WAZOO! Newsbits

Slow and Steady wins the race

2012-01-28T17:48:00.004-05:00

I finished the big pantograph quilt and a baby quilt this week, and I think I can have a couple more done next week. It has been slow going, but I will get them done. Still hurts and I am still frustrated...aaah, old age is creeping up!Meanwhile, here is what I got accomplished in a week.

Frustrated...slow going

2012-01-24T16:35:00.003-05:00

I worked two rows on the quilt I loaded two days ago, and the pain was unbearable. I had to go sit with ice on my pelvis and back for awhile. I can see it is going to take eons to get through the quilts I have here, but I intend to do it. On top of it all, I must have caught cold somewhere, too. Coughing, sneezing and blowing the nose...oh joy. Not such a fine day today. Thank you to Gloria for the lunch and walk. It was good to venture outside for a few minutes. Until tomorrow...

Feeling better

2012-01-23T17:19:00.003-05:00

I think it has been a good day. I walked outside around three cul de sacs with my friend Bee, had a nice soup lunch (thanks, Carole), then crashed for a while before loading a quilt on the machine. That's as far as I got before it was too much. Tomorrow, I am going to quilt a couple of rows if all goes well. Standing up isn't too good because it exerts downward pressure on my pelvis, and that is where I am the most sore. This too will pass. Thanks to my sister and to Karen and Sherry for the lovely flowers! And to all of you who have called , emailed or sent cards; Thank you! Quilting friends are the best friends to have, no doubt about it. Oh yes, Kate...I ate my blueberries this morning, Yum! Until tomorrow!

Step on a crack...

2012-01-22T08:45:00.001-05:00

Hello blog followers. Last Thursday I had the misfortune of taking an ugly fall and breaking the T-12 vertebrae and bulging out the L-3,4,and 5 disks. Not a happy camper! I underwent a miraculous surgery called percutaneous kyphoplasty and am able to walk (shuffle) with a lot less pain. However, I am now sore all over and unable to do the simplest things for myself. Bummer. Quilting is on hold until the stiffness and soreness abate enough for me to stand and load a quilt, so there will not be too many lovely photos to see. Dear Hubby has been very helpful with picking up the slack around the house, taking the dogs out and (gasp!) doing the dishes...that sort of thing. I will be leaning on the quilt buddies for the real work, mostly the cooking. You are a loving bunch, you quilters, and without you I would be in a world of hurt...oh shoot! I am in a world of hurt!! You know what I mean...we take care of each other. I thank you.
Here you see pictures of what I did "Before the Fall". I promise there will be new quilts later.

Weekend winding down

2012-01-16T00:58:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to be humming along with the backlog of quilts, and am feeling good about my progress. Three more done and I'm ready for tomorrow's projects. Sometimes I think maybe I should cut back on the customer quilting, but it gives me such a feeling of accomplishment and joy, I know I should keep on quilting. So I will!
I did take Sunday off for my own quilting, and have my latest project well under way. I'll share it when it is farther along. Until then, enjoy the fruits of Saturday's labor!

Tidbits

2012-01-15T20:50:00.001-05:00

Well, it was inevitable...Leo has charmed Sewphie and they are now kibbutzing behind the Gammill and sharing stories. He never looks happy, but I can tell he has made a friend for life. Poor guy has been alone since his 'birth' back in the 80's when my sister-in-law made him for us. I'm glad he finally has a companion.

On Friday, after guild, some of us went to Fort Myers for their show. My friend Diane Kline won best of show for her stunning radiating star quilt. It was a bit dark in the venue, but the quilts lit the darkness with their beauty. Here are a couple of my favorites. Now, back to the machine and more quilting for the shows coming up!

Busy week back at the machine

2012-01-13T22:27:00.000-05:00

My Gammill was humming this week as I quickly returned to the business of show quilting. I can't show you one of them, but here are two that are going out of town on Saturday. I'll be taking a well deserved break today to go to the Fort Myers show with friends. More to come!

New friend in the studio

2012-01-09T22:47:00.000-05:00

My friend in Wisconsin sent me a wonderful surprise today...a quilt buddy! My husband and I laughed out loud when I opened the box and took her out. See what you think. I'm going to call her Aunt Sewphie. (I have introduced her to Uncle Leo, but he doesn't seem interested...) Aunt Sewphie sits on my batting, keeping a watchful eye on things in the studio while she stitches on her quilt top. Thanks, Marcia!

WOO HOO!!! Back in business!

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

My Gammill man came Saturday and we replaced loads of parts as well as the motherboard on my machine. After some tweaking to make the stitch perfect, I was off and running. What a horrible week! All in the past now, and my finger is back to its normal color with just a line on it where the belt caught it.
I did a couple of test quilts before re-zipping the show quilt I had been working on when the machine quit. The quilting went smoothly and I am so happy, I have to show you a few pictures!
Back to full speed work tomorrow. Yippee!!

