Ok I finally went and did it. I am no longer the Paper Piece V*rgin. Unfortunately. As of today I officially claim the title of Queen of Paper Piece Klutzdom. Should anyone already claim this title please speak now or forever hold your peace. As to the reason that I claim this particular crown -...

While I was in Houston, DH had to make the heart-breaking decision to have our Dexter put down. We'd known he was not doing really well, but he wasn't yet suffering, and he was still happy. However, while I was away, his hindquarters gave out completely and he lost control of his bowels. For a...

One of my spring-time ponderings I am day-dreaming about is that this year I might be healthy enough to get my motorcycle license for my bike we take camping. I've been keeping the permit locked up in the compartment under the seat, and plan to keep my license there when I get it. I'm...

I really appreciate it when people sign their posts with their city or state or country. It is hard getting to know people here -- and for me it helps to keep them "pegged" on the map! Eventually even my brain can begin to keep people straight! Kate in MI

Can I initiate some discussion on the preferred way to secure the sandwich for quilting. As far as I know the four methods commonly used i.e. basting using thread, safety pins, spray basting and basting 'gun'. I am sure there will be proponents of each of the 'methods' and perhaps others. I...

I just heard that Steve was killed in a freak accident off the coast of Australia. A stingray barb went through his chest and punctured his heart. She in PA

Oh ye who are experts in all things - My bachelor neighbor who gave me the 12-point buck is diabetic. I would like to bake some cookies for him for a Christmas happy and have done the googling-around bit but need real guidance. Many of the recipes call for this or that sugar substitute. Some of...

Y'all know of my littlest QI, Tassie Jim (Jack Russell x Beagle that DH fell in love with on our holiday in Tasmania)? Well last night Jim's beagle nose must have got him into a mess of trouble because when we got up this morning there was no sign of him. The side gate was open (we always leave...

Just curious.... what machines do you sew on? Don't count your collectors... but the 1 or 2 that you actively sew on? I wonder if there is any "consensus" or dominance as to make/model here... I'll start: I have 2 machines: Pfaff 2030 -- have used for years for all piecing and quilting

It is time to move your frozen turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator. If you 'are' a turkey, this is a good time to disappear. It takes a long time for a Big Bird to thaw. The quick way of putting the frozen bird in a sink of cold water and constantly changing the water is a pain. Start...

Giles was working on her "homework" today, and became quite upset when she couldn't find a brown crayon. I dug through the crayon bin, and pulled out several brown crayons. She tried each one, and said each time "this isn't brown!" Ok so the wrappers didn't say "brown", but if I was making a...

In a previous thread I asked if anyone was planning a Round Robin. There was no response then (possibly because some participant(s) in a past RR had failed to deliver quilts and disillusion levels were high) but I would still like to try something. I would love to get a group with one rep from...

A lot of times when one of your kids does something you can comfort yourself a bit by saying: not the first one nor the last to pull that stunt! When 5 year old DD#1 'conditioned' 3 year old DD#2's hair with nair I said that. When 6 year old DD#2 trimmed her own bangs and we went with the...

Hello group! I've been back in Dundee for about 24 hours now, and just finished deleting all the spam in my inbox, opening all my post, and yesterday went out to get some fresh vegetables and fruit, and bring my cat Sasha home from "Auntie Dawn's house". I think she purred all night long. She...

I have a request for some prayers for my dear cousin, the same age as me, that had sinus surgery last month, but is now in hospital in ICU at Mass General from an aneurysm. I have been praying since I found out, but now just wanted to ask you kindly folks to pray along with me. TIA Maine-iac...

QSD: Quilt Style Discussion This is an occasional forum to discuss some basic quilt styles. They aren't necessarily the quilts we are sewing/quilting now. This is just a chance for open discussion of the topic. If you need/want to change the topic, please open a new thread! This is not the place...

I discovered a new use for a stitch on my sewing machine designed for raw edge aplique... sewing on pockets flaps on historic jackets! :) I also just realised that James will be 10 on Friday... This is scary! Tomorrow I have to finish the jackets, go swimming, and help him make birthday cake......

My mum (Sheila) died last night just after 2am. She was at home, I was with her, along with dad, my sisters, and mum's brother and sisters. She'd had cancer for 7 years, so we knew it was coming but it didn't half go fast in the last few days. She taught me (without ever saying it in so many...

Was busy making a hug square and digging thru my bag of goods when YIKES two count em TWO bigger then huge ugly long- legged brown spiders were inside one of my stash bag. Not to worry. They're long gone and everyone can sleep in peace tonight.....but winter is coming and it's time to get out the...

I love looking at pics of other quilters sewing areas, studios, etc. I get inspirations for reorganizing my quilting space, see new and different equipment, and admire their projects hanging on design walls. Anybody interested in a thread where we *all* show pics of where we do our...