Blue & My Blue Heaven

hello
dan mine are ready to send but i need your address please
thanks
michelle

Michelle, I'm sending now. let me know if you don't get it.

I'm back. Been gone to another town for several days to get my eyes looked at by 3 specialist.
Now I can get back to business of guilting.

Dan, how many pieces in the block? Blue and All those squares?

Gmom! Excellent question! There are 12 pieces in this block.

Okay, last guess & then I give up. LOL

Blue & Friday the 13th.

I'm not ready to give up.

Is it the name of a star? Blue & Crazy Amish Quilt?

As I'm looking for the name of this block I'm finding a lot of block that I want to try. My list of blocks is getting longer and longer. I find doing the blocks a real challange.

I will be hosting the nest block and I think it will be an applique. Rules will be like Dans. Very few. If you have never done it before pick something very simple. More the last week of March. Just wanted to give you heads up.

Hope we can keep this going.

gmom

Nope, no stars. It does have a lot of right angles in it though.

Blue and Four Patch Chain!

this one is taking a lot longer than the first one, what's up with that? hehehe

okay, ready for another hint? the first letter of each word in the name of this block is in descending order. here's an example... (Y)ou're (G)oing (C)razy. the letters Y, G, and C are in alphabetical descending order.

now, think back and re-read EVERYTHING I've said about this block, and happy guessing!
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I just took a look at the calendar, and it's only 3 weeks until I hope to be sending everyone their quilt blocks. How is everyone coming along?

Peace.
-Dan

I"m glad that the rotary cutter comes with a self seal mat..ROTF! I've been going every which way trying to get the hang of it. Good thing I have lots of practice material!

today's guess:..St. Gregory's Cross..if it isn't it, it's a REALLY pretty block!.."L"

I will guess the Road to California.
Yes Linda, it is fun learning new things isn't it!!
Have a great afternoon all! Melinda

Penni! Your blocks arrived today, and they are gorgeous! I'll try to take some pix tomorrow and post them for everyone to see.

Here's our current list of players, and who I've received from...
dan_the_mailman (me)
beth_b_kodiak (Beth) received
micrey (Michelle)
hazelnutbunny (Melissa)
lindaruzicka (Linda)
faintheart (Dee)
pennijanine (Penni) received
gmom2-6boys (gmom)
robin1962-2008 (Robin)
ilovfarac (Melinda)

For the rest of you, and any lurkers who might join us, it would be great to get all the blocks here by April 2nd so I can mail them out that weekend.

And, on that thought, I believe I'm going to call it a night. Oh! Before I forget! For all of you who are attempting to guess the name of this quilt block, the number of letters in each word of the pattern name are 5-4-5. If no one guesses it before then, we'll start playing a bit of hangman on Monday morning.

Don't forget to change your clocks tonight!

Peace.
-Dan

Dan, Those are the first 12 inch blocks that I have ever made! I think I am hooked on them for awhile, just finished up another twelve for another swap. Thanks for letting me know that they arrived, can't wait to see what everyone else has made. Penni

Ok, I'll guess Santa Face Block done in blue! How's that for a guess! LOL!
Melinda

I hope it's okay to guess even if I am not signed up this month. I have been following along and this one had me so stumped I had to keep looking...
Dan, is it a blue Split Rail Fence block?
Jeanne

Dan,
If I need to sign up to participate now that I guessed, I will. LOL Can likely only make two blocks like I did when Beth was hostess.
(Sorry all... this contest was just getting the better of me, so I kept thinking and thinking... I'd better not think too much because I am thinking I may still be wrong!)
Jeanne

Jeanne, it IS a blue split rail fence quilt block! Congratulations! Do you need my address to send in your quilt blocks? As I've said from the beginning, however many you send in will be just fine.

Whew! ***wiping sweat from brow*** I think we'll take a break from the games for awhile so you all can work on your sewing...lol!

Peace.
-Dan

Dan, I did not send you any blocks yet for your new swap.
I thought about including the six in when I sent your exchange blocks but decided not. Figured if I waited I'd do some more.
I'm off track a bit as I started a project for the Quilts of Valor program. And I'm working on some Easter stuff and a BD quilt for the GGD. It's for a doll bed but I'm hand quilting so.....
BTW has anyone else hired a Long Arm Quilter? I think I may do that for my Heirloom quilt but still debating.
BB

Way to go Jeanne! Still working slowly on mine! Will have them out in a week or so, hopefully!
Have a great Sunday all! Melinda

Oh Dan! You forgot me! You've got my blocks! LOL!
Wow, guess they were really memorable, huh? :P

what is a long arm quilter? I have quilting frame that I got from Freecycle. It's HUGE! Must be 6 ft or more long..LOL! I have a top that my grandmother had almost finsihed (hand quilting) and the only way I want to finish it is by hand. Guess that will be next winter's project!

