More Pinwheel blocks

Six more pinwheels.  I'm also trying to finish my dragonfly quilt so I can get it shipped to Canada in time for Christmas.

Design Wall Monday

I have some catching up to do, now that I was able to download my pictures.......

These are the first 6 of 18 pinwheel blocks that I am making in browns and teals.  Last winter DH gave me a kit for a tablerunner in these colours, as well as a few extra fat quarters.  Then I ordered a set of 10 inch squares from Keepsake, called "Coffee and Teal".  I've been having fun matching the colours together.  My plan is to set the blocks on point with sashing, then add a couple of borders.  I've been dedicated to using my stash, but I think I'll still have some of these colours remaining, so I'll have to find another project to try to use them up.  Of course, we all know that in the attempt, I'll have to add more fabric - its just a vicious circle!

My Southern Sewing Room

My sewing table faces the window, so on sunny days, I have a blind rolled down so I can see.  DH cut a hole for the sewing machine and made a box to support it at the correct level.

 Next to my machine I have my thread boxes on the floor, and two sets of plastic drawers to hold my "bits and pieces", topped with bins of strips and more threads.  Since the sun hits these on the back, I use a tablecloth to keep them protected.

 My little TV sits in the corner, so I can watch the sewing and quilting shows on PBS every morning.  It is angled so the sun doesn't shine on the screen.

 My cutting table sits on the inside wall.  I have a lamp attached so I can see to cut accurately, (aging eyes), and I made a cover that I can press on for small seams.  I still use an ironing board for bigger jobs.
The storage drawers are filled with extra small pieces for DH's garden railway.

 I also have a small sitting area so I can visit with friends, or sit and hand sew while watching a movie.  The room was built under the existing carport roof.  It has windows on two sides, so I can usually get a good breeze.  I have a ceiling fan for really humid or hot days too.  I don't have a phone,(we have an answering machine),  so I get few interruptions, except DH asking if I want to go for a bike ride or swim. 

My computer was just delivered!

Finally - I've been tracking it on its return journey across the country.  Unfortunately, today is quilt group day, so I won't be able to reload stuff and play until later......
I'm off to pack for this afternoon.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my US friends, (we Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in mid October).  We've been invited to a friends' home for a meal tomorrow, so I have to bake some bread when I get home from my quilting group - can't show up empty handed!

Design Wall Monday

I borrowed this picture from www.whims.cc.  DH bought this cute kit for me in Houston.  Our son's girlfriend loves dragonflies, so he thought it would make a great gift.  The kit included the watercolour squares, and the fabrics for fusible applique, along with two wonderful dragonflies made from some angelina fibre, ready to cut out and apply.  The centre is finished, and waiting for some thread painting details.  I also checked my tiny stash in Florida, and I'll have to pick up some fabrics for borders and backing!  (Darn! I have to go shopping....)
Head over to Judy's to see what's new

My computer comes home on Wednesday!

According to tracking info, it should be delivered on the 24th.  I hope the hard drive has been left alone, and only the faulty CD/DVD drive replaced.  I guess I'll find out on Wednesday.
I've been making some pinwheel blocks, using some leftover browns and teals.  I forgot to pack enough fabric for the sashing and border, so I picked up a couple of yards of sale fabric, including a lovely stripe.  I enjoy using stripes in the borders as they look wonderful in a miter!

  More quilts by my quilting group - these were made in 2008, using a "Quilt in a Day" pattern.

Back to sewing!

My sewing room is set up, and I spent quite a bit of time yesterday sewing!  Unfortunately, the Wednesday quilt group meeting was cancelled, as they were shampooing the carpets in our clubhouse, so it was out of bounds for 24 hours.
Here are some more pictures of past quilts made by my group.  (BTW, my notebook computer is in being repaired as we speak, so I should have it back in about a week, and be able to download and upload some current pictures!)

 The pattern was shown on the old "Simply Quilts" program on HGTV.  It is an easy block to make, but makes a great looking finished project.

Design Wall Monday

I don't have my sewing room set up yet, but it is clean, windows, floors etc.  My DH had to get all his garden railway stuff set up first, as it is stored in my "sewing room" while we are away!

 

The railway wraps around the front of the house, and has two rail lines, so two trains can run at once.

My sweet DH even built me my own quilt shop! 

All of the buildings are made from "scratch".  He loves finding uses for all the assorted bits and pieces that accumulate in our garage up north.  He has even made use of some empty thread spools and cones, and that is one supply that never ends......

Off to meet with my quilt group

People are arriving every day, and this afternoon we're going to get together.  I know that one person wants help pin-basting a quilt, and for the rest of us, it will be a meet and greet.
I had to sent my notebook in for servicing, and DH forgot the cables so that I can upload pictures, so my blog will either have old pictures, or be pictureless until it returns! Our desktop is so slowwwwwww!

These were mystery quilts that were made in 2006.

Design Wall Monday

I've been on the road for the past 10 days, and haven't set up my southern sewing room yet.  I did stitch the redwork on the 4th Raggedy and Friends block while travelling.  

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 Thanks, Kaaren, at the Painted Quilt!
I packed 14 or 15 projects to work on over the winter, so the next few months should be interesting.  I'll also be leading the quilt group every Wednesday - 12 to 20 quilters get together to sew.  They are of all skill levels from beginner to experienced, so it is challenging to find projects to interest everyone.  This year, I plan to take everyone back to the basics - from checking their "scant 1/4 inch seam" to how to cut accurately, and making the basic building blocks of quilting - 4 patches, 9 patches, half and quarter square triangle, flying geese, etc.  I have to design a few projects using these basic building blocks.
Check out everyone's design wall at Judy's blog

Houston Show

DH and I were waiting at the door  Wednesday night for the preview from 7-10.  Almost everyone rushed to the vendors' side of the convention center, but we headed the other way, toward the quilts.  All the first prize winners were standing by their quilts, and we got to chat with all of them!
The three hours flew by, and we headed back to our hotel.  Back again this morning at 10 sharp.  Once again, went against the grain, and looked at the rest of the exhibits before heading to the vendors.  I had circled some "must see" booths, but we managed to at least check out all of them by 4.  I don't look at jewelry, embellishments, I've tried all the long-arm machines before, wasn't looking for a new sewing machine, and only had a few fabric "wants" to look for.  I did pick up some fat quarters, and one ruler, but most of my plastic damage was done at Superior Threads booth.  Picked up 5 spools of their new silk thread to try for applique, as well as some new colours of their Rainbow line of thread.  I also got a box of 72 pre-wound bobbins as well.
By 4, my feet were sore, my back hurt, and it was time to head out.  We did stop at a local fabric store, High Fashion Fabrics, where I found some Raggedy Ann and Andy fabric (on my want list).  Stopped for dinner on our way home, then back to the hotel.  I've looked through all the hand-outs etc. that we picked up, and I've fondled my new fabric.  Now I have to check up on a few days of emails and other computer info.   We head to Florida in the morning.  I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, and baking my first loaves of bread!