Our Happy Place

Friendship

2012-02-02T14:29:00.001-08:00

One of the subjects in my life that gives me overwhelming joy are my friends. Friendship is something that we often take for granted. The older I get I find myself cherishing my friends more and more. How fortunate I am to have such awesome women in my life, people who walk beside me, give me more than one chance, remind me I can't do it all, love me when I'm not particularly lovable, advice me when I really need a wake up call, remind me who I am and what my dreams are, listen, and pick me up when I fall. This is a project that I finished a few months ago. It's very special to me because the saying on it makes me think of my grandsons who I absolutely adore. "over the river and through the wood to grandmothers house we go"

So yesterday when I get to work a very special friend gives me this book. It reminds me how often we think of our friends, how fun it is to be shopping and see some item that instantly makes you think of a friend, or a random phone call, or just a good old hug. She knows me, she gets me...... that's what we should do for our friends know them, get them.

Thank you all."A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

Location:Morning Star Quilts

On The Road

2012-01-25T20:32:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow morning is the beginning of the Phoenix Quilt Expo. Mark and I drove to Tempe last Thursday to spend time with our son Mark and his wife Kelly before we started our days of working at the Arizona Fairgrounds. We've been enjoying the sights, sounds and pulse of Arizona. So many freeways, really for a country girl who hates freeways I have done pretty well. I love the GPS on my iPad. This time of year is so nice here. It rained one night - 10 drops.We set our booth up this morning. Hopefully it will be a great success. It will be I know it will be. Positive thinking it's always better than negative. So here we go!

More to come, good night.

Location:Tempe, Arizona

It's About Time

2012-01-16T10:50:00.001-08:00

How can life be so busy that I never have time to blog? Christmas and New Years have come and gone and Feb. is fast approaching. This last weekend the girls at Morning Star quilts were treated to a full weekend of laughter, food, quilting, no working, just hours and hours of sewing. Every year my Christmas present to them is a retreat at the store. We close at 1 on Friday and reopen on Monday. Mark cooked for us, and I must say he is one fine cook. What wonderful women we have working for us, the best of friends, creative, funny, caring, and full of love. Cheers to you girls of MSQ.

So no New Years resolutions for me. I feel like they set me up for failure. This year I have set goals and I hope to improve in these areas. After a visit with my Dr. I decided this is my year and I will achieve with help from God the desires of my heart. I'm looking forward to a year of good health for Mark and myself, Increased business for the store, success being a vendor, being the best boss possible, a good listener, a good friend and wife, and I will love to be a walker by the end of 2012. Just to improve in these areas would be great. We are packing the trailer and heading for Phoenix to be a vendor at the Phoenix Rusty Barn Show. My quilts are almost finished, just a bit of binding to put on. I figure binding can go on during the fourteen hour drive down there. We are taking a few extra days to be with our son and daughter in law.The store is looking great and we would love to see you. Lots of new fabric and samples for you to see. We have new wool in and our needlework section is well stocked.

Here's some pictures of my almost done projects.

Hope you all have a great week! God bless

Location:Paradise

HO HO HO Merry Christmas!

2011-12-18T00:02:00.001-08:00

We just had our annual Christmas party at Morning Star Quilts. The last 4 years the party has been at our home. Sometimes Mark and I cook and other times we potluck. This year Mark and I cooked. Everything was yummy . Jody brought her famous pies, delicious.

Just a few decorations.

Silly girls ?
Presents, we love to fight over door prizes, such fun.

AND

Merry Christmas to all from the staff of Morning Star Quilts,

God bless and Happy Holidays.
Marsha

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T23:31:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday night and Sunday we had our first first Sew Baby Sew event. What a fun time. We had a great dinner, soups, salad, bread and deserts. Yummy. Here's a few pictures.

Tomorrow we will be getting ready for our Black Friday sale, and Support Your Small Business Saturday.

I wish you all a very Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
Marsha

Location:Paradise, Ca.

Kiss Your Life

2011-11-19T08:50:00.001-08:00

Hello Saturday! This has to be one of the prettiest falls we have had in a long time. Today is going to be such a great day. The soup is made, banana nut bread finished, salad spinner out and ready, and the dishes are packed. Pumpkin bars almost in the oven. Where are we going? Well today is the kickoff of a new event at Morning Star quilts. Starting at 3pm today and ending at 3pm tomorrow we are having our Sew Baby Sew Time.A time to sew and get those projects finished or even better started. If this event is as fun as I hope it's going to be we will probably schedule it quarterly. Pictures later.

Friday was a very different day for me and I had a blast. Started out with a horrible headache so I went back to bed and slept for 2 hours. It's amazing what a little sleep does for a person. Instead of blabbing on and on I will share pictures of my day. ( I never got out of my jammies)

Look at those trees!

I just finished this fun quilt. Fabric by Robert Kaufman.

Can't you just smell it? Yummo!

Soups on the way.

One of my works in progress. Fabric from Clothworks - Kinkame. Pattern by Whimsicals.

New project out of Hometown pattern by Rachel Griffith. Moda.

Next project - Blueberry Crumb Cake by Blackbird Designs.

So I will leave you with this thought,

Kiss your life. Accept it, just as it is. Today. Now. So that those moments of happiness you're waiting for don't pass you by.

Marsha

Location:Paradise, Ca.

Thank you

2011-11-11T13:45:00.001-08:00

Thank you for your service.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Paradise, Ca.

Energized or Exhausted

2011-11-06T12:57:00.001-08:00

Happy Sunday. After a much needed good nights sleep we are kicking back today. We definitely need a day or maybe two of rest. HeHe that won't happen.

Mark and I (aka Morning Star Quilts) went to Roseville to vendor at the Pioneer Quilt Guilds annual quilt show. We setup on Thursday night and worked the booth Friday and Saturday. Great show, great quilts, and great shoppers. We had a blast but we are pooped and glad to be home. The 49ers are playing, fire is crackling, dog at my feet and my chores are almost caught up. What could be better? Oh wait I know what's better, a husband who is in great health and soooooo much help to me. What a keeper!

Here's a peek at our booth and some of the quilts.

Guild quilts,

There were many more great quilts, but these were some of my favorites. So now I must decide am I energized or exhausted? Do I go quilt or nap???

Later.............and God Bless

Location:Paradise, Ca.

Missing Market?