The long, long, long day

2012-01-05T23:14:00.001-05:00

Oh my goodness!Tim and I now know way more about the guts of my Gammill than we ever cared to. I have had to take off and put on the back parts three times and replace the switches, too. I have cleaned every inch of it and adjusted the belt.Yet it still sounds awful and runs without turning on the switch!! I almost lost a finger when the machine suddenly started at breakneck speed while I was fussing with the belt. (Expletives deleted)I am so tired and frustrated, I told my dealer/mechanic I had to quit for now and start fresh tomorrow. He's trying to avoid a trip from Georgia and I am drowning in technology and mechanics. The motherboard comes tomorrow, and I may not need it in the end. I'm frazzed, but as you can see, Molly is chill as usual. Stay tuned!

OH NO!!!

2012-01-04T12:07:00.000-05:00

I am not a happy camper today. My Gammill has been slowly acting weird for about a month and yesterday it balked completely. After a morning on the phone with Gerald (thank you), I found out the mother board is bad. Poop! I called my dealer and it would be several days before they could come, so I ordered the part (gasp!) and will attempt to install it myself. Meanwhile, all quilting has ground to a halt. I have some important show work to do, so I have my fingers crossed for a quick fix and a fast start once the part arrives. I hope you all are having a good start to 2012. Mine has been delayed. More later!

quilts I sent are all at their new homes!

2011-12-20T20:56:00.000-05:00

One daughter got the Christmas quilt, one got her retro quilt, and the two little Beatles fans got their wild quilts. The house is clean and the cookies are all baked and boxed. Gifts are under the tree nd all is ready for Santa's visit. Merry Christmas to all my friends out there in blog-land, and a happy and quilty New Year!!

Grandma, What did you do today?

2011-12-18T21:12:00.000-05:00

I started making the Christmas cookies! It may not look like much, but it was a day's work, for sure. More tomorrow! I love Christmas. Three days until the kids come.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-12-17T18:07:00.000-05:00

What did Grandma do today? Decorate the tree, get out the snowmen and Santas and make some cookies. Now, my feet are killing me and I dread making supper. Oh well, sacrificing comfort for the holiday festivities is not a bad chore...just a tiring one. Time for a toddy (or two)!

Finished with the Raffle quilt!

2011-12-13T00:57:00.000-05:00

I finished the quilting of the guild raffle quilt, and now I have to get ready for another Christmas.Two of the kids can get away and come for the holiday, so it should be a festive occasion. I am now officially on vacation! Happy Christmas everyone!

Long day...tired feet!

2011-12-08T00:19:00.000-05:00

All day on one border! Loads of marking and ruler work that will be difficult to see from more than two feet away. Oh well, it's done and now I only have one more border to go. It's the appliqued one, and I think it will be another long day tomorrow. I'm hoping to have my part done and hand off the quilt by the end of the week, then I'm on to another quilting adventure!! I love my job!

Another raffle quilt!

2011-12-06T23:15:00.003-05:00

I started yesterday on my local guild's raffle quilt for 2012. The photos are from yesterday, only the stitching in the ditch was done. Never fear! Today, I began the quilting in earnest and worked all day on the main blocks and sashing...photos tomorrow! There are three big borders to do, too, so I'll be busy. Then I will hand it off to another brave soul for the sleeve and binding. Ho ho ho!! Done for Christmas...?

Busy week...catching up on Christmas orders

2011-12-03T00:49:00.002-05:00

Boy, I am pooped!! It has been a whirlwind week of quilting here at WAZOO! and I am almost done with the Christmas orders from my customers. Some are off to northern climes for the holidays, and some just need to get their bindings on before family comes here. I wish there was more time in a day to get some of my Christmas sewing done, but I think just having two of the kids here will be gift enough. Anyhoo,enjoy the photos. Good night!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas at WAZOO!

2011-11-29T16:39:00.000-05:00

I think quilters suddenly realized how close to the holidays it is and hurried to get their Christmas quilts in. I have had the christmas music cranked and the Gammill humming to keep ahead of the game. Here are a few of the quilts from last week. I'll put this week's bounty up later in the week.

WAZOO! November retreat slideshow

2011-11-21T23:49:00.002-05:00

This slideshow personalized with Smilebox

November is off to a good start

2011-11-04T09:21:00.000-04:00

After a big custom order (can't show it to you...) I am happy to have November quilting off and running! The quilts are all very individual, and that keeps me happy when working. I love seeing what quilters are doing, and really love making their quilts come to life. What a great job!

All in a day's work

2011-10-18T16:54:00.000-04:00

It was a nasty rainy day here today, so the nose was to the grindstone. I finished three customer quilts,(the baby quilt customer specifically asked for only stitch in the ditch and a big motif) and now I am eating a quick supper before going to my evening guild. Not looking forward to the drive in the pouring rain, but I have missed two meetings and really want to see what's going on there! Until tomorrow, I am a happy quilter!!

