decisions, decisions, decisions.....

Oooh....

Yep, I plan on boomeranging! :)

Yes, I'm in on this.
Sharon

Okay, assuming that Linda and Bev are going to boomerang too, here's the list of boomerangers...!
Dan/me sends to Bev, Linda, and Melissa
Bev sends to Dan, Melissa, and Sharon
Linda sends to Dan, Bev, and Sharon
Melissa sends to Dan, Linda, and Sharon
Sharon sends to Bev, Melissa, and Linda

Feel free to boomerang your quilt blocks as soon as you can after you receive your charms. When you've sent them out, please post here so we can keep track of where we are in this swap. THANKS!!!

oh, yes, I'm boomeranging!

Of course I am boomeranging :) can't wait!

Today I received my charms from Bev, and while reading her questions, I had an idea. For part of the 2nd portion of the boomerang swap, how about posting the questions you've been asked, and your answers? That way, we can all learn more about one another at the same time. Once I've received my charms from Linda and have her questions for me, I'll be posting my 9 questions and answers. Hopefully you all will join me!
Have a safe and happy weekend!
Dan

Sounds good, Dan! :)

What a great idea, Dan I will be able to take part in this as we will have the lap top with us.
sharon

I'm finding out that organization is THE key to a lone star quilt...lol! I've never made one before, but I've started one this weekend. I broke out my new quilting book, the one I bought because the directions were clearly written and it had a lot of pictures for the different steps in making a LSQ, and I'm taking it step by step. So far I've chosen 19 fabrics (instead of the 9 in the pattern) and cut out and organized all the various strips. The directions used 2" strips, so of course I made them 3 inches...lol! The directions are for a 46" squared quilt, but I've no idea how huge mine will be. I'm thinking it's going to be a queen or king-sized quilt by the time I'm done. I've got the various fabric strips organized in their groups to make the strip blocks, and I've marked each of them so I can stagger them when sewing so I don't waste a lot of material. Next on the menu will be to sew the 10 different blocks, cut them into 3" wide strips, re-organize them, and then sew them into the 8 diamonds I'll need to put the star together. While getting everything organized, I put the strips for each block into a baggie and numbered it 1 through 10 so I can keep them organized. They are now in a bag sitting on my sewing desk, waiting for me to begin sewing. I'm getting the same feeling about this one that I had when I made my bargello quilt years ago. It's taking more work than I'd planned on, but it's gonna be one to be proud of when it's finished, and I'm thinking of a lot of variations I can do once I've got this method mastered. And if I can't master it with a quilt this size, then I never will...lol! I don't think I have to worry about that happening by the end, do you?
Talk to you all later!
Dan

Dan~ I have your block ready to go. I'll have it out as soon as I can!

I posted this message on the part one. So here it is again.

Bev & Melissa, Catch your boomerange as it comes by. They were pitched today at the post office.

Linda, If I get your charms before Friday it will be returned right away. Otherwise I won't see them until October.

Have a great evening everyone!
gmom
Sharon

Dan, your block went out today. Hope you like it! :)

Kewl! I've been looking forward to seeing what you did!

Sharon~ Your block is finished and will be flying out tomorrow. Hope you like it! :)

All my blocks are done, so I should be sending them back tomorrow. I had fabric that I think worked nicely for everyone without buying anymore. I hope you all like them. I'll be answering my questions shortly.

Wow Bev! Color me impressed! I've got my block choice picked out and am waiting to receive charms from Linda before making my blocks. It'll be easier to do all three at the same time. I'm hoping to send them out on Monday.
I'm looking forward to hearing all the questions and answers!

Hey, guess what! I received my charms from Linda today... woo-hoo! Linda, how is it that you knew I've been pondering doing some blocks with a little bit of a "retro" look to them? These are so cool! Thank you!
I think tonight I just might start figuring out which block to make for everyone. I need to do some relaxing this evening (and there's no way I care to watch Obama tell the nation tonight how he's going to screw up our country even more) so I'm going to get out my scratch pad and do some designing. Lol, yep, I'm going to do a variation on the 9-patch block, so Linda, Bev, and Melissa, there's no way you'll have any idea of what you're getting back until it gets there...muhahahahaaaaa!

You're designing your own? I'm way impressed. Can't wait to see what it is.

I was charmed by Linda today! Yay! :) Love the charms & great questions!
Linda~ I'll work on your block on Sunday & get it out to you on Monday. :)

I also received a great block from Sharon today! She did the "lady tulip fingers" and it looks wonderful! Thanks, Sharon! Also love your answers to the questions!

I'll post a picture of the blocks when I receive from everyone. :)

I had to go digging for Melissa's envelope because I'd put it in a safe place. So safe, as a matter of fact, that I couldn't find it when I wanted it! Well, now I've got all 3 envelopes in front of me, so I'm going to post my questions and answers NOW in case they decide to take a walk again...

