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....

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 

3 Dudes Quilting

 for $8.99 a panel

If you live outside the Phoenix Metro

I'm sure they would be happy to do a mail order.

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?

Absolutely!

Pincushion Brooch by wychbury on Etsy

Sunbeams In May Quilt Blocks

 This month 

for our Bees Knees Quilting Bee it's

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

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.

 

 

Night Sky Quilted

 About a month ago I wrote a post

showing you the quilt

Night Sky

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

Night Sky 

it is now beautifully displayed

on the bed right by the front door

at 3 Dudes

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"

Pattern: Night Sky by Jaybird Quilts

uses the Sidekick Ruler

No Y Seams!

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

Pocket Full of Rulers Bag

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.

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!