I have a very important question....

A friend asked me to speak to a group of senior citizens about quilting.  First, I am not a public speaker, I sweat, turn red and stutter but I said I would. Second, I am not sure how many people will be in the group, male, female, or ability. Some of them may have been quilting since before I was born so I am intimidated but I said I would.

So I am asking for advice on a couple of things. If there were 20 to 30 participants..is there a project I could have them do while I spoke? (Nothing like distracting the audience). Something simple that would not require my hands on.

Next, I would like your thoughts on one thing I should definitely share with them.  I have decided to randomly reward two people who respond here with a small token of my appreciation.  Thank you and I look forward to reading your ideas and ponderings.

Our Great Western Adventure

Time has passed so quickly!! In the summer of 2010 we took a trip west. My husband, our youngest son, me and my dog Gabby. It was great fun, we spent two weeks visiting national parks all through Texas, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. We camped in  a slide-in camper on the back of the truck and pulled a trailer with their two motorcycles. We saw so many beautiful sites, breath taking, awe inspiring, humbling site.  I did really want to go to Chaco Canyon but it had been raining and we were trying to make it to Mesa Verde at a reasonable hour so we passed it by.

When we returned home I went to my LQS (local quilt shop) and saw the lovely fabric line...Stonehenge. To me it was perfect for my western quilt. I made this quilt for my son to commemorate our trip, I started it on his birthday in August.  It is my Chaco Canyon and I call it "Anasazi  Sunset".

A Snuggly Quilt for Luca

Here I am a month later posting the picture..... Luca loved both pillow and quilt.   He particularly liked the minkee on the back of the quilt.  My son said, Luca kept saying...snuggle me. I am so happy he liked them.  He had been at St Jude Children's Research Hospital since June and he was able to go home before Christmas! I will keep this little guy in my prayers and will remember to snuggle him in my mind and heart.

Two too cute

I know, this title is used way too much but these are pretty cute.  They are hair bow holders I made for Arely and Zana. I think their Momma will like them too. She will have to decide which one goes to whom. I just wanted to share. Tomorrow I will post the picture of the quilt and pillow I made for Luca. Tootles.

Here is my Blueberry Muffin

This is Allen in his little cocoon I knitted for him.

 In the words of his momma..he is so stinkin' cute. I am glad he likes it but he is a tall fellow, I should have made it a few inches longer so he could wear it for awhile.  He is adorable.

A little knit for a blueberry muffin

As you can see from a previous post, we have a new baby grandson.  Every year about this time I start thinking yarn, so naturally a snuggly cocoon for Allen seemed in order.

I had a pattern for the hat for a little girl...a cupcake so I made it in blue and taupe just right for a little boy...a blueberry muffin.  I just couldn't wait to see him in it so I decided to let my little doll do a photo shoot. Yes, I know she is a girl but I don't own a boy doll. She looks cute just the same. 

I don't knit very often so I have never refined my tension, but it is improving. I have a few more things I would like to knit this year, so we will see.  If not then maybe next year and the next grand baby too.

I didn't like crickets until....

My sister called one day and whet my appetite for a cricket...yes I did say cricket, however it is pronounced cricut:). Really I had to have one, several hours on the internet later I did find one, purchased it, waited impatiently for its arrival, and finally made my first projects the first day.Read instructions? Sure, sure, as I go along. So here are my projects...by the way I must be a fish because I am hooked on cricut!

Grand baby #9!!! His name is Allen, isn't he a living doll!?!  He was very difficult to get into this world but so worth the wait! I am a very proud Granny.

Run for a Reason

Richard and I had decided a few months ago to walk the half marathon for St Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis TN. Our son and his fiance' will be running the full marathon. We began going out to our military park and walking everyday. at least 4 times per week, slowly, steadily, working our way up to that 13 mile mark. His gall bladder threw a ringer in that plan. He had to have surgery, but in the mean time the half marathon filled up. We could not register and now probably couldn't walk anyway. Soooooo I decided to sign up for the 5K, now mind you we won't be running that either but it is doable at this point. We are accustom to walking that distance.

If you are so inclined I ask that you go to the  web page and make a donation...no matter how small or large, to help with the research at this hospital. A friend's young son, Luca, is a patient  battling liver cancer. So go ahead and participate with us in the fight against childhood disease, check out the team page and GO TEAM LUCA!!! Here is the link again....and you know  what?  Thank you we really appreciate your support.

https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/displayUserPage.do?programName=heroes&eventId=166948&userId=658434

The "Thimble"

This is my new thimble. It doesn't look like your typical thimble but it is a thimble none the less.

I remembered seeing them in a sewing catalog years ago when a friend jogged my memory of their existence.  Like so many things I set out to find one. I, however could not..but I have a resource better than google.  TLTKE.....The list that knows everything... Dear Jane. Yes the members of this list can find a tiny little thimble in a cyber haystack.

As I hand piece I use the thimble on my left thumb. The needle pokes through the fabric and rests in the 'well' of the heart, as I load several stitches on the needle. This works perfectly for me because I am forever pushing the needle through and sticking my thumb.  I described the way the thimble fits on your finger or thumb as a wheel weight on car wheels or like mud under your nail.

The photo isn't very clear but I think from the series you can get a good idea. I haven't tried it for hand quilting yet but since I haven't mastered the rocking motion of hand quilting I question whether it would work for me.   That will have to wait until I have a practice piece or a top ready to hand quilt.



These little treasures that we find along the way add excitement and comfort to our journey. It doesn't look like much but it is a piece of sewing jewelry I can wear at those special times when I am able to slow down and use my hands to create without the hum of a machine but perhaps the hum of my favorite hymn and a prayer......The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. Duet 2:7