This is it — number 200!

GIVEAWAY • 200 POST. If I posted every day, this would be more than 1100 - yet I'm glad to have made it this far, even if this happens only in fits and starts. For this occasion, I have a giveaway that includes books, fabric, and a few surprises. 

TO ENTER: Post a comment sharing your favorite quilt color combination. Omit seasonal/themed/children's/ quilts, which have their own color requirements. POST your comment on today's entry. I'll pick someone randomly. Try to include your email or a link to your blog or website.

Also, I am celebrating the start on my Mariner's Sunset (for want of a better name). In roughly this order, I have:

1) the backing/batting fused and basted loosely, not being sure if fusible batting will hold on this size of a quilt. Here it is folded in thirds.

2) the fabrics selected, mostly. I just toss them in a pile to see if they work together.

3) the fabric strips sewn for the background water, horizon, and lower sky.

4) and those strips laid out along with the other fabrics on top of the batting/backing on our pool table (ping pong top over it) in roughly the right places. Tulle is included, but I'm not sure if it should go just over the "sun" or all across the water as here. It really dulls the bottom of the quilt, but would it look odd if it was just on the compass?

 
I am doing other things today, but will get back to this. I have to go two floors from the table to my sewing machine. The joy of exercise! 

Also, all tips, suggestions, advice, is welcome. I'm making this one up as I go.

"With Gratitude" finished

This quilt was started in a class called "Shaded Four Patch" on April 13, with Margie Davidson. I finished it today. The quilt, label, page in my book, photo, all done. The colors show a bit richer in real life.

After that class, I took another about selecting quilting designs. The instructor, Margo Fiddes, challenged me to think of something distinctive for quilting each piece. I didn't have this one in class, but began to imagine a subtle cross representing sacrifice, a heart to represent valor, and lines that speak of tension and yet peace. Of course the program "Quilts of Valor" was on my mind too. The cross is at an angle with the top in the upper left. Sorry, this does not show better, even when you double-click the photo. 

I've contacted Quilts of Valor so this one will go to a wounded soldier. A local woman spearheaded this program in Canada. This year, she received "Woman of Distinction" Award from our city or her efforts. See more about QoV at this link.

Also, I made a recent decision is to work on one UFO at a time until it is done. More and more I'm noticing how much easier it is to focus when my sewing space is relatively tidy without too much stuff in it! So this means slowly, slowly.  It is a stretch for me. I'm so easily distracted or bored.

Notice also that my posts are nearing 200. I'm planning some kind of contest or giveaway. Do drop back!

Pity Party and a Giveaway

Today is foggy and yet bright. The light in my studio is perfect. What am I doing on the computer? Aghhhhhhhhh!

With that out of my system, I'm thinking of a giveaway. Right now, I'm up to my ears in writing deadlines and don't even have time to quilt. :-(

However, I'm still reading blogs and discovered a really neat giveaway at this link and if you enter, mention my blog in your comment. The more comments she receives, the more fabric she will give away. I love this idea and should plan a giveaway soon!

Giveaway and summer quilting plan

Quilt Qua is having a "Tell a Friend" Giveaway. Click the link to put in your name. These are the lovely fabrics in the prize!

I'm hitting into my UFO pile with great determination. Lord willing, this is the summer to catch up!

Happy Easter

I've quilted the sampler and will post a photo as soon as I'm done cooking and eating and celebrating Easter this weekend. We are driving 5 hours to see my mom-in-law, then back 2 hours to celebrate a 50th wedding with friends, then 3 hours home to cook dinner Sunday for family here. Yikes, I'm tired just writing it down!!

Interested in a giveaway? Try this site for a chance at 30 FQ's! Thearica is celebrating her daughter's birthday by giving someone else a terrific gift!

Blessed Easter to everyone!