Blocks 11 & 12

Block 11 - The Squirrel

Block 12 - The Road Home...

The story behind my making this quilt...in case you haven't read it already...

And that is the end of my "Many Thanks" blocks...
I will show the whole quilt one day when it is fully hand quilted... 8-)

Here is a sneak peak of the Gazebo. Sketch done, and stitching started. I am not the greatest with stitchery, but I'm giving it my best shot this week! Deviating though from my other projects with the excitement of creating this, but it will be something new to work on at my 2 quilt gatherings this week! I am hoping to have it done this week... 8-)

Another wonderful sunny day here today... well, so far. I really should get my butt in gear and get out there with the fur-girls soon...

Blocks 9 & 10

Block 9 - Flowers Block

10 - The Quilt
Another of my favorite blocks...

I emailed this drawing I did of Brenda's Gazebo photo that she had posted on her blog on this day and the sneaky gal went and posted the drawing!!! Yikes! I didn't know if I should feel honored or horrified! lol! And now Brenda has posted a sketch/drawing challenge and dares all... 8-) I did another sketch of Brenda's Gazebo, but not ready to reveal it as of yet... Looks much better though! 8-)

DS is home and in one piece, with the exception on an addition to his face. He went and got his eyebrow pierced!!! I am not very impressed, but what can you do? Eventually he will loose, when he finishes maturing I am sure...

Blocks 7 & 8

More blocks from my "Many Thanks" quilt... info of its creation here if you've missed it...

Block 7 - The Wreath
Not quite round...a learning thing... 8-)

Block 8 - Dancing Girls
My favorite block... 8-)

We had a great time at my cousin B's (in photo) 50th B-Day party last night... Didn't get to bed till about 2:30-3 in the morning, but that is besides the point. 8-)

Today I went to a big craft sale that we have up here, about twice a year, with my old neighborette Dk (she's not old, but us being neighbors is old, since we've all moved). We spent a lovely afternoon together, and boy am I tired now... but have to go get DS from the airport yet tonight...

I hope you all had a great weekend! 8-)

Blocks 5 & 6

Block 5 - The Bird

Block 5 - Tree & Stars

I've notice some new "followers" joining in on my blog.
I thank, welcome, and shall visit you soon! 8-)

PIF (Pay It Forward)
To my PIF pals, if you thought I forgot about it, I didn't. I am just struggling with which of my too many ideas to settle on for each of you!!! I am starting to narrow in on some firm thoughts though! 8-)

Pop on over to The Quilted Pug and check out this wonderful little clip! that Tere has made available. We could all learn from watching nature...

Heading out for my cousin's surprize 50th B-Day party now... later! 8-)

Blocks 3 & 4... and goodies...

Block 3 - The Puppy

Block 4 - The Angel

Story of my Many Thanks quilt experience...

If you hadn't read it yet...

Well, road trip done, and goodies to show... 8-)

Found some Holly Jolly fabric that I thought may finish off my Holly Jolly quilt nicer as the binding, and I got 3 flannels for a jean rag quilt. I've never worked with flannel in quilting. Made flannel PJs in the past... Also, there was a sample hanging in the shop that friend Pg and I thought was great, so I bought the book, and we bought some great fabric to each make one.

My sleeping beauties, the fur-girls, all tuckered out from going for long walks everyday this week... 8-)

Some of my first quilting/applique experience...

This pattern was my very first experience with quilting.
Pattern by Nancy Halvorsen.

In January 2004, I finally had time (quit work/kids teens) to explore the craft of quilting. My first lessons were with a lovely gal and wonderful teacher Marilynn Wiebe.

Now, some would wonder WHY I would have chosen to start my quilt learning with a big applique wall-quilt? Well, all I can say is ignorance was bliss back then, and I registered for the class without seeing the sample, without even ever being at this shop!!! I truly enjoyed the class lessons, the challenge, and fell in love with quilting...

Now, seeing so much applique on the blogs I follow, I thought I would show my blocks from that first quilt... Don't mind the basting stitches in the photos, shamefully, I have not finished the quilt... yet! 8-(

I shall post 2 blocks a day for the next 6 days... Please keep in mind that I didn't have much of a clue of what I was doing with color, tones, etc... It was a real learning experience. 8-)

Pattern - "Many Thanks" (click on photos for closer look)

Block 1 - The snowmanBlock 2 - The Rooster