Em Celebrates!

Fielke, Lindenbergh, Gritz....Birds of a feather flock together they say!

2012-02-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

What a whirl of a week, WOW! Wednesday whizzing by....weird: Where, When, What, Why, and How?

Are you asking yourself, "What the heck, Emily?".....I am giggling as I write this post because where my mind began with its contents is not where it has taken me! How many people can relate to this?

Today is the countdown of my Wilderness Wednesdays where I enjoy the beauty of redtail hawks, adventures of mud and snow and the wish to see a family of Mustangs.....4 to go until my flight pattern heads due Northwest. Above I CELEEBRATE mom's current work in motion....Her eagle! Did you spy the skulls in the background fabric? Yep, that is my mom....appears so unassuming and demure on her exterior but her soul has a spice that I cannot get enough of! She and I had so much fun enjoying Sarah Fielke's most recent book while she was visiting me and this little dolly quilt, Silhouette, is so beautiful and yet so simple. Amazing! I was playing with ideas while hiking today with Porsche using this Sarah pattern and will see what comes of the creative game in my mind........

but for now, I end this post with a silly ditty from Noah who is also CELEBRATING flying this week. He has chosen to do a report on Charles Lindenbergh and with all of his little red-headed spice, he asked me, "Mom, can I write, 'Charles bought his first Jenny bi-plane for 500 SMACKERS?'" Without a pause I laughed and said, "Of course!" May he always be willing to take a chance on putting his individuality out there!

Love, Em

MJ......

2012-02-28T12:39:00.000-08:00

A fun little celebration of my mom and sister's projects this week. Sharon's purply yummy compass is a pattern she is creating and has been asked to teach a class at her local quilt shop...Mom's impeccable applique with happy colors oozing fun....Miss my own quilting but life is awhirl of fun as we embark on the move in a month! This weekend, home hunting and visiting the Bellevue dodgeball arena. Love to you and keeping you posted on life! Em

Toca la guitara....

2012-02-23T15:36:00.000-08:00

What is music to your ears?.....this morning a symphony was awash in my soul as I signed up for a Gwen Marston class in Bellingham in May. And the encore.....drum roll.....Field trip with my mom and LeeAnn and Miki! Since the layout of the above quilt....Porsche and Beamer played a game of tag and the quilt is on the floor.....more fusible web tonight and the final placement of instruments. Oh the joys of sweet furry friends in the quilt room! Love to you all, Em

Rockin' with ROBBI....

2012-02-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

This morrning is one of those times in my life that I will forever smile when I remember the story.....St. George is a small community and very few places to enjoy a Sunday brunch. IHOP is a favorite of ours and today is why......Frankie is a spunky young server whose squeaky voice forever has us entertained. We request to be in her section each visit and each time she greets us with a giggle and delight..."It just makes my day that you ask for me." She saw us from across the dining room and quickly came over in her skipping sort of way and in newly dyed red hair, "I thought I would be the Little Mermaid this week. I just have to tell you guys....when you come in on Sunday mornings I go home and tell my friends that I have customers that are undercover rock stars...Are you a family of rock stars?" And so I begin this quilt tonight to CELEBRATE a fun story. We laughed and laughed and in the end, Noah decided that Sean is a famous drummer and I am a cowgirl groupie who loves to dress up for the shows. Thank you, Robbi Joy Elkow for the pattern in your marvellous book, Free Expression.

Rock on dudettes!!! Em

One for a new baby, one for big brother....CELEBRATING the metro floral for him and her

2012-02-18T13:05:00.000-08:00

"HI!" Waving to you through the cyber waves of this fun venue for sharing girlfriend time and an excuse to share pics of creative fun :). Last night I began this little boy star for a baby and then I realized as I was creating it today, I want to make a dolly quilt for a big brother. So.....the wonky heart and floral quilt will be for a new little girl and the star for big bro. Off to shower and buy a fun bed and doll for this star to embellish. Hope your Saturday has a special zing as mine has while quilting and exchanging emails with friends about....LIFE...of all things! Thank you for visiting, Em

Have I told you lately how much I love quilting with brown?

2012-02-17T21:07:00.000-08:00

My first wonky star for the baby quilt for Hurrice Dye and I wonder.....Will I love this quilt too much to give away? Do you ever ask yourself the same question? The first quilt I made was for a little babe named Jack...of blues and chocolates. Yummy all these years later!

Baby oh Baby!

2012-02-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

Babies come in different sizes.....Baby on Board...."our baby girl"....my nephew's nickname, "Babe", and.....little babies soon to arrive! And just for fun....my Babe's newest gift from a needle to CELEBRATE a weekend with his sister and a MOTLEY time it was! Almost done with quilting with the girlie blanket and then for a little boy quilt with the style of the pictured wonky star quilt......Love to you all and the moving plans are smooth as a "Babies bottom".....soon to have a new address! Keep you posted and may this post greet you with a smile! Love, Em

Whirls of swirls...CELEBRATING the ol' standby!

2012-02-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

Roxy and I are a little dizzy as we whirl and swirl with this little blankie. Today I find myself bouncing back and forth from the quilting to the latest book to Porsche to quilting....Isn't life wonderful when all a day asks of us is to revel in what makes our hearts sing? I hope you are having a day like me, lately they have been an exception to the norm and I so much more appreciate them for this!

Love, Em

Motley Crue and Curvaceous quilts....who would have thought?

2012-02-11T21:32:00.000-08:00

Lynn and Jacque were some of my biggest cheerleaders this past week as they gifted me as a blogger who is Versatile......While I have been at roadblocks recently with quilting visions, my trip to Vegas last night was one CELEBRATION after another of quilt ideas, patterns, and the wish that Roxy was with me at Hard Rock. While napping in puffy luxury and smiling with my job interview on Wednesday for a Seattle nursing position, I had no idea that later that evening a Motley Crue concert would not only blow my mind and have me dancing and screaming in the aisles but also WOW! me with a show that reminded me of Curvy quilts! Do you think Tommy Lee hand appliques while on the road?

So much fun and tomorrow....I may actually create a little quilt that is traditional and fun....DO you believe me?

Love to you, Em

It's LOVE!

2012-02-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with these soft hues and sweet little girl swinging while listening to the whistle of a bird. I am envisioning Yellow Brick Road pattern for a patchy little blankie but then.....Oh so many options! Happy sewing, Em

Playing with ideas.....

2012-02-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun playing with the evolution of this window. Anything but done but getting closer to the vision coming to pass.....

"Just one more little floral bud to sew before I shower"....

2012-02-06T09:39:00.001-08:00

Mine.....Gotta include a froggy CELEBRATION of course!

Sarah Fielke's.......

Do you ever sew just to sew, quilt just to quilt or touch bolts of fabric just to touch bolts of fabric....The moment and not the finish....I am finding that my current quilting is about trying new ideas or playing with a quilt pattern but if it will ever be a finished quilt....whose to say. In this creative exercise....it's all about my CELEBRATION of the fun of night and secrets that the little critters keep when the sun is shining.

Happy Monday!
Em

Eye sp-eye- with my little I......

2012-02-04T19:48:00.000-08:00

Do you SEE it? I planted the first florals for the NIght Garden and then POOF! in the photo I see an eyeball instead of a flower. Kinda like the cartoons of just 2 eyes in the black of night. Kinda fun! More piecing tomorrow but for now.....Noah asked I keep the heat off in the hotel room because then "we will have more reason to snuggle"....gotta love little boys and their love for their mommmas!!! May he always want to snuggle!

Love, Em

This time I am the malingering quilter.....CELEBRATING my mom and sis!

2012-02-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love going to the quilt shop with my mom. We made the woman cutting the fabric a little nervous with our silly chatter but the owner was having fun with us! Why oh why are some quilters so serious and stuffy when shopping?....OK, I feel better. I have needed to ask that question for the 4 years that I have been quilting? Thank you friends for not being THOSE quilters! He he!!!!

I have bought some very fun fabrics and about to start to cut....but before I do. My mom and siter's works in progress! Hope you enjoy the peeks!!!!!! And behind the doors? shhhhhhh! A secret.

Love, Em

What would you create with this line up? Does the flash of the camera remind you of a full moon?

2012-02-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

The fabric lineup for a weekend project....travelling to see my family in Northern Utah and excited to play in Mom's stash!!!!!! I have fallen in love with ALL the quilts in Sarah Fielke's current release, Quiling: The Collection. So beware.....many projects will be inspired by bits and pieces of her gift in projects in my near future. Smile!

The bottom photo is of Sarah's, The Night Garden. Loved it immediately because of its LIBERATED wonky style. I awoke this morning with the AH-HA moment of.......My current header+this Sarah quilt+fabric lineup=?

What would you do create a story quilt with these?
Mine is going to be a theme of Friday Night Sew in with Blog Friends....

And a full moon of course....thanks to my Canon flash bulb, seems like a nice idea....!

Happy weekend friends!
Love, Em

Coochie coochie coo!

2012-02-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

Did I make that up or would my title sillies be a winning Scrabble play? Decided to play in my quilt room and have some wonky liberated fun with a little girl blankie. The freedom of making scrappy strips and celebrating fabrics in my stash that I had forgotten about.....Ahhhhhhhhh!

Do you LOVE to hand quilt?

