Update on Marlene ...

As you have read, Marlene is very ill and has been in intensive care in serious condition. She has been been on a ventilator and her status has remained unchanged. She is on life-support and in a coma.

Her condition has now taken a significant turn for the worse and the prognosis is not encouraging. Please keep her in your prayers.

The Call continues ...

Some beautiful blocks arrived on Monday for Marlene.

As many have you have heard, Marlene is very ill. Her condition is still serious.

I have had an overwhelming response from those wanting to contribute blocks. Honestly, that doesn't surprise me at all knowing Marlene. She is such a dear person and a wonderful friend. Here are the pictures of what has arrived so far. On left - blocks from Chookyblue, Jeanne and Quilterbee (Denise).
On right - blocks from Alex Anderson.



I am organizing a quilt for Mar. I know the holidays are a very busy time for us all, so for those that are able to participate and send blocks ...

THE DEADLINE TO RECEIVE BLOCKS WILL BE DECEMBER 31, 2008.

The block pattern will be a 6" Finished Sawtooth Star (6½" unfinished) to be done in Civil War Reproduction fabrics with Shirtings or Muslin for the background. Use only 2 fabrics in the block - the Civil War print for the star center and star points and the Shirting or muslin for the background.

Do Not sign the blocks, but send a signed piece of muslin. The plan is to piece them in the backing.

If you would like to contribute a block or two, please email me and I will let you know where they should be mailed.

A Call to Arms ...

or at least sewing machines.

As some of you have heard, my dear and close friend Marlene of Mar's Pincushion Diaries is very ill and in the hospital.

I am organizing a quilt for Mar. I know the holidays are a very busy time for us all, so for those that are able to participate and send blocks ...

THE DEADLINE TO RECEIVE BLOCKS WILL BE DECEMBER 31, 2008.

The block pattern will be a 6" Finished Sawtooth Star (6½" unfinished) to be done in Civil War Reproduction fabrics with Shirtings or Muslin for the background. Use only 2 fabrics in the block - the Civil War print for the star center and star points and the Shirting or muslin for the background.

Do Not sign the blocks, but send a signed piece of muslin. The plan is to piece them in the backing.

If you would like to contribute a block or two, please email me and I will let you know where they should be mailed.

Pacific International Quilt Festival

Last month I went to Pacific International Quilt Festival. I actually went on two days, Thursday and Saturday. Marlene and I met up on Thursday and spent a wonderful day at the show. On Saturday I met up with Holly and I had another great day. I am always amazed at things I missed the day before. I did a small bit of shopping on both days, but haven't taken any pictures of my treasures.
The vendors were wonderful again as usual. We did take notice that there were some new vendors this year and also noticed that a couple from past years were not there. Not sure if it was a sign of the economy or that maybe they were vending elsewhere. Hoping it was the latter.

Once again the quilts were gorgeous. The quilt photos below were four of my favorites. As usually it was a very wonderful and inspiring show.







I'm already looking forward to next year. How many days til then ... (sigh)

About my Country Getaway ...

Darlene asked me about my weekend getaway so here goes ...

I was staying at a house in the country, just me and the dogs. It was so very peaceful out there. No traffic noise, no neighbors ... well there are neighbors across the creek, but they were far enough away that it was like not having neighbors. The house is decorated with quilts all around. They were beautiful and inspiring.



I took a hand sewing project and also a couple of machine piecing projects, along with my machine. I usually over estimate and take way too many projects to do, but at least I have a variety on hand to choose from, right?

I love waking up early in the country. The air seems so very still. And crisp. On one morning I could hear some resident turkeys making their way down along the creek. And the deer ... I could always count on seeing them very close every morning and evening. They seem very comfortable with me outside with the dogs. I kept the dogs close by me and didn't draw attention to the deer. It was so very cool, because the deer would check us out, but wouldn't take off. It was also amazing how close they were too when we were outside - had to be maybe 100 yards or so.

I stuck to hand applique. I was finishing up some my Sock blocks. I was in a block swap with some other ladies and had those blocks completed and turned in, but had to finish mine and Marlene's. Ruthie already has her Lost Sock top put together.

So my days were spent in the calming country air outside with the dogs and also inside working on my applique. The weather was gorgeous during the day with wonderfully cool country nights.

Country Getaway ... last day (sigh)

Well, today is the last day of my Country Getaway.  The time has passed all too quickly.  It has been so nice out here though and I hate to see it end.  The peace and quiet sure does give one time to think and reflect on recent happenings, let them go and move forward.  

I have to go get myself busy now.  I don't leave until this evening and I have a lot more sewing I want to get done before I have to load up the car and head back to "civilization".

Hope all of you had a chance to get some piecing and/or quilting done. 

Weekend Getaway ...

So I have this country weekend quilt getaway goin' on here.  It is so peaceful and quiet.  I just love it!  The deer have been around very close to my front door and they don't even seem scared of people.  It is so awesome!  There is a little creek just down the hill and at night all you can hear are the crickets and frogs.

My sewing starts today.  I have the coffee brewing and my project for today is all set to go.

Sorry I won't be able to post pictures of anything until after I get back home, as I am using a computer that is here at my getaway place and isn't mine.

I was thinking last night about all of the quilt related things that are set to happen between now and the start of the holidays.  The very next happening coming up (after this weekend) is the Pacific International Quilt Festival in Santa Clara.  Plans have already been made and I will be meeting up with friends at the show.  

The coffee pot just beeped that it was finished brewing.  Coffee is calling.  

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and are able to work on your quilt projects.