by Terry

     Where did January go?  I swear, if time passes by any more quickly for me, I'll be passing myself as I get up and go to bed.  I seem to stay so incredibly busy, yet I still don't have enough hours in a day.  What's up with that?  Anyone else have this problem?

     Health-wise, I'm doing better!  For those of you that have been keeping up with me, you know that I had a gastric bypass last April 22nd.  As of this morning, I've lost 158 pounds.  I'm getting downright skinny and loving it.  It has its down sides, though.  I'm tired, I have to take a ton of vitamins, I have to be careful and eat certain things or my hair starts coming out, and the list goes on.  But overall, I'm glad I did it.  People that have known me all my life don't recognize me now... and I love it!

     It's still winter here in Oklahoma.  It's 34° here right now and we're expecting snow.  I am NOT a winter person.  I am so ready for summer!!!

     So, how are you doing?

by Terry

     Need a new wallpaper for your desktop?  Try the new February wallpaper located on the Web!  The wallpaper that is shown on that page is from a picture taken behind my house a few weeks ago.  There is another wallpaper available, on the same page, that was created by Wilma from North Carolina.  It's a great one, too!     

     I started Mystery Quilt 13 a few weeks ago and you can read more about that in the section titled "Mystery Quilts".  I think you'll get a kick out of this one! 

    And lastly, love a Challenge?  Love to Quilt?  Then don't miss the  Quilting Passion Challenge 2004.  Details of this challenge can be found on the Web by clicking the link above.  The deadline for entries is May 15, 2004.  I hope to see your entries!  This challenge gives you a lot of room for creativity!

by Terry

     I just finished a paperpieced hot air balloon and I will be working on more new patterns over the next few days, so be sure to check the Web for updates on new patterns on the home page.  Or click here to begin the exciting  journey of pattern surfing!  I plan on adding all sorts of patterns, including pieced, paperpieced, and appliqué.

by Terry

     My pick for pattern/project of the month is one that  is very unique!  In fact, up until a week or so ago, I had never even heard of this.

     What is it?  A baby harness!  What does it do?  It protects a baby from all the nasty germs in a shopping cart.  Isn't this a cool idea?  

     Be sure to check the pattern out at Gran's Place.  It would make a great gift!

by Terry

     The second installment of Mystery Quilt (MQ) 13 was sent out earlier tonight.  This little quilt is going to be a cutie.  If you didn't receive notification of it, then you might shoot me an e-mail and make sure I have your right e-mail address in my mailing list.

     I am certainly hoping that at least a few of you will have pictures to share with us!

by Terry

     The Gallery is a special place to showcase pictures of all the quilts that YOU have made using my patterns and/or ideas.  Keep those pix coming!

by Terry

     The forum has really been busy the past few days.  I am seeing more and more new faces and names.  It is fantastic to see people jump right in and make themselves at home!

     A few of our monthly projects include:

• Block Party

• FQ Drawing

• UFO Drawing

• Charity Projects

• Fabric Swaps

• Block Swaps

      The "Round Robin Charity Drive", or RRCD continues to grow and is quickly becoming one of the most popular activities on the forum.  We have initiated a total of 284 quilts since March of 2002!  That is absolutely so amazing, especially since we haven't started any new ones in 2004 yet!  Not only is this fun and rewarding for each of the volunteers in this project, but the end result is that we are making an impact on the lives of kids that truly need a spark of hope.  If you haven't joined this project, let me just say that it is truly one of the most rewarding projects that I have ever participated in.  And we have so much fun, too!  In the beginning, the RRCDs were done as the traditional "round robins", but a few months ago, we added a second method for making these quilts, made using the "row by row" method.  Both seem to be quite popular!

     Of the 284 quilts, 224 of them have been donated so far, and there are many that are this >< close to going out.   This means that we have  60 outstanding quilts since the last newsletter in January!!! I urge each of you to help us decrease this number to a more manageable figure!   Peggy and Sheryl are doing a tremendous job of getting us back on track!  And to all those participating?  Give yourself a huge pat on the back!!!  

     I am tracking all of the Project Linus Project information on our Web site, so it is easy for you to keep up with what's happening with this tremendous and oh-so-valuable project.  The site also contains information on the donations and the waiting list.  It sure hammers home how much there is a need for this!  If you belong to a non-profit organization that provides quilts to traumatized and/or terminally ill children and would like to be placed on our waiting list, please feel free to contact me via sregora@quiltingpassion.com.  I have added several new organizations to our waiting list this past week.  Word is spreading about what we are doing!  Doesn't it feel great?

     For more information, refer to the Forum Project Linus Web page describing the project.

     There are numerous block and fabric swaps going on, so if you're in the mood to sew, feel free to jump right in!  There are also many in the works, so stay tuned for new information.  I've even been thinking about hosting a block swap myself!

     Those of you that frequent the forum know that one of our very dear friends is very ill right now.  Patty lives in Louisiana and is undergoing chemo right now.  We are in the process of making comfort quilts for her family.  Everyone has their own way of dealing with illnesses, and I hope that each of you will take a few minutes each day to think about Patty and offer up your good thoughts, well wishes, prayers... whatever.  I purchased two candles from Hallmark (Yankee Lilac Blossoms), and mailed one of them to Patty, along with a card.  I told her that I was keeping the other candle and placing it by my laptop and every time I see it, I'll light it and say a prayer for her.  This is my way of keeping Patty in my thoughts.  I'm sure most of you have your own way, too.

     For those of you that are members of this very special forum (which is my home on the Internet!), thank you.  For those of you that haven't visited yet, please do so by clicking here.  Remember, basic membership is still free!  

    
by Terry

     There are currently no new classes scheduled.   Perhaps when I'm less busy... :)

         
by Terry

     More free patterns, of course, to be added to the site, plus I'm also thinking about another MQ!  Yes, another one!!!  #14 is in the works in my head already.

     I LOVE QUILTING.  And I'm betting I'm not alone!

by Terry

     Any new ideas roaming around in your head that you'd like to share with me?

by Terry

     Have a great Valentine's Day, everyone!  

Happy quilting,
Terry