Chocolate And A Plan...

My favorite candy dish.

Sometimes projects have to go on the back burner, house chores will wait

for another day, and things that were important yesterday aren't quite as

 critical today. When you have a friend (or two) in need, you prioritize.

My BFF has one that matches it.

 Recent developments with a dear friend and his loving wife will be

limiting my studio time and Handsome's free time as we do our best to

support them in the coming days, weeks and months. It's who we are.

I'm going to be creating more Farmer's Wife foundations for those

who are working on them. I intend to have them all uploaded by the 

end of the summer...back to school - back to the Farmer's Wife.

I was also thinking I'd delay any large projects for a little while, but you 

 know me by now. I have a "creative imperative", so I'm going to start one of

my BOM or needlework quilts. One at a time, the blocks are small, portable

and manageable. When they're finished, I'll assemble them into a quilt.

It's good to have a plan.

"Have needlework (and chocolate), will travel!"

Moda Friendship Quilt Along...

Moda image

 I just want to share a quilt along link I recently found with you today.

If you're a quilter, I'm sure you're always looking for more ideas.

The Moda™Friendship Quilt Along is a great way to increase your

block library with inspiration from a number of quilt designers.

This quilt along will run from February 18th until March 1st, 2013.

I've added the link to my left sidebar so that you can remember to

visit three new designers each day of the quilt along. By the time the
event is finished, you'll have a total of thirty new blocks to sew!

Moda image

 Each designer will share a little story on her blog, along with

a download for her block design. You can click on the designer

links on Moda's page, so make sure you go there first to see who

will be submitting their designs each day of the quilt along.
Oh, and one more thing...each designer will host a giveaway of
Moda fabric that you can enter to win. Don't you just love that?!

Here's a quick link you can use to visit Moda's page from my blog today.

It's always fun to share inspiration with you. You're going to love these blocks!

To my Farmer's Wife friends...

I haven't forgotten our quilt along either. I'm only downloading the blocks from

the Moda link to share for future use! I'm not neglecting you, my friends. I've been

working on new foundation templates for you, and hope to share new ones with you

very, very soon. In the meantime, I hope you're all doing something fun and creative!

More Friendship And Reveals...

Look at the beautiful friendship block I received yesterday from Mary F. of Miss Mary's blog. You can read about the block, as well as the Farmer's Wife quilt she created as a gift for her daughter. It's a truly gorgeous quilt.

Now I understand that each of the blocks I've received were created using fabrics that are in each givers blocks. I know. Can you even believe how much more special they are because of that fact?

Thank you, Mary for your beautiful block. I'm just thrilled to know the details behind the blocks that I have received, too. Your work is so wonderful, and I'm honored to have something created by your hands. I so appreciate the time you took from your crazy busy schedule to do something for me. I'm humbled by your generosity.

I hope all of my friends will drop by your blog and say 'hello'. You guys, it's a great place to visit and see what keeps Mary busy.

I want to show you a couple more nearly-finished American Treasures blocks, too. This is a close-up of the Oregon block created by Susan Slaton and her team. Susan did the stitching and (like me) she has the fingers to prove it.

This block only needs the hand embroidery (a few vines and tendrils) to finish it. Susan doesn't do embroidery, so that work will be done by another volunteer. Barring that, I'm happy to do that part. It's fabulous even without the embroidery right now. Don't you agree that Susan and her team did a remarkable job?

Kathy took another photo of my on Tuesday night as I held up the Florida block. Karen and Jettie are working together on this one. Jet prepared all the applique' work (I love the alligator in the center!), and Karen is doing all the embroidery on the palmetto fronds and she decided to embroider the areas that might usually be created with 1/4" bias strips. I wish I had a close-up to share, but I'll do that when they finish the block and hand it over to my temporary care.

I'm telling you, though that I can see where it's going to get more and more difficult to give up this quilt. I'll probably have to go into mourning for at least a month! 

Thanks to all my quilting friends for bringing light and love into my life everyday - but especially in the past couple of days - seeing all their inspirational work.

One more thing today...I've agreed to teach two applique' classes at the shop where my friend, Loreen works. I'll be teaching on Friday, November 30th from 10 am to 2 pm and again on Friday, December 7th from 10 am to 2 pm.

