I See Quilts

35 International Princess Project

2011-09-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

International Princess Project is about getting women in India out of the sex trade and teaching them skills so they can earn money to care for themselves and their family.

Today Monica, a faithful volunteer for IPP, and I sewed table runners (from beautiful sarai cloth) for the upcoming fundraiser in Huntington Beach CA.

Day 34 Poor Little Rich Girl

2011-09-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to make is an upcycled garment.. This jacket was a great discovery while I was volunteering at the Salvation Army store in Lower Hutt NZ earlier this year. I have added some satin or silk trim and an oversized pocket. A few baubles and beads and it will be ready for Rigas Clothing Store in Laguna Beach and Palm Desert CA. Poor Little Rich Girl is the name of the clothing line.

thirty three days of creating

2011-09-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

Merodies quilt has the binding on and ready to send to Seddon NZ. I hope it gets there safely. I will miss this quilt, especially in the winter. M will love the flannel backing.

Sleep well Merodie and Rob.

32nd Day Fernleaf Ave.

2011-09-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

My daughter and her roommate are wanting a lovely cottage garden, so together we have been working on watering and feeding and pruning and weeding. But mainly watering. Now the blooms are coming.

Creating in the Classroom Day 31

2011-09-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

My friend, Sarah, teaches at a middle school in Claremont CA. It has been a tradition for me for several years to help her in the classroom right before school starts in Sept. and then again in June for teardown.
I love being back in the classroom....esp when there are no kids..!

30 Ta Da..!

2011-09-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

The circles quilt washed and sharing the limelight with some 'Double Delight' roses from the garden.
The flannel backing makes it soft and the raw applique gives it a vintage/shabby chic look.

29 Binding Circles

2011-09-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

Binding is sewn onto the Circles Quilt....almost there. I think this project has been my most favorite in a while.

TwenTYeiGHT Supermarket totes

2011-09-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

The supermarkets are where you can pick up some fun seasonal items. This rubbermaid tote was calling my name. Its a perfect size for carrying a current project.

Fabric strips are tied to the tote but I dont think that will be the last thing I do with it.

Day 27 Pocket Pixies

2011-09-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Two different quilts here, but using a line called Pocket Pixies or Pixie Pockets. The designer produced this in the 50's. She has since passed away, but her design lives on.

Love the trendy diamonds/argle style on the back

Day 26. Baby girl Blanket

2011-09-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

In December I will have my first wee granddaughter. Couldnt resist a minky remnant, and so now she has her first tiny quilt with tiny Nike socks.

Eventually I might cut it in half and make blankets for her dolls.

twentyfifth day

2011-09-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Back a bit (Day 8) I showed you the Mile a Minute blocks I was putting together. The quilt top is almost to the size I would like it.

24 days of creating

2011-09-13T13:02:00.000-07:00

Binding is cut for Merodies quilt....

day 23 Transformers

2011-09-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

Borders book stores are closing down in our area, and with 50% off its a great time to stock up on activity books for when the boys visit. Zach is working on his Transformer Sticker book. I am challenged here, and sometimes this is the only creative thing I get done for the day.

Day 22

2011-09-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

It takes a couple of days to get a King Size quilt done, but it is so good to see the end result. This is hanging upside down on the railing..! I was in a hurry to take picture. I can tell because the house block and tree are the wrong way. Merodie did all the center blocks in the early 70's. Such a lot of handwork. I wonder how many women have blocks like this, that have never been made into a quilt.? Real shame..they are heirloom stuff.

Merodie is no longer able to do this type of work, so we decided together, along with my sister Dawn, just what was needed to get it done. As you can see it was quite a simple finish with her favorite colors. Now the binding :)

21st day of creating

2011-09-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Love that I finally have Merodies quilt on the machine. She is a new friend from my sisters parish in Seddon NZ.

Day 20 of creating

2011-09-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

Is this the cutest ever????
I found this idea at the online fat quarter shop and decided to adapt it a little. I just want to make heaps of these.

Again I used fabrics from my stash, I quilted the top and backing first and then added the circles last. So easy. You will see the finished product soon.

