Giving QOV's and Clue #3..............

Blessed Christmas greetings everyone!

I have to tell you all how proud, honored, and humbled I am to give our Quilts of Valor we created from the block drive to deserving Veterans.  The Perky Piecer's Quilt Guild in Troy, Missouri asked if I would come to honor some awesome Veterans and present some Quilts of Valor from the block drive.  If you recall, this guild really helped get a lot of these tops done.  Some of their members volunteered to quilt and bind them, and my friend Joanie offered to sew the labels on.  Once again, all Quilts of Valor presented from the block drive is in affiliation with Quilts of Valor, Eastern Missouri.

This Viet Nam Veteran was moved beyond words after receiving his Quilt of Valor.

But, he and his wife were most appreciative.

Kim did the beautiful quilting!  Thanks Kim!

This Viet Nam Veteran was surprised by his daughter.  He thought he was going to look at antique fire trucks!  I have to add that this Veteran came to me after the presentations and broke down.  He was so thankful to have received this Quilt of Valor as a thank you.  He was actually spit on when he returned from Viet Nam.

Pat did the beautiful quilting on this one!  Thanks Pat!

This gentleman is a double Purple Heart recipient  and WWII Veteran,... and quite the character!  He was very moved when he spoke after the presentations and couldn't wait to use his Quilt of Valor!

Pat did the beautiful quilting on this one as well!

This Viet Nam Veteran told me he was shy, and didn't want to be in front of anyone for too long.  His smile tells me he likes his Quilt of Valor though!  This is my friend Joanie's husband.  When we were going through all of the blocks to make them into quilts, these blocks were placed to the side because they weren't included in the drawing.  It definitely wasn't that I didn't like them, they just didn't follow the instructions to be entered into the drawing, but, I certainly appreciated receiving them.  I can't remember who made them.....but, here they are made into a beautiful quilt of Valor along with some of the blocks from the drive.  I think it turned out really great too!  

My friend Bev pieced and quilted it beautifully!

It was a really great presentation, and we all had a really nice time.  My parents were able to join me for this one because I brought them to my home to do some Christmas shopping during the week when it isn't as busy in the mall and stores.  After the presentations were over, I was asked to come to the front once again, and the guild as a whole gave me this.........

Kitty Litter?????????  

How thoughtful?????

Then..............

I was told to look inside it!!!!!!!

SCRAPS!!!!!

SCRAPS!!!!!

AND MORE SCRAPS!!!!!!

This truly was so thoughtful of Perky Piecers!  THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

I just may have to join this guild!

Bonnie Hunter shared with us Clue #3 on Friday for her "Grand Illusion" mystery quilt.  This clue is one that allowed me to use a variety of scraps as well as my AccuQuilt Studio!!!!  I am beyond pleased with this investment!  I am getting great cuts, and it IS true what they say........Better cuts, make better quilts!  I have been right on the money with my measurements thus far!  HALLELUJAH!  

Let's take a look at clue #3, shall we?

I am substituting Silver/Grey for Bonnie's Green.  Neutral is still neutral

You all know, I LOVE highlights and low lights, and I like for there to be a little sparkle in there!

I used the AccuQuilt Studio to cut my strip units as well, just like Bonnie does sometimes!

I LOVE THIS TOY!!!!!

This was a lot faster than if I had cut with a rotary cutter.

I love seeing all of the variety of fabrics!

And here is a sampling of my completed Clue #3 units.

Once again, I am using Navy for Bonnie's Black.

It is a little hard to see in this photo, but, the navy shows up nicely against the grey in person.

Linking up with Bonnie's Mystery Monday Link Up Part 3!

2,320 pieces used thus far!!!!!!

Oh.....and...............remember........

Only 10 more shopping days until Christmas!!!!!!

My momma sure does love to shop!

Glad Christmas Tidings to all!

Thanks for all of the encouragement!!!!!

Kevin the Quilter

It's the holiday season..........."Grand Illusion" clue #2........

It's the holiday season........

Do you know how I can tell?????

I attended my sister's annual Madrigal Dinner!

My sister with my niece and nephew.

And, yes, in case you are wondering,  I did make my sister's and niece's costumes.

My sister is a very talented choral director.  I really admire her for all she does for her students.  She allows them to have a little different perspective during the Christmas season by having her high school students present a Madrigal Dinner, complete with costumes, acting and singing.  This is a really cool event to attend, and it is super awesome since my niece is in high school and participates in it.  My sister even lets my nephew get in on the act........and trust me.......he has some mad dancing moves........even to Renaissance music! LOL  You had to have been there!!!!!

My apologies for the blurry photos.......it's hard to get good photos in such a large dark area!!!!!!

 My niece performed as a maiden by the name of "Gossages."

Here she is being scrutinized by the court jester as the Royal Court looks on.

I wish you could hear the beautiful music that was performed!

These students worked so hard, and it really paid off, because now......

