The summer of 2023 will be remembered for many events—horrible wild fires, extreme heat, unprecedented legal and political actions and…Barbie! A movie for adults based on a doll–a doll that is 64 years old! Barbie was really the first doll that wasn’t a baby doll. Some folks collected them..keeping them pristine in the original box; some folks cut her hair and applied makeup with markers. Some parents couldn’t wait to buy their daughter her first Barbie and others believed it encouraged an unrealistic and unhealthy expectations of female anatomy.

Maybe our world needed a movie staring a doll, because Barbie is the largest grossing movie for the summer! My 19 year old great niece saw the movie as a feminist statement. A retired teacher friend enjoyed it but saw it as nothing more than a “cute movie”. Some ultra conservatives believed it was anti-male, going against long held belief systems. I haven’t seen it and probably won’t be able to persuade my movie going partner to pay to see it. I will wait until it can be watched via streaming in my home. But just like the doll, the movie has had an impact on society.

Historically, pink was feminine. Baby girls were swaddled in pink blankets, boys were blue. Girls could have blue dresses and gowns but no self respecting father would let his son be dressed in pink! But the Barbie audiences proved those “rules” to be a thing of the past! Male movie goers had pink in their wardrobe to wear to the movie. Fun fact reported by Cotton USA is that men who wear pink earn on the average $1200 more each year than men who don’t wear pink! How about that! The new Miami pro soccer team will sport pink kits. Breast cancer and anti-bulling campaigns chose pink for their signature color. Pink has crossed the gender barrier.

The Quilters at First have embraced pink.

Paulette created this pink beauty using the disappearing nine patch pattern. The back is a solid pink fleece making it especially cuddly. Measuring 48″ x 66″, large enough to be used by a toddler. It is tied with pearl cotton. $60.

Elaine used Barbie theme fabric to make these bags. Perfect for little or big girls! They have zipper closures and are lined. $30 each. (Both have sold)

Big or little girls would also enjoy these pieces of wall art.

Diane used “cutter” quilts for the hearts and added hand embroidery, embellishments and ribbons. Stained wooden embroidery hoops are used as frames. I can see one in a baby’s room or given as a special “I am thinking of you” gift. $15 each

The Quilters are finishing up projects for the “Big Sale” in October! Personally, I have a lot of binding to complete. I have downloaded THE COVENANT OF WATER by Abraham Verghese–31 hours of listening—-so should have many more projects to show you soon.

First of all, my daughter knows I am writing this post. And secondly, I have the best daughter ever! My daughter in law is also wonderful, but this post is about my “I raised her” daughter. We share a Kindle account and it is not difficult to discern between my books and hers. Her books have titles like ACADEMIC LANGUAGE IN DIVERSE CLASSROOMS: DEFINITIONS AND CONTEXTS or BLACK FATIGUE: HOW RACISM ERODES THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT. My titles are THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB or THE ROSE CODE. She does have some “bodice rippers” and I do have some non-fiction historical.

She cares deeply about justice and social inequities. Her Facebook posts are articles about equal taxation and the one sided judicial system. I show off quilts that are for sale.

She will spend days tracing newspaper articles, land grant documents, and birth, wedding and death certificates. She will take time to read the faded and spidery hand writing in letters from long ago ancestors to verify a connection to her family tree. I won’t spend more than a few minutes in a garage sale —I can’t waste time there if I am not sure I will find a treasure.

As an associate principal at an elementary school, she deals with student conflict daily and so calmly. As a teacher, I had times I was almost hysterical …ask me about the time a student cut a live electrical cord with a pair of metal shears. But she does know she can vent to me about absurd policies, frustrating issues and irritating staff and parents because I spent decades in public education also.

She cooks and bakes with a flair but not that often. I cook to have a meal on the table at 5:45. Her home is more stylish, mine is more traditional. But we both love fabric. There is so much potential in that yardage. Our tastes are mostly different although we have some common designers…we both like the American Jane lines. Soft florals are her usual choice. I like reproduction, novelty and holiday prints. Her favorite quilt designer is Carrie Nelson who had Miss Rosie’s Quilt Co.

