My Quilting Adventure

Grooving on a Sunday Afternoon!!!!

2012-01-29T18:13:00.005-06:00

Isn't this the cutest picture of Coal! We can't put rugs on the new floor for six months since it is turning darker and rugs would make the color uneven. He now is using his pillow since of course that floor is cold. Such a sweet little dog! Now to show what I did today-------

Today was bright and sunny, although a bit cool. I woke up too late for church, so I did the next best thing. I went to my studio and spent the day quilting and contemplating life. No great decisions reached, but lots of creative energy!!! I am so close to finishing "Spontaneous Combustion", that I can almost "taste" it. I have 6 more blocks to do and it is completed. Although I have read on blogs of others who also made this quilt (Lego), that it goes really fast, it hasn't been fast piecing for me. One thing might be the fact that I don't have a tremendous amount of scraps and so I am more conscous of choosing the fabrics to make sure I have a variety in each block. I could cut more I suppose, but it is amazing how much your scrap pile grows even though you are using pieces. If I cut more I would be overrun with little pieces of fabric. I tidied up after I stopped for the day and I swear it looked like the pile had tripled even though I had used quite a lot!

Pictured above is the last two rows of the quilt and what I accomplished today. I did a little stay stitching to keep the edges from getting stretched out or coming apart. I am not going to put a border on this one---I think it would be a distraction. I found some really neat fabric for a backing, I will stop at the store tomorrow to get it. I should be finished with it this week some time (I hope) and then I will quilt it. This is such a contrast to the "UG quilt"---more "me". I love this quilt and will keep it====at this point it is my favorite!!!!!

I know I said I wasn't going to start anything new, but this is different. One of the Guild's I belong to is planning a Spring Retreat. Last year I brought the "1600 Quilt" as a Guild activity. This year the President asked me to think of a quilt for the group to do again. People don't have to do it, but it is an option. It is a little difficult to choose a pattern, since the members are all at different levels, so you want something that doesn't appear too difficult for the beginner, nor too easy for the more experienced quilter. I saw this great free quilt pattern that uses two jelly rolls so I am going to make it and bring it to meeting and show to the members. It calls for a traditional jelly roll and then one of solids. I was about to go on-line to purchase a Moda solid when I remembered that I had the 2.5 inch strip GO! die. I went up to my fabric closet and found 3 yards of Moda white and voila---I cut my own jelly row in about 15 minutes, saving money AND using up stash. The print roll in intend to use if from the line "Oz" that was so popular a couple of years ago. I would like to have it made at least by the March meeting so the group can see a "sample". The instructions are a little confusing to me for some reason, so I am glad I decided to make it first. It is hard to explain something you don't understand yourself :c)!

All in all a good day! We had a late lunch so my DH has suggested I not cook! "I'll run out and get us a snack later!" he volunteered. Great! I am going to spend the rest of the evening looking at a movie ("Unstoppable") and will get ready for work tomorrow. I have my students in clinical that begins at 6:30 AM so I will have an early start. The good thing though is the hospital is around the corner from a quilt shop!!!!!

Have a great day tomorrow and thanks so very much for stopping by!

Next Quilting Project!

2012-01-25T14:10:00.002-06:00

I REALLY DO NOT LIKE THIS QUILT!!!! The colors are so "brown". Brown is not my favorite color....not personally nor quilty. This quilt was made during a Guild Mystery Day. It is a Judy creation, but hers is much prettier. The turquoise does brighten it a bit, but this is one quilt I think I will gift. Because it will be either a gift or donation, I am doing a good job in quilting it (I think gifts/donations should still be made with quality---as much as I can anyway). What I think is interesting is the backing. It matches perfectly! I didn't buy them together and in fact have had the backing for about a year. I only found it when I was looking in my stash for a back---originally looking for a solid brown flannel I had. This is flannel as well, but the colors are perfect matches. I am quilting it with a slightly goldy-brown thread and using a really busy panto. You really can't see it with the busy fabric, but it gives me a chance to practice. It will also wrinkle nicely when washed. I think after I am finished with this, I will bind this and the other two or three quilts I have and then be totally finished!

Hope all is going well with you. It is cold and rainy here---perfect chili weather!

Take care! xoxo

Flawless!

2012-01-23T20:21:00.003-06:00

This was a really nice activity!!! I have a "love/hate" relationship with Harriet at times. It is clear she often has a mind of her own, particularly when it comes to tension. This time though, I found the "sweet" space. I find it interesting that on the rare occasion I quilt others quilts, I am fine, but the minute I put my own quilts own, I often have a "fight" on my hands. Just as well since like children, you would prefer they misbehave at home than out, so I just have come to expect this. I have investing a lot of money in all kinds of gadgets to get my tension adjusted and I have finally (I guess) figured out how to do it---at least for this quilt. I used a panto I already had loaded from an earlier quilt. It looks like ginkgo leaves. The lightening isn't that great but hopefully you can see the pattern. The rounded pattern is a great contrast to the sharp pattern of this quilt.

I am now going to quilt a more complex pattern on another quilt---and at this stage, Harriet is still happy. One thing I have found that really helps with even tension is pressing my seams open. I also do NOT iron my quilts---I press with only a minimum pressure. This ensures the edges doesn't get stretched out and remain straight. I use steam though, although I have read that steam is what stretches the fabric, but definitely, I can tell those quilts that I "ironed" vs "pressed".

It is my plan to quilt the four quilts that are currently just tops, and then put binding on all of them, prior to working really hard on another quilt. I think I will put the binding on my machine so I can hurry and truly move them to the finished pile.

Have a great evening!

First Finish of the Year!!

2012-01-20T16:51:00.004-06:00

My grandbabies think I make the "best cookies ever"!!!!!!! I have seen lots of cookie recipes but my favorite is--------

This is my favorite recipe! Otis Spunkmeyer!!! They make the best ever. The senior students at my school sell them as a fundraiser, and I always buy lots---so my grandbabies can continue to say I make the "best ever" :c)!

I finished this today----I really like this quilt. It is so very simple to make plus I was able to move two jelly rows and a couple of charm packs out of my stash AND it was a UFO!!!! I think I will use a plain muslin back and will load it to quilt tomorrow!

The lighting isn't very good here, but I really like the border! I only put it on two sides (the top and the bottom), so it will be a good size for a queen size quilt. I feel satisfied with myself!

Have a wonderful week-end!

Random Thoughts!

2012-01-10T05:39:00.004-06:00

I have been a bit "scattered", but I think I am getting my "mojo" back. Above are the two quilts I am working on. The top is my interpretation of a Kaffe quilt (my fav quilt/fabric designer). It a "sorta" 4-patch, but because of the contrast it looks like crosses. I am going to try to make it using batiks and African fabrics. It is going to take me a while, since I don't have a big collection of African prints and contrast is very important in this type quilt-----but it will be something I can hope to have finished by the end of the year. I will try to update you as I progress. It is like fitting a puzzle together.

The second quilt is one I saw on the Moda site. It is jelly rolls and charm packs. Of course I have to make mine bigger, so I have 110 blocks to make! I have almost all of them done and will start to put it together within the next couple of days. To keep myself going through, I have to put a couple of rows up to see how they look. I think I will give this one to my niece. I made her another, but I think this is more "modern" and suits her better. This is a "new" UFO, so when I finish it, I can make one of those off my list.

I have been reading about all the NY Resolutions on the web. We have to have goals, and I am no different from anyone else. I did pretty good last year in terms of number of quilts completed (19), but I really didn't address all the UFO's I have. I tried to join Judy's challenge, but I could never post my finishes and so I dropped that. My goal I think is to again complete at least half of my UFO's. I don't have a lot of them, maybe 10 at the most, so 5 is not an unreasonable number. I also want to try a new technique....really challenge myself. I HATE applique, don't really like embellishments on my quilts, and don't particularly enjoy making small wall hanging-type quilts. I made a quilt using actually all of those things (although it is a big wall hanging), and my Guild sisters chose it as the challenge winner, so I am going to try that type quilt again this year. Don't know yet what it will look like. I am interested in making a wool or cord quilt, so maybe something like that. Whatever, I plan to do my very best and use the best technique, so hopefully it will be a nice quilt I can be proud of.

I really love scrap quilts and piecing. I think then I will try a Bonnie Hunter quilt. Her quilts have thousands of little pieces in them, and I have made quilts with LOTS of pieces before, so I think I might be up to it now. So my goals I guess are to:

Complete at least 5 UFO's.
Make a Bonnie Hunter quilt.
Make a quilt using techiques I either don't like or haven't tried yet.
Oh yea---make a quilt and use some of these many GO! dies I have still in the wrapper

My list of shows to attend this year:

AQS Paducah
Jacksonville Quiltfest
Gee's Bend Exhibit in Nashville

I also intend to bring my machine quilting up a level---specifically learn to make feathers and above all enjoy doing it all. I am not completing with anyone other than myself. I am also going to give myself permission to not be perfect in what I do---I guess that goes along with enjoying myself.

Random thoughts---nothing that important or earth shattering, but thoughts none the less. Have a wonderful day!

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T12:25:00.003-06:00

Another year has passed with anticipation for another! I don't know about you, but I expect many of you remember (as I do) how long in the future 2000 seemed at one time in our lives. It was hard for me to imagine that---and when I thought about it, it was as if I were reading a sci fi novel. Now here we are in 2012!!! How times flies--whether you are having fun or not.

I have decided that my NY resolution is to enjoy each day to the fullest. Of course I would like to lose some weight (I have decided 10% is better than a specific weight); and of course finish some of these UFO's---but all in all, I just want to stop worrying and anticipating all the time. Just take the day as it comes and try hard to do right by it!

The superstition is whatever you do on the first day of the year will be what you will be doing all year. Well, my house didn't get cleaned as well as I would have liked. It isn't a mess, but still not as pristine as I would have liked; my clothes didn't get washed, and you are NOT suppose to wash on NY day --- it is bad ju-ju! I instead am cooking--have been since 6 AM! so I guess I will be cooking all year--which isn't bad since one of the things I am going to strive toward is eating healthier meals--less take-out---so this makes sense; have a "not pristine" house and lots of dirty clothes all year. I do plan to get a little quilting in though, and although I am itching to begin to spend my gift certificate at Joanne's, tomorrow the sale will still be on--the crowds thinner anyway, so I think I will go then---plus I am too tired :c).

My son just got on the road back to Atlanta and is doing so much better. Lots of home cooked healthy meals, lots of lecture and insulin, and he looks better than he has in a long time. He promises to be back in about 4 weeks, and I intend to call and nag a lot! Thanks everyone (Diane and Lane) for your kind comments!

Well, gotta go surf the net a bit while the blackeyed peas cook! Am having the traditional (for me and mine anyway) meal of "Hopping John" (blackeyed peas and rice), for luck; and greens (for prosperity). Decided to cook another turkey (the meat can be used for other meals) and some dressing (at the request of son #3), and homemade rolls. No dessert though --- did I mention I was tired :c)!

Hugs! and have a wonderful Day #1 of 2012! Thanks for dropping by!

What A Christmas!!!!!

2011-12-27T07:07:00.002-06:00

Those of you who have been reading my blog know I am not really one to share a lot of really personal stuff. I think I am a very private person (although I don't give that impression at times) but after blogging and reading others for a while, I have become a little more comfortable.

Christmas Day was a wonderful one! Grandbabies got almost everything on their list----thank goodness their wishes were moderate. It did however result in a LOT of packages giving the impression that this family along, has significantly helped the economy! Of course there were "wheels" for everyone (the children of course)---bikes for the two little ones, and a scooter for the older one. The two girls got electronics---a IPad (for the college girl) and a Blackberry tablet (for the next older one). I must say, I have a daughter who is the "Shopping Queen"! I wouldn't have believed the deals she got had I not seen the price tags. Also, thank goodness for "layaway". She is now getting ready for next Christmas :c)!

Now, the evening began and things didn't go so well. We were all dancing to the Kinect---Dance 3 and I was beating my daughter when my husband yelled down that our middle son was "sick". He had told my two grandsons he was "sick" and had collapsed. He was complaining of classic cardiac signs---crushing pain in his chest; pain radiating into his jaw; nausea (with later vomiting); and difficulty breathing. I gave him aspirin (EVERYONE should have aspirin in the house) and took his blood pressure which was VERY high with a VERY fast heart rate. 911 was called and he is now on a cardiac floor in the hospital. Oh yes, he is diabetic, and his blood sugar was 583! I had been asking him everyday he was here, how his blood sugar was, trying to watch what he was eating---he claims it was my cranberry sauce (even the doctor had to laugh at that)---although I am sure it didn't help.

Now what is the moral to this story----everyone should really begin the New Year with a evaluation of their entire life and life style. My son is only 42, but had he been alone at home, or worst yet driving back home (he was going to leave yesterday), the outcome could have been much worst. He has a wonderful sense of humor and of course is trying hard to make lite of this, but I will NOT allow him to. My resolution is to not only quilt as much as possible, but to really make some healthy changes in my life. More fresh veggies, more fish and chicken, more well balanced meals all around. I am also going to value my family and my time on this earth. Try really hard to not "sweat the small stuff" and move on! I will "live by example"---when my son gets home from the hospital, I feel sorry for him :c). I am not taking his word for anything---I want to see those blood sugars myself...and I sure hope he likes unsweetened yogurt, blueberries and low fat granola---because that is his breakfast menu! And instead of cranberry sauce I make, I will have raw cranberry and orange chuckney (sp) next year!

Have a blessed and productive day!

Christmas' Past-----

2011-12-20T13:22:00.003-06:00

The "Children's Tree" upstairs in the family/game room. Santa knows to leave about half of the gifts here----but ONLY the children's gifts. Many of the decorations we made (the kids and I) and this one has candy canes (and it is okay to get one off the tree to eat while watching cartoons).

This is the more "formal" tree. This tree has ornaments that my children (my grandbabies parents) made. They love to hear the stories behind each one. See the little white bags. At my oldest (he is now 11) grandson's school, the senior class has a fund raiser to support their mission trip. The kids (in the lower grades) bring $3 per gift for each person on their list. Each student then gets to "shop" the store and pick out gifts. I love this school tradition. It is so interesting how my grandson really tries to get a gift that is special for each person. I can't wait to see what he got for me this year. The remainder of Santa's gifts goes here along with the "adult" family members gifts. These gifts are opened later in the day than the upstairs ones.

Now for my post today---Christmas' Past---. I really enjoy reading Lane's posts. He writes so eloquently and always gives me "pause to think". This latest post did just that. He details some specific memories of his "Christmas' Past", and really got me to thinking. Unlike him though, I don't have a specific memory, mine are more a "montage" of memories. I remember:

making sugar cookies on Christmas eve with my Mother and using the Christmas Tree cookie cutter.

Waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of turkey. My Mother cooked the turkey all night in a really low oven. When she took it out it was the most beautiful brown! I have never been able to duplicate that color---probably because I cook mine in a roaster.

Putting out the sugar cookies for "Santa" and then getting up in the morning to see a bit of cookie left with a obvious bite taken out. I (of course) didn't eat that piece of cookie left (you do NOT eat after people---I was thinking like a nurse even then), but I do remember smelling it. I guess I thought Santa left a definite smell---but all I was able to distinguish was the faint smell of cinnamon from the cookie.

I remember my Mother's rolls. So light---it seemed they melted in your mouth. I have her recipe and use to make them---but now I can't find cake yeast and so have had to resort to another one that is good, but not nearly as much as my Mother's.

Going to see my Grandmother. She lived to be over 100 and seemed always old. She held "court" at her house (I don't know why she didn't come to dinner) and my Mother would fix her a plate of food and we would make the pilgrimage. She wasn't particularly a loving Grandmother (I don't ever really remember her hugging me) and my cousin and I have agreed that she really didn't like any of us---but we went anyway. She always spoke in a very low voice and we gave her chocolate covered cherries (which I hate). She would always take them with a small smile (I always felt I should curtsy) and we would sit and be quiet (no running around in Grandmother's house) while my Mother spoke in hushed tones until my Dad said, "Okay Mother, is there anything you need, we will be going now". I was so happy to be outside where my brother and I would race home (we lived within walking distance).

I also remember the Christmas I got a bicycle -- it was red I think and my Daddy told the story of Santa being chased around the house by JoJo (our dog) who was upset with the reindeer and the bright red suit.

I also remember eating at the dining room table---a place reserved for special occasions, and drinking from my Mother's crystal goblets. I have some of those (when she died my sister's split her set and left me some---I was only 14). I know they are not real crystal, but to me they always will be. I don't take them out---one was broken and I stopped, but I always look at them and remember.

I am working really hard as many of you are, to create special memories for my grandchildren and add to our children's memories---and mine as well. At this point I think I am doing pretty good. Definitely they will remember "Mai" (what my grands call me) and "Poppie's" (my DH) hugs and kisses, unlike my Grandmother's (we called her the formal Grandmother) lack of...I never met my Grandfather (he died before I was born), but I hear he was in fact a "hugger"---wish I had been a recipient...but that is another story for another day.

Have a great remainder of the day!

Just Checking In!

2011-12-18T23:24:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to "check in"! Nothing new going on, yet there is a lot of work going on! We are busy getting ready for the holidays that are approaching rapidly. Would you believe I have to go out to shop tomorrow! Believe it or not, I really don't relish it but I figure if I go on Monday morning when everyone else is at work or school, I should be able to get a lot accomplished. I have only about 4 gifts I need to purchase anyway.

I continue to clean----I am telling you, I must be getting old. I can remember when I could clean my house in a morning---now it takes me all day to do one room! It could be because I am easily distracted and I have been known to set on the side of the bed reading a magazine (quilting of course), from a pile that I was suppose to be rearranging or worst yet, throwing away. Our oldest son and his wife are arriving on Thursday morning, so at least I have the guest bedroom and bath all clean and smelling good. The door is closed and grand babies know that it is off limits! Now I have our bedroom and bath to clean--then it will be time to start all over again to have the house looking nice for our son. In between I am trying to get a friends quilt quilted and do a little of my own quilting done. Oh well, "such is life".

I was looking over my list of quilts I completed and I completed 19! Wow, that is an average of more than 1 per month. Pretty good huh! Included in these were some UFO's. Unfortunately, for every UFO I completed, I added 2 more! I am working really hard to complete my "Lego" quilt ("Spontaneous Combustion") before the New Year. I completed 4 blocks today, but honestly don't know how many more I have to go. I am about half finished, so hopefully I can get them done within the remaining 2 weeks. I know I will not have it quilted, but I am really liking this quilt and an anxious to see it in its finished glory.

Well, the Grands put up "the children's" tree today and will return tomorrow to put up the "formal" tree. I am going to bake some cookies and will hopefully have pictures to share tomorrow.

Take care and "see" you tomorrow!

My Quilt!

2011-12-11T21:41:00.004-06:00

Zuri had their holiday party on Saturday! This is such a great group of ladies and I am so thankful to have found them. They are too much fun and can they cook! Nicole shared her home and hospitality, and it truly was a "holiday" party.

We had a challenge--we drew a bag that contained a crayon and a alphabet letter about 4 months ago. The challenge was to make a quilt using the color of the crayon and use the alphabet in the quilt in some way. My color was purple (my fav) and the alphabet was R. I decided to really challenge myself and do something I had not tried before and that I didn't like. This quilt was a REAL challenge for me! I used applique (which I hate); put on embellishments (which I NEVER use---in this case yo-yo's), and made the quilt without a real pattern. The base is a Turning Twenty and although I had seen a quilt like this in a magazine, I didn't have the pattern (the original had a lot more applique). I just sorta took an idea and made it my own. I also used some trapunto (sp) under the plates and my Circle Lord to do some trapunto (sp) quilting. This took me the entire 4 months to complete. So many times I just wanted to give up. For those of you following my blog, I think you remember me complaining (whining) about it).