If someone had told me in 2010 that I'd be teaching this technique in 2012, I would have told them they were crazy. Flo must be so proud of me! (For those of you who don't know, Flo - who is now a dear, treasured friend and mentor - was the teacher in my very first applique' class. Let's just say that applique' and I didn't immediately hit it off.)

I'm really looking forward to teaching the classes and hope to inspire a quilter (or two) to embrace this historic technique. I mean, why should I be alone in my new-found obsession?

Wendy's Friendship Block...

Yesterday, I received an envelope from New Zealand, and found beautiful gifts inside from Wendy G. of Charlotte's Web blog. I have a new friendship block to add to my future Farmer's Wife Friends Quilt.

This closeup shows the detail of her block and the sweet fabrics Wendy chose. It also shows a closeup of the unique 6" wooden ruler she tucked in with her block. That aqua dot in the middle of it is a round piece of abalone shell. (Abalone happens to be a personal favorite!)

I'm a bit embarrassed to say that I don't know much about the metric system, but I do believe that this ruler is marked in centimeter increments. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.) I also think the carved designs are really neat, too.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Wendy. I really appreciate the time and talent that went into creating your friendship block for me, and then adding an extra gift along with it. (Your block is just perfect, by the way.) It will be a treasured addition to the quilt I'm looking forward to creating to remind me of the you and the other members of our quilting circle. Words really cannot express my gratitude.

Please click on the link (Wendy's blog name above) so that you can visit her and see all the lovely things she has to share about her life and creative pursuits in New Zealand.

PS. I don't know what the heck happened with the poll I put up in my right sidebar. During the day yesterday, there were over 30 votes. At midnight, it had zeroed out. What the heck? So, if you haven't voted, don't let the fact that there are no votes scare you off. I'll keep the poll up until it expires. Perhaps the "ghost votes" will reappear. Darn Halloween goblins!

Departures and Arrivals...

I took a trip to the post office today and sent a number of packages on their way. The boxes were sent to family members, and the padded envelopes that fill my tote are winging their way to the participants in the Farmer's Wife quiltalong (stateside). The packages for our group members out of the country will be mailing by the weekend. I sure hope everyone likes the surprises I've sent to them just to say "thank you" for participating.

I also have more beautiful friendship blocks to share! This block came from all the way from New Zealand. Raewyn of lovetostitch blog is so lovely. I love the colors she chose!

Friendship block from Raewyn at Love to Stitch

Thank you, Raewyn, for adding another block that will become part of a treasured Farmer's Wife friendship quilt. What a generous gift from your hands. xoxo

The second block that came was from my girlfriend, Sherry at Createology. She chose a butterfly theme for her packaging and a sweet tag that she added to her envelope. I'll be using it as a bookmark for my next reading break. All those butterflies were so lovely, too! I'm even saving the wrapping!

Friendship block from Sherry at Createology

Here's a closeup of Sherry's block. I can even see a butterfly settling into these pretty flowers! Thank you, Sherry, for the gifts of your hands. Another beautiful block to add to my treasure trove until I join them into a friendship hug from my Farmer's Wife friends, old and new.

Isn't it truly amazing how a small gift from the heart can brighten someone's day? I'll be gathering up more goodies to send to two special granddaughters and a grandson very soon, too. I know how much young people love mail. It's not just us ol' gals who get excited with a surprise in the mail, after all! It's always nice to spread around the joy.

Friendship From NZ...

Marrianne's Friendship Block

I always get excited when I find a package from Marrianne in my mailbox. I know there's going to be something wonderful inside...and she never fails to deliver.

Marrianne is also participating in the Farmer's Wife quiltalong and she made a Friendship block for me.

Look closely. See where she "signed" her block and a little note for me? That's all hand-stitched!!! Teeny, tiny stitches by her own hand. I'm love this special touch, girlfriend!

She told me in her note that she's been trying her hand at bobbin lace. She made this sweet, caterpillar bookmark for me. I adore it's little bead-y eyes! You're really doing a great job with your new endeavor. He's a sweet, little treasure and I'll have fun using him, too!

