I Found The Yarn!

The end-of-show reality has set in. It's taken root. It's in my house. And in my garage. The last of the load has been removed from the van and here it is - not in the least bit organized compared to two weeks ago.

You can see the seats to the van at the edge of the garage. This morning we put them back in the van. Yay. Small victories.

But then there's the sewing dump. yep. Two weeks of dump 'n' run makes for one big mess.

Since #1 son is home for a couple of days, today he's been on the computer. When he's working, I can't. yay. Instead of another day of staring at the computer screen, I focused on the sewing dump. It's still a dump, but now I could actually sew in it if I needed to. I even vacuumed.

And guess what I found when I moved the quilts off of the chair? I found the yarn! Isn't it gorgeous? I can see a poncho made from this, to wear this winter. It's supposed to be two throws. What do you think? Maybe? Maybe not. Either way, I liked the colors and they're mine, all mine.

Oh! And I started on my April step yesterday, I might just get it done!

I Can't Catch Up!!!

I got home Sunday night after the show closed down and collapsed into a heap. I was so tired I couldn't think. All I knew was that I couldn't let go of my quilt show mindset, I still had several days of follow-up tasks to complete. Today I've got about 75% of those tasks completed, so I'm beginning to relax a bit and do something other than focus intently on show details.

It came, it went, it was EXCELLENT. Sure, there are things we can improve on, but what we accomplished this year was phenomenal. We transitioned from dependence to independence. We moved venues, not across town, but across the county. We changed leadership. For a year of tremendous changes, both behind the scenes and in the public eye, we had an amazingly successful show.

For those of you who were too toasty, I apologize. I had my friends pray for a rain-free week. I think they prayed for LOTS of sunshine. We had a record-breaking heatwave. The past couple of days have been 97 and 98. I am SO glad the show was not on THOSE days, upper 80's was warm enough!

When I got up on Monday morning, I made the rounds, visiting with the kitties. I was stunned to find Charlie lying on his bed, minimally responsive. I didn't know what was wrong with him, and took him to the vet immediately. Quilt show wrap-up? That could wait. I needed to take care of Charlie.

Upon examination, Dr. Lori thought that he'd contracted some sort of infection from a tomcat bite. He doesn't have a palpable abscess, and he has no tenderness. But he had a fever of 105.4, and normal for a cat is 100.2. Poor Charlie!! They gave him fluids, a couple of shots, and a bottle of antibiotics to administer at home.

For the past few days he's been going back and forth between feeling okay and feeling terribly puny. The heat isn't helping, and I think he's been getting dehydrated. Last night Pete gave him more subcutaneous fluids, and Charlie didn't even squirm too much. He was feeling that poorly. This morning he felt well enough to go outside for a while, but he's now back inside. He's been an inside cat since Monday.

Yesterday Pete called from work, to ask about Charlie. Here's a picture I took last night, as he was asking Charlie how he was feeling. Any question as to whose cat this is? ;)

In contrast, Edgar is his usual self. I took this picture this morning, as he was trying to reach a fairly large bird. It was high in the branches, watching Edgar with its head cocked. I couldn't get them both in the picture, but rest assured, the bird was safe. Edgar finally jumped down and came in for a nap.

I did some shopping at the quilt show, and I've wanted to show you my purchases. I can't find one of them. I bought two bags of purple wool. They are throw kits, but I'm hoping to combine them to make a poncho. (Do they still call them ponchos?) I have a Liz Claiborne poncho that I absolutely adore, and I thought it would be fun to have one in a color other than black. Obviously I won't be knitting this summer, but it's ready for me when I'm ready for it, if I can find it. I bought the yarn from Carole Dulitz, she's located in Springville,CA. When I find my bags, I'll snap a picture for you.

The first thing that I "needed" was this little fish pin. I absolutely LOVE it. I like the lines and the inset and the fact that it is sterling. I had them hold it for me until Sunday, when I had time to actually examine their booth. I also needed the little birdie. He cracks me up. He's also sterling. The vendor was Phil and Rosemary Churnside. Unfortunately they don't have a website.

The book vendor, Sew Many Quilt Books, was right by the front entrance. I spent a lot of time cruising the hall, but I always ended up at the front. I really did NOT have any time to shop, but a new book by Earlene Fowler caught my eye. So did a couple of books that were recently reviewed by Quilter's Newsletter. I came home with these. I laughed as I bought them. I don't think the vendor realized I was even looking at her wares, but I shop from her at every show I go to. She's always got a tremendous selection of books that I love. And I do love to read.