What made this "win" even more special was my Guild Sisters voted for it! There some beautiful and creative quilts presented and "Midnight Garden" won by only 2 points above a creative piece of art by Judi. My prize was 11-yard pieces of batik---. BTW---R stood for round---the shape of the plates.

I am happy!

DONE!!!

2011-12-11T08:36:00.002-06:00

Leading into my quilting "studio"---see the dust on the door!

Leading out to the deck---this was covered in tile and carpet. The kitchen is to the left of this picture.

Looking toward the front door.

I can't put any rugs down for at least six months since the wood is going to darken to a cherry color! I really like it---it opens up the area and makes it so much brighter! I have to go to Lowe's and get new heating/air conditioner registers for the floor and some type of dust mop. We are keeping the grandbabies while parents are working today, so my "cleaning crew" will be much needed. I am going to negotiate for a "Happy Meal" as payment :c) No home cooking today!

The Dust is Settling!

2011-12-09T06:23:00.004-06:00

The tile in the kitchen! There were TWO floors to come up----a linoleum and the quarry tile!

The original floor we thought was wood but was actually laminate. It was glued to the sub-floor so pulling it up damaged the sub a bit. They still have to remove it from the guest bathroom. Hope my plumbing doesn't get damaged!

You can see the damage from the sub-floor from the glue of the floor. At the door leading outside was this hole! It looks like it was left by the builder. I made my DH put something over it---what if a creature crawled up there! Yuk! DH assured me it was too cold for things to wonder, plus it is under the house and you can walk under it so something would have to really JUMP to get into the hole---yea right----put something over the hole and weigh it down!

See the dust on the black stuff! There is at least a 1 inch layer of dust on everything! I had to use my inhaler and my poor grandson had to stay in his room when he got home from school. BUT I know it will be worth it!

Lastly, I wanted to thank all the nice comments I received yesterday!!!!! I was surprised and so flattered! I had a good day---a bit dusty, but a good day none-the-less. No kitchen, so my birthday dinner was a subway, but I did get those cupcakes!!!! AND a Joanne gift card!!!! :c). The contractor say my quilting room and the quilt on the frame (Rev. Renita---he wanted to buy your quilt!!!!!). We are going to barter for a mosaic back splash for a quilt!!!

Anyway, all is well. They tell me they will be finished by Saturday! I have a LOT of cleaning to do! A new floor though calls for more new stuff---hummm! I MUST visit Home Goods! :c)

Have a great day!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

2011-12-08T07:53:00.003-06:00

Today is my birthday----and I am truly thankful! When I was younger I really had a problem with birthdays, because to me, that meant I was running out of time to do all the things I wanted to do. Today though, I am reflective, because when compared to others, my life is pretty good! I have outlived my mother, who died at the young age of 53----with so much left to accomplish. I never talked to her about her life and her hopes for it, I was only 14 when she died, but as a adult, and looking back now, I know she wasn't blessed to have the wonderful opportunities I have enjoyed, and at times taken for granted.

I have a husband who loves me and wants to make me happy, never complaining (much) about all my quilting "tools" I want and usually end up getting; five plus one (my nephew) kids, who also love me and try really hard to be supportive---saying always great things about my quilts, regardless to what they "really" look like and who call me an "artist"; grandchildren who think no one is better than their "Mai" and who don't understand the concept of not having quilts to snuggle in; friends who again, provide me with the support and drive to keep trying (Diane especially), and providing that other perspective in a loving and empowering way; and I have a job that is meaningful and students who will one day literally save a person's life, supported by the information I have imparted to them. How great is that!!!!

My health is good, considering I am officially long pass middle-age and although I am considered a "senior citizen", I don't think I look like it and I sure don't feel like it. God has been good to me and my family and I truly feel I am "blessed and highly favored". I look forward to the coming years with anticipation knowing that rather than not accomplishing what I thought I wanted, I will accomplish what has already been ordained for me---and my hope is to make a positive impact somewhere.

Happy birthday to me! I am going to try to quilt a little, although that might be hard since the contractors are due to start tearing up the floors. I think I will go to a bakery and buy cupcakes and have a celebration with my grandbabies. No work for me today-----

Have a wonderful day in celebration of MY day!

Early Christmas Gift (and Birthday)!

2011-12-04T12:25:00.003-06:00

I am one of those "fortunate" people who have a birthday right before Christmas. When I was growing up, I can remember my Daddy saying "Patti-Anne, your birthday is so close to Christmas, you will get your birthday presents at Christmas". That never really seemed fair to me--since I hadn't chosen my birthday, why did I have to have mine consolidated? In those days though, you kept those thoughts to yourself and didn't share them with parents, so I smiled my sweetest smile (hoping I would get LOTS of birthday/Christmas gifts) and said "okay, Daddy, I understand".

Unfortunately for my middle son, his birthday is even closer to Christmas than mine---December 15 vs. December 8. I NEVER told him that though, and we always tried to make his birthday special. We had a celebration and his birthday was the day we put up the Christmas tree---still do. Fast forward to this year, I am still getting my Birthday AND Christmas present all in one. I am getting new hardwood floors downstairs in the foyer, guest bath, downstairs den, kitchen and hall! They delivered the wood last week (it has to sit in the house for 5 days) and the contractors will start to lay it around Wednesday. When we purchased this house it had sit empty for a while and hadn't really been "loved" much, even when people lived in it. We did a lot of renovation just to move in, but I always wanted hardwood floors. The foyer has a dark cherry down, and until we had people come in to measure for the other floor, I thought it was wood---no--it is a very good laminate. Since I couldn't match it anyway, I am having it pulled up as well. The kitchen has the ugliest tile I have ever seen---no matter how I scrub, it looks dirty. The wood I chose is a light cherry---which will age to a golden color. It will warm up the room and really add a lot to the personality of the house. My next task will be to pull down wallpaper in the guest bathroom and hall upstairs bath. I also intend to tile the back splash in the kitchen. I am excited! I am going to get some new slipcovers for the sofa---bright ones (can't afford new furniture) and maybe some new curtains. Just do a new make-over--room by room. Now if I could just figure out a way to have a real quilting studio like my friend Judi! Maybe next year for my "birthday/Christmas" present :c)

Nothing new on the quilting front---just trying to get all my projects done between laundry and grading papers. I went to church this morning and decided to have take-out chicken for dinner. Less mess and my family loves it. All is well!

Happy Dance!!!!

2011-12-02T16:22:00.003-06:00

The semester is almost over!!!! I have a final to give, some clinical evals to complete, grades to post and I am done until next year!!!!! I still have a lot to do, it's true, but the final is already done, and I am going to complete the evals this week-end! I am tired--tired--and will relish some down time. Above is a new WIP. I haven't worked on it in several weeks, since I have a lot of commitments in the quilting category as well. This is a quilt I saw at the "Moda Bake Shop". I had a couple of jelly rolls and some 5 inch squares so I didn't have to purchase anything. I really like the simplicity of the quilt. I plan to back it with plain muslin (unbleached) and quilt it in a simple tight stipple. It will be a perfect cuddle quilt.

Just wanted to check in---nothing really exciting going on at "the house", other than the fact that my dryer just broke. Maybe I see that red front loader in my future :c)!

My First Quilt!

2011-11-27T08:33:00.003-06:00

Bonnie Hunter has a invitation to talk about your first quilt. I never can figure out the "linky" process, so I am not going to even try, but I started thinking about my first quilt.

I have been quilting for about 18 years. I started making my own clothes when I was 12 and in fact my very first job was taking some clothes that a neighbor had and cutting them down for her niece. I think I was about 13. I had begun sewing much younger than that with doll clothes though, made from scraps that my mother had left over from her quilting. My mother was a quilter in the same vein as Gee Bend quilters. Her quilts were made to keep us warm. They were colorful and asymmetrical and to me wondrous. She used cardboard templates and I don't remember her talking about or teaching me to quilt. I would sit with her and she would cut and sew the squares together. She didn't stress consistency or patterns, we just put pieces together. I remember green and red squares--how bright and free it seemed. How you could take a piece of fabric and cut it up and then put it back together was wonderful to me.

I grew up in a tiny Oklahoma town where I began taking Home Economics in the 3rd Grade. Included in Home Ec. was cooking and sewing classes, so I became very familiar with these skills. So familiar that at one time I wanted to be a Home Ec teacher. We really didn't quilt in class though, focusing more on clothing. My teacher was Mrs. Jackson, who always had the most beautiful clothes, all things she made. I aspired to be as gifted as she with the needle and thread. I took Home Ec throughout high school, again without coming in contact with quilts, but changed my major at the last minute to sociology.

Fast forward to 18 years ago. I had been reading about quilts, had purchased books and had become a theorist, but not actually really quilted. I don't remember what attracted me to quilting, but my husband would tease me about buying all these magazines. By nature I am a researcher first, learning all I can about a technique/skill/art/craft before I actually try it. I had even purchased a ruler, more to have something to put the concept of a 1/4 inch seam into reality, since as a dressmaker I worked with 5/8 inch seams. Our daughter had gotten married and informed us we were to become grandparents for the first time. I also love history, and the concept of making something that my grandchild could attribute to me even after I was no longer, was a wonderful thing to me----so I began to make a quilt for this grandchild who turned out to be a granddaughter. I did it alone---I had no one to consult---just my books. We were living in Chicago, so I went to Vogue Fabrics, where I choose a pattern that was simple (it was ranked "beginner) and began. It was made of gingham-----green/yellow/pink/and red. A simple 4-patch. I also made bumper pads and a white eyelet crib skirt. I knew nothing about machine quilting, so I hand quilted it in simple lines outlining each block. My granddaughter still has that quilt! I thought it was beautiful---and looking back, it really was pretty good for a first quilt.

I didn't make anymore quilts, but continued to buy magazine/books AND rulers. About 4 years later while living in Chicago, one of the women I worked with shared with me that her Mother was a quilter. I met this lady and now I had someone to talk to about quilting. I began to investigate and found a quilting guild that I joined. I also took a class at Vogue fabrics --- a log cabin quilt that I tied. Instead of yarn, I used thin ribbon! I then tacked my first "real" quilt. It was a blue and yellow Irish Chain, with bleached white muslin as the background. I used a sheet for the backing and the mother of my friend machine quilted it. She didn't charge me money, but instead asked to 3 packs of batting---poly. The quilting wasn't fancy, simple lines, but it fit the quilt perfectly. That is when I discovered how "cutting challenged" I am. I thought I had cut all those little squares correctly (they finished at about 1.5 inches) but some looked a little small. I didn't really realize that was a problem so I pushed on, and the lady who quilted it didn't tell me any different. I didn't find out about accuracy until I had gone to some meetings at the guild and discovered that all blocks should be the same size---"oh" I thought.

I never could really appreciate little quilts, since remember, I am from the belief that quilts are suppose to be used, so even from the very first quilt (it was king size) I made large bed quilts. I still have that first quilt somewhere (I will find it and post a picture), but clearly as I look at my quilts, I have progressed and I am pleased! I also didn't realize you should only buy quilt shop quality fabrics, since I purchased fabrics where ever I found some that I liked. I still do that---I am more aware of quality, but I have certainly purchased some fabrics at Wally World that held up better than some quilt shop "quality" fabrics, so I continue to look and purchase what I like, in spite of where it is. I also don't pre-wash---again, I don't remember reading or being taught I should when I started quilting. That issue has only surfaced lately. I admit, I am lazy and busy, so I am not going to wash fabric for no reason. It just seems redundant to wash all the sizing from fabrics and then put it back in with starch. I have to honestly say that although I don't pre-wash, I haven't had a real problem with bleeding.

I don't really sew clothing anymore. I am almost exclusively a quilter. Quilting has brought me in contact with some wonderful people. I think generally we are a sharing and affirming group. I think that is so interesting since quilting can be a solitary art, yet when we get together, even when in line at Joanne's waiting for fabric to be cut, it isn't unusual for us to strike up a conversation that on the surface looks like we have known each other for years, when in fact we have only just met and may never see each other again. What other art/craft/hobby does that occur in?

I love my art!!!!! It is my hope and prayer I am able to do it for a very long time. It makes me smile to realize that my quilts will be something members of my linage will have to connect me to them, even if we have never officially met----sorta like the "Time Traveler".

Have a great day! Thanks for stopping by---unless you leave an email, I can't contact you to officially thank you---but know I appreciate the time you take to read my ramblings!

Happy Turkey Day!!!

2011-11-26T19:12:00.003-06:00

I hope your holiday is being spent with good food, good friends/family, and LOTS of good laughs. My very sweet nephew and his wife (and their daughter) are visiting from Oklahoma as well as our middle son. I have enjoyed them so very much, even though I have been doing LOTS of cooking :c), which by the way, I don't like to do----but for them, I will do it and actually smile!

We joined the throngs of people and went shopping at Thanksgiving. It was a marathon to be sure!!!! It was 8 of us, all mothers and daughters (my daughter and I, her daughter -- she is now 18 and so has "earned" a spot, my niece and her daughter, and a friend and her daughter). We left at 8pm on Thanksgiving night, and returned the next day at 3pm!!!!! I gotta tell you, I think I might have bit off more than I could reasonably chew. I was so tired, that I went straight to bed and except for getting up once to referee a disagreement between grandchildren, I slept soundly. Now you ask, did we get deals----YES we got deals!!!! The people weren't too bad, but I must admit, I do NOT intend to go to Wally World next year! The salespeople were disorganized and were enforcing the rules with some customers and with others weren't (we were in the group where the rules were enforced)!!! At any rate, I did enjoy my time with the "girls" and will add this to my list of accomplishments---actually staying up for 34 hours!!!!!

I (of course) went to Joanne's and purchased (about 40 yards) flannel for quilt backings. The fabric was $1.49/yard, so I got a good deal. I was little too tired to look over the store, but plan to go on Sunday and see what else is available.

At any rate-----just wanted to check in!

How Many Rulers Do You Have?!?!?!?

2011-11-18T18:49:00.003-06:00

I was looking for a ruler to use to make another quilt, and as I was searching, I noticed I have a LOT of rulers. Now understand I am a "gadget girl"! I have not only a Accuquilt GO! but a Sizzix Big Shot Pro as well....and probably 20 or more cutting dies to use with them---LOVE, LOVE, them. I think I am this way because I am "cutting challenged"----I always have a problem getting things cut straight, plus I am a planner---you never know when you might need something. I am also planning for my retirement, since I will not have the money to purchase such tools, so I am doing so now---yeh right!

Unfortunately, I am also a "Liberated Quilter", so even though I have lots of rulers, my cutting is still often crooked. If it is a quilt for me, I don't care, it always works out---maybe that is why I love scrap quilts. I feel this way now, but just in case I change my mind and become really, really concerned about making a perfect quilt, I will have the equipment to "do it right".

As I said, I was looking for this one particular ruler (BTW, I didn't find one, so there is a trip to Joanne's in my future this week-end), but I found all kinds of other rulers. There is the Twister (big and little); several kaleidoscope rulers; a LOT of square's including a 2.5 inch square; lots of long rulers; and speciality rulers--including a kite ruler. Above are pictures of storage areas---three, each containing about 10 rulers each, plus there is this little tote bag with more (I just noticed a picture of a roll of cotton pads---not sure why it is in one of the bins). I have several Marti Michell sets, and of course there are the templates. Now am I going to "get rid" of any? Of course not, I might need them one day (the ruler with the blue tape on it is the very first ruler I purchased----before I even knew how to quilt--over 20 years ago. I can't throw it out even though it is broken and you can't even see some of the numbers anymore---and I have a new one). Plus, just looking at them, gets my "creative juices" going just thinking about the quilts I will make with each one----one of these days soon!

Thanks for dropping by!!!!!

"THE" Quilt is DONE!!!!

2011-11-11T16:17:00.002-06:00

I am so happy!!!! "THE" quilt is completed!!!!!!! I have squared it up and will put on the binding and then do hand work. The bad news----the back looks awful, but "oh well"---I am not going to worry about it at all. After I took it off the frame it really doesn't look that bad in front. The thread really blends into the front well, so you can't see the "yuk" nearly as good as you can see it on the back. I can't post a picture, but I will reveal closer to the December Guild meeting, or a couple of days after! I certainly do not expect to win anything, and am thinking seriously of not putting mine in the mix for a prize, although I did finish the challenge. The workmanship just isn't that good.

I also finished putting on the borders for my other Guild mystery! It isn't nearly as big as I would want, but it is a nice lap quilt. I am going to use Baptist Fans to quilt it and put a chocolate flannel on back. A real "manly" quilt.

I am now going to go back to "Spontaneous Combustion" and complete it. No new quilts will be started until after the New Year, but I will use the remaining two months to finish up some of these UFO's. I can't say they will all get quilted, but certainly, I am going to bring them to that stage.

Well, that is all I have to share. Have a great week-end!

Status Report!

2011-11-05T18:07:00.003-05:00

This was taken on Halloween night---Coal was the "Great Pumpkin"!!!! He really seemed to enjoy himself---running barking at all the Trick or Treaters, and then running away then I opened the door to give out treats. I am not sure he really appreciated his costume though (see the down turned tail)---I think he wanted to be a "hot dog" instead!

I should have been working on "the" quilt, but instead I worked on this one. This was what we worked on at a Guild Mystery. It is a Judy Laquidara pattern (we had permission to use it). She loves lots of borders (as do I), but she likes pieced ones. I was auditioning borders, but I am only going to put on three and leave the last two off. These additions bring it up to a twin size rather than the throw. It is a really "guy" quilt, so I may give it to one of my son's.

Nothing else really note worthy, so I guess I will go and work on "the" quilt. Time is running out! It has to be completed (including binding) by the December meeting.

Have a great remainder of the week!

Creative Use of Tools!

2011-10-27T09:44:00.003-05:00

I have to float this top since I am doing a machine trauputo (sp?) with the plates. It is NOT going smoothly, but I am too stubborn to stop---too much work went into this. The back looks horrible, but since I am not entering in a judged show, I am using this exercise as a learning lesson.

The purpose of the post though is to share something I learned from one of my on-line groups. Those black rods are normally used to hold your tools on the wall. They have strong magnets that are useful with iron tools. Well, it was suggested that you could use them to hold your fabric tight when you are floating a top. My top has to be floated to allow me to put the extra batting under the places where I want to get the look of trauputo so I really can't pin the bottom of the top to the leader as I normally do. At first I wasn't sure if the magnets would work through the layers of batting, quilt fabric and leader fabric, but it works really well. The top is held tight enough to not wrinkle. I have three, more than enough to hold the entire top of the queen size quilt. I think I will float more tops. It certainly makes it easier to keep everything straight. I try to load my top on straight, but have to admit, I fail at times. ...BTW..I also can't quilt in a straight line :c(. You should see the quilting around the plates and between the sections----BAD!!!!!

Just wanted to share---I hate this top, the quilting is so yuk! but----I am going to finish it!!!! It will probably end up as one of my favs---:c)----at any rate I can say that I have tried applique!

Have a great day!

OOPS!

