Quilts of Valor, Book Review, Harry Potter project, etc.

I went with Rita (the leader of our local chapter) to a Quilts of Valor presentation for 2 Marines back in December.  I actually got to award one of the quilts to one of the Marines.  It is such a moving experience to attend one of these presentations, even more moving to get to actually present a quilt to a service member.

2 Marines with their mothers and their Quilts of Valor

On Wednesday, I again went with Rita to the Itasca Quilt Guild, to tell them all about Quilts of Valor, and how they can help.  It's always fun meeting other quilters.  We got some new longarm quilters, and several ladies that were interested in making quilt tops, and attending some of our Quilts of Valor sew-ins.  While at the meeting, I saw a great quilt that the Itasca Quilt Guild had presented to the library (where they meet) back in 1995.  I thought you might be interested in seeing some pictures of this quilt.  The quilt is 'under glass' so, the pictures do have some reflection (yes, I turned the flash off). 

Itasca Quilt Guilds quilt, donated to the local library in 1995

close up's

I loved all the nursery rhymes in the quilt.

Also at the meeting were members of another guild, selling raffles for their quilt.  Faithful Circle Quilters had this quilt at my little guild, selling raffle tickets back in November, but, I was in Texas at the time, and missed seeing it.  I purchased tickets for this quilt.  They have a quilt show in Woodridge, IL September 14 & 15, 2013.  

Last night was my large guild, Pride of the Prairie's monthly meeting.  Karen Musgrave is a former member of this guild.  She wrote a book, "Quilts in the Attic: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of the Quilts we Love".   I purchased the book before Karen started her lecture last night.  I loved flipping thru the book to see upclose pictures of the quilts that she was talking about.  I read the first 2 stories last night.  This is a great book!  One of the featured quilts has been shown at this same quilt guild (by the owner) last year.

Great book!

Karen Musgrave, author

I have not gotten any sewing done this week.  After the sew-in on Saturday, hubby loaded my machine into the back of my car, and, while he was driving us to dinner, the case fell over.  My machine already needed to be cleaned and oiled (lots of lint that needed to be cleaned out), but, it jammed the lint in the bobbin case area, and, when I tried to sew on Tuesday, it wouldn't work at all.  Ugh!  I've cleaned and oiled, and it still isn't quite happy.  I think I messed up the feed dogs adjustment when I put them back.  I finally gave up, and my little Singer is taking a break for a few days.

Harry Potter paper piecing

Harry Potter paper piecing

Harry Potter paper piecing

Harry Potter paper piecing

Not being able to sew (nope, I didn't want to switch machines at this point), gave me time to get ready for some upcoming projects.  I did get some embroidery done on a VERY delinquent wedding quilt.  Hopefully the wedding quilts will be finished soon (yes, both are VERY late, OOPS!).  I WILL have my trusty little hand crank up and running before the end of the month, so that I can do the project in the next paragraph. 

Terri, over at QuiltNCards, and I are going to make the Harry Potter Paper Piecing Project of Doom quilt, over at Sewhooked.   There are 30 weeks worth of blocks to make this quilt.  It was a 2011 Block of the Week Mystery Quilt.  I didn't know how to paper piece when I finally saw this quilt at the end of 2011 (when it was over, of course).  Terri and I will be giving each other encouragement while we each attempt to make this quilt (not sure if Terri will be making this quilt, or just some of the other great paper piece blocks for Harry Potter on the Sewhooked site).  Terri and I plan on starting this February 1st.  If you want to join us, let us know.  I'll be happy to link to your blog so that others can see your pictures.  I don't know how to do a linky, but, if there is enough interest, I'll figure it out.  Let me know if you are interested in joining Terri and I. 

Oh yea, I almost forgot... my 50th Birthday is coming up next month.  I'm planning on a Giveaway for YOU, my wonderful followers!  I'm gathering lots of yummy, quilty things together.   The Giveaway will open in February, and last all month long.  As I said, it is ONLY FOR MY FOLLOWERS!  I'm not trying to get new followers (it's ok if I do), but, as a special THANK YOU to my current followers.