Hello everyone,
Thought I introduced myself on here once before, but will try again I have quilted all my life it seems but have only recently become passionate about it. I am a recent Empty Nester. My last just moved out. Have four children and 5 grandchildren and the little ones call me Nee Nee. I have lots of questions and hope to get some of them answered besides making friends here which I will enjoy.

I do have MS so I no longer work, but it doesn't stop me from sewing and quilting...Thank God. I would love to hear from all of you...soon...

Janie

Hello Janie
Welcome. You have come to the right spot, for good advice, lots of info,friendly and helpful people, who are eager to help and share their wisdom. Have fun and enjoy. What type of quilting do you like to do?

Hi Becky,
I think my favorite thing is applique, which I am determined to learn. But I love it all. I have made a queen size cathedral window and did a grandmother's flower garden completely by hand. But I was always a die hard and did everything by hand and am just now CONSIDERING, learning to do free motion quilting.

What about you? How long have you been quilting? What is your favorite?

Janie
I've been quilting going on my 16th year. And learn something new all the time. I love applique, and thats mainly what I do now. I like to create my own designs and themes. I to did all hand quilting untill about the last year. Now I free motion, stipple, and echo quilting with my machine. I've made a couple of crazy quilts as well. I also now do a technique similar to cotton theory quilting. I'm presentely working on 2 quilts and I'm anxious to get them done, as I have other ideas presentely churning in my mind to do.

Hello Janie, I have my first quilt top in our cedar chest. I don't remember how old i was, i think our daughter was in her twentys, so that would put me in my 40's. Hopefully i'll get it quilted sometime next year. What do you think will be your next project? I joined a "Lotto Block" group and made 6 blocks and sent 'em in for that. I didn't win, but it was fun. I also like to applique and crochet. But my favorite is quilting.

Dear Becky and Lizbeth.
It was nice to hear from you. I have a tremendous applique teacher now that has taken about 10 workshops from Ellie Seinkowitz. So I am being mentored by someone that knows what she is doing. I also have been collecting for over four years to have velvets, satins, beads and charms, etc. to start a crazy quilt and truthfully don't know where to start. It is to be a wedding quilt when my 19 year old son eventually gets married. I have also taught tole painting, quilting, embroidery and there is so much I want to learn, now that the house is quieter. Tell me about the Lotto idea. I have participated in Round Robins but nothing else. The group I am part of is always open to new ideas...Becky, do you share your designs? I will check in here once a day at least and maybe get some answers....did either of you see the second email I sent regarding something called Hemmed Hexagons? I am trying to find out how to make them? Well this is all for now. Thanks for writing....Janie

Becky, I am interesting in the cotton theory quilting techniques. Is there anything online? And as far as the machine quilting, I can't really afford to take a class at this time and I know if I could, I would be more comfortable with it. But after you spend days and days on a quilt, I don't want to mess it up with machine quilting that looks terrible...

Janie
I have never shared my designs, mainly because I don't feel anyone is interested and, untill I get my new computer set-up with the digital camera, I can't show anything that I've done. But I should have my set-up by the middle of March. Believe me I'm an amateur, and nothing of real ooo, or ah ah ah . As for Cotton Theory Quilting, There is a book and there is a thread on this forum that gives somemore detail. I'd seen a demo about a yr or more ago, and I got confused on her crossroads and intersections, so I devised my own roadmap, so to speak and I'm content so thats the direction I went. As far as machine quilting, I have taken out ALOT of stitches, and I'm still far from ooo and ah ah. But it seems if I stay determined and keep praticing, I know I'll get there. But I combine machine with the hand quilting, I really like hand quilting, it just takes forever to finish a quilt that way, and I've got family and friends that like what I do and my family ask for the quilt, but my friends are more sutle and point out their B'days and Christmas. I've never taken a class. But I read alot, and I'm going to sign up for some classes at Quilt University, again waiting on my new computer set-up, and I'm in the process of moving as well. But theres several classes on that site, that I'm going to take.

Hello Janie, Like Becky, i've never taken lessons on quitting or crafts, just get ideas from what i read and find on the internet sites. The "email friendship" quilt is an idea i got last week. I wanted something for our daughter to have of my internet friends. I use the internet for all my research needs. I have a bunch of beads and related items you can have. I have to go through my crafts items and release some of them. Got to have more room. I'll be happy to send them to you if you want. The "Friendship Star" pattern is the one i've choosen for the "email FdSp." quilt. http://quilting.about.com is where you'll find the "Lotto Block". Will be working on that one in the morring and try to get it in the mail before the end of the week. By the way, my mother was 43 when MS took her home (heaven). I was 20. I'm happy when i hear of others that have gotten to stay here longer. Elizabeth (liz)

Janie, As i look through my books, i'll be on the outlook for the Hemmed Hexagons. I did a short search on the web. Will try again. It's getting late and i've been doing alll day. see ya later, liz

