FAITH QUILTERS

IRAQ BOUND

2011-11-15T09:19:00.003-05:00

One of the ladies in my online quilitng group was looking for volunteers to help make quilts for her husbands squard leaving for Iraq. Here is the one I got to make for one of the soldiers. Doing these is such a blessing for me.

VICKY'S FISH QUILT

2011-11-15T09:17:00.003-05:00

Here is my latest comfort quilt. During the fires in Texas a couple of months ago there were 16 fireman that lost their own homes. I was blessed enough to get in on the project to make each of them a quilt. Here is mine using some fish fabrics.

RUTH's TASTE OF HONEY

2011-09-21T09:51:00.003-04:00

Here is the Taste of Honey Ruth completed last month. I finally got it quilted for her and she's taken it home last week to add the binding. The colors really came out pretty on this one. Great job.

Kathy has a few tops ready for quilting so we'll post adter they are finished.

KATHY's NEWEST QUILT

2011-09-12T11:38:00.003-04:00

I don't have any charity quilts to post pictures of yet this year so I'm posting that ladies regular ones. Here is the latest Kathy made for a friend of hers. It's a queen size. Came out beautiful. Great job Kathy.

Ruth has one at my house ready to be picked up. As soon as she's added the binding I'll post a picture here also.

NEW PROJECTS

2011-08-30T11:49:00.001-04:00

Hopefully I will have some new projects to post here soon. The ladies did not meet in August but we'll be doing the Split Decision quilt in September. Ruth has her Taste of Honey done and I just finished quilting it. As soon as she comes to pick it up I'll post a picture here. She did a great job. I believe Kathy has a large rose quilt just awaiting binding as well.

Check back soon and I'll get the blog updated. My quilts are on my blog at victoriasquilts.blogspot.com

JUNE WORKSHOP

2011-06-27T08:48:00.002-04:00

The ladies meet this weekend for their June workshop which was UFO day. I believe Ruth is working on her block of the months and Kathy is finishing up the rose colored lucky star she is making for a friend. Ruth did bring her Taste of Honey quilt top completed from May's workshop. As soon as she has it quilted and bound I'll post pictures here. I believe next month is a tablerunner but I'll have to see if I remember what pattern I sent everyone.

MAY WORKSHOP

2011-06-01T10:50:00.004-04:00

The ladies meet this month to work on a top called Touch of Honey and UFO's. Ruth started her touch of honey and brought along 2 tops she finished and had ready to quilt. I got those done over the weekend so as soon as she has them finished I'll post the picutres here if she wants me to.

Kathy brought along the star blocks she started a while back to work on and a baby sized puzzle box top she had ready to quilt. Thats done so when she has the binding added I'll post a picture of that as well. Look for some new pictures soon.

Kathy's Cornhusker Quilt

2011-03-22T15:51:00.002-04:00

I finally got a picture of Kathy's cornhusker quilt and wanted to post it here. She made this for a soldier serving in the military with her son overseas. He was from Nebraska and what says Nebraska better than corn. Great job Kathy.

2 NEW CHARITY QUILTS

2011-02-11T13:24:00.005-05:00

Here are my charity quilts 1 and 2 for 2011. They both also qualify for no buy quilts and UFO's finished. The orange one is one I cut up and made one sqaure about a year ago. Thisis the pattern the ladies were learning in the January meeting. Once they get finished I'll post those pictures.

The purple one looks like it has a bit of yellow but it doesn't. I took the picture in the bedroom and I think they light was shining on the camera. But it still looks pretty.

No. 2 for 2011

2011-02-11T13:21:00.002-05:00

I'm posting this on Faithquilters because I gave it away as a gift. It's the Prism pattern in the Fons and Porter magazine. I think it came out really pretty.

MY NEWEST

2011-01-07T13:18:00.004-05:00

I have this posted on my personal blog but I put it here as well since it's for someone else. My daughter wanted a quilt with purple and orange for her friend. I got every shade of orange I could find but I had to add some greens as well. I think it came out really nice.

PRISCILLA'S QUILT

2011-01-07T13:10:00.001-05:00

I think I may have forgotten to post this quilt. Priscilla joins us sewing once in a while and this is a quilt she finished in December I believe. It is really pretty.

READY FOR A NEW YEAR

2010-12-29T09:00:00.003-05:00

The ladies met in December and we had an in-house lunch and worked on UFO projects. Now we're gearing up for the new year. We'll be meeting the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. The 1st is just for anyone that wants to come sew and the 3rd will be a planned day as we've done in the past.

I'm trying to get a little more organized this year so I actually set up a schedule of projects for the year. Beginning in January we'll rotate every other month between a project and UFO days. January starts with the pattern Lucky Stars (picture attached) and then February is UFO, a project in March, etc.

I tried to be a little diverse this year and add in some smaller projects like tote bags and purses so the ladies don't get so many UFO's. I'll post their pictures as we roll along in 2011.

SEPTEMBER PICTURES

2010-10-01T09:33:00.003-04:00

Here is a picture of my Prism top I made for the ladies sample. Also included is a picture of Kathy & Ruth sewing. Jean got away before I could get a picture.

SEPTEMBER WORKSHOP

2010-10-01T09:30:00.002-04:00

Wow I can't believe I missed posting the pictures for the September workshop. I've been trying to find a house to buy and it's very time consuming.

The ladies worked on a quilt called Prism from the Fons & Porter website. Jean, Ruth and Kathy all got a good number of their blocks finished before leaving. I'm waiting for every one to finish the tops so I can post the pictures here. They all picked some really great colors.

NON-QUILT RELATED

2010-09-15T09:26:00.004-04:00

Ok I'm not donating him to charity and he's not a Faithquilters project but here's a picture of my great nephew, Trenton Michael. He was born last Friday.

RUTH DOES IT AGAIN

2010-09-07T11:03:00.002-04:00

Like me, Ruth fallen in love with the Magic Tile pattern. Here is her latest. She is really getting some quilts finished. She's got a t-shirt one in the works now.

RUTH'S BLACK & WHITE

2010-09-07T10:58:00.002-04:00

Just realized I forgot to post pictures of Ruth's 2 latest quilts. She did a really nice job on this black and white quilt which I believe is going to her other sister. Good thing she decided she likes quilting cause her sisters love them. Great job Ruth.

THANK YOU FOR RECENT DONATION

2010-08-02T14:23:00.003-04:00

We revceived such a nice letter today from the Assistant Chief of Police at the Lakeland police department and I wanted to post it so all the ladies can read it. We donated some quilts last year and 6 more this week. Hopefully we'll have several more at Christmas. Here's her note.

ONE MORE UFO BITES THE DUST

2010-07-21T09:37:00.003-04:00

Here's the other UFO I was able to get off my list. This was originally started as a comfort quilt for my sister. Back in April she was injured and I wanted to make her a purple quilt. Well with tax season and trying to help her family and such I ended up giving her a blue and white one I already had finished. So this one will now join the comfort quilt pile until it finds it's new home. I'm sure whoever gets it will love it as much as she would. It's a Twisted 9 Patch but once I took the photo I saw an error in one spot on the layout. However, it's quilted and bound so it's staying the way it is.

This also counts as one of my no-buy quilts for 2010 since I bought the fabric in 2009. Check out my personal blog for the other UFO's that aren't comfort quilts. I only post group quilts here.

KATHY'S NEWEST FINISHED

2010-07-21T09:33:00.002-04:00

Here is a new baby quilt Kathy just finished. I believe she has another one similar to this in the works. These ought to make 2 twin little girls very happy.

NEW SCRAP QUILT

2010-07-21T09:28:00.002-04:00

Here is one of my finished UFO's. The blocks were done by women all over the United States and they came to me through a block swap. I ended up with 13 purple blocks so I decided to trim them all the same and make them into a comfort quilt. It felt good to finish up some of these. I think I've had these blocks for a year or two so now they can go to a good home.

I'M EXCITED ABOUT MY NEW CUTTER

2010-07-02T09:28:00.004-04:00

You're probably thinking I bought a new rotary cutter - wrong. Ruth's sister Cindi stopped by our group last night and visited while we sewed (I've known these 2 for 15+ years). Ok other than Ruth we didn't sew a whole lot but we had a great night. In the end it turned out really great for me. Unfortunately (for her) Cindi offered to help if we needed anything done. The poor thing ended up taking home a giant (and I stress giant) laundry basket of my scraps that she'll be pressing and cutting into 2.5 x 6.5 inch pieces. She seemed really excited but I'll check back in a few days and see if she still feels that way. She's percise in everything she does and I see a whole lot of braid quilts coming up in my future. I have been looking forward to using those scraps as I felt wasteful just adding more and more and never using. Should be easy to keep that no buy as I'll have plenty to sew now.

Cindi thanks for the help. I'll see if you still love me once you get half way thru the mess I sent home with you.

BUTTERFLY LABEL

2010-07-02T09:26:00.002-04:00

Here's a close up of the label on Cindi's quilt. Great idea.

CINDI'S MAGIC TILE - I WANT IT

2010-07-02T09:20:00.002-04:00

Here is the other Magic Tile Ruth made for her sister Cindi. Again she used bright primary colors. The grout is black with small primary colored hearts. I was thrilled when Ruth gifted me the fabrics to make myself one. She's a doll. She'd be more of a doll if she made the top for me, ha-ha just joking. She has a couple more sisters waiting on their quilts. Wait till you see the label she added. The back is butterfiles and Cindi was able to find a crochet butterfly at an Amish town on her recent trip to Tennessee. Hope she knows those other sisters are going to be expecting one just as nice now.

I ACTUALLY HAVE ONE HERE MYSELF

2010-07-02T09:17:00.002-04:00

Well with all the quilts tha ladies have finished I didn't want you to think I've been doing nothing. I have a group of quilitng friends in Lakeland and one of our ladies had a stroke recently. We all got together and made a block for her and the class instructor Robin assembled it into a top, I quilted it and Robin added the binding. I am sure Pat loved it. The center square is mine.

KATHY AT IT AGAIN

2010-07-02T09:13:00.003-04:00

I can barely quilt the tops fast enough for this woman. She is doing an amazing job of finishing up some of her quilt tops. I believe she made this one as a special gift for a friend of her's that requested a pink quilt. As always - great job Kathy. Are you going to have any left to work on for UFO month?

ALISON - WOW A GREAT QUILT

2010-07-02T09:08:00.002-04:00

Here is Alison's first ever charity quilt. I think it might also be the first quilt she's done with our group. She did a greally great job taking simple 4in squares and making them into a really pretty quilt. The colors are really pretty together and her piecing was nicely done. She's a great addition to our group. Can't wait to see what else she comes up with. If I remember correctly she has a Sand Castle in the works.

KATHY'S GOING STRONG THIS MONTH

2010-07-02T09:02:00.002-04:00

You've seen Kathy's lion quilt but she's been a busy lady. This is a Simple Simon pattern and she did a really good job of picking colors. The contrast was really good. Kathy you've come a long way - great job.

RUTH'S MAGIC TILE

2010-07-02T08:57:00.003-04:00

Here is another quilt ready to go. Ruth made her husband and sister each a Magic Tile in bright primary colors with black grouting. Ed's has black grouting with small colored dots. These came out simply stunning and she did an amazing job of putting everything together. The back was done in card pattern farbic as Ed loves to play poker. Great job Ruth.

KATHY'S LION QUILT

2010-07-02T08:28:00.003-04:00

Wow we have gone from no new pictures to an abundance of them. The ladies have certainly been busy. Here is one Kathy just finished. It certainly made the rounds. I cut the squares a couple of years ago and never did anything with them and they passed to a previous group member. She started sashing one or two blocks and didn't finish so it was passed along to Kathy who finished sashing the blocks, added some really nice border fabric and put everything together. It's now with the charity quilts for future use. She did an excellent job finishing this up.

JUNE WORKSHOP

2010-06-22T10:04:00.002-04:00

June workshop was the pattern called Hole in One. This month we had Kathy & Ruth and both were able to get quite a bit done. I believe they each went home with all their blocks completed. Now all they have to do is piece all the blocks together and their new quilt top is ready. Here's a picture of the ladies sewing away.

July is UFO day so maybe a few more things will get finished. I have one quilted and will post the pictures as soon as I get the binding on. ANd I just quilted 2 for Kathy so we'll post those when the binding is done.

FINALLY A PICTURE

2010-06-22T08:38:00.006-04:00

Well we finally have one done completely so I can post a picture. Here is Ruth's first charity quilt for 2010. In fact, I think it's the second quilt she started. She just joined our group about 2 months ago and has already made 3 or 4 quilts. She made 2 magic tiles which were simply stunning, a couple of baby quilts and this. I'll post those pictures here as soon as she's finished all the binding. Nicely done Ruth. We look forward to more in the future.

MAY 17th WEEKLY UPDATE

2010-05-17T15:44:00.002-04:00

The ladies are really rolling along and should actually each have a comfort quilt done by the June deadline. In exchange for free lessons I required they turn in a charity quilt in June and November. I have Kathy's completed and put away, I quilted Ruth's and Kathy is currently in the binding stage and Alison's was quilted last night. I'll return it to her this week so she can add the binding.

I think the Alison and Ruth are pretty much done squaring up the sand casltle blocks and are starting to assemble them. After that each will go from here and decide what they want to make. As for me . . . I'm not only on a no buy till 3/15/11 but I've put all my quilts aside till I can get the ones I have lying around basted and quilted. This week I finished Ruth's and Alison's tops and started a top that Kathy took over from a previous member and finished up. After that I have 2 or 3 tops of my own that need to be quilted them I'll start on Karen's housewarming quilt. I might finish by the time she's lived there a few years.

MONTHLY PROJECT FOR MAY

2010-05-17T15:36:00.002-04:00

This weekend was our monthly project which for May which was the Magic Tile. It's one of my favorite patterns and I can honestly say it's just beautiful no matter what colors you choose. Kathy choose some muted colors with very vintage hues and designs along with beige grouting. Ruth is making two so she'll have one for herself and one for her sister. Both are solid colors and have black/print grout. I can't wait till they are finished and I can post the pictures here. I think Kathy got as far as finishing up thru the 3rd cut on her blocks and Ruth stayed till she got her whole top assembled. As soon as they are basted and quilted I'll post some pictures.

As for me I helped the ladies and worked on quilting one while they were sewing. I am not starting anything new till I can get some one the ones I have finished and posted here.

KATHY'S NEWEST

2010-05-17T11:22:00.003-04:00

Here is Kathy's newest quilt. She made this for one of our church members that is moving to another state. I'm sure he loved it. SHe did a great job. It's a Tossed Nine pattern done in red white and blue. We don't have a picture of the whole quilt but you can see how nice it looks.

I think she has a few more done and is just waiting for me to quilt them. This one she pieced and quilted herself.

UPDATE 4/22/10

2010-04-22T11:17:00.003-04:00

Well I haven't had much to post here as Faithquilters has been on hold for a few weeks. I needed to do a little remodeling at the house then tax season hit, then my sister was injured, then . . . as you know it's always something. However we will be restarting the bi-weekly group tonight so hopefully some new pictures and updates are on the way.

This is on my personal blog but since it was a comfort quilt I'm adding it here as well. A lady I know is a caregiver for her grandmother and as we all know that can sometimes be hard so she's been overwhelmed lately. While I was finishing this quilt the Lord told me she needed it so I sent it off in March to it's new home. She loved it and it is my first "no buy" quilt of 2010. Everything including backing came from my stash.

WE'RE ROLLING NOW

2010-02-03T22:22:00.002-05:00

This past week was comfort quilt night and Kathy, Ruth, Allie and I all got started on a new comfort quilt. Allie is doing a top of 4.5 in sqaures, Ruth is making a 12.5in sqaure with sashing and Kathy has another Simple Simon in the works I think. I'll be doing a scrappy strip twist I think.

Kathy also took one of our partially made tops and finished it up this week for another comfort quilt. It looks great with the extra squares and border. Check it out.

FINALLY A NEW PIC

2010-01-28T08:29:00.004-05:00

I posted this on my personal blog but I'm also posting here as it was a Faithquilters comfort quilt. PACE a non-profit organization in Lakeland helping teen girls is having a golf tournament this week including a silent auction. I dontated a quilt for the auction.

It's called a Sandcastle in the book Mad About Plaid. I used all leftovers except the grouting. I think it came out nice.

THE NEW YEAR IS COMING

2009-12-28T16:14:00.002-05:00

This blog looks so empty with no pictures posted in so long. I think Becky has a top almost done and I am currently working on my new charity quilt. I have 3 or maybe even 4 charity quilts that need to be basted and quilted so hopefully we'll have some pictures up soon.

