2012----almost the "Past"!

The time really has gone by quickly and here we are on the last day of 2012!

In looking back on the year, I have had a very eventful year.  There were several personal family sad times, but we weathered them, and "life goes on".  I am eternally grateful for the blessings I have in family and friends!  I think I have shared that I have a job that is important in the lives of others and will touch so many more through the nurses that I assist in educating.  How more meaningful can that be.

I have learned some important lessons in life---things that will serve me well and have made some important decisions based on those lessons.  Again, how much more could you ask for.  Iyanla (sp) says in one of her books that I  read, that the "valleys" of our life are there because there is a lesson for us to learn.  We continue to dwell in the "valley" until we learn that lesson.  I think I have come out of my latest valley and it feels good.

Okay, so much for philosophy!  What are my goals (quilting) for 2013:

• I am going to become more proficient in freehand quilting!  To accomplish this, I will take more Craftsy classes (I have enrolled in three machine quilting classes) and I will complete them and then practice (important if I am to meet my goal).
• I will make at least three quilts with lots of negative space for my freehand quilting.
• I will complete 1 UFO for every 2 new quilts I make.
• Diane and I will plan our trip to Houston for "THE" show.
• I will make at least 80% of my quilts from already purchased fabric.
• I will extend my fabric dyeing to include batiks.

Personal Goals:

• I will not take "throw-away" comments personally.
• I will continue to do the very best I can without looking for or requiring approval from anyone.
• I will love myself for who I am, just as I am....just as God created me!
• I will revel in the opportunities that being alone affords me.

AND---I will continue to blog and share, even if I don't get a lot of comments :D!

Happy New Year!  Remember what you are doing tomorrow will be what you will be doing all year.  I have already done my shopping and so I am going to be quilting!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for stopping by---do so tomorrow as well :D

xoxo

Christmas Happenings!

We had an absolutely wonderful Holiday!  Lots of laughter, good food, hugs and kisses----and time to reflect on the reason we celebrate this day and how blessed we are.

Above is a picture of my "quilting" gifts!  I have a "issue" with being really heavy handed when pressing my blocks and again my husband and daughter was really "listening" and not just "hearing" me ramble on.  The Steady Betty is the large 16 x 16 size and from what I hear, it wasn't easy to find.  The little travel iron I was also really shocked about!  I had been looking for a new one.  I have a very expensive Rowenta one that leaks like a sieve---but I really like steam!  This little iron is really heavy AND it steams.  I can't wait to use it and see how it does.  My husband was says he was surfing the net and when he ordered the Betty this came up as a suggestion, so he purchased it mainly because it looked "neat".  I also received a new IPad, a lovely brief case and the usual gift card to Joanne's.  My husband normally gives me the Guild Retreat as a gift, but it is scheduled at a time when I can't go this time, so that money will be used for the AQS show.

I also got a new Daughter-In-Law!  I met her at Thanksgiving, but this time the news was shared!  She grew up in Paris and speaks with the most lovely accent AND I got REAL French perfume!  She is from Cameroon and her mother is sending me some African fabric!  How blessed can you be!  AND she is a really sweet girl!

All in all, everyone was very happy!  The grandbabies were spoiled beyond imagination and received  almost everything on their list----what blessed babies they are (and deserving ones as well).

Now on the quilting front----

I have been working on two projects at the same time---trying to complete one more UFO before the end of the year and quilting on Diane's quilt.  I am almost finished with Diane's quilt but will not finish the UFO in time.  In looking back on what I have accomplished through, it was a pretty good year.  I completed 25 quilts.  Included in this number was 14 quilts that were either charity or associated with Guild.  I didn't keep count of the number of quilts that I quilted.  I am going to have to think about my plans for next year.......but I am pleased with my productivity in 2012.

Well----gotta get back to work!  Have a great Saturday!

The Goings On!

 

The "formal" tree"--  we normally have two Christmas trees.  This tree is downstairs and we open the gifts under it after breakfast.  It has ornaments that are very old---some of them the kids made for me when they were really little. 

 

The "Santa Tree" also known as the "Grandbabies" Tree.  The ornaments are made by the grandbabies and decorated totally by them!  Normally this is where Santa leaves his gifts, but this year we (the adults were allowed to add some gifts.  The gifts under this tree are opened as soon as the kids get up, which can be very EARLY!

 

 

 

I moved the new machine to my sewing table and moved the other machine to the back.  I am now all set up to sew and embroidery at the same time!

 

 

This is the quilt I am currently quilting.  It is from the group that Diane left me to quilt.  Doesn't it remind you of Christmas?  I am quilting Baptist Fan's on it and again, my tension is cooperating!  I will not be able to do much quilting in the days coming but maybe I can sneak in a little!   Look at all those project boxes in the background!  I know what my New Year's Resolution should be!

 

Well, just wanted to let you know I was still around, but very busy!  If I don't "talk" to you before Tuesday----have a blessed and joyful holiday!









It My Birthday!!!!

Today is my birthday!!!!!!!  As with most people, I reflected on my life to this point, and although I have had some really difficult times, "I am blessed and highly favored"!.  The bad times I have had, have all been overshadowed by the good---so what have I to complain of?   NOTHING!!!  Things could be so much worst, plus getting old is pretty good, since the opposite of getting old is ---- dying young!

My daughter took my husband and two grandchildren out to a really good dinner.  I got a large gift certificate to Joanne's and two Pandora charms for my bracelet.  Kids called and wished me well and told me how much they loved me---it was a good day!

I also finished quilting "Gallimaufry"!  I used Til-fil bobbins in the machine and I had absolutely NO problem with tension!!!!  The back looks as good as the front.  These bobbins are a bit pricey---almost $1 per bobbin, but I ordered some!  Sometimes it is worth the money to not have to worry and fiddle with knobs.  Hopefully the new ones will work as well!  The quilt hasn't been trimmed yet but hopefully you can see the texture the quilting gave it.  I also have a picture of the back---a soft quilters flannel.  This quilt is heavy (!), I am so glad I got poly batting since cotton would have been almost too much to even lift, yet along sleep under.  This is going to be saved for really cold nights.

Tomorrow I plan to pull out a UFO---with hopes of finishing it before years end!  Thanks for stopping by!

TA--DA----Completed!!!!!!

