We want pics,girl!!

I'm glad you liked your block. I loved it when I finished it.

Vicky

I am so glad you like it. I still struggle with my applique.

beverly

I just got my machine back from the shop. They guy couldn't fix it, has some electrical problem in the circuit board he says, but he says I can still use it for applique so I should be able to get your block done in the next week or so. Have to finish my boy blocks first.

Amy

Okay, I've finally caught up with my washing and it sure feels good to be home again!

I received another birthday delivery in the mail today.
Thank you so much NanaJayne. The blocks are so beautiful.
You even sent me an extra one. You are so sweet and talented too!

Here's pictures of the blocks I've received so far, take a look for yourselves and you'll agree I'm so lucky and the girls in my groups, the Calico Queens and Blockhounds are veeery good!

Here's the ones from the Calico Queens: Lappemor, GrammyP, Vicky 4X4, SandyS,and NanaJayne. NanaJayne hand appliqued the block with the tulips and butterflies!
GrammyP, it sure don't look your struggling, infact, these all look like professional Appliquers to me.
Lappemor and GrammyP

NanaJayne:

Here are the two from the Blockhounds group I've received:
Caroline1947 and Amazingcm.
They are so beautiful1 Caroline also hand appliqued the block she sent me.

Caroline1947 and Amazingcm

When I asked for Springtime thymes, you all knew just what I had in mind and then some.

You have to agree, they are all exceptional!!

Thank you again,
doris

Thanks for the pictures, they are all very springy. Love Nanajane's butterflies, are they needleturn?

beverly

I forgot to thank you Beverly for the beautiful fabrics you sent with your block. i also love the card.

doris

Love the blocks you have received! I made your block today (from Calico Queens) and I should get it mailed to you tomorrow.
Enjoy your birthday!
Jeanne

You are most welcome.

beverly

I have mailed your block to you today. I hope you enjoy it.

Tamie

Doris, I'm so glad you posted those pictures because I've been dragging my feet on this one. I have a mental block about applique. I do have some ideas now and hopefully I can get it done this afternoon and in the mail on Monday.

Hey girl....is it your Birthday? I think not, :)!
Mailed your block today.
Weird thing is that I love applique, but I'm not as
good at it as I'd like, so I hope it's OK.
Jill

Hi Everyone!

I think I just may be happy when Summer is finally over. I've stayed on the road more this year than I ever do. I just got back from a couple days in Longview. When I got home, here's what I had. It's so fun to run to my desk to see what packages have arrived!!
From the Blockhounds Group:
I received a block and the most darling little purse from Janet (AlabamaJanet) the picture does not do it justice. The block is so pretty and the purce is just the right size to carry my needle work supplies in. Thank you !
Speaking of supplies, Nancy ( Stitches) sent me a marking pen along with the beautiful block she made. How did you know I was needing one? Thank you so much.

From the Calico Queens Group, I received a block from Jeanne (SandLapper_Rose) I haven't seen a block pieced like this one is. the green part of the flower is loose on the bottom and so is the upper part of the yellow.
I think I would love to try and make some of these. I absolutely love it.

Thank you all for all the work you've put in on my blocks. I can tell you all have taken special care to choose the perfect blocks for me. I really do feel special.

GrammyP: Yes, the butterflies on NanaJayne's are needleturned and done perfectly I might add!!

I also want to thank Carolyn and Grace for the book markers you sent too.
Here's the blocks:

BLOCKHOUNDS:

And my little purse from Janet :)

It's lined with the same purple and green stripe fabric that is in my block!

CALICO QUEENS:

I wish you could see the loose parts of this block, it's darling.

Thanks again ya'll!
doris

Fran, I know you'll do a great job on anything you choose to do. I use to wouldn't even look at a pattern if it was appliqued, now I love to do it. I'm not all that good yet, but I keep on and hopefully someday, I will be able to turn out applique as good as I've received this year for my birthday quilt!

