Hokule'a's top may be finished and a winner

And the winner is

#12

Snoodles at Lily Pad Quilting.  Congratulations and thank you to everyone who played along.

 

Hokule'a is now a 46" square.  I think it wants to stay this size and be a wall hanging.  It is fun to see all our old shirts and my favorite muumuu in this piece.  The red centers in the log cabin blocks do not stand out this much in real life.  Interesting how they pop in the photo.  I wasn't sure how I would feel about the asymmetry of the center, but I am very happy with it.  I have really enjoyed the process of making this.  This quilt has done most of the design work along the way.  I will leave it up for a couple of days and see if it really is done.    I think I already know how I will quilt it, and I have backing and binding fabric. 

Tomorrow, I will work on more bags.  I just need to get some dark zippers.  I also want to start on the doll I am going to make for Bella.  That should be an interesting challenge.

Joyful quilting, everyone.

My incredible sister

Before I tell you about my sister and the wonderful gift she gave me, I wanted to share this beautiful mini quilt made for me by Beth at Love, Laugh, Quilt.  The triangles are tiny left overs from other quilts.  The hand quilting is done with varigated thread.  I just love it.  Look at the way the hand quilting on the tree makes a garland.  This piece is a little over 12" x 12".  I haven't measured it yet.  It is already up on the wall.

Now, my sister.  She is my baby sister and has had to put up with me all her life.  She had to deal with me when I was a spoiled child, a rather troubled and difficult teen, and a self-centered 20-something.  She has always been kind to me and shown me her love, whether I deserved it or not.  As I have aged, I think I have become easier to put up with.  She even invites me to play bridge with her friends.  She started making quilts a little while ago, and discovered the magic and power of the walking foot, something I only dreamed about having.  Today, she and her husband fulfilled that dream.

Just look at my new Bernina walking foot!  Look at the 28 log cabin blocks I have been building with it.  What a huge difference this foot makes.  I used one once in a class, and have wanted one ever since, but these babies are out of my budget.  I can't thank you enough, Kim.  You are a great sister, a wonderful friend, and a terrific quilting angel.

Tomorrow, I will draw the winner for the giveaway.  Good luck to everyone who has entered.

Joyful quilting, everyone.

Giveaway Reminder

The chances of winning this charm pack and pattern are very good.  Only 15 people have entered so far.  If you are interested, and haven't entered, go to this post and leave a comment telling me about the best gift you ever received.  I will be drawing a winner on Saturday, December 10.

I have my last guild meeting of the year with the Cedar River Quilters this evening.  We are having an appetizer and dessert pot luck and putting on our own trunk show with our favorite quilts (even the unfinished ones).  I am looking forward to a fun evening with loads of quilted goodies as well as treats to eat.

Joyful quilting, everyone.

More bags

Today, I made two more of these cute bags.  I used fusible interfacing this time.  I like the body, but I don't like the creases that show.  Maybe it is too heavy.  I will keep making these, trying new things until I get them just right.  I do like these, though.

If you haven't already, be sure and sign up for the giveaway here.

Studio time and a giveaway reminder

Today, I played in the studio.  First up was this house block for Beth over at Love, Laugh, Quilt.  She is collecting 12" x 12" house blocks.  If you send one in before January 1, you will be put into a drawing to receive some of them back.  I love house blocks.  This started out to be a wonky house, but as you can see the symmetrical me took over at some point.  Sometimes that happens, and I just have to let it go.  I will get this in the mail to Beth tomorrow.

This is my next fun project.  This one is for an exchange.  I showed a little peak the other day.  I had great fun figuring out how to get the three trees done.  The one in the middle is hard to see in the photo.  I made it light so it would look like it is in the distance.  I tried several fabrics for the border and the stars, but this red plaid just called my name.  This is for Shelly over at Prairie Moon Quilts.  She seems to like things with a western theme, which I think the plaid brings.  The stars and rays will be needle turn appliqued since Shelly has said that she really likes applique on a several posts.  I am going to hand quilt this using big stitches.  I hope she likes it.

Last, I made this little beauty.  This is my first zippered pouch and it will definitely not be my last.  A friend was here when I finished it and she has already ordered six.  There are some little tricky spots, but not so much to make me crazy.  These are fun to make, and will make great little gifts. 

Tonight, I will be working on some hand applique.  Tomorrow, I will make some more bags and work on Hokule'a.  I had misplaced it but found it today.  One of these days really soon, I am going to have to quilt the pieces I have been making.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway by commenting on yesterdays post here.

Joyful quilting, everyone.