Alycia Quilts

Stash Report 1/29/12

2012-01-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

Well.... for all my good intentions.... the quilt shop lured me in.... it enticed me.... but I have a good excuse..... we had to go to Cheyenne.... and it was cold... and windy... and we had to go inside someplace warm.... and the warmth just wore me down.... and so did these little goofs ( brother didn't want to be in the picture)!!

These animal prints were just adorable... little bit asked if we could get them, and middle bit said - oh we could make a strippy quilt, with cool blue borders, and I went - well OF COURSE!! Lets get the entire line..... oh sheesh.....

And they are so adorable!! We want to start on it right away ( so maybe my stash report will look good NEXT week LOL)

And they had these eagle panels... you all know I adore Fred ( our eagle) so I was just tickled with these... I have no clue how or what I will set around them.... but it will come!

Oh - and all of the above fabrics came from The Quilted Corner in Cheyenne. I am pretty sure if you google them they have an online shop.

and then..... see I was bad.... I ordered a Jelly roll to match my Layer Cake Quilt and they were having a sale on Layer cakes... can you believe it.... and its all outdoorsy fabrics. I am sure I can find a person who would LOVE these fabrics - at least in my house!!

These came from Green Fairy Quilts.

So - my report - ready?

Fabric Used this week: 0 yards ( ackk)

Fabric Used YTD: 79.79 Yards

Fabric in this week: 14.92 Yards ( those layer cakes are tricky to measure)

Fabric In YTD: 21.42 Yards

Net Fabric BUSTED: 58.37 Shew - still in the red....

For more stash reports go to: http://www.patchworktimes.com

2012 QOV Challenge update

2012-01-28T07:00:00.003-07:00

Remember our challenge at the first of 2012 - to piece or quilt or to do a mix, or to even do both and finish 12 Quilts of Valor for the year? Well - lets link up to them and encourage each other with our progress... whether its just a start of a quilt, or a finish of a quilt - lets see them all and push each other on!!!

I am trying the inlinkz website - and I sure hope it works!! So bring em on.... I'll even sweeten the deal a little bit.... We will drop all the links in a hat and pull one out on February 5th.

Whoever's name is drawn will get a $15 gift certificate to Equilter.com - hows that????

Lets link up!!

Quilted

2012-01-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

I committed to Quilting and Pieceing 12 Quilts of Valor this year, but I never promised they would be the same ones LOL --- I think I meant it that way, and it may still be that way - but I did not make this quilt. It was made by Jessica in Denver,... and I have fun quilting it. I wanted to try some new things, and I think they look pretty good!!

Notice there is still some chalk marks on there, but I will wash it after it is bound and it will be gone....

It looks puffy - but its not, I think that is wierd! I quilted in each block, and when you carry it its not to fluffy.... I guess I like the effect tho!!

Pat showed me how to make a new star *deallie* and I wanted to try it - so this solid block gave me a great place to try it.

See the chalked star? I did that in the borders even with each block.

Weave like quilting in the small border

And another star - just cuz I was so tickled they worked!!! And looked equidistant from each other ( thats a math term, and I am just throwing that in there... it sounded good LOL)

Saturday - I thought I would host a Quilt of Valor progress link up.... so if you have finished a top, quilted something, bought new fabrics, cut something up, made a new block - go ahead and share it.... Give us some inspiration!!

More Quilts and a delivery

2012-01-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

Four more Quilts of Valor were delivered yesterday - they went to a PTSD Group....

This is not the reciepient - she is one of the counselors.... but look at the smile. It makes her as happy to wrap our veterans in love as it makes us to make them!!

And NOW for the quilt show of the day!!

This quilt was made by Pat in Colorado Springs

And she kills me!!! Can you see the dragonfly in the corner.... I want one SO bad and she tortures me and puts them in these Quilts of Valor, and makes it so I CAN NOT cut them out :-)

Just beautiful!!

This strippie was made by Marlene in my quilt guild, and was quilted by Donna in Colorado Springs. She worked on her swirls - and I think they are Awesome!!!

Hope you all have a great day!!

A Quilt Show!! Of Quilts of Valor

2012-01-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Did you know its already Wednesday? Seriously ! What happened!!!

First off - I had a conversation with my Chaplain last night - he said some things that really touched me, and he said I could share - so here you go!

He said he is amazed at the conversations that he and his *guys* can have, as they are wrapped in there Quilts of love. He says there must be something so comforting in them, that they are able to break down barriers.

And that by breaking down the barriers, these guys have a chance to heal - both physically and emotionally.

*By Guys - he means all of them in the wounded battalion - not just the men*

That really touched my heart, and he said I could let you all know of the good work we are doing ..

Back to the Quilt show... get ready...

This first quilt is made by Helen H in VA. She sent it around and got a ton of signatures in the white blocks. It is really cool.

This one is sent in from Becky over at http://sarcasticquilter.blogspot.com/ I LOVE this one - I think it could probably be made with a layer cake or two . Thanks Becky!!

My St Croix connection is working!! This quilt above and below are both grom Grace P in St Croix. Karen is my *sister* living there and she is spreading the word... seriousl - when it is 4deg and snowy - I am going to go visit!!

Oh Look!!! Its Fred!! I think he smelled the steak and thought I was cooking for him... he is just gorgeous!!

This is from Sue in AZ - it was her 12th quilt for 2011!!! Way to go Sue!! It was both pieced and quilted by Sue! Its called Hatch and Windows and was a part of a mystery quilt at

MysteryQuilts4Military - a Yahoo group.

The quilt above, and the quilt below - both were made by Dianne K in Colorado, and quilted by Kathy R in Utah. Fabulous quilts!!! The one up top looks like it took forever - but I LOVE it!!

And the last quilt for today is a mystery! It came from Franklin Kentucky with no name on the box or inside. And no label.... but this is one cool quilt!! So thank you!

Hope you enjoyed this little quilt show this morning....

I am off to start my list of to - do's. especially since it Wednesday!!

QOV Sunday Sew In Stats

2012-01-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

We had a sew in on Sunday for Quilts of Valor and oh man!!! 23 ladies showed up, we ran out of tables, and had to borrow the picnic table outside!! It was awesome!!

So our stats:

18 Quilts were bound there, 7 were taken home to finish.. and bring back
4 Quilt tops and backings were done
11 Pillowcases were brought
1 Quilt top with its backing was delivered
1 finished quilt ( all started and finished at home) was brought

A lot of binding was made and used

one bag of chocolates, one box of fancy chocolates, and 1 bottle of Dr Pepper. I think everyone was working too hard to consume much of anything.... and they are awesome!!

This is the one that was done at home - all by Sharon!!

Rachel is starting a new quilt - the drunkards path in Batiks - yummy!!

This is Paula and Jody - hand binding!!! They were almost as quick as the machine binders.... who knew you could go that fast?

Harriett Machine Binding...

And I am glad they are prepared - I have A LOT of Quilts out to Colorado Long Armers.... I am so tickled. And I ran out of batting - I LOVE it!! .... I have an opportunity to by batting at pretty low prices every once in a while, so I do it, and share the batting with our LA'ers. Helps defray the costs....

Design Wall 1/23/12

2012-01-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

I don't have much on my design wall as I spent most of Sunday at our QOV Sew in.... but once I get my car unloaded I can give you the stats of what we did there. 23 people showed up!!! This has certainly grown from the first time!!! YAY

I bet my design wall will have more by the end of today... but this is it right now....

And Rice Man!!! Little Bits dinner creation!!

For other design walls head over to http//www.patchworktimes.com

Stash Report 1/21/12

2012-01-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

Holy Buckets!!! I used a lot of fabrics!! I made forty two batrillion backings for Quilts of Valor... okay just kidding - I made 7 backings. And I cut up pounds of scraps into 10 inch squares and 2 1/2 inch strips. The 10 inch squares are for our QOV Layer Cake Quilt Class in February.... but I know me, if I procrastinate..... I will be up all night the night before.....

And I count my fabric used as it is cut, especially since the backs go with some cool tops, and go out to AWESOME local Longarmers - who ROCK,... and help get these Quilts of Valor into our Veterans hands much quicker than I alone could do!!!

As far as backings go - I am about out of solid fabrics to make backings, and will have to start piecing them a lot more than before... I'll have to figure out a good way to do that..... ( suggestions are welcome!)

So for the stash report

Fabric In this Week:   0 yards   ( the jelly roll i ordered hasn't shipped yet - tee hee)
Fabric in YTD:            6.5 yards

Fabric Out this week:   ( ready? )   47.65 yards
Fabric out YTD:                           79.79 yards

Total Fabric busted:   73.29 yards   Yay

A little note about the out fabrics - I measured the backs - cuz that was easy. But all the scraps I cut up I wieghed. I used 3.5 yards per pound, altho I think it is really closer to 4 yards per pound, but all the scraps - if they were big enough went in my string bucket, and if they were too small went in my pound puppy bag..... there is a lady in our guild who makes pillows for adult dogs....

To see other stash reports head over to
http://www.patchworktimes.com/

Friday....

2012-01-20T07:30:00.007-07:00

I have finished the top I was working on... but I think it needs more. I have thought a little about it, and then ordered a jelly roll of the same fabrics - so I can *audition* some ideas!!

