ONE LOOSE THREAD

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

2012-02-03T10:58:00.002-05:00

Regarding May Mester Classes:

The minimum number of students for the classes to 'make' is 10. If we do not have 10 to register for a class, then that class will be cancelled. If we do not get enough to sign up for both classes then we will cancel the retreat or convert it to a 'sit and sew'. That is why you need to register before March 30, which is the cut off date for registration.

Since we know (I sure hope so) that both classes will 'make', you need to know that supply lists will be sent out the first week of April, 2012.

I will have both teachers available by email to assist you with fabric selections.

Good One Block Wonder Fabric

Any questions?

EXTRA!!! EXTRA!!!! EXTRA!!! READ ALL ABOUT IT !!

2012-02-01T09:05:00.002-05:00

ONE BLOCK WONDER WILL NOT BE OFFERED DURING FALL RETREAT. Sooooooo, if you want excellent instructions on this amazing quilt, you need to register and attend May Mester with One Loose Thread. Beth Karr will show you how to put the wonder in the One Block Wonder.

Also available: the fantastic Sara Quatlebaum is teaching the LONE STAR. You want it spiral? OK. This one was done by Stephanie.

You want more a traditional Lone Star? This one was done by Gerri.

Sara will walk you through either design.

Register now for this fantastic gathering of quilters. Meet new quilters and become one of the 'Frayed Knots'!!

I look forward to hearing from you. This is gonna be loads of fun!!

What is a 'One Block Wonder'?

2012-01-22T15:44:00.006-05:00

This is a 'One Block':

It was constructed using this fabric:

This is a 'One Block':

It was constructed using this fabric:

Come join me and the 'Frayed Knots' as we learn how to easily construct this quilt. No 'Y' seams, all straight sewing. Beth Karr will lead you through and we will have a ball.

May Mester-------------May 7 - 10,2012

PS. Next find out about Spiral Lone Star or Regular Lone Star. Stay tuned.

One Block Wonder & Spiral Lone Star

2012-01-09T09:55:00.000-05:00

It's time to register for:
Maymester Classes
May 7 - 10, 2012

Check out the Maymester tab at the top of the page and register now. This is going to be a lot of fun.

One Block Wonders as taught by Beth Karr

Spiral Lone Star as taught by Sara Quattlebaum

This is something everyone has been asking for. Classes that have not been available for sometime. Both of these ladies are wonderful teachers and the quilts they are teaching are spectacular!!

These classes will be 2 jam packed days of fun, and 3 nights of sewing in your pajamas.

For the first time, One Loose Thread welcomes day students for these classes. Check out the registration form on it's page by clicking on the tab at the top of the page.

Any questions, just email me at 630p@bellsouth.net.

If your registration form will not print 'nicely', then email me and I will send you a nice, neat copy.

I am really looking forward to this time together.

Let's go Sew!!!

Happy New Year !

2012-01-02T19:58:00.001-05:00

What a wonderful year 2011 was. I retired from Dental Hygiene and really went to work on One Loose Thread Quilting.

Now I get to spend each day with Olivia:

Then I hosted Quilt Camp in February and it was Mardi Gras.

It was hot in August , but the 'Frayed Knots' stayed cool and sewed away in the beautiful chapel at Gravatt.

After that the 'Frayed Knots went to the coast and Camp St. Christopher on Sea Brook Island.

In between I have quilted many quilts and met so many new quilters. It has been a wonderful year and I want to thank everyone for making it so.

During 2012 One Loose Thread will be doing some new things and one will be a 'Teaching Retreat' in May. The dates have been set for May 7-10, 2012 at Bishop Gravatt Conference Center outside of Aiken, South Carolina. Our two teachers will be Sara Quattlebaum and Beth Karr. I know that Sara will be teaching 'Spiral Lone Star', however I am not sure what Beth will be doing yet. We are looking at 2 wonderful quilts for Beth and will let you know later this month just what it will be.

I hope to take the 'Frayed Knots' back to St. Christopher again and we will be 'Sewing in the Summer' in August at Gravatt again.

While all of this is going on I will still be quilting for others so, if you need a longarm quilter, give me a call. Whether it be a pantograph, custom quilting, or show quality quilting...............Let's talk. I also have a good inventory of Dream batting for purchase, so if you need some just let me know.

Yes, 2011 was a wonderful year. Now bring on 2012------------It's going to be AWESOME!

Yep, LET'S GO SEW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hints for quilt labels

2011-12-24T11:50:00.002-05:00

Just thought that I would stop for a minute and give you one of my hints for applying labels to quilts. I have to do three for the Grandchildren right now. So, here goes.
First hint:
I print on printer ready fabric. I insert a picture that was taken during the year. Included on the label is the childs name, the name of the quilt pattern(approximate), the date, my name and the city and state.

Second hint:
Don't wait until the last minute to apply the label

Third hint:
Press under the edges of the label. Then, add a large piece of fusible (Wonder Under or other) in the center of the back of the label.

Fourth hint:
Press the label onto the back of the quilt. Then take your quilting thread and a needle and blind stitch all the way around the label to truly attach it.

OK, gotta go get all of these sewn on.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Let's go Sew!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas rush??

2011-12-07T13:46:00.001-05:00

I am not really in a rush. I think that I have scheduled everything pretty well. My quilts are complete. This is the last of the grandchildren quilts.

I guess that I need to get a picture of the quilting. Gee, have to do that before I wrap it.

I do have to get 3 labels done. I normally like to print a picture of each child from the year on the label that goes with their quilt. It just gives us some sort of reference of what they looked like at the time.

I have managed to 'sort of' clean out the living room and dining room for the season. Just need to pull everything out of the attic this weekend and decorate. Tori is having a Miche open house here on the 17th, so have to at least get the tree up.

Although, everything was moved to the 'Goldilocks' room (grandchildren's guest room). I really need to find some space for batting. I love, love, love having all different kinds of batting from cotton to silk.

I did take some time last weekend and go to Myrtle Beach with The Tripp twins and some friends. We had a blast. We found some of the best food available on the strand. We did manage to get a lot of sewing done. Oh yes, a few adult beverages were consumed. The weather was great and we did actually see the ocean on Saturday.

OK, enough for now. I am going over to the 'Customer Quilts' page and post some of the finished quilts. I am having a blast quilting other Christmas presents......... So much fun.

Quilt Design?

2011-11-23T08:25:00.001-05:00

I spent yesterday piecing this 2 inch half square border for my Lone Star. I thought that I wanted this as a final border on my star. Now that I have it on 2 sides, I'm not so sure. I am getting the feeling that the quilt needs a heavier border as the final statement.

I do want this to be as close to King as I can get it and still use Olivia to quilt it.

With these last 2" half squares, the top will measure 104". My frame is 12 feet, so, I cant go much bigger.

I could leave the final 2" off completely and use a pieced binding.

I could take off the 2" and put on a 6" border of some special fabric that pulls all the colors together. That would make the top 112" and I can work with that on Olivia. It will be tight, but, can be done.

This gives you a closer look. I have to put this away for now and finish all of the Christmas quilts. That doesn't mean that I won't be thinking about it. Especially since I have it on the calender to put it on the frame and start quilting it on January 1, 2012. This will be a great way to start the new year.

This is the day before Thanksgiving and the kitchen is going to get real busy. I have the cornbread ready for the dressing. The oven has been cleaned and the turkey will be going in within the next couple of hours. I have a new reciepe for cranberry that I thought I would try. It uses fresh cranberries. Just thought that it might taste better than the canned stuff. The children and grandchildren will be joining us. Only makes 8, but, that's a good number. We'll have lots of left-overs for the 'to go' boxes.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving.

BAD, BAD, BLOGGER

2011-11-20T11:40:00.001-05:00

So sorry not to have been posting. I have had so much going on that I have not yet caught up. I will be getting everything together and posting several things next week.

1-Sandy's quilt is finished and she now has possession on it. For a top that she didn't like, this quilt really changed her mind.
2-Trip to Seabrook Island and Camp St. Christopher was a giant success. More on that later too.
3-Longarm group met here yesterday---Wonderful gathering
4-Quilts being finished for Christmas-------Pictures forth coming.
5-I DO HAVE SPACE AVIALABLE FOR ADDITONAL CHRISTMAS QUILTS---I don't know how long this will last, so if you need something, you need to let me know quickly
6-I hope to put my Lone Star quilt on the frame right after Christmas---cross your fingers for me as this will be a BIG under taking.

Ok, I guess that we need at least one picture, so I am going to pick something and post it here. It may or may not have anything to do with this posting.

You can't see her eyes, but they are a beautiful blue. This is Patches. She use to be a big fat cat, but, thyroid problems have taken their tole. She is still beautiful.

LET'S GO SEW !!!!!!!

The Saga of Sandy's Mystery Continues

2011-10-30T16:01:00.001-04:00

Remember this quilt. This is Sandy's mystery from February of this year. She sent it to me for quilting.

This is what it looked like on the back after I quilted it. Loved the pattern. Loved the thread color. Hated the way the stitches looked when finished.

Well, this is the way the back looks now.

This is the thread that I removed from this quilt. Of course it's only the top thread. The bobbin thread pieces are now on the grass in my back yard.

It only took 28 hours and 30 minutes to take all of the quilting out of this quilt. I am so glad that is over. Now, to decide what color and what type of thread to use to re-quilt it. I was hoping to have it re-quilted to take to Sandy next week, but, I am not sure that is going to happen.

More later,

Countdown is on !!!!!!

2011-10-27T14:25:00.003-04:00

Yes, the countdown for our trip to Seabrook Island has started. We currently have 6 1/2 days left until we leave. So, with that in mind I felt that I needed to start getting ready to go.

First up would be a "Welcome" surprise. Look at these cute little boxes that I found at the container store. Aren't they just darling? I just love the color-----you knew that I would didn't you?

What do YOU think might be in those boxes. Let me assure you it is something good. I can also tell you that it is not sweet and sour chicken.

OK, have to get back to work. I have a quilt on the frame that I need to start stitching on so that my client will have it for our St. Christopher Retreat.

More on our trip later. Now we only have 6 days to wait.

New Quilt

2011-10-26T14:51:00.000-04:00

Just took this off of the frame. It is posted on the customer page along with a close up of the back.

It's been a very good day.

Lookin' Better?

2011-10-19T14:26:00.001-04:00

Over the past few weeks I have had a number of people comment on how this looked:

See that stack of stuff on top of the storage cabinets next to the window? This picture was taken after I had taken some of the 'stuff'off.

I decided today that I would try to do something about that. I bagged up a bunch of fat quarters and UFO blocks and took them to Jane for the Logan charity quilts. I also added 2 bolts of homespun fabric that I had purchased from the Quilted Pearl when they closed. All for a good cause.

