Friday, March 30, 2018

Friday Tutorials

I've got all my blocks made for the Lincoln quilt! 36 each. I need to focus on the next part of the Liberty quilt. Trying to stay one step ahead of everyone hasn't been easy! By the way, I love what I'm seeing!! You ladies are really meeting the challenge in a great way!!

Speaking of the Liberty quilt. We have quite a few flying geese to make  so I thought I'd show you an easy way- with the sizes you need to end up with four (4)  4 1/2"x2 1/2" unfinished flying geese block.
I always get confused at to what part is the "goose". The center is the goose and you'll need a dark 
print cut 5 1/4". For the "wings?" you'll need four (4) 2 7/8" light squares. 

My fabric isn't a very good representation because they are almost both mediums. 

 Lay 2 squares on the diagonal of the large square. Draw and center line and sew a scant 1/4" seam on both sides, then cut on the line. Press the geese "wings" away from the dark.
 Place the remaining squares as shown. Draw a line on the center and sew on both sides, then trim.
Press and trim to 4 1/2"x 2 1/2"
Easy huh? I'm sure most of you have done this, but sometimes it is nice to have a reminder.

Here's my instagram feed for the week,

It's been a terrific week! It looks like a tiny glimmer of spring in the forecast! I see daffodils coming up in my yard!! Whoop! Whoop!


Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Victoria Tx Quilt Guild


Just wanted to give ya'll a heads up that I'll be in Victoria TX , Thursday, April 26 presenting:

Reruns- Quilts Inspired by the Past
I have recreated many antique quilts, thankfully using modern technology and full lighting! The little quirks that I find in antique quilts are so charming. I couldn’t possibly bring home every antique that I fall in love with, so I am compelled to recreate my own. Being inspired by the quilters that have stitched before me, I know I will never run out of idea. Reproducing these gems is the next best thing to owning the originals.

And a workshop- Blue Ridge Rendezvous.

The lecture is free and the workshop is $25.00

Here is information about the guild:
Our meetings are open to everyone, and we hope you will join us. Our business meeting begins at 9:30 after a social. After business adjourns, we have the most delightful parts of the day - Door prizes, Show and Tell, and our program. 

Come to our meeting with your new quilt, an old heirloom, and an enthusiasm for sharing with other ladies. Come to laugh and enjoy our fellowship. Stay for our educational program or project of the day. The program is usually finished by 12:15. Additional workshops begin at the lunch hour. Check on this site for our monthly newsletter. You'll want to become a member.

Meetings are 9:30 am, the fourth Thursday of each month in the Grace Presbyterian Church Activity Room, 3604 N. Ben Jordan, Victoria, Texas. Come on in, tell us about yourself, and join in the fun. Snowbirds and travelers are welcome as always.

I'm sure it will be a fantastic day! Please come if you are in the area!

Monday, March 26, 2018

Brick Wall of Wabash County

I'm so excited to share this finish with you! My friend Kat and I started working on this quilt June 2017 when we went to a quilt show in Rochester NY and saw a quilt and pattern by Tara Lynn Darr. It is based on an antique from Wabash County, Indiana.

 Kat and I traded blues and backgrounds so we would have a large variety of fabric for this quilt.

 I thought it was fitting that she quilted it for me too. 
The quilt is hanging sideways because we had snow, hail and rain and I didn't want to get the quilt muddy. 

I changed the cut off date for signing up for the little quilt swap. Sign ups and fast and furious!!
Happy Monday!

Friday, March 23, 2018

2018 5th Annual Doll Quilt Swap

The past four years I've hosted a doll size quilt swap and they have been resounding successes! Time for our 5th Annual Humble Quilts Doll Quilt Swap 2018. Continue reading for all rules. When the number of participants continues to rise, please READ everything before asking me a question. Please take the time to make a quilt that you'd like to receive. Due date for your little quilt to be in the mail is May 1st. Please do not participate if you cannot meet the deadline.


Fabric: 1775-1910 is a wide span of time but that is what we are looking for. Look HERE if you are unsure what reproduction fabric is.

We are not using 1920's-Current
Not primitive style, like Jan Patek, or cutesy like some of Primitive Gatherings or Joined at the Hip. (which I love, just not for this swap)
We want the quilt to look like it time traveled from days past.





  • Hand or machine quilting is fine. Quilted with a few ties is fine. Ties only is not.(please no yarn)
  • No pre-printed panels
  • Please attach a label and add a note so the recipient knows who to thank.
  • Thank the person who sent you a quilt. 
  • If the workmanship is very poor and it looks like it was done very unthoughtfully I want to know and I'd like     to see photos. 
  • We will have a linky party so we will be able to see all the little quilts!


  • 24" x 24" or smaller. (It doesn't have to be square), Civil War reproductions, a label, with a deadline of mailing by May 1st.  

