The Night When Dead Leaves Fly

Happy Halloween too all our Blogging Buddies. We're making a big pot of chili today to welcome Halloween and the cold temperatures.

A heartfelt BOO! to you and yours.

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On 10/31/2014, Joanne said ...

Corral that snake!

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On 10/31/2014, Barbara Anne said ...

Love your decorations - except that snake - and your witches are too stylish!

Chili sounds like just the perfect dinner. Methinks I need to go start a pot posthaste!

BOO! to you, too, and hugs!!
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Almost Quilted.

I know I've been under the radar for several days now. I've been using every spare minute trying to get this little quilt quilted before quilt guild meeting on November 10, so I can hang it for show-and-tell. I'm pretty sure I'm going to make it. I'm almost finished with the quilting. But then I have to bind it. I already have the binding made.

I've also been working to get my house spruced up before next week when I'll have two meetings at my house: quilting bee and book club. I'm not as optimistic about having that task finished. House work takes a lot more strength and fortitude than it did several years ago. Many rest periods are required to get even the simplest task done. But I'm progressing. Next task: vacuuming under all the chair and couch cushions. For some reason, Anna always forgets to do that.

Happy Tuesday, all.

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On 10/29/2014, Barbara Anne said ...

Ah, good to hear that all is well there and you've been happily busy serenely hand quilting your beautiful little quilt. Wishing you well with your plan to have it finished by the 10th. You're well on your way!

Isn't it amazing where the furbaby hairs seem to get? Our two cats are seldom on the LR couch (where I have a beach towel over the seats) but they do like to traverse the couch arms en route to the narrow cat table that is behind the couch. Still, I find cat hairs aplenty under those cushions. How is that possible? DH made the narrow table to make up for the usual narrow window sills as I preferred the cats somewhere besides on the back of my grandma's couch while they look out the picture window.

I, too, have to rest awfully frequently as I clean house and I don't have an Anna to do the rest. It's a bummer. Still, little by little it gets done most of the time.

Yesterday I cut binding for the quilt AMIL was making for her SIL and I trimmed the edges of the newly quilted quilt, too!

Hugs!

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On 10/29/2014, Linda Volz said ...

Hi Susan -
This quilt looks lovely, great job. I've never tried an applique quilt before. I should give that a whirl.

It takes me forever to clean these days too. I run out of steam long before I run out of clean. I just do the best I can.

Regarding the stuff under the couch and chair cushions, I wouldn't worry too much or knock yourself out. If anyone looks under there....shame on them.

I'd be too busy looking at your beautiful quilts to worry if you have any dust under the cushions. :-)

Blessings on you girl.

Linda
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Basted

My little album quilt is basted, and I only drew blood three times. I use a big doll needle for basting, and I usually stick it in me several times before I'm done. And it hurts. Much worse than a little quilting needle or a sharp. 

Taco and Bella both helped. Taco swallowed a string and almost barfed but finally got control of his gag reflex and didn't.

I also got the binding made for the snowman quilt when it gets back from Lena. And speaking of binding, I found this wonderful binding tutorial video that you might like to watch. She has some great tips, some of which I already do. I was especially interested in the way she joins her binding at the end, the part I have most trouble with. I'm anxious to try her technique.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0vCWpxBRs20" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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On 10/22/2014, Joanne said ...

Thanks for the tutorial. That's how I usually do it, except for the corners, and I usually mess them up.

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On 10/22/2014, Jackie said ...

I refer to this video clip all the time when joining the binding on my quilts. It works perfectly!

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On 10/28/2014, Edith said ...

Just a warning, be very careful wih cats and thread. Before I even started quilting really one of my cats played with a spool of thread that I didn't even realize was out and he swallowed alot of thread and it was a very bad problem and he had to have surgery etc. People warn that dogs and cats should not have woven rugs etc with long threads because they will swallow them and be very, very ill. Not trying to be scary but trying to forewarn you.

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On 10/29/2014, linda said ...

When you haven't posted for awhile, I worry. Are you down with yr fibromyalgia? You are in my prayers.

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On 11/04/2014, Inka said ...

I really like this tutorial for joining the binding.
http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/2010/01/perfect-binding-tutorial.html
Looks exactly the same as the other seams in the binding.
Greetings from Germany

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On 11/08/2014, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...