We resume our weekly meetings next Thursday and our first Saturday class is January 15 where we'll be starting a bento box. Happy New Year

DECEMBER UPDATE

2009-12-17T20:38:00.002-05:00

As you read I restarted Faithquilters a month or so ago with a few changes in the future of the group. Faithquilters had their second annual Christmas party this week. It will be our last meeting for 2009. The ladies all seemed to have a great time and we just had dinner and relaxed. Even talked Anne into joining us.

January will be bringing some changes to the group. While Kathy will be continuing on her projects, Dana and Becky will be starting quilting 101. They each have a finished quilt but now it's time to take a step back and start learning measuring, cutting, using rotary cutters, accurate squaring, etc. We also have a new member Ruth joining us in January so it looks to be an interesting year.

Beginning in January, charity quilts will be worked on the 3rd Thursday of each month and we'll be having one Saturday class a month for special projects. Every other month will be UFO or catch up Saturday. The first is January 16 when we'll be doing a bento box. Febraury will be UFO day.

Watch for our updates as I'm expecting a truly blessed year. I think the group has the potential to be fun again and produce some great quilts. Check out my personal blog also for updates or my quilts - victoriasquilts.blogspot.com

See you soon

RESTART

2009-11-17T13:39:00.002-05:00

I have decided to start or re-start my quilting group and for lack of a better name will stick with Faithquilters. We're getting together this weekend where we'll be making some cool 4 sided placemats.

Other than that we'll just work on whatever project each person has in mind. I kinda do my thing and just be available in case the ladies need a hand. A few familar faces have returned and the group is a little smaller but we'll be making some amazing things and getting some charity work done. As the ladies get things finished or started I'll post some pictures here so they can show their friends. Becky is back and has a puzzle box in the works so look for that in the future.

PERSONAL BLOG / MYSTERY BLOG

2009-08-27T13:46:00.001-04:00

Hi just wanted to remind everyone you can follow what's new by going to my personal blog
victoriasquilts.blogspot.com

so the mystery quilt is located @ faithmystery.blogspot.com

Mystery Quilt

2009-08-19T13:43:00.003-04:00

If you're a participant of the mystery quilt tht is still listed on it's separate blog.

faithmystery.blogspot.com

Update - Closing of Faith Quilters

2009-08-19T13:31:00.003-04:00

With heavy heart I wanted to let you know I've decided to discontinue Faith Quilters. It was a decision I struggled with for 3 days but one I had to make. I will certainly miss seeing the ladies every week. I sincerely hope that everyone will continue with their quilts as in the long run it doesn't really matter where you sew, its that you love sewing. I encourage all the ladies to keep quilting and hopefully use your talents to help and comfort people you encounter along your path. I will be helping Dana finish her first quilt and will post that here as she did an amazing job.

When I have quilted the comfort quilt tops I have on hand I will be donating them to the Lakeland Police Department. They will be given as a sign of comfort to their wounded officers. I'll post the maker and photos here once they are finished. The blog will be here and if you need anything posted please email me.

I will be continuing as time allows to work on my comfort quilts that will also go to people I find in need of comfort. I never know where they'll come from but God never fails to send me someone when a quilt is ready. From here on all those will be posted on my personal blog. There is a link here or you can type in victoriasquilts.blogspot.com - GOD BLESS

SUGGESTIONS ANYONE

2009-08-11T13:29:00.002-04:00

This is more of a thing for my personal blog but I'm posting in both places because I need opinions. Our church is holding a ladies tea as a benevolence fund raiser in December. We'll collect grocery gift cards instead of cash. As chairman of the event I wanted to raise cash for our churches benevolence fund as well so I am making a quilt to raffle for $1 or $2 per ticket. Problem - I need by 12/1/09 so have to make up my mind but I can't.

Anyone know a stunning pattern they might suggest (no applique - mine is terrible). And Christmas fabrics - would you buy more tickets if it was Christmas fabrics or something you'd use all year? I was torn deciding if they might buy more thinking it could be a gift or maybe more if it was non-Christmas colors so they could display all year.

So please share your opinions. Email me: queenv@tampabay.rr.com

IT'S OFF TO OHIO

2009-08-04T11:47:00.003-04:00

As you know I was led this year to make quilts for the active mililtary people I know for July 4th. Luckily I only knew 2 so it wasn't overwhelming. During the time I was making them I met my brother's girlfriend and her son was just leaving for the Persian Gulf. Needless to say I wanted to include him.

During the process of making the quilt (they don't happen overnight) she decided to move out of the area and I had no way of contacting her. I really wondered why finish the quilt as it had no home. But God laid on my heart to finish as it belonged somewhere. Well, not 2 weeks later I heard of a wounded vet in Ohio (Lee) that was riding a bike around Ohio to raise veteran awareness and was injuried in an auto accident caused by careless kids. Wow he's a veteran, in need of comfort and God's love - did it find a home or what. So while it did not go where I intended I think it went where God intended. It's on it's way to Ohio today. I hope Lee loves it.

COMFORT QUILT - AUGUST 2009

2009-08-04T10:21:00.003-04:00

Ever find yourself hitting deadends in so many areas. You feel like things just keep getting worse and eventually find your complaining to yourself and God about things that in the grand scheme of things are small and insignificant. I find at those times God shows us people that are suffering life changing worries and concerns. I think that in those times God takes the opportunity to show us how much we have in our lives to appreciate.

The last few weeks God has shown me how blessed I am and that there is simply no shortage of people needing comfort. Everything from divorce, sick children, friends dealing with cancer, hospice, etc. I am truly seeing where my comfort quilts need to go.

Today I blessed the father of a co-worker with a comfort quilt. He is going home from the hospital today in the care of hospice. I wanted him to go with a reminder of God's love and comfort. Here's the one I choose. It's some blocks Amy started and I was able to add some borders and make it into a comfort quilt. I hope God adds his comfort everytime he uses it.