Day 19 Journaling

2011-09-08T11:52:00.000-07:00

A great idea for journaling. Just a line a day, which seems simple enough. I have been writing some fun things the grandchildren say, keeping track of the books I have been reading, making a note of where my kids are in the world, and even noting interesting current events. Ideally I will be rotating these for 10 years.!! I will be close to 70 by then. Imagine all that will be happening in the next 10 years. The idea came from Pinterest. (that is the first time I have written that word on my blog)

I love the way the months have been separated by postcards.

bugs and beetles Day 18

2011-09-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

A toddler quilt for Magnolia and Charlie on Balboa. Bright colors, soft flannel backing quilted with buzzy bees. Orange binding with tiny white dots.

17

2011-09-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

on the 17th day of creating, my sewing machine gave to me....a favorite design (Candy Bar Road) using fabric scraps in classic colors. I made a quilt like this for Hunter....and just kept going with this one for Alexia.
http://www.suzguzdesigns.com/catalog/i18.html is where you can buy the pattern. If you were buying fabric, you would need a layer cake and jelly roll in the same fabric line.

16

2011-08-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

Zach and Maia tried the hot rock/crayon craft. He had fun just watching the crayons melt in a big blob on the rock....not so much into the design. Venus/mars thing

fifteen days of creating

2011-08-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

this is a cute wee baby quilt for the store. It has colorful bugs and animals with a soft flannel backing. I have already done 2 of these, but decided to make a purple flower of this one. I am using Kaffe Fasset fabric called shot cotton I think. not sure whether its going to work, and it might even be uncomfortable if a baby lies down on the flower. But at least its cute.

Amanda was looking at pillows and bedspread with these flower things on for mega bucks. Surely we could DIY.

Day 14

2011-08-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

cute panel...love panels.... of a roadway with lots of fun places for little boys little cars to go. This is for the baby store and now has a black and white binding around the edge. Mason, 2, will give this a trial run when he comes over this weekend for a visit. He'll let me know if it works Grammy.

thirteen

2011-08-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

My sisters quilt has the binding sewn on and is currently in a priority box heading for New Zealand. She gets to finish this quilt for her friends 50th by hand stitching the binding. Super job.

DAY 12

2011-08-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

love the jungle panel on this baby quilt. I used some leftover panel pieces on the back...and the green polka dot flannel. Such a soft quilt. It was for the baby store, but Kalebs mom stopped by and decided this was going to be the beginning of redecorating Kalebs room. She loved it so much.

Day 11

2011-08-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

3 orphan blocks. I am trying to use my orphan blocks, because I really did have good intentions with them at the start. I added these to some green hydrangea fabric I have had forever, thinking I would use it as a backing. Instead its a fronting. Not sure what will be on the back now. Coverlet for a full size bed.

If I didnt have a long arm machine I might not make so many of these orphan quilts. The good thing is I do, and can give some of these away to those who need them.

This was Amanda Jeans first quilt a long crazymomquilts.com

day 10

2011-08-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

5 more patches added to my 36 patch quilt. I need to get a move on to keep up with the others. I think I am making 36 of these suckers.

Day 9

2011-08-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

Moda Chrysallis charm pack cut in half and sewn in strips. I will be adding calico in between and making a more modern baby quilt

Day 8

2011-08-05T18:40:00.001-07:00

Mile a minute block or Crazy patch. I learned this in NZ where the big girls are careful to use every scrap. Piecing bits together/squaring up/recutting etc. Completely scrappy. Little girls love pink and purple and polka dots.

day 7

2011-08-05T18:38:00.001-07:00

Sewing binding onto a baby boys flannel quilt .

Creating with Tapa...

2011-07-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

Tapa cloth is made from the tapa plant. The bamboo like sticks are beaten to pulp, well not quite, but until they are paper thin. Natural dye from other plants is added and a beautiful piece of work is created. If you live or visit some of the Pacific Islands you can here the rhythmic beating of the tapa, as both men and women work to make their living.

My brother in law is a Tongan living in New Zealand, and recently had a family member send him a large piece of cloth to try an experiment or two. I jumped on the band wagon and dyed a tiny piece today with liquid dye paints. The colors took very well. Nothing has come to mind yet as to what to do with the tapa I have. Fabric artists/textile artists would likely jump at it.

