Quilt Show Anyone???

Yesterday, my quiltin 'besties' and I attended the East Texas Quilt Guild Show in Tyler, Texas. We had a blast as ususal. The day started out meeting at the Brookshire Brothers parking lot. Well, needless today, that was a fiasco! LOL! We were meeting at 8 a.m. I arrived at about 8:03 a.m. to find NO ONE! I couldn't believe it because Annie is always on time and usually early. So I decide they must have parked in a different place so I drive around. "Oh look, there is a car like Molly's, but that's not her". Then I see Kathleen driving into the parking lot. We discuss where they may be and did we get our "wires" crossed. Suddenly, we here this 'honk'. It was Molly and Annie! (and YES, that WAS Molly's car). We hop in and off we go to stop and pick up Rhonda on the way! We are laughing and talking so much we "almost" passed up the Butler Store where Rhonda was anxiously waiting. Now we are set. SEW, let's go to the quilt show!!!!

This is a picture of the Guild raffle quilt:

The following is the Wacky 6-Pac Quilters who are quiet 'infamous'. LOL!!!! We had one lady say to us "ya'll look like ya'll are a really fun group!" And of course, (in our very shy and modest way), we told her "heck yeah, we are fun"! LOL L-R: Molly, Kathy (that would be me), Kathleen, Rhonda, and Annie. This Valentine quilt was made by none other than our "Aunt Kaye". She is really not our aunt, but the aunt of another quilting friend, but we all call her "Aunt Kaye". Kaye is a fantastic quilter and has her own longarm quilting business.

And of course, the Dear Jane quilt.

A feathered star quilt is on my quilting 'bucket list'. I finally made a small one (with the help of my friend Molly). Naturally, I am drawn to them and had to get pictures.

I really liked the alternating 9-patches and appliqued flowers in this quilt.

And here are the RABBITS! I don't know the maker of this quilt, but the fact that it was 'rabbits', it deserved a picture. You see, there is a "story" here -- one that I shall not share on the blog but it is about our precious 6-Pac member, Jerri, who is sitting at Jesus' feet working on her applique -- rabbits no doubt.

I loved the Eagle in this quilt.

I bet the maker of this quilt is either now on alcohol or some type of drug! LOL

After the show, we went to our favorite eating spot -- Mercados Mexican Restaurant and then on to "A Nimble Thimble" a fantastic quilt shop. I had to take a picture of one of the ladies working at the shop. Isn't this the cutest apron?????

And our last stop before getting home was this "junk place"! What fun we had.

That's all folks! I hope you enjoyed the show.

My Peeps!

Yep! I've got Peeps! Below is a picture of some of my peeps: l-r -- Me, Kathleen, Rhonda. Kathleen and Rhonda also had blocks chosen to be in the TDA quilt. We all belong to the same quilt group -- Wacky 6-Pac Quilters. Molly took our picture and Annie (our other member) was unable to be with us. You say "but it says '6-pac'?" Our sixth member, Jerri, left us in March to go quilt with Jesus. She was a TDA winner in 2008! She is always with us in spirit.

Here is a picture of the four of us in one of those lil photo booth thingies at the State Fair. Trust me -- it wasn't easy to get all four of us in the picture! l-r: Me, Kathleen, Molly, and Rhonda. You just never know what we may do!!!!

I just LOVE my Peeps!!! They are the sisters that I never had. We have so much fun together.

Wackies on the Move!

The Wacky 6-Pac Quilters were on the move......We loaded up last weekend and went to Tyler, TX to an embroidery retreat at the Nimble Thimble Quilt Shop. We spent Friday and Saturday nights.

Yep, all five us loaded up in the suburban with all our stuff! It wasn't easy either!

Annie waves among all the bags!

We had a lot of fun. There were many beautiful projects shown at show 'n tell.
This lady was embroidering an assortment of different baskets.

This was a really neat quilt with embroidered horses and pieced blocks. There was even embroidery in the borders.

This was a beautiful and colorful piece. The background was quilted first and then all of the embroidery added.

