Totality Monday!

My little quilt to commemorate the Total eclipse of the sun is complete!

 I put the last stitches in last night, and although I took a few photos I wanted to wait for it to get light outside to take a few more this morning.

 I finished the hand quilting on our flight back from Hawaii. I had not touched it the whole week and had a goal to finish it before arriving home. 

 Last nights photos.

 Even though the quilt is only 21" square, I pieced the backing- I'm all about using what I have. I love this fabric! If you want to see more about the assembly check it out HERE and to read about my eclipse experience click HERE and my eclipse block inspiration click HERE.

Lizzy asked me if I made any purchases at the Scandinavian Festival and I said no, but I did! I'm always on the lookout for vintage linens at prices I can afford. I found 2 napkins and one embroidered towel. Any thoughts on what those letters may be? C R? 

Have a lovely Monday! If I'm your facebook friend I've been sharing photos of my trip to Hawaii. I had an amazing time. I really love the warm weather. We got to meet my Nikki's (my sons girlfriend) parents. She fixed us a picnic lunch and it was a beautiful day inn upcountry Maui.

Love to you all today.

Friday Follies!

Happy December! Wow! I can't believe this year is almost over. 

I got the center star quilted and took some photos so I could have a chat with my friend about possible quilting ideas for the frame. My original thought was to go circular but I was pretty sure marking it accurately would be difficult and it wouldn't look humble, just poorly done. 

I took 2 photos hoping the quilting would show up in at least one photo.  Kathy helped me solidify a decision and you lovely quilters will have to wait to find out what I decided to do. I hope it goes fast so I can wrap up this project before the end of the year.

I basted my antique rose block which we are calling "Rose of Houston 2017" Just in case we decide to make this a yearly event. I love the backing and it will go splendidly with the front. You'll also have to wait to see this one too, since Laurie reads my blog.

Thank you Dotti for the adorable as ever dresses for me to bring to Colombia. They are as cute as ever! If you are wondering, the deadline was the end of November and I have plenty now. Thank you generous quilters! I love you to pieces!!

My Instagram feed for this week. 

Happy December 1st!

Susan R, I received your money for the book. Thank you for the extra- It will go to my mission trip. 

Love to you all! Have a wonderful weekend.

Totality 2017

 I started by paper piecing the center ring

Then I paper pieced the outer ring.

 I then appliqued the center ring to the outer ring.

The appliqued the center blue to the first ring.

 The appliqued the "window" on top of the rings!

I'll probably do a bit of machine and hand quilting on it. The block is 20". 

Considering this isn't my usual "humble" work, I'm pretty pleased with it.

I can totally get into this space/solar/star stuff!

On another note, some teens thought it would be great fun to drop fireworks into ravines in our beautiful Oregon forest. 

 The view from Dog Mountain- May 2017

 Cascade Locks- September 2015- amazing half marathon I ran.

 This beautiful area is no longer the lovely forest I used to hike in or run in.

Certainly we need to manage our forests better, but we also need education. Our kids need to have respect for the world we live in. I'm so heartbroken and sad. 

Slow Progress

But, progress is progress, no matter how slow!

 This block is going to be 20" so I couldn't get very many arc pieces on one paper. 

 My goal is to get at least one piece done every day. 

I'm making another little quilt using this as my leader/ender with the paper piecing.

Oregon is on FIRE! Air quality is considered unhealthy in most places. Ash is falling..... 

People still dealing with the storm, Harvey. Heartbreaking!!

Love to you all!

Possible Eclipse Block

I was keeping my eyes open for something that would spark interest for me to make a quilt to commemorate the 2017 eclipse. The International Quilt Study Center and Museum made a short video about some terrific quilts. It is called A Rare Occurrence and you can see it HERE.

 A friend drafted this in Electric Quilt for me. Thanks Paula!!

And I have the center ring paper pieced. Next up, I'll paper piece the outer ring. I'll applique the center onto the outer circle, then applique a blue center circle. I plan on making it 20" and it will be a one block small quilt. This may also be a test block for a wedding quilt!

Next Friday September 1st I'll be starting our fall quiltalong- its called Palmateer Point.

Prayers to all those who have been affected by the hurricane. It breaks my heart to see such devastation.