I ordered this book a little bit ago - and it came to me!! Yay - so I have been perusing it to see if there is a border that stands out to me, that will work on this quilt.

The book can be found Here if you are interested. ( its cool!!)

I also finished making a back for Quilt of Valor. I used all the extra pieces of my other backs - so I can't even count it in my stash report - but I LIKE it!!!!

And!!

I finished this quilt for a customer. She wanted it really puffy looking, so we chose a polydown batting, and minimal quilting.

And Hearts!! Lots of Hearts!!

Aren't these blocks neat? They are all 1.5 inch pieces!!

This woman has patience ;-)

And that is my week.... to see what others have finished you can head over to
http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/ and http://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/

Working working working

2012-01-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

On my QOV Mystery quilt. The clues can be found at http://www.persimmonquilts.com/ .... I think its pretty cool so far!!

And!! I have been cutting up more fabric!! My stash report will look REALLY good when I am all done. In February we are have a QOV sew in, and I am going to teach the layer cake pattern that I used to make This Quilt top....

And 15 people have signed up so far!! So I have a million 10 inch squares to cut - YAY!! More QOV's will be made!!! Off to cut... and Quilt..,,

From Harriet in CA

2012-01-18T14:30:00.002-07:00

Harriet in California made these two!

Isn't this cool? It kind of reminded me of looking thru a paned window. And such feminine colors. It has already gone out. It went to the Combat Veterans Group. They usually have about 3 new females a month join in. They are both physically and psychologically wounded. So you know it will be cherished.

This one, when I layed it out, got a lot of attention. Remember I have all boys here!! So I know it will be greatly loved.

Thank you Harriet!! Great quilts!! I so appreciate your help!

A Quilt from Robin

2012-01-18T09:53:00.001-07:00

Robin In TN sent this Quilt of Valor in -

Isn't it cool? Some of these blocks look very very complicated... I studied them! I think you can click on the picture and enlarge it - then you can study some of these blocks!

Thanks Robin!

Quilts from Margaret

2012-01-18T07:49:00.001-07:00

Margaret in Ohio sent in these to beautiful Quilts of Valor. I really enjoyed checking them out. They have been sent on to Fort Carson and I am sure they are being loved on!!!

I was asked to rotate my pictures.... so I did - I rotated them and SAVED them - why does blogger want you to look at them upside down?

This one was so so soft!! It was fun to pet the fabric ;-)

And this yummy yummy log cabin quilt!! I love the stars in it - itsn't it wonderful?

Thank you SO much Margaret! I love these quilts!! Thank you!

Thank heavens for dear friends - I apologizze for misspelling Margaret's name in the title... and have changed it!!!!

From Linda in NE

2012-01-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

Linda in Nebraska sent in these two Quilts of Valor.... and I am in love!!!

I opened this one, and I think my heart stopped. I LOVE bright colors... and the little black and white pinwheels - oh heavens.... so I took a ton of pictures so it can go on my quilt bucket list!!!

Linda also sent in a string quilt. You all know I am partial to string quilts! And the blue centers - they tie it together so nicely.

Linda thank you so much for these!

Design Wall 1/16/12

2012-01-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

A holiday!! Yay - all of the kiddos are home, and we goofed off all weekend. Rode horses, read books, watched our Broncos, went to eat with some great friends.... Kind of glad its a holiday!

On my design wall today is the layer cake fabrics I purchased at sheepcampquiltsupply.com on our way home from the funeral.

42 layer cake pieces - this is going to be about 54 x 63 without borders, so I may have to shop around for a border. I think Iit might need to be a bit bigger. But since I am still sewing the rows together.... I can be patient ( bwahh haa haa - who am I kidding?)

And I got Clue one done of the mystery quilt going on over at http://www.persimmonquilts.com/ its mystery 21 on the QOV Mystery page

And I got the cutting done for clue 2 - just need to print it off so I can sew!!

one of my favorite things is to watch our sunsets - over the mountains, the clouds get such amazing looks to them!

For more design walls go to:

http://www.patchworktimes.com/

Quilts Quilts Quilts and more Quilts from Missouri

2012-01-15T14:00:00.002-07:00

Bari - over at My Crazy Quilt life has sent me some great Quilts of Valor. She and a sewing group spend some time quilting - and this is the wonderful results!!

This one with the 16 patches was made and quilted by Nancy W . I love it. The various fabrics she used were fun to look at!!

This one is also from Nancy - I think there are some pretty fancy stars in there! i wonder if they were paper pieced?

This third one also came from Nancy. I think she is quite prolific in her quilting! I love them all.

This one was pieced and quilted by Bari. It is the Not so Top Secret Project quilt #2

The pattern can be found

Here

The last Quilt from MO today comes drom Phyllis of the Ozark Piecemakers. These blocks are pretty cool. They give a real spinny look!

Thank you MO Quilters - these Quilts of Valor are beautiful!! I so appreciate all the hard work that went into them!

Sunday Stash Report 1/15

2012-01-15T06:00:00.003-07:00

I actually got some sewing in - and fabric cut up!!!   So I am happy ;-)

My stash report for this week:

Fabric In This Week :    0 yds
Fabric in YTD:              6.5 yards

Fabric Used This Week:    13.59 yards

( 2 backings for QOV, borders, cut up my layer cake, binding UFO #5, and Color Palette fabrics cut up!)

Fabric Used YTD:     32.145 yds

Total Fabric BUSTED:   25.645 yds out

For other stash reports head over to http://www.patchworktimes.com/

A Quilt a Long!!!

2012-01-13T06:23:00.000-07:00

I think one of my new years resolutions is to start as many quilt tops as I can.... Oh gosh!!! Over at PatchworkTimes.com Judy is hosting a Quilt a long, and her quilts design.... oh la la!!!

Check it out

http://www.patchworktimes.com/2012/01/12/quilt-along-with-the-january-qov-design/

This will be a great nudge to get another top put together for my 12 Quilt of Valor challenge!! I can really do this - right???

Check it out!!

A Cowboy quilt

2012-01-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

Recently a friend asked me to help her create a quilt from start to finish. She needed it for the National Western Stock Show - to raise money for her Limosin Youth Association ( thats a bred of cattle)

We drew up a quilt in EQ and then she set about shopping for fabrics. Its fun to see what others will purchase, and what color schemes they come up with. She chose fabrics that were not close to the colors we used in the drawing. It was fun!!

Of course, I think deadlines must help me stay on track cuz there was never a moment when I set this quilt aside for something else!!

This is the whole quilt - she had the panels embroidered with silhouttes. She used pictures , and the lady digitized them. I love that idea!

A corner

The back . In the big outer border I stitched cowboy hats - I liked it ;-)

And this last shot - just to impress you - is it with the Binding Done - and I did it.... can you believe that I bound something in the same year, even the same MONTH it was made? you can stop laughing now, thank you very much ;-)

More Quilty Inspiration

2012-01-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

Just so you know - its cold outside!! We have had the nicest winter, and yesterday didn't even need a jacket. Today I am all coverall'ed up, and carhartted, and winter booted, and ear warmer'ed - and its still cold!! That wind!!! Uck... so I needed some quilty inspiration - cuz I am about done with the outside work!!!

So lets get crackin'

Check out these first two quilts - they came from Judy at http://www.patchworktimes.com/ She has the COOLEST borders.... but the time I get to the borders I just want to slap something on and be done, but she is changing that thought!!!

And this one!!! This was a mystery quilt a long time ago at the MysteryQuilts4Military Yahoo Group, I made one, but I didn't put borders on like this one.... kind of wish I had now!

And Speaking of the MysteryQuilts4Military Yahoo group - Nancy - the fearless leader and clue maker upper ( tee hee) send in this beautiful Quilt of Valor. Nancy also has a blog:

http://lifetakesaturn.wordpress.com/

Ms Gina and the Longmont Quilt guild, and Gina's sewing bee did these next quilts! Wow - is her bee productive! I even showed pics of the back of a few of them, inspiration!!! They are just great.

This next shot is the back - and the block in the middle? It is signed by all the bee members! I LOVE that idea!!

This last string quilt was made by Diane B of the Longmont guild. I really like all the light colors with the red in the center!

Again - a back - isn't it great?

Thank you ALL for your hard work. These quilts went off Monday with the Chaplain to be presented. He took 11 quilts to award !!!

Color Palette Challenge

2012-01-11T06:00:00.007-07:00

Vicki at Field Trips in Fiber and Judy at Patchwork Times are hosting a Color Palette Challenge. And you all know I am Colorly challenged.... so I printed the Palette and this is what I have come up with so far.

It was taken with my phone, so there is a little blurring - but here is what I found. I want to see how many of these I can do with my stash!!!

Now to pick a pattern!!
Who else is doing this challenge this month? Do you have your fabrics pulled? Can I peek?

.

A Mini quilt Show

2012-01-10T06:00:00.001-07:00

Are you ready for some inspiration? Are you ready to see some Quilts? Well, grab a cup of something and sit down!!!

First off I have a Quilt that has seen the tropics!! And it is ready for winter - this yummy flannel quilt was made by Sandi and Karen, Sandi lives in New Jersey, and Karen - in St Croix.... I am going there some day!!! Anyways this yummy Quilt of Valor is made in flannels, and will be so loved - I can tell!

