Spring in the Pacific Northwest

Spring is slowly coming to the Pacific Northwest, or so they tell me. The news reported that this April is the coldest ever recorded! I am remembering my winter trip to Hawaii and all the flowers.
I’m not a gardener, I have no idea what types of flowers I photoed, but they were all breathtaking! I enjoyed just looking at the plants and seeing the different forms of the flowers. It’s amazing to see the sheer variety in nature.

Alzheimer's Illustrated: From Heartbreak To Hope

Alzheimer’s Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope premiered at the Hands Across the Valley Quilt Show in Amherst, MA last month.

It was the first time the exhibit was seen (even by those who created it) in its entirety. After two years in the making, it was especially gratifying. Knowing how many people contributed in so many ways was also very humbling. The quilts received a very warm welcome.


#25 quilted by Melody Crust

The Magazine Lady

I had a visit from the Magazine Lady, Becky Stefanoff. If you live in the greater Seattle area, she is interested in buying old magazines, books and patterns. You can contact her at 253-380-2284 or email BeckyStefanoff@msn.com.
I received real money! I'm going shopping!

Not in Seattle? Then you might be interested in buying old patterns, books or magazines. You can find her on EBay at Yardage Guy.

Tips for beading in the air or on the road

• Take a needle threader that has a thread cutter attached if you are worried about flying with scissors.

• Use shorter lengths of thread and learn to pull your needle with the point facing you. Your seatmate will appreciate it.

• Thread a bunch of needles ahead of time if you have trouble threading in a bouncy car or plane.

• Use a small tin, with a tight fitting lid. Close the tin after picking up beads on your needle when you are in a moving vehicle. (Seed beads could fly everywhere on a bumpy road or when a plane hits turbulence!)

• Wrap a bit of Scotch Tape, sticky side out, around your finger and dip it in your beads so you won’t have to open and close the tin as often.

Finding Spring!

Spring is one of the four temperate seasons, the transition period between winter and summer. Spring and "springtime" refer to the season, and broadly to ideas of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. The specific definition of the exact timing of "spring" varies according to local climate, cultures and customs. I am ready, but the weather just isn't cooperating.So I went to the nursery to find Spring!

Quilt Show - Eye Candy Quilts

Infinite Variety - Embroidery Highlights

Just as beloved at this time were white quilts embroidered in red and white designs from storybooks, nature, national exhibitions, and famous people.In the early 1880's magazines began printing outline drawings that could be copied and embroidered on fabric, and by the end of the century there were also preprinted squares for embroidery that could be purchased singly or in sets.

Infinite Variety - for Fundraising

By the end of the nineteenth century, red and white became the preferred color combination for quilts made for fundraising. Donors would contribute money (often ten cents) to have their names included on a quilt that might then be sold or raffled in order to raise more funds. Usually the quilts were made of white fabric and were embroidered with colorfast Turkey red thread. The Red Cross quilt - a natural for this color combination - became especially popular during World War l.

This was one of my favorite quilts. The hand prints were all children's, with their names and ages embroidered on to the quilt.

Infinite Variety for Children

Mrs. Rose's collection included a few small quilts too.