Pale Sun

A pale sun is attempting to shine through the low clouds making a lovely blue and white scene outside my window. We had more snow overnight and I'm still in my sewing loft, cozy and happy. My friend, Marta says, "I think this is the true pleasure of winter for us women."  

New Baby, New Quilt

My nephew's wife gave birth to an adorable healthy baby girl yesterday morning. We started getting photos on phone and computer within an hour of her birth. The baby, Maisy Jane, has a four year old big sister, June Jett. They live only a couple of hours away so I should have a chance to meet the newest member of the family soon.

As soon as I saw the photos of little Maisy Jane I was inspired to make her a "cuddle quilt" using the disappearing four-patch pattern I just learned and fabric from my stash of thirties reproduction fabrics. I worked most of yesterday and I'm continuing to piece the blocks today. I'm enjoying the process immensely.

Here's a brief look at how the blocks are assembled.

Start with a simple four-patch. I used five inch squares of fabric sewn like this.

Using a rotary cutter, slice the block four times one inch from center.

Do a bit of rearranging. This is the tricky part. Sew back together in the new arrangement.

Add the block to its sisters on the design wall. The new block is second from bottom on left.

When it's finished, it will get a border and machine quilting.

How to Enjoy a Snowy Winter Day

Enjoying a snowy winter day is no problem for me. All I need is a quilt project, my trusty sewing machine, and a cup of green tea. I'm adding the final border to my New Mexico Twin quilt while saying to myself, "It's about time!"

Luscious Wool

This is the wool yarn I'll be using to make my knitted girl bunny. Isn't it luscious? I'm still practicing some new (to me) stitches with videos and practice yarn. The gray yarn in the middle will be for the bunny and the pastels will be for her clothes. Perhaps by Easter.........

Twins of Santa Fe and Taos

Linda showing and describing her "Twins of Santa Fe and Taos" quilt
to her San Diego quilt guild

I was happy to get this photo from my friend Linda in San Diego. She and I collaborated on identical twin quilts to commemorate the trip we took to New Mexico with our husbands in 2012. It was a lot of fun with an element of suspense when each of us finished a segment and sent both "quilts in progress" to the other one for her turn to add another section. Linda started the quilt (a beautiful pictorial collage) and did the second border. I added the first and final borders. She has finished hers and I still need to quilt mine.

Linda's guild, Friendship Quilters of San Diego, issued a UFO challenge to its members for 2013/2014. This was one of the quilts Linda finished for the challenge. My guild doesn't have a challenge going on, so I'll just have to challenge myself! I'm headed to the loft right now.

Winter Project - Keeping My Fingers Crossed

While I am usually a quilter, I do love to make an occasional knitted project. Most of my knitted efforts have resulted in scarves, some of which I actually wear! For a long time I've been following a blog called Little Cotton Rabbits written by Julie Williams, a passionate knitter. I have admired and longed for one (or several) of her adorable knitted animals (rabbits, foxes, pandas, etc.) but have never been able to buy any because they are always sold out. Recently, Julie posted a few of her patterns for sale and, in spite of my limited knitting skills, I purchased this one and ordered an assortment of gorgeous yarns and the necessary needles from  loveknitting.com. My order arrived a few days ago, beautifully packaged. I'm using some "practice" yarn and youtube videos to get the knack of several unfamiliar stitches and techniques before I break into the new balls of yarn. I have mastered the cable cast-on but I still need practice in KLL stitch, not to mention many others.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can actually produce a finished bunny girl this winter.

Trail Ridge Quilters

Trail Ridge Quilters met today and presented a program at Prospect Park Living Center, the nursing home within Estes Park Medical Center. We brought quilts to show and describe to a group of elderly residents, an enthusiastic audience. It was a heartwarming experience. At the conclusion of our presentation, we presented a check for over $11,000 to Jill Anderson of the Estes Park Medical Center Foundation. This check represents our 2013 quilting efforts on behalf of EPMC.

Snowy Morning ... Deer on Parade

We've had some snow showers this morning and now blue sky is trying to break through. High wind warnings have been issued for tomorrow. I watched a small herd of deer parading through the front yard munching whatever they could find that looked edible. Time for the Broncos/Chargers game.

Launching a New Blog

This is a lovely example of the  Disappearing Four-Patch technique.

I've recently started a blog for my local quilt guild - Estes Valley Quilt Guild (EVQG) - which you can see here. I've been a member since 2000 and have served in several positions on the board over the years. This year I accepted the position as co-chair of the membership committee. I thought EVQG needed a presence on the Internet so I agreed to host a blog, something I enjoy doing. We held our first 2014 meeting last Wednesday evening and had an excellent program provided by five of our members (we have a lot of talent in our group). Each presenter demonstrated a technique which can be used by quilters. It will be fun putting these newly learned skills to work in my quilt studio.

Wild and Windy!

Although it's sunny, the temperature is frigid and the wind is howling. It's a good day to stay inside and I'm doing just that. I had a lovely birthday yesterday - received cards and phone calls from those near and dear. One of my gifts was a new popcorn popper called the Whirley Pop. I'm an avid popcorn lover and this popper was recommended by a good friend who claims its the best popper on the market. I tried it out for the first time last night when I popped a batch to munch on during the first episode of Season 4 Downton Abbey. The corn was delicious (as promised) and the show was a great beginning to the season.

Lunch at the Wistle Stop

Berthoud, Colorado is a quaint little town about forty miles from Estes Park. Two quilting friends and I drove there today for lunch and a 30% off sale at the local quilt shop, Laughing Ladies Quilt Shop. Our lunch stop was The Whistle Stop Tavern in downtown Berthoud just across the road from the train tracks. In addition to our delicious food, we were treated to the sights and sounds of a couple of trains going by.

We bought several cuts of fabric for Trail Ridge Quilters and I bought some spools of my favorite thread for myself. It's been awhile since I've worked in the loft and I'm eager to get back to some sewing and quilting.

view through the window

big orange engine

P.S. You might notice I've given my blog a new look!