Dear Lizbeth,
Thank you for your sweet reply. I will look into the sites mentioned and see what they have to offer. My head is swimming with ideas since I found you all. I don't leave the house much, because there are good days and bad days as you know with the MS and I am so sorry about your loss of your Mom. I am sure you miss her. I'm not doing too badly right now but have a great electric wheel chair for the bad days when I still need to feel the sun on my face. I have two very precious best friends that make sure I never miss a quilt hop or a day of hitting everything from Michaels, Joann's Crafter's Warehouse and more. My group of quilt buddies meets once a week on Tuesdays and they have added so much to my life.
The neat thing about getting connected with all of you is that when I am stuck at home, I can still have your company and being creative is my therapy. Thank you so, so much...Janie

Lizbeth, just reread your post, and YES OF COURSE, I would love to add to my collection of goodies for the crazy quilt, it too is on my list of things to start this year. I would love to trade things too if you wish. Right now I have a good start to the pretty fabric scraps but need to add, buttons, charms, lace, ribbion but I would be grateful for whatever you are letting go of. How do I contact you off of the website???? And thank you so much for the offer to share...

Dear Becky,
I took only one lesson for quilting back in the 80's with my sis and was hooked. My grandma taught me the rest of what I know and then I began teaching beginning quilting classes which I did for about 15 years. Now since Rotary cutters and mats and fancy templates and machine quilting, there are so many new things and it is exciting, but I can't really afford classes...I think this website will be a great meeting place for me to get new ideas and instruction...as for the cotton theory, the only thing I ever saw on it was on a show of "Sewing With Nancy" on cable. She had a guest that was showing how. I will have to look back and see if I recorded that episode and if i did, I could make you a copy...other than that, I haven't tried it yet, but it is on my list...along with a zillion other things. sorry to be a dummy but what is quilt university? A website? Also, I still much prefer to hand quilt, but like you it takes so long that I don't get a lot of big things done.. that is why I want to learn, or become proficient with the machine quilting, and as for your designs, don't put down your efforts, I am sure you have some beautiful ideas and when you are able to share, we all want to see them......

Janie

I sent you a PM, did you get it?

Hey Janie, My email is [email protected] I will began to put everything i can't use in one place. I'm so happy to give my things to someone who wants them. The only thing i want is more and more fabric.....lol.... I have a lot of buttons i know i'll never use them all. We still have a piece of property in Pleasant Grove, where we were for 27 years, this summer, if we have time, i'll go through the boxes we stored in one of my husbands 4 buildings. He would have to move his stuff to get to my stuff. I don't know what is there. I'm sure i packed many crafts items. It'll take me 3 more yrs. to finish going through boxes and do what i want done to our house. It's an old house and needs some work, mostly painting. We don't have a JoAnn's anymore. There use to be one in Birmingham. A JoAnn's warehouse sounds great to me. I liked it better than Michaels. Handcock's aren't like they use to be. I look at thrift stores, yard/estate sales and of course Wal-Mart sales table for fabric. I use the Michael's coupon to get the tools i want/need. I have most everything i need to do everything. I do need to get my sissors sharpened and replace the rotory cutting blade. Guess i'll do that Wed. Storming here tomorrow and be very cold the rest of the week,after Wed. There was a wreck on Remlap Drive (runs paralle w/hwy 75) up a bank. A man was driving to fast and been drinking. I was out here (sunroom) and heard the very loud crash. He hit our 91yr. neightbors driveway edge and went along her bank, her concrete steps and flipped. I didn't see anything the first time i looked. I thought it happened on the 4 lane. But after the headlights came on i saw he where he was. I put my shoes on and grapped my cell. We have a big front yard and a small bank, i slipped and sprained my right ankle. I called 911 and tryed to get the man to stay still. A couble had stopped as the man crawed outta the car. He walked away up the Drive to get his cousin. Someone called his mother and brought him back in a bit. He had cleaned up. He told all that a deer ran across.. The State Trooper didn't receive that one.... He took the guy to jail. I took a bunch of pictures and got 'em done this morring. Made my neighbor a copy. One of her sons lives over the mt. behind us. Going to put my foot up now. later, liz

Hey Lizzie girl, take care of that ankle, Remeber the rice receipe, REST,ICE,COMPRESSION,ELEVATION. I was a registered medical asst for 14 yrs. Now you have a real good reason to SEW andSEW.

Hello Janie, I have some items i want to send you. Need your address. I can mail 'em tomorrow. liz

Hey Janie, I was just kidding about the fabric. I have loads of material. I do have a box of craft items ready to send you. Just need address. I will make an unfinished crazy quilt block for you to put into your quilt and you can cut it to size. There are storms coming so gotta go, later liz

Hey Becky, It's hard to be still.. (o;} I haven't heard that one before i'll have to make a note of the RICE receipe....thanks.... I've done most of that. It's not as swelled today. Turning colors tho. (: Looks most of the storms are south of Birmingham, which is south of us. Tornado warnings out there. talk to you later, liz

yes Becky I did receive it and I answered it. I just don't know how to reply with a PM so I just emailed you. Also, if you get confused by my reply, it is because I got you and Lizbeth turned around in my head and thought it was you that wanted to trade stuff for a crazy quilt....so forgive me. Liz was the one offering, but my offer still holds, I will share whatever I have, I think it is fun to do so and I love getting surprizes back, so....check your email, I'll be there....thanks, Janie

