I'm not posting, but that don't mean I'm not busy!

                       :-)

It's been awhile since I posted...I have not forgotten you, but I have been working on a myriad of surprise projects!   I've done a some pattern testing for someone special, and I just can't show you things yet.
But she didn't say I couldn't give you a sneak peak!!!

 

And

 There is one more, that I just can't share. 

;-)

I'm also getting ready for a quilt retreat next month in Elmira New York. I am flying there to meet my blogging and Quilted Table (Yahoo group) buddy, Sharon and her gang. Let me just say I am so excited about this trip. I was asked to come up with a secret project for them to work on while we are there.  I put on my thinking cap, and let just say...I am very excited to see their reaction!

 

Here are some of the fabrics I am using, but that's the only hint your their getting out of me!   Oh I feel like I'm on a covert mission or something. So many secrets...so little time!

So what do you talk about when you can't talk?

How's the weather?

While we are still in that loop of a few days of nice spring weather, then a day of snow... There is an end in sight. These photos were taken a couple of weeks ago, when we had some heavy fog for a few days. I love sitting at home taking photos as opposed to driving in the stuff!   LOL!

 

That's about all for now. 

                                                         :-)

Think Ruffles Blog Hop Winner

Our feathers have been ruffled, our chips have got ridges...everything under the sun has been ruffled. Was this just too much fun or what?

I promised a give a way, and with the help of Random.org.  # 11 was picked as my winner.
                                                 
                                ****************

KarenMarch 7, 2014 at 3:03 AM

Watch out! Every moose will want one if they see this!!
Your St Pat's moose is delightful. Great idea!

                                ****************

Congrats Karen. I will get your package in the mail to you!

Sorry for the late post today. I am still adjusting to my new midnight shift hours. Whew, when you are this old it get harder!   LOL!!!

I also got some very exciting news today, that took me away from my computer...
Remember my old Moosie sewing machine, the one that bit the dust? Well, it's been 2 months but Bernina did not let me down. Parts came in for it finally. I think it was on the slow boat getting here, but it's all good, cause Moosie has new life breathed into her!   I picked her up today, and she us just beautiful.   Happy dance, happy dance!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend. I've got some serious sewing to do now that moosie is back!
                                                              :-)

Think Ruffles Blog Hop

Amy and Madame Samm, are determined to stretch our creative minds aren't they now!

...

I thought and I though, and that light bulb came on!

Now, did we just see a moose in a tutu, drinking green beer??????

It must almost be St Patricks day!

Thank you girls for pushing us to our creative limits!

What else can I say!

:-)

Give a way time!

A fun little raggy purse is a great stash buster.

Leave me a comment telling me about your favorite

St Patty's story!

I will pick a winner on Mar 14th, the last day of our hop.

A big thanks to Amy and Madame Samm for another fun filled hop.

I just don't know where we would be without you two girls!

Please make sure you stop in and visit my fellow bloggers today.

Let 's see what kind of a light bulb moment, they all had!

March 7^th

Ridge Top Quilts

Elizabeth Coughlin Designs

Just Let Me Quilt

MooseStashQuilting

Childlike Fascination

It Seams To Be Sew

Meadowbrook

Mardi Gras

That time of year when you can unleash your crazy side and let the good times roll. I found this pattern that allowed me to do just that.

Yes I did, I played and went crazy.  It all started with this fun pattern from The Quiltery. You know, one of my favorite pattern places!   This "Masquerade Ball" pattern just screamed Mardi Gras to me!

 

These wild women

 

are what Mardi Gras is all about!

I chose a background fabric that had some poly in it. (my bad) Then I used a poly thread, that actually shrunk up a bit when I put an iron to it. Lemons for some, but lemonade for me!  It sparked that crazy "texture" thing inside me. I decided it was time to throw caution to the wind and just go for it.

I've been trying to break out of "my" box of boring borders a bit. Now was the time to do something I had never done before. I started by drawing out these shapes on paper. I traced them to my borders, stretching them by eyeball, (oh so technical, I know) when needed.

 And started quilting away. When I was done, it was just so flat looking.  I decided to go back over things with a silver metallic thread.  It was a subtle change, that made a big difference in the end!
Who knew...

 

I definitely need more practice on framing in my borders, but it wasn't too bad for a first time.

And I couldn't have had more fun!!

 

Don't you love this big mask in the corner?

And when it comes to texture...

my heart goes pitter-pat every time I look at this.

Yes, this is the quilt that "did in" my favorite Moosie sewing machine. 

I guess all that quilting and re-quilting was about all her poor little heart could take!

:-(

May you RIP...

But on a brighter note:

 New Orleans hosts the Mardi Gras celebration.  A celebration that lasts over 2 weeks. The parades started last Saturday!  I've never been, but I have heard the stories!  Some are legendary, and I won't share the names to protect the innocent! LOL!!  Feel free to share your tales from the "Big Easy" though!  (if you dare)   :-)

Grow your own blog hop winner

It's been a fabulous few weeks visiting over 500 blogs! I've made many new friends, and look forward to seeing what the year has to bring for them. Hope you have found it as inspirational as I have.

 I promised a give a way... and today is the day!

Random.org tells me that #43 is the winner

trudieJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:41 PM

I just joined your blog and am looking forward to many more posts. I,too, started my blog about a year ago to track my own progress throughout the year. Sometimes life gets hectic and my posts are way late but that's ok too. Feel free to visit me at grammysstudio.blogspot.com

Congratulations Trudie. I've sent an email to get your mailing info, and will get your package on it's way to you!  Thanks "sew" much for being a new follower.

                             A big thanks to all my followers, new and old!
                                                        :-)