tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89767561556272880482024-03-13T13:23:35.423-07:00Silver Thimble Quilting Archivesilverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.comBlogger440125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-11016863661766788172009-05-24T16:21:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.482-07:00Fraser Valley Quilters' Guild - QuiltafairSince my sewing machine is still in the shop, I was free to attend the Fraser Valley Quilters' Guild biennial quilt show, called Quiltafair, last Friday.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShndasLd5-I/AAAAAAAAFEk/PqbFkY_gmiM/s1600-h/DSCN9863.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339542283830028258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 379px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShndasLd5-I/AAAAAAAAFEk/PqbFkY_gmiM/s400/DSCN9863.JPG" border="0" /></a> This was a cute flower arrangement on the registration desk. See the cute "button" flowers.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShndaIwrC6I/AAAAAAAAFEc/qBP-eA4g9rM/s1600-h/DSCN9869.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339542274322402210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShndaIwrC6I/AAAAAAAAFEc/qBP-eA4g9rM/s400/DSCN9869.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShndaFP6XoI/AAAAAAAAFEU/PtctVp4JF_Q/s1600-h/DSCN9870.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339542273379688066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShndaFP6XoI/AAAAAAAAFEU/PtctVp4JF_Q/s400/DSCN9870.JPG" border="0" /></a> The guild had sponsored the traditional quilt challenge and an additional challenge that you don't see at every show--a pin cushion challenge. I had a hard time voting for my favorite pin cushion.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShndZgW4lpI/AAAAAAAAFEM/H8Map_b1sBI/s1600-h/DSCN9889.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339542263476819602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShndZgW4lpI/AAAAAAAAFEM/H8Map_b1sBI/s400/DSCN9889.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have seen this quilt pattern several times before. However, this is the first time I have seen it made up as an "I Spy". What a great idea.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShndZpz1fWI/AAAAAAAAFEE/wJTSH_CoAWk/s1600-h/DSCN9890.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339542266014170466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShndZpz1fWI/AAAAAAAAFEE/wJTSH_CoAWk/s400/DSCN9890.JPG" border="0" /></a> One of the features of this show was the Hungarian Canadian quilt display. "In 2006, Iren Szabo and Sue Dobray initiated a Hungarian/Canadian quilt exchange. All participants created a twelve inch quilt block - the Hungarian blocks were sent to Canada to be matched up with a Canadian participant who in turn sent their blocks to Hungary. All participants added 4 1/2" around their exchange block or brought the size up to 21" and that piece was returned to the original block creator to increase the size to an approximately 45" quilt top. All quilts (21 Hungarian and 21 Canadian) were finished by the original block creator and the completed Canadian quilts were sent back to Hungary to join the Hungarian quilts...this collection of 42 quilts was displayed in the capital city of Budapest in November 2006. This is the first time they have been hung as a group show in Canada" (taken from the FVQG's show brochure) The next 5 pictures are some of those fabulous quilts.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shncfk4T6xI/AAAAAAAAFD8/qTbzEw-aqck/s1600-h/DSCN9864.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339541268258351890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 365px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shncfk4T6xI/AAAAAAAAFD8/qTbzEw-aqck/s400/DSCN9864.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShncfaNzplI/AAAAAAAAFD0/gmSIZa50df8/s1600-h/DSCN9865.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339541265395721810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShncfaNzplI/AAAAAAAAFD0/gmSIZa50df8/s400/DSCN9865.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShncfAnRV8I/AAAAAAAAFDs/sVQ4uOg6NjY/s1600-h/DSCN9866.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339541258523203522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 391px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShncfAnRV8I/AAAAAAAAFDs/sVQ4uOg6NjY/s400/DSCN9866.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShncfE27SMI/AAAAAAAAFDk/ZxtSfTzucmw/s1600-h/DSCN9867.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339541259662608578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 377px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShncfE27SMI/AAAAAAAAFDk/ZxtSfTzucmw/s400/DSCN9867.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shnceq1AGTI/AAAAAAAAFDc/EdlEb-OjpQc/s1600-h/DSCN9868.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339541252675213618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 396px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shnceq1AGTI/AAAAAAAAFDc/EdlEb-OjpQc/s400/DSCN9868.JPG" border="0" /></a> This next quilt featured incredibly small squares in the 25 patch blocks.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shnb7BtdM9I/AAAAAAAAFDU/SRTWGqEELB0/s1600-h/DSCN9814.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339540640342291410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shnb7BtdM9I/AAAAAAAAFDU/SRTWGqEELB0/s400/DSCN9814.JPG" border="0" /></a>Because it is hard to imagine just how small those squares were, I took a picture of one of the blocks next to my hand so you can see the perspective.</div><div> </div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shnb6xF31fI/AAAAAAAAFDM/Y2ZWbz6MQ98/s1600-h/DSCN9815.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339540635881297394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shnb6xF31fI/AAAAAAAAFDM/Y2ZWbz6MQ98/s400/DSCN9815.JPG" border="0" /></a> This next hexagon quilt belongs to Val Smith. I met up with two other quilters from Agassiz at the show and I was introduced to Val. The four of us enjoyed a wonderful boxed lunch outside in the sun at lunchtime. Be sure to visit Val's web page to see some of her other fabulous work. <a href="http://web.me.com/myraottewell/Vals_Quilts/Welcome.html">http://web.me.com/myraottewell/Vals_Quilts/Welcome.html</a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shnb6vNY2RI/AAAAAAAAFDE/_SgdIX-e8J8/s1600-h/DSCN9851.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339540635375950098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shnb6vNY2RI/AAAAAAAAFDE/_SgdIX-e8J8/s400/DSCN9851.JPG" border="0" /></a> Val used 5 different sizes of hexagons in this quilt.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shnb6dLyoiI/AAAAAAAAFC8/SZzGwroIxEY/s1600-h/DSCN9852.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339540630537413154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shnb6dLyoiI/AAAAAAAAFC8/SZzGwroIxEY/s400/DSCN9852.JPG" border="0" /></a>The next two shots feature some great cat quilts.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnbaOjhL_I/AAAAAAAAFC0/8iemtMuOdOE/s1600-h/DSCN9873.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339540076854587378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnbaOjhL_I/AAAAAAAAFC0/8iemtMuOdOE/s400/DSCN9873.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnbZtpFNfI/AAAAAAAAFCs/RrElOarNpho/s1600-h/DSCN9874.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339540068019549682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnbZtpFNfI/AAAAAAAAFCs/RrElOarNpho/s400/DSCN9874.JPG" border="0" /></a> This next quilt really interested me. All it said on the note that was hanging next to the quilt was, "I made this quilt from a napkin".</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnbZRCC9II/AAAAAAAAFCk/5xSC6_O1Xwc/s1600-h/DSCN9883.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339540060339631234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 383px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnbZRCC9II/AAAAAAAAFCk/5xSC6_O1Xwc/s400/DSCN9883.JPG" border="0" /></a>This next Canadiana quilt was for sale for $800. It features some fabulous cross stitch pieces and the most interesting maple leaf block in the center of the quilt.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnatW8e7PI/AAAAAAAAFCc/RRC4a4aFyMA/s1600-h/DSCN9845.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339539306012667122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnatW8e7PI/AAAAAAAAFCc/RRC4a4aFyMA/s400/DSCN9845.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnatOdp0OI/AAAAAAAAFCU/15GJzmNXeFs/s1600-h/DSCN9846.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339539303735873762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnatOdp0OI/AAAAAAAAFCU/15GJzmNXeFs/s400/DSCN9846.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shnas-AERWI/AAAAAAAAFCM/K50D33nCHxk/s1600-h/DSCN9847.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339539299316811106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Shnas-AERWI/AAAAAAAAFCM/K50D33nCHxk/s400/DSCN9847.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnasorbcVI/AAAAAAAAFCE/g-_1ZYFxsBk/s1600-h/DSCN9848.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339539293593104722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnasorbcVI/AAAAAAAAFCE/g-_1ZYFxsBk/s400/DSCN9848.JPG" border="0" /></a> This maple leaf block was a cross between a poppy and a maple leaf-very interesting.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnasUPLo-I/AAAAAAAAFB8/FG8nXxEhvwk/s1600-h/DSCN9850.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339539288105919458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnasUPLo-I/AAAAAAAAFB8/FG8nXxEhvwk/s400/DSCN9850.JPG" border="0" /></a> This quilt featured a farm in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnZvHqgdJI/AAAAAAAAFB0/Vizb2l1jV5U/s1600-h/DSCN9838.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339538236758848658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 381px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnZvHqgdJI/AAAAAAAAFB0/Vizb2l1jV5U/s400/DSCN9838.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnZeOoHUII/AAAAAAAAFBk/P_6BdnwCyHI/s1600-h/DSCN9839.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339537946570084482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnZeOoHUII/AAAAAAAAFBk/P_6BdnwCyHI/s400/DSCN9839.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have always admired this quilt pattern. I believe the pattern is called, "All Lit Up" and is intended as a Christmas quilt. This quilter said the trees reminded her of the forests around Harrison and so she hangs this quilt all year round in her house, not just at Christmas.</div><div><br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnY-DHrGCI/AAAAAAAAFBU/4ac-4EYHnVE/s1600-h/DSCN9842.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339537393725413410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnY-DHrGCI/AAAAAAAAFBU/4ac-4EYHnVE/s400/DSCN9842.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have seen this quilt pattern before many times. I still love it! The expressions on the faces of these birds are priceless.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnY9x6JCsI/AAAAAAAAFBM/BjQQ10-B3UQ/s1600-h/DSCN9830.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339537389105253058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnY9x6JCsI/AAAAAAAAFBM/BjQQ10-B3UQ/s400/DSCN9830.JPG" border="0" /></a> This was a cute quilt. The workmanship was perfect! Despite the use of triangles, this quilt hung perfectly flat--no friendly borders here!</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnY9i6XyqI/AAAAAAAAFBE/9SMGa3YZPkc/s1600-h/DSCN9817.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339537385079687842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 394px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnY9i6XyqI/AAAAAAAAFBE/9SMGa3YZPkc/s400/DSCN9817.JPG" border="0" /></a> These next two quilts featured a unique curved and dimensional half square triangle block. <div> </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnY9UXgGfI/AAAAAAAAFA8/DwwUmFC0bMs/s1600-h/DSCN9858.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339537381175335410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnY9UXgGfI/AAAAAAAAFA8/DwwUmFC0bMs/s400/DSCN9858.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnY9FN9n3I/AAAAAAAAFA0/ATpKDNR5Wuo/s1600-h/DSCN9809.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339537377108795250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 396px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnY9FN9n3I/AAAAAAAAFA0/ATpKDNR5Wuo/s400/DSCN9809.JPG" border="0" /></a> Sometimes a quilt just makes you smile, this was one of those.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnYVeJDUlI/AAAAAAAAFAs/xdyBBVGypwM/s1600-h/DSCN9805.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339536696604316242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 386px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnYVeJDUlI/AAAAAAAAFAs/xdyBBVGypwM/s400/DSCN9805.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnYH5sftoI/AAAAAAAAFAk/2xB7QpuW_jM/s1600-h/DSCN9808.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339536463482566274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnYH5sftoI/AAAAAAAAFAk/2xB7QpuW_jM/s400/DSCN9808.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnYHjawkoI/AAAAAAAAFAc/CL8Rl3V4nRw/s1600-h/DSCN9807.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339536457502593666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnYHjawkoI/AAAAAAAAFAc/CL8Rl3V4nRw/s400/DSCN9807.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnYHUnbMhI/AAAAAAAAFAU/xMnpGP3wIxM/s1600-h/DSCN9806.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339536453529186834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnYHUnbMhI/AAAAAAAAFAU/xMnpGP3wIxM/s400/DSCN9806.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a two colour BQ. <br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnYG0lUtYI/AAAAAAAAFAE/OkLBJBpQg-Q/s1600-h/DSCN9801.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339536444930438530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnYG0lUtYI/AAAAAAAAFAE/OkLBJBpQg-Q/s400/DSCN9801.JPG" border="0" /></a> This quilt was cute.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnXeT6ECTI/AAAAAAAAE_8/HB3Yn3t0h5Q/s1600-h/DSCN9798.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339535748964288818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnXeT6ECTI/AAAAAAAAE_8/HB3Yn3t0h5Q/s400/DSCN9798.JPG" border="0" /></a>The quilting design featured chocolates and really made the quilt.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnXd2voWXI/AAAAAAAAE_0/kV6oB61jiz4/s1600-h/DSCN9799.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339535741135903090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShnXd2voWXI/AAAAAAAAE_0/kV6oB61jiz4/s400/DSCN9799.JPG" border="0" /></a> This was a great show. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-69045575888052874272009-05-17T11:35:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.482-07:00Moving Projects Forward Has Come to an Abrupt HaultThursday night, I was making great progress on another UFO. I was busy adding the sashing strips to my dryer sheet diamond string blocks. I even got one full row of blocks sewn together and I was ready to put the last seam in the second row when it happened.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShDzqbLOL5I/AAAAAAAAE_M/72S2ltAZZzk/s1600-h/DSCN9786.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337033468608917394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShDzqbLOL5I/AAAAAAAAE_M/72S2ltAZZzk/s400/DSCN9786.JPG" border="0" /></a> I had pinned my blocks together and I was busy pulling out the pins just before the presser foot reached them. I missed pulling out a pin, but my machine hit it dead on.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShDzqDbqm1I/AAAAAAAAE_E/Vjw6a_NABOY/s1600-h/DSCN9785.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337033462235437906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShDzqDbqm1I/AAAAAAAAE_E/Vjw6a_NABOY/s400/DSCN9785.