Back to the Beginning

My quilting career began almost 40 years ago in an Amish home in northern Indiana. I thought the women gathered around the quilting frame in the living room were sewing on a trampoline. I was clueless. They asked me if I wanted to quilt too. Of course I said yes. I wanted them to like … Continue reading Back to the Beginning

Another “Opportunity”

My cousin Niki is one smart cookie. There isn't a lot that gets her down. Just look at that smile. That's us at the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative booth last year in Houston. I was thinking a lot about Niki the last few weeks. I was in need of an attitude adjustment. Way back, when … Continue reading Another “Opportunity”

The 2014 Crumb Quilt Challenge

Diana wrote in after the January 1st newsletter asking about sewing room organization and we got into a nice discussion about fabric storage. Ultimately she was looking for a way to store and USE UP tiny scraps leftover from other projects. It got me thinking. I suggested that, like some quilters, she sew two quilts … Continue reading The 2014 Crumb Quilt Challenge

5 Things Will Help You Become A Better Quilter

January is always a good time to reflect, take stock, set goals, and look forward. So is October, in case you're reading this in a month that isn't January. For traveling quilt teachers, however, January is the beginning of the new teaching season, so I'm taking advantage of the rollover to 2014 to think about … Continue reading 5 Things Will Help You Become A Better Quilter

7 Great iPhone Tricks

I'm a fan. I love my iPhone. I text, check email, take pictures, edit movies, use it to MapQuest from point A to point B, and, oh yeah, I make calls on it too. Here are my favorite tricks: 1. Flashing Light You probably know how to assign ringtones and get your phone to vibrate, … Continue reading 7 Great iPhone Tricks

Rocks and Podcasts

PUTTING TWO & TWO TOGETHER (MAYBE) On the way home from Ann Arbor where our daughter lives, we pass a small open area just after an overpass and before the train station. It's on the right hand side of the road. There's really nothing there except some busted up concrete and a bench. It may … Continue reading Rocks and Podcasts

Great Ideas (Or Not)

If you ever saw my lecture, "Living With Quilts: A Survival Guide,"then you might remember this image and the story about the pink toilet paper I brought back from France. Twenty-four rolls, if I remember correctly. A fun time coming through customs in the US plus a memorable souvenir of a great trip. Why is … Continue reading Great Ideas (Or Not)

More Pentagons, More Balls, & Life Inside a Snow Globe

MORE PENTAGONS! I found another pentagon! Next time you enjoy a handful of blueberries, see how many pentagons you can find. Hint: they're hidden in the five-pointed star. They're not all this perfectly formed. I kind of feel badly that I ate it. Thank you for the wonderful comments after my last post. So many … Continue reading More Pentagons, More Balls, & Life Inside a Snow Globe

Dog Bowl 2013

Hi! Scooter here. Mom's napping because we went to the: Dog Bowl It is an event just for dogs and the people that drive them there. I've been going for a lot of my life every year starting with last year. There are lots of people and lots of dogs. It is held in Frankenmuth, … Continue reading Dog Bowl 2013