From Melissa:
1- If you could teach anyone to quilt, who would it be, and why? I think I would like to teach Anne Burrell, the chef from the food network. I think she'd be a lot of fun to spend some time with, and even though I'm comfortable with my cooking skills, I'd like to teach her how to quilt, and then she could teach me some tricks to use in the kitchen.

2- If you could cook dinner for anyone, who would it be and why? This one's super easy. I'd like to cook for Paula just one more time. I miss her.

3- What was the best GW swap you've been in, and why? I think I like the swaps where Bump and Stella have "hosted" best. It's always fun to see all the pet pictures and hear what they're doing to their "masters"...lol!

From Bev:
1- How old were you when you learned to sew? I was about 11 or 12, and my mother taught me how to darn my socks because I kept wearing holes into the toes, and it was cheaper to repair them than buy new ones.

2- What do you like to do besides quilting and gardening?
Music! Whether I'm listening to it, mixing it, or creating my own, it's all a lot of fun! And yes, I said creating it. I like to make music on my computer. I don't use a lot of vocals, but sometimes I do supply my own voice. I'm pretty heavy on the percussion, but I do enjoy making a dance tune once in a while. My genre? Electronica. I do listen to most genres though, especially 80s hair bands.

3- What's your most ambitious project you would like to quilt? Well, I've done a bargello quilt once already, and would like to do another one eventually. But right now I'm working on making a lone star quilt. I've always been a bit timid when it comes to those, but I've always wanted to make one, so I started cutting last weekend.

From Linda:
1- What was the first item you ever sewed and how did it turn out? I was about 11 or 12, and my mother taught me how to darn my socks because I kept wearing holes into the toes, and it was cheaper to repair them than buy new ones. They turned out okay, but I was glad when I could afford new socks and didn't have to wear the "fixed" ones anymore!

2- What is your fondest memory of sewing? I have a lot of these, but I think my favorite memory would have to be going through my grandmothers' leftovers with my mother. There were partial blocks, finished blocks, and cut pieces, and Mom had something to say about each of them. I never knew my grandmother because she died when I was a toddler, but that night, all 3 generations were in the room, and I didn't feel so rootless.

3- What's your favorite block pattern or quilt pattern? I don't know that I actually have a "favorite" because I'm still finding new patterns I want to try out. The one I've thought of for the longest time is the lone star quilt. I love the artistry of bargello quilts. And I'm getting more and more curiouser (lol) about picture quilting.

Okay, so who's next to answer and post their questions???

Have a lovely weekend!
Dan

Melissa, I don't know if I want to use this block in a quilt, or frame it to hang above my sewing desk as inspiration. It's beautiful! Thank you!!!

You're welcome, Dan! Glad you like it. :)

Ok, here's my 2nd shot at answering my questions. I had it all typed up before, but a little monkey climbed on my lap and hit the magical, mystical delete all button. *sigh* Don't know how they find that button everytime!! :P

Questions from DAN:
1~ Is there a block pattern you'd like to try but haven't yet?
Yes....I'd like to try the Dresdren Plate pattern, but I haven't gotten up the nerve to try round cuts! I'm sure it's easier than I"m imagining. And someday, I"ll give it a go.
2~ Do you subscribe to any sewing magazines?
No, but I'd like to!
3~ What is your favorite quilt block pattern?
I don't really have a FAVORITE, I don't think I've made the same quilt twice. I've tried out a different block pattern each time or a variation on each.

QUESTIONS FROM SHARON:
1~ Why are you in this swap/ Is it everything you hoped for?
I enjoy this swap (the seeds n stitches group!) because I love quilting, trying new patterns and sharing information & tips with each other. It's a great group of folks & so much fun every month!
2~Have you ever taught anyone to quilt? Who & why?
Not really, other than my kids. They've watched me & my 2nd son became interested in it. So I've taught him & 2 of my daughters to sew, but not really quilting yet.
3~What is the best quilt you ever made? What did you do with it?
The best quilt I've ever made was one that I made for my nephew, using the 3-d pinwheel pattern. I loved the way it turned out.

