Blogger Update

If you are experiencing trouble with your blog - they are changing things again. I have spent 2 days going nuts because my comments are no longer coming to my e-mail so I can politely acknowledge and thank you. AND I do like to respond to my commentors!

Please check from your dashboard - click on Blogger Buzz - find date July 14,2011:

Information on update for browser support - BUT they really don't give you answers on how to fix problems that are already cropping up.

I have posted a questions to blogger, yahoo, and windows

Cleared my cache and emptied cookies (all suggested)
Power down and reset (all suggested)
STILL no mail

Why didn't blogger let me know of changes?

I have up dated my browser (IE 9.0) - so check that your browser is updated. I, also changed my spam folder (use to auto delete) to hold spam for a week - ta da - that is where they are going. Now I have to figure this one out.

** I had to update my mail, too, and under mail contacts, added to my own ID - assign to lists - added my blog name
Now mail is coming into my box **

I hope we have some computer geeks in the house - that is said on pleading knees. A lot of bloggers are going to need help on this one.

WITH ALL THAT:
Thank you to all the lovely people who have left comments in the last 2 days. I only wish I could have responded.

Sewingly yours,
Sharon

Welcome to Quilt Lane

So many people are shocked when I tell them I live on Quilt Lane - here it is ladies. When 911 emergency system went into our area, we wanted Vroomans' Lane, but that already existed - so Quilt Lane.

And we had to replace the old sign (in header painting) as one too many storms (and age) took it's toll. My nephew is in Iraq - thus some flowers and garlands are hanging.

So take a drive up our country lane to the farm house on the hill.

You'll pass a few mini gardens along the way. We are inbetween flowering stages right now.

From the header painting you get the overview of the farm on the hill. But the lane brings you into the middle and this is the back of the main house. Bricks from Holland, foundation from a quarry on the farm, it is one of the original family homesteads.

You,re welcomed to come on in and sit right down. My youngest son is a timberman and had a try at chainsaw carving - you might spy a few pieces here and there.

You are apt to walk right into a class or sew-in. What fun would it be to see 'clean' - this is a working room and we had a class going on. This room is on my Mom's side of the house.

Like the older houses of the time, the house is divided by a 'great room' and this is where the shop is. We don't sell fabric, but there is that much between us. Yes, a bit of a spread, but when you come, you get a quilt show, history lesson, and maybe even a little quilting class to demo a block. We just had things in place, but had to find some quilts for upcoming Quilt Shows and visitors to the shop.

A little more of the shop - sorry you can't sit down as the sofa is needed to lay out quilts for a look see. This is a private house with a family crafting business. My Dad, who has since passed, was a master wood builder and did minitures and Amish replica furniture. My Mom QUILTS - a member of the Quilter's Hall of Fame. I started with stitcheries, mohair bears, and heritage dolls - now a quilter (still stitch). And, my daughter has started quilting, a little MIA of late because she just had my second grandson.

My side of the house and my faithful workhorse - an older New Home (Janome). This table always has at least four projects going on it. Yes my dining/living room is my work station.

Sometimes I have to set up my portable table when I add a few more projects. I have samples to make, tutorials to write, and my scrap bins are ready for pulling out. I, also, use a table top ironing board. This table is, also, used with my Brother 6600 when I machine quilt.

Love this old potters shelf and the recycled snack barrels are perfect for holding pre-cuts made from scraps. The top shelf has several on-going small projects that are close to finishing. Then I can put some of my collectables back out.

My rolling tower can be pulled closer to work out of or a drawer taken to the table. I keep FQ to 1/2 yard cuts by color here, scrap bindings, and those needed odds and ends. The crate holds current project totes, books. I need to reorganize this one as some projects are done and items for the next month or two need to go here. Yardage and rolls of batt are stored else where, but we won't go there.

And my Queen loves to take over my work chair. Yes, this is why I work from my livingroom and everything within rolling and reach distance. If they could design quilting products, furniture, etc.. around this - until then I make do.

We are a heritage home family shop. We share the love and knowledge - oh, our classes are free by the way. It's not fancy or frilly, just down home. And you are welcome to tea and any thing on the table - just sometimes if there is a class you may feel like Alice. Thank you for stopping by and I hope you browse some prior posts.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Melting

I'm sure many of you can relate to the heat causing a complete melt-down. I am seeing posts about computer melts, kid melts, and quilter's mojo melt with this heat wave. We really have had nice 70-80% weather here in the NorthEast(USA), but then jumped to the 90's and humid!! No time for adjustment and I am melting.