2011-10-22T21:39:00.002-05:00

No picture---but I have to tell you, my attempt at "organic" quilting, even with the help of the CL was a dismal failure. The background for the quilt is black/white and the thread didn't show up. I tried to sew over the template twice to make it stand out, but it just looked worst. Of course, Harriet (my machine), decided she didn't want to play anymore and the tension was bad! At any rate, I am now frogging---. Thank goodness, I only made one motif, and since the tension is so bad, I can take it out "fairly" easily. I have removed three "petals" and have 3 more to go.

No more "organic" for me! I think I am going to do my "water" stipple and be done with it. I don't like this quilt now and would love to make another, but I don't have time, so I will push on! Just thinking about it gives me a headache! :c) Even DH who usually likes everything I make turned his nose up at it and said "that one is different", translation "that is pretty bad".

A Finish!

2011-10-21T18:09:00.003-05:00

I finished the baby quilt quilted with the concentric circles. My camera battery was losing power but I think you can see the circles. I just quilted them on randomly and in a variety of sizes depending on the space available. I think it turned out well and will make some little baby happy. The CL made it really easy to do. The squares look larger than they are, but are really only 5 inches set on the diagonal with sashing between. A quick quilt and great for practice.

Next I am going to go for the gusto and load my guild challenge. It is due at the December meeting so I am going to give myself plenty of time to finish. I will not be able to show a picture of that as I quilt since some of my guild sisters read my blog. Keep positive thoughts coming my way that I do a good job. I am learning a new term---"organic" quilting for quilting that is free form and not necessarily perfect. I anticipate that the quilt will have LOTS of "organic" quilting :c)!

Talk to you later!

Practice Makes Perfect (I hope)!!!!!

2011-10-20T12:00:00.003-05:00

I am going to practice making concentric circles today. The quilt is a pattern that was posted in the Moda Bake Shop. It is a great pattern that uses a charm pack plus a couple of FQ's. It results in a sweet little baby quilt. My grandniece is expecting a baby and this may go to her---or I may donate it. The real purpose is to practice with the CL on something that will result in a useful item, not a throw away.

I had a hard time photographing the circles since my quilting "studio" has LOTS of natural light---so I had to close the blinds and make it darker, but I think you get the idea. I did make a mistake (didn't lock the CL before making the circles), but I was able to frog it fairly easy (I went too fast and so the stitches were big----good for me). I am loving this tool!!!!

BTW---ignore the apparent clutter in the picture. I really am not preparing for a segment of Hoarders----things are neater than they look :c)!

Happy day to all. Thanks so much for stopping by!!!

Practice!

2011-10-18T20:16:00.003-05:00

I have been practicing away trying to become competent in the use of my latest quilting tool. All day Saturday, I "doodled"--making plain circles, fancy medallions, etc. on a muslin sandwich. I decided to load a quilt (I have a problem practicing on scrap stuff---always feel like it is a waste of time and material), I had finished weeks ago and quilted it using the Swirl Big Board. I used matching thread and although the plain backing shows mistakes, it also shows the texture nicely. My tension cooperated and although there are some areas where I clearly "messed up", it still looks nice for a first try. It is for a Granddaughter and she will forgive the little errors. I am going to quilt a baby quilt next and use concentric circles....then I am going to take the plunge and quilt my Guild challenge. After looking on-line at quilts made by prize winning quilters, they are not perfect. That is what makes them handmade. At any rate---the learning curve appears manageable and I am going to embrace the little errors and consider them unique and design opportunities!

The Circle Lord is in the House!!!

2011-10-14T20:26:00.003-05:00

It came about 1:00 PM. I had been glued to the window all morning, but finally decided I would go and do a little housework, and it came!!! I guess a "watched pot doesn't boil"

These are the big boards and the three templates I ordered. Such a pretty, bright color.

The actual Circle Lord.

The Circle Lord installed on my table. It wasn't hard at all (maybe since I had been studying for months in preparation for ordering. I had a little difficulty installing the laser light from my machine to the CL stylus, but when I stepped back and let DH help, it went much smoother---I don't have to do everything I guess---LOL.

I got another special delivery as well. Life has been a bit rough of late and I was commiserating with my best ever buddy, Diane. Look at what she sent me to cheer me up a little!!! Such a surprise!!!! She is the best sister ever!!! Thank you Diane, they are beautiful!!!

I am going to watch the video and smell my roses tonight! In the morning I will start to make circles! Wish me luck!!!

IT"S HERE!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-14T06:15:00.001-05:00

Scheduled Delivery:
Friday, 10/14/2011, By End of Day

This was the message that I got from UPS tracking!!!!! My Circle Lord is HERE!!!!!! "Be still my beating heart". Unfortunately, as you all know, delivery for UPS could be as late as 7PM---so I intend to station myself in my sewing room by the bay windows all day! I am too excited!!!!!!!

An Addition To My Quilting Arsenal---

2011-10-07T15:00:00.003-05:00

As you know I am a happy GO! owner. I really love the ability to cut out pieces that are consistent and the correct size (I am "accuracy challenged"). The only drawback with the GO! is it will only cut GO! dies. Now, quite honestly, except for a few, most of the available dies are just what I wanted, but since I LOVE tools (gadgets), I really became intrigued with the Sizzix Big Shot Pro, mainly because it cuts (at this time) every die on the market. I saw a good deal WITH free shipping (great since this weighs 41 pounds), and purchased one. It arrived and as I looked around the garage, my DH had purchased a cart. Since he hadn't put it together yet, I considered it "community property", so I "claimed" it. The top shelf is upside down, since put on the correct way, the cutter is too big to fit. I put my GO! on the middle shelf, so I have a "cutting station".

By the time I retire, I will have LOTS of stuff to support my habit. I will only have to purchase fabric (every now and then)!!!

Have a great day!

Update!

2011-10-02T11:07:00.003-05:00

Although I haven't been posting, I have been checking in daily. I took a little "blog vacation", but not from quilting. I have been busy working on three projects diligently (alternating of course---not at the same time) :c). I am working on a Guild Challenge; "Spontaneous Combustion"; and a UFO. All are actually a little over 50% done! This may seem chaotic to some, but it keeps my interest up! I can get bored working on the same thing continually---it gets "tedious" to me.

In the middle of everything, one of the Guilds I belong to had a "Mystery Retreat". We have an auction every year and that is one of the things that you can purchase. There is a "retreat" committee and they have done a good job in the last 2 I attended. This year was no different. For this year's mystery, we used a quilt pattern created by Judy of Patchwork Times (with her permission of course). The tricky thing with mysteries, that although you are given the yardage requirements including how much you should purchase of darks or lights, you really have no idea whether your fabric choices will work. It is certainly an exercise in trust---trust of your own choices. I think we all did pretty good. At first I was second guessing my choices, but I am glad I trusted myself. The quilt has 34 - 2.5/8 blocks, so needless to say, although we were given "homework", I am not finished yet! I am also going to enlarge my quilt (of course), and since Judy does like multiple borders, this quilt has 7 borders with one being pieced. I think I am going to enlarge the borders, but not do the pieced one. My fabric's are rather busy and I think a pieced border would be a little too much. By enlarging the borders a little, I am also going to enlarge the quilt slightly to fit my queen bed a little better (I think). These are my plans tentatively, but I will wait and see how it looks after I finish. I rarely make pieced borders since I am "cutting accuracy challenged" and mine don't turn out right (at least not to me), and to make them fit properly, since I am enlarging, math will be necessary (which I don't do), so---. Two members of the retreat committee had made the quilt and it was revealed at the end, it is a really nice quilt---as soon as I put together a couple of rows, I will post a picture.

I have included a picture of the gifts I got. Everyone in attendance got a handmade sewing machine cover, and a little box full of goodies (including some aloe in case we burned ourselves on the iron). I also won a "sewing" prize which included thread, some really cute scissors, some thread and needles. The food was great, and the company and fellowship even better, and there was LOTS of chocolate. All in all it has been a good week-end.

Here is hoping your week-end is fun!

Update!

2011-09-24T10:57:00.006-05:00

I really enjoy blogging most of the time, but it is sometimes difficult to maintain daily posts that are interesting. I know that people are viewing the blog since I have the visitor meter, but I get so few posts, I sometimes start to think what difference does it make if I don't post. I have to keep reminding myself that blogs are actually journals and since most journals aren't meant to be read by anyone other than the author, it really doesn't matter if no one reads them, yet along comments. So my commitment is back up.

I am feeling a bit melancholy since I am really wishing I was in Jacksonville. They are having the Quiltfest that, when I lived there, I attended and really enjoyed. Diane is there with some friends and we have been talking daily. I am in the process of living varcariously through her. We do enjoy each other and it is such fun to go to a quilt show with her. We are very much alike, but very much unlike each other, so it is a good mix. She is "shopping" for me as well, but boy do I wish I were there!!!!

I have also been working on "Spontaneous Combustion"---see above. Three more blocks and it will be 50% done! I must say it is a bit like eating potato chips. Once I start I really want to keep going---I start digging through my scrap bins looking for more goodies. I found some really cute fabric in mine and the bag that Diane gave me----frogs!!! It is a bit like looking for "Waldo". Lots of fun!!!! It doesn't look like it is very big but it is queen size. I think I am going to put some letters on it via Lazy Gal Quilting style. I bought her book the other day, so I am thinking of putting the name of the quilt via a letter block. Since the entire 'theme" of the quilt is "spontaneous", if they are a bit unconvential looking, it should be okay. I just have to figure out how I will make them stand out so they will be noticed----maybe on a white background. I will have to "dream on it" a little more.

I have also been contemplating purchasing a new addition to my quilting tool box! I really love "custom" quilting, but I can't do it. I tried buying some "cheater panels" and it was a huge diaster. I know I need to "practice", "practice", but I am by nature not a "practice" girl. When I knit sweaters (when I did) I NEVER made a gauge swatch----always wanted to jump in and start!!!! The results were often pretty good, but could have been better had I followed the rules! Anyway, I had heard about this tool when I first purchased my longarm (midarm), but felt I should learn to use the machine before I started to get attachments, plus, since we have made a commitment long ago to try to not charge, I needed to save some more money. Since there is no way I will be able to afford a computer guided system (it cost as much as some new cars), I am going to invest in a Circle Lord! I have been reading about them and contacted Deb (Rags n Quilts) who teaches some computer courses about it via Quilt University, and from what I hear it is a good investment and is user friendly. I am not going to be able to afford nearly as many templates as I would like, but the owner, Michael, is very helpful in helping me to determine the appropriate one for the first purchase. I am not going to get it until the first part of October, but at this point, I am pretty commited to carry through with my decision. If any of you have the CL and would like to offer your recommendations and share how you like it or the difficulties you might have or had, please do share!!!!!! I don't want to spend money for something that is going to sit in a box ("been there, done that, got the t-shirt").

Until then, I am going to plug along! Have a great day. It is so beautiful here---fall is in the air! The sun is shinning bright and is a perfect outside day. We are "babysitting" three of our grandbabies, who tell me that it is "World Play Outside Day". Great idea!!!

Happy quilting /or playing outside day!!! BTW--for some reason, spell check isn't working, so if there is a misspelled word, forgive me.

Finished!

2011-09-15T19:41:00.003-05:00

All completed!!!! I really agonized over that skinny 1st border but decided to use the green stripe. The polka dot border really gives the quilt an updated look. The border looks sorta wavy in the picture. I think it should be okay though. I must admit, I am not a "presser", but am more of a "ironer" so the top is a little stretched out in places since I was working with a LOT of bias edges. I was going to use a panto but have found when I have a top that has some stretched places, it is much better to quilt from the front so I can "quilt" out those bad places. The pattern is also busy, so it would benefit from a simple meandering pattern rather than a fancy panto. The backing is a lime green tie-dyed flannel and I will use a turquoise thread. Sounds weird I know, but I really think it will look nice.

I now have three tops that need to be quilted so I am going to stop working on quilts and quilt at least one of these quilts. I think I will do this one first since it is going to be a gift.

Have a great evening and thanks for stopping by!

Progress!

2011-09-12T07:58:00.003-05:00

I have been working on "Peaceable Strips" AKA "Hidden Well" and am almost finished with half of the queen size top (see above). This is going to be a Christmas gift, for a different person than originally thought of since it seems more "female" than "couple". I really like the strip and polka dot, so when I make it again, I am going to really look for the strip first and then build the other 6 fabrics around that.

The weather here is absolutely beautiful. I love summer and fall often makes me feel kind of melancholy since everything is getting ready to die off and the environment becomes all grey and sad looking. The fall weather though is perfect. I really haven't gotten a chance to dye very much at all, only once, so I think I will try to get a little dyeing in during the next couple of weeks while the weather is a perfect 80 degrees.

Well---have a wonderful day! Happy quilting!

More Progress!

2011-09-07T15:26:00.002-05:00

I now have 11 blocks completed (45 more to go). It is going slower (I think) than I thought. I am trying really hard to not become obsessive about what color strips I match---just try to get a variety and am finding that although I "think" I am cutting all strips 1.5, it appears sometimes that I might be off a bit. This is a "liberated" quilt however and I just slice or add (as needed) and move on. I am also putting those "crumb" blocks that I posted a week or so ago in there as well (you can hardly tell the one that is already mixed into a row). I just surround them with the strings and they blend in well (see the one long block). I still like this quilt, but I might have to put it aside for a minute. I forgot I have a Guild Challenge I have to work on, so, "first things first", but I am going to work on this "honey bunny" daily!.

Progress!!!!

2011-09-05T17:54:00.003-05:00

I have made some progress! This is 5 blocks and I have decided to make them 12 inch's unfinished. I increased the size of the one block I had made, putting the strips in a "Log Cabin-Like" manner. It didn't seem to make any difference in the ability of that block to fit in. Some of the rows end up a little "wonky", but again, that doesn't seem to matter. I am liking this---my DH just looks at it and says, that is really "bright". Sometimes when I show my quilts at one of the Guilds I belong to, the ladies often remark about the brightness of my quilts and in fact one lady said one of my quilts made her "eyes jump". This is going to be another "eye jumper". I think I am going to call it, "Spontaneous Combustion". What do you think?

The Lego Block AKA Compost!

2011-09-05T09:26:00.003-05:00

Like so many of you, I get inspiration from the web. I am also a "scraper". I LOVE scrap quilts. There is something so spontaneous and non-traditional about them. I think that is why so many people love the Gee Bend Quilts---they are a reflection of just plain fun (at least to me). There are no rules, it is just an example of "happening". Anyway, Tonya posted an antique quilt. I absolutely loved it. She began a project to re-create it and called it the Lego quilt. Several others began to do the same thing (see my sidebar). Now I wasn't going to do this----1.5 inch strips (the original is 5/8 finished) and 6.5 inch blocks! One blogger is doing hers in 12.5 inch blocks and I thought I might just try it. Above is my first block. I am going to do 1.5 inch strips and although I considered 12.5 inch blocks, I think I am going to keep with 10.5 and see how it goes. Of course I am going for about 100 blocks since I really want a queen size, but then again we will see how it goes. My next test may be the 12.5 since the bigger the block the less I have to make. I might change my mind and go for the bigger one. This is certainly not going to be a quilt I finish soon, maybe not even this year, and I will work along with it daily, but not really have a completion goal. What I don't want to do is to make yet another UFO, but then again, this is about spontaneous so again we will see.

I also put up the first "Peaceable" blocks (AKA Hidden Wells). This is going to go to a son for Christmas so I have a goal here of completing it.

It is cool and rainy here---so it looks like we will grill in the garage today. I have two quilts I need to quilt so I might also load a quilt. I also have a test I have to create, so I have a sorta busy day. Oh well--"so is life". Whatever you have planned today, have a GREAT day!

Another Quilt!

2011-09-03T11:30:00.003-05:00

My pact with myself was to finish one UFO before I started another quilt. Originally I had the exact quilt I wanted to begin in mind---in fact I had already made a couple of "test" blocks. Unfortunately, I have had this quilt (pictured above) in mind for much longer. I belong to a quilting "chat" group and they were talking about "Hidden Wells". This quilt was designed by Mary Ellen Hopkins in 1989. The directions are on the web but it is a LOT of pages and although I had downloaded it, I never really got around to starting it. It wasn't however availabe anymore so I had to rely on the internet copy.

I was browsing the other day and saw "Peaceable Strips". It was Hidden Wells!!!!!!....now I had seen the original Hidden Wells pattern on e-bay for something like $50---a lot of money for essentially a pamphlet......so I (of course) purchased it. I have also decided to make as many quilts as possible from my stash. This pattern calls for 7 different fabrics (all no more than 1.5 yards). I had purchased some fabric for another quilt (I don't really like the pattern anymore), so I pulled those pieces from my stash and (fantastic), I had 7 coordinating fabrics and all in more than enough yardage! The fact that I had fabrics from one line is rare for me since I hardly ever make quilts that "match" that much.

I cut all the strips this morning and have begun to put the top together. I am still not sure about the color (per se), but I am plunging on because I think it will be okay in the end. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough of any one of the fabrics for the border (I am making the queen size---remember I don't do small), so unfortunately I have had to order 2.5 yards for the border. I just hope they have it in stock----I choose two different ones so if they don't have one, hopefully they will have the other. I am finding that this pattern is like putting a puzzle together. You have to be very careful and pay attention to make sure you don't get things turned around. I had to make a little "legend" of which fabrics were A, which B etc. to keep myself straight. If this quilt turns out nice, I think I will make it in taupe's and greys---don't ask me why, since I am NOT a taupe and grey girl, but for some reason I think this quilt would look nice in those quiet subtle colors. I will keep you posted on the progress.

I have loaded a quilt I am quilting for a friend as a donation quilt, and my house (as usual) needs a little straightening, but I am determined to get some quilting in today.

Take care and thanks for stopping by!

Another Finish!!!

2011-08-25T07:34:00.003-05:00

After more than a year----I have finally finished my "Paint Box" Quilt!!!! I like how it looks! As I mentioned, there are some colors that are together (see the two blues) that would have looked better spread out a bit, but I don't not like it enough to take it apart. The linen does really ravel, so I am going to need to quilt it quickly or store it carefully. I plan to wash it with some color catchers, since it is a LOT of bright colors here, but I think it will be fine.

NOW---on to the new project!!!!

Status Report----

2011-08-21T16:24:00.003-05:00

Crumb blocks! I literally just picked fabric up from the floor (from the picture below you can see I have LOTS of fabric on the floor----LOL). I did these to give myself a little rest and I like how they look. I think that with each project I may just make a couple of these blocks from the scraps (since I can't seem to throw any of it away). Who knows, in a little while I could have enough for a quilt.

I have been able to quilt almost all morning putting this quilt together. This is 5 rows of the 10, so I am essentially half done. As I am putting the rows together I can see where I could have been a little more careful in the placement of colors, but you know what---I don't care---at least not enough to take the rows apart. I think that is what makes a quilt (or anything) "home made", the spontaneity of it all (at least that is my story and I am sticking to it). I am going to work on it again later today so I should have it finished within the next couple of days. I am going to use a plain white background and I have batting, so I should be able to quilt it as soon as it is finished.

Just wanted to give you a little update---see I have accomplished something!!!!

Hey!

2011-08-21T07:36:00.002-05:00

I have again been very remiss in my blog postings and I am sorry. Since I don't have pictures I get lazy, but I realize that pictures aren't always necessary, so AGAIN I will attempt to do better.