Finally, the Valley Oak Quilt Guild had a "Big/Little Quilt Sale." They rented a booth and sold their wares. I came home with this quilt. I think I know who made it, but there is no label on it. Ladies, ladies, I DO want you to claim your work. I'm going to be pestering you for a label, so you may as well just give up and make one for me now. I'm more than happy to sew it on, but I need to know who all worked on MY quilt. :)


And that's about it for now. My garage and my "sewing room" are complete and utter disasters. Once I get the van unloaded (I'm still driving around a couple dozen boxes of drape) I'll take pictures. You think you've got a mess on your hands? Honey, it's nothing compared to what I've done to this place. Pete is happy to have me home - he likes having the laundry fairy in residence and he likes not having to think about feeding himself - but the novelty will soon wear off and the mess is going to get to him. I need to get to work ASAP, because heaven knows this place needs it!!

Oh, and my carpenter called yesterday. "Are you still interested in cabinetry for your sewing room?" Oh, you betcha, by golly, wow! I'm interested! "I'm sorry I haven't called you, you probably thought I forgot." No I didn't. "Don't you remember? I told you I couldn't even THINK about it until after April 20, and at this point, you couldn't get into that room without a bulldozer. Take your time!"

He's putting together the drawing and bid this week. I'm so excited!

Still Playing Catch-Up

This just came into my inbox. Please watch it. You'll be glad you did.

http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1

Still Doing Show Stuff

Have you missed me? I've missed you. Actually that's not quite true. I've been so busy I haven't had time to miss anything, except maybe sleeping. I've decided I've got quilt lag. This morning I couldn't remember my morning routine, and even forgot that coffee was an option. Folks, we're talking tired!!!

Yesterday I wanted to post a picture of Be Still. I entered three quilts in the show, "Psalm 46:10 Be Still," "Cascading Crystal Kaweah," and "Encompassing Tradition." All of the judge's comments were positive, but only Be Still snagged a ribbon. God is good. If I were to pick one of the three for recognition, this is the one I would have chosen. It's quite humbling to realize that my handquilting is decent enough to please more than one judge. wow. What an honor!

"Psalm 46:10 Be Still"
Best Hand Quilting, BOTV 2009
Suzanne Kistler 2008

I've spent the past couple of days shipping back quilts from the show. I have one last package to ship, and it won't go out until Thursday. Today I spent the afternoon writing thank you letters to sponsors. Tomorrow I have more paperwork to do, and one of these days I need to take the remainder of the PVC pipes and sheets out of the van. The garage is already full, but part of it is seats from the van. yep. One of these days I'll get my garage back, and my van back, but not today.

And one of these days I'll give you an interesting post, but not today.

I got a comment from Mason's Puppy Raisers, asking about the pattern for "We Have Seen His Star, Wise Men Still Seek Him." I actually have a copy of the pattern from QNM, but I have no way to contact you. If you could email me (my email is on my profile) and send me contact information, I'd be happy to send the pattern along to you. My feeling of that quilt is that the more of them in existence, the better. It's a reminder that Christmas is about a lot more than just Santa Claus and snowmen.

And on that, I'm going to hit the hay. Perhaps tomorrow I'll have something more to post, but not now. Sleep well!!

Miss Me?

I've been here.

I'll catch you up when I'm rested. Oh wait. I should share something. God is good, all the time. I was going to post a picture, but I guess not. For some reason blogger won't load. Oh well. Another time. I'm off to bed...

Simple Minds...

zooooommmm....I was late this morning, running out of the house at a million miles an hour. No time to think, no time to say, "Hello, Goodbye!!" I'm late, I'm late...Hey, I'm almost at 200,000 miles...


Pay no attention to the dust on the dashboard, it's all about the mileage... I promptly forgot all about it when I arrived at the quilt show.

dum de dum dum...oh my!!! I pulled off the road to grab my camera. I was on my way home. I couldn't forget to record this!

Have you ever seen so many nines?

Now you see 'em, now you don't!

We have successfully entered a new era. Built Ford tough.

Simple minds, simple pleasures!

Easter Wrap-Up

Easter has come and gone and with it came and went Daniel. Isn't he a handsome chap? Okay, so maybe I'm a bit biased. How did my little boy get so big?

The one who really wants to know the answer to that question is his dad. Here's the first picture, taken before he (Dad) remembered that he wanted to stand on his tippy-toes.

Here's the second picture, Dad's a bit happier...

Daniel played along and Dad was REALLY happy. "How tall are you Pete?" "Six feet!" "Don't lie..." "Six feet!" um, yeah, right... (Daniel's 6'3")...Then again, now we've got pictures...

Today was delivery day at the quilt show. If you'd like a quick peek behind the scenes, click here.

Congratulations to Brenda and Pat for already completing their April Steps. I'm proud of you!!! But come now, you're making me look bad! ;)

Four days and counting...we're going to have a quilt show!!!

Happy Easter!!!

Palm Sunday/Easter Sunday Banners
Suzanne Kistler 1994

April Step

It's about time, right?!! I know, I know. My procrastination gene has been kicking in big-time, at least when it comes to personal fulfillment. ;)

There has been very little time spent quilting or even thinking about quilting this month. Instead, as you know, it's been "all quilt show, all the time."

