More Dragon Talk

Here is the whole quilt that was collaborated on by my family members. As I said before, my brother with the "drawing on paper" skills designed this quilt. (Can you tell I'm a little jealous to not be able to draw? Give me fabric or frosting though and watch out!)
It was my mother that did a great job piecing it. There were a few things that my mom wasn't happy with. Jake would not let her change them though. My mom's issues were the large amount of open space and she thought it should have a castle. She did just what Jake wanted though. The quilt top was nice, but I did agree with mom.
That's the difference between mom and sister. A sister will do what she wants and tends to back mom. That is exactly what I did. I honored both wishes quite well I believe. The heavy quilting textured all the open background space giving it life. On the top of the hill in the distance is embroidered/quilted in a small turreted castle. So small it could easily be missed, yet if noticed begins the questions in the viewers mind. Who could live there? What are they like? Do they know there is a dragon close by?
I think quilts should tell a story of some sort, especially pictorial quilts. I continue to share more photos and stories of this quilt. Wait until you see the backing and hear how I used it to quilt the Celtic knot work.

Discount Deals of the Day

I've been pretty busy with a few projects and some very exciting news for me. My quilting has been developing rather quickly lately. I will share all great news in due time. Right now, I just wanted to share a few discounts I've discovered for my readers.
Fabric.com is having a clearance sale. The link will take you straight to the clearance aisle and is good while supplies last. If you need anything, now is a great time to get it.
Also, Kitchen Universe has given me a code to share so you can get 5% off your purchases. The code is : KIT5 and is good until March 15th.
Enjoy shopping. I'm going back to my project. I started off doing work for others today but this one piece is in my mind. It is pestering to come to creation. It is just for me "a soul quilt" if you will. But it is time to bring it forth.
Thank you for the comments. I will be posting more photos of this quilt in detail and as a whole. Was just trying and the photo kept coming up sideways. I will keep trying though so check back. I'll even include all of the stories about quilting it. With time, all my quilts-made-by-a-series-of-mistakes are always hilarious learning lessons.

Quilting Gallery

This quilt was the one that was designed by my brother, pieced by my mother, and quilted by me. This close up shows just how, when combined all aspects add together to make a complete whole that is so much more than its components. It was already beautiful when I received it to quilt. The large open spaces begged to be filled though. Heavy quilting added dimension and depth to an already magnificent piece. I was so happy to be a part of its creation. I tend to be a "lone" quilter, yet the pieces I have created with others are some of my best.

When quilters get together, we feed off each others inspirations. I have found a web site that will feed us all. It is a fabulous resource with a quilting gallery, weekly contests, a directory of quilting stores and bloggers, and so much more. If you are a quilter, you absolutely have to click on the link to visit their web site. I did and got so wrapped up in it, I've lost half a day of work. Good thing quilt research kind of qualifies as work, huh?

My Love for Tools

It is such a joy to have just the right tool for any project I am doing. I'm the queen of making do with some creative thinking. With the right tool for the job, one can have the ease of creation with less frustration. Long ago, I described myself as "efficient due to laziness". This came about because I tend to think out how I am going to do something. I might go over it in my head several times, figuring out the quickest and easiest way to accomplish it. Usually the project goes very smoothly as a result. On occasion, I've spent more time thinking than doing. This has led me to discover a few resources. So, here are a few new tools I found to help ease and improve my life.
The first is a web site called Kitchen Universe. This site is a huge resource tool if you want to find the best shopping deals on kitchen appliances, apparel, jewelry, office supplies, home decor, toys, and flowers. They do the research and compare prices at the leading stores. This is so much easier and quicker than running all over town and you get the best price. I've set up a link so you can explore this amazing resource yourself. Have fun there.
Another great tool recently discovered is the 'Universal Yoga Mandala' poster by Yogaverse. This beautiful work of art uses Sacred Geometry and the 5 Elements in a mandala form to help deepen the understanding of yoga practice. It is useful as a meditation tool. This poster is not just a reference tool though, it's beauty will help instill peace and harmony. If you have found yoga to help bring balance to your life, you definitely want this poster. I've enclosed the link to the web site for your convenience.
Have fun creating all you do, whether it be a gourmet meal or a better you!

Quilting as a Business

My adventures as a quilter began a long time ago. As a child, I learned to sew. After my stint in college, I revisited sewing and discovered quilting. Slowly through the years, my adventures began turning into ventures. I began making some money selling my quilts and teaching classes. My hobby is quickly becoming a business with many new and exciting things on the horizon. One of the greatest marketing tools is the Internet. What a wonder that we can reach so many people! Learning how to use this tool was a challenge for this artistic girl. But once again, there is plenty of help for that.
One such book is Your Quilting Web Business. This comprehensive e-book is written by Fran Smith and Nicola Baume. These successful artists share their knowledge on how to start your own on line quilting business. you will learn how to market and sell your quilts using the Internet. They even go over how to set up your own website. For $37 with a money back guarantee and a bonus quilting resource book, this is a great investment for any one thinking of starting their own quilting business. Click on the link provided to find out more and to download your copy of this book today.