Doris,
I'm glad my block got there okay and that you like it. I worried because I sent one that was not applique - and then decided that the way I do applique it was more important that the block be one that you could make a part of your quilt than that it be appliqued. Once I reached that decision, I just tried to pick out a design that would blend in. (You can always stitch around part of it to make it look more like an appliqued block.)
I guess you also figured out that is larger than 12 1/2 x 12 1/2. LOL I left it a little larger so you could trim it down as needed. The more that I thought about it, I didn't seem to follow any of the instructions. Don't know what was up with me!
This was the first time I tried the folded fabrics - in the green and the yellow pieces. Just glad it worked. I did not have instructions for that... The block itself was called Magnolia and I don't even think that is a Spring flower... like I said, did I do anything right? After all that, just so glad you like it!
Now I have probably scared everyone else who is on the Calico Queens list for the rest of the year...
Have a very Happy Birthday,
Jeanne

Hi Doris, Your birthday blocks are in the mail today. It was my first time trying applique- so it is a little rough. I guess if you don't look too close it's OK. I sent a pieced block too- only because I'm not so sure about my applique block. :0) Hope you have a very Happy Birthday! JudyLee

Doris,
So many beautiful blocks! I love them all!

Vicky is your hummingbird an original or is it something you would share the pattern for or tell us where you found it? The simplicity is stricking.

Talent is just oozing here!

TFS
Sally

Hi Doris Thanks so much for posting what everyone has sent. They all look so great! Its fun to see everyones ideas. Well done everyone! I sent mine last Friday. I hope you get it soon.

Nina

I'm glad you received your block. I work for the post office and haven't had anything get lost or damaged but there is always a first time. I found a great tutorial for the cosmetic bag, I've made a few of these, they are so easy. I'm so glad you found a quilting use for it. All your blocks look so cheerful.

Janet

Doris, my block is going to be late. I hate to say that and I don't think I've ever been late in doing this for about three years, but things have been upsetting around here lately. My 97 year old mother died two weeks ago next Thursday. I hope to get it ready in the next few days.
Pat

Oh Pat, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. I know this is a tough time for you. I lost my mother 30 years ago when she was only 49 to cancer. I still think of her everyday. She made all her own clothes and for me and my sister when we were little. It gives me peace to sit down to sew. I think she would be happy to know that she has given me a passion that she had. I hope you have peace. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Janet

You block went in the mail yesterday.

Doris - I know I sent you a PM letting you know that the block was on its way - hopefully you will receive it tomorrow or Friday - unfortunately I'll be away for about 10 days and wont have a chance to see your comments or photo of it with the others till I get back -I hope you like it as its a bit differient from the rest !-)

Doris - i just wanted to let you know your block will be a little late. i have started it, i goofed up and thought it was due on the 16th - so sorry!! But i have started it so i will get it done and mailed off as soon as i can! i hope it's worth the wait!

Hi Doris, I was wondering if you got my block yet? I sent it on Thursday.

Thanks, Tamie

Hi everyone!!

I guess I am just the luckiest person around!!
My birthday blocks are all so awesome it's hard not to start setting them together before they're all in.

I'll start by saying THANK YOU!

Here is the block from Littlefire (Ethne). She did a wonderful job making the block. She stitched it about 1/16 inch from the edge so that when I have my quilt set together and I wash it, each of the flowers will have a soft fray on the edges. The fabrics she used are beautiful. Isn't that a unique birthday block?
I do want to apologize for my poor photography skills. It doesn't give the blocks the justice they deserve!

CALICO QUEENS: Littlefire (Ethne)

From the Blockhounds group, I received blocks from Nina (sew_self-taught, Tammi (bozogardener), Jill (easystitches),and Fran (fran1523).

Nina sent me these two beautiful blocks. I think she captured me in both blocks. Both blocks are embroidery applique. Both blocks are done so perfectly! I love the colors of both although they are so differant. The sixties block taps into the crazy young girl that is still alive and well in me and the beautiful tulip with the soft spring time spuares surrounding it taps into the grown up me. You have to agree this is exactly what I was thinking when I requested "spring time theme". I love them both.

BLOCKHOUNDS; Nina (sew_self-taught)

This tulip block is from Tamie (bozogardener).
This is what she told me about the block she made.

"This tulip is adapted from a painting by Elsie Katherine Dykes, who illustrated a book by her husband "Notes on the Tulip Species" around the beginning of the 1900's"

I wish my photography skills were better, because the needle turn on this block is absolutely perfect and the colors are awesome.
Tammie, thank you for the hardwork and effort you put into making such a beautiful block. It's truly unbelievable!

Jill (easystitches), this block is so cute with the bumblebee and the needle turn applique is perfect. Where in the world did you find a bumblebee!? When I was planning my setting strips, I had decided to applique some bumblebees around the quilt top. How did you know? It's perfect!!

