The August Whirlwind

Wes and Trent on Mount Rodgers in Virginia

August has been one busy, busy month!  Levi had his 7th birthday.  We had all the back to school prep to do.  Doctor appointments, dentist appointments, school open houses, school supply shopping.  We also took two spur of the moment vacations.  We went to the mountains in Virginia and North Carolina.  We hiked on Mount Rodgers, the tallest peak in Virginia, drove part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and attended the 76th Annual Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax, Virginia.  

Petitpoint Flat Iron, 1937

For the second trip, we visited some relatives in Maryland.  The kids and I learned how to kayak - really fun! We also spent a day in Washington D.C. where we toured some of the Smithsonian museums.  Above is a photo of an iron with airline streaming design that was on display next to a replica of Amelia Earhart's plane.  I gotta find one of these for my collection.  Isn't it beautiful?  The day after we returned from Washington D.C. was the day of the historic 5.8 earthquake.  I could both feel it and hear the rumbling at my home.  It was a little scary.  And to top it all off, we had hurricane Irene come through last weekend.  It was quite a bit more hurricane-y than I thought it would be.  We had a full night and day of strong wind and rain.  Our yard is littered with small branches and leaves from the oak trees.

Motley Crew Quilt

My Motley Crew quilt pattern was published in the Fall 2011 issue of Quilts and More, on sale now.  The pattern starts on page 88.  If you haven't already, run out and get a copy.  The whole issue is full of fun, beautiful, and unique ideas to get your sewing spark into gear.

Snowball Blocks

Here are six of the snowball blocks that I have been busily sewing this week to make into quilted window treatments for my bedroom.  I need to make 330 blocks to complete two curtain panels.  I'm doing these in a red, white, and blue color scheme.  I would love to get these finished before the cold weather arrives.  

Hope Applique Block Pattern

I finished a "secret project" that I was working on (no, I can't show it to you now, it's a secret!)  And I finally found some time to get back to work.  Here's a photo of the latest pattern.  It's the Hope Applique Block Pattern, third in a series of five applique block patterns, Hope, Faith, Love, Peace, and Joy.  This pattern makes a 12" finished block that can be combined with the other blocks, or used on it's own.  It's written for fusible applique, but could be worked in any applique method you desire.   This block pattern is available for sale at the Curlicue Creations shop, curlicuecreations.com.

Have a super day!

Jennifer Schifano Eutsler