must_quilt

Here is a quilt I made using charm packs:



Last Saturday I tried my first ever, regular sewing project and made a tote bag for a friend:

and here's the inside (lots of pockets!):

Went to my guild meeting this morning and the hot topic, again, was our lap robe obligation.  A lap robe is made for folks in nursing homes and should measure around 30"x40".  There is no batting required but the backing should be fleece, corduroy or flannel so it doesn't slip off the laps.  The obligation, as a member of the guild, is to make 3 each year (there's a huge need to fulfill in FL).  Two other options allow us to make 3 giant bibs or 9 knitted or crocheted preemie hats in lieu of the lap robes.  As a group we also make pillow cases for the troops in Iraq, Christmas stocking/holiday bags for the troops and twin sized quilts for a homeless women veterans half-way house.  The later projects are completely voluntary though some people in our guild think that we should get credit points for everything.  Some even want credit it they supply the backing or the batting, etc.  Anyway, the group voted today to suspend the obligation (47 yea's to 25 neigh's) for 1 year and see if we, as a group, are still as generous without people feeling the burden of an obligation hanging over their heads.  There are also many more people who would join the guild if they didn't have that pressure.  One lady suggested that we not even keep count.  How, on earth, are we supposed to know if the "experiment" works if we don't keep track???
So it's off to my favorite quilt class tonight.  We are making a crazy nine patch quilt and tonight I will learn how to square my blocks and add borders.  Next week we will baste with 200+ pins.
The ironing board beckons.

I am binding my third quilt of the day.  Two done.  This last fabric was bought this past winter at JoAnn's from the remnant basket and saved just for this quilt... the Bronco (navy-blue-and-orange) quilt.  Turns out I'm using a canvas material for the binding but I think it will be just fine.  It has a white and blue 1/2" stripe and with every cut I think of circus tents. 
Next I get to "un-sew" another quilt top with uneven sashing.  Simply not acceptable.
Tomorrow I have my second class in a 4 part series called Quilting 101.  It's being taught by a great quilter and patient man named Anthony.  So far I've learned some helpful and handy tips. 
This weekend will find me in Jacksonville, Florida for what has been promised to be an incredible quilt show.  I'm going with my aunt Debbie (she's the reason I quilt) and my mom.  This will be my first show and I will need to make sure my camera is primed and prepped.
Back to the ironing board...

I had a tough time deciding on the center block.  With so many choices, I could Round Robin for years.  I finally decided on a square titled New Mexico.   I just moved back to the Tampa Bay area after living in Santa Fe/ Albuquerque for 18 years.  I love chile; both red and green and in between so the color choices were easy. 
To view my square, My only limits/requests would be that no animal or onion prints be used please.  Otherwise, anything goes.  I have to show it to my aunt today and then I'll put in the mail tomorrow.  Phew!

I was on the Wii Fit today for 1:03 this morning and enjoyed every minute.  The Advanced Boxing routine was a bit hard to follow at first but I got better as it continued.  Now I have to finish mowing the back lawn (ran out of sun light yesterday) and then to the kitchen.  I have a BUNCO get together tonight with some great ladies.  There is an Olympic theme so everyone is supposed to bring an international dish.  I immediately thought of peirogi's.  Love them!!  I have since found out that others are bringing store/restaurant bought egg rolls, Greek salad, etc.  I guess I'm a sucker for thinking things should be home made.  Oh, well.  One of the ladies is a finger-licker-cooker so I'd just assume she go to the store anyway.  Looks like I'll miss Mama Mia the Musical in Tampa this week since I can't find someone to go.  Next time!