Monday, October 27, 2014

Sew Deja Vu Quilting Retreat at Mohican Lodge

"When autumn darkness falls, what we will remember are the small acts of kindness: a cake, a hug, an invitation to talk, and every single rose.  These are the expressions of a nation coming together and caring about its people ~ Jens Stoltenberg
What I will remember is the autumn weekend in October, 2014, and the gathering of quilters from all parts of Ohio at Mohican Lodge and Conference Center for a quilt retreat sponsored by the lovely ladies of Sew Deja Vu in Stow.

Judy and Lynn of Sew Deja Vu

Sew Deja Vu picks out the best places for retreats and the weekend was full of laughter and fun, oh yes, and lots of food!  We were blessed with the best weather; bright sunny days and crispy nights.  My side-kick Barbie and I enjoyed a walk by Pleasant Hill Lake.


After getting some fresh air, we were ready to sew.  A quilt retreat is like a huge classroom full of teachers and students all interacting and sharing ideas, creativity, quilt techniques and stories.  It is the epitome of how learning should be for everyone.  I have always met the nicest people at retreats.  They inspire me to try new things and not be afraid to make mistakes.  I need those lessons!
Pineapple Block using Civil War prints.   I love this pattern.

Christmas Table Runner!  Beautiful!

A Quilt of Valor!

Mary inspired me with her awesome T-shirt quilt to not be afraid of free-motion quilting.  Just do it!!

Yes, Barbie is finishing yet another snow man quilt.  She did a great job quilting this on her machine!
This Hunter's Star Quilt is fabulous!

Disappearing 4-Patch:

Here is a fun technique that I learned at our retreat. You might already know about it, but it was new to me.  Kerry took the time to make a block and show me how it's done.   Thank you so much!!  
First you pick out four 5" blocks and sew them together.  Next measure 1 and 1/4 inch from the center seam and cut.  Do this on each side.  A mat that rotates is helpful here.  I hope the picture shows this step for you.  Now comes the magic or the fun part.  (Do I sound like Jenny on Missouri Star Quilt?)  

Switch sides on the two bigger blocks and rotate the little four patch in the middle.  Again I hope the picture shows how this works.  Then, of course, you sew it back together.  
Kerry and her lovely Disappearing 4-Patch Quilt!
Sew inspired, Barbie and I bought material to make this pattern.  Oh, yes we could buy material right at the retreat.  Sew Deja Vu brought half the store with them for us to shop.  They are the best!

 Looking for a new sewing chair?  If you are, you can order this little beauty from Sew Deja vu.  I tried it out, and it was perfect.  Nice support for your back!  There are wheels on the legs and the seat opens up for storage.  It doesn't weigh a lot, so you can take it with you for classes or retreats.  I really like it!  
 
At the end of the day, Barbie and I wandered up to sit back in the rocking chairs by the fireplace.  

What a wonderful weekend!

Monday, October 20, 2014

Football in Mars

Mars, Pennsylvania, I mean.  I had a great Friday night under the lights of the football stadium attending my grandson's last home game of his senior year.  Yes, this is the end of an era since Michael has played football since junior high school.  The seniors were honored as they walked down the 40 yard line with their parents.  Their school activities and future goals were announced.  Yes, I was one proud grandmother!

It has been years since I was at a high school football game, but I loved it!  what fun it was to watch the Mars Planets beat the opposing team.   Being with the family in the bleachers and cheering the team on to victory was a cool experience.  You have to know that football, even high school football, is "BIG" in Pittsburgh territory.




Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Maple Leaf - Log Cabin Quilt - 007 Mystery Revealed

I have hinted in former posts that I was working on a secret 007 project and I'm happy to report that I did finish it - on time - and gifted it to a special couple, my great nephew Sean and his new wife Aubrey, for their wedding.  They both love the outdoors, hunting, fishing and horseback riding.  They were even married outside and the weather was superb!

This pattern is perfect for them.  A special quilt for a special couple.



Eva Birch from my Streetsboro Quilt Guild did the machine quilting for me and I love what she did to make the leaves pop!

If you are interested in making a similar quilt, the pattern can be found in Cookies and Quilts by Judy Martin.  In the book it is called "Fall Foliage Spectacular."
Now I am working on yet another 007.   !  

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

2014 Streetsboro Quilt Show

Welcome to the show!!  Before you scroll down to see pictures, I want to take a minute to tell you how excited I am to be part of such a hard-working and awesome group of ladies: The Streetsboro Quilt Guild.  This is my second year in the guild and the ladies never cease to amaze me with their energy and dedication to making this show the best around!  I'm proud to be a small part of their community!!

Are you ready for the quilt show?  If you couldn't make it to the Faith Baptist Church in Streetsboro, Ohio last weekend, you can view some of the lovely quilts below.  It would be impossible to show all the quilts since there were about 180 total entries; however, you can browse through some of the highlights below.  Enjoy!

Words to Live By



Happy Snowmen for Barbie

One of my favorites!



Grandma Fannies Quilt Shop

3-D Quilt Clothes Line - So Cute!



Sweet Quilt Christmas Tree Created by Kim, A Guild Member




Look at the French Knot Snowflakes!

Viewer's Choice


Miss Carol's Rocky Mountain Pines!


All Hand Quilted!!  Beautiful!

Wedding Dress Quilt designed by Tina, A Guild Member  

My Easy Street Quilt
A big thank you to all the members of the Streetsboro Quilt Guild who made this quilt show possible.  Hope you enjoyed the pictures!