Then I loaded up all of the fat quarter drawers with their designated fabric colors. You know, red, blue, yellow, and green. Then there are the 2 drawers for black and whites, one for halloween, one for Christmas.......you get what I'm talking about.

So this is how that wall looks now:

Looks good don't you think?

I have also not shown you what Mr. OLT did for me to get my fabric bolts off of the floor.

Don't you just love these? They store perfectly under Olivia since I no longer keep batting rolls under there. He put casters on each box so that I can move them out for cleaning the floor. Love the different colors. Told him to use whatever paint we had in the house.

Look good don't they.The long yellow one is for wide backs.

Then this is how they look all loaded up:

Cool right? I love not having them leaning all over everything and in the floor. Plus, they stay so much more accessible.

Oh yes, back to the subject of the window wall. It does look so much better. However, Houston, we have a few problems.

What do I do with this?

And this?

And then there is this. I am just about to get a handle on this mess. The only problem that I have now is that batting has taken over my living room and dining room.

One thing for sure, is that this area will have to be cleaned out before the longarm group meets here next month. Of course, that was exactly why I scheduled the meeting here. If not for guild or bee meetings at my house, it would never get cleaned!!!!

At least I have accomplished something today. It has not been what was on my list to do, but, it made a visual difference in the studio.

Now to try to get things together for Pieceable Retreat.

Have a good weekend.

Time

2011-10-16T18:25:00.000-04:00

Where does time go? I sure wish I could find some that I have lost. This month is passing so fast. Next week we have QSC's fall retreat.

This is such a fantastic weekend. This year over 300 quilters will gather at White Oak conference center for classes, show and tell,meeting friends we haven't seen since last year. This is one of those times that when it's over, we are all so exhausted, but, it's a good tired, if you know what I mean. We are also inspired to go home and try some of the wonderful techniques that we have seen.

Once I get home from there: it's off to Aiken to judge the quilt show for the Carolina Pines Quilters. This is a new experience for me and I am looking forward to the challenge.

This is a show at the Aiken County Museum that will hang from November 1 - 27, 2011. This is their 31st show and sure to be a good one.

So, if you are in or around Aiken, S.C., do yourself a favor and head over to the Museum and view this free show. Lot's of eye candy.

Then we have to most anticipated event of the month.

That's right.....One Loose Thread and the Frayed Knots head to the coast of South Carolina for the first Beach retreat. We will be sewing at the Camp St. Christopher Conference Center on Seabrook Island. The 'Frayed Knots' are packed and ready to go.

On the way they will be stopping in Orangeburg, S. C. to visit with the folks at 'A Stitch in Time Again' quilt shop. A wonderful young shop with so much great fabric.

Down the road a few miles they will get to Summerville, S. C., the home of 2 great quilt shops. One is the world renoun 'People Places and Quilts' and the other is 'Sew and Sew'. Totally different fabrics and totally different shop climates.

These next few weeks will really be busy. Christmas is coming up fast and I am just beginning to realize that. What to get for the Grandchildren and for Mr. OLT? Big questions to be answered. Makes my head hurt to even think about it.

New and exciting things are happening. There is a NEW RETREAT in the works for May 2012!!!! Two fantastic teachers !! Two fantastic Techniques!!!! Two fantastic Quilts !!!!More on that soon. Just save the dates May 7 - 10, 2012!!!!!

Have a great week. Pictures from retreat when I return.

What HAVE I Been Working On?

2011-10-05T11:20:00.001-04:00

I have been working on this. I found this panel at Pieces and Patches. Audrey was using it for an embellishment class that was to be taught at her shop. I bought it thinking that I would do the same, embellish it with beads, etc. I still might do that, but, that is not what I used it for. You probably can't see it, but, I have done all types of free motion quilting all over this piece, all from the front of the machine. I tried different designs (Yes, even feathers!!), different threads, and also a different way of batting. This piece is double batted. I have warm and natural next to the back and Dream Poly next to the top. I used Bottom Line prewound in the bobbin. Top threads included: Sew Fine, Robinson Anton, Superior Natural Colors, and Fil Tec's Glide Thread.
I loved working with the different threads. I have decided that I love Glide thread and will use it in other projects. It will just glisten off the top of a quilt. Beautiful.

I really do like the body in the wall hanging with the 2 types of batting. It has structure that I feel is needed in a wall hanging. I may try using a request loft of poly next time or even using wool, depending on the end results that I want.

The prewound bobbin was really the 'trick' to use on this piece. I am lovin' these things. I have other varieties to try later, but right now, all I have tried are the ones from Superior. I have used both Bottom Line and Sew Fine in the Superior prewound bobbins. I have some from Fil Tec, but, I have not had the chance to try them with Olivia yet. I'll let you know about them later.

OK. Now I have a clients quilt on the frame. It will be a challenge that I will be working on over the next few days.

I am also working on my Lone Star Quilt. Remember this:

This is Helen's Lone Star. I have ~~added~~ pieced 3 additional borders for this top and will spend the next few days adding them to this center. During our November meeting of Devine Quilters we are to show our Lone Star's so that the committee can determine if we will have enough for an exhibit. If so, we hope to be mounting a Lone Star exhibit at the Richland County Public Library in September 2012.

I also have this Lone Star:

This was made around 2007. Sara Quattlebaum challenged me to make a Lone Star in miniature. We were doing a class out of the Jan Krentz book. So, that is just what I did. My diamonds are 1/2" wide as compared to the 2" half square triangle block that I used in Helen's star. This piece hung at the Ashville Quilt Show and won a Blue ribbon at the SC State Fair.

I hope to construct one more Lone Star this coming year. One that is not as big as Helen's and is a good size wallhanging larger than the miniature. We'll see.

OK, enough for now. We are less than 2 weeks away from QSC's Fall Retreat. I can't wait to 'pick' the brain for Karen Kendo on how to quilt several of my tops.

Hope your day is SEW beautiful,

Great New Deal on Quilt Camp!!!

2011-10-04T09:53:00.000-04:00

I have had so many requests for 2 days of Quilt Camp that I have put in a new listing for February 2012!! Yes, if you can't join us for the entire weekend-----then-------just make your reservations for Friday and Saturday night!!!! Two nights, double occupancy, in a cottage only costs $306.00. If by chance you want that as a single----- a cottage single is $406.00 !!!! Great deals for a fabulouse weekend.
I do still have openings for lodge rooms and registration is still open for them.
Look at the top of this page for a link to the registration form. Print it off and get your deposit in.
LET'S GO SEW!!!!

Great Weekend!!!!!!!!!

2011-09-25T16:01:00.000-04:00

You know you have had a great weekend when your football team won.
Goooooooo Tigerrrrrrrrs.

Also, you know you have had a good weekend when you have a great quilt come off of the frame looking really good. That's happened too.

This is Beth's sheep quilt:

I am not so sure that you can really see the quilting on this one so, this is the pantograph that I used to quilt it.

The whole project turned out great. I used King Tut in the top and Sew Fine in the bobbin and Olivia just purred.

Now, on to other projects.

By the way, I have some open time in the schedule if anyone is trying to get something done in time for Christmas. Just call me.

Design Group

2011-09-18T12:57:00.002-04:00

I was going through some old emails today and happened upon some pictures that I have not shared. We have a local group called simply 'The Design Group' that meets once a month. Sara started this group while the Quilted Pearl was still open. Once The Pearl closed we had to find another place to meet, so, we now meet at Greenhill Baptist Church in West Columbia. But, I digress.
One of our group decided some months ago that we all should make a Lone Star Quilt. This has expanded to include the Devine Quilt Guild and an exhibit at the Richland County Public Library in the fall of 2012. Back to the subject Joyce.
The pictures that I am posting here show to what extent quilters will go to have 'just the right color' in a particular area of a quilt. Helen needs some additional color or toning down of a color in this piece, so, what did she do? She brought the top and the fabric pens to Design Group and we all sat around and 'colored' the fabric.

We had a good time. We always do. We are all very opinionated and have been known to convince people to completely 'deconstruct' tops, just to change one small block. A great group of quilters of all levels.
Just thought that I would post this today, just for fun. Thanks to Jodi for taking the pictures.

Look out for 'NEW BLOGGER'

2011-09-14T08:59:00.000-04:00

Blogger has 'updated' their site and the way that we post. Many times this can cause real problems, so, please be patient as I learn how to use this new system.

Thanks,

Camp Gravatt and Auburn!!!!

2011-09-10T15:07:00.001-04:00

This is the Camp Gravatt Quilt. The blocks were designed and made by the campers and staff of Camp Gravatt. I have had the priviledge of putting this quilt together. It Looks Great!!! I just hope that it raises a lot of money at the Under the Tent Event at the end of this month.

Auburn Quilt for Jamie

This is a commission quilt for a friend. It was very difficult for him to order this quilt since he is a die hard Alabama Fan.

Hope you have a great weekend.

Spring 2012 Quilt Camp - 10th Year anniversary!!

2011-09-03T16:25:00.001-04:00

Just a note to let everyone know that all of the allotted single Motel/Lodge rooms have been reserved. However, we have plenty of Cottage singles still available.

Double Motel/Lodge are getting in short supply and I have one camper who is looking for a roommate. She currently has a double Motel/Lodge room reserved.

This is just an update. Get those registrations in soon.

Thanks,

Judy's 'Escargot'

2011-09-02T08:15:00.000-04:00

This was soooooo much fun. After a few weeks of hormonal problems with Olivia, the sun and moon aligned perfectly and she has beautiful tension once again.

This top was perfectly pieced and perfectly square. The back is pieced and even though I did not get a picture, I actually was in a position to match the centers of the backing with the centers of the top. For this day, Life is good.

Last Chance for 2011 trip to Seabrook Island, S. C.

2011-08-27T22:04:00.000-04:00

Saturday August 27, 2011:

Final posting on Beach Trip. I have 2 rooms available for you to join the 'Frayed Knots' on Seabrook Island, South Carolina. If no registrations are received I will cancel these rooms the afternoon of August 31, 2011. E-mail me for registration form. Information available by clicking Beach trip tab at the top of this page.

LAST CHANCE,

READY, SET, REGISTER !!!!

2011-08-26T08:46:00.000-04:00

Registration is now open for Spring Fling Quilt Camp 2012

Information is available here: http://oneloosethread.blogspot.com/p/quilt-retreats.html
Or by clicking on the Quilt Camp tab at the top of this page.

Registration forms are here:
http://oneloosethread.blogspot.com/p/registration-forms-for-olt-events.html
Or by clicking on the forms tab at the top of this page.

Hope to hear from you very soon!!!!!!!

Summer Fun 2-2011

2011-08-24T13:12:00.001-04:00

One Loose Thread and a group of Frayed Knots spent last weekend at Camp Gravatt. It was Summer Fun 2 and we all sewed together for a change. This was the first time in many years that this had happened. We were in the Chapel at Gravatt due to other construction so some adjustments had to be made.

