Quilt

I decided that since I am working at the Quilt Shop I should learn to quilt. So I am making a quilt for our bed. The name of the quilt is Tradwinds. From what I understand there is a story behind the names of each quilt. I have no idea why this one is called Tradwinds and maybe someday I'll see if I can find the answer.
I first made 21/2 inch strips and sewed three strips together than cut the strips into triangles. Then I made 2 1/2 strips again and sewed 2 strips together. These were cut into smaller triangles and sewn to the light colored triangle. Then the two triangles are sewn to make a square. I need 144 squares for my quilt. Four of these squares will be sewn together to make a large square, which will be sewn together to make the pattern. I need 36 of the large squares. I have most of the small ones done. I am making progress but it takes a lot of time. I have really come to admire the amount of work people put into their quilts.

Then and Now

I got my new machine on Tuesday. I hope I'm smart enough to learn all the things it will do. The manual is about 1 inch thick plus there's a CD that I can watch to help me learn. The quilt shop also offers classes that I plan on going to. I'm excited to learn how to do the many things it will do, especially embroidery. It will be fun making things for gifts as I learn more about it.
The black machine is the one I learned to sew on many years ago. Mom gave it to me when I got married, since she had a newer one then. This machine only does straight stitches. I think it's interesting how far technology has come in the last 50 years.

Snoqualmie

Last Thursday Dad and I left early and went to Snoqualmie and spent the night there. On our way we stopped at North Bend for breakfast. Dad ordered a Denver Mix. When they brought it to him you should have seen the look on his face. (I wished I had my camera) It was chucks of ham, peppers, potatoes and cheese all mixed together. It was served on a platter and was heaping. He ate about 1/3 of it and has had enough for 2 breakfasts since. We stopped and saw the falls, even though it was a beautiful day with a bright blue sky, the falls were hard to see due to the mist they were creating. The motel had an outdoor heated swimming pool. Even though there was a lot of snow on the ground the pool was opened. Dad was brave enough to get in but I wasn't. He was OK while he was in the water but as he got out, it was pretty cold. He couldn't wait to go inside to the spa. We had a nice relaxing time for a late anniversay get away.

10+ years in the making

Sometime durning Alanna's high school years I satrted making this quilt for her. I soon lost interest and put it away to finish at a later date. That day just never seem to come, until sometime in Nov. Alanna was teasing me about sewing for my Grandkids and not finishing her quilt. OK, She made me feel guilty and promised I would have it completed by her birthday. Look! I'm a month early!