A Heartfelt Thank You

I just wanted to post a public thank you to all of you who supported me mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally while dealing with Chris's illness and passing. Words cannot express how much that support meant, so I won't even try to verbalize it. Just know that having you all there for me/us made a difficult journey less so. As I once read somewhere, "the nicest things are often things that none of us can touch."

Thank you for being there,
Suzy

In Memory Of My Forever Love

My Forever Love

Chris Martin Prickett

December 15, 1951 - October 13, 2010

Heaven Awaits

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down -- when we die and leave these bodies -- we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long for the day when we will put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will not be spirits without bodies, but we will put on new heavenly bodies. Our dying bodies make us groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and have no bodies at all. We want to slip into our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by everlasting life.

2 Corinthians 5:1-4

Update

I thought I'd check in and update all my friends and family who follow my blog. I wish I had better news to share, but I don't.

Chris has lost another 10 pounds in the past 3 weeks. He is now down to 136. His blood pressure is a little on the low side -- 100/50, and is now on both Methadone and Morphine for the pain. He is not eating or drinking much, and had a really, really rough week last week. Despite it all, I take him to his bowling leagues on Monday and Tuesday mornings. He is totally exhausted when he gets home and sleeps the rest of the day, but sometimes I think the bowling is the only thing that keeps him going; and if that's the case, I'm glad for it.

Please keep us in your prayers,
Suzy

P.S. We had to rehome Lexie, but she is now part of another wonderful Christian family with two young girls, aged 3 and 7. She is doing well and is very happy being the only furry member, with two little girls to keep her busy and active.

A Blogging Break

Just wanted to let you all know I'm taking an official blogging break. Not much quilting going on here anyway.

Chris is not doing well. He has lost most of his voice and can barely swallow. He has had quite a few serious choking and major coughing episodes and is now having quite a bit of pain in his back and chest to the point that they have now prescribed morphine for him. Hospice visits regularly. He is now down to 145 lbs. I hate seeing him like this and am scared and depressed that he may not even make it to our 31st anniversary on October 6. Yet I don't want to see him in pain and suffering.

In addition to my stressing about Chris, our older dog, Lexie, is sensing that he is dying and has become terribly aggressive toward our younger dog, Tasha. She has literally tried to kill her several times and we have had to crate them, letting only one dog out at a time. Yet, Lexie still tries to attack Tasha while Tasha is crated. Lexie has been on "puppy Prozac" for almost 4 weeks now but there's not much of a change with the aggression. Now I'm also scared and depressed we'll need to rehome one of our dogs.

Yet through it all I still have faith in the Lord and his Will, and know He has a Plan for us all. Please add us to your daily prayers.

In His name,
Suzy

A Whole Lotta Sumpin' Goin' On

I haven't blogged in several weeks because it's been crazy busy around here. Good and not-so-good crazy busy.

Let's see...

I've been quilting on and off and finally have a top put together. It's pastel tumbling blocks that I cut with my GO! cutter. Let me tell you, that GO! cutter is the best thing since sliced bread. I still haven't decided whether I want to put borders on it. Right now it measures 79-3/4" x 57-3/4" (unfinished). I'm thinking borders will give it a more finished look, and in my mind's eye I see three borders -- the inside border being solid white, a center border being the leftover pastel scraps somehow pieced, and a final white outer border. But I don't want the finished top to be gi-normous. I've played in my new EQ7, but nothing is speaking to me. I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

More prizes from my block design have been coming in. I get very excited when the UPS guy stops in front of my house. In the past couple weeks I've gotten a $50 Gift Certificate from Electric Quilt, 10 quilting-related DVDs from Nine Patch Media (one of which is THE Roses of Remembrance DVD), and 12 books from Martingale & Co. They accidently sent me a duplicate of one ("It's A Wrap II") so they are sending the corrected book, and I already had "Follow-The-Line Quilting Designs Volume Four". So, I'm either going to hostess a giveaway here on my blog for the two duplicates, or donate them to my Quilt Guild. The Roses of Remembrance book will be arriving in August. :o)

Next up is more family time. Chris is now in the hospice program (he's lost 20 pounds and is having difficulty swallowing). So while he's feeling fairly good and is still up and around, my sister, brother-in-law, niece and my dad decided to come for a visit from NJ last week. We had a wonderful time together. Gosh, I miss them already. So between family visits and visits from hospice (nurses, counsellors, pastor, etc.), and my trying to squeeze in some quilting time, we've had pretty full and fast-moving days. I am grateful for hospice, though. At first it sounded so scary and so final to have hospice involved in our lives, but it is a very positive thing for both Chris and me. And we thank God for our blessings every day.

