What a beautiful Monday it is here today in sunny Monticello, Indiana.  The temp got up to about 78 with minimal clouds in the sky.  Great day to enjoy God's beauty.

I was on the lazy side yesterday (Sunday) but then I guess it's okay to have a day of rest once in a while.  I did manage to make some strawberry freezer jam though.  As I was taking the picture of the strawberry jam Gary said, "Really?  You're taking a picture of the jam?"  I told him yes isn't the color just beautiful?  He just shook his head at me and smiled.  He doesn't undedrstand this "blog" thing I'm doing, but that's okay.  This isn't the first time he's wondered why I do what I do.  But isn't my strawberry jam beautiful, I just love the color.  I also discovered this afternoon that the strawberry jam tastes great in my homemade smoothie..I fill my blender about half full of crushed ice, add water maybe a cup and a half, a container of light yogurt, a cup of fat free milk,  some Splenda and then maybe two tablespoons of my strawberry jam, blend and enjoy.  Yummie!!

I am working on quilts today.  I have one of Nancy J's on the machine.  I'll post a picture(s) tomorrow.

Have a great evening.  Blessings to all.

Here are a few pictures of quilts I've worked on this week.  The first picture is a quilt that Lynn made in grays and black.  Lynn's choice of fabrics added the right amount of contrast for this quilt.  I used light gray Glide thread.  I absolutely love Glide thread.  If you want to take a look at the sight for Glide go to www.bobbincentral.com  

The second picture is a table topper made by Shelley.  Shelley said this was her first attempt at applique.  She did a great job on her applique.  I would never have guessed this was her first attempt.  This is such a cheery pattern.  I chose Glide, Lt Lemon thread since Shelley said she liked the idea of using yellow thread. 

The third picture is a pinwheel quilt made by Pam S.  I chose Glide, light cream for the thread and a pinwheel pattern for the quilting.  I was happy with the pinwheel pattern which left the quilt looking light and airy.

Oops, sorry I didn't get this posted but yesterday, June 1, 2012 was National Doughnut Day!! Now mind you I've been trying to be aware of my eating habits and doughnuts and pastries have not been on my healthy eating list. Since we have two hometown bakeries in Monticello I had to visit both of them. So I picked up a glazed twister from John's Bakery on 6th street and an absolutely" tastes just like my mom used to make" homemade tasting alligator coffee cake from Kinsers' Bakery on Main St. in Monticello, IN. Can you believe the alligator coffee cake from Kinsers was only $4.95 what a bargain. 

Well I'm getting ready to head to Rossville Quilts Shop www.rossvillequilts.com to pick up some Moda white material for the backing of my illusion quilt.  Atleast that's my plan is to buy white, but then you never know what might catch my eye. 

Have a Happy Saturday!!  And I hope you enjoy your day.

Blessings to all.

Blessings all.  I have to tell on myself in the hopes that someone else won't make this mistake.  When I was at Threads of Time Quilt Retreat Center last weekend I was using my rotary cutter.  I mentioned to my friend Jane O that I had been going through a lot of rotary cutter blades and the blades seemed to dull easily.  Jane asked me if I had my blade in the wrong side of my rotary cutter and guess what I did!!! I had the blade on the left side of my Olfa rotary cutter instead of the right side (since I am right handed).  My blade kept rubbing up against my ruler and duh!! it dulled the blade.  So make sure you have your blade in the correct side depending upon whether you are right or left handed.    Hey if this little note helps  someone then I am glad I could help someone.  But then I'm sure none of you would be placing your rotary cutting blade on the wrong side of your rotary cutter.  I won't show you the picture of me with egg on my face.

Blessings to all. 

Memorial Day originally called Decoration Day started in the 1860's and was first observed on May 30, 1868.  Memorial Day was established to recognize and remember all of the fallen soldiers who had died in service to our country.  Today we seem to recognize Memorial Day weekend as the official start to summer and we celebrate with picnics.  Let us not forget that we can celebrate the start of summer only because of the bravery of the fallen soldiers who died to allow us our freedom.  As a child I remember Memorial Day being called Decoration Day because all of the graves of soldiers were recognized by a flag being placed on their grave.  The decorating of flags on soldiers' graves was a service that I participated in since I was a Girl Scout.  I hope everyone who reads this short post takes time to recognize and remember all of the fallen soldiers.

Blessings to all.

Blessings everyone.  I have to tell you that I snuck away yesterday and I'm in Danville, IL at the Threads of Time Quilt Shop and Retreat Center.  I will be back home tonight, but I arrived here about 9:15 am yesterday and I got the Double the Fun quilt pattern by Kate Spain and Sherri McConnell put together.  I love the illusion this quilt shows and I can't wait to get it quilted.  I'll have to put my name on my quilting calendar.

I also finished the batik 1600 quilt I previously posted when it was in the uncut material stage, strip stage and then put together.  I added circles to this quilt and I absolutely think the circles finished this quilt off beyond my expectations.  I do not plan to add borders because I feel it is complete as it looks.  I want to hang this quilt on the 20' wall in my foyer.  I can already envision this quilt hanging in my foyer.  I can hardly contain my excitement for this quilt.

Jane O. has put several quilts together while at the retreat.  She brought with her orphan blocks she has accumulated over the years and put them all together to make her quilt.  The picture of this quilt doesn't do it justice.  So don't be afraid to put all of your orphan blocks together.  Jane has blocks that are stars, snowmen, vw beetle cars. birthday cake, people and some blocks she redesigned to fit the quilt.  She has put three quilts together and is starting her fourth quilt now.  I wish I had her energy. 

There are two other groups of ladies here at the retreat.  Most are from the Champain-Urbana area of Illinois.  I love spending time with quilters.  We are from all walks of life, all ages and each lady is unique.    The paper pieced cats with the mice in the sashing is just one of those unique quilts made by Debbie D-W.  I find it interesting that the mice have herded the cats into the center of the quilt.  These mice must be related to Mighty Mouse.  I must be showing my age, Mighty Mouse was a cartoon character I remember as a child.  Another unique quilt was made by Brenda and her grandson.  I think the construction implements show well on this quilt.

I've also posted some pictures of the garden area here at the Retreat Center.  We sat out on the veranda area last night and ate our supper.  The garden is such a serene area to be in anytime of the day and the water feature is soothing to hear.  Bill and Missy have made the garden area a truly special garden to enjoy.  There are many plants and flowers to enjoy along with the sweet smells from the roses.

Enjoy your weekend.  Blessings to all.

Blessings all.  Well I went with the red thread on the red, white and blue quilt.  Thanks to my good friend Sue K. a fellow longarm quilter she said how about red thread and Voila! perfect.  Thanks Sue.  I am stitching out the pattern and I am well pleased with the look of the red thread.  Whew!  another challenge taken care of.

And how about my flowers and perennials that are in bloom.  I love the purple perrenials.  I think they are called disappearing orchids.  And the yellow flower that makes me think of my Dad now has a whole family visiting.  I don't know why, but this year I am enjoying my flowers with a new appreciation of God's beauty.  I get excited to see how the flowers are changing day to day and the intricate beauty each one offers.  I'm beginning to see flowers are like people each has an inner beauty if we would just take the time to appreciate each one.

I have to do some grandma bragging for my four grandchildren aka "the dumplings" who are in school.  Carly, our four year old completed her first year of pre-school with flying colors.  Audrey Kate, Jacob and Abigale are experiencing their last day of school today (I'm not sure if mom, Kristen is ready) but I know Eli (aka Boom-Boom, age 2) is ready to have his brother and sisters home all of the time.  Audrey Kate, Jacob and Abigale excelled this year in school and were placed on the honor roll all year.  Abigale is one of the top five readers in all of the first grade classes at her school.  I'm sure everyone out there is proud of their children and grandchildren so my hat is off to all of the children, after all, they are our future.

Blessings to all.

Red, White and Blue Quilt.  What thread to use.