2011-10-29T21:22:00.001-07:00

So if you know me you know I love Market. Unfortunately its not really feasible for me to go twice a year so every October I get sad knowing Market is happening and I am at home. Well Monday is my 60th birthday eek! and we are with friends in Amador County tasting wine, what a great alternative. The hotel we are staying at was built in the late 1800's, really cool, supposedly haunted if you believe that stuff.
We are enjoying our weekend with our friends Gary and Cinde.

Cinde with Winston before he went to doggie day care.

A picture which made me laugh and think of friends. Friends, such an important part of life. So here's to you all of my wonderful friends!

Cheers,
Marsha

Location:Amador City, Ca.

I'm back!

2011-10-18T23:54:00.001-07:00

After a short hiatus at home I am happily back at work. Mark is doing remarkably well after an extensive cancer surgery. Must be all that expert nursing care. I only tied him up once when I found him on the roof preparing for our storm that came through a week ago. I have been a bit tired with all that is going on. Too much stress but things are getting better.

When I walked into the store I was so pleased to see such great displays and new items. So enjoy the pictures and we hope to see you at Annies Star Quilt Guild Quilt show located in Chico ca.

New line " Etchings " from Moda by Three Sisters

Bird Brain designs Bless This House

Trunk show from Blue Underground

Pattern by Aardvark "domiciles". Fabric by Sweetwater

Christmas Samples!

Hope to see you at the show!
God Bless
Marsha

Location:Paradise ca.

Life is good!

2011-10-02T23:52:00.001-07:00

Hello Monday. There are times in life when you just step back and say thank you! We had a great weekend. The weather was perfect, not too hot not too cold. Mark is healing wonderfully and was able to see both grandsons play football. He also got to take our youngest grandson to dinner and a show.

I on the other hand got to spend the weekend at the shop quilting with my friends. I'll show you some of the things we worked on.

Crabapple Hill - over the river and thru the woods

Emily's twister baby quilt. Isn't it cute?

Rondas kaffe quilt

The girls, Aren't they cute?

Pirates

Lots of birthdays and lots of great cake!,what a great way to spend a weekend having-fun with the girls!!!!!!

See you next time!

Location:Paradise, Ca.

Alden Lane

2011-09-27T23:25:00.001-07:00

For those of you who have been following Mark's recovery you should know he is doing great. We go to Sacramento tomorrow to see his Dr., hopefully to have his staples removed and permission to drive.

Last weekend Mark and I were supposed to vendor The Alden Lane Quilt Show in Livermore. Well as you know our plans changed and I had just brought Mark home from the hospital after a rather intense abdominal surgery. So I put my nursing hat on and took care of the patient at home. We have been blessed to have the best staff a person could ask for. Jen and the girls picked up the ball and ran with it. Quilts were picked, fabric was cut, patterns and books ordered, booth decorations planned and a trailer was packed. Ronda and Rocki left Friday morning and arrived safely in Livermore by noon. The employees at Alden Lane nursery were wonderful and the quilt show a great success. I hope we get to go back next year, and I hope I get to go. The girls did a fabulous job!

Back at the home front I had scheduled a Linda Ballard Mystery weekend which also had to be covered. When Linda does her weekends at Morning Star Mark usually cooks dinner for the ladies their first night soooooo Laurie stepped up and made a great dinner for them including pumpkin bars for desert. Laurie, Jody, Joann, and Gayle did a great job running the store and making sure our customers were happy. Thank you girls! A big thank you also goes to Jen our wonderful daughter who jumps in and completes what her crazy mom schedules, and she does it with great skill.

So thanks to all and hope to see you soon, remember God is good,
Love to all
Marsha

"I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks"
~William Shakespeare~

Home Sweet Home

2011-09-20T09:16:00.001-07:00

Mark is being discharged from the hospital this morning. The Drs. and nursing staff have been excellent. As always the noise level has been loud so Mark is pretty tired. The good news is we can take care of that at home.

Whatever experience I go through in life I learn or relearn important truths for myself. Never take your family or friends for granted. I seriously have no idea how people get through the hard times without God and supportive family and friends. Thank you so much for your good wishes and prayer, which we still need to get through the healing process. We love you all and look forward to seeing you soon.

Goodbye to fourth floor.

Aren't they the cutest?

God Bless
Marsha

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Sacramento to Paradise

He's Awake

2011-09-16T11:24:00.001-07:00

So day two at Sutter Memorial Hospital.

This is the device that the Hospital is using to transport their postoperative patients from Recovery to ICU. Mark was too drugged up to enjoy the ride.

The floor where Mark now resides.

A room with a view.

Pedicure please?...

Yum-Yum. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner!!!

And here's our boy.

Mark is doing great this morning. He will be saying goodbye to ICU and hello to the telemetry unit on the fourth floor. We are continuing to pray for low to no pain and a speedy recovery.

Hugs and Kisses to you!
Marsha

Location:Sacramento, CA.

Life is good!

2011-09-15T13:52:00.001-07:00

Surgery is over and Mark is in recovery The Dr. gave him another 50,000 miles.
Hallelujah!

Thanks to you all,
Marsha

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Sacramento, Ca.

Healing Touch for Mark

2011-09-15T08:44:00.001-07:00

I must say it was very comforting to walk into Sutter this morning and see the quilts on display, knowing they were made with loving and caring hearts and hands. So today is our big day of surgery. The Lord promises us he will never leave us or forsake us. That is my promise for today. It's so hard when your best friend, love of your life, and mate is going thru hard stuff. So the best comfort is our heavenly father, family and friends who love and encourage. Thank you.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Just a couple pictures of quilts that they have on display.

God Bless and love you all.

Marsha

Location:Sacramento, CA.

Wake-Up

2011-09-13T11:45:00.001-07:00

So we survived our shop hop. Numbers seemed to be down from last year but we sure had a good time. It's always such a treat to have the store full of happy customers and friends. But I must tell you I feel exhausted. I think shop hops just do that to you. When the alarm went off this morning in my sleep I kept saying "wake up, wake up," No way did I want to wake-up!

The store is full of great new fabric lines. Here's a few pics of some of our favorites.

Impressions by Ty Pennington

Hometown by Sweetwater

Urban Zoologie by Ann Kelle Designs

Mrs. March by Lecien

Little Gatherings by Primitive Gatherings

So, on a personal note please remember to keep us in your prayers. Mark will be having major surgery this Thursday. We are praying for steady hands, wisdom, peace, strength, and a speedy recovery.

