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Blog Contest at post #68

gratuitous quilt picture


There are a lot of bloggers who have a contest when they get to their 100th post. I'm impatient and I'm not going to wait that long, although it could be fun to see how long it takes me to get to 100 posts. This one here is post number 62. When I post #68 I'll have a contest and the winner will get one of my totes, either a purse or a small (12x12x3) tote bag, their choice of fabric.

We had a great guild meeting last night. A few folks from the local doll guild showed up to help a member demonstrate those lovely bra purses that are cropping up to help raise money for breast cancer awareness. Apparently at the event last year they raised enough funding to help three women get special prostheses after mastectomy's. For more information, go here.

So now the planning begins for our annual trip to Lancaster for the Quilters Heritage Celebration. I'm a little bummed as I'm not going. It's the first time since I joined the guild that I'm not going. For those of you who I will miss seeing, there's always next year. I do have a good reason though. I'm heading north and east to visit with family and it will be right around the same time of the anniversary of my dad's passing. A good time to go.

So now, I have another quilt to get finished by April. I've been playing around with a quilt for my gramma who will be 92 this year. I had the grand idea of photos but I think I'm heading in a different direction because I want to give this to her so she can enjoy it now rather than never. So off my butt and get going girl.

Happy quilting!
Teri

Lent and Making Room

Everyday sewing items



I'm sitting here in what could be considered my jammies pondering life's meaning, where I've been, how I got here and where I'm headed. Better yet, where I think I'm headed.

Although this might seem like a bit of navel gazing this time actually has a purpose and a focus. Lent. Lent begins in just 4 days. As Catholics we make a small sacrifice (or a big one) to make more room for God. I'm trying to do that. What will I sacrifice now to make room for God, for Faith and better living overall?

I've considered giving up coffee. Mmmn, not such a good idea. Not solely because I like it and am most likely addicted to the caffeine but the negative effects on those around me just aren't good. I've also considered giving up chocolate (sweets). I really don't eat a lot of sweets so it's really not much of a sacrifice for me. And quite frankly, how does giving up chocolate get me closer to God in my relationship with Him? I've seriously considered giving up bread and pasta. This would be a huge sacrifice for me. I love bread, whole grain, high fiber yummy bread. OH, give me a loaf of bread and a tub of Smart Balance or some low-fat cheddar cheese and this is one happy girl, I could live on bread. I have bread at least once a day. Every time I see bread I could pray for the strength to get through Lent, for my family, my friends, and so much more. This would indeed bring me closer to God because it would only be by His grace and in His Mercy that I would be able to give up bread. This is seriously in the running.

I could give up morning tv and spend some time quietly reading and journaling. This wouldn't be so much of a sacrifice as it would be a commitment to spending time with God in the quiet. This is what I'm missing. The quiet alone time with God. I used to go on a prayer day once a month with my co-workers. I looked forward to this time alone, the quiet, the conversations the beauty that came from these conversations and the renewed focus of purpose & ministry. DH, a friend and I have talked for nearly a year about doing this and this is as good a time as any.

So now I'm off to work on writing, work on preparing for Lent and renewing my own focus.

Teri

This photo is fabric for DarlaNY's storm at sea block that I've been working on.

Friday afternoon musings

My gramma. A lovely lady with very straight white hair. She'll be 92 in July and I hope to one day be her age and with her health. My dmil said gramma looks just like Mrs. Clause to her and quite frankly I have to agree. Her youngest son is my dad (who died April 1st, 2007) and I get part of my love of writing from her, the journaling part, she's always kept a journal. I get the quirky oddball writing from dad, aka the rotten poet.




If you ever need a cover for your printer or photo copier let me know. This took less than 3 hours (including quilting time) to make. This has 5 panels and is made in a similar fashion to my tote bag line.


I love pansies, they're one of my all time favorite flowers. I've had photos of this particular pansy flower before, however I thought a reminder that spring is on it's way is good. Now I just have to find the information on taking care of the mums we purchased in September right before we replanted our entire garden. I figure after spending all that time digging up the garden just to plan the mums we might as well do our best to keep them going.

I'm so excited!! May 1st several friends and I are heading to Glens Falls, NY for the Ricky Tims Super Seminar with Alex Anderson & Libby Lehman. Quilt learning overload is on the horizon! A couple of folks who've taken the seminar have raved about it and the fact that they begin things promptly. I looked at the schedule yesterday as I chatted with a friend (we were looking for restaurants in the area) and 7:30 AM is the first class on Friday & Saturday. Okay, just give me coffee and I should be fine! I don't think there will be a late night to be had. Since I'm the driver I need to make sure I sleep well Friday night.

That Sunday is the Northern Star Quilt Show in Somers. I've got to get off my butt and finish my NYBeauty, I'd like to enter it into the show.

Happy Quilting!
Teri

PS I'm working on a book, publishing my tote bag patterns and would like to include questions & answers, so if you have a quilt related question that I can answer and include in the book please post a comment here on the blog! I look forward to hearing from you.