I may quilt a piece. Whatever I decide, it is too precious to just sit and gather dust.

Creating and keeping six pounds warm...

2011-07-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

opMy sweet little companion, Asha Joy, 6lb Lhasa Poo, sits on top of the couch close to the ironing board because the heat from the iron feels sooooo goood.! Today I am sewing on borders and making a cute backing for a toddler quilt.

4th day of creating...

2011-07-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

My neighbor, Tom, made this fabulous pot. I love the splash of color and wish I could say it was my day 4 of creating... I 'borrowed' it from his house and it has stayed with me a little longer than planned. We have some bargaining going on because I quilt his wife's quilts and he makes me pots. Not sure who owes who what at this point.

What you need to observe is the 2 little rocks by the pot. I love this idea for a grandkids project. I tried it on grey rocks and the colors did not show, but white rocks are the right ones for sure.

Put them in the oven for 15 minutes @ 350' Take them out of the oven and color with crayons. The crayons melt and blend and do all sorts of psychedelic wonders.

My white rocks came from a West Coast beach in New Zealand. You will not have to travel there to get them, even though I know you want to.

Crayon Painting on hot rocks is addicting. I tried white shells but they loose their heat quickly and the crayon stops melting, which is the fun part.

Third Day

2011-07-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

love that band Third Day. I remember when they were just starting out and they played at Dietrichs coffee in Brea early one week day morning.! I dropped the kids off at school and made my way over. Twist my arm. Coffee and Third Day?

also love quilt-a-longs. Each week our online instructor gives us the homework for the week including a tutorial. Its a 'class' with 2000+ students. Some post pictures which make me feel guilty for being behind, or wishing I had chosen a different color combo and wondering if I have time to make 2 at once. I think I will.....just a baby one to sell at Magnolia Charlie.

Amanda Jean from www.crazymomquilts.com is the instructor and an awesome quilt blogger. I have followed her for a few years, and always been inspired by her projects. I want to give her tons of credit. Some mornings I wanted to pull the blankets over my head, but instead I got up, walked to the sewing machine and made a block because we had to make one everyday to stay on target, Amanda said.

This is a brand new quilt-a-long called 36 patch. I am just proud to have one done, and to be using up some of my stash.

Day 2 Creating....this won't always be my title

2011-07-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

Balboa Island has always been a special place for me....water, boats, beautiful gardens, sea air, the ferry, ferris wheel (haven't been on it, but did buy Groupon today half price) Carousel, fabulous homes, kayaking, rooftop cocktails, friends, daughters close by... I am thrilled to be living here for five months. The owner of my little apartment attached to a big house, also owns Magnolia Charlie on the island. A beautiful children's boutique....pop in sometime and see the baby/toddler quilts she has kindly invited me to sell. I will have loads of fun making these.

http://magnoliacharlie.net

365 days of creating...

2011-07-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

I enjoy reading 365 day blogs especially one my daughter did. She posted pictures of the everyday life of her children for a year...and then theres one I refer to, especially in winter, www.365daysofcrockpot.com

So I will begin with a hiss and a roar, pick a random day (today) which has no significance to me other than 38yrs ago I was 'great with first child' at this time.

Creating something everyday helps me on different levels. I say different levels because I don't know what else to say and it sounds deep. When I had 4 children at home, a good day for me included getting up early and doing something with a gluegun, or making a scrapbook page or pulling weeds. Now I have to make sure the gluegun is out of sight when the grandchildren come over and that the blade is in the safe position on my rotary cutter. Pins? oh they only need to touch them a couple of times, and they dont do it again....a bit like touching a hot stove.

This is a quilt my sister pieced together. She has only made 2 quilts, well actually 3. But one doesnt count now because it accidentally went to Samoa when sisters husband picked a pile of bed linen and threw in the 'going to help Samoans after the earthquake and tsunami' The quilt wasnt finished, but it will still will be adding beauty somewhere in the Pacific.

The above quilt is the second attempt to make something for sisters friends 50th birthday. I quilted it this week and will package it up and send to New Zealand sometime in the next month or 2. Why would I want to part with it any sooner? its beautiful.

