Stairway to Cat Heaven

Here's a photo of my mother with the Stairway wallahnging. That's dear little T-Bone touching the moon.  I didn't even notice that until I had uploaded the pictures to my computer.

It's finally starting to snow. We didn't get a white Christmas.  Oh well.

And here's a pic of the fabric for Bryan's fuzzy blankie.


Have a good day tomorrow!

Christmas Memories

O've been thinking back over all the Christmasses of my life, trying to decide which was my favorite Christmas. It would have to be when the older two were in elementary school. 
We were living in a 12x60 trailer. We had Keith's brother his wife, and three children,  his wife's mom, dad, and younger sister. The living room was in the front and we had gifts under the tree from wal to wall, literally. It was a grand, great time! This is only a portion of the gifts. The rest of the family hadn't arrived yet.

Now my tree sits on the piano, is prelit and pre decorated.  All i have to do is take it out of the box and plug it in. How times have changed!

I already have sewing jobs for 2010. Sigh. I don't think I'll ever get time to do MY sewing projects, unless I never sleep or eat!

Are any of you joining in on any mystery quilts?  I think I have three!  I'll do one and print the clues for the others so I can do them later.

We didn't get a white Christmas this year, but, hey, I for one am NOT complaining! It's those light grey clouds that usually foretell snow but I'm not sure there is any moisture in them.  It's chilly however, around 23* the last time I checked. BRRR!!!

THANKFULLNESSES

Today I'm thankful

That Jesus came to earth, died and was resurrected, went back to heaven and will soon come for us. And if you don't believe that.  I'm sorry, that's my belief.

That there isn't any snow.

That my house is semi-warm

That I have hot/cold running water

That my Best Friend Forever (BFF) is alive and well

THANKFULNESSES

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

I only have a few minutes before I need to get ready to go over the river and through the woods. I made it!  The wall hanging is done, done, done and wrapped, wrapped, wrapped. I get a photo of it with my mom today and post it, hopefully tomorrow.

Daisy wants to send her greetings also.  Here she is in her finery.

HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE !!!

Seven Days! Are you Ready?

Sorry, I haven't done anything noteworthy to photograph this week.

It hardly seems possible that it's only seven days until Christmas! If the rest of our winter is no worse than it has been, I just might survive LOL.

I came across the cutest little fabric trees while crusing around in blogland.  Cruise over to http://www.thesmallobject.com/  and check them out.

I thought I was nearing the end of the Christmas sewing.  Are Grandma's ever at the end? Of sewing, that is! Dear son called and let me know that his little girl would like an activity book made by Grammie for Christmas.  I told him I couldn't get one done and sent to her before Christmas but it will be my next project. One of these days Grammie will get to sew for herself, right?  Don't count on it !!

Our beautiful Mt. Hood has claimed three more lives, the oldest only 29. So sad. If people would just take the locator beacons with them these tragedies wouldn't happen. Not being a climber I don't understand why the need for climbing in the winter.

Sunday I will have a photo of the Stairway To Cat Heaven to show you.  It just needs the binding finished.  Because I'm actually going to get it done in time does that mean I get a shopping trip to an online quilt shop? Or a new attachment for my Janome?

If you would like some absolutely can't-eat-just-one cookies that are really easy to make, take few ingredients, no baking involved, then let your fingers take you over to Gudrun's World and find her recipe for Icelandic Coconut Balls. They are so scrumptious. She posted the recipe during her 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop.



Things I'm Most Thankful For

My three children and six grandchildren. They may not realize it but they are my mainstay.

Running water

Electricity

A dependable vehicle

And, most importantly, GOD. He is the One that keeps the world spinning, not President Obama, Al Gore, or Rush Limbaugh. Let's all take some time and thank Him for the blessings He grants us each day.

Close to THE END !! Hooray!

All I have left to do is finish the wall hanging.  I've finished the fuzzy blanket (we call them memes) for SIL. He is a HUGE Dale, Sr. fan, so what else would it be?

 I scored big with him when I made T-Bone a pillowcase with D.E. fabric I'd found!

I came across these cute little bird ornaments while browsing the web.

.http://www.purlbee.com/sewn-bird-ornaments/

They even look easy enough to make that you could stitch them up before Christmas.

It snowed last night!  OK, so it's just slightly more than a powdered sugar coating, maybe what a child would do if turned loose with the sifter! AND, (drum roll please!) the weatherman says it will continue to warm up! Hallellujah!  My back is tired of the couch in the living room.  I've been trying to rely mostly on the pellet stove, which leaves the bedroom on the chilly side. Now that it's up above the close to 0* mark the bedroom is brearable. I like a cool bedroom, not a frozen one LOL.

I'm Thankful for:

Electric heat

Pellet Stoves

Warm Blanets

Slipper Socks

Fleece Jammies

Notice how each one has something to do with staying warm !!

