Friday, May 30, 2014

Those Mesa Ladies/ May

 As you probably know
one of my most favorite days of the month
is when I have a chance to get together with
Those wonderful Mesa Ladies
That is not their official name, 
just a title I have dubbed
because most have lived by each other
 in the same neighborhood in Mesa
for years and years.
We meet at their church
to work on quilt projects
and share yummy food. 
Such nice ladies!
This month most of us brought 
Works In Progress
Janet found a spot out in the hallway
to lay out her blocks for this bright happy Chevron quilt.
Cute fabrics!
Peg had 
left over
red white and blue
4th of July blocks
and was putting together a small throw.
Steph has a new little grand daughter
and was starting a beautiful
blessing dress 
Her fabric choice is a delicate white sheer
embroidered with polka dots.
Gorgeous!
Renee always makes the most interesting backs for her quilts.
Little bits of left over scraps 
that make the backs of her quilts
as fun as the fronts.
Gina was sewing simple squares together 
with a lovely Japanese cotton/ linen blend
fabric line:
Echino
Steph, Gina and I teamed up together 
to provide the lunch this month.
We asked Steph to bring one of her amazing salads
because she really is the best in this category
Her Pesto Pasta Salad 
is to die for.
Recipe can be found on Steph's blog
 HERE
Gina brought fresh Strawberry pie
And as part of my contribution
I provided 
Inner Peas
because I wanted all the ladies to be able to leave
with a little *Inner Peas inside them.
(*from Trader Joes: crunchy, salty like a potato chip)
Aaaauuuummmm....

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Pre-Printed Quilt Labels

Recently I wrote a post about 
how much I like to use 
Pre-Printed quilt labels.
They work up fast and are easy to use.
I just purchased a new panel of labels
at my local quilt shop
Quilt Labels For All Occasions
by Northcott
really has some nice designs.
I will be using this one to label
a wedding quilt I have just completed
for my son.
If you would like to purchase
they can be found at 
 for $8.99 a panel
If you live outside the Phoenix Metro
I'm sure they would be happy to do a mail order.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Thank You!

Thank you to all who have sacrificed in the service of our Country.
I am blessed with many opportunities and privileges
because of your efforts.
We honor you this day!
**
What are you doing this Memorial Day?
Even though temps are now reaching into the triple digits
here in Arizona
we will be attending our grandson's last baseball game of the season.
What is more American than baseball?

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Sunbeams In May Quilt Blocks

 This month 
Calli Taylor's (Make It Do)
 turn to host.
 I think it's quite fitting
that she would have us make
Sunbeams In May
....in May!

 *Block is called Sunbeam
*Pattern:  Summer Days
by Norma Whaley and
Calli's mom Leslie Isom
for Timeless Traditions
 Calli sent us the fabric and asked each of us in the group
to make 2 blocks
and to hand applique the center circle.
We used fellow Bee's Knees member,
 Lori Holt
circle applique technique
found HERE
Lori always provides the most wonderful
and easy techniques.
 We had enough fabric to make two extra 
Half Square Triangles
that will also be mailed back to Calli
Sure love being a
Bees Knees

Friday, May 23, 2014

Day Trip Quilt Finished

I fell in love with 
Day Trip
the first time I saw it!
Pattern design by
Niser Holland of
Scrappy Quilt Designs
 I finally had the time to make my own version.
Love, love, love this pattern!
I used Kona "Ash" (gray) for the background
and scraps of Kaffe Fassett fabrics for the Geese

 For my back I used a bright and happy Phillip Jacobs print
that matched the flowers currently blooming in my backyard.
 

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Night Sky Quilted

 About a month ago I wrote a post
showing you the quilt
made by Ray Steeves
of 3 Dudes Quilting
 It's now back from the quilter
and Pat Roche (Pat's Just Quilting)
did a fabulous job.
 If you would like an up close view of
it is now beautifully displayed
on the bed right by the front door
16 Colors of Robert Kaufman's Kona solids
were used in the construction of the top, 
with each star comprising of
4 monochromatic shades
 I really love how Pat quilted this quilt!
The stars are densely patterned in matching hues.
 The background threads also
in matching color
giving off images of a night sky.
 Ray's piecing is also done to perfection
Bravo!
 Size 56" X 65"
uses the Sidekick Ruler
No Y Seams!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Pocket Full of Rulers Bag and More

 It's always enjoyable to attend 
Open Sew 
at 3 Dudes on Tuesdays
and to see the fun projects
others are working on.
 Michaelanne is a new quilter
and recently made a
Pattern by Jerrine Kirsch for Bella Nonna
 This is a great little carryall with a lot of inside and outside pockets.
Perfect for organizing your rulers
and rotary cutting mats as you attend classes.
 As a heads up:
Vicki will be teaching this bag as a class
at 3 Dudes 
on Saturday September 6th
 And remember
Minions
from the movie Despicable Me?
 Michaelanne took a class at
Mad B's in Mesa
where they provided the materials and pattern for these darling
Mini Minions
The stuffed dolls will be donated to Children In Crisis
here in the Phoenix area.
 Ray Steeves
had a new quilt up on the design wall.
He recently finished a 
T-Shirt quilt for a friend.
I like how he used a 
black silhouette 
behind each T-Shirt square.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Celebrating My Brother's Wedding

 I've been gone this last week
to California
in Celebration of my brother's wedding.
 Jed and Torrie
 This was such a happy occasion!
Our families came together in love and support.
 Both Jed and Torrie were 
suddenly widowed 
while in their early 50's.
Pretty devastating for both.
Now, years later, they have found each other
and have a second chance at love.
We couldn't be more thrilled.
 It's wonderful to see my brother
happy again!
Torrie is loving and kind
and a perfect match.
We are delighted to welcome her as our sister-in-law.
 For the wedding and reception they chose the 
stunning Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola
which has been in operation since 1947
Gardens
Waterfalls
Amazing food
The height of ambiance
 A hillside cable car takes you 
down to the restaurant
at
 river's edge
 The Soquel Creek 
empties into Monterey Bay
and is dotted with waterfront homes.
Last year Mr. Cactus and I paddled a canoe 
 through this beautiful area.
 Weddings are always such a wonderful time to 
bring family together.
Our Step Mother 
who will be
 95!
 in a few weeks
was able to attend.
My sister and brother 
have been very lovingly involved in her day to day care 
over the last few years.
 My sister Robyn, and her husband Bruce
Jed
and Mr. Cactus
 Jed and Torrie
we wish you years of joy and happiness
and love you!