Goodbye 2011....

What a beautiful day out there! This has been such a crazy weather year - earthquake, hurricane, snow at Halloween, 60 degrees at Thanksgiving...it's almost fitting that it's so warm. Wishing all the mamas  and their families a wonderful end to 2011 and happiness and health in 2012. Pam - I waved to you this morning - I was in Delaware - only as far as Hayes, DE - so you probably didn't see me! Bernadette is back after her spa treatment - and may get some work this afternoon - hopefully! Have to relay this - as a few of the mamas already qualify. Yesterday, Burkie and I decided to go to the movies. He bought the tickets so I told him I'd buy a tub of popcorn and a drink to split. Lo and behold, I'm standing in line and notice a sign on the counter - AARP deal - only $5.50 for popcorn and a large drink.....really??!!! Best popcorn I ever had. Get that card, girls! May God bless and keep each of us this year.....looking forward to many, many laughs and happy times. Piece.....

Christmas Extravaganza!!!

Ladies.....what a fun-filled evening!! So nice to see everyone.......and the Lamb was just lovely. The food was terrific but the company and conversation were even better......lots of things were discussed - even red solo cups! It was especially nice to see Pam and Scott - the beach folks. And the laughs just kept on coming at Consuelo's house. We used the good china and had wonderful desserts. The pollyanna was a smashing success - everyone received beautiful gifts. We really are a talented bunch! Enjoy the pictures.....

Pam

Mare - Pam made her a snowman runner - so cute!

This is Pam's gift from Lori - fits her perfectly.

A star ornament for Consuelo - a Windmill memento.

The original star - with a new life....

You're the worst pirate in the world - because you're a girl......made for Jean by Maureen. This will make me laugh for the rest of my life!

A wall-hanging for Cathy...made by Jean.

A cool sprocket pillow made for Dolores by Cathy - and it came with a cute pin cushion.

Lori got a beautiful, rich-looking quilt made by Dolores....

Maureen received a warm, snuggly fleece quilt from Mare - for watching project runway.

Mare also made her this cute stitchery of friends drinking Wawa coffee.

Leigh Anne and Lois had each other.....

A colorful wall hanging for Lois from LA...

And a beautiful table runner for LA, made by Lois....

Hard to believe another Christmas has come and gone. The friendship that we have is special and it was beautifully illustrated in the care and thoughtfulness of the gifts that were created. Wishing all the 'mamas  many blessings in the new year.....piece.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing the mamas and their families a joyful Christmas and blessings in the New Year....

The 12 Days of Christmas

Well....there are 12 days left till Christmas. Are your ladies dancing, lords a-leaping, drummers drumming? I hope everyone is enjoying the season and not getting too stressed out. Have a cup of cheer if you are frantic.....it can't hurt! Piece.....

What do you mean, 'Bah humbug'?

Funny......and cheaper!!!

Have a nice weekend....piece.

Happy Cyber Monday!!!

If you start to feel like this.....

Remember to.....

And so it begins.......peace.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Mamas - hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. When I count my blessings, I always count the Quiltmamas. I can't imagine my life without you....safe travels. See you soon......piece.

Thoughts....

Peggy - our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your Dad was a very special man.....may your memories of him bring you peace.

Love,
the Mamas

It's official....

I'm old and have the paperwork to prove it.....we were online tonight trying to book a vacation in June.  Looking at the room rates, I noticed the AARP rate.....hello! Went to the AARP site, signed myself up, printed out my card and we saved over $100 when we booked the place. Finally - a positive to go with the aching back, creaking knees, EOD and menopausal crankiness. A good day! Hope everyone else is well. Is Kevin McCabe feeling better? He was sick last week....poor little guy. And did Kieran escape the germs? Talked with Consuelo tonight and she's recovering from her bout with little kid germs - tonsillitis and the like. Congrats to Pam and Scott for the final move to DE......it's all over but the signing. I stopped by and retrieved St. Joseph from under the bush - I have him for the next person who wants to sell a house. Although, I hope no other Quiltmama is planning on heading out of town for a while. Pam - I hope we get to see you over the holidays - and thanks for your kind Thanksgiving invitation. Lois is enjoying her new furnace, I'm sure. I can host a bee next week (Monday or Tuesday) - it should be a light homework week.....what night works for most folks? Let me know your thoughts.......enjoy the rest of the week....can you believe we're on the downside of November? Piece......

Oh, what a weekend! Early November, back in 11.......

Sorry - Frankie Valle flashback.....anyhow - what a hoot! Let's see - the trip up was a little eventful....it included a turnoff in Morgantown - homage to the Hayloft. My car just got off the exit - so we turned around and got right back on the turnpike. Stopped at Sauders.....bought some fabric - and encountered a 'Mean Quilter' - wow! She wasn't mean to us but what a witch! Moving on, walking to the car, I thought to myself - 'Don't turn too early to get on 222'....got in the car, promptly forgot and turned too early. Lori and I ended up backing up about 50 feet or so on the highway shoulder, in unison - the husbands would not have approved. What the heck?! Made it to Intercourse without further complications....went to the Country Store, Zook's, Bitty Kinna's. And, of course, to the Kling House for lunch. Made it down to Omar's before checkin...Mare, Maureen, LA and Kieran landed at the house right after we did....ahhh....nothing like unpacking and the feeling of hours of uninterrupted sewing stretching out before us. So we sat in the living room for a bit and chatted and gazed upon Kieran - so relaxing. Then the sweat shop opened and the sewing commenced. Consuelo served a sumptuous dinner - lasagna, bread with garlic dipping oil, salad - mighty good! Fortified us to continue sewing. Kieran ate like a champ the whole weekend!! Saturday was a beautiful day....sewing in the morning...showers and headed to The Iron Horse for lunch. It was delicious...as always. There were laughs, Stuart at the bar, a martini, naughty pilgrims and awesome crab soup - and Kieran slept through the whole thing. The owner lady popped in to see us right before we left. General consensus - we're going for lunch from now on. And maybe bring a nice soup for Saturday dinner. Lots of sewing, a little kitchen kettle shopping for some - and the cherry on top - we turned the clocks back on Saturday night - giving us an extra hour!!!! Oy! Sunday was just as beautiful....we had breakfast followed by show & tell and a weekend recap....packing up and the trip home. Truly the most fun 48 hours! A few decisions/facts/discussions from the weekend:

We're going to have our Christmas party/dinner at the Lamb - some night between Christmas and New Year's - followed by gift exchange/dessert at a nearby Quiltmama house - TBD....Pam - will you be able to make it?

Pollyanna gifts - something handmade - doesn't have to be a wallhanging. That was the original thought  because that would be less time-consuming. But, if you are an over-achiever and want to make something larger, feel free.

We've determined the syndrome that seems to be affecting most Quiltmamas (besides menopause) - it is EOD. There aren't a lot of fundraisers or telethons for it....Early Onset Dementia.

Between the menopausal women and the nursing Mom, the hormones were very nearly flowing out the door and down the driveway!

And now....what you've been waiting for....show & tell:

Stuart at the Iron Horse..

He couldn't get served...

Stuart hanging with LA and Kieran

Kieran - when we wouldn't let him sew...

Maureen - about to start machine quilting with Maude for the first time......scalpel!

Voila - Maureen's sudoku quilt - numerically awesome!

Lori - snowman little quilt...my favorite kind of snowman!!!

Lori's red & white string quilt - just beautiful!!!

Cathy did five Swoon blocks......why yes we will....

Still swooning....

Yes, please....

Ditto....

Can't wait to see this finished.....stunning....

Dolores - a 'crack' string quilt....and she's not done....

Dolores - this is for her sister - if she can pry it out of Dolores' hands......so rich looking....

Consuelo/Vanna showing the backing....and who is that mystery woman?

LA - 'Wonder Woman' - got this top done - amazing!

A small Santa quilt for the table frame...

A West Chester t-shirt quilt....

One of Cathy's bags - so easy.....hmmmm....it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas gifts.....

Bertha - from Three Times a Charm - using every scrap of one charm pack

I'm sure I forgot some things....please chime in. Thanks for a wonderful weekend, ladies.....we missed Lois and Pam.....hoping you can come the next time......that's it for now...piece....

exhausting funny.....

What a terrific weekend girls.....this is how I feel:

I'll post the pictures and commentary tomorrow....must sleep.......zzzzzz........

And then there was one.....

As in one day left....oy! Haven't packed a thing and was in a bit of panic this morning - what projects, how much fabric, batting, fusible fleece - yes or no? Lots of questions....can't wait to start piling up all this stuff tonight....I always go with such high hopes and too many projects - but that's part of the fun. And.......Kieran is coming!!!! And he's bringing his Mom!!!! So happy! Enjoy this perfect fall day, ladies.....it's going to take forever....piece.....

Happy Halloween.....

Where did the month of October go? I feel like I say that every month.....any big plans for the Halloween weekend? I think this is the first year I won't have anyone trick or treating. I'm hoping to spend at least part of the weekend cutting and getting ready for the trek to Lancaster. Is Kieran getting dressed for Halloween? I saw him last Sunday at Pam's - what a little peanut - so adorable! The Blogger's quilt festival has started today - an online quilt show. I love looking through the quilts - if you have  few minutes here and there, I recommend it. Have a nice weekend, ladies......piece!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEAN!!!

It is our Queen Bee's birthday!!!  : )  May your day be positively SPECTACULAR, Jean!!!


You brought us all together to form the mighty and formidable Quilt Mamas.  Today, we honor and celebrate YOU!!!  Thanks for being the originator of the Quilt Mamas and our Queen Bee!!!  ALL hale the Queen!!!  LONG LIVE the QUEEN!!!


Oh the years, where does the time go...?!  The laughter, the fabric, the adventures, the tears, the chocolate, quilt shows, dinners and the FRIENDSHIP.


