Planning

I have this friend Judie. We met 15 years ago at real estate school, we were the only two women in the room. we immediately hit it off and within the first hour we found out that we both quilt! What are the chances of that happening? The very next day we both brought in show and tell for the lunch break.
Since that time we have become the best of friends and feel like we have known each other forever. Our paths should have crossed many times because of all the people we knew but they never did until that day.
She knows me well! These are two presents I got for my birthday (we usually celebrate my birthday and Christmas at the same time) and I can't wait to read them.

Judie also fell in love with the Tula Pink fabrics and bought these for me!

Is this not a great idea for my old eyes?? Lighted and a magnifying glass! Hopefully I won't be needing it much......

Another book that santa brought me and it's wonderful. She has a great technique for facing your quilts (not using a binding) that is worth it alone!

I am sure many of you are scratching you head wondering what this is doing on my blog???? The Lancaster Modern Quilt Guild challenged us for January to dig out a UFO, finish it and bring it to our meeting. Obviously this was made a long, long time ago. I am thinking the early 1990's.
I spent a lot of time on the star and wanted to at least finish it even if it wasn't my colors anymore.

I ripped off the two applique blocks.....

and added a reproduction fabric I had in my stash.....I am not sure why it was there. I had just enough to cut out the squares and triangles, it was meant to be. This picture was taken at night and the colors work very well together. I don't know that I will get it quilted before Tuesday but I will still bring it. Thank you to everyone who gave me advice on Y seams, they weren't hard at all.

I joined in a swap with the Modern Quilt Guild. The quilt was to be no larger than 24 x 24. I love that I have become so comfortable doing curves, it opens many more design possibilities. I needed to get this done early because the mailing date is right around the time my daughter is due to have her baby.

I did an easy curved quilting pattern which is fun and no stopping or starting.

For small quilts this easy triangle corners technique works very well and is simple to do.

As much as I love all the red that is Christmas, I am ready for it all to be put away. Everything needs a good cleaning. We have a dinner tonight, a party tomorrow during the day and one at night so I don't think it will be happening this weekend. Sunday will truly be a day of rest!

And this girl loves a list! I am planning a deep deep cleaning/purging/organizing of my entire house this coming year. We have been here 31 years, kids have come and gone so it's time.
I don't do resolutions but I am going to try and do some things different in the upcoming year. How about you?

Kelly

Merry Christmas!

No that is not a typo! Friday my friend, Judie and I finally exchanged Christmas presents and celebrated my birthday that is also in December. This is the wonderful quilt she made for me! We both love the beach and I am so happy that she made a quilt for me. It is going up in my sewing room.

I love the flip flops! We don't see each other very often since she moved away, but we pick up exactly where we left off when we do see each other. Thank you again Judie!

I had another "Christmas " moment Saturday when I came home to a package from my friend Cynthia in Arkansas. These were in the box!!!!!!

Cynthia said "she found these in her mother-in-law's attic and has no idea who made them". Then she re-found them in her attic! She decided I would be a good home for them.

So many things to do with them....

the fabrics are amazing.......

I am guessing 1930's- 1940's?

I am fascinated by the fabric in the center.....monkey, owl, windmill?

football player, badminton ( top right)? If anyone can tell me about this fabric, please do!

The center one reminds me of jelly beans. Thank you Cynthia I will come up with something to do with these.

This weekend Bob and I went to look at an old house that is for sale with the thoughts of a renovation and resale. It looked way better on the real estate website. It is very sad for me to walk through someone's home to see everything still in place. It feels invasive and intruding. Personal items still in place that I shouldn't see, it made me feel sad. The elderly gentlemen was moved out in the fall and died this winter. It is being sold for the liens with a stipulation it is not torn down (deed restricted). I am not sure that is going to happen but will follow it. If nothing else it makes me realize I need to purge even more than I already have!

barn

Along with the mold, water damage, termites, no heat, this is another reason I am glad I am no longer a real estate agent!

Kelly

Judie, Judie, Judie

For the past couple days I have been visiting my friend Judie in Annapolis, Maryland. This is the view from her back porch, talk about inspiring! Every so often we would look out and the color of the water would be different. I enjoy paying attention to my surroundings.

Believe it or not there was an Annapolis Quilt Guild Meeting, so we went! They are a big guild 350 to 400 members! This is a picture of their raffle quilt. I also met up with a former member from my guild up here, Leeanna. She invited Judie to their bee that meets twice a month. Judie is excitied to make some quilting friends.

Sandy Klopp was their speaker and I loved her quilts. She also designs fabric for Moda. She seemed like a very nice person. I  recommend her as a speaker if you are looking for one.

My pictures did not come out so good. It kept focusing on the backs of everyone's heads!!!

I LOVE this quilt.

They also allowed other quilds to bring in their raffle quilt. How amazing is this?

Look at the quilting......

We did a little shopping too.

We drove around the beautiful city. If you have never been there you must go. It is very walkable and lots of cute shops. This is the governor's mansion.....Cheryl those shots of the wrought iron are for you!

Judie and her husband Jim also have a boat. I could get used to this......

There was a little sewing. Judie started this cute little Halloween postcard and I helped her finish it. I love how she cut out the cat, the little girl and the owl! Her sewing machine broke so we deicided to talk and have some wine.....the next thing you know it's 1 am! We solved most of the world's problems!!
Thanks Judie for such a good time. I miss you but am happy that you and Jim have found your dream place!

Kelly