Aloha #2 from Waikiki

Aloha again, it's early morning here and I think the jet lag is all gone, we actually slept until a normal time this morning. Now to go to my daughter's and help her out so that she can nap.

Here is our little Miss, Laela, fresh from her first bath. Isn't she just gorgeous?

Out hotel has Hawaiian quilts on every floor by the elevators. These are a cultural wonder and so beautiful. If you've never seen one they are made from just 2 fabrics, usually a light solid for the background and a darker solid for the applique. The applique is one piece for the entire quilt, no matter how large the quilt it's one solid piece of applique. They are hand basted, then appliqued and then hand quilted with either an echo of the design or with stitching that compliments the design. Pineapple and breadfruit are often included in Hawaiian quilt design.

Above are 3 of the quilts from the Hale Koa. I plan to go to the Bishop Museum to see more and get a pattern or two!

Don't you think that these quilts are stunning in their simplicity of color and intricacy of design? Can you imagine appliqueing one of these, all of those points and corners to master and make perfect! I hope that I get to make one, just a small one to start and see where it takes me.

I went into a shop at the Hilton Village here and it was all "Hawaiian" quilt items. Uhm, well not to be picky but the stitching was not good and upon further examination they are labeled 'authentic Hawaiian quilting" made in polynesia. Definitely for the unknowing tourist. I left without making a purchase. If I know that I can stitch it better I won't ever buy it!

Aloha, have a great Sunday!

Time Flies!

Hello again, it's been a busy week in the studio and at home. I entered a quilt into the Keystone Quilter's show, which ends today. I have never entered a quilt in a show for several reasons, afraid to have my work scrutinized, not organized enough to get them registered on time and just lacking confidence in my work. My Mom thinks I am wonderful but she's my Mom! Anyway I dropped off my quilt expecting to get some useful feedback from the judge,nothing else. Yesterday I went to the show and looked at all of the beautiful quilts and read thier stories and went thru the entire room and didn't see my quilt! I looked again and then asked one of the white glove ladies who sent me to another room that was marked 'More Vendors' and here was my quilt! My quilt that I made for my husband, John, with a 3rd place ribbon on it! WOW!!! Boy was I surprised! I was grinning from ear to ear!
Here's a pic of the quilt with the ribbon. Today the entire gang here is going to see our quilt hanging with it's ribbon!
This week included Ashley finishing her first quilt, a Rail Fence and me puppy sitting the Bandit for 4 days straight! I forgot how much time puppies require! Below is a picture of Ashley & her quilt and 2 of The Bandit, who is growing so quickly!


Along with all of the excitement of the ribbon and crazy puppy doings I managed to get a couple of my customer quilts done. I am beginning to be caught up which is a wonderful feeling! Gotta run and get the borders done on a quilt that I need to deliver tomorrow.

One week into October! Already!

Wow here it is October 8th already! Where does the time go?? It's been a quiet but productive week here at home and in the studio. I had Kyle's sweet girlfriend Ashely here all day Monday learning how to sew! What fun to share my hobby! I let her start on my little Janome Jem machine and a box full of 2.5" strips. She is going to make a rail fence quilt. One that I think is great for beginners and by midnight she had over 30 blocks made, trimmed and pressed! I was getting tired but I think Ashley could've kept going! Oh to be in my 20s again and have all that energy!


Kevin my youngest and the owner of Bandit the shepherd pup has been working days this week so I've been puppy sitting and she is growing by leaps and bounds! We've nicknamed her 'Roo as she bounces a lot! She also wants to be the alpha dog and that doesn't sit well with my golden, Daisy. Every once in awhile Daisy puts the Bandit in her place and she seems to be the only dog to do it out of the other 3 here!

John & Kyle have been on the Queen Mary 2 this past week with John's parents, sister and her daughter Kate. They cruised New England and Nova Scotia but had to miss St. Johns due to the high winds yesterday, so they spent the day at sea and are heading to NY today for arrival tomorrow morning.

I finished a few customer quilts this past 2 weeks, one for Halloween, two for Christmas, a sampler the Times & Seasons that I've mentioned earlier. You can see them below-





I've signed up for a Saturday Sampler program at Pennington Quiltworks in New Jersey, so far I've got 3 blocks done and the fourth one started. It's using Christmas fabric from Benartex. It's really pretty and the shop has the quilt in four colorways with over 700 people signed up for it! If you're not familiar with Saturday Sampler aka the $5.00 quilt it's a program where you pay for the first month's block and then each month you go for a demo and bring your completed block from the prior month. If your block is done then your next one is free, if not you have to pay the $5.00 for that month also you have to go at the demo times. If you finish them all then you really can make the top for the initial cost of $5. or $10. depending on the program. I am trying to do that, make the quilt for the initial cost but I did buy the finishing kit for the one layout that I like so much so it's more than $5.00 but you do have to add sashings and borders to finish it! Stay tuned to see if I can get them all made on time! Saturday Sampler block #4

This week is the start of Quilt Market in Houston, I went last year and it was amazing. My friend Gina is heading out there and so is Julie from the quilt shop who has been making samples and doing demos for the Moda bake shop kits.
I know that they will have a great time and see all the new goodies that will be coming out next year! Wish that I was going again!

Here it is the end of September already and I am enjoying how cool it's gotten! I love fall and went today to buy some pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn. I feel so energized!
Today out power was out for over 4 hours and instead of wasting time I went to my studio and cut. I cut out a kit that I'd bought from Fat Quarter Shop, it's made with reproduction fabrics designed by Jo Morton from Andover Fabrics. It's all golds, greens, turkey reds and browns, just yummy fall colors. I cut the binding out as well and then I cut out a table runner that will be a Christmas gift and legs & binding for a Spider table topper that I am making. I will post pics of these projects and my customer quilts later, just wanted to get something up since it's been awhile!

It's been a very busy week, my daughter, Brianne celebrated her 30th birthday last week and had company for the weekend. I've also been puppy sitting for Bandit while Kevin works, which is a good thing since she gets me out and walking! Exercise, need to do it? Get a puppy!

Times & Seasons quilt views

Here are some snapshot views of the Times & Seasons quilt in progress. My customer really did a fantastic job with her machine applique and embroidery.