God Bless,
Marsha

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27

Location:Pearson Rd, Paradise, Ca.

Party on the River

2011-09-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

Well today was day one of River Run Shop Hop. We survived the hoards of quilters and had a splendid time while doing it. We served up sloppy joes (homemade by the way), chips, rice crispy treats, and water. Your waiter if you choose to come is one hunk of a man. Now of course there are prizes to be won when all is said and done. So please come, enjoy, have fun and of course we would be delighted if you choose to shop. Your tour guides for the day will be the MorningStar team of life guards.

Halloween and Fall!

The "Oroville Bus" made quite a showing. You go girls!!! We hope to see ya'll in Paradise Friday or Saturday from 9 - 7.

God Bless,

Marsha

Insomnia

2011-09-07T00:27:00.001-07:00

So what do you do when you can't sleep? I usually think about my quilt shop and what new and different things we can do. So tonight I'm thinking about my husbands upcoming surgery and praying all will go well. I am confident that all will go well I just hope he won't have much pain. Last time he had surgery he had a reaction from his pain med passed out and broke His leg. We are praying that another broken bone is not in his future. We would be very thankful if you would remember Mark in your prayers. His surgery is Sept. 15. He will have his pancreas, liver, spleen, and gallbladder operated on. Whew!

I have been reminded so many times in the past few days that God has a perfect plan for our lives. We may not always like His plan but He will carry us and give us the strength we need to make it through the tough times. Thank you Jesus.

Here's some more Hawaii pictures.

Princeville

Napali Coast

Aren't they cute?

God bless and have a great week!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Paradise Ca

Fun, Full, and Fabulous!

2011-08-28T12:22:00.001-07:00

Aloha,
We have had the best time on this Island. It is so different from the Big Island. We love both places but Kauai has really touched me. This was a hard summer for us at the store. Mark and I and all the girls really put out a lot of quilts and new wool projects to liven up the store and to take to Long Beach. We have also received some bad news about Mark's health. The ocean has always been a place where my soul feels restored. A lot of time spent praying and resting and enjoying the underwater creation. We went to a slack key guitar show one afternoon. When the musician started playing Amazing Grace some tears came to my eyes and I knew without a doubt the Lord would hold my hand through this new journey. I called a very sweet friend who knows me well after the concert and told her I was having a hard time, she instantly prayed with me and continued to pray for us. Each new day here has been full of wonderful surprises and a much more confident feeling has grabbed my heart. Thank you my friend for your love and prayers

So yesterday, Saturday we hiked down a very, very steep cliff and discovered Hideaway Beach. (I was scared to death on the trail) Once we were down the most beautiful beach appeared for us to enjoy. Oh by the way they didn't have to pick me up by helicopter, I was able to pull myself up that cliff! In the afternoon we went to a Botanical Garden in Haena.

Here's some photos of our day.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The next pics are from the botanical gardens.

Friends are definitely the best part of our trip. We are very blessed to be sharing this time with Gary and Cinde who always make us smile and enjoy all the sights to see. Their friendship is living the Hawaiian Aloha!

Love and Aloha
Marsha

Location:Hideaways Beach

Aloha

2011-08-26T12:29:00.001-07:00

Good morning. Just thought I would send you a few pictures from our trip so far.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

What a great way to rest and gear up for the next phase of life. Kauai is absolutely beautiful.

Aloha,
Marsha

Perks from Quilt Market

2011-06-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

Perks from Quilt Market,

So you are probably getting tired of news about Market but I have one more piece of information to share with you. Morning Star Quilts was very lucky at Market. We participated in a booth shop hop put on by "All Dolled Up in Salt Lake City." Two lucky people won a quilt made by awesome designers.

Morning Star won a quilt!!!!! I must say I never win anything so we are quite excited. Here's some pictures of our quilt. Thank you to Riley Blake and all the great designers.

Some of the designers who made the quilt we won are Lila Tueller, Cori Blunt of Chitter Chatter Designs, Renae Allen of RGA Design, Laurie Bird of Rose Cottage, Heather and Megan of Quilt Story, Judi Madsen of Green Fairy Quilts, Margi Ullery of Ribbon Candy Quilt Company, Marcea and Janice of Abbey Lane Quilts, Jina Barney of Jina Barney Designz, Mary Cowan of Mary's Quilt Cottage, Terry Griffin of Thankfully Sew, Amy Ellis of Amy's Creative Side, Bonnie and Brenda of Pie Plate Patterns, and Amanda Herring of The Quilted Fish.

These doll patterns are available to you on AllDolledUpinSLC.blogspot.com

Thank you very much for this fun fabulous quilt!

Marsha

Morning Star Quilts

More Market Madness

2011-05-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

Hopefully today the computer and I are going to get along. I wish we had more pictures of booths to share with you, but we took more pictures of things we have coming, or people who in our world are "famous". Keep checking back we have something very exciting to share with you! Also check out the Make Life Sweet Blog. We all signed their apron they were giving away, and right now on their blog you can see a picture with our names on it!

Jen, Kelly and I waiting for Market to Open!

First Stop Crabapple Hill!

Some of their cute displays!

Great new patterns and even better we were able to bring them home!

Amanda Herring of The Quilted Fish!

Camille Roskelley of Thimbleblossoms!

Great new patterns from Freddie's Friends!

Pam Kitty Morning with her new fabric line!

One of Pam's cute displays!

An Amazing Quilt!

Great New Wool Projects!

Fun tiny pincushions!

Beautiful Log Cabin from Fig Tree!

Craig and Lori Gill were one of our first customers to purchase a Handi Quilter. They have since won a contest with them. You should check out their handi quilter story.

Day Two!

What a great time we had. Remember to keep checking back for our very exciting news!

Hugs,

Marsha

Market Madness

2011-05-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

Market was once again fabulous. We had an absolute blast. We have lots of fun and exciting goodies to tempt you. A lot of new patterns made their way into my suitcase and many more are arriving. Most of Crab.Apple Hill's new patterns and lots of other embroidery patterns. New thread, floss, wool (lovely wool), wool patterns, notions, and of course fabric, fabric and more fabric.

We are so blessed to have such talented fabric and pattern designers. Thank you to all who share their creative talents. The only thing I brought home that wasn't wanted was a cold! The people of Salt Lake City were excellent hosts, and the restaurants were tasty. The weather ---- sunny!!!

I would love to share photos with you, but I am fighting with the computer. I will post pictures tomorrow after I win this battle.

