progress on book...

Today, my new laptop arrived.  I ordered this so I can work on my book on the go, in bed, on the couch - where ever, and even while Dan is using the PC!

The book writing should go alot quicker and smoother now (please, Lord).  I have several patterns that I am working on this weekend to include in the book.

I also have the pics chosen which I need to get permission to use, and will be sending out the slips for that.

So, it is all coming together!

Leah Day has announced the Transformation Challenge Winners

Today Leah showed all the winning quilts.  They are all so beautiful, check them out!

http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2011/09/transformation-challenge-winners.html

You may have noticed that my Diana's Transformation (aka My Daughter) is NOT on the winners list.  Though I must confess I was hoping, I am not terribly disappointed.

By not being a winner, I get my quilt back!  I had been missing it.  I spent alot of time planning it and creating it.  So, it will be good to be back home with me.

Also, consolation prize includes a professional photo, and her new book!  How cool!

In case you want to see all the finalists, check this out:
http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2011/08/transformation-challenge-finalists.html

Looking at the quilts that won, I see a color and theme (all nature-y) going on.  Leah says "It came down to arranging the final quilt and finding this perfect layout, in which each piece compliments another" and I see how they do all blend quite well.

If you look at the winning quilts, and into the empty spot in the center patch Leah's quilt she made when she announced the contest - you will see one really cool quilt in the making!  And you will see how my quilt was "odd man out".  I can't wait to see the final quilt!
I am hoping that Leah will include some critic with the quilt, to help know what did or did not work.  I would love input to help improve my quilting.

Well, this deadline has passed, now it is time to tackle the next "challenge".  Hint: it has something to do with a wedding tomorrow (and unfortunately, a project that won't be done in time, but one that I think will be really cool!).

Also, I am planning to work full force on my book "Cut Work Portraits and Other Art Quilts".  My goal is to get it done by month end, or very soon thereafter.  We will see...

the Walk to Cure Diabetes

My granddaughter, Isabel, is a Type One Diabetic.  I will be participating in the Walk to Cure Diabetes on September 18th.  I would love if you could donate to this worthy cause!  Just go to My Page and click the DONATE TO TRUDY button.

God prepared Isabel for this trial, but when the diagnosis came, we thought she would have a terrible time.  You see, Isabel loves all kinds of food.  There is hardly a vegtable, fruit, pasta, bread, meat, or dessert out there that doesn't have her name on it.

We thought this would be a bad thing, but it was all wonderfully & divinely planned.  Soon after she was diagnosed, we attended a potluck luncheon.  All the other kids were piling their plates high with potatoe chips, but just 3 chips - yes I said THREE! - would have used up all of her allowed carbs for that meal.  So, she shrugged her shoulders and said "how many carrots could I have?".  It was one of the first examples to us how God had prepared her heart, and her tastebuds, for what she was to face.

Her blood sugars continually climb and plummet.  Now she has a pump which monitors her, and gives her insulin - but often she needs manual attention.  Just last night, she had to get more insulin becuase she was very sick, her blood sugars were real high.

God also prepared her another way - by making her very sensitive to her body.  She usually knows (even before it can register on the monitor), if she is spiking or dropping.

Not all Diabetics are that lucky.  Some don't know (or can't respond) if their blood sugars get all wacky.  Without timely proper intervention, these people could quickly begin to damage their liver or slip into a coma or die.  That is why this Walk is so important - it is someone's life we are talking about.  Please take a moment to view MY PAGE and donate to save a life.  Thank you.

By the time all the money was turned in, I had raised $145 - thanks everyone!

Cut Work Portraits & Other Art Quilts - my first book

I am working on my first book: "Cut Work Portraits & Other Art Quilts"!

The buzz has really been exciting on the Quilting Board.  So many great suggestions, some of which I have taken, and some I have decided against.

I have a good portion of the book written, and pics for the "how to" chapters.

I am working on gathering pics to create some generic patterns, that would appeal to a wide audience.

Several board members that have published, have offered some great advise.  Also, today Dan ordered a book for me that I had checked out from the library and found very helpful.  AND recently Leah Day talked about self-publishing - so it seems to be all coming very slowly together!  EEK!

You can see a couple of examples of the Cut Work quilts on my Projects Gallery page.

I am a finalist!

I received an email from Leah Day - that says my quilt made the finalist list!

Check out the 13 other great quilts who made the cut:

http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2011/08/transformation-challenge-finalists.html

We will find out on September 30th who the 8 winners are.

Transformation Challenge Quilt - deadline is now past...

Sunday has now come and gone – so, did I get it done??? YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Woo, hoo!


I worked and went to church 23 hours this weekend, had to reprint the borders and label, then change the colors of the fabric (2 step process), and rush to JoAnns to buy a different color thread, as the one planned for the skin, basically disappeared on the fabric. Uggh!!

Last night Diana and Ramon took pics of the quilt, and we mailed it off – with 34 minutes to spare – plenty of time! Ha, ha.

Anyway, drum roll please………………… Here is my entry: “My Daughter”

Leah will notify the finalists on August 22nd – wish me luck!

Challenge update

Well, Sunday is the deadline to send Leah the pics of the completed quilt – so, “how is it coming?” you might ask. Well……….

My machine keeps jamming up on me (don’t know why, other than the deadline – it is clean, I have torn it apart a million times, new needle, bobbin is in right direction, tension is good).

Also I started, then got interrupted by life a few dozen times.

Then decided yesterday to start all over as I didn’t think it was good enough.

I am so glad that I did! I am really loving it (except when I want to kick the machine – but the QUILT – I am loving that!). So, yesterday I worked on it for about three hours.

When I planned this quilt, I made a sketch of how the stitches would look in each area, and what colors I wanted. It really helped me “see” the quilt.  Click on the pic to get a good closeup of the "stitching".

Here is what I had done before leaving for work today. I will work on it for maybe half an hour tonight (two jobs today, also getting up 2 hours early tomorrow to do grocery shopping before work, so can’t stay up too late). Then, I will have Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon to finish up.

As quick as this has gone so far (especially considering that I have to keep stopping to un-jam the machine) – I don’t think I will have too much trouble getting it done in time.

Without further delay – here is “My Daughter” – well, at least the beginning (please ignore all the loose threads not yet cut).

I want to go back and restitch the outlines of each area, and make it a little more smooth looking.

The hair is "Swirling Flames".  I want to outline each individual flame better.  But, I figure I need to get the whole quilt done first!

Please pray for me, that I get it all done in time. I told Dan that even if I didn’t get the quilt done in time for the contest, this has really been good for me, to push me beyond my capabilities, and besides, it is really fun!  Thanks, Leah!

You can see the original photo in my blog titled "Leah Day's Transformation Quilt Challenge" below.  Oh, by the way, don't notice that the pic is mirror image of the quilt.  I decided I like the back of the quilt better.  ;-)