Applique Quilt & Las Vegas

I finally finished the Country Sewing Center Block-of-the-Month top that I've been working on for what seems like a lifetime. 

There are only four applique blocks - at each corner - because I ran out of time. This is a gift, so I need to get it to the long arm quilter's studio by November 1 to have it in time for Christmas. 

The design called for all the blocks to be appliqued. I adjusted the pattern once I determined I wasn't going to complete all nine using this method. While the top isn't as pretty as the original design I really like the contrasting colors and feminine look. The French feel of the Moda fabric is lovely. I think the pattern was something like "A Breath of Avignon," but don't go looking for it using that name. 

I did the applique by hand, which took longer than I anticipated, and truly enjoyed the process. I know machine applique goes faster, but the in-and-out of the needle that goes with hand applique was very relaxing for me. The first block looks a little "primitive" but by the fourth block, my technique had improved significantly. This project turned out to not only be a good learning project, but opened up a whole world of possibilities to add to my quilting activities.

I signed up for the fall BOM at the Country Sewing Center, which also features applique blocks. This time I will finish the top completing all the blocks using applique. 

As for the ISI Adult Championship in Las Vegas, the experience was great fun. I skated "clean" which was my objective. As the field for my category was small, I was lucky enough to come in first and brought home a blue ribbon to prove it. Had a great time with my friend Maddie, with whom I shared a room. We saw "The Lion King" and "Phantom of the Opera" and both were fantastic and very over-sized, over-the-top, overly expensive, typical Las Vegas experiences! Glad we went even though I had seen Phantom before in Vegas. Worth the price of going again just to see Maddie's look of total wonderment and joy. Tickets to shows: Too costly. Seeing Maddie's enjoyment: Priceless. 

So, my competing days are over, over, over. BTW, my friend Maddie took first place in both her events, despite the fact that she is turning 69 next week. She was radiant on the ice; the skating director at the event rink even told her that he gave her 12s for each event (the maximum being 6). She loves to perform, is very talented, and it really shows in her skating. 

My three other skating buddies also did extremely well in their events, so many blue ribbons and points were accrued by Skatetown in Roseville. I was proud to represent the rink. In addition, I made some skating friends from across the country, which was an added benefit to attending the competition. 

I was very happy to leave Las Vegas and come home to the peace and quiet of our country setting. And, while I am writing about "country" while I was walking the dogs early yesterday morning, we spotted a bobcat in our development. He was about 20 yards away from us. Pretty darn amazing. From now on, I am waiting until it is completely light before taking the doggies out. They absolutely froze even before I saw the bobcat; they obviously knew something was amiss! 

Back on the ice later today. Had a great time clogging yesterday. Learned two dances, so we are now beyond only learning steps. Still completely entranced by this dance form, but still don't have my shoes :(

Clogging onward.