Marsha

From California to Wisconsin and back and off to Salt Lake City!

2011-05-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

My what busy times these are. Every day is shorter and the to do lists get longer. So I thought I'd share a quick look at some of the fabric lines that have come in. Of course we have some great new batiks, Grunge basics by Moda, and Sweet Sixteen by Laundry Basket Quilts.

Mark and I had the honor of attending a dear friend's wedding in Madison WI. Since we were already buying an airline ticket we decided to go two days early and do some quilt shop hopping. What a delight going to other quilt shops and we found some dandies. The best find was a new wool source. Take a look at these colors! We are really excited about adding a lot more wool and wool projects to the store along with more classes.

New wool!

My friend Cinde and I at her son's rehearsal dinner.

View from our hotel room. Madison WI.

So I know, you are wondering what is up with the Piggly Wiggly? Well I have never seen a Piggly Wiggly so I thought it should be documented. Cute huh?

It's not too late to request goodies from market. Jen and I are leaving Thursday morning and we would love to have your input.

Enjoy the sun and live every day to the fullest.

God Bless

Marsha

2011-04-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

So a lot has been going on at Morning Star. Mark and I went to the Auburn Quilt Show April 8, 9, and 10. What a great bunch of ladies. I thought you might like to see some pictures of our booth and some pictures from their quilt show. Friday after we got our booth all set up we went to the High Hand nursery in Loomis. A new favorite spot for me. If you like plants this place is great, plus they have a great cafe. Hats off to the High Hand Nursery. We celebrated our 38th anniversary while we were working the show. What a blessing to have such a great marriage and still enjoy being together. Love you Mark.

Home on Monday and Quilt Rush Shop Hop started on Wednesday. Whew! The rush was fun, fast and furious. We met a lot of new friends and reconnected with old friends. Thanks to all who made Quilt Rush successful.

Jen and I are starting to count the days till Market. I love Maket. It's so exhilarating to see all the new goodies and new fabric lines. At least I still have a few weeks to pray for self control. If there is something new you would like us to carry let me know and we will check it out.

Hugs,

Marsha

Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the Game. Michael Jordan

Is It Spring Yet?

2011-03-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring,

How is it possible that April first is already here? It seems like we just put away our Christmas decorations and Christmas fabric is starting to make an appearance. Time surely goes much faster today than it used to. Mark and I have been traveling a little more than usual. It's nice but then I get nervous about the store. So home it will be for awhile and I am happy with that.

Mark, Kelly, our nephew Ben and girlfriend Briana

We recently went on a trip to Tempe Az. to see our son and his wife. Spring training was in full swing. We weren't able to see a Giants game but we did see the Oakland A's play with the Rockies. Mark caught a fly ball! We had a great time. We also managed to go to The Arizona Quilt Guild Quilt Show. It was a great show with lots of pretty quilts. We are considering the possibility of vendoring the show next spring. Of course we managed a few trips to the mall.

Lots of good food and time spent with family. All the cactus were getting ready to bloom, of course the first bloom opened the day we left. Mark was able to help our son Mark put in a sprinkling system for their garden. They like to do projects together when we visit, and a lot of great cooking. What a gift to be able to visit with your kids and enjoy that time together. We love you Mark and Kelly!!!

Two days after we got home we were off to vendor the Yuba City Quilt Show. What a great show and a nice bunch of quilters. We leave in a few days to vendor the Auburn quilt show. We are both hoping for sunshine this time instead of rain.

Lots of fun new fabrics, projects, and thread have arrived at Morning Star Quilts. The store is in full Spring mode and waiting to welcome you when you come to visit.

The annual Quilt Rush Shop Hop starts on April 13 - April 17. There are great prizes to be won as well as 14 shops to tickle your fancy. Hope you plan to atend. For more information go to www.quiltrush.org.

God Bless,

Marsha

Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most throw away. Charles Caleb Colton

Aloha

2011-02-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

I know I am the worst blogger around town. There always seems to be so much to do and so little time. So blogging gets put on the shelf. So here we go.

Mark and I had a great vacation in Hawaii with our friends Gary and Cinde. The swells were up so we only did 8 scuba dives, followed by a lot of snorkeling. The whales were out and about in great abundance with their babies tagging along. We did quite a bit of whale watching since everywhere you look there they are spy hopping, breaching and flapping their tails. We weren't lucky enough to see any whales while diving but we could hear them singing underwater - fabulous, just gives you goose bumps. Here are some of Mark's underwater photos.

Marsha and a Sea Turtle, A White Eel

White Tip Reef Shark, and a Leopard Blenny

Green Sea Turtle

Our condo was great. It had a great kitchen with a barbecue on the lanai. Which means we did all our own cooking. After a day in the water it is always nice to come home shower, put on jammies and fix dinner. Our evenings are generally quiet. I got a lot of appliqueing done.

I plan on blogging again this week to share a lot of our new samples with you. So take care and have a great week.

God Bless,

Marsha

Just living is not enough...One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower!

Hans Christian Anderson

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-14T09:37:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas,

I thought it might be fun to share a few pictures of my favorite Christmas decorations. We have always decorated most every room in our house for the Holidays. Most important of all are our nativity scenes - the best gift of all Jesus. There is no present greater than everlasting life and the promise of an infinite future.

Our Christmas tree is a collection of ornaments that reflect our life involving family and friends. I have had a Christmas party every year for the past 33 years which include the same ladies. As their daughters have married they have been included in our party. We all share in the cooking, and we all bring an ornament. Then the ornament game begins and we squabble for the ornament of our dreams. It's a fun night and a great tradition. Some of us only see each other once a year but the love we share is always present. So when I sit and look at our Christmas Tree I am reminded of many of my friends, those still here and some who are now with the Lord. Friendship is one of the most important parts of my life. At this age I cherish my friends and know without a doubt that they are my support system and encouragement . I only hope that I am as good a friend to them. So my advice - love your friends deeply and hang on to the gift of friendship.

I would like to thank all of you who supported us this year! You are great customers and great friends. Times are hard but we can and will survive this economy. We have a great country and this will get turned around. Thanks for your support and love.

Merry Christmas and God Bless you all,

Marsha

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord" Luke 2:11

Congrats to Cat!

2010-12-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

I know you all think we have probably forgotten our drawing, but have no fear we are here!

