Fun in the Sun

 Today was the perfect day to sew outside, a lovely 70 degrees.  Who could resist?

 I sewed the binding on this quilt, which I've been quilting little by little for the last month.  It's called "Red Lightning," and was made with the wonderful gals over at 15 minutes play.

I played with different designs on each block.  Sort of a 15 minutes play with free motion quilting.

Then I made some greeting cards.  Just little scraps on blank cards, sewn on.  It's a good thing to do just before you're ready to replace your needle. 

I hope you had a fun day too!

Happy Blog Birthday--to Me!

Today is my one year birthday in blogland. And what a year it's been!
I'm celebrating with this little piece inspired by the lovely Helen and her tile applique.
I think I'll make it into a small pillow to remember all the new friends and fun I've had this year!

Here are some of the highlights--




This quilt is made from the scraps of my wonderful new blog friends on retreat at Victoria's in New York this spring.


Speaking of the amazing and inspiring Victoria, she really got me sewing up my scraps with her 15 minutes play blog.







And there were group quilts with the fun gals over at 15 minutes play!









And this quilt from the very talented Sujata, who sent me her basket and a box of scraps.




And sweet, encouraging Beth, who invited us to make a stripe quilt last summer.




And the always jovial Tonya, who taught me how to make words.




And so many of you who cheered me on to finish this quilt and conquer those curves!




I started this blog so I could share ideas and inspiration with you. I had received so much from seeing your blogs, and felt it was time I gave something back.

I never dreamed how friendly, generous and encouraging you all could be!
Looking back at the year's highlights, I see how much you've all become a very important part of my creative life.

I visit you every day and love to see what you are doing.
Here's wishing you all great health, happiness and plenty of sewing joy for many years to come!

New Book!

If you love African American improvisational quilts as much as I do, you'll want to get this book! Better yet, see the show at the Mingei International Museum in San Diego through November 6.


I know I won't be in San Diego soon, so I ordered it from the Museum store for $18.95. Well worth it! (Back cover)



It shows about 50 quilts collected by Corinne Riley of the Chicago Art Institute. She bought them on many trips to the South over 35 years. This is the first time these quilts have been shown in the U.S. (Back flap)