Tulip block

Here is another applique block for the vineyard theme quilt. Took a bit of time to get the positioning correct, but I think it is a very pretty design. Will look lovely with the other blocks, both pieced and applique. 


Onward in quilting land,

The Cutest Blog on the Block

My friend and clogging colleague, Linda Primmer, from Life and Linda is giving my blog a total make-over. As you can see, Ms. Linda is already at work! Stay tuned for more changes and a snazzy new contemporary style. Thank you, Linda, for all this work. I am so appreciative. 


See you tomorrow at clogging practice!

Inspired again!

Fusible applique
for vineyard theme quilt

It's fascinating to me how one small activity can jump-start my quilting. Let me explain.


After the Christmas quilting 'crunch,' I was feeling rather down about quilting. Have no idea why as I had completed a tedious top that had many small pieces and certainly tried my patience. That noted, that quilt turned out to be beautiful. 


Happened to be rumbling around in the closet of my sewing room and found a BOM from Country Quilting Center in Elk Grove, CA that I hadn't finished in 2010 when I was taking the class. Decided that one of my 'changes of behaviors' for 2012 was to finish every top languishing somewhere in our home. 


I am very drawn to applique and when I pulled this UFO out, I saw that the next blocks were raw edge applique. "Yay!" I exclaimed. Right up my alley, as I really like the instant gratification of applique. 


Plunged right in, finishing two pieced blocks and this applique block, one of four. There are a total of 10 blocks, I think.


Have to decide whether to machine or hand applique these blocks. May hand applique because of the small size of the grapes. Don't think I can do this on the machine. 


Happy with the way this block turned out! Can't wait to tackle the next one. I will finish this stunning top in the next month - that's what I've promised myself.


Onward, back into quilting with joy and enthusiasm! 

Beautiful Boy

Boris (aka "Bo Bo")
Christmas 2011
Painted by Helyn Raymond

I wanted to end the year - or begin a new one - by posting the magnificent portrait that one of my skating companions, Helyn Raymond, did of our wonderful Samoyed, Boris, who we lovingly call "Bo Bo."


Before Christmas 2010, I had asked Helyn to paint our 14 year old Collie, Merlin because I knew we would not have him much longer. He went to The Rainbow Bridge in March 2011. Sadly, Helyn was not able to do that so I had another artist paint Merlin in oils. 


Helyn approached me just before Christmas and asked about painting Boris. Bingo! I finally had the perfect gift for DH, who is impossible to shop for. He himself admits that he has everything he could possibly want. 


Sent Helyn some photos of Bo Bo. She picked the perfect shot, as well as the one I wanted her to use, but didn't indicate because I wanted her to select the best one for a painting. 


When Helyn delivered the finished product, I was completely, utterly awe-struck. She captured the very essence and soul of our little line backer (as we lovingly call him because of his build and the way he, walks, resembling Bill Sykes's dog in the musical, Oliver!). 


We have paintings of our previous pups, Winston, Henry and Merlin. Two are oils and one is watercolor. While every painting is absolutely gorgeous, I have a particular fondness for the water colors and - truth be told - an overwhelming fondness for Boris's portrait. Helyn managed to get the color of his eyes perfect as well as that unique Sammie look that makes you just want to throw your arms around him in a massive hug.


We wrapped up the year by becoming a registered therapy team with Therapy Dogs, Inc. We are now visiting hospitals and other health care/residential facilities for seniors. I am so proud of the way Boris has taken to his 'job' as a therapy dog. He is wonderful in the hospital, being exceptionally well-behaved. He delights patients, visitors, and staff wherever he goes. 


We know Boris was sent by Merlin to heal our hearts after we lost our special boy last March. Not only has Boris helped us deal with our profound grief resulting from a life without Merlin, he has shown us that life goes on and you can open your heart and love another doggie. Bless you, Merlin, for being so wise, loving and compassion. We miss you desperately, but know you are waiting for us at The Rainbow Bridge. 

Merlin Lancelot
At The Rainbow Bridge
by Linda Primmer, Auburn, CA