Thank you to all of you who entered! It is fun to hear what other people like. My personal favorite Bali Pop is always changing. Every time a new line of Pops come in it changes. This time my favorite pop is Mango Margarita. Last time Green Tea was my favorite.

I would also like to thank our "Wednesday Girls" for drawing our winner. Every Wednesday these lovely ladies comes to visit us and sew in the classroom. We love having them, and have really enjoyed getting to know each and every one of them.

So our lucky winner was Cat! Cat please send us an email with your address and choice of Bali Pop (mocha mint or berry bliss) and we will get it in the mail for you!

Thanks again and Happy Holidays!

Jen

Oh, What do I hear.....

2010-11-26T08:59:00.000-08:00

Oh, what do I hear…. Christmas Bells ringing! The store office party is planned and Christmas spirit is happily here at the store. We are so lucky here to have such wonderful employees (they are my family and I am proud of each and every one of them). Just like home!

The store has many hard working elves and they have hidden a new product in one of the photos on the blog. Can you find it?

That’s right it’s the new Hoffman Bali Pops! They are so beautiful, and so exciting we decided to have a giveaway!

Rules:

-tell us your favorite Bali Pop

-Become a follower of our Blog

-Tell your friends about our giveaway

Good luck! We will close the give away Friday, December 3^rd at 3:00; winner will get to choose

from a Mocha Mint or Berry Bliss Bali Pop.

Happy Holidays,

Marsha

2010-10-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

The She's Back at it Again!

Ah friendship, the best gift you can give to a person is to be a good friend. I spent the weekend with the best of friends quilting, laughing, crying, putting my foot in my mouth, eating humble pie and being forgiven. The older I get the more my friends mean to me and the more I crave their company. It's such a comfort to know that there are people out there who have your back, love you, forgive you, laugh with you and give you wise advice. I am already counting the days until our next sew weekend. To The She's - I Love You!

Marvin Collins with Renee Waelbrock sharing his newest quilt with The She's. The half square triangles in this quilt were small and point perfect. Good job Marvin!

This quilt was fun to make and a blast to quilt. Fabric line is Pure from Sweetwater and the pattern is from Quilt Soup. Of course we have this quilt available in a kit. The fabric requirements were a little excessive so I was able to make a scrappy back. When I was quilting it a lot of experimenting was done with my computer and a lot learned. Fun! Fun! Fun!

Have a Great Week and God Bless,

Marsha

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." - Herm Albright

2010-09-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Everyone! I have been gone from blogging for awhile. I have great intentions on sitting down and blogging and then time gets away from me. If anyone knows where to find more time let me know.

We have had some exciting things happening here at Morning Star Quilts. We just finished up with River Run. It was a lot of fun seeing everybody out there doing the shop hop. We were very lucky to have Vicki Bellino of Bloom Creek with us on our first day. She was here with a trunk show and autographing her new book. Vicki's new book is awesome and has great ideas for lableing your quilts. Thanks again Vicki we sure had fun!

Also we have been getting in new fabrics. We have new batiks, Evening Mist from Moda, A very cute little retro chicken line from Alexander Henry, and our new favorite Bliss by Bonnie and Camille for Moda.

Well I am out of time! Hope you all have a wonderful day!

God Bless,

Marsha

The Mountains!

2010-08-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

There is something is something to be said about living in a small town in the mountains. Its not everyday that you can go outside to take out the trash and have this beautiful creature eating right there. It was definately a nice surprise! Have a great day!

These shots were taken about 15 feet away!

Hugs,

Jen

Party on the River

2010-08-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

It feels as though I haven't done a blog post in forever. Oh wait, I haven't. We have had an incredibly busy summer. Some great little weekend trips golfing, and going to country music concerts. This is the first summer that Mark hasn't been on call in 30 years so we tried to take advantage of our weekends. Quite a few of them involved work but the store and teaching is also a lot of fun. Mark and I are leaving next Sunday the 15th of August to learn more about the Handi Quilter machines in Salt Lake. He will learn the mechanical aspects and I will learn more about selling and operating. I have been working on the Batik of the Month Quilt at home on my Fusion. The quilt is absolutely gorgeous, I think you will really like it. I heard from Island Batiks about our fabric for the quilt. It is on the boat and due to arrive in the states around the end of August. If you have signed up for the club you will receive an email from us to pick up your kits.

We have a couple big events coming up in Paradise. Next weekend is the Ridge Quilters Quilt Show, August 14 from 10 - 5, and August 15 from 10 - 4. The show is located at the Paradise Intermediate School. We will be open both days. Debbie and I will both have a special for Quilt Show attendees.

Party on the River is right around the corner. The shop hop is Sept. 9 - 11. Come on by for more information. Below are some pictures regarding the hop. The quilt will be given away as one of our prizes. The chair filled with goodies is one of the grand prizes which will include a $100 shopping spree. Every store will have a party theme, ours is a tailgate party. Come join the fun!

Today we received a new line of fabric from Moda, Evening Mist. It is really gorgeous. They are great with Diawabo's. Come by and check out the gorgeous colors.

God Bless,

Marsha

The Last Summer Getaway!

2010-07-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

My mom and dad are off on a quick, but fun mini vacation. So I am taking it upon myself to do a blog while she is gone. They left today to go to beautiful Lake Tahoe. While they are there my dad is going to be a Marshall in a big Celebrity Golf Tournament. They will also be going to a Rascal Flatts concert. This will be a much needed and relaxing weekend.

I am excited to say that on Sunday I am leaving town with my family to spend a week in San Luis Obispo. Brian (my husband) has been traveling down there for weeks now to go to school, to become a hazardous materials specialist. This is his final week of class, so the boys and I decided to tag along. The boys are really excited to go to Pismo Beach and probably the Hearst Castle. I am looking forward to visiting with some friends, quilting and going to some quilt stores. If anybody knows of any in that area leave me a comment and I will check them out. I really want to have some time to make it to a few wineries, maybe on our way down? This is our last big trip for the summer. When we get home football starts. That will consume our lives for the next several months. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love watching my boys play football. This is Tyler's last year in Junior Football. Next year he will start high school.

My Boys at Scheels in Reno!

Well thanks for listening to my going ons! Have a fabulous weekend, if you are in our area stay cool. The air is always running at Morning Star Quilts!!!

Jen

AND THE WINNER IS....

2010-07-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Everyone!

