More Proud Moments

Over the past several days, I have been so pleased to see projects finished or the tops done from several classes. Here are a few pictures.

First is a completely hand-pieced Mariner's Compass done by Sue S. She machine embroidered Bible verses in the four corners, as well as the compass points. It is absolutely amazing! Well done, Sue!


Next is the Monthly Bliss 2 hand-piecing sampler done by Lori M. She had a black, white and red quilt for MB1 and decided she wanted more color last year. It is beautiful--always remember that the poor photos are strictly my fault. It was wonderful to see you and your wonderful quilt, Lori!


I have been busy with lots of classes the last few weeks. And scheduling even more for the summer months. I will be updating my website in the next few days to reflect those changes.

Another author you should read is Sandra Dallas--she has not written a single book I haven't loved.

Here are a couple nature photos for your amusement. First is photo of fungus growing from a tree stump. It is so intricate!


And there is a pair of cardinals who have been visiting me -- or rather the trees in my backyard. What a treat to see the vibrant red! I have columbine in blossom, bleeding heart, narcissus, lily of the valley and lilacs. The air is redolent with scent of the lilacs, especially when the weather is a bit warmer (we are expecting frost again tonight).

Remember how special you are and spread some joy around.

In God we trust!

Hugs,
Sharon

More Books

Just a quick post tonight--with a few new books that should be on your "Must Read" list.

The Lost Quilter by Jennifer Chiaverini--excellent

The Guild in the Granary by Alma Lynn Thompson (McDiggs Publishing). A mystery that you cannot put down.

Anything by James Grippando

The Agatha Raisin series by M.C. Beaton

The Jack Reacher series by Lee Child

The Shenandoah series by Emilie Richards

Anything by Earlene Fowler; she's probably my most favorite author, especially with the Benni Harper Mystery Series, which is quilt-based.

If you haven't tried audio books yet, give them a try. It took me a while to get used to "just listening", but audio books are great in the car or while you are doing some unexciting stuff. I listen to a lot of things I might not take time to read in print. It is almost like a vacation for your mind because it concentrates on the spoken word, not the 5 billion other things you are usually thinking about!

Are you remembering to smile? In these tough times, a smile from anyone is welcome. And, I'm passing this along for your consideration: On the back of our envelopes let's write "In God We Trust". It seems that the government wants to take that phrase off our money. As most of America is Christian based (at least the last I knew), let's stand up and be counted. It costs nothing, but lets people know where we stand.

Can you believe it?!?!?! I actually did get posts up three days in a row!

Stay safe and keep quilting!
Sharon

Pennsylvania Dreaming

On April 21 I drove to Monaca, Pennsylvania, to teach and lecture at the Beaver Valley Piecemakers Quilt Guild. I had been there many years ago (we think it was at least 8 years ago!) and it was good to see so many familiar faces. On Wednesday, I taught over 20 women how to applique my Lily of the Valley block--it was great fun and they learned to make 1/8 inch stems, appli-pieced leaves and so much more.


That night I did my "Hot Stuff" trunk show, which features chile pepper quilts and lots of other quilts both pieced and appliqued. It was good to see Maxine, the lady I stayed with on my previous trips. She is just delightful!


On my way out of the church after the trunk show, I had a chance to walk to this small park in Beaver. The statue was very beautiful--the pictures do not do it justice. There are always so many cool things to do and see in any area, but I'm working--so night pictures are what you get from this trip!

On Thursday, Hand Quilting Sharon's Way was the order of the day and over 22 women learned to quilt without poking their underneath finger and with no hoop or frame. No it is not stab stitch! As a former student said: "It changed my life!" She and another student had both won awards on quilts they had hand quilted with my method! You can't ask for anything better than that!

It was a wonderful trip. Thanks, Linda, for booking me, and many thanks to all who made the trip such a success.

If you haven't read the comments about the dual bathtubs on the last post, take a peek. They are too funny and as good an explanation as I have found. Unless the "enhanced" parts now don't leave room for the second person in the same tub! (I can't believe you said that, Callie--no more catnip for you--bad kitty!)

Til tomorrow--when more astounding things will be forthcoming to amuse and/or bemuse you, dear readers.

Hugs,

Sharon