FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

And OH! what a glorious day it has been. Temp in the 70's, sun shining. Greeting me out the front door this morning were the daffodils in full bloom. I sure hope they stay around for a while. They are just an undescribable treat.

We took a trip to West Jefferson in the mountains, about a 2 hour drive. I wanted to check out the various shops, galleries and restaurants there. This is such a quaint little town and they are doing such a nice job in refurbishing. There were several painted outdoor walls - I've shown just a couple here. I got to see some very nice pottery, paintings and visited a lovely yarn shop. I treated myself to a small bag of pretty roving for my next felting project.

We had lunch at the town park and check out what was piled in the parking lot - dirty, filthy snow! The NC mountains had a pretty rough winter and this is staying around for a while as a reminder. There was also tremendous tree damage done from ice this past winter. It was enough to break one's heart.

It was a fun little day trip and I would recommend it to anyone who ventures to that area.

More Bags!

Just after Christmas I treated myself to a light box in the hopes that I would do some serious applique this year. I immediately decided this new toy needed a bag so as not to get messed up when I traveled with it. I used large scraps of some home deco fabric Ihad. I love this fabric, it's just so pretty and cheery. The front of the bag is embellished with a fun flower I made from a strip of batik. The back of the bag has pockets to hold pens, pencils and notebook.

My second bag is one I saw in a knitting shop in Georgetown, SC while we were on vacation last year. Batik fabric is cut on the bias, tied together and rolled up - I think I enjoyed this process more than the kitting!. It was knitted with size 13 needs and went together in no time. The inside is lined and there are pockets.

Snow in the Snow

Sorry, just couldn't resist! (Our cat's name is "Snow") What a way to end January - a snow. If you're in the South, you know that everything shuts down. I decided to make the most of our "snow day." With a hot cup of coffee, and a bit of Bailey's in it, I went to my sewing haven first thing int he morning, and there I stayed most of the day. What a joy! It's nice to see something on the design board again. I have lots more squares done - they're on the cutting table waiting to be squared off. The bonus of this quilt is that I did not buy any fabric for it - I'm using all Batik stash on hand.

I took a break mid-day and did some more reorganizing. As more treasures move in, I need to make room and rearrange. I commandeered the built-in shelves and love the use of that space. I'm not a huge fan of the snow and ice. I certainly had enough of that when I lived in the snow belt in upstate New York, but I wouldn't mind one more - maybe on a weekday this time so I won't have to go to work!

Scrappy Retreat

I can't believe I haven't posted in over a month! There was being busy with Christmas and then getting ready for a "Scrappy" themed retreat. Ten scrappy quilters gathered in a log home on Lake Norman and sewed our hearts out! I don't have the group pic yet, so I will post that as soon as I do.

Sandy was concentrating on her new machine (lucky girl).

Mary Jo sewed many, many bright and cheerful little squares.

Cathy seemed to be asking that age old question, "To sew - or not to sew?!"

Deanna certainly seemed happy with her progress.

Lucinda and Teresa were both on a mission to accomplish great things this weekend.

Laurie was intent on finishing a Christmas scrappy quilt and determined to get to other projects too; Michelle was looking rather pleased with her handwork.

Laurie continued to work on the Christmas quilt - a/k/a Joyce's quilt because she coveted it the whole weekend. And here it is! Isn't it beautiful?

Ardis had a relaxing moment while Mary Jo and Sandy had to find more future projects - there's never enough of those!

Cathy, in her jammies, worked on a Christmas ornament.

Our last morning at the breakfast table - not as energetic, but quite content.

This group was quite amazing. Many quilt tops and projects were completed and many more well on their way. Needlework, knitting crocheting and some reading were also enjoyed. Most of all, I enjoyed this wonderful group of ladies more than I can express. We laughed, we shared, we ate, then laughed some more! All in all, we were a Happy Scrappy bunch!

Our Christmas Baby

Back in October I posted about a cute little stray that started coming around. He (or she?) was quite skittish and not a regular. Well, after some vary cold, harsh, wet weather, "Snow" is here to stay! Two kinds of cat food are in the cupboard and a jar of treats on the kitchen counter. He has full access to our screened in porch and a little "house" to protect him from the harsh weather. And yes, I broke down this weekend and let him into the house a bit. Now it will be off to the vet for shots and spaying or neutering. I'm glad to say that he's not so skinny anymore and has gotten so friendly now that he knows he can trust us and count on us for food and shelter. We really didn't want another pet, but he is just so sweet and we are such big saps! Merry Christmas Snow, you have a home.

Cubicle Christmas!

Oh how I have wanted to post this pic, but it was a gift and had to wait to present it! I have done 4 cubicle quilts now. I'd like to make one for every month, but I'm not sure the recipient would be too excited about that. They are so much fun - a nice small size. This one did turn into the project that didn't end - I kept adding something more to it. The tree and Santa are appliqued. Some accents are done with paint and glitter. Those are jingle bells attached to the bows and I embroidered the "Ho, Ho, Ho." If you know anyone who works in a cubicle, these are a great gift idea - they can change their "scenery" one cubicle quilt at a time!

What a Great Show!!

The Lake Norman Quilters Guild had its second quilt show this weekend in Mooresville, NC. One word sums it up: WOW!! There were approximately 230 pieces entered in the show!I continue to be amazed at the level of talent and the diversity of styles of this group. There was a great show of traditional, contemporary, art quilts, wearables and accessories.

I so enjoy this group. They are inspiring, helpful and just so much fun to play and work with. Putting on a quilt show this size takes a great deal of team work and commitment. There were those who led the way and everyone else supported them.

Drum roll please....I won 4 ribbons!! This was my second quilt show and my first ribbons. What a thrill! I've posted a pic of me with my second place quilt, "Drink 'Til He's Cute" (joke between mother and daughter when she was in college), and third place for "Selvaggio e Caldo" (Wild and Crazy). They are both my design and are two of my favorite quilts. To see pics of the show and some of the winners, go to our guild's site, bluemoonriver.com/LNQ.html to to barnyardchatter.wordpress.com for some really great coverage.

Now look at our ribbons - they were all pieced by members! Someone even did all those cute yo-yo ribbons to wear on our nametags so we could strut our stuff if we won! Thank you ladies for all your effort. And not to just those who made ribbons - this show could not have happened without the great leadership and dedication of so many.

So, mark your calendars for October, 2011 for the 3rd Lake Norman Quilters Quilt Show!