The past week has brought some lovely creations into my home. I've got a trunk full of Hoffman wall hangings, and a bed full of beautiful quilts. A few wearables are hanging, also waiting to be transferred to McDermont on Monday. I am inspired.

Pictures of the 70+ wallhangings remind me that a quilt doesn't have to be big to be satisfying. Small is good too, and finished is even better. And so, I've decided upon my April step. It's small, and it's do-able, once the show is in the history books.

In 1996, our family took a trip to the UK. Our destination was primarily Scotland. Pete spent a year abroad while doing undergrad, and I'd heard stories of the wonders of Scotland. He spoke of it so frequently, a couple of our kids thought that we were actually Scottish. I don't think we are. I think we're just wannabe Scots.

We took rolls and rolls of pictures, and I long planned a quilt to document the trip. Pete spent much of the time in seminars - we were there for a Bovine Buriatrics Convention. Now don't ask me what buriatrics means, because I can't tell you. I do know that they discussed cattle diseases and we were there at the height of the UK BSE (mad cow) scare. He came home with the most up-to-date information regarding BSE, and was able to alleviate much of my concern. And no, the US does NOT have mad cow disease, no matter what you might hear from the rumor mill.

But I digress.

So we went to the UK, and took pictures, and I wanted to make a quilt. I started, but I only got as far as making 2 partial blocks. They'll never be a quilt, of that much I am certain. And so, I've decided that I can turn at least one into a little wallhanging.

If I could figure out my scanner (I can only make it work 40% of the time), I'd share the photo with you. But I can't. So here's what I've got so far:

This is Adam. He was 6. There should be little sheepies in the background. Hopefully I'll have figured out how to make them by the time the show is over. If I decide not to applique, I can always do French knots.

The other thing I wanted to share was that April showers not only bring May flowers, but they also bring April flowers. The irises are FINALLY beginning their annual flowerfest, and here are the first two installments...

These are right out the front door...

The white ones are between our house and the neighbor's...


And up against the fence I found this calla lily party. I didn't even know it was there! Enjoy!!

Not Upside-down, But Sideways

Golly gee, my pictures had been loading so well lately. I'd almost forgotten the aggravation of finding them displayed sideways. Maybe it's an early Easter gift from Blogger. grr.

Last night we had some crazy pouring rain. Edgar loved it. He jumps and tries to catch the raindrops. He can be entertained for hours. I let him in briefly, but he was so wet I rubbed him with a towel then tossed him back outside. Charlie took a nap.

Most of the quilt show tasks are taken care of, and I spent this morning putting some finishing touches on a few cards. The pictures aren't great - it's still overcast - but they give you the general idea...even if some of them are sideways...

The hand gives you the size - these are all approximately 5" x 7."

Don't you love the little orchids? I do....I picked up the little mola at a quilt show years ago...

It's hard to see the beading on this one. Maybe if you click on it, the details will be more visible?

This one is pretty clear. (I was relieved to see orange blossoms still on the trees after last night's storm.)

And finally, this one has the Message of Easter, loud and clear. Too bad the beading didn't catch the light. In reality, it's one of the boldest of the group...

That is all...Back to work!!

A New Blog!!

For months now we've been working to put together the 14th Annual Best of the Valley Quilt Show. There are all kinds of details to see to, some are critical, some are simply desirable. One of the things that I REALLY wanted was to have a blog linked to our BOTV website. That wish is now a reality.

My plan has been to make the latest details of the show available to anyone who visits our website. Just think: the show is right around the corner. What kind of details might I post? Maybe pictures from quilt acceptance day? Or behind the scenes of judging? Or? I know we'll be busy as bees, and maybe my plan for updates will not become reality. But goals are good, and the first step of that goal makes its debut with the BOTV blog.

Stop by and say hi, and hopefully I'll be diligent about posting!

A Fragrant Aroma

The quilt show is plugging right along. Other than the inability to reach two key contacts today (both voice mailboxes are full!), I had no snags. I've still got 4 days to tackle the remaining issues.

The weather has been glorious, and I've been making an effort to get outside for a little while each day. It doesn't matter if I'm pulling weeds or sweeping leaves, it's just NICE to get some sunshine.

I noticed a fragrance that seemed remotely familiar, but it wasn't something that I immediately recognized. It took the buzzing of bees to catch my attention and look up. Aha! Orange blossoms! It's time!

I thought a close-up might be in order. One never knows when one might decide one needs to make a quilt depicting orange blossoms... ;)

And speaking of fragrance, I am also surprised by how aromatic irises are. They don't look like they'd smell good, and mine don't attract many pollinators. But smell, they do, oh yes, they do. I picked these beauties this morning, and now their scent fills the house. I find it to be totally tied with springtime, and my nose tells me for sure, "Spring is in the air!"

Artwork by Allison, 2000

And I guess that's it. I'm working on a few Easter cards that I hope to finish in the next day or two, but other than that? It's still the show that is taking my time...See you there, in 11 days...