This next beauty is sent in from Helen in Virginia - Isn't it lovely? Its colors and pattern are just outstanding!!

Up Next I have a real winner from Julie in California... she also sent in two tops, but those you will see later, when they have been quilted... I need to keep you in suspense you know!

You can check out what Julie is up to over at http://barnquilter.blogspot.com/

Next up is a real Patriotic Quilt from Kathy in Oregon. She pieced it, and it was quilted by Betsey P of Clovis California -- real west coast gals. ( well except Clovis isn't on the coast... but its closer than I am at the moment!!)

I won't make you vote on any of these - as I am sure it would be VERY hard to choose a favorite.. But I can tell you.... there is a lot of ohhing and ahhhing in my house!!

The Chaplain came to visit me yesterday to pick up a few quilts. And listening to him ohh and ahhh totally made my day! He said to pass on his undying gratitude to us quilters. He says he has seen the tears of so many, when they find out someone cared enough to make them a beautiful gift - it just makes his heart all happy!!

Design Wall 1/9/12

2012-01-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

I have been working thru my bucket ( just one - I didn't want to overwhelm myself) so last night I finished up another top. This one both Little Bit and I were working on... he would rather watch football, so I sewed!!

And Ta Da..... here it is - a wonky rail fence ;-)

And then, I just couldn't stop myself - I cut into my layer cake that I got this weekend

I got about all the sewing done on the blocks, now I need to iron and get sewing again.....

For Other Design Walls head over to - http://www.patchworktimes.com/

Stash Report 1/8/12

2012-01-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

Oh boy!! I missed last weeks Stash Report - because I was calendarally challenged... you understand right? I was waiting for the Rose Parade to start, who knew they don't do the Rose Parade on Sundays? Totally threw my day off!!.... maybe even the WHOLE week!!!

This week found me all over our state and all over Wyoming. I am just retrieved my emails -I am scared... so if I am slow responding, love me anyways. Wrangler Mans Grandpa passed away this week, and we headed up to Thermopolis WY for a family funeral. Bob was 98!!

But... they have quilt shops in that neck of the woods... so we had to see at least one! and I found a few goodies to go home with me.

We stopped at Sheep Camp Quilt Supply - and found these. It was such a nice break. It is 7 hours from our house to Thermopolis. My car is large, but not that large for that time period... you all understand I am sure ;-)

Fabric in Last week: 0 yards

Fabric in This week : 6.5 yards

Fabric in YTD: 6.5 yards

Fabric Used Last Week: 4.5 Yards ( a litle but for Orca Bay, Binding, and a Backing)

Fabric Used This week: 14.055 (a giveaway, pulled for a QOV, & a backing for UFO #5)

Fabric Used YTD: 18.55 Yards

Fabric BUSTED YTD: 12.055 yards

This is Grandma and the cousins. Bob was Grandmas dad.

And of course, I kinda have to brag. This in Wrangler Man. He told some of the stories about Bob. He was good. Grandpa Bob was a rancher, a business man ( he owned the Skelly Station for years) a Golfer, and a great Grandpa.

To see other stash reports go to
http://www.patchworktimes.com/

A Quilt from Margaret in VA

2012-01-06T06:00:00.002-07:00

This is a quilt from another Patchwork Times reader!! There sure are a lot of you! That's awesome. I love seeing what Judy is up to!! And what quilt she is making next. Some day I am even going to be able to cook like her.....

Anyways - From Margaret in VA comes:

Isn't this a neat quilt? I am drawn to the spinny ness ( is that a word?) of it!!! Thank you SO much!!

A Presentation

2012-01-05T06:00:00.001-07:00

I love it when we get to see who gets our Quilts. Sue sent in a quilt that she said was very hard to part with. Well Sue - if you look close you will see your quilt.... and he is a special guy!!

These four are some pretty incredible folks, and they were so surprised and so tickled to be presented with a Quilt of Valor. It was really neat! I Love it when they let me share pictures!!

We had the most beautiful sunny day, and on the way home it went from total visibility to zero visibility. My poor dog - she could hardly see me....

I tried to take her picture in the fog, but it just made her look grey...

Embarrassing

2012-01-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

So on the January first I started digging into one of the teeny little buckets I have up here in my pile projects. I finished this QOV and thought there might be a few things more I might could finish up..... and lawsy mercy - who knew that my teeny little bucket could hold SO much!!!

I found my 36 patch quilt a long from Crazymomquilts... I think I started this in the summer.... all the rows were pinned together, with little numbers on them so I knew which row was which ( oh the shame...)

And then I found these blocks.... again all piled in rows and ready to put together. I can NOT remember when the lime green challenge was for Heartstrings - but I am guessing.... February.... oh the shame.....

And then I kept going... this THIS!! was on the UFO list for 2011. Probably good I never got to it - can you imagine the humilitation to realize I had piled others on top of it? So Little bit and I got to work... and this is where we got......

I know I have Quilt Startitis.... I just didn't know I always had can't finishitis as well *sigh*

From Jo in PA

2012-01-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

I love Jo!! She is too cool! We go way back, but then she sent me a newspaper from her town! And I think I need to visit. She owns a grocery store.... and.... and.... there is a Chocolate factory there!!!!

This quilt and pillowcases came from her!

This specific quilt is called Hatch and Windows. It was a mystery quilt from the yahoo group called

MysteryQuilts4Military its a Yahoo Group

You can search for it, Nancy makes some cool mysteries!!

This is the pillowcase to go with it.

Here are some more pillow cases Jo made. I don't know if you can tell, but the little flange piece? She doesn't close it all the way around, instead uses it to run a drawstring thru, making the pillowcases - kind of bag like!! I am going to try it!!

Thanks Jo for all your hard work, and for the temptation!!

QOV Donation Winner

2012-01-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

Judy over at http://www.patchworktimes.com/ asked her readers to help fill the QOV pantry. There were 49 quilts that came to me from this request.... and the name drawn was

Ila Migut

Ila has been contacted by Judy and will get her yummy prizes!!

Thank you ALL for helping out - I sure appreciate it

Here are the Quilts of Valor that Ila Made :

These colors are so striking together. And I Love the pattern!!

This is a great quilt too - check out the border fabric!! That really brings the whole quilt to stunning!!

Thank you Ila

Thank you all who helped to make sure our wounded warriors were shown the love this time of year. It is some of the hardest times in the barracks - and this was AWESOME!!

Again Thank you!!

( and keep watching - I have lots of pictures still!!)

Colorado Quilts of Valor

2012-01-02T15:00:00.002-07:00

This is kind of a mixed post... I have been having a little trouble with my computer, so I am praying that it was just a bad day.... But I backed everything up, and saved all my pictures, but lost some emails... so I may be tracking those down... just wanted you to know that if I don't respond right away ... its not me ;-) it my computer ;-(

Anyways let me show you some cool things that have been created in Colorado!!

This quilt was pieced by Jessica. She teaches a scrap class in Denver. I think.... that she knows what she is doing....

Heres a close up!

This strippy Jelly Roll quilt was made by Rubydell and quilted by Liz Taylor Davis

Kathy and Connie are gals that are totally awesome. They have joined our sew days, and I am so tickled. I said something about needing some pillowcases... and voila!!! Look what they made!

I am totally keeping them ( Connie and Kathy - not the pillowcases!!)

These next pillowcases were made by the Pride City Quilt Guild in Pueblo . I love them too!

Someday I am heading down there to take some chocolate to these Quilters.... they work hard!!

And the last quilt in our Colorado Show was made by Connie and Kathy and quilted by Sandy of Red Barn Quilting - right up here in Eaton!!

Thanks you all!! Happy New Year!

(PS these are still tagged QOV 2011 - because they came in in 2011... I didn't forget!)

Design Wall 1/2/12

2012-01-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Oh yay!! I have a design and a finish for this week!!! It helps when all the boys are home, and so is dad - to do all the chores! i think I need Christmas Vacation alot more than once a year!!

So my first design wall is a top that I finally finished!! I put it in a tub back in July and I truly can NOT remember why. I wonder if I thought it was going to get hard? Or I was gonna have to think? Anyways its done! It's out of my pile project, AND its my first of 12 QOV tops for the year!!!

When I pulled it out of its pile, I had three rows put together. I think I just got lazy... or one of the kids had a swim meet, or.... seriously - it was probably the lazy... *sigh*

AND!!! I got the binding put on this quilt!! It was from Judy's Color Challenge 2011 = the purple one... so its now out of my piles!!

And last but not least - I finished these blocks from The Orca Bay mystery. I am joining the turtle group on this one... slow and steady......

To see other Design Walls go to: http://www.patchworktimes.com/

And to see other Orca Bay Progress go to http://quiltville.blogspot.com/

Quilt of Valor Pattern

2012-01-01T06:00:00.001-07:00

This last July - I was the guest artist at 3 Creative Studios and designed this quilt pattern. I thought I would try to get it to you again - just in case you all were looking for another pattern....

I issued a challenge to Quilt of Valor quilters to make 12 Quilt tops in the upcoming year, or to volunteer to quilt 12 Quilts of Valor in 2012.... Anyone want to take on the challenge with me?