Have a WARM day!

Close to THE END !! Hooray!

Thanksgiving and back to SEWING

Thanksgiving is over for another year, families have all returned to their homes,

now I can get serious about finishing some works in progress. Such as this cute snowman card holder.

I'm not sure what I did but blogger and I are having issues about whether to left align or  NOT!

This gets a border with zig-zaged ribbon to slide the cards behind.

Grandson will get some pillowcases for his big-boy bed. Dad is a real Dale E, Sr. fan and I happened across this fabric one day. I didn't have any plans for it at the time but I think I can make T-Bone a cute pillowcase with it.

Dear daughter #2 has informed me that I will only be needed one day a week through the winter. Oh how sweet! More time for quilting!

There was a new JC Penny sale catalog in yesterday's mail.  I haven't looked at it yet but did notice a simple scrappy-looking quilt on the cover. One of my 'want-to-do' projects for this winter is to organize my quilt patterns. They are here-and-there in no particular order.  I do have the applique patterns in two binders but I know there are more to be added.

I need to get over to the sewing machine for the day.

 Each of you have a great day! 

Happy quilting!

Thanksgiving Thanks

That it hasn't snowed yet (to stick for the season) and isn't even that cold!

Night driving glasses

The internet

Family

Daisy

Ladybug

Digital Cameras (adding a sixth one today!)

Thanks for stopping by! Come by anytime, the tea kettle is always at the ready!

Rainy Days and Sundays

I only have two days left to finish painting the kitchen. You can guess what I'll be doing today! Somehow, I don't think the cabinets are going to change color. I'll be glad to get the walls done.

Meanwhile back in the quilting room, I have the wallhanging top done, ready to stitch around the appliques. It's much larger than I realized, nearly lap quilt size. If someone really wants a wallhanging size I'd reccommend reducing it by one-half. Or, plan on a large wall!

And all the little pieces on Special Delivery (Nov/Dec Quiltmaker) are fused, ready to be appliqued also. So, if I get the walls done I have things to sew. No, not if, when the walls are done.

Do any of you remember Bonanza the first time around? Chevrolet was a sponsor. For some reason that how-many-year-old commercial keeps going through my head. Didn't Dinah Shore sing the jingle? There was a Chevy driving along a straight streth of road somewhere in the Southwest, and the singing, "See the U S A in your Chevrolet." I was just a little kid, why in the world would I remember a Chevrolet commercial? And how many years' later?

We've had quite a discussion over on the Janome list as to whether there is anything we DON'T like about our machines. It evolved into a what-we'd- like-to-improve about our machines, as we don't have any major complaints. We all agreed on a low bobbin warning, a flashing light, not a beep system.If they can do it on cars, why not on sewing machines? No, not a low bobbin warning on the car, a low fuel warning! Silly!!

Why do I keep getting quilting magazines? With all the magazines I have marked with things I want to make, I certainly don't need anything else to tempt me! And an acquaintance is moving and sharing some of her old magazines with me.

Now if I could just get that sewing desk I've been wanting!

Sunday Simmers

Today I'm thankful that:

I don't live near a stream or river,

I can make it 30 more days and the days will be getting longer again,
Most of our family will be here for Thanksgiving.

My house may get cold at times, but at least it's dry,

AND most of all that God watches over us and keeps us from harm.

HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY!

Well, I wanated to add a photo but the little icon seems to be missing. So,you will see what I'm currently working on next time.

Been Wroking Hard

AHA !! I found the culprit as to why my titles were appearing in some STRANGE test! Somehow the enable translation was set to Hindi. After fixing that, Wa-lah!, I'm in English again! If only all problems were that easily fixed.

Any of you that like mystery quilts head on over to Quiltvillechat at Yahoo Groups. Bonnie is starting a new mystery on Black Friday. She's not adding it to her website as it will appear in a future book. This will be the only chance to get it free. They are always a lot of fun, although my first one is still unfinished!

My car is ready to be brought home. YAY! Now for a garage to park its nice shiny feathers in! The kids all call it my little yellow canary!

A word of advice: If you're not diabetic, check your blood sugar once in awhile anyway. I'm so SICK of sticking my fingers, taking injections, not being able to eat what everyone else does. NOT FUN.

Computer time is up, sewing machine is calling me.

Have a fantastic day!



Thursday Thanks



Warm clothes and a warm house. It got downright cold last night!

My beautiful Janome sewing machine

Paint to cover up these UGLY walls.

That I live in the country

Friends

DOES TIME GO FAST, OR WHAT?


I tried to put a title up there but everything turned to Chinese looking characters when I hit enter. When,if, I ever get time I'll have to see if I can figure out what's going on.