2012-01-31T14:00:00.000-08:00

Kinda fun to revisit quilts of past, do you ever do the same? Studying and drooling over the recent Sarah Fielke book and loving her hand quilting on her beauties. Have you read the book, Quilting: The Collection? I am in love with each project but am thinking that the Whirligig may have my name on it for a future fun piece.....Happy Monday!

Em

Waving to you!

2012-01-29T16:39:00.000-08:00

Have I told you how much I have missed blogging the past months while life was busy?!!!!!!! Today's wave was a creative exercise and Noah's played with my 2012 theme of trees while creating a woodsy police station....Lorax on my Nook and crafting ideas for a fun kidsy quilt....brewing and stiring and pondering........

2012-01-29T08:36:00.001-08:00

Took my breath away and then I giggled!

2012-01-29T08:35:00.000-08:00

My sister's creations......The color combo of her current project is a feast for eyes! She created this compass in the past 2 weekends, she created a little Coulson 3 1/2 years ago and each day loves his color, embellishes his love for the quilt room with freedcm to play and in the end, beautiful material for a human being! Two breathtaking creations, 1 incredible woman and sister! Love you, CLS!

Happy Sunday, friends. Em

Bordered and taking flight to play with a Green Fairy!

2012-01-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

Well, give me a day of no work and Noah on vacation with friends, and I get WIPs completed! Feels so damn good!!!!!!! And....I am guilty, no work on the resume or license, too much quilting fun to be had! Always tomorrow, right?

I apologize the pic is fuzzy. Sean helped me true to the focus piece and now the borders are complete. I cannot imagine what Green Fairy will do with this piece but I daresay it will be breathtaking. I think this is my favorite of all my designs....why I do not know, but I love its vibe. You?

Celebrating a day that I dedicated to quilting! Em

"It's perfect for Grandma, She is bright and colorful like this quilt."

2012-01-28T17:01:00.000-08:00

My grandma Dorothy turned 98 this past week and is in impeccable condition. She is my hero and lives on her own and walks everyday. The other evening while we were talking on the telephone, I was reminded the legacy that my father and Grandma Dorothy have instilled in me.....Carpe Diem; do it your own wway and live your passions. I have decided to quilt this tomorrow and have ready for her birthday celebration next weekend. When I asked my sis if it was too bright for Grandma, she responded, "It's perfect, bright and colorful like her." Roxy is excited.....

Love, Em

Tonye Belinda Phillips....Thank you for your inspiration!

2012-01-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

Are you familiar with the wonderful book, Hand Appliqued Quilts Whimsical Designs and Simple Techniques? Just the word, Whimsical, tells all! I fell in love with this book last year and there is a border on her Viva Mexico
quilt that seemed to be a border I would enjoy trying some day.....Well, the day is here! I am going out of my box completely on this quilt, not a favorite of mine but the creative exercise for me is fun.

Do you like the dynamic black and primitive stem and leaves or is it too bold? Sean does not care for the black and I love his honesty. With this black border I am wishing I would have used black to POP! the wonky snowball flowers but.....what sewn is sewn and SEW it is!

Do you find yourself nodding in agreement or saying to yourself, "I so get it, EM, I have thought the same thing with a project."?

Still a work in progress but I awoke this morning and made a deal with myself that before I start a Lorax quilt I will work on my WIP's....Not sure if I am sold on the bed I made with myself but will be grateful in the end when projects are finished.

Happy Saturday, Em

Seattle, Saturday, Seuss.......I have the letter S on my mind!

2012-01-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

Could be a fun Saturday playing with these fabrics! 1/2 day allotted to working on getting a Washington nursing license, freshen up the resume and then POOF! Mr. Lorax, let's CELEBRATE!

With our impending move to Seattle, I have had trees on the brain for some time. I am so enjoying playing with the theme this year and next....LORAX! with some Gwen Marston influence......Wonky and Seuss are like Green Fairy and quilting, V and Thin Mints, Maxi D and Bacon....Me and You all!

Love, Em

eye HEART ewe! or i LOVE scrappy hearts....little tiny pieces that make up the building block of Love.

2012-01-22T18:14:00.000-08:00

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A baby quilt.....Ahhhhhh, I have not made one for so long and yet it is the first quilt I ever made 4 1/2 years ago for dearest Jack. And now I revisit the baby bunting to CEELBRATE a little girl who is growing healthy and halfway here! A baby that has been a very long time in coming....so much HOPE with each pregnancy that was then lost until this time....Do you see HOPE in the green heart. Do you see the 4 little scraps that create the pink heart...4 chambers, tattered heart but always HOPEing....Pattern is a Buggy Barn design called "HEARTS" and how fun....Sean's hearts he tiled in Seattle. What I would give to read his thoughts in the bottom photo.

Love, Em

Maybe? and DEFINITELY!

2012-01-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

My floor is my design wall and I am playing with the idea of putting my wonky florals on point? Too busy, scrappy fun or...keep playing with it, Em? What do you vote?

And the definitely?.....YES, my sister's Mariners Compass block from her class this morning. Two different girls, two different styles, ONE LOVE for this hobby and our heritage!

Love, Em

Yummy!

2012-01-20T21:18:00.000-08:00

Berries off the vine.....hippie child from a classic parent material...Kinda fun and ooh so yummy! Where this little wonky floral block is going I have not idea....well, I have some ideas but will be surprised as you all when it is complete. Tomorrow....quilting!

Love, Em

2 Sisters....2 Projects....2 sisters in a project....

2012-01-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

Do you recall the teeny tiny stars I have been posting? Sharon, my sis, texted me this gorgeous medallion this past weekend and isn't it a beaut!!!! I am so excited to see all of her stars put together, going to be breathtaking. Sharon is the queen of Star quilts and this is a design of hers using a tool she bought at last year's Ohio quilt show. Keep you posted on the project's progress. Something so wonderful about a sister!

And a fun thing about sisters...they can have such difference in tastes! Yep, this is my wonky block in progress and so much fun to be using my purple scrap bag. YUMMY! I am going to create a little doll quilt for a tiny couch I have found. Or maybe, many more of these blocks to create a big quilt...did I really say "BIG QUILT"...if larger than 24" then big in my book :).

My sister and me sitting on a rooftop exchaning stories of quilt projects, motherhood and how to keep one true to thine self in the mix....

"Pssst!" You fill in the rest for this story idea...

Love to you, Em

My first Baltimore Album quilt!....Just kidding, but isn't it beautiful!....I so wanted to be traditional last night, but......

2012-01-10T05:52:00.000-08:00

I so badly wanted to be a traditional quilter last night....Look how beautiful my aunt's album quilt is in the photo below. Years and years of needle turning applique at my home when she was visiting. Or the classic Christmas ornaments from my younger brother's elementary years....I too wanted to try on the tradition of classic....I had good intentions but then the little devil on my shoulder said, "Em......

stay true to your heart!" Sally, if you are reading this, you will smile from our email on Sunday. You are that little devil that was my inspiration for this Victoria-made fabric spinner of deLIGHT!

So much fun! Watching Pawn Stars with Noah and sewing tiny bits of fabric together Victoria-style! Thinking that I will sash with boinging purple and use a bright yellow Kaffe for the starts imbetween each wheel but....you never know do you?

"Do tell, Em..." Do you get a spring in your step when someone asks you the story behind a quilt and its process?

2012-01-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

I created this Tree of Life quilt for a dear friend who I work with. Roberto saw my Northwest Christmas Tree hanging in my office and remarked, "Tree of Life, I love what you are making lately." Hmmmmmmm, got the wheels rolling in my mind. Roberto is from Peru and I wanted to create a piece that may have some reflection of his homeland. With gratitude for the line, ANIMAL SPIRITS by Sue Coccia, I ironed on fusible web to the back and then cut out each animal while at dodgeball.

A fresh gilded palette that is a combination of 2 different fabrics fused together.

My quickie tree trunk for getting an idea of what to use for the trunk. Sean said, "longer roots"....A trip to the quilt shop looking at every brown batik and then I bought the one I initially went with in mind for purchase. Fun to have my friends in the shop asking what I am creating :).

Trunk laid out and I added some individual roots after laying out the original single cut trunk and roots.

An eel chasing the Polar bear for my first branch. "NOPE!" not right.....but right when on the RIGHT side..he he!

Do you spy the dolphins playing with one another. They are the only 2 alike animals near one another to represent joy of playful companionship.

The trunk has a feminine shape to CELEBRATE Mother Nature and the roots are influence of my husband who helped me have them size correctly to the tree top. He is a very symmetrical artist and his collaboration is always very helpful in this dept.

A very special lady is quilting this piece!

Thank you for your support of this piece, the emails that you have written make me smile! It is very simply constructed and I would encourage you to create one of your own if you have a hankering...but if you do, plesae send me a photo!!!!

Love, Em

DId the zoo gates unlock last night? Come peek at the mayhem!

2012-01-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

Tree of Life for my dear friend, Roberto, is taking shape and I am so love in with the animals. Initially my choice for the branches was not so convincing when I looked at the photo- they took on an appearance of rattlesnake skins....but then I thought, how apropos for a man who I know so well due to working in the desert wilderness. On the trek for the right fabric for the trunk and then....More peeks!

Do you enjoy quilting with the Asian gilded fabrics? When I started quilting I would have never envisioned them becoming a favorite of mine...but then again, I would not have imagined I could pull off creating my own pattern.

What has surprised you along your quilting journey?