The weather was August in South Carolina Hot!!!! We can certainly be thankful for air conditioning. The Chapel was a perfect 72 degrees all weekend.

We even had special, world famous, guests. Can you spot them?

I have put a smile box together of all of the pictures that Pat and I took. Jodi has some others, but, I haven't gotten those yet. Hope you enjoy these:

This photo slideshow made with Smilebox

Make a free picture slideshow

ONE TO GO

2011-08-16T19:10:00.000-04:00

I always forget how much time it takes to get everything together for Quilt Camp. It does involve more than making a reservation. We have made 2 site visits to Gravatt within the last 2 weeks. Why? you ask. Especially since we have been going there for years. Well, this time we are sewing in a different location. All of the 'Frayed Knots' will be sewing in the Chapel.

As you may remember, we have not done that since the very first year of the Gravatt retreats. This is the space that we will be using. As usual I have rented nice 6 foot tables for our sewing pleasure. so, these round tables will not be anywhere to be seen.

We will also have 3 dedicated cutting stations with raised tables to make cutting much easier on the back.

There will be 5 ironing stations with full size ironing boards and irons for everyone to use. These will be all around the room for easy access to everyone.

You should notice all of the windows around the room to let in lots of natural light during the day. Night time light will be supplied by each camper bringing at least one or two lights for their use. One Loose Thread provides the electrical reels that will extend to each sewing area. Each camper will 'feed' off of that reel with their power strip for machine and lighting.

Several people are bringing portable design walls to share so designing will be made easier for everyone. So, with all of that taken care of I could turn to the rest of the preparation.

Oh yes------FOOD------Tammy and I have been in discussion about FOOD--as we all know, that is a very important component of any retreat. She assures me, that we will have everything that we love. So, bring your appetite and leave your diet at home. South Carolina grown vegetables and fruits are on the menu, along with chicken, fried of course and fish. Other wonderful tidbits to entice our taste buds are on the menu for the weekend.

Printing to be done: Name tags, medical forms, evaluation forms, photo releases, My list, the list of stuff for the business, agenda's for each day, and other things.

I spent the afternoon getting the stuff together for the 'Welcome gift'. I collect 'stuff' all the time for this little goodie. I have soooooo much fun doing this.

Then, we have to get ready for our special Saturday night dinner. You have seen pictures of that on the blog before. We have real table cloths, candles, wine and a special menu. I always have a theme for the weekend and it all comes together on our last night at camp.

So many little details to make our weekend memorable. This is a great time and I look forward to each and every event. Actually, I am already planning for November at the beach, our 10th anniversary in February and maybe, just maybe, a retreat in the spring, we'll see.

This group of women, 'The Frayed Knots', are so special to me that they make all of this mean so much. This event will welcome 3 new 'Frayed Knots' to the group. I love it when someone new comes to one of my retreats. They are made to feel so welcome by everyone that it only take a few hours for them to feel as though they really are one of the group. So, the group of 'Frayed Knots' is growing. For that I am very grateful. The old saying "The more the merrier", well, that is really true with this group.

Feel the need to sew, have some fun, and make some life-long friendships? Come join us. Being a 'Frayed Knot' is very special.

This will be my last post until sometime next week. Please stay well and safe.

Rippit, Rippit, Rippit

2011-08-14T12:39:00.000-04:00

Remember this quilt?

Well, after looking at it for a few weeks and thinking about some of the problems that I had with it, I have decided to take all of the quilting out. Why? I'll show you.

These areas are numerous on the back of this quilt. There are other issues on the front where the stitches have skipped or broken. This has haunted me ever since I took this off of the frame. I have even stitched the binding on one side and half way stitched it down on the other. Well, this morning I decided that I just could not turn this over to a client in this condition. I am taking it all apart. That means removing the binding and all of the quilting. This will take hours and hours, but, when I put it back on the frame and the stitching is perfect I will feel much better.

So Sandy, you won't be getting this one next week. Sorry. I should have known it would bother me. However, when you do get it--------it will be perfect.

Just goes to show that you should go with you 'gut' feeling most of the time. I have wasted 2 weeks worrying about this and could have spent that time just taking it apart.

Back to the seam ripper.

Quilt Finshed

2011-08-13T13:51:00.000-04:00

Completed this little quilt for a client. She completed the top and decided that she need someone to quilt it for her, so I did it. For someone's first quilt I have to tell you that the seam allowance was perfect. The top was perfectly square. Working on this was fun.

Now, it's time to start getting everything ready for Summer Fun Quilt Camp. You can tell from the 'stuff' under the frame that it's time for camp. I am going to start by cutting 2 or 3 kits to take with me to work on. Once that is finished, I think that I will load a top on so that Olivia and I can stitch on that on Monday. In between doing that and having a birthday party here on Sunday afternoon I will start to go through and get everything together for camp. Oh yes, I did forget one thing. I will be watching GLEE in 3-D this afternoon. Piper tells me that I can't miss that!!

LET'S GO SEW!!!!!

What a Week

2011-08-07T21:50:00.000-04:00

We started our week with a birthday party last Sunday. My daughter turned 40. I am really not sure how that happened and I don't know where the time has gone, but she really is 40 years old. Rather nice young woman too. She is a practicing Dental Hygienist and a Mom to a wonderful little girl that will also be having a birthday soon.

Monday night was the Devine Guild Meeting. Our meeting did involve food, so I took a tomato pie. Not a crumb remained when it was time to go home. The food was fantastic as usual. Our program for the evening involved 3 demos. Kim and Geri did a great one on their applique techniques. Those 2 are doing some beautiful applique. Roada of course inspected it all.

Mary showed us how to piece and chop up a 9 patch and Lynn demonstrated how to inset circles. Good demos. Good meeting.

As usual Roada was welcomed by all who attended. She seems to draw a lot of attention.

Two clients picked up their projects this week and were pleased with the results. Somehow, I stayed busy and actually completed a top for another client. This is a Auburn quilt for the sister of a friend. He is a staunch Alabama fan, so, paying for this Auburn quilt will really hurt his feelings.

Mr. OLT also had a birthday this week. It was either Wed, Thurs, or Fri. we are not really sure which day. I think I know, but he says that he has legally changed the date so that it won't interfere with the President's celebration.

Friday was nail day and Roada went with me. You can read more about that later on her blog. I have not had time to load those pictures yet.

Saturday was spent trying to re-adjust the tension on Olivia. After months of perfect stitches, she stumped her toe and now her stitches look like __________ terrible. I also spent Sunday (today) doing the same thing. I put a practice piece on the frame and worked with her all day. One minute everything was wonderful the next minute it wasn't. I have an email into Pat and Richard for a 'house call'. They want me to bring Olivia to them and I just don't have time to do that with Summer Fun Quilt Camp coming up. Hopefully we can work out a time that Richard can come to Columbia. Anyone else need some service on their Gammill machine?? Maybe he could make a day of service calls around Columbia.

We are down to 10 days until Summer Fun 2. I really need to get started on everything that needs to be done for that. I will have to spend some time out in the shop taking inventory and making sure everything is in working order. There are somethings that I won't need to take this time since we will all be sewing in a new location (at least I think that we will). However, there are somethings that will have to be added for the same reason. I am really looking forward to the chance for all of us to be together in one room. It will be loads of fun. I will be at Gravatt on Wednesday to make sure that this is going to work and I'll post to the blog and facebook regarding the outcome.

OK, that's enough for now. Signing off and going nite nite.

Gravatt Construction

2011-08-04T15:21:00.002-04:00

Mr. OLT was at Gravatt Conference Center this morning. He was there to take measurements of the Chapel so that we can 'map out' the space for Summer Fun 2. While he was there he took 2 pictures of the Cole Expansion. Unfortunately it won't be complete for at least 6 more weeks. We can use it in February, but, not in August.

Thought you might like to see how it's going:

You can tell which side we are on. I don't see any windows framed into the side of the building. I haven't talked to Mr. OLT about the space so I don't know if they are framed for other spaces.

This picture makes the space look huge!!!!!! One good thing is that we will see it 'almost' completed while we are on the property for Summer Fun 2.

I also have some pictures of the Chapel building. Mr. OLT is working up a drawing to scale so that we can determine how to set things up. I'll post some of those pictures of that area later.

In the meantime, I have started a new project and I hope to have it completed before we go for Summer Fun 2. That way I will actually have something for 'Show and Tell'.

More soon,

Sandy's Mystery

2011-08-03T13:21:00.000-04:00

Just finished quilting Sandy's Mystery from February 2011. I did have some issues with the thread choice, but, fought though it. I really wanted this color thread. This pantograph is one that I really like. It is high density, but, oh so pretty.

Here are a few pictures:

Now on to the binding. She will be at Summer Fun 2 in 14 days, so she will be able to see it 'live'.

Off to stitch,

Hot off the Frame

2011-08-01T11:21:00.000-04:00

Darling baby quilt. First quilt for the quilter and look at those prairie points!!!!!! Perfect and lined!!!!

Dawn had already 'finished' this quilt by the time that I got it. Her husband (smart guy) thought that it needed more quilting. So, Dawn contacted me to see if we could get this done before her delivery date within two weeks. Sure.
I did a heart in the print blocks to tie them down and just a little scollop around the white blocks so that I would not interfere with the embroidery.

I know that it is hard to see the quilting. I used Superior's Lava in Garnet and Black (just happen to keep that in stock). This really is a cute quilt and I really enjoyed working on it.
See ya later,

Successful Weight Loss

2011-07-27T19:07:00.000-04:00

Hello,
Rocky here. I don't post often, actually October 2010 was the last time I did this. That was when Mom, Dad, and Dr. Erin put me on a diet. That was when I looked like this at 97 lbs:

And like this:

And then finally like this:

Cute huh?

Well, today I went for a weigh in. Dr. Erin was sooooooo proud of me. This is what I look like today:

Look at this new sleek body:

And here is one more view:

Cute butt don't cha think?

I am now down to a slim and trim 67.7lbs and Dr. Erin is soooooooo proud of me that she wants to make me the poster boy for the office. Mom wishes that she could try some of my special food and loose as much weight as I have.
I really have to thank Mom, Dad, and Dr. Erin. With this slim, trim, and toned new me. I now have a good chance of living a really long life.
That's it for today. See you soon.

Rocky.

Hot Enough For You?

2011-07-25T15:52:00.001-04:00

Feel the Breeze???

The Countdown has started

2011-07-24T15:05:00.000-04:00

Only 25 days until Summer Fun2 Quilt Camp !!!!!!! We are soooooo looking forward to the 18th of August.

Lot's of 'stuff' planned and lot's of fun to be had.

Massage appointments available

Still have space available for campers.

Let's look at last years event:

Personalize a free digital slideshow

It is so hard to believe that the year has passed so fast.
Enjoy the pictures.

Another Busy Week

2011-07-21T13:07:00.000-04:00

Remember this? This is the top panel of an Advent Calendar. My job was to duplicate it in triplicate. Or is that 'my job is to triplicate it'?

Well, today I finished. This is what I came up with.

They aren't exact duplicates. I used beads, buttons, and ribbons on my pieces. They are also not identical to each other. Each has it's own personality. I do hope though that Ellen likes them. She will finish the calendar using these panels.

Lot's to tell you about the trip to the AQS show in Knoxville. I will get that post together and get it up on Blogger as soon as I can.

Roada also needs to complete her stories about her trip. She has been complaining about being in her travel bag since last Saturday, so, tonight I will take her to Design Group. Maybe that will settle her down for a while.

There is one person that will be SHOCKED to see what is going on the frame. Olivia is really ready for a challenge, soooooooooooo, stay tuned.

Until later,

I'm With Roada--Roada F. Tripp

2011-07-15T21:07:00.000-04:00

I have been with Roada (Roada F. Tripp) all week. We have been in Knoxville since Tuesday afternoon, attending the AQS show, the last one in the Southeast. This has been a wonderful trip. The people that I have met are awesome. The food I have eaten has been delishous. Ya know that I love good food. The classes that I have taken have been so informative that I can't wait to work with Olivia to see what we can do together. The sad part is that AQS will no longer be holding shows in the southeast. So Sad. We have so much to share

After I get home----late tomorrow-----I will post a great smile box to share all of our experiences. Sorry no pictures at this point.

My signature is at home with Mr. One Loose Thread so:

Joyce

I'm With Roada--Roada F. Tripp

2011-07-11T22:53:00.000-04:00

You can find me for this week at:
http://www.roadaftripp.blogspot.com/

Come see what we are up to.

Joyce AKA One Loose Thread

It's All About The Weather

2011-07-09T21:41:00.001-04:00

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of driving my daughter and Piper out to the airport to tour the National Weather Service office. Piper is very interested in the weather and especially tornados.
Tori had been told that the tour would last about 20 minutes, but, we were there for over an hour. We all learned soooooo much.
We started by looking at the 'old' equipment. This is a rain gauge:

The aluminum cylinder in front is also a rain guage. The one they are looking at measures rain by weight. The one in front is measured using a 2 inch tube and a ruler.

This is the little 'house' that holds themometers for air and ground temperatures. There is also one that measures wet temperature that is then converted to humidity.

After our outside tour we were taken inside to see all of the COMPUTERS!!!!!!!!!
There was this one room that had monitors all the way around the room. Piper was shown how all of the weather systems look on the radar and how the radar really works. It was awesome. She was shown heavy thunderstorms, how they form, the different kinds, she learned about thunder and lightening. Yes, she even learned how the radar detects tornados!!!!

While we were there the weekly emergency test went out. So she was able to see how that worked and it was explained about how the test was used to test the weather alert radios.

Do you have a weather alert radio? They are not very expensive and can certainly save lives.

When it was time to leave, Piper was given all kinds of literature to continue her study of the weather. I do believe she had a great time and really learned a lot. I know that I sure did.

The people at the National Weather Service office are to be commended. Although this tour was only suppose to last 20 minutes, they picked up on the fact that they had Piper's attention and kept talking as long an she kept listening. I really appreciate them taking the time to educate a 'sponge'. We never know what will be retained or how it will affect a child in the future when we do things like this.

Of course we had to have lunch after our tour. It was my time to choose and Miyo's is one of my favorite places in Columbia. We had lunch on Forest Drive. Do you think Piper enjoyed her Mermaid Roll?

Once we finished our lunch we went to the movies. 'Judy Moody and the Not so Bummer Summer'. When did the seats in movie theaters get so hard? Of course I haven't been to the movies since the First Harry Potter film came out.

It really was a great day. Fun and educational--------just like a trip with this Grandmommie should be.

Next week-------All about our trip to Knoxville. Pat, Vicky McCormick and I are on our way,to Knoxville to the AQS show, on Monday morning. There is a shop hop starting in South Carolina this weekend and we will 'follow' the trail all the way up I-26. We'll shop in North Carolina, then into Tennessee and will arrive in Knoxville mid-day on Tuesday. That will be 2 days for a 6 hour trip. Oh what fun we will have. Stay tuned for all of the pictures as soon as I can download and get them to you.

Oh yes, by the way, we will be traveling with Roada------Roada F. Tripp. This is gonna be good.
Have a safe week.

Ready, Set, Go !!!!!!!!

2011-07-08T20:28:00.000-04:00

Packing this weekend to go here:

I have 3 days of classes scheduled with Kimmy Brunner. These are all classes regarding longarm quilting, but, the techniques can also be used with a sitdown machine.

Pat and Vicki are going with me. We are going to shop hop all the way to Knoxville. I look forward to sharing our adventures with you when we get back.

Until then: LET'S GO SEW !!!!!!!!

Batik Stars

2011-07-07T11:20:00.000-04:00

Finished this top. Such fun to work on with all of the wonderful color.

Used a fun pantograph and lively varigated thread.
Just love this quilt.

Olivia and a New Top

2011-07-04T19:53:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow morning Olivia and I will again be working on a beautiful quilt top.

In the morning I will be putting this on the frame:

That black leg at the bottom of the picture is Rocky. I couldn't get him to move.

This next picture is the backing for this quilt. It has been decided that I will use the thread in the middle for the quilting. This will look awesome. I haven't decided which pantograph to use yet, I'll do that tomorrow.

Hope you had a good 4th. We certainly did. More later this week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE USA !!!

2011-07-04T08:19:00.000-04:00

Taking today off to spend it with the family. Today is a day to swim, eat barbeque, eat watermelon, and enjoy a few adult beverages outdoors in 98 degree heat!!!!!!! The pool temperature will be that of bath water, but, it will be wet.

Have fun and stay safe!!

A New Week

2011-06-28T21:38:00.000-04:00

This is how I started Monday morning.I just couldn't walk away from this project. I have only one of the panels ready to fuse. None of these pieces are fused to the backgroung. Looks kinda cute don't you think?

I also needed to load Dianah so that I could start the quilting. The loading was accomplished during the day when I needed to stop and do something else. This is the loaded top:

On to Tuesday (today). I did not do anything on the advent panel today. I started early this morning doing the sitich in the ditch on Dianah. Working on this top today I finished the SID and also quilted the leaf motif in 12 on the interior blocks.

I finished my day by stitching a motif in the setting triangles on this edge of the top. I also stitched something in these two corners.

I would have gotten farther except we had a thunderstorm this afternoon. Lots of lightening and when this happens I shut down Olivia and unplug from the electrical outlet. This house has been hit by lightening before and I really don't want to loose Olivia due to a power surge.

I will pick back up tomorrrow and hopefully will finish by tomorrow afternoon.

One great thing that happened today: I received word that we will have a massage therapist to work out all the aches, pains, and kinks while we are at Summer Fun 2. This is something that I have been working on for over a year. I look forward to this addition to our retreats at Gravatt.

Hope that you are having a good week so far,

Sunday Fun

2011-06-26T17:31:00.000-04:00

I continued to work on a commission project today. I had already worked on tracing the pattern of this wallhanging. My client wants 3 of the applique panels.

I started today by cutting and stitching the background of blue and white. I used a flexible curve to set, hold and assist in cutting. I placed the blue on top of the white, set the flex curve and cut along the edge. I then matched the centers with right side together and sewed the curve. They turned out perfect.

I used my applique pressing sheet to work with units of the design. Once they were together on the applique sheet I could peel them off and set them on the background.

This is as far as I have gotten today. I still have to trace all the pieces for Santa, fuse all of the fabrics on the pieces and construct the Santa units. I still have a long way to go, but, at least I have begun.

What I will really not like doing is the machine applique. I find that to be sooooooo boring. Oh well, this just comes with the territory.

New top going on the frame in the morning. It will require a lot of stitch in the ditch, so I will be working on it all week. I will also be using wool batting with this quilt......I just love the way it quilts.

Have fun this week and LET'S GO SEW!!!!!!!!

Trip to Mooresville, NC

2011-06-25T19:03:00.000-04:00

Last Friday I had the pleasure of driving some of the 'Frayed Knots' for a road trip. Our first destination was the Lake Norman Quilters 2011 Show. This was a beautiful show. The venue was open and well lit. There was plenty of room for the quilts with enough space between them to back off and view them. This was the first stop on our 'Shop Hop' trip deep into North Carolina.

I have loaded a 'Smile Box' so that you can enjoy some of the quilts from the show. This was the first trip for Roada F. Tripp. You can enjoy her adventures over on her blog http://www.roadaftripp.blogspot.com/

For now, enjoy the quilt show:

This slideshow created with Smilebox

Where Have I Been?

2011-06-23T15:37:00.000-04:00

Betcha been wondering what I was up to? I have been working on this project since I loaded it on the frame Sunday night. Many, many, many hours have been spent on this. Today at 3:00 PM, I took it off the frame and called it complete, I think. There is one area that I am going to ponder over for a few days.
I loaded all of it to Smilebox so you could see it. However the long pictures don't show well so I am going to insert one here.

Now I hopefully can get the smilebox to load under here.

Personalize your own free photo slideshow

How about that, it worked. Enjoy. I will be loading another quilt top this Sunday night and working on it all of next week. More on that later.

Extra Pictures

2011-06-12T14:58:00.000-04:00

These are just some extra pictures that I had still in the camera. Loading a smile box to blogger is so much easier that trying to load all of these pictures one at the time.

Personalize a free slideshow

Have a great week,

A Road Trip to Landrum

2011-06-11T10:44:00.001-04:00

Free slideshow design personalized with Smilebox

Stop - Look - and - Listen

2011-06-04T17:13:00.000-04:00

I have just had my one thought for this week:

We will have a

'Brown Bag UFO Exchange'

While we are at St. Christopher's in November. I am going to have to work on the 'rules' of the exchange, but, I think it will be fun, you might think so too.

Start thinking about the possibilities.

What a Memorial Day!!

2011-05-30T18:53:00.000-04:00

This is the back of the 'whole cloth' that I have been working on for 2 days. I finished all of the quilting today.

The front is a decorator weight Toile in red and cream. I used Permcore thread on top and those wonderful Superior prewounds with Sew Fine thread on them in the bobbin. I really am in love with these prewound bobbins. I will be trying other brands also and will let you know what I think.

The backing of the whole cloth is cotton sateen. Stitched beautifully. I think that I am going to try some of this fabric on the back of some of my own quilts.

This is what the top actually looked like. You can't really see the quilting on the top, just the texture.

I hope you have had a memorable Memorial Day and can look forward to a wonderful week.

LET'S GO SEW!!!!!!!!

Laura's Quilt

2011-05-25T10:47:00.000-04:00

This is a commission quilt for Laura. The colored squares in the top are the bandanas that were given to some very special friends when they visited their groomer. There is so much feeling in this quilt. I know how much Laura loved these friends, so I wanted to make sure that this quilt was special for her.