Custom quilting at WAZOO!

2011-10-18T00:04:00.000-04:00

Show season is approaching and I am starting to get some fun quilts to do. I worked on this quilt over the weekend and finished it up in a marathon 7 hour session today. I hope the customer likes it. I do!!

Gift quilt and next retreat project

2011-10-13T11:36:00.000-04:00

Connie and I made the blocks,I quilted it and she did the binding on the gift quilt for the couple we stayed with in Pennsylvania. It is the more colorful one with stars. The other quilt is the sample for my next retreat. I re-designed the blocks to make the design more pleasing and I am happy with the results. Now, I am working on a fun pattern called Hanging Garden and can't ait to see how it turns out. With so much customer work to do and only so many hours in a day, I am a bit frustrated that I can't piece more...but a retreat is coming soon and I will blast through some projects and get the mojo back! I love this!!

Busy and missing friends...

2011-10-13T11:24:00.000-04:00

The quilter who look at my blog have mentioned that I am not posting much these days...I really didn't think you were interested in the day to day work I am doing, but I guess I was wrong! Work putts along and I have been able to get a couple of things done for friends and the retreat, too. Sleep is highly over rated. Anyhoo, here are some customer quilts. I will post the up-coming retreat quilt in separate photos, because they only allow six at a time! Now, BACK TO WORK!!

Strangest quilt shop I've ever seen!!

2011-09-23T22:43:00.000-04:00

I have been touring the Lancaster County, PA quilt shops with my girlfriends and this one had to be the weirdest shop I have ever been in! The shop is tiny and PACKED to the gills with stuff. It was not just an adventure to be there, but very dangerous. One giant stack of fabric toppled over and almost crushed an Amish woman in line behind us. My friend and I stopped the avalanche and saved the day for the poor woman who was just trying to check out! If you are ever in Pennsylvania, look for Obie's quilt shop. Worth the trip, if just to marvel at the sheer amount of stuff she has crammed in there. Home tomorrow!

9/11 quilting marathon

2011-09-12T00:22:00.000-04:00

The TV was all about the 9/11 tenth anniversary, so I switched it on to listen to while getting some work done. I'm sure you will always remember where you were that horrifying day...I was in Germany, visiting my military daughter who was returning to work that very day after a two month maternity leave. It was supposed to be a meet and greet with the new grand daughter, but I ended up in a lock down situation on base with a toddler, a baby and a dog!! After a few days, my daughter was able to come home and we had one evening together before I had to fly back to the States. I was on the first domestic flight out of Frankfurt to the USA after 9/11. The pilot thanked us for being brave and flying with him to Chicago, and we all clapped and wept some more. I thought about that today, and wept again for the innocent souls taken by terror ten years ago. The quilting is a balm to my own soul, and I guess that is why I do it. Here are the quilts of 9/11/11. Peace.

Big quilt exercised my brain!!

2011-09-12T00:02:00.000-04:00

Last week I worked on a quilt that really made me think outside my box for how to quilt it. It has BIG open spaces that screamed for quilting, as well as beautiful hand applique. The pillow tuck was the hardest part. I traced the applique motifs and made some plastic templates to use. I marked all the motifs on the area and quilted them in, removed the marks and did background fill. It took one whole day to do this!! This was day 2 since day one was spent stitching in the ditch and around all the applique with invisible thread. Day 3 I tackled the 15 inch wide borders. Deb Levy taught us to divide and conquer, so that is what happened. Two more days of quilting and filling the backgrounds and I was finished!! The quilt is to be a bedspread for a queen size bed, but I have a king bed so the picture isn't an accurate depiction of how it will eventually look. Anyway, my customer has her work cut out for her just applying the binding, don't you think?!

Where did August go?!

2011-08-31T15:32:00.000-04:00

Wow! This month flew by and I am in a twist trying to get a bit caught up on the customer quilting. I had a little guilty indulgence and made the signature quilt from the blocks given to me by the guild three years ago!! The most current past president got hers done before I did. Very bad. Anyhoo, the multi colored cheerful quilt is done and in the guest room.It's in the first photo.
The other quilts are some of my customer's work. They truly are a talented group, don't you think?
Now, I am off on a sad journey to Chicago for the funeral of my dear friend June Ellis, with whom I traveled the world for ten years. She was a wonderful neighbor, a great story teller and hostess, and a treasured friend. I'll be back to work on Sunday, and missing her ever after.

WAZOO! August 2011 Retreat

2011-08-19T22:05:00.000-04:00

This free photo slideshow made with Smilebox

Challenging myself

2011-08-04T00:39:00.000-04:00

Last month I went back to Wisconsin for my class reunion and saw my best friend from school, Marcia. She has always been a wonderful artist, and showed me a photo of a 'wooden quilt' she made for her garden. I was really impressed and wondered if it would make a nice 'real' quilt. Well...OF COURSE!! Here are the two quilts and I am here to report the 'real' quilt has been mailed to Marcia as a surprise. Yes, I am a nice person. Most quilters are. Enjoy!

