Finished quilt tops

I finished this top for a Vortex quilt soon after the American Quilt Expo in Des Moines in late May. I took a class on this design from Debbie Kratovil there. Loved it! The vortex in the center doesn't look like it, but it is a dresden plate--the tips of every other blade are white and don't show on the white background--tricky, huh? :) I really like the colors. Will quilt it someday...

I finished my top from the Repeat QAL, led by Patty of Elm Street Quilts. I used some basic colors for the words and the same green from the vortex quilt for the star and middle border. I'll get after quilting this one one of these days too... Now I've started on a baby quilt for my nephew and niece's baby due in November--that takes priority at this point.

Traded my Janome 8900 up for the 9400. Now that I've figured out some kinks, I love the new machine. Still have to figure out a lot of technical details, but that will come. Love the way it sews!!

Some odds and ends

Before I forget, Patty from Elm Street Quilts http://www.elmstreetquilts.com/p/bag-it.html

is having a quilt along in the fall--Bag It II. I didn't participate last year but plan to this time. Check it out.

Below are my letters so far for Patty's current QAL, Repeat. I am behind because of grandchildren coming to play and travel. Several have the whole top done already. It will say, "quilt, eat, sleep, repeat."

One reason I couldn't sew was because of our Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. Many congregations send quilt blocks (the one I made for our congregation in Cerro Gordo is in the purple wall hanging on the left--the violets in the center of the 2nd row) to be made into wall hangings and quilted at Conference. Then an auction takes place--the money goes to special causes--this year the Nigeria Crisis Fund. We purchased the purple one--love it!

Granddaughter Amelia turned 3 and is wrapped in the birthday quilt I made for her.

You can see it better in the 2nd photo. Dancing Colors on Moda Bake Shop. The fabrics are designed by Sandy Gervais. Love her fabrics and love this quilt design.

Time for me to start watching an instructional DVD about my new Janome 9400!! Don't have a clue how to use it yet--much different than my 8900. Unpacked it from its box last night. Exciting times!!