Hugs,

Suzy

Kids Quilt Camp 2010

Guess where I was last week? No, not the fabric store, silly. I was volunteering at Kids Quilt Camp. I even managed to coherce Kathy (the "eh, I'm not really that into quilting") into coming and we both had a blast. The kids were so great and sucked up the knowledge like the sponges they are. Most amazing was that I would say 70% of the kids had their quilts completely done by Wednesday. Guess what they did the rest of the week? Worked on piecing quilt tops for charity quilts! How awesome are they! I'm so proud to be part of this group.

Friday was Show 'n' Tell with their families in attendance where they showed off their completed quilts and even got to show the 3 (yes three!) finished charity quilt tops they completed by working in groups. Great fun was had by all.

This year I had a cutie pie named Catherine. She was such a ray of sunshine and so outgoing. The clown of the group, she had us all laughing at her antics. These kids are all so much fun to be around.

I'll leave you with some pictures from Camp so you can see for yourself how much everyone (volunteers and kids) enjoyed themselves.





Each one teach one,
Suzy

Sedona Sunset and the AccuQuilt GO! Cutter

This weekend I had a blast with my new GO! Cutter, which I purchased a couple weekends ago on sale at JoAnn Fabrics in anticipation of the $100 gift certificate I would receive from AccuQuilt as one of my prizes for the Roses of Remembrance quilt design (which I recently received, BTW).

I cut, pieced, quilted and bound this quilt in only 2 days! It's 20" square and was so much fun to make! I call it Sedona Sunset.

For the half-square triangles, I just used some leftover charm squares from my Bali quilt (still in progress) that didn't match the color scheme.

If you have the GO! and want to duplicate the quilt pattern (feel free), I used the half-square triangles from the value die that comes with the Cutter, the 1-1/2" strip die for the inner border, the 3-1/2" strip die for the outer border, and the 2-1/2" strip die for the binding strips. Easy peasy.

A GO! convert,

Suzy

My Prizes Are Starting To Arrive!

What fun to check the mail every day! The UPS/Fed Ex guy is now my BFF. LOL! Just check out my first arrival!


Aren't they GORGEOUS! $500 worth of Island Batik fabrics to die for! The large stack on the left/bottom are 1-1/4 yard cuts. The large stack on the right/bottom are 2 yard cuts. The two other stacks are FQs. There are also 18 hand-painted 5" squares and two very large hand-painted murals.

I can only dream what to make with them all! Although I did use one of the yellow FQs for a wall-quilt top I just completed. Pics of that coming soon...

Batik crazed and loving it,
Suzy

A Memorable Trip

We're back and we had a wonderful cruise! Being treated as VIPs didn't hurt either! LOL!

We have lots of pics. We took about 80 and are awaiting the pics from Heather and Rachel, too. I'm thinking of uploading them all to either Facebook or Picasa. Haven't decided yet.

Food, fun, family. It was all amazing. Anthony got a little motion sick the first night, but was fine after the first full day. To see his face at the show (Toy Story - The Musical) was priceless. We all enjoyed ourselves immensely.

Disney's island, Castaway Cay, was beautiful! I was able to get the massage, but Chris wasn't. Apparently if you have cancer they can't do a massage for fear it may cause it to spread or whatever. They did give him a complimentary hand, foot and scalp massage, though. We also were presented with two complimentary robes. Comfy!

But the highlight of our trip was a private invitation by the Captain to tour the Bridge. Anthony even got to sound the horn (which was shaped like a Mickey Mouse face) while we were leaving port. How exciting!