Mystery Quilt

2009-08-03T10:52:00.003-04:00

Some of the members of Faith Quilters asked about a mystery quilt project. So I've choosen a pattern, picked out my fabrics and am currently working on breaking down the pattern into sections so the outcome remains a mystery.

Want to follow along. The fabrics are listed now and instructions will be posted on the 15th of each month beginning 8/15/09. The blog is located at - faithmystery.blogspot.com

Valor Blocks

2009-08-01T21:51:00.003-04:00

Here's a picture of our valor blocks on the design wall. Every one was sewing different bocks but since we came as a group we were given all the animal prints. Not usually my taste but these were great. I think we did pretty good in 3 hours to finish almost the entire top.

Let me know what you think.

VALOR QUILTS

2009-08-01T21:46:00.002-04:00

Today some of the group went to Bradenton and volunteered at Cotton Patch Quilts. Every year they do a work day for Valor Quilts which are then donated to wounded vets. Vickie, Amy and I made the trip and everyone had a great time. We were able to finish almost an entire quilt top. Just 2 blocks short. Here's Vickie and Amy on their first quilt blocks.

Only sad part of our day was Kathy was ill and unable to join us and Dana and Becky were out of town. We missed you guys.

DIVORCE CARE

2009-07-30T08:44:00.002-04:00

One of our comfort quilts has found a new home. Our firm recently merged with another CPA this month including their office staff. In the process of getting to know the ladies I found that one is going thru a divorce. She has two young children so that makes things harder. I blessed her with a quilt this week as a reminder that God loves her all the times no matter what else is going on. Here's the one I gave her. She loved the reds and oranges. Ever make something and wonder why you picked that then the Lord shows you where it was supposed to go.

UPDATES

2009-07-26T23:18:00.002-04:00

The group had a 2 week summer break and starts back this week. While we were gone I think everyone has been staying busy.

Vickie finished a really cute strip quilt that was given for a birthday gift this weekend. Kathy has a few in the works so I'm sure we'll be seeing those soon and I'm waiting to see how far Becky & Amy are on their new projects. Oh yeah, check back soon for Dana's first quilt picture. I hope to get it basted tomorrow and quilted Tuesday and turn over to her to do the binding.

Other than that I have one going to a wounded vet this week in Ohio. The red/white/blue puzzle box was not able to be given to the young man that just enlisted for many reasons but it will be going to another vet as appreciation for his service. I also 2 more waiting to be basted and quilted and several more due before the end of the year. You can also check out my personal blog for what's going on there.

FLORAL SQUARES

2009-07-26T23:15:00.002-04:00

Well I was finally able to quilt and bind the floral sqaures I started a few months back. During the week I finished the binding during lunch and tomorrow it goes to it's new owner. A favorite client of mine will take it to her daughter Susanna, who is currently undergoing cancer treatments. I am sure it will help remind her of God's love and blessings.

Just off the cuff

2009-07-16T13:41:00.000-04:00

So that's all the pictures I have ready. I know the ladies are all working on new projects and as soon as I have the info or pictures I'll post them. In the meantime, go be nice to someone and have a great day.

HERE'S BECKY'S MAGIC TILE

2009-07-16T13:36:00.002-04:00

Well here is Becky's long awaited first quilt. She's had it done a couple of weeks but I haven't had a chance to update blogs. Sorry for the delay Becky.

The colors are great, the work first class and the finished piece absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to see her new puzzle box.

TWO OTHER JULY 4th QUILTS

2009-07-16T13:32:00.006-04:00

Here are pics of Gina's and Michael's. Her's is the pastel one - I figured she doesn't get a lot of girlie things in the military.

NEW QUILTS

2009-07-16T13:24:00.003-04:00

Well 4th of July has come and gone. I was able to finish all three of the ones I wanted to do to honor the active military people I knew. I made one for Houston who is just leaving for the Persian Gulf, one for Gina and one for Michael who are both active military and members of my church. I missed getting Michael's to him. I didn't know he was deployed a couple of weeks prior but I'll make sure it gets to his wife and new daughter. I'll post the pics here as well as my personal blog cause if these aren't comfort quilts I don't know what is. We owe such a debt to our military personnel and this is just a tiny gesture.

Here's Houston's - I posted here prior but it wasn't finished.

RED/WHITE & BLUE

2009-06-10T16:50:00.002-04:00

After looking at the quilts of valor program and the soliders they have honored I decided to try and honor a few as I can in our area. Well living in the Tampa area with MacDill AFB there is certainly no shortage of military personnel. After some thought and prayer I realized why not start with the ones I know. So with Houston's almost finished I decided to try and honor the 2 young soliders in our church family. The young man has a daughter not much older than one or so and the young woman has a newborn, yet they put their families aside when called to protect ours.

It's my hope that I can get a quilt ready for each of them by July 4th. I started Michael's and the picture is here. For Gina's I bought something a little different. It's still red, white & blue fabrics but I bought tone on tones with small flowers so she'll have one a little more girly. I doubt there's much of that in the military. I'll post her picture once I start it.

NEW PICTURES

2009-06-10T16:44:00.004-04:00

I have this on my personal blog but I wanted to put here as well since it's probably the most deserved of a comfort quilt. God has really laid the on my heart recently about the young men and women in our country that are giving up their homes and families to protect our freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. Recently my brothers girlfriend mentioned her son joined the Navy and would soon be leaving for the Persian Gulf. I immediately thought well he needs a little piece of America to take with him so I started a quilt. After 4 false starts I got a block I liked and it became Houston's quilt. Then this week after reading up on the Quilts of Valor program I decided to try and help honor the local military people who are protecting our homes and families.

Check my next post for where this lead. Here's a picture of Houston's quilt.

SORRY NO PHOTOS

2009-06-09T11:52:00.003-04:00

Well sorry to say I haven't quilted the 2 comfort quilts yet so no new photos. I know Becky finished her 1st quilt so I'm hoping to get a photo next week to post of that. Her magic tile came out really pretty and her new puzzle box is beautiful. And, Dana is close to completing her first top so maybe I can get us a sneak preview of that tonight. It's these fabulous mardi gras colors.

Other than that the ladies are sewing away. I'm not sure what everyone is working on but I'll try to check in tonight and catch a peek.

COMFORT QUILT

2009-05-27T12:34:00.001-04:00

Last night I sent our red/black/white quilt to Becky's sister. She is getting ready to start some medical treatments and I think it will bring her a lot of comfort just as a reminder that she has people praying for her. Here's a picture of the quilt.

WEEKLY UPDATE - MAY 26

2009-05-27T12:26:00.002-04:00

Well another week and this time everyone was busy. Here's what they all have in the works.

Vickie has a georgeous magic tile in Christmas colors which I believe is a gift. Can't wait to see it finished. She always does a beautiful job.

Amy is almost completed the top of her pinwheel comfort quilt. It has amazing colors and is coming out simply great.

Kathy currently has a tossed 9 in red/white and blue which is turning out nice. I've not seen this pattern before so I'm waiting to see how nice it looks when finished.

Dana was able to finish her braid strips and started putting together the rows of her french braid. Wow what great colors.

Becky is sewing the chocolate and white frames for her puzzle box. The colors are simply stunning. Next week she should be up to putting the squares together.

Me, I'm trying to finish the military quilt before Houston leaves for the Persian Gulf next month. Then I've go blocks to make for 2 swaps.

So that was our week - looks like we're all plowing away.

WEEKLY UPDATE - MAY 19

2009-05-27T12:20:00.003-04:00

Well last week we had part of the group in meetings and part traveling so only Becky and Dana were able to come. Becky brought new fabric to show us for her second quilt. She picked out an amazing french theme of teal with chocolate and white Eifle Towers. It is beautiful. After sorting patterns she finally decided on a Puzzle Box so she could keep the teal fabric in larger pieces to show off the design. it'll be framed in chocolate and white. By the way I'll get a pic of her first quilt and post it here to see.

Dana was busy cuttig and sewing pieces of her French braid which will be done in mardi gras fabric. The colors are so fresh and vibrant. I think for her first quilt she'll be amazed how bright and cheery this one will be. After this she'll be hooked for sure.

UPDATE - MAY 15, 2009

2009-05-15T13:42:00.002-04:00

Not much to update this week. A few of the ladies were out this week and the weather was terrible so the others decided to take a break. Hopefully they're sewing away at home and making beautiful things. I know Kathy and Vickie will be out next week as well but I'm on vacation all week so hopefully I'll have a chance to get a couple of the faith quilts I have ready quilted and bound so I can post the pictures here.

If anyone decides to start a blog for their personal quilts or creations I'll post a link here. Check out my personal blog to see what's going on with me outside the Faithquilters group.

WEEKLY UPDATE

2009-05-06T11:50:00.003-04:00

Sorry ladies we missed last night but was mom's 66th birthday so we took her to dinner. Vickie and Joed were kind enough to join us so it was like a little party. She had a nice time and was good for her to get out of the house.

Well ladies I'm waiting for new pictures to post. I have a floral coming but it still needs to be quilted and the binding done before it's ready. After that I'll finish the bento box comfort quilt between working on a couple I need to quilt. Tell me what you're working on.

Quilterblogs.com

2009-05-04T22:11:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies,

I found a new site I think you'll all love. As you have time check out Quilterblogs.com. it's got more quilt blogs that you could read in a year. I only looked at a couple and they were amazing.

Check out their site.

Vicky's #3 for 2009 - Mystery Quilt

2009-04-25T20:37:00.003-04:00

Here is #3 for 2009. Look familar? It's the same fabric from my #1 quilt.

I purchased for a mystery quilt I never finished so I'm cutting it into blocks and adding borders. Nothing amazing but they sure are colorful and it allows me to use up what was already started. The colors are certainly cheery and it'll go to the Senior Orphan donations for Christmas 09.

You'll note #1 had green borders - this one is really bright with the orange borders.

I'm just adding comfort quilts to this blog. Check out my personal blog for other quilts that are getting finished.

Vicky 2009 Number 2 - Disappearing Nine Patch

2009-04-25T20:32:00.003-04:00

Here is my second comfort quilt for 2009. You'll also see on my bolg under "No Buy #1". The pattern is called Disappearing Nine Patch". I've seen it done mostly scrappy but I really wanted something different as I'm not scrappy look crazy. I might have chosen different borders but I'm on a no buy plan starting 4/1/09 so I used what I had on hand. Luckily I had extra of the light color so I had something that matched. The back is solid black.

It's a beginner pattern but one I've wanted to try for sometime. Now I can say I did.

GROUP UPDATE

2009-04-20T15:28:00.007-04:00

The ladies got together this past Saturday to practice free-motion quilting. I don't think is was quite as simple as they were expecting but I think everyone really worked hard at practicing and trying to find a groove. It also allowed them time away from the phones, family, etc to see if this is part of the quilt process they'll be interested in.

I know many quilters that never quilt one. They are interested in the color choices and making the tops themselves and then moving on to the next one. So some will be interested and some will not. If you are then you'll become good at it. It's my favorite part. I like nothing better than the quilting to as to me it adds the finishing touches.

Have a blessed week.
Vicky

Newest Combined Effort

2009-04-19T20:36:00.002-04:00

Here's a quilt I started last year and just wasn't happy with the results. I wanted to work with the black/white/red celtic designs but just couldn't get enough of the fabrics. I added others and just couldn't get it where I wanted it. Kathy liked it so she offered to add some borders and quilt it. In the end the combinded work came out really nice and we gave us one more for the comfort quilt stash.

Kathy's Newest

2009-04-19T20:29:00.004-04:00

Here is Kathy's newest quilt although it's technically her first quilt. When the group started in October, 2007 I gifted each lady with the fabric and pattern for their first quilt. It's a design of my own and proved to be kinda difficult for a first quilt. However she finished it this month and it's in the comfort quilt grop. It certainly came out very nice - good job Kathy.

APRIL 7, 2009

2009-04-07T12:52:00.003-04:00

I wanted to post a note and welcome our newest group member. Becky's daughter Dana joined our group last week and spent the first evening viewing patterns and fabrics, cause isn't that everyone's favorite? She really like Vickie's french braid so I think she may be making that first.

Becky turned in her finished quilt top and I was able to quilt it this week. Hopefully she can start on her binding and have her first one finished in not time.

KATHY'S NEW COMFORT QUILT

2009-04-01T08:45:00.004-04:00

Well here is Kathy's newest comfort quilt. A Simple Simon done in pretty florals and pastels. She sure is getting good at choosing colors and patterns. Here's my photo. I couldn't gert it to rotate but still shows how pretty.

Back in the Saddle

2009-04-01T08:41:00.002-04:00

Well after 3 or 4 weeks on "spring break" we were back at work last night. It was nice to see everyone back together and excited about showing what they've been working on.

Ms. Vickie was working on getting married, Ms. Amy at having a new baby and Ms. Kathy has been making Simple Simon quilts. We also have a new member this week. Becky's daughter Dana will be joining the group. She got busy right away picking out colors for a french braid. It's a toss up bold, bright mardi gras colors or animal prints. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Check back for updates. Have a blessed week and don't forget the free motion quilting class on April 18.

Vicky

LET'S GET BACK TO WORK

2009-03-03T09:55:00.003-05:00

Well my spare room is finished. Well almost. Tony will rehang the closet doors tomorrow and it's finished. The walls are repainted, the fabric sorted and organized, everyone's fabric sent home, floors replaced and everything cleaned and polished.

So hopefully March 10th we can get going again. I'm looking forward to finishing up my comfort quilt for Febraury and getting it posted here. Don't forget comfort quilt nights. I emailed evryone the dates last month and would like to stick to that schedule. Please remember to leave your regular sewing projects home that night.

Check back as I'll post updates and comfort quilt pictures. We have 5 ready to go already.

2009 PHOTOS

2009-02-18T09:01:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone.

Just posting an update for the new year. In 2009 I will posting the comfort quilts made by Faithquilters rather than all the photo's due to the time involved and the size of the blog. I will include updates on the group activites and how the ladies are doing. I suggested the ladies consider starting blogs to display their personal quilts. If they do I'll post links here so they're easy to find.

Vicky's Comfort Quilt - #1 for 2009

2009-02-18T08:29:00.004-05:00

Well here is my January comfort quilt. It started as blocks for a mystery quilt. I love the colors but the quilt was going to be huge and just seemed overpowering. I found it's difficult to choose colors if you have no idea what you're making. Anyway I took half the blocks, added a green border and made my 1st comfort quilt for January. February will probably be almost hte smae as I have enough blocks to make another so I'll probably use those and add a different color border. That's one down and 9 to go for 2009.

It's A Whole New Year of Creativity

2009-01-09T11:58:00.002-05:00

Wow it's 2009. I have no pictures yet but the ladies are working away. I must say I enjoy having my own personal little sweat shop.

I think Kathy and Vickie have definite projects in the works and Ms. Amy has a planned one but just yesterday decided to take a baby break.

That's right, our newest quilter has finally arrived. Ms. Corean Booth was born Thursday, January 8, 2009. I see hundreds of baby doll quilts already in the mind of grandma Vickie.

We're looking forward to great things for this group in 09. Check back next week. See you soon.

END OF YEAR UPDATE

2008-12-29T11:21:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone

This will probalby be my last blog update for 2008. Make sure you check the archives for old postings.

Well we had our first ever Faith Quilters Christmas dinner this past week. Everyone was in attendance including Elaine who cooks for us occasionally, Shannon (Bo's wife and my daughter), Anne who helps me with my fabric sometimes and Joed, Vickie's soon to be worse half (just kidding - we love him). This gave us a chance to sit and fellowship and enjoy each other's company. I think we had a delighful evening and can't imagine anyone went home hungry.

I eagerly await to see what Faith Quilters accomplishes for 2009. We have 2 comfort quilts in the closet ready to go and I am looking forward to many more. We are planning these to be dontated to the Senior Orphan program in Polk County for Christmas 2009.

Be blessed and I wish you all a Happy New Year and a blessed life.

Vickie's November Quilt

2008-12-05T08:22:00.006-05:00

Here is Vickie's latest. She and Amy have been busy working on tablecloths and toppers for Amy's baby shower. They designed this quilt to decorate the table for Amy's shower. Shows how lovely just simplicity can be.

Bo - November

2008-12-05T08:20:00.004-05:00

Here is Bo's November quilt. He's used a pattern called Turning Twenty. As always his selection of colors for this pattern look very nice. Gives the quilt a nice masculine look.

Kathy's November Quilts

2008-12-05T08:13:00.007-05:00

Here are 2 new quilts from Kathy. The first is a comfort quilt she's been working on using a pattern called Scrappy Round the World. As you can see she picked a nice selection of colors so everything is bold and bright.