Love, Em

From Warbler to a therapeutic project about Anger Management

2012-01-05T08:48:00.000-08:00

It is a week of me CELEBRATING the book, Whip Up Mini Quilts. The Warbler (above) by Sarah Steedman is the inspiration for my quilt, Anger Management: Em Style. (below) It is amazing how much fun I can have and progress I can make when I have 2 days off from going in to the office. Can you relate?....

Do you see the subtle buttes in the Warbler quilt?..... Living in land of sandstone and towering rock, I fell in love with this piece immediately and wondered what would become of it when I delved into my scrap bags....

The story behind this piece.......As some of you know, work has been very challenging past 6 months, loss of my dearest pup and I also ride a roller coaster of emotions in the winter months....put them together and I look for ways to calm my soul and find peace in meditation. My hikes with Porsche in the early morning hours of the day or late at night have become a balm and I have rediscovered the beauty of dark starry skies.

Tuesday morning, early early, Porsche and I headed behind the hourse for our hike. Looking over the landscape of my neighborhood, a sunrise began to illuminate the buttes and a flood of gratitude washed over me.

I did not have intention in adding the cowgirls, but oh how I LOVE novelty fabrics and putting a twist in my small ditties. And then text fabric was shouting my name and before I knew it.....A quilt with so many metaphors ready for Roxy! and a little fun with Victoria at Bumblebeans on Facebook!!!!

Keeping with this year's resolution, CELEBRATING GIRLFRIEND TIME!

Love, Em

PS....here is my current WIP started this morning.....From cheeky novelty to Klint's inspired, Tree of Life. Do you like the forming idea?

Where would be if quilting had not been gifted to us?!!!!!

Resolution 2012...More girlfriend time! Quilted.....

2012-01-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

DO you think our grandmothers ever envisioned that fabric would be designed with cocktail recipes? Novelty fabric, especially text, can be such a fun embellishment! Hope you enjoy my latest little ditty. I vote it one of the most fun to create and quilt....And my dearest pets were vying for love and in the end, Roxy and the furries each got love and were whooped afterwards. Happy WEdnesday, may it be wonderFULL!!!

So much fun starting a new year with lots of COLOR, cheeky girlfriend time, and CEELBRATION of nature! Do you like the cute photo of Kevin looking at the caged parakeets as though we are mimicking a Sylvester and Tweety cartoon? And I give the credit for the quilting inspiration to Green Fairy. Trapuntoed my different highlights with 2 layers of batting and channeled her gift. I decided to use a designer stitch to outline the sky "made fabric" to insinuate.."Patchy skies of blue"....I have been blue lately and how amazing the hobby of quilting can turn around a poor attitude and remind you that few minutes of quilting can change a perspective on life. CHEERS to a new year! and to Lucinda Jones who was my inspiration with her quilt pattern, Blackbird By My Window in Whip it up Mini Quilts.

Love, Em

Thank you, Lucinda.....Her blackbird sang to my 2012 soul

2012-01-02T17:44:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with this Lucinda Jones quilt, Blackbird at My Window, and after days of having as a screen saver, created an EM CELEBRATES version. Aren't the DANDY GIRLS spicy and fun? The Jones quilt is in a wonderful book, Whip Up Mini Quilts. Check it out, very fun read!!!!! I may just be making each of the projects....

Happy New Year! Em

Ideas for finishing up the year are swimming in my mind....

2011-12-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

Do you ever find yourself consumed with ideas for quilts but short on time and then when you have a moment, you cannot decide what to focus on? A seascape beginning to take shape.....I may just be creating snapshot parts of quilts for next while, but at least the craving to created is satiated.

May we have playful moments in 2012 as the dolphin is dancing in the sunset in this photo!

Love, Em

Did you see the marriage of my sister's delightful quilt and Green Fairy's quilting?

2011-12-28T22:35:00.001-08:00

Last week I had fun celebrating mom and Green Fairy and this week my sis, Sharon and Green Fairy. A delightful combo you will find when you visit Green Fairy's blog. I will never forget the first time I heard of Judi the Green Fairy....quilting has never been the same since!

Mary......CELEBRATING her. Giving her bright colors in honor of my own mother

2011-12-27T10:11:00.000-08:00

A work in progress......

A little curiousity....BIG fun!

2011-12-24T16:10:00.000-08:00

Today I marvelled at imagining the amount of energy that went into creating elementary room Christmas parties this past week....and all I had to do today was place a table near the dodgeball arena, bring out a jelly roll from Green Fairy and then, POOF!!!!! 2 small boys approached me inquiring what I was doing....I am beginning a Valentine Mary of Guadalupe and they recognized her. All I had to do was ask if they would like to join me and they were all over it!!!!!!!!!!!

Do you spy the sweet Christmas tree with the orange lights, large yellow gifts under the tree and a broderie perse star at the top. The tiny boy loved the teeny scraps and would call them mouths and loved gluing them on the backgrounds. My favorite was when the tiniest boy would roll up strips and quietly whispher, "Can I carry these in my pockets?"

I sat there watching and thought, "This is Christmas." I thanked God and then their father for sharing them with me. I am unsure if he could speak english but his smile from ear to ear spoke volumes.

I imagine the little boy and his folded fabric as he talked to him mom when they arrived home.

The gifts that come our way and we never dreamt of their arrival.

Love, Em

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T09:21:00.000-08:00

I wonder what Jefferson was thinking in the top photo. I call the photo, "A prayer" and this man is a wonder...wonderFULL! He played for our Christmas party and a night I will never forget. Jefferson lives in Vegas and had done a mass text asking if anyone wanted to commission a song for Christmas. I wrote a letter to Harley and sent it to him...the rest is all a song....The memorable moment was when Sean and I were listening to Jefferson begin a song and Sean look up to me when he realized he was singing of our memories and love of Harley....Merry Christmas, baby! The gift of personalized creativity....and all of our quilts.....Personalized Creativity!

Northwest Christmas is done and was a very simple and fun quilt to create and quilt. My feathers are free hand and a couple of my curves are less than curvy but all in all...I enjoy this piece.

Merry Christmas eve. Em

Do you know how much you enrich my heart, blog friends?....A little tear in my eye as I type

2011-12-18T16:11:00.000-08:00

If I could hug you in person, I would! I have had so many giggles and smiles and sighs of care as many of you have visited my blog today and CELEBRATED mom and Green Fairy's gifts! I devoted a full day to a wall quilt and was like a little girl giddy that I was reading blog comments and piecing all at the same time. I feel loved and I thank you!

It was our family goal to be in Seattle for Christmas and while things are still in motion, we are basking in Southern Utah sun once again for the holidays. And so in my heart today, I created a piece that I title a Northwest Christmas Tree....Nifty and Miki, I will be there sooner than later so keep my spot at Rebels!

A spin off of the Piece O'Cake Leaves and Scrap branches and trunk in honor of Victoria at BumbleBeans....

I will be honest, it is a psychological challenge for me to play with Roxy when I have oohed and aahed over Green Fairy's quilting on mom's beauty, but...I am who I am, Sam I am....and so this is the back of the quilting so far, kinda fun in a simplistic way, isn't it?

Are you giggling as you see this pic of Porsche and the quilt....How do they do it everytime?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No matter the kittens or the pup...They are so predictable and I laugh each time.

Thank you, Santa, for early gift of a day to quilt! I hope he shared with you too!!!!

Love, Em

Stop, Do NOT pass go, Visit Green Fairy's blog- AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-18T08:29:00.000-08:00

Above is one of mom's blocks that she amazingly appliqued. It is a Piece O'Cake designed quilt. It is the current showcased quilt on Green Fairy blog. You are going to swoon, sigh and sway all at the same time with the amazing job Judi has done with the quilting. Amazing doesn't cover it!!!! What a combination of gifted women, my mom and her piecing and applique and Judi's quilting vision! And guess what? I get to hold it in my hot little hands this Tuesday when I pick it up and have girlfriend time with Ms. Fairy....

Popsicles for Christmas Dinner?

2011-12-17T20:51:00.000-08:00

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Thank you, Mary Lou Weidman, for this popsicle pattern, what a fun quickie to adorn my mom's Christmas puzzle! We call my mom, Gritz, and she has loved this popsicle since she saw Mary Lou's lastest book. Are you working on a last minute gift?

I miss you all and work continues to be crazy but I think of you often!!!!!

I have "more time" at the to of my Santa List. Love you to all!! Em

Merry! Mari......Thank you, Mary!

2011-12-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

A Mary Lou Weidman pattern and oh so much fun to create for my Mom! A sweet treat that was much needed last night! Roxy is ready to play when I have a moment to breathe.....

Love, Em

Thank you, friends!

2011-12-12T06:23:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for your kind loving words about Harley. I wanted to create a small quilt to convey my gratitude but such little spare time right now...so...A wonderful text in this little pic...

Love and much gratitude, Em

Celebrating my Harley!.....

2011-12-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

My dear Harley.....14+ years ago we were a duo, I told him one day he would have to share me with a man who love me as he did....said "I do!", raised a son and loved him today with an older gentleman vet and his assistant and we laughed at the "old son of gun that won't let go"....dear love of my life was spicy until the end. Just like his mom. Reviewing boxes of photos the past days as I was grieving and awaiting the scheduled hour, what a gift he was and what a life he lived. HE SURFED...surfed the wave of love and life!

Love, Em

Mom's color is whirling your way!!!!

2011-12-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

Woke up to a fun text! Victoria, were your ears burning?