Four to Nine

2011-08-02T17:55:00.001-04:00

follow along with the photos and see if you figure it out!

Having fun

2011-08-02T16:45:00.004-04:00

I have been back to work this week now that my sister is gone, but I allowed time for my quilts, too. I have a retreat coming up, so I had to come up with my new project. My friend Carole sent me a wonderful block that uses a technique to transform four patches into nine patches. Once I got started making them, I was hooked. My sister made one quilt using a more controlled palate and I made mine from a Bali layer cake. ( 10" squares). Here are the pictures of what I came up with for the project in two sizes.Go to the next entry to see how it's done.

Company!!

2011-07-18T12:15:00.002-04:00

My sister and my niece are here from Texas for a visit! I hurried up and quilted a few charity quilts for my sister to bind (she loves that part...) and my niece is busy getting pruney in the pool. I have to work a bit, but I suspect we have some fun ahead. Stay tuned.

Ahhhh...High School memories

2011-07-12T23:43:00.002-04:00

Just back from the reunion, and had a great time there. Got to visit with my best friend from school, my friend I still keep up with, as well as see how the handsome boys turned out.Everybody seemed to enjoy the evening and look forward to the next one in five years. Now, it's back to work.

Holiday weekend

2011-07-04T16:32:00.003-04:00

I took a little time to get caught up on my own projects and it was fun! Here are a couple of photos of my quilts in progress. I need to quilt the big one, but the piecing is all done. The little wall quilt was fun to do and now I'm adding a bit of applique to it. Tomorrow it's back to customer work, but for today, I'm on a lark!

The fun never ends at WAZOO!

2011-06-28T19:59:00.002-04:00

I'm counting down the days until I go to my (gulp!) 40th class reunion. It's work as usual, but I'm always wondering how it will play out. Forty years... I'm forty years fatter and sassier, but still fun to be with, if I do say so myself. Look out LaFollette class of 1971!
Until then, it's quilting and more quilting! This week so far I have worked on the biggest quilt I have ever done, and a couple of really nice custom jobs. It finally rained here and my husband and all his landscaping plants are very pleased. It's always easier to work when it's raining outside the window. The photos prove that!! Enjoy!

Quilting for my family

2011-06-19T00:49:00.002-04:00

I took a couple of my days off to make two family quilts. The black/white/pink/yellow one is for my guest room bed and the gray/brown dots Irish chain is for my daughter's guest room. Hopefully, I'll get back to them the next day off...Meanwhile, back to work!

WAZOO! Quilting studio

2011-06-06T16:24:00.001-04:00

I actually cleaned my studio over the weekend and had to quickly take some photos before it gets back to normal! Enjoy the slides and come see me some time!

Make a free digital slideshow

Finishing up some of my projects

2011-06-01T10:51:00.002-04:00

Over the holiday weekend I finished some of my UFOs. The bright strippy block quilt was from my retreat. The simple squares quilts are for hospice. They are memory quilts given to the patient for visitors and family members write messages on. When the patient passes, the quilt is given to the family as a memorial. Our guild makes these and gives them to a local hospice. The little raccoon quilt is for the head start charity project where a quilt is presented to every child in their day care program. Both of my guilds do this.
Now, I am back to the customer work. It was nice to take a few days and get some of my things done.Makes me happy!!

Work and fun DO mix!

2011-05-30T13:55:00.002-04:00

I have had some nice quilts to do over the last few days. It just proves that if we like what we do, the work becomes fun. This was the cse with these quilts. Done and out the door! I know I'm happy.

WAZOO! May 2011 Retreat

2011-05-26T13:50:00.002-04:00

We are home from Sebring and once again, I didn't take nearly all the photos I had planned to take. Seems we get having so much fun that I forget about the camera! Oh well, next time I will try harder. Enjoy the show!

Personalize your own free slideshow design

All in a week's work

2011-05-20T00:20:00.002-04:00

Wow! It has been a busy week with sewing, quilting and physical therapy for my shoulder. I made another sample for the up-coming retreat, a tee shirt quilt for a customer's daughter, and quilted three custom quilts. Everybody is getting itchy to get quilting in Sebring starting Sunday. Be sure to come back next week and see another fun slideshow from the Kenilworth Lodge. Meanwhile, enjoy photos of this week's quilts.

Quilts for family

2011-05-09T09:39:00.002-04:00

I took a couple of days to work on my daughter's wall quilt as well as my sister's quilt for a friend. There are loads of quilts waiting, so I have to hurry up and get to it! Green and blue is my sister's quilt (it was an absolutely perfectly made quilt...I am jealous of her piecing skill) bright southwestern quilt is for my daughter who has moved to Arizona. It's going in her office.

