Make new friends but keep the old, One is silver the other Gold

I was invited by my good friend Pam to join her for an anual BBQ for a local LongArm Quilters Guild. This event is held at the home and studio of Judy Irish, well known and admired Long Arm Quilter and teacher. I also must say without a doubt the most gracious of ladies.
 She opened her studio for touring and even encouraged us to post pictures and blog about it.

 I was welcomed by all the lovely ladies from this group even though I don't have a LongArm and quilt on my trusty Bernina (short arm..lol). Thank you again Pam for sharing this great group of ladies with me.
I took a Machine Quilting class from Judy a couple of years ago and when I was struggling to move forward with my quilting. I felt stuck, afraid to venture into more complicated design than spirals and stippling.
Judy encouraged me to just try new things and keep at it and I would get better, I must say she took the fear away and I have since been much less critical of each little stitch and improved. Her work is all free-motion and spectacular. In her studio hang many quilts (from the rafters...love it!) and all her many awards.
Her stash is admirable as is her attitude about organization.
I will let a few pictures speak now.

At first glance one would think that this was unorganized. Judy, who offers no apology (and good for her!) knows where everything is and after wandering around for a few minutes it is clear that there is organization happening here. Her piles of fabrics are not random, but related. There is a very relaxed attitude in this space which on second look, is very creative.
Thank you Judy for welcoming me into your studio. You are an inspiration.
 I will not stress about piles of fabrics and messy corners in my sewing studio ever again. I will embrace this as creativity.How can you be creative with everything put away. Some of my best fabric combinations have happened when fabrics have been thrown into piles randomly.
Here are a couple of Judy's new Lone Star quilts. She is currently teaching this at a local shop.

Very whimsical using chickens and eggs and dots..oh my!! Love It !!!

Judy has a real talent for using those large scale prints..isn't this one awesome??

Took this as we left... what a great day it was..and I have been invited to visit again...soo happy : )

Ok. Shifting gears a bit...

I have been working on a model for the shop where I work. The Cherry a la Mode line from Ryley Blake Designs, designed by Lori Holt of Bee in my Bonnet, arrived  and wehen I saw the free project sheet I asked if I could make the model.

I finished sewing on the final borders yesterday morning and rushed to get pictures to share.



note..my new ironing board cover :-)





One perfect block



Here it is completed. Isn't this a cheerful quilt.Love It!

Well, friends, thats all for now. Hope you are having a good weekend and those on the east coast.. Stay Safe and you are in my thoughts.

TTFN

Kay

Making Progress....I think.

I can't seem to keep up with how fast time is slipping away these days. Monday comes and the week starts filling up with mostly fun activities and then before I know it is Friday.

Yesterday I had a fun "Sew-Day" with Pam and Jenny.

We had a great time. Check out the terrific solid color quilt that Pam is working on, it is spectacular. And Jenny pieced a few more blocks for a long-time project. Very beautiful blocks.
I decided to start block one of a BOM called The Night Before Christmas. I have been collecting these blocks for seven months but haven't even started block One.. I spent the day making six 6 inch finshed ohio stars, one is in block one and the others are in future blocks! Didn't seem very productive but managed to get all the block piecing done this morning and applique pieces are prepared so I think I may have block one finished soon :).

Block One

I  also started machine quilting my Strawberry Basket quilt and it is taking some time.



Pin basting..not my favorite part..




 


Ready, Set, Go!!



I'm pleased with the results of using a paper guide for the cable but it was time consuming and removing the paper was tedious!!



I'm quilting a row of baskets each night. Tonight will be row two.
Hope I can find a good movie to watch tonight., while stitching.


I just have to share some photos of an outing Hubby and I took last saturday to Whidbey Island. It was a beautiful day. The  ferry line was long but once we
got onto the island it was soooo worth it. Here are pics of our summer saturday.

Last one on the Ferry!!! :-)










Beautiful Hollyhocks!!! Wish these beauties were in my garden. Maybe next year : )



Tall ships visiting the Coupeville harbor for the Arts and Crafts Festival.



What a beautiful view!!

Thanks for visiting and stay tuned for more progress on these projects.
-Kay ox

Strawberry Baskets



Strawberry Baskets designed by Verna Mosquera

  Lisa from Stashmaster has inspired me to get out those UFOs and finish them.
I started Strawberry Baskets in the spring of 2008. I  finished piecing the basket blocks and assembled the center rows. I appliqued the corners and had all but a small portion of the third applique border complete and then I wandered away to work on other projects. I just finished appliqueing the last border and yesterday I sewed it together. What a great feeling of accomplishment!!!! 
Now I need to decide how I will quilt it.

I am now working on Seaside Cottages also designed by Verna. I finished the cottages some time ago and need to applique shells, roses and sailboats.

This is a real sweet quilt and can't wait to finish it. I may use the invisible machine applique method on this one.
Finishing is good but now I have alot of quilting to do..... I might need a marathon quilting weekend!!!
I will keep you all posted on the progress.
ox   Kay