New Quilt Book

Last week I was viewing "Mrs Schmenkman Quilts" blog and she highlighted a new book that is just in the process of being released. It's called "Hand Applique Quilts" by Tonye Belinda Phillips. I had never heard of Tonye before, so I checked out her web site. What wonderful things she has created for this book. Her style is whimsical, and I love the fun fabrics she uses for her applique. Of course I ordered it right away and my own copy came a few days later in the mail.
I've been e-mailing Tonye back and forth the last few days and she has been so helpful in answering my questions. I've been quite impressed with her personal nature. She has a studio in Sisters Oregon, and works quite closely with the staff at Stitchin Post Quilt Shop. Make sure to check out her site at www.tonyebelindaphillips.com

Team Hardy

A few short years ago Brian Hardy was an active man. As a husband and father of 5 children, life kept him pretty busy. Brian's main hobby has always been sports. His high school team won State Champs three years in a row. He went on to play ball for Brigham Young University. Next he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs. As his children grew, they too competed in their high schools, and Brian and his wife Janet became their biggest fans.
Then Brian noticed a numbing in his hands. The diagnosis: Lou Gehrig's Disease or ALS. The last few years have been especially challenging for their family. Through it all, we always see a smile on Brian's face. His wife Janet, as care taker is the Rock of Gibraltar.
Last night, Brian was honored to throw the first pitch at a St. George Roadrunner's baseball game. As a church family we wanted to support him by attending the game.

Brian waiting to go out on the field

A member of our congregation came up with the idea of us all wearing teeshirts with the name "Team Hardy" to show our support.

Brian's daughter and grand daughter even got in on the action. So fun to see babies and small children all wearing their tee's

It was pretty impressive to see the bleachers full of "Team Hardy" supporters. I didn't get a head count, but it felt like just about every family was there in support. Such a tribute to let the Hardy's know how much they are loved.

Heading out to the pitching diamond with son T.J.

T.J. was there to throw the ball in his dad's behalf.

After the pitch, being greeted by the Roadrunners

Janet watching her husband being honored.
Janet and Brian have known each other since they were 12 years old. A wonderful love story. She has always been his greatest support. She just had double knee replacement a few weeks ago and last night was her first time to venture out. Through her own challenges, she greeted each person in the stand. Janet and Brian were a little uncomfortable with all the attention. That's OK, it just shows their true nature of always thinking of others before themselves.

I go over to Hardy's house on a regular basis. Each time I find them smiling and finding gratitude for life. A great example of a family that faces hardship together, with faith in God. I feel so fortunate to have met the Hardy's. They have taught me so much.
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I have completed the 12 inner blocks of the "Round About" quilt. Love that Kaffe fabric.

Gonna Be A Bear

GONNA BE A BEAR
In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear. When you're a bear you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that.
Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that too.
When you're a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that.
If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers with your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that.
If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS tht you will have hairly legs and excess body fat.
Yup, gonna be a bear!
(source unknown)

Ricci has already finished her "Round About" quilt made out of Kaffe fabrics. Oohhh... ahhhh....applause, applause.

Summer Stash Challenge Done!

My Sumer Stash Challenge Quilt is done! All machine quilted, bound and with a label. A few weeks ago I knew who I wanted to give this quilt to. I have had the privledge for the last two years to be able to work in my church with an amazing group of women. Recently, the President of our Young Women's organization was released. I will be staying on working with the girls, but I will miss Michelle so much! I will miss her hillarious sense of humor and her ability to connect with each girl and leader. She has taught me so many things, and I wanted a way to thank her for all the hours of service she has given. Our church positions are all volunteer, and as President I know Michelle spent every day thinking and caring for our girls. She has been an example of Christ like love.

Last night we had a "Hello, Goodbye Party". We welcomed the new members of our board, and said a teary goodbye to the one's leaving. We had yummy treats and spent the evening finding out 4 unique things about each girl and leader.

Michelle Evans

I put a label on the back with the names of those we worked with. Hopefully every time Michelle looks at this quilt she will remember how much we love her, and what a honor it was to have the last two years together.

Kaffe Fassett Fabrics

I have been collecting Kaffe Fassett fabrics for several years. He is the type of fabric designer I have discovered people either love or hate. I am in the love catagory. His colors, combined with an International perspective just call to me.
I even had the opportunity of meeting Kaffe at Quilt Market when he was in Salt Lake City, May 2007. Viewing his booth and seeing his quilts in person made me an even bigger fan. Kind of like everything else in life, pictures in books just don't capture true colors.
Yesterday I was at Ricci's house and she decided to start a new quilt for a class she wants to teach. She pulled out the latest edition of "American Patchwork and Quilting" magazine, and then an entire basket full of Kaffe fabrics. I knew I was in trouble.

Using Kaffe's fabrics she started making this pattern called "Round About"

Soon her design wall was full of beautiful colors, scrappy and yet they all played well together.

Her first finished block

I have stacks of quilts waiting to be made and this pattern was not in the line up! I came home and pulled out my Kaffe fabrics and decided the other quilts will just have to wait. I have to copy Ricci and make the same one she is. (She said it was o.k.)

Have you ever had that happen? You see someone else's inspiration, and you have to make the same quilt?

This is the focus fabric for the outside border

I have a different collection than Ricci, so my insides will be a little different.

This is Kaffe's "Gilded Snowballs Quilt" out of his book "Quilts in the Sun". I finished this one a few months ago and it hangs in our master bedroom. The rustic colors match the St. George red rocks.

Last fall Ricci and I got together to make these coats out of Kaffe fabrics. My husband saw these and said "Hello 1960!". He quickly tried to recover and added "I mean, oh... those are lovely." Yeah, they are pretty out there, but we had fun. Not sure where I'll wear mine to, other than a quilt gathering. I have a feeling only quilters would appreciate our handiwork!

The strips of fabric were sewn on raw edge.

There are other Kaffe quilts that will be made someday. My stash seems to be growing!