I'm 'On Call' today. Which means if son-in-law gets called to work I need to be ready to go over there. Dear daughter calls it a Slave's Day Off, I prefer, Grammie's Day Off!

I'm finally on my way doing the 36 nine-patch blocks for the Cats Stairway to Heaven wall hanging. I did about 12 in an hour last night. I've only had one or two blocks that are a little off, and that's not enough to really notice. Here are some photos of my progress.




This is the fabric for the other sets of blocks. The lavender has glitter in it!



This is the moon and the night sky. They both are glittery also. i discovered that it's difficult to find just the right dark shades of blue. So i gave up and other than the lavender, the recipient's favorite color, I tried to get as dark as possible.

I'm going to make today productive and not just sit and hibernate in front of the computer. (but..but...but, it's SO much fun!)

Have you heard about the Cross Country Christmas blog hop? There are twelve designers. Each one will post a Christmas project for the next 12 days, beginning today. There will be prizes also! So hop on over to Gundrun's World, www.gudrun.typepad.com/ If I knew how to make it a link I would, but I don't. I tried clicking on the icon for 'link' but nothing happened.

Have an absolutely awesome day!

Monday Greatfuls

For hot coffee to warm me on these cold, cold days.

For my children and grandchildren

For the knowledge that we really AREN'T entering the next iceage

For warm clothes

For the fact I will get MY car back this week, hopefully! I'm grateful for the loaner from Mom but it's just not the same.

This is an untitled post. For some reason whatever I try to enter in the title bar turn to gibberish. I don't know what's happened.

I got news today that I have won two different contests. Now if I could just remember what they were!! I know the one had to do with breast cancer awareness. I've been searching through my blog list trying to find it again. So far, no luck.
Getting older and having those 'Senior Moments' is so much fun. NOT.

So what have I been doing lately? I've started the cutest little oven mitts. They are little hens. I only have the wings done so far or I'd show you.

I got my new issue of 'Quick Quilts' and want to make part of a winter wall hanging. It has a polar bear family next to a sing that says Welcome to the North Pole. Since I'm always cold I thought that would be very fitting to have on the front door!

I re-arranged the living room and now have an extra piece of the sectional I'm not sure what to do with. It's not very attractive as the center piece in the middle of the floor. Keith said it would be very difficult to put it in one of the other rooms. (like there is space anyway!) I hate being the teeny tiny woman in the teeny tiny house!

I intended to paint on the kitchen ceiling for an hour today but my arms had a different idea. But I did get about halfway across the room, so I don't feel bad. If you count the set up and clean up time it was probably close to an hour. I hadn't noticed how dingy it was until I started with the fresh paint. What a difference!

While I was browsing through my list of saved blogs I came across the perfect purse. But the pattern comes from Australia. It just looks like an ordinary bag but opens WIDE. It's called a Stable Bag. I don't know why it's called that, but it's just what I need. Whatever I want is always in the very bottom of my purse.

Tuesday Thanks

That it's almost November already

That Winter won't last forever

That it's almost bedtime

That sometimes you don't really know who your real friends are, until they're needed

That Fall colors are so beautiful

Scrambled Thoughts

Only mending done this week, nothing fun or exciting. But...by asking a question on one of the quilting groups I belong to I did find the applique portions of a wall hanging I would like to do as a Christmas gift. I think I can figure out the rest of it. That's a big plus!

I've been 'trying' to get sick this week. Fever and chills, runny nose, just a touch of a sore throat, general malaise. Thursday I felt like I could go to bed and not wake up until the alarm went off on Monday morning. Unfortunately, the body won't cooperate! I did tell Keith that he was on his own for lunch today. I just don't feel up to cooking anything. Now, if I just had a nice thick book to read!

Do any of you readers cross stitch or embroider? I'm searching for a better method of storing my hundreds of flosses. I'm toying with designing my own. I have stored them on those little plastic bobbins in a fishing tackle box. It works but then every time I get a new color, sigh, I have to rearrange them all. When you have as many colors as I do, that's a time consuming job. I need something that will hold many many skeins. Please let me know if you have a system that works for you. If my brainy idea works I'll post a picture

As Bugs Bunny said, "That's All Folks!"

Thankful For

Puffs Plus Tissues

Warm Clothes

A few days off from babysitting

That I know this too shall end!

Online Quilting Groups

The sun is shining, the skies are blue, but don't let that fool you! If you're old enough, hear this in Bing Crosby's voice! If you're not, you're going to say, "WHO?"

I'm so cold and would really love a nice hot cup of coffee, but I really need to sleep tonight. GD says, Grammie, no nappin', when I doze off watching Elmo for the upteenth time.

I told myself that I was going to work on getting the foot stool finished today. Hasn't happened! But I have taken a nice long nap. Does that count? And watched most of a NASCAR race. But anything productive, like even putting some paint on the kitchen ceiling? Nah. Aren't some sunday's just meant for lazing around?