Questions from Linda:
1~ What was the first item you ever sewed & how did it turn out?
The first thing I ever sewed was in 8th grade home-ec. It was a long sleeved, v-neck dress with a gored skirt. It didn't turn out so great because my mom skimped on fabric (bought some really ugly polyester stuff!) and it was difficult to sew. I think I got a D. :P
2~ What is your fondest memory of sewing?
I think it'd have to be when I got my sewing machine. It was a birthday present from my hubby & kids. My youngest son was 5, and he wrote a note that said.."happy birthday, mamma. now go make us some clothes."
3~ What's your favorite pattern or quilt pattern?
Again, I don't really have a favorite. Just like to try new patterns & see how they turn out! :)

Miss Linda~ Your block is finished & will be flying your way tomorrow! :)

***sewing my blocks now and will be mailing them out in the morning...***

***blocks are now sewn, each one differently, and in their envies waiting for me to take them to the post office***

Bev, I received your quilt block today, and it's beautiful! It's going to make a great companion piece to Melissa's qb on my wall. Did you two coordinate with one another? THANK YOU!
Dan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAN!color>size>

I know it's early, but just wanted you to know I remembered! :D

YES, it's almost Dan's birthday! "whistling and throwing confetti"

Got home from my weekend away and a LOVELY block from Sharon had arrived. Dan, I'm in your boat. I have Sharon's questions, but assume the other two are upstairs in my sewing room. I'll check tomorrow and get them answered. I didn't send answers, because I wan't to get them in the mail.

And I guess a Very Happy Birthday is in order, Dan. Enjoy!

I received a great block from Bev today! She did the tulip lady fingers as well, and it looks GREAT with Sharon's block! :)
Thank you, Bev!

Just wanted to let you all know, I've been thinking about the October swap, and I think I've most, if not all, of the details nailed down. I'm hoping to get it posted this weekend.
If you're heading to the fabric store before then, it would be good to get some black on black fabric... muhahahaaaa!

-Dan

Youzer! Today I received Dan's creation. Love the colors and pattern you created. Thanks! And here are the answers to my questions...

From Melissa:
1) If I could teach anyone to quilt, who would it be and why? I would teach my daughter Sarah to quilt if I could. She is totally lacking the crafty gene in her DNA, but I know she would love the camaraderie of doing something crafty with me.

2) If you could cook dinner for anyone, who would it be and why? Judy Dench. I watch an episode of "As Time Goes By" almost every night to relax me before I go to bed. I like watching her in almost everything she does and I think we would have a great time talking.

3) What was the best GW swap I have been in and why? There is one called "WLOMWL" what's left on my wish list. I got almost off the seeds I was looking for last year.

Questions from Dan:
1) Is there a block pattern you want to try, but haven't yet? I haven't quilted enough yet to get hooked on any pattern in particular. I'm still excited about each one I try.

2) What sewing magazines do you subscribe to? I don't subscribe to any. The library is only a few blocks away and I love to go there and read for an afternoon.

3) What is your favorite quilt block pattern? Dresden plate and this is an excuse to finally post a picture of ny one and only quilt. (Which I will take as soon as I am done with this post.)

From Sharon:
1) Have you ever taught anyone to quilt? Who and why? Not really. My sewing inspired my sister to make a quilt and she wasn't a sewer.

2) Why did you join the stitches and seeds swap? I've only made the one quilt and actually it was pieced years ago. I wanted to get back into quilting and figured being forced to make something each month would do the trick...and it has.

3) What is the best quilt you ever made? If any, did you keep it or give it away. I've only made the one small table topper and the matching wall hanging, which I will post pictures of shortly.

Thanks for the questions everyone. I really enjoyed it.

Sharon, if you are not going to post the answers to your questions I sent you, can I? I thought they were very interesting.

Here is the table topper I used for a number of years before I hung it on the wall. You can see a circle of rust where a lamp had rusted onto it.

And here is the matching wallhanging that I pieced years and years ago and then finally finished about 4 year ago.

{{gwi:1298315}}

Bev, great work on the table topper and wall-hanging!
I had to chuckle to myself looking at them though because I now know some of the names for a few of those blocks you used! I recognize the Dresden, Nine-Patch, and Split Rail. Is the block in the middle of the wall-hanging a bear claw? Or a tulip block? And the blocks with the tulips, are those appliqued? Lol, my grandmothers would be freaking out AND proud of me at the same time!

I'm glad you liked the block I made! It was a lot of fun to make up an original pattern (I've not seen it anywhere else anyway) and share it.

Interesting answers to your questions too! I didn't even know who Judy Dench was until she started playing M in the Bond movies, but since then I've found a lot of her work, and she's great! I think she'd be an enjoyable and easy-t-get-along-with person to know.

Have a good night everyone!
Dan

Great call on the blocks, Dan, Yes, the middle block is Bear's Claw. The tulip block is actually hearts and yes it is appliqued. I love doing applique, although this is all I've ever done. The dark squares are burgundy flowered, although they look almost black in the photo.

Hi Everyone,
I'm outside of Yellowstone today. If each of you would post your questions for mr that would be great because I left them in Michigan. Linda if your block needed more postage just let me know and I'll send more when I get home.
Have a great day!
Happy Birthday Dan!
Sharon

I received my block from Melissa..it's so pretty! I love the color combo's and I think it's a varigated 9 block. I will be working on mine tomorrow and get them out. I think I"m going into hiding tomorrow to do them..LOL!