I apologize for that disgusting "Impeach Obama" tag across the bottom of the screen. I guess you're not safe from them anywhere.
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PopPop's Doggie

When Vann left us, I thought now I don't have anybody to grow old with. But I was wrong. Sophie and I are doing it together. You should have seen us both trying to get out of bed this morning. It wasn't a pretty sight.

Sophie was PopPop's dog, all the way. When he was gone to hunting camp or someplace else without us, she knew a full half hour before he got home that he was one his way. She would go to the living room window and start barking. And when he got out of his truck, she would welcome him with uninhibited joy, as you can see by the photo below.

Dr. Rachel diagnosed Miss Sophie with arthritis and prescribed rimadyl twice a day for her. She says if that doesn't do it, she has another trick up her sleeve.  I'm also going to look into the suggestions that you readers made, the heating pad and the bed. Whatever will help my girl feel better, she will get if I can find it. Thanks to you all for your concern for my sweet doggie.

I know she misses her PopPop still. And I'm sure he's waiting for both of us right there at the Rainbow Bridge.

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On 10/21/2014, Barbara Anne said ...

What a sweet and touching post, my friend, and what wonderful pictures of love and devotion you've added here. I share your belief that a joyous homecoming awaits you both when the time comes

It's hard to see to type thru these tears.

Big hugs!

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On 10/22/2014, sillysally said ...

Oh Susan, that is so sweet. I'm all choked up now, dagnabbit! Sophie is lucky to have you so you can both care for each other.

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On 10/22/2014, Joanne said ...

Makes one laugh and cry at the same time.
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Oh My Aching Sophie

The last time Sophie was at the vet, for her yearly checkup, Dr. Rachel asked me if she was showing any signs of arthritis. She wasn't, but she is now. So we're going to see the good doc this afternoon to see if we can get a remedy for my girl. Bless her heart. She'll be 13 in January, so I guess it's about time for some aches and pains to show up. Except for her bout with hemolytic anemia in 2007, which almost took her out, she has enjoyed excellent health for her whole life. It saddens me to see her getting old. She is going to get even more loving and care than usual for as long as I have her with me.

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On 10/20/2014, Linda Volz said ...

Hi Susan -
Bless your heart for being such a good mom to your fur-babies. My little kitty was just sick with a UTI. I know she was very uncomfortable but couldn't tell me. Poor baby, our vet has given us medication to clear it up and she seems better now. I believe God put animals on this earth not only for us to enjoy but to teach us mercy and compassion. God bless you and God bless Sophie too.

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On 10/20/2014, Lynn said ...

Poor baby! When our kitties got older we got them a pet heating pad, from PetSmart I think. It's a little pad that you plug in and it stays a pet comfortable warm temp. Our older cats loved it and it seemed to help their aches and pains. I put it between the folded layers of their quilt.

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On 10/20/2014, Barbara Anne said ...

Awwwwwwwwww, bless Miss Sophie's sweet heart and other parts! You can see in her eyes what a loving treasure she is. It's so hard to see these beloved family members age. Enjoy her! She may have lots of good years left to spend with you.

Big hugs!

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On 10/21/2014, Donna M. said ...

Sophie might get some relief from an orthopedic pet bed. Our elderly fur baby really seems to be more comfortable since we got it 3 years ago. I think they are made with memory foam and give the joints more support where needed. Now he ambles over to his bed to rest instead of sprawling on the tile or carpet. Recommend price shopping as the prices vary greatly from store to store. Hugs to Sophie.
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Flimsy Finish

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On 10/16/2014, Lynn said ...

Good work! I know it feels nice to have this one to this stage of completion.

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On 10/16/2014, Debra said ...

I love it and admire your patience at accomplishing it. It's so pretty and cheeful.

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On 10/16/2014, Barbara Anne said ...

Absolutely beautiful and applause for you determination to finish it! More applause for your skills at lovely hand-stiching!

Where shall this happy quilt hang or reside once it has been quilted and bound?

I'm machine quilting 4 small placemats for one of those tall dining tables and am about to start on the last of the four. They'll need a border on the colorful TOT side that I hope to fold into the binding. Fingers crossed! The reverse side of all four placemats is the Nevermore fabric.

Hugs!

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On 10/16/2014, Sherri mclaughlin said ...

