Cape May Diamonds!!

Cape May Diamonds! These are the shells and water/sand worn rocks we collected in New Jersey. You can't really tell in the picture, but some of the rocks are actually quartz stones, worn smooth and lovely by the surf. I think this is what is known as "Cape May Diamonds"! Thanks Pat, I called them pearls in the last post. We also found some beach glass, all the sharp edges worn smooth away. The "diamonds" especially sparkle when they are wet. I love looking at these gifts from the sea, and will always remember the pleasure of walking and gathering them.

My Sylvia's Bridal Sampler quilt progresses...slowly...These blocks are so much fun to make! Very small pieces in some of them. Eleven made so far and 140 blocks in all to be made!! Whoop!!!

More adventures to follow...a fun adventure this week is in store! I will tell you all about it this week!!

Have a wonderful day,

Julie

Plaids, plaids, plaids!!!

Lookee!! The mail just came, and I must have a wonderful angel looking after me...I received all these lovely plaids!! I am just mad for plaids these days...and I am so excited to use them. Thank you, Joyce!!!

Julie

Home Again!

Hi friends!

We are back from our trip to Atlantic City. I won a nursing scholarship trip, and could take a trip to any continuing education conference...and I picked Atlantic City because of the conference offered (a CCRN review), and because I had never been there before...so off we went! On the way, I finished quilting this little quilt above, and put the binding on today, and I just need to hand finish that and it is done...A finish for Finn!! I like the scrappy binding.

And because I just can't leave well enough alone, I made this block. A larger version of the blocks in the Kim Diehl quilt above, but with the added circle applique in the middle. What do you think? Original? Or is there not an original block left out there? LOL!!

On the trip, we went to Cape May, in New Jersey. The beach was wonderful, and full of "Cape May Pearls", which are small tumbled stones, probably from a quartz outcropping somewhere. They are so pretty, and we collected pockets full! I am surprised that the airport security let us take all those stones through security check. Huge thanks to Pat and her friend for giving us all kinds of wonderful ideas of where to visit in New Jersey. It was gorgeous!

The Trump Taj Mahal at Atlantic City, on the boardwalk...we just peeked in to see the place and took a picture. Did not see any big winners!!

We also went to Hershey, Pennsylvania. DH has always wanted to go, funny because he does not eat any chocolate at all! (But I do)....anyway! We went to the town and enjoyed learning that because Mr Hershey did not have children, he benevolently started a school and provides education to this day via his foundation to thousands of needy children. The whole town revolves around chocolate! The above butterfly are part of a butterfly exhibit in his gardens.

And roses! Blooms galore at this time of year, and the whole garden was just gorgeous.

Had to visit chocolate world...fun!!

Remember to comment on my last post if you are interested in the giveaway...

Have a wonderful day!!

Julie

An Special Occasion...Celebration!!

Hi all! I just realized...I have been blogging TWO years! It has been so fun, meeting and sharing friendships with you all. So, it is time for a GIVEAWAY!!

Now, what does a quilter need...marbled fabric as above? Yep! That would be good...

A silly cute little dog? No, he is not for the giveaway, but isn't he a cutie? Dear husband and I spotted him at the recent car show we attended.

A lovely pattern book? Yep! That would be good!!

A little bag, handmade...sure! That would be great!

How about some tiny scissors, just right for thread trimming...Yes, that would be good too!

So, here is the deal: Please leave me a comment if you would like to be entered in the giveaway. Be sure I can contact you if you do not have a blog. I will draw a winner on October 2nd, next Friday. Good Luck and thank you for your friendship over this past two years!!

Julie

a little frustration!

Why was my profile set at "no-reply"?  I did not change it...no wonder few people have been replying to my comments!  It is changed now, thank you to Linda for the heads-up!

Julie

Kim Diehl miniature

Hi Friends! Have you all seen this book, below? It is by Kim Diehl, and is called "Simple Seasons". I love this book lots and lots. Above is my version of Kim's quilt in the book. She is really a good writer, and her directions are very good. I used what I had on hand, so my quilt does not look exactly like hers. Those little squares finish at 1 3/4 inches, and have four pieces. Cool!! Love it!! All the applique is pinned on, and now I just have the fun of appliqueing the pieces all down. I love the hand work the best, it is kind of reward for the monotony of preparing all the pieces, for me.

Here is her quilt...cute, huh? Hope mine will shape up like hers. Have a super day!

***********************Gratitude's******************************

1. Family, always.

2. Fabric fun (see above)

3. Cooler weather and soothing rains, Hurrah!!

4. Blog friends!

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Julie

More progress on the Mystery quilt

Hi Y'all! Above is the next block in Bonnie Hunter's newest mystery quilt. So, I am all caught up and waiting for the next clue! I even have my fabric pre-cut, just waiting for instructions...Woohooo!!!!!!!!!!

I am working on a miniature quilt, and here is the beginning, just cutting apart my chain sewing string and then I will press the blocks. This one has quite a bit of applique in it, and it should be fun! More about this quilt on the next post.

A friend at work said, "Here, take this stuff, my mom was throwing all this away." Most of the fabric is quilt shop quality...sure I can use it!! Do you ever get grocery bags of fabric scraps?

******************Nurse's notes*******************************

For those who have been following the ongoing story of Carrie, my 19 year old patient at the hospital...she is making great strides!!!!!!!!! She passed her swallowing test! Her young husband came running up to the unit all smiles and tears and hugging everyone in sight, after her successful test! So, after seven weeks of tube feedings, she had her first meal last night. She wanted a fruit smoothie...so we were going to get her one, no matter what it took. And we did...and she drank it all!! Now, this was the girl who really was not expected to make it, she was so very ill. Of course, she can have anything she wants for sure! Weird thing is, she is still on the ventilator via her trach part time...I have never had a patient like that. Yippppeeeee!

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Have a super day everyone...hope you can find some wonderful quilting time, just for you.

Julie