I could go on and on about the trip, but will blog more once I get the pictures posted.

Cruisin' fun,

Suzy

(*Sings*) Cruisin' -- On A Sunday Afternoon!

Yes, we will be leaving Sunday afternoon on the Disney Wonder headed for the Bahamas. For 6 days and 5 nights we will be enjoying Deluxe Suite Stateroom w/Veranda accommodations. Our two daughters and grandson will be in a suite right next door. Family Time!

We really need this right now, as Chris's cancer is progressing faster and faster. He had a choking episode yesterday afternoon that scared the heck out of me and I thought God was going to be calling him home. :`o(

Chris is really looking forward to this and having the girls and grandson together, so we are planning to thoroughly enjoy the ship, the ports, the deep blue sea, and each others' company. Chris and I even have a couples massage arranged one of the days we are on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay -- in our own private cabanas out on the sand overlooking the ocean. I can hear the seagulls already.

Time to make more memories...

Suzy

The Quilt - Roses of Remembrance

Here it is in all it's splendor. THE Quilt. Made to help support Alzheimer research. My block is middle/far right. Isn't the quilt stunning! Keep an eye out for the book, dvd and embroidery cd. They should be out soon.

Roses of Remembrance Quilt

Roses of Remembrance Quilt - Back

My prizes will also be trickling in over the next two weeks. Squee!!!!!

Quilty happiness,

Suzy

The Secret Revealed . . . I WON!

Yes, I can hardly still believe it myself. One of my EQ Rose of Sharon Quilt Block designs was chosen as one of the 12 final winners. See the original posting here. When I found out several months ago (December 14 to be exact) I could hardly contain myself! Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson actually picked this block as a winner!



We were told there were over 850+ entries and 11 countries represented. Sharon and her business partner Elizabeth at Nine Patch Media narrowed it down to 50 blocks and Ricky and Alex took over judging from there. They "complained" that they were given a very difficult task of picking only 12 of the 50 they were given. LOL!

My block will now be in Sharon Pederson's Rose of Sharon Block Book, as well as the DVD of the same name and it will also be available as a CD from OESD Embroidery. I also won approximately $1,700 in prizes. I am soooo tickled!

Funny thing is that I was most proud when Sharon herself told me that she uses MY block as a teaching sample in her classes because it eclipsed a variety of nuances, such as placement, color, sizing and motion. Wow, what an honor! Oh, found the e-mail: Here are her words exactly, "...here's the block we fell in love with. It's not only going to be in the book, the DVD, and the Embroidery CD but I have chosen it to be the class sample block for the Rose of Sharon class. It has the perfect combination of shapes, sizes, colors, etc. and is 'traditional' enough but still sort of contemporary at the same time."

Doing the happy dance,
Suzy

Move Over Thelma & Louise -- Here Come Kathy & Suzy!

Ok, ok, so we weren't that bad and we made it out alive -- but we DID have a fun time on our little getaway weekend to St. Augustine.

Hubby was down in Stuart with his mother this past week (his Dad had to unexpectedly have quadruple bypass surgery but all went well). So while the cat's away the girl's decided to P-L-A-Y.

First thing Kathy said after I told her that hubby would be gone for a week was "Road Trip!" First thing I said in response was "St. Augustine!" Aside from the silly "pushing all the elevator buttons" and various small sundry things, we were what we consider well-behaved. Hehehehe. No falling down drunk or peeing on people's lawns and such. No, we were trying our best to stay out of jail and spend the night at the local Holiday Inn instead.

We walked and walked, and took the trolly tour and walked, and walked, and...well we were TIRED when we got home from the trip. Only a few pictures to share, as we couldn't be bothered with the camera. We were too busy window shopping and touring and real shopping and such.

