Catching Up

I have been mostly absent from blog land since mid December.  I had a total knee replacement and did quiet well for the first three weeks.  The fourth week was murder.  I have never hurt so much.  But I made it through and am doing much better.  I am back to work full time and have started to sew again.  I became the owner of a new Baby Lock machine the end of December and I have started to sew on it.  It is such an improvement from the small, inexpensive Brother that I had been sewing on.

The Hyacinth that I "planted" in November finally bloomed in late December.  Love the smell.

The Just Needles Quilt Guild of Pascagoula had a pincushion swap in January.  This is a picture of the one that I made.  I had the novelty fabric for some time and this seemed like a perfect time to use it.  It was a fun swap with some very creative, beautiful pincushion made by members.  I won a tomato pincushion which was also very pretty.  We will be swapping pot holders in April. 

Last, but not least, I received the latest book by Judy Laquidara.  It is a fabulous book of unique borders plus quilts that she has designed.  I will be attending a Quilt Retreat in Brownwood Texas in February, sponsored by Judy.  I am looking forward to four fun-filled days in Texas.  My friend Pam, from my Cobble Court Quilters group will be joining me in this adventure.  I will be flying into Austin, renting a car, then driving for a couple of hours until I reach Brownwood.  I have not done this in some time, so I hope I do not get lost.

You can check out Judy's adventures at patchworktimes.com.  She is sponsoring a Quilt of Valor quilt pattern each month.  You can find the pattern at her blog under "free quilt patterns."

I am also working on a "secret project" along with my friend Rennie at Aquiltcomplex.blogspot.com.  I hope to share my efforts with you at a later date.

Until next time............happy quilting......

Sew Red for Women

A special blog hop will begin February 3 - Sew Red for Women.  It is designed to bring awareness on heart disease and provide patterns for various blocks.   This link will provide information for this project.  http://sewredforwomen.blogspot.com.  The fabric line will be Chemistry by Cosmo Cricket and coordinating Bella Solids.
I love red and white quilts so I want to follow this journey and try to make the block each month.

December Cupcakes

The December birthday girls at the Scratching Post received these cupcakes from me. 

The year long swap is over.  I received about 40 cupcakes for my birthday.  I will spread them out later and take a picture of them for you.  The Cuppa Joe swap is also over.  Will publish the ones received at a later date.

I will be "off the air" for a week or so.  Tomorrow I go in to have a total knee replacement on my right knee.  I hope to have a great recovery and be able to walk a half marathon in the future.

Until later..........

Sandra

Sandstitchers Christmas Party - Part II

A block lottery was also held at the party. President Susan Linn chose the focus fabric and members had the opportunity to make one or more blocks and get a chance to win them. There were 20 + blocks so two names were chosen. Angel and Ann H won the blocks.

This is the one I made.  It's not in the picture because I forgot it in my car.  I did give it to one of the lucky winners the next day.

We also exchanged gifts.

I received this, Chocolate!!

Some other are shown below.

Thanks Terese -- we all had a marvelous time!

Sandstitchers Christmas Party

The Sandstitchers Quilt Guild of Ocean Springs held their Christmas party at the home of Teresa Ess. The home was beautifully decorated and fun time was had by all.

The Guild supplied the meat and the members brought the side dishes.

Main Dishes

Desserts

Members enjoying the food and fellowship

Just Needles Christmas Party

The Just Needles Quilt Guild of Pascagoula held their Christmas Party at the local library last Tuesday. The food and the fellowship was great. The Guild furnished the meat and we brought the various side dishes. 

We also had some wonderful desserts.  Just look at the cake!  Almost too pretty to eat.

We also played Dirty Santa with handcrafted gifts.  I was having so much fun that I forgot to take any pictures. 

The Guild has many activities planned for 2012.  In January we will be swapping handcrafted or purchased pin cushions.

Stay tuned...................

Block Therapy Trunk Show

On November 17 a local quilt store, Block Therapy, had a trunk show featuring Northcott's Stonehenge Fabrics.  We were able to hear the history of the development of this fabric and to also preview some of the new lines coming next spring.  There were door prizes and a free bag of fat quarters for everyone attending.  More than 50 local quilters came out for the show.  It was a wonderful experience.

This is a quilt, Smokey River, made from the Stonehenge Fabrics. 

Pattern

Quilt on Display

Joan, owner of Block Therapy, and the Northcott representative


Block Therapy has every one of the Stonehenge colors and will be ordering the ones picked by the attendees as their favorites.