Back home!

2011-05-02T18:37:00.002-04:00

I had to post the Paducah post after I got home because I had no internet access for a week!! Horrors! Anyway, we had a wonderful time despite the dodgy weather and the show being all over town. My quilt was hung next to two famous quilter's quilts, so I was humbled to see it there. Sharon Schamber won my category, so you can see the company I was in!! Wow. Here are a few shots from my week away. I need to get back to work pronto because I have already taken in four more jobs just today!! No rest for the folly seekers.

The almost "No- Show"

2011-05-02T18:31:00.002-04:00

Here we are in Paducah and it almost didn't happen!! There is quite a bit of flooding in the area and the river is expected to crest well above flood stage. When this happens, they close the flood gates and everything is a mess down where the show is supposed to be. I am so impressed by the engineering feat the show organizers did. The entire show was taken down and moved to locations away from the river. The vendors all had to be organized and moved. The classes were all moved. This is a BIG show!! I can't imagine how hard this was to do. But here we are...in Paducah after two days of driving through rain and a night in a hotel in Kennesaw, GA without power at the hotel, and now, torrential rain in Paducah. It is raining right now! On the quilt side...I made the semi-final for the show but didn't get a ribbon. Sharon Schamber took first place in my category. Good company!
Here are some photos from Paducah. The river at flood stage with the flood wall in the foreground, my traveling companions looking happy that it stopped raining for a few minutes, and me at the award ceremony looking happy to be there. Tomorrow, we go to the main show venue and see my quilt hanging with the other wonderful entries. Should be a great day!!

Off to Paducah!

2011-04-24T17:18:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow I will be off to Paducah for the quilt show. Five of us girls are going to have a wonderful time doing all things quilty. I made a quilt for the couple we are staying with and just need to do the hand sewing on the binding and it's ready. Here is a photo of the quilt (binding not down yet). If the wifi is good at the hotel, I'll post something about our road trip! Until then, have a nice week!

Count down to Paducah!

2011-04-06T15:10:00.002-04:00

Another week trying to get somewhat caught up on the customer quilts before our trip to Paducah. If I didn't say it, I managed to get a quilt juried into the show!! It is the first one in the photos here (green and purple). The other two are wonderful customer quilts I finished this week. It will be exciting to see something I made hanging with all the exquisite entries from the famous quilters all over the world! I am still overwhelmed by it all. ( but not so dizzy as to miss the hundreds of vendors). Back to the machine!

More quilts done!!

2011-03-21T19:27:00.003-04:00

I worked very hard the last couple of days and got some more quilting done. The last one is a monster! 108"x122". Just fit on the roller, or it would have had to been done somewhere else. Now, for some R&R with the TV!! ;)

Working my way out of the pile of quilts!

2011-03-21T17:53:00.003-04:00

Oh dear! The show set me back on the quilting, but it was worth it. We made a tidy sum for the guild and now I can get back to doing my customer quilts. Here are a few of the ones I finished last week. Back to the big machine! Susan

Show's over! Back to work.

2011-03-08T01:00:00.002-05:00

Whew! It has been a crazy time, but the show is done and it was a big success. I promise to get back on and post more, but now I have to sleep!! Here are my quilts in the show, and Deb Levy by her Best in Show quilt. Fabulous!!

WAZOO! Feb 2011 Retreat

2011-02-10T13:10:00.000-05:00

Another free picture slideshow by Smilebox

Long time away!!

2011-01-20T18:48:00.002-05:00

I am sorry to have such a gap in the blog, but I have been excessively busy with show quilts and commission quilt jobs. I custom quilted 17 quilts and did pantos on 4 more, as well as making two commission quilt for Christmas presents. Needless to say, I didn't get much else done! I am still working like a madwoman trying to get the last three customer show quilts done so I can finish my own show quilts. The next WAZOO! retreat is in a week, so I will try to get'r done there.Until the next entry, enjoy some of the fruits of my December labors.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-20T11:57:00.002-05:00

The year has flown by and it's time to move on to 2011. There is still much to do to get ready for Christmas and the grandkids, as well as the quilt show preparations really ramping up. I have quilts to quilt and my own quilt to finish, so I won't be blogging too much for a week or so. Thank you for watching this space. Keep watching for the new year news.
Merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous new year!!

Eleanor Burns was here!

2010-12-05T23:46:00.003-05:00

I played hooky from quilting work for three days of fun with Sew Worth It and Eleanor Burns. Tomorrow, it's back to normal... work, work, work! Enjoy a few photos.

Busy, busy, busy!!

2010-11-30T10:29:00.003-05:00

I have been working feverishly trying to get the many quilts quilted for Christmas and our up-coming show. Here are a few of the ones I have finished lately! Now, Back to work!

