Thanks to all who entered the My Memories Software giveaway. Since I don’t know how to do the random generator thing, I drew a name out of a hat. And the winner is Bonnie from In Stitches With Bonnie. Congratulations Bonnie, I hope to see lots of neat journal pages in the coming weeks.
For those who didn’t win, don’t forget that you can purchase this software with a $10 discount just by entering this code {STMMMS26911}.
Thanks again for playing along, Gari
DW: My DW looks just like it did last week. All I did on that quilt was press the 5 log cabin blocks, as far as I got. Every day I planned some sewing time and every day I got sidetracked.
On my Design Ironing Board is some of the applique prep I did get to work on, a little, this week. I prepped 5 blocks of this BOM and had planned to get them on the background squares: Sunday was going to be my sewing day. I even announced this plan so I would be left alone with my “muse.” Didn’t happen. DH and I went out for breakfast and then he decided that he would get my birthday gift “now.” Since it was an iPad2, how could I say “but I want to sew.” So off we went and didn’t get back home until time for dinner. So the above is all that I got done all week. I really hope to do better this week.
Now, don’t forget the My Memories Suite giveaway, the “rules” are on the third “here” below. I have shared my insights on this digital scrapbooking software here, here and here. My aim, since I don’t scrapbook, was to see if this software was something a quilter could and would use. I really like what I can do with it and am happy to share with other quilters.
I will be drawing the winning name this evening and will notify the winner by email. If don’t win you can purchase the software at mymemories.com and if you use my code (STMMMS26911) you will receive a discount. So, everybody, join in and find a new way to use your quilts (or hobby, or family, or pets, or whatever).
And after you have checked out my giveaway, go on over to Patchwork Times to see other quilter’s beautiful work.
I will be
So today I am sharing three things: my newest creation using the My Memories software (giveaway coming next week), the above completed quilt top, and further down the quilting I am currently doing on my batik Underground Railroad quilt.
First, I really am enjoying the above software. I am beginning to be more creative in how I document the process of making my quilt tops as well as the backing and quilting ideas. For each project one creates an album in the software so it is set up to be able to have several pages with both pictures and “journaling” which I call words. I have several earlier pictures of this top in process so will add those to the “album” and hopefully will have a finished product by the time this quilt is quilted. Then, as I have just begun working on some Christmas gift ideas, I also plan to start albums for them which I can’t show you since occasionally family members read this blog. 
Quilting on the Underground Railroad is coming along nicely. As of last evening I have completed a little over half of the quilt. I am quilting it lengthwise, 107”, so it takes me quite a while to do one pass.
This is the pantograph I am using. It is somewhat complicated as there are several switchbacks. Just about the time you think you are moving along toward the end, the thing takes you back in the direction you came from.
I really like how the teal thread looks on the different fabrics. I use a poly thread so it shines on the darker fabrics and blends or shows off on the lighter fabrics.
This is the panto I am using. I found it at a guild sale table at a quilt show ($1) and I really like how it looks on my quilt.
And what is this, you might ask. Well, this is the stage set for Hal Holbrook’s Mark Twain. We went to see him Saturday night. We were not allowed to take pictures during the performance so I shot this before he came out. I have to say that I have always enjoyed Mr. Holbrook’s performances but this was wonderful and I now have a new appreciation for Mark Twain. If you have a chance to see this performance, run, don’t walk, to get your ticket.
I hope to work on my Christmas gifts, finish quilting URR, make a backing for the above quilt, plan a setting for another set of swap blocks, and get caught up on my BOMs. Opps, I think I am setting myself up for failure. But if I can get a little done on most of them, I will really be happy.
And another thing that makes me happy is visiting Judy’s blog at Patchwork Times and seeing what other quilters are making.
I have never wanted to be a scrapbooker. Our children are all grown and 3 of the 4 live a long distance away so we don’t get to be with them or their children often. However, a new program that offers digital scrapbooking has come along and I think it is going to be a great way to document my quilts, pets, travels, etc., as well as a way to create some really interesting quilt labels and maybe even to add some visual interest to my blog (as if it needed it, huh?).
Above is my first try with the My Memories Suite. In this page I am using a premade template that comes with the software (there appear to be hundreds of them). I was able to manipulate everything on the page that was already there and to add my own “stuff.” If I read the opening page right, when I have become more familiar with the software, I will be able to create my own templates but for now, using what is there seems best to me.
What is also cool about this program is that I can save my page, print my page, and/or post or email my page.
I am going to play with this for a week or two and then My Memories Suite is going to let me offer one for a giveaway. I will be practicing and plan to be posting about it a few more times before the giveaway. Stay tuned to learn and get excited about this new creative software.
