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This is one amazing quilt created by Mrs. B. W. Riley in 1939.  Mrs. Riley kept detailed records of the making of this Miniaturized Postage Stamp quilt.  Here are some of the statistics.  Each square measures less than one-half inch, a nine-patch measures one full inch.  The total weight of the quilt is 7 1/2 lbs.  She used 69,649 pieces and 3,694 yards of thread.  It took Mrs. Riley 194 days to make it, not counting the 524 hours to cut it out.  It contains approximately 1,810,874 stitches.  The truly amazing thing is that this is just one of the 200 quilts she made in her lifetime.

Postage1 - 100 pieces, non-rotating

Postage2 - 100 pieces, rotating

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My 85 year old mother's computer was about to die.  What do you replace it with?  Just get a new desktop to replace the current one?  Get a laptop so it could be moved around?  Get the technology that can throw the picture to the new TV?

We decided on an "All In One" PC with a Touchscreen. Currently there are a million wires in the back that have accumulated for the mouse, the keyboard, microphones, speakers, webcams etc.  Now all this is built in and the mouse and keyboard are wireless.

The prices ranged from $599 USD to $1450 depending on the size and quality of the screen.  Yes you can move the screen/computer around the house because it is all together and has just one cord.  It is about 25lbs so I'm not sure that you would. Set up was very fast and logical.  Mom is on cable and we plugged it in and it started right up.  I like the sleep feature so that in the morning it powers up and gets going in 10 seconds.

Because Mom has one of those small computer desks, I think she may use the touchscreen.  So far it has been fun for games and on days when the hands are a little shaky.  It is nice if you sit close to the screen, but if you have it set back a ways it would not be useful.  Your fingers are not exact pointing tools and there is some frustration trying to get the correct response, however a pencil eraser or stylus is very easy to use.  You can increase and decrease the screen size by swiping the screen with your fingers just like with an iPad, but we bought a 24" screen and don't really need it larger.  So far I love it for my Mom and you don't have to use the touchscreen to love the All in One set up. 

My personal grade is A- for an easy upgrade of a desktop.  This opinion is based on just 2 days of setup and use, but we love the amazing quality of the screen and the clean, simple approach. Apple also has a strong history with all in one computers with amazing screens and features.

Do any of you have a touchscreen and do you use it?

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There is a fascinating exhibit at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco.  Pulp Fashion was created by Belgian artist, Isabelle de Borchgrave.  Isabelle is a painter by trade, but has taken rag paper and turned it into trompe l'oeil masterpieces of elaborate dresses inspired by European paintings and costumes in museum collections throughout the world.

There are many examples of clothing throughout history, from the Medici finery of the Renaissance to gowns worn by Elizabeth I and Marie-Antoinette.  Modern day is also represented with paper reproductions of works by Poiret, Dior, and Chanel.  Special focus is given to the creations of Mariano Fortuny, a major source of inspiration to de Borchgrave.

The exhibit runs through June 5, 2011.  If you visit the Legion of Honor website, you'll be treated to an Exhibition Preview.  These works give a whole new meaning to the words "paper piecing."

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Here is a quick walking tour of Las Vegas Blvd and some of the architecture, sights and sounds.  Capt'n John covered 10 miles in about 5 hours and still didn't finish the street.

Join us, wear good shoes and watch a street artist work in metal.

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As the rest of the world is - we are stunned by the events unfolding in Japan, coupled with all the natural disasters we have recently witness around the globe - it reminds us how small and fragile our world is. Our hearts go out to TQS members and families (and the people of Japan) who have been affected by this unfathomable tragedy.

Japanese Umbrellas in Thunderstorms by TQS member: PattHobbs

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When you are in this town, be sure to look up and look down to see all the details.

Here's the town.  Take a march down the boulevard.

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Can you guess who has a birthday today?

He wears a hat. Which he sets in the strangest places.

He knows how to quilt. (Winterlude)

And he plays this instrument.

Did you guess?  It's our own caveman quilter, Ricky Tims!  Happy Birthday Ricky!

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It's not early to register for the next Ricky Tims' Super Seminar coming to the Ramada Inn Convention Center in Eau Claire, WI. The dates are May 12-14, 2011.

It's your chance to join Alex, Ricky, and their partner in crime, Libby Lehman, for 3 great days of quilting instruction with a touch of humor and harmony.

To learn more about the seminar, click here.  Don't miss your chance to learn from the best!

Hear what seminar attendees had to say:

"Twelve hours of seminar sitting without sewing/hands-on activities? Yes! What an absolutely informative and inspiring experience!”

“I was impressed with the detail and variety of subjects covered.”

"I used to work following patterns, either purchased or in magazines. After this seminar I feel inspired and free to design quilts of my own.”

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One of the great things about visiting your Mother is that she has all those pictures you sent through the years. They are on this amazing photo display area with food inside.

Here is a picture of one of Alex's hair styles.  I really liked this one.  Not only is she cute, but we never had any spider webs in the house.

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The April 1st deadline for the Sisterhood of the Traveling Triangles Exchange is right around the corner. If you haven't mailed your package yet, please get them in the mail as soon as possible.

If you are outside the U.S., you may want to consider airmail or another priority delivery option if you think it will take more than a couple of weeks to arrive.  All of the information for mailing your packages, including the P.O. box address, is posted in the 2nd post on the 1st page of the Chapter 2 - Sisterhood Forum. 

There is also important updated information, photo included, about the best way to package your HSTs to save you time & money and also to help us on sorting day.  That post is on Page 50 of the Forum.

International members, please contact Clara Lawrance (screen name ClaraLawrence) to make PayPal arrangements. Be sure to review the 1st Page of the Forum that explains how many HST's fit into the International Flat Rate Boxes/Envelopes.  That is the ONLY method we will use to send your HST's back to you.  No need to include a return envelope, just an address label(or two) along with a copy of your PapPal receipt.

And do remember to send Debbie (screen name NaneeWolf) an email through her Profile Page (no Private Messages, please) so she'll know they're on their way.  She will send you a reply email once they arrive.