November WAZOO! Retreat

2010-11-12T14:47:00.001-05:00

Once again, we had a great time in Sebring at the Kenilworth Lodge. Laughing, quilting and chatting were the main activities, with trips out to dinner and to the quilt shops just for fun. Enjoy the slide show!

Make a slideshow

Slogging along with loads of custom quilting

2010-10-22T14:09:00.003-04:00

It has been a tough week and I am just a bit more tired than usual. Why? The bacl-log of quilts needing to be finished and out the door! Some went faster than others, but they are all wonderful quilts. I thank my customers for allowing me to have a hand in their projects. I hope they are to your liking as well! Now, Back to work!!

Back to work!

2010-10-05T09:56:00.003-04:00

I really enjoyed France, but now I am sooooooo behind in my quilting! You can see the fun we had while I go and set up for another day of quilting.

Preparing for the French quilt show

2010-09-04T17:37:00.002-04:00

I have stopped doing customer quilts and changed gears to getting stuff ready for the French trip. I leave Tuesday and Tim will be holding down the fort while I am away.
One week in Paris, then another in Alsace at Saint Marie Aux Mines for the European quilt show. Four of us quilty girls on an adventure, and I will surely have some stories and photos when I return.
So, the last of the August quilts are here to see. I am off to France!

WAZOO! August 2010 retreat

2010-08-26T23:53:00.001-04:00

This free picture slideshow customized with Smilebox

Time flies when you're busy!!

2010-08-12T17:18:00.003-04:00

Another week in the books and another week closer to my trip to France for the international quilt show. I don't have enough time in a day to get all the things I want to do done. Here are the fruits of this weeks labors. See you on the flipside!

One week's work!

2010-08-07T15:50:00.002-04:00

Wow! I had an intense work week with only two quilts! One was a custom job and the other a utility quilt. The custom applique quilt came out very nicely, if I do say so myself. Enjoy the view!

Custom Florida 'photo' quilt

2010-07-30T13:44:00.002-04:00

My friend made this quilt to show off Florida. I love the colors and fabrics. I thought you would, too!

Back at work despite the heat

2010-07-30T13:34:00.003-04:00

Like everywhere else in the country it has been extremely hot here in South Florida! So what to do to beat the heat? Stay in and work, of course. Here are a few of this week's offerings. I am starting a large custom quilt tomorrow, so won't have anything to post for a few days. Until then, keep cool...stay inside and sew!

Vacation is over, family all gone home

2010-07-20T15:58:00.002-04:00

My daughter and her children were here for two weeks and we all had a nice time together. We took a trip to Disney World and Amy had the kids at the beach while Grandma did a trunk show at the local quilt shop. I still had to work, but only did 3 quilts in two weeks, so I am going to hit the ground running tomorrow! I'll be teaching a class on Saturday, as well. Busy as usual! Here are a few shots of my visit with the kids.

You Can Quilt That Out

2010-06-30T10:37:00.000-04:00

Big project done!!

2010-06-29T16:19:00.002-04:00

Hooray! I have finished the raffle quilt for the Arcadia City Mobile Home Park ladies. It took three days, but it is stunning. I hope they like it and raise oodles and gobs of money for local charities with it. I know I want some tickets! This is the last big project for a while, because my Grandkids and their Mom,(my daughter, Amy) will be here in a couple of days. The house is a disaster and I am certainly not ready! Amy is in the Army and will be coming home for her mid-point leave from Iraq. She has been over there these last 6 months, and it will be a thrill to see her and the kids. Enjoy the photos, and I'll see you on the flip side.

More custom quilts.

2010-06-26T16:45:00.003-04:00

I'm closing in on July and am finishing up what I have to do before the big family visit! Here are a few of this week's customer projects.

June is flying by!!

2010-06-21T00:07:00.003-04:00

It never ceases to amaze me just how quickly the time goes by. I have been working very hard to get caught up on customer quilts before my daughter comes home on leave from Iraq. My grandkids are also coming, and we all plan to have gobs of fun. So here are a few of my efforts from the last week. Stay tuned for photos of the gang having fun in south Florida!

Lots of black!... and Christmas!!

2010-06-06T23:16:00.004-04:00

This last week it has been black quilts and more photo album quilting. I really like the varigated thread on the back of the black quilts. Adds a bit of sparkle! The other quilts had to be ready for their owner to go to Kentucky for the summer. Fruit and Christmas, oh my!

WAZOO! May 2010 retreat

2010-05-28T18:26:00.001-04:00

Personalize a picture slideshow

Going to Sebring

2010-05-22T02:07:00.004-04:00

It's time for the Spring retreat in Sebring, so I have been getting quilts done before I go off for awhile. Just need to quilt the sample project and I am ready. Here are a few of last week's customer quilts.

Back from KC and rarin' to go!

2010-05-15T20:03:00.003-04:00

The quilt convention was great, and after taking some new classes, I am ready to go back to work. ( I have to pay for all those cones of thread and yummy hand dyed fabrics...) Here are a few shots of my favorite quilts, and the best in show quilt.

Final push before going to KC for convention

2010-05-07T01:04:00.003-04:00

This week was a sweat shop week! I have worked long hours at the machine and hand quilting and binding for my customers, too! I don't get to do that often, and I was a bit rusty. Everyone was happy in the end when a 23 year old project went home with a happy lady! Take a look at what happened at WAZOO! this last week!

Quilt load getting smaller!

2010-05-02T11:37:00.003-04:00

Boy, I am making headway finally on the quilts for the snowbirds. I certainly can't let up yet, because in a week I am off to the convention and will miss valuable quilting time. One has to expand her horizons, however, so I will be taking cl;asses to improve my skills.
Meanwhile, here are a couple of the things I just did for you to enjoy.

Work, work, work!!

2010-04-27T23:40:00.004-04:00

Hi Susan, what did you do all day? Just guess!!

Still big quilts!

2010-04-22T17:55:00.002-04:00

This has turned into the month of the giant quilt, instead of the week of giant quilts! The lion's share of the April quilts were king sized or close.Just a few more and I will be ready for May! Here are the last few.

Gave a couple away

2010-04-17T23:46:00.003-04:00

Some people might wonder what I do with all the quilts I make. I give them away, for the most part. This week I gave a baby quilt to my neighbor who is having her first baby, and to my contact at the Kenilworth Lodge where I host WAZOO! retreats.I also am surprising my sister with a quilt, which she should get soon. (It's in the UPS) I didn't take the Mama's pic, but here is Tenille with her quilt. I just love making people happy with the gift of a quilt.

The week of the giant quilts

2010-04-15T13:49:00.003-04:00

Wow! This week has been the one for the biggest quilts ever!! I know everyone has a king sized be, but I hope they don't ever make one bigger. People are heading home to the north and I am working non-stop to get everyone's quilts ready. Here are a few of the biggest quilts of all. Enjoy!

Another fruitful day!

2010-04-06T23:32:00.003-04:00

Busy as usual, and getting a bit closer to my goal. Took in 3, sent out 3. I like that! Here are today's quilts.

Slow and steady wins the race!

2010-04-06T09:09:00.003-04:00

I am in the race to get all the snowbird quilts done this month. Here are a couple of the ones I just did. Plenty more where they came from, so I can't stop to blog!!

Another finished customer quilt

2010-04-01T10:05:00.002-04:00

Here's another one!

working...working...working

2010-04-01T09:04:00.003-04:00

I have been working hard to get the snowbird quilts done before everyone leaves for their northern homes. Here are a couple of the latest ones.

A bit of time for my stuff

2010-03-21T22:31:00.002-04:00

A friend wanted to see what longarm was all about, so I had her come over and see it in action. These were a couple from the pile of quilt tops I've made and haven't had time to quilt. It was a good feeling to just take a half day and do something for me. How selfish is that!!? New baby coming for the neighbor gets a quilt, my contact at the hotel where I have my retreats gets a quilt. Do something nice for me...you get a quilt!

Venice quilt show

2010-03-21T22:25:00.002-04:00

It was pouring rain today, so why not go indoors and see some quilts! Here are the quilts I quilted for customers in the show. Every quilt won a prize!! Congratulations to the lucky ladies. Now, back to work!!

Disconnected Piecer's Retreat

2010-03-16T11:52:00.001-04:00

Free photo slideshow made with Smilebox

Guild Spring challenge

2010-03-10T22:50:00.002-05:00

I have finished the spring challenge due next week! Wow! I never finish anything this early. Anyway, here it is.It had to have a floral theme and be no larger than 160 inches all around. I had the floral fabrics, so I applied fusable to their backs nd hand cut out loads of flowers. Then I arranged them like a wreath on a square piece of background fabric and fused them down. I sewed them all down with lilac metallic thread, added a layer of batting to the back, sewed around the wreath shape, then trimmed away all the excess. Then I put the backing, another batting, the top, and a layer of sparkly tulle on the big machine and quilted the snot out of it! I trimmed it into a circle shape and put on bias binding. Oh yeah, the bird is there because it looked a bit dull without some kind of focal point. How long does something like this take? Only one and a half days! I had to get back to work, you know!!
I hope you like it!

Guild quilt show

2010-02-26T21:03:00.003-05:00

The Disconnected Piecers show started today and the turnout was pretty good. I am so happy and humbled to have won Best of Show, and have had some nice comments about my quilts and quilting. My fifteen minutes of fame...
Four of the quilts I quilted for customers also won ribbons. A good day for everyone! Mine are the purple and green (Best of Show), two fish (first in innovative art), Polka dot pickle dish (third, large wall), and the cat and cheese (Third, innovative wall). The others are customer winning quilts. Enjoy!

Busy with show quilts

2010-02-15T18:39:00.002-05:00

Last week was a busy week with a visit from my daughter and all the quilts crying to be done. I did finish two lovely show quilts and have one more to go. Alas, my show quilt is still just a top and the deadline is looming. I have to have it totally done and turned in on Sunday. Wish me luck!!

2010-02-05T01:29:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

All in a day's work

2010-01-21T16:22:00.002-05:00

I am pretty tired after putting in a long day quilting. I did get three small quilts done, though! Happy, happy, joy, joy!

Pretty customer show quilt

2010-01-07T10:19:00.003-05:00

I just finished a quilt for a customer for her guild's show. I think it is really pretty, so here it is!

Last customer quilts of 2009

2010-01-02T13:18:00.003-05:00

Another year of WAZOO! Quilting at an end and another fun New Year starting! Thank you all for letting me be a part of your lives. Happy New Year!! Susan

I am done quilting the guild raffle quilt!!

2009-12-28T11:18:00.003-05:00

I finished the quilting on the guild raffle quilt last night and now I just have to add the sleeve and binding!! What a relief to have this accomplished. It took three long days (five, if I count the planning) but was fun once I ot into it. Enjoy! Susan

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-19T16:31:00.002-05:00

I am taking a few days off from quilting to get the house cleaned and the last of the cookies baked. I hope you all have a very happy holiday and a prosperous and peaceful New Year! Thank you for being interested in my quilting passion! Susan

A happier day!

2009-12-17T12:37:00.002-05:00

I just got a phone call from my daughter, Amy, in Baghdad and she has been given a big new job for the Army. She is now the editor in chief of the Advisor magazine, an armed forces publication. She is so excited and I am so proud of her. (Plus, it should be a bit safer job...after all, I am her mother).
Meanwhile, I have been baking like crazy and getting all the gifts wrapped, packed and on their way to kids and grandkids all over this country. Only one last minute Christmas order to quilt, and then I am on the regular schedule again. It should be a merry Christmas after all!
Here is a couple of photos of my Army girl. Pray for all the troops' safety while they are so far away.
Thanks, Susan

Different sort of job...

2009-12-13T18:39:00.002-05:00

My customer had a comforter set and sheets she liked, and wanted the sheets to be integrated with the comforter and shams. Here is the resulting set, all quilted and on her bed! I had enough fabric to make the throw pillow, too.

Christmas rush

2009-12-09T12:43:00.002-05:00

I have been very busy quilting christmas projects for my customers, and now I need to do some of my own projects or have nothing to give! My daughter is on her way to Iraq for the second tour, and my thoughts are drifting to her constantly as she will miss Christmas with her kids again. Out of the four kids, only one will make it to Florida this year, but we will have great fun and be sure to call the others and wish them a happy holiday. As for quilts...here are a couple of customer favorites from the last week or so. Until next time! Susan

WAZOO! Newsbits

Slow and Steady wins the race

Frustrated...slow going

Feeling better

Step on a crack...

Weekend winding down

Tidbits

Busy week back at the machine

New friend in the studio

WOO HOO!!! Back in business!

The long, long, long day

OH NO!!!

quilts I sent are all at their new homes!

Grandma, What did you do today?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Finished with the Raffle quilt!

Long day...tired feet!

Another raffle quilt!

Busy week...catching up on Christmas orders

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas at WAZOO!

WAZOO! November retreat slideshow

November is off to a good start

All in a day's work

Custom quilting at WAZOO!

Gift quilt and next retreat project

Busy and missing friends...

Strangest quilt shop I've ever seen!!

9/11 quilting marathon

Big quilt exercised my brain!!

Where did August go?!

WAZOO! August 2011 Retreat

Challenging myself

Four to Nine

Having fun

Company!!

Ahhhh...High School memories

Holiday weekend

The fun never ends at WAZOO!

Quilting for my family

WAZOO! Quilting studio

Finishing up some of my projects

Work and fun DO mix!

WAZOO! May 2011 Retreat

All in a week's work

Quilts for family

Back home!

The almost "No- Show"

Off to Paducah!

Count down to Paducah!

More quilts done!!

Working my way out of the pile of quilts!

Show's over! Back to work.

WAZOO! Feb 2011 Retreat

Long time away!!

Happy Holidays!

Eleanor Burns was here!

Busy, busy, busy!!

November WAZOO! Retreat

More photos from the previous post

Slogging along with loads of custom quilting

Back to work!

Preparing for the French quilt show

WAZOO! August 2010 retreat

Time flies when you're busy!!

One week's work!

Custom Florida 'photo' quilt

Back at work despite the heat

Vacation is over, family all gone home

You Can Quilt That Out

Big project done!!

More custom quilts.

June is flying by!!

Lots of black!... and Christmas!!

WAZOO! May 2010 retreat

Going to Sebring

Back from KC and rarin' to go!

Final push before going to KC for convention

Quilt load getting smaller!

Work, work, work!!

Still big quilts!