For whatever reason (probably my own ignorance!) I'm having trouble loading the other photos. It just drives me crazy! Why do some work and others not when they're all the same? I don't like to think of myself as technologically challenged -- but I guess I am (damn it!) I'll work on it some more. I had the same problem with the photos from the Mariner's Compass class I taught. Hmmm.

We had a sewing weekend last weekend and had a great time. We held it in the basement of our church which has lots of tables and a wonderful kitchen -- so we had all the comforts of home. I didn't actually take a count (because I was having too much fun!) but I think we had about 8 or 9 people on Friday and another 8 or 9 on Saturday.

I have to laugh because I think our sewing weekend pretty much baffled Pastor Rick. I don't think he quite understood why we would pack up so much stuff, haul it somewhere else, set it all up again and then sit and sew! As he passed through our area every now and again he seemed to smile and just shake his head.

There were all sorts of projects being worked on........ Sarah was sewing on flannel, Terry was working on (what's going to be) a 60" Mariner's compass medallion, Linda worked on several new handbags and then spent some time practicing her machine quilting, Denise worked on a block-of-the-month project, Elaine was working on a black/green/white quilt that's going to be a knockout, Lucille and Marian did hand work, Paula was working on her rag quilt and Darlene worked on a double wedding ring. We sue had enough variety! I was supposed to be finishing up my latest mystery quilt but you can about guess how much I got done!

I did take a few photos but I was having so much fun that I forgot about the camera until almost too late!

Well, I'm finally starting to feel better and I once again have a computer that can actually "compute" so it's time I got back in the swing of things and started catching up with everyone.
Pat (from SC) wrote to me today and included a photo of the Fractured Star quilt that she made from the Mystery Quilt pattern on my website. BRAVO!! .......and look! It's actually quilted an bound! Good job! Pat, I think the quilt looks wonderful and I'm anxious to see your BOM when it's completed.

Happy Birthday Greg!

Today is Greg's birthday. We're having a quiet celebration at home tonight and we'll celebrate again later this week when we get together with his family for Thanksgiving. I'm a VERY lucky woman to be married to my best friend, biggest cheerleader, most tolerant critic and the biggest goofball I know. He's my hero. Not only for his outstanding military service and his never-ending support and work for veteran's and POW/MIA issues but also for how he leads his life. He's one of the good guys and I love him for it! (Of course, it doesn't hurt that he makes tea for me every morning either!)

Happy Birthday Lumberjack Man!!!

Timber Time!

We were out in the timber cutting firewood this past weekend. Even though it's a lot of work I still love doing it. We do this several times a year and we usually take either a lunch or snacks and spend a good portion of the day. The dogs, of course, go with us too. I honestly can't tell you which I enjoy more -- being out in the timber getting the wood and watching the dogs play or having nice warm floors all winter long!

I remembered (finally!) to take the camera with me so I've got several photos to share.








Fanny was taking a break and resting up in this big pile of leaves.














Jack (The Wonder Dog!) was on the alert for any dangerous critters that might be in the area.









Myah was taking a break from tracking all the deer that live in the timber. She hasn't caught one yet but she hasn't given up hope!

New Mystery Quilt

I just posted the first segment of the new mystery quilt that I've designed on my website (www.iowastarquilts.com). If you like doing mystery quilts then you might want to check it out. It's going to be a three-parter that ends up being lap size. I really like this one and I'm anxious to get started on it myself!

I knew this blog was going to end up making me feel guilty! I've been so busy that I haven't allowed myself time to sit down and do some fun things on the computer -- including blogging! Now that things are settling down once again I'm going to try and do a better job of communicating!

I managed to get my two new patterns published in time for the AQS show in Des Moines at the end of October. THANK YOU to my friend Jean for quilting both of the lap quilts. She did a wonderful job and the quilts looked great hanging in the booth! (Jean does machine quilting for people so if you're interested please contact me and I'll gladly pass on her info.)

You've seen these quilts before as top before they were quilted. The top one is Road To Heaven and the bottom one is Fractured Star.

I'm pleased with both of these patterns and they were both fun to piece together. I enjoy the process of designing quilts and sometimes I get so caught up in designing that I forget about how rewarding it is to actually sit down and piece. It makes me feel really good to see the pile of blocks get bigger and bigger until I have enough to do the quilt.

The AQS Show in Des Moines was loads of fun! (My husband claims that I develop amnesia about the setting up and tearing down parts of vending!) We got a chance to hang out with a bunch of our vendor friends from across the country and it's always a joy to catch up with them. We also got a chance to chat with lots of folks who were attending the show and that's always a treat.

I spoke with several people who'd flown in and rented cars so they could get out of Des Moines and see some of the surrounding countryside and they were really surprised at how pretty Iowa is! (We knew that all along!)

I did remember to take a photo of my booth at the show. (Think I can cram anything else into it??)