First I would like to introduce to you three ladies who sew with us once a week at Morning Star Quilts. Much to their surprise they walked in the door this morning and I said "Oh good, I need you chicks to draw a name for me and let me take your picture." What good sports they were. Of course they wanted to win, but none of them entered the drawing.

Drum Roll..........

Here is all of the entries!

Folded and going into the bowl!

Our Drawing Girls Diane, Effie, and Carolyn!

The Big Draw!

And the Winner is?????

Dalylady!

Congratulations. Please let me know how you want to recieve your prize and I will get your prize right out to you!

Thanks for the fun and keep checking for our next big giveaway!

Jen

Samples Galore and Giveaway!

2010-07-01T11:43:00.001-07:00

I just got back from vendoring a show in Reno. Whew! what a lot of work. We really had a great time, my daughter (Jen) and our grandsons went with us . The time we spent together was a blast. The show on the other hand seemed pretty slow to me. Lots of people there, but people weren't really shopping. Oh well maybe next time. The good news is we made about 16 new samples for the show and now they are home and all new to you. Here's some pictures of our new products.

Home Sweet Home! Beautiful Batiks, and our new easy & fun Zippers!

Two gorgeous new batik samples and fun new wallets and skirts!

Beautiful rose quilts and a fantastic wildlife quilt!

A new Art Gallery Quilt sample and some fun displays.

More diplays!

Some of our sale kits!

Kits and upcoming classes.

We are finally getting a break from our traveling and get to be home for about three weeks. I am so excited to get to be in the store and my sewing room! I have also started a facebook page for the store. It is still in the making but would love to have you join us on facebook as well.

I would love for you to join "Our Happy Place" blog. It is very easy to become a follower just a click of a button and you can keep up with all of us here at Morning Star Quilts. We are starting to do monthly give aways. We will be giving away a Bar Harbor Jelly Roll and Nautical & Nice Layer Cake.

Here's How to Win~

You may enter up to four times. You must leave a new comment for each entry!

You must become a follower of our blog and leave me a comment that you have done this.

You must post on your blog about our giveaway with a link back to our blog (leave a comment that you have done this.)

The giveaway will start today and will close on Thursday, July 8th at 9:00 pm. Pacific Standard Time. We will post the winner on Friday, July 9th with pictures of the drawing and prize. Have fun and good luck!

Happy Fourth!

Marsha

"There is no wilderness like a life without friends; friendship multiplies blessings and minimizes misfortunes; it is a unique remedy against adversity, and it soothes the soul."

Baltasar Gracian

Mystery in the Woods

2010-06-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

We are back from our first retreat in the woods. One of the most important activities in my life is time spent with other women. I have reached a point where I need to share, laugh, cry, complain, listen, and help my friends, customers, aquaintences and more. Our weekend was full of those activities as well as a lot of sewing, prizes, unsewing, laughter, late night chats at the fire, massages, pedicures, and more. A lot of new friendships were formed, that alone says our weekend was successful. What a great bunch of ladies! Ever heard of retractable tape measure races? Well we had one and Beverly McLellan was crowned the winner, winning a jelly roll. Congrats to Beverly!

The guests arriving and setting up!

It was so nice for everyone having Mark there. It was like having our own handy man! Beth made excellent progress on her quilt top!

The Tape Measure Races!

Our four finalists!

Our next retreat is already in the planning stages. We hope to see you here!

The pedicures were very enjoyable!

The quilt we made on the weekend is here for you to see. Enjoy!

The Whole Gang!

Hugs, Marsha

2010-05-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

Back from Market and feeling caught up. No way! Market was a blast with lots of new fabrics, books and patterns to look at. We found some new pattern lines that I really liked. We brought most of our patterns home so come on in and take a look. There are some books and patterns that are being shipped so we will have new items arriving daily. The new fabric lines are beautiful. Lots of new batiks, florals, solids, more batiks, baby and kids, stripes, dots........

Lots of Books and Goodies! Hoffman Challenge! Vicki Bellino and Me!

Barbara Jones of Quilt Soup!

Mark, Jen and I really enjoyed doing the market experience together. One night we went to The Mall of America. What a kick! First the three peeps from the sticks had to ride the rail to get there, we passed the Metro Dome where the Vikings play (very important stuff for the grandkids). The mall had a roller coaster, water slides, log run, swings and more. Dinner at Chipotle - love those burrito bowls. Great Old Navy. Jen packed clothes for cold weather and it was warm and muggy there so Old Navy was fun. After a day of schoolhouse and a trip to the mall we were pooped and off to bed. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were Market shopping days and I think we did well. Mark was on a mission to find free stuff and give aways and I must say I have a lot of the new books with autographs!

Metrodome! Entrance to the Mall! Some of the coasters!

We liked Minneapolis. The downtown has been redone since we were there five years ago. We had some great dinners. The best or the most fun was "Hell's Kitchen." A jazz band was playing while we ate which was a real treat. We would definitely recommend this restaurant.

Here a few pictures to enjoy. The best part of Market - the energy level was high with lots of excitement and great people to enjoy.

Some of the City! Hells Kitchen and some of the art work there.

Placed all over the city are these baseball players. They are covered with facts on the Minnesota Twins!

It's always good to be back home but our time home is a bit brief. We are leaving tomorrow for Tahoe - a little golf and Lady Antebellum and Tim McGraw. Yahoo!!!! Monday morning we leave early from there and head to San Luis Obispo to install two Handi Quilters and teach a beginning class. Then back home for a week and off to Graeagle for our first Mystery Quilt away from the shop. We will be home for a week after that and off to Reno to vendor a show at the Grand Sierra. I am so glad our friend Marie stays at our house and takes care of our Ziggy. He absolutely hates seeing the suitcases come out. So do I.

God Bless

Marsha

Sunshine and Smiles

2010-05-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

To Market To Market To Market I go. I have been reading all the blogs and I am so ready to see everyones new fabric and patterns. This year will be especially fun going with my husband and my daughter. What a hoot! I was just whining about getting everything caught up so I could go and then I was thinking about what all the vendors must be doing right now. Finishing quilts, printing patterns, stuffing patterns, shipping, packing, stressing.....My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Pictures of our newest fabric lines!

I have been busy finishing up some big projects. The quilt I made for our June Retreat is done and really awesome. I wish I could show you a picture, but it is a surprise. I did custom quilting using my long-arm and it was such fun. I will show you a picture of two applique projects that I have been working on. I'm going to start quilting the green and gold one tonight. The Basket is only the center of a quilt, much more to go on that one.