Printable PDF File

In Full Disclosure here!! .... I started mine in 2011, and it is in my piles .... (oops)

BUT I have decided I am starting to finish it now!! So it will be considered my top for January.... right???

Quilts from Mary in MN

2011-12-31T12:00:00.001-07:00

Mary is the fearless leader of our Heartstrings Group! Sheis amazing, I have decided that when she is quilting she quilts at warp speed!!!

The first two quilts were pieced by Jan, quilted and bound by Mary.. I LOVE how she frames the center string with the stripes!!! Great look!

And in Blue!!

This one was 100% done by Mary... This pattern here!! Its called a twisted 9 patch!! Don't you love it!

And this great string quilt. I really do like these.!

Thank you Mary - I so appreciate all the support you have given this Quilt of Valor project over the years!!

Quilts from Lynn in MI

2011-12-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

Lynn in Michigan sent in these two beautiful Quilts of Valor!! They are both so patriotic!!

I love the surprises in theis one. When I first looked at it I thought it was a rail fence, and then my eye went up to that center block!! Is that not Clever!!

And a lot of wrok went into this one... look at all those tiny pieces. So - funny story... one of the guys said he was a Marine, then got redeployed to the Army, so he would love a quilt that depicted both.....

I did not get enough good shots of this quilt - but is has emblems from all the military branches and...it was just what he wanted!!! Lynn - you have great taste!!

Thanks Lynn!!!

Quilts from Amelia Island Quilt Guild

2011-12-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

Gail and the guild made some wonderful Quilts of Valor over in Florida - and sent 5 of them this way to help out our pantry needs. I so appreciate that!!

So check out these beauties:

Do you ever wonder how blogger sees these images? In my computer this is NOT upside down!! Don't you LOVE the star appliques!!!

I LIKE this one!!! I love the diamonds!!

And the next picture is the back of it.

This one is pretty cool huh? It is all in the setting of the blocks!

I am guessing that this quilt is made from the moda just one star pattern? it has a lot of signatures on the stars too! And the back.... I want that fabric!!

And the last one. I kind of fell in love with the border fabric... wonder why?

Thank you SO much Amelia Island Quilt Guild!!!

Quilts of Valor from Pat

2011-12-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

Pat in Wisconsin sent me these two beautiful Quilts of Valor. And I have to say - I LOVE her work!! I wish I could think like her sometimes!!

This first quilt is from Terry Atkinsons Minnesota Hot Dish pattern.... its on my to do list too. I think I even have fabric next to the book... but don't tell anyone... it won't get done this year!

This brick one was drooled over a little bit in my house!! I have all boys - remember? They are my testing unit to see if a quilt is too feminine or not. ( Not that I had to test this one!) But they saw it on the floor ready to post for pictures.... and they all wanted it!!

Check out the back!!!!

Thank you Pat!!! You all want to check out her other work go to http://bellcreekquilts.blogspot.com/ - tell I sent ya!!

Quilts of Valor from Cathy in AZ

2011-12-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

These two wonderful Quilts of Valor come from Cathy W in AZ. I have to say that I am amazed everyday at the generousity of quilters!!! You all are so amazing!!

If I read the labels right - this strippy quilt was quilted by Marie

Isn't that just the coolest quilting?

This quilt is really neat. I looks so complicated!!

Thanks Cathy for these beauties!!

A top From Deborah in Canada

2011-12-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

Deborah is a Patchwork Times. com reader . SHe emailed asking if it would be okay to send a top to be quilted, as that is easier internationally. So she sent a top - and a gal that sewd s with me here - Sharon is going to quilt it. But heres the funny thing. They are email friends from another list, and when Deb said she was sending me a quilt - Sharon called me right away.

Small world right???

Anyways - here is the top!

Check out the heart block!!! love it!! Thanks Deborah!!

Adopting a Unit

2011-12-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

One of the guys that I worked with was deployed a month ago, and he decided that it would be great if I adopted him and his guys while they are overseas!! And of course, how can one say no.

Our small little 4H group loves to do community service, so I thought I would ask them if they wanted to help make some things for the guys.... they are so awesome! We filled 2 USPS/APO boxes of goodies... and made these ....

Those fleece tied Blankets

I love my Joanns coupons!!

Even the dads joined in - they are a great work crew!!

And everyone had a chance to tie them up

We made 3 blankets total to send ! And of course, had to try them out first!!

From Inspirations Quilts Shop

2011-12-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

Over in Ft Morgan - to the east of me, there is a quilt shop called Inspirations. They have a Thimbleberries Quilting Group - and one of the members - Susan.... brought Quilts of Valor to their attention. But not only did they just listen to Susan about QOV.... they jumped right in and made 2 for our soldiers at Ft Carson.... yay!!!

Check out this beautiful Sampler.... and a close up

I think I LOVE the flag!!!

And the Second quilt. I just really love ALL the blocks - they are so fun to study and drool over!

Heres the pillowcase that goes with the second quilt - beautiful!!!

Thanks ladies!! The Thimbleberries Club of Inspirations quilt shop rocks!!!

Partially Proficient

2011-12-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

I was SO excited last night!!! I had been busily sewing along - I finally (finally) finished clue 5 and was ready to start on clue 6.... I got all the pieces cut for clue 6 andf sat down to sew.....

and I hadn't trimmed by clue 1 ( i think it was that clue) up... and they were just enough too big... that I couldn't fudge....

See all 4,000, 350 million little pieces?? Whooo hoo.... ( please don't look at my piles....)

And all my pretty pieces all cut up!!!

See - the trimmings - they are just a smudge too big, and just enought that I would know. Cuz you all KNOW I am not perfect.....

Fred was back again while I was sewing. I love the majesty of Fred... and I love when he dive bombs my window - scares the bejeebers out of me...

Off to Quilt - I am working on a Custom quilt ... and I am loving it!!!

A mini Quilt show - all quilted by Liz

2011-12-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

Liz is a Gammill rep and a CS 4.0 Certified Trainer - and she is awesome. She had all her customer quilts finished and gladly took a LOT of Quilts of Valor to quilt for us!!! I could hardly keep up with making the backings for as fast as she quilted these!!

So grab a cup of hot chocolate - or a Dr Pepper ( you know MY choice!) and enjoy... theres some eye candy here!!

This one is made by Miracles in denver - Under the care of Jess V... Jess also teaches classes at the wooden spool in denver...

I am cheating - all of these previous quilts were made by the Miracles group in Denver. They have been so helpful in our Quilt of Valor endeavor, and have learned a new skill as well!!

So this Double Ring was made and quilted by Liz - pretty cool huh?

The next two quilts are made by Tamera over at TameraQuilts.blogspot.com

This Strip Twist quilt was made by Mary M - of my Greeley Guild.

Heres a close up of the quilting. I loved these plaids - so yummy!!

This quilt was made by Agnes K - her daughters Sandy and Karen are another QOV team that is awesome!! Its all in the family!!

And the last two tops for today are made by tamera as well

At the end of the month all of these will go to our QOV Sew Day and I will beg the Binding Bunch to dig in and bind, and I will bring chocolate to ward off the tiredness ;-)

Pile Project Progress

2011-12-27T06:00:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I got to get a lot of sewing in... I was surprised. But after I got a little tired of small pieces and started looking at my Piles. ( The piles behind my sewing machine) And since one of my 2012 goals is to reduce some piles.... I grabbed a quilt and - *gasp* measured it, and

*gasp* made the binding for it.... and *double gasp* BOUND it.... can you believe it?

I bought this kit.... its flannel... its yummy....

And my friend Denise V. pieced it for me.... and I added a flannel backing... and - did I say its Yummy.....

I chose pink striped flannel for the binding.... and its really really Yummy!!!

I used it all last night while I was watching TV with the kiddos....

So - look at me - its not even really 2012 and I have already started in on something. Maybe thats a sign for the new year?

Design wall Monday Dec 26th

2011-12-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

I don't have much on my design floor, as it has been inhabited by Boys!!! Lots of Boys!! Boys doing fun things, and playing Madden Wii Football, and opening presents, and wrestling. 5 boys between 16 and 10 take up a lot of space ;-)

But here is what I have been working on: Step 5 of orca Bay. And truthfully - I thought I was done with these units looking just like this... and got ready to move on, and something in my brain said.... look again...

Glad I looked again, because if I had left them like this... who know. So I am working on adding the other side to them now.

Fred came back to visit us yesterday. Fred is our resident eagle, He dive bombs our house and thinks its funny to see us all come running...

See all the boys? After they got tired of in the house...we went out!! To the sledding hill. Grandma gave the cousins the toboggan from the days of old, and they brought it. Oh man - does it run!!!

Two to the toboggan!!!

Then the hill got boring, so they tied onto the 4Wheeler.... the 5th child was out there for a while, then decided he would rather ride... so he is hiding behind wrangler man.

Hope you all had a great Christmas day.

To see other Design Walls go to:

http://www.patchworktimes.com/2011/12/26/design-wall-monday-december-26-2011/

To see more Orca Bay

http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2011/12/mystery-monday-link-up-part-6.html

Stash Report - last one of 2011

2011-12-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

So first - I have a question. This is the first year I have done the stash report over at Judy's . Since this is the last one of the year - does that mean that this week is *free*? So anything I buy doesn't count? Or does it get reported on the first stash report of 2012?

Not that I am planning on buying anything - but you never know.........

Okay so for the last one of 2011

Fabric in this week:   0
Fabric Donated YTD:      164 Yards
Fabric Purchased YTD:    56.795 yards
Total In:                                220.795

Fabric Used this week:    2 yards - this is for step 5 and 6 in Orca Bay
Fabric Used YTD:           463.559 yards

Total Stash Busted for 2011     242.764

I am quite proud. All the fabrics that were Donated for Quilts of Valor are in the quilts!!! There is nothing left - so I am quite tickled. And that I only bought 57 yds is kind of impressive... I have never tracked what I purchased - but I would have assumed that it was more.... just cuz of the piles I have ( seen here )

For other year end stash reports go to Judy's
http://www.patchworktimes.com/2011/12/25/stash-report-week-52-2011/

A Day of Thank You's

2011-12-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

My family is arriving today, and Wrangler Man's is coming tomorrow. But I really, really wanted to share these with you.... ( many quilts have been presented this month)
******************************************************************************

To All That Were Involved:

I wanted to say, "Thank You," for the beautiful quilt that I have
received. My family and I greatly appreciate all the loving thoughts that were put into creating such a special gift.

Wishing all of you a Happy Holiday Season and the very best for the new year!

Thank You,

The Jay Family
**********************************************
From the New Commander on post ( he took his command the week after we dedicated the New Barracks this post )

Dear Quilters:
I was on a tour of our Warrior Transition Battalion Barracks last week and I was awed by the charm of the numerous quilts on each bed of our Wounded Warriors. I was informed that these Quilts of Valor were made possible by you and your fellow quilters. I am glad that I had the opportunity to see firsthand what you are doing for our Soldiers and their families.

Thank you all so much for both your generousity and thoughtfulness. The quilts are absolutely beautiful, and I know how special they are for our Soldiers in the WTB.

Take Care, Sincerely
Major General Anderson
Commanding
*********************************************************************************

Thank you so much for the beautiful quilt presented to my father on Veterans day. You will never know how much that meant to him. Your quilters are to be commended for your effort and talent.
Sincerely K
daughter of Robert
****************************************************************
Thank you all for your hard work and support. It is a great blessing to have this quilt.
MG ( Female combat unit)
*****************************************************************
Thank you SO much for the quilt, I will use it every night. - G.O. ( female combat unit))
*****************************************************************
Thank you so much. I'll always think of you all thinking of us and giving me the quilt - J.B ( TBI floor)
********************************************************************
Thank you so much for the quilt. It brought a smile to my face. -L.B (TBI floor)
************************************************************************************************

Thank you from me too ( Alycia) The smiles that are brought to the faces of one who recieves a quilt are priceless, but knowing that you are sharing your love through the quilt, makes my heart warm.... I love it!!!

A Quilt from Cricket

2011-12-23T14:00:00.002-07:00

So I recieved a box with a gorgeous Log Cabin Quilt of Valor in it, and no paper...so I looked on the outside and the shipping label said Jeff.... I hunted down a way to contact Jeff to let him know his quilt arrived.... only to find out..... He was just the shipper. His wife Cricket had made it.

It made me laugh though - because each thought the other had enclosed something.

Isn't that a cool quilt. and the black fabric has grey cats on it!! And the Baptist Fan quilting.... Thanks Cricket!!!

Quilts from Sharon and Joan

2011-12-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Sharon in Wyoming... over here Made some great quilt tops, and my dear Joan in Kersey Quilted teo of them for us!!! I love how many Longarm quilters are just stepping up to the plate to keep up with these awesome toppers!!! You all rock!!!

The boys decorated for Christmas - my Contibution? The Carolina Crossroads Mystery quilt from Bonnie hunter years ago...

Alright - the first top from Sharon... Isn't it beautiful? I am positive those star blocks were paper pieced. They are so amazing!!

And here's a close up of her quilting.

A second quilt from Sharon. I just love the star fabric that she used in the sahsing. It really sets the blocks off so nicely!!

Sharon you did a wonderful job on these quilts of valor - and Joan your quilting is just perfect!!
Thanks ladies!!

Quilts from Alabama

2011-12-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

I got up early this morning, got ready to blog, and looked outside and there was SNOW!! A lot of it!! Yay... except I had to go to town. From my house ( high up on the hill) I can see the highway, and I noticed the semi trucks going veeeerrrrry very very slow.... so I hopped in my car and headed off. Good choice. Took me a little over an hour ..... oh well. Such beauty is worth it.

But I am back now and ready to blog!!!

So - these beautiful quilts come from Alabama!!! All the quilters are Patchworktimes.com readers.

This one - I believe is a Scrappy Trip quilt ( from quiltville.com) is made by Ada N. And a close up is in order... I love these quilts!

This green 4 patch one is also made by Ada!! Thank you SO much Ada!!!

This pretty Blue one is made by Teresa H from Alabama.... isn't it a soothing quilt?

This is from Teresa too - is it a snowball quilt, or a puzzle quilt? I don't know this pattern - but I sure LOVE it!!!

The last quilt this morning ( and yes it is still morning in my book!!!) Is from Cathy O in Alabama!! I LOVE how those stars spin right in the middle of the blocks!!

Quilters!! These Quilts are wonderful Quilts of Valor!!! I sure appreciate you!!

From Debbie of Florida

2011-12-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

This Quilt was made by Debbie in Florida - and it totally makes sense. The name of it is called Siesta Sunset, and oh boy..... I can see these colors happening in Florida.... Its just a beauty!!

Thank you Thank you Debbie.... another one on my bucket list.... this is why I have UFO's people!!!!

Quilts from Marsha and Doris

2011-12-21T08:04:00.001-07:00

of Texas!!! I love Texas... back in the olden days when I travelled a LOT for my job I spent a fair amount of time in Texas... from Amarillo, to San Antonio, and Canadian to El Paso.... I liked it!!

So these Quilts are made by Marsha and quilted by Doris.... they are Patchwork Times readers too .... and get this... Doris lives in.... Brownwood!!!

Thank you Ladies!! These Quilts of Valor are so wonderful!! And I know they are being loved on!!!!

2012 UFO List

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

for 2011 I participated in the UFO Challenge over at http://www.patchworktimes.com/ And here are my results:

Out of the 10 UFO's I listed - I finished 6...

2 of the unfinished ones were just fabric is a bucket with the plan hidden in my mind.... and they are still there - hidden...

1 needs to be quilted

and 1 needs my son to sit down with me an finish it.... so all in all not too bad!

I also participated in the Color challenge...., which leads to this years UFO List!

Here are all the tops, plus some, that I made during that challenge. So they move on to be my 2012 UFO list.

Here is the list that is in that beautiful, colorful, pile....

Lime Black Quilt (left from 2011 UFO)
Betty Quilt ( the top was on the 2011 UFO list) Here
Quilt Lime Violet Pineapple ( from the Violet challenge)
Quilt Blindigo color challenge top Here
Quilt Red Color Challenge top Here
Orange Color Challenge Top Here
Quilt Orange Creamsicle Top ( left overs of the orange challenge) Here
Quilt Halloween Jelly Roll Quilt
Quilt Blue and Yellow String Quilt ( I think this is from 2010 oops)
Quilt Red QUilt that had to grow found here
Quilt Original Yellow challenge quilt Here
Quilt Orca Bay Quilt ( assuming I finish it along with Bonnies clues)

I have also decided to start my own project. It is called

The Pile Project!!

Here is proof that I pile things ;-)

My goal for 2012 is to reduce this pile. Note - that I did not say finish this *pile* area. Because that would be just WAY to ambitious. And then I would feel guilty if I added to the piles, and I am all about NO GUILT!!

I am starting with the Jacobs Ladder pile first - just cuz I wanna - and its probably the closest top to being done..... so you know - you need the motivation right!

In full disclosure mode - here is another pile....

And the last pile. There are a couple of quilts to be bound, and under those 36 patch blocks from http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/ ;s sew along - well, I am not tellin' whats under there....!

Truthfully - its really because I don't want to know LOL - I know it is about 4 inches high... so it must be something good!

There you have it - my 2012 UFO/Pile Project List.... and of course I will be checking out the color challenge that Judy and Vicki http://vickiwelsh.typepad.com/field_trips_in_fiber/#tp are designing for 2012...

as well as try really hard to keep up with Judy's UFO challenge ( http://www.patchworktimes.com/ )

Quilts from Marilyn in CO

2011-12-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Marilyn is another gal in the sewing group in Ft Collins.

Lucky for me - she put great labels on the back. This top one was pieced by Betsey in Houston, and quilted by Marilyn

This star on and the one below was made and quilted by Marilyn. I love how the stars pop out! I know that one of these was already distributed in my presence, because I could remember these stars. Too cool!

Thank you Marilyn for your hard work!! and to Betsey for pitching in too!!

Quilts from Nancy in CO

2011-12-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

I do not have a design wall today... which is okay - cuz I have a LOT of great Quilts of Valor to show. My design wall has been taken over by wrestling boys.... crazy wrestling boys.....