She taught herself to piece/quilt. They live on the East Coast so I was’t available to give hands on instruction. Her points match, her seams are pressed and her patterns are more complex than I usually will tackle. She impressed this sewing teacher. She made several beautiful quilts; we always sleep under one of hers when we visit. But life happens and interests change. Her work days are long and her passion now is genealogy. Her office/sewing room closet was spilling over with fabric. So instead of letting the unfinished tops and fabric take up space and become dated, she packed it all up and set it to me. (And now she can install the closet organizer..she and I both share the belief that if you purchase enough tubs, containers, canisters etc, we will be organized!)

I didn’t throw away anything! Who knows it might be the last piece to one of the eleven puzzles. There were some patterns included and I had a Miss Rosie book so I have matched all the tops but two to available patterns.

One of best features of Quilters at First is that we have diverse tastes and styles. These quilts will add one more interesting combination to our sale. Thank you for not being a pack rat like you mother and fooling yourself that you would get back to them! Thank you for sharing!

What has been happening with the other members of our group? Lots of sewing!

Peggy completed the binding on this soft cuddly baby quilt and bib. The front is a simple combination of small floral prints and the backing is Minky in the most calming color. The bib completes this great gift for a new baby and mother. 45″ x 60″. $75

Janis has been super busy. She is still recovering from a fall and can’t join us in person but sent this masterpiece.

Really, it wasn’t just like that—she spent hours finding just the right fabric, carefully cutting out the pieces to be appliquéd and many more hours zigzagging around each piece in the matching color.

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The wall hanging is 35.5″ x 44″ and for sale for $300.

Remember this includes sale tax. We will mail for the cost of postage and insurance. We will add a hanging sleeve on the back if you are interested.

My daughter sent me this–and both hobbies are valid, satisfy that creative urge and can be therapy!

What brings you joy? A few weeks ago a friend gave a book review on 1000 Gifts by Ann Voscamp. The author had made a list of 1000 things that brought her joy. The list was not a list of “blessings” or a “gratitude list” but simple things/events that give her joy …. a perfectly brewed cup of coffee , waking up to the sound of rain. I was intrigued but knowing myself, I decided to make a list of 500 joys. Some are very specific, some would cause others to scratch their heads but it is my list. A quick search on the internet results in hundreds of sites that offer help in finding joy and/or formats for listing joys. For me, I chose to create a word document on my computer and add to periodically!

On my list, there are joys specific to quilting. I crave time at my sewing machine or cutting table…is that an addiction? Quilters joke that quilting is cheaper than therapy. I look forward to Wednesday; six hours with my fellow Quilters at First. Visiting a quilt shop is better than a visit to an ice cream shop! But within this larger framework of being a “quilting nerd”, there are joyful moments. For example, last Wednesday a quilter in our group forgot her rotary cutter and ask to borrow one. When one was handed to her, the owner said, “I just put in a new blade” to which she replied “Oh Yummy!” A new blade always brings joy!

Whimsical fabric designs bring me joy. I have a bin full without any idea of how I will use them. But every time I pull them out, I smile.

Our cupboards are filling with items for our October Quilts Etc Sale. Sometimes I just open the doors and stare at the stacks. That brings me joy! We have several great additions to our inventory. Would any of these bring joy to your life?

Elaine had been to the country fair and brought her ribbon winning projects to share.

This “I Spy” quilt received a blue ribbon. The judge particularly liked the jigsaw quilting pattern. More of a toddler’s quilt — 46″ x 58″. $75

Retro bunnies! Same design in two color lines are used to make this sweet baby quilt. Yellow was considered non-gender specific when these retro bunnies were created. Flannel backing 39″ x 48″. $50

Wall hanging or table runner–you decide or use it both ways. These rustic appliquéd pumpkins with embroidered accents could be used all fall. 18″ x 37″. $60. SOLD

Are you an alumni or supporter of WSU or SE High School—-or West Point Military Academy or the U of Colorado or Wake Forest or Purdue or Vanderbilt? Actually, there are dozens of colleges and universities with this strong color combination as part their signature. A cozy lap quilt with Minky on the front and a plaid with a hint of gold on the back. 52″ x 60″. $150

Shirley also brought her hollyhock wall hanging that she custom quilted.

20″ x 35″. $60. If you look close there are lady bugs, butterflies and a dragonfly in the quilting design.

