It's July!

Sam says 'hi"! I hope and trust that you all had a wonderful fourth. It was really just another day here as we didn't attend any fireworks or barbecues this year. Work continues on the kitchen re-do; hopefully all of the perimeter counter tops will be fully installed tomorrow. We did observe the holiday with extra flags and patriotic displays, Uncle Sam is currently on sentinel duty at the sewing room door. Sam is a Country Threads pattern. 

I began this sampler yesterday, even though it won't be finished in a timely manner it will be ready for next year and it will be a fun little project to work on in the evenings this month.

Another sampler, this one a block-of-the-month quilt variety from last year, a Bits 'n Pieces pattern, Lady's Scrap Basket, is finally under the needle for quilting. Panto: "Daisy Swirl" from Willow Leaf Studios. Mine is entitled "Red Letter Day".

And now, the most exciting news of the day! Take a look at this positively scrumptious strawberry quilt! You just know that I had to have this! Amanda over at Westwood Acres Fabrics has kitted up the fabric along with her original quilt pattern for purchase, right now, on her website. I'm always the one saying "I don't buy kits" but, the truth of the matter is that's not always the case; this one is a delightful exception! (The paper pattern-only is available too if you have more restraint than I do and can resist this beautiful hand selected collection of lovelies.) I honestly can't wait to get started on my own Strawberry Jam quilt! Hurry on over (click on the hyperlink above) before these kits and patterns are gone, I promise they're going fast! 

🍓

Life is Good!

Buyer's Remorse?

 I did a lot of bragging about Quilted Threads after visiting there back in June. Since I've been home I was haunted by the memory of a precious baby quilt hanging up in that shop; I couldn't get it out of my mind! On a whim, I called them to inquire about the pattern. The woman that I spoke with on the phone was knowledgable and friendly, she not only immediately knew what pattern I was referring to but informed me that they had that quilt kitted up, too. Of course they did! I am not normally a kit person at all, I far prefer to make my own fabric selections and individualize whatever I choose to work on. So, I was inclined to turn down the offer of the kit and stick with the pattern that I had called to inquire about; that is, until she mentioned free shipping! They're good salespeople at Quilted Threads, she had me at free shipping. I chastised myself all week over making that impulsive decision and, admit to, suffering from some over-the-phone buyer's remorse; that is, until the package arrived. With a deep "what have I done" sigh, I ripped open the shipment only to be tickled beyond belief, I LOVE this! Thanks, Quilted Threads, you've pleased me all over again! Now, do I have a plan for this quilt? Do I need one? I hope not.

The "big surprise" quilt has been removed from the frame and is waiting on presentation, once that occurs I can reveal it here. Here's a peek at what I've been quilting since then, "Scaredy Cat" is loaded now, just in time for fall. Sundance and I have been having fun with woodgrain, swirls and stars while watching season #1 of Downton Abbey on DVDs. My plan is to hand quilt, big stitch style (with perle cotton), the countour lines of the wool pumpkins and only machine quilt the background details, I'm happy with this one. 

Life is Good!