We did take pictures of each other at one of the places we had dinner. The place was soooooo cute! It was an Irish Pub and Seafood Restaurant. We ate upstairs on the outdoor balcony overlooking the water, bridge, pirate ships, sailboats, yachts and even horse-drawn carriages. We even saw 4 dolphins playing amongst the boats. And the food was great, as well! Forgot to take pics of the food, but we both had the fish and chips. Dang they gave you alot. We could have shared after it was all said and done. :o)

Oh, and I can't forget to tell you we found a quilt shop! Right there in downtown St. Augustine. It was a really wonderful shop with friendly staff and great fabrics! Yes, of course I helped our fledgling economy by plopping down almost $200. But see my pretty treasures!

Hope your weekend was as great as mine,

Suzy

I Have An Exciting Secret!

...And finally after waiting several months, I'll be able to share it with you here on my blog on Friday, May 21, during the Spring 2010 International Quilt Market. YAYYYYYY!

Stay tuned,
Suzy

P.S. If you want to guess what it could possibly be (hint: check previous blog entries), leave a comment with your guess and I'll e-mail you and let you know if you are correct. I can't officially B-L-O-G about it until then, but I have been able to tell family and friends. And I consider y'all my friends. :o)

Dream ~ Design ~ Create: Announcing The Upcoming Release of EQ7

Coming June 7, 2010 from The Electric Quilt Company!

Quilts, Blocks and now PHOTOS!
Digital cameras will become a quilter's best friend. EQ7 has dozens of ways to turn everyday photos into quilt art images. Or crop and edit scanned fabrics right in EQ7 in minutes. And that's just the start!

New Activation Policy
You'll never run out of EQ7 activations! Activation and deactivation is as easy as two clicks of the mouse. Install on as many computers as you like and quickly transfer activations from computer to computer. This new policy gives you complete freedom to manage your own activations — and no dongle to worry about!

Easier than ever for new users
EQ7 is the most user-friendly full-featured quilting software yet.
• Complete user manual
• 22 printable full-color PDF lessons (115 pages)
• Point-and-read info on each tool – now linked directly to Help topics
• 10 videos targeted for beginners
• 67 “How do I?” topics: printable stepped-out instructions for doing everything from printing English paper-piecing templates to drawing a New York Beauty
• Built-in Help buttons are everywhere, targeted to the task you're doing
• New block tools for creating original blocks instantly without drawing
• Blocks size themselves – just drag and drop on the quilt

Users upgrading from EQ6 will feel right at home
Exactly the same friendly interface, plus loads of new user-requested features.
• 5000 copyright-free blocks
• 5000 new scanned fabrics, plus grayscale textures
• 120 new pre-designed quilt layouts
• Snap blocks to a Quilt grid
• Instant border blocks with greatly expanded Auto Borders
• Print multiple photos on fabric
• Create original fabric designs from photos, then print on fabric
• Mirror and use myriad symmetries on photos
• Use dozens of artistic effects, making everyday photos look like watercolors or Impressionist paintings
• 79 new features in all

Netbook compatible
Works on netbooks as well as laptops and desktop computers.

When will The Electric Quilt Company begin shipping EQ7?
We will begin shipping June 7, 2010.

What are the EQ7 and EQ7 Upgrade system requirements?
ELECTRIC QUILT 7
Minimum system requirements: Windows® XP, Windows® Vista, Windows® 7 (32 or 64 bit), Internet access, 750 MB of available hard-disk space, CD-ROM drive. Netbook compatible. Internet required for activation, deactivation, and periodic validations.
Recommended: Monitor with screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or greater, Adobe® Reader®, sound card for demo videos.
Activation: Internet access is required for activation and deactivation. Unlimited installations. Activations can be easily transferred between computers. Two (2) computers may be simultaneously active.
EQ7 UPGRADE
Minimum system requirements: Windows® XP, Windows® Vista, Windows® 7 (32 or 64 bit), Internet access, 750 MB of available hard-disk space, CD-ROM drive. Netbook compatible. Internet required for activation, deactivation, and periodic validations.
Recommended: Monitor with screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or greater, Adobe® Reader®, sound card for demo videos.
Activation: Internet access is required for activation and deactivation. Unlimited installations. Activations can be easily transferred between computers. Two (2) computers may be simultaneously active.

