A 2020 Finish

 In looking through my "recent" posts, I see that I never posted about a fun Zoom class that our guild offered back in November.  The class was with the Material Girlfriends, and was called "Rosie Runner."  We had planned our annual guild retreat, but since that was cancelled?  We met together online via Zoom instead.

It was great fun to dig through my scrap box, rather than cut into new yardage.  I found that I had a LOT of scrap reds to play with.  woohoo!

I think I got this far on the project during the course of the day:

Here is the finished table runner:

Here is is, in context:

When a friend saw that I was making this, she called dibs.  I sent it to her, and she sent a picture of the runner in use.  I smiled when I saw that they liked the fabric on the back, as much as the top.

Other than that?  We continue to do work on our new property.  This week, the termites are being dealt with.  Next week?  The Mold Doctor will see what he can do to rid us of the icky stuff.  The job will involve removing and replacing dry wall and insulation.  Fun stuff!  But his expectation is for it to take a mere 2-3 days, so perhaps it is not all that involved after all...if you know what you are doing.  He comes highly recommended.  I'm so excited!!

And I guess that's going to do it for now.

Happy Quilting!

Checking In

Wow!  Hard to believe it's been a month since I last posted.  The days are flying by quickly.  2020 will soon be a memory if it keeps advancing at this rate!

We spent the second week of February in Oceanside, CA.  Hubby was there for the first part of the week.  I spent the second part hunkered down with my quilting.

 I had a view of the water from my upstairs suite.  Very nice!!  At one point I worked on this wonky fish quilt, but it wasn't coming out the way I'd hoped.

 Eventually I switched back to "Two Beauties," and was able to finish it in time to enter in the Best of the Valley Quilt Show.  The entry deadline was February 14.  Acceptance letters went out this past weekend.

I was busy finishing the facing on Valentine's Day, so hubby had to wait a few days for his valentine.  I decided that our little beach getaway was the perfect inspiration.

 Earlier in the week, I'd put together this valentine for our oldest granddaughter.  She will soon be 9.  I used a hand towel that I'd found at an estate sale sometime during the past year.

 I had lots of quilted scraps that I put together for granddaughter #2's valentine.

 Her valentine was 2-sided, and stuffed like a tiny pillow.

Granddaughter #3's valentine was stuffed, with a rattle inside.

 It was also 2-sided.

 Granddaughter #4's heart was also stuffed, with a rattle.  If I remember correctly, both sides were similar.

 Last, but not least, our grandson's stuffed heart also contained a rattle.

 His had this cute bird fabric on the back.  Very baby boy manly, in my opinion.

And there you go.  Some stitching has been happening, but not a lot.  From now until the end of April, the quilt show will be my priority.  Goals are good!

A Bit o'Stitching

Our Sew Eclectic "challenge" for 2020 is to "make a bit of art every day."  We can do whatever we like to fit that broad definition.  My "bit" is a teeny tiny bit.  I am making some progress on my roses, but they're not done yet.  And they won't be done today, either.

A huge storm just blew in.  I thought they were joking, but the sky is black and the rain is pouring and the wind is blowing the dead wood out of the trees.  whoosh!!

I don't want to get started on anything when it feels like the power is going to go out at any time.

Which makes me think that blogging isn't such a great idea right now either.

Just wanted to check in and let you know that stitching is happening here, bit by little bit.

Happy Quilting!!

P.S.  Don't forget to enter Best of the Valley Quilt Show.  Entry forms are available for download here.  Be sure to download both the entry form and the guidelines.   We look forward to seeing your entries!

It's Our Blogiversary!

Yes, indeed.  Twelve years ago today, I began this little blog.  I began in earnest, looking forward to each post.  Over the years, I've gotten so busy that, well, the blog has fallen a bit by the wayside.  So much for my resolution to "blog more."  I'd hoped for once a week, but here we are, creeping up on the end of week #2.  I guess this counts?  I hope to do better.  Goals are good, doncha know?

I don't know what is going on, but Blogger is not allowing me to load photos.  weird.  Earlier this morning, Bible Gateway wouldn't let me search for Bible verses.  Is it them?  Or me?  So strange.  oh wait.  Now it's working.

P received her pillow.  She found it to be a bit on the wild side, but she likes it.  yay!

 Yesterday I began working on a challenge for our Art Group.  We assigned the challenge a year ago February.  The assignment was to make a small flower quilt with green in the background.  Yesterday, I pieced together my background, then went to work on my applique pattern.

 Here it is, with the petals all cut from a piece of Kristin's hand-dye.  I am excited to see how this will come together.  Did I or did I not successfully place the freezer paper to show each petal to perfection?  hahaha!  I'd best get stitching if I want to know the answer to that question!

Happy New Year, Happy Quilting!  I'm hopeful that this year will be a productive one.  Goals are good!

Time Flies!

whoosh!  The visible-to-the-public part of Best of the Valley Quilt Show has come and gone.  Now the behind-the-scenes-wrap up will consume my days in the coming week.  Yesterday quilts were shipped back to their owners.  Today's schedule should include a trip (or two) to our storage unit, to drop off the PVC pipe, sign boards, and other large, bulky quilt show paraphernalia.  The rest?  Hangs out in my garage year-round.

So, while I attend to this detail and that, I'll leave you with pictures of the quilts that I entered in BOTV 2017.  Enjoy!

 "Another Sunset" - Suzanne Kistler, 2017

"By The Sea" - Suzanne Kistler, 2015

 "Hanging By a Thread" - Suzanne Kistler, 2016

 "Wheel of Color" - Suzanne Kistler, 2016

"Kelp" - Suzanne Kistler, 2016

Those are the quilts I entered this year.  I was pleased to be mentioned, since I knew the competition would be competitive.  :)  Finally, I'll leave you with this shot of the surprise my husband sent to me on opening day:

Hope you're inspired to quilt.  I know I am!!