2011-12-03T09:58:00.000-08:00

My mom is a very fun and spicy woman as you know and always playing with color! It was fun to receive this photo this morning and be surprised that it is a style outside of her usual and I LOVE it as I do all of hers!!!!

And this was the text with the picture...."FIred up making a top for Victorias crusade, not malingering" with a smile face at the end. Mom teasingly says she is "malingering" when she is chatting when us girls are piecing up a storm. She can malinger whenever she wants with me!!!!

May this splash of color be a bonus to your Saturday! Em

enJOY! I am hooked on this word this week. Do you have a WORD for your week?

2011-12-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

Back to the RIDE.....ENJOY is my newest addition. So much fun to be creating a Christmas quilt collection of word quilts, THANK YOU, Unruly Quilter!!!!

Happy Friday! Em

Ever find your JOY cannot be contained because there is just too much of it!?

2011-12-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

oops!!! Just like my old days when making my AAQI projects, just a hair too big! Well, when in doubt, throw out the store- bought and get crazy with "making fabric"! as V at Bumblebeans has taught me to do!

Voila! This was such a fun project to create this morning and Roxy and I were delighted to try a new decorative stitch that seems so perfect for this patchy border. Happy Thursday and Cheers to JOY that is just too big for an allotted border!

Love, Em

Do you have a favorite go-to pattern?

2011-11-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to reproduce this quilt and could not remember the details....then out of the blue found a file titled, Quilt Pictures, and to my delight, Pic found! Happy Monday!!!!!

Love, Em

What moves you? Brings a halt to your step? Reminds you of a story.......

2011-11-26T08:12:00.000-08:00

The point where our worlds connect....

Fanning up.......Flare of a sort!

Sean recanted memories of swimming in his pool as a child and surfacing through fall leaves....

I hope these photos inspire a story....a moment of reverie.....a CELEBRATION of fabric and its beauty and possibilities.

Thank you for sharing a moment with me! Em

Soft hues for a tranquil Friday....

2011-11-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

Serenity, Simplicity....May these be your gifts from me today. Not sure where this is going but for now....Love, Em

Gobble OOH LA LA style! Ms. Flare is strutting her stuff as my headliner

2011-11-21T21:11:00.000-08:00

Look who made the headliner! Ms. Flare is the welcoming gal on my office door this morning and boy is she adding some pizazz! Hope you enjoy her funny self. I give credit to the quilt designer who created the different clothed chickens but I cannot remember her name. If you do, please let me know.

While perusing Pottery Barn magazine or Crate and Barrel, look twice when you see the classic turkey on the platter to make sure that the decorative white boots are just those, WHITE. If pink, may you enjoy a moment of silence. CELEBRATING a week of gratitude and reflection and the general mayhem of my home that I love so much!

Thank you, Char at Clothstitched, for the outer border fabric. Thinking of her as I quilted and once again feel blessed with the friendships I have formed with this blog. THANK YOU!!!!!!

With a giggle, Em and Roxy

FLARE!!

2011-11-20T17:08:00.000-08:00

N. A fire or ligh to signal...illuminate...draw attention

v. A spreading outward

N. A sudden outburst of excitement

CELEBRATING! the original inspiration....beautiful quilt by Tonye Belinda Phillips in her book, Hand-Appliqued Quilts. Stay tuned for some sassy gobbling good fun with a FLARE!

he he he! Em

A cyber sew-in...of sorts. Thank you, Unruly Quilter, for joining me!

2011-11-20T15:15:00.000-08:00

It was fun to be creating more words today and referencing an alphabet book about the Fair and POOF! Tonya, the Unruly Quilter, visited me on my blog. Her timing could not have been more fun for me. I look forward to a move in the next year where I will be near ladies that share my love for wonky and liberated and to sew in person! Getting excited as things are in motion. Keep ya posted!

Love, Em

Along for the RIDE.....RIDE of your life.....JOY ride....Giddyup!

2011-11-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

What did you think of as you saw the header? Harley, bicycle, jeep, first car.....I smile as I write this thinking about the RIDEs that warm my heart and ones that I care to not travel again......

Round 2 for this Chris Ledoux Christmas quilt for my brother. Much more happy with it and playiing in my bag of brown scraps is so much FUN!!!!

Speaking of RIDES....a quiet moment when I stopped at the river to catch the serenity on my camera. The stream was so pretty and a reminder that I am blessed with a breathtaking office on Wednesdays.

And when not playing in the woods.....my new office! Double the space and do you see what makes me so excited to go to work now?...YEP! Keurig and sewing corner. When I walked in yesterday and saw the desk, I squealed!!!! My office manager was excited to let me know it was a spot for my assistant and I looked at her and said with hands on hips, "Gail....You know me too well. This is not for Justine, this is for the second love of my life, Ms. Sew."

And as you can see in the photo, stacks of browns so that I can play with THE RIDE and make more distance!

Love, Em

CELEBRATING Magic.......

2011-11-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

Magic is defined as the mysterious quality of enchantment.....

I have been craving the design/ piecing step of quilting. Tonight I played for a few minutes with a landscape idea and added Laurel Burch beauty as the cherry on top. Tomorrow I will glue/ fuse and add some Roxy details. Voila...soon to be a Christmas card.

I included this up close photo in hopes that you get the feel that the foliage are popping off the surface. A favorite detail of my snow shoe hikes in Salt Lake was finding the ferns in humid canyons....Wanted to include memories in this piece.

Love, Em

Roxy is rockin' it!!!! and I am howling with delight!!

2011-11-16T09:52:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Great news, I have a new assistant that starts next month and I am already delirious at the thought of more time with you all in Blogland and time with Roxy! I hope that you enjoy these photos of my current projects that are complete and near complete. Off to play in the woods but just HAD to share before going. Love, Em

The angel sings.......

2011-11-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

My sister saw a piece in Pottery Barn and thought to herself, "I can make one out of my scraps." Sharon's first try at words and they are beautiful!

While Sharon was finishing "to the world", Roxy was giggling as we got the Angel ready and have begun to quilt her beauty. The lamb has curls and in this photo you can see the dress is getting some shading. I do not think I have ever loved a fabric as much as I love this angel face. This will take me many many hours to quilt and am looking forward to the time when she and I are playing together.

As I see my Christmas quilts lying on my bed, each ready for Roxy, I smile and am so grateful that quilting allows for such variety and can be specialized for the recipient. I hope that this holiday season greets you with cheer and CELEBRATIONS!

Love, Em

Roxy nudged out Chris Ledoux and boy did we have fun together!!!

2011-11-07T07:10:00.000-08:00

This piece is titled, "Em got off the pity pot and ideas are in bloom!" Wait until you see the hair ball that Roxy coughed up during her spa treatment....I still feel poorly but then I remind her how much fun she has on our camping trips! After 2 weeks of facials, waxes and lovely massages...she came home to me and we made up for lost time!!!!

Happy Monday! Em

It started as this.........

2011-11-06T08:27:00.000-08:00

Celebrating the lyrics of The Ride by Chris Ledoux. This was the plan 24 hours ago.......and in another 24 the Ride will have been just that!!!!!

It has been quite a ride for me the past week and a half. My assistant has left and I am now solo for my job. Although I have struggled getting back in to the work-aholic mode and working 10+ hours daily...I moved the Keurig in to my office and remind myself that this too shall pass....Love to you and and thank you for the comments that you leave on my posts. I apologize that I do not get back to you each time.

Off to enjoy breakfast with my boys then a date with Roxy and more Ledoux...

Love, Em

My house is a home again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that some of the socks from a swap will make a fun back!!!!!

Sean and Noah arrived home safely and I one happy lady!!!!!!! and mom!!!!!! and wife!!!!!!!!!!!

Off to play in the woods and trying to not think of me not being in Houston this week! Life has circuitous routes that is for sure!

Love, Em

Twinkle twinkle little stars!

2011-10-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

More teeny 3 inch stars from my sis. So small! And amidst these little stars is a haunting ghost for this season....

Sean's "googly eyes" from marble. Noah has arrived and having so much fun with Sean in Seattle. Will be excited when we are all together once more Tuesday evening. A moment I will always remember as Noah went through the terminal door today with the flight attendant. A pilgrimmage and metaphor....SO proud of him for being adventurous and also vulnerable as he checked in often about how he was feeling as the time approached to fly solo.

Love, Em

Family Photo

2011-10-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

Do you ever browse the internet and say, "Wait a minute, that is me...or...that is my quilt.... or that is my blog they are linking...or" What an amazing gift for connecting people and tonight I found this fun photo of me and my work peers taken a couple of years ago. Just had to post it to CELEBRATE the colorful wonderFULL peeps that I rub shoulders with in the wilderness. My brain is firing as I think of creating a quilt with this photo in mind....a patchwork of lovelies for sure! This is my Entrada family.

Em

Sharing Sean........

2011-10-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

The "middle of the night" quilt........How many of you have had quilt projects that "seam" like you are working around the clock to meet a deadline and that at times you think the raspberries on your finger tips will not allow for another stitch and then.....a memory or spark of inspiration reminds you, "Gotta keep going!" I can think of several of you! When I open Sean's tile pictures I see him.........

Hope you enjoy this rug. I am off to play in the rainy wilderness, a quilt packed just in case!

Love, Em

All you need is..........

2011-10-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Tonya Unruly Quilter, for your inspiration! I hope that you have all had the gift of visiting a bookstore or magazine rack and purchased the Quilting Life mag with this block design CELEBRATED! on the cover.