There's only one thing she sent me that I couldn't photograph...her traditional bag of Pineapple Lumps - a Kiwi confection that I have received from her in the past - and really look forward to.

Honey, the post office mangled my lumps! They were squished, melted and trying (hard) to get out of their packaging. They "chocolated" all over your quilt block. I had to toss the sweets, but I immediately tackled the block with my favorite cleaner, soaking it until the stains came out. It's newly pressed and photographed and now will be a treasured addition to the friendship quilt I'll make some day.

Please, please don't worry about the pineapple lumps. I've actually saved a little stash from your last shipment, so I do have some. In fact, I sat down and ate a few after I had to hold a "ceremony" for the new package. (sniff. sniff)

Thank you so much for your generosity, and sharing your talent with me. You know how I love you, and I value your friendship every day. (Do you realize it's been over four years that we've been long-distance friends? Yup!)

Marrianne doesn't have a blog, but you can follow her progress on her Farmer's Wife quilt on our Flickr album (here). Her blocks are really beautiful, so please check them out. Once you're there, click on the link that will take you to all the photographs in the group so you can see how much everyone has accomplished. It's pretty impressive.

Thanks again, Marrianne. Your Friendship block from me will be on its way very soon. xoxo

Weekend Friendship Blocks...

Friendship Block from Sunny

Two more beautiful friendship blocks arrived from talented women participating in the Farmer's Wife quiltalong this week.

I received this happy block from Sunny of Quilting Dreams. I love the clovers and tiny flowers, and how she coordinated with the red print fabric. It really is a "sunny" block!

Thank you, my dear. It's wonderful and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your generosity. I'll be sending a block to you, too!

Friendship Block from Renee

The second block I opened this week came from Renee at Wren's Nest. Red, white and blue on a yellow ground. Another cheerful block to add to the quilt I'm going to create from the charming blocks I have received. 

Renee added a sweet pink, floral key fob with her block. Isn't it the most feminine keychain you've ever seen?I love it, and she made it!!! (See her "Wren's Nest" label?)

Thank you, Renee for the gifts you sent my way this week. I really appreciate that you took the time to make a special block just for me. You'll also be receiving a block in return. (Wow! I like that I'm going to have quite a few friendship blocks to reciprocate! Isn't that great?)

I am so grateful for the blocks that Sunny and Renee sent to me. I know how long it takes to create a block, and I thank you both for the time you took to make something just for me. I'm humbled. Really.

Be sure to click on their blog links to visit them. I'm sure you'll find lots of interesting things, and they'll be glad to know you stopped by. Leave a little note to let them know you were there.

I'll show you my project progress on Monday. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. If you're in the north, may you have a warm quilt to wrap up in when the weather gets cooler. If you're in the south, may it soon be cool enough to need one!

Another Surprise, Another Block...

A Friendship Block from Karen of Karen's Needlework

I don't know what it is about going to the mailbox. I've always been "such a kid" about the walk down the drive to open the box and see the contents. Lately, it's been more fun than the usual bills, catalogs and political placards. I've been surprised almost daily by puffy envelopes addressed to me.

Yesterday, an envelope arrived from sweet Karen of Karen's Needlework in Missouri. She's also making Farmer's Wife blocks to create a quilt. If you'd been here, you could have heard the "awww" I uttered when I opened it. Aren't those sweet Labrador puppies?

In addition to the Friendship block, Karen also created two iron-on acorn transfers for me. She really knows me, doesn't she? Now, all I have to do is decide how I'm going to use those pretty acorns. I know I'll think of something...and I'll be sure to show you where they end up.

Thank you so much, Karen. I love the fabrics you chose, and the acorns were really a wonderful touch. I so appreciate your friendship, and the gifts from your hands. xoxo

Please be sure to click on the link (above) for Karen's blog. She's now making doll clothes and accessories for American Girl dolls. (I know that some of her creations are going to end up with our granddaughters!) She has all kinds of interesting things going on at her "place". Please visit and leave a note to tell her how fabulous she is.

#62 Old Windmill

Of course, I managed to make one new block today. I chose #62 from the Farmer's Wife book. I used a paper foundation for this one, too. The foundations make my blocks so much more precise than piecing. Another one for the stack.