What have I been up to? Actually a lot---I crossed something off my "Bucket List". I ran in a 5K race!!! Well, not really a race for me or my daughter but we finished it!!!! Not as #1 (of course) but not as LAST either!!!!! It was great fun! and we even ran about half of it. My ankle started to bother me a little so I had to fast walk the remainder (and I was walking as fast as some people were jogging). They had little girls giving water along the way (it is really hard to drink water AND jog at the same time). I even tossed it to the side like the professionals do LOL!!! Anyway, we finished in a decent time (a little over 45 minutes) and I feel like I have accomplished a lot!

On the sewing front---I am putting the "Paint Box Quilt" together now. All the rows have been completed (10 rows of 8) and it looks nice. I am using a linen for the sashing and although I have to be careful of the ravelling, it is a nice contrast with the block fabrics. After I finish I think I will do a simple meandering. I actually really like meandering (or stippling) on quilts. I imagine that once washed, the linen will crinkle nicely so I am going to do the quilting "tight".

Today is a rainy day and although I really should be cleaning----I just don't want to. I am going to try really hard to relax. School begins next week, but my class doesn't start until the following week. I have already started to put my PowerPoint together and even have made up the first test. I am really going to try to stay ahead of the game, even more so than I had before. For some reason I have been feeling stressed and even a bit melancholy, don't know why, but I do know I really don't like it, so I am going to try to take charge. My DIL is a Herbalist, so she has put me on some herbs to help, so once they get here, I will add them to my regime and see how it goes.

Well, I am going to my "very messy" quilting "studio" and see what I can do. The cable is off due to the storm, so I think I will put on a couple of CD's. Have a wonderful, productive and blessed Sunday. "See" you later!

Back From A Too Short Vacation!

2011-08-14T07:31:00.004-05:00

Made it back from DC last night after a delay because of bad weather. I love DC because I love history which DC has lots of. I visited several museums including the Museum of American History where I got to see President Obama's wife, Michelle's gown she wore to the Inaugural Ball! Very beautiful---the pictures in the mags didn't do it justice!!!

I got to do some fabric shopping and found this wonderful quilt shop in Maryland where I filled up on African fabrics. There were so many to choose from----definitely this spot is on my itinerary for future visits. The shop owner was wonderful---lots of stories of his time growing up in Ethiopia and when he moved to DC. I came away with 38 yards, but had to use restraint to limit it to that. I also went to another shop I have gone to for years and was so very disappointed. The fabric was very expensive, and the "quilt" section was very small with a poor variety (actually Joanne's has a better choice); the back was filled with "junk" thrown up on a table. The patterns were yellowed and torn and numbered less than 15. Clearly it has gone downhill and where I would usually spend hours browsing and come away with yards and yards, I was finished after about 10 minutes and left with nothing. So sad!

Unfortunately, when I got back home and was unpacking, my fabric (and clothes) were damp and wet in some spots. It looked like the airline had my bags sitting in the rain! I know there isn't anything I can really do about it-----I guess I will have to pack my things in plastic "just in case", which seems "unnecessarily necessary" to me. It looks like the color ran on one piece of fabric a little, but I am not going to obsess about it----I am NOT!

School begins again tomorrow so it will be back to the old grind stone. I so appreciated my little respite though and really am going to figure out a way to fit more in!

Have a great Sunday!

Too HOT!!!

2011-08-08T06:56:00.002-05:00

Just checking in. Much too hot to do much of anything really. I have been completing an occasionally block, but my energy is way down! I am excited because I am leaving for Silver Springs on Wednesday. I will only be there (to visit son #1 and pick up my GS) until Saturday, but you know I will get at least one quilt shop visit in.

Have you checked my visitor meter? I am seeing some interesting places come up! Wow---I have had to Google some of them to find out where they are!! Thank you so much for visiting!!! I don't get a lot of comments, but when I look at the meter, I know that people are visiting.

More later!!! Stay cool!

How Does It Look?

2011-08-04T09:55:00.003-05:00

These rows are just laid together with the "blossoms" on top (I haven't even put the centers of the flowers/plates/blossoms on yet). While some quilters will finish all segments of a quilt first and then put it together, I have a hard time doing that. I always want to see how it is going to look. That has often helped me though to figure out what needs to be changed, but most of the time I use it to keep my momentum going.

I am going to add a border to this (I don't do small) so I can use it on my queen-size bed. I am liking it. I am thinking I might put it together in sections, applique the blossoms on each section first and then put the whole thing together. It seems it might be better to handle in my sewing machine.

Now, back to the quilt I am suppose to be working on between wash and cleaning. Have a great day! Thanks for stopping by!

I KNOW I Shouldn't, BUT-----

2011-07-31T12:21:00.004-05:00

I know I said I was going to finish this UFO BEFORE I started another quilt---but now that I have gotten started, I am having so much fun making these things, I want to keep going.

As I mentioned before, I saw this quilt on the web and haven't been able to find the pattern. I have this "thing" for rulers and templates so I have a LOT--many I have never used and frankly am not sure why or when I purchased them. I know their purchase had somehing to do with a quilt---but---. I looked through my many rulers and found several that are perfect for this project.

Anyway, the name of the quilt I am trying to reproduce is "Garden Party". It was created (with another quilter) by the owner of the blog "Material Obsession". I purchased two Material Obsession books, but of course the pattern isn't in them. The only place it looks like I can get them is by ordering them from Australia, and that is a LONG way away (and the money exchange is different)---so I decided to make my own version.

The original has stems and leaves appliqued on the top that join the "flowers" into a "garden". They are appliqued on scrappy backgrounds that are very varied, based on the pictures I see on the web. I originally was going to make a JR quilt from a neutral JR I have and use that as the background, but decided that all those seams might be difficult to quilt (although there is a quilt on the web that has that type of background). I have decided to do a different one, still scrappy, but with bigger blocks. I am still undecided about whether I will put the stems and leaves on, but I am definitely going to put these "flowers" on by machine. I really have no timetable to get it finished, so I can take my time about the specifics, since I have at least one baby quilt, and a guild challenge to complete (plus the UFO I am working on). At any rate, I am enjoying making these blocks (Dresden Plates actually) and like putting unusual combinations of fabric colors together. The really large pink one was made with a different ruler. This one has about 80 "blades" and the center will be huge. Not sure I am going to make another one quite like that since it is also going to be a little more difficult to get a nice smooth edge to applique, but I am going to to try to have some continuity. Even if I don't decide to make another one, I am going to use the one I made, since that one circle took two whole FQ's to complete. The others use a different wedge ruler and so although the resulting "dish" is almost as large, it takes less fabric. I decided to peak my edges since doing so results in a finished edge, which will be much easier to applique down.

Anyway, this is what I have going! Hope your Sunday is a wonderful one. "See" you around the web!

xoxo

New Quilt!

2011-07-28T21:20:00.003-05:00

I am still trying to stay focused and work on the quilt on my wall----but this one is in my head and I can't seem to get it out---so I have to at least start it. I saw it in a magazine, but it didn't have directions included, so I am making it purely from memory since in spite of Google, I can't find the pattern. This is the first of the blocks (gosh I have a LOT of strings on my design wall--I need to take it down and wash it), and I am sorta "winging" it, but I think I will figure it out soon. I have a lot of FQ's, but not a lot of yardage in the colors I want--but given the size of this one block, I am going to have to make smaller ones if the fats are going to work.

Oh and just to clarify----I hope I didn't offend anyone and certainly didn't mean to imply that followers don't think for themselves. This is my blog, and just like others can do, I have a right to say what I feel. It isn't hateful or vengeful and in the whole scheme of things, really isn't that important anyway. It is a way for me to share selective thoughts about myself and my art, quilting, that will hopefully be of interest to others. There are wonderful blogs out there that share so much more than my little one, including Mary's which is why I link to hers (and why she has hundred's of Followers). Just like she didn't mean to offend, but to express her thoughts and feelings---I did the same.

Now back to my own little blogdom! Hugs and have a wonderful evening! "Talk" to you later!

Do You Think This Quilt Is Ugly??????

2011-07-27T05:29:00.006-05:00

This is a Jelly Roll Quilt. I posted about it a couple of weeks (maybe months) ago. I made it at my guild retreat and really enjoyed making it. It is shown without the faux piping binding I put on it---but I think it turned out nicely, and I planned to make more. It is perfect (I think) for those quick quilts, and would be "sweet" for a charity quilt for a teen.

Why am I posting it again with this title---I read the blog that Mary has daily. I think she lives a interesting life---she is a nurse (she no longer practices), and creates quilt patterns I really like. Her husband has a fantastic job (I don't know what it is), but she gets to travel all over the place and doesn't have to work (certainly one of my goals). Her dog is even cute!--like mine. Her family seems loving and she seems to enjoy her time with them tremendously. Get to the point you say---well a couple of days ago, she blogged that she couldn't help it but she hated jelly roll quilts, in fact she said they were ugly and asked for comments. Of course, she got lots of comments (she has a LOT of Followers) and the majority of them (of course) agreed. Now understand, I still like Mary---will continue to read her blog, and believe that everyone has an opinion. I also know that if anyone has an opinion, quilters will.

I (of course) disagreed. I think that the JR makes the quilt. I have seen some that I think would have benefited from a different fabric choice or a border, but then I have felt that way about other quilts as well. What I found though particularly interesting was the "blog phenomena".

The "band wagon" was evident. There are some people who will always agree with the person they feel is the leader, celebrity, "big boss". I dare say that some of those people "I agree with you Mary", "yes, ugly"...hadn't even thought about whether they liked the quilt or not, but because someone they consider important (for whatever reason) said they were ugly, they did as well.

People who had thought about it, but were afraid to mention it. These people were just waiting for someone to initiate it and give them "permission" to say what they really felt. How wonderful to finally get to express the feeling they had been holding in for upteen guild meetings!

Blogging comments allow you to say whatever your little heart desires, even mean and be assured that no one will know who you are. Sorta like "throwing the rock and hiding you hand". You can go to a guild meeting and oh and ah over that JR quilt, while you know that it was you who posted on Mary's blog--"I think they are butt ugly". In some instances that can in fact be freeing since don't we always have to smile and say, "how nice" at someones creation when really you might want to run screaming from the room.

I still like my quilt. Quilting is like art---nothing is really ugly, because it is someones interpretation. It may not be what I would do, but I don't think I should ever devalue someones creative interpretation of anything. Some of the comments were unnecessarily personal and spiteful (I think), but then maybe I felt that way because I like JR quilts and I sorta took it personal.

Oh well, I am not losing sleep over it. Will still make them (I just bought a new JR to make my DH one), and do so knowing that no one will ever to my face say my quilt is ugly. As long as I don't hear it, they think it is beautiful!!!! BTW, Mary's son agreed with me---he likes them---so there!!!! :c)

Have a great day!

Stash Additions!

2011-07-24T14:33:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was the annual Tennessee Valley Quilters Association Meeting. In addition to a really entertaining speech and truck show by Janet Jones Worley ("Quilts for Chocolate Lovers" author)---I will from this point on, smile when I meet a quilter named Barbara--there was some really good vendors present. Above is part of the stash additions I brought home. I also got some yardage for the Guild mystery day, but I am not going to show that---a few members read the blog. All in all it was a good day! As you can see from my fabric choices I am back to my "bright" self (although Diane says I never left). I have that quilt floating around in my head that will come to life in these brights. I am going to visit our oldest son in Silver Springs, Maryland in a couple of weeks and I am really looking forward to more fabric "research".

Well, gotta get back to finishing that quilt---I have a bit of a headache and needed to stop for a minute. Take care and have a wonderful, restful, creative Sunday!

xoxo

An Epiphany!

2011-07-21T06:52:00.003-05:00

I love the word, "epiphany", I like how it rolls off my tongue. Well I had one this morning! I am admitting the type of quilting I love and have decided to not do anything else. I went through a period when I was trying to "quilt outside the box". For me that meant using CW fabrics, really planned quilts, even some simple applique. Although the quilts looked okay and some even got nice comments, I really didn't like them. I am now over that! I am a spontaneous sort of girl---okay I have said it. My everyday life is planned and there isn't a lot of room for "just doing", so I am going to use my quilting for that.

I love bright colors---lots of strings---things that don't really match---fabrics that make your "eyes jump"---what a Guild member said about the back of my string quilt. I am not really a "modern" quilter per se. I think it is interesting that "modern" is springing up all over. Have you had a look at antique quilts, the Gee's Bend quilt----those were made years ago and were done so from what was at hand. They were made to be used---now you can get a Gee's Bend Kit (pattern) to make a quilt that is suppose to mimic "spontaneous". Those type quilts are now considered "modern quilting". I think what makes them modern is the fact that many are smaller--more wall quilts/paintings. They are beautiful---but I always smile when I hear, "modern" used to describe them.

Those two words, "pattern/kit and spontaneous", seem like an oxymoron doesn't it. Anyway, I am going to go back to what I love. Sorry if my quilts will make your "eyes jump" but they make my "creative mojo" jump, and after all isn't that what "art" is all about. I am still going to make "big" quilts---the practical side of me will not allow me to make "wall" or throw quilts, I want them to be used. But I am going to do what I want and really not care so much rather I "get outside of the box" unless it is to expand the use of brights etc. in "traditional"patterns (whatever that means).

I don't know why I had the urge to put all of this in writing. Maybe because as I looked at my Guild Challenge in comparison with the others, it was so different to me. I felt a unusual feeling, and I didn't like feeling sorta "left" out. And then I started to wonder, what was wrong with having something different---and decided, not a "dog-gone thing". So I just recommitted myself.

Now---I am going to finish my current quilt---it fits the build for my "new" thoughts. Actually, as I look at the other UFO's except for a few, they are all "Patricia". Those that are not, are going to be either cut up to make something else, or the blocks will become a back. I am not going to even attempt to finish a quilt again if I don't like it.

My next quilt is simmering in my head and I am excited about it. I have seen one like it in my on-line searches and can't find a pattern, so I will create from scratch. I purchased some rulers completely by mistake years ago and rather than take them back, I kept them. NOW they are just what I need. Maybe in my subconscious I knew they would play a role in the creation of a quilt one day. I just have to figure out how to use them :c)! Unfortunately, this quilt will have some applique (which I hate), but I will do it by machine so----

Well, I feel better! My GS is in the Little League World Series and I am going to the first game at 12 noon! The heat index today is to be around 105 degrees! My daughter and I are taking the canopy--lots of cold drinks---a straw hat (for me)---sunscreen--and showing our love. Sure wish a miracle would happen and the game would be delayed until Fall :c)

Happy quilting!

"Step, Stack and Spin": Guild Challenge

2011-07-18T21:46:00.001-05:00

During the design "process"--

Hanging in the show:

Tonight was time to "unveil" our Guild Challenges. We picked a bag that had a crayon, picture of a quilt block and a alphabet tile. My crayon was orange, the block was the Oak Leaf and the tile was "S". I used the Karen Combs technique to interpret the challenge. The title of my quilt is "Step, Stack and Spin" which addressed the S. I didn't win, but the challenge was fun! The Guild members did a great job interpreting their challenge.

Okay---So I did Start AND Finish A New Quilt!!!

2011-07-15T16:46:00.003-05:00

I know I said I wasn't going to start a new project, but I remembered I needed to make a baby quilt. There is a young man that works at the hospital where I use to work and where I take my students for their clinical rotation. His mother also works there and they are really nice people. He is expecting his first baby soon and although I don't give gifts until the baby is born (what my mother always said to do---), I still wanted to have it ready. This is a really fast pattern. You need 6 different fabrics and a yard of a border. I know the trend now is really bright modern baby quilts, and I like those as well. But it is just something about a soft pink quilt for a baby girl, so I got some 30's and put it together. The background is pink gingham and and I think it is such a sweet quilt. I will load it tomorrow and probably quilt it in a heart panto. I plan to put on the faux piping binding so I can put it on by machine. I finished it in a day, so I think I am still "sorta" keeping to my commitment---I didn't create another UFO!

xoxo

Current Project!

2011-07-14T10:01:00.003-05:00

I am keeping to my personal commitment to complete as many UFO's as possible before starting a new project. I have given up posting my progress on Judy's blog since I have a really hard time linking for some reason and rather than continue to be frustrated, I will just post my progress here.

The quilt above was started in March of 2010. It was an on-line quilt along at one of my favorite blogs (oh fransson). I purchased a jelly roll and raided my stash for the prints. Although the original block was to be 6.5 inches unfinished, I misread the directions and my blocks are 7.5 unfinished. It is really fine since, remember, I don't do "small", so the added inch will mean I don't have to make as many blocks (hopefully). As I figure it, with the sashing, which I will make 2.5 inches unfinished, I will need a setting of 10 x 11 to get a nice queen size. That is 110 blocks. I have enough sets for 115, which will mean I will have the ability to switch out ones I don't particularly like, and put the remainder on the back of the quilt for a nice backing. I currently have 36 blocks, so I don't have "too many" to finish :c) The original quilt along had you making 8 blocks a week. They go together rather quickly (although I am obsessive and have to press each seam before going on to the next which slows me down a bit). Again, I am going to try though not to get hung up on how many I finish per day/week, but just that I work on it daily.

Hopefully, I will have this finished within the next couple of weeks (at least the top), and then maybe (?) I will give myself permission to start a new quilt. I have just the quilt in mind and every day I have a struggle to keep myself focused on keeping my commitment----BUT I shall prevail.

On another note, my Guild meets on Monday night and we will submit our challenge quilts for judging. I looked at my quilt again and even if I don't win or place, I am pretty proud of myself. I think I have met the challenge and am anxious to see the comments. I really enter "contests" to get the feedback and work really hard to take any comments constructively, even the positive ones. There are so many talented quilters in the group, I am as excited to see their interpretation as I am to hear what they have to say about mine. I will be able to post the picture on Tuesday, so it will be fun to read what "strangers" have to say (please do comment).

Well, gotta go---I bought a big basket of fresh peaches, so I am going to make a peach cobbler (the old fashion way with a pie crust). Don't know what has gotten into me. Oh yea---everyone loved the blackberry cobbler, but I am not so sure I really liked this recipe. The crust, was actually more like a cake when it baked, so it was a bit like eating a blackberry shortcake. It was good, but I still think I prefer the kind our mothers made with traditional crust.

Happy Thursday!

Sunday Dinner!

2011-07-10T10:48:00.006-05:00

Although I didn't grow up in the south, this is now my home. There are still a lot of things I don't understand about the south (nor do I necessarily want to), but then again, this is my home now, so I keep my comments (and thoughts) to myself (usually) and quilt! Although not all black citizens of the US came from the south, many did in fact have roots here. My parents weren't any different, and along with many customs, my maternal grandmother brought "southern" cooking with her when she came with her family to Oklahoma. It was a little different since she came from the New Orleans area (at least her mother did) and although my grandfather was Native American, I really only know the style of cooking my mother learned from her mother, with some "low country" variations. I have always thought it was interesting how people defined "soul cooking", associating it with the ethnicity of the cook. Diane (who is as close to a sister as one can get) makes chicken and dumplings that only a "soul cook" can make, but she isn't of the ethnicity that is associated with soul cooking, so I have come to the conclusion that "soul cooking" has nothing to do with ethnicity, and everything to do with the "soul" you put into your dishes---but I digress.

A couple of days ago our neighbors gave us some fresh blackberries. It was clear they weren't grown on a formal farm, but from someones garden because of the size and fragrance. I personally don't particularly care for blackberries, but visions of my mother came rushing back just by my smelling them. I knew they had to be put into a pie, but I don't know how to make a cobbler, so I went to my cookbooks. I had just seen "Julie and Julia" the movie on TV so I guess I felt particularly ambitious. Anyway, I went through my collection of cookbooks (when I traveled a lot I tried to get a cookbook of local recipes) and the one pictured above was first on the shelf. I went to cobbler and found a really easy recipe. I didn't even have to make a crust, roll it out and fit it around the pan. You made a batter and poured it on---how simple! The ingredients were not fancy and I had everything already in my pantry and refrigerator.

