http://www.melissaleray.com Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:18:41 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Lipstick, shoes, and coffee, right? These were the essentials I had in mind as I designed this quilt for my mom, for her birthday.  With the help of the very talented ladies from the Modern Quilting Bee, I was able to get this quilt completed, and it now is being enjoyed ... http://www.melissaleray.com/2010/04/all-a-lady-needs-is/ You know those awards they give out in school, "best in reading", "best in art", etc, well, in kindergarten, I was named "most optimistic".  I think that my optimistic qualities were truly apparent at that early age, or the teacher ran out of awards to give, and that was all ... http://www.melissaleray.com/2010/03/a-quilt-called-patience/ It occurred to me today, when I was writing the first draft of this post that to tell you all the gift would be to put something very personal about someone else on my blog.  I definitely don't mind dishing dirt about myself, but I don't feel right sharing the ... http://www.melissaleray.com/2010/02/29-days-day-9-and-on/ I am in disbelief that I'm in SIX bees!  How did this happen when I wasn't in a single bee only 4 short months ago?  Things can change fast, can't they?  HA! Anyway, I was forced willingly entered in to another be that started this month, and what a ... http://www.melissaleray.com/2010/02/bee-stitched-february-edition/ Today I gave to the Red Cross for Haiti.  It was easy - just a simple text and viola.  This was one of many donations to the Haiti relief organizations that we've made, but I believe that they all help.   We're supposed to be getting 53 Haitians to our hospital ... http://www.melissaleray.com/2010/02/29-days-day-8/      Aren't these blocks beautiful?  I'm not being smug - Leanne picked the fabrics out - not me  :)  I've told her before how much I want to raid her fabric stash, and boy is that ever true now.  Her color choices were so great; so vivid!  These blocks are ... http://www.melissaleray.com/2010/02/modern-tradition-february/ If you're keeping track of my days, you'll quickly notice that my "29 days" haven't been so... well.. consecutive.   I'm kind of slacking at my goal, and, and now I think I know why.  Up until now, I've felt like the "real" gifts have to be purchased.  Be it flowers ... http://www.melissaleray.com/2010/02/29-days-day-7/ I'm IN LOVE with these blocks!  These blocks were for the February edition of our Spider Bee.  Brioni did such an amazing job picking out fabrics, and fussy cutting her base fabric so well.  I *really* loved making these - and can't wait to see the final result! http://www.melissaleray.com/2010/02/spider-bee-february-block/ Quilting bees can be addicting.  You can see proof to the right where you'll now see that I'm part of SIX quilt bees.  Wasn't one or two enough you ask?  NO.  Did I need any more excuses to use my sewing machine? NO. This isn't about logic.  This is an ... http://www.melissaleray.com/2010/02/modern-quilt-bee-february-block/ Today's gift was simple - I sent my Mom a sweet little note and some chocolates in the mail to bring her some sunshine.  I know she could use it.  I love you Momma! http://www.melissaleray.com/2010/02/29-days-day-6/