The green inner border is from a colored paint chip that Laura brought with her when she came by for her consultation. There is also a peach that is used in the inner borders that she brought with her. The tan is a color that Laura wears alot. The outside border is a 'dog-bone' print that goes with the theme of the quilt.

I often ask clients to bring in paint chips of special colors that they might want in their quilts. They understand that I might not use all of them, but, that I will use them to make special selections of fabrics.

Then it was time to quilt the top and I had some decisions to make. I know how much Laura loves the ocean. She and Clyde spend weeks on the Outer Banks of North Carolina every year. Knowing that, I picked a shell pantograph to use for the quilting. The thread used is the same color as the tan in the quilt top. The binding is a dark brown, another of Laura's colors. The backing is a mottled tan wideback.

So much fun to do. I love really getting into the history of a piece and trying to work special events/things into each commission piece that I do.

Thanks Laura for trusting me to do this for you.

Just wanted to share this with you,

SUNDAY FUN

2011-05-22T19:26:00.000-04:00

I put this little top on the frame today, just to play. I think that it belongs to Greater Columbia Guild. I was playing along and doing loops and having fun. I forgot that Piper was suppose to spend the afternoon with me.

Well, once she arrived we decided that she could 'help' me with the quilting of this top. When I got to the end we stood her up on a stool and she held the handles and I helped her guide Olivia. Her first question (remember she is 6 years old) was how do you do smooth loops. Well, she decided that maybe this was a little harder than she thought. She did help me finish the top and the picture below is what we did. I can't tell you how much fun that was.

I'm not real sure that you can see her quilting. She was amazed at what it felt like to drive Olivia. However, she assured me that a little girl would love this quilt. She was quite impressed that it was being given away to some special little girl.

Out of my 2 granddaughters I am sure to get at least one quilter------maybe both.

See you later this week.

Act 4 of the First Grade Play

2011-05-20T18:03:00.000-04:00

Piper's theatrical debut!!!!!!

Piper had a really good day. Listen carefully. Piper is the one in the blue vest, she plays the mother. She did not miss a beat and really did a great job.

All of the first grade students did a great job.

BEACH TRIP

2011-05-18T08:53:00.000-04:00

Let's go to the coast of South Carolina!!!

Wouldn't you just love to take a walk down this secluded area beside the water?
This is the strip of sand that will be available for you to take these walks on if you participate in our Beach Trip Retreat in November 2011.

St. Christopher has great facilities for our use. Beth is demonstrating the 'White Board' we can write all of our important points on.

See the projector in the ceiling? I have many video's on quilting subjects that we can show using that equipment.

Can you believe the SIZE of this room? Those of you who have been with me to Quilt Camp, can appreciate this room. With all of this area we will finally be able to 'sew together', something we have been wanting to do for years.

The contrast on this picture is not really good enough to see the water over the dunes, but, you get the idea. Outside of our sewing area is a wonderful deck with rocking chairs to sit and ponder the next project that you can start.

Our sleeping quarters are all within 200 feet of the sewing area, so a quick nap will not be far away.

The cafeteria is just a short walk away and the staff tells me that the variety of food available will make sure that we don't starve.

We had a really good site visit. The staff at St. Christopher could not have been nicer or more accomodating. Many quilt groups have used this facility in the past and that makes it easier for 'One Loose Thread' to take a group there.

Our trip down to Seabrook was made even better with a stop at 'People Places & Quilts' and also at 'Sew and Sew' in Summerville. At the 'round about' between Kiawah and Seabrook is a very nice shopping area with several resturants, lovely shops, an awesome grocery store, and of course STARBUCKS.

I also feel that I need to point out that the trip from my house to Seabrook (without the 3 stops), would only take about 2 hours. My GPS did not 'see' I-526 so we went into Charleston. So, 2 hours from Columbia you can have a great retreat with some wonderful quilting friends in November 2011.

My Design Wall

2011-05-15T18:00:00.000-04:00

This is what I had when I started my day today. These and my 4 hst border pieces that I have done since last Friday.

Well, I worked most of the day---slowly. Discovered that I had been straying off of my 1/4" mark, so had to be very careful constructing these border blocks. I don't find these to be as much fun as the big star was.

This is what I have this afternoon.

This picture shows the 10 red border blocks and the 4 sections of inner border for Helen's Lone Star.

I am now going to put everything into a project box and keep it out of sight for at least a week. I really need to get some work done on customer quilts. However, I may leave the scrap box out so that I can pull some blue, yellow , and green strips for more stars. Or, I could just leave the neutral box out and just work on those as I have time. This has become an all consuming project. Sooooooo, I am going to hide it for a week.

First thing up tomorrow will be to put borders on Laura's top, find a backing for it that I like, put it on the frame and share some time with Olivia.

Will also start to cut out applique's for Ellen's applique panels.

After Laura, the next project on the frame will be either ________ or _____________. Not sure which. Need to work on Holly's and get pantograph done on Sandy's. That way I know that they will be ready before 'Summer Fun' Quilt Camp. Just have to see how the week goes.

I have to make a trip to Seabrook Island this week to do a site visit at St. Christopher. That will take a full day. I am sure that there will also be some Fabric Acquisition done on that trip. Friday will be the 1st grade play at Piper's school, so will need to take sometime and be there.

I really need to do better with time management. Oh Yes, and tomorrow is my 42nd wedding anniversary. Hard to believe.

Hope everyone has a good and safe week.

More from Helen's Lone Star

2011-05-14T12:35:00.000-04:00

This is where the lonestar stands at this point. However, there is one hst that is in the wrong place in the cream star in the middle (Can you find it?). For that reason I will need to 'un sew' one of the middle seams, take out the offending square, replace it and then stitch the seam back together. Thank you to Sue for pointing this out to me before the quilt was complete.

I spent all of my 'free time' this week constructing a double border of half square triangles (no picture). That required 296 hst's. Now, this weekend I am devoting to the lonestar quilt and will go back to customer work on Monday.

This is a picture of what will be constructed this weekend. This is a 10" border block. The stars that will dance around this border will be all different colors, using more scaps.

The hst's in this block finish at 1 1/2 ", so I have to make many more. All of the rest of them in the quilt are 2" finished. I am using the 'Easy Angle' to make all of these hst's. It certainly makes this process easier.

OK, back to work. Mr. OLT is working in the yard to clear the debris from a tree that we had taken down yesterday. Now the garden can get full sun for most of the day. That should make for some really good vegetables.

More from Helen's Lone Star

2011-05-09T11:51:00.000-04:00

OK, I am 'deconstructing' the center of the star. I decided that the middle was just tooo bland. I have taken the corners apart and am inserting a small yellow star out of the same fabrics that I used in the tips. I have also taken one row from the perimeter of the quilt. I did this so that I could work better with the borders.

The first inner border will be ------you guessed it---half square triangles from scraps. The second border will be-------yes, that's right------half square triangles of the background fabrics. The second border is planned to be wide enough to do some appliqued vines and flowers. Then the third border will be----------haven't decided yet.

So, that is were I am currently with 'Helen's Lone Star'. Stay tuned for the next episode.
Have a great week,

NEWEST PROJECT-Carson's Quilt

2011-04-30T14:29:00.000-04:00

This is the current project for a client. However, I have been unable to contact them by email to let them know that I have started working on this quilt, all emails have been returned. Might have to call, but, won't do that until Monday.

This is the way I had it arranged when I took this photo. Of course, that has since changed. I'll post a picture when I get the outside border on since I haven't decided what to use for that yet.

Has blogger reverted back to the 'old' way of posting? When I uploaded this picture, I got the old page. Oh well, just as long as it posts it will be fine.

Back to work,

France thanks local D-Day vet - S.C. at War - TheState.com

2011-04-30T14:01:00.001-04:00

What an honor for a very honorable man.

http://www.thestate.com/2011/04/30/1799010/local-wwii-vet-awarded-legion.html

France thanks local D-Day vet - S.C. at War - TheState.com

Off To Work I Go.........

2011-04-27T14:00:00.001-04:00

Just peek under the cutting table and you can see the 'Studio' Cat. Patches is up set with me because of the box that is currently in 'her' chair.

Can you look at these pictures and tell what I have been up to?

This was the pile that was left over. I did not cut all of the shirts that were given to me. This quilt is for a very tall man, so want to make sure that he can cover his toes.

What do you do with the cut off pieces of t-shirts?

OK, back to work. The star is marinating right now so that I can catch up with some 'stuff'. Knight Bee is to be here tomorrow night, so have been doing some cleaning also. I will have to get the star off of the design wall in order to work on this t-shirt quilt so I may have to work on both of them at the same time.

Let's Go To The Beach!!!!

The Saga Continues

2011-04-25T09:02:00.001-04:00

Remember when I told you about Helen's idea that we make Lone Stars using half square triangles? That was when I started with this rendering on EQ5 so that I could tell where the particular colors went. So, that was about 10 days ago.

This is what I have up to this point. Inside the half square for the stars are all half square triangles. No need to make this easy. Might as well make it scrappy. I haven't added up the total number of half squares yet. The background of the star is also done in half square triangles--just larger and not pieced.

I think that I like the background like this. The other options would be to make it in : 1) solid squares 2) half square triangles in a 4 patch that finish 3", sorta like this idea, instead of the 6" that they finish now, 3) like I have it with 6" finished half squares, 4) or totally piece all of the big triangles just like I did the interior of the star. (I am not beyond doing that, but, I think that it would be a bit much)

This is actually turning into a fun project. However, I have only been making the units, not actually sewing this monster together. As I work on it I am thinking on doing that in quadrants. Also there lies the possibility of some machine applique in the background areas. Helen has suggested some large star flowers and lots of vine all around the star. I am not so sure about that. It has also been suggested that I wait until I get to that point and see what the quilt has to say about that.

Easter was beautiful. Good food, Grandchildren, some sewing, beautiful weather. It just doesn't get any better.

Have a good week. I have some bookwork to do then on to other things.

Don't forget to register for the 'Beach Trip'.

Also, have openings for 'Summer Fun Quilt Camp'

Let's Go to the BEACH

2011-04-21T15:22:00.000-04:00

One Loose Thread would like to invite you to attend a 'Beach Retreat' November 3 - 6, 2011. This will be a 'Sit and Sew' weekend. You will have plenty of time to complete those Christmas Presents and any other UFO's that have been aging for a while. Absolutely no structured schedule. You could even start a new project. No cooking required as all of our food will be prepared by the wonderful chef's at St. Christopher.

All of the information is listed on the 'Beach Trip' page of this blog. See the tabs at the top of this posting? Click on Beach Trip and you will immediately be taken to the information page.