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />So now sadly, my DSM is in the hospital awaiting the technician's attention. The needle remained intact in the accident, but the pin was split in two and was jammed into the machine knocking my machine out of time. </div><div></div><div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShBaDI4JFfI/AAAAAAAAE-0/NRPfwBYpJ30/s1600-h/DSCN9788.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336864568403105266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShBaDI4JFfI/AAAAAAAAE-0/NRPfwBYpJ30/s400/DSCN9788.JPG" border="0" /></a> So now, there is just a hole in my work table where Heidi would normally sit. I can tell you that I am really missing her. We have been together since 1999. My husband bought Heidi for me when I graduated from my professional accounting designation courses. It had been a long haul--10 years of study and work experience and my husband felt I deserved something very special.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337032563480243410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShDy1vTurNI/AAAAAAAAE-8/7254JHQI9bY/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" /> This is not my Heidi, but a machine very similar to her. (I pulled this picture off the Internet.)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShBaC3mSd7I/AAAAAAAAE-s/9ho8ibQ1NFw/s1600-h/DSCN9789.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336864563764819890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ShBaC3mSd7I/AAAAAAAAE-s/9ho8ibQ1NFw/s400/DSCN9789.JPG" border="0" /></a> Prior to Heidi, I had a Kenmore that I named Zip. This machine had two speeds--super fast and stop. I had to sew with a slipper shoved into the presser foot to help slow Zip down. You always had to be ready to grab the fly wheel when Zip would get into one of his moods and take off at top speed. If Zip was happy and sewing at a comfortable speed, he would make a sound like an Austrailian diggorie-do. Zip still lives at my house, taking up space in the cupboard. My daughter has used Zip on occasion but I have not sewn on Zip since Heidi came to live with me. </div><div></div><div>The only other machine that I have is an antique Singer treadle machine that was given to me years ago by my grandmother. I posted about that Singer machine back in July 2006: <a href="http://silverthimblequilting.blogspot.com/2006/07/singer.html">http://silverthimblequilting.blogspot.com/2006/07/singer.html</a> This machine does not have a 1/4" foot for piecing or a walking foot.</div><div></div><div>The Bernina dealer has said that Heidi will be out of commission for at least two weeks so I may have to bring either Zip or the Singer back into service</div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-76764408856848440452009-05-10T15:51:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.482-07:00Moving Projects ForwardI have had a couple of fabrics lately that have decided that they do not want to keep all their dye. One of the fabrics was a deep blue batik and the second was a red cotton. Both fabrics can be bad for bleeding, but really, after 6 washes? I tried vinegar and salt and had to luck. Finally, I found a source for Retayne locally. After one wash with Retayne, the fabrics stopped bleeding. I could not believe it. I did a test wash with Color Catchers after the Retayne treatment and the Color Catchers came out of the wash as white as they went it. I will be using this product a lot more often now that I know how well it works!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgeCslRp_uI/AAAAAAAAE-E/oRo-4XdgyJc/s1600-h/retayne-aqua-small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334375986075664098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgeCslRp_uI/AAAAAAAAE-E/oRo-4XdgyJc/s400/retayne-aqua-small.jpg" border="0" /></a> Friday, I spent my time making a Mother's Day present for my Mom. This is the table runner that I made for her.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgeCsSlaQ2I/AAAAAAAAE98/9pQYR-CKZJA/s1600-h/DSCN9780.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334375981058245474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgeCsSlaQ2I/AAAAAAAAE98/9pQYR-CKZJA/s400/DSCN9780.jpg" border="0" /></a>Today, we started the day with breakfast out at a local restaurant--my DH, DS, Mom, Dad, and myself. After presenting my Mom with her table runner, she took it home and put it on her coffee table and took this picture for me. I was worried that I had not made it long enough, but it looks like it works on her coffee table.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgeCsHC1euI/AAAAAAAAE90/WA1XToK8bTM/s1600-h/mom+table+runner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334375977960438498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgeCsHC1euI/AAAAAAAAE90/WA1XToK8bTM/s400/mom+table+runner.jpg" border="0" /></a> Saturday, I finished putting the last of the sashing bits on this quilt top and then added the inner and outer borders. The outer border fabric is suns on a black background. I loved this fabric. I had enough backing fabric and batting in my stash so by the end of the evening Saturday, I had this quilt loaded on the long arm and had started the quilting.<br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdbNr56WxI/AAAAAAAAE9c/f1QXIcC6Z4E/s1600-h/DSCN9776.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334332574325693202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdbNr56WxI/AAAAAAAAE9c/f1QXIcC6Z4E/s400/DSCN9776.JPG" border="0" /></a>This afternoon, I was able to finish the quilting on this one.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdbNRqkMBI/AAAAAAAAE9U/CjFkgMTC548/s1600-h/DSCN9784.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334332567282003986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdbNRqkMBI/AAAAAAAAE9U/CjFkgMTC548/s400/DSCN9784.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I used a new to me batting on this one -- Soft and Bright by the Warm Company. This batting is 100% polyester. It is needled to hold the batting together without glue, resin, or hard coatings. This batting has a bit of loft to it which shows off the quilting perfectly. Because the fibers are needled, they stay in place and the batting doesn't shift or go thin in some places like other polyester battings do. My long arm did not object to this batting at all and unlike other polyester battings, this one did not slip or shift. Because this quilt top was heavy from the weight of all the seams in the string blocks, I really did not want to add more weight to the top by using a cotton batting. I also have intended this to be a utility quilt so I expect it to be used and washed frequently. I am hoping the polyester holds up to the frequent use I expect the quilt to receive.</div><div></div><div>This last picture shows the gold thread i used to highlight the Wave quilting design.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdbNHKDzxI/AAAAAAAAE9M/HCL0KhuXlZA/s1600-h/DSCN9782.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334332564461309714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdbNHKDzxI/AAAAAAAAE9M/HCL0KhuXlZA/s400/DSCN9782.JPG" border="0" /></a> My plans are to bind this one in black. The binding will have to wait for another day though as I am short of black fabric in my stash. Running out of stash fabric is a good thing though--it means that I am using up what I have on hand!<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-76479495370100382392009-05-10T15:46:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.482-07:00Happy 23rd Birthday!May 3 was my DS's 23rd birthday. This was also the day that my husband's family had chosen to celebrate my MIL's 80th birthday. My son was a little disappointed that his special day had been overshadowed by the 80th birthday celebrations and he would not be able to pick the menu for his birthday dinner. To help ease the disappointment, I took him out for a birthday breakfast. Here he is in the restaurant about to enjoy french toast and sausage.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdaSOcrv1I/AAAAAAAAE9E/KTUd-ZdNVvE/s1600-h/DSCN9737.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334331552806190930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdaSOcrv1I/AAAAAAAAE9E/KTUd-ZdNVvE/s400/DSCN9737.jpg" border="0" /></a> After breakfast, we stopped by my parents' for a quick visit. This is myself, my son, my mom, and my dad. A neighbour was walking by and offered to take the picture for us.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdaRqsEniI/AAAAAAAAE88/nJzGg6fFAqo/s1600-h/DSCN9740.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334331543207058978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdaRqsEniI/AAAAAAAAE88/nJzGg6fFAqo/s400/DSCN9740.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the cake that was at my MIL's birthday celebration later in the day. All the grandchildren that have birthdays in the vicinity of Grandma were listed on the cake. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdaRYNa4AI/AAAAAAAAE80/Q-VH35ZqCTg/s1600-h/DSCN9746.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334331538246656002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdaRYNa4AI/AAAAAAAAE80/Q-VH35ZqCTg/s400/DSCN9746.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is my MIL and some of her grandchildren.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdaQyDLF3I/AAAAAAAAE8s/PBL7CLkg5k0/s1600-h/DSCN9751.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334331528003131250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdaQyDLF3I/AAAAAAAAE8s/PBL7CLkg5k0/s400/DSCN9751.JPG" border="0" /></a> Matthew's special birthday dinner was rescheduled to later in the week--Thursday, May 7th. Matthew celebrated with a menu of pancakes, sausage, and a Dairy Queen ice cream cake.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdaQ7ir9tI/AAAAAAAAE8k/BnFV3AUiQow/s1600-h/DSCN9768.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334331530551228114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 353px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdaQ7ir9tI/AAAAAAAAE8k/BnFV3AUiQow/s400/DSCN9768.jpg" border="0" /></a>In our household, you get to request whatever you want for supper that day--even if it is breakfast for supper! LOL<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdZm_KWZtI/AAAAAAAAE8c/XjV6hfXYvvk/s1600-h/DSCN9767.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334330809968387794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 387px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SgdZm_KWZtI/AAAAAAAAE8c/XjV6hfXYvvk/s400/DSCN9767.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Birthday, M!<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-15394537094642530492009-05-02T20:48:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.482-07:00Moving Unfinished Projects ForwardToday I stopped at the LQS and picked up some of Mary Ellen's Best Press. I have been reading the reviews and I decided to give it a try.<br /><br />Today I washed a load of green fabrics and I knew some of those fabrics would likely end up quite wrinkled. I was very impressed with this product in removing those wrinkles effortlessly. The bottle says, "Mary Ellen makes ironing (almost) fun!" and I would have to agree with that statement. I think I am going to have to buy stock in this company!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sf0U93caH5I/AAAAAAAAE8U/wUAgwBUzR9g/s1600-h/DSCN9736.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331440586964213650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sf0U93caH5I/AAAAAAAAE8U/wUAgwBUzR9g/s400/DSCN9736.JPG" border="0" /></a> I also finished one of my UFOs to the flimsy stage today. This top was started on June 28, 2008 on a FABs Saturday Sew-In. This top finished at 52" x 59 1/2" and will be perfect for a baby girl/toddler. The pattern is an original design by Cher, one of the FABs. We have been affectionately calling this quilt pattern, CGF or Cher's Gym Floor. Bet you can't guess where Cher got the inspiration for this design! LOL<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sf0UN5cK6LI/AAAAAAAAE8M/eaqJbAwD3tw/s1600-h/DSCN9735.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331439762866366642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sf0UN5cK6LI/AAAAAAAAE8M/eaqJbAwD3tw/s400/DSCN9735.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sf0UN0aAWuI/AAAAAAAAE8E/Cx73aSURHLc/s1600-h/DSCN9736.JPG"></a> <a href="http://silverthimblequilting.blogspot.com/2008/06/fabs-saturday-sew-in.html">http://silverthimblequilting.blogspot.com/2008/06/fabs-saturday-sew-in.html</a></div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-73406121347621807492009-04-30T23:00:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.483-07:00Happy 21st Birthday!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sf0RzJUjJ7I/AAAAAAAAE78/l7fbwYxmA9Y/s1600-h/dana+21.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331437104249644978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 377px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sf0RzJUjJ7I/AAAAAAAAE78/l7fbwYxmA9Y/s400/dana+21.jpg" border="0" /></a> Today was my daughter's 21st birthday.<br /><br />We celebrated in traditional style for our household - a menu for dinner which includes all the choices of the birthday celebrant, right up to the kind of cake.<br /><br />Tonight, my daughter chose, grilled chicken and bison burgers, green salad, macaroni salad, pickles, potato chips, lemonade, and Dairy Queen ice cream cake.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sf0Ry6VjMAI/AAAAAAAAE70/zy7wsyuC8bQ/s1600-h/DSCN9724.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331437100227309570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 389px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sf0Ry6VjMAI/AAAAAAAAE70/zy7wsyuC8bQ/s400/DSCN9724.jpg" border="0" /></a> We had my husband's mother and my parents in attendance. At one point in our lives, all grandparents lived in other cities far away from us. We are fortunate now to have everyone living close enough that we can celebrate milestones such as this together.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sf0RyTDrAzI/AAAAAAAAE7s/fFy7g2wZPfU/s1600-h/DSCN9725.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331437089683342130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sf0RyTDrAzI/AAAAAAAAE7s/fFy7g2wZPfU/s400/DSCN9725.jpg" border="0" /></a> Happy Birthday, D!<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-34206287580274635312009-04-28T20:14:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.483-07:00Work, Work, WorkAlthough I have not been posting that frequently lately, I have been quilting. I have been quilting, but not for me......only for others. I have been so busy with quilting for others that my life has slipped out of balance. My hobby--quilting--has been lost. Even my quilt tester, Joey, is starting to wonder if there is ever going to be a requirement for his quilt testing services in the future--he is not allowed to test customer quilts only my quilts. As you can see by this picture, he is currently considering employment in other fields--bird watching being one.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxqyoOb67I/AAAAAAAAE7k/CJ75f3HFPZ4/s1600-h/DSCN9639.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331253476923796402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxqyoOb67I/AAAAAAAAE7k/CJ75f3HFPZ4/s400/DSCN9639.JPG" border="0" /></a>These are some of the quilt tops that have occupied my free time of late. (All of these quilts belong to customers.)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxqyQvBtuI/AAAAAAAAE7c/vnpW_EMDdew/s1600-h/Silver+Thimble+%230147+(1).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331253470618040034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxqyQvBtuI/AAAAAAAAE7c/vnpW_EMDdew/s400/Silver+Thimble+%230147+(1).JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxnS3lqe0I/AAAAAAAAE7U/SyZ4_9mYdrM/s1600-h/DSCN9605.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331249632757054274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxnS3lqe0I/AAAAAAAAE7U/SyZ4_9mYdrM/s400/DSCN9605.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxnSqF2hTI/AAAAAAAAE7M/PAw-hL5nuL0/s1600-h/Silver+Thimble+0148.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331249629133964594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxnSqF2hTI/AAAAAAAAE7M/PAw-hL5nuL0/s400/Silver+Thimble+0148.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxnSVyYC8I/AAAAAAAAE7E/xRbU3Y_3-2g/s1600-h/Silver+Thimble+0148+(1).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331249623683566530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxnSVyYC8I/AAAAAAAAE7E/xRbU3Y_3-2g/s400/Silver+Thimble+0148+(1).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxnSKqXBmI/AAAAAAAAE68/qDD4aprkQ4c/s1600-h/Silver+Thimble+%230149+(5).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331249620697155170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxnSKqXBmI/AAAAAAAAE68/qDD4aprkQ4c/s400/Silver+Thimble+%230149+(5).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxnRxCPsCI/AAAAAAAAE60/GXHIV5kHI1M/s1600-h/Silver+Thimble+%230149.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331249613818015778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxnRxCPsCI/AAAAAAAAE60/GXHIV5kHI1M/s400/Silver+Thimble+%230149.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxmPBxIYKI/AAAAAAAAE6s/VtVtprPLQAg/s1600-h/Silver+Thimble+%230150+(3).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331248467258400930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxmPBxIYKI/AAAAAAAAE6s/VtVtprPLQAg/s400/Silver+Thimble+%230150+(3).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxmO2cU6uI/AAAAAAAAE6k/wc0Vd9lW1BA/s1600-h/Silver+Thimble+%23146+(4).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331248464218352354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxmO2cU6uI/AAAAAAAAE6k/wc0Vd9lW1BA/s400/Silver+Thimble+%23146+(4).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxmOsrAmJI/AAAAAAAAE6c/zu5W1ssY5p0/s1600-h/Silver+Thimble+%23146+(3).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331248461595580562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxmOsrAmJI/AAAAAAAAE6c/zu5W1ssY5p0/s400/Silver+Thimble+%23146+(3).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxmOVIdd-I/AAAAAAAAE6U/HpQ2P3yWEnc/s1600-h/Silver+Thimble+%23152+(1).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331248455276656610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxmOVIdd-I/AAAAAAAAE6U/HpQ2P3yWEnc/s400/Silver+Thimble+%23152+(1).JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxmOIi_UfI/AAAAAAAAE6M/QKoBZ-emYb0/s1600-h/Silver+Thimble+%23152+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331248451898266098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfxmOIi_UfI/AAAAAAAAE6M/QKoBZ-emYb0/s400/Silver+Thimble+%23152+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Stay tuned for changes. Recent events have caused me to re-examine my role as a long arm machine quilter and have caused me to assess how much of my time in the future that I am prepared to devote to quilting for others at the expense of producing quilts for my own enjoyment.</div><div> </div><div>I am currently developing guidelines to assist quilt top piecers with determining if their piecing will best be complimented by my quilting style. I realize that just like there are many different styles of painters, potters, and other artists; there are also many different styles of long arm quilters. </div><div> </div><div>I specialize in the use of Circle Lord templates. I do not use pantographs or quilt freehand. The use of the Circle Lord products allows me to produce very precise designs providing consistent results equivalent to what the computerized machines are able to produce - but at a fraction of the price. </div><div> </div><div>The following guidelines are necessary for the preparation of quilt tops for long arm quilting. Following these guidelines will ensure that the piecer and the long arm quilter avoid disappointment and are both happy with the finished quilted results. </div><div> </div><div>Backing:</div><div>- Must be 4" longer and wider than the quilt top on all sides.</div><div>- Must be pressed.</div><div>- Pieced backs should have 1/2" seams which are pressed open, selvages should be removed, and the backing overall should be squared up.</div><div>- Even backings which are not pieced need to be square on all sides which includes straight edges on all sides. </div><div> </div><div>Top:</div><div>- All seams need to be pressed flat.</div><div>- No wavy borders or borders with extra fullness. Quilt tops pieced with wavy borders will result in a wrinkled quilt after quilting.</div><div> </div><div>Batting:</div><div>- The same size as the backing which is 4" longer and wider than the quilt top on all sides.</div><div> </div><div>Thank you to all piecers who have entrusted your quilt tops to me in the past. I have appreciated the opportunity to work on your quilts. I have enjoyed the stories of the quilt's origin whether it be the testing of a new pattern, piecing a special quilt for a relative or friend, acknowledgement of a milestone such as a new baby, wedding, significant birthday, or graduation. I have particularly enjoyed working on the quilt tops that have been left to the recipient as part of an estate which in turn have been entrusted to me to complete. Some of us will continue to work together in the future producing fabulous quilts and some of us will realize that there is a better fit out there somewhere between piecer and quilter. </div><div> </div><div>To all of you, I say thank you!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-85483703780387575732009-04-27T20:52:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.483-07:00Spectacular!I never tire of beauty like this......<br /><br />These locally grown tulips get more spectacular every year.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaCl2U6Y5I/AAAAAAAAE6E/1hR_6BGB6UE/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(3).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329590795789558674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaCl2U6Y5I/AAAAAAAAE6E/1hR_6BGB6UE/s400/Tulips+2009+(3).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaClvPAreI/AAAAAAAAE58/tmqCnnr0XsM/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329590793885756898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaClvPAreI/AAAAAAAAE58/tmqCnnr0XsM/s400/Tulips+2009+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaClX12BpI/AAAAAAAAE50/NHd6gYkYCdA/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(1).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329590787606185618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaClX12BpI/AAAAAAAAE50/NHd6gYkYCdA/s400/Tulips+2009+(1).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaCR-XEBtI/AAAAAAAAE5s/gk1cC8yIXJc/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(4).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329590454348678866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaCR-XEBtI/AAAAAAAAE5s/gk1cC8yIXJc/s400/Tulips+2009+(4).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaCRiH_SmI/AAAAAAAAE5k/OZUadoUtxsQ/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(5).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329590446769261154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaCRiH_SmI/AAAAAAAAE5k/OZUadoUtxsQ/s400/Tulips+2009+(5).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaCRYAqdqI/AAAAAAAAE5c/HGikUOu9qLw/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(6).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329590444054181538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 342px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaCRYAqdqI/AAAAAAAAE5c/HGikUOu9qLw/s400/Tulips+2009+(6).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaCRF0_F0I/AAAAAAAAE5U/brGkusAsTGU/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(7).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329590439173363522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 342px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaCRF0_F0I/AAAAAAAAE5U/brGkusAsTGU/s400/Tulips+2009+(7).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaCPUow4tI/AAAAAAAAE5M/fbTfESVbwYQ/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(8).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329590408788894418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaCPUow4tI/AAAAAAAAE5M/fbTfESVbwYQ/s400/Tulips+2009+(8).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaAogQvqxI/AAAAAAAAE5A/9s--Y6xIMdg/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(9).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329588642382850834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaAogQvqxI/AAAAAAAAE5A/9s--Y6xIMdg/s400/Tulips+2009+(9).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaAoRuskdI/AAAAAAAAE44/1WPkVze27cg/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(10).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329588638481945042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaAoRuskdI/AAAAAAAAE44/1WPkVze27cg/s400/Tulips+2009+(10).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaAnzvD3SI/AAAAAAAAE4o/AoBunejVUSU/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(11).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329588630430407970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaAnzvD3SI/AAAAAAAAE4o/AoBunejVUSU/s400/Tulips+2009+(11).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaAnhxTjrI/AAAAAAAAE4g/TUyFZjh6Ovs/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(12).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329588625607986866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfaAnhxTjrI/AAAAAAAAE4g/TUyFZjh6Ovs/s400/Tulips+2009+(12).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_zwT-qXI/AAAAAAAAE4Y/KRXZfrzfOjw/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(13).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329587736158316914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_zwT-qXI/AAAAAAAAE4Y/KRXZfrzfOjw/s400/Tulips+2009+(13).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_zd01CzI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/UcAttF1FpJw/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(14).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329587731195824946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_zd01CzI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/UcAttF1FpJw/s400/Tulips+2009+(14).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_zJZByuI/AAAAAAAAE4I/8lvfz0KfbiI/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(15).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329587725710510818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_zJZByuI/AAAAAAAAE4I/8lvfz0KfbiI/s400/Tulips+2009+(15).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_yw6UuYI/AAAAAAAAE4A/r92lwUXlBUY/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(16).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329587719139277186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_yw6UuYI/AAAAAAAAE4A/r92lwUXlBUY/s400/Tulips+2009+(16).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_ymPzbTI/AAAAAAAAE34/45loZi4zGlc/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(17).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329587716276579634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_ymPzbTI/AAAAAAAAE34/45loZi4zGlc/s400/Tulips+2009+(17).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_BLwqA6I/AAAAAAAAE3w/LRJPRyZBrU4/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(18).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329586867353027490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 393px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_BLwqA6I/AAAAAAAAE3w/LRJPRyZBrU4/s400/Tulips+2009+(18).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_A9P84hI/AAAAAAAAE3o/KDNUOIxrZj8/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(19).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329586863457755666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_A9P84hI/AAAAAAAAE3o/KDNUOIxrZj8/s400/Tulips+2009+(19).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_ApD2ukI/AAAAAAAAE3g/359fu_-tcQ4/s1600-h/Tulips+2009+(20).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329586858038311490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ_ApD2ukI/AAAAAAAAE3g/359fu_-tcQ4/s400/Tulips+2009+(20).jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-49489432229298483702009-04-27T20:17:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.483-07:00Guild Meeting - April 15These are pictures from our last Quilt Guild meeting that was held on April 15. <br /><br />These are pictures of quilts made by our members and donated to our We Care Program for charities.<br /><br />A total of 18 quilts was handed in at this meeting. <br /><br />You will recognize some of these quilts from our March workshop: <a href="http://silverthimblequilting.blogspot.com/2009/03/annual-guild-we-care-workshop.html">http://silverthimblequilting.blogspot.com/2009/03/annual-guild-we-care-workshop.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ1lv1-BnI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tIYux9voGHk/s1600-h/DSCN9608.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329576500397999730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ1lv1-BnI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tIYux9voGHk/s400/DSCN9608.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ1lRyNT8I/AAAAAAAAE2o/ZxPb_cegqoY/s1600-h/DSCN9607.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329576492329160642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ1lRyNT8I/AAAAAAAAE2o/ZxPb_cegqoY/s400/DSCN9607.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ1lJzaYHI/AAAAAAAAE2g/h6RPlVyksNQ/s1600-h/DSCN9606.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329576490186727538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SfZ1lJzaYHI/AAAAAAAAE2g/h6RPlVyksNQ/s400/DSCN9606.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-88963150878675096362009-04-11T07:22:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.483-07:00Move It ForwardI spent Good Friday on line with Linda - Moving it Forward. <br /><br />We have decided that once a month we will take at least one day and move some projects that have stalled or aged as UFOs far too long forward to the next stage. That may mean getting a top to the flimsy stage, moving a top from a flimsy to a quilt, or completing some binding. What Move it Forward is not is a day to start something new. It is all about making progress on something we have already started previously.<br /><br />Before I could work on anything, I needed to clear my work surface from the project that I was working on the night before. In between passes of the long arm on customer quilts, I piece string blocks onto used Color Catchers (that is the white rectangle you see in the upper left hand corner of the picture). I had 11 blocks partially finished - they needed a strip or two and they would be finished. So before working on anything else, I finished off those 11 blocks.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAp7bFQ-6I/AAAAAAAAE2M/k7clTPwa268/s1600-h/DSCN9580.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323300860410788770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAp7bFQ-6I/AAAAAAAAE2M/k7clTPwa268/s400/DSCN9580.JPG" border="0" /></a> On the previous weekend, I took some of the blocks I have made previously and pieced them together into this colourful scrap top. This top needs the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sashing</span> finished off on the right hand side and bottom, then it will be ready for borders.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAp7fGLWzI/AAAAAAAAE2E/dX2g8GVv2UU/s1600-h/DSCN9594.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323300861488356146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 322px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAp7fGLWzI/AAAAAAAAE2E/dX2g8GVv2UU/s400/DSCN9594.JPG" border="0" /></a> The next project I had to finish was a customer quilt that had already been loaded onto the long arm the night before. There was only about 1/2 hour of quilting left.