Lightening Strikes

Let's just say it has been a very long week.  Eight days ago, we had the hugest thunder and lightening storm I can remember. The lightening was too close for comfort and we lost our internet, garage door opener, and our HRV system (the system that circulates air through our house to keep it dry). The internet has finally been fixed (TODAY) and the other two are still with the insurance company to get sorted.

 

While I was away from the wifi and not able to post anything, I made piles of blocks for our row by row (or sampler) project. I also finished our celebration quilt (for reaching 2,000 members), we are now at 2,700+. I will release this quilt when we hit 3,000. I love it. It is like nothing we have done before and I can't wait to get it quilted and on my bed.

I am excited about the next couple weeks. I am working hard to finish up all the details for the Mystery Quilt Retreat 2019. I'll be sewing, writing, and getting ready for those who are able to come. I CANNOT WAIT!!! (But I still have quite a bit to finish and have heaps of BnB guests between now and then, booked solid for the next three weeks. Oh well, keeps life interesting!

Well, back to it... the washing machine just beeped and the sewing machine is getting lonely! I also have another quilt on the cutting table for you.........

Happy Stitching!

Debi

Reveal and BIG BooBoo

I knew I would have to write a memory of a mistake sooner or later! Well, in the scheme of things, I guess it could have been way worse, but this one was totally my fault. I knew that somewhere along the way I would get my lights and darks mixed up. We are making a two colour quilt, so we can't just "make it work" by adding another colour or something. BUT, I am absolutely loving what our amazing quilters are doing with MY mistake. I am also humbled by the response I have received from the post of my mistake. I love that most just see it as a challenge to come up with a creative way to show their talent. Others are making more of the colour I mixed up on and using the leftovers of the opposite colour to add a creative flair to the back. 

I just love our group and their encouragement! Snowflake Splendour is now a "finished" flimsy to get quilted. All in all, a very good experience for me. Also a good experience for our quilters as they get to use their own creative flair to put a masterpiece together. Thanks to all of you for your gracious response to my GINORMOUS BOO BOO! You rock!

Happy Stitching!

Debi

Never a Dull Moment!

As I sit here are write directions, post clues, and watch the quilters sew, I just love the feeling of "WOW", they are so amazing. This week we are starting the Christmas Hope Table Topper/Tree Skirt/Table Runner. I designed one pattern to be adapted three ways. I can't wait to see what our quilters come up with. This is SO MUCH FUN!

 

 I decided after writing clues for Heart2Heart and the Christmas project to have a wee chocolate boost! Nothing like a couple caramel chocolate biscuits and a cuppa caramel latte to keep those creative juices flowing!! I love the time I spend at my computer to design and write, but I also love the time I get to spend sewing as well. 

I've also finished the design for the celebration quilt to honour having 2,000 members in our group. I can't wait to dig in and start cutting and sewing on that one! I love the design and it's like nothing we have done before! I just need to finish sewing on the retreat quilt (Pass the Parcel) for the Mystery Quilt Retreat in January, 2019.

The retreat if full and I have to close off the registration. I am so excited that we filled up on our first ever retreat. If you wanted to come but couldn't make it or ran out of time, just let me know and I will pencil you in for the January, 2020 retreat! I am so excited for this retreat! So many fun things to do.....

The kittens are four weeks and two days old. Who knew it could be so much fun to be a kitty nana!! We are trying to introduce kitten food to them, but they don't seem to be interested in meat, their mama must have some full cream milk that they love! Just two more weeks and the wee babes will be going to their forever homes. I will miss the sweet little darlings and will require visitation rights!! 

Thanks, wonderful quilters for making my life fun and interesting. I love you all and this community we have built. Keep those happy memories coming and those quilts rolling on!

Happy stitching!!

Debi

My New Adventures!

I have started a Facebook group called Mystery Quilts Anonymous for those quilters out there that can't get enough quilting done in a day, week, or year! These quilters have joined for the fun of a mystery and the comradery of a group. I design a quilt and then separate the instructions into four to six "clues" for the quilters to follow. At the end of the clues, they have a finished quilt top and had fun along the way.

A bit of history..

I started the group as a "page" thinking others could post to the page and we could just be a community of like minded people with a quilting love. As it turns out, no one but the admin could post, nothing else would show up! SO, on 4 July, 2018 I created the "group" Mystery Quilts Anonymous because I am a quiltaholic and am addicted to quilting. I love everything creative with a passion for quilts and teddy bears. I love to learn new things and share my loves with others. 

Who we are...

We are a group of quilters (men and women alike) who just love to piece and create lovely quilts for family, friends, and charities. We have grown into a beast of a group (at least for little me!!) that just loves sewing and creating together. One of our group posted this pic and said it reminded her of me with all our group following each clue with excitement!! Just love it! :-)

Who am I...

I am loving the new "adventure" and almost 2,100 quilters on this journey with me. I never dreamed this would be possible and I am humbled by the amount of quilters who love my designs and are following along with us. I already have a retreat planned here at our lovely home and another on the books in Canada and a couple more in the works in the USA. I love this! I am just a nana who loves quilting, my family, and fur babies (and of course, my teddy bears)!!

Well, that's me for today. I am going to journal this journey of ours and can't wait to watch everything unfold and be sewn together. Can't wait for the first retreat in January, 2019...

Happy sewing everyone!

Debi

Home Alone!

Seems I don't have a lot of time to write on the blog, I must start getting better about it!!! This week I am home without the love of my life. He is away in Australia at a boot camp for preacher-juniors. He is the keynote speaker in their camp "A Vision to Serve". He will be home at the end of the week. I know the LORD is blessing him as he is over there. I also know I am being prayed for...usually when he is away from home I am very anxious and stressed. I have been very "chill" and relaxed. I have a couple of girlfriends staying the week with me and we are just having fun hanging out and getting things done for church and ourselves.

I currently have the first ever mystery on The Quilting Company's website. I am honored to be working with them. It has been fun working through all the kinks and get it finally going! We will be putting out the first cutting and sewing clue this Friday! Too much fun for this girl! I've called this on "Stellar Elegance", it is beautiful! The next one, which I am currently working on, is "unique" according to my sweetheart! 

I have been working on another quilt. I am loving what I do. I love the time in my sewing room each day and then the quiet time in the evenings when I can pick up a teddy bear  and hand stitch for a while. I am truly thankful that after the MAJOR flood last weekend that I can sew again. My generator got waterlogged, we worked for three days before it finally started again. BUT, now I use an inverter and a car battery!!!!!

I am also working on two little bears at one time. I love these little guys! They are so so so so cute! One is Jeremiah in miniature, the other one is purple and I am loving it! Guess it is time for me to get back to cutting and preparing these units to sew. Can't wait to hear from you and know what you are working on.

Enjoy your day,

Debi

 

 

Exciting Times

As with most trials (my mini stroke three weeks ago amongst other things), God always seems to bless beyond measure. This week we are at youth camp with our 13-20 year olds. We have a good group of kids this year and God has a free hand to move in their moldable hearts. We are excited to watch Him work in their lives. Praying for His blessings this week!

I have had a migraine for three weeks (since the TIA) and was really not able to get any relief. I finally asked a doctor in our church (don't like to ask professional questions in a "friend" setting, but I was desperate) what I should do. He wrote a script for a migraine medicine that I have found to work amazingly well. God knew just what I needed. One of his nurses, that is also a good friend, told me to drink more tea (oh bother!!) for the caffeine as that will help as well. So between the two, I have only had a minor headache for two days, no more migraine, prayerfully. Thank you so much to all those who have prayed us through this trial. God is working in our lives and hearts and we are thankful. Our church has been such a blessing to us and I am thankful God has us planted here with this amazing group of people.

The Quilting Company is putting the finishing touches on the mystery quilt and I should have a proof within the next day or two. Looks like we could start by the end of this week or next week!! So excited to get going! Tiffany has been amazing to work with, communication has been easy and accommodating. Looking forward to many more in the future!

Gotta scoot, time for chapel and to minister to these young people.

Praying for His blessings,

Debi

One of THOSE weeks!

For those of you who don't know, I suffered a TIA (mini stroke) last Tuesday, 3 April. After spending a couple days in hospital, I was released to come home to rest and recover here. I have loved that. The one thing I don't like is the headache I have had since. I was crossing a busy street when all things broke loose and I was on the ground. I have a terribly bruised knee and my wrist is in a brace till it recovers. They are both soft tissue damage from the fall. We are very fortunate to have a very good doctor as a friend and he has been taking very close care of my recovery process. It is comforting knowing he is there to support my honey and me. We praise the LORD for His mercy, healing, and comfort through all this.

It has been a busy week with MRI's, CTscans, ultrasounds, tons of bloodwork, trying different meds to feel better, and getting ready for a wedding this weekend. We will be leaving tomorrow to head across the island for the wedding on the east coast. We will be back late Saturday night for church on Sunday. I think next week, I will slow down a bit and take a couple days off. 

I have another mystery going live soon on the Quilting Company's blog. I have a few things done, enough to get started. I will keep working after the weekend to finish it all up so we are ready to roll when the blog is ready. Just need to create a template and we are on our way. Teddy bears are starting to regularly sell now, so I just keep busy making them. I will be taking some on the road trip to have during down times.

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement through this icky week. May you have a blessed week with tons of love and projects lying around!

Thanks again,

Debi

Bountiful Blessings

It has been a while since I updated you on all the blessings of God on our lives. It seems that through our darkest valleys, God shines the brightest. Several things have been happening here and around the world. Firstly, about four weeks ago, my mother had another "episode", this time lasting three weeks. The first time was just over a year ago and she was away from us (like she was unconscious) for just over a week. This time however, it was three weeks. She is "awake" now but still not eating well and or moving around much. Times like these, I am very thankful for my sisters and brother who take very good care of her, with one keeping me updated on her progress from around the world. I love my parents dearly.

About a week and a half ago, our home was burgled. I lost my laptop, an old iPhone 3 I was using as an iPod, and Shane lost his iPad. We were pretty discouraged, I was very unhappy I lost my quilting and teddy bear patterns and instructions I had written. All those photos.....you know the drill. Two HUGE blessings: God used a friend in the church to supply me with a computer (new to me and better than the one I had) and my amazing husband was able to reload all the files I thought I had lost! I am truly one blessed lady.

We have been traveling to Tirau to the baby church for seven Sundays and God continues to bless with new faces for three weeks running now. Sundays are very busy with the afternoon service there, but we can see God at work here. God is using some of the local people to help with the set up and greeting of people, following the plan in His Word. The fellowship is so sweet.

In recent weeks, God has used His people to encourage, love, and bless us. There are just so many, I can't even name them all. I've even sold a bear recently and completed a quilt-along on my Crafters Thread facebook page. We will be starting a new mystery soon. I have two done and will be hard pressed to decide which one to do first!! All in all, through the challenging times and the easy times, I thoroughly enjoy watching God work in me and refining me to be more like HIM. The answers to prayer that only took a couple minutes to the answers that are still a "wait on Me" are abundant.

Blessed beyond measure,

Debi

Moving Along

Here are the instructions to the second border...Enjoy!!

Have an amazing day!! 

Debi

That First Border

Here are the instructions for the first border around our knot. I would love to see how your quilt is looking. I am working on quilting mine...I have the king finished with all four borders. Looking forward to our next quilt! You should be able to save and print from this .jpeg. 

Enjoy!!

Debi

Putting That Knot Together

Let's put that knot together now!!