Day 1 of creating.

around Seddon NZ

2011-04-06T02:00:00.000-07:00

My sister was gone for a month and so I emailed some pictures from around the village to remind her we were not far away.

Elliott borrows Grammys iphone.

2011-04-05T02:18:00.000-07:00

...and these striped socks belong to him. I always love to see the pictures the boys take....lots of surprises.

wildflowers..

2009-06-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

What a sight for just a short time of the year. Our church lifegroup took a quick weekend away to Solvang ,

and quaint Danish town in Central California. Wei surprised us with hidden beauty....quite a drive up the mountain, but breathtaking.

Baltune Glade driveway

2009-06-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

'look up' is what my photographer teacher told me. It certainly was worth looking up while strolling the driveway on my brother's farm in Wakefield New Zealand. Breath taking colors on a beautiful autumn day in April.

Winter Sunset

2009-03-02T10:09:00.001-08:00

Look at these colors..!! Sunset at Huntington Beach, Southern California. We spent a great day with our friends, Mike and Karen, and their family at the RV park. Zach was with us, so at one point there were three 21month old toddlers running in all directions. So much for them to do and see and people to meet at the campgrounds..!

what was I thinking?

2009-02-26T06:18:00.000-08:00

I signed up with a group of friends to do an alphabet quilt. I took the letter Z for Zach, (E and L were already taken) and am in the process of paper piecing 26 letter Z's. I am glad to be able to mass produce them as I can get on a roll. but not having paper pieced before I had no idea what I was getting myself in to. Needless to say it will be great to have a quilt with all the letters on, but it will be one I keep because of the time it took..!!

window display thats a bit fishy..

2009-02-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

In Dunedin, New Zealand (it was freezing in November/Springtime) I found this window display outside a fish restaurant. Yes, the shells and driftwood are stacked up behind the glass. Quite unique.

a favorite place...Rancho Mirage CA

2009-02-05T06:03:00.000-08:00

Neville and I love to come out here for a few days every few months. Its too hot in the summer, but great the rest of the year. He golfs, and because we drive, I can fit a ton of projects in the car, that I may or may not do. We have fun memories of spending time here with all our children over the past 5 years.

Westin Mission Hills hotel.

One of two golf courses.

Egret at the 9th hole.

balls & boys

2009-02-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

They just go together like hand in glove. Zach had a great time at the Discovery Museum in New York.

3 seasons in 30 days..

2009-01-30T06:13:00.000-08:00

Its true here in So Cal. The leaves turned their beautiful colors in December, and now in January we are having our Spring.

Circular Quay, Sydney

2009-01-27T09:20:00.000-08:00

There is no such thing as too many bags... The embroidery caught my eye, and this sweet gal was delighted to have her picture taken with her recent birthday gift. An everything bag with a bright Australian native flower the 'Waratah' embroidered on it.

schools out...

2009-01-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

in New Zealand and summer activities include bike rides in the neighbourhood..

somewhere out there...

2009-01-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

...our Dad is surfing. Titahi Bay New Zealand

Cold Day in Brea CA

2009-01-03T17:59:00.000-08:00

Our neighbor, Brian, does such adventurous things with his kids... They drove to Big Bear and after a day of play in the snow, brought a truck full home and made the only snowman our street has ever seen. His two very willing helpers are Brock and Tessa.

Amanda met Frosty late at night when he was starting to look a little tired.!

colors of Sedona Arizona

2009-01-02T06:35:00.000-08:00

Nev and I were in Arizona for a few days after Christmas. A day trip to Sedona to see the red rock, has been on my list of things to do. I was not disappointed .... the colors are beautiful and the rocks majestic.

Imagine this being the backdrop to your daily activites?

The houses and new buildings blend in with landscape colors.

I was not a big fan of desert life and vegetation, but it really has grown on me because of the colors and the climate (except for summer) that comes with it. Clear blue skies, hot days and cool nights.

nack time....

2008-12-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

Its (s)nack time for Zach and best buddy Ben. Big boys get to sit at the counter.

why???

