Finish for Mom

A year ago I made and gave my mom this pillow.

Then sometime last fall I used the same fabric
to experiment with two different patterns.
I promised my mom I'd make her
more pillows to complete a set.

SO...on saturday I sewed and sewed...

and surprised my mom for Mother's Day,
with the Circle of Geese above
and the Dresden Plate below.

And now she can complete her
newly decorated guest/sitting room.

So mom,

Dres...done!

Finally, with the help of all of you who were so kind to give me your opinion and advice,

my first Dresden plate is complete!

I went with option #2, the darker blue center.

I really like it and now all I need to do is follow through with making it into a pillow.

Thanks again for your help!

Reach Out!

After being at my new job just a few short weeks (back in August), I quickly became aware of the latest trendy catch phrase in the online world of education. When you're in need of advice, opinions or any other information, you are encouraged Reach Out to your co-worker or Reach Out to your supervisor.  When your students are in need, Reach Out to them.  (Honestly, it kind of gets on my nerves.) But, after working on this sewing project last weekend, I've decided to Reach Out to you all to help me decide on a finish. A few people who saw my post, guessed I was working on a Dresden Plate that will be made into a pillow.

And you were right.  Here's what I have so far!

But now I'm stuck.

Which fabric should go in the center?

I don't want to go outside this fabric line, but I just can't decide what looks best.

So I'm Reaching Out!  Care to give your opinion?

The choices are below and I'd love to hear which one you'd choose and why!

Click on the picture for a closer look, then leave me your choice in a comment.

Thanks for helping me out!

Big Thanks...Long Overdue

So one day in the early part of this month while browsing blogs just letting my curiosity guide me, I stumbled onto this great blog, Creative Confessions.  I found myself reading through previous posts for quite a while.  I'd been to this blog before and kept thinking to myself...why was I not following?  So...I slid over to the sidebar and clicked the FOLLOW button.  Little did I know what that click would mean. 

Shortly after, I got an email from Heather, the author of Creative Confessions, letting me know about a secret giveaway for her 100th follower.  And guess who the 100th follower was???  Yep, ME.

I was so excited because I'm not used to being a winner.  Just doesn't happen that often.  And Heather was SO sweet about it.  She wanted to taylor make a gift to celebrate the occasion and soon after I had THIS sweet package in my mailbox.

To satisfy my needlework interest there's a couple of very nice project patterns for a candle mat and those dainty fresh Summer Pairs from CrabApple Hill.  And would you look at that tiny package of mini dresden plate template/papers.  I'd told Heather how I loved Dresden Plates and was itching to start my first project with some....and she even included the cutest little fabrics that will be perfect for them.  I love the fabric with the tiny umbrellas!!

And she included a very kind, thoughtful card  (isn't that a great wedding ring quilt on that card?)

So Heather, finally I've had a chance to officially thank you and let every one know what a great blog you have and what a super person you are!  Thanks again, this was truly a wonderful surprise!!



Sonora Quilt Show 2010

Had a nice afternoon at the Sonora Quilt Show today.  This show was all about Dresden Plate's for me.  Here's one of my fav's.  Click the tab at the top of the page to see more highlights.