Look What I Won

Thanks to Melissa over at http://ardeasnest.blogspot.com/ I won another give away. And isn't it a good one? I have been wanting to make a One-Block Wonder and now I have no excuse do I. Oh, I could probably come up with one if I work at it. But, I'm on the hunt for a good ethnic print. The added bonus to the give away is the other three books. I didn't realize they were coming to me. Snap! I just got back from a small holiday and have yet to dig into these. Sounds like a good evening project don't you think? Thank you Melissa for such a lovely give away.

New Tote Tutorial

My friend Khris from Australia, has put up a free tote bag tutorial on to her blog. Looks like a fast and fun one to make. Go check it out and maybe make one.

A Birthday Outing in Pasadena

For various reasons, today was the day selected to celebrate my business partner Robin's birthday. We always take each other to lunch to celebrate rather than give gifts. This year I chose to take her on a walking food tasting tour in Old Town Pasadena. Pasadena is a great town (you've heard of the Rose Parade?) full of lovely architecture with wonderful hidden courtyards and alleys along with many one-of-a-kind restaurants.

In no particular order, some of the places we stopped to do some tasting are shown here.

No explanation necessary.

Chinese fusion

Just a cool alley.

Yummy bakery.

I think they called this Opera Cake. Reminded you of a richer Tiramisu.

Chocolates. Really good chocolates.

I missed some pictures, like of the Mexican Torta Restaurant, the Gelato place, and the homemade soap place. It was a good day.

Norah McMeeking at Quilters by the Sea

Last Thursday, April 8, Norah McMeeking was the guest speaker at my local quilt guild, Quilters by the Sea. She wrote the quilt book Bella Bella Quilts http://www.bellabellaquilts.com/home.html

Norah's first life was as a graphic artist who worked on book jackets, and magazine ads. Then she went to Italy and discovered the gorgeous church floor tiles.

And the rest is history. Aren't they fabulous and inspiring? Norah is a gem among quilters and while I couldn't attend the workshop, I hear it was great! Thank you Norah for enriching our lives.

Gerrie Schipske on Rosie the Riveter

I am straying far away from my usual topics with today's blog. This is because I was invited to a luncheon today at the Petroleum Club in Long Beach. Gerrie Schipske, who happens to be my district's city council person, spoke about the role of Rosie the Riveter in Long Beach. Long Beach has a long aviation history. Amelia Earhart even took lessons here in Long Beach. But, the Rosie Riveters (and they number in the millions in America) played a huge role in Long Beach defense plants during World War II. The term Rosie the Riveter was actually coined by the song of the same name recorded by the Vagabonds in 1943. These "Rosies" were amazing in that they would work 8-10 hour shifts, sometimes for weeks without days off. They reared children, tended to victory gardens, was under rationing, and still managed to rivet, weld, and put together our war planes that helped our servicemen and the war effort. I can't imagine what that was like; but, when the men came home, most of them lost their jobs. It really was a most interesting couple of hours. Gerrie taught Women Studies at Long Beach State University and has written a book Rosie the Riveter in Long Beach. If you are interested in more on this history, visit http://www.lbrosie.com/ OK, back to quilting.

Red Pinwheel Update

Here is an update on my new quilt. Since I'm only working on it a little each day, this is as far as I am on the pinwheel path. More next week. Happy Easter.