The recipe instructed you to put it in a 13 x 9 inch pan. My family is small now and that seemed like a lot of cobbler for us. In addition, although I had at least 3-4 cups, it seemed like it would make for a "thin" pie, which I hate, so I put it in a dish instead. Rather than 1/4 cup of butter on top, I only put in half as much. I hope it isn't going to be too thick----

I cut the amount of batter to 1/2 and it was enough to cover the berries. The batter was made with 1 stick of butter! Wow---in addition to this being a southern recipe, it must also be French, since in French cooking don't you use a lot of butter? It looked like it was going to be a thick enough crust.........

It smelled wonderful cooking!!! Again visions of my mother came back! If it taste half as good as it looks I am gonna get lots of hugs once my family gets back from the baseball game. I am cooking a roast in the crock pot, will make some rice and veggies (the neighbor also gave me fresh cucumbers) and think of my sweet, feisty, "way ahead of her time" mother, who would smile, wink and give me a big hug for cooking a "Soul Food Sunday" dinner for my family.

Have a great day!!!

Buyer Beware!!!!!

2011-07-07T15:15:00.004-05:00

I really love to dye fabric!!! It is very time intensive, but the "rush" I get from creating more than makes up for the labor. Today was a perfect day for dyeing---in the garage it was probably 130 degrees, but that is PERFECT for dyeing fabric. I put on some old clothes, raised the garage door, and although it was raining (which brought the humidity up to 500%), I began the process.

Every book I find that gives the procedure for dyeing fabric I usually purchased, so last winter I purchased the "dictionary" of fabric dyeing that contained the "recipe" for over 900 colors. In reading it I got very excited, especially when I saw a "kit" that advertised it contained the dyes to make EVERY recipe in the book! Who wouldn't buy that---right? Well, I did, especially when I saw it offered in the catalog of a person who has a weekly sewing television show that I had watched for years. Surely this person, who has such a personal relationship with sewing/quilting, wouldn't sell something that wasn't really "for real". Anyway, I rushed to my computer and ordered it! In doing so, I saw that it was actually $10 more than where I saw it advertised on another site, but by then I had already ordered it, so again, given my belief and longevity I had with this company, I said "oh well" and waited for the dye to come.

It did, and right away I took out my book and began to go through the recipes to make sure all the dyes were in fact there. Right away I noticed a couple of things. First, the jars of dye were miniature---how could you have enough dye for every color---and a green that was called for wasn't included. No problem, probably a packing error, so I called (about the green). The person I got on the telephone, although not really rude, made it was clear that the problem was mine and not the company's. Finally, she blamed it all on the author of the book, it was her fault "for not being clear" in her instructions. She said she should have said, you could use one or the other green, not both. I pointed out that the recipes clearly said "equal parts of BOTH", but she wasn't impressed and again said the problem was with the author and not the company. To date, I haven't seen a correction or clarification anywhere from the author and the fact that the advertising for the dye kit was misleading, didn't mean anything. I debated about sending it back, but since it was winter and I wasn't dyeing anything, I forgot about it.

Fast forward to today. Now mind you, the advertising for the kit says that it contains dye for every recipe in the book. I intended to dye some more blues and greens and a "rainbow". As soon as I began to mix the dye, it was clear I had been misled again!!! The first jar is the size that you get when you order them by color from two on-line companies. Both companies sell the same amount per jar although the jars are a little different from each other. The second jar is the "largest" jar in the kit (only one); and the others are the sizes of the other colors in the kit. In following the recipe, each jar only had enough dye in them to make that ONE recipe!!!! There is no way you could use the dye in the kit for more than one recipe! The little jars hold about 2-3 T and the larger one about 4-5T, while the largest jar holds 4 oz. (by weight).

What is my grip----if only enough dye is packaged to complete one recipe, then say so! Don't mislead and give the implied impression that all you need (in way of dye) is in these kits!!! I absolutely HATE dishonesty!!!! This kit was $50, I could have purchased at least 10 jars of dye for that price from either of the on-line companies and had enough to make probably almost all of the recipes! I am NEVER going to order from this company again, but will definitely do more investigating. BTW, there was NO fine print on any of the descriptions of this kit that reflected reality.

My suggestion-----do NOT buy dye kits unless you just want to try something out and see how you like it....then buy regular. You will save money!

Lots of Sewing (quilting) Going On!

2011-07-06T14:23:00.004-05:00

I finished my string quilt. I am really liking this one. The strings are from both my stash, Diane's stash, and from an exchange with my Guild sisters. I put a light strip down each block so you get a nice triangle. I am really proud of myself since I didn't obsess about making sure the colors are balanced. I just pulled them out of the bag and as long as I didn't have the same fabric in the same block next to each other, it was fine. Some of my triangles don't match up exactly, but that is okay as well. I am putting a yellow and red check on the back and will load it on the frame today and do a simple stipple. The blocks are on a muslin base so this will be a nice heavy winter quilt---useful on cold TN nights. It is a nice 80 x 80 before quilting, perfect for my queen size bed.

I decided I wanted to do some garment sewing after reading about Lane's adventures with making shirts. I once made absolutely all of my clothes and my children's (especially my daughters) when they were little. When my granddaughters were small I did the same thing. Given all the discount stores and the price of patterns and fabric (and my obsession with quilting) I rarely sew garments now. My youngest granddaughter (she is 7) though thinks Mai (what my grandchildren call me) makes the "best" of everything, and is particularly happy when I make her something. I decided then to make her a play outfit. She choose the material (remember the cupcake fabric) and I choose the pattern. All the fabric is from my quilt stash. I even found cupcake buttons. What is funny though, see the back of the pack---how can you have buttons that shouldn't be dry cleaned OR washed?!? I am going to go ahead and use them and suggest to my DIL that she wash the top by hand---but isn't that weird? Why would you make buttons that couldn't be cleaned? I have a pair of jeans that are too short for her, so I will put the ruffle on them tonight. Isn't the outfit cute though? I have material (again from my quilt stash) for another outfit I will cut out this week-end. T his time the pants are polka dots--too cute!

I did wash out my "singing" dyes, and although they aren't as loud as I would have liked, they are in "harmony". I am going to dye one more batch since I want an even brighter group. They really are brighter than the picture shows, but this afternoon, I will try again! I still think they came out pretty good though. Depending on which is the best batch, I will send some to my blogging friend.

Well, I think I have brought you up to date. I am going to sit for a minute try to find a book on the Internet (see the comments after my last post) and then try to fold some of the clothes piled on the pool table. Do take care and thank you so much for stopping by to "chat".

Hugs!

Try Try Again!

2011-06-29T15:43:00.002-05:00

I re-did the fabrics I dyed earlier and hopefully will get a much more saturated color. I also figured out (in addition to perhaps not enough soda ash) what might have been the problem. MUSIC----I didn't have any the first time I dyed the fabric, but this time I had my IPad and Pandora. I dyed (and did a little dancing---I couldn't help myself) to Luther Vandross, Kem, Eric Benet', the Isley Brothers, Jill Scott, and more. I gotta tell you, those colors---SANG! It is my expectation that tomorrow when I wash them out, they will continue to sing!!!!!

I also put on two bindings----I am now debating whether I want to attempt to sew it on completely by machine, or do I want to tack down by hand---which I hate, but looks nice. We will see. I only have one more quilt to do, this one will be by machine since I am putting a faux piping on that one.

Pictures to follow tomorrow (of my "singing" fabrics).

YUK!!!

2011-06-26T13:36:00.002-05:00

The colors looked so beautiful and saturated, but when I washed them they were just that "washed out". I checked my recipe and think I will go back to the process that I used last year. I also don't think this current process has enough soda ash in it. What I plan to do (after I clean a little and rest my foot) is to overdye and see if my colors are more saturated. I was going to share this batch with a blog friend but it seems that every time I begin to make something for someone else it always ends up not quite right. That is one reason I am so hesitate to quilt for others. When I am doing something for just me it is perfect! but the minute I do it with another in mind it messes up.

Oh well, back to the garage!

Dyeing Time is Here!!!!

2011-06-26T06:43:00.002-05:00

I started my first dyes of the season last night (hence the kinda dark picture). The weather was perfect (see the condensation in the bags), so I should have nice colors this morning when I wash them out. I did blues/greens/oranges/and fuchsia. Some of the colors looked a little muddy, but then I have found that even these work well as a contrast with brighter colors so things are never lost. I am actually dyeing several FQ's of the same color this time since I have learned that I almost always need several fats of a color rather than just one. I am going to need to buy more fabric since I dyed about 14 yards last night. My foot still isn't healed and between training for the 5k and standing on my feet, I had pain throughout the night. Oh well, what we don't do for quilting.

Hugs and have a great day!

TA DA!!!!!!

2011-06-24T16:44:00.004-05:00

I finished the Zig Zag (AKA Waste Not, Want Not II). This is a picture of it on my queen size bed. Yes, that is blue zag on a pink row. I intentionally put it there---I didn't have enough pink and so this was what I just reached down and picked up. I sorta like the "quirkiness". Anyway, I am going to load it and quilt it within the next couple of days. I will then need to put the binding on at least three quilts, which I will focus on. I feel so much better!!!!!!

Current Work!

2011-06-19T17:24:00.002-05:00

I feel the need to finish something!!! There are so many quilts I want to start, but I seem to be unable to start something new without finishing something old--- BUT unable to finish anything!!! Clearly I am caught in a cycle here, so I have got to do something about it. You have seen this "Zig Zag" before. It is made from all my hand dyes that I haven't used. These are from my first attempt at dyeing and so for most of the colors I only have one FQ although I may have several shades. As a result, the quilt will truly be a scrap. I can't really match the colors, so some will just be in the same range. I really like it though---and am naming it "Waste Not, Want Not II", since I have a "WNWN I". I am going to force myself to work on nothing but this until it is finished. Too bad I like big quilts, since I think I probably need double what I have done. I am not being obsessive about the colors that I put together. Just look through my bins to find some like shades and cut them with the GO!. After I finish this one, then I am going to finish at least one more that I have pretty close to completion, and THEN and only then will I start another quilt. (right--famous last words, but I am really going to try to stick to this). I also need to put bindings on a couple of quilts I have already finished quilting, so maybe that will also address my "guilt" at starting something when I have something else that needs finishing).

I am also getting a bit down with blogging. I know people are reading it (I see the counts of people visiting), but because I don't get many comments, I wonder if this blog is interesting. Wish I could be like my "Blog Friend" Lane from "That Man Quilts" (see my sidebar). His posts are so interesting and funny---but I am trying to remember this really is a journal, so I guess it is okay. I am going to re-evaluate and may stop blogging for a while---maybe just post pictures---I don't know.

Anyway though, I am still blogging as of now---so thanks so much for stopping to read. Let me hear from you every now and then and let me know if you find what I post interesting...and if not, what you would like to read about.

Hugs!

What's Up?

2011-06-12T12:13:00.001-05:00

Not one single thing is up in my life!!!!! It is really hot here---but even though this is the perfect weather for it, I haven't dyed one thing! I just can't seem to get my energy up :c( My foot is still tender and although it is better, it isn't BETTER! Often this type of injury heals slower than actual breaks do, so I am not surprised. At least it isn't as swollen as before and my mobility is better.

This past Friday and yesterday was spent at the University (for orientation) about two cities over, where my Granddaughter will begin classes this Fall. The day began with all the parents (and grandparents) getting a walking tour of the campus. We started at the football stadium, which was about 145 degrees on the turf. I think I walked for about 52 miles during the day. My foot held up pretty well, but by the end of the day, it was actually numb! We made friends with a sister, grandmother and their student who gave us a ride to our car. Both my Granddaughter and I are "directionally challenged" so after driving around for about 15 minutes unable to find the parking lot where the car was parked, we were dropped off where we began the day and we walked to the lot. Still a long walk, but much closer than across campus. Yesterday we got a tour of the dorm she will be in (well not actually the dorm, but a mirror-image of hers). I must say that dorms have changed a lot since I was in school. There are full service cafeterias in many of them (not in hers but in the one across the street), washer/dryers on each floor (they are free), a full service kitchen on each floor and of course Internet access. Although there is a common bath, each of the showers have locking doors so it is like you have a private bath (in a way). There are NO curfews and the dorms are coed. Boy I remember Mrs. Collier our dorm mother in my freshman year, waiting at the door to make sure we had made curfew. I remember her checking your room and if it was messy, you got demerits, and boys in the room. When the cleaning guy came on the floor he would yell "man on the floor". Things have changed a lot, some for the good, but honestly, in a way, it would be nice to have some of those things come back....like curfews. Kids leaving for school for the first time have a huge transition and sometimes, all this freedom make it difficult to make correct decisions. My little "honey bunny" is a smart little cookie. At this point she has made all the right decisions (it would seem) while still maintaining her innocence (it would seem) and having fun (clearly seen). I hope this trend continues. She began the process with a little apprehension but by the end of the two days she was feeling pretty good about going away to school. She registered for classes and got a great schedule (her earliest class is at 9:00 AM and her last class ends at 11:30 on Friday). It was cute to hear her try to compare college to high school, which of course we know you can't. She will be close enough to home to get to her in an emergency, but far enough so she feels like she is away from home. She could have been a commuter, but I really think living on campus is a great way to begin the process of learning to live in a greater community and expand your knowledge base. I am excited for her!

Now on the quilting front----I am working on my Guild Challenge. It is quilted and done and so now all I need to do is put on the binding. I sorta like it----I see lots of areas I would like to improve, but then I am always my worst critic. I can't post a picture since some of my Guild sisters read this blog and I want it to be a surprise. I don't think it will win anything, but it was fun completing it. It is due at the July meeting, so I will post a picture then.

I feel like starting something else, something that will be fast and fun to do, so I think I am going to get out my GO! and cut some circles for a circle quilt! My granddaughter doesn't know what her colors will be, so although I have completed her hex quilt, this one may be one she might also like. If not, since I think I will like it, I don't mind keeping it for myself.

Well, gotta fold some of the clothes on the pool table. My brother is coming for a visit next week and I want to give him the impression my house stays clean all the time :c)

Have a wonderful day!

No Energy!!!

2011-06-06T22:19:00.003-05:00

I am sorry to have not posted for a while, but life has been getting in the way!

I mentioned in my last post my mishap with the stairs at my GD's high school graduation. My foot is getting better, but the effort to come upstairs to post was too great, so I elected to just stay downstairs. It is still a bit swollen and it is still difficult to walk at times (especially if I have been sitting for awhile and it gets stiff), but it is so much better. I will be so very glad though when it is ALL better.

I am without my usual email. The company was giving us an upgrade (they said) because we were such good customers. Well in the process they wiped out our email, along with the contact list and any emails we hadn't read. I have never heard of a company not having a back-up system! When I discovered we were having trouble accessing, I called and found out, not only had they erased it, but there was no way they were going to be able to retrieve anything. Needless to say, I am looking for a new Internet company! I didn't know how much I depended on email---I had folders where I put "important" emails---all gone! My suggestion would be to call your Internet company and see if they have a back-up system so if something happens you can retrieve the contents of your email account.

On the quilting front, I have been hard at work on the Guild Challenge. I took a break Saturday and went to a Karen Combs workshop. If you ever get the chance you should try to go. It was such fun and she is a wonderful teacher. I love her dimension quilts but although I will not be able to make them as nice as hers, she really provided some good instruction making the process doable. I remember one "famous" person's class I attended. We had to bring TONS of fabric with us and pay about $30 for her pattern. I didn't learn one thing---she played with everyone's fabric for the morning, talked about herself for half of the afternoon showing her quilts, and then when I asked if we ever going to work on the quilt, she sat at a sewing machine and did about a third of a block herself. I NEVER learned how to make that very complicated (at least to me) quilt and came away really frustrated. Karen was not that way at all! She was informative and I came away with a new technique.

Well just wanted to check in! Am going to clean out the garage tomorrow and start dyeing! It is in the 90's here---perfect for dyeing. I can't wait to try some new techniques and colors!

Hugs and have a great day tomorrow! Thanks for stopping by!

A Mishap!

2011-05-27T06:52:00.002-05:00

I have been absent for a bit----I have certainly been thinking about everyone, but haven't been able to post.

This past week was a very busy one. Our first granddaughter graduated from high school (as a honor student). All our children were here---in addition to the three that live here, a daughter from Tacoma, Washington came, a son from Maryland and another from Oklahoma all were here. It was such fun since they all hadn't been together for over 20 years---one or the other is always missing.

We got ready to go to the graduation, all dressed in our finest and who would put a bit of a damper on everything----me!!! As I was going down the auditorium stairs, a group of people were blocking the way. I politely asked them to move ("excuse me") and they turned and just stared. I got impatient and went to move around them. The stair they were standing on was shorter than I anticipated and so down I went. I had such momentum going until I twisted my foot and ended up sorta "mooning" people behind me! Thank goodness I followed my mothers instructions to "always put on good underwear when you go out". :c) Anyway, I am now hobbling. My foot continues to be swollen and painful and although I can walk, it is with a very unusual gait. :c) No, I haven't gotten it x-rayed---I am a nurse after all, and we don't do sensible things like that preferring to "heal thyself". :c) It isn't broken but sprained and all I would do is incur bills that would seriously affect my ability to buy fabric, so I will rest my foot and move on. Seriously, it is getting better, I think, but this type of injury takes time, and there is nothing I can do about it really.

Moral of story----I must not get so excited that I become impatient with other people who are also excited; look before I step; wear fancy shoes but make sure the heel isn't slippery; wear pants to anything that has steps inside that I will have to negotiate; if I wear a dress or skirt, make sure it has a flare bottom like this one did (or I would have had not only a hurt foot, but needed pins to hold my dress together); and continue to wear good underwear. Oh yea, have an ankle brace or ace in my purse with some Tylenol, just in case.

The graduation was beautiful!!!! Such a lovely girl inside and out. The dinner we had was also wonderful---good food and lots of fun with extra chairs to prop my foot!

Hugs and have a great day!

Blogger is "Acting Out"!

2011-05-13T14:50:00.003-05:00

For some reason I am unable to even get to my blog on my primary computer. The one with all the pictures. As a result I can't really post the pictures I want --- the ones that add interest to my posts, so this will be a sorta dull one, until things settle down.

I have been expending creative energy, but in a not so directed way. I am currently working on my Guild challenge. I drew an orange crayon; the pack also had a picture of the maple leaf quilt block, and the letter S. The challenge is to make a quilt with the exact color of orange in it; the maple leaf block and include something that begins with S. I started making a large quilt, but then didn't like it, so I cut down the blocks from a 12 inch block to a 6.5 inch block. I still don't really like it, but I am more comfortable with a wall hanging than a large quilt, since it isn't going to be my favorite. I have started though, and I am forging ahead. The problem is a cut all the fabric for the original size, so I am going to end up with a lot of little mostly unusable scraps---I hate the waste that resulted from my decision.

I think I might have shared that I purchased a couple of brand-new dies for my GO! at Paducah. The 2.5 inch multi-die came, but it didn't cut correctly. I tried everything, but I still ended up having to clip threads. I called Accuquilt and explained the situation, mainly thinking they might have some resolution, but before I had even hung up, they had put a new die in the mail. I have mailed the old one back, but I bet I receive my new die before they get the old one back. Great customer service! I will be glad to get it, since I have started a quilt that requires about 2000 2.5 inch squares! This quilt I like!!!!!! but I do have to complete this challenge first :c(!!!