I cannot stop making words and have a second Christmas quilt halfway done. Playing with the idea of creating NAUGHTY OR NICE but that is a lot of letters.......Hmmmmmmmm, we'll see!

My mom has been giggling and smiling so big when I share your comments on her Dresden Plates. So fun to read the CELEBRATIONS of her talent and thank you!!!!!

Speaking of talent and overflowing yumminess, LeeAnn at Nifty Quilts has a dreamy array of eye candy of her quilts celebrating the color red, scraps and use upholstery fabric. A buffet!!!!! I am so behind in reading blogs and when I peek....I wish for more time in a day, SEan being home and thank God for computers where I can feel a source of support and love and CELEBRATE! creativity!!!!

Love, Em

Howling at the moon and CELEBRATING! Halloween early.....

2011-10-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am torn between what I enjoy more right now, landscapes or wonky houses.....Yesterday was such a peaceful and very creative day for Noah, my mom and me. While I played with wolves, Noah enjoyed a day of baking cakes, frosting galore and VOILA! He is so my husband at times and what a wonderful person to take after!!!!

No matter the house or the neighborhood or if one lives near the woods with wolves or in Whoville....The creative process is alive and reminding us how fun life can be!

Happy Monday, Em

Beamer loves Mom's Dresden plates as much as I do!!! And I love creating Unruly Letters as much as YOU do!!

2011-10-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

Mom never lets us down with her fun quilts, and is this not so great?!!!! Beamer taking a Sunday nap on it and Mom asks, "He won't poot on it will she?" Our favorite question after finding the kittens having used the scrap bin as a litter months ago.

One week and counting until Sean is home once more!!!!! Noah flies solo this Friday to drive home with Sean and it will be a monumental trek I can imagine. They have so much fun together. Sean has a meeting this Tuesday that has me very giddy.......Prayers are abounding in our home.

>Sean writes to me each day to update me on his progress with his quilt! He is such a cutie and likens his tile/ natural stone rugs to miniature quilts and there are tens of them over thousands of square feet in a new distribution building. Very exciting to have his gift showcased for so many people to see! I cannot wait for the Grand Opening in March, I told Sean that we will of course have to be there!!!! Any excuse to travel up there.

Mom and I are having a wonderful time together and Roxy has finally done the ultimate tantrum....NO FMQ FOR YOU she told me so she was wheeled to Steven to fix. I put on the invoice slip that "She answers best to Roxy" and the clerk at the quiltshop just giggled and said, "Well of course Em, I would expect nothing less from you." And with ROxy missing out on play time with me, Pearl Cotton and bruised fingertips have been my fun! Joy is quilted and I am excited to share it with you. Stay tuned!

Happy Sunday, friends!

Em

Mom is close and I CAN'T WAIT! Sean is soon to be close and a whole lot of quilting ready for Roxy!

2011-10-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

Is this not so darling?!!!!! While visiting my mom last weekend I spied it hanging and wanted to share it with you. She is soon to arrive to my home for the next month and I AM SO EXCITED!...and she is bringing her trunk show so I will be excited to have pics of her current beauties! Stay tuned.

A first for me with Roxy....double feather with crosshatching. I decided to not measure out the cris-crosses and am liking the effect. Trying new things and letting go of the "what if I ruin this trying something new..." I will be so excited to have this piece completed due to my pile of Christmas quilts begging for attention :). Can you relate?

I describe this photo of my sister's current project, "Soft and Yummy"....don't you love the colors...I think she may be already planning for spring and trying to ignore her Ohio winter to come :).....You can bet this will be a show stopper as are all of her Star Quilts...

And as I type I CELEBRATE how my mom, sis and me can all LOVE a hobby so much and yet find our own niche and run with it! Quilting is so much like my nursing career...find that happy place and go go go!

Roxy's next project. Ms. Tiffany is glued, bordered and patiently waiting....I rarely use fall colors but I so love the warmth of this piece.

I kept this photo upside down just for fun! Kinda like my life with Sean away for work. He comes home tomorrow for a visit and I am so excited!!!! While he is away, things are going so smoothly and I am enjoying my solo time with Noah but I can also feel myself missing Sean's presence as each day passes. Interesting past 3 weeks and so much excitement to come from it..just have to be patient.

So excited to have this photo come to life tomorrow! Anyone relate with loving a dear friend, child or partner through the screen.....I have this photo up when I am falling asleep or am at work and struggling with the stressors of the job. Puts it all back in to perspective!

I miss blogging and quilting, but I know right now that you are all out there and are not going away and that at different times in our lives special little people take up our time and to revel in the memories!!!!!!! Thank you for your visits, your love notes to me asking how I am and most of all, for being my friends in the computer screen that inspire me and make my life full of CELEBRATIONS!

Love, Em

LIfe has become a near single CELEBRATION of time with me and my son....how apropos that this is my current project with Roxy!

2011-10-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hark! Angels sing....

2011-10-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

Today was a fun day creating this focus piece from several fabrics and collaged together. It is so fun to cut and meld and cut and meld. Used plain blue fabric, angels, nativity scene fabric, green foliage and river stones. Tomorrow the border, star rays in the sky CELEBRATING! the birth of Christ and text, "Hark! Angels sing!"

How are your gifts for Christmas coming along?

If only I always had a vacation from work for 10 days......

Off to play with my oldest for the weekend...my favorite is seeing my sons playing together and being little boys in jest.

Love, Em

This little choo choo train is on a roll.....

2011-10-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

Fabulous Flora was my inspiration....by Mary Ann Herndon in the wonderful book, Sunflower, New Quilts from an Old Favorite. I have loved the quilt since I laid my eyes on it this summer and the moment has been brewing...tonight, fruition. Give me 4 1/2 hours at the dodgeball arena and a project is born...

The beginnings of the Christmas gift for my assistant. She is a young woman with a head full of aspirations and dreams....Ready for Blossom! Next step is creating a wonky made border of warm reds and oranges and yellows....a fall seasoned quilt for winter..She tells me she likes earthy tones so I hope she will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it!

Lindy Gruger Hansen has the wonderful inspiration above on her website for free. My favorite is the J for joy! I love affirmations for when I am feeling down or distracted.....If you enjoy this screen saver I have photographed, click on my sidebar of the Porsche storyquilt and it will take you to her site.

Chocolate anyone? A yummy palette just waiting for something to be inspired.....

I can hardly believe it is this late in the year and the season in Utah for early winter temperatures. Tomorrow I trade in the cowgirl hat for the furry kitty hat for physicals in the field. Lots of reading packed in case of a mud disaster....

With a big smile! Em

A whole lot of JOY!

2011-10-04T04:13:00.000-07:00

Do you have a project you are working on right now that is just so much fun and gets the creative juices squirting everywhere? This quilt was just that for me. I am thinking I may try making these photos in Christmas cards. I love it when I get a card from Victoria or Quilt Diva Julie and it has their quilts on the front...

As I loading these pictures I giggled out loud. I had not noticed the little sock monkey who is looking in her periphery at the dinosaur teeth in the upper right hand corner, kinda silly and so fun that it wasn't planned. It was fun to create text from Tonya's inspiration and using the teeth that were so popular with her BAH block I created last winter....so many fun people I visit in my mind as I am piecing and soon to be quilting.

Next Christmas quilt coming up...stars and more stars!

Happy TOOSday, Em

Ho ho ho! Santa brought the Grand Canyon to us for a dinner date and in my stocking....Unruly bedtime reading!

2011-10-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

If I am ever asked, "Em, What day sticks out in your mind as a near-perfect day?...as though you had written a wish list and Santa gifted each desire for a Merry day...."

I will smile and think, "The day was October 2, 2011.....it was a wonderFULL day!"

Blessed to be living in Southern Utah, Noah and I were eating cereal for brunch and we decided to make a Sunday drive to the Grand Canyon. Breathtaking and never having been there...it was a sort of pilgrimmage. I thought of my dear friend, Vesuviusmama. We have dreamt of making this drive someday together or a visit to me on her way with the family.....

The beginning of my wonky village of marrying Grinch and Seuss and Unruly lettering, I was reminded how much I love this flavor of creation as I was cutting and piecing. And....I have already remodelled one home and so grateful because now I like it. Drinking coffee now so that more houses will break ground when Noah goes to bed. And for a gift I have been waiting for.....bedtime reading...TONYA... in the magazine, The Quilt Life issue October 2011! It was on the shelf today at Barnes and NOble and I am waiting in suspense until i am bedded down and then will have fun. I hope you have gotten your own copy and are enjoying CELEBRATING! a favorite of all of ours, Tonya the Unruly Quilter!

Love, Em

I wonder if this is where Mary Lou got the idea....

2011-10-01T23:49:00.000-07:00

Tonight Sean sent me this photo from the laundromat he is visiting in Seattle. A lost and found board of socks...so many socks....I giggled thinking of the sock swap Mary Lou Weidman inspired in many of us and how I created a sock, sent it to Mary Lou she sent it to Quilt Diva Julie and then....the tube sock returned to me with a fun note. The circle of life for a sock.....

It is the middle of the night and I am enjoying time of a quiet home and catching up on blogs....Like a reunion that uplifts me, inspires me and reminds me that this world is so big and I am so small.

A smile and a hug to you from me, Em

RED-y for Roxy......

