Starry Eyed Quilt Block

 The Bees Knees- A Quilting Bee

is hosted this month

by the wonderful 

Sinta Borland (Pink Pincuhion)

 Sinta sent each of us in the group

 the fabric to make  the

Starry Eyed Block

Free pattern offered by

Angela of Fussy Cut 

over on Moda Bake Shop

HERE

 This really was a fun block to make

It ends up being quite large

finishing at 16-inches

 I have never made a 

wonky star before

and it was quite a freeing technique.

This is one of the things I love about being part of a Bee.

I am trying new things I have always wanted to learn

but probably never would have taken the time for.

 Sinta chose some really cute fabric.

(although it did remind me I need to get the laundry done:)

The original quilt over on Moda Bake Shop

I like it!

This would be a great stash buster.

I just may have to add this to 

my to-do list.

Love those Bees Knees

 Thanks Sinta!

Indian Blanket Photo Shoot

 As a new quilt pattern writer,

I am learning the tricks of

the trade.

One of the statistics that I have heard

is that buyers generally decide

which pattern they will purchase

within 3 seconds

after looking at the front cover.

A clear 

concise

picture 

can make all the difference.

Some designers

can afford professional photographers

to work their magic for the front cover.

 And then there are people like me

who do their own photography 

and hope for the best.

 Sometimes we rope friends and family into helping us

with a photo shoot.

The other morning my very kind friends

Paul and Niser helped me with

my latest pattern

Indian Blanket

We arrived at the Scottsdale Arizona Mall

hours before the stores opened.
It was just us and the Mall Walkers :)
We moved from spot to spot
searching for the best lighting.

We found the perfect wall

with a background that matched the quilt

and natural light streaming through the nearby windows.

Niser brought her quilt rack

which was especially helpful

because

Indian Blanket is a long

67" X 94"

Twin size

Thank you Niser!

Paul brought his fancy camera

complete with tri pod.

Thank you Paul!

Both of the Holland's have been so

generous with their time.

We desired to capture the beautiful color combinations

of the solid fabrics.

I went downstairs with my camera

 to the main floor

and tried a few other shots

on the couches and chairs in the common area.

It's always so hard to know which picture is best for a pattern cover.

For a final decision, I cropped out all of the background

and opted for the full length shot,

where the colors of the quilt

can be seen in full view.

Instructions for each Kona solid color 

within individual rows

is included in the pattern.

As a reminder,

Indian Blanket 

can be found on my ETSY site

HERE

Indian Blanket Quilt Pattern

 Introducing

Indian Blanket

by Cactus Needle Quilts!

A new pattern I have designed.

Size: 67" X 94" (Long Twin)

 Made from 8 colors of Kona Cotton Solids from Robert Kaufman

 I give you all of the 

information 

and tips 

for making this beautiful quilt

in the pattern instructions

 Pattern available on my 

ETSY

site

HERE

 I love these colors!

 

This Family of Mine

 I am not much of an adventurous person.

I wouldn't exactly call 

quilting

Daring

So when I see my family members

challenge themselves

to activities

I would never dream of doing,

I stand 

in 

awe

 Our Son In Law Dano

recently got back from Utah 

where he participated in a

1/2 Iron Man

In this Triathlon event he 

started out with a

1.2 mile swim

in Utah Lake

 Followed by a 56 Mile bike ride,

and then a

13.1 mile run around the Provo River

Oh my

Even after dealing with

the unfortunate experience of

 two flat tires

Dano managed to come in

under his 5 hour goal.

All of his early morning training

paid off.

I think he calls this fun. 

 I do see a smile at the finish line

as he hydrates 

and accepts his medal.

 Then daughter #1 called me the other morning

from
the beautiful Red Rock country of
 Moab, Utah

where I thought she was on a 

simple
Labor Day jeeping trip.

"Mom, I just jumped out of an airplane!"

"Whhhaaaatttttt????!!!"

 Lets just say I was

relieved that I found out 

after

she was safely back on the ground.

The first 30 seconds out of the plane 

is a 

free fall

Aubrey, like her mother, has a fear of heights.

(I get dizzy climbing a step stool)

Skydiving 

 was something she 

challenged herself to do as

a way of 

Overcoming

and

Facing Her Biggest Fear

I am so proud of her!

Is that a smile I see

on her face?

or is she shouting

H
E
L
P
!

Those Heart Stealing Grandbabies

 Who Ever Wants To Understand Much

Must Play Much

 Here in the United States we celebrate

1st Monday in September as

Labor Day 

 a holiday in honor of the working people.

It's a day off from the regular work week -

 a day to relax and play.

 We spent our holiday

at the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix

 with those

heart stealing grandbabies 

of ours.

Children have that unbridled impulse to 

touch

 prod

or poke

 every aspect of the world around them

and this is a perfect place to fill those needs.

 The science exhibits were outstanding.

We learned how control and manipulate light 

through a Stroboscope

 An entire floor is dedicated to understanding and interacting

with exhibits on

 the Human Body

 Noah even experienced what it was like to lay on a bed of nails.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said

It is a Happy Talent to Know How To Play

 Isaak realized he had the strength 

to pull his own body weight.

 And with floor after floor of 

well designed, exciting exhibits,

we learned that the kids were most drawn

to building and creating

 with simple blocks.

 With mommy's help

Kayla would have been content at this table for hours.

 Even Dano showed his creative side.

 "The World is full of magical things, patiently waiting for

our senses to grow sharper" (W. B. Yeats)

Socrates said

"Wonder is the beginning of Wisdom"

These beautiful children seem well on their way.