Hello Fellow Quilters: I got a great chuckle out of your stories about your cats. I have (3) indoor cats and (8) cats in our barn here on the farm. Yes, they do like to try out every quilt I make before and after the quilting is done. Usually all (3) of them are laying side-by-side on our bed all snuggled in for a long days nap. At nighttime watch out. THEY ARE ALIVE! I just finished a king size, double irish chain quilt in burgandy and pink with the main background in white on white. Just received my stack-n-whack butterfly quilt back from the quilters. Such a joy to see the quilting all done and the quilt finished. I love to put the binding on as I enjoy hand work. I will have my surgery this Monday, 8/22/05 at Shawnee Mission, KS. Keep me in your prayers. Quilt till you drop! Donna Roberts on the farm

Hi Bobye... are you a traditional quilter or more into the art quilting? I enjoy it although I do not think I am even at te novice level. Michele

I am new to this site also. I was banded on 6/15/05 so I am just 3 weeks out from surgery. Doing well and realllllllly excited about the new lease I feel I have on life. I have been a quilter for over 20 years and I love it almost as much as food. I am sure now that I have a band quilting will move right up to first place. I can't count the UFO's (unfinished objects) in my sewing room. Anxious to get my post surgery energy level back so I can get at some of those projects. I am new to these message boards on the internet but so far they have been a treasure of information for me. I am even corresponding with a bandster "in waiting" in Holland! Good luck with the quiltin' girls and keep those needles flyin'..........

I usually use 100% cotton fabric on the front AND back of my quilts. If they are different types of fabric (cotton on top vs cotton/poly blend on back) they tend to shrink in the wash at different rates and after a few washings they warp. I have Ragshop and JoAnns locally around me. They sell all those licensed fabrics. A webpage that I couldn't live without is missingfabrics.com (put www before) If theres a fabric out there, they will find it. -Janine

Ok, I just started quilting. I am in the process of making a quilt for my 4 year old son and I was wondering something. What is the best material to use for the backing? My mom made quilts for my sister and me years ago and used old sheets for the backing. Is that a good idea? I mean, if they are in good condition but not used anymore? Also, I am wondering if anyone knows if there is fabric for various NASCAR drivers? I know there is Jr, Gordon, Stewart. But I am looking for Kahne (#9), Harvick (#29) and some others as well. Let me know what you find, please?