"Gallimaufry"

83 x 97

I decided to not add the bottom border---it is large as it is and an added 7 inches would make it weird in size (the pictures really don't show the real size)----a total of 2,009 squares (and I still have some left in the container). I really love it!!!  I was able to line the squares up in the border really well with those in the body. Doesn't it look like pixels in the photo.  I am going to load it later today and then quilt it.  I am going to get a poly batting since I don't want it to crinkle when I wash it---too many seams I think---and will bind it in the bright turquoise.   I have also changed the name to "Gallimaufry" (gal-uh-maw-free), a noun that means jumble/hotchpotch.  It is a word I found while reading blogs this morning.  It seems an appropriate name.

I have also been testing out my embroidery machine.   My grandchildren spend Christmas Eve with us in anticipation for an early Christmas morning.  All of them who are in town stay including the college age one.  They get new Christmas pj's and I make them a pillowcase.  Yesterday I made three pillowcases designated for the girls...the boys will get theirs made this week-end.  They don't photograph well because of the cuff fabric (a red and white stripe), but I think you get the idea.  Instead of a contrasting little band, I used rick-rack.  The boys will have a red piping on theirs.  I love my machine---the embroidery is really great---it is bright green to match the fabric (which is m and m's).  Cute huh!  They look a little crooked in the picture---and maybe they are---but guess who isn't going to lose sleep over it. 

Sorta Finished!

I have finished the center of "Scrap Happy"!!!!!  This is sorta becoming an obsession.  I AM going to finish this quilt.  It is the type of quilt that would easily become a UFO-----49 2.5 inch squares per block!  The center along has 1,715 squares (counting the solid colored ones as well).  The only thing I tried to do was to not place two-like squares together, other than that, I just picked squares randomly as I sewed.   I was determined to not cut more squares, so there are duplicates, but there are so many---it really doesn't make a difference.



The container is still about 1/2 full (wow I need a new ironing board cover!).   I didn't realize how many squares you can squeeze into a relatively little container.  I am going to make a pieced border, so these squares will be put to good use....again I will not cut more but use what I have.   The quilt is currently 70 x 98----a really weird size I think, so I am only going to add borders to the sides....a total of 14 inches, so it will end up being approx. 84 x 98 which seems more reasonable.....rather than 84 x 120, if I add the border to the bottom and top as well.  Maybe I will just add a border to the sides and the bottom.  I have seem antique quilts like this----I will see how I feel after piecing the borders for the sides and how the quilt looks.  My goal is to have it done by next week-end.

I am going to bake some cookies and then my two youngest grandbabies are coming over to help decorate the Christmas Trees.  They really seem to enjoy it and it is fun to watch them.  Well, gotta go get ready. BTW---I have been "breaking" the embroidery machine in.  I have made about 4 test labels.  This machine does a really good job!!!!  I found the disc I had for the older Brother I have and they work great, so I have more designs to choose from.  I also went on-line and got some designs as well.  The only "oops" I have with the machine is the design you are using isn't clear on the screen.  It looks nothing like what you are embroidering, but it isn't a "deal  breaker" really.  The results are so nice.  I will have some samples to show next time.

Well, have a great remainder of the day and thanks so much for stopping by!

Birthday/Christmas Gift

My birthday is the coming up (next week in fact)!  As a child I NEVER got a birthday gift instead getting a combination birthday/Christmas gift.  I was never really happy about that and couldn't understand why I had to sacrifice my gift just because my parents didn't plan well and I was born close to the holidays.

My husband surprised me with a birthday gift, that because I love it so, it also qualifies as an early Christmas gift.  I have been talking about getting another embroidery machine.  I have done lots of research, talked to people who had one asking their opinions, went to local shops trying to figure out the best way to go.  I have a smaller Brother embroidery machine that I got when I was living in Florida.  It actually makes beautiful stitches, better than my Viking even, but it uses a small hoop (as does my Viking).    In addition, I am not able to get designs from the Internet, since it is incompatible with my computer.   I have seen some beautiful quilts that incorporated embroidery designs so I wanted to expand my quilting repertoire as well.

Anyway, according to my research, the Brother machine is an appropriate comparison to the other higher priced embroidery only machines.  It has a USB port so I have unlimited access to designs.  In addition, it has a card and so I can also use my Viking designs with it.  I mentioned this to my husband really just talking through the process not really asking him to purchase it.  I had plans to do so myself after the holidays....but, Cyber-Monday came and he got a fantastic, absolutely, FANTASTIC deal!!!!!!  I was gonna go ahead and wrap it and put it under the tree, but what the "hay", I am gonna play a little.  He said he was making up for the fact that he didn't get the "door buster" for me at Joanne's----sure glad he didn't :c)!!!!! 

"Pictureless" Sunday :c(

Just wanted to check in.  The holidays are fast approaching and I will have company this year.  My favorite nephew and his family and my middle son and his significant other will be here.  It took me all day to clean my kitchen yesterday.  Not that it was that dirty, it is just that as I have aged I am easily distracted.  Had to stop and look at some magazines I found on the bakers rack, had to dance to a song I heard on the radio, had to stop to eat some yogurt, etc.  In the end, I did accomplish what I wanted, but now today I have to stay focused and clean the rest of the house---including three bathrooms!

I did manage (of course) to get some quilting in---I got up early (to clean) and instead worked on "Scrap Happy", I also finished Diane's quilt and managed to order some more Circle Lord templates (they are having a Thanksgiving Sale)---it is interesting how I can stay focused and multi-task doing things like this...maybe because it is so much more (excuse the double adjective) fun!

I am almost finished with "Scrap Happy" (pictures wouldn't really be that interesting since it looks like the last ones---just bigger) and have decided to add a border.  I just can't seem to make a "small" quilt----I want my quilts to cover my bed if possible, so I am going to add a 6 inch border to the sides.  I have "thought" it out, and my plan is to stay with the scrappiness.  I think it will work out!  If not, it is my quilt and I will  love it anyway.  I am going to use one of the new templates to quilt it.  Since it has so many seams, I will not quilt it as heavy, going for "soft".

