Monday, May 18, 2009

Lots Of This And That

Lots to report here, hopefully not toooo boring!
Last Saturday I met up with my friend Lani. We go way back to my first (or I should say our first) quilting class, 25 years ago. She has been such a wonderful constant friend. We have gone thru lots of life experiences together, and had some wonderful talks over the years. I am so grateful to quilting for bringing us together!! Anywho, back to where I was going...we try to meet at least once a year half way between where we live....we each drive about an hour. We always visit the same quilt shop, eat at the same Mexican food restaurant and visit the same country store that we love...sadly it is closing!! Quite a fun day and we even had a trunk show, seriously we did in the back of her car. Lani had just gotten quilts back from the quilter so we had a look see in the parking lot. I forgot my camera, but my handy dandy cell phone did the trick. Wonderful quilts Lani!!! She brought me the cutest ever cupcake stand, and just in the nick of time I might add, because I had a quilty get together that it was just perfect for!!!!!! My picture taking is really, really bad, but trust me, it is just so darn stinkin cute!

Last week I got a quilt from a customer for binding and when I opened the bag up I just fell in love with this quilt and thought I would share it with you guys. No charms, no jelly rolls!! Just good old piecing! I LOVE THIS QUILT, and the colors are just perfect. I especially like the basket block with the yo yo's for the handle. I have admired it each and every day it's been here, but sadly it will be returning home in a day or so!!!

Some progress has been made on my Scrappy Stars quilt. The blocks went together better than I thought they would. I have 4 rows sewn, only 3 more to go, plus the outside pieced border. I have all the border piecing done, so it will be just a matter of hoping that they fit the quilt. This was started about 4 years ago, and I don't know why I decided to piece the border before the quilt was done.....brain fade I would think!!! I was working on it in class and the owner of the shop asked if I had ever used this thread. She said she recommends the thread to reduce extra bulk in the seams. I bought some and used it to piece the rows together on the Scrappy Stars, and I can't believe how much flatter the seams lay. She also recommended using Schmetz Machine Quilting Needles 90/14.

And then there is this, my Mother's Day present from Mr. Polka Dot. This bench could not be any more perfect for me, and it just screamed "put a quilt on me"!!! A little more Feng Shuiing and it will be just right. We are heating up here already UGHHHH! It's mid May and I am not ready for the heat. This was the temperature on Sunday morning at 9 a.m.!!!!! This summer is going to be a doooozy I'm afraid.. Nice that it is warm though, cause here is baby Polka Dot and his mommy practicing his swimming strokes!! I am bad at taking pictures, but I was clear across the way, so I have a good excuse this time. He just loves the water!!!

Wishing all of you a happy week and now it's time to have a look see at what you all have been up to!! Happy sewing everyone!

22 comments:

Thimbleanna said...

You've been a busy girl Cheryl. Love all the quilt shots -- more traditional quilts have always been my favorites.

Susan said...

Hi Cheryl. Love seeing little Polka Dot swimming, please send some of that hot temps my way--we usually open the pool Memorial weekend. Love all the quilts too.

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

Busy! Busy! And as far as your hot weather goes... we had FROST this morning. Freezing temps so I'll take your 80 degrees anytime!

Carol said...

Great, great quilt pics...look at that little Polka Dot swimming...oh they are just so darn fun!

Anonymous said...

Oo your scrappy stars is beautiful! And I also love the quilt for your customer. Very nice work, both of you! I sympathize with you about the heat... I am definitely not a fan. Glad I am in Wisconsin!

Janet said...

Lovely pieced quilt! And the cute cupcakes really make the little stand! Tell Little polka - dot to have fun swimming. I bet his mama enjoys it too.

Quilter Going Bananas said...

Holy Moly Cheryl you've been busy! Love your Scrappy Stars quilt top.

And your new bench, very inviting :^)

Belvie said...

Lots of pretty quilts there! And, that thread....that's the thread I really like to use for my applique. I prefer it much more than any silk thread!

Dandelion Quilts said...

I love that bench...good idea to add the quilt!

Kim Brackett said...

How funny -- a literal trunk show in the parking lot! I love all the quilts. The basket sampler is beautiful. Thanks for sharing the photos.

Carrie P. said...

Lots to keep you busy. You are right, that quilt that you are binding is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us. What a sweet gift from your hubby. The quilt makes it perfect.

julieQ said...

I love that quilt too, lots of wonderful blocks! Looks like fun in the pool with your little one.

Sherri said...

Wonderful goodies here today...love the cupcake stand and the fabulous quilts! And of course...the bench is the perfect place for a quilt!

MARCIE said...

You are having way too much fun my friend. Love the trunk show and your scrappy stars are great!

Red Geranium Cottage said...

Sooo much happening over there in Polka Dot land. Love the Mothers day bench. The quilt on it is perfect. Baby Luke isn't going to be baby long. He is growing up so fast.
Cant wait to see you.
Hugs

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Your scrappy stars really shines! Your cupcakes look delicious - love those frog ones.

Karen from Sew Many Ways... said...

Hi Cheryl,
Great post with all kinds of eye candy to look at. Love them all.
~Karen~

Julie @ Jaybird Quilts said...

I have a similar cupcake stand... it comes in handy! I've thought about making a ton of cupcake pincushions to keep in it when I don't have real ones made but so far its just a thought!

Anne Heidi said...

Sounds like a lovely day! Oh those cupcakes look yummy!!!
So happy to hear you had a great time at retreat- (you come up with no reply when you leave comments)
Have a great weekend!

Kim said...

Cheryl I love your scrappy star quilt. I really like that bench too.. nice present! I think I have you topped in the heat dept.. it's been 103 here.. and a little monsoony without rain... I wish it would just rain and get it over with..LOL

AwtemNymf said...

you are after my heart- cupcakes and quilts! Those are the sweetest words one can pair together *winks*

Nan said...

Your friend Lani makes beautiful quilts! That cupcake stand is adorable, especially with yummy cupcakes on it. Thanks for sharing that gorgeous quilt you did the binding on - all I can say is WOW! Thanks for the tip on the piecing thread - I've not used that before. I do use the Schmetz needles though - they're so nice! Baby Polka Dot is so cute in the pool!