Mary in Alabama mentioned her Signature Quilt for her Mom. A co-worker, Carol was diagnosed with Cancer and did not return to work as quickly as expected. I sent emails out to the entire company asking that employees write a message to Carol. Once all the messages were received (back was filled as well), I quilted it out. Did a flower theme as Carol was an avid flower gardener. Unfortunately, she lost her battle to Cancer. This quilt was displayed in the funeral home and was being passed down to her granddaughter. Carol"s husband stated that she read these messages each and every day. It"s the little things in life that matter ladies. Joan/NJ

Since AnnTheGran has an Olfa Chenille Cutter on the Home Page, decided to send in photo of a throw rug made from the chenille cutter. I placed the original fabric on top so that you can see how after cutting the layers, the rug takes on a life all of its own. For the bottom of the rugs, I use old bedspreads, old sheets, etc. Good part of this project besides it being fun, sale fabric can be purchased and fabric that has collected dust in the sewing room for a long time can be utilized (finally). This particular rug is about 4 years old and in a heavy traffic area from garage to family room. Still going strong. Great for kid"s rooms...real soft. Joan/NJ

I was just finishing up on my grandson"s denim coverlet, shams, bolster pillows and his personalized pillow (for his home away from home - Grandma"s house) when Diane Brown did her Blog on Ann The Gran"s Jumbo Alphabet. The letters worked up so quickly. As I was embroidering them, so many other projects came to mind. This jumbo alphabet is great. Joan/NJ

As I started to accumulate "Going Green" shopping totes, their blankness bothered me. As all the ME-ers out there know, items like these can"t stay blank. What"s the saying Judy? If it doesn"t move.................embroider it! I could have done all matchy, matchy but went eclectic. My favorite is the "Runs with Scissors" tattoo style. The front paisley is a Starbird design package purchased from ATG site. Joan/NJ

......recycled into a bobbin case.

As explained in Cathy"s Sewing Room blog, Chelsea the Calico was my sewing assistant. She would sit behind my machine and take out the pins I had skipped. She would then flick them and pins would fly everywhere. This prompted me to purchase a magnetic retractable pin grabber (another great gadget ladies). Chelsea was my sewing companion for nearly 20 years. Joan/NJ

Thank you Ann, Greg and Eileen for an enjoyable time in Orlando! "Embroiderers" are very friendly and fun people - a nice experience!!!! Joan / NJ

In Response to Diane"s Greeting Card Blog Request: All correct Christmas cards were sent and I only have this TOTAL REJECT left! Idea was in Better Homes and Gardens" Christmas Crafts Ideas magazine. The garland was to be done in free-motion quilting. However, I had a M.E. Christmas tree design in a shape of a triangle with ornaments and garland. So why not?! I removed the tree (stayed with magazine idea of a fabric tree [Moda] and also removed the ornaments. Wanted to keep simple for 75 cards. I used my faithful Place "n Stitch program and on a perfect card (!!), the garland was completely centered and the top loop served as a star. I mailed 50 of these cards and Hallmark came to the rescue for the remaining 50 I needed to get out. Joan/NJ

Cathy - Sorry for the delay in responding back to our "conversation" regarding oilcloth from your Redwork Blog. Have had difficulty in posting in the Media Section. Oilcloth is a very shiny and most times, very colorful fabrication. It is easy to care for and needs no hemming. The predecessor to the flannel backed vinyl of today. The 1940s apron has been updated - the upper pocket is to hold a cell phone! Also threw in my first redwork project of a clothespin bag made from a linen dish towel. Yeah, I still hang quilts, linens and the such outdoors. Joan/NJ

Thanks to the tail end of "Hanna", I accomplished some Christmas gifts and some thoughts going forward to Christmas ideas. Decided this will be the 2008 card to a selected few. Snowflake can be removed and used as an ornament. For kids, going to Free Standling Lace them in Glow-in-the-Dark thread. I finally tried Kiwi Paper. Oh my gosh, the stuff is fabulous. Joan/NJ

Diane Brown"s adorable embroidered infant shirts idea came in time for my next baby gift. However, I sewed my own diaper cover from the Bazoople fabric to match the Bazoople giraffe. Also sewed the Bazoople Fabric book as well. Fun project!