Hey girl, check your email, my address is there and I am so jazzed, can't wait to get a package from you, but please let me trade you for something I may have that you are looking for. And I would be blessed to receive a block from you and it will have a place of honor in my quilt. You are amazing....write soon and follow Becky's advice and keep that foot up, it should be good for at least a week of uninterruped sewing...and that driver deserved to go to jail, just sorry you got hurt....take care and I will write again tomorrow...later, Janie

hey zyx,,,
Good to hear from you. Wherebouts are you in Southern California. I grew up in Westminster, CA and went to Golden West College for a short time, but since have lived all over. I have settled forever now here in Oregon, as the friends I have made here are the most incredible I've ever known. It is amazing how quilting and quilting friends feed our soul isn't?

Hey, Janie Here
I've been at my girlfriends all weekend to celebrate a babyshower for her DIL. Shower was Sunday and the baby, a little boy named Samuel was born at 4:00 something this morning. But have been away from the computer for a good reason. Just here catching up with friends. I will have some pics here soon of things I worked on over the weekend. Need to recharge my rechargable batteries in the camera so I can use it.
xyz...i know right were Walnut is, I dated someone from t here a hundred years ago. California got too big for me. Think I should have been a country girl born a generation ago. I too have a sister in Australia and my baby sis is in Garden Grove, as is her children and their families....small world with the internet isn't it....

Hello I am also from Oregon but am planning to move to NY. I also have MS and spend most of my time spoiling my cat and Quilting. I think this website is one of the best. I know I can find all the information I need.
Looking forward to getting to know all of you!
Kearon :P

Hello from NY, glad to have you. Where in NY are you going?
This is a great site, I,m sure you'll love it. Feel free to ask or answer questions, and do post some picture of your projects.

Thanks for the reply Ruth. I will be moving to Bativia, NY when the roads clear a little. Yes this site has already been very helpful.

Gosh, those "quilt inspectors" do get quite SMUG, don't they? LOL :lol:

that cat spends time at my house we call him Mr Murphy. He is spending his time under my sewing machine on the heat duct for the winter :P

Hello Kearon:
It was great to find a fellow Oregonian and here you are up and moving clear across country. I just found you. Welcome. There is no distance with friends and of course with this website....So, we have the MS in common, I would love to talk to you about that to....Janie

Hey, Janie! I went to grade school in Westminster, oh, about a hundred years ago. I remember the strawberry and boysenberry fields. There was a dairy down the block, and the country's smallest elephant , a cute little baby, several doors down from us. We had a duck that used to follow us around. We lived in a housing tract, not on the farm!! But, we were surrounded by country things. It was a great place to grow up. Then we moved to Anaheim, lived 5 miles from Disneyland in the middle of an orange grove. Back then you could get in free after 5pm. Things are sure different now.

Hello Jainie! I would like to hear from you too. Isn't this website great?I am not sure if will work, but you might find my email address on my profile page.
Kearon :wink: :-)

Norah, this is crazy. I went to elementary school, Jr. High and high school in Westminster. We still have a house there that my parents own. Do you know Sequoia Elementary? Johnson Jr. High School and of course, WHS? We lived near a bean field that is now a Taco Bell and a supermarket. We used to lay on our patio roof on Summer nights and watch the fireworks from Disneyland, and I remember when we road the Merry Go Round at Knotts Berry Farm and there was no fence and no admission....Are we the same age? Janie

Janie, I'm 57. I remember all of that about the fireworks and the merry go round. I wnet to Trask Ave Elementary School. Moved before I got to the others. My best friend in the whole world still lives there. Her name is Maxine. We had a Twin Oaks phone number back then. Not all numbers like now. I miss those days. I am the one suggesting the "run" if you hadn't made the connection.

Hey Janie, I have a couple of patterns of The Cotton Thory and I love them. They are easier to handle because you don't have to deal with a big quilt all at once. You sew them and quilt them, then put them together. They are sometimes called reversable quilts. They do go together a little faster. I found some websites and will send you some info. My email is [email protected] if you would like to trade info on the MS.
Kearon

I goofed. It was Ray M Schmidt Elem on Trask Ave.

Kearon,
Yes, thanks for the email. Mine is on my profile. But it has been a pretty hard day for me, coming back slow from junk this weekend...but I will email in the a.m. and will try to get a decent communication going between us...and if you suggested the "run", tell me where to sign up....I hope we don't let this idea get lost in the shuffle... Oh and BTY, I know right where Trask Elementary is, used to have to walk past it everyday...small, small world....till later, Janie

Hi Janie, I think some of the posts are getting mixed up. I know nothing about this task thing and I keep getting emails about replies being poated for me. Don't know what is up. :roll: :lol:
Kearon