Beginning the New Year Right (grin)

Okay, I couldn't help myself. After all, it's still a holiday and technically I'm "off" and can do what I want right? I know, I know, there's dishes that need to be done, the bathroom could use a little attention, not to mention that mound of paperwork I keep ignoring...but what can I say? I was having withdraws!

My longarm needed me. It was calling my name when I woke up this morning. Begging me not to send a 9 patch pieced UNQUILTED top out as a class sample. Pleading with me that surely I could be diligent enough and stay focused long enough on a holiday to quilt a class sample. After all, how long could it take to put on borders and load a quilt?

Well, longer than I thought, but well worth the efforts! Not only did I have a fabulous day just me and my A-1, but I'm sorta proud of the result...and inspired a little too. More on that in a minute.

Thought I'd share the 'funny' photo first...the blooper so to speak....

I think I caught Pixxie thinking of her payday while she was working...but being the professional that she is, she quickly straighten up and took her job seriously.

Ta Da. Here's my little quilt. My class sample for the upcoming "Prairie Claw" Square in a Square class in Feb. at Cactus Quilts in Texas City. I think I'm calling this my "tic tac toe" see if you can see why (smile).

There's O's (triple feather wreath)

and x's (Renae's amazing rays)

The lighting isn't the best this time of night...but I think you can tell that I had fun today....did I mention ALLLLLL day! I did get a movie and a late dinner date - a wonderful way to start of my new year -- I love date nights!

Oh, and of course there's the signature butterfly in the border....

So, here's my "inspiration" and justification to boot. Remember I cut out enough fabric to make this a queen size quilt (sigh) so instead of needing to recut these five blocks I've decided that my goal for this year will be to make 5 identical quilts and quilt them up different ways! Wouldn't that be cool? Show an all-over design, a simple custom, different threads, who knows! But wouldn't that be cool? Maybe someone should take my temperature (grin).

Yes, it's been a Happy New Year. Looking forward to wonderful things in 2009. I'll leave you with a quote sent to me by Nevrdun (my friend on a farm in TN who is 'never done') ...

Advice for the New Year from a 1918 edition of "Successful Farming" . . .

"We are apt to measure a year by what we get out of it. We should, rather, measure it by what we put into it. Move into the New Year as you would into a new house. Carry with you only what is attractive or useful and make a bonfire of the old rubbish . . . chiefly useless memories and regrets."