"throwing confetti on Jeanne"..YOu GO, girl!!

Well, that's what I get for trying to figure things out when I'm tired...lol! AND that's why it's nice to be able to rely on you all to set me straight! LOL!! So, here's the new, revised list of players and who I've received blocks from...
Here's our current list of players, and who I've received from...
dan_the_mailman (me)
beth_b_kodiak (Beth)
micrey (Michelle)
hazelnutbunny (Melissa) received
lindaruzicka (Linda)
faintheart (Dee)
pennijanine (Penni) received
gmom2-6boys (gmom)
robin1962-2008 (Robin)
ilovfarac (Melinda)
sandlapperrose (Jeanne)

Melissa, forgive me???

Ohhhh, I suppose so.... :P
You can make it up to me by including a giant bar of chocolate along with my blocks.... LOL!

Hi everyone,I`m just checking in.I have to leave again Tues.to stay with my Mom but I`ll be working on my blocks and I`ll get them to Dan by April 2.I can`t wait to see what we get back !!HAPPY QUILTING !! Robin

Robin, have a safe trip!

Peace.
-Dan

Some of you know that I love old magazines. Yesterday I was looking through a Crafts magazine from 1987 and found an ad that had me shaking my head.

A "sewers cutting kit" that included A "large rotary wheel cutter, 8 x24 inch cutting mat and a 6 x 24 inch ruler."
picture shows equipment that looks about like what I use and is seen in stores today.
Anybody want to guess the price for the kit and instruction booklet??????
I'll offer an extra block as a prize to the person who comes closest between now and Thursday.
BB

Hmmm....From 1987? I'll guess $6.99. Of course, I was just a pre-teen back then, so the only things I remember buying were candy & pop! LOL!

Congrats Jeanne on your win! :)

Been working on my blocks and want to do a few more before mailing as there is some time yet.

Yes, Beth. I am having my last big wall quilt done by a long-arm pro. It would be just too bulky for my little sewing machine and would be next century before I got it done by hand! lol I think you will find most LA quilters have a "waiting list", especially this time of year with graduations and wedding season coming. Ask around at your local fabric shops for a local. There are LAQ's that also advertise via the net.

Linda, a long arm quilter uses a specially built quilting machine and frame to do the quilting. The three layers (top, batting and backing) are placed in the frame and the machine is moved around the quilt to do the stitching. Some of the very spendy long arm machines can be programmed rather than the operator controlling the pattern. The options of quilt stitch patterns are beautiful. If you google it, you might get a better idea.

I think 1987 was about the year I got my first mat, ruler and rotary cutter as a gift. Hmmmmm...mine were bigger. I will guess 39.99. I think they were more expensive back then.

back to work on a project...
Dee

I guess I will say 4.99. That seems a good price to me for then! Melinda

I"ll say $19.99

Hmmm, Beth, I'm going to guess $7.39. ***Welcome to the Price Is Right!*** This'll make a fun game, but what's in the Showcase Showdown? Thanks for the chuckle, it's been a long day...

Peace.
-Dan

I'll guess $29.95 for the cutting supplies. I know I paid way more than that for my supplies that I got maybe 5 years after that, so we will see. I think my cutting mat alone was $25-33. Hmmmm... rotary cutter about $11, ruler around $15. The good news is that all of those things last a long, long time. Of course, you do have to replace the blades on the cutter and I get nicks in my ruler from time to time, but relatively long lasting. I did finally have to replace my cutting mat. I think I am now on the third one.
It makes a difference sometimes whether you are buying from one of the chain craft stores with a coupon or if you are buying it at full price from a quilt store, so I will be curious to see the answer.
Jeanne

Linda, is that just 3 easy payments of $19.99? LOL!
My mom responded to an ad like that once, for a doll or some such thing. It was pretty messed up, though. Every time she sent in a payment, she got a doll! They even refunded her payment once, so she ended up getting around 5 dolls & only paying 3 or 4 payments. She called to beg them to quit sending the dolls, she only wanted ONE. They apologized, refunded her payment AGAIN, and sent yet another doll!
That was the end of her doll collecting hobby.

I think they became Christmas presents.... LOL ...

Bunny, how did you guess?..LOL! That's a funny story too!

I was outside today cleaning out my garden beds..what a wonderful day! Then I went shopping, bought 2 pairs of shoes and a blouse. Sara came over and we went for a walk..all in all..a very pleasant day indeed!

Nope, no gimicks and no mail order. It's by Dritz and says
Look for this in your local fabric and craft stores.
I have not bought anything but replacement blades in about 6 years and when I went to get a "set" for my daughter's BD. The prices shocked me.
Some real good guesses here.
Anyone else want to guess?