2011-10-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

I am amazed how much can get accomplished when I have vacation from work and buddies for Noah.....This angel is ready for Roxy and so off I go to find a back and some batting. I am excited to share it with my friend, Linda, at Scrap Apple Quilts because she called me one day letting me know about an angel panel that I might enjoy playing with....Boy did I enjoy this project!!!!!!

I did have a moment when finishing the piecing that I thought, "I wish Green Fairy could spread her fmq fairy dust on this piece but then Roxy got a little pout and reminded me that we can pull it off.

Time is spare with Sean gone and I miss my blog dates with you all. I promise I will catch up soon!

Love, Em

A house full of boys and a lot of sewing time! A perfect Friday......

2011-09-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow looking good to create the outer border... the boys are watching a movie and I am sleepy......

Liberated slant to my TIME project

2011-09-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

What was once a quilt inspired by Hickory Dickory pattern...now is the beginning of a Liberated wonky quilt. Was so fun to revisit imperfect triangles and treat them as though rays of stars....Will be more traditional style in the end with borders and a broderie perse and text border with flavor of my Hail Mary's. I cannot wait for more piecing TIME tomorrow!

Love, Em

Time.....It is about TIME I come up with my plan for a dear grandmother.....

2011-09-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

Time.....When you read this word, Did you ask yourself if you could have some more added to each day?.......

I wrote earlier that I was going to start a new quilt. The sock monkeys went with me but the angel won out! And I am so glad that she did....In the very early phase and the dodgeball floor was my design wall. I wonder how she will shine in the final piece?

Isn't it amazing that a children's quilt pattern, Hickory Dickory in Quilt Mania, can take on a different reverence with the choice of fabric? This quilt is titled, "Time for Healing"...when I look at this angel cradling a lamb, I think PROTECTOR.

This quilt is for a grandmother who is healing from her grandson's death on her watch. A story I think of often and am touched that this woman who I have never met was introduced to me and I have been waiting for inspiration in hopes of gifting balm to her heart.

And my dear husband sent me the beer photo tonight....QUILTERs....our hobby is everywhere and this I will drink to!

Love, Em

Doesn't it feel good to clean....Except for Little Monkey whose nose is my new pin cushion!

2011-09-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

I was all fired up with inspiration after having a date with Noah to Moneyball. Arrived home and got him in bed and then a burst of energy was upon me...and hours later a spring-cleaned quilting room and so ready for a new quilt to begin! And look who became my new pin cushion! After 4 years, I decided it was time to do the formal pin thing...Organization is not always my forte and so magnets from Noah's toybox have been my option up until now... And my new project you ask?...

A number of ideas swimming in my mind but with these holiday fabrics I am thinkin g a Hickory Dickory wonky clock from Quilt Mania for my nephews for Christmas and a second quilt with a wonky village....but you know how my mind works...may turn out completely different and that it is what is so fun for me...the creative process and the circuitous journey it takes me on!

Speaking of journeys, My Valor block for V is complete and in the mail flying to her home. Have you seen the other blocks posted on the 15 Minute Play blog, so beautiful and noble! I always love the collaborative quilts with V because I am encouraged to do a block that is enjoyable and rewarding.

And for all of you supportive friends who have brought giggles to my heart and soul as I wrote of the cooking adventures that Noah and are headed for while Sean is gone....Well, My little dude has been raised well by my dear husband. Our first night he created a shredded beef taco salad and last night, "Mom, how about some surf and turf. I see the steak you defrosted and then there are these shrimp we can add. And would you like a wedge or cabbage salad?".....and the topper of this is when he is taking a photo of each dish to send to Sean. Last night's response, "Nice presentation, Noah"....and the night before, "Thanks for taking care of your mom. You are the man of the house the next weeks and thanks!"

And now I will get a Kleenex.....Thank you friends and God for the support and fun along this journey of life.

Love, Em

Tweet tweet...all complete

2011-09-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

As I was hand stitching the branches in place and corduroy tabs for hanging, pictures from the Best Nest children's book would play in my mind. A favorite book of mine. Such a beautiful message about finding that perfect spot to make a home....and in the end...where the mama and papa bird, is where the baby bird finds joy....the Best Nest! or is it just how I want to remember the book....

May there be joy in your nest today! My nest has some big changes happening. Sean has "flown the coop" and is driving to Seattle for a month long project. I have never been this in charge as a parent for more than a weekend but am excited to make some solo memories with Noah. The cooking will be my biggest challenge and we may just be doing a lot of novel dinners such as yummy shakes and chess or....hot dog, licorice and dodgeball or...a real meal!

Tweet tweet! Em

Two Birds, One yard...Making Magic...Clothing for children

2011-09-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Have you visited Jacque at http://lilypadquilting.blogspot.com? She is hosting a marvellous charity project with lots of wonderFULL prizes if you do yourself/her a favor and clear out your stash!!!!!!!! How awesom is that, you manicure your stash and you may win a prize and small children WIN by getting new clothes. Another wonderful quilter making a difference! The link is on my sidebar if you click on the photo.

And this border on this tiny quilt is a MacGyver Makeshift....I realized when I arrived at dodgeball I did not have my quilting suitcase...what to do....Well, I spied some duct tape....."What if I use the sticky side for a palette and cut out wonky sizes..." POOF! Now to buy a heavy duty needle to applique.

Do you ever ask a friend, "How did you come up with that idea?"......I love the process!

2011-09-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

Have you visited LeeAnn at Nifty Quilts recently....She has an EYE-Candystore open for all to enjoy!.....As always.

I love each new shipment that she shares with us! This corduroy piece is a CELEBRATION! of her. While in Seattle I fell in love with a coloring book of Charley Harper's Birds based on his paintings. I knew one day I would have fun playing with its ideas for little cards, and AAQI quilt or.....Yesterday I received 2 bins of fabric from a work peer and inside....CORDUROY!...would have never been delighted with this gift but....with the announcement of National Corduroy Day in November...the wheels started to roll.

6 hours of Dodgeball + a coloring book + corduroy + LeeAnn's post about birds flocking north and south and to her nest.... Equals a tiny quilt of fun highlighting a part of Seattle fun and the creative process.

Next step in my Valor block for V's Valor quilt at Bumblebeans blog. Getting back to my roots of piecing and away from the glue stick...here it goes! I decided after many different design ideas, to focus on a star in the center and a type of flag emanating from its center. I added 1/2 inch to each piece after making a star template out of paper. I need to add some "made fabric" to the block and figure out how the other border will be constructed with white stripes added in.....Funny how a 12" block can distract me...pressure of wanting to do it well for a fabulous group of quilter ladies and also the significance of what this quilt....Men and women risking and losing their lives for our freedom and loyalty to a cause...What an HONOR to collaborate.

Happy Wednesday, Em

Happy.......Birthday! I didn't even notice until Roxy pointed it out.....

2011-09-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

When you saw the word HAPPY on my Make A Wish AAQUI quilt....

Did you think of the emotion.....
or the exclamation, "Happy Birthday!"

(Do you love the teeny tiny feather?......I could not believe that Roxy pulled this one off!)

My use of this text fabric was to share the emotion of the princess but then last night as Roxy I embellished her world...I began to think of my sister's birthday coming up and thought, "Hmmmm, Happy Birthday, Sharon" and then I thought....happy on your birthday, happy I made it to another birthday...will be happy when this birthday is over...is it a HAPPY birthday?...
Why don't I feel happy on this birthday....and my favorite at a restaurant when all the servers come out clapping..."HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!....."
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Isn't it interesting how one word can insinuate so many thoughts and emotions with the words you pair it with....

All quilted and tomorrow will be bound...BOUND for the auction!!!!! Hope you have enjoyed my story hour the past couple of days and just remember...if you enjoy the quilting of this tiny quilt....grab a project and get DONNING YOUR BIG GIRL PANTS and quilt quilt quilt!

Happy TOOsday, Em

"Make a wish!"

2011-09-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

I have missed not working on an AAQI piece. I arrived home this evening and thought of a story..."Em, how about you if create a tiny quilt that tells the story of a woman who was scared she would lose all memories when an old woman....On her 28th birthday she closed her eyes, blew out the candles, and made a wish...." And on her 98th birthday she smiled and was happy....She still remembered the day she was a birthday princess and the world was fantastical.....

Love, Em

2011-09-18T20:26:00.001-07:00

Do you love mail as much as I do? Is that Mail or Male? or Male Mail.......

2011-09-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find yourself a little giddy.....not enough sleep, anxious energy, too much change at one time and lack of feeling in control, or just because you are a woman? Cheeky fun using a photo of a mailbox Noah created a year ago and parts of the recent Paducah Fabric Catalog....I asked Julie is she thought that the creators of the magazine had this in mind when they published....we giggled like little girls and said, "Most likely no...."

I wonder if this postcard is a release from the emotional roller coaster I have ridden while creating, quilting and now finishing my Prairie Mary. I have never had the experience while quilting that I have with this piece. I wonder if it is because it is the first art quilt I have created with a soul purpose of giving honor, eye to detail and a sort of prayer for the family as they grieve, each day I quilt her, each day they are without their son...A type of journey reflecting on my own mortality, my children's mortality, my husband's mortality. This past weekend was our final weekend in Central Utah where the trailer has been parked and I have quilted, tipped a jeep and see my Porsche pup learn to play with other dogs and meet strangers without a bark....Our final jeep ride yesterday was one of familiar scenery that I saw as new scenery. The cows, the sky, the mountain faces, the vegetation...all in my desert scape and all around me. Tate built a log cabin with his family on their ranch at age 14 and so the little old cabin in back of our trailer also took on new meaning. I will create a card with this cabin to be in with the quilt. And finally, a scripture added to the rays of Mary, Luke 1:32, Nothing Is Impossible With God....