I am also getting ready for the "Friday After" sales.  It is tradition for my daughter, my niece and grand-niece and a friend to go shopping, leaving the house at midnight!  We have so much fun.  Last year my oldest granddaughter went, and my friends daughter, they were amazed and couldn't believe we are able to stay awake that long.  I am amazed myself actually since I find it difficult to stay awake past 8pm  normally, but this is different.  My son's significant other is from Cameroon and doesn't really understand this particular custom of "Friday After" shopping.  I am not sure if she will go, but my son and she will meet us for lunch when we stop to get "energized".  It may not require such long hours this year since so many of the stores are opening on Thanksgiving evening.  In addition, my grandbabies are older and so require less "toys" and more substantial gifts which may not (or may) take as much time.  At any rate, it is a custom that I personally enjoy, but realize it isn't for everyone. 

My DH is going to go to the Joanne Fabric Doorbuster on Wednesday for me!  I have a early clinical and so can't make it, and really want this doorbuster-----hopefully he will be up for the challenge.  I really appreciate him doing this for me though, especially since he says women after a deal "scare" him :c)!  He says however, if I miss this deal, I "scare" him more!!!!!   I am going to work with him today on appropriate strategies to use :c)!

Well, gotta get focused and get to work!  I DO NOT want to spend all day cleaning!  Have a blessed Sunday!  and thanks so much for stopping by!

Random Thoughts!

I wrote in an earlier post acknowledging that this is not my most favorite time of year.  Fall has always been a time of change and reflection for me.  It might be because during Fall everything is sorta fading and folding on itself to "sleep" for the winter.  It is also my birthday, so I am always reflective.

My birthday is in December.  As a child growing up, I never got a birthday gift.  It was too close to Christmas and my Daddy would always remind me that I would get something extra for Christmas.  I never quite understood, since I didn't choose my birthday, therefore, why should I not have it recognized.  We have a son who's birthday is even closer to Christmas than mine, but we have always made a special attempt to celebrate it.  Anyway I digress----I was thinking about my birthday and remembering when I would say at 10, "gee, I will double my age at 20"; at 20 I said, I will double my age at 40, etc.  I now realize I will not likely double my age---people just usually don't live to be that old.  In thinking about that, I naturally thought about my life as it is today, and what I had hoped it would be at this age.

I had hoped  be in a stable, caring marriage---I am, we have been married so long, we actually can read each other's mind with a simple look.   My health is pretty good, and sometimes I actually have to think a minute before I say how old I am, since I don't look it nor feel it.   All our children are all taking care of themselves very well.  They are well educated, and usually quite nice people---although they certainly have their moments.  No one is in jail, or hiding out from the authorities so I am good there.   My grandchildren are absolutely wonderful, beautiful/handsome and love me as much as I love them.   I have a very rewarding job, although exhausting at times (but what job isn't).  I can honestly say what I do is important and that I am truly changing lives not to mention teaching students who will ultimately save the lives of others.  In addition, I am really good at my job, so I feel rewarded.  I live in a safe neighborhood (about as safe as any I suppose), with the majority of neighbors who are kind and friendly.  My home is nice and accommodates me and my grandchildren well.  There is even a room dedicated to my art of quilting!!!!!  I could use more money, since my art can be expensive; and more time to spend just doing what I want.  I wish I had a wider support system of friends who would drop by or invite me over, but having said that, I am not "friendless" either, just "close friendless" (here anyway).

I say all this to say, people so often spend so much time complaining about what they don't have, what they should have done, what they can't do-----particularly as they get older, they don't stop to think about what they DO have, what they have done and what they will do.....then it is too late.  I plan to try as hard as I can to double my age (and have fun doing it) but I am truly "blessed and highly favored" today.

Four More Years!!!

Oh happy day!!!!!!

 

The Democratic Process AKA Election Day 2012

Too many people have suffered, even losing their lives so I could exercise this right  --- I will never NOT vote!!!!

"THE" Baby Blanket!

These are the pictures of  "The" baby blanket as promised.  The picture is kind of washed out, but I think you get the general idea.  The backing is fabric I had in my stash--only 1 yard and the "chenille" is purple, green and yellow.  I did a quilt binding in green polka dots.  I think it is a "sweet" little blanket.  Not sure where it will go, but definitely I am going to make a couple more---at least one in "guy" colors.

It has a nice soft "wrinkle" feel---very vintage.  I did a "little" quilting on one of Diane's quilts, but had some difficulty lining up the panto.  After some "frogging", there is nothing like taking stitches out while the quilt is still on the longarm, I think I have it right.  It is so weird, when I am doing quilts for myself, never any trouble, but the minute I put on a quilt that belongs to someone else, all kinds of "stumble steps" present themselves.

Well, I am tired for the day----so I am going to drink a Pepsi, fold some clothes, and watch a little television.

"See" you later!

Selfish vs. Proud!

I am wondering if I am the only quilter who has this problem.  I have a husband who absolutely LOVES every quilt I make.  So much so, he doesn't ever want me to give anything away.... not even to our kids.   Now selling maybe---but that is for another post.  He thinks he can sell my quilts for thousands----of course he says so I can buy more fabric---yea, right!

As you know I have been making baby quilts to give away---to either children in need of a warm hug from a handmade quilt, or to friends expecting.  I give them willingly--I think I have been blessed with this gift and I am moving it "forward".  I have been in positions where I needed help and received it so why shouldn't I do the same.  There have been times when I have been disappointed in that the person receiving my gift didn't really appear to be appreciative, but that's okay---I move on.  I don't stop giving them away, just not to that person again.

Anyway, this bring me to where I am now.  I saw a really cute chenille quilt pattern.  They were really popular a couple of years ago and I made one.  It was a big one, and as I remember, I really didn't like it that well, so I only made the one.  I saw though a really cute baby one and decided I would give it another try.  I had some fabric including flannel on hand (remember I am trying to use my stash) and this time purchased a cutter (I made the other one but used scissors to cut the channels).  I finished it, and "bloomed" it (sorry but my battery in the camera died, but I will post a picture tomorrow).  It is really a cute quilt, but it is a BABY quilt.  My DH got downright indignant because he said all I do is give my good work away!!!!!  Now EVERY room in this house (and it isn't a little house), has at least 6 quilts in every room!  I asked him, "why would I keep a baby quilt?"  We don't have any babies in the family right now, and when we do, I will make another.  "I don't care he says" (BTW, I HATE that term----), put it on the wall.  "Why would I put a baby quilt on the wall?"---I ask.  He left to get pizza in a huff----"don't show me anything else you make.  All you do is give your really nice things away".  So does that mean what I have isn't nice?   So is he being selfish or just proud?    It will be okay---I am going to continue to share my quilting blessing with others!