Erin go Bragh —Using her Celtic theme fabric, Shirley fashioned a small wall hanging or table topper, a bag and a pot holder of trivet. The wall hanging is 18″ x 18″ and $30–notice the lovely custom quilting.SOLD The bag is $25 and the potholder/trivet is $8. –Insula-brite was used. SOLD

Never too early to prepare for Christmas–

In addition to your door wreath, hang nine more wreaths in the hall or across the back of the sofa. Check out the custom quilting –there are Christmas trees and snowflakes scattered about. The binding is a plaid emphasizing the burgundy and forrest green colors. 44″ x 46″. $100

Need a special gift for someone that has everything–these unique towels are the answer. The embroidery is so well done and the coordinating fabric and ric rac add the finishing touch. Don’t know which one I like the best! Each towel is $18

Quilting brings me and the other Quilters at First joy or we wouldn’t be part of this endeavor. That is not to say our rotary blades don’t get dull or the bobbin doesn’t run out in the middle of a very long seam, or that we never cut half of the directional triangles wrong! All those frustrations just make the good moments more joyful.

Quilts Etc Sale. October 21-22 at First United Methodist Church, Wichita, KS

Summer time in Kansas–for me it has been an ice cream social for church class, grandchildren visiting with their parents which resulted in visits by extended family, temps over 100 and county fairs! All have had their positive and not so positive moments!

To start, I don’t like hot weather. I really get grouchy and I am forever grateful for AC and the income to support it!

The ice cream social is lots of fun — class members do the ice cream and baked goodies. Most brought a photo of themselves from decades earlier–baby, school or wedding. We had fun guessing who was who. Almost everyone guessed me–was it my chubby cheeks? Of course I had to spend several days cleaning, as if anyone cares except myself. But on the plus side, the house was ready for by son and his family.

It had four years since my son and his wife had been here. So grateful we have them for a week. Downside…I always plan too much food, too many activities and have too many “things we will do when the kids are here”. We would not get though all of it if they stayed month. My family was kind enough to see some of my world; they visited the “quilt room” at Church and work an entire day filling food boxes for Open Door. My grandchildren have no first cousins, so seeing their second cousins the same age as they are was memory building. And the older cousins–from different worlds, caught up now they are the parents.

County fairs wasn’t in my background. I didn’t belong to 4-H and neither did my children. It was after I was ask to judge quilts at a country fair did I start attending. This year I judged at two county fairs. I judged 4-H textile arts at one and “Open Quilting” at the second fair. Both groups were very impressive. I wish all those naysayers who say quilting is a lost art could have been with me.

I judged table runners, baby quilts and a few bags made by 4-H members–boys and girls from 7 to 18 years of age. Most received a purple or blue ribbon. Many of these students had been in the same sewing group with an enthusiastic, high energy leader. I was impressed with time she had spent testing patterns, obtaining donated fabric and rounding up machines and meeting sites. I was told the agent to have a “glow” and a “grow” on each evaluation sheet–in other words, a compliment and a suggestion for improvement. Bindings seemed to be the construction issue with the most problems. Corners are difficult. But over and over I made an effort to encourage the 4-Her to “keep sewing!” The judging took place in a metal building without air conditioning. Made me appreciate the “good ole’ NEW days”.

The quilts I judged in the Open Quilting at another fair were made by women with years of quilting experience. Their workmanship and creativity is awesome. A unique challenge is the last to be judged every year. Quilters pick up a pattern and one to several pieces of fabric from the extension office earlier in the year. The instructions include the size of the block and how it will be judged. This year it was a cowboy boot to go with the fair’s western theme. This year all the quilters received was the background fabric. The judges picked a winner based on workmanship and creativity–not an easy task. A small prize is given. But the agent combines all the blocks in to a quilt that will be auctioned off next year to benefit the 4-H club. It is a fun but difficult task to choose the best block!

While I have been cleaning house–especially my sewing room so grandchildren would have a place to sleep, cooking meals for teenagers, visiting swimming pools, and attending fairs, my fellow quilters at FUMC have been finishing projects. Here is a peek.

Virginia hand quilted this lap/child/baby quilt with kitty cats. See the cat’s head quilted into the print block. Can’t help but to smile looking at this quilt! $150 (it is hand quilted!)

Susan finished binding this table runner that could grace your dinning table all year long.

Every color is different but from the same fabric line. The border fabric is used on the back. It is 12″ x 44″ and $40.

Need a toiletry bag? or a travel bag? a sewing kit bag? These patchwork lined bags with zipper closing are perfect. Sturdy, well made–they could even be used as a gift bag–fill it with lotions, soaps, cleaning wipes and you have a unique gift for the college student heading back to university or for a new mother!