How many of you are enjoying Tonya the Unruly Quilter Lego quilt or creating one of your own alongside her? The bottom photo is the inside of a tree trunk and the first thing I thought of when seeing it was "These are little legos like Tonya's quilt!"......

How often I think of you all as I live each day! Thank you for being in my life...

Love, Em

V is all LOVE! V is for VALOR....Celebrating Victoria!

2011-09-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Is this Shel Silverstein not the most wonderful ode to Victoria at http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com? When you sit down at the computer to surf Blogland, do you have a favorite blog that is your go to....a blog that you wish you had more time in the day to play along with....if you could have a dinner with 5 people who would they include......When you think of woman who gives and gives and gives.....Do you think of Victoria?

Victoria has gathered 24 quilters for collaboration on the Valor Quilt. There is a picturesque photo of her cutting up uniforms if you click on the link on her sidebar of 15 Minute Play blog.

I returned from Seattle to my squishy envelope with uniforms to be used in my 12" block and the rule to incorporate "made fabric" Victoria style and a design that CELEBRATES! the men and women this quilt represents.

Pictured in the photo of this post are some fabrics I purchased today to incorporate in my block. I saw the hand with the pointed finger and thought of the infamous poster, WANTS YOU!......

This block has so much personal meaning to me having grown up with a father who wore uniforms as a weekend warrior, went to 2 wars in my lifetime and the memories of saying good bye as he drove away on the bus both times....just cannot type the emotions.....

CELEBRATING YOU V for initiating this project!!!!

loVe, Em

"These boots were made for walking"...."These Wheels were made for Rolling...."

2011-09-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

Foxy Roxy.....This is how she rolls!

This morning while setting Roxy up for her Photo Shoot...(I let her know that a couple of you had asked to showcase her new ride...), I am feeling like Santa just gifted me Barbie and the Vette for Christmas as I write this.....

I am wondering if Sean consciously realized that when he purchased this carry on for me that it has a fmq design that is a favorite of Green Fairy's and one I keep thinking I will try in a border?......Or that the hues of Purple match Roxy's stickers so nicely?........I am sure that he did!

I included the boots because there is now an interesting dynamic with my packing...Do I take Roxy as carry on and leave behind boots while travelling or go for the more compact tool of glue sticks and tiny backgrounds......You can imagine what Roxy votes for!

Roxy and I did not plan on her going to Mexico in 2 weeks and are figuring out what to do about expediting a Passport....she has been practicing her Spanish that mom recites during visits and we will see.....Could be kinda fun and maybe potential to sew with little girls at the resort...I have been known to get a lot done pool-side.

More to come, But for now, Roxy, This post is all you!

Love, Em

As though the heavens opened up and angels began to sing..........

2011-09-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

Do not adjust your screen.....You are seeing ~~quadruple~~, super-druple....As my dad would shout out when I was a little girl, "Holy Smokes!"....."For Heaven's Sake!"......

Yes! Sing, Sing, Sing!
They were all so pretty in the windows as sunrise beams shone through their lithe bodies! Imagine their stories as they watch the world pass by! Have you heard of JONES? It was the fancy Singer and I found myself "JONES"ing for Roxy!

Happy Thursday!
Em

"Roxy, get your bag packed! You are going with me!!!!"

2011-09-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

Roxy fits nicely into a fun purple carry on bag that Sean bought for our trip to Seattle. The beautiful thing about this is that the suitcase is $50.00 instead of $200.00 that Janome wants.....HINT IF YOU ARE MONEY SAVVY!!!!!

So, I arrived at the dodgeball arena last night looking for plugs. Noah was relieved when I promised I would keep Roxy in the car until I found a hidden spot to play in.... I knew I was in for the long haul with him practicing for 2 hours then league lasting up to 3 hours.....

Below is a photo of Noah at the pep rally for the Seattle soccer game soon to ensue. He and I joke that we need to put a little notebook in his chess carrying case (looks like a violin case) and have people he plays sign there name and date it. First Jim in San Diego and now Ed and Bruce in Seattle. Noah was tickled when Ed who was a homeless gentleman approached asking NOah if he plays. You should have seen his look of surprise when Noah asked him to play a game with him. His stories were wonderFULL!

I am so excited that Roxy and I are nearly done with this piece and how flat the back is turning out and all those yummy stitches!!!!!! Dodgeball+ Chess at soccer rally+ Roxy exploring new territory= LOVE FOR FAMILY AND HOBBY ALL AT THE SAME TIME!

Love, Em

a VERY nifty visit to Seattle! My smile says it all!!!!!!!

2011-09-12T22:59:00.000-07:00

There are so many emotions that I have been experiencing this morning as I arrived to work after spending 5 of the most wonderFULL days in my life in Seattle with my boys.

The smile below says it all!!!!!

Can u imagine my delight when I was blessed with a lovely evening of CELEBRATING with LeeAnn at http://NiftyQuilts.blogspot.com and her husband, and being showered with kisses by Malti. I was like a giddy schoolgirl all day counting the hours until dinner and we could punch in her address and go on a scavenger hunt with the end goal of a dear woman and her quilts! A night to remember and such a gift to cross into REAL life being with her. Visit her current post to admire and ooh la la over her finishes. She is....a marvel. She took this photo of me and it was fun to listen and watch as she talked about how the GRATITUDE quilt began, inspiration from Tonya the Unruly Quilter and future zippie's of words that she and I can play with when I return to visit...Life is so fun when Blogland becomes a matchmaker!

Love, Em

Tomato, tomAhhhhhhhhhhhhto! A moment.........

2011-09-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

We have immersed ourselves in Seattle since arriving yesterday and we are a whirl with........GOOD ENERGY! As we boarded the plane yesterday from Vegas, Noah described this trip as a blind date with life........We are in love!

Tonight....a moment that you sit on a stool at the counter of a lovely restaurant and words are a Giggle.......

Sean and Noah have a tradition of going out on the town when we travel while I lie in bed at night and relax or fall asleep. Noah once told me, "Mom, Dad is very good at shopping and you are very good at working............" But when it comes to quilt shops...I rock at the shopping!

Last eve the boys perused The Pike Market and found yummy desert....They sat a bar away from the kitchen... (very important detail to my story.) This evening Sean wanted to return to share the yumminess with me. We were seated at the counter of the kitchen and the boys were greet by Tony the chef....Simple chit chat between the 2 and he commented that he was grateful they had returned tonight....Sean and Noah did not talk with him last night and this is hopping busy!

I cannot upload the photos so bear with me. Envision sculptured unique platter of juicy ripe tomatoes with gnarled fruit....I watched Tony fondle the tomatoes and choose the just right one as he chatted with a sous chef of how too many were overripe but not in a harsh critical manner but simply matter of fact......I took the photo of his hand choosing the "perfect tomatoe" and sent it to Kim......CELEBRATING! a hand photo.....and as it sent to her....An artistry of caprese homemade Tony mozzarella and the tomato so carefully chosen was gifted to us......

Why? How did he note the boys last night amidst tens of customers, chef hours and sweat of the kitchen....and when I celebrated his hand....little did I know his intention...

Strolling home, Calvary Chapel concert in a green space....Praise God, His Son and the Holy Ghost echoing amidst the skyscrapers...And Noah playing in a fountain.

"Mom and Dad, this is like a blind date........"

Love, Em

So u Sew....So and Sew...so-sew...asi asi....

2011-09-06T04:30:00.000-07:00

To hear my 2 year old nephew say, "Grandma is mamacita, mamacita, Grandma is Mamacita......" is a hoot. He can barely wear size 18 month shorts but is excited to speak Spanish to emulate her. My mom has always loved to visit Mexico and is fluent in the language. She mixes in words when with the grandchildren and very fun to see how they use the words.

Asi Asi means "I feel so, so....." and of course you need to rock your hand back and forth while saying it.

"And what does this have to do with a quilt blog, Em?" do you ask? Well....

My mom has pieced these adorable colorFULL and happy children quilts and I have found a home for them. Julie at So-and-sewblogspot.com is requesting fabric for the Linus Project she is involved in. Please visit her lovely blog and if you have a spare top or fabric....So many wonderFULL oppurtunities to share our love for this hobby with others that need a HUG when there are hearts are sad or CELEBRATING! Something about envisioning a little child missing their mom or dad and grabbing their blankie for comfort.....

The "blankie" I am gifting is not posted because I want Julie to be surprised. It is a favorite of mine and quilted by the lovely Green Fairy...May it bring a smile to little one.

I think I am feeling........Sew SEW!!!!! "Mom, como se dice Sew Sew en espanol?"

Love, Em

"I tip my hat to you....."

2011-09-06T04:03:00.000-07:00

The cowboy who this quilt honors wore a signature white cowboy hat. I could not believe that I found the perfect print that camouflages into the batik background of the outer border...as though it was meant to me. Gotta love broderie perse and kinda like creating your fabric with some glue, thread and a little imagination. The hats, spurs and boots will be in place of text.

Do the steers and collaged desert scape seem to have a 3D effect to you? It is as though I am on the Plateau where this young man has been taken for burial and see the steers on the range as he makes his final ride......