Some Finishes!

I really wanted to complete something---right away!  Not sure why---just sometimes you want some completion in your life.  I should have loaded one of Diane's quilts, but I wanted IMMEDIATE gratification.  As I mentioned, I am making baby quilts to include in gift baskets for sick babies as the charity for the Guild.  I have completed 9 quilt tops and cut out 3 more yesterday.  In an effort to meet my sudden need for completion, I quilted 3 of the tops yesterday.  Two of them are backed in a really nice flannel and one in a pretty green minky.  The pattern is an old one that has been around since 2006 (Super Nine Patch).  I got it out of an old magazine and remember watching the episode on Simply Quilts.  You buy 1 yard each of 3 coordinating fabrics and get 3 quilts.  A really simple and cost effective way to come up with a really cute quilt.  This is my "go to" pattern for baby gifts!  The cutting is a little tricky---you have to pay attention, but if you do it correctly the pieces fit together perfectly!  The brightly colored quilt is actually made with a directional fabric, which isn't a good idea!, but I am making it anyway and it isn't too bad actually.  I think the baby won't mind (at least I hope not).  So, success---I feel like I have accomplished something, and for a good cause.  I don't remember when these quilts are due, I need to check with the lead person, but I also have 2 friends that are pregnant, so I am also taking care of gifts as well.  I feel like I have made good use of my 2 day Fall Break. 

It is back to work tomorrow, so I have to get back to enjoying the remainder of my day.  Thanks for dropping by!  Have a great one!!!!

Well, I have to really do some work now.

Quilt Progress!

I had an important meeting yesterday so after the meeting, I worked on "Stash Happy" (I cannot call this quilt the "Vomit Quilt").  I now have two rows done with five more to do.  The entire quilt will have 1,375 stash 2.5 inch squares in it (not counting the solid squares).  The completed rows represent 365 squares and my bin is still overflowing (counting the solid squares, it has a total of 490 squares at this point).  I really didn't realize how much you can stuff into those small containers.  I am determined to use what I have already cut, since clearly, scraps can get way out of hand.

Today I plan to complete a couple of charity quilts.  I cut out 9 this morning and should complete at least half that many today.  I caught the sale at Joanne's and got a bolt of unbleached muslin for $30.00!!! It is the "old school muslin", not the 200 ct.  I am going to use it for dyeing and for backing quilts.  I really do like the "organic" (my new favorite word) of it in quilts as well.  I also picked up some more "minky" to back the charity baby quilts.  It makes the quilt so soft, and these quilts are for sick babies, so I think it will be like a warm hug to be wrapped in it. 

It is getting cool here and I don't like it!  I am a "hot house flower" and absolutely loved living in Florida.  I so wish sometimes I was still there, but I would be away from my Grands so (deep sigh!) I am trying really hard to make the best of it here in Middle TN (with varied degrees of success).   I can't help though still wishing I had the same support system I did there, but the telephone will have to do (shake myself out of my doldrums!) and my blog for conversation with others :c)!  I am a little home sick today!

Well, enough of this---no one is interested anyway.  So much going on---so much to do----and remember, I am on FALL BREAK, so I am going to try REALLY hard to get in some fun somewhere!  Have a blessed, safe Sunday, filled with love, laughter, good food and some quilting! 

xoxo

New Work!

This has been a busy last week---lots of work, not a lot of sleep, some worry, but now it is a new week and I know things are on the up-swing.  I wasn't able to sleep, so I did what most quilters do, I got up and made a couple of blocks.  This quilt has been going around blog land.  It is called the "Vomit Quilt".  Not sure why----but it is a wonderful use of all those 2.5 inch squares I cut trying out my GO! cutter.  One block requires 49 pieces!  Hanging on my design wall is 196 squares!  I decided to use up some solids I had as well so those are counted in the total.  I am determined to use up what I have first rather than cut more, so I will have some repeats, but given the chaotic look of the quilt, you shouldn't be able to see the repeats that well.  This will be a good size twin---perfect for a "cuddle up and watch TV" quilt.  I think I will back it in flannel, to make it even more comfy.

Well, gotta go get ready for work.  Next week is Fall Break and I can hardly wait!!!!  Just wanted to check in and let you know I was still around!  More later!

FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Bottom of quilt)

(Top of quilt)

All done!!!!!!  I spent all afternoon quilting circles----I can do those now almost with  my eyes closed    :c)!  This color grey really doesn't photograph well, but putting in a dark room is a little better.  The bottom is all circles, because I wanted to be DONE---and it came out pretty good---a nice progression.  I like how I mixed the designs up, but not in a real line---they sorta melt into each other!  There are some mistakes, but as I mentioned earlier----no problem!  I am going to bind it and make another---probably beginning in a couple of weeks----I need to rest a little first.  I followed the pattern exactly, but I really see where when I make it again, I will vary the placement of colors more.

I am really glad I took this class, because I see I can do this----now for a feather class---but still, this is not going to be something I will do a lot of. 

I have a headache (and backache, and shoulder ache) now---so I am going to drink a "blue label" (Pepsi) and watch a little telly! 

Progress and Lessons Learned!

I am about 3/4 finished with my practice piece.  I have learned a LOT!  The pictures are washed out, but hopefully you get the idea.  The lessons I have learned include:

1. Although you should change top threads to match the color of your fabric, don't change bobbin color if you can help it.  The back of this will look "yuk", but it is a practice piece so I will not obsess.
2. Match your back to your front so you can have the same color bobbin as front.
3. Watch your tension!  I had to do some unsewing but I found some problems only when I rolled it up.  Again, the back will be "yuk".
4. Check the tension of your bobbin with each thread change.  I use the Towa bobbin tension tool, and because I was changing bobbin threads, I should have also checked the bobbin tension.  When I decided I wasn't going to match my bobbin to my top, it took me a while to get the tension just right!  The front tension is also important, since I found that the thread color has a lot to do with the tension---dark thread seems to need the most tension adjustment since it appears thicker---at least mine did.
5. No matter how hard you try, you will have "oops".  I am "out of the line" on quite a few designs, but again, this is a practice piece and I will not obsess!
6. It is important to use a thread that matches the top because of the lesson learned in #5.  If the thread matches, the "opps" and thread build-up is less noticeable.
7. Custom quilting takes a LONG, LONG time! and uses a LOT of thread!!!!!!