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAp7DSyR9I/AAAAAAAAE18/voRGmXNR_kI/s1600-h/DSCN9581.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323300854025045970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAp7DSyR9I/AAAAAAAAE18/voRGmXNR_kI/s400/DSCN9581.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the finished customer quilt. It is a Nine Patch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pizzazz</span> quilted with the Wave. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAp6yaFz5I/AAAAAAAAE10/_uwXGNCyv7A/s1600-h/DSCN9584.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323300849492283282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAp6yaFz5I/AAAAAAAAE10/_uwXGNCyv7A/s400/DSCN9584.JPG" border="0" /></a> The next project was my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bento</span> Box. It had stalled at the borders. I typically stall at this point so this was a great project for Move It Forward day! Also, I had the expertise of my good friend Linda to assist in deciding on which colour to use in the inner border..........green....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeApfg-7Y9I/AAAAAAAAE1s/zhtwMvWto8A/s1600-h/DSCN9585.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323300380958483410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeApfg-7Y9I/AAAAAAAAE1s/zhtwMvWto8A/s400/DSCN9585.JPG" border="0" /></a> ....or red?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeApfcGWlAI/AAAAAAAAE1k/ScUHkxtsjKA/s1600-h/DSCN9586.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323300379647448066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeApfcGWlAI/AAAAAAAAE1k/ScUHkxtsjKA/s400/DSCN9586.JPG" border="0" /></a> After discussing options back and forth, the red was chosen. And this is the finished flimsy. This one is for me so I am really excited about getting this top to this stage. I now need to go on the hunt for just the right backing.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeApfD2QKgI/AAAAAAAAE1c/FdhwYFL4yNk/s1600-h/DSCN9589.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323300373137467906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 386px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeApfD2QKgI/AAAAAAAAE1c/FdhwYFL4yNk/s400/DSCN9589.JPG" border="0" /></a> The next project up needed binding. This is the fabric that was picked for binding.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeApe5gthuI/AAAAAAAAE1U/GLLuMVob_xk/s1600-h/DSCN9592.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323300370362762978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeApe5gthuI/AAAAAAAAE1U/GLLuMVob_xk/s400/DSCN9592.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I made 1/2" wide binding for this quilt. An extra wide binding serves dual purpose as an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">additional</span> border and binding. Strips of binding for a 1/2" wide binding are cut 3 1/4" wide. </div><div> </div><div>Binding was machine sewn to the quilt after supper. This top is now waiting for a quiet evening or two of hand sewing in front of the TV.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeApenxXOPI/AAAAAAAAE1M/N_0V4qOY8jw/s1600-h/DSCN9593.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323300365600766194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 284px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeApenxXOPI/AAAAAAAAE1M/N_0V4qOY8jw/s400/DSCN9593.JPG" border="0" /></a> The day was busy and my quilt inspector/supervisor played out.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAo1sYtOmI/AAAAAAAAE1E/GKL2hy6YBuY/s1600-h/DSCN9587.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323299662464891490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAo1sYtOmI/AAAAAAAAE1E/GKL2hy6YBuY/s400/DSCN9587.JPG" border="0" /></a> After the flash picture, he did open an eye to let me know that he did not want to be bugged further!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAo1dAO7qI/AAAAAAAAE08/Jv80oLqZVDU/s1600-h/DSCN9588.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323299658335710882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAo1dAO7qI/AAAAAAAAE08/Jv80oLqZVDU/s400/DSCN9588.JPG" border="0" /></a> I know that both Linda and I made great progress today so we will be looking forward to the next Move It Forward Day to move yet more projects to the next stage. <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-20842070141905626732009-04-11T07:04:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.483-07:00Wacky Fab Challenge #2 - Reveal<div>Wednesday night was the reveal for our Wacky Fab Challenge #2. The last package had arrived at its destination during the day on Wednesday. When I got home from work, there was a message for me letting me know that the planned reveal would be at 6 pm. I had just enough time to grab a bite to eat for supper. I guess I was taking a little too long because precisely at 6 pm the phone rang. The call display said Alabama. I knew I had to quickly grab my camera and get to my computer--or else I would have some explaining to do!<br /><br />One by one we opened our packages and then quickly took pictures of the contents of the packages to share with the rest of the group.<br /><br />This is Joey assisting with the opening of my package. The tape slowed me down and some of the other FABs wanted to know if I needed assistance in opening. LOL It is all part of the suspense.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAoELywkxI/AAAAAAAAE0s/cZCvgS4fZQQ/s1600-h/DSCN9577.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323298811902202642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 380px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAoELywkxI/AAAAAAAAE0s/cZCvgS4fZQQ/s400/DSCN9577.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is what was inside my package.....summery placemats from <a href="http://catsnqlts2.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-fun.html">Linda</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAoD08HLxI/AAAAAAAAE0k/Hp1wohihwmo/s1600-h/DSCN9578.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323298805767417618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAoD08HLxI/AAAAAAAAE0k/Hp1wohihwmo/s400/DSCN9578.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There were four placemats in total - one for each member of my family. </div><div> </div><div>Thank you Linda! The applique is fabulous!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAoDrboPzI/AAAAAAAAE0c/NgLiAMp7NrQ/s1600-h/DSCN9579.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323298803215253298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAoDrboPzI/AAAAAAAAE0c/NgLiAMp7NrQ/s400/DSCN9579.JPG" border="0" /></a> Do you remember me teasing with just a sliver of the project I was working on?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://silverthimblequilting.blogspot.com/2009/01/fab-challenge.html">http://silverthimblequilting.blogspot.com/2009/01/fab-challenge.html</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This is a picture of the challenge fabric:</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323430533764066738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 172px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeCf3Z95rbI/AAAAAAAAE2U/vTC4xgZ3pzA/s400/DSCN8675.jpg" border="0" />This is a picture of the project that I made from the challenge fabric for <a href="http://bellcreekquilts.blogspot.com/2009/04/fab-challenge-2-reveal.html">Pat. </a></div><div> </div><div>This picture was taken when the top was still a flimsy, before it was quilted and left my house for Pat's house. The pattern is 4 Patch Stacked Posies from HD Designs. I know that Pat had been admiring the 4 Patch Posie quilts that Linda and I had been working on. Pat wanted to make her own 4 Patch Posie but she is a very disciplined quilter and has a quilting to-do list with at least another 10 quilts on it to make before she was prepared to start one of these. Now Pat has her 4 Patch Posie quilt and she can stay on track with her other 10 projects! </div><div> </div><div>We had to use a large percentage of the 1 yard piece of challenge fabric we received while staying within the theme of summer. A Summer in Winter challenge. Summer to me is all about heat. Heat in colour is red, orange, and yellow. As soon as I received the challenge fabric in the mail I knew instantly what fabric I was going to use with it--this large floral depicting the colours I associate with heat--red, orange, and yellow. <br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAoDr4yKnI/AAAAAAAAE0U/vovWwIJVt6g/s1600-h/DSCN8662+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323298803337538162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAoDr4yKnI/AAAAAAAAE0U/vovWwIJVt6g/s400/DSCN8662+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> This is the same quilt, now quilted at at Pat's house. <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAoDQOYZtI/AAAAAAAAE0M/rcjoS2L9lS8/s1600-h/DSC_041.jpg"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323298998432357522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SeAoPCrA3JI/AAAAAAAAE00/1p9VhrVRrEw/s400/IMG_4253.JPG" border="0" /> This was a great challenge. Thanks to <a href="http://cherzoe.blogspot.com/2009/04/wrapping-up-week-with-reveal.html">Cher</a> and Pat for organizing. </div><div> </div><div>I believe Linda and <a href="http://mycreativemind.pamgwillim.com/?p=1288">Pam</a> are responsible for the next challenge--details TBD in the future.<br /><div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-6271777339346202072009-04-07T20:50:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.484-07:00Is Spring Finally Here?This is the weather that we woke up to on the morning of April 1st. Yes, that is snow! Although it was April Fool's Day, this was no joke! They mentioned on the TV news that we have had 5 months in a row where we have had snow. This is very unusual weather for this part of the country. We are tired of snow!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sdwhs728-OI/AAAAAAAAEzk/AcDhVEVYWPI/s1600-h/this+no+joke+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322165915511224546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sdwhs728-OI/AAAAAAAAEzk/AcDhVEVYWPI/s400/this+no+joke+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> By Saturday (April 4) the weather had improved significantly. I couldn't resist taking a few pictures in the afternoon. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwghsZcG4I/AAAAAAAAEzc/PxJVezuIbts/s1600-h/DSCN9560.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322164622870715266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwghsZcG4I/AAAAAAAAEzc/PxJVezuIbts/s400/DSCN9560.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This is the view that my DD has when she is at work.</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwghW-WxpI/AAAAAAAAEzU/YhuWc-D3uSA/s1600-h/DSCN9564.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322164617119975058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwghW-WxpI/AAAAAAAAEzU/YhuWc-D3uSA/s400/DSCN9564.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwgNk7UwjI/AAAAAAAAEzM/TczJBTFBxMI/s1600-h/DSCN9566.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322164277267972658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwgNk7UwjI/AAAAAAAAEzM/TczJBTFBxMI/s400/DSCN9566.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwgNYeChcI/AAAAAAAAEzE/163T3p1KRFk/s1600-h/DSCN9567.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322164273923917250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwgNYeChcI/AAAAAAAAEzE/163T3p1KRFk/s400/DSCN9567.JPG" border="0" /></a> The red strip in the foreground in this picture is a cranberry field. There are no cranberries at this time of year.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwgNGy6PBI/AAAAAAAAEy8/4vIrat1Fb1g/s1600-h/DSCN9569+-+Copy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322164269179616274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwgNGy6PBI/AAAAAAAAEy8/4vIrat1Fb1g/s400/DSCN9569+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" /></a> A pasture just a little farther down the same road. This is the view I have when driving home from work each day.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwgNDPKQ9I/AAAAAAAAEy0/lkMWRUTgC2g/s1600-h/DSCN9570+-+Copy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322164268224365522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwgNDPKQ9I/AAAAAAAAEy0/lkMWRUTgC2g/s400/DSCN9570+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" /></a> Look on the ground at the base of these trees.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwgM0nLXOI/AAAAAAAAEys/Co-_4DVDLcI/s1600-h/DSCN9571.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322164264298568930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwgM0nLXOI/AAAAAAAAEys/Co-_4DVDLcI/s400/DSCN9571.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is where I found the most beautiful and delicate little blue flowers.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwfgrGV76I/AAAAAAAAEyk/iQ9NscwPURc/s1600-h/DSCN9572.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322163505830686626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwfgrGV76I/AAAAAAAAEyk/iQ9NscwPURc/s400/DSCN9572.JPG" border="0" /></a> And at the base of another tree.....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwfgSinWqI/AAAAAAAAEyc/hI_Pn8Y9NUs/s1600-h/DSCN9573.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322163499238382242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwfgSinWqI/AAAAAAAAEyc/hI_Pn8Y9NUs/s400/DSCN9573.JPG" border="0" /></a> Crocuses--a sure sign of spring.</div><div><br /><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sdwffz8j9wI/AAAAAAAAEyM/_cqHtvrw8us/s1600-h/DSCN9575+-+Copy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322163491025712898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sdwffz8j9wI/AAAAAAAAEyM/_cqHtvrw8us/s400/DSCN9575+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There are no signs of spring in my yard so I headed to the greenhouse to fix that. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwffqECQXI/AAAAAAAAEyE/PDOpNaEzR2E/s1600-h/DSCN9576.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322163488372703602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SdwffqECQXI/AAAAAAAAEyE/PDOpNaEzR2E/s400/DSCN9576.JPG" border="0" /></a> We have had nice warm weather with no sign of snow since Friday. Let's hope that Spring decides to stay and the cold weather and snow is gone till winter! <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-13355193599707407032009-04-07T20:02:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.484-07:00Sewing and Crafts ShowLast Friday (April 3), I headed down the Valley from where I live to attend the Sewing and Crafts Show.<br /><div></div><br /><div>The show was smaller in size this year than previous years. However, despite the smaller size, I still managed to convince some fabric to follow me home. I also purchased a new book that has me excited about starting a new quilt or two--Bargello Quilts With a Twist by Maggie Ball. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322167238136436610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sdwi57BYF4I/AAAAAAAAEz0/3Kmm7mEIBqs/s400/613tj0huOyL__SL500_AA240_.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>I met several of my quilting "buddies" at the show and enjoyed a visit over a cup of coffee with DL and EH. While sitting in the coffee shop visiting, we spied a couple of ladies sporting the greatest jackets. I was able to convince the ladies to pose for me, showing their backsides and the artwork on their jackets. It turns out that the lady on the left in the grey hair made both jackets--one for herself and one for her good quilting friend (pictured on the right). The lady on the right told me she has the greatest friend--and I would have to agree! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sdwh7awFgiI/AAAAAAAAEzs/KFSqT-aqebw/s1600-h/DSCN9559.