Oh my, I would pay good money for that piece! Love it and the color is awesome. You do beautiful work.

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On 10/16/2014, Sue said ...

The quilt is beautiful! You did a fantastic job. It's just perfect. Love the colors, the houses and the hearts.

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On 10/17/2014, Trudy Abernathy-Neill said ...

I think that out of all the quilts you have made and shown us, Susan, this has to be my favorite! I love the colors and the shapes of the houses. So bright and cheery too. Good job!

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On 10/17/2014, Nicole said ...

Fabulous! What a lot of work!

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On 10/17/2014, Stephani in N. TX said ...

I'd love to live in your "neighborhood." So charming.

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On 10/17/2014, sillysally said ...

Those houses are so adorable. I love the red/pink mix of colors. Very Cheery and bright!

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On 10/17/2014, Sandra Clarke said ...

Your quilt is beautiful!!! You should be proud!!!!!

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On 10/18/2014, Patty McDonald said ...

That is a beautiful quilt. You will have so many great finishes this year. Have a good week. Patty Mc
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Back to Quiltmaking

I'm currently working on putting together the house blocks into a quilt top (flimsy, as some call it). I have all the blocks sewn together into rows; now I have to cut out the sashing and borders and add them, and it will be all done. I'll add the buttons and charms embellishments after it's quilted.

I think I'll be completing my dollhouse quilt (photo below), made from Rosalie Quinlan's pattern, that I started a couple of years ago. You might remember that I did a dollhouse quiltalong, which a few of you joined. Of course, I never finished mine. But if all goes well, it will be finished in time for my guild's quilt show next summer. I have five blocks cut and fused, and a couple of them edge-stitched. So I have a good start.

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On 10/15/2014, Barbara Anne said ...

Cheers for getting your Pink House blocks sewn into rows and getting its sashing cut!!

More cheers for getting back to your dollhouse blocks, too!

I love having different projects at various stages of completion so I can choose which to work on as I'm in the mood. This morning I finished the Nevermore table runner and have turned my attention to the 4 placemats that will have Nevermore fabric on one side and a TOT fabric on the reverse side.

It's a rainy day here and before it's over, we may have slid a bit towards NC, which is downhill from here globally speaking! :)

Hugs!

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On 10/16/2014, Joanne said ...

Love your house quilts! If I ever get some new glasses, I may finish a couple of quilt tops.
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My iGadget

My new toy (btw, that fabric behind the iPhone is what I will use to back the Pink Houses quilt.)

I have an iPhone. I am now a functioning member of the 21st century--or at least I will be if I ever use the thing. 

I got it on Friday, and I still haven't used it even one time--which is the reason that I've been satisfied with using Vann's old (very old) razor phone that I had to hold together with a rubber band. When my flip phone died a year or two after Vann passed, I replaced the razor's sim card with mine and used it, probably a dozen times in the past several years. I just don't use a cell phone that much.

I told myself that if I had a new fancy phone that would do all kinds of tricks, I would use it more. But so far, that hasn't proved true. 

But the phone was free--well not free, it actually cost $1.11--as part of a promotional campaign. And my phone bill for not using it will be about the same as my bill was for not using the razor. So in case of an emergency--or if I need to call Jesse from the shopping center and ask him what he'd like me to bring him for lunch--I no longer have to look for all the parts to my phone in my purse and put it together before I can call.

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On 10/14/2014, Barbara Anne said ...

Love the backing fabric you've chosen for your lovely Pink Houses quilt.

Ah, you've gone boldly into the world of the unknown, I see! I still have a dumb phone which suits me because it so seldom is used. I object to the call plans that seem to cost extra for smart phones and I cannot see myself ever using that tiny computer. My current phone has a camera that hasn't ever been used.

I'm glad you now have a phone that stays in one piece in your purse. There are all manner of cute covers for smart phones you can buy, too.

Hugs!

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On 10/14/2014, Linda Volz said ...

Hi Susan -
I finally had to break down and get a new cell phone too. My little old flip phone finally bit the dust. I have found that my new phone is a lot easier for sending texts on the rare occasion when I want to send one. I haven't done it yet but I know you can also take pics with it and then upload them directly to Facebook which might be handy. Anyway, have fun with the new phone and yes, I love the background fabric, can't wait to see the finished quilt. You must show us now that you have been teasing us with pics of the blocks.