2008-12-28T07:37:00.000-08:00

Zach went through/is still going through a season of pulling (clean) diapers/dabas from his drawer and opening the tabs and then tossing them aside. He is standing in his toy drawer having diaper destruction time. What does it matter if they can still be used right?

cutest reindeer in Sun Valley Idaho

2008-12-26T08:15:00.001-08:00

Christmas morning Jodie and Jeff woke to a foot of snow and a little reindeer out shoveling...... thanks Tia (Amanda) for my suit.

the last customer quilt out the door 5pm on 24th

2008-12-24T22:44:00.000-08:00

Connie arrived from the Phillipines just a few days ago with quilt top in hand and the need to have it quilted and bound in 4 days. Sure...no problem. Now I can relax and enjoy having a quiet Christmas Day with Neville and Amanda. Merry Christmas to you.

and then it was Autumn...

2008-12-24T07:22:00.000-08:00

My favorite season finally came mid December in southern California. The temperatures cooled down, it rained and rained and the trees in our neighborhood displayed their beauty.

the answer is worms..

2008-12-15T16:57:00.001-08:00

Matt and Megans vege and flower garden are looking spectacular at this time of year in Hastings New Zealand. Matt has been harvesting worm 'liquid' fertiliser which certainly does the trick.

Grammys sous-chef.!

2008-12-13T22:17:00.000-08:00

what better way to spend a Friday morning that squishing rotten bananas and filling the kitchen with the aroma of freshly baked banana bread? There was a fair bit of tasting going on and the mixture did end up in interesting places, but there was still plenty left to put in the oven.

memories of last Christmas

2008-12-10T14:41:00.000-08:00

This year is our quiet Christmas where our married children are with their spouses family. For us, that means our grandchildren will not be here either. So I was browsing through the fun memories from last year with Lucas piling up the Christmas gifts and counting them while Zach and Elliott at 6-7mths were more interested in eating the wrapping paper.

TV, favorite drink and snuggly quilts....

2008-12-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

this year I made Zach his Christmas quilt which will last him for many years to come. He does know he will have to share it as its so yummy and soft. Flannel on the top and minky on the back. It was ezee pezee, made out of 10" squares (layers cakes) and a cute pattern from Threaded_Pear. called 'I'll Tumble for You"

Grammy has eyes in the back of her head....

2008-11-30T14:44:00.000-08:00

Grammy, if you arent watching I will go into your sewing room.....

pull out your thread and floss my teeth....

then find your freezer paper you use to applique, unroll it and drag it through the house.....you should watch me Grammy.

early morning digger hunt....

2008-11-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

Lucas, Elliott and Grammy went on a hunt for diggers and found a goldmine around the corner. The boys watched it all unfold for 45 mins.!! This was followed by serious sandpit play in the afternoon.

Hot in Hawkes Bay for grandsons

2008-11-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

Hot enough for playing in the sprinklers on Sunday afternoon. Elliott and Lucas played for ages (until E turned blue..!)

Auckland

2008-11-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Our 9 day cruise is over as we arrive in Auckland.
A few hours was spent with our newest family addition, 10 week old Caleb Driller. It was lovely to meet him

fine dining

2008-11-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

Doug shouted us all to fine dining in the ship restaurant Olympic. The ship called Olympic had 2 sister ships. One called Titanic and the other Britannic. We all know what happened to the Titanic. Britannic was a hospital ship in the war and was bombed. When the ship Olympic had run its course, Celebrity salvaged some of the wood paneling to line the walls of this fine restaurant.

Lobster bisque and coconut creme brulee...

Im not sure how we managed to sit upright for this picture after 5 courses...but note the paneling behind us. Edna, Dawn, Doug, Margaret, Jan and Michael

New Zealand designed fabric for quilts

2008-11-24T03:50:00.000-08:00

I love to have Kiwi fabric in my stash for the person who needs that touch of home in their quilt.

Tauranga

2008-11-24T03:39:00.000-08:00

Michael and Jan caught up with their daughter Sarah, and Andy in Mt Maunganui. The extras in the picture volunteered to be the crowd.

This young man was busking to raise money for a
child he sponsors. Really good too

coming into Tauranga ..

2008-11-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

Dawn and I woke at 4:30am and didnt want to miss a thing!
So we walked around the decks and watched it all happen coming into Tauranga

good times

2008-11-23T15:04:00.000-08:00

Doug waits on Edna and Dawn on his deck.