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322166164322091554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sdwh7awFgiI/AAAAAAAAEzs/KFSqT-aqebw/s400/DSCN9559.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Chickens and quilts just has to be the best combination. Thank you to the anonymous "Quilt Chicks"!<br /><div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-21152930775250522312009-03-22T19:54:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.484-07:00International Quilting WeekendSaturday, March 21, 2009 was National Quilting Day in the US. I noticed another Canadian blogger who referred to Saturday as INTERNATIONAL Quilting Day and I feel a little like her and think this should be more than an event limited just to the US. Given all the good that quilters do worldwide for their communities, we should be recognizing quilting world wide and the day should be changed to International Quilting Day!<br /><br />I told my mother that it was International Quilting Day and she asked me what I was going to do. I told her that I was going to quilt of course! And quilt I did. I joined <a href="http://catsnqlts2.blogspot.com/">http://catsnqlts2.blogspot.com/</a> in a Move It Forward Challenge. We challenged one another to pick a UFO and move it forward from pieces of fabric sitting in a box on the shelf to at least the flimsy stage. <br /><br />Friday night I had put the finishing stitches in a quilt that Linda and I had worked together on previously - on Super Bowl Sunday in 2008. As I quilted Linda's quilt I thought about the fun we had making our quilt tops together--Linda in the southern US and me in Canada, connected only through our computers and the Internet. What fun we had planning our quilts and working together through some of the challenges of the pattern. We ended up with a flimsy each. I quilted my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bargellobowl</span> quilt last weekend and this weekend, I finished up Linda's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bargellobowl</span> quilt. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb7CZrMv3I/AAAAAAAAEx8/g8ebhY8RmZk/s1600-h/DSCN9550.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316212428827836274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb7CZrMv3I/AAAAAAAAEx8/g8ebhY8RmZk/s400/DSCN9550.jpg" border="0" /></a> Linda's quilt is large--approx. 90 inches square. This quilt was so large that my daughter's arm span was not large enough for her to act as the official quilt hanger. So for the picture, we put the quilt on the floor. As you can see, Joey is walking the border, doing his customary quilt inspection. <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb7B9TZUXI/AAAAAAAAEx0/H0lxVHOhM1o/s1600-h/DSCN9551.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316212421211804018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb7B9TZUXI/AAAAAAAAEx0/H0lxVHOhM1o/s400/DSCN9551.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb7Bl0CkaI/AAAAAAAAExs/5LCG9jbVv0k/s1600-h/DSCN9552.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316212414906274210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb7Bl0CkaI/AAAAAAAAExs/5LCG9jbVv0k/s400/DSCN9552.jpg" border="0" /></a> Once the pictures were taken, I packaged up the quilt and headed off to the post office. Linda's quilt is now on its way back to her. It still seems surreal that the quilt that had only existed as pictures on the Internet up until now was actually in my hands, thousands of miles away from where it was pieced. Linda's quilt is full of memories--there are fabrics in there from the FAB stashes, her Mom's stash, and it now has my quilting stitches holding the sandwich together. So I started the Move It Forward Challenge by helping a fellow FAB move her flimsy one step closer to being a finished quilt.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6ut5ijhI/AAAAAAAAExk/OJ5aFvc7w_U/s1600-h/DSCN9558.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316212090659311122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 366px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6ut5ijhI/AAAAAAAAExk/OJ5aFvc7w_U/s400/DSCN9558.jpg" border="0" /></a> The next project I tackled was taming the overflowing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">unruly</span> box of string pieced rectangles that I have been working on over time. When I am looking for a mindless project to do where I don't have to match anything or concentrate much, I work on string piecing scraps to used Color Catcher sheets. Once I have a stack, I trim them up to 4" x 9" .<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6uAtzj9I/AAAAAAAAExc/EsgEuE0THA4/s1600-h/DSCN9557.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316212078530498514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6uAtzj9I/AAAAAAAAExc/EsgEuE0THA4/s400/DSCN9557.jpg" border="0" /></a> These are the stacks of blocks that I trimmed up on Saturday. Each stack is at least 3" high. Linda asked me what I had planned for these blocks. I was just going to sash and cornerstone them into a simple top. Linda asked if I had thought of making a Railroad Crossing quilt. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6jgxZh8I/AAAAAAAAExU/FhwmZwZP2KI/s1600-h/RR+Crossing+for+Norma+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316211898156943298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 335px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6jgxZh8I/AAAAAAAAExU/FhwmZwZP2KI/s400/RR+Crossing+for+Norma+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a> After searching the Internet for ideas and swapping pictures of quilts back and forth, I came across a quilt with pink and tan alternating squares that I fell in love with. It wasn't long and Linda sent me this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">EQ</span> drawing of a quilt similar to the one that I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">fell</span> in love with. With this drawing it is easy for me to figure out how many squares of what fabric I need and just how many of the string pieced bits that I need. It is obvious to me now that I have enough string pieced bits to make about three of these quilts!</div><div> </div><div>This is very typical of what happens when Linda and I get together and start discussing quilts and quilting. We start with one idea and the next thing you know the pattern ideas are flying back and forth over the Internet and we both have a few more quilts added to our Quilting To Do list! It is great to have someone to bounce your ideas off of.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6YicUUxI/AAAAAAAAExM/HKiHS42pn3Q/s1600-h/DSCN9554.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316211709626831634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 388px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6YicUUxI/AAAAAAAAExM/HKiHS42pn3Q/s400/DSCN9554.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The UFOs that I decided to move forward were my Easter table toppers. This first topper is for me. It was previously just a flimsy and Saturday I managed to get it quilted. Sunday I machine stitched the binding to the front of the quilt. That pink strip around the perimeter of the topper is the binding ready to be hand stitched to the back of the quilt.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6YtB4trI/AAAAAAAAExE/Dl77SroxdDw/s1600-h/DSCN9555.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316211712468760242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 392px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6YtB4trI/AAAAAAAAExE/Dl77SroxdDw/s400/DSCN9555.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This second topper is for my Mother. The fabrics are those that my mom bought while we were on our recent trip to Arizona. I managed to piece and quilt this topper on Saturday. This topper is also ready for the hand stitching of the binding to the back of the quilt.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6XyrnrhI/AAAAAAAAEw8/Obf8wEyVwfE/s1600-h/DSCN9556.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316211696806112786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 395px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6XyrnrhI/AAAAAAAAEw8/Obf8wEyVwfE/s400/DSCN9556.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is a picture of the cute fabric that is on the back of both toppers.<br /></div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6HB_ls6I/AAAAAAAAEw0/mYK9ZuQOPgo/s1600-h/DSCN9553.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316211408858624930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 390px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb6HB_ls6I/AAAAAAAAEw0/mYK9ZuQOPgo/s400/DSCN9553.jpg" border="0" /></a> The members of my local Monday night quilt group have decided that they would like to make some quilts together. We have picked Bonnie's Scrappy Trips pattern. I have decided to make my quilt out of fabric in my stash. I have a huge collection of floral fat quarters that I am cutting 2 1/2" strips from for this project and 4 1/2" strips from for a future project - Terry Atkinson's<br />Daisy Chain. While putting together this first block on Sunday night, I remarked to Linda that maybe I should make the center squares on my blocks out of green fabrics in order to tame some of the chaos caused by all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">florals</span> that I am using. I was asking Linda what she thought of my idea.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb5-VQ9mEI/AAAAAAAAEws/lJJSbvLOchE/s1600-h/scrappy+trips+for+Norma.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316211259412944962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Scb5-VQ9mEI/AAAAAAAAEws/lJJSbvLOchE/s400/scrappy+trips+for+Norma.jpg" border="0" /></a> Before I knew it, Linda had drawn up this diagram in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">EQ</span> to give me some idea of what my idea might look like.</div><div> </div><div>So, what started as National Quilting Day ended up as International Quilting Weekend! It is great to celebrate time to quilt together with friends - no matter where they live! <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-63989918793154936302009-03-22T19:13:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.484-07:00Guild NightWednesday, March 18 was our monthly guild meeting. Our guest speakers were some of our members who presented their pieces that they have created together as a group as they have worked together through some art quilting books.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxznffvvI/AAAAAAAAEwk/_X5bYKkn-Y8/s1600-h/DSCN9534.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316202279234158322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxznffvvI/AAAAAAAAEwk/_X5bYKkn-Y8/s400/DSCN9534.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxzmlQT4I/AAAAAAAAEwc/0pIoTPvQ6-o/s1600-h/DSCN9535.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316202278989877122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxzmlQT4I/AAAAAAAAEwc/0pIoTPvQ6-o/s400/DSCN9535.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxyvVNOAI/AAAAAAAAEwU/ydxPNaYKeiM/s1600-h/DSCN9536.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316202264158615554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxyvVNOAI/AAAAAAAAEwU/ydxPNaYKeiM/s400/DSCN9536.JPG" border="0" /></a> Later, a couple of the members disclosed during show and tell that sometimes they incorporate some unusual elements into their quilted pieces--in this case it was Guinness beer cans. They have discovered that after being heated with a torch a Guinness can turns into a bronze/gold coloured medallion shape. Interesting for sure!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxbRWOQzI/AAAAAAAAEwM/LHxMDREK7bo/s1600-h/DSCN9545.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316201860972823346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxbRWOQzI/AAAAAAAAEwM/LHxMDREK7bo/s400/DSCN9545.JPG" border="0" /></a>The highlight of the evening was after show and tell when all the We Care quilts that had been handed in that night were held up for display. We had 32 quilts turned in at this meeting and once we had them all held up, they circled the hall.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxSccDfRI/AAAAAAAAEwE/7fRyB0H00No/s1600-h/DSCN9544.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316201709331250450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxSccDfRI/AAAAAAAAEwE/7fRyB0H00No/s400/DSCN9544.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxITA5tlI/AAAAAAAAEv8/srGBqPYEusE/s1600-h/DSCN9542.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316201535002752594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxITA5tlI/AAAAAAAAEv8/srGBqPYEusE/s400/DSCN9542.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxIBWHltI/AAAAAAAAEv0/MDzluAvavhI/s1600-h/DSCN9540.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316201530259904210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxIBWHltI/AAAAAAAAEv0/MDzluAvavhI/s400/DSCN9540.JPG" border="0" /></a> You will recognize some of the quilts from the workshop we had earlier this month.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxHo7IrgI/AAAAAAAAEvs/V-GuOYhiqHI/s1600-h/DSCN9539.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316201523704278530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxHo7IrgI/AAAAAAAAEvs/V-GuOYhiqHI/s400/DSCN9539.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxG2VmPbI/AAAAAAAAEvk/-jl2dOJ6iUY/s1600-h/DSCN9538.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316201510125059506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxG2VmPbI/AAAAAAAAEvk/-jl2dOJ6iUY/s400/DSCN9538.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxGUIrLjI/AAAAAAAAEvc/m0ne1mS4Q4Y/s1600-h/DSCN9537.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316201500944051762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/ScbxGUIrLjI/AAAAAAAAEvc/m0ne1mS4Q4Y/s400/DSCN9537.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-39394502883176078942009-03-15T10:13:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.484-07:00Bargellobowl<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb04c2z3qCI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/rEdNoQh78mg/s1600-h/DSCN9532.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313465203767617570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 392px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb04c2z3qCI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/rEdNoQh78mg/s400/DSCN9532.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last night I took the last of the machine quilting stitches in my Scrappy Bargello quilt. This quit was started during Superbowl Sunday on Feb, 3, 2008 as part of Bargellobowl. </div><div></div><div><a href="http://silverthimblequilting.blogspot.com/2008/02/bargellowbowl-08.html">http://silverthimblequilting.blogspot.com/2008/02/bargellowbowl-08.html</a> </div><div></div><div>Bargellobowl was an group of quilters organized through the Internet who would rather quilt than watch the Superbowl. The pattern is Scrappy Bargello and is from Bonnie Hunter's website. My version of this quilt is made from scraps of Christmas fabrics. This quilt was quilted with the Circle Lord Baptist Fan template.</div><div></div><div>It is rare lately for me to take the time to quilt one of my own flimsies. I have a stack of customer quilts to work on, but I thought I would warm up the machine on one of my own quilts first. Today, will be spent working on quilts for others. </div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-37735514107358602172009-03-15T10:09:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.484-07:00Happy Birthday Mom!Yesterday was my Mom's birthday. <br /><br />My brother was here for a short visit with his family before they headed out for a family vacation so we took advantage of the photo opportunity.<br /><br />Here is Mom with her daughter (me) and her son.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb02k5pEqCI/AAAAAAAAEvI/45akULwJtlw/s1600-h/DSCN9526.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313463142943336482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb02k5pEqCI/AAAAAAAAEvI/45akULwJtlw/s400/DSCN9526.JPG" border="0" /></a> We took another shot adding Dad to the mix.