Wishing you blessings,
Linda V.

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On 10/14/2014, Sylvia said ...

Congratulations on the iPhone! My son talked me into getting one 2 years ago. I couldn't imagine that I actually needed it. But I love it. Now I can't imagine not having it. You will come to really appreciate it.

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On 10/14/2014, Patty McDonald said ...

You are venturing into the land of voodoo. That is what I call newer type phones. I only understand my old flip phone. I do hope it works well for you.
Love the new backing fabric.
Have a lovely week. Patty Mc
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Tunic Time

I decided to take a short break from quiltmaking and sew something non-quilty. So I made this tunic.

I bought this Amy Butler fabric about five years ago to make pillowcases for a friend who was getting married. Needless to say, I never made the pillowcases. Lucky for me, because I now have this pretty top, which doesn't look anything like pillowcases.

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On 10/13/2014, Annie said ...

Oooh, really like your tunic!

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On 10/13/2014, marydahl08@comcast.net said ...

Looks wonderful and comfy. You did a beautiful job with your sewing (of course) and your fabric arrangement. Blessings.

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On 10/13/2014, Linda said ...

Very nice, beautiful fabric.

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On 10/13/2014, Lynn said ...

Very chic!

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On 10/13/2014, sophie said ...

It's darling.

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On 10/14/2014, Barbara Anne said ...

Simply mahhhvaous, dahling! Applause, applause for your successful foray back into regular sewing. Love the tunic and I know you will enjoy wearing it!

Hugs!

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On 10/14/2014, Michele said ...

Lovely - is that from a pattern, or did you just wing it?

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On 10/17/2014, Sharrieboberry said ...

Very pretty! Now you can enjoy this fabric when you wear it! What pattern did you use?
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Don't Worry; Bee Happy

The October meeting of Piecemakers Quilting Bee took place yesterday at Barbara's. In addition to our regular quilty activities, we celebrated the birthdays of bee sisters Barbara and Gerry. Gerry's daughter Cyndi W., supplied a beautiful and delicious chocolate cake, and Barbara had a table full of good food as well.

Below is some show-and-tell from our meeting, most of it Doris's.

Doris with Quilt 1

Doris with Quilt 2

Doris made some small bags to sell at our quilt show boutique next summer.

I think Doris has me beat with the oldest UFO. This (above) was a bee challenge that I gave the bee in the fall of 1996 at our one-and-only "Fall Back and Quilt" quilting day, that I held at my house on the Saturday of the time change weekend. Only three people made challenge blocks, which Doris won. Mine is the first block at the top. I think Doris did a fantastic job of (finally) putting the blocks together into a charming little Halloween quiltlet.

This is my favorite, also a Doris creation. Don't you love how the pumpkin is strategically placed? This quiltie reminded one of our ladies (I won't say who) of the famous 1972 Burt Reynolds bear-skin photo that appeared in Cosmopolitan magazine. Yeah, I can see the resemblance.

To prove that someone besides Doris has been working, these are blocks from a quilt Martha is making for her daughter. I think they're beautiful.

Of course, you all know that I have been working too during the past few weeks, getting UFOs completed. I didn't take anything to show because it would have been only blocks, being as how my two completed tops are at Lena's for quilting. I should have taken my pink houses blocks, but I didn't. I'm hoping to have the quilt top put together in time to show at the November meeting, which will be here at my house.

And I've also almost finished the little appliqued block-of-the-month quilt. I think I'll be able to show it here tomorrow.

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On 10/07/2014, sillysally said ...

Nice to see the quilts and quiltlets from your guild. Shouldn't the Burt Reynolds reference be spelled "bare-skin" LOL !!!

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On 10/07/2014, Barbara Anne said ...

Goodness, Doris has been wonderfully busy! Love the quilts and her imaginative use of fabrics! Applause!!!

Ah, yes ... I remember that Cosmo photo. Bear rug, bare skin.

Thanks for the little quilt show and the laugh!

I'm looking forward to seeing your little applique blocks as, I suppose, you'll have them joined into a flimsy?! Sounds like you're back to work so hope your joints play nicely.

Hugs!

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On 10/07/2014, Lynn said ...

Love the mini quilt show! Thanks for sharing.

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On 10/08/2014, Sue, the Florida Farm Girl said ...