Speaking of new mothers—this 35″ x 44″ flannel baby quilt is so cozy and any parent would love to wrap their baby in it.

The back is dark grey with teal elephants–same as the binding. I personally love the pops of color the orange dots add. $60

Yep, today the temperature is to reach 100 or above, but Christmas will be here..soon!

Santa gift bags will make your gifts stand out under the tree. If your kids are like most, they will claim one certain bag as theirs year after year and woe be the sibling who claims otherwise! Some of the beards are cut from an old cutter quilt. So many uses for quilts!

A church member was downsizing and we were the lucky recipients. This twin size quilt is not “vintage” per se, but used fabrics from several different eras.

Scallops instead of prairie points frame three sides of this scrappy quilt. It is machine quilted. The quilt measures 74″ x 90″ and is $125.

Wow, what a variety of projects. Approximately 25 quilters with varied color and fabric favorites and styles have created a huge selection of “Quilty” projects. You may purchase any item now. But our closets are filled to the max with items for our sale October 20 and 21. I can’t wait to fill Wilke Family Life Center with our huge variety of projects.

Learning to speak English can be confusing. Those of us who speak English as our first language might disagree but think of all the words that sound alike but have different spellings and different meanings—right and write, their, they’re and there, two, to, and too are some of the simple examples. Also, we have words that have a dozen different meanings although the word is spelled and pronounced the same.

For example—- Block can be–1. city block.. a geographical space defined by streets…the prettiest garden on the block. 2. a child’s toy….the wooden blocks had numbers and letters on the sides. 3. a movement... to keep someone from advancing as they wish, physically or socially/professionally…the football player blocked the quarterback or her boss blocked her advancement into the management level. 4. a practice in theater of determining the best location on stage for the actors in a particular scene…the director blocked all the scenes to emphasis the lead actor’s role. 5. a set time period during the school day…she taught math three blocks every day. 6. an auctioneers stand...all the painting were put on the sale block. 7. (from Britain). A group of apartments in a larger structure.…She lived on the top block of apartments in the Rex building. 8. a chopping block… from the days of corporal punishment, literally having one’s head cut off, now meaning something very serious and not good is about to happen…Her job was on the chopping block. 9. butcher’s block…large thick surface for cutting animal carcasses into small pieces…the butcher’s block table was an antique. 10. block and tackle…a series of pulleys with ropes designed to lift a heavy load…the warehouse had a series of block and tackles to move the pallets off the trucks.

But for this blog post, block can only mean one thing–a quilt block!!! The basic unit of a quilt can be a cut piece of fabric or it can be made up of many small pieces of fabric sewn together to create a design.

It can be almost any size. Traditionally, quilt blocks are from 6″ to 15″ squares, but there are many exceptions. This handy chart gives guidance on creating different sized nine patch blocks.

The quilt may be only one block or several different blocks to create the over all design.

Hundreds and hundreds of different block designs have been created, evolved and named. Blocks have been named after flowers, states, historical events, Biblical stories, causes, and every day items. And for each block there are many different variations.

The most basic of blocks, the four patch is name for it’s construction—four squares!

These placemats feature the four patch alternating with solid blocks of the same size. Measuring 12″ x 14″, the set of four is $40. The backing is the same as the binding.

I would guess the star block has the most variations of any block. Who doesn’t want a quilt that twinkles with stars.

This scrappy blue and brown blocks in this quilt is the “center” of the well known Hunter’s Star. It is also known as the Lemoyne Star. 55″ x61″. $200

This beauty was donated to Quilters at First. The complex star block is the Ozark Star.The quilt is hand quilted and is edged with Prairie Points instead of binding. $200

Saw Tooth Stars in vintage prints are imposed on Four Point Stars in “that 30’s green” fabric. 67″ x 78″. $250

A simple but versatile block is Flying Geese. Quilters either love or hate to make them.

The Flying Geese Block needs no explanation on the origin of the name! (It has been bound now!) 60″ x 76″. $175

The framed blocks are French Braid or Strip Braid. The quilt is 67″ x 86″ and $125.

Come to the Quilts Etc Sale in October and make a game of identifying as many different quilt blocks as you can. Don’t hesitate to tell us if you know the pattern by a different name. Block names are just another fascinating part of quilting!

