Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Last Saturday was undoubtedly one of the "funnest" and shortest days I've experienced in a long time! 

Country Log Cabin Quilter Ruth and PurpleHeartOri"Jenn"al Jennifer arrived at my home about 10 AM, and before we knew it, the clock said 4:15 PM!  We were all wondering where the time had gone!

Ruth brought me these two cuties:  a tissue holder and a table mat made of fabric-covered bottle caps.

You may remember that Jennifer surprised me by mail with this mug rug a couple of weeks ago:

We had "Show and Tell" for quite a while.  They both brought some beautiful quilts and other projects.  We've seen most of them in their blogs, but let me tell you, up close and personal, they all were gorgeous.  Somehow the pictures just do not do justice to any of them!  Then I fed them sandwiches and Strawberry Pie.  After that we talked about everything quilty for what seemed like just a few minutes; the time passed so quickly, but we didn't realize it.  Ruth tried out my Curvemaster Foot.  My machine was acting up very badly, but even so, she made a block that looked perfect if you don't look at the stitches!  After they left, I cleaned the machine and put in a new needle and re-threaded it, and now it is working fine, thank goodness. 

We were so focused on our quilting conversation that we never thought about taking pictures!  Sorry about that!  I realized that about the time they got to the first corner as they were leaving!  We agreed to get together again, and maybe have a sew-in!  Doesn't that sound like fun?  Wish all you APQ'ers could be here then! 

I've been working on the new project this week.  Here's the first picture I took of the first blocks together:

Doesn't clue you in very much, does it?

I kept working on it today as I had time, and I still have to tweak the borders a bit, and add a little applique.  It is called "The Wave Salute" from the June/July 2009 issue of "Quilt" magazine.  I knew when I saw it, I had to make it someday.  That is why I bought the Curvemaster Foot.  Here's my progress so far. 

Go here to see the designers' original quilt. http://www.thesweetteagirls.com/  ; check out Patterns, Page 1.
Be sure to check out their Rules for Quilting on the page for Quilts for Family and Friends.

The original was 62" x 68", and as is my practice, you would know I would make some changes.  Mine is 35" x 38", and I did the borders a little differently.  The striped border is a folded strip sewn in with the red border and loose on the other side, overlapping the "Pledge of Allegiance" fabric.  Maybe you can read it if you double-click the picture.  I will bind it with the stripe on the bias.  The curved piecing was something new to me, but it was fun.  I think I'll try to machine quilt it myself.  I will be making another one soon, with different fabrics. 

I think maybe my Underground Railroad quilt will be next.  I'm looking forward to that one too! 

Hope you are having fun quilting! 

---"Love"