Busy, Busy, Busy

This is what has been taking up a lot of my time:


                                                   ?

Oh, do you  see a big blank?  That's because I've been working on the shop hop quilt, which remains a SECRET until February.  I've been making steady progress and only have the borders left to sew on.  I'll send it away with my good friend Lilly next week to be machine quilted.  (Lilly's Machine Quilting, Vanceboro, NC, 252-244-1988)  Lilly has quilted all of my shop hop quilts except one, which was small enough that I decided to hand quilt. 

About two weeks ago, I discovered the pattern for the Hexagon Star (designed by Kaye Wood) in an old Fons and Porter Magazine.  Here is the first one in progress.

And what do I always do?  Go crazy and cut out a bunch of them!  This is the collection so far:

I'm not just doing this for my health - I have a Christmas craft sale coming up in about three weeks.  One problem, though, is that I didn't make any in Christmas colors.  So I've rounded up a few combinations and will cut out some more this afternoon.

Here's another SOMETHING in progress.  I'll keep you guessing until next time!

As you can see, while cutting I couldn't resist trimming off some selvages to use in a future project.  I have a whole shopping bag FULL.

Hot off the Ironing Board!

Here it was at the beginning ...

Inspired by ....

The blocks are all together now and I am pleased with the effect.  The next decision will concern borders, pieced or plain?  I have more of the green fabric left over.  Julie said that she thought I should bring in more of the dull rusty orange.  Hmmm ..... will have to think about it for a while.

It's Wednesday and I put together the Dear Jane block shown at the bottom of the picture.  The other two were made last week.  SLOWLY BUT SURELY ... now I have approx. 45 finished blocks.

Sampler Quilts

Today is the last day for two beginners quilting classes, afternoon and evening.  We have had a good time together and all of the quilts are looking great!  Here is Dottie - we are in the process of basting her quilt in this picture.

Geneva's quilt is already basted and she is sitting by the window quilting.  Ann is adding her final borders.  They all did a great job!

Here's a picture of one of the hexagon stars after it was quilted and bound.  It will be a quickie afternoon class here at the store next Tuesday:

Of course, I've cut out three more and also want to make some in Christmas colors .....