Wacky Pac Quilters

Christmas at Brown Chapel. We had company this past Sunday. Three of our "moved way" members came for a visit. The little old lady in purple with the black hat is our oldest member who had been ill for some time. She's 88 and still kickin', as she says. Merry Christmas everybody!

Being the history buff that I am--If I were to wish to go somewhere other than home for Christmas, where would it be? WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA! Our sister, Kathy E is there as we speak and is already emailing us of her adventures. Although she was blogging the morning instead of sightseeing, she did get out of her son's house this afternoon to view some of the wonderful sights. No snow there, weather kinda like Texas, she said (OH NO--can't get away from it!). The following is the story of the airport adventure. Sounds like a trip from hell, but worth it to see their son, Josh and wife Patience, and Williamsburg during Christmas. I will post other details as she sends them in or you can check her blog. www.humblequilter.blogspot.com . My favorite part is about the running--I love it--ROTFLMAO After a really LONG day, I am happy to report that Ron and I have made it to Williamsburg! We go to DFW at approximately 11:45 am for our 2 pm flight to Chicago. We knew we we...

THE WACKY CHRISTMAS PARTY 2007! JERRI BROUGHT US CRUISE SUNGLASSES AND TOE RINGS-- KATHY E. MADE US ALL CRUISE JOURNALS-- ALL THIS AND WE PROMISED NOT TO EXCHANGE GIFTS-- OH WELL--I JUST LEARNED THAT YOU CAN'T BELIEVE A THING THEY SAY! BUT I WILL TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVE THEM THANK YOU GIRLS! WE PLAYED GAMES FOR FABRIC! 1/2 YARD PIECES! WE ALL OOOHHHED AND AAAAHHHHED OVER EACH PIECE! RITA'S WONDERFUL MARGARITA ANNALE WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL HOSTESS. SHE TOUCHED ALL THE BASES AND PROVIDED US A WONDERFUL GATHERING PLACE-- THANK YOU, ANNIE! WE LOVE YOU!!

Merry Christmas everybody from one of Santa's Wacky Reindeer........I'm having a blast at our annual Wacky Christmas party.

A recent email from my nephew who went on a cruise last summer, revealed a few "cruise tips. I thought I would post them here so that we can view and review them. Try to look at the ports you'll be stopping at and go ahead and try to pick the excursions you'd like to do. At least look at them and narrow down your choices so that you'll have an idea what to pick once you get on the ship. We spend a lot of time worrying about what we were going to do, it would have been easier if we picked before we went. Looks like the only destination on your cruise that I went to was Cozumel. That's good, because it was the best stop we made. The shopping there is good, plenty of shops and the stuff is cheap. We had several that did the island tour on Cozumel, and they all enjoyed it. But if you're planning on shopping, Cozumel is a good choice. Don't know much about your other destinations. On the ship most everything will be taken care of. More food than you ca...

Hey Wackies....this is our new calendar picture for 2008. I should have it all ready by the Christmas party.

BUT BOY DID WE HAVE A GREAT TIME! As you can see from all the cars, there were nine of us. All but two were able to come on Thursday. Friday brought in the other two. One dropped out because of sickness and then there were 8. The week-end was a great success with everyone staying until Sunday afternoon. A Postcard challenge was on the agenda with the results posted here. What a talented group of gals. Other activities included a ride on my DH's new Deer hunting vehicle A high seat on the back of our MULE (not the four legged kind). Did we laugh? Yes we did, but I can't post all the topics. Let's just say that we are very graphic, outspoken, and we got to know each other a whole lot better. ( this post will be edited and added to tomorrow, I promise)

Hey Wackies .....want a special picture in your "header"? Here's how: Chose a picture that is rectangular; Use a program that crops your picture; Crop the chosen picture to 660X150 pixels and save. Next go to your blog, click on "customize," then click on "header - edit". From there follow the instructions to upload your cropped picture. Remember to "save" when finished. TaDa!

Travelon Messenger-Style Shoulder Bag ,6764 , Accessories

I will bring a taco (salad) bar with all the trimmings. OLE!! Hope to see you all at applique at Deer Camp? Jerri

Wacky Pac GOES QUILTING AT FRYER RANCH November 1st thru 4th -- 3rd Anniversary You are Invited! Please come quilting at Fryer Ranch . FOUR crisp fall days will be spent doing some power quilting, but most of all, will be a time when we can reconnect as Wackies. This just happens to be my favorite thing to do. I know some will not be able to come on Thurs., but come when you can and stay as long as you can. Beds will be set up for each except the two sisters who prefer not to stay overnight with us. They will stay late and come back early. I have one blow up bed, but need Kathleen and Annale to bring their beds. Sleep will be the last thing on our minds, but is necessary to keep us from killing each other. Quilters never die --they just cut up! Is this us or what! SET Ups (Is that a word?) I have three tables for your use. I have a large cutting table and an ironing station. Please feel free to bring whatever set up you prefer, b...

The Wacky Pack has decided on a swap for 2008! We will swap strip-pieced blocks -- three blocks for each person. 1. Cut 27 13-1/2 squares out of the stuff you are using for the foundation -- muslin, interfacing, etc. 2. Draw a diagonal line with pencil, or other marking tool, 1-inch to the left of the diagonal of the 13-1/2 sqquare. This will help you exactly center the center diagonal fabric which is 2-inches wide. 3. Decide on a fabric that you want to be the diagonal of each square (or focus fabric). Cut 27 2" x WOF of that fabric. The color choice is up to you. It can be scrappy, batiks, black and white, patriotic, holiday, etc. 4. Prepare a baggie for each Wacky. Inside this baggie you will put 3 foundation squares, 3 2-inch strips of your focus fabric, and any special instructions. Special instructions may include such things as: green on one side and pink on the other; alternate colors of green and red; use all different sizes of strips; use only 2" strips;...

It wouldn't be the beginning of Texas deer hunting season if the Wacky Pack did not get together for some quilting at the Fryer Ranch. This will be our third year to spend the weekend at the Ranch and do some serious, serious quilting! We also do lots of laughing and eating as well. (AND, there may even be a margarita or three thrown in as well). Watch for upcoming pictures of our wild and wacky weekend!

No girls, you're not seeing double. I bought 2 bathing suits for the cruise. I just couldn't make up my mind, they were both so cute and made my look "good!" Here's the deal...they are called Miraclesuits . They make you look 10 lbs lighter. They're constructed to shape and firm the body without bulky linings or girdles. You know how much I looooove girdles...LOL Anyway, look for them at places like Dillard's. They may cost a little more but, hey, we are worth it.

WOW--that's all I can say--this quilt went together in 12 hours of work by 5 Wackies. Of course this did not include 12 hours of actual sewing, but consutation, study, and conversing about ideas and soutions for problems. It all started a few months ago with a promise from one Wackie. A promise to produce a quilt to be raffled to raise money for Cancer research close to Christmas 2007. A red and green line of Texas themed fabric inspired a quilt and Wackies were commissioned to make two blocks. Themes for these blocks were decided on one at a time so that there would be no duplicates. The blocks were turned in one at a time and this weekend the quilt was "birthed". A baby we will not soon forget as all really like this one. We feel the themed fabric has made this one a real winner. I know I plan to purchase as many tickets as I can. Hey Wackies--You did it again! Great Job! Love to all who are such special people. You are the greatest group of women I have e...

Well, here we are at the Compass Centre in Mt. Calm, Texas, on a retreat --six of the 10 Wackies! What a great time we are having. We are even getting "some" sewing done. Rhonda has been really cracking the whip on us to keep us focused on our sewing projects. (Wouldn't ya know it -- that retired teacher is BACK!). Well, poor sweet Rhonda was so involved in sewing and blogging, and listening to her music on her IPod fell out of her chair. ........Here it is -- Of course, everyone immediately ran to help her thinking she may be hurt even tho she was laughing. The Wackies were so concerned that they grabbed their cameras and headed over to take pictures. It was the paparazzi all over again -- cameras flashing everywhere! After everyone composed themselves from wales of laughter, Rhonda told us that she was okay. Boy or we glad. Thanks for the laughs, Rhonda!!!! WE love you!

Well Wacky Cruisin' Friends.......we have done alot to get ready for our trip (new clothes, shoes, jewelry, passports) but there's still alot to do. Like decide what kind of tiny, little bag to buy to store our valuables. http://www.thesavvytraveller.com has several items to consider such as the pouch and the baggallini. Go check it out for yourselves. Of course we will be on the lookout for other possibilities. Isn't this exciting!

Ok Wackies........I bought this outfit 2years ago, why....I don't know, what occasion was I think of.......I don't know but I liked it. I got it out today, tried it on, looked in the mirror, liked what I saw but what do you think? Be honest, it won't hurt my feelings one bit but I need to know. Mom said I looked like the Pillsbury Dough Boy/Girl......LOL Talk to me Wackies and anyone else who visits our blog. I think it would be perfect to take cruisin' pictures in. HELP!

All we seemed to do was eat, eat, eat. The food was absolutely "to die for". Mackie, the owner and chef was a delightful lady with lots of interesting stories and history. This is definitely a place for a "Wacky" visit!

Well, all tallies are in and it looks like " Cruisin Wackies " is a heads up winner. I want to thank all who participated. This slogan is not only appropriate for our upcoming cruise, but for any group outing. Now lets get to making those darlin pink and green shirts and hats so that as we board that large boat everyone will point and say, "Who in the world are those strange people and don't they know they look ridiculous?" We won't care as we will never see these people again and they will NOT be having as much fun as we are. When the photo is taken as we board, we will just look precious and everyone will be pea green with envy. Get those sewing machines cranked up and let's go " CRUISIN WACKIES "!

Our July meeting has been rescheduled for July 11th at Daliah's. Kathy L. is next on our project list. Remember she asked for 6 1/2" Civil War. I get really mixed up on Civil War and Thimbleberry so Kathy has suggested the name "Thimble War" LOL July is a busy month for a lot of us. Some will be attenting the embroidery thing at the Compass Center, other will be attending the "Sew-In" in Beadias at a Bed & Breakfast place (I'll let you know how that goes) and others are vacationing. Wheeeeeew. For those of us who are going on the cruise.......be on the look out for bargins on clothing, shoes, etc. Some have already purchased new digital cameras and are learning how to operate them...LOL I, for one, have had to rethink my suitcase plans. I need to scale down.

It all started with a phone call from Patty who relayed the message that Annie needed a "drink" after 2 wonderful weeks with her grandbabies. Of course she loves them dearly.....nevertheless something strong was required. So the word..."call" went out and when all was said and done, 9 of the 10 WackyPac members were able to attend. It was great to see everyone. Jerri had been shopping for clothes and jewlery because she's goin' on a cruise she told us. LOL Drinks and laughter flowed with wonderful loving company. Talking about cruisin' made everyone thursty, so we went round again. After dinner when all the bill was paid...we moved to our next meeting place.......outside the establishment on the covered porch. Jerri slowed off your painted and manicured toes. Well, we'll all have to get that done before the curise. Slowly, one by one, we started to leave. It was hard to say goodbye. A few lingered but finally it was time. With waves, hug...

This is the block that I made for Kathleen. I wasn't able to edit the earlier posting to add this photo to the others. Anyway, here it is. Jerri

Hello Wackies! Three blocks down and more coming. Remember our theme is Western or Cowboys. Molly really picked out some great fabrics. Most of us got our kits the other night at Daliah's and the others will be mailed out soon. August is a tentitive deadline to get your "2" blocks (any size) to Molly. If you need suggestions or patterns or whatever, give a shout out to some of us and we'll get you some help. This is really exciting and I know the quilt is going to be a great hit!

Does this remind of of something? Water, the ocean, maybe? Let's go cruising Wackies! Date: February 25-March 2, 2008 Sponsered by Quilters Emporium Prices:............. I don't know yet but will find our soon. A clue....$2500....Yippies! We've got plenty of time to save up, remember, Feburary. It's only June so start saving those pennies, girls. Talk to me or Molly or Charlotte. We need to do this, girls. You know we do. Leave a comment, please or call a WackyPac member. NOW!

June was Kathleen's month for her choice of blocks. Everyone made her "Lighthouses". The following are what she received. She will be receiving at least two more. What a beautiful quilt it will be. We expect to see it next month, Kathleen. If I got some of the names wrong, please let me know and I will redo. By Kathy Earley By Kathy Logsdon By Rhonda Lawton by Kay Costello By Annale Blair By Kay Costello By Patty Helbert By Molly Fryer

The Wacky Pac Quilters have been discussing thru email having a scrap block swap using each other’s scraps. SEW, we started. Here are the rules: 1) Each person provides a 2-gallon baggie full of scraps and brings to Wacky Wednesday for swapping. Put your name on the bag. 2) You will make a block of your choice from the scraps you bring home. 3) You can only add background fabric. All other fabrics must come from the baggie you end up with for that month. 4) At the following Wacky Wednesday, bring back the bag of scraps, your completed block to show. If you do not bring a bag and completed block to Wacky Wednesday, you do not get another bag of scraps. 5) It is up to each individual to keep up with whose scrap bags they have used. At the end of swapping, we will have enough blocks to make a scrappy quilt for ourselves. This should be lots of fun and we will end of with really neat scrappy quilts. It will be interesting to see what everyone one comes up with. W...

We met at Dahlia’s last night and discussed the Texas Christmas quilt that we are making for Relay for Life. Molly showed us the focus fabric and passed out baggies with FQs for us to make our blocks. We decided that we should each choose a block so we knew that we would have a good variety of blocks for the quilt. Once we each make our blocks and we start putting them together, we can determine if we need filler blocks. Those present committed to make the following blocks: Molly – Steer with Christmas Lights Annale – Texas and Alamo Rhonda – Boot and “Howdy” Kathy L – Cactus and Pieced Stars Kathy E – “Merry Christmas Ya’ll” and Armadillo Kay – Coyote Patty – to be decided Charlotte – to be decided Jerri – to be decided Kathleen – to be decided Instructions for blocks: Use the fat quarters provided. You may use other fabrics that coordinate, but they must coordinate with the boot fabric. Blocks must be finished and ready to be put together no later than August 15th. We want to...

How many Wackies does it take to come up with an idea, sketch it out, digitize/customize it and come up with something worthwhile? If you guessed 3 you'd be WRONG! (LOL) It actually took all ten of the Wackies to "get-her-done." Jerri came up with the idea...Thanks, by the way Jerri. I, Rhonda drew it, scanned it into an "E" to get approval from the group, then it was sent to Annie for digitizing/customizing. Notice I always say both words.....because I don't really know which one she uses. Anyway Annie fiddled with the design, called for a conference and it was finally stitched out. Whew! I don't know why we put ourselves through these things.....it's so stressful but fun.