Last year I was lucky enough to visit with my friend Linda in the USA. We were chatting on the phone this one day and discussing her upcoming trip to Paducah. I don't remember exactly how the conversation went, but one of us must have said "Why don't you (or I) come along?". And that's how it began. We travelled with some members of Linda's quilt group, and what a wonderful time it was.For a special surprise, Linda made up some memory blocks for me, and so did Donna, Karen, Liz, Gerri, Lynn, Sue, Nancy and Kate. This month I plan to make up a quilt top with those blocks. I've made up a sweet setting with an applique block surrounded by blocks set on point. I started cutting up fabrics last night. I'll keep you posted.
This post is taking a while - I've just been on the phone to Linda for almost one hour! There is always just so much to talk about. We've been planning what projects we'll work on together this year. We'll resurrect some blocks we started a couple of years ago, and also perhaps begin work on the Civil War Diary Quilt. Our friend Donna is starting it, so what a fun project for the three of us to work on together!But back to the pictures ... I made two DJ blocks recently - on the left, M11 - Rickshaw, and on the right, M2 - Duff's Bluff. M11 has not gone together as nicely as I'd like, but I'm going to put it with the other blocks and decide later if I'll make it again. I figure that by the end of 169 blocks I'll settle for it. M2 was super easy to make and I love the way it has come out.
A big thank you to Hanne (edit: oops that should have been May Britt - sorry hon), she sent me a link to determine the boy/girl status of kitty. It's a girl! We can now narrow down the list of names. I have a feeling we're also stalling a little on the name so that Amy may have her own input when she gets home. She called yesterday and I didn't mention the kitty, I really want her to be surprised when she comes home!
I have a day to myself today, I would like to sew sew sew ... but I have a feeling I may get sidetracked with housework. Tomorrow I am going on a visit to a quilt store in the Barossa with my friend Lorraine. I wonder if I'll be able to keep strong on my fabric diet ... patterns, books, notions and threads are fair game ... I'll let you know!
Your DJ blocks are always so perfect - and I love your choice of colors. In fact, you have inspired me to take a class on paper piecing with freezer paper. I would like to do some of the blocks in the Civil War Diaries book, but I need a lesson and confidence first.
ReplyDeleteI just had to laugh at the mental picture of you holding kitty butt up to your computer monitor to compare her 'nether regions' to what was on the screen... LOL
ReplyDeleteWonder if I showed it to my cats, if they'd consider it kitty porn? *giggles*
I am laughing at forestjane's comment LOL. So it's a girl.
ReplyDeleteYour friendship blocks looks so nice.
The friendship blocks are so gorgeously reproduction. And how exciting that you are making a Dear Jane. I wonder how many of us are working on one? Hope you can fit in some quilting today.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking blocks - it will be a quilt full of wonderful memories :-)
ReplyDeleteYour blocks are lovely - both the memory blocks and the DJ blocks. Had to look up that cat page too. Got a laugh from some of the previous comments :-)
ReplyDeletePS. I plan to do a CWD quilt after the NI quilt is done - I think :-)
ReplyDeleteLovely blocks with even lovelier memories I'm sure! I'll be interested to see what you do with them.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got kitty's gender all sorted out - LOL.
Gail
I can't wait to see what you do with your memory blocks! I love the top one!
ReplyDeleteYou girls must have a whoppin' phone bill! I can't talk on the phone for more than about 10 minutes. I get antsy to be off. I love the DJ blocks, and I think, like you, that at 169 you'll decide this one is just fine. The American friendship blocks look terrific, and your description of the setting was so enticing, I can hardly wait to see what you've planned!
ReplyDeleteI can hardly wait to see those friendship blocks go together. So the kitty's a girl...she beat the odds...a ginger girl. She is so cute.
ReplyDeleteThe blocks r gorgeous... love the colours....cant wait to see what u do with them or what u name the beautiful kitten
ReplyDeleteDo you have the Civil War Diary Quilt Book? If yes, did you get it here in Oz or in the states. I would love a copy, but the postage from Amazon is a killer. I would love to do a Dear Jane, Nearly Insane, even Sylvia's Bridal Sampler but the thing that holds me back is the fabric. Do you buy enough to make the quilt or start with scraps you like or what? How did you do your Dear Jane's?
ReplyDeleteJodie
I like your friendship blocks, the background fabrics are great! The rickshaw looks really hard to make. I think I'll save it for last!
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