This will be a fun and relaxing weekend. It will actually be the first time that the 'Frayed Knots' of 'One Loose Thread' have been able to sew in the same room together. I know that there will be hours of laughter and loads of fun for everyone.

If you are interested and have questions just leave me a comment or email me and I will get right back to you. If you want a registration form then email me and I will send it immediately. Everyone needs to register early so that rooms can be reserved. For that reason, I am asking that everyone contact me and get registration forms and deposits to me before May 21, 2011.

So, 'LET'S GO SEW AT THE BEACH!!!'

Helen's Lone Star

2011-04-17T15:25:00.001-04:00

Last Thursday night we met for our monthly Design Group. One of our members:

Who shall remain Nameless was so excited about a particular design, that she thought that we should all make one of these. She had seen a Lone Star top done all in half-square triangles. It would be fast!! It would be so easy!!! We could have them done in no time at all!!

Well, you know how some people make the simplest things so very difficult?

That would apply to many in this group. It, of course would NEVER apply to me. Yea, right.

I came home with an idea and started on it immediately. I pieced together the center of the star with the white and then the red. Then, I couldn't imagine how to continue the design out to the edges. Next Up!!! EQ5. (There is also a story about that too, but, it will have to wait.)

After 2, 3, or 4 hours with EQ I finally ended up with this 'mock-up' to work with. Nice isn't it?

Next came the question: Do I really want a 100 x 100 inch quilt? Sure, why not?

Soooooo, this is what I have so far. Notice that I could not just do plain old half-square triangles, OH NOOOOO, I have to do half-squares in half-squares and USE SCRAPS. What in the world am I thinking?

So, this is what I have as of 3:20, Sunday, April 17, 2011. The clock is ticking. Let's see how long this UFO will hold my attention. So far I think this is really cool, but, but, but, but, but---------------. We'll see. I think that the working title of this piece will be "Helen's Lone Star". That way, when I get frustrated with it, I can blame it on 'she who will remain nameless'.

See you soon.

Latest Client Quilt

2011-04-11T10:26:00.000-04:00

Preston's Quilt

This is the latest completion for a commission client. This was a fun quilt to do using old clothes and new 'buggy' fabric. It is for a little boy and will grow with him. The back is done in crayon fabric so there is a lot of color going on. The quilting was done in a puzzle pantograph with red/black thread and I used a cotton batting so it should 'wrinkle' up nicely after it is washed.

Other pictures are posted on the Customer Quilts page.

Hope you are having a good day.

Borders, Borders, and Borders

2011-04-08T10:27:00.000-04:00

Ok, Lets talk about this border. The interior of the quilt was done on foundation. You would think that it would be a simple matter to just 'slap' on the borders. It doesn't look like it. There was only 2 inches of difference in the borders in total, but, look what that 2 inches did to this top.

Now, look at the next picture.

Look at how flat this border is. True, it is a more narrow border, but, I will tell you that this is the most square quilt that I have ever quilted---my own included. There is not one 'wave' in this top.

So....... The moral of this story is:

Measure, Measure, Measure: Take 3 measurements across your quilt top when adding borders. Find the average measurement and use that number to cut your borders. You will find that your quilt lies flatter and is more square than ever before.
This also makes it easier for your longarm quilter to add her beautiful work to your top.

OK, off of my soap box for now.

Check this out

2011-03-23T19:32:00.000-04:00

This is currently on the frame. This is for some lucky graduating senior at Epworth Childrens Home. This is being given by Devine Quilt Guild and I am lucky enough to quilt it.

Check out the new quilts that have been posted on the 'Customer Qults' page. I do have some new ones.

Lunch tomorrow with friends and then an audit team for Devine Quilters. More later.

Bull Bat Time

2011-03-21T18:14:00.003-04:00

It's 'Bull Bat Time'. Oh what memories that statement brings back. This would happen at the end of the day. Usually around 5:00 or 5:30. I guess that was the time that the 'bats' would start to fly. I have no idea. However, when Mama and Aunt Helen were both alive we would gather on their patios for 'Bull Bat' time. Mama would mix her favorite adult beverage, Aunt Helen would mix hers and I would open a beer. We would sit out and enjoy the beautiful South Carolina Spring, Summer, and Fall. Someone would add in some cheese and crackers, nuts, something to munch on and we would just enjoy the end of the day. So many problems were solved during those times. I learned alot about my heritage, gardening, canning of vegetables, child rearing, just all sorts of stuff.

I'll just bet that you have had times like that too.

I miss those days.

More Spring Fling 2011

2011-03-17T16:51:00.000-04:00

More Fun with The Frayed Knots and One Loose Thread:

This free slideshow design personalized with Smilebox

Spring Fling 2011 part 1--enjoy!!!

2011-03-16T18:14:00.000-04:00

Another free photo slideshow by Smilebox

Me and My Shadow

2011-03-15T11:24:00.000-04:00

Just pretend that I'm not here

I know she can't see me

Will she EVER stop moving around?

She went in the bedroom, I think that I will wait here.

Can I get her to go outside? Such a nice day.

Will she come back this way? Or, go in the other direction?

Hooray, she moved into the studio!! I know she'll sit down now.

Wonder if she saw that pile of dog/cat hair in the living room?

My house is not really 'dirty', it's just a lot of clutter that has piled up since I returned from Quilt Camp. The Longarm Group will be meeting here on Saturday, so, I needed to do some pickup. This is the shadow that I have when I go to do anything. This is the slimmed down 'Rocky'. He has lost over 10 pounds, but, that doesn't make it any easier to move around the house when he is following you. The only time he will go off on his own is when I am working at the computer (like now). He is currently on the screened porch--such a nice day. He will also dissappear onto my chair in the den if I am working on Olivia.

The weather in South Carolina is beginning to turn nice. Eighty degree temps are expected this week. A little rain is in the forecast for tonight. I think that spring has really sprung and I can start to work on the garden. I did plant some spinach and some flat leaf parsley today. I also put in some broccolli plants in the water trough, but it is probably to late for them. I really look forward to some fresh vegetables.

Have a good week,

REGISTRATION IS OPEN !!!!!!!!

2011-03-04T20:21:00.000-05:00

Registration has officially opened for Summer Fun 2 Quilt Camp.

Click on the 'Retreats' page and it will take you to all of the information. Early registration can assure your spot during Quilt Camp.

Hope to hear from you soon,

My Design Wall

2011-02-23T09:10:00.001-05:00

This is currently on my design wall. I am working on 'Newport Beach' from the book 'Scraps' by Judy Martin. I bought this book years ago just for this quilt.

Don't you just love the optical illusion? This is so much fun. I have found the instructions a little confusing, but, that has not stopped the progress.

I work on this for 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evenings. The rest of the day is spent with Olivia and whatever she has going on. You can keep up with what she is doing by following her on facebook.

OK, my 2 hours have ended. Back to Olivia.

The Mystery Has Been Solved

2011-02-21T19:50:00.000-05:00

Our Quilt Camp mystery by Master Sleuth, Beth Karr was solved this weekend. check out the pictures on the 'Customer Quilt' pages for some others. I will be posting other Quilt Camp photos over the coming weeks. We had a wonderful time. We all agreed that we haven't laughed as much in a long time. This is a photo of Beth's solution to the mystery as it came off the frame.

Registration for Quilt Camp in August will open March 7, 2011. More information on that then. Have a good week. I will try to update you on what 'Olivia' is doing.

TIME TO GO!!!!

2011-02-15T17:38:00.000-05:00

I have been working all day getting ready for 'Think Spring' Quilt Camp. My day has been one of ups and downs. I had everything ready for the business, only to discover that I have 'misplaced' most of the electrical cords that we use in Stewart Hall. If they don't show up by lunch tomorrow I will need to purchase 7 new electrical reels. Sooooo, please keep yours fingers crossed that they will show up.

On the up side: I am looking for projects to take to camp to work on. I have PLENTY of applique to work on, but wanted something to piece. As I am going through some of my UFO's I found this:

This is a Southern Album Quilt that was started during a class at Carolina Quiltmaker, with Kristen Steiner, on September 11, 2001. This was my first effort at major applique. I don't use these techniques any longer, but, it was a great learning experience. I did not remember that the top was finished and now, I can't even find the book. It's here somewhere. One thing that is evident to me now, years later, it that I am going to have to take it apart because the interior of the quilt is bigger than the borders. That happens when you don't measure the top prior to putting the borders on. I now know better. I think that I will leave it up on the design wall to remind me to fix the problems and get it quilted.

I still don't have anything to take to camp for piecing. At this rate I won't even need to take a sewing machine!!!
OK, 1 hour later:
I now have something to piece. One that I can give for Christmas.
Now I can work on getting all of my personal 'stuff' together. I really look forward to our weekend. We always have a wonderful time. Now, the weather is being nice to us too. It looks to be warm and wonderful.

If you happen so seem my electrical reels would you please send them home?
See you next week.

SUMMER FUN 2010

2011-02-07T23:43:00.000-05:00

Remember the fun we had last summer?

A free digital slideshow by Smilebox

Hope you enjoyed it.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-03T12:49:00.000-05:00

Just Completed this wall hanging for Valentine's Day. It is 28 x 35, Machine Appliqued, Machine Quilted and Hand beaded. I just spent 3 days beading this wall hanging. I have stitched pearls around the inner edge of the border with other beading over the face of the quilt. I am so pleased with how this has turned out.

You can have this to hang in your home or office this Valentine's Day. Cost $250.00.

Have a great day,

Presidents Day by Diamond Rio

2011-01-30T13:19:00.001-05:00

This is an amazing video. The song and the pictures are very moving. I hope you enjoy and get as much out of it as I did.

Busy Week

2011-01-27T12:55:00.000-05:00

This has been a busy week at One Loose Thread. I have quilted 2 mystery quilts and finished up a t-shirt quilt for a client. I am still trying to avoid all of the accounting that I need to get done. I don't think that Mr. OLT will allow that much longer as the 'Tax Man' commeth.

Of course, I can't show you the mysteries until we show them at Quilt Camp in just 21 days. These are looking sooooo good. The only one left to quilt now is mine.

Going to Statesville with other quilting friends this weekend. We will be going to the Quilt and Needle Art Extravaganza. Lynn went last year but none of the rest of us have been there. I am really looking forward to the trip. They have a lot of longarm dealers listed as exhibitors, so, I hope to pick up some templates and stencils.

We also have Knight Bee this week with supper before hand. I do so love meeting with these wonderful people. They are such a great support group.

OK, that's my up date for now. I can either vaccum the house or work on the books. Hummmmm, wonder which one I'll choose?

TRIBUTE TO A FALLEN HERO

2011-01-23T17:50:00.000-05:00

This is in tribute to a wonderful man. Uncle James was the last of my Mother's family. I will miss his smile, his laughter and his spirit.
He will be missed by many.