My post is earlier than normal because I have to have my Bloggers Festival post up about this time tomorrow. I want to thank all my followers and gosh - so many new followers. Just a HUGE thank you to you all.

I would like to have a shout out here instead of reminders. I have come across some new bloggers and it would be nice if you stopped by their blogs and gave them a little love - I appreciated bloggers who got me off the ground:

Natasha at Scraps-a-Plenty - she received one of the traveling stash boxes and is now ready to pass it on. BUT - she's one very talented quilter!

Corry at Southern Quilter - just love her header quilt - not telling, you have to go look.

Kat at Scrapbox Quilts - really new and I just love her blog name.

Tracy at Quilting Pieces - another just-new blogger.


SUMMER FUN

Well - a little reminder - save that date. July 23rd for the Crafters Campfire. Share your favorite vacation and/or travel craft (doesn't have to be quilting) and your favorite camp or picnic recipe. Mr. Linky will be set up.

I saw this posted on Intrepid Threads - Summer Camp at The Quilted Fish. She plans on having this an annual July event. Go check it out.

This is my finished little quilt from the QU Bee quilt along on Sunday.

I received this wonderful package of goodies from Linda of Stray Stitches. We finally got paired up in a swap! The European Bread Basket Swap - and she tucked in such wonderful goodies - I thought it funny that we both sent teacup and teapot buttons! And I love the cute card she sent - first of it's kind for me. Thank you!!

SQUARED UP

This is actually a beginning for the next Modern Quilt Contest piece. I have wanted to make a grey quilt and just fell in love with the new line - Puttin' on the Ritz - oh, I love it!! This of course will be chopped up and combined with some other fabric for a whole new look. After all, the next challenge is 'Express Yourself' and you all know that's me!

CLOSING THOUGHT

I hope you can find some relief from the heat - I'm cooling off with some of these cold, sweet treats. AND remember - keep it fun :

Should the farmers feed their cows ice cubes, so they don't give powdered milk
... and feed their chickens ice chips, so they don't lay hard boiled eggs?



Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

July Rubies

The Ruby is July's birthstone. Like a perfect red rose, the Ruby's rich color speaks of love and passion. The Ruby was considered to have magical powers, and was worn by royalty as a talisman against evil. It has been said that the Ruby's red glow comes from an internal flame that cannot be extinguished, making a gift of this stone symbolic of everlasting love.



REMINDERS

Blogger's Festival with MyDesertCottage - you must have your blog signed up before July 15th.

Quilt Blocks for Kaaren - see info here as posted by Allie Oops. Must be mailed by July 15th

Paper Pieced Hearts for Tonya. I will update with final mailing date.

Hands2Help - gentle reminder and info on final dates here with Sarah and Judi.

NEW - 100 Quilts (side bar button) again with Kate of swimbikequilt.


PLAY TIME

This was brought to me over the weekend. A Quilt Guild sew-in cleared the tables into this bag and one of the members brought it to me. Yes, I have already have it dumped on the couch and sorting, pressing, doing some pre-cuts, and clearing the trash - yes, they really just swept the tables.

And I did finish the 'Summer Thyme' redwork piece. My other piece is stitched, but is drying for blocking out and then fabric framing.







And I really had fun over the weekend play with Sue's Christmas Quilt Along and with Charlie's Christmas Quilt Along - although that one I am making into a Summer quilt.

SQUARED UP

I put my Broken Rail blocks into rows and then into this flimsie. I am going to use the solid for a border followed by a scrap block border (use those 3.'5" blocks up). Maybe a brown plaid for the binding. If anyone else made a quilt up with these blocks, I would love to see it.





SOMETHING NEW

Tonya and I have been kicking around this idea, and time to introduce it. CRAFTER'S CAMPFIRE on Saturday July 23. For those of you who would like to share your camping or travel favorite craft of choice. Maybe a picnic or campfire recipe, too. Just think - no long car ride, no bugs, no worries about the weather, no loss of sleep, and in-door plumbing!!! Lots of time to plan and think about it. If you can't be there in person, set up the day's blog with a little info to share. We will have Mr. Linky set up ahead of time so you can share your blog, craft and recipe.

CLOSING THOUGHT

The Ruby also represents the 40th wedding anniversary

Like a rugged lighthouse on the rocks
Withstanding stormy weather
Your love has shone throughout the years
Stronger now than ever


Sewingly Yours,
Sharon