Dawn and I both read this book. She cried nearly all the way through..!!

We loved watching the sunrises and sunsets everyday. (around 6am to catch the sunrise)

Mum and 4 kids

2008-11-18T18:02:00.000-08:00

great shot taken leaving Sydney. Michael, Edna, Doug, Margaret and Dawn.

Dunedin...and the cold wind

2008-11-18T17:50:00.000-08:00

stone churches in Dunedin. We arrived about 7am and after breakfast Jan Michael and I went into town on the bus. Jans highlight was that they had closed the streets around the Octagon to allow the ships buses to come and go. Being a Dunedin girl she knew this was a big deal. Doug and Dawn took a trip to the albatrosses and things. Edna had a quiet day to herself.

sunset leaving Dunedin while the piper played his bagpipes.

Mum Dawn and Jan love their new quilts

freezing in Milford Sounds...but magnificent

2008-11-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

so fortunate with the weather....it rained as we came across the Tasman Sea, but calm and picturesque in Milford .. Dawn and I have our picture taken here every ten years..!!

hanging out in the PH suite

2008-11-18T17:41:00.000-08:00

Caetano the Penthouse butler brings afternoon tea everyday.

Doug enjoys many views from his PH deck

Edna brought some old music with her to tickle the ivories on the baby grand.

Leaving Sydney full of anticipation

2008-11-16T23:58:00.000-08:00

Michael enjoying Sydney Harbor from his deck.

Jan relaxes and calls her daughter Toni in NZ. She feels like a kid she said..!

The girls in Cabin 6049 on their deck looking over the program for the next day.

John Higgins with his Uncle and Aunts, Doug, Marg and Dawn before boarding.

mixed emotions..

2008-11-16T23:54:00.001-08:00

thanks to those who helped to get the treasures and necessaries out, in order to evacuate our house in Brea... especially Amanda, Kristin, Rob and Karen. Cant even imagine what everyone is going through. Is it okay that I keep blogging and sending pictures of our wonderful cruise?

Circular Quay Sydney....and the Millenium

2008-11-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

Early morning walk with my sister Dawn.

Opera house steps
Marg and Edna at Irish Pub for dinner

the Quay

phun with photography

2008-11-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

Our backyard in Brea on a Friday night. The sun is still setting. I've been playing around with photography again with my very basic camera. Its all I need and I've found the night setting. Recently I took a photowalking tour in Newport Beach area. Ralph Velasco (www.ralphvelasco.com) specializes in travel photography and so with his expertise and great information I am excited about taking tons of pictures on the NZ cruise this week.

I love that it dark earlier because my Chinese Lanterns are lit up for us to enjoy at a decent hour.

wow wrapping

2008-11-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

When Zach had his first birthday in May, I took photos of some of the wrapping.
Bryn Mathison created this one.....simple but eye catching

catching up in Camirillo

2008-11-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

Long time friends, Suzanne and Phillip Bradley from Auckland NZ, flew into LAX and just had enough time for Amanda and I to drive them to the outlet stores in Camarillo. (Phillips mum was my Bible study leader for several years and a dear friend) Five hours shopping later, (c the trunk) Suzanne is very happy with everything she has bought for their 3 girls. Thanks Shirley and Carol for the excellent tip...a great place to shop. Happy 40th birthday Suzanne xx

Ah-ma and Zach in Time Square..

2008-11-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

Ah-ma (Uncle Sam) flew from London this week to meet up with Jo Jeff and Zach in New York. Making the most of opportunities for family to be together. ...wish we could have all been with you.

go green..and white

2008-11-07T19:36:00.000-08:00

Rogers Gardens in Newport Beach, always have simple but breathtaking floral displays. This month they remind us that white flowers capture our attention in a winter garden. Quick shots taken while keeping Zach from tripping over the pumpkins, falling in the fountains and pulling the $$$ornaments off the freshly decorated Christmas trees.

Melindas Mystery

2008-11-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

One of my wonderful customers went to a weekend retreat in Bishop CA, and this is the completed project. It is fabulous, and she's not giving this one away.

priceless artwork...

