Thank you all my dear friends :)

QNS, the hospital started a diary from the day they were born, some nurses took pictures and put them in the diary, some made drawings and wrote about the twins, how they were doing, how much they cared for them.
And yes, I gave them a big hug from all of you!
My DDIL started a photo album and I have all the pictures on my computer. I printed quite a few of them to hang on my walls in the living room so I can see them all day every day :)

Time to Celebrate!!!! :D ... we just crossed the 4000 marker for our posts on this thread!

Now Ladies, please put your thinking caps on .... The local Fair is having a Sampler Block Challenge. The blocks get judged at this year's fair the week after next, and then they will be made into a Fundraiser Sampler Quilt for next year's Fair. The fabric on the left must be used for the background. The other fabric is to be in each block, and we can add any other fabrics we choose. Unfinished size 12-1/2".

The other "hitch" is that the blocks are to represent the 2014 Fair Theme of "Cowbells and Carousels". That's where I am drawing a blank as to what block pattern to use and what fabrics to add. Any and All suggestions are welcome! Please? and Thanks!!! (and no, I do not want to do applique!)

No picture

It's there now ... I think ... it seems lately, whenever I try to post a pic, it puts it as the attachment, that none of you can see. So then I have to backtrack to the longer process in Go Advanced. Another one coming up.

Now I see the picture :) I'll never understand how this board works :(

How many blocks are you going to make? just one or more? I love the fabrics.

Tis the Season ... another Block Challenge.
This one is to celebrate 100 years of 4-H in Canada! The block is to represent our 4-H Memories ... 12-1/2" unfinished; all 3 fabrics must be used somewhere (doesn't matter); can add more fabrics as choose.

This should be a good one for OKSGlad ... and is there anyone else with green blood!!! (other than moi)

They are nice fabrics ... the one on the right really makes it a challenge, for sure!
Both challenges, are just to make one block.
Though, if I have extra fabric, I might make a 2nd.

Carousels like the ones with the horses? The ones that go round and round and round?

What means 4-H?

4-H is a youth group....Heart, Hands, ??? that does projects with animals., etc., and they show them at Fairs. Also keep records on costs, etc.

What a beautiful photo Anael, I don't think there is a dry eye in the PC group

QE--how about this Ferris Wheel block for Cowbells and Carousels and put in some cows in the center or do you have some of that black/red graphic dairy themed fabric like the FQ you sent me?

http://lcscottage.wordpress.com/2012...l-quilt-block/

Then for the 4-H block something with the earth I see green land and blue seas. 4-H a world wide experience. Did you have an IFYE program in Canada?

Just brainstorming here, QE.

QNS what a striking two color block! Jeanie is right to be delighted!

Anael--I saw the clothesline!! GS was born in Sept '02 and when Dutch family came in November they brought along a wooden stork (maybe 1 1/2 to 2 m tall) with clothesline and clothes to hang from each side of it. DD and DSIL used the stork and line when baby #2 was born in '04, too. Such a neat tradition--if I remember it means Mom and baby (babies) are ready for company.

Our Memorial Day stems from several communities who honored our Civil War (1862-1865) dead. In springtime, mourners tended the gravesites--originally May 29th. Now celebrated last full weekend of May for a 3 day holiday. Cemeteries are covered with floral remembrances and flags. Monday GS #1 (11) is going to the Veterans service to help with the flag raising--he learned how to fold the Stars and Stripes properly. The Wisconsin GC (10 & 8) along with their 4-H club members put small flags on the Veterans graves at a local cemetery as a Citizenship project. Often times it's a cool blustery weekend--this year is no exception!

On 11-11 we celebrate Veterans Day. It is not a moveable holiday. The local VFW auxiliary sells poppies made by wounded veterans to help support their citizenship programs. "In Flanders Fields" was a part of our Literature curriculum in HS, but did not realize author was a Countryman QE and Janie.

http://www.flandersfieldsmusic.com/thepoem.html

Oh yeah PO was open this morning so MB got mailed in time Phew!! dublb look for your replacement as well! Should be Tuesday. I followed Carrie's mailing recommendations on your package, Bev.

DH and I may take a road trip west for the day tomorrow. It's an hour to his parents gravesite and another 2 hours to mine and since we won't be working in the field we just may go for the day. I don't go to my parents' very often because of the distance.

I just remembered someone asked about the Hera marker. Yes it's a durable plastic marker to fit nicely in your hand. By running it across the fabric with a minimal amount of pressure it makes a small crease on your fabric that will iron out if necessary. That crease is visible to sew on top of. I first used it to mark darts in clothing construction many years ago.

Anael--Great pictures of the twins *at home*!!

QNS--Good block choice for Jeanie. It is so much fun seeing how everyone's MBs are coming together.

QE--No ideas right off on the challenge blocks...maybe tomorrow when I am not so tired.

It was pretty slow most of the day at the shop with a few rushes here and there and then about 30-45 minutes before closing about 10 people came in and things got busy! Everyone needed help and fabric cut.

During the slow time Connie (the owner) and I worked on picking fabrics for a new shop sample/kit to have for the All Iowa Shop Hop starting June 1st. Is anyone here a "Maxine" fan? The main fabric is this patriotic one: http://www.robertkaufman.com/fabrics/maxine_3/ Working with these bright colors is harder for me, but I think we came up with a pattern and fabrics to use.

June MB is done! :D

The 4-H's are explained in the 4-H Pledge ....
I pledge
My Head to clearer thinking,
My Heart to greater loyalty,
My Hands to larger service,
My Health to better living,
For my club, my community, and my country.

The 4-H Motto is ... Learn To Do By Doing
So as you can see ... 4-H'ers get in there and do things!

Clubs can be formed for "any" subject ... so long as there are at least six members and two leaders. There's the traditional calf clubs, and crop clubs, sewing and cooking. Though the possibilities are endless. Just a few here in our area are .... photography, square dancing, dark light theatre, giant vegetable growing, veterinarian, marketing, environmental, electrical, tractor, maple syrup and on and on! Members ages are 9 thru 21.

Here's a little about 4-H history ... it started in the USA in 1901, and Canada followed in 1913
http://www.4-hontario.ca/about-4h/what-is-4h/history.aspx



OkSGlad ... Thanks for the start of ideas for that fabric. It's nice ... but a difficult one to work with for blocks. And thanks too, for the hera info. Will have to look for it. Does it work good once you have a sandwich made? Or more so for when piecing?

No, we never had IFYE here. Similar though is our Junior Farmers Association which will celebrate its 100 years next year. Interesting you mentioned IFYE, as my sister went to Indiana for an IFYE (or was it RYUSA?) conference, representing JF. And then a few years later, I went to Indiana, representing JF as well, but to the Hoosier Recreation Workshop. (any bells ringing GGal?) Thanks for the explanation of your Memorial and Veterans Days as I did not realize you had both.

Is your Memorial Day focused to the war dead, or anyone? We do not have a specific date for Memorial Services at the cemeteries and it is something that each cemetery does on their own. The one that most of my family are buried in is a small country cemetery and has a special service alternate years, the 1st Sunday of June. Some never have a dedicated service. Some every year. Many people make special efforts to visit and decorate their loved ones grave sites for Mother's and Father's Days. Some just do it "sometime". Some never go.

Not only was In Flanders Fields written by a countryman ... he was born and raised right here in Guelph (next city from me!). There's a museum dedicated to him in the home where he was born. A lovely little cottage sort of a house, with immaculate gardens. Thanks for the link ... I've never heard the poem put to music and what a wonderful song. We always had to recite it when we were in school. Wonder? if the kids do now?

Have a good trip tomorrow. It'll be a tiring trip ... a lot of driving and a time of rembrances. Take care, OKSGlad

CarrieM ... Oh yes, please ... ideas are definitely wanted! Maxine is always fun and I wish I could read all the sayings! I would think that it will be a big seller in the Shop Hop, as everyone will have a good laugh with it and want one of their own. :D Are your kids in 4-H ... they're at a perfect age for it! :)

Beautiful block JeanieG, well done QNS..

I just saw the other photos Anael and how wonderful, Isa looks like she is smiling at you, their nursery looks so bright and cheerful. I hope Mick is adjusting.

QuiltE I love that red, black and white fabric, does it have a name on the selvedge, my DD collects fabric in that colour range, sorry no idea as to what to do with it.

Sammy was feeling the cold yesterday so DH sat him on my lounge chair and made him comfortable.. We are talking to the vet tomorrow about him, he is not improving.:thumbdown:

Time for a new lounge suite I think :D

Karen, I'm sorry Sammy isn't feeling any better. He looks quite comfy with his quilt!

Thanks everyone for explaining 4-H. I still don't have any ideas what block to make though!

