H2H SWAP

38 heart blocks arrived from the DJ Alternate group Heart To Heart Swap. They aren't trimmed yet, and many have their maker's tagss tacked on the front, but you get the idea. They will be joining my earlier heart blocks in a quilt top, when I'm able.

APPLIQUE CAFE SECRET SISTER GIFT

In order to get to know each other better, my Applique Cafe group decided to hold a secret sister swap. Pictured is my gift from Sally, which consists of this lovely panel, six fat quarters, milliner large eye needles, and a homemade flower petal tower pin cushion. Not only was it fun, both to give and receive, but we really are getting to know one another better.

WOMEN OF THE BIBLE BLOCKS, GARDEN OF EDEN, EVE

Last year I started the Women of the Bible, on-line bible study and quilt block project with Carol Honderich. Each week we study a different woman from the bible and make a quilt block to represent her. I got part way through, and life interrupted. This past week it just started up again, with Eve, so I've embarked on my second journey through this project. I have the first blocks already made from last year, which is super, because I can't do patchwork just now, until my shoulder mends more.



I chose red for the center of my Garden of Eden block, as for me it represents the strong emotions of childbirth, and Eve being the mother of all humankind. Red also stands for the forbidden fruit. The greens are for the lush foliage in the garden, and yellow represents the light of God shining through. This study has put a new light on Eve for me. I always thought of her as the one who caved in and ate the forbidden fruit. But especially the book "The Lost Women of the Bible" has put a whole new perspective on Eve, and what she must have been going through. She was indeed a strong woman. Our on-line discussion this week has been lively. Even going through the study a second time, there are so many ways to look at things.

This on-line bible study can be found at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WomenoftheBibleQuilt/

or click on the title of this post.

THE LOST QUILTER

I've had plenty of reading time while my arm heals. My favorite author's newest novel just came out this month. It is a page turner, and in my favorite genre, historic fiction.

This book is about Joanna, and what happened to her following her brief stay at Elm Creek, which at that time was a station on the Underground Railroad.

This novel is about the best and worst of human nature. It is a tribute to the human spirit, even in the bleakest of times in history.

I highly recommend it.

HEARTS ARRIVE

My hearts have arrived from the Friendship Block Swap group. I received 10 hearts in the swap from this small group. I love them all.

The DJ Alternate group also had a heart swap with identical rules (block size, color, etc.). My 38 blocks from that swap are in the mail back to me now.

I plan to use all of them in a D9P quilt, with the hearts for the 4 uncut corners. I got the idea from a blog while blog hopping. I have the fabrics all together. Just will wait for my arm to mend so I can rotary cut again.

DJSP GIFT

My secret pal from Dear Jane sent me a quilter's sayings panel this month. I think it would make a really nice tote bag. I plan to cut it apart and alternate the sayings with black and red prints.




She also sent this gift card with the tiny 9-patch and bitty clothes pins. Isn't it cute?

NEW SYLVIA'S BRIDAL SAMPLER BOOK

I had pre-ordered the new SBS book from Amazon, and was thrilled when it arrived. Although I already had the patterns downloaded from when they were available on-line, the book is wonderful. I love the photos of finished quilts, especially those made by quilters I know. Also several of my on-line groups are mentioned. Jennifer Chiaverini really knows how to connect with her readers.

HAPPY EASTER

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL MY PEEPS!

EASTER 'BASKET'

I was so fortunate to receive this Easter 'Basket' from Susan in our swap. I love the little batik purse she made for me. It has neat slots inside for id, credit cards, etc. She also included other small gifties -- decorative tin of pins, scissor leash, stickers, little bunny. Lucky me! This was a very fun Easter swap. Hop, hop...........

MENDING

I'm on the mend this month from breaking my not so humorous humerus! Mending is never fun, but this.................

they can't cast this break (it's way high, just below the ball of this bone), so after a week in just a sling, my brace arrived and is now safely on. it does feel much more secure this way. i guess this will be my fashion statement for about the next 4 weeks. i think i need a large 'i'd rather be quilting' pin for it, don't you?

EASTER SWAP

This is the swap basket I sent for my small group Easter swap. It is a crocheted basket made from fabric strips. I included a 'chocolate' bunny, and a couple sewing notions. I love these little swaps. It makes the holidays so special.

OUCH!

Last Thursday evening, I tripped on a carpet, fell on tile, and broke my not so humerous humerus bone! I'm at the painful beginning of a several month recovery.

My FL grands brought over cards. Bri, 9, made the pop-out puppy kisses, Ali, 6, drew her signature rainbows, Devon,3, did a handprint, as did Cori, 11 months. These wonderful get well cards from my grandchildren have warmed my heart.