Anyways!! Over in Fort Collins there is a great little sewing bee - and they have taken on Quilts of Valor as their challenge.... you have to see some of these quilts! ( okay ALL of them!)

There are 10 here this morning - all of them made by Nancy.. I will show you the rest of her groups quilts this afternoon - so DON"T forget to come back!

Aren't they awesome? Such a great variety of beauties!! Thank you Nancy for all your hard work!!

A quilt from Judy

2011-12-18T14:00:00.001-07:00

Judy is another great quilter. She lives down south of me - I always get the city wrong, but oh well - that is why you NEVER ask me for directions. I always gets where I need to be, but can't tell you how I got there.....

Anyways - check this beautiful quilt out....

and of course - the back - gorgeous too!

So! Judy makes and quilts this quilt, and gets it to her daughter - who lives to the west of me. So when I go to town to get some food for my starving children, who NEVER get full, we stop at Lynns house. Of course, she invites me in to see the new works of art that Judy has made.

Immediately I am jealous!!! Judy make these convergent quilts ( I am pretty sure thats what she called them) and they are green and with gardens showing thru the green strips - absolutely stunning.... and the worse part? Lynn said they weren't for me *sigh*

But I did get to love on the Quilt of Valor for a minute or two - so I was better.... Thanks Judy!!!

Stash Report 12/18/11

2011-12-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have finally finised steps 1-4 of Quiltville.com 's Mystery so I am going to now count that yardage as used....   I am one of those who does not wait until its quilted and bound, or I would never have a stash out column... and I NEED that column or I can't justify to Wrangler Man the need for more fabric... right????

Anyways

USED This Week:    6.82 yards   ( 5.82 Orca Bay, 1 yard pillowcase)
USED YTD:              461.56 yards

IN this week:             0 yards
IN YTD (donated)      164 yards
IN purchase by me:    56.79 yards
TOTAlL In                       220.79

TOTAL STASH Busted:           240.76 yards out into quilts ( yay!!)

For more stash reports go to http://www.patchworktimes.com/

And - I think I am going to do this again for 2012 - I like seeing how much we use!

A Quilt from Ethel

2011-12-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Ethel is in my quilt guild, and I love her. Her daughter in law is on of the office organizers at our high school - I see her a bit ;-)

Anyways Ethel made this really cool quilt...

Ethel also binds a million gazillion quilts of valor for us, and is amazing!!! Thanks Ethel!

Quilted by Sister Sue

2011-12-17T06:30:00.003-07:00

Sue is a longarm quilter/pharmacist in Lyons and I have adopted her. She just doesn't seem to know it yet..... her sister is in my quilt guild, so I don't understan why I can't be her sister too.... I mean... I do bring chocolate to our sew days...... *sigh*

So these 4 quilts were quilted by her. The top one is a signature String quilt that I put together. The strings blocks were signed at various quilt shows, at different presentations that I do ( about quilts of valor) and at the guilds I speak at ( again about QOV's)

The three after that were made by the Miracles group in Denver. This is a therapy group headed by my friend Jessica. I love her... she is my other sister... I am going to need a bigger table at Christmas huh?

This next one reminds of the Gees' bend type quilts....cool huh!

Check out the back on this one!

Thank you to the Miracles quilt makers and to Sue for quilting all of these. I sure appreciate the help!

Quilts from Kris B

2011-12-16T14:00:00.001-07:00

I am making an executive decision.... I think I am going to post 2 times a day to show you all these awesome quilts of Valor.... and here is why... I took there pictures. Loved them while they were here, and now they are being loved by soldiers. Remember the building of the new barracks? They are filled. As of Tuesday, there were 361 Warriors in Transition ... oh my.....

So here are the beauties that came from Kris B. She is a long arm quilter too ....

Check out the quilting in these borders!! i think you can click on the picture and see more detail!

Ohh La la - Is this not a cool design???

And of course...check out this quilting!!

This next quilt - I know it is called a Big Quilt, and I believe the pattern is from Maple Island... because - I think I have the pattern...

Thank you Kris!!! These are so awesome.

Quilts from Elaine

2011-12-16T06:30:00.002-07:00

These Quilts of Valor came from Elaine - in my neighboring Nebraska!!! You can check out all her adventures over at http://elaineadairpieces.blogspot.com/ ... she even has a tutorial for one of these quilts on her blog!!!

P.S. Its this log cabin quilt thats a tutorial!! Isn't that cool?

Here are some close ups - becuase I can.... and becuase the longer I sit here, the more I can convince my family I am *working* and they will do the chores.... ( yes I am lazy)

And heres the other one. I can't remember if she has this as a tutorial - but it is a very interesting pattern.... it takes a lot of study - and I love it!! It is called a Confusion Quilt and designed by Debbie Bowles

Thanks Elaine - I know these were hard to part with.... but I also know that they are well loved!!

Stringing, Just a Stringin'

2011-12-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

Oh whoops - maybe thats Swinging... but only if you listen to country music....

Today was the day I got to sit down for an hour next to my strings!!! And seriously, it was just about an hour.... how come everyone *needs* me???? Just kidding... I love having my kiddos around!! And.... we went swimming today. When I say swimming, you know I mean like a workout right? My oldest is pretty competitive and since Cross Country is over he wants to be in shape for his spring swim season.... I think beating mom ( okay killing her) is high on his training list.....

Back to the strings...

Heres the pile.....

Heres 32 of them finished...

And a few trimmed up... only a lot more to go!!! Yay me!!

Anxiously awaiting the next clue.....

Presentation

2011-12-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

This week has found us trotting all over the state. We delivered 10 Quilts of Valor to a group of soldiers and one of them tracked us down for a photo. Because of the knowledge of new law - pictures are harder to take, and permissions are harder to get.... but this guy was ALL over that!! Even thought the police officer told us we had to stop taking pictures in the hall way.... oh well - *grin*

And thank goodness for cell phones - both of us took pics with them, as cameras were to be in pockets LOL

This guy was from Utah - getting treatment here in Colorado. A super nice guy, and his wife was with him. She was able to come out for the week.

Quilts of Valor from Becky

2011-12-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

Becky over at http://blarma2001.blogspot.com/ Sent in these two wonderful quilts to be presented to soldiers.

Check this out! I LOVE String quilts - and the red centers are just so cool!!

I think this is called a bricks quilt. I love the colors!! That border fabric is just wonderful!

And to prove that I bake LOL

I found this recipe over at http://glutenfreebetty.blogspot.com/ and thought I would try it.

Just so you know - it was good.... and it was gone.... really fast....

Sigh* It was Chocolate Chip Blondies.......

Thanks Becky for your lovely quilts!!

Quilts of Valor from Ruthie

2011-12-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

I guess this week I shall be an evening blogger.... and I was doing so good at getting up, doing my chores, and getting a post in.... before breakfast. Today was another Horse Morning. And Early Horse Morning. Only 2 of the dudes needed trimming, and boy was I glad - it was COLD!! ( and I am a wimp!)

Okay - So on to the best part of the day!! QUILTS!!! These two come from Ruthi W over at http://threadsofmine.blogspot.com/ She is also a Patchwork Times reader. I am so grateful to Judy for the shout out.... 10 more Quilts of Valor were awarded last week ( more on that later)!!

I love the colors in this one - isn't it rich? And its such a cool pattern!

Okay - so this one... I had to sit and study! Is it not the coolest??? I may have to study it somemore, or maybe .... Maybe Ruthi is reading my blog ... and will tell us where the pattern came from..... psst... Ruthi... over here....

And of course - a sunset photo. I just love watching the sunset out here. Lately I have had to bundle up a LOT to watch it, but its totally worth it. My baby girl (my dog) and I get our chores done about this time.... and its just pretty.

Ruthi! Thank you for taking the time to help show our soldiers the love! You are totally wonderful!

Quilts from Ellen in VA

2011-12-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

These two wonderful quilts com from Ellen K in Virginia. I just love these fabrics too. I have seen the fabrics in the top quilt, but I love the way she put them together!!

The borders on this one really frame the quilt. She must have been pretty organized when pieceing this one, all of the rows match!

Hope you all are enjoying seeing the quilts. They keep inspiring me!

Oh - And Ellen is another Patchworktimes.com reader.

Thanks Ellen!!

Quilts from June

2011-12-08T07:09:00.000-07:00

These two beautiful Quilts of Valor come from June in IL.

Just so you know - I blame a lot of these quilts for my desire to buy more fabrics.

These fabrics in this quilt just sing to me, I hugged the quilt a few times to make sure it was me they were singing to..... I think it was!!

This is the backing. Don't you NEED some of this fabric? My mothers Grandfather lived with them for a while and he wrote music - I don't know why - but this fabric reminds me of her stories of him

And check this out - another tumbler. I have the die, I have pieces cut out, but I don't know if mine will look like this - its beautiful

And the back - or maybe this is the front and the tumbler is the back? Either way - I hugged it too.... It needed my love - I could tell....... *sigh*

Thank you June - these are truly lovely and will be greatly cherished!!