    If you cannot mail international for financial reasons please let me know. You do not have to leave that info in the comments, you can email me.  In previous years I let you not mail international for any reason, but I'm changing that. It is the same people willing to send international doing it over and over.  If you just don't want to send overseas because going to the post office is a hassle, then please join another swap. 

    If you are interested please send me your full name, mailing address and if you do cannot send international to ldej@crestviewcable.com    
    Even if you were in a past swap, please send me the pertinent info. 
    I'll take signups through Wednesday, March 28,  2018- Midnight PST
    I will send you your swap partner soon after. 

    If I do not know you, if you have never commented on my blog or we've never emailed than I may not allow you to join. Don't take it personal. 

    It isn't a race (although there is a deadline) there is no reason to rush and do a crappy job. This type of workmanship is not acceptable.  It doesn't have to be perfect. So many of my points do not match, but I do know how to attach a binding and basic quilt construction. Have fun and enjoy the process!

    Need some inspiration?

    The swap is now closed with 57 swappers! Thank you!!

    Friday, March 16, 2018

    Update: Lincoln Museum Quilt

    I hope you aren't getting too bored seeing this quilt! I'm over half way done and I think all the 16 patches are complete. Most of the stars are cut out. Just need to find a block of time to sew. They seem few and far between these days.


     I'm heading into Portland today to spend some time with my daughter planning our trip. It will be here before we know it! We are getting so excited.
    And my Instagram for the week.

    It's going to be a wonderful weekend. Enjoy it!



    Wednesday, March 14, 2018

    Mission: Colombia

    I hope with each mission trip my soul gets a little more gentle to those in need. I loved this little applique and the saying.
     I wanted to share some of my trip with you. Several of you have donated to MSI on my behalf. Thank you! You are making a difference! And I am extremely grateful.
    We go out in teams and these Colombians stay with us all week. L-R Aleda was our guide and connection to the schools, Claudia was an interpreter and she played in our drama, Victor was our commando, also a bridge between us and the schools, and Jhon was our main interpreter.  I felt like we got very close with our team this year and will miss these 4 so much. (although now we are facebook friends, Aleda and Victor only speak/write Spanish)

    The next few photos show a variety of the schools we went to. The one above was special. We finished up early and they set up their band, played and sang for us!

    This was the very first place we went. This church has a food program and feeds many in the neighborhood. We were able to bring a nice stack of food with us, although it won't last long. There were many many children. (the heat in this room was only a taste of the week to come!)




     Everyday life.

    Inside a school compound.


     The photo above and below were from the neighborhood we put in a water well. It was around 90 degrees and this woman was still happy enough to wave while doing her laundry.

    Not only did this community get clean water to use, now that they have water the government will deed them their land and help support a school!


    This is a makeshift school they built recently! It was very exciting!!
     Friday and Saturday night we held a festival and tens of thousands showed up to hear good music and a message of love and hope.  Christy and I spent most of our time in the crowd giving out candy, dresses and jewelry. It was so much fun!

    And a little fun....
    I really needed to have someone stand next to this toilet to see the real size. It was about 12" off the ground! It's a good thing I had been doing squats! 

    It took a minute to figure out I had to use this bucket and dipper to flush the toilet!!

    I've been on 4 missions trips and this one was the most special.

    Thanks for all your support!


    Monday, March 12, 2018

    Marvelous Monday


    I don't generally like Monday's but today will be marvelous! It's such a mindset isn't it? I survived babysitting! LOL I only gave the 2yo a little curdled milk! Everyone survived!! 
     I opted to go hiking on Sunday , but I still managed to get a few blocks sewn. I have a lot of these cut, ready to sew but here is a few more I'll add to the stack.
    And binding! That means 2 quilts are close to being finished. I have labels made for them as well.

    If you want to see where I hike check it out HERE.

    Happy Monday quilters!!


    Friday, March 9, 2018

    First Friday Exhibit for March

    I had to make a trip to Bend this week and was able to drop by Quiltworks and see their monthly exhibit. One of these days I'll make it for First Friday celebration.


    Ruth Kinane was the featured quilter. 
    Isn't this fantastic?!






     Love this one!



    Another quilt shop row by row that I actually like.




     This block reminds me of a quilt top I have waiting to assemble!


    The group quilts below were a variety of applique quilts. I only photographed 2 of my faves.



     I love this and I love that it isn't perfect!

    Here is my Instagram feed for the week.

    I've managed to get a little sewing done this week, but am feeling a little stretched. I like to help out when I can so I know it is only for a short while. When people are hurting we need "a little help from our friends". 
    Sorry there isn't more inspiration from my own sewing room.
    Have a wonderful weekend. I'm babysitting! A first in many years!!
    Love to you all.