A quick gift for your quiltin' pal.

You may find the heart shaped dish in the floral section of Wal-Mart.

On a piece of paper, trace around the perimeter of the dish and add 1/4". Cut out a plastic template of heart-shaped pattern. (Green template in background was cut from unused x-ray film.) Heavily starch a piece of dress weight goods or red cotton. Cut out 2 heart shapes. Cut a 19" piece of middle gusset 1-3/4" wide. Sew a 3/8" seam to connect the short ends forming a circle.

Sew the eyelit trim to 1 edge of a red heart overlapping at top curve. Pin and sew the gusset on one side by following the sewing line for the trim. Attach the back heart piece to the gusset leaving a 2" opening for stuffing. Be sure to align top and bottom points.

Stuff with sheep's wool or fiberfill. Stitch opening closed. (This is more easily done if the pieces are all well starched.)

Before packing, wrap in plastic bag. Then use scraps of fabric trimmings and batting trimmings to cushion bottom, sides, and top. This always makes for a very colorful package!

If you're running out of time, don't worry, you can make one for Valentine's Day.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

The 5-minute Christmas tree

Open box, insert little lights, plug in . . . done. (I know this is cheating, but there isn't enough room for anything bigger.)

Thought for the day: When washing xmas quilt, hang on a level clothesline or it will dry katywampus and take all of this December to straighten out.

Ahh yes, this red and white has to be one of my all time favorites.

Of course, I just have to show off my BEAUTIFUL table runner that Pam made for me last year in our Christmas swap. My sleigh finally came out of the box also. I don't think I've seen it since 1999. It was purchased at a craft fair in Georgia many years ago and is one of my favorite pieces.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Annual Fireside Sale at J.C. Campbell Folk School

This morning, my neighbor and I headed out to visit a few friends at the Fireside Sale. This is held every year at the J.C. Campbell Folk School. Local artisans from the area display and sell their beautiful creations.

My good buddy Suzy teaches at the local college, but also creates incredible water colors. This photo does not begin to display how lovely her paintings are. To see more of her work in much better lighting please visit ArtBySuzy.

This grinning gal is Katrina, a metal smith who works primarily in copper. In the background you can see her wonderful moose pins. She also does great fish and other whimsical creatures.

Chuck and Peggy are long time residents of the area. Each of these baskets is made by starting with a tree. They are indeed beautiful and extremely labor intensive. Chuck is also a bladesmith and makes damascus steel knives.

As you can see, Lee and Doug of Birdfoot Ridge Studio are potters. It would take an entire page to describe their lovely work. You can contact them at birdfootridge@wmconnect.com

This smiling trio includes Elmer, Lynda, and Joel, blacksmiths who forge hot metal into phenomenal patterns and make it look easy. Their designs rival anything I saw in Europe. Besides the hand forged tools, they also do such things as custom gates and fencing. Unless you've ever wielded a hammer over a hot flame, you cannot imagine the work that goes in to these pieces. I'm always amazed at what they create.

If you are interested in learning more about the work shown above and need to contact any of the artisans, feel free to e-mail me.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

The Lay's potato chips of quilting

. . . nobody can make just one.

No, it wasn't a cyclone . . . . Mile-A-Minute blocks have taken over. Everywhere.


I did manage to get my longer strips out of bags and in to a bin. These will be for my next string quilt. Ahhh progress. (sort of)

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

An ounce of prevention . . .

. . . is worth a pound of cure.

Back in the days when I typed ER reports, winter often produced a list of casualties. A small patch of ice on the porch or driveway and a newspaper waiting to be retrieved could be a lethal combination, especially for those over 70.

If you keep a small box of rock salt handy and sprinkle just a bit on your steps, porch, or driveway, you may save yourself a trip to the doctor. And if you have an elderly neighbor, why not buy one for them also. For under $2.00, it's an easy gift to give.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .