SNOW!

Just a couple of weeks ago, school was cancelled because of the prediction of 3 inches of snow---we got a dusting--so I admit there was some skepticism about the prediction of up to 7 inches here in Middle TN. Well this time--they were right! We measured about 4 inches in our yard, but there is solid ice on top of that! The kids are out trying to make snowmen, out of sheets of ice---needless to say, it is a bit difficult :-) The kids across the street are from the Middle East and so snow is clearly a novelty--Mom and Dad are outside taking movies of the kids playing. We attempted to keep our Grandson inside because he does have asthma, but he looked so pitiful standing at the door until we did relent and let him out for a little bit. He looks like the little boy in The Christmas Story--so bundled up he can hardly move :-). Poor Coal is so confused---he went out to do his "business" and had such a hard time finding a spot, till DH had to remove the snow from around his favorite tree and then he finally was able to get some relief. He was walking and falling and of course his little feet were getting cold. He of course can only spend a short time on the ground and then we have to pick him up, so he is getting "curb service" to his spot until the snow melts.

I finished "the" quilt. Of course, I had problems---thankfully at the end. I am so grateful for zipper leaders--I know what I did---I didn't measure my backing properly and so it was longer in the middle. I had to pin up the excess. I did get a couple of wrinkles in the back, but since this is NOT a show quilt--oh well!!! I am going to bind it and then wash/dry it and I bet you will not even be able to see the mistakes. If you can--again--Oh well! I really like the backing---it looks like old newspaper ads for quilting notions. I had to be careful taking the picture or you would see the state of my quilting "studio". It was once a formal dining room and when I moved into it I felt I had enough space to last forever---now it is much too small!!! I would like to take over the living room, or better yet the upstairs den (where the pool table is) but you can imagine what DH says :-)---Oh well, maybe we will win the lotto and I will build me a "quilting house" like this quilter has I read about in a magazine. Wouldn't that be too awesome!







I didn't go in to work today---glad I didn't since according to the news, the interstates are messed up, not to mention the side roads. This picture is looking out my front door. The street is still covered with ice even though a couple of neighbors have traveled on it. I plan to take my shower and put on a clean pair of pajamas and make some blocks and knit on my socks. I made chili yesterday, and so we will have leftovers.

You all stay safe and warm today! Quilty hugs all around!!!

Progress!

No pictures today---just an update of my quilting activities----

1. I am a little over half done with quilting "the" quilt. I am using a feather panto but because it is so busy you really can't see the pattern. This is a good and a bad thing. Bad because it takes a lot of time for me and I am wondering why I didn't just go ahead and do a meandering. Good though because I get to practice and mistakes will be hidden for sure once I wash and dry this puppy.

2. My Moda Kona rolls finally got here and so I have made about 5 (good) blocks for my paintbox quilt. I actually made 10 but the first 5 were off. I couldn't get them the same size for some reason. Now I have FINALLY figured out how to made a "scant" 1/4 inch seam, and they are all coming out 7.5 (up from the 6 inch of the pattern). I want to make a queen size quilt so I have 51 blocks to go!!!

3. Made several blocks for my Peaches/Berries and Cream. Again I am making a queen and so have "several" more to make.

4. I almost forgot---I put a on a binding and am currently sewing it down---so I will move that off my "To Do" list!

School has been called off---we are expecting 10 inches of snow here in Middle TN. It is grey and cold and the sleet is moving in. That is a bad thing for sure since it is expected we will get several inches of ice first and then snow. I am scheduled to work tomorrow, but if the predictions come true, I will have to call off. I have to drive about 40 minutes (40 miles or so) to work, crossing bridges, down and up hills on rural roads before I even get to the interstate---and I am sorta fearful of driving in weather like we are to get----so I may have to call off. Since the other nurses who are schedules live in the town where the hospital is, I don't feel "too" bad.

Well--just wanted to keep you posted! I will drink another cup of coffee, do some work and then hopefully get to the fun part this afternoon!

Have a great day and stay warm!

One Year of Blogging!

I am horrible about remembering important anniversaries---just as DH! For years, I always forgot our anniversary. It became a running joke--he would send me flowers, take me out to dinner, and I would sit there thinking, "it isn't great---he is doing this just because". I finally got it and after bout 20 years started to remember. Given this, it is no wonder that I didn't notice that I have been blogging for a YEAR! I can't believe it!!! I started this blog earlier and so seldom blogged that I forgot how to access it. I had to start a new one and pledged in that first blog that I would keep up with my posts! I also can't believe that people have visited for 4,842 times or that 19 people actually follow me!!!! WOW! I sometimes think that my blog is rather mundane---but thank you so much for stopping by to read! I really do appreciate it! It makes you feel good to know that someone out there shares your same interest and stop by to read. Like me, you often don't leave comments, but I know you are out there!!!

Thanks again and believe it or not, you give me a boost and make me want to keep quilting and posting! Thanks again!

First Finish of 2010!!!

I AM DONE!!!!! I finally have a quilt in the completed column! The picture isn't a very good one---it is dark outside. I put two plain borders on--both slightly darker in color than the colors in the quilt. The darker colors appear to frame the center. It is folded in half for the picture. Once I quilt it, I will take a picture of the entire quilt. It is a BIG quilt---94x94....my favorite kind!!!

Boy am I glad that is done!!!!!

Layout--

As you can see, Coal approves :D

1,916 Pieces!!!!!

I HAVE FINISHED "THE" BLOCKS-----NOW TO PUT THEM TOGETHER INTO THE TOP----"OH HAPPY DAY".

I counted the pieces and this quilt has 1,916 pieces. I don't think I am going to add the pieced border~

xoxo

Yet ANOTHER New Project!

I guess I must be "hyper" or something! At night I seem to have a hard time settling down and getting to sleep, usually I end up playing with my Nintendo DS, so I thought, why not knit. You might have read that I started knitting socks a while ago. I like the idea of knitting, but because I am self-taught, I knit VERY S-L-O-W-L-Y, and often tire of the project (I guess I need immediate gratification). Anyway, I knitted "a" sock for my granddaughter, years ago (she is now 16) when she was a baby. Knitted two pairs of socks last year (one pair had a sock that was really big, the other really small--one pair was okay but the yarn was ugly), and had started on another which has a mistake I can't fix and so will have to take down and start over. I decided to start on yet another pair using a thinner yarn and making them for myself. I will probably only knit at night. I had to start this pair at least 4 times since for me, the beginning is always the hardest and I always make a mistake or drop a stitch! Now, although it is a bit wobbly, I am on my way!!!!!

Well, I am working at home again today. I am teaching an on-line nutrition class this semester and have to put the test on-line. It is very involved and time-consuming, but I am almost done with the first one.

I worked on my Peaches/Berries and Cream Quilt (since I have some blue, red and peach color in it) and will put some of the big blocks together this week-end. I don't know how Judy L. quilts so fast!!!! I am trying to figure out a process that will allow me to move along more quickly. I am anxious to put a quilt on my "finish" list. I also plan to work on the "you know what" quilt --I figure if I mention it everyday I will not put it to the back burner. It is really slow going because I have to match a LOT of points but it too is coming along. One thing I have come to realize---I will NOT be making a Dear Jane Quilt---:D

Well gotta go--drink another cup of coffee. Let me say though before I go, I really appreciate those of you who read my blog!!!!!!! I can't tell you what a charge I get from watching the reader number going up---over 4,000 WOW!!!! and 20 followers!!! I am so honored since there are far more creative and interesting blogs out there than mine! If those of you who are followers have a blog, please e-mail me the address or post it in your comments. I'd love to follow your's as well!

Hugs!

New Quilt Started!

This is the color combination for the block in my new quilt, "Peaches and Cream", that I am currently making. All but the white are my hand dyes. Although the original quilt design was all in orange, I don't have enough to make an entire quilt out of it. I am also going to add some beige Kona to make a couple of lighter blocks for contrast. It will take a while for me to finish since I essentially have to make 4 smaller blocks to make one larger 12 inch one, but it will be a nice distraction.

I also got word that my Kona solid roll-ups were on their way, so I will also start on my "Paintbox Quilt" that I am making as part of the Oh Fransson "Quilt Along". It is clear I do better with several quilts going at the same time. It is my plan to make as many quilts from my existing stash this year as possible. Last year I completed 17 quilts! The month is already gone and I haven't finished one, so I have to hurry if I am going to even equal my record. At this point through, I am sticking to the stash goal. Even though I did have to purchase two roll-ups, the majority is from stash, so I am still okay (for now).

Well, I still have work to do before I can quilt. It is another rainy, grey day, so I should hopefully get lots done!

Have a great day yourselves!!!!!

Same-O!

I have been working at home today--which is great since it has been a grey, rainy day! It is amazing how much more work you can get done if you are at home! No interruptions, and working in flannel pajamas makes me VERY productive.

I am going to go downstairs and work on a new quilt! That's right, a new one! I have to take a little break from "the" quilt for a bit! If I don't, I am afraid I will not finish it!

I am going to start a Judy L. quilt---peaches and cream using my hand dyes. I am also going to use orange, but since I don't think I have enough of one color orange, I am adding purple, and a fuchsia. I think it is going to be a nice distraction!

Pictures to follow!

xoxo

Much Better!

It is a little hard to see the pictures since Coal is so black everything sorta becomes a "black spot"---but he is doing so much better...thanks! He is eating a little, playing with his favorite toy (see the frog in the picture) and generally being spoiled! He is laying on his favorite quilt!

Now for quilt related news---I am now putting the 15 inch blocks together and although I hoped to actually put the quilt together today, I should tomorrow or the next. I went to Joanne's yesterday and got a bolt of 50% cotton/50% bamboo. It is surprisingly soft. I thought it would be more like linen, but it is sorta like a soft broadcloth. I think it will work well in my dyeing, come warmer weather. I also got 7 yard of a bright blue kona cotton. I think I am going to make a blue/white quilt out of it. I don't have a very big stash so I don't feel bad about adding to it, but I still have the goal to use as much of it to make my quilts this year as possible. I really didn't do too bad last year actually, since I think almost every quilt I made was from my stash.

Guild is tonight, so I am going to go back down and see if I can put a couple of more blocks together before I have to get ready to go.

Hugs! and thanks again for asking about Coal!

"Coleo" is Sick!

As you might have read from my profile---we have a miniature poodle named "Coal". Coal is a shy, sweet and very smart little dog! He also is very finicky--especially when it comes to eating. We have been having some real "issues" of late. He wouldn't eat his usual food. Following the vets advice, I gave him rice and chicken, but he would only eat the chicken. Anyway, a couple of days ago, he developed diarrhea---then vomiting---then it went away---then it came back with a real vengeance last night. My husband and I were up literally all night with him. Of course, as a nurse, I always think the worst. We had talked with the vet yesterday, but he had gotten better so we decided to wait and see how he was doing on Monday. Anyway, long-story-short, my husband and Coal are now at the Animal ER. His stools had turned very dark and although he had stopped vomiting, the last time he did, that also looked like it had blood in it.

Pets become so important to a family---I think it is amazing! I am truly worried, but I just called my husband and he said Coal (my pet name for him is "Coleo") is acting like he isn't sick! He hasn't lost any weight (that could mean we were appropriately diligent since he only weight 7.2 lbs) and he doesn't have a temperature. What in the world could it be?

Update: The Vet said it sounds like gastroenteritis---I wonder if it was from the chicken? When I was making his chicken it did smell funny, but when I tasted it, it tasted okay. I know which grocery I will NOT be getting meat from. He is dehydrated, so he is getting an IV and then they will send us home with meds for his vomiting and diarrhea and food---chicken and rice. The Vet did say we were good Pet "Parents" and had done all the right things, it just wasn't working for Coal!

Now I am going to lay down and take a nap! Whew--what a relief!!! The next posts will be about quilting, promise!!!

Coming Down the Home Stretch!!!!!

Just Checking In!

I check my blog daily for comments and to read the blogs on my list, etc. and noticed I hadn't posted for almost a week!

Nothing new going on here---I am STILL plugging along on the Carolina Christmas (I am going to rename it to just Carolina). I have "almost" all of the segments put together to make the stars, and should be able to put all these little pieces together to make the two big units (poninsetta's and stars). I am thinking that I honestly don't have the stamina to make the pieced border, so I am going to try to figure out what I will do about that. I really want to make this a truly stash quilt, so I am NOT going to buy any more fabrics to finish it. I think though I should have a enough of a red to use as a border.

I have also decided to make the "Paintbox quilt" --I also think I mentioned it in an earlier post. I still have no idea when the Kona Jelly Rolls will get here so I haven't "officially" started it, although I have added it to quilts to finish. I think I will work on one of the quilts I moved over from last year WHEN I finish Carolina but before the Paintbox...confusing huh!

Hopefully I will have some pictures to post before long. Have a wonderful, quilty day!!!

xoxo

Update!

I am really progressing on my Bonnie mystery (which isn't a mystery anymore since I know what the end result will be). I figure if I write about it, it will be more likely that I will finish it. I am glad really that I saw what the final quilt looks like because I have been able to change my choice of fabrics. I think I originally was going to make it too scrappy (if there is such a thing). The design would have been lost. It is still scrappy, but rather than lights I am using fabrics that are more "background"--actually reproduction shirting. Hopefully, you will be able to see my design more.

I have also included a picture of my new favorite tool---the Accuquilt GO! I absolutely love it. I had to cut 204 2.5 inch triangles! I would have never been able to do it so quickly AND accurately! In addition, I have to cut 204 2.5 inch squares! I would have never tackled that project before getting this tool. If you are debating getting one---go for it! I have found that if I cover the fabric with a coffee filter, my fabric is less likely to slip resulting in inaccurate cuts.



My GO!



100 of the 204 half-square triangles



80 of the 204 half-square triangles----20 more to go!!!



48 Completed poinsetta blocks---these will be joined (in groups of 4) to form 14bigger blocks.

Just wanted to keep you posted! Have a good evening!

Hugs!

192 Blocks Done!!!!

I have now completed the 192 blocks of the Bonnie Mystery that will eventually become the poinsettia blocks!!!! I am so impressed with those of you who have kept up with this mystery! I love Bonnie's quilts, but boy!!!!! I tried to follow in sequence, but got sorta overwhelmed and so skipped to the clue where I put the "parts" together to at least let me know I was progressing. After I put the poinsettia's together, I will go back and do the stars. I AM going to finish this quilt I think before I do anything else.

Now on another note---it is very, very, very, COLD here in Middle TN! We were expecting about 2 inches of snow which didn't happen, but now it is horribly cold. The schools are closed, and although my college is still open, I am not going to try to go in today. The streets are covered with ice! and since I have to drive quite a little ways, I am going to work at home. Thank goodness for computers!

Well, gotta go drink another cup of coffee and get started so I can do a little quilting this afternoon. Take care and stay warm!!!

Happy New Year!!!

This year I was awake when the New Year came in!!!!!! This is truly a first time for me since usually I am either in bed or asleep on the sofa and someone has to wake me up. It might have been because of my kids being home, and the fact that they kept me entertained!

It is said that whatever you are doing on New Year's Day you will do the rest of the year. Well, unfortunately I wasn't quilting :-( I was getting ready for our son's wedding :-) It was a sweet ceremony---they wrote their own vows and even had the minister weepy! For sure, my son can NOT forget their wedding anniversary!!! We then had a delicious meal and cheesecake, so it was a good day.

I worked on a mystery quilt today, and am having a really hard time putting it together. I can't seem to match the seams! I have put it aside and will pick up Carolina Christmas probably a little tomorrow. I know I am a bit picky, but if at all possible I like to match things up---especially with this pattern. I will take a picture of a section and share it with you.

Just wanted to say "hey"!

Have a great evening!