Well, just wanted to update you and as soon as I can, I will post pictures! Still isn't staying warm enough to dye yet, but I have hopes for this week-end! At the very least I am going to get my space cleaned up and ready. Even if it rains, maybe I can still get a lot done and then just work with the garage door down.

Hugs!

Potato Chip Finished!!!!

2011-05-03T14:48:00.002-05:00

I finished quilting the Potato Chip Quilt (AKA 1600 Quilt). Now I need to put the binding on and it will be all done!!!! I purchased the border doing on one of the trips Diane and I made to some local quilt shops when she was here. I didn't bring the quilt top with me, but just chose the color and type of fabric completely from memory---doesn't it fit well!!!!! I am so glad I remember color's well. The backing is also really nice---I didn't take a picture though, but will post a completed picture once I put on the binding and I will make sure the backing is visible.

On another note, I am very much behind on the UFO Challenge, and don't think I will catch up. This month's is #9 which is the scrap quilt I have been working on for a couple of years (I think). I am going to have to work on a Guild Challenge so I am not going to be working on that one either....so I officially have only completed one UFO on my list. Well, there are still a couple of months left, so hopefully I will be able to finish at least 2 more on the list.

Well, I just wanted to post this picture. Later!

I'm Back!!!!

2011-05-02T20:36:00.003-05:00

I had a wonderful week! Diane got here on Tuesday and the fun began. It was raining here and given the weather in Paducah, we decided to stay home on Wednesday and try to make it to the show on Thursday. It rained all day but that didn't stop us from going to the local Goodwill, me to shop for shirts (I found three light ones), and her to shop for silk ties (she got a LOT) for a quilt she is making.
On Thursday we made the trip to Paducah. Things were really spread out! There were buses to all the venues, but at least to me, the routes were a bit confusing. In the end, we just asked the drivers where they were going, and almost always, even if they weren't specifically going to the place you were requesting, they took you anyway--particularly if it was within the general area. There were the usual vendors, but this year, Diane and I were very discriminating. It is funny and we laughed about it---the first shows we went to, we spent like crazy. Every gadget we saw we purchased and some of them are still in the packages!

I LOVE rulers, but since getting my GO!, I really pick and choose. This time I got a Marti Michel kite ruler. I think it will be very useful in making the spiderweb quilt. That essentially was the only ruler I purchased. I got a couple of GO! dies (my mommie's day gift from DH). I did get some FQ's for several quilts I want to make and some dyes to dye my fabs (if it ever gets warm and stays that way), plus other various things :c). Doesn't seem like a lot, but I still pushed my budget to the outer limits. Good thing this happens only once per year.

I only got two pieces of fabric from Hancock's of Paducah. There was absolutely nothing there on sale. The "back room" only had 3 tables of flats and none of them had anything interesting. There were no charms, few jelly rolls. One of the ladies there said she had come on the first day of the show and that they had much more, so maybe it was because we didn't actually get there until Saturday.

The quilts were beautiful (of course) and once again Diane and I have vowed to make a quilt and submit it for consideration. We went to the museum as well and they and had an exhibit titled "20 years of quilts" (or something like that). It was very interesting to see how the quilts had changed over the years. The earlier quilts actually were quilts that I would consider in my expertise range. The newer ones---well, I can only look and say beautiful, NEVER, I "might" try that".

I have no pictures since my camera was in my bag, but------------. Well, just wanted to update you. Have a great one!

3rd Annual Yo-Yo Good Friday Shopping Trip

2011-04-23T18:28:00.005-05:00

I think I might have mentioned that I belong to a small sub-group of one of the quilting guilds I belong to. There are 5 of us and call ourselves the Yo-Yo's. We are all very different but alike in so many ways. I really like these ladies, and we get along very well. We had such a good time! We met and had breakfast and then Trish (the "unofficial" President) gave each of us a gift. This polka dot ( I love polka dots) tote with our names embroidered on the front. Inside was a bottle of water; some snacks including chocolate (we were NOT going to stop to eat---by doing so, that great fabric could be purchased by someone else) and a notebook with GO! patterns.

We made it to FOUR Kentucky quilt shops. At each one each of us found fabric we couldn't live without, or rulers, or patterns. Above is the picture of my finds. Kaffee prints; Givens prints; prints from the Fabrilicious line and organic cotton that I got for $2 a yard!!!!!!!!! --- I got all they had---a total of 8 yards in a white and a taupe. I stayed within my budget and came back quite happy. I also found some sweet "Piece of Cake" cheater panels. I am going to use them to practice my custom quilting---then donate them. I got enough for two large throws (in two different colorways), so my "practice piece" will result in something useful. We got caught in a storm at one of the shops, so we "had" to stay there until it passed. It just so happens that the shop is in the basement of a couples home. Such nice people, and although they stayed long past closing time, they assured us that since they had to only go upstairs to start dinner, it was okay. That little shop was chock full of fabric!!!!!!! All in all a very nice day!!!

I have spent the day cleaning the house and although I have been at it all day, I have only succeeded in cleaning the guest room for Diane, washing the dishes (and a couple of loads of clothes) and cleaning one other bathroom. Oh yea, I did spend time talking with Diane on the phone (she will be here on Tuesday), folding my new fabric and looking for some rulers (I don't know why I was looking for them).

I am tired out though and will rest for a couple of hours and then at least finish cleaning the kitchen and vacuuming the downstairs common areas.

Just wanted to check in! Have a blessed Easter!!!

Retreat Weekend!

2011-04-17T09:00:00.006-05:00

Thursday through yesterday (Saturday) I was at a Guild Retreat. The retreat was held in an absolutely beautiful Bed and Breakfast (Butterfly Meadows) outside of Nashville. The Inn Keeper is a quilter, and so they have facilities set up to accommodate quilters. On Saturday I didn't go to bed until about 1:00 A.M.---quilting and laughing and eating and quilting and eating---you know the routine. I got quite a lot accomplished and in fact the proprietors said the group were "fierce" quilters, since we were all on a mission and quilted into the wee hours of the morning. My telephone didn't get reception there, so I had no excuse but to quilt.

I have posted pictures of my main accomplishments. The focus, in addition to working on our own UFO's was a string quilt. Everyone brought at least 50 strings to share and exchange with others (in addition to their own). Posted is 4 squares I put together to see how my quilt would eventually look. I was able to finish 20 blocks. I am beginning each with a light strip down the middle to accent the triangle that will result when the quilt is put together. I am going to make a total of 54 block so I am almost 50% done. I also worked on my Zig Zag quilt. This too is a scrap quilt made from my leftover dyes. I have small amounts left over, unfortunately not always of the same shade, but within the same family. I am not going to worry about "matching" per se, if I have a two fats of blue, I am going to put them together to make a row. As you can see, I have about 1/4th of a quilt done.

The next quilt is the 1600 Quilt which was too much fun to do. You take a jelly roll, sew the ends together (cut off 18 inches of the end strip) and keep joining to make a quilt. The directions are on the web (Google 1600 jelly roll quilt) and you have a completed top within 45 minutes! Depending on the jelly roll, you get some really beautiful results. My quilt is made from a roll I got when they first came out. It had about 35 strips (or maybe 40) and resulted in a 47 x 68 quilt. I am going to put borders on it and give it to a granddaughter. A couple of the ladies had Bali Pops that were really pretty. I think this would be a great quick gift or charity quilt. It was so nice to come away from the retreat with a completed project rather than another UFO. All this quilt needs is some simple quilting and it is done!

All in all I had a great week-end----I must admit though that I am really tired---no sleep, and I know I have gained weight (too many chocolate covered almonds).

Have a blessed Palm Sunday and we'll "talk" later. Hey Diane----only about 9 days to go! Bring a jelly roll and lets make a 1600 quilt on Friday!

xoxo

Finished!!!!

2011-04-10T14:29:00.004-05:00

I finished "THE" Hex Quilt. All in all I am pleased. I placed a narrow border of brown to separate the center of the quilt from the pink and brown border. I had originally used a 2.5 inch narrow brown border, but decided that it was too big so I cut it down to 1.5 inches and I think it looks better. I also decided to place the borders on a little differently as you can see. The back is going to be cupcake fabric pieced with giant red and white polka dots, since I don't have enough of either for the complete back. Again, it doesn't really coordinate per se with the front, but it makes the quilt more youthful (at least to me). Remember, I am NOT a matchy girl really, more a scrap quilter and I like things that don't match exactly, but that have some continuity. The cupcake fabric has brown and pink in it, and I have some polka dot hexs. I might still go to JoAnne's and see if I can find more of either fabric to make a entire back, but if I don't, I will be okay with the pieced back. Hopefully, I will finish quilting the never-ending "apple core" soon and I will then load this on. It is closer to a full than a twin, but again, I think it will be okay. This is yet another quilt that I can thank the GO! for---never would I cut all these hexes out by template and rotary cutter!!!

The UFO for the month is another GO! cut quilt---a Drunkard's Path that I am making from recycled shirts. I have to sew the strips together to make the strata (I already cut them out) and then cut out the block pieces with the GO!. I doubt if I will get this UFO completed within the month, but I anticipate, that by the end of the year, I will have still accomplished my goal.

Well, no one is home but Coal and I. The DH and GS are away at a baseball tournament. It is beautiful outside, but the son hasn't gotten here yet to clean the garage for me. I hate to be outside when I am home along---you enter my garage from the back of the house, and should I fall, or something, no one would see me. I know that is a bit paranoid, but the way things are happening in the world, I am being cautious......so I will wait and complete outside work, and garage work when someone else is home besides me. It isn't like I don't have a lot to do inside.

Have a great remainder of the day!

xoxo

Just Checking In!

2011-04-09T11:54:00.001-05:00

Since I see that I have had visitors even though I have been neglectful in posting, I wanted to jut stop by and say "hey". Things have been busy here as usual---although I did retire, it was just from ONE job. It is approaching the end of the semester and I have about 60 papers I have to read, a test I have to evaluate and numerous advisees (about 50) that I have to get enrolled. Quilting has had to occur on the "fly". The good news is the weather is warming up and I can start dyeing soon. One of my sons came by yesterday and say he was going to straighten up the garage and my dyeing "studio" (aka the corner) for me so I might be able to start tomorrow. I sure hope so---I do enjoy the process. I have some special "orders" I have to get out soon (blues and greens), so I really want to get started before my friend thinks I am all "talk and no show" :c) I am just about finished with the center of the hex quilt---and I gotta tell you, I am a bit sick of these one shape quilts :c). The good thing is since I am a scrap quilter, the variety keeps me going. This is yet another quilt that if it weren't for the GO!, I would have NEVER attempted it. The middle isn't quite as large as I would like, but I will make it a twin by adding wider borders, which might be perfect for this quilt. I should have the last two rows sewn on tonight (after I clean, read papers, and grade tests) so I will try to post tomorrow. Take care and thanks so much for stopping by, even if there is really nothing new. xoxo

I Retired!!!!

2011-04-05T18:55:00.002-05:00

I have officially retired---at least from one job! I have been working in a hospital for over 40 years---often while I worked somewhere else. These last couple of years have really taken their toll. When I decided I was going to return to academia, I thought it was important that I hone my clinical skills so I went to work in the hospital first. I worked first on a med/surg. floor and then later transferred to my speciality----labor and delivery. Once I started teaching again full time, I went to PRN status (I worked two week-end days a week). That doesn't seem like a lot, but since I have students in the clinical area two days a week, on some weeks, I essentially worked three days per week (I am one of those "hands on" clinical faculty---in other words I wear scrubs like the employee nurses and work beside my students teaching them hands on). Anyway, when I would get home I would be truly worn out---then when I had to work on the week-ends---a 12 hour shift no less---I was simply "too tired". I was essentially working to support my habit--quilting--but even then, I was having a hard time not feeling yuk! and sometimes resentful. Anyway---I listened to my DH and resigned!!!!! I do feel better---I can use the week-ends to do what I want and although I may not have as much spare money, I know I will still figure out how to support my "habit". Oh well, one down and two more jobs left to retire from! Hugs!

So What Has Been Going On!!!???!!!

2011-03-28T18:34:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that I haven't blogged in over a week--in fact almost 2 weeks. All I can say is that "life got in the way". I think though that things have settled down a little bit---at least I hope so.

So what have I been up to? Well, for a minute I thought spring was here. The temperature was in the high 70's, on some days in the 80's, so I got my muslin down and washed two bolts. I ended up with a sore arm from all the tearing I did to get it into FQ's, then when I was about to clean the Dyeing Studio (AKA the garage), it got cold again!!!! Bummer----it has been really chilly, near freezing, so there has been no dyeing! I believe that once this latest cold spell is done, it will be Spring, so I am ready (see the picture above---with still more left to fold). I am going to have to buy a couple of more bolts of muslin since I really do want to replenish my stash. I have some real plans this year and am going to be more deliberate in documenting the colors I get so I can do them again.

The hex quilt is coming along nicely (see picture above). I have almost half of it done. I am liking how it is turning out. I am going to make it extra long---maybe about 14 rows since most dorm beds are long twins. I really hope Grand baby likes it. I purchased some fabric for the border but am now thinking I might get a polka dot instead---or maybe use a polka dot for the back. I also have some cupcake fabric that would make a cute back as well. I will have to wait and see. I really don't try really hard to match my backs to the quilt. I really like fun backs and as long as it is loosely within the same color family I am okay with it.

I am also quilting the apple core. That is one big quilt!!! I couldn't figure out how to load it evenly on the frame, so I cut the top and bottom straight across. After I did that I thought I could have just floated the top and not had to cut it, but I did so I am not going to worry about it. Because of the scallops I really can't sew the sides down easily, but since I notice when I loaded it that there were some stretched out areas I am doing a tight meander. I had almost decided to use a panto, but decided against it. I am glad I followed my mind since I am able to "quilt out" the stretched areas flat. I am also using a plain white muslin back. The stitching shows up nicely on the back and when I wash it the crinkle will really be nice. The downside though is that I matched the thread so closely, that I can barely see it on the beige blocks. I can see fairly well on the blues, but I really have to look closely to not quilt over stitches. I really think I am going to leave the sides scalloped. It is looking pretty good.

Diane will be here next month for AQS and so I am making a mental list of what I would like us to do. We have so much fun together, this is sorta our time to relax and really have fun doing quilty stuff and discussing how we would handle things if we were in charge :c). She will be here for a week and I am going to have to be careful I don't over-plan. It is nice sometimes to just sit and sew and not always be on the go. One thing we will do a little different this year is go on a bus with one of the Guilds to the show on Saturday. I did that last year and really enjoyed it. It is nice to have someone else do the driving and just relax and enjoy the company of others. We will leave early in the morning on and not return until late. What fun!!!!!

Well, just wanted to check in. Didn't want you to think I was abandoning my blogging. Take care and we "talk" later!

xoxo

Hey!

2011-03-18T18:35:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to stop by and say "hey"! Today was an absolutely beautiful day! It was 70 degrees out and I went prom dress shopping with my daughter and oldest granddaughter. This will be her senior prom, so she had to have something special. When my girls (her mother and aunt) were in school, I made every prom (and party dress) dress they had. We started at the beginning of the year and designed it ourselves. What we actually did was look at a lot of prom dress patterns, taking a sleeve from here, a neckline from here, a bodice from her, a skirt from another, etc. and came up with a totally different dress. Since we were using the same pattern, it wasn't difficult to interchange the different styles. It was a big secret, no one knew what you were wearing, not even the color, and because I made the dresses, the girls were sure to not see anyone else in their dresses. Things are a bit different now---for one, girls go shopping in a group! One young lady even put her dress on Facebook---that would have NEVER happened in the old days :-). My little Honeybunny chose the most beautiful dress---red! It was expensive---and she cried when my daughter told her she could have it. It took her a good 15 minutes to agree---she kept saying it was too expensive and it was selfish of her to allow her mother to purchase it. It was so refreshing to see her so appreciative---I gotta say (and I did) her mother would have NEVER done that. She would have gladly taken that dress and not thought about the cost for one second :-). My granddaugher is such a good girl---a member of the honor society, her schools first Homecoming Queen, the schools first Poet Laurent, a christian, a all around good baby---so she really does deserve it. We (her Poppi and I) are going to purchase her shoes/purse---and she will be all set---she actually is thinking of wearing flat shoes (how sweet is that). I am hopeful that this Grandbaby will come to the nursing home and feed me my carrots and wipe the spittle from my face :-)

Well, just wanted to touch base. No new quilting pictures this time. Hugs and have a great week-end!

Spring Break Is OVER!:c(

2011-03-13T16:06:00.003-05:00

Well, I go back to work tomorrow! My clinical's begin at 0700 in the AM but I have to be at the hospital to make assignments by 0645 at the latest, so my week will begin EARLY! I really didn't get as much done (in quilting or housework) as I wanted. Life kept getting in the way via adult children and their crisis'. Oh well, in the end it all worked out and I have again resolved to not care or try to be such a good mother, but alas, I have made this vow before and broken it each time.

I went to my monthly Saturday Guild meeting and as always, came away invigorated and validated. This group of women are really empowering. We laughed our way, sang (or in my case hummed) own way through the morning and I always leave feeling better. A member is now making soap (this is a artistic group) and I came away with a couple of really good smelling bars. Did you know that the soap you spend so much money for is actually a detergent! I didn't know that----anyway, I used the bars and my skin really did feel better and cleaner! I plan to buy a bar and put in the guest bath for Diane when she comes. It is nothing like a warm shower with really nice soap to get you ready for a quilt show!!!

I restarted my Granddaughter's hex quilt and got stumped. How do I handle the beginning and ending of each row. Since it is a hex quilt, and because every other row in indented by one, I was coming up with this very uneven sides. I would have liked to figure our a way to add a piece so I didn't have to cut a hex in half. I think I have it figured out now. I cut some solid hex's and every other row will end with that hex. I just add a triangle to the row above and below and then when I cut it even, I will not have to split a hex. Because the solid is the same color as the star points, I am hoping the hex will look like they are floating. I am going to add a border. What I may do is add a very thin (maybe 2 inch) border of a contrast color. Maybe a green. What do you think? Is there another way to begin and end the rows?

Poor Coal is sick. We had to clean the carpet upstairs and I had to get out the pink medicine (Pepto). He seems to be feeling better, but DH (who coaches Little League) is at my grandson's baseball game and Coal is missing him. When no one else is around, I will do, but he would much rather be laying in DH's lap. I am pretty sure it was the boiled chicken my husband gave him. He has such a sensitive stomach, it looks like the only thing he can eat without getting sick is that expensive dog food and occasionally a piece of cheese.

Well, gotta go, he is looking at me weird---he may need to go out!

Hugs!

February UFO Finished!!!!!

2011-03-11T19:17:00.004-06:00

I finished the apple core today!!!!! 20 rows of 19!!! It is actually a BIG quilt---it would probably fit a king size bed. I just started putting the cores together and pretty soon I had a LOT of them, so they all went into the quilt. It is laying on the step down into my living room so it looks a little odd. I plan to quilt it in a tight stipple and use a plan muslin back. It looks so very antique and I think that tight stipple will make it all crinkly when it is washed to add to the "old" look. I can't decide whether I should leave the edges scalloped or not, but I am leaning toward leaving them scalloped. Since this was truly an endeavor that I will not take on again soon, I am going to go all out.