I had to stop since the close work does give me a headache.  I am so close to finish, I can "taste" it and really want to hurry up and finish!  Even though there are a lot of mistakes, it isn't really bad for a first time.  My swirls are a little flat and my spirals not as round as they should be, but "oh well".  Although this makes a pretty quilt, I can honestly say, I will not do a lot of quilts with this....too much time!  For special quilts, yes, but give me my Circle Lord and Panto's for most quilts.

Well just wanted to check in---I do plan to bind this, but it will not be a quilt I use, but one I look over to get ideas for the "real" deal.

Hope your Saturday is going well.  It is very cool here!  I am in my customary winter home outfit of flannel pj bottoms and t-shirts.  I am going to have to put  my quilting aside,  since I am doing a demo at Guild meeting next week and I have to get the "samples" made.  Sure wish I had a momma I could go to visit and get a big bowl of homemade soup/stew.  Perfect weather for it!  Oh well, maybe I will make my own tomorrow.

Take care and thanks for stopping by!

Happy Dance!!!!!

I just had to post this!!!!  The picture is light since my sewing room has high intensity lights that wash out, but I think you get the idea.  The thread is a really good match (as it should be) so you see the texture.  It isn't perfect, but more "organic"---my word for 'some of the swirls are sorta messed up" :c)!  ---but you gotta start somewhere right!   It is just a little corner, and I have a LOT more to go, but I feel so good!  I just wanted to share!

Thanks for your patience!!

xoxo

Practice Quilt!

Excuse the wrinkles, but Coal had just run across the quilt.  This is my practice piece from my Craftsy class.  It was a little tricky---you really have to be careful with the layout, but I didn't have to "frog" not one seam!!
Everything came from my stash or scrap bags.  The solids are scraps of my hand dyes, and the grey is actually two different pieces.  They are off just a little, but I am not going to obsess about it.  I gotta be honest though, my stomach is a bit queasy to begin the actual quilting.  I know it is just a practice piece, but I have long admired and wanted to do custom, and am a little apprehensive about beginning.  I am going to let this vegetate a little.  I received my practice panel from Spoonflower and I might just load that first, plus I still have a little room on the piece already loaded to practice a little more.  I have some work I need to do first, so I have a little time to figure it out.  I think I am going to use a poly batting, rather than the expensive cotton I have for this (and I don't really feel like piecing batting pieces together) and just a plain muslin backing.  Nothing fancy.

Well, hope your week ends on a positive note, and you have a great week-end.  I have to work tomorrow----I have simulation lab for 40 students so it will be a LONG and busy day.  Next week clinical rotations begin, so not a lot of creative time will be available.  I though will check in as often as possible.  I see I have another "Follower".  Thank you so much---hopefully I can contribute something to your creative journey.  Just by becoming a "Follower of my blog", you have added a lot to mine.

xoxo

Practice Makes Perfect!!!!!

I loaded a practice piece on today and started practicing my custom quilting.  Not bad for the very first time I ever tried any of this.  I am using a contrasting thread so I can see my mistakes, but on the "real" practice piece I will use coordinating thread so my thread tracks aren't so visible.  I certainly have a LONG way to go, but you gotta start somewhere.  Maybe one day I will be able to have a prize winning freehand custom quilt like my friend Lane! 

Have a great day and give someone a hug!  You never know what someone is feeling and that hug may just give them the uplift they need.  Of course, make sure it is someone you know or at least who you are in conversation with----you can get in trouble for hugging random strangers :c)!

xoxo

Learning!

I met my work goals and now  have the ability to work on my "fun" stuff, guilt-free.  I finished binding two of the three quilts, including making the labels.  One more to go.  I am also almost finished with quilting Diane's quilt, so I will hopefully send it off next week.

I also decided to do something I hadn't done before, take a on-line "class".  I have been purchasing fabric from Craftsy for a while, but never explored more than that.  At the last Guild meeting, there were several members who recommended their classes.  I have really wanted to "notch-up" my quilting.  I am pretty good with panto's and boards, and am the "meandering queen", but I have been afraid of branching out into more custom quilting.  When I tried it with the help of books, it looked---well bad!  When Craftsty had a sale recently, I decided to take a chance, and boy am I glad.  To date, I have only been quilting on paper, but I am at a point where I am now ready to try my hand on fabric.  Wish me luck!

It is beautiful outside!  Fall is clearly here---and although it is really beautiful here, I am a little sad.  I love the summer, and don't really feel the same about winter.    It is funny--- major decisions in my life come during fall.  The decision to move to Chicago, to Florida and to Tennessee all came in the fall.  At this point, other than getting our bath redone, there isn't any major decisions involving moving looming ahead, so I am safe there.

Well, I just wanted to check in and recommend the classes at Craftsy!  Hopefully I will have something to show soon.  I also want to add, they have great customer service as well!

Have a great day!!!!!

xoxo

IRONY!

I am always amazed at the way my life goes sometimes.  How my belief that everything happens for a reason always plays out.  How often when I am at my lowest point, and feeling hopeless, confused or just plain sad---something happens to pick me up and let me know it really isn't me after all. 

I have been in a very painful altercation that involved what I had begun to think was a "safe" place for me.  It isn't so safe after all, mainly because there is still too much unknown and distrust.   I assumed something when I shouldn't have and we all know what happens when you assume.  The catalyst was essentially the meaning of the written word---namely the contents of an email.  I wrote that email without malice and used a phase that I thought was innocent but actually wasn't taken that way.  The more I tried to make it better, the worst it got.  I finally decided that I couldn't do anything about how someone interpreted a word, all I could do was try to make myself clear and after that it was no longer my responsibility.  I can only change myself etc.  That change included NEVER, EVER writing anything more than the very basic information in a email, particularly in the context of this group of people.  Lesson learned, lets move on.  Even though I came to an appropriate decision, based on validation from people I trust and  who are important to me, I still worried because it is hard to get over really mean words, that used this opportunity to say "what was really on their minds".

Now this brings me to what happened today.  Our oldest son has two Phd's---one in English and another in Philosophy, from prestigious universities, so I would consider him an expert in the written word.   He teaches in a large University system.  He called me this morning while in class and put me on speaker phone.  Guess what they were discussing-----the meaning of words, and how it is important to understand the context of those words.  How important it is to receive verification of their meaning--either through formal ways (like a dictionary) or through conversations with the speaker/writer.  That although the writer writes these words in a context, that context is specific to that person.  The reader receives those words, but in a context specific to them.  We hope that the context is the same, but given "where" the reader is, the reader's context becomes the important variable.  Both share a responsibility, but it is the reader who has the responsibility to get the true meaning, not the writer!   I feel vindicated!  Now, my son knows nothing about the "situation"----he is a literature expert---has the initials to prove it!  I am "truly blessed and highly favored"!

So what is on my schedule today?

This first----lots of work involving writing (I am going to read, re-read and get validation before publishing of course), reading, creating, figuring and planning!  Whew---I am tired just thinking about it---BUT.......

later---binding quilts.  Still work----but so much more enjoyable!

Have a great one---take care, and take time to "smell the roses".  It is getting cold outside and those roses will be gone before you know it replaced with snow!

xoxo

All Done!

Sorry---I can't figure out how to turn the picture of the quilt around, but I am all done.  I couldn't sleep last night and was up early this morning so I am finished quilting it, and have the binding on 3 of the sides.  I have clinical today, so when I get home later this evening, I will try to complete and sew down the binding.  I love this quilt!  I like the "organiceness" ---is this a word?   The back shows the quilting------straight lined CL board.  The back is a aged muslin that continues the look.  The tension was perfect! and the thread matched perfectly.  Exactly what I needed in what is going down in history as an awful last couple of days.   I am hopeful that the remainder of the week will be better and so am using this as a sign of good things to come.

I am going to load one of Diane's quilts on this afternoon and quilt it with the same pattern board.  I will have three quilts then ready to send so Di I will keep you posted! 

I love quilting!!!!  It really is the pleasure in a journey that is often full of stress and tension.  Maybe because it is basically a solitary art, as I quilt I find myself having conversations with my inner voice and finding a path.  That doesn't mean that you don't need the consult of a "real" person sometimes, a friend who knows and cares about you no matter what.  Someone who will tell you when you are wrong, but in a way that doesn't leave you feeling devalued or disrespected.  Who knows you!  In life you hardly ever find that person.  Diane is that person, she will tell me to "get a life", but will also say, "do I need to come down there"---or in this case "up there".  I believe her when she says, "you were misinterpreted",  just like when she says, "you were wrong".  Thanks Diane for listening to me and giving me guideness without tearing me down.  You are truly my sistah and I appreciate you more than you will ever know. 

Okay--enough "touchy" stuff.  Have a wonderful day/week.

xoxo

I Have Been BUSY!

I have really been busy!!!!  I hardly have had time to do anything other than work!  Up early and to bed late.  My house is a mess, but I don't have the energy to do what needs to be done. 

One of my Guild Sisters shared her Bento Box for Show n'Tell and I remembered I had started one, so today I stole a couple of hours and did some sewing.  I actually started this quilt because of this same person, she had some really interesting batiks and she said she had purchased them from Joanne's so off I went, purchased them, cut a few up, and then put them into a box and there they sat for quite a while.  The pattern is the traditional  Bento Box and I added my hand dyed scraps with the batik FQ's.  The batik isn't the best quality but with the hand dyes, I like the look-----sorta "organic".  The areas of color variation, makes the batik look "hand dyed" as well. I found the perfect backing in my fabric closet,  I had purchased also about 2 years ago--an aged muslin, that will really complete the look.  I ran out of the batik, and so had to go back and get a couple more FQ's, since you know I want a BIG quilt, so I need to do a little more cutting.  At first I was going to give it away for Christmas, but now I am rethinking that.

It's funny, but I had a scrap of every color I needed to match the batiks.  I did a lot of experimentation with dyes, just dyeing small pieces.  Some of them I really like, I just don't know what I did to get the effect, so I can't reproduce it.  I have got to start writing down my recipes.  I hope I get an opportunity to dye more this season, but things are so chaotic right now, I am going to concentrate on getting rid of my stash.

I also submitted some quilts for inclusion in the Modern Quilt Show (QuiltCon).  I was  so very hesitate to do so, but with my DH insistence I went ahead and took the leap.  They certainly wouldn't win given some of the work I have seen, but it would be really nice if they were accepted.  If they do though, I am not even going to be able to go to Austin----a really bad time of the year for me----but I know I can count on someone to check it out for me.  Well, I don't find out until December, so I am putting it out of my mind.

Just wanted to check in and let you all know I haven't fallen off the end of the earth.  Take care and thanks so much for stopping by!

I Am Proud of Myself!!!

So we they just took DD to the airport.  Lots of tears----but I said, "dry them up.  See you next year".  I knew she would broach the subject of not only not coming home, but when she does having such a short stay.  I did my "when you think things are important, you make them happen speech".  I was calm, tried really hard to keep the "ohh please" out of my voice and enjoyed her visit.  That was why I needed to vent first.  We had a really nice visit at the fine arts museum here and she met some of my Guild sisters.  We went shopping, and I was even not rattled when she laughed hysterically at the jacket I bought (I don't think her taste of clothes is always to my liking either), but I reminded her that I was an adult, as she was, and since I was purchasing it, it was only important that I like it. 

Now, on to some therapy----quilting!  Hugs and have a great day!

Venting!@#***!!@@#

Now, normally I am a pretty private person with this blog.  I blog about quilting most of the time, although I am trying hard to loosen up a little.  I am finding out that you can blog about "personal" things, without sacrificing privacy.....there is also a time when you just need to vent---in order to go on.

A little about me---I am a really sensitive person.  I don't say that to be "self promoting" or to feel sorry for myself.  That is just the truth.  I "feel" things a lot.  Where some things that happen would be blown off by others, I react differently.  Even if it really doesn't hurt my feelings, often it will make me think and ponder the situation, probably way too much.  Especially since no one else in my immediate world seems to feel the same.  My husband is one of those guys who say, "if that is what a person wants to do, so be it (unless of course it hurts HIS feelings)".  He tells me that I feel too much, my daughter says I "care" too much (unless of course it is something SHE cares about).  As a result, if I get MY feelings hurt or are concerned about something, NO ONE around here wants to hear about it.  I just need to "get over it" so to speak, until of course their feeling are also fragile at the moment.

Having said this, this is the challenge I have facing me today.  Our oldest daughter is coming to visit.  She lives in Tacoma, Washington----about as far as you can get from TN and still be on the mainland of the US.  She moved there because her husband got a job there---that is another story for a later date.  She only comes home once a year and  I talk to her by phone about 4 times a year (she says she calls more, but I don't talk with her since she calls during the day---I have to work).  We have a good relationship (I guess) so there is no reason she stays away.  However, with her husbands family, she is always on some type of visit (at least it seems that way to me).  Certainly she sees her mother-in-law more frequently than she sees me (and she has to travel to get there as well).  I am very disappointed, that she is coming tonight (Wednesday) and leaving on Monday.  I don't understand why, since she only comes once a year, her visit can't be longer than 4 days.  I made the mistake of talking to my husband and daughter about it and of course, I am "being unreasonable, thinking only of myself,".......all the  @#$@#   they say when I am upset or concerned about something they are not.  I know that if something were to happen to me, this same daughter would be inconsolable.  I am going to hope that the Lord allows me one last thing before I get to go to his house and lets me smack her down hard.  She will fall on the floor, crying and people will think she is so sad, but actually it is because I gave her a little push!  Why cry when I am gone when you squandered all the opportunities we had when we both could have enjoyed them?   I love her and miss her and want to spend more time with her, what is so selfish about that?

Okay, I feel better.  I am going to do my usual, stay out of the way, smile, cook, tell her how great she looks, but if she asked me if I am upset cause she isn't staying longer (because she knows I am upset, she has already asked her sister if I have said anything), I will say "are you upset?".  She of course will say, yes (since she knows what my answer will be) and when she starts that stuff about her job, hard to take time off, etc.  I will respond that there is one thing I have learned, and I am sure she has as well, that if you think something is important, you will make it happen.   Since she only comes up once a year, and doesn't really stay that long when she comes, it must not be important to her.  If it isn't important to her, I can't really answer that question, since it is out of my control.

In the meantime, I am going to save money and make sure I don't have to depend on my children for anything should I need it. 

If someone stops by to read this today, please don't feel compelled to respond either way.  This is MY blog, and the one place where I should be able to feel what I feel, when I feel it, if I want to AND talk abut it if I want to, without worrying about anyone agreeing or disagreeing with me. .......so there!

Pictures!

This is the quilt I completed from blocks Diane sent me.  What looks like a black border on the front is actually magnets that I put on to keep the top taut and free of wrinkles while I quilt (as you see, I also "float" my tops).   I had some flannel that I used for backing, that although not the same shade of pink, certainly was an appropriate "make do".  The bright blue one inch border was perfect to "stop" the busy quilt and the pink print for the large border was perfect!  It is funny---every quilt I  make my DH says, "don't give that away!  You give all the pretty quilts away (meaning I guess I only keep ugly ones)!"  He of course said the same thing about this quilt, but it is too small for our bed and is clearly a lap, so he said, "we might have another grandbaby one day".  NOT----it is going to some little girl who will love cuddling up in it!  The flannel back is so SOFT!!!!  I am always caught by surprise when I "shop" my stash and most often, find just the right match for fabric that was purchased at totally different times, or was (as is this case) given to me.  I am now developing the habit to look, before I leave to buy more!  I will post another full picture of the quilt once I have completed the quilting.


BTW---see how neatly everything is stacked in the background!  The results of my cleaning day last week!

These are the charm packs that Diane also sent.  She sends two of each, so there is enough to make a decent top.  As I mentioned, several will go to make quilts for donation, but I have plans for the others.  I have already picked out the quilt for the layer cake----a nice spring quilt for the guest room.

Well, as you can see, my DH fixed the computer!  He hasn't forgotten his profession (he was a System Analyst) even though he is retired. 

Thanks again for stopping by!

Computer Sick, as am I!

For some reason I can't  log onto the Internet on my "everyday" computer, so I am not able to post pictures (I am posting this from my work computer, but I don't put personal stuff on it).  Hubby is at the other one now, so maybe he can help to make it better.

Me---I am sick as well!  When I got back from UT, I started with the sniffles and now I am achey, coughing, a low grade fever, etc.  Unlike some people I, however, have to keep going.  This is a really bad time to be ill---the new semester is starting, we have a new platform for grades and communicating with students (with little inservice) that I have to learn to navigate and I am chairman of a very important committee.  I pushed on----not coughing on anyone, using lots of germ-stuff for my hands, and not using anyone's telephone.  Today is Freshmen orientation (I have to go), but I am going to beg out of convocation.  I begin teaching tomorrow, and so I will ask the Dean if I can skip this event where I am just one of many!  I even had a gushing nose bleed during one meeting---that helped to end it sooner, so all wasn't lost (I didn't bleed on anyone, nor on my white blouse)!

Now on the quilting front.  Because I haven't been feeling well, I haven't done a lot of sewing, so not a lot to show.  I also got a package from Diane!!!!  She is reorganizing and I ALWAYS benefit from her cleaning.  She sent me a load of scraps (yea!) and a whole bunch of charm packs!!!! including a layer cake.  A couple I am going to use for the charity quilts my Guild is making, but some will go into some quilts for Christmas.  She also sent a bunch of blocks---one that is some sort of "crazy patch".  She didn't like it---it was made of 30's but since I was getting tired to just laying around, when I had a moment of clarity, I put them together, added a border from my scrap box, put a solid small border and have a really cute charity quilt that some little girl will love.  It took me about an hour to do all that.  It is loaded on the machine, but activity has stopped. 

I even pieced the batting from my scrap bag of batting.  I know that many of you actually sew the pieces together, but remember, I am lazy!  I loved the bonding tape, but it is really expensive, given the amount you get in a package (only enough for about a queen size quilt piecing).  Anyway, with one of my Joanne coupons, I purchased a bolt of tricot fusible interfacing,.  I cut it in 1.25 inch strips and it worked perfectly.  The one word of caution is you really need a pressing cloth.  The interfacing is thinner than the packaged bonding tape and so will curl.  I used a Teflon pressing sheet that worked great.

Anyway, I just wanted to check in and let you know I hadn't fallen off the face of the earth.  As soon as my "fun" computer gets fixed, I will post pictures.  Our oldest daughter is coming on Wednesday, so somewhere in these next three days, I have got to clean the house and make the guest bedroom ready.  Wow----no rest in my near future! 

xoxo

Update (Again)!

