Choo Choo

Well, I finished my railroad quilt last night. Jen was up today and took pictures for me which are included in this entry. I am really pleased with the end result. The only thing I would change would be trimming my threads before it was quilted. With the white background there are a lot of threads from the red and black fabrics that show through. Most people will probably not notice them but you know how it is when we look at our own work. :)

I have included some closeup pictures of the quilting because I think it is really neat. Paul Wycoff is a wonderful longarm quilter - he is willing to take as much time as necessary to come up with a good design. We always have a good time choosing patterns. Sometimes it goes really quickly - other times is is challenging but he is always patient and helpful. I got the blocks from Fennell Artworks in Arcadia, IN, and came up with the setting myself - much to my surprise!

Finally Pictures

I have finally downloaded pictures from my camera and my Pay It Forward gifts and the pincushion swaps have been received so now I can post pictures.

The market bags were quick to make up using Quiltsmart.






The pincushion swap was fun and quick. I have posted pictures of the pincushions I sent and the ones I received. The small one on my finger is great. A friend in my Houston bee made them for us when we went on a retreat. I am now addicted and cannot sew without it. It is so handy.

















Thanks, Rosie, for the pincushions you sent. They are perfect and look great in my sewing room.

This was a fun swap in case you are looking for something quick and easy to do with your bee or guild. Just google "free pincushion patterns" and you will have tons of patterns from which to select.

A Visitor

Yesterday Jenna took her parents took Kindergarten roundup - yes she is going to be five already! Mr. Jack came to visit us and have dinner with Pop. I think he had a good time because he got to do exactly what he wanted to do with no directions from his big sister. :)

Here is a picture of him reading the toy catalog. It is one of his favorite things to do when he has a chance.

I'm Hooked

I just thought I would let all of you know that I am absolutely hooked on the Olympics so I am not doing any quilting right now. I am working on a pair of socks and will start a hat for Jen. I figure I will not put a needle through my fingernail while watching if I am knitting! I will be doing something upstairs tomorrow before the Olympics come on. Don't expect much for the next two weeks. :)

Pay It Forward

Today I finished my pay it forward items. I will take pictures and post them after the recipients receive them. My plan is to get them in the mail on Monday.

I am now working on a pincushion that I am making for a swap on my Quilting in Indiana group. I think it will be cute and will post a picture of it after it is received.

I guess you could call this my mailing week - I have also made a Girl Scout pillowcase for my first "grand Girl Scout." I was a leader for 12 years and still am in contact with most of the girls who were in our troop. Melissa's daughter Nora is in kindergarten and is a Daisy Girl Scout. When I saw the Girl Scout fabric I knew that I had to make a pillowcase for her. Hope she likes it. Here it is: