INS AND OUTS OF THE SWAP...

I was recently a participant in the DS (Denyse Schmidt) fabric, doll quilt swap on flicker.  The participants were international with most coming from Australia/NZ and North America.  We were a small but, very fun and polite group.  We are all fans of the Denyse Schmidt fabric lines.  The focus was on the Picnic and Fairgrounds lines that were released through JoAnn Fabrics.

Here are a few of the pieces from Picnic and Fairgrounds. Some of the line was exclusive to the US and some to Australia but, all  fabric played very nicely together.  Between the two lines their were 31 pieces. 

 I ordered a FQ bundle from a gal in Australia, so I did have the complete line to play with.  The only limitations were to stay within the Picnic and Fairgrounds fabric lines (solids ok) and keep the quilt size under 18"x18". 

I will say this "this swap DID NOT disappoint." 

Lorraine, from Australia sent me all this... (post cards showing the town my quilt came from, very clever!)

This was her first swap and claims, she has only made two quilts in her life!  But, on the other hand has sewin for many years.  Well, I was amazed at the small quilt.  Her work is exceptional and she used, so many techniques in this little quilt.  It's hard to see but, the leaves and tree 3-D.

This lovely little quilt is my treasure to keep!

I am truly smitten!

After the excitement of receiving her quilt,  the one I sent to my partner seemed so...so, boring. 

I was recently inspired by the fall sky's and the geese that are migrating.

I knew my partner like the blues and greens in the line and especially the dots.

Well, this is what I came up with...

Not so exciting, compared to the one I received.  I did,  however accomplish my goal and used all 31 pieces from the two fabric lines.  All in all, I really enjoyed this swap and the participants could not have been nicer and a VERY talented group of ladies.

Inspiration...

I am drawing my inspiration from the fall sky...

                                                                      flying geese!

My Friday Night Plans...

deep sigh... It's been a long week and yes,  I will have to work a half day tomorrow.  But, I am REALLY glad that it's FRIDAY night and I can't think of anywhere else, that I would rather be than in my sewing room playing with these...

I am in a swap group, we are exchanging doll quilts, using the Denyse Schmidt,
 collections Picnic & Fairgrounds.  Playtime, here I come!!!

Ohhh, I should mention I am going the gang for the October Friday Night Sew In. 
Come join in, it's not too late!

First Applique...

Is finished and it only took two years!!!  Wow, finally it's done.  Darling Daughter and I started this adventure two years ago, when she came for a fall visit.  We worked on it again the next fall, when she returned. I promised, another fall would not go by without it being done, and it it is...

I love the colors and the layout, but I hate the piece.  Well, that is how it finished.  This was my first attempt at applique and had I known... I would have not let so much time lapse in between having worked on it.

 I messed up, literally.  I used spray adhesive and pins, lots of them!  The piece over time and lots fondling during the quilting process began to loosen and while I noticed it,  I didn't realized what was happening and it stretched.  

 

  The end result is the piece, did not remain flat and taunt and in looks rolly. It was too late, to do anything  at this point.  I was not starting, all over. I had too much time vested and I would just finish it. IF... I ever make the attempt to applique again,  I  will keep at the quilting until the piece is done. I hate life's lessons, especially when it can be prevented!

The bag, is in the mail...

I finished my X-mas swap bag.  I am only going to show the back and inside.  I want the front to be a surprise to my partner, just in case she reads my blog.  Trust me, the fun is on the front side!

Just a peek...

I didn't meet a deadline and I am doing my best to make up for that!

  So, here is just a quick peek of what

I am working on...

Milestones...

Warning... This post drags, blah, blah, blah...

I mentioned in my last post that I had set my "focus" on something this summer.  Well, that focus has been me!  I had a reality check this spring when we had visitors and pictures were taken, I was appalled...I literally gasped when I saw them.  I later had my own pitty party and shed tears over what I had seen.  I hardly recognized myself and no, I won't share those pictures. I was out of control and knew the only way to fix it was going to be through myself. This I know...If you do what you always did, then you will get what you always got!

I also, had a milestone birthday approaching and knew I had to leave my 40's behind and go into my 50's feeling better.

It began slow through proper nutrition and exercise, I have lost over 35lbs and figure I am about halfway to where I need to be.  I want to get to a weight that I can maintain and feel comfortable carrying.  The number is not important to me but,  how I feel.

Though diet was my main focus I also, incorporated exercise.  I have always enjoyed walking but wanted more of a challange.  I wanted an accomplishment!  I decided I would train to run my first 5k.  Well, last week I turned 50 and today, I celebrated!!! 


I ran my first 5k and I am tickled to say I completed it!!! I wasn't the fastest but, I found my pace and ran my race!  I finished the run without stopping and it felt great!!! The camera man didn't see the extra batteries I had set out so, there were no finish line pictures but, I do have a medal to prove!


 
I had told SO, that I did not want anything for my birthday but time.  I wanted to hang with him over the weekend.   We have both had a rough summer with obligations at work and have not had much together time.  We even took seperate vacations to visit our kids.  We could not coordinate our time off together, that sucked!
 
SO, told me not to make plans... as he had a surprise.  We were going to be out of town over night.  I asked him what I needed to pack and he said, casual would be fine.  Then he did drop one hint, Galena!  That is Galena, Illinois.  I love this area, it is so beautiful.  Picture perfect!
 
About halfway there, he called to confirm his plans.  I could see on his face, it was not good!  The weather was not going to cooperate and they were cancelling the evening flight!
 
This is what was planned...

We tried again the next moring but again, the weather did not cooperate.  I was touched by the fact that SO, wanted to give me a memory for my 50th Birthday.  We did make memories...

We had a nice dinner, and meandered  in and out of the quaint shops that line the curvey main street.  This town is so romantic and full of ambiance...

We also, took a run down the alpine slide...

This was so fun, you ride the sleds down the run, which decends a half mile down the hills to the bottom where the Mississippi River lies, across the river is Iowa.  Again, views are breath taking.  Then you ride the chair lift back up and do it again!
 
I had a terrific time with SO and I am happy to have celebrated another birthday.  There was a time I despised them but, now I embrass them!!!
 
I am promising, quilty things to come!