James Richard Mooneyhan

WHITE ROCK - James Richard Mooneyhan passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2011, at the Heritage at Lowman, White Rock, SC. Born July 31, 1917, in Elliott, SC, he was the eighth child of Charles Green Mooneyhan and Essie Blanche Lindler Mooneyhan. A decorated veteran of World War II, he was in the 502nd Engineers, Light Ponton Company serving in the European Theatre of Operation. On a two-week pass during Tennessee maneuvers and knowing his company would be shipped out, he went home to Bishopville, SC, to marry his sweetheart, Mary Creola Stuckey. After a whirlwind honeymoon to Miami, FL, he left his new bride at the train station in Atlanta to return to his unit for overseas deployment and did not return for 2 Â½ years. During this time, Jim participated in the invasion of Normandy on Omaha Beach for D-Day, prepared the reviewing stands for the liberation of Paris, and he rose to the rank of captain during the Battle of the Bulge. Expecting 85% casualties on D-Day alone, he was especially proud that he was able to lead all but two of the 220 men to see home again. For his participation, he received five battle stars â€' Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Ardenne-Alsace. He just had been notified by the French Embassy that he had received the French Legion of Honor medal which was to be presented by the French Ambassador in April.
For 32 years, he worked at a "little oil company," ExxonMobil, serving as plant superintendent for the Charleston Terminal at the time of his retirement. He enjoyed living "on an island under an oak tree," James Island, Charleston, SC, for 56 years. He was an avid vegetable gardener, receiving the status of Master Gardener from Clemson University in 1982.

Known for his outgoing personality and his wood crafts, Jim like to make things out of scraps â€' like his "peach pit ducks" or his "tin can tin man". He had a full woodworking shop in his room at the Heritage at Lowman and was working on a wooden dog for his doctor at the time of his death.

He is survived by two daughters, Linda Mooneyhan Haslett (Bill) of Winnsboro and Barbara J. Mooneyhan (Everett Davis) of Chapin, SC. He had six grandchildren: Patricia Meeks Smith of Centreville, VA, Julie A. Bristow (Cole) of Morganton, NC, Rusty D. Meeks (Michelle) of Suffolk, VA, Everett C. Davis (Aggie) of Blythewood, Chris Haslett (Sarah) of Charleston, SC, and William Haslett of Pensacola, FL. The apples of his eye were his 12 great-grandchildren. He also had many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years and all nine of his brothers and sisters.

The family wishes to thank his friends at the Heritage at Lowman, especially Fred, Frank, Norman and Tom and the staff.

Hancock Elmore Hill Funeral Home of Bishopville is assisting the family. Services will be on Sunday, January 23 at 1:30 at The Heritage at Lowman Chapel in White Rock with burial in Bethlehem United Methodist Church Cemetery in Bishopville at 4 p.m. The family will receive visitors from 1 â€' 1:30 in the Hoefer Gallery at The Heritage at Lowman. A memorial service will be held at Bethany United Methodist of James Island at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church of James Island, 1853 Maybank Highway, Charleston, SC 29412.

Published in The State on January 22, 2011

Read more: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestate/obituary.aspx?n=james-richard-mooneyhan&pid=147967688#ixzz1BtvIpUTC

May He Chase Squirrels and Be Happy

2011-01-16T15:20:00.000-05:00

My best friend was just carried out of the door.

Jake woke us up at 6:30 this morning and when I let him outside he could not get up to get back in. I had to carry him. Apparently he had some type of stroke during the night. Dick and I have made the decision to have him put to sleep. We have contacted the children and made them aware of what is going on. They understand and agree. Jake is 15 years old. He is a Lab/Shephard mix that was rescued from a groomer. He is absolutely the best dog that I have ever had.

From the first day that he was in this house I was sure that he was my Dad reincarnated. When I was cooking he was not only under my feet, he had his nose on the counter checking to see what I was doing, but, he never took one thing off of the counters. He was well behaved in every way you could imagine.

He has been a proud, well loved and respected member of this family. I have been heard to remark that I would sooner loose my husband than to loose Jake. He will be missed for years to come. When God made this one he made a jewel.

"Squirrel Jake, Squirrel!!!!

Love, Mom

See What I Have Been Up To

2011-01-12T15:11:00.000-05:00

This is what I have been working on since the family left yesterday. Sorry, can't show you the front. It is Beth's mystery for Spring Quilt Camp. As usual, she has done a wonderful job of design and directions. This top goes together like a wonderful dream.

Just finished quilting hers, so thought that I would share. Stay tuned for the front of the quilt after camp.

Camp is getting closer and closer.

From the Studio,

South Carolina gets Snow ,again !!

2011-01-10T16:04:00.000-05:00

This has been the scene outside my front door today

Mr. OLT drove to the other side of town and picked up 2 grandchildren and their parents. The weather report is for freezing rain overnight tonight. That means power outages. Not a good thing.

Make note of what is important to have for snow days. Mr. OLT and Son each have their own. Hope they brought me some.

More of the scene out front:

It is currently 4:00 PM here. We have started getting freezing rain. The weather people are saying that this will continue until 11:00 tonight, so you can be sure that we will loose power. The porches outside are very slick with ice. We are in for the night---Football ??????------yep. Go Tigers !!!!!!

The generator is full of gas. The gas logs are available if we need them. We have already eaten 1 crockpot full of chili. I have Chicken noodle soup in another one. I plan to deep fry some chicken fingers later.

Right now there is a heavy game of 'Phase 10' going on in the kitchen and I am working on something in the studio. Life really is very good. Please don't let us loose power tonight.

What's on the Frame Today?

2011-01-05T13:29:00.000-05:00

Let's get started

Almost half way --have to roll it back to do some other borders

Outer border in loops with black

Inner border with small loops in black

Haven't decided what to put in the gold border. I was thinking some type of leaves, but, may just do a freeform loopy design. I really like the way that the interior part of this is working since I am using continuous curve. Not so sure about the borders. One things it that with the black thread, all you see is texture. This is giving me a chance to do some template work (which I really like) and some work with stencils (I could come to like that too). I have been practicing some freeform work, but, don't really trust myself with that yet. This could be an exception.

OK, enough of a break. BACK TO WORK!!

One Loose Thread Quilting

2011-01-02T19:52:00.000-05:00

Is open for business!!!!!!!

My last official day of work was last Thursday. It was a tearful goodbye to Dr. Brown and the patients, but, I am so excited about the next part of my life.

Olivia is oiled and ready for a quilt to be worked on tomorrow. I am going to put one of Beth Karr's tops on the machine and work with it. While I am doing that I plan to start a T-shirt commission for a nice young lady who is attending USC. Need to finish her quilt before the end of the month.

I have one or two others in line for the next few weeks. So, if your top is complete, bring it on!! I look forward to working with each one of them.

Plans are going forward for Spring Quilt Camp. Only about 6 weeks to go, so I need to really spend some time getting that organized. We always have special surprises to go with the weekend.

It will take some time to get my 'ducks in a row' and know how this deal works. I am also having some computer problems that I need to resolve quickly. Sure will seem different not leaving the house to go to work tomorrow. However, my commute time is less than 2 minutes!!! and I can go in my pajamas!!!!!

Have a great week---I hope to check in more often.

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-24T20:56:00.000-05:00

I wish to all of my friends a very Merry Christmas. Dick has been wrapping packages and placing them under the tree. I have been supervising and trying to stay organized. All is quiet at 'One Loose Thread' if we can just keep Rocky out from under the tree everything should be ok until Santa arrives.

Our children and grandchildren will be here bright and early in the morning for breakfast and to see what Santa left for them here. Then:

Opening of gifts and dinner with all of the Clyde and Flo Thompson children.Our spouses, children ,and grandchildren. What a day Christmas is for us. It was our Daddy's favorite time of the year and he always gave more than he should. The men in this family are all the same way. None of the guys want Christmas gifts, but, they always make sure that we girls have plenty. Of course the grandchildren make out like bandits. There will be plenty of laughter and surprises. Of course there are always some tears too as we remember those that we have lost and are no longer with us.

So, Have a Ho Ho Ho and don't eat to much turkey, dressing, ham and sweet potatoes. Read the Christmas Story. Say a few prayers for all of us that need them. Enjoy the after Christmas sales and remember: I only have FOUR MORE WORKING DAYS!!!!!!!

Repeat of Announcement

2010-12-20T19:28:00.000-05:00

I am happy to annouce that I have Resigned. ( If anyone tells you that I have retired then they are not telling the whole truth). It is effective 01/01/2011 at 12:00 AM. I have worked in Dental Hygiene for over 40 years and have worked for Dr. Brown a total of 30 of those years. He has hired me three times (even though I am a Clemson Fan). We have had a long run, but the time has come for me to do something else. I hope to work as a 'relief' Hygienist in any number of offices over the next few years, as I have too much dental knowledge to just leave the profession.

In the mean time I will be building my longarm business and the fun part is that I plan to expand the 'Retreats". Yes, this will give me time to run the roads of South Carolina to find the perfect retreat spots for One Loose Thread to sponsor retreats.

I will really miss the patients that I have had for many years. We have all grown up and raised our children together. I hope that many of you will stay in contact with me so that we can keep up with what is going on.

Thanks again for your support and if you need a custom made quilt or an antique top quilted or just need to talk call me. Most of you have my number. Just know that I AM NOT RETIREING AND WILL BE SUBSTITUTING IN OTHER OFFICES, as needed. Call or email me if you need anything.

This announcement will post several times over the next 2 months.

Think Spring and Knight Bee

2010-12-19T16:10:00.000-05:00

My Fabric Choices for 'Think Spring' Mystery

These are my fabrics. I am running some of the testing for Beth. This is going together so easily. Just as you would expect with a 'Beth Karr' design. I really believe everyone will like this one.

Cast of Characters

Friends from Greater Columbia's Knight Bee gathered for our annual Christmas Supper. This year we went to Travinia's for the second year in a row. I think that this may become an annual tradition. Not to mention that the food was fantastic.

Some of my very best friends

We are working on participation in the 'Greater Columbia' UFO challenge for 2011. That reminds me, I need to get my list together. Wonder how many I can finish?

Kitchen Help

This is what I deal with when I try to cook. I have major testors in the floor. Try walking around without breaking your neck. They don't stay in one place, so you might turn around and not expect them to be there-------but-----they are.
Sure do love them both. All of those carpet strips are down so that Jake can get up and down. Otherwise he slides and can't get up. It doesn't look pretty but it does serve its purpose.

Did some Christmas shopping this weekend. Spent some time with the children and grandchildren. Did some sewing. Put a customer top on the frame and should have it finished by tonight. It is really looking good.

Tomorrow starts my next to the last week of work. The closer Dec.30th gets, the more excited I become. I am really glad that I made this decision. Some other offices have contacted me about working now and then, so I will be setting that up. I have a pretty good list of quilts to work with in January and February--always room for more. Plans for Spring Quilt Camp will take some time too. I will be taking Piper to Trenholm tomorrow since the schools are closed for the Holidays then on to the office.

