What's on My Design Wall and My Mind

Welcome 2017.   Yes, I know I am late at welcoming in the new year on my blog as well as I have not written on here for quite some time.  Life just gets in the way of blogging.  Family definitely has taken a front row in my priorities.  I have decided I will blog and share when time allows.  There has also been one other issue that has kept me from blogging and that is unkind words from readers.  I know others have dealt with it, including one of my favorite bloggers, Bonnie Hunter.  I wasn't prepared to deal or accept the criticism so I shied away from dealing with it.  Time away from blogging has helped but more importantly positive reinforcement from friends stating that they missed reading and picking up tips on quilting from the blog, has helped. 

So I am back for now and see how things progress from here.  👉👉👉

On my design wall is a Quilt of Valor.  I had bought two jelly rolls of patriotic fabrics and planned on making these into Quilts of Valor.  There will be a Quilt of Valor ceremony in our town on March 24th.  I am trying to have two quilts made for the presentation. 

The pattern is Barns and Terraces from Quilters Garden Quilt Shop in Princeton, IL.  You can find their online store at www.quiltersgardenonline.com.  I am also working on Women of the Bible Block of the Week with Quilter's Garden.  (This is not a paid ad.  They are my local quilt shop and I support them whenever possible.)  Visit them on Facebook to find the free pattern.  You can also get announcements of the blocks by signing up for their newsletter.  I am sewing my blocks scrappy.  Each week I dig into my scrap drawers and pull fabrics.  My Tuesday Tip will about that subject tomorrow.

I hope you will join me when possible during 2017.  I have missed chatting with many of you and hope to hear from you on a regular basis.  Let's all lift up one another with positive feedback.

Yours in quilting,

Terry

Design Wall - Frigid Temps

Its not fit for man nor beast today.  I am thankful for a warm home, running water, and electricity.
I am praying my husband will have a safe day at work and traveling home.  He works in Rock Island, IL, about 65 miles from our home.  Interstate 80 was clear on his trip to work but the car thermometer read -20 without the wind chill.  We also have about a foot of snow on the ground.  I don't remember these frigid temps since about 1983, when I had frozen water pipes and lost the walls in our bathroom due to water damage.

Yesterday's view of snow.

 

Last night most of the factories closed in town and the schools are closed.  Several roads were closed due to drifting.  Today the County closed their offices and the State offices are closed throughout the state.  That never happened the 34 years I worked for the state. 

 

This morning I actually slept in until 9 am, now that never happens.  I hopped out of bed and got going quickly as the dogs were barking with their legs crossed.  After getting them let out and then warmed up, I tackled the dirty dishes in the sink.

 

Finally, headed down to the sewing studio.  I had set out my two blocks for Quilter's Garden 2013 Block of the Month.

This is block 15 called Luther's Landing designed by Carol Hopkins Designs.

Block 16 is called Emancipation Proclamation by Evonne Cook of Clothesline Quilts.

By completing our blocks each month, we get our names put in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate.  That has been a great motivator and I have been blessed with winning a couple of times throughout the year.  My friend, Kathy O., encourage each other by texting back and forth.  She is also trying to finish her blocks today.  It will be interesting to see if we have our Garden Club meeting as the weather may interfere with travel.

 

I have also worked a little on my Celtic Solstice, chain piecing HSTs.

Slowly I go, step by step!  I know I will love it when its done and love the reveal of the pattern completion.  I have thrown last year's mystery, Easy Street, on the bed and love seeing its bright, cheery colors keeping us warm each night.

 

Today I have linked up with Judy at Patchwork Times and Bonnie at Quiltville Snips & Quips.

 

Yours in quilting,

Terry