HAPPIEST of HAPPY BIRTHDAYS, Jean!


Love, Pam 

A successful Saturday!

The road trip was a lot of fun - and a fruitful one indeed! The Hayloft was at least half-empty. They still had a lot of fabric - but a lot of empty space - and the supermarket below was really empty - kind of sad. We all bought stuff - as we always do up there. And then we had a nice breakfast at the Windmill - love going out to breakfast!! On the way home, we stopped at Pam's house....so nice to see Pam and Scott - and Jingle! Again - a fruitful shopping experience. Such a cute house....I'm sure the next owners will enjoy it and wishing Pam and Scott nothing but happiness on this next part of their journey. A road trip to Lewes is in the future. Hoping the Hendersons are having fun up in Boston....and everyone else is having a nice weekend. Piece......

Road trip?

Ladies - sadly, the Hayloft is closing....that means one thing - Road Trip. I'm going to head up next Saturday - and anyone who would like to join me is most welcome! A stop at the Windmill is on the agenda as well.....who has Maureen for pollyanna....just kidding! And have you noticed the trip ticker...it's at 20! Yay...can you let me know by comment if you are coming to Lancaster? I've already heard from Pam and, unfortunately, she won't be able to come. Through emails we can figure out who is bringing what as it gets closer. Can't wait to hear from the jet-setters about their trips. And, frankly, I'm just looking forward to relaxing and laughing and not watching volleyball and doing laundry!!!! How is Kieran doing? This morning, I finished the binding on the second of two baby quilts I'm making for someone else....now I can start getting my projects together for Lancaster....anyone start their pollyanna gift yet? Have a nice weekend.....enjoy this nice fall weather....piece.

Happy Birthday, Leigh Anne

Hey! Happy Birthday to the new Momma Mama!!!! Hope your day is filled with baby smiles, Kevin hugs and a chance to relax....enjoy your dinner!!!!

Happy Birthday, Lori!!!!

Happy Birthday, Lori....hope you have a wonderful day!! 

You couldn't have asked for a nicer day.......enjoy!

Yay....

Saw Kieran last night....what a little cutie!! And he was wearing his little Phillies outfit! What a fan.....LA looks terrific - says she feels good. Hope everyone is well.....a side note - Erin Burke got her permit last Thursday - oy! So if you see her driving along with me clutching the dashboard with white knuckles.....TURN....PULL OVER.....GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!!! Just kidding...she's doing well so far - hasn't taken any mirrors off! Where is the time going???? Take care...piece.....

Checkin in.....

Hope all the McCabe's are settling in and getting to know their newest little guy. A couple of the mamas are jet-setting this week. Dolores and Joe are in California this week.......happy anniversary and hope you're having a great time. Lots of wineries out there.....hope Dolores remembered her license. Also - Mare and her mother are cruising the Mediterranean this week....pray for both of them! Hope all the other mamas are faring well.....and getting some time to stitch. Take care....piece.

He's Here!!!!!

Kieran James McCabe made his entrance into the world at 5:48 PM today. He is 7lbs and 5 ozs - and cute as a button, just like his brothers and sisters!!! Welcome Kieran...you are loved!

PS - thanks to Kelly for getting this from my phone to the PC!

D Day

...as in delivery! Good luck today, LA. Our thoughts and prayers are with you......can't wait to meet the newest McCabe! Peace.....

LA's party....

Yay....celebrating the next McCabe who will be here in one week - or maybe sooner. What a lot of laughs, ladies! Thanks....and a big shoutout to Gerry for helping to pull this off too! LA - you know we'll be thinking of you all week....8 anxious aunties just waiting for word on the newest member of the Quiltmama clan. Here are some photos...

The guest of honor...

 A changing mat...

 I feel great!...

 The quilt....

 Maureen pointing out her blocks...

 Ooooooohh.....aaaaaaahhh...

 Enjoying....

 Mare's quilt top...

 Maureen approving of the back's "symmetry"

 Cathy's 'autumnal' turning twenty

 A terrific Halloween snowball quilt....or maybe a tablecovering...

Cathy's Christmas block of the month - awesome!

 Consuelo....searching for continuity, symmetry and harmony......

 Haven't been together in a while...Mare had a wonderful trip to Spain...and is headed for a Mediterranean cruise in a couple of weeks.  Lois is getting a new heater. Joe and Dolores celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Tuesday....and, to celebrate, are headed to California on October 1st for a week - yes, they're going together! Erin is taking her learner's permit test next week....oy! Lori came later and brought a beautiful Irish chain quilt she made for her MIL - sorry I didn't get a picture. Lor - if you take one, send it to me. Thanks to Cathy for hosting......nice to see everyone....life seems to be going so quickly sometimes. LA started quilting with us just after Sean was born.....and now he's going to be the middle child! I'm always grateful for the 'mamas. Take care, girls.....have a nice weekend. Piece.....

PS: Does Gerry have us on speed dial?