BLOCKHOUNDS: Jill (easystitches)

Patti (patti60) I love the pieced block you sent me. The roses are beautiful and I love the colors you chose to set the block together with. What is the name of the block? I love it. I also love teh fabrics. The Green is one of the colors I'm considering to set my quilt together with. This block is perfectly pieced and so beautiful. Thank you so much Patti, I love it!!

Fran, This dogwood is gorgous! I love the way you used the invisible thread to applique it and the colors are just right! The fact you appliqued your favorite spring time flower for my birthday block makes it even more special to me. Thank you so much, I love it.

BLOCK HOUNDS: Patti (Patti60) and Fran (Fran1523):

I don't feel I have expressed myself well enough to convey what each and every block I have received means to me. This is such a special birthday, and you guys have made it so.

Thank you so much!

doris

Hi Doris

You are receiving the most amazing blocks! I said it earlier but I am really loving what everyone is doing! We have such great groups!

Nina

Doris, the blocks are beautiful. You are a lucky gal to have received them.I'm not in the birthday swaps but I love looking at all the pics. TFS.
~Geraldine

Your blocks are beautiful and so unique. TFS.

Doris,

I have yours designed and ready to start cutting the pieces. My machine is back from the shop and I am going to work on it tomorrow and hopefully get it done.

Amy

Doris ~ I am so sorry that your birthday block from me will be late. I totally forgot about it and have been out of town for nearly two weeks. I will let you know when I get it done and sent (hopefully by the end of next week).

Please accept my sincere apology.

Warm regards,
Liz

Doris, did you get the block that I sent? I sent it last Wed. and worry til I hear that it got to where it is supposed to go to. I posted on the other site and probably should have done it here.
Pat

Hi everyone!!

I have almost all of my blocks from both swaps.

Amy, and Liz, I'm not worried, I always see the whole month of August as my "Birthday month" I have never had to share it with anyone in my family except my Grandfather and we considered August as Our Month!

Here is what I have received in the past few days.

CALICO QUEENS:

This one is from Angie (Froggyquilter) A beehive! She added little buttons in the center of the flowers which are so darling. Thank you Angie for the work you've put into my block.
I love it and the bumble bee is so cute!

This one is from MaryP. I love the kites. She pieced the kites from bright springtime fabrics before appliquing them. the kite tails are embroidered with varigated thread. Mary, they are Perfect. When my Mom saw them, she said I should frame it for my wall. My Mom is enjoying watching as my blocks come in so much, I may have to get her to help me set them together. which is a great idea!

I love my kites Mary you did great!Talk about spring!

These next two are from Judylee59. Judy, Thank you so much for the extra block. I find myself hardpressed to decide which I like better. They are both done so well. I love them and lillies, crocuses, and violets remind me of springtime too. Each year, the crocus heralds the coming of spring and always pick their heads through just when we need that reminder that spring is not far off. Thank you again!!

This next one is from Tinyteena:

Kristene, you did a wonderful job on the lazy daisy! and the little ceremic bumble bee is so cute. I love the varigated colors in the leaves. I don't know where you got that fabric, but it is awesome. Thank you so much!!

BLOCKHOUNDS:

This one is from Patruth:
Pat, I love Sunbonnet Sue patterns. You did such an awesome job on her. I love the embroidered flowers you incorporated on the ground and around her dress and bonnet. The added little butterfly is so perfect. Thank you!

Pat also sent me a package of Sun Bonnet Sue embroidery patterns. She remembered that I collect them.
Pat, my block is wonderful:

You all have to admit, that all my blocks are so great!

I love them all.
I almost have all the blocks from both Calico Queens and Blockhounds and my design wall is truely lacking space!

I'll take a picture of all them together when I get the last two blocks. No pressure, honestly.

My cousins from Virginia left yesterday, and that should be the last of the visitors for a while.
What an unusual summer, I have either been gone or had company from the very beginining.

School starts here on the 25th. To tell the truth, it makes me sad, because I don't feel as if Stephanie and I had very much time together, just the two of us.

Is it me, or do the days seem to have fewer hours that they use to?

Thanks everyone for all the wonderful blocks you've sent me!!

I LOVE THEM!!!

doris

WOW, what a great collection. That will be one glorious quilt.

beverly

Hi everyone!

I haven't been online much lately, but I thought I'd check in and post the latest block I've received.
Amy, thank you for my block.
The colors are perfect and so is the fabrics.
I really love it.

Blockhounds Amcfeely:

Yours make the last of the Blockhounds.
I have only one from Calico Queens I haven't received yet.

I'm looking forward to putting all my beautiful blocks togetherl

Thank you everyone!

doris