We're Up and Running Again!

Hurrah! The PC is back in operating order--thanks to dear hubby who worked long and hard to solve some of the errors and the little guy in India; for the price of $250 (year Dell contract)who cleaned off the rest of the errors. What a relief!
This is the view we have from the top of the stair case. This quilt might have been on the blog previously but it's always worth a second look especially after it's on display.
The quilting on these individual blocks always amaze. And with each step down the stairs, you see something different and unique in the threads.
Many designs are custom.
a Welcoming wreath and a basket filled with ivy and holly--
Okay, off to view other works in process (WIP). Yes, there is something on the loom--cotton warp and handspun cotton as weft.
Brown handspun cotton on the bobbin--
and other WIPs--a way to practice applique stitching--large pieces and not many small turns to make.
And the fact that this is a large block--whoopie!
Here is another Raggedy Annie block under the belt.......
And if you are following the blog, you know about the Layer Cake QAL. Here are the first two blocks from the challenge.
Now that the house is decorated for the holidays, it is time to finish up a few small gifts for family and friends.

What the Heck??

Somewhere along the line, a virus entered my PC system--gee, what the heck happen? How did it happen? We have a virus protector--so we thought. So, the PC is in the hospital (!) trying to be repaired. It might be a few days before it is back in operating order--how much of our life hinges on the Internet and a computer?

It has been an interesting week--we celebrated our granddaughter's 20th birthday--gee, they grow up so fast; although, she thinks it has been a slow journey to this age. Just wait till you are approaching 30 and then see how fast life passes you by.
Anyway, during the early morning hours of the next day, hubby experienced rapid and irregular heartbeat. Now, his is always a constant at 65 beats, so when it was beating at 125 and it was jumping around like a scared rabbit, we knew something wasn't right. Off we go to ER for tests. By the time he was there an hour, all these symptoms disappeared and he was released after three hours. Back at home in his nice warm bed, he fell immediately to sleep--no sleep for the worried though. Now, he has appointment with cardiologist--meaning more tests.

See y'all soon as PC is happy again!!

End of the Year

Welcome to the end of November--can you believe it? It seems the older you get, the faster the time ticks away. Anyway, here is a countdown to what's been happening the last few days.
There was a fundraiser for MDA at our local town center--lots of good eats from great chefs, all for the price of $20 ticket. On top of the good food, the weather was wonderful. Then there was the trip south to visit mother and take care of some of her needs. Of course, it is always good to stop in the local orchard to pick up delicious fruit, right off the tree.
Kumquats--let's make marmalade with this tiny tasty citrus.
And a new restaurant is in the area, straight from south of the border, serving their speciality of carbito (young goat) cooked over open pit.
Back in the big city, there was the Via Colori (funds going to Hearing and Speech Foundation) event with drawings on the street.
An evening for Christmas tree lighting. Another day a stop at the Art Institute to view their latest fashion designers projects.
Of course, there was turkey day and black Friday--just had to get in the midst of all the shopping craze and holiday spirit.
A beautiful weekend day brought time to visit the local nursery for the Christmas tree--here hubby supervises cutting the bottom limbs.
And the helpful worker who ties to the top of the car for the short drive home.
Yes, it has been a busy few days but there has been some happenings in the studio as time permits. Who doesn't love that fusible web, allowing for fast lovely blocks?? And we are working to bring these summer made blocks to order--such a mess now, but hopefully it will all come together soon.

Homage to Anita

There are times when we must say good-bye to a friend. Our friend, Anita, was only in our midst for a short period of time before illness and death took her away from us. She was a true lover of the fiber arts, a super spinner and knitter. She came to our small group meetings and enjoyed being a member of the regional guild. Just recently her husband asked two of our members to come to the house and pick up her fiber supplies. Anita requested that a educational fund to arranged in her honor. On one of our regular spinner gathering days, we had Anita's fiber stash to sort through.
Anita had a large supply of wool and other fiber tools. Here Connie and Olga sort the wool they wish to purchase.
Penny choose some different fibers to spin and weave.
Louise came in her wonderfully colorful turned twill jacket. She used eyelash yarns in the weft every few throws.

Wools from different sheep breeds.

We found this spindle plier very interesting--hadn't seen one of these and had no idea how to price it.

Penny, Olga and Louise view some of the fibers available and discuss their intended usage. Olga is our remarkable felter and will use these wool batts (below) in her felted scarves.

More fibers available--cotton, hemp, flax, exotic animal fibers (camel, quivet, buffalo, angora)
We all envied this spindle holder and had no idea how to price this oak stand.
There were bins arranged according to fiber contents.
And Anita loved her fiber books and magazines--knitting and spinning. We all miss Anita and her delightful energy. As we read her books and spin her fibers, we remember. Her fiber stash monies will continue to nurture those who want to continue their fiber education.

EXPATS!!

What a great group of friends these are!! We survived many interesting events during our tenure while living in foreign countries. Once a year we gather to celebrate our friendship. This meeting takes place during the International Quilt Festival. Some of us might see each other during the year as we live in the same general area but there are those who still live in far flung places. We enjoy a potluck dinner one evening where we show off our latest creations.
Here is Linda proudly displaying her Christmas creation--quilted by one of our master long arm quilters. We are fortunate to have not just one but TWO gals in our group.
This is Linda's wall hanging using batik strips.
Karen also did one with the same pattern. Both of these have the 'WOW' factor!
Close-up of Karen's work.
Judy shows off one of several Binky Patrol quilts that were completed during the year.
Another of the Binkies--we Rock!!
This was Judy's fall table runner she made--one for her, one of each of her daughters.
Ruth Ann is into handwork--crazy quilting!
Lovely work!
Display of Lucy's quilt, quilted by Judy.
Close-up of quilting--we all love this quilt!

Debby has made the move from that distant state of Louisiana (!) back to our welcoming arms and she has been whipping out these dandy quilts.

Another one of Debby's masterpieces and the close-up of the quilting below.

And here is our other long arm quilter, who is not an expat (but we welcome her with open arms) showing off her Halloween hanging. Usually, Sandy is quilting for us and doesn't have time to quilt her pieces--thanks Sandy!!

Look at this wonderful design! Sandy's husband is design creator for some of her work--super stuff!
Sandy! Sandy! Sandy! another one of her pieces!
Quilting--yes, great work!
Here is Chris' One Block Wonder. Chris is still a far flung expat--living in Australia--but we still hear from her and see her work.
All cut from the same fabric design! Can you believe??
yes, we have a great group of expats! and every year we look forward to seeing each other and receiving big hugs. And sharing that common bond.