Candlelight Dinner Theatre

2011-12-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

My parents took us to a dinner theatre called Candlelight Dinner Theatre. It is in the very small town of Johnstown... and I was surprised how many people arrived!!

The show was "Scrooge; the Musical"

After our dinner, the show started, and the wait staff was the actors - I loved it. After the show the boys got to meet them.

This was Scrooge - he was hilarious!!

and this was "Christmas Present" get it? Took me a minute or two.

Here we are - all dressed up at the theatre

and below -

trying to do the timer thing in front of our tree

It was a great way to start the Christmas Season!!! Made us think of all the good things that happen

Quilts from Laura

2011-12-06T06:30:00.003-07:00

Laura sent these Quilts of Valor to be sent to there forever home ( okay - this phrase *forever home* was stolen from Pat at BellCreekQuilts - but it also reminds my of my cousin and her girls. The 3 girls that they adopted, they always referred to it as finding their forever homes.... so it hit home with me!)

So let me show you these. I know that the ladies that recieve the first three of these quilts are going to just love them. When I saw the glimpses of color - I thought - wow - How does Laura know me LOL???

Purple and Pink!! I think this is a dissappearing 9 patch style quilt with some solid blocks in there.

This one is a tumbling block ( okay I drew a blank and had to ask Wrangler Man, he bought me the die for my AccuQuilt Go for my birthday.... I have about 80 cut now!)

And a Braid Quilt

And then this Flying Geese one. I think it can go to a male of female - its pretty neutral colors. Isn't it cool?

Laura is a http://www.patchworktimes.com/ reader and sent these in to help! I so appreciate it Laura!!!

Design Wall and Orca Bay progress

2011-12-05T06:40:00.012-07:00

Not as much sewing got done as I had wished, but we sure had a lot of fun this week. Two of the boys and I got to go Ice Skating, we all got to go swimming, and there was some snow - so there was some sledding....

Hot chocolate is really the best way to enjoy ice skating. The boys really skated, I went around a few times, then decided I needed a hot beverage ;-)

See our snow weeds? The wind blew the tumble weeds and before we had a chance to remove them - the snow came - gotta LOVE winter!!!

Here is some of the progress of Clue #3 Orca Bay - going on over at http://www.quiltville.com/

This is the 120 blocks I finished Friday Night. I was determined to get *something* done!

And proving I didn't give up - more strips!

There's 10 more ironed and 50 waiting to go, but I got tired, and the couch called my name..

See the sledding? Wrangler Man had a few fences to check, so the boys volunteered to go help. I think the boys had a plan in mind, because I have NEVER seen them volunteer so quickly to do work before.... They must have had this sledding planned!

As I got ready to lay out my Jacobs Ladder for my design floor - I met with some resistance. Something had taken over my design floor... they are tough to move!

So here are my 6 Jacobs Ladder blocks done - for the Quilt a long Going on over at

http://imperamagna.blogspot.com/ maybe next week I can have them all layed out and see how many I have made.

To see other design walls go to http://www.patchworktimes.com/

To see more Orca Bay progress go to http://quiltville.blogspot.com/

Quilts from Sue in AZ

2011-12-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Sue is my buddy!! She takes fabric of all sizes and makes the coolest quilts. I have sent her a box of things that I didn't think could be used.... and uses them!!! Check these out! Oh and Sue is a Patchworktimes.com Reader!!

So this one is called the Flip Flop quilt, and she used a flop ruler from Kathie Alyce.

Cool huh!

This is a Bonnie Hunter pattern call String-X - and this is the quilt that she used the scraps I sent her... can you believe it?

This one is a Marjorie Busby design using her AccuQuilt Go! 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 inch die.

This is a design that Sue came up with in her EQ7 using HST's - she used her AccuQuilt Go! Die to make these..... but go to the next picture and check out the quilting to!!

Thank you SO much Sue!! And to Judy for letting everyone know my pantry was empty. The smiles on Veterans faces are priceless!!

QOV Pantry Stats

2011-12-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

I love to be on the go.... and I do a lot of moving, and then when the snow moves in I go ...Errrrk *stop* I don't like driving with others on the icy roads.... so I sat down and figured out some stats.

I am alss not good at Stats.... to do this, you need to sit down, stop, and compute....

which explains a lot to me.... hmmmm

Anyways - since my fill the pantry plea...Found here

* The waiting list at Ft Carson grew to 30 - Chaplain now has all 30 Quilts of Valor so he can distribute them immediately.

* 8 Quilts went to the Combat unit ( here in Greeley - it serves OIF/OEF in this area)

* 12 were supposed to go the PTSD unit Thursday - but... alas ... the snow stopped us.. they will be there next week.

* 9 Quilts are ready to bind

*13 Quilts are out at Longarm Quilters - to be returned in late January

This leaves 20 in the pantry ready to go at any given moment ( YAY US!!!! We ROCK!!!)

* 27 of these ( the ones in the pantry and the ones already delivered) quilts came from http://www.patchworktimes.com/ readers

And.... I have a stack of 5 boxes here to open and take pictures of this weekend.....

AND.....if you wonder why you have not seen all of the quilts yet, its because I really like to dedicate a whole day to these beauties... I want everyone to get a chance to drool, get some inspiration.... and if i do more than one post.....

-well, it means I might be neglecting other chores, and then everyone gets hungry, and cranky, and cranky steers (please note I did not call them cows) go thru fences, and then I have to fix fences.... and *sigh* its sad....

So there you go - Quilters Rock and we should Rule the World - because when you ask a Quilter to do something... it is DONE!!!! Many Many Deep Thanks to all of you!!!

Quilts from Nancy

2011-12-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

These two beauties come from Nancy L , and were quilted by Anne. What a great team. I love how pictures can say more than words!

Check out the centers of the blocks!! Crumbs!! Love it!

Can you see the secondary pattern in this one?

Thank you so much for these Quilts of Valor!! These are awesome!

Quilts from Jane Part 2

2011-11-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

And the rest of the story....

I still haven't been able to pick a favorite, and I have been checking them out pretty closely. Jane, I sure appreciate your contributions!! These are truly gorgeous!!

Quilts from Jane Part 1

2011-11-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

In Connecticut.... I hope you are ready for some inspiration... cuz these quilts of valor are sure beauties!! And oh my - has Jane been busy!!

Ready? Set. Go!

Most of these quilts have been *somewhere* , taken by her and her Marine husband to various locations, and signatures have been collected. They are just awesome!!

Thanks Jane - and be sure to come back tomorrow for Part 2.... cuz these were more quilt by Jane!

Design Wall Monday and Orca Bay Progress

2011-11-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

Instead of Black Friday - I printed off Clue # 2 and got to work..... and as of this morning - all 72 3 1/2 inch string blocks are DONE!!

I started with this pile of strings

And Ta da... got these little blocks and a big pile of small triangles.... hmmmm

This last week was a little crazier than most, so didn't get as much sewing in.

But I did finish quilting this Quilt of Valor

I did it with a swirly pattern, and tried to round the swirls in the center.

And then I remembered - I told you all about making Quilt tops, but I didn't show you the finished tops - and they are great inspiration!!

Harriett made this one with the Moda Star blocks - I love it!!

Ethel combined this great panel with some of the moda star blocks and stripes!!

Connie used the same panel and then added the Twister blocks to the side - Genious!!

And Ms Mary.... She has been working on using up her plaids - and she is too creative!!!

I kind of love this one!

And SURPRISE!!! One of our Quilt of Valor Reciepients stopped by! He brought his quilt to show us, and even posed for some pictures. I think we only embarrassed him a little bit. I tried to talk guns and guy talk with him to keep him around a while.

( This Quilt of Valor was made by Pat over at http://bellcreekquilts.blogspot.com/)

To see other design walls head to http://www.patchworktimes.com/

To see other Orca Bay Progress go to http://quiltville.blogspot.com/

A Quilt from Susan

2011-11-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

Susan in VA is another Patchworktimes.com reader, and she sent in this Quilt of Valor. Just beautiful!! Thanks si much Susan!!!

I am pretty sure this is the Bento Box pattern, but if I am wrong - let me know. A lot of you ask what the patterns are - and ..well.... I am trying LOL

Here's a side view of me. I got my hair cut... really short.... and when its short its curly...Notice the little eyes at the top of my head, getting into the picture...

Stash Report Sunday

2011-11-27T06:30:00.002-07:00

I did not succumb and go to any black friday sales, and I even stayed off of the internet... to no new fabrics.... but I did notice that I did my report wrong last week... I combined two different lines, so the math was wrong.... to my favor * yay*

So now maybe I should have gone shopping?   Oh - and I haven't included any of the fabrics that I have used for my Quiltville Mystery yet... I was gonna wait till the end....

So Fabric Used YTD:                                 454.74 yards
      Fabric Purchased YTD ( by me)            56.79   yards
      Fabrics Donated ( for QOV)                164.00 Yards

      Total Fabrics In                                       220.79 yards

      Total Fabrics Busted YTD                    233.95 yards   ( gone!)

To see other Stash Reports go to http://www.patchworktimes.com/

Quilts from Nancy

2011-11-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

This is quite appropriate for today! Nancys Blog is http://wyomingbreezes.blogspot.com/ and today the breeze ( okay Wind) is defineatly blowing!! It's been good tho - we got the Christmas Tree put up, and I have been sewing... so its acceptable.... oh Quilts!!