After embroiderying for a while, we took a break for lunch....And of course we had to act silly! Annie and I were sporting our new "drink glasses"!

Oh, and did I mention? It was soooo hot and those drinks were soooooo good! Rhonda and Molly are enjoying them.

Okay, back at the quilt shop!

Kathleen is so happy to be here!

Annie, Molly, and Rhonda hard at work making those laptops talk to those embroidery machines and producing beautiful work.

Annie is installing the Janome DigitizerPro on the laptop. Oh dear.....something is not right!

The fun is over. We make it back home and now it's time to unpack! Be careful!

And as always, it was a wonderful, wacky time with my quilting sistas!!!!

Happy Birthday My Dear Friend

Today, I am remembering my dear quilting friend, Jerri, on her birthday. Jerri went home to the Lord this past March after a long and hard battle with cancer.

Cancer may have taken our Jerri, but it NEVER took her spirit. She was laughing and popping jokes till the end. She was truly my hero and an inspiration. Jerri was dealt a hand of cards and she played them with grace and dignity.

Jerri was so funny. One of her famous sayings was "Not It" when we would suggest doing something -- especially some type of swap. We still use that saying in her honor. She had some more 'sayings' but I best not share them on the blog -- LOL -- besides they are those "ya just had to be there" type things.

Jerri, Kathleen and I took a bus trip to the Paducah Quilt show back in 2003. Oh My! what memories. We had so much fun together. Below is a pic of the "Brat Pac" as we were called. On the bus, Jerri got cold and put on a long sleeved denim shirt BACKWARDS. She was going to take a little nap. She looked at me and said "Now, looky here! If we have a wreck, don't let them try to twist my head around just because I've got this shirt on backwards!"

Left to Right -- Kathleen, Jerri, and Kathy

Jerri, I know you are the 'coolest' quilt teacher in Heaven. Those folks have so much to learn from you. You taught me so much about life, about grace, about dignity, about perserverance. Girlfriend, I miss you SO MUCH. I think of you every single day and I'll never forget you. I thank God for the opportunity to have had you as a friend. Now, have you heard the one about........

Our quilting group was called the Wacky Pac Quilters. There was this group of ladies called the Wacky Women and we were the Brat Pac...and one day....The Wacky Pac was born! Here is a picture of our last retreat as the Wacky Pac Quilters at the Fryer Deer Camp. Jerri's health was failing and unable to stay the entire time. I am so thankful we were able to snap this pic before her hubby picked her up.

L-R: Back row: Molly, Annie, Charlotte Kathleen, Rhonda

Front Row: Jerri, Kathy L and Kathy E

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JERRI!

I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!! I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN ONE DAY.

Today the quilting world lost a prolific and talented quilter. Our dear Wacky Pac Sista, Jerri, lost her battle with cancer. She was such a 'trooper' and defied the odds so many times. She passed peacefully in her sleep at approximately 5 a.m. this morning.

Jerri was the life of the party. She was a fine Christian woman who loved the Lord. She also loved life, loved her family and friends and loved quilting. She was always just a phone call away....she had "Peeps" always available to help in any situation.

Jerri leaves behind a wonderful husband, Rex, who was a true angel. He never left her side. A son and daughter-in-law and two beautiful little granddaughters. She also leaves a whole host of friends who will miss her dearly.

My friend, I'll be seeing you on the other side one day. Put in a 'good word' for me with the Big Guy and tell my Mama I said I miss and love her.

I can't wait to see all the beautiful quilts you will make in Heaven. May you walk the golden streets of Heaven with your family and friends who have gone before you. May you never suffer again and always continue that wonderful laugh and cheerful nature. I will miss you, but I will never forget you. I love you my friend. May you rest in peace.

Wacky Times!

Here some pictures of some "Wacky Times" with friends.

The picture below is Rhonda showing off her new little scissors I gave her.

Don't you just love to play in someone elses' scraps??? Below Molly and I are going thru the scraps looking for just the "right" fabric for our row quilts. One quilter's scraps is another quilter's treasure!