Here's my latest wall hanging in progress. I need 2 more borders, 1 very narrow one and one broader. But I need to take a shower first :D It's 11 am already and I started sewing at about 7 am :)
Tell me what you think!
[ATTACH=CONFIG]415524[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]415525[/ATTACH]

Anael that is beautiful, I love the attic window setting:thumbup: and your feature fabric is gorgeous

Karen--sorry to hear about Sammy. That has to be hard. How old is he?

Anael--pretty blocks. I can't wait to see it all together. Isn't it great to be productive before noon? :thumbup: What size are the blocks?

Thank you!

Carrie, the attic window blocks are 8.5 "square, the sashing is 2.5" (both unfinished). I added a blue border, now to find fabric for the last border.

MiraB ... it's important to keep Sammy comfy ... lounge chair, quilt (beautiful I might add!) and any human foods he'd like!

Anael ... My goodness, you are quick! Just barely get the fabric home and it's cut and sewn back together again. Such a beautiful feature fabric for the attic windows! Is this for you?

What? You didn't buy border fabric as part of the Celebration purchase?
:D Silly Woman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

:D QuiltE, I always forget to buy border fabric :D :D
Yes, this one is for me.

In the spirit of 4-H, "Learn To Do By Doing",
....run back to that LQS and get yourself the border fabric,
and don't forget to get the binding and batting!

:) ................................. and never forget again! :)

I can't, shops are closed on Sunday.

QuiltE, In my experience of growing up and observing the children's era of growing up, the parents did the work for the children in girls scouts and 4-H, thus I did not join either, went through the Brownie/Scouts briefly with kids, but it was still true, parents were doing the work and passing it off as the child's work. So guess its like businesses, it all depends on the management....of home or business or community actions.

Sorry, Mirabelle, that your faithful companion is feeling his age. Decisions are hard to make to show mercy, if the animal is suffering, its worse; harder to make the necessary decision. Been there and done that.

Anael, its good that you are quilting again; bright & beautiful, a good reflection of yourself.:thumbup::o

Good echo of a MOTHER or GM, QuiltE.!!:D

Where o where is GardenGal?? Time to put a posse together in the virtual RV.

Going to the virtual RV sounds very good to me right now. Better than putting the sewing room back together!!:thumbdown: I sure fell into that trap and did not see it coming, so guess I cannot complain!! Ooooooh, the headaches. Why do men always 'feel' like they need the control even if they know 'nothing'?? Forget what you said in a New York minute?

We went to Drumheller yesterday with my son and his three boys. That is dinosaur country. The kids had a blast. I love the badlands. It is so amazing how the countryside changes so quickly. We have the Rocky Mountains about three hours to the west. Drumheller is about 2 hours to the east of us and then we are into the hoo doos. They have a terrific museum there. Then we went to eat at Bernie and the Boys which was featured on the food network show You Gotta Eat Here. That's the Canuck version of Diners Drive Ins and Dives. What a great day we had.

Anael, I know I'm late, but those pictures of your family were just awesome. It brought back memories of when our twins came home and their big brother's interest in them. Nice wall hanging, love the feature fabric.

Mirabelle, my heart goes out to you in regards to Sammy. it is so hard. We want to do the best for them and do not want to see them suffer, but yet we don't want to say good bye. I am a terrible softy about animals. Hugs to you.

Jeanie and QNS, I love that block. How clever of you , QNS, to send the Californian some snow!

Honchey I am such a curiosity junkie. Can't wait to see who I make and send to for July and it's not even June!

QuiltE, I am a 4-H er. When I was in it there were only the three catagories...sewing, cooking and livestock. Being a townie, I wasn't able to have a calf, but I did the other two. I was also a Leader for a couple of years til I had my kids . I'm glad I'm not making that block as you said it was to represent your 4-H memories. That is tough. My favourite part of 4-H was the rally . One year I had to model my baby doll PJ's. That was bitter sweet as I was pleased to be chosen and it was one of the few times I got a blue ribbon instead of red, but it was so embarrassing! I can't wait to see what you come up with.

As for you Cowbells and Carousel block, I will think on it. I'm guessing the theme is to represent rural fairs combining the livestock and carnival aspects. I really like both fabrics.

We are going down to be with our other son and his family for a few days as my DIL is still doctoring in Medicine Hat. I will be so glad for her sake when they are done with her. She is a trooper, but I know she wants to be finished with all the driving back and forth and the worry. It seems there's always something.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Thank you and QNS, your comment made me smile :) You know me well!

Speaking of posses ... time to send one out for JanRN too!

Anael ... you have your reprieve til tomorrow! Be on their doorstep when they open!! :)

JanieW ... The museum is VERY impressive! I was there a few years ago as the coordinator for a bus tour of Jersey farmers from around the world, as a post-tour for the World Congress. Can you say, blown away with its awesomeness? I can only imagine how the kids would be enthralled with it. I think about your DDIL often and pray for her continued progress. It's been a long haul for all of you. It would be so nice if they could feel their life was somewhat back to "normal".

Yes, everyone, please think hard on that Cowbells and Carousels block ... I stood and looked long and hard at the material this morning for quite awhile, hoping inspiration would come. I see possibilities for that large print fabric though I would need more. Would make for an interesting OBW!! :D

MiraB .. you asked about the selvedge info ... nada! I didn't even get a smidge on either of the fabrics.

QuiltE, what about paper piece a cow or other farm animal with that floral fabric,with the polka dot background then put either a thin red or black border and then make a pinwheel border around the cow to represent the rides at the fair?? I just thought of a wall hanging I did for my cousin who loves pigs and chose pretty pink florals for the pigs and it looked kind of cute.

Thanks for your well wishes for our DDIL. We really need this to be done. She has this appt and then another one early June and then we should know if more surgery is required.

QuiltE, tomorrow they're closed too :D :D

Poor Sammy-a faithful companion is an important part of our lives. You've given him a pretty brown and pink throw to snuggle under, mirabelle.

Attic windows, precise mitered corners, Anael. Some cheat and put a HST square in the corner--not you:thumbup:

Janie, you green blooded girl, I can imagine your mixed emotions regarding a blue ribbon pair of baby doll's and modeling them no less!! That was a lot of skin to be showing!!! My grands would love a trip like you took with yours--I should check with DH it might be a good day to take kids to Cabella's tomorrow. I like your block idea!

RE: parents doing kids work. This was always a pet peeve of mine as a member, leader, and judge. But you only get out of something what you put into it. My folks only showed us what to do--they didn't have the time to do anything else. As a parent/ leader/ member we all knew who did their own projects and those were respected and admired for it. 4-H isn't just about making things. As a 16 yo my Jr leadership project was to establish a dairy judging team for our county. I contacted a well known dairy farmer/judge to be our adult adviser--he accepted. I organized and led practice workshops; set up on-farm visits to other dairies; coordinated with county 4-H agents as to contests. Final say as to who was going to be on the 4 person team was the adviser. I participated in the state dairy judging contest for 3 years. The last year I placed 1st in just one of the breed classes--Adviser was tickled as it was a Brown Swiss class--the kind of cows he had! The team organization continued for several years after I finished my 4-H years and then disbanded.
When our DD was 16--guess what? She revitalized the team. She also led club workshops to teach youngsters art principles and elements of design. Many members created a "dream room" from what they learned through out the year as a fair exhibit. These were the two career paths she was torn with as a HS senior. She chose the former--and has used the latter in creating a beautiful home making wise consumer decisions.

We cancelled our trip today-heavy rain forecast in the direction we would be going-not up to a 3 hour rainy drive.

Lots to catch up on. Somehow I didn't have some of the "pages" when I was checking out this thread. I love the block QNS made for Jeanie; I love 2 color, high contrast blocks. That's why your block was so hard for me to make QE--I kept wanting to throw a "zinger" color in there with the pastels. And Anael, love those fussy cut attic window-beautiful colors.

So sorry about Sammy-he's beautiful and his eyes make you want to pet him. Just love him, Mirab, and remember that final act of love is the most difficult to carry out. I'm making this journey right now with Patches. He still has 3 or 4 good days out 7 so we're doing the best we can for him. And yes, QE, he gets his favorite treat: $9.00/lb baby swiss cheese!

I told you all that I got a new car--very pretty white Pearl finish Equinox. Well, I came home from work Friday and parked out front like I've done for the 30 years I've lived here. A short time later a large truck (empty car carrier) came down my street and ripped a Comcast cable wire from the telephone pole. It sprung around and hit my car. The wire damaged the hood, front fender, passenger side mirror, both passenger side doors, rear quarter panel and roof!!!! The truck didn't stop, he may not even know he did it but it is legal for trucks to use our street though very few do. It was the "bleeping" Comcast wire that was hanging too low! Do you think they'll take responsibility? Who am I kidding. And MrJanRn just raised our insurance deductibles to $1000. Body shop guy thinks they may have to strip the finish from that side in spots and repaint. I'm so pi**ed!!! Oh well, it's only a car. Welcome to Jan's World LOL.
Anxious to get into the Bat Cave and get some more MB's done. Can't wait to see who's next. Have a good one ladies!!

So good to hear of your wonderful memories, QuiltE and OksewGlad with your 4-H groups. You made it worthwhile and learned from it, and have taught others what you have learned. Yes, you get out of it what you want too if you apply yourself. Same is true for school learning. We teach the masses, but not everyone in the mass wants to learn, and parents just want to blame the teacher too often. (Then tell you they cannot control the child any longer.) Very happy we are not in that field anymore; most staff members just want to fight one another instead of being united in teaching the child for the child's sake. Its all about the child, not the merit pay for the teacher or pennies saved by the school board or legislature. The child's time is NOW, not in the far distant future....time flys by, the child grows up all too quickly. I applaud parents and sponsors and teachers who take the time for each child now. They are the ones who reap the rewards with the child; the child's smile is priceless. Or that light in their eyes when they understand and grasp what you are teaching them...priceless.

Not too different from when we grasp a new quilting idea; and then go "Ooooh!" Why didn't I think of that!!. Yep, we can still have those perfect moments at any age.

Sorry about your car, JanRN. That really hurts when the car is new, and an accident happens. It was just that: an accident. Wrong place at wrong time. Good news is that no one was in the car at the time it happened.

Dh got his new pickup and we went to the stables in CC for a load of horse sh@!; the loader spun around and knocked his back glass window out! That was a smelly wind blowing trip home. We had to take quick showers and wash out the truck bed. LOL!!:o

Regarding 4-H ribbons, I misspoke. :o In Canukistan ,red is first and 2nd is blue. I usually got blues, but my baby doll PJ garnered me a rare red. The joke was on me as I wasn't expecting that when I chose to make baby dolls.

Good Evening, Everyone!

JanieW ... Thanks, but do you have a good cow pattern? I just have the big one from my PC, and a friend is going to use it, so if I do a cow, I have to go different. Challenge will be to get enough contrast between this floral and the background fabric. I'm sure many will take off parts and applique. I'm not in love with applique enough to do so. Fingers crossed for your DDIL.

Anael ... Excuses! ...... did you find any border fabric hiding in your stash?

OKSGlad ... and Cabella's is? What a great family story about 4-H and the Judging Team. Next thing will be the 3rd generation will be heading it up! Judging teams here are pretty competitive. They first have to compete in the county, then onwards to Tegionals and the Royal. A select team goes to Madison for the FFA competition there. So sorry the rain cancelled your memorial trip today ... hopefully another day soon.

JanRN ... OMG about your new car. Yes, it's only a car and thankfully you were no where near to be injured. However it's still your baby and you were proud of your Ynew wheels. Do you know the truck company? Any witnesses? You should go after them to pay. I'm proud of your Cheese TLC for Patches!

QNSue ... Well Said ... "Yep, we can still have those perfect moments at any age." Oh So True!!!

JanieW ... *gasp* Are the Americans infiltrating your mind with red/blue swapping going on? :D good laugh for the end of the night, about your Baby Dolls. Perhaps the others made sure you got the red, just so you could have the "honour"!!! When we had our joint Achievement Days, EVERYONE had to model whatever they made (if it was a sewing club). Thankfully, I never took the Pyjama Club!!!! :)

Hi, I just sent out the MB list for July, August & september... sorry about being so brief...I don't have any room left on the page and the names were running together...I had to be extra careful that I didn't mix up the names.. I also had to type in the email addys as I'm using an old computer that didn't have them in my contact list...

I'm going to visit my sister tomorrow and will be there for several days...coming home on Thursday...I won't be seeing her for awhile after that.. working in June & July....

My thoughts are with you Jan & Mirabelle...love your furbabies...keep 'em comfortable....

I'm getting back into the groove...did some sewing today....finished my June MB...now to think about the MB for July...

I'll be away when my block comes...I think???

It's late so goodnite all....

Thank you everyone for your kind words, Sammy went to puppy heaven this morning, DH and I are a mess so will chat to you all later