Want to see the Two Quilts of Valor that Nancy sent this way?

This top one was quilted by Nita in Odgen UT

This one was quilted by Julie in Odgen

The pattern

Nancy was so kind to send a link to the pattern that she used - its from the

Webstore Quiltropolis

Thanks Nancy and your Quilters - these are lovely!!

( Oh and Nancy is A Patchworktimes.com reader too)

Thank you so much!

2011-11-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

"The Quilt is beautiful, I can't think of enough "Thank You's" for it. I was touched to the core to receive it. May you all be blessed abundantly, for all the good things you do. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness."

Sincerely,

K. M.

Navy

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Thank you to everyone who makes it possible for these Brave service people

to be honored with a Quilt of Valor

Design Wall and Sew Day Stats

2011-11-21T06:30:00.001-07:00

Whoa boy - I Loved this weekend!!! I got to sew all Saturday morning on the new mystery from Bonnie , I went to a Mardi Gras 4H party, we went to the PTBR Bull Riding and our buddy won the round.... and Sunday was a Quilt of Valor Sew day... so another sew a thon... with buddies ... and chocolate..... awesome!!

So Whats on my Design floor/table today? ( Warning - this is the start of Clue 1)

The hourglass blocks - I know they have other names - but that is what is in my mind right now - this is 80 of them, I have about 40 of them ready to iron.... and then I had better get busy - she says we need 224..... whoa boy!

Sharon put borders on my Mini Baby QOV ( its not really a QOV but its for a baby of a QOV reciepient) and I made the backing and the binding.... so its ready to quilt

Stack one of completed quilts and below - stack 2

Pillowcases - huh look - theres a laundry basket - and its empty - the boys did their chore...sort of

QOV Sew Day Stats: 14 Pillowcases made, 13 QOV's bound, 8 tops completed, 1 bag of Caramels, and 1/2 bag Dove Dark Chocolates... Not too Shabby!!

Too see other design walls go to: http://www.patchworktimes.com/

To see other Bonnie Mystery walls go to : http://quiltville.blogspot.com/

Sunday Stash Report

2011-11-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

My dear sweet wonderful Volunteer Long Arm Quilt of Valor Quilters have volunteered to take 13 QOV's this month so I was busy making backs!!! And then since I was cutting I thought I would go ahead and cut some matching pillowcases.... and my son is going to sew them today at our QOV Sew day!!! So my numbers for this week rock....I'm just sayin'

Fabric USed this Week:                43.76 Yards
Fabric USed YTD:                          410.97
Added This Week :                        0 Yards ( But oh the sale flyers for black friday are coming!)

Added YTD:                                       220.79

Total Stash BUSTED ( gone!)            190.17 yards

To see other stash reports go to:
http://www.patchworktimes.com/

From Mary and the Bernina Connection

2011-11-19T06:32:00.007-07:00

Oops - I slept in!! We have been getting up and at em early every morning, I think someone forgot to set the alarm!! And we woke up to snow!! ( it was all the doing of showing you that
Snowman Quilt I must have willed it!! ) Apparently there is quite a bit of black ice - so I will *sigh* just have to stay in and sew..... I can hear the sadness for me ( NOT!!)

This very awesome group in Arizona and Colorado sent some beauties!! These Quilts of Valor will defineatly be loved!!! Of course, I kind of drooled over them first.... I love getting to see all of these up close, and petting them a little bit....

All of them are made by the Bernina Connection and quilted by different quilters - so I will identify them under the quilt!

Quilted by Ros the quilter found here

Quilted by S Ashford

I love the diagonals on this quilt....

Quilted by J.Travis

Quilted by C Massuth

Quilted by L Matteotti

Aren't these yummy colors?

Thank you Mary for organizing this and getting these Quilts of Valor to us, to take to Fort Carson. Your group is wonderful!!

Quilts from Meredith Quilted by Ron

2011-11-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Alright - get ready for a lot of pictures. In almost every quilt that I have recieved that has been quilted by Ron, there is a little *something* in them..... so I searched and searched to find the little *somethings* and was NOT dissappointed.

All of these quilts are made by Meredith in California!!

This is the back of the Batik Squared - can you see the little *something* quilted in there????

I just love this color combination. Somewhere in my stash I have a "kit" that I put together to make a Black White and Red quilt.... hmmmm, wonder where it went??

I'll be honest - I don't think he quilted a surprise on the back - but I wanted to show you the quilting anyways - baseball bats!! I Love it

Check this beauty out!

And the back... first off - great fabrics - but cna you see the surprise?

And the last quilt from Meredith and Ron - a Jelly Roll Quilt !!!

You are really going to have to use your imagination here - its upside down!!

Thank you so much Meredith!!! Awesome!!!

A Christmas Quilt

2011-11-17T06:30:00.001-07:00

A great customer of mine made this adorable Christmas quilt, and wanted it quilted in time for her holidays. I fell in love with the little snowmen...

Aren't they the cutest little snowman? And the Chains... I think they set them off so nicely!

Can you see the snowflakes?

Totally makes me ready for some snow, and sledding, and making snowmen!!

From the 1st Baptist Hurst Quilting Group

2011-11-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

In Texas!!!

These first two were made by Leslie:

Gorgeous!!! I love the strings!

This one is also by Leslie....

On these next three - I am just going by the labels - but it looks like they were the group effort. And what an effort - I love these!!

This one really caught my eye - I think it is a really clever use of a lot of fabrics!!

Thank you ALL so much!! these are gorgeous quilts - and I know will be cherished!!

From Doris in TX

2011-11-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

This wonderful quilter is from Texas and is another PatchworkTimes.com reader. As a matter of fact - I am going to guess by her addy, that she might be close to our friend!

You can find more about her work at http://thequiltingqueenonline.blogspot.com/

What a beautiful quilt and the quilting - oh la la .

I took one photo with the flasha nd one without to see the detail!

Is this not cool? Again - CHECK OUT THIS BORDER!! I am loving it!!

And a pillowcase to match!!!

Thanks Doris!!

A Thank You

2011-11-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

I know that we don't do this for the Thanks - we do it for the opportunity to Thank our Vets... but all the same - when a Thank you comes, its sweet.....

"Thank you So much for the quilt! My husband recently came home from overseas and was sent to Ft Carson for Medical treatment. It was there he recieved the Quilt of Valor. We love it - especially our 3 year old. Thanks for your support to the troops. It means a lot to them and to their families. ...Thanks again D, G and G "

From Adele

2011-11-13T13:35:00.001-07:00

Here are some more wonderful Quilts of Valor from A Patchworktimes.com reader! Adele - these are just lovely!!

Oops - Blogger put this in upside down - I swear I was NOT standing on my head as I took this pic. The colors are so soothing!!

Check out these borders.... I can tell she is a Judy fan!!!

Thank you Adele!!!

Sunday Stash Report

2011-11-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

it's been a little bit - but here is my up to date Stash Reduction Progress

Fabric Used this Week:                       16.55 yards
Used Year to Date:                             410.97 yards

Fabric Added This Week:                      0 Yards
Fabric Added Year to Date:              220.795 Yards

Total Fabric USED year to date:      190.17 Yards

yay!!

To check out other Stash Reports go to:
Patchwork Times. Com

From Laurel

2011-11-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Judy over at http://www.patchworktimes.com/ is helping me refill my QOV pantry and her readers are starting to send in some quilts. This first one is from Laurel in IA

Nice huh? Thanks so much Laurel!!

From the Northwest Suburban Quilt Guild

2011-11-11T06:30:00.004-07:00

Warning: You all might want a cup of tea, or coffee, or hot chocolate... for this one... this group is one prolific group, and their work is to drool over!!!

All of their quilts have labels and they all say made by the Northwest Suburban Quilt Guild - no specific names, so I can't call out on anyone!!

Love it!!! Red and White are becoming my favorites!!

A Dissappearing 9 patch ( and the back underneath it)

A cool Jelly Roll quilt

I love this one!! I think It is now on my bucket list!

Oh ya! A great flag quilt!!!

This one is gorgeous in its white - but the quilting - oh heavens! You have no idea how much fun it is to be able to check these babies out!!

Doesn't the use of the string blocks on point, kind of highlight this one?

I am pretty sure this is a bricks and steeping stones from Bonnie

Someone will need to tell me this pattern - I love the symmetry of it, but have never seen one before.

Thank you so very much - NSQG - you people are amazing!!
Happy Veterans Day

From Norece

2011-11-10T15:30:00.001-07:00

Norece In Tennessee sent in this great Quilt of Valor - and it is already with a soldier! But I love the layout of it, so wanted to brag a little bit!!

Thank you SO much Norece!!

Quilts of Valor from Tamera

2011-11-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

These two Quilts of Valor were made by Tamera over at http://tameraquilt.blogspot.com/ They were quilted by Ellen of Parker. Ellen also does a lot of quilting for http://firehousequilts.org/ So I was tickled that she was willing to quilt some for us!

I am pretty sure that these are the Twister Quilts. I love how they spin!

Thanks Ladies!! These are being used and appreciated!