Today's Quilting Bee

Things haven't changed through the years. Women have always been diligent caretakers. Not only caretakers of their families but they stretch their arms out to help others as well.

One way that quilters help others is by sharing their talents and create wonderful cuddly covers full of love to give to those in need. Each quilt wraps the recipient with hugs and warm wishes.

I am so happy that I am part of a group of women who meet regularly to put together some of these quilts.

Karen, Cathy and Mary are busy at work tying quilts, never idle, 

as they share the latest gossip.

Linda is always entertaining us with the silliest stories as she sews.

Today, Barb and Ruth are finishing up the quilts and adding labels.

"Stitched with love

by Undercover Quilters"

We are so thankful for the many who provide us 

with some of their extra fabrics and notions, 

and

our prayers are with those who couldn't get to the meeting 

because of health and family concerns.

With our hearts filled with happiness 

and our tummies filled with oh, so, delicious food from our pot-luck lunch, 

we will meet again next month.  

Going In vs. Coming Out of My Brain

Apparently the information that goes into my brain does not translate into my projects. 

After enjoying the beauty of the lilies and thinking about nothing but lilies, 

I end up with purple shapes. 

PURPLE! 

No way do these even remotely look like my orange lilies. 

I did start with a muslin foundation cut into a shape. 

After stitching on a multitude of different fabrics, I trimmed the edges adding my seam allowance. 

I used an "Add-a-Quarter" ruler and moved it along the edge 

continually turning it to follow the shape.

The trimmed piece is now ready to piece to another section.

I did get into my orange fabric and combined several pieces on this piece.

Into my brain go lilies, out come pod shapes. 

We'll see where these lead. 

Sketching Lilies

I can't get those brilliant lilies out of my mind.

I find myself sketching them in various "poses".

Surely, I am captivated by their beauty.

Do I really need to transfer these ideas to fabric

 or am I satisfied with just drawing them?

But, I do have those perfect fabrics all ready to cut and sew.

Onward!

Linked to Off the Wall Friday

Happy **Starry** 4th of July

Happy 4th of July!

May you proudly wave your stars and stripes!

These festive stars are inset into the red and blue background.

Insetting a block is not difficult.

Trace the block unto the wrong side of the background.

Draw a second line 1/2" inside the first line and cut the background. 

Clip the corners of the background to the 1/4" seam allowance line.

 Match the sides of the block with the background. 

Stitch 1/4" seams.