February Fabric Fantasies

Mid-February is when I start to really dream for the year. My collection of gardening and fabric catalogues rise to the surface. They end up piled next to fireplace where I sit to keep warm and dream. I have always loved the printed page and will not turn from it completely. Books and catalogues are more easily moved around the house than my PC. With My computer however, I can shop the world at a the click of a mouse.
If you have not visited Fabric.com yet, this is the perfect time. They are celebrating Kristl's birthday with 30% off select categories such as generous cuts, fast shipping, free return shipping, no hassle guarantees, and frequent shopper programs. They also have a daily deal to check out. This sale lasts until February 22, so visit them today!
Another great place to buy fabrics, notions, and patterns is my sister-in-laws web store at Ebay. It is Quilting-Whimsy and she carries a wonderful selection of Moda fabrics. I also know for fact that her service is excellent. We take quilting seriously in this family.
I'm off to sew now. I've decided to release my Celtic Block of Month pattern as a set. I've lots of polishing work to do. Not to mention different color samples. Anyone in the family want to create a few for me?

The Moose & the Maul

Our friends have become regular evening visitors here at Mountainjoy. These three moose have been traveling nibbling through our property each night now. The night these photos were taken, I was sitting by the fire trying to get warm. I looked up and out the window and there was the big moose. She was standing so still, for a moment my brain just accepted it as natural, "oh, there is the moose." Followed by "Oh my gosh, it's as big as the Scouts!!!" Okay, maybe not as wide, but the moose are taller.

As we watched and photographed them, my husband began to realize where our wood-splitting maul went. You see, his favorite maul went missing a few days earlier. He'd looked around in the newly fallen snow but did not find it on the ground. We watched as the moose licked everything he had recently touched. They licked the cars, nibbled on dead aspen leaves, and really spent a good deal of time by the wood splitting station licking our other maul. When we saw this. My husband claimed the moose had taken his maul as a chew toy. I didn't really believe at first, I figured he just left laying down. Truth be told though, the moose did take the maul. We figure it was the big mama one because she really liked the second maul. She didn't go very far with it at least. We found it down in the meadow and are happily chopping wood again. We are careful about putting them up at dusk now though when we expect our friends to visit.

It is wonderful to be seeing moose in person as they have been a part of my life for quite a while. I'll tell you now how they tie in with my quilting and cooking apsects of life. A few years ago, I traded a quilt with moose motifs on it for a cord of wood. We were pretty broke, but as usual, quilts kept us warm in more ways than one. My first introduction to moose was Chocolate Mousse of course. As a little girl, I learned a very simple way to make an unsophisticated chocolate mousse. You just mix up some chocolate pudding and whipped cream in even ratios, put in individual dishes, top with whipped cream, and eat. There are many much more sublime versions of mousse out there, but this is a great quick fix.

Honesty in Marketing

I have been looking for a job since October. It gets depressing fairly quickly. Recently, I ventured forth again, searching with renewed gusto. I had a great lead off of Craigslist for an office position. After getting my hopes again and spending a good deal of time at applying, I find out it is bogus company and there are other hopeful girls like me that were ensnared. After a little thought, I decided it was an affiliate marketing scam.

Being an affiliate marketer myself, I find this practice abhorrent! These people were wasting time of others who are working hard to find work. That is just pitiful. I am truly disgusted by the way people prey on one another. The lies and deceitfulness has become increasingly tricky. I am an advertiser. My integrity demands that I only promote products or companies that I agree with. It also demands that I be completely honest, which is not a great trait for the marketing field. I believe that if the products are exceptional, there is no need to make anything up. I simply let people know my favorite new things and links to get there. I do receive commission on sales. Marketing is not my money-maker though. I just started because winters are really hard up here and this is a fun way to learn computer skills. I also get to talk to the world on this blog site. So, I'll leave today by telling the world about the incredibly delicious looking Valentine's Day collections that Vosges Chocolates have put together this year. They are featuring: The Sweet Coquette collection - an aphrodisiac truffle collection

The Love Tower - full of exotic truffles and caramel toffee

Bapchis's Caramel Toffee Heart - caramel toffee tucked into a purple heart (my favorite!)

Le Chocolate & Rose Truffles - dark chocolate champagne truffles rolled in a rose bud poudre The Gatsby Collection - an elegant collection of truffles swirled with champagne and topped with red rose petals

So, follow the link for fabulous chocolates to send to your loved ones this Valentine's Day.

Enjoy the day, spread the love, and always be honest.