Possibly the Fastest Quilt Ever!

I got this link from my friend, Ruth. It uses one jellyroll and takes under one hour to piece. I can't wait to try it! Check it out here, http://www.quilt-video.com/2011/02/18/jelly-roll-quilt-race-lasagna-quilt/.

Spicewood Sunset

I took this last night on the way home. We got a wonderful rain shower yesterday afternoon and and this was the result!

Sewing Machine Cover Tutorial

She's back! Bari J., that is. You may remember me raving about taking classes from Bari in Sisters last year. She is so talented, inspiring and fun. And generous. Today on Sew4Home she is providing a free tutorial on how to make a sewing machine cover. You can find it here, http://sew4home.com/projects/bed-linens/971-paris-apartment-sewing-machine-cover-guest-tutorial-by-bari-j. Sew4Home is a great resource for tutorials and free patterns. They are even having a giveaway of kit containing some of Bari's Paris Apartment fabric to make the identical machine cover in the tutorial.

Bari is also a passionate hand stitcher. She has a new website devoted totally to the art of embroidery. You can find it here, http://www.welovefrenchknots.com/.

Sew much inspiration, sew little time!

September 11

It's not a day any American who was alive in 2001 will ever forget. I spent this anniversary like a lot people, remembering what I was doing that day (not much, except watching TV) and praying for the survivors and for our country. I also spent some time doing what I have done during good times and bad since I became a quilter in 2000, piecing a quilt.

I am sure you have heard about the horrific wildfires that have plagued Central Texas over the last week. We live in one of the affected areas, although we were personally very blessed to be spared. About 7000 acres and over 30 homes in our area have burned since last Sunday and although the fire is 100% contained, 50-60 firefighters are still working round the clock to keep it that way. A neighborhood just north of my SIL's subdivision also burned with over 20 houses lost. The largest fire is east of Austin in the community of Bastrop and is less than 50% contained a week later. It is over 50 square miles in size. Hundreds of homes have been lost and now at least two lives that they know of.

I got a message on Facebook a few days ago about a local quilt group that is trying to get enough quilts donated to give one to every child whose home has been lost in the fire. The estimate I heard from one local quilt shop owner is over 1000 quilts are needed. So with a very valid reason to start yet another project, I dove into my stash and came up with enough FQs to make this boy's quilt. It's a variation of good old Turning Twenty called Around the Block. I also quilted up a girlie scrap quilt top that I had made last year. I am hoping to get them both to a drop off point by the end of the week.

So, on this solemn anniversary, I helped myself with some fabric therapy and hopefully someone else, as well. I've said it before and I'll say it again and again, God bless America, today and everyday!

The Big 2-0!

Back in July, HD and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. He had to work so we had to celebrate close to home. Being the great husband that he is he asked me what I wanted to do. Maybe a fancy dinner out? A night on the San Antonio Riverwalk? A night in the Four Seasons Honeymoon Suite where we stayed the night of our wedding? Nope, I said. What I really want is to get some of the fam together and go to dinner and karoake. "Really? Are you sure?" he asked. Oh yeah, I'm sure! So away we went!

We were able to eat and karoake at this great place in Austin called The Highball, http://thehighball.com. They even have an iPhone app to help you plan your song list! The music you are hearing now is a sampling of the tunes from our evening. The following slide show contains some photographic evidence of our performances! Some of the fam escaped the camera, but I assure you, fun was had by all. HD also finally got the Groom's Cake he had been deprived of for so long. So, for some, the traditional 20th anniversary gift is china. For us it will always be karoake!

Hatch Heaven!

That's a little bit of heaven, right there! A half bushel of roasted mild Hatch chilies from a nursery in Ruidoso. That was our last stop on the way out of town. They roasted them while we waited. We loved on the resident Golden Retriever, Maggie, and let her and Valentine play while we waited on the chilies. It was wonderful! We also got to smell the intoxicating aroma all the way home. The aroma of the chilies overpowered the aroma of Valentine in the back of the Jeep, it worked out very well! The chilies are now squirreled away in the freezer for fall and winter casseroles, soups and quiches.

First up will be Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas, http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/2011/02/tempt-my-tummy-tuesday-honey-lime-chicken-enchiladas/ . I've shared this recipe from my friend Lisa before, and it is worth sharing again. It is the best Chicken Enchilada recipe I have ever made. I hope you will set aside your diet and give it a try!

Portrait of Me

Here I am. Well not really, but that is about how I have felt lately. I have mentioned before how the heat always depresses me and it has been particularly brutal this summer. Also, my younger sister has been ill for several months and that has been ever present in my mind. Well, things are looking up! My sister has been diagnosed, operated on and is now making a very good recovery. Many thanks to all who emailed, called, sent cards, prayed and gave any kind of encouragement. It is so appreciated and such a blessing to me and my family! It is also now September and hopefully we will see a break in our heat soon.

A couple of hours ago, HD, Valentine and I arrived home from a few days in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He needed to get away and so did I and Ruidoso is the closest place we can go to get cool and see some pine trees and mountains. They also have rain there. Really. I don't think I have ever said, "I really hope it rains on our vacation!" until this trip. It rained every afternoon and I sat on the porch of our cabin and savored every moment. I feel rejuvenated and hopeful and very excited for fall to finally arrive in Central Texas. We are also anxiously awaiting the arrival of our great nephew any day now. So, I am glad to be back and I have a lot to share in the coming days. I'm so glad you stopped by and I am going to try to be more consistent with my posts!