I am ready to mail my blocks but need to ask this first - is this swap for blocks and seeds or only blocks? I don't need seeds so I am not asking that to be able to receive some, I just don't want to send without seeds if they are supposed to be included. Thanks!
Jeanne

Jeanne, this swap is more about trading quilt blocks than seeds, but, if you or anyone else wish to send seeds along with your quilt blocks, I will distribute them amongst the group. Does that help?

Here's a thought I just had while posting that last message. If seeds are sent in, I will post a list of them by the morning of the 3rd of April. On the 3rd, everyone will have a chance to take a look at the list, and then post a wish list of 3 kinds of seeds they'd like to receive, if any. Then, on the 4th, I will re-distribute the seeds amongst all the posters, using those lists. I will attempt to give everyone their first choice, but if I'm not able to do so, then I will go to their other choices and give them those. IF there not enough seeds for everyone to enjoy, then everyone will be allowed to pick one type of seeds they'd like to have, until the seeds are all spoken for. If anyone can think of a fairer way to find homes for any seeds sent in, please speak up now! We don't want any wandering seeds to go without a home now, do we?

Peace.
-Dan

p.s. I will be out of town for the next couple of days, until sometime Saturday. If anyone needs my address, please ask Linda for it. Thanks!

My blocks and seeds are on their way to you, Dan. Your plan for the seeds sounds fine to me.
We'll see you when you get back online!
Jeanne

Dan is closest within 50 cents. Very good guess Dan.
Melissa was next being within 90 cents.
These two were also first in the contest for my swap and won prizes for sending their blocks first, pretty sharp folks here.
The price was $7.89 and just a wheel cutter now costs more than that.
BB

Wow, Beth! I can't believe that price....! Makes me wish for a time machine, just so I could go back & do some shopping!

home again, and exhausted. who knew that waiting 5 hours in a hospital waiting room could be so tiring? and those chairs are NOT made for comfort! while I was waiting for my roomie to get through his tests, I got a phone call from my mechanic, letting me know that the transmission in my car is indeed shot, and the bill will be just under $2000. thankfully, I've been able to save up that much, fearing the worst. I will have my car back either Tuesday or Wednesday. okay, enough of my griping tirade. I'll post again tomorrow in a better mood.
I did want to say though that Michelle's 8 blocks arrived today, and they are simply beautiful. It was like receiving a bouquet in the mail... thank you Michelle! Michelle appliqued flowers onto her blocks, and they've inspired me to try my hand at it sometime during this extended vacation.

as santa would say... peace to all, and to all a good night.

Dan, it would be wonderful if you could post some pics of blocks as they come in. Thanks, Penni

Dan,
My blocks will be on there way as soon as go to town, Monday or Tuesday. I will give you a post when I come home from town.
My block is also applique. I am also thinking of having our next block an applique if everyone would like to give it a try. It can be very sinple or complex as you like. I will post some web sites on applique for those who have never done it. I find that I am liking to do it also.
I hope your friends test come out ok.
It sure is a good thing you saved money for your car repair.
later
gmom

Hello Everyone. I wanted to take a minute and let you all know I'll get back to posting and taking pictures in another day or two. It's been an exhausting week-end, and I'm going to need some time to catch up on my sleep. Friday night I was up all night wrestling with insomnia (it gets worse as the summer progresses) and last night my mother went to the hospital thinking she was having a heart attack. She's back home now, safe and sound, but I've been in and out of the hospital since midnight. I'm going to take some advil pm and melatonin, hoping to get at least 6 hours of sleep. Luckily, I don't have to work tomorrow because the car is in the shop, so I can maybe do some more sleeping during the day.
I'll be back by Tuesday evening.

Peace.
-Dan

Hi everyone. I have not been near the sewing machine in a while. We were working on getting the shop ready for a fresh coat of paint and planning a short trip.
Today, Jack has all the signs of a cruddy cold so we took a day off and I played in the sewing room and tried to pamper him a bit. He generally grumbles about that but today, it was AOK.
Made a great new block, a 9 patch tulip that I just love. I'll be sending some for the swap.
Hope everyone has a good weekend and then a good week. Sounds like time for things to start looking up.
hugs to all
BB

Hi all. I didn't get to join (obviously) but my quilting skills are not really all that great. Triied it last month and it didn't turn out good. I will keep practicing and be in one soon though. I lost my internet for 2 weeks last month and wasn't able to post but I did let her know through email at work that I wouldn't be able to (couldn't get on here because they have pretty much all sites blocked)

Would love to see some photos of the quilt blocks.

(LOVE the bunny one at the top Dan)

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** PLEASE GO TO THE NEW THREAD, SEEDS & STITCHES PART II **
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