Is this not the cutest baby quilt you ever saw? Kathleen made this quilt for a friend's first grandbaby.

Kathleen also made this red/white/blue quilt for the new Postmaster at the Post Office where she works. Great job Kathleen!

Annie has also been busy working on a baby quilt for a friend -- Minkee -- and so soft!

Annie has completed her blocks for the free BOM offered by Gail Pan Designs. She did a really great job!

More photos to come! Ya'll come back, ya hear?

Charmingly Wacky!

The Wacky Pac recently swapped 2.5 inch charms -- 500 hundred of those lil suckers. Well, here are mine!!!!

I have sewn them into rows and now to get the rows sewn together! It's going to be really cute when I get finished.....sew stay tuned!

I attended a quilting retreat last weekend. Photos are to follow. My hubby's Army Buddy (from over 40 years ago) and his wife are visiting so I've not been able to do sewing or blog posting. I'll be back with you very soon!

Wacky Retreat

As promised, here are some pictures from this weekend's Wacky Retreat at the Deer Camp. I thought I had taken more pictures, but I guess not....

Here is the beautiful purple/green quilt top that Kathleen finished up. It is just stunning. The picture does not do it justice.

And here is our sweet Annie. She is snacking and enjoying her 'favorite beverage' in the Hula Girl glass.
Kathy L. was busy working away when she got called for a photo.

Here are the sisters -- Charlotte and Patty.

And here is the Wacky Pac -- all nine of us. Back Row: l-r -- Molly, Annie, Charlotte, Kathleen, Rhonda, Kathy E. Front Row: l-r -- Jerri, Patty, Kathy L

Home from Retreat.........

...but with a heavy heart..... The Wacky Retreat was great as always. ALL 9 of our group was in attendance. This hasn't happened in a LONG TIME. Our dear Jeri, who is battling cancer, was not feeling well at all. This retreat, her hubby drover her to the Fryer Deer Camp. In fact, she called him to pick her up on Saturday morning. Jeri is such a vibrant person and such a fighter. She is truly a Wacky HERO. We hated she had to leave, but understood. We all continue to pray for a Miracle for our Jeri and ask you fellow quilters to do the same.

The following is the "Brat Pak". We were quite the "threesome" before we joined those crazy Wacky Women, but oh how we are glad we did join in their 'wackiness'! In the picture l-r is Kathleen, Jeri, and Me, Kathy. This picture was taken Friday afternoon during many "photo shoots".
And here is sweet Jeri. I believe she was probably saying "oh, don't take my picture!"

I will post pics from the retreat later.....just not in the mood right now. We did have a wonderful time though! Stay tuned..........

It's Retreat Time

The Wacky Pac is retreating this weekend at Molly's deer camp. Most everyone is there except for me....I have a JOB. I will be heading out around noon to join all the wacky fun and get caught up on all the laughter. Watch for posts and pictures after the weekend.

Cock-A-Doodle-Do And a Quilt or Two!

Cock-a-doodle-do!!!! I have a new light to show you! The following two pictures are of my new rooster light over my table. The picture does not do it justice. The shades look a bit orange in the picture, but they are red check. The light is pewter colored and has roosters all around it, with hooks hanging from the grid.

I would really like to paint my cabinets red, but NO, hubby says NO. I also want to remove that chicken wallpaper. It has been on these walls for 25 years since the house was built. Yep, I've been lovin' these chickens/roosters all these years. The bottom portion is ash paneling. Nope, can't paint it either. I love the prim look and was thinking about putting old weathered tin on the walls, but not sure. Anyone have any ideas. ?????

So we leave the kitchen and look at a quilt or two. The following is the quilt I made for my new Great-Nephew, Noah Grant. His room is decorated with a Monkey theme, so the quilt is monkeys. You will notice my little quilting protege' is showing the quilt....Oh wait...is that Vanna White????? I had planned to quilt it this weekend, but I didn't have the right size batting. Fixed that -- ordered a case of it today!

