Folk Branches

All of the projects are finally done for my new book....and now the real work begins. All day yesterday and today I have been drawing and writing and I have LOTS more to do.

This is my big excuse for why I haven't posted in over a week.....but if it is to ready for Quilt Market in Kansas City the work better continue....:)))

I hope you are planning lots of fun this weekend.... Nick turned 7 today and my oldest grandson, Pierce turns 13 on Sunday! I'll need to take time out to celebrate....and I am sure I will need a break.

Spring Wool Crazy

Last night some of those crazy wool people met again at the Loft. Diane Maskell-Jones is really on a roll. She is finishing off all of her seasonal blocks. This is a close-up of her spring fan...birdhouses and flowers and the colors she used really evoke the season.


Here is a section of her border. I love how she used the cretan stitch on each side.....and all the detail on the flowers is beautiful.


.....and here is the block....

Each time I start class we do some sharing of how the quilts are progressing. It is amazing how people have taken the wool crazy idea and gone "crazy" on their own. Have you gone crazy lately? Send me your photos and I will share them on my blog.

Happy Spring.......Jo Ann

1974

Last week I got an email forwarded to me from one of the women Megan worked with at The Old Spaghetti Factory. Megan worked there for about 13 years in their interior design department. She helped plan and set up the new restaurants and kept track of all of the "stuff" to keep them looking great. Before she died she had been working on a new opening in Rancho Mirage, California.....When they set up the new facility this is the shirt they all wore. Gene and I were so touched by this tribute.....



.....and then they dated the trolley 1974...the year Megan was born to honor her yet again. We were overwhelmed. If you are over that way, be sure to stop in and raise a glass to Megs. I know it will make her smile.....

Tomorrow is Brown Bag Friday....they seem to be coming quicker and quicker....but all is ready and the cookies are baked....I am off to read awhile before bed..... Goodnight, Jo Ann

SQUIRM

Nick had his big debut on stage on Thursday evening....Here he is with his friend Ryan dressed up in their worm costumes...He told me he thought they looked more like elves than worms, but when they were all on stage it looked great!



John and Sophie were in the audience early. Of course so were all the 1st and 2nd grade parents and grandparents, so it was VERY crowded.


They even had a fun program that listed all the songs. The show only lasted 1/2 hour...perfect timing for that age.


....and here is the stage. I tried for some action shots during the production, but it was was too dark and I was too far away for my camera.....You will have to use your imagination...:)))

I was so glad to be there and share in the fun. I flew home last night and got to bed after midnight....and I am off to the Loft this morning. Hopefully I won't fall asleep while cutting fabric....:))) Have a great Monday.....and stay away from things that make you squirm!

Off to Portland

I am off to see John, Nick and Sophie tomorrow....They had snow flurries today. This was taken last time I was there.....(my nephew Michael is having snow fun with them) Nick is in the first grade play about Worms....I am so looking forward to seeing them all....I'll post when I get back....

Fat Cats

The Fat Cats are taking a trip today....I am sending them off to Primitive Quilts and Projects for their Fall Issue....I will miss them. They have been watching over all the work being done in my studio this last week....(I wish they would have cleaned up all the piles of wool I have been using...what a mess)

I am off to the Loft this morning to teach...and then help get ready for the San Diego Cruisin' Quilters. The quilt run starts tomorrow. Hope to see some of you during it. It is always a lot of fun. Have a great weekend....Jo Ann