Knot Quilt Along

Knot Cutting and Assembly Instructions

All measurements in this section are UNFINISHED

You will need for the 16” center:

4 x 4-1/2” x 2-1/2” black and white flying geese

4 x 4-1/2” x 2-1/2” white rectangles

4 x 6-1/2” x 2-1/2” white rectangles

4 x 6-1/2” x 2-1/2” red rectangles

12 x 2-1/2” black and white HSTs (if using a square and a diag. line 2-7/8”)

8 x 2-1/2” black and red HSTs (same as above for square/lines)

1 x 4-1/2” red square snowballed with 4 x 2-1/2” black squares

For the 24” center:

4 x 6-1/2” x 3-1/2” black and white flying geese

4 x 6-1/2” x 3-1/2” white rectangles

4 x 9-1/2” x 3-1/2” white rectangles

4 x 9-1/2” x 3-1/2” red rectangles

12 x 3-1/2” black and white HSTs (square method: 3-7/8”)

8 x 3-1/2” black and red HSTs (same as above)

1 x 6-1/2” red square snowballed with 3-1/2” black squares

For the 32” center:

4 x 8-1/2” x 4-1/2” black and white flying geese

4 x 8-1/2” x 4-1/2” white rectangles

4 x 12-1/2” x 4-1/2” white rectangles

4 x 12-1/2” x 4-1/2” red rectangles

12 x 4-1/2” black and white HSTs (square method: 4-7/8”)

8 x 4-1/2” black and red HSTs (same as above)

1 x 8-1/2” red square snowballed with 4-1/2” black squares

I am assuming you can assemble these without instructions, if you have any trouble, just let me know and I will certainly add the assembly instructions.

Your RED SQUARE snowballed with black corners will be surrounded with HST as shown in the following pictures. First sew the two side HSTs together, blacks touching. Then sew to the sides of your snowballed square.

Following the pic for the top and bottom, sew those HSTs together, then add to the top and bottom of the snowballed square.

You should have used all your black and white HSTs at this point.

Working with the red and black HSTs now, sew two together blacks touching, and add one of your longest red rectangles to make a long strip. We will be adding these with a partial seam. Working with the first one: sew it to the side of the center, only sewing down about a quarter of the way.

 

Working on the top now, sew on the top strip completely, followed by the left side and bottom. You should now be able to finish sewing down the right side we left open from above.

You should have used all your black and red HSTs at this point.

Using your black and white flying geese: sew your longest (6-1/2”, 9-1/2”, or 12-1/2”) white rectangles to each side of two of the flying geese and your middle (4-1/2”, 6-1/2” or 8-1/2”) white rectangles to each side of the other two flying geese. Add the shorter strips to the sides then the longer of the two strips to the top and bottom.

You should have nothing left over now.

Knots All Around!

Well, I've tried this way to get the .pdf on Facebook for you to start your quilt for our Knot Quilt Along, but it didn't work. I will keep trying, when I have found a way to give you a pdf, I will let you know. I've posted a pic here so you can refer back to it when you are choosing your colors. I used "black, white, and red" in the requirements. My suggestion is that you make the colors have a huge contrast. Bigger contrast...bigger WOW factor!

Knot Quilt Along

You have three size choices for your center. I have designed it such that it is easy for me to make bigger or smaller. You may choose your center (the knot) to be 16 inches, 24 inches, or 32 inches, since it is a square. I made the king and used the 32 inch center. I will also be giving you multiple choices on your borders. If you use a smaller center, you will need to use a smaller measurement on your borders as well.

I used red, black, and white. White is the background in my knot, but the black becomes the background for the borders. You can flipflop, or choose any colors you wish. You have a pic of what the finished product looks like. I find it easier to choose fabrics when I’ve seen the finished quilt.

OK, these requirements are for the ENTIRE quilt, not just the knot. These are probably on the generous side. I have guestimated on the 24 and 16 inch centers based on what I used for the king and a bit of math thrown in! Here are your fabric requirements…

For the 16 inch center knot:

Black 3 yards

White 1 yard

Red 2-1/2 yards

For the 24 inch center knot:

Black 4-1/4 yards

White 1-1/2 yards

Red 3-1/4 yards

For the 32 inch center knot:

Black 5-1/2 yards

White 1-3/4 yards

Red 4-1/4 yards

We will be making the center knot first, then adding borders. You can choose which borders to do or not to do, but I’m not sure if I can keep up with your math. I am willing to help sort everything out, just let me know when you need help!!