling to see that first vision in my head come to life.   All the time spent in practice last year through the Free Motion Challenge at SewCalGal, and all the doodle pad pages I  filled with drawing those plumes over and over  paid off in the confidence to do this one.   I do think the drawing is the key to developing the skill level here.....so grab your paper and pencils, practice, then quilt!

Happy stitching.   

The third try

   Boy, these went together quickly, and I ended up with 3 before I knew it.
 I'm sending these off to Erin for her storm quilt project.  She offers a quick tutorial on this form of a disappearing 4 patch.







   Interruptions.....This is the third time to try and put together this post.  So let's zip to it and get it done.

   This quilt  is a gift for a friend's husband who is retiring.  Lots of batiks in the Turning Twenty Again pattern.  Sir Old Man critiqued it and said, "Bigger".        I obeyed this time and added a border strip of long pieces about 5 inches wide.  Now it measures  64" by 82".

                         

   

  This is the one I was working on earlier with the feathered swirls.   I just did an all over / any which direction you want method.  After all this practice, I think I really do have this motif figured out.  

   I love the texture you get with the swirls on the batiks.

   Mike is the original "Mr. Mom" husband.  He cleans, he cooks, he fixes things, he works on cars, and is so nice to top it off.   So after all his Mr. Mom chores are done, and he has done some fun stuff, he will be able to put up his feet and nap under this.    Enjoy your well deserved life event, Mike.

   

   One more in my stack to quilt.  Time to get busy with some more piecing.  Happy stitching.   

Pay it forward

 Want to help by Paying it Forward?    Erin at My Patchwork Life  has jumped in to start a project for the Sandy victims.  She needs blocks and offers a great little tutorial on what she wants for making some quilts for the storm victims.   Little does she know what she may have started......so, I am making blocks to send her.  Please help if you can.   





The Christmas Quilt show is coming.  A new hostess this year at Quilting Tutorials.  . Entries begin on November 23rd.  Jump over and check out the details.

   Don't forget the Blogger's Quilt Festival going on at Amy's Creative Side.  Two things are going on right now....nominations for each category and voting for your overall favorite.  Here are the links.

Nomination form is Here for the Blogger's Quilt Festival. 
Vote here for your favorite quilt .
   There are some wonderful quilts here, and I hope you take a bit of time this weekend and view them.  Nothing like an online quilt show for some inspiration.

  My cold is finally breaking up and I am feeling much better....now off to stitch a couple of blocks.

Early deliveries

    The Pesky Elf from the Greenville Woodworkers Guild  asked for 25 more doll quilts to go with the beds, and cradles he was ready to deliver.  The elves are working hard and those toys take up a lot of space to store, so early deliveries are the solution.  It is such a joy and pleasure to re-visit each doll quilt as I count out the needed quilts.  The colors are bright and cheerful, the prints are a delight, but it is the time and generosity of Mrs. Clauses around the globe that is so touching to me.  I whisper a blessing over each one for the maker and receiver.   To date, 85 doll quilts have been delivered to 3 different  organizations  for this Christmas.

    And no sooner were these out the door, and 2 more arrived!

   Filled with bright and colorful triangles, these 2 quilts are from Mrs. Claus in Illinois.  We know her as Exuberant Color .  Thank you, Wanda, for helping and infusing this project with your special touch.

Once again......
  Thanks to all the Mrs. Clauses.

Mrs. Claus news

     We are just into July and the doll quilts have been arriving since February and I have been notified of more on the way.  The stack is at 130 right now and if I add more it will topple over!   But that is a great/wonderful/fabulous problem to face, right?
   The word of the project is spreading in part because of  Mrs. Techie Claus---aka Dana at Stormy Days ---and the blog buttons she created for us.  It is so neat to be reading a blog and see them in the side bar.   Thanks again, Dana.
    Today I ran across a blog entry about Mrs. Claus at  Quilting with a marmalade cat .  I love Sharon's idea that said
 "Another thought...if your town has a Christmas gift program for needy children, maybe they could use these little doll quilts to add to their packages.  That way you would be helping local girls but without the postage costs.  "
   That is exactly what the Get Your Mrs. Claus On project is all about.....find a need and fill it.  Thank you, Sharon, for spreading the word.  

  I have been fretting and pondering on how to photograph and show all of the quilts for 2012.    My photo skills are average, and  space and layout present a dilemma.   And guess what?   Need filled by a professional photographer!   Sir Old Man has been working at church with the Production Team and  talked to Jesse, our video-cinematographer ----big word as he just does it all---lights, camera, action, and he takes photos too!!!   So he  has volunteered to do a photo shoot of the quilts.  I am so excited by his ideas!  
  Insight:   You don't have to do it all by yourself.   Remember that.
Happy stitching.

Mrs. Claus and the quilts

Two boxes of doll quilts arrived today.  The first 15 from the quilters at HGTV Message Board.

The second box of 30 doll quilts came from one wonderful quilter, and all from her stash.  

Each one was similar in style, and so filled with color.  I ran out of floor space to show them all.  

The stack of new arrivals.

The stack----with all the doll quilts----drum roll and cymbals-----130!

To all the wonderful Mrs. Claus around the world,

Last November I never dreamed this small project would touch so many hearts.  In the grand scheme of the world , it is a small project, but has an amazing effect on each of us.  Our work to create a small doll quilt of our stashed and horded fabrics, or of our leftover blocks and strips, has become an amazing journey.  Your hand work may inspired a young girl to become a quilter one day, or to learn to sew.  She may try harder, love deeper, feel stronger because you cared.   The quilters who have participated   have learned new techniques, improved their skills, and spread their love of fiber and thread.  They seek to leave a legacy in their giving and caring.  Others have donated fabric, and batting and been such an encouragement to the entire project.   So, even though I may not know each of you, I am sending hugs and blessings to each of you.  Thank you.

And just wait till those elves hear about this!  And there are more to come...... Happy stitching.

Deliveries to be made

    Toys on display tonight at the Christmas Dinner for the Greenville Woodworkers Guild. 

   And the little guy in the sleigh matches the quilt he is displayed on!

  These are a great sampling of the trucks and cars that the elves made this year.  

Big trucks, and fast cars with speed stripes and daisies!  See the little gingerbread men on the side of the sleigh?   And the 2 cradles below.....the free hand painting was so beautiful.....are being delivered to A Child's Haven in the morning.  There will be some very bright eyes when they see these!

 There were lots of wonderful praises to all the Mrs. Clauses......Thank you, from all the elves. 
Freda, Mrs. Claus in NC                                     Kathy, Mrs. Claus in Ohio                
 Mary, Mrs. Claus in Texas                                 Dana, Mrs. Claus in Florida          
Nancy, Mrs. Claus in California                         Bea, Mrs. Claus in France              
Michele,Mrs. Claus in Canada                           Andrea, Mrs. Claus in Ohio                  
 Sandra, Mrs. Claus in  California                     Claire, Mrs. Claus in New Hampshire
Theresa, Mrs. Claus in California                      Cheree, Mrs. Claus in Kansas
Nicki, Mrs. Claus in Texas                                 Sio, Mrs. Claus in Georgia
Kathy, Mrs. Claus in North Carolina                 Janet, Mrs. Claus in Utah
Sandy, Mrs. Claus in South Carolina                 Ann, Mrs. Claus in South Carolina
Valerie, Mrs. Claus in  New Jersey                    Beth, Mrs. Claus in Tennessee
Teresa, Mrs. Claus in Indiana

   I could not have done it without your help.  Merry Christmas to all.  And to all a good night.
I am tired.....happy stitching.