Mariner's Wheel

Rhapsody in Crimson

Bright Stars - This was my first attempt at star blocks which I pieced last year, and now having my long arm machine practiced my quilt techniques using a ruler for stitching in the ditch, and I also practiced lots of freehand fillers in each star block. I freehand feathered the borders.

Mom's Roses - Mom LOVES roses. She picked out the pattern and l chose fabrics I thought she would like. It now hangs over her bed so she can enjoy it every day.

Pat - This is my own Version of a pattern by Pat Sloan I received as a gift.

"Harmony" - This fabric was purchased while on our road trip to Colorado in October 2009. It is from the Harmony line by Moda

Little Cherry Pickers - I love, LOVE how this quilt came out! I wanted to do an appliqué that was slightly traditional, but definitely updated. The tree trunk is many pieces woven together and then splitting again to resemble roots. I particularly love the birds; the soft lavender/pink print makes them look like they're made out of fine Japanese porcelain.

Little Cherry Pickers detail - This is a detail showing the quilting and appliqué in the center of this quilt.

Abby's Garden - Watching Sue Nickels' episode on here about machine applique changed my mind about trying applique. I started this last Nov. as a Christmas present for a 7 yr old niece. Sue is right when she says it's not a fast method so here it is March and finally finished. But this way I get to deliver it in person so even better. I had fun adding various bugs and earthworms within the quilting and quilted her name in, too. I should add that the pattern is not quite totally original as I borrowed/modified some of the flowers from various sources.

Starlight Garden - We thought we'd show this off this year.

Starlight Garden - Here's a close up of the quilting.

Three Penny Opera - This is my version of Sue Garmon's 2009 BOM, Stars for a New Day. I fell in love with the pattern the second I saw it. It really stretched my piecing skills which was a good thing. I had a really great time a the LQS picking out all these fabrics. THERE WERE SO MANY! I'm happy with the way this turned out. Thanks to Sue for such a great project. I actually got the top finished before 2010 rolled around...still have some quilting to finish.

Three Penny Opera - Close up

Whale's Tail - 2009 Trip to Mexico to see friends and whales. I took the photo, imspired by Beth Wheeler I blew up the photo and then thread painted it, later I added some beads where the water drops were.

911 Memorial - As a retired Air Force Master Sergeant I wanted to make a quilt dedicated to those men, women, and children who lost their lives during 911 and the families left behind. I joined a block exchange and for the life of me I can't remember on what website. We exchanged blocks from all over the world. I received approximately 7 blocks and I piece the others to include the photo block.

Mod Flowers