Our oldest Granddaughter has transferred to the University of Tennessee.  We leave to take her on Saturday in fact.  There really aren't any UT fans in the house (at least not currently) although I personally love the color orange.  Several years ago I purchased a box of scraps at the Guild auction and in the box was 2 yards of this UT fabric.  At the time I couldn't think what in the world I would use it for, so as any good quilter would do, I held on to it.   As I was going through my fabric shelves looking for fabric to back my youngest Granddaughters quilt, I came upon this.  I decided to make her some pillowcases.  I looked further and found the perfect orange for the cuff so I made her two.  I had some left over so I made another which I gave to my daughter (her mother).  In the box was also some Atlantic Falcons fabric.  I will just save that---who knows when I might need it!

"Spidey" is half finished.  I will work on it some more this afternoon.  I really like this quilt!  I have chosen what I think is a great border fabric, so it will be wonderfully "chaotic".  I have one more day at home (tomorrow) before I get busy---going to Knoxville, and then starting school.  I really don't have any time off since I have to also work on getting everything ready for the next semester which starts on the 27th.  Oh well, I will make the best of the time I have-----I could be jobless!

Well, gotta go---I am giving myself one more day to totally do what I want to do!

Have a great remainder of the week---thanks for stopping by!

Productive Monday!

My youngest granddaughter started this quilt at the beginning of summer.  She had sewn the squares together in pairs.  Even though she came over weekly, more important things---like going to the pool, movies, playing games, etc.---got in the way and so the quilt wasn't finished.  I cleaned my sewing studio room yesterday and found the pile of blocks.  Sometimes you just want to do something that is mindless, so I decided to finish the quilt for her (I sorta didn't want her sewing over pins on my featherweight anyway).  I looked through my stash and found the perfect borders, have loaded it on the longarm and am almost finished quilting it.  The charm pack was given to her by Diane when she came to visit, and everything else is from my stash or scrap bags, including the batting.  This would be a great baby gift or charity quilt as well.  I am going to make her a pillowcase, and although it would be a great Christmas gift, I think I might just give it to her now-----on second thought, I might just save it for Christmas!  I am going to make her brother one as well---I will look for a "guy" charm pack---maybe solid colors.

Anyway---I have had a productive day---although my legs are hurting---from cleaning and then standing all afternoon.  It feels good to have accomplished something quilty today!

Take care----"talk" to you later!!!

Sorry!

I really did go out to the garage to die   dye, but it was too darn hot.  I couldn't even breathe in my mask---so I put it off for a cooler day!  I got up early today, and after church, decided I would tackle my quilting "studio".  There really isn't much I can do in there----everything is crammed in, (I really need to figure out a way to retake my hubby's "office" for studio #2).  I went to Wally World and got some 3 drawer things and put organized my fabs a little.  Rearranged stuff on shelves---worked in there for about 6 hours.  It does look neater anyway, but still crammed.  I am going to taken the sewing table tomorrow (my legs hurt and I am sleepy now), so we'll see how that goes.

I also decided to enter two quilts in the Modern Quilt Guild Show----thanks to the urging of a quilting sister.  Wouldn't it be a blast if it got accepted?  I really don't expect to win, but it would be nice to have it juried in.  I will hang it tomorrow and take some pictures. 

Well, just wanted to check back!  Later!!!

Dye Job!

This is 25 yards of fabric that I intend to dye tomorrow!  Maybe not all 25, but as much as I can before the heat gets to me.  There are several quilts I want to make, and I don't have much of a variety---so it looks like a "dye job" is in order.  Now that I have started dyeing my own fabric, I can appreciate the costs associated with hand dyes.  It is VERY time intensive, although for me, it is worth the wonderful colors.  When I am in the middle of rinsing all these by hand though, I want to just go to a good quilt shop (or internet store) and order some :c)!!  This is the best "dyeing weather", HOT, but my goodness, the heat is intensified in my garage with my breathing apparatus on as I mix colors.  Oh to have a "real" dyeing studio with air conditioning!!!!!!  I need to lose about 10 lbs anyway, so since it is expected to be about 93, I should at least get rid of 5 before the session is completed :c)!!!!!

On the quilting front, I have finished quilting "Make a Joyful Noise", and so now I am sewing down the binding.  It is funny how when you are quilting a quilt, every little "oops" is so obvious and then once done, it doesn't seem so bad.  I really am liking this quilt---lots of texture and it really does "make a joyful noise".  I am considering entering it into a show, knowing it will not win, but I am interested in what judges would say. I have to think a little about that.  I will post a picture soon though.  I purchased some equipment to hang quilts for photography as well as display, so I need to complete the sleeve and then hang it for a picture.

The Founding President of the Guild was asked to do an "artist talk" at our local visual art museum in connection with the Gee's Bend Quilt exhibit.  She wasn't able to fulfill this invitation, so she asked me to take her place!  I am "too" excited!  I love talking about quilting, AND I get to show some of my quilts!  I spent today thinking about what I wanted to convey to the audience, and then picked out quilts that would support those thoughts as well as be consistent with "Gee's Bend-type Quilts"---improvisation and spontaneity.  It  was interesting to see how my quilting has evolved, without a lot of forethought.  My problem is I may have too many so I will have to prioritize.  Maybe quilting is intuitive, since I haven't really had any formal teaching, so I am not sure where my color sense and style as come from.

One of the stories I have been asked to tell is how I got into quilting.  I wish I could say I learned by way of the women in my family, but that isn't true.  My brothers and sisters are actually old enough to be my parents and my mother had a different view of what she wanted me to do.  Instead of learning "traditional" women tasks, I was encouraged to read, spent time at summer camp learning how to ride a horse, and took ballet.  I was never taught to do things like cook or sew, nor did I have responsibilities around the house.  It was okay with my mother if I just sat and read a book or wrote a story.   I was a "daydreamer" who had dreams that didn't involve traditional roles---I wanted to be a judge----tell people what to do and right the wrongs of the world.

My interest in quilting came through my love for history and the fact that a quilt in a family was a link to the past.  I am all self-taught and spent about 3 years just reading about quilting and "collecting" quilting gadgets before I made my first quilt.  The fun part is that I do have that first quilt which I plan to show.  You can definitely see my growth :c).  Hopefully my "story" will be interesting---whether it is or not, it will be "my" story.

Well, just wanted to "check in".  More to follow!  Thanks for stopping by!