Oh, I love Doris' UFO. Those little witches are cute as can be, and that spiderweb fabric is wonderful!!

I really like your BOM, too. No suggestions on hand quilting as I won't even attempt that.
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A Bump in the Quilting Road

After sewing and sewing and sewing for days and days and days without taking a day off, I finally hit the wall yesterday. I didn't touch a piece of fabric or sew a stitch. In fact, I didn't do much of anything except read half of Random Harvest by James Hilton. I did take the dogs for their walk late in the afternoon, but that was the most movement I did all day.

Linking with Beverly's Pink Saturday Blog Party.

I was afraid I had lost my momentum, but I guess I just needed a break. I'm back at it today. I've put together a fourth of the little block-of-the-month album quilt.

But the rest will have to wait because now I'm going downstairs to watch the Bama/Ole Miss game.

ROLL TIDE

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On 10/04/2014, bj said ...

Yep, it's good to take a day every now and then and do nothing at all...in my young age, I never did it...now that I'm in my late 70's, I do it fairly often...o, the washer might be running in the background...and then the dryer...and then, there's dinner to get...and dishes to wash...WAIT....what was I saying...??

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On 10/04/2014, Joanne said ...

Don't you love Random Harvest! One of my favorite novels of all time.

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On 10/05/2014, Barbara Anne said ...

Love these little blocks and the setting plan you have for them. It's no wonder that you need a little break after the momentum for the scrappy heart houses and now these sweet blocks. Methinks your fingers said enough!

Remember my favorite way to multi-task: clothes in the washer, clothes in the dryer, dinner in the crock-pot, nap!

Hope you had some of your nuts and candy corn treat to enjoy during the game.

Hugs!

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On 10/06/2014, Dolores Tanner said ...

Bet you were not happy with the outcome of that game!!
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Houses Complete

I finished the embroidery on the last house block just a little while ago. And for a break, I'm putting the blocks aside for a day or two and working on the little block-of-the-month applique blocks. I have them all trimmed to size and a few sashing strips cut out.

I bought a yellow to use for the sashing cornerstones, but now I think the dark fabric used for the block backgrounds works better. 

 

So I'm going with the dark cornerstones. I'll keep the yellow for another project. It's really a prettier yellow than shows up here. 

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On 10/02/2014, Barbara Anne said ...

Love the last house blocks and it's utterly beautiful, from fabrics, to your handwork, to the overall look! Well done!!

The block of the month project with the black background fabric are so pretty and the black sets the applique off perfectly! I agree that the black cornerstones carry the look of the whole quilt better than the yellow fabric would have. It's good to keep thinking about what might look better and it's good to have options! What size are these little blocks?

You're really on a roll! Applause!!

Hugs!

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On 10/03/2014, Debra said ...

I can't wait to see the little houses all complete. They are simply charming!
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Oh, October!

My favorite autumn snack--and so easy to make: a bag of candy corn combined with a can of mixed nuts (I get the kind with no peanuts).

It's finally here, my favorite month of the year: OCTOBER, the month of golden leaves and pumpkins, and the soup pot on the stove, and ghost stories, and warm days, and cool nights-- culminating with my favorite holiday of the year, HALLOWEEN. Oh, I love it!

It's still quite warm here--but autumn warm, not sticky summer hot. And Steve, my grass-cutting fellow, just told me that rain and a cold front are on the way. We should have some snuggle weather (that's what Vann and I used to call cold temperatures) by the end of the week.

I'm still working on the blanket stitching on the last house block. It's the largest block of the quilt with the most stitching. I should get it finished today though.

Happy October, friends.

 

Posted with Blogsy

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On 10/01/2014, Joanne said ...

Candy corn and mixed nuts--drool!

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On 10/01/2014, Barbara Anne said ...

Happy October to you, too!!!

My goodness, that snack you mix up sounds yummy. I have a candy corn candle but haven't bought the real candy in years. Perhaps tomorrow?!

Our little dogwood in the front yard is now red/orange and the silver maple tree has changed to its pale gold and orange and is dropping leaves to beat the band.

I love October, too.

Hugs!

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On 10/01/2014, Dolores Tanner said ...

Snuggle weather!! How cute, love it!! don't think I have ever seen mixed nuts w/o peanuts, will have to look closer!
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