Please Read This

A long-time admirer of Susan Branch, I am always thrilled when there is a new blog post.  Her artwork is beautiful, as is her photography and general life philosophy.  I stopped in today and was fascinated by her post.  You can access it here Susan Branch.  

Lots of food for thought, interspersed with grace and beauty.  Check it out!

Blissfully,
Sharon


P.S.  There are still a few places left in my Care and Feeding of Your Featherweight class on Saturday, September 30, 10:30-2:30, at Patchwork Plus in Marcellus.  For more information or to register, call 315-673-2208.  Your machine will thank you!

Mark Your Calendars!!!!

This is a quilt show you do not want to miss!  The Tompkins County Quilters Guild always does a great job with their show.  And check out the silent auction for a small gem you can't live without!

Here's the pertinent info:

Is it hot enough?  I know some of you are enjoying it and wishing it had happened during usual summer months.  Can you imagine being in an un-airconditioned classroom trying to learn something as your brain melts and leaks out your ears?  Me either....

Blissfully,
Sharon

The Unspoken Word...

never does harm.

Lajos Kossuth

Oh No...

I think they're gaining on me!!!!

Yep, here come those turkeys now!!!!

HeHe!  I just couldn't resist.  Hopefully that will start off your day with a smile.

Just taking a moment

Diane G. was right on the money for the location of yesterday's picture--Alexandria Bay, NY, near the International Bridge.  A little somthing/something will be headed your way.  

And Pat B. wasn't far off the mark!

It was a beautiful time to be near the water.  What beautiful colors; love the shadows.

I stayed at the lovely Pinehurst on the St. Lawrence.  You can find out more about it at www.pinehurstcottages.com.  

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Blissfully,

Sharon

Where was I?

Here's a hint. I was near water and a bridge!

A Look Back

Happy students from the April skill-builders class. And, yes, we used half- and quarter-square triangles cut to the correct size. No trimming but the dog-ears! And those points are sharp! Great job, ladies!!

Dickens

Kitty in a box!

Stuff to Ponder

"It is a friendly heart that has plenty of friends."  William Makepeace Thackery


"He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything."  Arabian Proverb


"To speak kindly does not hurt the tongue."  Proverb


"The willingness to take risks is our grasp of faith."  George E. Woodberry


"The way to gain a friend is to be one."  Jules Michelet


And my favorite:  "It takes a long time to become young."  Pablo Picasso


Blissfully,
Sharon

Awww, Go Sit on It!

Blissfully laughing,
Sharon

Sometimes they have you outnumbered

Blissfully smiling,
Sharon

It's all in the details

Miss Quilty Manners Says...

The first week of September...looked forward to with great anticipation by all parents of school age children.  No one wants to rush the summer, but....

For many of us, the new year begins in September, not January.  I know that when I am scheduling quilting classes, I consider a "term" from September to June.  And that means a new "term" is beginning!

Let's review "Workshop/Classroom Etiquette"!  Feel free to share this with ALL students, quilters or not.

Students may not be aware of ways in which they may inadvertently disturb classmates and teachers. Here are some suggestions to help you.

1. Arrive on time; and if you must leave early, do so quietly. Let the teacher know that you will be leaving early, but do not request extra time of her because of that. Do not abuse the teacher's class time with problems concerning unrelated personal quilting projects. Be prompt when returning from lunch or break.

 2. Be alert; listen to the teacher the first time she says it. Then, if you do not understand, you can ask questions. Refrain from answering questions for the teacher.

 3. Need help? Ask the teacher, not your classmates. Not only will you get the correct information but you will not distract a fellow student. Raise your hand when seeking assistance from the teacher; but don't monopolize her time.

 4. Keep talking to a minimum and do not interrupt or talk while the teacher is lecturing. Excessive talking distracts both your classmates and the teacher. Try not to repeat instructions out loud. 

5. Be prepared. Have all necessary materials and equipment listed for your workshop/class. You are responsible for obtaining and bringing your own materials. You may want to assemble a "traveling" bag that contains your basic sewing tools (i.e., scissors, markers, thread, etc).  The number one rule for your dedicated traveling bag?  Do NOT remove anything from it while you are at home!  That's how supplies for class are forgotten.

6. If you must have liquids with you, they should be in spill-proof containers.  Murphy's Law says that spilled drinks always end up on your classmate's work, never yours. If you bring food, try to make it something that you can eat quietly and neatly.

 7. Even if the class is not your cup of tea (too hard, too easy, not what you expected), don't spoil it for others. Attitude is catching! You can always learn something! 

8. The workshop/class handouts are not to be copied or taught without the teacher's permission.

9. You enrolled in the workshop/class because you wanted to learn from this particular teacher. If your usual procedure is different than what is being presented, try the new way.  You may find that you like it better, or that  there is a part that you can incorporate into what you normally do.  

Now let's go learn some new stuff!  Happy fall, everyone!

Blissfully,
Sharon

Coming Soon to a Tree Near You

Fussy Cutting

Why is it that I never tire of fussy cutting fabric?  These horses were a perfect fit for these 1.5 inch hexagons.  I am embarking on a hexagon journey to make almost 200 3-inch finished hexagon blocks for a fairly large quilt.  I am using the theme of "These are a few of my favorite things" and this was the first block I did.  I have around 50 done now.  The fabrics for each block are chosen independent of others that have been made.  If variety is the spice of life, this quilt will be TANGY!

Enjoy your Labor Day!

Blissfully,
Sharon

More Quotes

"You will never "find" time for anything.  If you want time you must make it."  Charles Buxton


"Every day should be distinguished by at least one particular act of love."  Johann Kaspar Lavater


"Allow yourself to enjoy each happy moment in your life."  Steve Maraboli


"A happy life is one sent in learning, earning, and yearning."  Lillian Gish


Blissfully,
Sharon

Who Knew!

Truthfully, I didn't!  Slugs (who don't have shells) eat most of my iris blossoms and leaves, and do quite a bit of damage here.  But a bit ago, I found this snail ascending my door frame (outside!).  Photo op!

Check out the cool patterning on the pale parts and on the shell.

This is the best pic of all!  

September already.  Labor Day Weekend.  Yes, I'm still quilting.  Yes, I am still horsing around.  Lots of news to share over the coming days.  But I thought this would really get your attention ;-)

Blissfully,
Sharon