Henry Ford famously promised the purchasers of his Model T– “You can have any color, as long as it’s black” Dress designers and fashion icons have always promoted black. Neiman Marcus suggested that” women who wear black lead colorful lives”. Every well dress woman owns a “little black dress”. Eleanor Roosevelt advised wearing black because no one would remember it.

But black isn’t often thought of when designing a quilt. True, the Amish made black their trademark. Amish women pieced quilt tops from fabric they used in garment sewing—dark greens, blues, reds, purples and black.

(These quilts are for sale at https://amishcountrylanes.com)

But most of the quilts shown in galleries, shops and homes do not feature black. The majority of the quilts we are selling at the October Etc. Quilt Sale are pastels, autumn colors, bright colors of Christmas and fun prints.

But this past week we received two stunners with lots of black —

Just two coordinating prints, a complimentary lime green and black!! The simple half-square triangle was manipulated to create a “parallelogram” on point. Lime green is a trademark of Paulette who made this beauty. The binding is made using the two fabric technique creating a faux flange.

The first photo (sorry about the fuzzy image) is the faux flange. The machine quilting makes the neutral backing a beautiful option on your bed. It is large–84″ x 96″. $350

What do I like best about this–the colors or the quilting?

Two charm packs and black yardage in a checkerboard design with some modern quilting resulted in this striking lap quilt or large wall hanging. The quilt measures 53″ x 63″.

For years I have quoted a source I have long forgotten—A little bit of black makes the quilt pop! But I found this line and I think it expresses the idea better–“Stars can’t shine without darkness.” Even a tiny bit of black is a necessary seasoning for your quilt.

“Stepping Stones” was made from Vicki’s fat quarters in bright colors she requested for our Christmas party exchange. But all these colors sparkle with the addition of black and white four patches.

Elaine made these two table runners using “Kansas Troubles” fabric. The fabric suggests pioneer times—maybe a bit traditional, but the black and white “flying geese” soaring up the middle give the table runners a contemporary feel. Black to the rescue!

Each one is !8″ x 38″ and is $40. Autumn is just around the corner!

Of course we include black in our Halloween decorations–black cats, black bats, black witch’s hats.

Even for Christmas projects, black insures the colors shine.

Black prints were used in the house construction of this Christmas village. The table runner is machine pieced and quilted. It is 16′” x 43″ and $50. The backing is tiny holly leaves on a white background, giving another option for your table.

This quilt has not been shown on the blog, on Facebook or will not be at the Quilt Etc. Sale in October. Janis bought it to church when it was finished and a visiting friend of the hand quilters snapped it up after we had publicly debated a price we hoped to receive. But this masterpiece needs to be seen.

Machine appliquéd — bright wooly flannels on a black background. Janis bought the pattern but choose her own colors using the pattern as a guide. Look at the details.

Machine embroidery and custom quilting added the final touch. It is in a good home–the owner appreciates the color and workmanship. But guess what? I saw Janis working on something similar for next year so keep on the look out!

Black may have a reputation of being a “downer” but used by our quilter artisans, black makes us all shine!

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Sales tax is included in the prices. Quilted items can be mailed for the cost of postage and insurance.

What quilter out there doesn’t enjoy making baby quilts? The cutest fabric is available; fabric that is designed just for babies. I have a weakness for baby bunnies, even though in real life, they eat my hostas that I keep planting each spring!

Baby quilts are small because babies and their beds are small. If you have a pattern or use a panel, a baby quilt can be whipped up in hours. Forgot about the baby shower? Give a quilter a night with all the fabric available, and voila you have a gift.

Baby quilts are a unique gift. No one else will give a gift to baby just like yours! They can be tailored to that special person. Mom and Dad met at university—a collegiate theme. Many Star Wars and Harry Potter quilts have been given. Mom is creating the perfect nursery–use her chosen colors. Often the quilts become keepsakes, especially if they were given by a special person in the family.

But quilts for babies have changed with the times.

#1 Parents usually know and share the gender of the baby. Decades ago, quilters hedged their bets and included both pink and blue in the quilt.

This hand quilted and hand appliquéd vintage quilt used the solid blue and pinks of the 30’s and 40’s. Some colors were considered neutral or non-gender specific. Yellow, green and lilac could be used with either gender. If the parents do care about traditional colors for the gender being used, you have plenty of time since most know long before the baby is born.

