Quilt Show Eye Candy, and a Surprise

Despite near 100 degrees, we had our wonderful quilt show.

Where does one start? My friend Chell of Creative Quilting with Love made this Kaleidoscope quilt a while ago and honored me by asking me to quilt it. IT IS A STUNNER! I couldn't get it all in the photo - it's a winner in my book.

And if anyone doubts machine quilting on a DSM is not "as good" as quilting on a long arm - this quilt should alleviate your wondering. If you think you want to do your own quilting, on your own machine, look at the closeups in these two photos. YOU CAN DO IT!!!! if there is one lesson I'd like to teach, it's that YOU CAN quilt on your DSM, and I'm preaching to you ( !! ) LOL, it's an enormously creative project as well. You simply need to practice for a while. I clearly remember it took me 22 hours to quilt it and I enjoyed 22 hours of pleasure. 8-)))

In my previous post I mentioned I was not looking for any accolades this year and not really even considering that my quilts might peak someone's interest but ... this was a total surprise - First Place, Medium Quilts. Talk about being stunned!!! I posted an entire view, and described this Scrappy Pineapple February 21, 2011.  (And crud, I don't know how to link, saying find it "here" -- when I copied the URL, I received the "OOPS" from Google.) 

That's all for now - I'm still catching by breath, and feel all energized again. Happy Day!

More photos another day.

Heat!

(Wow - changes with Blogger - I'm getting tired of learning new things! -- I've edited it 6 times, and that's enough - still not like I wanted it. Wah, wah, wahhhh - Tooooo hot!)

Quilts for Kids (below) - finished and mailed off! 

Quilt show this weekend - wouldn't you know, it's hot as hxxx, and the quilt show location, unfortunately, has no air conditioning.  For years, we've tried to rectify this situation, to no avail. Each of the guild members are required to work for some time - this year for the first time, I've had to say I can only work at the Reception Table where not much effort expended-- It's just too hot. The Show is held in conjunction with Oregon Trails Day, a big event in the Nebraska Panhandle, with many events happening as well. We'll be in the upper 90s.  Think of us hot gals while you are inside your Air Conditioning. 

I am airing my quilts before delivery to the Quilt Show -- I'm not expecting any accolades but DO want to show these quilts. You never know when someone will be inspired. The small center item is a Challenge quilt by Jody (Goddess) who is unable to attend.

I spent a day with my friend Chell of creativequiltingwithlove.blogspot.com/ (can't figure how to do the link thing any more!),

and started another Kaleodoscope. The "ring" on the block is made by sewing it in the center of the strata, and the strata must have an odd number of strips, all of the center strips must be of equal size. My top, and bottom strip are wider.

Look at all the projects Chell has on that table!

The Road to a Friend's House is Never Long

Is 90 miles one way too long? My friend Chell moved from my area, but found a location more suitable for them and their horses, and country/western life. We decided we'd try a "Sew Day" every few months, between meeting at Quilt Guild.

This is my amazing, spacious view on my drive. I started my life living in Chicago -- what a change in scenery, but I DO love it.

Finding my way took written directions and a hand-drawn map, and also discovering that the phrase "Oil Road" was a good description for the locals, but I missed it. Chell had warned me that if I hit the Wyoming line, I'd gone too far. Oops, there's the Wyoming State line! OK, turn around, and with one telephone call I recovered and found my way.

Chell was working on a strippy Kaleidoscope Quilt, and I was working on a Sizzlin' Strips. Surprisingly, we each managed a lot of progress, as well as good conversation, a delicious lunch, and warm friendship. I LOVED watching the horses outside our window, gamboling about, maybe thinking of spring!

I had my strips cut ahead of time for another Sizzlin' Strips. My colors are very bright and vibrant, although some appear kinda wishy-washy, maybe they look that way against the carpet. One thing about making Sizzlin' Strips is that one never knows how to arrange them - there are a million possibilities! For now, this is a first random layout.

I LOVED having someone else fix lunch, an incredible chicken tortilla soup, and dessert (foggy photo) of an apple spice dump cake -- we DID consume a good portion of it. I could have had yet another piece, but then would have needed a nap instead of sewing. LOL Can't WAIT for our next "Sew Day."

My drive home was mostly in the dark and wow, did I ever learn the importance of a thorough headlight cleaning! I could barely see and had to follow the headlights of the vehicle ahead.

A new blogger, a new machine quilter on a DSM

My friend and fellow Quilt Guild member, Machelle, at www.creativequiltingwithlove.blogspot.com has jumped in and started a blog. And, with the attitude of "I am Woman!!!", she's been learning to machine quilt on her DSM, with excellent results. Stop by and see her - give her an attagirl! She also lives out in these open parts of Nebraska/Wyoming.