Makin' Tracks in 2019

 I purchased this center block in Houston this year and now it is this sweet little quilt!

I think it is called Turkey Tracks. 

I love everything about it!

Here is my inspiration. 

I've seen so many awesome house blocks!! Thank you for participating!!

Have a fantastic weekend!

A Look Back 2018

Happy New Year friends!!

It's always good to look back and see the year in the rearview mirror.

Here are my quilt finishes in no particular order.

Rose of Houston- a challenge quilt using an antique block purchased at IQF. 

Our amazing 2018 quiltalong- Sweet Land of Liberty designed by Cheri Payne.

Brick Wall of Wabash Co- designed by Tara Lynn Baison. 

Our Humble Quilts little quilt quiltalong- Sajou.

A swap quilt .

Another swap quilt

One final swap quilt. (I'm seeing a theme here!)

Swiss Cross. 

Fall Festival was our 2017 quiltalong 

I was thrilled to be in AP&Q Designer spotlight this year!

And big life events in 2018 but not quilt related:

 A mission trip to Colombia that I feel completely blessed to have been able to go. (And look at those adorable girls in the dresses you made for them!)

My niece and I made a trip to Chico to personally hand out quilts, cash, clothing, blankets, coats, and a cheerful smile. I'm pretty sure we were blessed way more than the recipients.

Made a memorable trip to Italy with my beautiful daughter. 

I summitted Mt St Helens! (Hardest thing I've ever done after running a full marathon) 

 Proved to myself that all my muscle building workouts paid off by backpacking for my first time this summer!

Ran a 197 mile, 36 hour relay with complete strangers!

Wow! What a year! I look forward to 2019 and all the memories and quilts I'll be making!!

Happy New Year!

House blocks for CA Fire Survivors

This is Debbie's Quilt Shop in Paradise CA. 

Here is a facebook post from her:

Debbie's Quilt Shop is requesting quilt blocks with houses from all over to help local quilters recover from the Camp Fire. The blocks must be 10 1/2 inches (10 inch finished) and may be pieced, appliquéd, or embroidered. Please use good quality 100% cotton quilt shop fabric. Each block must also have something written on it with permanent ink...an inspiring saying, your name and city, or just your city and the date. The houses on the blocks may be traditional, modern, or wonky...as long as the block is 10.5 inches. My shop has not yet moved into its new address so blocks may be sent to my home for now...
Debbie's Quilt Shop
6287 Fremont Dr
Magalia CA 95954

I thought it would be great if anyone wanted to make a block or two or three to send. I looked for several house blocks that finished at 10" and then I remembered I did a review on Diane Knott's first book and made a little house quilt. (see it HERE) Bingo! it finishes at 10"! 

Diane Knott of Butterfly Threads Quilting has graciously agreed to let me publish the directions to make it easier for everyone to contribute house blocks to the quilters who have been burned out.

This block takes only 2 1/2 squares and strips!

I started by dumping my 2 1/2" strips and squares bag.

 Then laid out my pieces

And sewed. 

I'll pen something on the blocks like Debbie would like us to, then get them in the mail this week,

I hope you'll you will too!

Be safe tonight and have a happy new year!

Spencer Museum Quilt

 These beautiful blocks are my friend, Juliann's. Aren't they gorgeous?!

Spencer Museum pattern by Jan Patek

She passed this pattern to me to sell with the books and I asked her if she minded if I kept it and made it and then she showed me her beauties! Karen Beigh has agreed she'd like to do it with me this year and she already has the pattern. 

I am contemplating doing 1 each for a 4 block quilt. The pattern blocks are 20" so I could easily stretch it to about 60".

We are not starting right away on this so if you'd like to join in that would be great! It is available on Jan's site for $9. See it  HERE. 

Karen and I were trying to decide if they we inspired by any of the Carrie Hall blocks. If you know anything I'd love any information.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Merry Christmas!

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you..

The little beaded bells from my grandmother. 

It's a good thing this is supposed to be primitive! LOL

I found the red vintage long johns at the thrift store recently! I couldn't pass them up!

I have little Danish Nisse keeping a watch on the house.

Only part of the quilt so you can see the trapunto. I think this one is my favorite green and red of mine.

Twas the night of Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”