I received a block from Dan today! It's so creative & fun! Just like Dan! :)
Now that I've got all 3 blocks, I'll post a pic. Just as soon as I can remember my photobucket password. *grumble grumble*

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. Our little town had its Wizard of Oz festival this weekend where 80,000 people come, including people from around the world. I enjoyed the parade on Saturday, sitting in the sun in lovely weather. Ahhhh....I wish I could relax like that all the time, but sort of a Type A personality here.

Here are the questions I sent Sharon and she replied to...
1) How old were you when you learned to sew.
I started about 6 with paper dolls. About 8 with corn husk dolls and 10 with needle and thread. By 12 I was making and designing my own clothes.

2) Who taught you?
My mother taught me to thread a needle. She did not sew. So you could say I was self taught.

3) What do you like to do other than gardening and quilting?
Cooking the food I grow, trying new food and taking trips. Playing with the grand children...7 boys ages 6 months to 14 years.

Thanks, Sharon. It's nice to get to know everyone a little more.

I received Blocks from Sharon and Dan. sharon made the tulip block with creams, oranges, and leafy print. It's really pretty. Dan made what looks like a minature quilt. It's done in greens, yellows, oranges and blues. Definately an original! Thanks to both of you!

I have finished Bev's, Sharon's and Dan's blocks. They'll be going out in tomorrow's mail. I'll post answers to the questions I received on the next post.

Bev asked me:
1. How old was I when I learned to sew? I think I was about 13..ummm..which would have been quite a bit ago..LOL
2. Who taught me to sew? Well, I learned in HOme Ec and then didn't sew for years. I started back up in my 20's and then sewed off and on for years.
3. What do I have on my "bucket list" that I would still like to do? I would love to visit Ireland and that is my ultimate dream!! My great grandmother came from County Cork.

Questions from Sharon:
!. Why am I in this swap? Is it everything I hoped for? Well, I'm in this swap because Dan threatened me with pins and needles! Actually I really enjoy these swaps and look forward to them each month. I always enjoy seeing what other people send me.
2.Have you ever taught anyone to quilt? Who and why? The only person I have taught to quilt is myself. I wanted to learn because I have a quilt top that is almost completed by my grandmother and great aunt. Both are gone now and I would love to finish and display it.
3. What is the best quilt I ever made? what did you do with it? So far I only finished one quilt. It was a lap quilt that I made for our family reunion this year and my mother won it!

From Dan:
Is there a block pattern I'd like to try but haven't yet? I would love to try the Dresden pattern but I don't feel confident enough yet.
2. What sewing magazines do you subscribe to? I've just subscribed to two but I can't remember their names.LOL!!
3. What is your favorite quilt block pattern? Well I like this tulip one I just worked on. I think each one I do is my favorite till I try another one.

For Sharon from Linda:
1- What was the first item you ever sewed and how did it turn out?

2- What is your fondest memory of sewing?

3- What's your favorite block pattern or quilt pattern?

Linda, I received your beautiful square today. I love it! The colors go perfectly together. Thanks. I love pictures, so here are the ones I received and the ones I sent. I hope I have them labeled correctly, because you know my memory by now.

From Sharon:{{gwi:1298317}}

From Linda:
{{gwi:1298319}}

From Dan:
{{gwi:1298320}}

To Sharon:
{{gwi:1298322}}

To Dan:
{{gwi:1298324}}

To Melissa:
{{gwi:1298326}}

Bev, I was going to do the dark color in pink but I didn't have enough but I think I actually like the dark better!..LOL!!

Me too!

I'm home, as of today! Wonderful trip. We saw so many beautiful places. 8 states and 8,000 miles. Yes, I want to do it again next year. Washington, Oregon, and California. But will fly and rent a car. I've seen what I want between here and there.

OK! For the questions I tried to post while I was gone.
Questions from Linda: #1. What was the first item I ever sewed and how did it turn out. At 6 I worked with paper dolls. At 8 I worked with corn husk dolls. At 10 I was making my own cloths. I came from a family of 6 boys and no girls. Back then everything was about hand me downs. So the only way I got anything new was to make it. I got 1 outfit for school and 1 pair of shoes. My parents had no money. So I learned quickly if I could recycle I could have some things. Skirts were very easy as first items.

#2 What is your fondest memory of sewing? Me and my girl friend sitting in front yard under a tree sewing our cloths.

#3 What is your favorite block or quilt pattern? I don't have any one pattern. I like them all. I try to do a different block each time I do a new project. I do like sampler quilts very much!

Linda, Congratulations on the master program.

Lets hope this goes out.
Sharon.