First Attempt at Modern Quilting

Lately I've been inspired by some of the Modern / Contemporary quilt blogs out in blogland.  Below is my first attempt at Modern Quilting:

The blocks are intentionally off-center and some are slightly askew.  I cannot begin to even explain how hard it was to have these "blocks" not line up.  (I am a perfectionist with slight OCD tendencies.)  Also, I'm not quit sure I like the layout of the blocks either and I think I made the white borders too wide.  All in all, not my favorite quilt project, but it's fun to try a new "technique."  What color border should I choose?  I'm leaning towards yellow, or maybe even a pink.

Please ignore the messy storage closet behind me (I should have been like the Wizard of Oz and had a curtain up!)

Ragnar Del Sol 2012!

One of my friends said it best: 

"RAGNAR: 200 miles, 2 days, NO sleep, ALL awesome"

Two weeks ago, myself and 11 other women ran over 200 miles as a team.  We each had three legs of the relay race from Wickenburg, AZ to Tempe, AZ.  My three legs added up to a little over 14 miles and it was so intimidating!  I was anxious and nearly sick to my stomach the days preceding the race.  My goals were to finish and to keep my pace through out the race.  I am very happy to report that I kept my pace through out the whole race.   The entire experience was amazing (well maybe except the fact that no one really slept for 36+ hours - adrenaline is wonderful).  I thoroughly enjoyed the bonding in Van 2 and each of my team members will hold a special place in my heart always.  I hope to participate in a race like this again soon!  Ragnar SoCal, anyone?

By the way, I think the lady behind me is checking out my awesome farmer's tan.  Wouldn't you agree?

Dress Pattern Quilt Finished

I (finally!) finished quilting the dress pattern quilt that I have been slowly hand-quilting for more than a year.  It measures roughly 50" x 60".  My favorite fabrics are the center squares which feature vintage dress patterns and the small yellow print which features red, green and yellow dress shoes!  I have someone very special in mind for this quilt and I hope she loves it!


I bought the fabric back in 2003 and cannot remember who to credit for on the fabric.  Pattern "Frosty Squares" by Karen DuMont featured in Quick Quilts Winter 2010 issue.  Please forgive me for the apartment balcony photos, they're not the prettiest.

Christmas Photo Log

Christmas included lots of fun with all of the families, especially the babies.  As you can tell, we added the The Nativity to our Christmas traditions.  We even had several performances so that everyone could have a turn, including the adults!