Minky Backs

 When I made this quilt, 

I envisioned a bright pink minky back.

I found the minky

 (on Amazon and it is a nice minky)

and then I started reading about quilting it.

I also asked Google a lot of questions.

I settled on Dritz Basting Spray.

Then I put the top on and pinned it for good measure.

Everything I read said I had to do an all over pattern,

but I didn't want one.

This quilt is busy enough.

It worked out just lovely.

I was pretty excited about it.

Then I decided to bind with minky.

Not a great idea. 

I will remember next time.

Making a big Quilt

I need to make a big quilt for a wedding present.

I don't have a lot of time.

This first thing I did was cut out the pieces.

Am I the only one who uses tally marks to cut out 100's of pieces? 

Then I spent 2 days and made 90 blocks.

My next step was laying it out.

That turned out to be a problem as my space for that was filled with 18 sewing machines.

I finally found a place to lay  it out.

I am planning on sewing rows this after noon.

I look to future and know, 

I have to keep moving on this one.

I am also sewing little girl dresses.

This needs a couple of buttons,

which I need to find.

It has been a busy week at the sewing machine.

Sweet Summer

I love summer in Idaho.

Things start to grow and turn green.

I started my Wednesday tradition of sandwiching a quilt.

I love, love, love, working on this one.

I finished this one.

I have one more that I am going to machine quilt.

Have a good one.

Forest Ranger Cabin

We have been on the road.

Last week, we stayed at this adorable Forest Ranger Cabin near Helena, Montana.

I must admit that I have a thing for Montana.

This cabin was built in 1920.

It was a delight to stay it.

It had a cute little braided rug in it,

that added warmth to the living space.

Unfortunately, it really needed mended. 

One of the braids was a tripping hazard and I just couldn't help but think

that it would be pretty easy to fix.

I had a needle that I knew would work, but I needed thread.

Lucky for me, there was a quilt store in Avon Montana.

I believe this is the only store in town.

It is cute and had many lovely things in it, including some thread. 

So I sat on the floor and repaired this rug.

As you can imagine, I could only see the big problem in the rug,

until I sat down.  

I then saw multiple little problems.

I fixed until my back said, "Enough!"

I hope it last and that many more visitors enjoy their stay in this cabin.

Before and After

I really needed some new flowers for my little table.

I had a vision, 

but boy,

I had no talent.

So, I went to visit Dixie and 

she does have some talent,

I like it.  

Then there was this quilt.

I promised myself that I would put it together.

This was not what I had in mind.

So, I went to talk to my neighbor about it.

She suggested a darker outer boarder.

What a difference.

Now it needs the quilting fairy to visit it.

I spent a few hours with my friend Dixie this week.

She wanted to make the receiving blankets I make.

While I was helping her, 

I realized, I was teaching an old dog a new trick.

She agreed.

And then I got a package in the mail.

It turns out, I really am addicted to cross stitch.

I am looking forward to working on a new project.

Quilt Market and Hydrangeas!

I just want to say that I love Quilt Market Week.

I want to go some day.

I honestly have no idea what I would do there,

but I love looking at the post that I see from Quilt Market.

What a beautiful habit quilting is.

I made 9 of these and feel in love with them.

I want to put this quilt together tomorrow, 

but I have an errand that may take longer than I want.

It's all good,

I'm almost home for the summer.

Speaking of summer,

look what is coming back?

It is my hydrangea.

When I saw it yesterday,

It made my heart happy.

You just wait and see,

it will be worth it.  

Hope you all have a good week.

Derby Day

Yesterday was Derby Day.

I had planned to sew until 4 and then take some time to pick a winner.

I finally got the pieces of this block ready and I had to put them together.

The next set of blocks are yellow.

I like this project.

Not going to lie,

I'm not sure how it is going to end.

I am crazy about the Kentucky Derby.

I always say it is because it is a 2 minute sporting event.

Each horse has a story.

And each jockey has a story also.

But the colors,

That may be what wins me over.  

Even in the mud, it is a beautiful sight.