How I spent my last weekend...

 Last week, with my car packed full of sewing supplies and my 2 BFF's, Suzanne and Betsy, we headed off for 4 bliss full days of sewing.  We were joined by 10 of our best quilting buddies.  What a wonderful weekend it was!

I put the borders on a beautiful red and white scrap quilt that I started a year ago.

 Colleen finished her Christmas stocking that were made from a vintage bed spread.  They will look elegant for years to come.  Ellie was working on the cutest tiny 9 patches.

 Betsy's was working on her daughters wedding quilt.  Super Cute!  The center of each square was signed during the reception last October.  It is going to be a wonderful memory of that magical evening.

 Suzanne was working on a Moda Bake Shop project.  It will grace her bed on the 4th of July.

 Marla brought her hand appliqued blocks to sew together.  This was breath taking!

 This is a close up of one block.  This was a pattern in a magazine, by Pat Sloan.  I believe it was called August Breeze.

 This is Laurie's tidy work station.  She was working on a quilt for Quilts of Valor.  A wonderful cause.

 Kay made this cute little zippered pouch.  I was the lucky recipient. 

 Marla brought this for show and tell.  She had worked on it at a previous retreat.  I love house blocks, and those little floating stars.  The best!

 I made this Hobo Bag for the shop.  It's a Kwik Sew pattern. 

 I am in love with orange fabric!! An Orange Crush if you will!!  I jumped into my basket of orange and started to make pinwheels.  Before I knew it I had 35 of them!

Bob the Turtle Purse was along for the retreat. He had a difficult time selecting from the menu at JJ"s Fish House!!

There were many projects that I did not photograph.  Aprons, quilts, receiving blankets and more.  However the very best part of the weekend was the friendship in the air.  We have been doing this for 13 years. We have been through a lot with each other.  A sisterhood of women, brought together through the love of quilting.  I cherish our time together.  Long Live the Killer Bee's!!

BIRDS OF A FEATHER-SNEEK PEEK

 I have been working on a project for our upcoming Tri County Quilt Tour.  This is our Spring shop hop.  3 county's, 91 miles, 14 wonderful LQS's.

Each year we decide on a theme, and each shop designs a quilt block reflecting the theme.  In September we meet, bring our blocks for show and tell, and exchange patterns.  We each go back to our shops and design a quilt using all of the block patterns.  It is really fun to see what everyone comes up with.

This year we are calling the Quilt Tour 'Birds of a Feather'.  We each designed a bird house block. Super fun, don't you think?

 This is the block I designed, Noel did a beautiful job of appliqueing it!

 This darling little house was pieced by Patty.  It was designed by Calico Creations in Mount Vernon.

 This Chicken is from The Quiltmakers Shoppe in Arlington.  Kay Harris made this for me,  her little scarf is 3 dimensional!

Here is our quilt.  I am taking it to my quilter today.  We used fabrics from many different Blackbird Designs collections.   Then center block was embroidered by Pamela at Moondog Embroidery.  I am super happy with the way it turned out!

It will come to life when Pam is done quilting it-'It's not a quilt until it's quilted'.  J

Happy Valentines Day!

I have always loved Valentine's Day.

 This early Valentine with the treadle sewing machine reminds me that I wasn't the first generation to enjoy this holiday!

I remember decorating a shoe box, to place on my desk.  Such anticipation about the cards that would be stuffed into that box! 

 The selection process for me was very important.  Each card had to really remind me of the recipient.  Not too mushy for some, and kind of suggestive for others!

 This one is kind of racy for it's time!  Don't you think!

 Oh, I wish I had that dress to wear to dinner tonight!  Let's not talk about Tarzan's outfit...

This was a box of valentines from the 60's that was listed on eBay.  What a find!  There is one on the top with a cigarette, amazing.  I am sure there is one in that box for a teacher. I loved filling out the teacher card.  Using my best penmanship.

Here's a little secret about me, I was married on Valentines Day, 29 years ago.

It was a great day for a wedding, but it is not always a great day for an anniversary.  You need to make your dinner reservation at least a month in advance.  Restaurants are Super Crowded, so lingering is not an option.  We spent this past weekend in LA visiting our middle son.  We had wonderful meals, sunshine and great company.  A great way to celebrate.  Tonight, our favorite local spot.  Where they know our names, and how we like our food. 

I hope you spend the day with the love(s) of your life!! J