I also decided to take the hexs I had put together apart. When I looked at them on the design wall, the muslin around the hexs formed a flower with the hex as the center of the flower. The muslin though seemed to fade into the background. I remembered I had some Pepto Bismol pink Kona in my stash and so I got it down and laid the hexs on there and it really made them "pop". I went to Joanne's today and found the perfect pink 30's print for the border. I think with the pink it will be a much cuter quilt, and more like my GD. I am going to go get out the GO! and cut out the little triangles in pink and put it together. I also pulled some 30's I had and I will cut out more hexs to replace the one's I have already sewn plus a couple more to make it a little bigger (this is how it began with the core---I sure hope I don't end up with another BIG quilt---I will have to keep reminding myself it is for a dorm room bed). I also think the different fabric will add some variety since I am using 3 charms exactly alike. I also think I figured out what to do with the sides. Although I am not designing this quilt per se, I have never seen one quite like the one I hope this will be.

Well, I am going to sit and finish "Road to Perdition" and then go downstairs and cut out the triangles. I am going to try to load the "core" on this week-end and work on quilting it all next week. It will probably take me a month just to do the hand binding.

Have a great week-end--- if we don't "talk" before Monday!

New Quilt!

2011-03-07T21:23:00.004-06:00

My Granddaughter is graduating from high school in May. Of course, one of the gifts she will get from me is a quilt. We have been talking about it for a while and she really doesn't have anything in mind. I was going through some magazines and saw this really neat hexagon quilt. Now I am NOT a hand quilter and so the Grandmother's Garden is out of the question, but I remembered that one of the very first GO! dies I purchased was the hexagon. Recently I got the triangles that you could put in the corners that made it easier to sew together. I looked through my stash and found 4 Charm Packs---Snippets. I also have some unbleached muslin that is perfect for these 30's/40's prints----so I am making her a quilt using them. I got them all cut out with the 5 inch hexagon. I figure that I will have 13 rows of 12 blocks and then add a border. This would bring it to a twin size which is perfect for a dorm bed. This will be her quilt---which as I think about it is perfect!!!!

It looks like I am in the mode for quilts made from one block shape. First the apple core and now the hexagon.

xoxo---

What Have I Been Up To Lately?????

2011-03-06T17:27:00.002-06:00

I am having computer problems....at times my mouse doesn't work and so I have a hard time posting. We have other computers, but I try to use one primarily for my blogging. I am treating the mouse carefully so hopefully I will be able to finish this post.

I am on Spring Break next week----HAPPY DANCE!!! I think I will pretend I don't have to work so I will not keep watching the calendar to see how many days I have left :c) I plan on getting lots of quilting done---I will clean the house and cook some meals, but I am one tired girl and really just want to rest! I finished quilting a donation quilt for my Guild (another member pieced the top)---see picture above. It really is a nice quilt---it quilted nicely---I just did a simple meander, but I like it. I will pass it on to Becky who will give it to another Guild member to bind. All of us will get a chance to participate....so that is off my list to do.

My plan is to work on the Tumbler, and several others I have in various degree's of completion. It is my hope that at the very least I will complete Tumbler. I am so looking forward to the week --- I will have to live each day slowly so the time will seem to last longer.

Well, gotta go---just wanted to post a short update. Take care and hopefully I will have some completions pictures next week.

xoxo

UFO #1

2011-03-01T08:29:00.003-06:00

Judy chose the March UFO which is #1. For me that is the "Scrappy House" quilt. I HATE that quilt!!!!! I looked at it and it is too scrappy and just looks weird, so I had decided to not even go through the trouble of making it. Since I didn't finish the February UFO and really only had 10 anyway, I am going to make the decision to continue with the apple core. I have completed 4 rows of 19 and have the next 4 on the design wall just needing to be sewn together. After that, I will have 7 more rows to go. It is relatively slow going, but I am determined to get it done. I got a little bored and decided to put one red block in---sorta quirky like me--but I think it looks nice.

I have several other quilts that I alternately take a little time to sew on--wouldn't it be nice if I finished two quilts in March. I also now have 2 charity quilts I need to quilt and I am picking up a couple of more on Thursday, so I am going to get Harriet oiled up and get to "cracking".

Hope your day goes well!

Patricia

Life Gets In The Way!

2011-02-20T09:43:00.002-06:00

Just a quick note----I know I have been "missing in action" for the last couple of weeks. Things have been VERY busy around here and although I have been quilting (of course) I just haven't had time to blog about it. Work is consuming me right now---I have LOTS of deadlines, but hopefully, after next week I can take a bit of a breather.

I have had to prioritize what I want and can do, in relationship to my quilting goals. I am not going to complete the CW blocks "Of the Week". The blocks are too small and too much trouble/time for me to enlarge to 12 inches, so I am putting this to the side....plus I don't have enough CW fabrics anyway. I am going to try instead to do the GO! Mystery Quilt. This is an opportunity for me to use fabs from my stash. Unfortunately (for me) I didn't have all of the dies that are being used, so I HAD to purchase several (tongue in cheek). Several places were having sales so I have the Chisel, Circle, Critters, and Blazing Star on their way! .....I will need to work a couple of extra shifts to repay the budget---oh well, such is life! Except for a couple of strip dies that I would like, I now have the majority of the dies that I will use. Diane purchased herself a Valentine Gift of the GO! so it will be fun to have someone to really talk to about the cutting system. This also gives us yet another thing in shopping common so it will be fun!

My UFO Challenge for Feb. is coming along very slowly. I knew it would though---you can't whip through a apple core like I did the January quilt. I will just have to be behind those who finish, but I still am anticipating that by year's end I will have completed my list of UFO's---I may have though added 12 to replace them, but compared to some, I don't have that many UFO's anyway.

I am also going to enter a couple of quilts in a show. I have them completed, but will need to sew the hanging strips on........so you see, I am a pretty busy girl!!!!!!!!

Well, gotta go---I have work to do to prepare for an important meeting on Tuesday. Take care and don't give up on me. Although I am not getting any comments, I can see I am being visited! Keep coming, it does a heart good to see that so many are interested in my little blog! Have a wonderful Sunday and coming week!

xoxo

How Many Applecore's Are Too Many?

2011-02-11T16:27:00.003-06:00

I have cut 922 Apple Cores. The quilt I am making needed 461 blocks--that is one light core and one dark core per block. Although I have always loved the Apple Core block, there is NO way I would have made this quilt and cut each of these out with a template. The GO! allowed me to cut them all within two days. I could have cut them all at once, but I had other work to do and so couldn't devote the time in a block. The quilt will be 19 blocks x 19 rows. I would have liked to make it with 23 rows, but I ran out of blue and white, so it will be square. I am working hard, but I don't' think I will have this done by the end of this short month. My special machine foot makes sewing the core pieces together easy, but I have to switch to my regular foot when I start putting block to block. I do think this will be a pretty quilt. I think I will back it in muslin like most antique quilts are, since it really does look antique to me.

Well, just wanted to keep you updated. The sun is shinning bright here although it is very cold!!! Next week it will be in the 60's---almost dyeing weather!!!!!!

Hugs! and have a great week-end!

Super Bowl Sunday!

2011-02-06T19:33:00.004-06:00

I am making my apple core's using my GO! This makes it possible for me since I would NOT cut all these out with a template. I love my GO! I think this was a appropiate purchase for me. When you cut the core there are little notches that make it much easier to put them together. It is still curved sewing but with my little gadget below, it is a little easier.

My curve master foot that I am using to put the apple core's together. It makes it easier, but there is a learning curve I am still on (the picture is turned sideways for some reason--sorry). I am a bit inconsistent, but I have decided to not obsess about that. I am also trying to not obsess about the placement of the colors either. I just want to have fun and moving things around 100's of times isn't making this fun.

This is UFO #10. ...my blue/white/neutral CW apple core that I am working on. Diane gave me some of her blue CW scraps so I have a pretty good variety. CW as I have mentioned before isn't really my favorite period or fabrics, but the blue and white/neutral looks so crisp to me. It will be a nice summer quilt I think. It will be queen size when I finish (of course). I haven't decided yet if I will leave the edge scalloped or not. I think the scallop will look pretty, but it all depends how I feel once it is finished. I don't think I will finish this in February....but I am going to work really hard to. I have about 50 of the two core's put together, and about 200 blocks cut. I think I will put them together by 4's and then 8's and then sew those together...(what I did on the far right in the picture). I will still have a long seam to sew in joining rows but I think it will be more manageable. The way I am figuring, I will need 20 rows of 18. I am going to put the first 4 rows together and see if it will be big enough. No, I will definitely NOT finish this in February.

Normally after church I go to a LQS or to Joanne's to look around at the very least. I really didn't feel like doing that this year. The weather was sunny but cool and after coming home from church and putting on my pj's, I really didn't want to get dressed. After church I had dinner with two of my kids and got a take-out for DH, so I didn't even have to cook. I did make some cookies for my grandson and his friends (my grandson is such a picky eater, I made him a grilled cheese sandwich with sides for dinner and he was happy), but other than running the vaccum in the downstairs den I really didn't do anything other than sewing a little.

Hope you Sunday was a wonderful one and your week will be just as great!.

UFO Challenge!

2011-02-01T15:23:00.004-06:00

I completed the January UFO Challenge (UFO #6) without any real difficulty at all. I finished it, quilted it AND put my binding on (including sewing it down) all within the month of January. The UFO for February is #10. For me that is a apple core quilt cut in blue and neutral CW reproductions. As I have mentioned before, the CW period isn't my favorite and I actually once didn't like the fabrics. I however have changed my mind a little since there really are pretty bright CW's. Brights, Kaffee prints and batiks are still my favs, but I also think you have to broaden your view. The apple core is going to be a challenge for me, but I am going to complete it...I AM, I AM. The quilt will be larger (of course) and I have purchased a machine foot that I hope will make putting it together easier. We'll see---stop at Judy's site and see the other UFO Challenges.

What Have I Been Up To?????

2011-01-25T21:28:00.004-06:00

I have been one busy quilter! First---I finished UFO #6 completely!!!!!! I quilted it AND put the binding on!!!! I now just need to hand stitch it down, which I have already begun. The quilting really turned out nicely---don't you think? I though see one mistake I made. I normally quilt with pale grey thread, and I automatically kept it in the needle when I began to put the blocks together. I did change to a white but didn't take the other seams out---I didn't think you would see them. I do see a couple of seams that are sewn with grey thread. I am NOT going to take them out, clearly, but hope when I wash the quilt, the crinkle will make the seam less noticeable. If not, oh well---I will just keep it for myself and make another quilt to gift.

I also have been making bread--doesn't that loaf look good? It tasted pretty good as well. I do love this machine! A couple of loaves I made fell, but I have figured out the problem. I was using Walmart brand bread flour--I got the name brand and haven't had the same problem. Don't know if it was the flour or something I was doing wrong. Hope that never happens again, it is so sad to go through all that, have the house smell wonderful, just to get a loaf that is sunken in the middle.

Now, I normally don't "get on my soap box" very often, but since this is my blog, I figure I can "rank and rave" about something a little. If you don't want to read about it--it is okay, you can "disconnect", if you read on, just like good friends do, it isn't necessary to comment---just listen. So-------Because I am a nurse, I take prevention very seriously. As a result, I try to get my annual exam every year to make sure "all is well". Since I am getting a "little long in the tooth", there were more invasive tests I had to take. Now I thought I had good health insurance, I pay almost $500 per month for coverage for my husband and I. The plan and company changed this year and my husband and I looked over the plan and chose one (we thought) that didn't have a high deductible since we knew that statistically we would be using it more given our age. I went in to get my test and the physician's office said I would have to pay out of pocket for the test---almost $1000 because my deductable was $1500. What I said! There is a mistake! I went immediately to the HR dept. to point out the mistake. Ha! I was the one that was mistaken. I have a $1500 deductible (it seems that is the lowest this insurance company has), and even when that is met, I am still responsible for 20%---and remember I am still paying almost $500 a month. Since I couldn't afford all the test, I elected to only take the one that I could afford since I had to write a check.

Now at the same time Coal got sick. He went in to have his teeth cleaned and ended up with IV's etc. Now he has health insurance as well (he is high maintenance) and his hospital procedures costs more than my test. Guess what his deductable is-----$20. Now what is wrong with this picture! Of course, I have to have more tests because there was a abnormal result--so more money. I have such mixed feeling, the more test I have to take, the quicker I will get my deductible met, but also that means something is wrong.

4 inches of snow is expected tonight. Maybe I will have an extra day to sew! I am suppose to go to have follow-up test tomorrow, so if I don't go, that means I will have extra money to buy fabric---oops, no I will not. I have to meet that deductible!

xoxo

What's Up?!?!??

2011-01-19T15:03:00.003-06:00

Quite a lot has been going on since my last post.

As you might remember in previous postings, two of our adult children had moved back home, one with his wife and two children. Well, both have now moved to their own homes. One graduated from technical college and is not only working at a local company but has started his own little company on the side. He is doing pretty good---he hasn't asked to borrow money and in fact paid half of the costs (with my daughter) of getting my longarm repaired! The other son and his family moved last week into their own place. The house is quiet now, although I will certainly see them often, and I have been spending time putting everything back together again.

I have also had "the" annual physical exam yuk! As you get older, there are more places to look for problems. At this point everything has been turning out okay, so I am good for another year it would seem. It has been an ordeal though---goodness I hate "preps".

I (of course) have been busy quilting. I have decided to do some quilting for some friends (I am NOT starting a quilting business), so I am trying to get my own latest quilting project done. Of course because I want to hurry---all kinds of things are stopping me---broken threads, tv shows, blogging, etc., so I am not moving as fast as I would like. I am a little nervous about it because when I make mistakes on my stuff it is no big deal, but I don't want to mess up someone's creation, especially since they will be paying me for it. These friends are forgiving though, so hopefully if I do a "oops", it will not be a big deal. I am taking very few quilts because my life is pretty busy and I don't want to get a quilt in and then not be able to have a quick turn-around, plus I am still a novice so I am taking it slowly.

The block above is the latest Civil War Block---well not really. The actual block was applique (!) which I DO NOT DO! so I made another one. This block was really pretty complicated, it took me a couple of days to complete it, but I really like it. As I mentioned, I am making my blocks 12 inches instead of the 8 inch, since I don't do "little" either.

Well, gotta go vacuum, and work on my quilt. Take care and thanks for stopping by!

xoxo

FINISH #1 OF 2011 (UFO #6)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-12T08:38:00.005-06:00

"Diamonds In" is completed!!!!! I am so very glad I kept the white/beige background. It really allows the diamonds to stand out and makes this a very contemporary quilt. The only challenge---since I used a jelly roll of 45 strips, there is some repeats---nothing I can do about it. I did add a couple of orphan strips so that helped a bit. It is queen size and isn't asking for a border. I am going to have a look in my stash for a appropriate binding. I think as I have been doing a lot lately, I will do a faux piping so I can bind it by machine---we'll see. This is a GREAT first finish. Since there is a lot of "white" space, again, I will use a busy panto. I am thinking of keeping the one I already have loaded. The round edges of it should go well with the sharp corners of the diamonds. I feel pretty good!!!

I am ready for the Feb. UFO for sure----oops better not get too "cocky"----I have quite a few UFO's on that list that will not be as easy or fun to finish!

xoxo

Design Wall Monday!

2011-01-10T09:28:00.004-06:00

I really don't have a "Design Wall", but rather in this case, the picture is of my "Design Table" AKA my longarm table. I have finished all 100 blocks for my #6 UFO, and had begun to put them together, actually into 5 rows, but then didn't like how it looked, so I am taking them apart and putting them into this design. I actually think it will really look better. Because I used the almost white solid, the triangles will really stand out, looking much more graphic. I think I am going to gift this quilt-----if it looks nice enough after I have quilted it. That is the thing with gifting, if I keep a quilt I don't mind so much the "creative errors" that occur, but when I gift it I want to be as perfect as possible. Since there will be a lot of "white space", I am looking through my panto's for a "busy" one that will fill the spaces, yet not overpower the pattern (I don't do "custom"). Check Patchwork Times for the other "walls". I will try to link my wall, but for some reason I still continue to be "link challenged".

No school today!!!!!! We got about 3 inches of snow last night and there are still snow showers....see the pictures above of my backyard---we back up to a "forest". More snow is to move in tonight, so I may have another day at home tomorrow. I plan to sew, but I still need to get some work done for school. Thank goodness for computers since I can work effectively at home meeting my deadlines. My first day of lecture will be Thursday and I am all ready for that, so hopefully I will get some "guiltless" quilting done.

Have a great day! Stay warm and safe!

More Progress!

2011-01-08T19:23:00.005-06:00

I have accomplished a lot since I last posted:

I completed 30 more blocks for a total of 80!!!! 20 more to go and I can start putting the quilt together.
I have finished quilting AND binding "Asian Indigo"---see picture above. It turned out pretty good even though I was a bit anxious at first---one of the borders looked like it had stretched out, but I think it was the way I had it pinned to the leaders.
I am participating with the Civil War block a week. Pictured are the first two blocks. The Civil War period is NOT my favorite and I am not particularly partial to the fabs, but the stories that Barbara B. tells in conjunction with the release of the blocks is very interesting and compelling. At one time I was trying to quilt "outside my comfort zone" and purchased some CW's and I made the Underground Railroad Quilt, so I find that I have quite a few CW's after all. I plan to make red my central color---each block will have a shade of red in it so hopefully it will not be as drab as some CW's look to me. Because I don't "do small", I am making my blocks 12 inch rather than the 8 inch that is being posted.

So, this is what I have been up to. Hope your week-end is progressing well!

xoxo

Progress!

2011-01-03T08:17:00.003-06:00

50 blocks made, 50 more to go!!!! #6 on my UFO Challenge list is coming right along! I decided to go ahead and use the muslin since several pieces were already cut out and I don't want to add "pieces" to my stash.

I also started a Zig-Zag Quilt from the Kaffee book. I am using all my hand dyes---and my GO! cutter. This is going to take a bit of time I think. I plan to have it as a on-going project....NOT to become a UFO. I am planning to try to use up as much of my hand dyes as possible, so when the dyeing season (temperatures at least 70 degrees in the garage) comes, I will not be only adding to stash, but replenishing.

Have a great day!!!!

Project #1 of UFO Challenge----#6!

2011-01-01T10:08:00.003-06:00

Judy drew the first number for the UFO Challenge and it was #6. On my list that is the strip tube quilt. I have 4 blocks already made. I am going to mull over it today because I am thinking about changing the solid from boring unbleached muslin to a color. I think I will like that more----just to find the right color in my stash since I am NOT going out to buy any new fabric. I am adding that as my own personal requirement. My UFO's must be finished with what I already have in stash unless I absolutely must buy something and then only for a border. I intend to use what I have even for backing. Maynot "match", but I will be getting rid of stash as well as the UFO.

She also has another challenge---monochromatic challenge. She randomly draws a color and then the challenge is to use that color to make a quilt. The first color was yellow---I couldn't participate even if I had the time since I have almost NO yellow in my stash. Isn't that interesting---now if she choose purple or red or green or even orange, I maybe could do it. Oh well, I am saved from adding yet more quilts to my UFO rather than finishing them.

Hope your day will be a wonderful one. I intend to get some sewing/quilting in as I watch the Twilight marathon and Law and Order. Quite a combination huh :c). I am cooking and dinner should actually be done by noon, so as people want to eat, they can just go in and help themselves. I will put the bread on in a minute---decided to not fix a dessert---just ice cream. My effort to drop some weight begins tomorrow, so today I intend to not worry about one thing....remember, what you do today will be what you will be doing all year!

xoxo

Last Post of 2010!

