Too Cold to ???

It was very cold and windy today! I think the wind chill was around -30 degrees F. The actual temp was -1 or -2 but the wind was horrid. A great day to stay home and quilt.

I worked on the quilt our guild is giving the church where we meet. They have an event every November and auction the quilt we've made for them. Last year the quilt went for $1250.00. They have added on to the church, so the money they raise goes to finishing it. I'll add a picture of the quilt when it's finished. Hopefully, the top will be done to show at our next meeting on 2/14.

On another note, I went to Loveland, CO, last week for my uncle's funeral. He has had Parkinson's disease for quite a few years, but his passing was a surprise as he had been doing well. I encourage everyone to make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation which provides funds for researching treatment and a cure for Parkinson's disease. I did get to spend a few days with my brother, even if it was in a car. That part was fun!

Not so new sewing machine

Today I attended the first two of five classes to learn all the ins and outs of my 1 1/2 year old sewing machine. About time don't you think! I don't do a lotof garment sewing, but when I do a garment, I want to do it right.

My machine is a Bernina 440 QE with a stitch regulator foot (aka BSR). I LOVE the BSR but it's a little like writing by moving the paper instead of the pencil. Practice, practice, practice. My stippling and meandering is passable so I usually stick to doing that. I also haven't mastered quilting anything bigger than a wall hanging. This picture is of the first two of a series of sunflower quilts I have planned. The one on the left has a ruched center and the one on the right has a beaded center.

First Blog

Hi and welcome to my blog!

My goal is to communicate with quilters and quilt lovers everywhere. I will be posting pictures of my quilts for all to see, comment on, and critique-not too harshly, I hope! I also hope to encourage people who are just beginning to make quilts and offer my help if you have a quilting problem.

As much as I am a quilter, I am also a fabric collector. The saying goes "She who dies with the most fabric wins." I think I have that title wrapped up and tied with a bow. My fabric budget is larger than my food budget! I probably won't ever get it all sewn together, but I'm giving it my best shot.

So, quilt lovers-stay tuned.