2008-11-05T19:56:00.000-08:00

don't you agree? These arrived in the mail recently for Grammy and Pop to enjoy. Thank you Lucas (3yrs) for taking the time out from sandpit play to bring a smile to our faces xx

it will get cold enough won't it?

2008-11-04T18:23:00.000-08:00

Amanda is a great model for my latest piece of knitting. It looks like a beanie but its actually a big headband. The gals can wear their hair down and keep ears warm.

Here is the pattern: Calorimetry

FYI Calorimetry is a scientific term describing the measurement of heat lost or gained. ...!! hmmmm

Zach

2008-11-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

....he does everything with great gusto. Having mastered the straw, he squeezes his little cheeks, flares his nostrils, crosses his eyes and goes for it. Concentration ++++

refreshment in the mountains.

2008-10-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

Jodie and I spent last weekend at a house in Lake Arrowhead. It was with a fun group of girls who were scrapbooking. Jodie caught up on Zachs album and I caught up on our Grandies album. My friend Margaret Moungian organizes these weekends twice a year. We share stories and ideas and recipes and crop til we drop. Look at the view from the cabin deck. It was magic all day for us.

its done..!!

2008-10-29T21:31:00.002-07:00

This is a wonderful Hawaiian quilt that Barbara hand appliqued for her grand daughter Claire. I have not quilted one before so it was stressful and I'm glad its finished and back in Barbaras hands. When I dropped it off, I found out that Claire (27) has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Claires mother died of breast cancer at 32. So grandma Barbara is having a tough time with it all as you can imagine. Please remember them in your prayers.

Barbara is making a quilt for all of her 17 grandchildren as they get married. She will never do an Hawaiian one again she said. I have her next quilt in my sewing room...blues and yellows.

answer....

2008-10-29T21:31:00.001-07:00

South Dakota.!!

which State was Neville in last week??

2008-10-21T15:51:00.001-07:00

If you guess correctly you win the rag.!

No US family members can enter this competition.

Karen, lets do this again next year..!!

2008-10-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

My friend Karen holding her grandson Jacksen. I am holding her granddaughter Baylee and my grandson Zach. This was taken a year ago, and is a favorite picture. But wait we will be doing it again in 2009. Zach and Jacksen will have baby brothers and Baylee will have to wait and see. The births will happen within 5 weeks of each other....!! These babies were within 8 weeks.

You Maverick You....

2008-10-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

That was the title of the quilt class I took last Sunday at Material Possessions in Lake Forest. JoeCunningham was the instructor. He told us so many great stories, while we spent the time sewing away. This picture shows some of the quilt tops made......he is an artist and showed us how we could make 'art' tops without a pattern.... Slice and dice and sew back together. A lot of fun. I'm the red/white and blue ensemble.

quilt retreat with Karen and Megan

2008-10-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

This actually took place in June of this year. My daughter in law, Megan, Karen (Megans mum and a long time friend of mine) drove from Hastings NZ to just north of Napier for 2 days of sewing and things. Karen worked on a quilt for Megan that she has made out of left over fabrics that have memories...ie curtains, clothes etc

Megan finished 3 baby quilts....
a picturesque location with a lake on one side of the cottage and the ocean on the other.
sewing treasures and important gadgets
A short walk from the cottage had us on the beach. Just the 3 of us and the waves. Really beautiful.

home now but more share

2008-10-08T10:29:00.001-07:00

Can you imagine the children having to wait in line to get the mail? The red wagon came in handy for many things...!! The children loved to help us as long as we stayed in sight of mum or dad.

Sweet Vivien and her husband lost everything, but their house remained standing. Two units just meters away were burned to the ground, cars in the garage too. Vivien is one of the first people to receive a Mercy Quilt. In all the dirt and smell and rubble, this soft blanket smelt and felt so good...!! Go to www.ocquilts.com and click on Mercy Quilts for more information.

First class....

2008-09-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

today was our third day working the post office line. By the time we got there at 12:30 people had been waiting in line for up to 2 hours in the sun. We had our usual water and hot dogs, but added granola bars to the menu. Food and cold water calms everyone down, and today the post master and 2 managers came out to thank us.