I awoke in the middle of the night and could not fall back asleep. Roxy was still in the car from my trip over the weekend and so it is Bring you Friend to Work Day...she is waiting patiently while I get my work done and then she will get to meet my co-workers and see where I am hiding when not at home with her.Do you remember going to work with a parent when you were younger? My father was a banker in my early years and ther was nothing better then playing secretary on the Sundays that he needed to catch up on some paperwork!

Thank you for your support yesterday. As always, friendship through Blogland, is humbling and so wonderFULL!

Em

Monday's Mantra.....Mary's gift..........

2011-09-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Have you driven in a car for many hours, taken a solo walk for miles, spent a moment in quiet and let you mind wander freely?.........This morning I awoke in the wee hours of the morning and the next 4 hours were all mine.....What a trip....

This weekend was a CELEBRATION! of family. Sharon, my sis, and I had so much fun working on projects together as the boys napped and played with their uncles. As you can see in this photo, my sister have such different piecing styles but the delight in the hobby could not be more the same! Mom was playing with us using her seam ripper on some of Sharon's snakes and was giggling saying that she loves to "Malinger".....she can malinger all she wants because it is always a fun time when she is around!

It was a movie moment.....Chariots of fire theme song played in the background, my eyes met the Glue sticks in slow motion and I just stopped in my tracks...It was like a chorus of angels.........I HAVE NEVER SEEN SO MANY GLUE STICKS IN ONE PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And the rest is history or at least helped create it as you will see in the next 2 photos.

Are you familiar with the fun and creative talent of Joe Tulips postcards? Well, last week I celebrated the flag she had gifted me and it was my turn to play with her inspiration! Sunday I awoke in a mild panic..."I do not have any projects to glue when we go fishing today. Well, a fine oppurtunity to go to Walmart on the way out of town and grab some supplies...." 2 Cheerio boxes, a JOY ice cream cone box, Shel Silverstein book and a quilt magazine...Hunkered down with my feet in the pond, had a riot chatting with sibs and was in awe that my 4 year old nephew continued to reel in trout, it was a hoot! And the cherry on the top for him? Finding a snake. I had enough material to create for hours as though I was at the dodgeball arena and could not believe that after a couple of hours we were ready to head....darn fish, we caught our limit to quick! But in this time frame, I made this fun postcard CELEBRATING! shopping for a mate. The front is the little town and thinking OUT OF THE BOX...the back, a little poem that when in fact one is looking for the perfect someone out of the box, they may just find them literally to be one! Excited to mail to my dear soul sister, Ms. Duff!

Last night was the winner for these sweet little boys, "It is like the Wild West at your house, Uncle Aaron!"....I will never forget the proclamation as they played in the "fort" and spent the night in the tent. They had a rope that they set by the tent door to catch a desert fox if it were to be lured too close to them....and of course the infamous flashlight was a must!

Do you recall that when you began reading this post, I asked about a long drive in the car.....Sniffles and tears as I recant the remainder of this post. I placed my desert scape pictured above on my front seat to inspire the final touches it is needing.......Easy to be critical of a couple of things I wish I would have done differently until.....Ms. Mary begins a sort of conversation with me....Blessed Be His Name by Newsboys played on my radio and as I listened to the words of traveling in the wilderness....I looked at the quilt and saw the buttes, the dirt, and Ms. Mary....She took on a new meaning this morning as I began to cry. Price is my hometown and where I spent this past weekend. On my brother's kitchen table was a newspaper and on the front page was an article that could have been from the Wild West of years ago....but instead is current. A young man, a son, a brother, a friend, a cowboy was shot dead by an envious man who then went on to kill himself. The young man and his family are icons of our town and the epitome of kind, loving, giving people. I was distracted through the weekend by the grief that the family would be experiencing and as a mother could not fathom losing my boys to death and be subjected to violence and as I drove home and saw Mary...I imagined her praying for Jeanie and whispering to her as a mother who had lost a son to violence and death, "I know the sadness heartache......" And as I cried driving home I knew that this quilt needed some steers and a cowboy on a horse that I spied at Quiltique recently. A CELEBRATION! of a young man and my hope that their faith can help comfort them.

I now understand why I love quilting with Mary of Guadalupe. She is a CELEBRATION! of woman, motherhood and an embodiment of strength.

My boys just arrived home as I am wrapping up this post and the hug of welcoming me home is just a little tighter as I think about Tate.....

Love, Em

Have you ever noticed all of the LOVE?

2011-09-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

I wonder who will one day wrap themselves in this quilt pieced by my sister?...Have you visited Victoria at Bumblebeans and read about her BASICs charity project? A lofty goal she and Pat Sloan have been given and taken on with their energy... To see the pictures from last year's gifting is moving! Have a quilt hanging around...visit her!

I look at this photo and think......If this tree trunk is my heart, rock hard LOVE lodged in my arteries, pebbles in my capillaries......I wonder if this is where the saying, "My heart was bursting with love!" originated.....

Marketing declares that Cheerios are Heart Smart.....I could not agree more and I can imagine you are smiling if you recall my post and CELEBRATION! of all these little O's being like a breakfast of friendship.......Next idea for AAQI project and it will be a cutie I hope! Linda and Erin, I still think of you both when I eat bowl of these little O's!

Speaking of AAQI.....Have you had the delightFULL pleasure of visiting Quilt Diva Julie and CELEBRATING! her 10..yep 10!...quilts she registered for the AAQI auction. They are marvellous and I encourage you to visit and make sure to visit the photo album of the up close details of her quilting and embellishments. She has been a fabulous SIZE coach for me on my projects...AND! noone had better bid on the Handle with Care before I do :). If you wonder why I attached the above photo of the ocean to this text about Julie's talent....visit and you will see!

live LOVE laugh....Sonia is such a dear and gifted me this wonderful cross recently. I was so touched with its uniqueness! She is a spiritual woman who uplifts me with each visit to her blog or a comment she will leave on mine. Visit her at http://aquiltingsouthpawsthoughts.blogspot.com and ENJOY!

And if anyone asks why you spend time quilting, blogging, creating quilts for others and "When are you going to keep one for yourself?"...Tell them it is all because of LOVE! something about the yummy feeling that makes the toes tingle and lips smile and a tear sparkle...YEP! it is addicting and so fun!

LOVE, Em

And how did u ring in this very special month?

2011-09-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

I am reading my Joann coupon mailer and wondering whether to buy a book or thread for Roxy....at the top of the magazine is a very important announcement......

Sewing is Sharing...September is National Sewing Month....

And during this National Sewing Month, I am going to spend time in a city that I have never explored and visit with a special blog friend in REAL LIFE! I am so excited! Last night we confirmed flight plans and accomodations and then I knew it was real.....I had so much fun creating the below collage of pictures from my past year of blogging to hint where I am going.....I am curious if any of you will guess the city and then the mystery blog frined. This trip is very important to our family and a sort of pilgrimmage...I wonder if the Godwinks will be as prevalent in the city as they have been in St. George. This morning I arrived to the office and in my work box was a letter that stopped me in my tracks and I was struck with awe....Can this really be happening I called and asked Sean. Hmmmmmmmmm, like Christmas Eve and I am the small child awaiting Santa's arrival! Interesting, this journey of life! Love to you all and have fun with the clues!

How did u welcome September?

Off to play with my mom, sibs, nephews and the animals for the weekend and will look forward to posting next week. Happy Almost-weekend! Em

I pledge allegiance to the flag.........Flags have such a special place in my heart..How did Julie know?

2011-09-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

How many of you swooned or giggled when you saw this Flag postcard pop up on your sidebar or Google alerts? I was so tickled to receive this lovely card from Julie and feel like I have a collector's item. Vesuviusmama celebrated Joe Tulips' inspiration over the weekend and today is my day to say, "Grab a quilt magazine, cut 'er up, and have some fun!" I love mail!!!!! Thank you, Julie

PS....I am using my office pass today for a lunch date with Green Fairy....off and running but wanted to post some current love to you all!

PSS....Miss you, Grandpa, and I dedicate this Flag to you today.....and to think each year you got to CELEBRATE! your birthday on flag day! Still think of you often and wish you were with us! Keep a spot warm for me and the family until we hug you again! And by the way, big family gathering this weekend in Price, Utah if you are in the neighborhood!!!! And what began as a post with a smile ends with a smile and a little tear and sting in my nose......

In the quiet of the desert......

2011-08-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

Friends, It was a wonderFULL afternoon yesterday. Noah began school and I began to work at the office once again. I felt a sort of "coming home" as I perused favorite "go-to" blogs and those of new neighbors.....I skipped from corner to corner and then arrived home (literally my home) to combine the inspirations into my Psalm 40:3 quilt.........

To return to LIBERATED blocks in my sky, collage of desert terrain

and "chat" with Sandra the Cumberland Chick as I pieced the heavens....

This project is one that I hope conveys a quiet comfort from Mary as she blends with the sky and is noticed/ or simply feels her comfort by the onlooker who is looking for her....

As I continue to peek at it on the table I wonder what color to do a liberated border....I am think browns but also wonder about a pop! factor. Thoughts? And how about Unruly lettering in the border, Yea or Nay? So much to consider....

Off to play in the wilderness and will be fun envisioning this piece waiting for me to arrive home tonight and arm myself with glue sticks and Roxy panting in the background excited to decorate! And of course.....find a tiny bell for the bell tower.
Love, Em