Changes... An Update WITHOUT PICTURES!

This post was originally written in August. I waited to post it so I could include pictures.  Well I am still waiting to include pictures! So before it goes completely out of date, here it is without pictures.  

****Please feel free to skip it if you are not a fan of long wordy blog posts!*****

There are some changes on the blog that I would like to bring to your attention.

First of all, the information for the January Quilter's Retreats is now available for you to see in the new tab at the top of the blog.

We will be back at the Hampton Inn for the fourth year for original participants hoping to have fun for a weekend in the dreary winter month of January.  Unfortunately, the original weekend is still full.  But, this year I will be taking a wait list for that weekend.  One never knows...

There are still a few openings in the other two weekends.  But as word has spread about the wonderful time we have had, those openings may soon be gone.  To secure your spot send me a deposit before September 30, 2016, but if you are a returning retreater, never fear! Your place is held until you tell me otherwise or the December final payment date goes by and we haven't received your payment.

But on to other changes....

I have put a new tab for Workshops and Lectures at the top of the blog.  Many of you have been part of the workshops that are outlined here.  Over the years, I have heard positive things and so I decided to put myself out there to share with other quilters. I have also adjusted lesson plans where necessary so that my workshops and lecture will reflect your wishes and quilting needs. Hopefully you will share your experiences with my workshops or lecture with your other quilting friends so that I may have the opportunity to share with them in the future!  You all know how I love to share my quilt stash with others!

And lastly for those who know about my surgery (and for those who don't, I am the proud owner of TWO new hips that really work!), my recovery is going well.  I still don't have the stamina I had pre-surgery, but as of this writing I am on day 38 post surgery and my physical therapist tells me I am doing great and to not be so impatient!  I am hoping recovery continues going so well and that I have the opportunity to see all of my quilting friends in the near future.

So much for changes, on the blog and in my life..

All is good!

Louise, on the island counting her blessings

Deck time!

Knitting on the deck watching the sun head towards the horizon.

Another knitting UFO needs to be finished!

It has been a lovely day. I am finally starting to feel human again. Walking around the house and on the deck without the crutches.

Day 24 after surgery and all is well!

Louise, on the deck feeling grateful!

Stuff I am Doing Today

That's all this post is... Just random stuff that I am doing.

One block for "Razzle Dazzle", another Bonnnie Hunter quilt that appeared in Quiltmaker magazine, I think the May/June 2016 issue, or maybe it was 2015?

"Breezy Batiks", a Moda free pattern using "Jersy Shore" by Island Batiks and a scroll background print from Quilting Treasures (I think, since it doesn't say on the selvedges).

Eighty flying geese for the next round on the medallion quilt found on page 91

In the book "Antique to Heirloom Jelly Roll Quilts" by Pam and Nicky Lintott and using the "Color Daze" fabric line by Edyta Sitar ( and found in the shop, Piecing with Poppers Quilting Studio in West Greenwich, RI).

A basket full of strips to make the "Courthouse Steps" quilt (see pattern and video by Missouri Star Quilt Company for details).

And yes, on my sewing machine, but not shown here, are the pieces for the Ninigret Raffle quilt that I am working on for a self imposed deadline of Tuesday, August 9, 2016.  

I am feeling better as you can tell!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Louise, on the island almost back to her "normal" ADHD self!

Now on Display

For the past few summers, I have had the privilege of displaying several of my smaller quilts in the Library at New England Tech in East Greenwich, RI. Recently some of my smaller pieces were hung.

Here is a look at what the librarians chose this year.

"Study in Green" resulted from a grouping of green bricks which were cut the wrong size. Not a splashy quilt, but one that made my heart happy, since I was able to use all of the mis-cut pieces in this wall hanging.

"Jelly Roll Race from the Stash" is just that, a sampling of bright fat quarters from my stash.  The pieces were cut 2.5 inches wide (the size of strips found in a "jelly roll" of fabric) and sewn together in one long strip. The sewn strip is then folded in half and sewn again.  This process is repeated several times until you have the desired size for the quilt top.  Google "jelly roll race quilts" to find videos that demonstrate this process.

"Study in Green" on the left with "Bargello" on the right.  The pattern for "Bargello" is in a book that I cannot find now and of course, I don't remember the title of the book.  When I do either find the book or remember it's name I will let you know.

"Gypsy" is a pattern from Villa Rosa Designs and is made with ten inch squares and yardage.  It is approximately 47 inches x 57 inches.

Finally, this wall photo shows from left to right, a fat quarter fence rail, "Stars" an original pattern, "Twisting Stars," made in a class with Kimberly Einmo, and a small size version of "Yellow Brick Road".

Fun to see what the librarians choose to hang, and fun for me to see my work on display.

Louise, on the island, relaxing in the AC.

Of All Things June

Here we are on the first full day of summer and my first post for June.

Things have sure been crazy busy around here!

But I digress...

June 1 - paper pieced heart blocks for a group quilt for a friend.

It has been awhile since I paper pieced, but I think the blocks came out fine! 

I forgot to take a picture of the totally finished block.

However, you get the idea!

June 4 saw liquid refreshment. I already could see that this lovely month was going to be wearing!

June 5 - Sewing on a binding for Carol

June 8 - Heron sighting in the late evening, just after sunset, down on the wall by the pond. 

Can you see him/ her in the shadows?

June 9 - Margaret's wonderful quilt showing her arrangement interpretation for the blocks she has made from Lori Holt's book, "Vintage Farm Girl". Isn't this lovely?

June 10 - checking out workshop space for the guild

June 13 - Cindy's quilt top, a pattern from Thimbleblossoms, whose name I have forgotten.

June 13 - Lisa's top for a family member

June 13 - Dottie's Bargello top for her granddaughter who picked out the fabrics in just 15 minutes!

June 13 - A magnificent sunset as viewed from the classroom. The picture really does not do it justice.

It was simply awesome that night!

June 15 - preparing pieces for the guild 2016-17 Block of the Month

June 15 - the block set up for sewing 

June 16 - the blocks for each month. It is called the "Hashtag" block and uses 2.5 inch strips.  Look for directions on the NBQA.org website in the coming weeks.

Directions need to be written. The festival is upon us.  Less than a month until my surgery. 

June continues to be busy.

I will keep you posted as soon as I can!

Louise, busy on the island and elsewhere this June 2016