"Sister" Jean

When somebody you love becomes a memory,
the memory becomes a treasure.

Jean A (Nootz) Lutz

August 22, 1934

August 29, 2012

Gobble Gobble Gobble

We're in a drought.
Brown and dormant grass.
Leaves falling from trees.
Small plantings drying up.
Only "green" in lawn is on laterals ... which has attracted some feathered "friends".

We had one of two area wild turkey flocks dining on lateral "salad bar". By the time the camera was located and adjusted they had proceeded to nibble their way to south side of yard. (Note: They are constantly walking and eating.)

So ... they continued dining and strolling around perimeter of house yard making their way to neighbors tree line where we are assuming they roost during heat of day.

They are fun to watch ...

Hello Betty!!!!

"Hello Betty"

I finished the Simply Squared quilt last week. I used one jelly-roll of "Hello Betty" by Moda for this project. I love the vintage fabrics.

"Hello Betty" is displayed in our foyer on the storage bench Larry gave me a few years ago.

Lovin' it!!!

T-Shirt Quilt

I like a challenge ... so decided that after 2 1/2 years I should begin grandson Tyler's t-shirt quilt. It's an easy enough project. Afterall I have 4-5 different patterns to refer to and sister Debi just finished one ... so there is my "go to" person.

There are over 40 t-shirts to assemble into one quilt top. So far, so good. By consolidating the different block sizes there will be a total of 36 blocks (quilt top will be 6 by 6). I understand there is one more that needs to be included ... so perhaps the design will need to be tweaked to make room!

Here are the scraps that will not be used, and I still have nine blocks to go! The Knights band shirt on the rack is to heavy to include in the quilt top, and I don't want to cut it up, it's really a good looking shirt! I'm thinking a nice "throw pillow" to compliment quilt may be in order.

Gotta say the kid has a large assortment of t-shirts - band, plays, church. With every cut I see his handsome face ...

I sure do love my Tyler.

Golden, Colorado

A few years ago I got to hang out in the Denver area with "sistie" Dubber Ann. Our days were spent exploring every quilt/fabric shop within a reasonable distance of our hotel. At the very last shop we visited, Golden Quilt Company, we found a jelly roll of Moda fabric labeled "Hello Betty". The shop had used the fabric to make the "Simply Squared" quilt from the Strip Happy book by Donna Kinsey. Our mother's name was Betty so we took that as 'a sign' so bought three jelly rolls and copies of the book!

Last week I came across my "Hello Betty" materials. I had just completed the "Maple Leaf" project and was ready to start something new. Something "simpler"...something less mentally challenging...and something that had not sat on a shelf for over 30 years unfinished!!! The "Betty" project was the perfect choice. I imagined mother watching over my shoulder as I cut and sewed.

Today I completed the top. The finished size will be 46" x 58",  just perfect for the occasional unscheduled short nap!

Now to sandwich and quilt!!!  I'm pleased, thanks mom ... we done good!!!

Yet ... another table runner!

While on my last visit to Rapid City with "the sisties" we participated in the Black Hills Shop Hop. It was alot of fun, spending time with my sisters and two of Judi's quilting buds. At one of the stops, Quilt Corral (Hill City SD) we received a free charms pack!!! What a nice surprise. The fabrics were from the Hampton Blues collection by Timeless Treasures.

While the fabric pattern is not really my favorite ...  I still liked the colors and pattern variety in the pack. After deciding a table runner would show off the different fabrics perfectly I chose "Flower Power" from my plethora of patterns.

I like the end result.



Maple Leaf quilt top ...

It's been 33 years in the making, but it's finally finished!!! Well ~~~ the top is finished and ready to go to be long arm quilted. I thought about doing it by hand, but the final measurement is 106" x 131.5". To be  honest after finishing the final border it was quite heavy! I don't think mother's little old quilt frame could withstand the weight of top, batting and backing ~~~ not to mention it's size! Because it has been such a "labor of love" I prefer to have it professionally done so that it will withstand many, many years of use!

Sorry for the poor picture quality, the camera battery was dead so used camera phone. Quilt is on a double bed and all edges touch the floor with ample length to cover pillows. It's going to be beautiful, if I do say so myself!!!