A Teaching Moment

16 1/2" x 16 1/2"

"Anyway You Look At It"

I was working on the BOM for Common Threads and decided to make a little quilt for me.  I took four of the blocks, changed the fabric layout and quilted my little quilt with some metallic thread. 

I thought I would share a tip for sewing half square triangles together to get that perfect match in the center.  Some of you may already do this but the BOM directions did not use the pressing techniques that I used. 

Notice that I pressed the half square triangles in opposite directions so they would nestle as I sewed them together, then I pressed the seam open.  It gives you precision piecing.

Note that these half square triangles are 1" finished.  I hope this is helpful.

Back in Town

Just got back from Ripon where Elaine and I spent most of the week quilting with Barbara.  We had a fantastic time.  The only thing I finished was this diaper bag for Katrina.  I used a Simplicity pattern (they should change there name because it was anything but simple) and fabric that Katrina picked from my stash.  I had to bring it by her house first thing this morning so she could use it.  Katrina and baby Daniel are going to her sorority reunion today.  Next time I will spend more time looking for a pattern geared toward a quilter.  Katrina loves it and that is all that matters.

Here's Barbara and Elaine working hard during our "mini retreat".  I spent some time on the theme quilt for Kings River guild and also a quilt for a friend but didn't get either finished.

Spent alittle time this morning checking the blogs I follow.  You should check out vivianhelena-creates.blogspot.com she does some amazing quilt kites and small landscapes.  She has motivated me to work on my art quilts, so I may do just that this morning.  We are going to San Jose to pick up Lexi and Serena from the airport this afternoon, so I am a little anxious and need to quilt to calm down.

Finally, the 60's are over!

I have been living in the 60's for the better part of a year.  The challenge for our Common Threads Quilt Guild was "The 60's:A Decade Of Change".  Well, a week ago Thursday was the unveiling of the challenge.  Here is mine!  It didn't turn out how I expected, but I think I like it.  There is a lot of history on that quilt.  I tried to get all my images from Public Domain sites so I at least made an effort to respect copyright laws.  It really isn't going anywhere but you can never be too careful.  I hope you like it.

Spent time this week selling tickets for our Opportunity Quilt in Clovis.  Had a great time with Barbara and Sara.  Tried to sell some of my little art quilts there but there wasn't any real interest.  I hope to find a way to sell some of them sometime in the future.

I also finished the quilt from the church ladies for our latest grandchild.  I included his picture so you can see how he is growing.  I can't believe he will be three months old this week. It just seems like yesterday when two of our girls got married and the other one entered the Navy.  It has been five years and now five grandchildren.  Serena is about to get out of the Navy also.  Some days it seems so fast and other days time drags.  Looking forward to Serena and Lexi coming Saturday.  I will definitely have pictures on here with all five grandchildren.  I'll have to make sure there is a quilt in the picture if you would rather see that. 

Forgot to show you Grace's interactive quilt art our Loose Threads group made for her for her birthday a few weeks ago.  I call it interactive because she can  move the quilts around if she wants.  I had a hard time trying to find some kind of clips to use with the chains.  Why don't they just sell clips!  I ended up taking the clips off of curtain rings.  Whatever works!  You might recognize mine on the top right.

Going to Barbara's this week to quilt.  I hope I come back with something finished.  Once Serena and Lexi are here I won't be doing as much quilting.