Her second is one is a braid with small grout lines between the rows. Vickie began one of these a few months back for a charity quilt and I think we liked it so well we're all planning one. Again as you can see Kathy's bold colors just really liven it up and give it that cheerful look.

November Thoughts

2008-11-26T11:55:00.003-05:00

Well ladies and gentleman I want to issue you a challenge. As time goes by all quilters collect what becomes known as the infamous "scrap basket". I have one that has now gone from a little basket to a laundy basket. It could be larger but I draw the line on what size scraps I keep. If I cannot get at least 2.5 x 6 inches I discard. Wasteful - yes but my decision nonetheless.

You have all been with me 1 year now so I know you have those scraps stored away. I have committed to finishing 1 scrap quilt by the end of the year and in fact have already chosen the pattern. My challenge to Vickie, Kathy, Bo and Amy - finish 2 scrap quilts by the end of 2009. Make these ones you committ to work on in your free time or even time you would otherwise use for charity or volunteer work. Does 2 soud like a lot? I've committed to 6 in 2009.

This isn't mandatory - just a challenge. I know that I feel the urge often to do more volunteer work than I do now so look at this as your volunteer work as I would ask that you each donate the finished scrap quilts to the Senior Orphan program in December 2009. No need to spend money on fabrics - get those scraps and get using them. I know my basket will be much lighter this time next month. I'm already planning.

Be blessed, have great Thanksgiving and rember to pray for a solider so serves so that we may celebrate holidays as we choose and to give God thanks for the bounty we have.

October Comfort Quilts

2008-11-04T11:40:00.010-05:00

Here are our last 2 comfort quilts I've been promising to post. The one on the left was started by Amy. She decided she didn't like the package look so donated it to the cause. I adopted it and added 2 borders that complimented her boxes and I think it came out quite nice especially with the 2 different quilting stitches.

The one on the right was a partial top someone donated to me. So I added a border that matched as close as I could get and it looks nice also. Both are quilted and in the closet ready for donation.

I also quilted a top for Kathy to be used as a comfort quilt so I'll add that photo once she's done.

UFO DAY - 9/20/08

2008-09-04T14:06:00.019-04:00

Well we had our first ever Faithquilters - UFO day. I think it was exciting to see what all everyone had to work on.

We worked most of the day taking a break for lunch. We had lunch at Olive Garden to celebrate Kathy and Jean's birthday. Jean is another quilter that will be joining us on our monthly meetings rather than weekly. Amy and Vickie were able to get the quilts finished for Amy's co-workers children. Kathy and Jean worked on quilts in progress and I was able to quilt one of Kathy's tops and I actually finished to quilts in which were partially done. Both will go in the comfort quilt pile. Here are picture of the kids Vickie & Amy finished. Mine I'll post later and Kathy's when it's finished.

Bo's Hexagon

2008-09-04T14:06:00.016-04:00

I think I forgot to post Bo's last quilt. He finished this up in August and gave to his wife's grandmother as a gift. She loves pink. He did a fabulous job on this quilt. We can't wait to see what pattern he picks next. He's moving this month and packed everything away but be watching next month to see what he makes. Great job.

They've Finished Some Nice Ones

2008-09-04T14:06:00.014-04:00

Here is the one Vickie just finished as a gift. She did a great job on thise one. Simple, clean lines that don't distract from the fabric she chose. She is just finishing up anopther one with slight ly different fabric and it is just as nice. She certainly has an eye for color.

Wednesday 9/10/08 Update

2008-09-04T14:06:00.000-04:00

I'll tell you I can't wait to take the pictures and get them posted. This weeks quilt meeting sure seemed to get a lot accomplished. Kathy brought a scrappy top she has finished and we were able to get that basted and ready for quilting.

Amy and Vickie both finished the their tops for the children of Amy's co-worker. Since his health is quite bad we've made this a priority for the group. Last night we were able to get both tops basted and one top quilted. Tonight the second will be quilted then we'll add the binding. After that Vickie will hand sew it in place along wth the labels and then they're off to Amy for delivery. That's pretty good for a weeks work. You ladies are amazing.

Look for those pictures as soon as they are finished.

NEW DIRECTION

2008-09-02T14:03:00.006-04:00

Faith Quilters has decided to move in a new direction. Since it is so hard to meet every "comfort" need we encounter we want to try and move our focus to seniors. Especially senior orphans who have no family. With that in mind I will be arranging to donate our comfort quilts to a Lakeland man that runs just such an organization.

I think we'll have to name them Senior Quilts. I can't thank the ladies enough for agreeing to this. Senior outreach is something that is just dear to my heart. They are sometimes are forgotten ones.

NEWS - I'VE MOVED

2008-09-02T14:03:00.005-04:00

Well after a lot of thought I have decided to move my quilts (excluding comfort quilts) off this page. I would like to use this space to highlight the members of Faith Quilters as well as their progress, hardwork and finished projects. That includes Vickie, Robert (Bo), Kathy & Amy. They have made a huge amount of progress and I'd like to show that off.

Start watching for their projects here.

You can check out my quilts at victoriasquilts.blogspot.com

Be Blessed

July Comfort Quilt (Vicky)

2008-07-24T17:13:00.063-04:00

Ohhh la la. Don't you want to just take this home? This one went to Kathy as a comfort quilt. She calls it a "lovie" . I really like that name. We may have to call them all that.

I wanna roll in this one and keep it for myself. Looks a little limp in the picture but I didn't have anyone to hold it up.

JULY COMFORT QUILT (Robert)

2008-07-24T17:13:00.062-04:00

This is Bo's new comfort quilt (7/08). It's a Bento Box done in 10 shades of browns and 10 different greens. Came out wonderful I think.

This will be going to Linda at Faith Life Church in Tampa. Just a reminder of God's love and healing.