I bought a package of MiracleGro Water Storing Chrystals.....

small package but it has lasted forever since you only use a teaspoon in each half of the neck cooler tie...

I just took it slow, looked at the design wall a lot.  I wouldn't want to make an entire quilt out of them but the handful in this was manageable.  I didn't make a color chart but just used the desiign wall.  

Excellent Idea. I'll check them out.  That has to be cheaper than what we used. Ours only took about a small teaspoon of the crystals, and soaked up the water and dried really fast.  

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.