Such A Great Idea...

If you're anything at all like me, you have a stack of fabric scraps from projects past. Beautiful, wonderful, colorful fabrics that make you feel happy and full just looking at them. Come on, now. I know you do!

Remember when I tried my hand at applique' the very first time? I was so bummed that the teacher told me it "wasn't good enough" and that I should "do it over"? I know I complained to all of you when it happened, and I said that I'd never make another applique' project, so I took that one appliqued block (reworked it) and made it the centerpiece of a quilt that got an honorable mention at our guild quilt show.

Well, that nasty, demanding, unreasonable teacher and I have been friends now for about over a year. She's one of the women I share coffee with most Saturday mornings at Sandy's Quilt Shop. Her name is Flo. Did I tell you I now love this woman? Yup. I know. I could knock you over with a feather, right?

Not only did I rework that original block, but I have since done more applique' work (that Scrappy Dresden Plate quilt I'm working on requires applique', as do the monthly minis for Sandy's monthly QAL) and now in charge of the design for our next guild Opportunity (raffle) Quilt for 2014. Do you know what I've chosen for us to do? You guessed it if you said, "an applique' quilt"! I'll save that whole story for another day, but for now, I want to tell you about an idea that our friend, Flo shared during our coffee group.

When she has leftover scraps from a project, she spends a little time at the end of her day, takes some of the fabrics, and cuts them into 2 1/2" (or 1 1/2") strips. Then she chooses three different fabric strips, joins them into two different arrangements (light, dark, light and dark, light, dark) strips and cuts them into 2 1/2" (or 1 1/2") strips so that she can make nine-patch blocks. After she makes the blocks, she places them into a basket until she has enough to make a scrappy quilt from those blocks.

She uses a neutral cotton for the sashing and the borders. They're colorful and beautiful, and she usually adds applique' to the borders for an extra special touch. She shared one of her quilts with us last weekend and is was gorgeous. When all her assembly is finished, she usually hand quilts the finished top, making it even more special.

I've decided I want to be like Flo when I grow up. She's a seasoned soul who has seen and done a lot in her life (80+ years) and when she finally goes out (years from now), she'll leave behind people who love her and a pile of quilts that will stagger any imagination.

I can tell you one thing for sure. She's made me a better quilter, and with every project I complete, I strive to meet her high standards. (She's says I've really improved!)

So, I'm going to tackle those scraps (in between my projects), just to catch up on making nine-patch blocks...and when I have a sizeable pile, I'll make my first nine-patch quilt from all my leftover fabric pieces. Thank you, Flo.

You gals are the best! Smooches.

Thank you to everyone who left me a comment about my outfit for the wedding. You're all so considerate and complimentary. I read all of your comments and just want to tell you that I promise to share what I learn at the wedding. I'll tell you what I can about their customs, how the other women dress for the celebration...and all about the food, which I expect to be absolutely fabulous!

Because of your kind remarks, I'm much more comfortable in my clothing choice for the big day. Heck, you'd think I'm the bride with as much thought and preparation I've put into this! At any rate, I promise to tell you all about it next week. Thanks again!