UPGRADE VERSION of Electric Quilt 7 This upgrade version of Electric Quilt 7 will install only if you are a licensed user of Electric Quilt 6 (EQ6). Visit www.electricquilt.com for other upgrade requirements.

What is the activation policy?
EQ7 has a new activation policy, created as a result of user feedback.

Activation: Internet access is required for activation and deactivation. Unlimited installations.
Activations can be easily transferred between computers. Two (2) computers may be simultaneously active

Just When We Thought It Couldn't Get Worse...

First, sorry I haven't blogged since my last post asking for prayers. I've been a bit depressed (hence no quilting), but even more so since our friend and neighbor across the street passed away on the 29th. He had the same cancer as Chris and decided to take the same non-traditional treatment route. He passed away 3 years to the day he was diagnosed. His memorial service was on Friday. A very sad day indeed. His wife, Kathy, and I are good friends and I am totally making myself available to her, as I know she will also be there for me, if and when that time comes.

Second, Chris had his endoscopy yesterday. Bad news all around. The tumor is quite huge (8cm x 6cm), which translated is approximately 3-1/4 inches by 2-1/2 inches. She was shocked he can still swallow and that it hasn't yet obstructed. According to the results and the pictures (ewwwie, btw), he doesn't have much more opening to go before he does obstruct. PLEASE DON'T READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU GET GROSSED OUT EASILY. The thing that scared us both the most, though, was when the doctor started talking "fatal aspiration." Apparently he is at the point where he could be having a conversation just fine, and then suddenly have an aspiration episode where the tumor will start uncontrollably bleeding and he will just start vomiting blood and die. We are also questioning whether the bleeding episode from several months back where he was bleeding profusely from his rectum and the hospital couldn't figure out why. He was in the hospital for several days. His hemogoblin has never really rebounded yet from that episode. In fact, if it gets any lower, he will have to have a transfusion. It is a strong possibility that that episode could have been a bleeding episode from his rectum caused by the tumor. Apparently he can bleed out either through vomiting the blood or from his rectum. Scary stuff indeed.

So there you have it. Our lives at the moment. Monday we have an appointment with a lawyer here in FL to update our wills. Last time was a few years ago in NJ, but we want to make sure everything is kopasetic (sp?) now that we're living here in FL.

Living each day at a time and still asking for prayers,
Suzy

Asking For Prayers, Please

I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything of substance, but my back has been killing me and I've been to the Dr's several times and even got a series of two epidural shots. Those who know me know that I have to be in quite a bit of pain to face needles, especially those in my spine area. Anyway, I'm feeling much better now to where the pain is managable, but it's not me I'm wanting prayers for...

We got the results Friday from hubby's recent PET scan and things are not good. In fact they are depressingly bad. The cancer is now progressing quite quickly and the Dr thinks the tumor will overtake his "esophagus" sometime this year. What that means is he will quickly go downhill from there as he won't be able to eat or even breathe. They may be able to put in a stint and even a feeding tube at that point, but it will only delay the inevitable and, of course, hospice will be called in. I asked how much it has spread and the Dr basically put his hand at his waist and his other hand at his neck. We were shocked. Especially since Chris is feeling and eating so well right now. But, as the Dr said, it is now progressing rapidly. Chris still doesn't want chemo (radiation is now out of the picture because of how much it has spread) because although the chemo will give him a little more time, it will most likely make him sick as a dog and his herbs and homeopathy medication has given him three years without the negative side effects. He wants what time he has left to feel as "normal" as possible and I can't blame him. Chris will be getting an endoscopy so they can see exactly what's going on, and I will post again when we learn the results.

Okay, I thought I was handling this well, but I'm tearing up here. We knew that this would inevitably happen and we are blessed and thankful that we had the time we had (three whole years) after his recurrance diagnosis (especially when they were talking 3-6 months). I don't want to ramble on, but did want to let everyone know the latest, especially since several of my NJ friends read my blog.

Please keep us in your prayers,
Suzy

Eye Candy

In honor of National Quilting Day, I've finally gotten around to uploading the pics I took of some of my favorite quilts from our Quilt Show (which was a huge success, btw!)...

Seaside Piecemakers Quilt Show - March 12-13, 2010

Enjoy the show,
Suzy

"Chantilly" Small Raffle Quilt

I had so much fun making the first small raffle quilt that I decided to make another. It also measures 15"x15".




I'm totally diggin' the fabrics. They are leftover scraps from my "Patisserie Stars" quilt, along with a FQ of the alternate strips, and leftover strips of some green polkadot fabric I used as a backing in another quilt. I really love the feathers that I quilted in the alternate strip areas. They soften the look of the quilt even more. I just have to put on the sleeve and the label. That should only take a minute or so as I use heavy duty wonder under to fuse them on. :o)

Small Quilt Gratification,
Suzy

We Have A Winner!

The drawing has been held and we have a winner of the mystery giveaway!

Connie W. from Cootie Bug 2, this is your prize! Six yummy, soft fat quarters of Thimbleberries flannel fabrics. Hope you can use it in a quilt to keep you warm and cozy during the cold winter months. Here in Florida I don't have much use for flannel. LOL!

Thank you to everyone who entered. I'm sure I will have more goodies to giveaway in the future, so thank you for being faithful readers. :o)

Hugs,

Suzy

"In Bloom" Raffle Quilt

Our quilt guild is having their bi-annual show on March 12 and 13, 2010. We are 300 members strong and it is a huge show with a lot of work involved (that's why we only hold one every other year). I give them major kudos for their organization. Amazing! I would say the majority (if not all) of the active members support the show in one form or another. This is my first year with the guild and I'm wading in the shallow end this time, just getting my feet wet.

I've signed up to spend several hours at the small quilt raffle booth and also am donating a small quilt to be raffled. I've just finished it up and here it is!

I call it "In Bloom" and I had a blast making it. It was hard to decide what I was going to make, as the quilt can't be any larger than 15"x15", which is exactly what "In Bloom" measures. I hope we raise lots of money and I can't wait to go to the show and see all the beautiful quilts our members made. There will be vendors there, as well as food, raffle booths, a boutique with small handmade items, lectures and demonstrations, doll exhibit, quilt appraisals, wearable art and I almost forgot to mention this is also a judged show. Maybe next show I'll even enter a quilt in the show! :o) We also have a GORGEOUS opportunity quilt that members worked on and the proceeds go to benefit the Cancer Care Centers of Brevard Foundation. In case you are in the area, more information is available at www.seasidepiecemakers.com.

I'll be sure to take many pictures once the show is finally here and I'll, of course, post and share.

Blooming with happiness,

Suzy

P.S. Don't forget about my giveaway! Last postings due by midnight EST tonite! See my blog entry below...

Heads Up! Get Ready For a Giveaway!

Wow! Can you believe it's the last day of January already?!? Last I remember, it was just Christmas!

Good news, though! My blog anniversary is coming up on Feb. 2. I can't believe I've been blogging for 2 years now! Needless to say, I want to celebrate with you, my faithful bloggie friends. I'm going to have a giveaway. Nothing like quilty presents to make us quilters happy.

This is the thing, though. It's gonna be a "mystery" giveaway. You won't know what it is until it's over and the winner has been announced. I don't know about you, but I love surprises! :o) Also, if you are a "follower" of my blog, you get an extra entry. So if you haven't clicked that little button on the righthand side of my blog, you might want to do it and up your chances of winning. But please only do it if you sincerely wish to follow my blog. Don't be a spoilsport and "unfollow" after the contest. We quilters just aren't like that. :o/

So here ya go... You have until midnight EST on Friday, Feb. 5 to leave a comment on this post, you get an additional chance to win if you are a "follower" of my blog (let me know in your entry comment), and the gifties (yes plural) will be a surprise until the winner is announced on Saturday morning.

Good luck to all, and thank you to all my faithful bloggie friends,
Suzy

More Doll Outfits

I guess I've been in the mood the past week or so to make doll clothes. Here are two of the latest additions:





Have a great day!
Suzy

A Sunny Day In Florida

The past few days, the weather here in Florida has gotten back to the usual averages in the 70's. Today was no exception. There was plenty of suntanning to be had...