#2.Many parents have color schemes that would cause their great-grandmothers to shake their heads and roll their eyes! Navy and grey are popular now as well as olive and grey, minty green and coral, black and white with pops of primary colors, neutrals and muted rainbow colors. “Soothing” colors are popular–hmmm, for baby or mom?

#3. The preferred backing is something soft. So many polyester fibers have become popular–polar fleece and Minky backing add a cozy, soothing touch. When I was commenting about this trend to my daughter in law, she pointed out to me that technology is responsible–we didn’t have these fabrics twenty years ago. Flannel backing is soft but doesn’t hold up as well.

Quilters at First love to make baby quilts for the sale in October and to have on-line now. We have “custom” made a few–the buyers wanted a specific color. If you go to the Photo Gallery on this blog, there is a “baby quilt” section. We have had some recent additions.

Black and white zoo animals are featured with some other B&W prints and the solid blue/aqua. The back is fleece and the batting is cotton. It measures 43″ x 53″ and is $60.

Although it appears to be pieced, it is a whole cloth with gingham butterflies and pastel flowers. The back is a coordinating fabric and it is bound in a sparkly stripe. Machine quilted with cotton blend batting. The quilt measures 42″ x 54″ and is $50. This quilt would last through toddler and pre-school ages.

Half-square triangles in peach, teals, and sweet floral and forrest baby prints are used to create this smaller baby quilt. The backing is a pink fleece adding to the coziness. It is 34″ x 42″ and for sale for $50.

Do you like cats? The border features “psychedelic” cats (psychedelic according to Siri denotes an intense, vivid color or a swirling abstract pattern). The blocks are framed with blue sashing. The backing is a soft blue Minky. Mindy is very lightweight but very warm. This quilt is 49″ x 54″ and is $60.

Contact quiltersatfirst.com if you are interested in any of the quilts seen on the Photo Gallery post. Of if you are interested in a particular color or theme, let’s discuss the possibilities.

Enjoy those babies you wrap up in a quilt! So very quickly you are making a California Long twin quilt for them to take to college!

REMINDER-We pay sales tax on everything we sell! The sales tax in Sedgwick Country in KS is 7.5%. If a purchase is $50, we are left with only $46.25 to donate to First United Methodist TV Ministry and the Religious Nurture Center for Disabled Adults. Our unique projects are even more of a bargain than you first thought!

We came to the Seattle area for our eldest grandson’s high school graduation. We had been here many times over Christmas, winter break and during summer vacation in July and August but never in June. June has a different feeling. There is so much diversity in the area, so much to see. My observations of the Pacific Northwest are just a tiny slice of this distinct area of the country. To quote Dorothy, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” 

One huge difference between Kansas and the Pacific NW is the tall, tall trees, mostly evergreens–thus the state’s motto–The Evergreen State.

The area with which I am familiar is very suburban. Huge houses fitted together like a jig saw puzzle. But there is still an abundance of towering trees.

Housing is expensive. A house built in 2014 has more than doubled in price. The houses are large with token lawns.

But every subdivision has a pocket green space with playground equipment–an ecology requirement.

The playgrounds are used! Each evening children are out playing on the equipment and the parents or grandparents are standing watch visiting with their neighbors. The sound of play and the sight of people talking face to face was wonderful!

Almost anyplace that is not meticulously landscaped has wild blackberries. We have seen the berry laden vines, but in June there is an explosion of blossoms.

The Pacific NW in June is a flower show! Wild and carefully tended flowers are a delight! I walked reveling in the beauty and fragrance of roses.

Of course lavender was everywhere, along with some flowers I had no idea their names!

Black bears have been sighted in this area. Today my grandson’s middle school implemented a “Stay Safe” due to a report of a bear in the vicinity. We would say we’re “bear hunting” when we would leave for a walk but this is the only bear we spotted……

But the major attraction for us this week has been graduation and all the celebrations that accompany this milepost.

Speaking as a retired HS teacher who has attended thirty plus ceremonies, North Creek did a great job. We were in a stadium and the weather was Pacific Northwestern–cool (had to buy a sweater to wear), misty/rainy. But we heard his name loud and clear and saw him clearly on the big screens. We will attend a fifth grade graduation ceremony and the first three games of a soccer tournament. Grandparents that live a plane ride away crowd as much as they can into one trip!

But I do miss quilting on these trips. I miss Wednesdays with Quilters at First. To keep my hands busy I brought a dish towel to embroidery.

Next week, I am sure I will have lots of new projects to share.