The second quilt is my string quilt made with all western fabrics. The blocks are from a Wacky Pac swap. We all chose our theme and provided the background and the center strip. Mine is read with rope on it. I'm planning to put a small black "stop border" (technical term I like to use--makes me sound like I know what I'm doing....hehehehehe) and then come back with the red fabric I used for the center strip.

SEW, these are the fruits of my National Quilting Day and weekend. What all did you do?

A Wonderful, Wacky Christmas

Yesterday was the Wonderful, Wacky Christmas party for the Wacky Pack Quilters. The event was hosted by our member, Jerri. Below is a picture of the living area of her beautiful home.Jerri is such a wonderful hostess. Below is a picture of her beautifully decorated table. Of course you will see all of the Wackies toasting another wonderful year of quilting together. We went around the table and shared our most memorable Wacky Moment during last year. Now that was fun!
Of course, there was TONS of food. This is a picture of just "some" of the food on the bar. It was "buffet style".

Sew, just who are these crazy women that call themselves the Wacky Pac Quilters??? There are nine of us in the group. Here goes:

First up is Kathy L. Kathy has a longarm quilting business "Kathy's Kuilts". She is a talented quilter and is always coming up with beautiful quilts. Kathy doesn't really do "computers" so we try to keep her up-to-date on all of our computer-related activities.

Next, we have Molly! Molly is a very creative quilter and she always comes up with some type of challenge for us. Yes, we usually moan and groan about it, but we always have a great time. She encourages us to "get out of our box" and try new, adventurous things.
Next up is Rhonda. Crazy Rhonda! Rhonda tries hard to keep us on track, but well, what can I say???? She hasn't been real successful in this area -- LOL! But I must say, she is often times the little instigator herself! Rhonda keeps us entertained with stories from her teaching days, events with Mom, and just plain life itself!

And next up is Kathleen. Kathleen is our "resident Yankee". She is from Michigan, but has lived in Texas for a long, long time. She has that "Texas Drawl" down pat. She is a very caring and loving person and we are proud to call her "Wacky".
Here is Charlotte. Charlotte lives about two hours south of us so she doesn't always get to participate in our monthly get togethers, BUT, she is always with us in spirit. And then there is Patty or "Mama Elephant". Patty is the "mom" of the group (or at least we let her "think" she is--LOL!) Patty and Charlotte are sisters and there are times that we have to have Rhonda perform an intervention between these two sisters.

We have our own "Annie" or "Annale". Annie is probably one of the sweetest persons I know. She was my roommate on our quilting cruise last February. She is also a very talented quilter and has done beautiful applique' work.

Now, somehow, I missed getting a close-up picture of Jerri. It was probably because she didn't sit still long enough! She was too busy taking care of us and making sure our wine glasses were full. Here she is in her kitchen laughing. That's what we love about our Jerri. She loves life and lives it to the fullest.
And next, the last Wacky! That would be me -- Kathy or Dana or the Humble Quilter.
Molly challenged us to make a pin cushion and bring it to the party. Yep, you got it -- there was some moaning and groaning, but 5 out of the 9 of us did it! Below is a picture of the pin cushions. Go over to the Wacky Pac blog to see who made what. We put numbers on them and and each participant drew a number for the pincushion they would win.


Instead of exchanging gifts, we exchanged fabric!!! Every quilter loves fabric. Each person brought 3 1/2-yard pieces of fabric. We played three different games and each person went home with 1-1/2 yards of fabric. It was really fun and at times got really WILD. Below is a picture of the beautifully wrapped fabric.

The party was GREAT! Charlotte surprised each of us with a Christmas ornament. Molly treated us to a "Wild, Wonderful Wacky Woman" poem and print. She chose the ones she thought best represented each of us. Molly then wrote a personal message on the back of each one. The poems were read out loud and there were lots of laughs and lots of tears.

I've never been part of such a cohesive quilting group in my life. The Wacky Quilters are my sisters. I don't have any blood sisters, but I don't believe I could have a closer sister than the 8 crazy women that have been featured above. I love you my Wacky Sisters!

I hope you have enjoyed your tour of the Wild, Wonderful Wacky Christmas. It is my prayer that you all have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!