I have found my Christmas Spirit this year!

My great room all decked out for Christmas!

The office tree is even up!!!!!!

 My handsome boy Valentino loves sitting under the office tree.

I have to admit, he is a REALLY good cat.....I  have never seen him bat at ornaments

or climb up in the tree.........EVER!  Santa usually rewards him well for being such a good boy!

 Sophia Annabella is in her Christmas bow......for this photo only!

Gracie Lu is such a good model!  LOL

I hope you all are enjoying the holiday season thus far?  I couldn't seem to get in the Christmas spirit this time last year?????

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..............

The second clue for Bonnie Hunter's "Grand Illusion" mystery came out on Friday..........

Linking up with Bonnie's Mystery Monday Link Up Part 2!

DOUBLE DIAMONDS!

This was a fun block to make and I LOVE the variety I am going to get in these blocks!

I cannot begin to tell you how much Bonnie's SCRAP USER'S SYSTEM helps!

I am a firm believer in it, and if you haven't thought about organizing your scraps,

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE follow this LINK!

I was able to cut these rectangles out lickety split for this part of the unit from 2.5" strips that were already cut!

Here is a sampling of the reds I am going to use for this clue's unit.

Truth be told.......this was such a busy, jam packed weekend for me, all I have done is the one test block!  But, I do have all of the pieces cut and marked.  My parents are visiting me, and I am going to take them Christmas shopping this week, so I will just have to work on Clue #2 as I have time this week.  I will definitely have them finished by Friday when clue #3 comes out!

How are you coming along on Bonnie's Mystery?

If you aren't doing the mystery, what are you working on?

Thanks for all of the encouragement! 

Kevin the Quilter

"OPA!" Grand Illusion Clue #1.............

"I have handled more "broken dishes" than the clean up crew for a Greek wedding!"  Kevin the Quilter

The quilt block kind!
100 "Broken Dishes" units.

Alas dear friends.........Bonnie Hunter's Quiltville Mystery, FINALLY arrived on Black Friday!

"GRAND ILLUSION"
Linking up with Bonnie's "MYSTERY MONDAY LINK UP!"

Truth be told, I stared at the countdown clock on my blog for countless hours awaiting the first clue's arrival.  I was almost able to complete my version of Bonnie's "Blue Ridge Beauty."  But, had trouble with one of the borders, so that will be fixed this week with photos to follow.  With the protests in the metro St. Louis area, staying in on Black Friday was a no brainer.  After a wonderful Thanksgiving with family, I drove back home on Thanksgiving night.

We had a really great Thanksgiving meal together and a really nice visit.

I hope you all did the same with your family and friends!

I was able to get this week's clue finished and am VERY excited to see where Bonnie takes us next! It took me a little longer for clue #1 this year, and I think that is because I am challenging myself to only use the same scrap fabrics 10 times or less for each color in each unit in this scrappy quilt with the exceptions of gold (constant) and navy(simply because I am more limited with this color).  I have to say, I am REALLY enjoying my color scheme.  Perhaps more so than in previous years?  Maybe it is the placement and possibilities in this first clue????? I don't know what it is.........it is THE SAME color scheme I have used for:

"Easy Street"

and

  

"Celtic Solstice"

For those of you who may not know, I choose a patriotic color scheme for Bonnie's mystery quilts, and donate them to Quilts of Valor.  My colors are:

Yellow for Yellow

Neutral for Neutral

Navy for Black

Red for Pink

Blue for Turquoise

Silver for Green

Shall we take a look at Clue #1 in photos?

Hmmmmmmm....... I really love this last layout!  That could be the basis for a whole other quilt for me to make!  I really love working on Bonnie's mystery every year.  It affords me the opportunity to meet quilters from around the globe that share the same passion I have.  I love seeing everyone's work as well.  Cutting all of the strips and squares for this clue on my new AccuQuilt Studio sure did help the process!

Oh, and.............I have the 80 additional half square triangle units completed as well!

760 PIECES THUS FAR!!!!!

Thanks for all of the encouragement!
Press on Quiltvillians!
Kevin the Quilter

Thanksgiving week........ "GRAND ILLUSION" Mystery Countdown.........

First, I would like to say how very thankful I am for the many friendships I have made through my blogging endeavors!  This year has been a "biggie" in terms of my blog with the QOV Block Drive! Thank you for being a part of my life and passion!

I would like to take this time to wish each and every one of you at home and abroad....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I will be travelling to my parent's home this week to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family.  I hope wherever you are, and however you celebrate, it is the best ever!

Now......

For all of you "Bonniacs" out there..........

Not that we are that excited or anything..........

But, just so you can keep track of time for the "Grand Illusion" mystery...........

Thanks for all of the encouragement!
Happiest of Thanksgivings to you and your's!
Kevin the Quilter

Bonnie UFO Challenge...........

Many of you may know that Jo of  Jo's Country Junction is hosting a

Bonnie UFO Challenge!!!!