With every trip I dread saying good bye, but Kansas is home and it has it’s charms.

Each Tuesday I send an email to the Wednesday Quilters with reminders about our next meeting at the Church. Each quilter responds to the group, that yes, she will be there at 11 or after a dental appointment or after the delivery person has come and gone. Or they respond with quick explanations of why they won’t be there—out of state at my grandson’s graduation or on a cruise, etc. This correspondence gives us a give update on each member of our group. An easy way to stay in touch even if we won’t be present at that particular Wednesday.

In my emails, I try to add a meme or clip art or gif just to make the “same old same old’ message from me to be a bit different. Last week I found this on a Facebook group, “Cool People Quilt”. I don’t know to whom to give credit , but it is so appropriate for out group.

These are some of the responses I received.

” I appreciate each and every one of you “Besties”

“Agree.  We could make a long list of why we like to quilt together

“My quilting beasties are my therapy.”

There are so many reasons to quilt. Quilting is a creative endeavor, it relieves stress, it keeps the brain working, it results in unique gifts and home decor and it is fun! But most of us quilters need a group of like minded cohorts. A community in which we can share our passion.

My husband supports my quilting habit 100%. I have never been told my day quilting instead of house cleaning or preparing dinner was wasted. He even developed a strategy for visiting quilt shops and has planned trips to quilt destinations—Paducah and the International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Full disclosure, most of these trip involve a baseball park and game or two! But, as supportive as he is, he isn’t a quilter! One of his favorite quotes is “isn’t that a little busy?” He doesn’t really appreciate the differences in fabric—not that he is suggesting cheaper fabric..it is my money, but fabric is fabric in his eyes. Sometimes his expectations are unrealistic– his suggestions are not in my skill level. Just because I really admire a quilt, doesn’t mean I can duplicate it. Quilting buddies fill the gap!

My quilting friends give great advice–most of the time requested. “Is this color going to work here?” “Should I add a border or two?” Only quilters understand the frustration of discovering your bobbin ran out half way through sewing the long border–and you had removed all the pins. Only quilters commeserate with you when you need to seam rip the entire row of blocks because you sewed them upside down. And sometimes they help pick out those tiny stitches! Quilters never say “looks fine” when you place your scrappy blocks on the design wall–they will help you make sure the colors are distributed well.

In addition to our shared love of quilting, we have shared much that has nothing to do with quilting. Health and family ups and downs. Joys and sorrows. Recommendations of series on TV and good books to read or to listen to while sewing. Buckets lists and trips taken. Snacks and coffee are important component of the afternoon and great recipes are shared. So yeah, I need my “quilting besties”.

And most importantly, the Quilts Etc. Sale in October would not happen without the combined diligence of the two groups that comprise Quilters at First. We are divided into the machine quilters and the hand quilters with about 12-15 members in each group. Both groups met on Wednesdays in different rooms but on the same hall way. We share our fabric stashes, we admire each others work and sometimes our special desserts! We all contribute to the growing collection of items that will be available this fall at our annual sale and on line.

We invite new members. Each new person adds something special we didn’t have before. So consider yourself invited. All skill levels are welcomed. Leave a comment if you are interested.

One of the highlights of the week is the sharing of finished projects. We ooh and ahh over each one! Usually pricing the items is a group effort. Here is what we had last week.

Do you know an antique car enthusiast? These placemats would be the perfect Father’s Day gift. They are green on the back–flip them over and you have a new set. $40

Diane created these “fidget boards”. They help keep children occupied during “long boring periods” of time. Because they are soft, they won’t make any noise when dropped. These boards are great for folks who are soothed by keeping their hands busy. $40 each

WSU fans, get ready for your next “watch” party. These table runners are approximately 15″ by 35″. $40 each

Perfect for the picnic table on the deck or patio..These star spangled placemats are 12″ x 14″ and for sale for $40.

I know it seems like a long time to the winter holidays–but you know how quickly they seem to arrive! Grab these so you will be prepared for those crazy weeks.

Frosty and his friends are delightful. Each placemat is 13″ x 17″ and the set is $40. BUT…..

……wouldn’t this table runner be a great piece to complete your table? Frosty table runner is 11″ x 33″ and is also $40.

These are a few of the items our different members have contributed to our collection of items for sale. Each member has a different style and interest which has contributed to the vast variety we have to offer. Yay for “quilting besties”!!