Blocks for HeartStrings Quilt Project

These 24 string blocks are on their way to Sue in MN to be used with other donated blocks for a charity quilt. I had fun laying them out in different ways, and I hope Sue does, too! These are the remainder of my July 2009 goal to send HS 31 blocks.

Operation Quiet Comfort

This is the label that we use in the mini quilts for wounded soldiers. These quilts are only 3 foot by 5 foot. They have requested the color red not be used unless it's in a red, white, and blue theme.

I've only totally finished one, but have 3 more in the final stages.

This group is currently collecting quilts for Fort Hood. Also, the Heartstrings Quilt Project has rounded up enough quilts for the wounded, and gathering more for the families of the fallen in Fort Hood, Texas.

Downy Quilts for Kids

This is a kit for children hospitalized for cancer that can be requested from the Downy Fabric Softener Company. They send the fabric and label, and you put them together and send them back. This was truly quick and fun. I can't say that the quilting was, but I got 'er done. (Not shown in this photo.)

Halloween Cyber Slumber Party

There is a Halloween Slumber Party going on tomorrow night. Actually it's started already for some of us. Just go to my website: www.susanround.com We're working on everything from quilts to making jammies. Get your chocolate, clean out the litter box, and grab a project to work on this weekend.

What a Difference a Day Makes!

Life is good! I wanted to make sure all of you quilters and crafters go to my website: www.susanround.com and sign in for my Halloween Cyber Slumber Party starting Friday and running through Sunday. Get your chocolate and coffee ready, your favorite pjs ready-to-wear, and a list (in your head) of what you would like to accomplish this weekend.

Ouch! I'm crushed today.

Woke up realizing my oldest son would have been 34 years old today. My estranged mother called last night and left a message to call her. I did return her call and left a message. But the topper was when I just read a horribly hurtful email about me that was directed to the entire online quilting group. I'm absolutely stunned. And it's not even noon, yet.

What we did today. . .

Today I stood guard for car watch, and my little man rode his skateboard down the hill to the culdesac. Guess who carried back all the gear and skateboard?

The Rush for Aprons: My new goal has been set.

I've pulled fabric and am cutting out 22 aprons. My goal is to have them finished and mailed by October 30th. The next online retreat is Halloween, the next day, so I need to get these to Tammy now before her tour ends in November.

Labor Day Madness Block

Four of my guests retreating this weekend will be receiving this block.

Spiderweb Blocks

Stacey Sent Me Quilter's Chocolate!

Black & Gold String Quilt top

I cut the foundations from an old cross stitch kit.

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!