I'm off to Sandy's Quilt Shop to deliver my October mini quilt for display. There will be coffee, conversations and friendship...and we always sprinkle laughter into our visits. I really like starting my weekend with my quilting friends.

Lovin' The Layout...

Our Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt quiltalong began in February, and I admit that I "took off" while we traveled in May, June and early July. I'm not a total slacker, though. I have made over thirty blocks to date.

Nothing like a "bird's eye view" of my blocks all laid out on our bed. My plan is to make a queen-size quilt, which means I'm about one-quarter of the way through my blocks. I will have sashing between each one, and they'll be laid on-point, but I'm still going to have to make about one hundred twenty blocks to have enough for a queen quilt.

These are the blocks I created yesterday. (They're already in the layout above.)

#25 Cups & Saucers

Cups & Saucers is a nice block using only two fabrics. I decided that I needed more green (and brown) in the layout, so this was the reason for choosing this colorway. I paper-pieced this block.

#44 Gentleman's Fancy

If you compare this block with the one above, you'll see that it's actually close to the configuration of Cups & Saucers. The components are different, but they do resemble each other. This was also paper pieced.

#48 Homeward Bound

The last block I made was Homeward Bound. I realized after I assembled the first set of components for this one that I made a mistake on the outside corners. They were supposed to be a different color from the rest. I decided not to disassemble it, but I will remake it again (correctly). I'm also a stickler about wonky lines, and even though this one was spot on prior to removing the paper foundation, it pulled out of square when I ironed it. (I hate it when that happens!)

I've got a few other projects that need my attention right now, so I'll put aside the Farmer's Wife blocks until next week. I looking forward to showing you what else I'm working on, but this is enough for now, don't you think?

Friendship And The Farmer's Wife...

  I received another surprise Friendship Block in the mail!

This one was from QAL participant, Cyn of Cyn :-)'s Quilted Travels.

She included a card that features a signature quilt for a design. It really was a perfect card to use for her sweet note to me. She (also) thanked me for leading the Farmer's Wife Quiltalong. (It's taken me a while, but could there be a pattern here?)

Cyn chose a beautiful red reproduction fabric with a pretty ivory as the background color. I love seeing her signature on it, too. I'll always remember that this pretty block was created by her.

Please be sure to click on her blog name above so you can visit her. I'm sure you'd enjoy seeing what she's working on now.

Thanks so much, Cyn! I really love receiving this gift of friendship created by you. I'll treasure it always. xoxo

#12 Broken Sugar Bowl

I've been working on my Farmer's Wife blocks, too. I had been busy uploading foundations for the group so they were available for anyone who preferred paper piecing. Doing that took quite a while, and I still have more to do, but I needed to make a few blocks for myself so I didn't feel like a slacker in the group!

I completed the #12 Broken Sugar Bowl block on Tuesday, and then immediately started working on a second one. I might have completed it if I'd stayed home from Paneras (and the knitting group), but I missed my local, creative girlfriends - and Paneras lattes, which I love!

FW #25 Cups & Saucers

 So, I'm still working on this block and will finish it later today.

These are the tools I always have ready when I'm working on my paper pieced blocks. If you're a quilter, you'll immediately recognize the 45mm rotary cutter, and probably the Add-An-Eight and Add-A-Quarter 6" rulers below it. The tool I really want to share with you is the bottom one.

It's a Gingher seam ripper. See the really sharp blade? It's retractable, so I don't have to worry about hurting myself by accident. This one happens to be have a floral finish, but there are other designs available, too.

I have found this an invaluable tool for cutting the paper seams to make it easier to remove from my finished blocks. Just be sure you don't cut through the fabric, too or you'll have to make your block all over again! (Thankfully, I haven't made that mistake.) It also has a nice curvey shape so that it fits comfortably in your hand.

If you're looking for one of your own, start at Joann's Fabrics. I found mine on sale a couple of years ago, and it's finally getting good use.

I really enjoy getting back to the Farmer's Wife blocks and hopeto share more finished blocks in the near future...as I juggle my time between the quiltalong, the Wisconsin guild block and an odd project thrown in here and there for good measure! I don't usually like to have more than one project going at a time, but hey, I'm flexible, and a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do!