Not only by the dogs...

But my doll Nellie also enjoyed the warmth of the sun modeling the new sundress I made her. :o)

I also spent some time out on the loveseat in the Florida room reading a great book by Dean Koontz that I got from the library.

Have a sunny day!

Suzy

Another One Bites The Dust...

Ta da! Another UFO turned into top form. I'm not even going to think about all the tops that are now accumulating and awaiting quilting. LOL!

I'm so happy this turned out so well. I really disliked the scrap blocks on their own. It needs a little pressing, I know, but I took it to my quilt gathering yesterday, so it was folded up. Once ironed, the yellow bias squares also look much better and lay flat. I had to fudge a little because when I made the scrap blocks, I had used freezer paper "templates" and being a beginner quilter at the time, well, you know how that is. LOL!

Hmmmm . . . what will I tackle next on my UFO list? Heaven knows there's plenty to choose from. :oD

Piecefully yours,

Suzy

There's A New Superhero In Town

If you've been watching the weather stations, all you northerners are probably laughing at us Floridians because we've been freezing our patooties off down here -- breaking records left and right. Well as you know, one of the side-effects, of course, is static electricity. So I bring you our new superhero...

STATIC DOG!

Maybe I should rename her "Sparky"? LMAO!

Electrifyingly yours,

Suzy

Design Wall Monday

Here's what's on my design "wall" this week. I've been working on a UFO that is heaven knows how old and am finally to the point of sewing the blocks together into rows. Many years ago I decided to get rid of/use (LOL!) some of my scraps and this block is what I came up with. Scary thing is I actually used freezer paper "templates" because the pieces wound up such unusual sizes. Ah, the naive beginner quilter. I had them all cut out and some of them actually sewn together and then they sat and sat. I finally finished piecing the blocks several months ago and hated them -- wondering how the heck I was going to orient them to make a "pretty" quilt out of them. Hooray for EQ! I swear I would be lost without it! I'm actually really liking this quilt now! It looks much nicer in person. Can't wait for the center to be done and then I just have to add two borders to complete the top. :o)

My resolution this year is the same as last...working on finishing up some of my UFOs to at least tops waiting for quilting. I hope to get this one done by this weekend. Here's hoping... :o)

UFO Frenzied,

Suzy

Starting The Year Sewing

Ahhhh...there's nothing better than starting a new year with sewing. BTW, Happy New Year everyone! Hope it's great!





Here is the first little project that I completed this weekend.

It measures 26x26 inches and the stars are 4 inches.






I call it "Patisserie Stars." The fabric is "Patisserie" from Moda by Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree Quilts. Hence the name, duh. LOL! Isn't the fabric G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S?!?! Sad thing is I only had two small charm packs, so using my trusty EQ program, came up with a simple quilt utilizing them to their advantage. I'm sure I'll make another small quilt out of the other charm pack eventually, just because I love this fabric line so much. I had a FQ of the pink sashing fabric and 1-1/2 yards of the floral border fabric. Plenty of that floral left, for the next quilt, too, thank goodness, as long as I keep it small. I'm planning on using a green dot fabric for the backing. Although it's not from the Patisserie line, it goes so well it looks like it does. I didn't want to use what was left of the floral for the back that most no one will see. I'd rather use it in the top of the next quilt.

When I was playing with my EQ program designing this quilt, I realized I would need (ok, ok, want) some of that beautiful floral for the border. I went to my local quilt shop(s) and there was no Patisserie fabric to be had. Thank goodness for the internet. I got home and immediately went on Ebay and found exactly what I was looking for and at a great price too. Shoulda saved myself the gas and gone on Ebay first, huh? But at least the story ended happily. :o)

Anyway, now I'm auditioning quilting designs for the top and now have a whole 'nuther conundrum. So me thinkie this top will hang among the flimsies for a little bit while I decide how it should be quilted. Right now I'm leaning towards clamshells, but that means more free-motion practice by me before touching this baby. That's okay, though. Practice = playtime. :o)

Have a quilty New Year!
Suzy