2010-12-31T18:22:00.004-06:00

The bread was wonderful! See the picture---not much left of that first loaf. The second full loaf is cinnamon raisin, and it is really good as well. This machine is a "hi rise" machine, and at least with these two loafs, it has lived up to the name. I went to the grocery store and purchased some wheat flour and that will be my next loaf---tomorrow---since that is really the only type of bread we normally eat. I also got black-eyed peas (for good luck in the coming year) and mixed greens (for money in the coming year), so I will cook the customary dinner. It is said that what you are doing when the new year comes in will be what you will be doing all year, and the condition of your house will be an indicator of it's condition all year. Given that, if the legend hold true, I will be sleeping all year or playing with my DSi, and I will always have laundry waiting to be done.

Well this is the last post of the year of 2010! I am pretty proud of myself----almost a year! I have enjoyed this process really---so many new friends and I haven't met a one (other than Diane of course)! I wish all my new friends a blessed, safe and happy new year!!!!!! There have been some challenges, and some trying times---but I look forward to 2011 with anticipation.

See you next year!!!!

Late Christmas Gift (AKA My DH really was listening)!

2010-12-30T16:27:00.002-06:00

I love baking bread, but unlike Judy I really don't necessarily like to do it all "by hand". I make delicious rolls by hand, but when it comes to loaf bread----I just don't like all the kneading, etc. Anyway, I asked for a bread maker years ago when they first came out and my DH bought me one for Christmas---that was probably 17 years ago (or more). The poor thing finally pooped. It stopped getting hot enough and the bread really didn't rise. I was reading Subee's blog where she discussed her new bread maker and the awesome loaves of bread it made. I mentioned it to DH and really didn't think he was paying attention. I really should have known better because it was a "throw away" conversation that got me my long arm; my GO! and my Pandora bracelets---so I should realize he really is paying attention. Anyway, we went out to lunch today and when we got back this very large box was sitting on the side of the house. When we brought it in, what should be in there but the bread maker!!!! The exact one I wanted!!!! I couldn't wait to use it of course, so a plain loaf of white bread is being made as we speak. I used the recipe that came with the machine and it seemed like an awful lot of milk (1.5 cups plus 2 T) but I followed the direction closely. I then read the directions that said the milk should be heated slightly, which I didn't do, but hopefully everything will come out okay. Isn't my Honey Bunny a nice guy (when he wants to be)! Fresh bread is ahead for sure---and I wanted to lose weight!

On a quilty subject, I was looking over the list of quilts I have finished this year and I have been pretty productive. 17 quilts, not counting the one that I only put a binding on---and these are really finished----quilted and bound (although Asian Indigo is still being quilted). Since I have joined Judy's UFO Challenge, I should complete at least 12 next year! Pretty good huh!

Now for some New Year's Resolutions!

My quilty one is to straighten up my sewing room (studio) by:

Going through my scrap bin and getting rid of all those tiny pieces of fabric, and cutting the larger pieces into triangles/squares/strips---and then putting those in separate easily accessed bins.
Cutting up my various FQ's that I either received as gifts, or purchased for no apparent reason, into the same usable pieces as mentioned above.
Review all my magazines and tear out the patterns that I will eventually make (maybe) and throw the rest out.
Go through the large garbage bag of batting pieces and piece the bigger ones together to use in utility quilts and get rid of the pieces that are unusable (maybe I will check with the Vet and see if they could use some little pet pillows. I could get rid of some yuk fabric as well as the leftover batting scraps).

Well, everything sounds doable. Hopefully this will be accomplished, along with my UFO's.

Hugs and I'll keep you posted on the progress of the bread!

xoxo

Another Great Christmas!!!!

2010-12-27T14:40:00.004-06:00

This was another great Christmas!!!! Christmas gifts are all about the Grand babies---and did they ever have a great time. By the time I got home Christmas evening, they could hardly contain themselves! It was an effort for them to wait for me to get my coat off and then it was gift opening for all!!!! It did snow and although the weather"person" was correct from that perspective, they were in error (thank goodness) in that we didn't get the amount they predicted! It snowed all day, but hardly any really accumulated.

I was able to finish quilting "Bountiful" and completed the quilt top for "Asian Indigo". I am going to finish the binding on Bountiful before I start quilting it though. I am working really hard to relax this holiday---I so often end up more fatigued than I was when I began it. Hope your Holiday was a great one as well!!!!

Hugs!

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-24T17:21:00.002-06:00

I have to work tomorrow, but am splitting the shift with another nurse so only have to work the first 6 hours! I spent all day cooking so when I get home tomorrow (around 2 PM), we will open the remainder of the gifts (the kids will of course have opened some of theirs) and I will only have to put the dressing in the oven and put the green bean casserole together....everything else is done, including the rolls (I will just have to warm them up). ...I will put the turkey in the roaster right before leaving for work in the morning.

We are suppose to have a white Christmas!!! The kids are really excited---not me, especially since I have to drive in it. My poor son has to work tomorrow night from 11p to 7A, so he isn't very happy either. .....but maybe it will not happen, it certainly wouldn't be the first time a prediction of weather didn't materialize.

Well, gotta go check on the rolls and get a little rest before it all starts again tomorrow. Here is hoping you all have the best Christmas ever!!!!! God's Blessings to you and your loved ones!!!

Patricia

Latest Update(s)!

2010-12-22T06:59:00.006-06:00

This year I decided to have two Christmas trees. Joanne's had a 90% on trees last summer and I got the one above for $7. It is unlit and I thought would be perfect for a "Grand babies Tree". I was correct! We made decorations, I got some balls from the $1 store and we put candy canes on. I also got a bag of ice sickles (some call them tinsel) and the kids were responsible for doing it all themselves. That one bag of sickles had enough to cover every tree in TN I think, but the kids enjoyed it. There tree topper is a Santa!

I treated myself to a new GO! die! This is the diamond die. I really think this will be a great die to use to make a dent in my scrap bin. It was only $19 and so I figured it was worth buying. I now have almost all the current dies that I would use. Now to get to using them---one of my NY's resolutions.

Harriet is feeling much better! Butch came to fix her and I really did hit the Jackpot. He is a quilter himself and knows the little special things of a good stitch. He also shared with me his little tricks for getting good tension., and didn't mind my husband looking over his shoulder as he timed the machine. I have to honestly say I don't think I got a stitch this good when the machine was brand new. Unfortunately I have added something else to my "wish list"----edge rider wheels. My wheels are a little wobbly---and I would love some new ones. The edge rider's are $90 though so I will have to save a bit. Butch showed my husband how to install them so maybe for "Valentine's Day"???????

The above picture is my attempt to show you the stitch quality--since my machine is hand guided, there is no other way for me to get a good stitch except me and therefore tension is very important. This is "Bountiful" I am quilting. Still looks weird to me, but I had the perfect backing---a flannel with hot peppers. I got about 8 or 9 yards of this five years ago when the Joanne's that was close to me was closing. Just goes to show that if you are careful about what you purchase, staying true to your basic likes....who would have thought I would make a weird quilt that was perfect for the weird backing. Guess I am just weird :c) or maybe "quirky" is a better word.

Well, I am going to go back down now and work on the quilt and then put the borders on another and add it to my completed list....then start to prepare for Saturday. I have to work the first 6 hours of my 12 so I will need to essentially do most of my cooking on Friday.

Have a great day and "talk" to you later!!!!

My UFO 2011 List

2010-12-17T14:33:00.004-06:00

Okay---here is my "formal" 2011 list that I will be working from as part of the Judy Challenge (I don't have pictures, but will post them as I finish):

The scrappy house quilt
Batik strings (just needs a binding)
The star quilt (just needs a binding)
"Sewing Green" Drunkard's Path" (from old shirts)
"Traditional" string quilt
"Non-traditional" string quilt (tube first)
Paint box quilt
Red and White Log Cabin
Scrap Depression Block Quilt
Apple Core Quilt

I honestly can't think of 12 UFO's, so I am adding 3 quilts that I have been wanting to make and haven't yet:

(10) Half Log Cabin
(11) Scrap Flannel
(12) Zig Zag Quilt

I have one quilt that is a 10 year UFO---but I honestly am not sure I even want to finish it. I don't have the directions anymore----so I am going to think about that one. I guess I am setting myself up for a success by not adding it, since I don't even like it anymore. Hope that isn't cheating---I might add it later.

Well here is my list----let's hope I am not only successful in completing the list, but that I can link. Click on the badge on the right and see what you need to do to join! Please do---it will be fun!

xoxo

What Am I Working On??

2010-12-16T10:43:00.004-06:00

This is actually on my UFO list, but since I have completed two quilts, I thought I would work on this rather than start another new quilt.

If I make this quilt again, I will make sure the center blocks are over-size when I dye them. What I did was cut them the correct size, dye them and then when I washed the dye out many of them frayed. This then made some of the blocks slightly smaller. I think what I will do is to add strips of the bordering fabrics to make up the size. Some of the blocks will be "odd" but I think that will add to the quilts quirky personality. I am really working on my spontaneity. In the old days if the quilter ran out of one fabric, she would just substitute another one, maybe one that looked like the original, or even of a totally different color. When you see quilts like that, the makers creative adventure is highlighted, proofed by the "quirky" block. This quilt will have quite a few "quirky" blocks :c). Even with that, I am liking this quilt. I have two rows together and have 6 more to go. Of course I am making it bigger---remember, I don't do "small" much.

I am using a denim for the sashing and border. Not the jean type, but a lighter, more apparel weight denim that I just happened upon at Joanne's. It is working pretty good. I now just have to go up into my stash and see if I can find an appropriate backing. A blue and white batik would work great, but I don't have any so I will have to improvise.

Have a great day. BTW--Butch didn't call me back yesterday. I will give him until about 12 and then I will call him. I must have Harriett up and running!

xoxo

Harriet is Sick!!!!

2010-12-15T15:30:00.002-06:00

Harriet is the name of my long arm.. I have had problems with this machine since day one----I have never been able to really just thread it and start quilting. Something was always wrong---bad tension the most common problem, broken needles caused by some broken part. The dealer I purchased it from turned out to not be a very nice person and initially I called Gammill to complain and told them to take the machine back. Anyway, to make a long story short, I saved a long time for this machine and decided to go ahead and be a grown-up and deal with the issues. I have a small fortune tied up in tension gauges and finally found a thread she likes---the cheapest serger thread, and have been getting along fairly well. Then suddenly I started getting skipped stitches. I posted on the Yahoo group and got some good advice----I decided to "time" this honey-bunny. I thought I did a good job---but the problem continued. I purchased a video---$54 that was recommended and although I wish he would speak a little faster gives some good instructions with pictures (which helps me). Anyway, I called my son who just graduated from school and is a mechanic (don't know why I thought this would make him more likely to be able to fix my machine) and got him to help me unscrew screws. We worked on poor Harriet for over 2 hours and all we accomplished was getting the screwdriver slammed into my finger---the problem became worst. My son and daughter said they would pay for the repairman to come so "PLEASE Mommie, call the expert!!!" My husband just sorta looked over my shoulder directing (he had looked at the video too but said he wasn't touching that "machine and getting blamed for anything"). I followed their advice and called the repairman, Butch, and he is going to call me back tonight after he talks with his wife to see what she has planned for him next week but he thinks he will be able to come on Monday or Tuesday. I really hope so-----how I wish there was a local repairman---Butch is having to come from Alabama! I am not going to talk very much, since he is charging by the hour, and hope whatever it is, he can fix it really fast. He did make me feel better by saying it was a "art" to time the machine---wish someone had mentioned that in the video.

UFO Challenge

2010-12-13T20:26:00.002-06:00

I have decided to join Judy's UFO Challenge. Like everyone else I have UFO's but unfortunately, I keep adding to the list rather than making it smaller. I really want to get to the point through where when I start a quilt I work only on that one to finish it. The goal of the challenge is to finish a UFO a month. Hopefully I will not find myself finishing my UFO's but adding multiple quilts to the 2012 list. My UFO list for 2011 is:

Apple Core Quilt
Paintbox Quilt
Depression Block Quilt
House block scrap quilt (just started)
Hand-dyed center block quilt (oriental fabric framing)
Batik Quilt (only needs the binding)
Snowball quilt (only needs the binding)
String Quilt (made as a tube and then cut into a block).
Drunkard's Path

This is all I can think of right now. There is one other one but it is so old---about 7 years old and at this time, I am not even sure if I want to really finish it, plus I lost the directions so......... As you can see I haven't named the quilts yet so the names are descriptive only, hence string quilt that is made as a tube.

Let's see how I do. It sounds like fun though, but that quilt I started 7 years ago sounded like fun too.

xoxo

Why did I make a quilt using fruits and veggies?

2010-12-12T19:26:00.002-06:00

I am almost finished with my "Bountiful" quilt, and although I did a pretty good job---why would I make a quilt out of fruit and veggie fabrics? At the time it seemed novel, and maybe a fun quilt, but as I look at it it just seems strange. That tells you the type of mood I have been in lately. Anyway, I am going to finish it (of course) and who knows, my grand babies might think it would be fantastic to nap under. If not, this might be one I give to someone---not to a charity---but something like this needs a specific person in mind.

My week-end was a nice quiet one. I belong to two guilds, and one had their Christmas Party yesterday. There was lots good food, laughter and just enjoying being together. It rained and by the time the party ended, about 2PM, the temperature was falling. It has continued to fall and now it is snowing. School has been canceled and given that, my other Guild's Party is as well. Don't know when it will be rescheduled but at this one I was going to find out who my "Secret Sister" was. Well, that will have to wait.

No real news---so I will go back into my sewing room and tidy a bit---I have been in the scrap bins and fabric is EVERYWHERE!!!!!!

xoxo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!

2010-12-08T17:43:00.002-06:00

If you are one of my 27 Followers, you know I don't talk a lot about my life other than the quilting part. Unlike Lane when I do try to write about myself, it isn't interesting nor is it nearly as insightful as he does, so I just focus on quilting. Today however (since this is a bit like a journal), I thought I would admit that today is my birthday! For a long time I had a problem thinking about getting older. There was so much I wanted to do and it seemed that if I admitted I was getting older, I wouldn't be able to accomplish everything. Suddenly I realize that the opposite of getting older is to die young. which makes getting old not so bad after all.

I am now considered a "senior"---I can get a discount at Joanne's; at TJ Maxx on Wednesday's and at Kroger's as well. I have outlived my mother and one sister and unlike some people who are even younger, I am in pretty good health. I can still dance!, can sing the latest songs, even those that I don't really understand; can run a race with my grandchildren and still work a 12 hour shift at the hospital (although I do whine a lot about it). Some say I really don't look my age and most days I don't feel it either.

All in all, I think I have been blessed! I wish I had more money (who doesn't); wish I really could retire (instead I am preparing to return to school); and wish I could buy a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

All my children are well and WORKING; my grandchildren are all doing well in school; my husband still says he loves me and my friends are there for me. I have a pretty good life! Here's wishing me many more years!!!

What Have I Been Up To Lately?

2010-12-06T10:43:00.004-06:00

I have been alternately between working in a frenzy (starting a new quilt) to being so lethargic, all I can do is move from bed to sofa---there is a name for that, but I call it tired! To try to get my juices flowing again, I found a new quilt shoppe and went in to browse. I had seen the "Farmer's Market" line of fabs that are fruits and veggies and had thought about making a "New York Beauty" out of them---something different you know. Anyway, I purchased 15 FQ's and decided I needed something that was fast and "non-traditional" to take my mind off of things I should be completing. The fastest quilt I could think of was the "Turning Twenty" so that is what I made. The size I chose called for 16 FQ's which I didn't have, so I mixed in a green polka-dot. I think it looks pretty good----I am going to border it in the same green polka-dot and back it in a flannel that I have (red hot peppers). I think it will be a fun quilt to have in the upstairs den to snuggle in while watching television.

The other picture is of the quilt I am completing the quilting on. I am having "issues" with skipped stitches. I have re-timed the machine, changed needles, loosen the tension, etc. and although it is better, I am still getting skipped stitches. I am just going to plow on, going back to fill in and when I get an opportunity, have the dealer to come by and service the machine. Anyway, I am using a panto and although I would have like the thread to be not quite as dark, I think it is looking okay. My panto following is getting much better!!!! The is the quilt that was the Guild's "Mystery Day". It is my hand dyes (except for the grey) and is a scrappy purple and green.

School is coming to a close---I give my final tomorrow and then I will be out until Jan. 5. I intend to get some much needed rest. I am really tired, in body and spirit, so I am going to work really hard to rejuvenate myself!

Well, gotta go and do a bit of cleaning and washing before I get back to quilting. Take care and "see you soon".

xoxo

Thanksgiving!

2010-11-28T09:32:00.004-06:00

As the person in the family designated as the primary cook, I spent Thanksgiving cooking (as I am sure other "designated cooks" did). Every year I complain, but I want to continue the tradition of a homecooked meal. When I am cooking for a holiday, I make NOTHING from a mix, unless it is gravy---can't do gravy. This year though, I wanted us to eat early because my daughter, my DIL, a friend and her daughter and me were going to leave to do Thanksgiving shopping at 10 PM. I needed to get a little rest, so the plan was to eat early and then go to bed around 5PM. To accomplish this I needed to start cooking at 5AM, which I did. Everything turned out pretty good (I am a good cook, just don't really like to do it---would rather be quilting). We ate around 1 PM after our two oldest grandbabies got here.

Now for the shopping trip----it was cold and raining--yuk! As planned we met here and started out getting to our first stop Walmart, at 10:30. The store was already full! We had two electronic on our list---the $148 laptop (for my oldest granddaughter) and a DS (for my friend's granddaughter). My daughter got in line for the laptop and I in line for the DS. Now we were prepared for a long wait---since although you could purchase other things at 12 midnight, the electronics couldn't be purchased until 5 AM. I had my DS with me and a chair so I could sit. After we got there though the store had decided to give out wrist bands to those in line at 2 AM and then you could leave and come back at 5 AM to get the merchandise (a very good idea). All went well in the DS line--in fact they passed the bands out at 12 midnight (120 bands to the first 120 people in line) , but in the computer line, some guy named Q passed out too many bands for the number of computers (there were only 33 computers and he passed out twice the number). To stop the mounting anger of those in line with bands who clearly weren't going to get a computer, the company said they would honor their commitment and give rainchecks to people who didn't get one. Then some manager said that Walmart didn't give rainchecks and to stay in line---this went back and forth, but my daughter wasn't going anywhere. Anyway to make a long story short, we kept our place in line. My DIL stayed for the first hour while we left and did some shopping at another mall and then we all came back, taking turns standing in line while the other went about shopping for stuff on their list. We GOT the computer!

My birthday is coming up and I got myself a gift.......Sony Reader Pocket Edition. It was $98! compared to a higher price of $200 (I think). I am liking it. Now my husband is researching the Kindle (he always does that---get a better product---he doesn't know he will end up with a pink reader--LOL). I loaded some free books and purchased a Grisham novel. I love to read and love gadgets so this is perfect! I purchased the cover so it looks more like a book!

Now on the quilting front, my longarm is sick. The switch went out! You are suppose to be able to buy replacements at Radio Shack but we weren't able to find them so I had to order on line. Hopefully it will be here in week and I can get back to quilting.

Well, I think I am updated! Hope your holiday was a great one!