Our block of the month which will start in the fall is now under way. We are using batiks and they are beautiful. We are taking signups now. We will be starting in October. I hope to have my sample done by the end of June. The fabric will be arriving in August and we will make the kits. There is no charge for our block of the month but you must purchase your fabric and pattern. We will be offering a discount to those who pick up their fabric first! I will post pictures as the quilt progresses.

I found another happy place to visit. Mark and I have a date most Friday mornings. We go to a bakery in Chico for a most yummy cinnamon roll ( no calories of course), then off to The Plant Barn for a plant buying frenzy. I absolutely love this nursery! They are located on Entler Avenue. Most of my allowance ends up there. You really must visit this happy place. This is the first time I have worked in my garden since we opened the store. I didn't realize how much I miss getting my fingers dirty. It is so fun to create a place full of flowers and plants. I even bought a cute rooster to nestle in the plants.

All the best to you,

Marsha

Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.
Mother Teresa

One Day at a Time

2010-04-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

So many things are happening here at Morning Star Quilts that it makes my head spin. We survived our first Quilt Rush Shop Hop and had a blast while we were at it! Thank you to all who participated. We met so many new friends and shared a lot of laughter and fun. The participating shops will be meeting next Wed. to draw our winners - hopefully you.

I wanted to have a fun display of pincushions for the shop hop so the girls have been busy making all sorts of them, elephants, turtles, pears, strawberries, tomatos, roosters, hearts, cupcakes, sundaes...... We have a nice selection of wool, floss, and antique buttons to create the pincushion of your choice.

One of the newest additions to the store is Leo the Long arm. We are now selling the Avante and Fusion long arms from Handi Quilter. You can visit Leo in the store and take him for a ride or make an appointment to try Diamond the Fusion.

Mark and I had a great vacation with our friends Gary and Cinde. While we love the ocean and all the critters swimming in it, it is always nice to come home. I am such a baby about missing my family, friends, and of course Ziggy.

God Bless,

Marsha

I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once.

Ashleigh Brilliant

Things I Miss The Most

2010-04-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Vacation is always a time of reflection and appreciation for me. Because so much of our time while away is spent underwater I have a lot of time to think and less time to talk. Imagine that, less time to talk, so I talk to myself underwater. Today I was thinking what a blessed life we have been given. I have a husband who I adore and who has taken such good care of me for 37 years. Tomorrow April 7th is our 37th anniversary. Mark has been my best friend for so many years and knows me better than anyone. He has always supported any endeavor and dream I have pursued. He also knows my weaknesses and tries to help keep me in line. What a tough job that is, and definitely not an easy one! I'm always so thankful that Mark's parents raised such an awesome man. My advice for marriage - put your spouse first, love unselfishly, spend time alone, take care of each other and love the bad as well as the good.

We have been gone from home for 10 days and have 5 more days of vacation left. While we enjoy and relish our vacation time we (I) start to miss home. I get especially homesick. So here are the top ten things I miss the most from home:

Family

Ziggy (lets be truthful)

Friends (the She's)

More friends

Our bed (my back is killing me)

My cheese grater

Fitted sheets (I sleep like a cat in a burlap sack)

Ronda Brown's Birthday ( she's 49 tomorrow)

Coffee ice cream (for that matter any ice cream)

Fabric (to fondle, feel, and drool over)

Take care I can't wait to see you all!

Marsha

Hi Ho Silver Sea Horses and Away We Go!

2010-04-05T13:04:00.001-07:00

I don't know how this will come through from so far away but I will try. I'm hoping Mark can add some of his photos. We are having a great time in Bonaire. The diving has been fabulous. Lots of sea horses this trip and no frog fish so far. The reef actually looks more healthy than the last time we were here. Quilting is never far from my mind. When we are under water I get such inspiration for batiks. The fish, coral, water and everything else makes me think of gorgeous fabric, and I have to tell you there is no limit to color. Mix it all and always add in black and white. I am always amazed and breathless at God's underwater creation. I feel so blessed to be able to enjoy the underwater beauty and quiet calm that the ocean brings to my life.

Chain Morey and the third picture is a Sea Horse!

Marsha and her dive buddy Cinde Nelson!

The girls are doing a great job running things at the store. Jen and Brian just got back from a trip to Disneyland with the boys. Jen is leaving Friday April 9 with Brian to vendor the Auburn Quilt Show. If you are at the show stop by and say Hi. We are also busy getting ready for Quilt Rush which starts April 14 thru Sunday April 18. The theme is Rock Around the Block. T-shirts and project bags will be available as well as our store block and kits for Morning Stars version of the 2010 Quilt Rush Quilt. Even if you are unable to do the whole shop hop please come by and say Hi!

Bon Bini
Marsha

Normal is just a setting on the dryer.......

2010-03-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Do you ever try to figure out what is normal? One of my favorite things to say is "Okay we are almost back to normal. What a joke. What the heck is normal? For us as Quilt Shop Owners there is no normal, unless of course normal is constantly moving, sewing, laughing, crying, being with great people, being behind, trying to catch up and always creating. This sounds negative but I don't mean it negative. There is nothing I enjoy more than a good challenge. Running a quilt shop means constant change and new creations. A good nap would be nice once in awhile.

Last weekend was spent sewing with a quilting group that we started about 17 years ago. Not all the original people are still with us but we just add as room allows. What a blast, we laughed our heads off and got a lot of eating and quilting done. I never seem to get enough "SHE" time and when I do I love it. Thanks for a great weekend my friends.

We are busily getting ready to vendor for the Yuba City Quilt Show this weekend. The Valley Quilt Guild always puts on a great show. Hope to see you there! We will also be vendoring at the Auburn Show this year. It is April 10 and 11. The girls have been making new samples like crazy. We have 15 new samples for the Quilt Shows and about 10 more new samples for Quilt Rush. Quilt Rush starts April 14 and ends April 18. Visit www.quiltrush.org for more information.

Mark had fun last week taking fun pictures of the store. Hope you enjoy them.

We have had many requests for an American Girl Doll clothes class. Here is a picture to show you what you can make. Please call the store to sign up, or check out the class at our website.

Enough for now. Enjoy this Spring weather. Use the bright colors, flowers, new leaves, fluffy clouds and whatever else floats your boat to stir your imagination and creativity.

Marsha

Imagination is the highest kite that one can fly. Lauren Bacall

Hooray for HandiQuilter

2010-02-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

We are in the Shuttle and on our way!

