Thunder Boomers

What a busy week! I'm working on a 'custom' quilt, and it just always takes longer than you think it will! It's a sampler, probably made in the 90's. I'm having fun with it. Tomorrow I'll be teaching my 'Machine Quilting' (domestic) class at the Prairie Shop in Batavia. Maybe I can get the ladies to volunteer for a picture.

Here's a sneak preview of the sampler quilt:

I also finished a T-shirt quilt for a customer, and lots and lots of bindings!

And, oh yes, lots of thunder and lightning keeping me up every night. But, at least I have a fun book to read on my Kindle.

Margarita Day in the City

Today was our bi-annual girls' outing to the City to have margaritas with Fran. We had lunch at Mayan Palace and wonderful margaritas.

Fran then decided (after several of those delicious drinks) to get her hair cut. Thank God it turned out really cute.

We also were lucky that Quiltology was open today (they're usually closed on Tuesdays). This was the first time we saw their new digs. We loved it, and loved the fabrics. We left carrying several bags full of fabric.

Happy Quilts

It was another hot and humid day today. Lots of thunder, lightening and rain early this morning. We all slept in; this doesn't happen very often!

I decided to work on some happy quilts! They brighten the day! Lots of nice colors, and thoughts of baby showers.

I love Eric Carle and his children's books. Andover did an excellent job with the fabric colors. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of my favorites.

Cruz and Jascha Heynck

We had a great time celebrating Cruz' and Jascha's marriage with a wonderful party. Friends, food, music, dancing, mango margaritas, German beer and excellent wine. Nothing beats a German/Mexican party! Congratulations Cruz and Jascha!

Hot Summer Days

It sure has been a hot week! Yesterday, my car thermometer read 101 degrees, today only 99! But it is going to be a little bit more comfortable tomorrow.

I took the pictures of the flowers over a week ago when the colors were still a bit more intense. I love day lilies. But they seem to be nearing the end of their season. We need rain!

Half Square Triangles

If you attend a retreat you always learn new things. You see friends working on old favorite patterns, brand new ones, fabrics are being admired, and new and old tips and tricks are shared.

Sandy and Carol were working on a very cute wall hanging, the pattern is by Jan Patek (I forgot the title). Jan Patek has a  cool method to make the half square triangles for the pin wheel blocks. Here is her method:

Put two charm squares together, right sides facing,
sew all the way around with a 1/4" seam:

Cut twice diagonally:

Press your half square triangles open:

Trim the dog ears:

Sew the half square triangles together to form a pinwheel block:

Cut the block to the desired size to fit your quilt:

Retreat Projects

Here are some projects that the ladies are working on: