Wednesday, May 26, 2010

A Few Things I'm Thinking About

Last Saturday I went to a Redwork workshop that my dear friend, Jo, taught. She did a wonderful job and I'm almost, but not quite, ready to show you the finished product. I've always used an old plastic sewing machine surround (that doesn't fit the machine I have now) with a light under it to trace my applique and embroidery things. But Jo had one of these and it was so much easier! Lucky for me Hobby Lobby had their 40% off coupon in this week's paper so I just bought myself one. I've already used it several times and it's so much better than what I was doing.
I've been working hard to get this wool Folk Art quilt top finished before we leave. I have 3 borders on and the 4th one is ready to put on. Then I'll do the "filling in" where the borders go together with the rest of the flowers and vines and this top will be finished! It calls for hand quilting don't you think? Especially since all the applique is by hand. So it will have to wait until we return from our trip. But I do believe it's my favorite quilt I ever made! I know I said that about the redwork Christmas quilt, and the appliqued Pumpkin quilt, and the greenwork Herb quilt, but right now this is my favorite. :)


This little quilt pattern came brom a book called Prairie Children and Their Quilts. It's a great book that I picked up at the LQS. Have you noticed that several quilt books lately tell stories with their patterns? I have a couple that do and I've really enjoyed them. This one has some interesting history lessons. There's a little verse written on the light triangles that I doubt you can see in this picture. I intended to embroider them but when I saw how the words looked written with a brown Pigma Pen I decided to leave them - it looks antique. I used some of the Butterfly Gardens fabric from Moda - I love those dark, muted colors.




You all were so wonderful to advise me on things to take with me on this mission trip. I have a long list with several things I didn't think of. I'm starting the packing and I'm holding myself to whatever shoes will fit on this rack. I love shoes. I could take a lot more and would be happy to do so...but nope, only this rack.

I'm thinking about food...we won't need a lot because we will eat in the cafeteria during the week but we need a few staples. After I took this picture my husband suggested I add brownie mix and cookie mix. They are not on my diet! But maybe I'll lose another 5 pounds this week and I can have one or two - a girl can dream can't she? And since I have extra shampoo and lotion, etc. I'm taking those also. No sense in buying there what I can stick in the storage compartment of the camper.

I'm typing up instructions for the housesitters, I've cancelled the papers, and put the phone on "vacation." I'm almost ready. :)

13 comments:

  1. You look ready, Marlene! I sure hope you're planning to blog while you're gone--it will be such a great read!

    When I taught second grade I did a quilt unit. It's such an amazing theme for interdisciplinary study. Wow! I didn't really touch the tip of the iceberg with it since I had to sort of make it fit pieces of the curriculum--but anyway, there are stories from all different cultures about quilts. I loved that! I still treasure those books.

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  2. Goodness, you have lots to do, but it seems you have a handle on everything!!

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  3. I know why that quilt is your fav. All the work, my, it is fantastic..
    Great job.. A real treasure.
    Maggey
    Will we be hearing from you on this trip??

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  4. A good deal on the lightbox, and a lovely assortment of shoes to take with you. Shoes and purses . . . my weakness! LOL

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  5. I know you will have the best time and you better keep blogging to share your adventures! Remember, some of us don't get out much! hee,hee,hee.

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  6. that light box is neat, I might have to check into one of those. what do they sell for?

    Will you be taking your computer with you? I sure hope so. (and if you've already covered this issue in past post, forgive me as I have slept since then)

    Have a great Memorial weekend.

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  7. Your mission trip sounds like a wonderful adventure for you and your husband. It's fun to pare down to the necessities isn't it. Sometimes I think I would like to live that way all the time.

    Your quilt is lovely! I can relate to the one you are working on being your new favorite.

    I didn't catch whether you will be blogging while you are away, so if not, I pray for a profitable and growing time for you both. God bless you.

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  8. Oh your quilt is amazing!!! I love it!
    I made "1" years ago. Went to a great class, we made a block each week for assignment, all by hand. Then we finished it at home...I got all done except the binding and a friend took it to the Amish Community to have it finished....I almost went blind on that project. I love it and treasure it but I retired from quilting/ha

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  9. I hope that you have a lap top to pack. I will miss you so much the 4 months you are on your mission if we can't hear from you.
    I think it is wonderful of you to serve God and your fellow men this way. May God bless and keep you safe and sound.
    I love your projects you are working on. You do beautiful work.
    Good luck with all of your plans dear friend. God Bless.... Lura

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  10. Oooooh, isn't it 'citin'!!! This is going to be a real humdinger of a trip. Don't forget your camera.

    Love, Angie, xx

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  11. Wow, 4 months is a long time. My husband and I have learned to pack a first aid kit, small tool kit and a power strip with long cord. I think everything else was pretty well covered. I hope you have a wonderful time.

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  12. You look very organized and ready to go. Your wool quilt is looking great. Yes on the hand quilting. Have a safe trip. Hope we hear from you along the way. Take care.

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  13. That one would be my favorite also, it is so very pretty. Tools that make you work a bit easier are worth the money...especially when there is a discount involved.

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