Blue Skies

Sapphire is the modern September birthstone and the gem designated for the 5th, 23rd and 45th wedding anniversary; a star sapphire is typically given on the 65th wedding anniversary

Named after the Greek word "sapphirus", meaning blue, Sapphires have long been a favorite among priests and kings, who considered them symbolic of wisdom and purity. In ancient times, Sapphires were thought to be protective against envy, and even against poisoning. Ancient civilizations believed that the world was set upon an enormous sapphire, which painted the sky blue with its reflection.

So fitting, as we finally saw some blue sky the last couple of days - a ray of hope upon our weary community as flood clean up still goes on.


RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

My dear sweet blogging friend Tonya sent me a surprise package. First out of the mailer was this wonderful pet blanket for poor Bella who has been so traumatized with the flood, noise, and smells (oh it is really starting to smell from the debrie). Some catnip, her toys, and new blanket - I have her down off the Fridge and to the table - I would normally scold her for being there, but she has been ill with all this worry.

And I saw this (and the blanket) on her blog and never suspected it was coming to my house to live. I just fell in love with this Smore's fabric Tonya used for a project back when we did the 'May For Me'. Look, I have my own Smore's pillowcase! Thank you so much for your gifts to Bella and me.




CHARITY

I finished the second quilt for our local flood victims project. The other was finished up on the Christmas Quilt Along on Saturday. These will be delivered today at our LQS The QuiltBug and Kate has so generously added this donation site as part of the 100 Quilts for Kids. If you can't send a quilt, consider a flimsie (lone quilt top unfinished) as there are people willing to finish them up - yes, I'm on that list.




SQUARED UP

The squared up project had it's next two rows added. Now I need to get the 'boxed' 9-patch rows on and consider whether I want to add a border or call it done. A muslin back I think, and because it will be a large quilt I will send it to be long armed.







REMINDERS

You may have noticed I have some new buttons on the side bar:

Crumb Quilt Along
Quilt Uber-Fest
Fat Quarter Stars Quilt Along

Just click on the buttons to take you to the sites for information.

CLOSING THOUGHT

Maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September’s breeze,
A Sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind.
- Gregorian calendar

Sewingly Yours
Sharon

Christmas Quilt Along

I am joining with Sue over at QuiltTimes for September's Quilt Along. Since I already have the borders on my Star Quilt, I will work on quilting up 2 charity quilts for our LQS 'QuiltBug' for distribution to those flood victims in need - especially the children. I dropped off 4 quilts on Thursday and they had a number of flimsies donated - so I took 2 to finish off for the project.

I will update my day's progress on this one posting. If you would like to join in with a Christmas project or any other project, be sure to hop over to Sue's and link up.

UPDATE

I finished quilting both charity quilts. Now to make up bindings and get them on.

UPDATE

Since this is a Christmas quilt along, I thought I should pull something of the season. I have been working on my own paperpiece project aside from Tonya's project as seen here . So I put together one of the rows from Sulky International 2004 BOM - I have done 2 Christmas theme and one country theme wallhangings from this pattern. Another fun Christmas one is in the works for a gift.

UPDATE

I have one finished - hate to do bindings by machine! Love the traditional way of doing them. I need a break from these, so grabbing some dinner and then to play in my scraps. I will finish up the other one's binding tomorrow.

Thank you Sue for another fun quilt along. Now off to see what others have finished for the day.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Purple Asters

The Aster is the birth flower for September. Our's are out - loving the plentiful rain, warm days, and cool nights. Such a display of inspirational color to creat this coming fall.

FINISHES

I made this quilt top using Moda's 'Girly Girl some time ago. I just haven't had a finish in a while so it was a good project. The pink/white heart border (also the back) is a perfect fit. 'Tea Time for Fairies' from Northcott. Tea parties, fairies, and little girls. I will donate this to our LQS who is collecting quilts for our area flood victims in need.

And I fabric framed and finished off the 'candlelight' cross stitch project. It needs a real good steam pressing under a wet pressing cloth to get those lines out.







SQUARED UP

Another rainy day and evacuation of the valley - just had to be busy, so pulled the old scrap tote. Need to make more 'boxed' 9-patch blocks for my squared up quilt and my 2" barrel was down to the light paisley spring colors.

I find pressing fabric and then cutting into workable pieces very relaxing. You get to pet each piece and remember the original project it came from. I of course got distracted and not only cut for my 9-patches, but re-filled my other barrels.

REMINDERS

100 Quilts for Kids - visit Kate here for details.

Christmas Quilt Along - Sue at QuiltTimes is the host this Saturday. Don't fret if you didn't take part in the quilt along, join in with one of your Christmas Projects.

Something NEW:

Quilt-Uberfest - visit Scot of BlueNickelStudios here for a fun time in October.

And to introduce you to a another fabric site:

Henry Glass - visit here and view fabrics and some free projects.

Closing Thought

“Bravely my sweet flower resists
Heat of August, autumn cold;
And though she has amethysts
For her dower, and some gold,
Never roadside beggar passed her
Without nod from purple aster.”
- May Riley Smith

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Celebration of Love & Life

I deeply appreciate this Labor Day Weekend. Our town along with many others have been so bless with those giving up vacations, time from families and backyard picnics to help in the recovery from Irene. So many from across New York State, the Reserve, and many other States for En-Con to help in regaining power in some of the worst conditions. And the outpour of funds donated as well as many essential supplies, food and clothing. I personally express a huge THANK YOU!

WANTOBE

I am super excited that one of my Wantobe's won this sewing machine over at Stash Manicure. Congratulations Christel! I am dancing and screaming along side you.

And I receive this wonderful kit of Aurifil threads. Yes, MSamm is kidding me about the amount of thread - I am a thread demon!! This will be new thread for me, so will have to do a little review.









SQUARED UP

A while back I showed playing in my 2" square barrel to make 9-patch blocks. It was a good day to start creating with them. Mirror blocks of light and dark settings with 'boxed' 9's.

I have gotten this far today. Two more rows of the light/dark 9's and then a row of the boxed 9's. Also, setting the corners with the boxed 9's. I just love how this is turning out.








REMINDERS

1OO Quilts for Kids - see button on side - I will be delivering some to my LQS Tuesday - there will be a need in our community.

The Hands2Help quilts are headed to Romania


THE QUEEN

My poor Bella has been residing on top of the refrigerator thru this whole ordeal - I guess this is her 'flight of fright' - the highest place. If I let her out, she climbs high in the trees. I rather have her on the fridge.





CLOSING THOUGHT

Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.

~Douglas Pagels, 'These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You'

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon