http://store.stitchinheaven.com/stor...&Item_ID=39207

Check out this video on stitchin heavens new seam ripper. Very interesting, but small, I think...3 1/2 long.

JanieW offered some good suggestions and got me to thinking. What if we change a bit, and give each a quarter or half a yard of fabric with their chosen theme, have months of light, then mediums, and then dark fabric and challenge one another to develop a quilt throw from the fabrics gifted to them???? Fabric could be from stash, etc...with suggestions along the way on different possible patterns?? It would be like a mystery block quilt, revealed only at the end of the exchange....in colors preferred by the receiver.

I think I would prefer to do blocks that don't have to be sent somewhere. That way if we get behind, it won't be a problem. I always worry, and tend to rush some of my blocks because I'm afraid of being late. Just my input!

That being said, Anael, those quilts for Bram and Isa are darling. Great job grandma! And enjoy your crockpot!

Here is a great, easy soup recipe:

Easy Meatball Soup

1 lb frozen meatballs, Italian seasoned (I use those tiny meatballs)
3 cups beef broth (or 3 bouillon cubes in 3 cups water)
2 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings
2 ea diced potato
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
16 oz (about 3 cups) frozen mixed vegetables (these go in the last hour)

1. In crock pot, combine meatballs, broth, tomatoes, potato, onion, garlic powder, and pepper. Cover and cook on Low for 7 to 9 hours, until potatoes and onion are tender. Stir in frozen vegetables and cook on HIGH for 1 hour longer. Serves 6.

2. This was real easy and tasted great. I used regular tomatoes and added 2 tsp Italian seasonings.

As far as our next "project", I know several of us downloaded/saved the compass collection BOM last year...maybe we could do that? Only make 2 blocks a month since they are all available?

My Jan MB went out today...

I guess I got some good news at the doctor today...no nerve damage in my neck, shoulder or arm. I say "I guess" because I still don't have a "fix". The doctor does think it is nerve related since the pain has been reduce since starting to take a nerve pain pill. He wants to try dry needling to see if that will help the nerves get back to "normal". I am just thankful for the days I feel like quilting. :)

Carrie, I guess that's good news about your shoulder--no nerve damage. I know when I have something wrong I want it to have a "name"--something definite. Just take it easy and don't overdo it!

Jeanie, I'm with you. I prefer not to do a block exchange. I get mine done but don't feel my skills are equal to the others on here so I remake each block 2-3 times. I love the Compass Collection from QOTS and would vote for those, doing 2/month.

Well, I wasted half the day on BOM sites. Who knew there were so many???? I must have book-marked 15 of them. What I wanted I couldn't find. Someone on QB mentioned they were doing large blocks that represented each season or holiday, larger than a normal block, more panel-sized. I'd love to find that if anyone knows where it is. I have an ugly front door so I always have some type of quilted thingy hanging on it. I try to change it with the seasons/months/holidays but I've run out of ideas for some months.

Thanks for the hug QuiltE I needed it..

Lot of chatter this morning, NinaSue thanks for the link for StitchinHeaven, and the seam ripper what a great idea. I have actually purchased fabric from them and they have great service.

As you all know I am happy to go with the consensus on what we do next as a project. I think all of us download the Compass Blocks, so that would be easy.

JanRN and everyone else questioning their skills should stop now, every block I received in our MB exchange has made with love and care and that is all that matters. ok so now I will step down from my soap box:D

Carriem I hope the docs can work their magic and find a resolution to your problem, pain can certainly be debilitating.

Honchey how wonderful that you have special people in your life who care and actually take notice, treasured memories for sure.

Anael a beautiful quilt for Bram and the backing works perfectly.

The rain has stopped, the sun is out which of course means the humidity level rises, so air-con will be on today and I will be staying cool

Jan, This isn't free by any stretch, but it might give you some ideas.

http://www.shabbyfabrics.com/-Little...?categoryid=29

Hi Everyone, Took a long nap this morning after DH left and just relaxed the rest of the day...

We can do whatever we all agree on...I don't want to do the mail thing right now either...

JeanieG..Did you receive your MB yet???..

Jan, I have seen your blocks as have the rest of us and your piecing is wonderful...the fabric choices along with the

colors are top notch!!!

Carriem, the process of elimination can be lengthy and at least the dr's are trying to get to a solution...

tomorrow I have the oral surgeon and maybe a trip to Sam's Club & walmart. this cp is very jumpy..the lines keep on moving...DH just got to the house in NC and he says all is well...now he has to unpack what I packed..hahahahaha!!

Maybe I'll do some cutting with the accuquilt cutter....I have alot of scraps and work on my mini...I'm doing a 16 petal dresden and I only figured on 12 petals...now I have to find some color fabric to go along with the solid colors already cut...later...H.