A13 Starlight-Starbright

Perhaps one of my favorite blocks so far!

I haven't been as productive with my DJ blocks this week.
I am still waiting for 10 yds of back-ordered Vanilla background fabric. Most Dear Jane quilters recommend using just one fabric for all the block backgrounds & sashing.
(for a traditional Jane look)

I've always liked the sparkle & depth of a few stray blocks in a quilt so I'm going a bit non-traditional by randomly adding blocks with varied cream print backgrounds here & there.
This is one of those random blocks.

Giveaway - Random Acts of Kindness

I came upon this post on Amy's blog over the weekend. The concept of Pay it Forward has always appealed to me and after reading her post - I've totally committed to this "Giveaway".
(I'm para-phrasing the guidelines below in quotes)

"The idea is that random acts of kindness are given without expecting anything in return. Just passing on the kindness, hoping that your recipients will do the same and forming a never-ending chain of kindness.

That's what this is about. But it isn't only kindness it is also a means to connect with our fellow crafters. To network if you will and to spread our work (instead of having it sit in our house where only friends and family get to see it).

And this is how it works:

You'll have to comment on this post and the first 3 people who comment will receive a handmade gift from me within the next few months. But those 3 commenters will also have to post the idea on their blog and commit to making a gift for the first 3 people who comment on their post and so on and so forth."

If you don't have a blog - simpy send along something to 3 people you know that would benefit from a random act of kindness and ask them to return the favor to 3 other people etc.

This is going to be a fun and rewarding experience!
So please pass on the word and spread some kindness!

Redwork Embroidery Project

I picked up an adorable BOM pattern set at the quilt show on June 5th. It's called Calendar Girls by Nana's Needlework.
My sister & I both fell in love with this pattern and Nancy Bowen's entire booth of stitchery designs.

I'm working these blocks up using a varigated red thread. (that I purchased at her booth) Although slightly non-traditional, I really like the look of it.

It will be a nice change of pace to work on a block each month while I continue working on my DJ quilt.

More Jane blocks and a Dedication

It felt good to be back on schedule this week with 6 blocks on the tally wall.

I created a very special block this week from fabric I received a while back from my dear friend Beverly of Heartland Creations

Beverly's father passed away last week. Her father was an honorable man and a true Patriot. In 1944 he fought for our country at the Battle of the Bulge and was taken prisoner. He became a POW in a slave labor camp under brutal conditions for nearly a year before being rescued. He was a true American Hero that made great sacrifices for our country. I found the perfect block to sew & dedicate to the memory of her father Jay.
It's block D10 titled Battlefield

This block will always be a reminder to me of Jay and all the other heroic soldiers that have gone to battle to fight for freedom!

Till next time....

Look What I Received!

This is the amazing quilt I received from the Mini Embroidery Quilt Exchange! I was very fortunate that Rosemary Dempster received my name!
She is a VERY talented and generous person.

Knowing my love for historical quilts & fabrics, Rosemary purchased some Jane Austen reproduction material (called Winchester) to make this beautiful quilt for me. Red & Yellow is my favorite color combination and I just LOVE LOVE this quilt!


The red embroidery, hand quilting and tiny prairie points are gorgeous!
I will always treasure this little quilt - THANK YOU Rosemary!

In the Pink - week 4 of DJ

A bit late posting these due to a long & busy weekend away.
My theme for the week was In the Pink. With only 3 days at home last week, I fell short of my goal to complete 6 blocks.
The Northern Virginia quilt show is this Friday - Sunday, so it will be another short week for sewing time again.
I have a feeling I'll be sewing a few extra blocks in June. (grin)

Seeing that it's Tuesday already - I best get busy choosing my next 6 blocks and the fabrics to pair them with!

Wishing everyone a Happy & Productive week!