Mystery Quilt on Design Wall

I put the blocks up on the design wall. First I started with the 16 major blocks. 

Then I added the 9 inner blocks...

And last, I added the edging triangles. Voila!!

Lots of tiny pieces in this quilt!!

The next step will be to see all the blocks together. And lastly to add borders and quilt it. Phew!!

Mystery Quilt - oops!

I began laying out the Easy Street Mystery Quilt and found mistakes!  One is very noticeable, the other vet subtle. Can you tell the difference?

Mystery Quilt - Part 8

I finally finished the blocks for the Easy Street Mystery Quilt by Bonnie Hunter. I love her instructions as they include pictures and how-to information. 

Now it will be lay out time. Got the display wall all cleaned off. 

Wish me luck!!

Usery Mountain Park Hike

A group of us, Mel and Shayne, Nancy and Bob, Cathy, Don and I hiked the Wind Cave at Usery. The total distance was 3 miles with an elevation change of 600 feet and took 2 hours.  

We wanted to do a shorter hike today as we have supper and entertainment tonight. Lots of nice scenery once again. 

Golfed at Painted Mountain

Albert, Joyce, Don and I golfed nine holes at Painted Mountain. A few holes on the course have spectacular views of Red Mountain. It was the first golf game of the 2014 season for me. I had some good hits, along with a lot of duffs, but it was fun. I even got a birdie on the last hole. (That is if you don't count the first tee off that landed in the water!  Oh well, it was only a Blaine Pedersen ball. Where would I get that!?)

Kiwi Friends

Last week on our Peralta hike we met Annabel and Jeff from New Zealand. They had been living in Connecticut for the last few months and were in Arizona as part of a month tour here before heading back home. Annabel is a Professor of Social Work in Christchurch and was here on sabbatical doing research. Jeff is an addictions counsellor and took a leave of absence from his job to be with Annabel. They are very knowledgable and interesting people who are well traveled. 

Mel organized us to get together for a visit a few days after the hike. We chatted on their deck, then drove out to Las Sendas for supper on the outdoor deck. It was a wonderful evening. Thanks again to Mel who is such a great organizer!!

Less Than Happy with Less Than Traditional!!

Last week I bought a pattern and ruler to make a Less Than Traditional quilt. I was very excited to buy the equipment as I saw a sample at the Bernina dealer two blocks away from me. It was gorgeous. It was the first time I had been in Mrs. B's Quilt Shop and was anxious to support the local owner, Madonna.

After reading and rereading the pattern numerous times, Annette and I attempted a large 4 circle patch. After being frustrated with the directions, templates and ruler we did manage to accomplish  one 4 circle patch. Then we went on to try the Seminole Table Runner. 

First, we had to make our own medium sized templates as they were not included. Then we had to adapt the batting sizes, slit size and folded edge size. None of which were included in the booklet of instructions!!  Egad!!  I can't believe this pattern was published and a second edition put out without better instructions!!

I managed to get the Seminole Table Runner finished today and have made notes throughout the pattern book to improve on and remember for next time. However, with the negative way I feel towards this project, I may never do another one!!

Book and ruler.

First project.

Would have preferred the opposite colour way.

Finally done the table runner.

This is the underside.  Could use it this way in a pinch.

Peralta Hike

Mel and Shayne were willing to go on another hike with us. We drove south east of us towards Gold Canyon, then headed into the desert to the trail head.

The Peralta hike was rated easy and was set at a distance of 2 and a half miles. Seemed like more than that!  Must have been measured as the crow flies!!  Took us four and a half hours. 

It was a gorgeous view when we reached the saddles as we could see for miles in each direction. There we had a little snack and a rest before heading back down. 

The trailhead for three different hikes.

We hiked Peralta Canyon, Trail #102.

Shaynes hand (on right) showing Freemont Saddle where we hiked to.

Don's hand on left showing the Flatiron where Shayne and Mel hiked to last spring.

Craggy peaks and blue skies on route

Enjoying a pause on the trail.

Yes, we do go all the way to the top of the vee ahead of us.

Near the top of the trail, looking back at where we have been.

Our summit at 3766 feet, Freemont Saddle, overlooks Weavers' Needle.

A climb of about 1400 feet over 2 1/2 miles.

Weavers' Needle has a peak of 4553 feet.

Hedgehog Cactus blooming.

Spent blossom head from a yucca plant

The eye on the trail.

Tortilla Flats with Youngs

Took a drive out to Tortilla Flats with Glenn and Annette. It was a gorgeous warm day. Unfortunately, the boat that tours in Canyon Lake, Dolly, was all booked up, or we would have gone for a ride.

Stopped at the town of Tortilla Flats and had a drink while the Tortilla Flats Band played. The band really is good. They often have people show up and jam with them. This time a gentleman joined in with his harmonica and later a woman sang backup vocals. Both really good. 

Later that night we went out to Vito's Italian Restaurant for Valentines Day supper. There was a total of twelve of us all from Manitoba. Great visit and meal!

Don, Glenn and Annette at the Canyon Lake overlook.

Annette trying out her 'new look' in the saloon washroom!

Here is one little 'squirt'.

Here are a couple!!

Another shocking couple.  

(Guy watching doesn't look too impressed?!)

Long Arm Quilting Workshop

Annette and I were able to book a workshop for the two of us at 35th Avenue and Sewing in Phoenix. The instructor showed us how to use rulers and templates on the long arm machine. She began with horizontal and vertical strait lines and then crosshatching. Then we moved on to circles, scallops and curves. It was very informative!  Three hours of instruction for just the two of us. What a great learning experience!!

Annette and Vicki during the Rulers and Templates Long Arm workshop.

Our first attempt at crosshatching.  Pretty good!!

Curved lines using circle templates.

Annette using the scalloped template.

Playing with Dyes

Marj came over today and joined Annette and I. We played with the dyes Marj and I bought at the Phoenix AQS Quilt Show. It was a gorgeous day, so we worked on the back deck. Fun!!