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb02j2MC0SI/AAAAAAAAEvA/jGX7yu0AW8U/s1600-h/DSCN9529.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313463124836405538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb02j2MC0SI/AAAAAAAAEvA/jGX7yu0AW8U/s400/DSCN9529.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-88288669018327632852009-03-15T09:41:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:22:21.484-07:00Annual Guild We Care WorkshopLast Saturday (March 7), our quilt guild hosted their annual We Care Workshop. Every year our guild rents a hall and members bring their sewing machines, irons, and other supplies for a day of fun sewing together with the objective of making as many charity quilts for our We Care Program as possible.<br /><br />This year's quilt was inspired by Julie Higgins' Square Deal quilt pattern which appeared in the October / November 2008 issue of Quick Quilts magazine. The We Care Committee modified the size and number of the blocks to suit our needs.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0yu2gyLJI/AAAAAAAAEu4/XRl8V7GvjcU/s1600-h/QQMP-081100-square-01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313458915855445138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0yu2gyLJI/AAAAAAAAEu4/XRl8V7GvjcU/s400/QQMP-081100-square-01.jpg" border="0" /></a> You can see the sample quilt in the background of this picture.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0xe4bVCbI/AAAAAAAAEuw/WuehSmBBlpc/s1600-h/DSCN9521.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313457541979900338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0xe4bVCbI/AAAAAAAAEuw/WuehSmBBlpc/s400/DSCN9521.JPG" border="0" /></a> As always, the committee had kits all prepared for the workshop participants. All the pieces we needed to start sewing our quilt tops were pre-cut and labeled for us in zip lock bags. The efficiency and organization of our committee members enables us to be more productive, finishing our quilt tops before the end of the day. </div><div> </div><div>I took pictures of the members working on their quilts. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0xerBZV3I/AAAAAAAAEuo/mIKS9Zmb5yY/s1600-h/DSCN9522.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313457538381469554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0xerBZV3I/AAAAAAAAEuo/mIKS9Zmb5yY/s400/DSCN9522.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0xd7CgoBI/AAAAAAAAEug/fqYTfp7udWE/s1600-h/DSCN9523.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313457525501239314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0xd7CgoBI/AAAAAAAAEug/fqYTfp7udWE/s400/DSCN9523.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0xddpTQVI/AAAAAAAAEuY/Jka_C-5Tot8/s1600-h/DSCN9525.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313457517610877266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0xddpTQVI/AAAAAAAAEuY/Jka_C-5Tot8/s400/DSCN9525.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0xc_xFunI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/BMEsgN_nnXI/s1600-h/DSCN9524.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313457509590481522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0xc_xFunI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/BMEsgN_nnXI/s400/DSCN9524.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0wxFRuHuI/AAAAAAAAEuI/EDJA3YsVoi0/s1600-h/DSCN9520.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313456755155279586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0wxFRuHuI/AAAAAAAAEuI/EDJA3YsVoi0/s400/DSCN9520.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0wwbQY4RI/AAAAAAAAEuA/fykcTdOvbXY/s1600-h/DSCN9516.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313456743875404050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0wwbQY4RI/AAAAAAAAEuA/fykcTdOvbXY/s400/DSCN9516.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0wwBRo9hI/AAAAAAAAEt4/PiiDMzKw3_Y/s1600-h/DSCN9517.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313456736901330450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0wwBRo9hI/AAAAAAAAEt4/PiiDMzKw3_Y/s400/DSCN9517.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0wvu9g71I/AAAAAAAAEtw/JYNEzr3ssxE/s1600-h/DSCN9518.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313456731985080146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0wvu9g71I/AAAAAAAAEtw/JYNEzr3ssxE/s400/DSCN9518.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0wvI5nPnI/AAAAAAAAEto/-vrLUBHknPk/s1600-h/DSCN9519.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313456721768169074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0wvI5nPnI/AAAAAAAAEto/-vrLUBHknPk/s400/DSCN9519.JPG" border="0" /></a>This was one of the first finished flimsies of the day. I missed getting pictures of the rest of the quilt tops.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0wKU1B-AI/AAAAAAAAEtg/1ll4dF8atXQ/s1600-h/DSCN9515.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313456089315014658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0wKU1B-AI/AAAAAAAAEtg/1ll4dF8atXQ/s400/DSCN9515.JPG" border="0" /></a>I finished putting the last stitches in the binding on my quilt early this morning. This is my DD playing the role of quilt hanger so I can snap this picture of my finished quilt. I will be able to turn my quilt in at the next guild meeting on Wednesday night.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0v75fufQI/AAAAAAAAEtY/oW2V8jUvYXw/s1600-h/DSCN9533.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313455841459731714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/Sb0v75fufQI/AAAAAAAAEtY/oW2V8jUvYXw/s400/DSCN9533.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-14395992194623718912009-03-01T13:00:00.000-08:002009-06-23T20:22:21.485-07:00Vacation - Part 10The morning of Day 6 we headed out for a guided city tour of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaIVWn3g41I/AAAAAAAAEno/HuPZSILjcGg/s1600-h/DSCN1823.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305826789398995794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaIVWn3g41I/AAAAAAAAEno/HuPZSILjcGg/s400/DSCN1823.JPG" border="0" /></a> One of the stops along our guided tour was at Echo Canyon Park on Cambelback Mountain. I don't have any distance shots of this mountain, but Camelback Mountain was named because it looks the the 2 humps and head of a bactrian camel. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaIVWWiJ4xI/AAAAAAAAEng/oL9R06IdkEg/s1600-h/DSCN9286.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305826784746005266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaIVWWiJ4xI/AAAAAAAAEng/oL9R06IdkEg/s400/DSCN9286.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is our step-aboard guide for the city tour. He is standing next to the skeleton of a Saguaro (pronounced sah-wah-ro) cactus. The main stems of the Saguaro are supported by these woody ribs. The Saguaro has a huge capacity to store water which allows it to flower every year in May and June, regardless of rainfall. The Saguaro has a very shallow root system.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaIVWE35ZBI/AAAAAAAAEnY/G4UZUHa_3Xs/s1600-h/DSCN9289.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305826780005360658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaIVWE35ZBI/AAAAAAAAEnY/G4UZUHa_3Xs/s400/DSCN9289.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Saguaro is protected in the state of Arizona so you can not just go out into the desert, find one, dig it up and plant it in your yard. Saguaros can only be purchased from someone who has a permit to sell and transport them. When transplanting a Saguaro, the original orientation of the plant to the sun must be respected in its new location. The side of the cactus that was facing east in its original location must also be the side of the cactus that faces east in its new location. </div><div> </div><div>The Saguaro provides habitat for many animals. The Gila woodpecker creates many of the nest holes that you see in the mature cacti. East year the woodpecker creates a new hole and either insects or lizards take over the old hole. </div><div> </div><div>Although slow growing--about an inch a year--the Saguaro cactus can reach heights of 15 to 50 feet. The larger plants with more than 5 arms are estimated to be at least 200 years old. At 50 to 65 years of age and 6 meters in height, the Saguaro develops its first arm. </div><div> </div><div>The Saguaro can be the dominant feature of the landscape. However, it almost always is accompanied by a high concentration of desert trees. These trees are supported by a high rainfall twice a year in the spring and autumn. These trees act as "nurse plants" to the young Saguaro seedlings by protecting them from being eaten by animals and also by providing shade and humus rich moisture retentive soil in which the seedlings can develop. <br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaIVWBi78cI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/E9SGymVnZ_g/s1600-h/DSCN9292.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305826779112141250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaIVWBi78cI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/E9SGymVnZ_g/s400/DSCN9292.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDu1hHy9gI/AAAAAAAAEmI/gGripOOKPoU/s1600-h/DSCN9301.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305502964233991682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDu1hHy9gI/AAAAAAAAEmI/gGripOOKPoU/s400/DSCN9301.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is another of the many cacti species that we saw in the park.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDu1UWfQiI/AAAAAAAAEmA/-9-9a-LS2fo/s1600-h/DSCN9304.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305502960805954082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDu1UWfQiI/AAAAAAAAEmA/-9-9a-LS2fo/s400/DSCN9304.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDu1DNIWaI/AAAAAAAAEl4/cY30giPMegs/s1600-h/DSCN9305_revised.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305502956203301282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDu1DNIWaI/AAAAAAAAEl4/cY30giPMegs/s400/DSCN9305_revised.jpg" border="0" /></a>The red rocks of Camelback Mountain give the landscape a moon-like appearance.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDu1LRCz9I/AAAAAAAAElw/xzUgOSS9s4Q/s1600-h/DSCN9337.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305502958367199186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDu1LRCz9I/AAAAAAAAElw/xzUgOSS9s4Q/s400/DSCN9337.jpg" border="0" /></a> After the remainder of the city tour of Tempe and Phoenix, we stopped at Old Towne Scottsdale.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDs5p-pzeI/AAAAAAAAElo/c4nr69TjtpE/s1600-h/DSCN9338.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305500836307783138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDs5p-pzeI/AAAAAAAAElo/c4nr69TjtpE/s400/DSCN9338.jpg" border="0" /></a> We enjoyed walking up and down the streets and browsing in many of the shops and galleries.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDs5Sa_rrI/AAAAAAAAElg/MlcC1h0E18M/s1600-h/DSCN9339.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305500829984206514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDs5Sa_rrI/AAAAAAAAElg/MlcC1h0E18M/s400/DSCN9339.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDs5EyyYBI/AAAAAAAAElY/mEiryiiIjQE/s1600-h/DSCN9330_revised.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305500826325901330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDs5EyyYBI/AAAAAAAAElY/mEiryiiIjQE/s400/DSCN9330_revised.jpg" border="0" /></a>Many of the boulevards and street corners are landscaped with the most interesting varieties of cacti.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDs4o0Bx5I/AAAAAAAAElQ/jwhsPTbb1wc/s1600-h/DSCN9331_revised.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305500818814912402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 359px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDs4o0Bx5I/AAAAAAAAElQ/jwhsPTbb1wc/s400/DSCN9331_revised.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDs4g6SrWI/AAAAAAAAElI/YHsvA4ea9Kc/s1600-h/DSCN9340.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305500816693701986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDs4g6SrWI/AAAAAAAAElI/YHsvA4ea9Kc/s400/DSCN9340.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDsN_OOzJI/AAAAAAAAElA/2ibRxgS-0JQ/s1600-h/DSCN9342_revised.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305500086096022674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 353px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDsN_OOzJI/AAAAAAAAElA/2ibRxgS-0JQ/s400/DSCN9342_revised.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDsN1s7caI/AAAAAAAAEk4/mgvTGwR4XKs/s1600-h/DSCN9344.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305500083540423074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDsN1s7caI/AAAAAAAAEk4/mgvTGwR4XKs/s400/DSCN9344.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a cactus called, Organ Pipe.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDsNvUorhI/AAAAAAAAEkw/aN5yiNJI8Do/s1600-h/DSCN9345.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305500081827917330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDsNvUorhI/AAAAAAAAEkw/aN5yiNJI8Do/s400/DSCN9345.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDsNEkCEqI/AAAAAAAAEko/RvUcwX9wBiU/s1600-h/DSCN9346_revised.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305500070349771426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDsNEkCEqI/AAAAAAAAEko/RvUcwX9wBiU/s400/DSCN9346_revised.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDsNLzolSI/AAAAAAAAEkg/js3NEDAQM5k/s1600-h/DSCN9347.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305500072294257954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDsNLzolSI/AAAAAAAAEkg/js3NEDAQM5k/s400/DSCN9347.JPG" border="0" /></a>An interesting bloom on a cactus next to a bistro.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDrn--MQnI/AAAAAAAAEkY/OAbjDyqA-nY/s1600-h/DSCN9373.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305499433193718386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 334px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDrn--MQnI/AAAAAAAAEkY/OAbjDyqA-nY/s400/DSCN9373.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our evening meal was at Organ Stop Pizza. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDrnvSTs5I/AAAAAAAAEkQ/m_EyBYDoW5s/s1600-h/DSCN9376.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305499428983124882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDrnvSTs5I/AAAAAAAAEkQ/m_EyBYDoW5s/s400/DSCN9376.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDrnXZPyzI/AAAAAAAAEkI/a8CJZkLBEjM/s1600-h/DSCN9380.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305499422569777970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDrnXZPyzI/AAAAAAAAEkI/a8CJZkLBEjM/s400/DSCN9380.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDrnVLR1SI/AAAAAAAAEkA/oc7BRAZaufs/s1600-h/DSCN1840.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305499421974320418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDrnVLR1SI/AAAAAAAAEkA/oc7BRAZaufs/s400/DSCN1840.JPG" border="0" /></a> Basically, this is a pizza parlour inside of an organ. Organ Stop Pizza is the home of the world's largest Wurlitzer pipe organ. As the performance starts, the pedestal that the organ player is sitting on rotates and rises up from the well. This was a fabulous show as the organist played requests and finished with both the Canadian and American national anthems. <br /><br /><div>As Canadians, we felt both welcomed and appreciated. The Organ Stop Pizza is an experience not to be missed if you are ever in the Mesa area. <a href="http://www.organstoppizza.com/">http://www.organstoppizza.com/</a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-12714149422092315722009-03-01T09:58:00.000-08:002009-06-23T20:22:21.485-07:00Cheese and Crackers & Table Toppers<div>If you have been a regular reader of this blog for some time, you will think that I stopped quilting in 2009. There have been many posts about snow and travel. Although there has been plenty of both of those things going on, I have also been doing a bit of quilting. I am going to interrupt the vacation photos with a quilting post. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>First, I finished off the FAB Summer Challenge and mailed it off to Pat on January 14, just before we left on vacation. I can't show pictures of the Challenge until after the reveal. Cher has been temporarily slowed down due to a cast on her hand/arm so we have postponed the reveal until she is out of the cast and has a chance to catch up. 2009 has been declared the "Year of the FAB" and in the spirit of the Musketeers it is, "All for one and one for all" when it comes to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">FABs</span>. No FAB shall be left behind so we will reveal sometime in the future. I have received my package from Linda and it is safely stored out of sight and out of temptation's way until the reveal date and time.</div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOhuyqFjI/AAAAAAAAEpw/CWlI4i6DCkc/s1600-h/DSCN9506.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308282189701060146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOhuyqFjI/AAAAAAAAEpw/CWlI4i6DCkc/s400/DSCN9506.JPG" border="0" /></a> Couldn't resist taking this picture. Here is the master of all he surveys. This is Joey who insisted in being involved in the taking of pictures today. I did manage to crop him out of most of the pictures, but if you look close, he isn't far away.<br /></div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOhF63SVI/AAAAAAAAEpo/Zp9ROIHfKEs/s1600-h/DSCN9501.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308282178729625938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOhF63SVI/AAAAAAAAEpo/Zp9ROIHfKEs/s400/DSCN9501.JPG" border="0" /></a> This was the first bed size flimsy finish for 2009. Some of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">FABs</span> have wanted to make this pattern for a while and they patiently waited for me to return from vacation before starting this quilt. This quilt top was started three weekends ago. Thanks to the encouragement and cheering of the rest of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">FABs</span>, this top was finished last night. The quilt pattern is called, Cheese and Crackers and is from Atkinson Designs. Terry Atkinson's directions for this pattern were perfect. I was nervous that I might have to ease in the outer pieced border to the inner solid border. Nope, no easing was necessary, everything fit perfectly. The pressing directions make things go together so easily. If you do exactly as Terry tells you in her pattern, you will not be disappointed in the finished quilt.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308285800223683154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 358px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarRz5CVMlI/AAAAAAAAEp4/V2Hd9nv9q34/s400/ATK-135-Large.gif" border="0" /><br />This is a picture of the pattern jacket. Terry Atkinson's picture is much better than mine. I tried to take a picture of the quilt top on my bed. Either the bedroom is too small or the quilt is too big. Either way, I can't get the whole quilt in the picture. This quilt top is queen size finishing at approx. 93" x 103".</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOMZyKBBI/AAAAAAAAEpg/B22KBwKEPik/s1600-h/DSCN9504.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308281823284560914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOMZyKBBI/AAAAAAAAEpg/B22KBwKEPik/s400/DSCN9504.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Next I moved the quilt top to the living room floor. The bright spots are the sun shining in through the windows. I closed the blinds and the sun was still bright enough to play with the light on the quilt. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOL6G34vI/AAAAAAAAEpY/H1UZ4THDELI/s1600-h/DSCN9505.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308281814781518578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOL6G34vI/AAAAAAAAEpY/H1UZ4THDELI/s400/DSCN9505.JPG" border="0" /></a> One of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">FABs</span> has taken to calling this quilt Cheese Spread. Another is calling her version Blueberry Spread as she is working in a blue and white pallet. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOLV7L8aI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/Ui9hYfbMhaM/s1600-h/DSCN9507.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308281805068824994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOLV7L8aI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/Ui9hYfbMhaM/s400/DSCN9507.JPG" border="0" /></a> So I kept taking more pictures, changing the angle a bit each time to see if it made a difference. It doesn't seem to make a difference, the quilt is beautiful, but the pictures are crap. In the words of a famous quilter, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">IIWII</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">LOL</span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOK4Wq_oI/AAAAAAAAEpI/MMZVrBQvGQI/s1600-h/DSCN9502.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308281797131042434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOK4Wq_oI/AAAAAAAAEpI/MMZVrBQvGQI/s400/DSCN9502.JPG" border="0" /></a> My daughter refers to this quilt as the bug-eyed bunny quilt. When you look at the bunnies on the fabric they do have rather odd eyes.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOKe9yQgI/AAAAAAAAEpA/v3X_MXjkVWU/s1600-h/DSCN9503.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308281790315774466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarOKe9yQgI/AAAAAAAAEpA/v3X_MXjkVWU/s400/DSCN9503.JPG" border="0" /></a> I must have found those bunnies charming because I bought more than one colour-way of that fabric. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">LOL</span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarNT2ThT7I/AAAAAAAAEo4/GCtMEppw4Kw/s1600-h/DSCN9509.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308280851688148914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 351px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarNT2ThT7I/AAAAAAAAEo4/GCtMEppw4Kw/s400/DSCN9509.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I also finished my Valentine table topper. Some of these fabrics were gifted from Pam and some were purchased on my recent vacation. This table topper was not finished in time for Valentine's Day this year; but it is finished in time for Valentine's Day next year!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarNTVaYGHI/AAAAAAAAEow/BvAOzqTIrBo/s1600-h/DSCN9510.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308280842858535026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarNTVaYGHI/AAAAAAAAEow/BvAOzqTIrBo/s400/DSCN9510.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the reverse side.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarNSyZU9zI/AAAAAAAAEoo/Nw9H2kIqX6Y/s1600-h/DSCN9511.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308280833458894642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarNSyZU9zI/AAAAAAAAEoo/Nw9H2kIqX6Y/s400/DSCN9511.JPG" border="0" /></a> I just love those ladybugs!.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarNSoA0dEI/AAAAAAAAEog/VjzjhT7l_Kw/s1600-h/DSCN9512.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308280830671746114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 388px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarNSoA0dEI/AAAAAAAAEog/VjzjhT7l_Kw/s400/DSCN9512.JPG" border="0" /></a> I am on a roll with table toppers. This is an Easter table topper that is finished to the flimsy stage. This one will be for my table.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarNSfOs8rI/AAAAAAAAEoY/yMVEfd0cIMc/s1600-h/DSCN9513.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308280828314055346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 284px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SarNSfOs8rI/AAAAAAAAEoY/yMVEfd0cIMc/s400/DSCN9513.JPG" border="0" /></a> These are fabrics for the second one I will make. This one will be for my mother's table. <br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-49220719640844874322009-02-25T18:16:00.000-08:002009-06-23T20:22:21.485-07:00I Wish I Was Still In ArizonaI have been busy lately going through my vacation photos of my recent trip to Arizona and California. I still have more to share with you, but it takes time to sort through them and then post to Blogger.<br /><br />The pictures in today's post look like pictures I would have taken in December. Nope, these pictures were taken this afternoon! Here we are back in the middle of the cold, wintry, snowy weather.<br /><br />I am going to go back to looking through those vacation photos and dreaming of the warm sunny skies that I recently experienced in Arizona.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaXuGY-Q92I/AAAAAAAAEoQ/8Aajla5zQos/s1600-h/DSCN9500.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306909529476233058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaXuGY-Q92I/AAAAAAAAEoQ/8Aajla5zQos/s400/DSCN9500.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaXuGE93phI/AAAAAAAAEoI/opQuI2YmMgE/s1600-h/DSCN9499.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306909524105864722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaXuGE93phI/AAAAAAAAEoI/opQuI2YmMgE/s400/DSCN9499.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaXuF0yuSDI/AAAAAAAAEoA/pio5QftIEB4/s1600-h/DSCN9498.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306909519764146226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaXuF0yuSDI/AAAAAAAAEoA/pio5QftIEB4/s400/DSCN9498.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaXuFqkE0YI/AAAAAAAAEn4/wegUlgdAJTU/s1600-h/DSCN9497.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306909517018354050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaXuFqkE0YI/AAAAAAAAEn4/wegUlgdAJTU/s400/DSCN9497.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaXuFfdRWvI/AAAAAAAAEnw/ZplpO80cHmA/s1600-h/DSCN9495.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306909514037025522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaXuFfdRWvI/AAAAAAAAEnw/ZplpO80cHmA/s400/DSCN9495.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-73913177512888961252009-02-22T08:04:00.000-08:002009-06-23T20:22:21.485-07:00Vacation - Part 9<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaITjnWYxdI/AAAAAAAAEnI/F5zZAzn-ugA/s1600-h/DSCN9368.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305824813575095762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaITjnWYxdI/AAAAAAAAEnI/F5zZAzn-ugA/s400/DSCN9368.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaISEVk8VEI/AAAAAAAAEm4/0eS-vDKUZak/s1600-h/DSCN9353.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305823176716735554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaISEVk8VEI/AAAAAAAAEm4/0eS-vDKUZak/s400/DSCN9353.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaISEJHYRJI/AAAAAAAAEmw/wivlNY9WIrw/s1600-h/DSCN9352.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305823173371511954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaISEJHYRJI/AAAAAAAAEmw/wivlNY9WIrw/s400/DSCN9352.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDa7MconiI/AAAAAAAAEjg/NGiBi_z7ZU4/s1600-h/DSCN9354.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305481071530909218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDa7MconiI/AAAAAAAAEjg/NGiBi_z7ZU4/s400/DSCN9354.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDagKFGxKI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/-xwwFijBoWI/s1600-h/DSCN9356.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305480607038882978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDagKFGxKI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/-xwwFijBoWI/s400/DSCN9356.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDafr3E4DI/AAAAAAAAEjI/ak6FrRM_TfA/s1600-h/DSCN9357.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305480598926975026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDafr3E4DI/AAAAAAAAEjI/ak6FrRM_TfA/s400/DSCN9357.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDafcPOQjI/AAAAAAAAEjA/DB8CiufEWV0/s1600-h/DSCN9366.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305480594733285938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDafcPOQjI/AAAAAAAAEjA/DB8CiufEWV0/s400/DSCN9366.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDafJOeZ0I/AAAAAAAAEi4/jUaSl-PEi7w/s1600-h/DSCN9367.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305480589629876034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDafJOeZ0I/AAAAAAAAEi4/jUaSl-PEi7w/s400/DSCN9367.JPG" border="0" /></a> The first 8 pictures in this post are pictures of the grounds around our hotel in Mesa. We stayed in Mesa for 7 nights at the Best Western Dobson Ranch Inn. <a href="http://www.dobsonranchinn.com/">http://www.dobsonranchinn.com/</a></div><div> </div><div>I couldn't resist going for a walk through the neighbourhood near our hotel. I love the simplicity of the landscaping in some of the yards I saw. If I lived here, I would definitely have one of these Saguaro cacti in my yard!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305823774082137906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaISnG78_zI/AAAAAAAAEnA/i73qSGTdPIk/s400/DSCN9358_revised.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDQ5taMeYI/AAAAAAAAEio/dk9N2gJswo0/s1600-h/DSCN9360.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305470050903030146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDQ5taMeYI/AAAAAAAAEio/dk9N2gJswo0/s400/DSCN9360.JPG" border="0" /></a> Citrus trees in back yards were very common.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDQ5rjbBjI/AAAAAAAAEig/Fy97UbAJtqY/s1600-h/DSCN9363.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305470050404861490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDQ5rjbBjI/AAAAAAAAEig/Fy97UbAJtqY/s400/DSCN9363.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDQ5d7cptI/AAAAAAAAEiY/ZnT0nw3WVtc/s1600-h/DSCN9364.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305470046747535058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDQ5d7cptI/AAAAAAAAEiY/ZnT0nw3WVtc/s400/DSCN9364.JPG" border="0" /></a>The history of Mesa dates back at least two thousand years to the arrival of the Hohokam people. The Hohokam, built the original canal system that still exists in the Mesa area today. The canals were the largest and most sophisticated in the prehistoric New World. By A.D.1100 water could be delivered to an area over 110,000 acres, transforming the Sonoran Desert into an agricultural oasis. By A.D.1450, the Hohokam had constructed hundreds of miles of canals.<br /></div><div> </div><div>The expanses of green lawns and numerous golf courses in Arizona's cities require tremendous amounts of water to maintain them. Much of the water that now flows through the many canals that criss-cross the Phoenix metropolitan area today, goes towards urban uses. Canals also carry water to municipal treatment plants for distribution as drinking water. This is a photo of one of the many sections of the present day canals that delivers water to all parts of Mesa and surrounding areas.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305822010288003282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaIRAcSqWNI/AAAAAAAAEmo/TGEiq6-3fUE/s400/DSCN9261.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-39283404113228567902009-02-22T07:46:00.000-08:002009-06-23T20:22:21.485-07:00Vacation - Part 8<div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOwXogyJI/AAAAAAAAEiI/ZIUS7eipAS0/s1600-h/DSCN9128.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305467691415423122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 197px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOwXogyJI/AAAAAAAAEiI/ZIUS7eipAS0/s400/DSCN9128.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOwUZ7WiI/AAAAAAAAEiA/dINEZaZQ6Wc/s1600-h/DSCN9136.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305467690548943394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOwUZ7WiI/AAAAAAAAEiA/dINEZaZQ6Wc/s400/DSCN9136.