Writing a Quilt Cookbook!

Blueberry Cobbler Center and Banana Pudding

Labor Day Cyber Sewing Retreat This Weekend!

I'm hosting another cyber sewing retreat starting Friday, September 4th and going until Monday night, Sept. 7th. I will be drawing (at least) one name per day to receive a small thank you prize for joining me. This is my effort to turn holidays back into positive activites and fun. If you have lost a loved one, you know how difficult holidays can be--especially without kids. Last Memorial Day I realized that this holiday was NOT about paying respect to everyone you know who has died. It's for our veterans of war and soldiers who died for our freedom. I had a cyber slumber party, worked on Quilts of Valor and writing Soldiers, and had a good time being preoccupied with doing for others. Last 4th of July I hosted another retreat and it was such a success I decided to have a retreat for every holiday. Please check it out on my website: http://www.susanround.com/ and click on the number in the circle to the right of the post title, Labor Day Weekend Retreat to either join in or just keep up with our progress and fun.

New Photos from Shura (meeting) Yesterday

Video of Tammy at Women's Center

This is a video of Tammy Lanning talking about the Women's Center in Afghanistan (where the aprons and blankets are shipped). Just click on the title of this post above.

Jackson's Happy Block Quilt Done!

Full Speed Ahead on Aprons!

I just received word from Tammy in Afghanistan and the cooking classes are a great success! I'm going to be making aprons as fast as I can in between making cool ties and Christmas quilts. In October the sewing classes will be held every few weeks, and there will be around 20 students in each class. http://apronsforafghanistan.blogspot.com/ Each of the women students will be keeping their apron after classes have ended for their own personal use.

My Little Man Golfs

This is my little man. He's testing out a golf cart for his little cousin, you know, to make sure it's safe and operating correctly! We actually played like he was the ice cream man. Did you know these little carts go in reverse, too? Us adults didn't realize it until this test drive!

New Machine is Here!

I've been learning and playing with my new machine today. Unbelievable what these machines can do these days! The first thing I had to check out was the 1/4 inch foot for piecing. Perfect. There is also a way to sew without even using a foot pedal--this will be great on those days my legs hurt! I'm going to go finish up some UFOs now, so photos will be following soon. Yeah!

Woo Hoo! A new machine on the way!

After 30 years on a White Rotary sewing machine, I'm getting a NEW Brother XR7700 computerized and lightweight! It should be delivered in a few days and it's just like Christmas waiting for it. I was really getting concerned when the older one kept messing up and I figured for the cost of repairing I could almost buy a new one. I do still have my 50's Singer, but I really need something to withstand daily fast and furious sewing. The Singer is perfect for piecing small bits together, detailed stitching and it makes THE BEST buttonholes ever. With the new machine I'll be able to do quilting easier, decorative stitching, and all that "new age" stuff.

Right Off the Sewing Room Floor

This is a Christmas present for someone who might be looking here. I used the same pattern that was used on the 7 Shirts=1 Quilt made out of plaids. I will find the link to add here shortly. This was made for the Missouri Tigers fan (black and gold). I'm thinking of quilting paws, "M" , and beer bottles in the larger black snowball blocks!

More Aprons to Send!

This is the 3rd batch of aprons that I've sent overseas.

Just In: More Aprons Received!

I just received this photo from Tammy this morning. It's another batch of aprons being presented to the cooking instructor at the Women's Center. I am still in awe that I can actually do something positive across the world having no money but a lot of quilter cyber friends to help me make it happen. I'm so humbled and proud. (Notice the book titles on the bookshelf in the background.)

Mini Quilt for Operation Quiet Comfort

My first mini quilt top for Operation Quiet Comfort is shown here. Since this photo was taken, it's been quilted, and the binding is still waiting for me to finish. The instructions were to make these quilts 3' x 5' and use no red fabrics. These are so much fun to make after making full-size and extra long quilt tops for the past several months.

More Aprons Sent

These 6 aprons were made from fabrics that angels sent to me during the past several weeks. I knew when I first opened the boxes and saw these prints that they would be PERFECT for aprons.

Aprons Delivered!

This is Cpt. Tammy Lanning handing the first batch of aprons to the cooking instructor in Afghanistan. Success! There are many more to make and send, and packages for the orphanage there. Thanks to everyone who has sent me fabric to make aprons, sent money for postage to get them oveseas, and supported this effort. I'm absolutely giddy knowing this is really happening.

http://apronsforafganistan.blogsot.com

1st Batch of Aprons!

Made by women in the USA for the women of Afghanistan. Check it out: http://apronsforafghanistan.blogspot.com

I've Heard from More Soldiers!

Today I received a response letter from one of the Soldiers in Iraq. I'm on the Letter Writing Team at Soldier's Angels, and they send me names of servicemen a couple of times each week. We are told never to expect a return letter, however sometimes you do. Then, just a few minutes ago I received an email from a Sargeant who just received my letter and wanted to thank me. I can't tell you how pleased I am that my words reached across the world to at least one of our Soldiers. Actually, one of them is an airman in the Air Force; the other is an Army Soldier from the front lines. This week will mark my 50th letter sent since I started this in January. A few minutes of time, one postage stamp, and my heart is filling up with love and pride. As an update, it's June 4th and I've received 2 emails, and three more letters! Very nice letters. My heart is filling up.

Red String Bag #2 (mine!)

This is the second red string bag I made for myself! I used muslin for the foundation and left the "U" section uncut. When I stitched the red strips, I carried them along the entire purse, then cut out the "U" on the pattern.

The reversible lining is the same as Pat's bag below.

Scraps to Bags

This is a grab-n-go bag I made for Pat Miller from fabric she sent me. When I first saw the red and black fabric, I knew I couldn't cut it up and there was just enough for this bag, and some scraps large enough I'm making myself one, too!

Quilt of Valor #2 top DONE!

This is my second Quilt of Valor and they just keep getting more and more fun to make! With a very special thanks to Patricia M. in New York I can proudly share this creation.

Now, it's on the way to Janet in California who will turn this collection of fabric pieces into a quilt, and pass it along to Alycia for her delivery to our wounded Soldiers. A true community project from the nation.