People try to give us money, want to know where we are from etc etc. Some times I make up the answers just to keep life interesting. (for myself) Made a big boo boo though. I said to a gentleman ' Oh I saw you here yesterday, I recognize the shirt...!' Duh Margaret he probably only has one shirt and lives out of his car.

People seem in really good spirits, and the PO line is a good place for them to talk to each other and share contacts and stories.

The Vineyard pastor from Galveston, and his family stopped by today to help for a while. They have recently planted and church there. Fortunately their house was dry, but the meeting place they have for a church is a mess. Ken and Jodie Hannings with Ava, Micah, Sarah and Kayla.

Janell who works for Mercy Response in Kenner LA getting a tray of hot dogs together. We gave out over 800 bottles of iced water and 500+ hotdogs.

Back at camp the boys are putting together showers etc ready for the teams coming down to gut homes, starting this weekend.

no where to go...

2008-09-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

not an unusual story. People have no place to stay and are living in their cars.

a bottle of water saves the 911 calls

2008-09-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

Today my new friend from Wisconsin, Diane, and I drove to Galv to give out bottled water. (cold) This weekend is the first weekend many have come home to see the damage, and everywhere we saw families hauling things out to the front yard. We sat and talked with many older folk, especially those who didnt have the help needed. We were able to get many names and addresses of folks who need the teams to gut their homes. After awhile we stopped taking names.....just too many. The smell is now getting very bad....sewerage, fridges and freezers etc. Its hard to sit and have a polite conversation with strangers giving them hope, all the time holding your breath and nodding. I need to practice this technique.

telephone poles, railway sleepers and who knows what washed into this neighborhood. Impossible to move without machines. The city will move anything that is put on the front curb. These people will need to be creative with their new landscaping. The lady who owns this house is going through cancer treatment at the same time as dealing with this. Grown men broke down and cried with us (2 ladies) today....
Galveston families need to drive 15 miles to get their mail. The PO line is always long and we had been given the heads up about this, so were made very welcome when we parked outside the PO this afternoon to hand out cold water. One of the workers thanked us over and over telling us about how many times they had had to call 911 because of collapses. The PO wait in the heat was up to 2 hours.

cruising the freeways...

2008-09-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

driving to Galveston you see boats, jet skis, sea doos all backed up to the freeway wall. I asked one guy about the nice boat in his backyard. He told me he pulled out the plug before evacuating, "so I basically sunk my boat in the backyard". It survived with no water reaching the important parts. (well he got a little technical for me at that point, so I'll just say impt parts.)

same job, different location, new stories...

2008-09-26T15:40:00.001-07:00

Hurricane Ike hit just 2 weeks ago today. Mold, and the smell that goes with it, has really set in, and you can smell it everywhere. We gutted the lower level of Leanna's house today in Galveston. She is 77yrs old, and has never worn anything but skirts and dresses. As of yesterday and the return to her home she is now liberated..!! Its difficult gutting in a skirt. A sweet lady who is a member of every church in Galveston.

the outside of Leannas house. She is living with friends, and even though she has electricity it will be a while before she can return for good because of the dampness. Many of the trees in the street are dead from the salt water.
mold all through the kitchen cupboards.....a result of 3 feet of water. Fortunately the water had subsided within 24 hours (Katrina was 2 weeks in some places)
I worked along side 10 others from Ohio. Some I met in New Orleans 16mths ago....disaster junkies. Its scary how quickly the 'skill' of house gutting comes back to ya so quickly.

houston here I come....

2008-09-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

I cant wait to get to Texas tomorrow and join with Mercy Response to start the long cleanup process in the Houston/Galveston area. There will be lots of people to meet, stories to listen to and houses to empty. I have the first bundle of 'mercy quilts' and look forward to passing on some love and comfort to those who have lost everything in Hurricane Ike.

Click here for more information on Mercy Quilts.

Shirley's college grandson in for a treat.....

2008-09-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

this is the 2nd of two football quilts that Shirley has made for her grandson.

One is backed in fleece to take to the game and the other for his dormroom.

She took a few years to collect fabric from the 32 NFL teams.

the backing...!! yes a packer fan.

The design I used to quilt the 2 quilts

....and the quilt

2008-09-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

Caleb is checking out the quilt made by Great Auntie Me...!!