Marsha and Jen getting a massage while we wait for our plane!

Arriving at Handi Quilter!

One of the views from Handi Quilter!

We are taking a breather in the lobby at Handi Quilter!

Well it is Thursday and I had all intentions of writing this post on Monday. Jen, Ronda and I were extremely fortunate to spend last week in Salt Lake City at HandiQuilter. We took the beginning quilting class for the Fusion. What a fabulous company! Talk about customer service, they really wanted our experience to be as educational as possible, friendly, and of course fattening. Our accommodations were great and the food was fabulous. There were times during the week that I wanted to say "stop my brain is full." Now for the really fun part - putting it all to good use. Jen has already quilted a quilt using one of the techniques we learned. My week-end will be spent (hopefully) quilting up three tops that need to be done.

The Classroom/Studio!

There were 15 ladies in our group and four teachers. Really a great ratio. All of the women were so nice and fun. We all decided to take the intermediate class together next Jan. The ladies came from all over the United States. What a Hoot! If you ever need help running a successful company call HandiQuilter they are tops!

It's Snowing!

The Whole Gang!

Since we first opened Morning Star Quilts customer service and kindness has always been a high priority for me. I guess this has just been one of those weeks when I feel like I can't make anyone happy. I have a tendency to be too generous and sometimes it backfires and I end up either getting mad or getting my feelings hurt. Just another way of knowing that none of us are perfect. I've always tried to look at the positive and not the negative. Sure makes life easier. Take one day at a time, do your best, smile and try to make someone's day better. So it's time to forgive and move on. Tomorrow is a new day and a fun one at that.

Friday is the day that I like to teach classes. Tomorrow I will be teaching a class where the ladies will learn how to use texture magic, make the 7 minute circle, and use Elisa's Back Porch templates to create a great quilt. Fun Fun Fun!

Have a great weekend! Be kind to all and love the unlovable.

Forgiveness is the healing of wounds caused by another. You choose to let go of a past and no longer be hurt by it. Forgiveness is a strong move to make, like turning your shoulders sideways to walk quickly on a crowded sidewalk. It's your move.

Real Live Preacher

Up, Up and Away

2010-02-16T13:43:00.000-08:00

I sure wish there was a magical equation for the 36 hour day. It doesn't matter how organized I am I never get enough done. Samples, class quilts, quilts I just want to make or quilt, cleaning, groceries, cooking, socializing, church, reading, gardening, posting on my blog - how do you possibly get it all done? Time is either your friend or your enemy. I have decided time is my friend and I can only do so much. I miss spending time with family and friends, so my quilting might take a little longer than usual but my life will be more enriched with friends and family.

We just got back from a great weekend with my parents and Mark's parents. Mark's Dad was celebrating his 88th birthday. A lot of their friends from our childhood days were there to help them celebrate. It was great to catch up with them and hear about our childhood friends. Mark and I are so blessed to still have them with us. Our families attended the same church when we were growing up. Our childhood memories have enriched and blessed our marriage. Thank you Mom's and Dad's!

Just a quick note - I want you to meet my dog. Here's Ziggy!

Ronda, Jen and I are leaving for Salt Lake City tomorrow to take a longarm class at Handi-Quilter. Hopefully we will come home as experienced custom quilters.

Last week we rearranged our batik room and the children's corner. We are also starting a wool section with antique buttons and patterns. I'd like to spend some time when we go to Market to research wool, because I really don't know squat.

Well time to go home, pack, and organize food for Mark. He will be busy taking care of Tyler, Bryant, Bella and of course helping the girls at the shop.

More to you from Salt Lake!

Marsha

2010-02-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

After the holidays I don't want to even think about next Christmas, but in the quilting world that is unrealistic. We have to start ordering all of our fabric for Christmas 2010 in January. The good side of that is we have a long time to think about and plan the next project.

Today we received 7 boxes of freight. Our UPS driver Dave always loves days like this. For him it is a lot of work, and for us it's like Christmas everyday. Today we received quite a few new bolts of Batiks from Island Batiks and Robert Kaufman, and like all of the others they are stunning.

We also recieved the most adorable baby line "Chirp" from Robert Kaufman. We are making a very cute sample that is a perfect baby quilt or wall hanging. Here is a sneak peek at the beautiful bolts.

Chirp was designed by Kate Hennagir.

Our next Christmas present today was a box from E.E. Schenck. It was full of the Veranda line from Maywood Studios. Laurie is going to be making a beautiful sample from this line. We will post pictures when the sample is done.

Veranda

Our last present of the day was an adorable line from Red Rooster Fabrics. The Sew-It Book Collection by Amy Barickman is a line of fun reproductions of the 1929 classic sewing book. The original text was by Richard Taft and has been reissued by Amy Barickman of Indygo Junction and The Vintage Workshop.

The Sew-It Book Collection

Happy Quilting!

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay awhile, make footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same. ~Anonymous~

SHE Time

2010-02-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

Today will be a great day at the shop. Our Wednesday girls are coming for a sew day! These ladies make us laugh, smile and enjoy the concept of true friendship. The older I get the more I appreciate my friends and cherish the time we spend together. I call it SHE TIME. Getting together with the she's is the best.

When we opened Morning Star Quilts I had no idea how many great friends we would make and grow to love. I feel so blessed to work with my daughter and close friends everyday. What a gift!

I would like to share a picture with you of an upcoming class I will be teaching. The object of the class is to work with curved templates, learn the seven minute circle and work with texture magic. The class is Feb 26. Come and join us.

Yesterday Jen and I played around with some of our displays. Here are some pictures of what we ended up with. Tell us what you think!

Bella is always so good about us making her pose for pictures!

Beautiful Kaffe Half Yard Cuts

Our newest sample and fun new bag kit!

May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

~Irish Blessing~

Birth

2010-02-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

New beginnings. Yesterday was our last Sunday of the month Quilt Sisters sew day. Our newest little member, Taylor Renee came by for a quick visit. Taylor was our New Year's gift. She has already made her first quilt with perfect points and seams - Go Figure!

Marsha and Taylor

Debi, Mama Coleen, Aunt Jen and Marsha with baby Taylor

Pretty Taylor

Another new beginning is this blog. I have been fighting this blog for many months but after incessant encouragement from my friend Pam Bush I finally caved in. Hope you will follow along. Love Marsha