My Newest Obsession

OK.  It didn't start out as an obsession.  It was an innocent, passing interest; really more curiosity than anything.  I'd heard about groups of women who indulged in such an obsession but, really, I didn't think it would interest me.

.......then one fateful Saturday I allowed myself to indulge and the rest is history.  Yes........ I am a hooker.  Now that it's out, I feel so much better. 

I started as most hookers do with a love of wool.  I started frequenting thrift stores searching for 100% wool skirts.  Then moved on to the hard stuff:  wool from honest to goodness stores. 

Like most, I started with the dreaded star.  I know the star teaches all sorts of stuff you need to know.  But, it's SO boring.  As you can see, I was not a good pupil because I didn't finish my star.   

 

Last month, one of my friends and I visited Black Sheep Wool for a wonderful 3 day workshop.  If I wasn't already hooked I would have been after visiting Marty and Rhonda.  Oh my goodness!!  What a treat for the eyes (and tummy!)  This is the rug I'm making.

While at the workshop, I cut what I thought would be plenty of wool strips.  After hooking for a few days, I quickly realized I hadn't cut nearly enough strips.  What to do, what to do.  Lots of my hooker buddies have cutters and I know I could probably go to their home to cut wool but that would slow me down with traveling and visiting and getting side tracked.  Last week I contacted Marty at Black Sheep Wool and ordered a Townsend cutter. 

OK.  It's official.......I really am a hooker and I'd better become a darn good one since I now have all the necessary tools. 

Friendship's Gift

Hard to believe another week has come and gone!  Remember when you were a kid and it seemed like forever until Christmas?  I kind of long for those days.

My friends Darlene and Debby had their sneak peek into their new quilting studio yesterday.  One of the big hits was my newest block of the month, Friendship's Gift.  When I decided to put together something for them, we decided we wanted it to be representative of their new place:  a place where people can come to visit, sew, and generally forget life's trials and tribulations and be with others who share their love of creating.  What better theme than friendship?

Those who know me know I rarely follow the pattern exactly.  My colors are almost always different than what they're "supposed" to be.  I usually just have to change some design element to make the quilt just a little different. 

This block of the month starts in January but they're taking sign ups now.  Cost is $19.95 per month and that includes all fabrics for the top and binding.  The book is sold separately and is $24.95.  If you are interested in participating, call Darlene at 479-372-7403 to get your name on the list. 

For those who are in the area, we plan to have a get together for those working on this project the 2nd Sat of each month from 9:00 - 10:30.  Visiting us is optional but we thought it would be a nice way to build friendships.

Thanks for your continued prayers for my mother.  We finally have a date to see the oncologist - Dec 23.  I have the date circled in red on my calendar.
 

Road to California Quilt Show

First, I'd like to thank all of you who contacted me after my last post.  Mom is continuing to grow stronger and we are very hopeful we receive good news this week.  I will keep you posted.

I did receive some good news of a much different type this past week.  On a whim, I entered a quilt into the Road to California quilt show.  I almost fell out of my chair when I received notification my quilt, Warm Hearts, was accepted into the show.  It's a juried show so just getting to show a quilt is an honor as far as I'm concerned. 

While preparing my quilt for shipment I began a nostalgic trip down memory lane.  This quilt was made and offered as a block of the month through Rabbit's Lair.  That made me think about all the quilts I've made and offered as blocks of the month through various shops.  I thought it might be fun to share some with you.

Rabbits Prefer Chocolate (I don't have the quilt I made but it was similiar to this photo of the pattern)

Christmas Memories

Baskets, Berries and Leaves - This is a large quilt and I don't have a photo of the entire quilt.  This is the quilt as shown on the pattern.

This is one of my blocks to show the colorway I chose.

Friends for Christmas

My Favorite Things



Country Paths



All Things Christmas - Apparently I don't have a photo of this quilt either.  Here's what it's "supposed" to look like according to the pattern.



Here is a photo of four of my blocks to give you an idea of colors I chose.

Autumn House

There are others but this post is getting large so I'd better quit for now.  I will have a new block of the month to share soon.  I am putting together one for Sager Creek Quilts.  We hope to offer it as a block of the month Jan, 2011.  If you've never visited Sager Creek Quilts, you should indulge yourself this holiday season.  The shop is located in the heart of Siloam Springs AR in a beautiful historic home.  Cliff and Pam have a nice selection of fabrics and all the samples make it a place where you can become inspired.

Just typing Jan 2011 reminds me that's only a few weeks away so I'd better get back to sewing!