Hello all, Mary Ellen here.

Nope, I’m not starting off with words about fabric or sewing machines. My Favorite Things is the title of a concert I went to last evening. The director of the Buffalo Choral Arts Society is celebrating her 25th anniversary as the director, and chose many of her favorite songs for the program of the concert. I know of 2 guild connections to the chorus–Judy Balcerzak’s grandson has a solo in the concert. He is featured in the song “All that Jazz” from Chicago. What a surprise to hear the deep bass voice come from this young man! Kim Guido, one of our members, is a soprano in the chorus. The evening was great. Beautiful singing of a collection of tunes from Broadway shows. There is another performance tomorrow (Sun. May 6) at 3:00 at Rockwell Hall at Buff State. Wonderful way to spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon with friends and family. I highly recommend it.

Gorgeous morning isn’t it. This weather could continue all through the spring and summer and I’d be happy. Sunny, and moderate temps. Garden is shaping up, the dog is happy outdoors. Windows open a bit for fresh air, with no need for the AC. What more could we ask for weather wise?

Working on the place mats I cut during my demos at the quilt show. They really do go together quickly. The cutting trick that Anita Grossman Solomon (shameless plug for fall quilt seminar!) devised for 9 patches works great, and the stitching is very fast. How long does it take to sew a 9 patch after all? Will quilt them with free form walking foot stitching (no marking needed!), put on a nice backing fabric and bring it over to the front instead of a separate binding, and be done in no time. I see them becoming BD presents this year.

Next up from the UFO pile is a memory quilt from my sister’s  2011 state champion softball team to her. Have the signature blocks from the girls, need to set them together and get it quilted before this year’s season is over! Took a while to round up the blocks from the players who had graduated and gone on to college, but now I have them all. Nothing too complicated, but school colors don’t always make the most attractive quilt fabric combinations. Just have to go with it, I guess.

Then…I get to choose something from my stash of kits. Some of them have been there for so long that the chosen kit will seem like something brand new! Hoping to make a dent in that trove of kits through the summer.

How many of you start your Christmas quilting now? New fabrics coming in to the shops, might be done in time for the correct holiday. I heard a quilter put it this way when she shared a project at a show and tell: “I’m not way behind on last year’s –I’m way ahead on this year’s”. That’s called putting a spin on it, I think!