Quilting retreat

I had so much fun with the gals at my Quilting Retreat this past weekend. I finished the Christmas Tree quilt top I have been working on forever(only seems like forever).

I really love this quilt, Didn't much like all the waste with it or the bad directions but in the end I really can say I love this quilt. It is made from green Civil War reproduction fabrics and "double pink" repos.

However I did notice when I was taking pictures that the lightest greem blends in with the background more than I would have liked. But it won't deter me from loving it.


I do have to give a plug for the Retreat Center where we stayed. The couple that owns/runs it are super friendly and very accomidating. The B and B was designed to house eihter scrapboking or quilting retreats. The lighting and layout are exactly what everyquilter requires. It's all on one floor too. Rooms are right around the corner when night has fallen. Of course I'm a night owl so I got little sleep either night.

This picture was taken in the foyer of the B and B. Perfect spot to showcase my treasure.
Notice one of the owners quilts in the background. She owns the local quilt shop too. Her quilt shop is Sew Special and the B and B is Seams Like Home
Be sure and check them out.

This is a quilt top my friend patti finished in 1/2 a day. Can you believe it????
She has such a great eye for color.




Hope you have a great day.

Blessings,
Rhonda

Thanks Secret Sister

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Secret Sister.

You went above and beyond. I am participating in Char's Secret Sister Swap

and.......

this is what was waiting for me when I got home from work.

Inside was the prettiest wrapped surprises.

It was like Christmas.

My SS sent such a thoughtful gifts.

There were some nice "spring" notecards which had flowers on them and brightened my day since it was grey and cold here. She made me a "chocolate" fabric rabbit. How special. She even included a quilting magazine which I have already read from cover to cover. It has a couple projects I want to do.

And of course my gummy bears. (I love soft chewy candy). Thanks again SS.

You're wonderful!!!!!!!!!!! Blessings, Rhonda

Feedsack Collection

I got to be a guest blogger over at Sew We Quilt @ Stash Manicure. Take a look at the article. Here are some of the more collectible conversation prints.




Be sure and check out the whole article.

Blessings,
Rhonda

A Christmas Quilt and a Ziploc Bag Project

Did you ever find a project that just keeps popping up until you actually make it?? There was a Christmas quilt I saw in an older addition of Fons and Porter's mag. I didn't actually have the mag so I called their store and they sent me a copy..$5.00 because they had no more of that edition. Fast forward years....I found said mag in a flea market type sale that we have at our quilt retreats for 25 cents. Plus I finally decided on the perfect reproduction fabrics.



Starting with many many strips being cut.


Then sew the the strips back together.
Cut them at 45 degree angles.

Sew the angled strips together into diamonds.

20 done 4 more to go. This has been a lot of work. Sewing the angled strips requires marking the 1/4 inch. It's time consuming.

Then cut the big diamonds into 2 "tree tops".


While I am working on "big" projects I keep smaller projects in Zip;oc bags to be grabbed at a moments notice. Never know when I'll need one.

Finished a Penny Rug. Seems like Christmas is the theme.


Love that feeling of accomplishment...........

Rhonda

More Tablerunners

We had a computer crash so I am limping along with a picture software I am not familiar with. But I finished a few things and wanted to get them posted. So I tried the software that came with my camera. It's not too bad just more time consuming than I'm used to. But I am always excited when I teach myself something new on the computer since I can be electronically challenged.
Pictures in the snow:

Another strip pieced Valentines Table runner...............





My favorite Laurel Birch fabric
A Christmas Stripe






I'm glad I found a use for it. I can enjoy it instead of looking at it on my shelf.

In keeping with my gift strategy here's the second one for the gift box.





With the left over 60 degree triangles...
FRONT

BACK


I read somewhere that the best pictures are in natural light outside so out side I went. I love the snow so what better place to photograph. This was so much fun.
Hope you enjoyed them.

Blessings
Rhonda

This is my Secret Sister and I at Breakfast on Sunday when we revealed who we were.
She was absolutely the best SS anyone could ask for. She gushed over all her gifts. She was so appreciative it was soooooooo worth all the planning and sewing.



I think she loved her pillowcase the best. When she arrived at her table Friday morning I had a bouquet of flowers for her. She kept telling everyone she was no longer a princess she had arrived to Queen.

We had so much fun!!!!!!

This is the view as you drive into camp. I feel myself relax as I pass this tree farm.



Isn't the sky gorgeous.

Leaving camp on Sunday. (sad face)


A few projects from my friends.





What an interesting tutorial this was. What a great use of scraps.





It was a productive weekend for all. I will post pics of my finished projects tomorrow. This post is picture heavy already

Blessings,
Rhonda

Secret Sister gifts

I have been working on secret sister gifts my quilting retreat this weekend. We have a $15.00 limit so I had to get creative. In my mind if I make it from stuff I have here that's 0 cost....right??

The first thing I made was a "snap" bag. It's made to snap closed. The snapping is from the metal measuring tape that you cut up and sew in the top opening. Of course I had to embroider her initial on it for that special touch.

I promptly filled it with hand sanitizer and tic tacs. So far free. Had everything here at home. The polka dot bag will match Emily's carry on bag I made previously.

Next I made my favorite wallet. Include a $5 Panera Card and we have gift #2.





Following my strategy to fill my gift box. I made 2.

Next I embroidered a pillowcase for her.
My secret sister is truly a special gal. I have known her for years and there isn't a sweeter person to quilt with. It was easy to create for her. The green I used for the body of the pillowcase reminded me of the forest where I will be staying. It's a camp. It's snowy here so I'm going to have lots of pictures from the weekend to share.

I had quilt notecards that were a fund raiser for a friend so I'm sharing some of those. I did purchase some hand dyed fabrics as a gift. She had those on her "likes" list. She is also A diabetic so I tried to stay away from candy and sweets. So upon arrival I have a bouquet all ready to go.


For the Sunday morning reveal yourself I made a sewing wallet combining a cross stitch wool and regular fabric. I'm putting the finishing touches on it there so I'll get a picture before I wrap it.

Have a great weekend. I know I will.
Blessings,
Rhonda