A week already!

I can't believe we've been here a week already!  Seems like we have been here for months....guess that is because we are so comfortable here at the Miller's home and, of course, being around such wonderful friends.  And the girls have settled into their routine of guarding the door!!

I've talked often about my Q Bud, Susan, and her wonderful work.  Check out this  blog post and quilt Susan did using her own reverse applique technique!  Her workmanship is perfection and she has won many awards for her work!!!   Well, deserved!

Earlier this week Susan and I met at her house for a quick show and tell.  Obviously, I didn't have much to show!  I had my challenge piece from our fiber group, another small embroidered piece and of course my fiber Valentine cards, minus Susan's!  HA

Of course, Susan had some cool pieces...no, I didn't take pics!  She made a small piece for a gift, finished her apple core patchwork quilt, which is wonderful!  It is all hand pieced and she quilted it using some crochet 10 wt yarn!  The thread really made the design pop!!!  And she's working on a modern quilt (large leaves) from a design from a Modern Quilt calendar.  It's going to be great!  

So gift time for me from Susan was a a yard of my Pellon/Peltex 71F.  Susan knows I use this product in my fiber cards so it will be put to good use for use!  And, I also received a Bottle of Mary Ellen's Best Press!

I have read about this product on other folks blog but never think to buy it!  Well, now I don't have to!  I am really anxious to try this product but I need a project to use it!  

I gave Susan a dual pointer and seam ripper which is encased in a hand carved stone.  No, I forgot to take a picture of it but it is cool and works!  The man who designed and made the tool doesn't have a web site but look what I found on FaceBook!!!  It shows Susan's seam ripper/pointer in the back (the purple one!).  

The gentleman's name is Denny Rueter/DLR Woodworks!  You can see photo's of his work.  Wonderful workmanship...just like Susan!!!

I do need to start working on the 'believe' online challenge.   But first I need an idea and a machine!  Mine is at the 'spa' and not sure when it will be ready to make the trip home.  Guess I better get designing!

A visit with my Q bud!

I had a really nice time today visiting with my friend Susan, having lunch and making the craft store rounds!  AND I got to see her latest competition quilt she finished and it is AMAZING!!!  I can't show you pics as she'll be entering in shows this year but when she has her first win, I will post it immediately!  

For those who follow my blog, you may remember this quilt Susan made and I posted about in 2012.   

Susan has done well with this quilt....but just wait until her next masterpiece is on display!

Susan has this unqiue reverse applique method that she taught me and I used to create my 'Georgia on my Mind' piece.  I love the method but it is very labor intensive but....with great results!  

And this is another of her creations..Susan designed this quilt for the 2013 Jacob's Ladder themed New Quilts from an Old Favorite annual contest.  Her quilt was published in the AQS book featuring the winners and finalists.  I really like this quilt too.  

Susan is such a perfectionist when it comes to her quilting and she certainly inspires me!  Now if I could get some of her to rub off on me!   She's a delightful person and a giving lady!   Check out the gift she gave me today!

First, I love the Christmas bag!  Check out the 2" x 6" ruler!  I have a one inch ruler I use but isn't this 2" clever!  I've never seen one before!  I know for sure this will come in handy!!  And the Sew Arty is a pin container...how nice of Susan to think of me!  I'm so lucky to call Susan my friend!  And a talented one at that!  

Brag Time!

I love surrounding myself with talented friends and I enjoy bragging about them as well!  For those who are AQS members you'll see this article in the current AQS magazine.  It's my friend, Susan, with her stunning quilt!!!  Susan won 1st place at the AQS Des Moines show!!!  Congrats, my friend!!!!!  Can't wait to get to Florida and help you spend your winnings!

Working away in the heat

Yep, working away in the heat! I finished the 'beading on the loom' for my 2nd cuff bracelet! I have to take it off the loom, weave the ends and add a clasp, which I'll buy on Wed. at the bead shop in Oxford. I love my 1st cuff and wear it often. The colors in this one aren't showing up as nice as they are in person...the brown beads are a cinnamon lined Topaz luster (DB0287)! That's a mouth full but a really nice color. I wear a lot of beige so I know I'll wear this one a lot too.

I also finished sewing down the binding on one of the Twins today while watching The Bachlorette and Big Brother! Yes, I'm a closet reality kinda gal! What can I say!

Now some good news! Our 'Tommy Slice Project' was juried into the IQA show in Houston this fall! How cool is that! It's my 2nd time with a entry juried into Houston but both were in the group category! Does that tell you I need help from my friends! The quilt is juried in and that's pretty exciting.

On another note, my friend Susan from Florida (I've posted about her beautiful applique work on my blog many times!) has been winning with her quilts this past month! She took 1st place for her Homage To Spring quilt & 2nd place for 256 Blocks quilt in their categories at the Minnesota Quilt Show. Susan made enough $$'s with these winnings to buy lots and lots of fabric! Then I received another email from her this past week that she won 3 more ribbons!! This was at a show in Ohio! Susan has her Homage to Spring quilt showing the end of this month at a big show in Hersey, Pennsylvania. I'm sure she'll win another ribbon! Her workmanship is the best as is her choice of design and colors. Susan is the one who came up with a unique reverse applique technique and she's generously shared with me! That's the technique I'm using on my applique piece, Georgia on my Mind.

Temps have been in the 90's again!! This is more like Florida weather! Thank goodness for air conditioning!!!