tuckyquilter said:

First what is the name of the little crystals that go inside?

Water absorbing crystals or beads.

I'm not sure how much to use so I'm soaking some now so I don't accidentally overfill the neck thingy and have it explode everywhere.

Well I turned the last corner today on my vine and leaves on the tree of life quilt! Now to finish the top and make the two birds. One of the center of the top and the other for the center of the bottom. This is really almost done and I think I can get it to the finished flimsey stage by the end of next week.........I have set a new record for myself on an applique project. To tell the truth I am getting tired of this project so glad the finish line is in sight so it does not languish as a forever project like the last thing I did with an applique border.

I am hoping to get back to the scrappy mystery quilt next and get that one going again. I have decided since I have so many extra leaves cut out I will do some applique on that as well but not near as much.........just a little in each corner.

I think I will also start doing some clothes again as it is time to make a few pants for Fall and I have fabric and a pattern I want to try.

Just trying to keep myself occupied to distract from all the stuff going on.

ooh..can't wait to see the result!

tuckyquilter said:

Went to M&L down in Anaheim, CA about 1.5 hrs south of us. 

Love M&L.  Haven't been there in a few years.  still using up some of the fabric  I bought on the last trip.

making progress.  Needle turn with batik is SOOOOO much more enjoyable than kona.  The fabric is thinner, doesn't ravel, creases so nice, inside corners don't "grow" as you cover them and outside corners are nice and sharp and pointy.  though I have to admit I think I overdid it last night.  My right pointer finger is swollen and sore this morning, can't even make a fist - darn arthritis.

Wow Dee that sure is pretty. I have been doing needle turn every day so my fingers are well conditioned and my fingertips have nice callous on them,  just keep at it and you will get there.  A little each day will get it done.

wow....

sorry about the pain in the finger...but it sure looks nice!

Oh that is pretty. Sorry you over did but know how that can happen.

Jo

M&L can be a dangerous place for a quilter... lol  I had a specific list, and a cash budget, that included lunch for me & the driver.  I actually came home with money too.  For what I needed it was a perfect trip.  They even had the Houndstooth I was hoping for in pastels.  Want to make a either a Garlic Knot Block quilt or a Tulip Block quilt I made on EQ8 with the houndstooth. Might have enough to do one of each.  Need to decide, cut the fabric and get it in a project bag with the pattern.  I have found that if I make kits i seem to get things done faster.. AND kits take up less space.