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOwBmuhdI/AAAAAAAAEh4/_bnF7jQ_ZFc/s1600-h/DSCN9137.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305467685502354898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOwBmuhdI/AAAAAAAAEh4/_bnF7jQ_ZFc/s400/DSCN9137.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOPEwChoI/AAAAAAAAEhw/nWnGKQ-IqYc/s1600-h/DSCN9139.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305467119411037826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOPEwChoI/AAAAAAAAEhw/nWnGKQ-IqYc/s400/DSCN9139.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOO7jzWSI/AAAAAAAAEho/wCNoGhgU2qw/s1600-h/DSCN9142.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305467116943792418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOO7jzWSI/AAAAAAAAEho/wCNoGhgU2qw/s400/DSCN9142.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOOtB0u6I/AAAAAAAAEhg/8Pc-Mr4VAuI/s1600-h/DSCN9144.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305467113043180450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOOtB0u6I/AAAAAAAAEhg/8Pc-Mr4VAuI/s400/DSCN9144.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOORr5TJI/AAAAAAAAEhY/NfbZ2dFt2go/s1600-h/DSCN9145.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305467105703447698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOORr5TJI/AAAAAAAAEhY/NfbZ2dFt2go/s400/DSCN9145.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOOAozDBI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/IphikkwKlQU/s1600-h/DSCN9147.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305467101127052306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDOOAozDBI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/IphikkwKlQU/s400/DSCN9147.jpg" border="0" /></a>The first 8 pictures show here are the scenery we saw as we headed out of Sedona towards Mesa.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDNb3amwDI/AAAAAAAAEhI/welQbR5ZjMA/s1600-h/DSCN9153.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305466239658147890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDNb3amwDI/AAAAAAAAEhI/welQbR5ZjMA/s400/DSCN9153.jpg" border="0" /></a> The next stop was Montezuma Castle National Monument. <a href="http://www.nps.gov/moca/">http://www.nps.gov/moca/</a> </div><div> </div><div>It is not a castle and the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II was never here; the castle was abandoned at least a century before he was born. The 20 room, 5-storey structure was built into a recess in a white limestone cliff 100 ft above the floodplain. Montezuma Castle was part of a large extended community of Sinagua Indians who farmed in the area from 1100 AD to 1400 AD. When the Castle was first discovered by early explorers, the ruins were thought to be Aztec in origin, hence the name bestowed upon them. <br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305773414757850642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaHkzz1aXhI/AAAAAAAAEmY/J4Ut2nYq9No/s400/DSCN1819.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305773984521288802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaHlU-XmfGI/AAAAAAAAEmg/DvAIqJP7FG0/s400/DSCN9170.JPG" border="0" />There is a large grove of trees with white bark along the river bank below the ruins of Montezuma Castle. These trees are Arizona Sycamore.<br /></div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDNbr05IZI/AAAAAAAAEhA/Ch1o2bTHlN8/s1600-h/DSCN9198.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305466236547178898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDNbr05IZI/AAAAAAAAEhA/Ch1o2bTHlN8/s400/DSCN9198.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After walking through the park around Montezuma Castle, we sat and relaxed in the shade. This is my Mom and Dad.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDNbVHhDRI/AAAAAAAAEg4/c1yelJEGUz4/s1600-h/DSCN9199.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305466230451277074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDNbVHhDRI/AAAAAAAAEg4/c1yelJEGUz4/s400/DSCN9199.jpg" border="0" /></a> And a picture of my Dad and myself under the Sycamore tree.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDNH9vhiMI/AAAAAAAAEgw/WiYJ1p8yGU8/s1600-h/DSCN9224.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305465897759115458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDNH9vhiMI/AAAAAAAAEgw/WiYJ1p8yGU8/s400/DSCN9224.jpg" border="0" /></a> As we neared Mesa, the Saguaro cactus started to appear. The Saguaro is everywhere, appearing like weeds on the side of the road.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDNHen1iQI/AAAAAAAAEgo/j-TBbJjHnMo/s1600-h/DSCN9226.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305465889405372674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 161px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDNHen1iQI/AAAAAAAAEgo/j-TBbJjHnMo/s400/DSCN9226.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDNHZmM8mI/AAAAAAAAEgg/fbYmBQKjRw8/s1600-h/DSCN9229.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305465888056341090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDNHZmM8mI/AAAAAAAAEgg/fbYmBQKjRw8/s400/DSCN9229.jpg" border="0" /></a>When we stopped for our afternoon coffee break, I noticed this large Prickly Pear cactus.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDK_TnoJXI/AAAAAAAAEgY/yCU4USM9AZU/s1600-h/DSCN9207.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305463549989496178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDK_TnoJXI/AAAAAAAAEgY/yCU4USM9AZU/s400/DSCN9207.jpg" border="0" /></a> The fruit of the Prickly Pear Cactus appears as these red "bulb" like growths on the the flat pads of the cactus. This fruit can be sued to made candies and jelly. The fruit is full of tiny seeds which can be chewed and eaten whole or spit out. The fruit can also be made into ice cream. The fruit is peeled and then mashed. The red seeds are left and not strained out. The mashed fruit and seed mixture is then added to milk to make ice cream - no sugar needs to be added. Later in our trip we had the pleasure of trying some Prickly Pear ice cream.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDK_AXfNmI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/prVHQnkm5i8/s1600-h/DSCN9210.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305463544821528162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDK_AXfNmI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/prVHQnkm5i8/s400/DSCN9210.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br />Our final destination on day 5 was Mesa. Mesa would be home for the next 7 nights.silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-34179208092860989002009-02-22T07:23:00.000-08:002009-06-23T20:22:21.485-07:00Vacation - Part 7<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDKZRo0HOI/AAAAAAAAEgA/n_nMS7AlCoI/s1600-h/DSCN9106.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305462896622574818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDKZRo0HOI/AAAAAAAAEgA/n_nMS7AlCoI/s400/DSCN9106.jpg" border="0" /></a>After travelling through the Oak Creek Canyon, we emerged at Sedona. Sedona is a city of just over 10,000 people located approximately 120 miles from Phoenix. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDKZPpQ9RI/AAAAAAAAEf4/AWGx8YOHFSo/s1600-h/DSCN9099.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305462896087594258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDKZPpQ9RI/AAAAAAAAEf4/AWGx8YOHFSo/s400/DSCN9099.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sedona is in the center of Arizona's Red Rock Country and the gorgeous red sandstone mountains/formations are evident no matter where you are in Sedona. <br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDGlSJZOxI/AAAAAAAAEfo/y3suwh-aIX4/s1600-h/DSCN9108.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305458704871144210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDGlSJZOxI/AAAAAAAAEfo/y3suwh-aIX4/s400/DSCN9108.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDGlBVQYdI/AAAAAAAAEfg/7quYatzGimM/s1600-h/DSCN9093.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305458700357493202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDGlBVQYdI/AAAAAAAAEfg/7quYatzGimM/s400/DSCN9093.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDGk4t0E1I/AAAAAAAAEfY/NiVOYtmR3Ts/s1600-h/DSCN9092.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305458698044576594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDGk4t0E1I/AAAAAAAAEfY/NiVOYtmR3Ts/s400/DSCN9092.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDGkxdNhTI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/hZ0gkpUQSN0/s1600-h/DSCN9116.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305458696095892786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDGkxdNhTI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/hZ0gkpUQSN0/s400/DSCN9116.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDF5Niw6HI/AAAAAAAAEfI/kQaHmKs26UI/s1600-h/DSCN9098.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305457947721132146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDF5Niw6HI/AAAAAAAAEfI/kQaHmKs26UI/s400/DSCN9098.jpg" border="0" /></a> There are lots of sculptures on the main street in Sedona. I loved these colourful pigs.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDF4wyAQjI/AAAAAAAAEfA/ZnVrtn7EL5Q/s1600-h/DSCN9111.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305457940000424498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDF4wyAQjI/AAAAAAAAEfA/ZnVrtn7EL5Q/s400/DSCN9111.jpg" border="0" /></a> This horse was lifelike. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDF46kBb6I/AAAAAAAAEe4/TsTBTwSgqfg/s1600-h/DSCN9105.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305457942626135970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDF46kBb6I/AAAAAAAAEe4/TsTBTwSgqfg/s400/DSCN9105.jpg" border="0" /></a>The girl in the dress is not real--she is part of the sculpture. <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDF4i4eEqI/AAAAAAAAEew/pmGPgjQnJVA/s1600-h/DSCN9100.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305457936269447842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDF4i4eEqI/AAAAAAAAEew/pmGPgjQnJVA/s400/DSCN9100.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Some of the artwork was wood and not metal. This is my Dad standing next to this wooden carving. (The carving was made from wood, not my Dad! LOL)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305458710332257074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDGlmfbMzI/AAAAAAAAEfw/eZ_NX_nbgRA/s400/DSCN9094.jpg" border="0" />When my Mom and I saw the pink Jeeps, we had to take pictures for my daughter who is a Jeep fan.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDF4SBCOvI/AAAAAAAAEeo/4xHjzpzQpdU/s1600-h/DSCN9095.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305457931741969138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDF4SBCOvI/AAAAAAAAEeo/4xHjzpzQpdU/s400/DSCN9095.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Pink Jeeps belong to a tour company. I am sure that the pink Jeeps travelling on the red rocks is quite the sight! <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976756155627288048.post-76329501520382245932009-02-22T07:07:00.000-08:002009-06-23T20:22:21.486-07:00Vacation - Part 6<span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00"></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDE8eWrv5I/AAAAAAAAEeg/d_fhWO4E5JE/s1600-h/DSCN9051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305456904261844882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDE8eWrv5I/AAAAAAAAEeg/d_fhWO4E5JE/s400/DSCN9051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDE8Rz0joI/AAAAAAAAEeY/O-U4T-4107c/s1600-h/DSCN9052.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305456900894396034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDE8Rz0joI/AAAAAAAAEeY/O-U4T-4107c/s400/DSCN9052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDE8IQIqdI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/-L1B6ph53jw/s1600-h/DSCN9054.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305456898328799698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDE8IQIqdI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/-L1B6ph53jw/s400/DSCN9054.jpg" border="0" /></a>These first three photos are of our overnight accommodations in Flagstaff: The Hampton Inn.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDE7-wEXMI/AAAAAAAAEeI/RGfZ_Pn2Zeo/s1600-h/DSCN9062.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305456895778380994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDE7-wEXMI/AAAAAAAAEeI/RGfZ_Pn2Zeo/s400/DSCN9062.jpg" border="0" /></a> We started out on the morning of day 5 from Flagstaff and headed south to State Rt. 89A to Oak Creek Canyon.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDE7sokviI/AAAAAAAAEeA/wBAZKFhvzzY/s1600-h/DSCN9063.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305456890915110434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDE7sokviI/AAAAAAAAEeA/wBAZKFhvzzY/s400/DSCN9063.jpg" border="0" /></a> Route 89A descends a series of switch backs through a scenic smaller cousin to the Grand Canyon. After traversing the hairpin turns of the north end of the canyon we traveled along the bottom of the canyon for 13 km before arriving at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sedona</span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDD-Ahx7ZI/AAAAAAAAEd4/BBiw-3Q_RL4/s1600-h/DSCN9069.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305455831103434130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDD-Ahx7ZI/AAAAAAAAEd4/BBiw-3Q_RL4/s400/DSCN9069.jpg" border="0" /></a> Oak Creek Canyon is dense scenic forests.</div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDD-Fs3RWI/AAAAAAAAEdw/4rNcPhjYOZM/s1600-h/DSCN9075.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305455832492098914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDD-Fs3RWI/AAAAAAAAEdw/4rNcPhjYOZM/s400/DSCN9075.jpg" border="0" /></a>This photo was taken at Indian Gardens, 4 miles north of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sedona</span>.<br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDD9o1WhzI/AAAAAAAAEdg/tetlXfuEpl4/s1600-h/DSCN9084.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305455824743073586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDD9o1WhzI/AAAAAAAAEdg/tetlXfuEpl4/s400/DSCN9084.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDD9VJpEoI/AAAAAAAAEdY/Bxm_OvRvmM0/s1600-h/DSCN9085.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305455819459465858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDD9VJpEoI/AAAAAAAAEdY/Bxm_OvRvmM0/s400/DSCN9085.jpg" border="0" /></a> At Indian Gardens the scenery in Oak Creek Canyon starts to change from dense forest to the red rock that has made <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sedona</span> famous.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDDDi91U-I/AAAAAAAAEdQ/nury-4T3ulQ/s1600-h/DSCN9072.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305454826735621090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDDDi91U-I/AAAAAAAAEdQ/nury-4T3ulQ/s400/DSCN9072.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDDDewxUVI/AAAAAAAAEdI/X4GZHsXxPnI/s1600-h/DSCN9080.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305454825607090514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VOQOwkbSspA/SaDDDewxUVI/AAAAAAAAEdI/X4GZHsXxPnI/s400/DSCN9080.jpg" border="0" /></a> These are my parents in front of one of the sculptures in front of a trading post in Indian Gardens.</div><div></div><br /><div>One of the shops at this location was Garland's Indian Jewelery. The jewelery was magnificent. We could not take photos of the inside of the shop so I have no pictures to show you. However, I encourage you to take a look at their website and browse the many <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">magnificent</span> pieces of jewelery that they have to offer: <a href="http://www.garlandsjewelry.com/">http://www.garlandsjewelry.com/</a></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverthimblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901087227438415852noreply@blogger.com2