Hope you all have a great week. Can you believe that Christmas is next Saturday?

Happy, Happy Quilt Top

2010-12-12T10:45:00.000-05:00

This is what I have worked on this weekend. This top was not at all happy with what had been done with it previously. Now, I just love the way that is sings. I have also posted this to the 'Customer Quilt' page. Have you noticed the different pages that are listed at the top of this page? Explore the possibilities.

Now that I have finished this job I am going to sew the labels on the Christmas Quilts this afternoon. For now, I am off to fix brunch for Mr. OLT.

Have a great week.

Magic !!

2010-12-11T18:35:00.000-05:00

This has been a magical day. First this elf Mr. OLT put new wheels on Olivia. I have felt that she was not moving properly since the beginning. These are the new EZ Glide Wheels that are available from Lakeside Quilt Company . The instructions for installation were good, but, we did run into some problems that were solved by contacting people on the Gammill Yahoo group. These wheels are sooooooo sweeeeeeet. I can't believe the difference in the movement of the machine. I loved her before, but, I love her more now.

Then, would you believe!!!! Mr. OLT is decorating the Christmas Tree. He has not done this in at least 15 years!!!!!!! Has anyone seen my husband? If so, tell him not to come home, I like this guy better. Mr. OLT has really out done himself today.

Now, if I could just get him to finish this project. He has left the tree with lights on only half of it and the lights are dangling down on the floor. He did not realize that he was going to have to 'shape' the tree as he placed the lights. This is the small tree that I will leave 'put together' for the next several years. I only put up a large tree every 4 years and this is not that time.

I have a new top on 'Olivia' right now and I am putting a cute pantograph on it. I Love Olivia!!!! she is a very hard working girl.

Maybe more tomorrrow.

ANNOUNCEMENT-Repeat

2010-12-08T19:27:00.002-05:00

I am happy to annouce that I have Resigned. ( If anyone tells you that I have retired then they are not telling the whole truth). It is effective 01/01/2011 at 12:00 AM. I have worked in Dental Hygiene for over 40 years and have worked for Dr. Brown a total of 30 of those years. He has hired me three times (even though I am a Clemson Fan). We have had a long run, but the time has come for me to do something else. I hope to work as a 'relief' Hygienist in any number of offices over the next few years, as I have too much dental knowledge to just leave the profession.

In the mean time I will be building my longarm business and the fun part is that I plan to expand the 'Retreats". Yes, this will give me time to run the roads of South Carolina to find the perfect retreat spots for One Loose Thread to sponsor retreats.

I will really miss the patients that I have had for many years. We have all grown up and raised our children together. I hope that many of you will stay in contact with me so that we can keep up with what is going on.

Thanks again for your support and if you need a custom made quilt or an antique top quilted or just need to talk call me. Most of you have my number. Just know that I AM NOT FULLY RETIREING AND WILL BE SUBSTITUTING IN OTHER OFFICES, as needed. Call or email me if you need anything.

This announcement will post several times over the next 2 months.

What! My Vacation is Over??? No Way!!

2010-12-05T17:27:00.004-05:00

I'm not real sure where the time went over the last week. If you know please clue me in. I also discovered that this is DECEMBER and Christmas is just a few weeks away.

It can be really depressing when your vacation comes to an end. Unfortunately, I have to go back to work in that other world tomorrow. You know the one I'm talking about? When was the last time you flossed?

This past week has been great. I quilted a large commission (double nine patches), finished my last Christmas quilt(all 3 need labels), did a lot of paper work for Spring Quilt Camp,spent 4 days at the beach with my sister,Pat, and finished binding 2 'love'quilts for Devine Quilt Guild. Oh yea, I also found the fabrics for the Spring mystery and met with 2 new clients, one for a new commission quilt and another with 2 tops to be quilted. Life is good.

Beth has finished the design for the mystery and now I am sewing (well I will be as soon as I get the clues cut out). She brought the finished top to me for the quilting and I will be starting on that very soon.

While we were at the beach Pat and I found some great things for Spring Fling. I usually theme the weekend and Saturday night revolves around that theme. A little friendly compitition also takes place. Usually some type of 'craft' item. This Spring is going to be the best yet. Can't wait for this!!

Hope you have a great week. I hope that I do too.

QUEEN OF THE BAPTIST FAN!!!!!!!

2010-12-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

This is what I have to dodge while making the runs on the quilting. Lots of company, but, not much help. Jake doesn't move very well either, so getting him out of the way, well, lets just say it is easier to step over him.

The quilting has been completed on this quilt!!!! Yea!!! It only took me 10-14 hours total to complete it. I am sooooooo proud of this piece. It has turn out far better than I expected and I expected alot.

This is the back. Look at the definition with the quilting. I used 80/20 batting. There is more texture from the quilting than I expected. Just love it.

You really can't see the quilting from this picture, but it's there.

Now to decide what binding to put on. I think that I want a color---possibly the blue that was used in the nine patches. Or, maybe a pink for the little girl it is for. I don't believe that I will use the background fabric. Don't you think it needs the frame that the binding will provide?

Now to start Christmas shopping. No more quilting for the next few days.

Stay safe,

Double Nine Patches

2010-11-30T19:23:00.000-05:00

I never figured that longarm quilting could be so difficult. Olivia has been performing beautifully. It's the operator that seems to be have the problems. Things have gotten better as the day has gone by. I had this quilt on the frame before 10:00 this morning.

I have worked on it all afternoon--welllllll, maybe not alllll afternoon. I did take a 2 hour nap---I am on vacation, after all.
Back to the quilt story: I have made 3 passes over this top and that is across the short side of the quilt. This is a totally new 'thing' for me, working with these templates. The glare on the templates has been so bad at times that I would cut off the overhead lighting in the studio.
One good thing though is that I have only had to take out 3 lines of stitching. On the first row there are some wiggles in the stitching lines. I will decide later if I want to take these out or leave as 'human error'. Hope these pictures show some of the quilting. I really love the way the quilting is affecting the surface of the quilt. The Baptist Fan pattern really works with this pattern. I am using 80-20 batting and Permacore thread. The backing is a white on cream wideback. One stitch at the time and I will be finished before you know it.

I got my delivery of hardware for my slat wall so will be reorganizing my thread later tonight. I will have to unplug Olivia due to severe weather in the area. Tornado watches are on for tonight.
Isn't it interesting how you can watch the weather radar and see the edge of the incoming weather front? I think it's cool---and can really be kind of scary too.

Stay safe and keep your head down. More tomorrow.

Sick day and Double Nine Patches

2010-11-28T09:20:00.000-05:00

Spent most of Saturday under a quilt in my chair with terrible head cold. I seem better this morning so I am in the studio. No, that's not a cigarette in the smilies mouth (I quit 3 1/2 years ago). It is suppose to be a thermometer. I seemed to run fever for the day. Was not flu, but, sure wasn't fun. Still need boxes of tissue close by.

All of the components of the Double Nine Patch are together. Today I will spend my time putting all of the components together. Sometime this evening I will have this top together. I did not think that I would EVER finish the 3 inch nine patches. This just goes to show that little snippets of time can work well on a large project like this.

My Circle Templates arrived yesterday so I will be ready to quilt this top in 'Baptist Fan'. I plan to practice using these on some muslin before I begin with the actual top. I'll let you know how things go.

QUESTION: Should I start at the top of the quilt and work down? Should I fully stabilize the quilt and work from the bottom up? What would you do?

OK, back to the machine.

End of the Weekend

2010-11-21T20:17:00.000-05:00

OK, I have been working on the Double nine patch this afternoon. I was finally able to clear my sewing area which allowed me to do that.

Can you believe that my desk is clear? Neither can I. I did manage to do that and I will work very hard to keep it clear.

Sometime in the next few weeks I have to go through the file cabinet and clear out some stuff. The 'Herby Kirby' was full for this weekend, so will have to work on that a little at the time.

Enjoy this coming week. Remember that no matter how bad we think things are, we still have so much to be thankful for.

Organization, what a Pain

2010-11-20T20:30:00.000-05:00

Why is it that in order to clean up and organize you have to make a monster mess?

I put in a new file cabinet today so lots of 'stuff' had to be relocated for a short period of time.

I sure hope that I can soon have my desk cleaned off and everything in its proper place.

Right now I can't even use my sewing machine!!

Mr. OLT also hung a piece of 'slat' wall for me so that I can reorganize my thread. Man!! was this stuff heavy!! Now all I have to do is pick up the hardware for the wall and 're-hang' my thread. Can't get the hardware until the end of next week so the thread will have to stay all bagged up until then.

Hopefully I can get everything cleaned up tomorrow and then get back to my Double Nine Patch project.

The quilt that Olivia is holding is one I have done for Christmas. I finished quilting it yesterday. I had a good 18" of batting and backing at the bottom. Due to that, I have stitched a length of muslin over the end and will use it over the next week for some freemotion practice. I sectioned off the length so that I would have some defined area to work in. I will put the Pajama Quilter in the DVD player and stitch along with her.

I attended a terrific football game today. My Grandson Austin played in his first game and did a great job. I hope he had as much fun playing as I did watching. Good Job Austin!!!!

Time to start thawing out the Turkey.

Have a good weekend.

More Double Nine Patches

2010-11-14T20:54:00.000-05:00

OK. this is where I am going to stop for tonight. Not even close to half way. Still have at least 2 full days of piecing before I can start to stitch rows. And so it goes.

Double Nine Patches

2010-11-14T13:15:00.000-05:00

This is one of my projects for the next few weeks.
1 1/2" strips to make 3 1/2" blocks.

The 3 1/2" blocks will combine to make 9" double nine patch blocks. These will combine to make this:

I am using this pattern as a reference. The quilt needs to finish as a double so I have to increase the size of this top. I just keep cranking out little nine patches so that I will have lots and lots.

I am at the point now that I can start piecing some large blocks so I need to cut some plain squares. I am using 30's reproductions and my favorite Kona. I love quilts make out of Kona they end up really snuggly. This quilt has been commissioned for a Christmas gift so it is important that I really work quickly on it. I'll let you know how it goes.

I also have backing and top on the frame. Maybe Olivia and I can get some quilting done on that this week too. I sure hope so.

Have a great week. ( I hate standard time--I want daylight savings time back!!)

Thank you Cheryl and Friends

2010-11-12T16:25:00.001-05:00

So sad. Tomorrow is the last day the 'Quilted Pearl' Quilt Shop will be open. We have been very blessed for the last 5 years to have access to a wonderful shop of fabrics and great people. Cheryl and her sidekicks have really allowed quilting to grow in the community and for that reason they will really be missed. Many of us will not know what to do without our many monthly meetings at 'The Pearl'. Best of luck to Cheryl in her future endeavors and Thanks for the Memories.