Newbie Quilter (at www.thequiltshow.com)

Newbie Quilter (at www.thequiltshow.com) http://www.thequiltshow.com/myblog/sanann.xml Thoughts from a new quilter and questions too! en-us Good Morning http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7926 <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7926"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/9/39/1029339/blog/7926_p1010082_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>11/28/2009: I hope everyone had a happy, healthy Thanksgiving. This is my first year in about 10 years I did not travel to NC for Thanksgiving. I missed my family and playing games with the neices and nephews and the good food and fellowship, but I did not miss that drive. I got to really enjoy Thanksgiving with my hubby, Tim. My son and his girlfriend had Thanksgiving at her parents house and came over here on Friday. So, I had two Thanksgivings. I spent part of Thanksgiving morning doing some quilting, after breaking three needles I took a break! I think my machine is off kilter. Could be operator error, but, better safe then sorry and it broke one of my best superior needles. I'm going to try again today in a bit and see how it goes. My parents recently downsized from a three bedroom home, to a two bedroom apartment in a sorta assisted living place. They got rid of lots of stuff...and lots of stuff came home with me. This is one of the things that came home with me!! This is the machine I lear... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7926">read more</a>) Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:35:00 PSThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7926 Finally finished http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7423 <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7423"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/9/39/1029339/blog/7423_p1010128_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>10/18/2009: I have really enjoyed the blogs from Houston and everyone has kept us so well informed and showed so many great pics. I want to go even more now.....maybe next year. I will start saving pennies. Maybe I should be saving dimes? I finally finished a wall hanging that I started over a year ago. I did not like the way the quilting looked on it, so, I put it in a drawer and let it alone for a bit. I dug it out a couple months ago and ripped all the quilting out, and started anew. Thanks to Betty Jo and her advice on using the BSR I was able to work it. I like it now and hopefully the pic will turn out ok. I found the pattern in a book and will have to dig out the book to give credit properly before I post it in the gallery. I love embellishments and added a few bee's and ladybugs. I used a jewel glue for the bees and ladybugs. How should I store the wallhanging when I swap it for Halloween one? I don't think folding it would be good and rolling might knock the bees off. Right now it is jus... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7423">read more</a>) Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:00:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7423 Jojo's design http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6966 <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6966"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/9/39/1029339/blog/6966_p1010110_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>09/13/2009: I've been a bit under the weather these last few days so I have not commented recently to the blogs. I did read them though and it is great to see so many new bloggers. I felt better today so I played with my embroidery machine. I had downloaded JoJo's design earlier this week, so I set up my machine, crossed my fingers and off she went. It went so smoothly, no alarms, beeps, thread breakage. Whoo Hoo!! The black and red one is the first one I did. The blue one is a bit dark and hard to tell that the thin line of embroidery is an iridescent metallic thread. That did give me some breakage issues but once I skipped the last loop in the thread run it stopped breaking. I did forget to trim the threads before taking the pics. I want to thank JoJo for her design and the classes she is having for us. This was taken about 2 weeks ago. You can just barely see the second rainbow. I took several pics of it, but this was the best of them. Have a great week. Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:40:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6966 Quilt show and shopping spree http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6017 <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6017"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/9/39/1029339/blog/6017_p1010054_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>06/29/2009: My Mom and Dad live in East Flat Rock, NC and I recently went to visit them. Mom and I went to the 2009 quilt show in Hendersonville NC. It was called "A Garden of Quilts" and the sponsoring guilds were the Western NC Quilters Guild and The Tarheel Piecemakers Quilt Club. There were lots of beautiful quilts on display, and lots of hand quilted quilts. My Mom hand quilts. I've learned over the years never say never, but, I don't think I will hand quilt. Hand quilting is beautiful and I've tried on a small wall hanging, but it looked horrible and I ripped it out and then machine quilted it. If I am going to do hand work, I think I will embroidery. I do like doing that. I took quite a few pics of the quilts but am not sure about posting other peoples quilts without permission so I wont. They had quite a few vendors for a small show and I enjoyed my shopping spree. I found a supreme slider to help me with my machine quilting. A new ruler to help with squaring my blocks. Various fabrics inc... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6017">read more</a>) Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:10:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6017 The Super Seminar http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/5108 <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/5108"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/9/39/1029339/blog/5108_dscn0101_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>04/04/2009: This is the image that greeted us upon arrival to the Ricky Tims Super Seminar last week. What an incredible experience! If you ever have an opportunity to go to a seminar, GO!!! The fun started on Thursday afternoon and I was not ready to stop on Saturday evening when I left. I learned so much from these three incredible teachers and artists. Whoo Hooo!! I learned that it is ok if it is not perfect. You can fix it with creativity!! I will quit being afraid of machine quilting too. I just have to find the time. That is the only thing they didn't teach us, how to make more than 24 hours in the day. It was absolutely wonderful meeting them and they are just as nice in person as on the shows. I am still on a seminar high. Bounce! I think there was some special quilters buzz in those water bottles. I met several TQS members and that was wonderful, including my new quilting buddy Maureen, also known as MCapps1999. We had lots in common other than quilting and it was wonderful getting... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/5108">read more</a>) Sat, 4 Apr 2009 21:55:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/5108 Happy Birthday Bob http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/4704 02/27/2009: I'm getting all my votes in for Bob's Birthday contest. I've been getting the newsletters for several months. They are very interesting, always learn something new, and enjoy a giggle or two reading them. The website is great. It is easy to move around in and has some really interesting articles about thread. If you don't know about the contest scroll down the list of blogs til you find ThreadGuy and read all about it. I've been using Masterpiece on my BOM. I am amazed at the difference in my seams using a better quality thread. I also don't have to clean my bobbin area as often. Thank you Bob for the opportunity to join the contest. Sandi in FL Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:56:00 PSThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/4704 What a stressful couple of weeks. http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/4242 <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/4242"><img src="title=" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>01/25/2009: I have been missing everything these last couple of weeks. I've caught up on all the blogs now. Hopefully things are settling down and will be able to participate again. I hope to watch the new show today. Work has been extremely busy and hate to complain when so many are losing jobs, including my youngest brother. His has gone to part time and he was told to use the time off to find a new job. He has a wife and three young children. He is versatile and will do whatever is needed, so hopefully will get something. I've been worried and stressed about my Mom who is having some kind of spells that still have no official explanation. Brain scan r/o stroke and Tia's. EEG was negative for seizures. Her carotids are clean via ultrasound. She has not had one since last Saturday, so hopefully it is over. Being a nurse I understand sometimes we don't get answers, but, sometimes a nurse is just a daughter and I want answers!! She calls herself the walking time bomb now. Dad is not letting her dri... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/4242">read more</a>) Sun, 25 Jan 2009 06:55:00 PSThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/4242 Paper piecing help needed http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/4043 <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/4043"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/9/39/1029339/blog/4043_dscn0034_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>01/06/2009: I finally figured out the paper piecing. Had to read Sue's tutorial, then Margo's and then got Alex's book out. That was my Christmas present to me! Between the three I got everything turned the right way and it clicked in my brain. Got it stitched and turned it over and points are missing. I stitched on the lines, not out of them, so what happened? I am using Masterpiece in top and bottom line in bobbin. I figure I would ask for advice before doing the next one. My eyes are kinda blurry this time of night anyways. I hope the pic is good enough to show the missing points. Those light colors are hard to photograph. Where is that photo man when ya need him? Sandi in FL Tue, 6 Jan 2009 19:40:00 PSThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/4043 A great new journey http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/3925 <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/3925"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/9/39/1029339/blog/3925_dscn0028_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>12/31/2008: I have really enjoyed these last few months as a TQS member. I have learned many new things and met many new friends. One of the things I wanted to try was the BOM, but, I had not done much applique work. I did read Margo's files and they are very helpful. I cut January's out and worked a little on it, then got busy and put it aside. A few weeks ago I got it back out and needle turned the stars. Not perfect, but not too bad either. The stems were a different story. They were too small and my fingers too big and it just wasn't working. I got out some fusing stuff and fused away and then blanket stitched them. Its done! The circles in the Jan flowers are going to be some buttons. I found some white buttons with a quilt pattern on them in bin at Walmart. One thing I did notice when I finished the block, it does not lay quite flat, has a bit of a wave too it. I still need to get the stabilizer off the back and hope it will flatten out. I showed my hubby and he said looked good to him, but ... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/3925">read more</a>) Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:15:00 PSThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/3925 Finally finished http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/3475 <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/3475"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/9/39/1029339/blog/3475_dscn0129_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>11/30/2008: Happy Thanksgiving a bit late. Things were kind of hectic here getting ready for the holiday and travelling to NC so didn't get a blog up before leaving. It was a great visit with my parents and youngest brother and his wife and family. My sister in law and Mom are working on an angel quilt for my niece, so was interesting seeing the applique work they are doing. My niece is 11 and has started knitting. It really is great seeing a young one interested in fiber and fabrics. She is working on knitted Christmas presents. The weather wasn't too bad, just a bit colder than I am used to, was nice getting back to FL and the 70's. I got on the scales this morning. Weight was exactly the same as when I left so I did pretty good. I am down 25 in total now. I just had to share this photo. As I was packing to go to NC, see who decided to go with me. This is our problem child Sunny, who really should have been named Trouble. He knows the word NO! but does not really care much for it, so does what h... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/3475">read more</a>) Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:15:00 PSThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/3475 Vacation and check in http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/3152 10/24/2008: Time is flying. I've been on vacation this week. We had planned a trip until MD said no walking because of the plantar fascitis. So, I've been home sewing and reading and generally relaxing and enjoying some time with my hubby. :) I've thoroughly enjoyed being home and have decided winning the lotto is a decent goal for me, since retirement is not an option. I finished my Halloween wall hanging (on profile) and quilted some fabric for a purse, ironed, cut, and started the strips for the mystery quilt. I have not cleaned or vacumned or dusted once this week. WoooHooo! I have cooked some, but, don't really mind doing that and we have gone out to eat several times, since we are saving money on no hotel bills. I've lost another pound since my last check in, so 22 total. I've actually gone done one size in clothes and people are starting to comment, so that is really encouraging to continue losing. I thank all of you who are helping me with the encouraging comments and especially Sandy who... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/3152">read more</a>) Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:26:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/3152 Friday check in http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/3009 10/10/2008: I forgot to check in last week. I've lost another pound, so total is 21. Probably gained that back this evening as my hubby took me out to dinner. Fresh shrimp on the waterfront. MMMMMM GOOD. On the other health issue, I have had two shots in my foot for the plantar fascitis and it is better. I did invest in a really good pair of shoes from a store that specializes in shoes for foot disorders and it really cushions the heel. Thanks for all your advice and suggestions and prayers. I am still doing all the exercises, massages, wearing insteps as well. I don't want surgery!!! Have a great weekend!! I am going to try to finish a small wall hanging and put the binding on my valor quilt. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:10:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/3009 Shopping http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2952 <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2952"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/9/39/1029339/blog/2952_dscn0107_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>10/05/2008: I recently went to Quilt Fest in Jacksonville FL. The quilts were amazing, inspiring and a few were just absolutely incredible. I took pictures, but, since I don't have names or permission I felt I should not put them on the blog. I did however purchase a few things and I took a picture of that. It is very difficult to walk through the maze of booths and not hear the threads and patterns and fabric calling out to you. Superior threads had a really nice booth, didn't see Bob, the thread guy, but the staff were very nice and helpful and I bought a few spools of Masterpiece. The ribbon is to make 3D flowers and I've already learned to do the pansies. FUN! I've almost finished the Halloween wall hanging and will post a picture of that when it is done. I didn't buy a lot of fabric, but I did find some neutral batiks that I really liked in half yard cuts, so I got 4 of those. I got an email from the closest LQS about 25 miles away, she is closing, but not closing....she is moving closer!!... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2952">read more</a>) Sun, 5 Oct 2008 06:15:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2952 Friday, check in, misc stuff. http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2854 09/26/2008: I am really happy with my progress this week. I have lost 21 pounds total. I forgot check in last week. Since my last check in I have lost 6 pounds. Part of that was during the oral surgery time and couldn't eat, but guess what, I will take the loss anyway I can! Just imagine what I can do when I can start on treadmill again. I got my first injection in my foot this week (plantar fascititis) and hopefully it will kick in fast and get better fast. I dont want surgery!! I am going to a quilt show in Jax today and hopefully can take pictures and show them on blog later. Have a great weekend! Sandi in cooler FL!! whee Fri, 26 Sep 2008 06:28:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2854 Friday check in http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2731 09/12/2008: I lost another pound this week, so total is 15. I really believe having the support of so many here has helped to keep my focus and keep me on track.Thank you! For those of you in the path of Ike I am praying for your safety and that the damage will be minimal and that the storm will pass swiftly. We had our first guild meeting of the 'new' year this week. I was amazed at the show and tell that was held. Some of these women finished several large quilts over the summer. Will I ever be that fast? Will I ever be that good? I sure hope so!! Will my hubby let me quit work so I can quilt and quilt and quilt. No! hehe Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:00:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2731 Check in http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2653 09/05/2008: I had lost 14, but gained one back, so total is still 13. Not eating much right now because of the oral surgery, so maybe will do better next week. Sandi Fri, 5 Sep 2008 06:57:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2653 Update on surgery http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2640 09/04/2008: I had my oral surgery this morning. Went really fast and was back home by 11ish. Numbness is wearing off and Vicodan is working, so I don't think I will be doing much more than sleeping today. Thanks so much for all the thoughts and prayers. You guys are so great!! Sandi Thu, 4 Sep 2008 12:45:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2640 An unexpected trip http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2620 <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2620"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/9/39/1029339/blog/2620_dscn0056_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>09/02/2008: I am having oral surgery Thursday morning. Not looking forward to it either. :( I found out Friday that my dentist did not send my xrays to the oral surgeon, so, I had to make a run to Jacksonville to pick up the xrays myself. Its about 40 miles away. Well, considering the price of gas I had to do something else to make the trip worthwhile. Right? So, I went to one of the quilt shops in Jax! Bought some fabric, fat quarters and thread. The fat quarters are in the wash already or I would have shown them too. An early treat for being a good girl at the oral surgeon Thursday. hehe I have plans for the bronze tone fabrics and the two on top of it. I wanted to pick a color that I normally would not chose, but I still ended up with blue to go with it. It is hard for me to avoid blue. The red floral I just fell in love with and had to have some of it. I will definitely think of something to do with it. Below is a picture of my current project. I found the design in a book on machine applique... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2620">read more</a>) Tue, 2 Sep 2008 19:05:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2620 My sewing space http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2545 <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2545"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/9/39/1029339/blog/2545_dscn0046_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>08/31/2008: We live in a small house so there is not much space to turn into a sewing area or storage for fabrics. I took some pictures for y'all to see. My cutting and ironing and storage area is in part of the garage. We don't park the car in it. Its basically storage area for stuff that won't fit in the house. I have a couple of fans out there to use during the summer when it really gets hot. I try to do my cutting in the mornings and then have afternoons to sew in the house with the air conditioning. One question I do have, is it going to be a concern storing fabrics in there? North FL is hot, humid. Basic temp in there is not too bad though, we have a lot of trees that shade that part of the house. This is the cutting area. The table is pretty good height for me since I am short. The table in the back I can pull around when I need more laying out room, except you can see it is piled with stuff. This is my storage for fabrics, magazines, books, starch, and other necessities and peeking ou... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2545">read more</a>) Sun, 31 Aug 2008 07:45:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2545 Check in http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2584 08/29/2008: I have lost another pound this week, so 13 in all. I need to get back on the treadmill, but I have a spur in my left heel that is misbehaving! Anyone got any magic for spurs? I am trying to avoid going back for the shots. Did that last year. I don't like needles! hehe. Yes, I am a nurse. I don't mind giving, just don't like receiving. Wearing my night brace, got my inserts in my tennies, massaging with biofreeze, using ice. I don't want surgery either. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:40:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2584 Fickle Fay still hanging around! http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2500 <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2500"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/9/39/1029339/blog/2500_dscn0049_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>08/22/2008: I want to thank everyone for the encouraging comments made to my first blog. Tropical storm Fay still lingers. The worst winds and rain came through during the night last night in my area. It is still windy out there this morning, but the rain has stopped for now. I heard a loud noise during the night, got up but couldn't see anything. This morning I found part of a tree on the fence in the side yard. Much praise that it was not worse!! I haven't talked with many people this morning yet, so am not sure how things are on the rest of the island. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:45:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2500 Testing 1 2 3 testing http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2481 08/20/2008: I've been reading the forum trying to figure this out and hopefully this will work. I sorta had a free afternoon from work because of the weather here in FL. I live in the northeast part of the state and we have had some rain and some wind, and depending on where that fickle Fay comes back on shore we will probably have more. Hopefully, she will not strengthen anymore. We just watched the news and saw a lot of flooding 22-24 inches of rain in parts of the state. They are not forecasting that much here...8-10 possible. I consider myself a very new quilter as I have only finished a few projects. I just got my sewing area more organized this summer and that should help me a lot. I don't have pictures yet, but will try to take some and see if anyone has suggestions as my space is very limited. Now to figure out which button to push that will actually post this! Hope this works. Got my fingers crossed. Sandi Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:45:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/2481 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/images/custom/valid-rss.pngValid RSS Feedhttp://www.thequiltshow.com/myblog/sanann.xml