This is to encourage many of us "Bonniacs" to complete one or more of our works in progress that uses one of Bonnie Hunter's patterns before her much awaited.......

Grand Illusion Mystery.

I have to be honest......I wasn't sure if I would be able to participate or not before the start of this particular UFO challenge due to a ton of stuff going on here at my home.  And selecting one UFO to finish out of the 3 I have going on was hard.  But, I have risen to the challenge, and I believe I WILL be able to get my version of Blue Ridge Beauty completed before Nov 28th!

All laid out!

This is a massive quilt!  Sorry for my inept photo!

I had to use the floor as my design wall!

I am taking this in quadrants!

I like the "shortest seam" way to make a quilt, so this was my best option.

And here is the lower left corner of the quilt on my design wall.

This would make a cute baby quilt, wouldn't it?

This quilt is going to a very special cousin that gave me our grandmother's treadle machine!

You can read about that here !
She's a little nuts over the University of Kentucky!
This will be the backing and the binding.

4 Corners of Blue Ridge Beauty, in 4 days, and then pick out the borders!

I am UP for that challenge!  

Thanks Jo for hosting this event!

Thanks for all of the encouragement!

Kevin the Quilter

Veteran's Day Week.........

I truly feel this sentiment every day of the year!
But, I am thankful that we designate a day to specifically honor our U.S. Military Veterans.

Did you all know my friend Alycia of Alycia Quilts is hosting a block drive for Quilts of Valor?
Well, she is!  And, this is a super duper easy block that will help you use up some of your 2 1/2" strips!

Here is a sampling of some of my blocks!

You need to turn your blocks into her before November 30th!

There is still time to participate and win some great prizes!

To learn more, go to this link:  Alycia Quilts 2014 Block Drive.

Best wishes with your drive Alycia!

What else happened this past week????

After an assembly for Veterans at my niece's high school, the students were let out for the day.  I have long awaited the day I could take my niece shopping to buy her first formal!  It has been a deal in the making with my sister since she was a baby!  You all know I am a pageant fanatic!  The closest I am going to get to see my niece in a pageant is by her wearing a formal for her Junior/Senior Prom. She just didn't inherit the pageant bug like I did!  I realize you all may be thinking.......it is REALLY early to be shopping for a prom dress?  Please realize, my niece has NEVER tried on a formal, so we had no idea what size to be looking for or which colors would look good on her.  And there is usually a pretty lengthy lead time if you buy something custom.  So, I loaded up my niece, sister, mom, and friend Mike, and away we went into the world of evening gowns!

My niece, Hannah, and my long time pageant friend, Peggy.

Of course I have a few connections in the pageant world, so I had to take Hannah to go visit one of my long time pageant friends, Peggy.  Peggy owns The Bunny Patch in Dexter, Missouri.  She has a great selection of gowns for all ages and sizes.  She is in the middle of a magnificent renovation.  Her shop is going to be........AMAZEBALLS!  Thanks to Peggy, Hannah had a really fun time trying on her first formal and seeing all of  the lovely gowns.  This was a special memory we will all be able to savor. 

We were also able to have lunch with someone who is very special to me and my family.  My dear pageant friend Flo.  Once you meet Flo you have met a friend for life.  She has taught me so many lessons about pageants, not to mention life in general!  She has endured more in her life than most could handle, and ALWAYS has a positive attitude.  I have definitely learned from her, the glass is half full!  I am so glad that Hannah has someone like Flo to look up to as well!

What do the next two photos have in common?

Well, they were both  MAJOR purchases I made recently!

One not so fun, and the other one REALLY fun!  

My washer of 16 years decided it wanted to retire!  I had it since I was in college.  Was that really 16 years ago?  REALLY?????  Anywho......I went to purchase a new matching set.  I will reserve judgment on how well I like this new set until I simmer down from the annoying delivery process!  I was delivered 3 damaged units before I finally received ones without scratches and dents!

GRRRRRRRRRR!  

Now onto my Accuquilt Studio..............which I am in love with by the way!  When my blogging friend Wanda of Exuberant Color informed me that AccuQuilt was having a tremendous sale on start up bundles for the Studio, I bit...........HARD!  I have long wanted the Studio, and love to work with strips.  I just had to..........really, I had to!  I have been having so much fun playing with it.  Now, it is time to get down to the nitty gritty and really cut some of my stash up for future projects.

LORD! HAVE! MERCY!

I can't believe I am showing this image, but, this is what I am going to attempt to tame!

In the process, I am redoing my sewing space.  I need it to be more efficient, and more

appealing to my eye than just bare basement walls.  Storage boxes, more shelving and such.  

I am very thankful that I have this space.  It is just time to spruce it up!

My mother asked me what I wanted Santa to bring me for Christmas this year.........

 
Happy Veteran's Day EVERY DAY!
Happy sewing!
Thanks for all of the encouragement!
Kevin the Quilter