Starting the weekend off by going to the Shade of Texas Quilt Show in Killeen, TX. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the goodies and beautifully crafted quilts. Of course there's always a chance I'll find some fabric that simply 'must' come to my house. No sewing planned for Saturday as we'll be on the road - but maybe Sunday. I pulled out the fabric for the April & May blocks so hopefully I can get those in the works and done in case I want to do a little RVing before it gets too hot here. Spring has already burst into bloom here and my bluebonnets cover a large portion of my side yard. I just love them. Nothing else going on - but there's plenty of fabric around here to put to work.

Linda TX

I should get some sewing time in tomorrow - I have no other plans. Sunday I'm in the orchestra at church for three services, so the afternoon will probably include a nap!

Donna

I hope to finish quilting (don't faint anyone) a baby quilt.

No quilting for me this weekend. We cut short our trip to Hawaii by two weeks and arrived home yesterday due to the death of my dear brother-in-law. He had end-stage COPD, but we all hoped he would be with us a little longer. He was only 72, which seems pretty young to this 71 year old, but we all knew any time he got a chest infection, it might be his last. His memorial celebration will be next Monday, and then I'll go back to Madison, WI, to spend a week or so with my sister. I'll help her go through his clothes and personal effects and decide what to do with them all. I know she will not be able to get on with her life until that is done. They were together for 25 years and were the loves of each others' lives.

Before I go, I'm going to try and get our taxes done. That way it won't be hanging over my head and I can spend a few extra days with her if need be.

I was surprised to find, when we got back home, that the lake we live on was officially ice-free as of yesterday. That is the second earliest ice-out on record. Spring can't be far away now even though it's only 34 right now.

So sorry, Lois!

and it is wonderful that you can be with your sister in this dreadful time.

wasn't there just a post this week about families being there for each other?

lots of hugs to be shared.

Theresa

Sorry to hear of your loss. We just did the same thing in mid January for my BIL. It's such a difficult time but your support and attendance will be greatly appreciated by your sister. Have a safe trip.

Oh, Lois. My deepest sympathy to your sister and your family. Yes, I consider that young, too. Everything goes on hold when a family member is in need and we do whatever we have to do to lessen their hurt. I'm sure your sister is appreciative of your help.

Lois, I am so sorry for your loss. It will be hard for you, as well as your sister - make sure you take care of yourself, too!

Linda, how fun to go to a quilt show. Enjoy!

We have stuff tonight and tomorrow night, but I am hoping to finish the last 3 blocks for my "one-fish, two-fish" baby quilt this afternoon, then assemble tomorrow. If I get time, I will try to get it sandwiched, also. A bonus would be finishing the instructions for the mystery quilt my neighborhood guild is doing (I am in charge and have to finish the last assembly instruction!!!) Sounds like I will be busy!

Sue

I'm sorry for your loss, Lois. That's way too young to go.

I will be doing a lot of quilt "thinking" so does that count? I have Hawaiian applique blocks going as usual but I'm pondering my next move. I see a pile of FMQ that might get my attention. Two local quilt shows are calling but I won't go unless my friend does and she's also undecided. But, quilts will definitely occupy my mind.

Lois, I'm so sorry! I know your presence with your sister will help her a lot.

Donna

You're a wonderful sister, Lois, to travel to help your sister at this time. I'm so sorry for your loss.

It's National Quilting Day, 2016 and I actually finished a quilt this morning. Another of the Kind Quilt organization's charity quilts.

Thursday night our Crafting group from our office met at Michael's and it looks like they want to make quilts first! There were just 5 of us at this first meeting, but I hope the group will grow. They can choose if they want to make a Kind Quilt first or a simple/small project of their own for their first foray into quilting. I will be the instructor for the group. They all have sewing machines, so that's a good start. I'm hoping I can talk them into some clothing construction in the future.

Yikes! I forgot it was NQD! Good thing I already have my blocks done and only have to put them together to complete the top. lol

Oh Lois...so sorry for your loss, alwys difficult when a dear family member leaves us.

i hope to spend a little time at the machine making a baby quilt. I'd like to FMQ it next week, so I need to get things sewed together!

v.

Sharon, what pattern did you use? Don't they usually post a pattern for the day? I know I did one two years ago.

I am going to start that sampler today. I think I am going to use both the green and some turquoise. At least that is my plan this morning.

Theresa

So sorry, Lois...it's always hard. Maybe you want to keep in mind making a little something - pillow, quilt? out of her hubby's shirts? or some of them. Or neck ties? I've seen so many great ideas!

Weekend was 100% tied up with guests (family) and I'm slammed with some research that needs to be done for our local botanical gardens - my work is due tomorrow and I'm only about 75% done. We have a spring plant sale coming up on April 9, and it's always a huge last-minute flurry before that date.

Maybe back to some sewing in a week or two!!

So sorry for your loss Lois. Your sister will appreciate you being there and helping her.

Well it is hard to think of anything but curling this week as the Women's Worlds are right here where I live, Swift Current, SK. SharonG, how I wish I could just wisk you here to my house and take you to the rink every day. We are watching the games on TV. I have nearly completed my 6 charity quilts so far this year. That feels really good!

Lois - sorry for your loss, so glad you'll be able to spend time with and help your sister through this difficult time.

I finished 2 March blocks and hope to finish a third before mailing them off.

Theresa, You are right. They usually do offer a pattern, but I couldn't find one for this year. I noticed they (whoever 'they' are) changed the name to Worldwide Quilting Day, so maybe the National Quilting Association didn't put one up. I went searching for one and decided on St Louis 16-Patch. I like the concept more than how the quilt on this site looks, but like the one I did. No picture yet as I haven't completed sewing all the blocks together. It was fun and went together quickly. http://sewwithsass.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/quilts-st-louis-16-patch.html 

Love2Sew. Curling! Wouldn't that be a fun thing for us to do??? I did find where the Championships would be televised here on the 31st and have it set to record should I not remember. Right now we've been binge watching March Madness (college basketball) and seeing a few upsets that are nice to see.

My girlfriend is being ordained in June, so I am going to make a reversible stole as a gift for her. Yesterday I made a test one and it came out great, so I'm looking forward to starting the actual project.

Green is used for the longest part of the liturgical year and red is used only on Pentecost. I got a lovely green Kona cotton for one side and a beautiful rich, crimson silk dupioni for the other. I plan to hand applique a trinity cross and embroider leaves and vines on the green side, and machine embroider the United Methodist cross and flame on the red side.

Donna

.Donna, where did you get the digitized cross and flame?

Linda, please PM me (or email - donnabrisbin at gmail dot com).