I did get some applique out, look at it, make sure I still have all the pieces, and arrange it. Does that count?

Does paper multiply at your house? It sure does here. I have stacks and stacks of papers that are needing attention. The recycling guys will love me when I finally get it all taken care of.

Sunday Simmers

Thankful for the electric furnace that always comes on

Thankful for the ability to take a day off from the hussle and bustle of life

Thankful for understanding, caring friends

Thankful for my youngest daughter who has a birthday today (hard to claim 29 when your 'baby' is 29!)

Thankful that the huge SUV didn't damage my car any worse than it did

Rainy Days!

Yahoo! It rained! Well, to some of the rest of you it was a sprinkle, but it was enough to make the eaves drip and the big dog all wet. (uck! and then she wants me to pet her?) That counts as rain here.

I've been in a sewing slump lately. Browsing all my bookmarked blogs has me inspired again. I did manage to get one teapot cut out. Now to fuse it onto the topper before I lose track of all the pieces!

We've come up with another plan to fix Heidi's coffe table cover. I'm going to put wide elastic diagonally on the back side of each corner. That's on the top of my list for tomorrow so I can take it over to her on Monday.

Today we are going to spend the afternoon with friends. There will be eight of us if everyone shows. If I had my "druthers" I'd stay home and take a very long nap! This kind of weather does that to me.

If you recall, a while back I made a pin cushion for a swap. Mine came in at sixth place but was the first one chosen. Now I've started collecting pin cushion patterns! I saw the cutest ones made to looks like toadstool houses. So cute! I printed off the instructions but don't remember the website so I can give the creator credit. Found it. http://thelittlehousebythesea.wordpress.com . They are Toadstool Cottage and Mushroom House. I'm afraid if I make them I won't want to give them away. So, does that mean I need to do two sets?


Thankfulness's

For friends we can get together with

For the rain

For a warm house

For my sweet little dog (except when she's naughty)

For my little yellow canary car up and running again

Have an awesome weekend!

Errata

Another week is over.; The sun is still shining. Cooler mornings mean Autumn is creeping in. Indian Summer!

Daisy is moping around after her surgery yesterday. I hope she blames her misery on the vets office and not me!

Keith is out cutting wood for the stove in the shop. Another sign that Winter will soon be here. We have a pellet stove here in the house. We figured it out though and dollar-wise, it's no cheaper. But it does use less electricity, so...

I've been making "some" progress on my new table topper. I have the wedges sewn and the three circles sew together. Next is making the teapots and attaching them. Then I can sandwich it and quilt it. Here's a pic of what I have done.


I'm slowly getting the kitchen painted. I'm only buying paint by the quarts so I don't have so much left over to add to the collection. I want to finish the ceiling before doing the upper area. I tend to be a messy painter.

I have the coffee table cover done. Now I'm trying to decide just how to attach it in a way that little busy children won't undo it. Probably impossible with little man!

I'm working on getting my yard put to bed while the afternoons are still warm. We have such an overabundance of jellowjackets it's almost easier in the mornings while they are still snug in their nests.

Someone was asking what green chicken eggs look like So I took a pic while I was washing and weighing the eggs. So here it is.

In this photo they really don't look very green at all. Have to try again sometime.

Friday Appreciations

The week is over!
I feel as though I got a FEW things accomplished
We get to see good friends tomorrow
Daisy is doing fine
We're all healthy

Applique Projects

Do you like applique? i love it! If you do too, have you been to the Fat Cats website? Sindy is an absolutely amazing designer! I'm planning on doing the Frogies for my granddaughter and the Jungle Fever for her brother as part of their Christmas from Grammie. Aspen is even getting me hooked on frogs! When I get some blocks done I'll post some pictures.

It's a grey day here in my area. Typical for late September. Probably will not need the a/c today! It's supposed to get warmer the middle of next week. Summer's last hurrah as it gives way to Fall. Sigh. I need to go out tomorrow and empty the flower pots, trim/pull up things in my little garden area, put away the lawn furniture and generally get ready for winter. Is a six month vacation to somewhere way south of here on that list? Ha-ha!

The most exciting thing I've done this week? Yesterday was Daisy's 5th birthday so I bought a package of cookies with no chocolate and gave her one in lieu of a cake! Wow! Not very exciting around here is it? As a treat I let her ride to town with me. She loves riding in the car! The only thing I don't care for is she really likes perching (?) on the back of my neck so she can see out better. I really need to get her a doggy car seat. I'm sure she would like it.


Saturday Thoughts

If you don't serve the Lord then skip this part, it's not meant to try and proselytize anyone just express my thoughts.

Praise The Lord for one day a week I can rest!

Praise the Lord for pets that are so bonded to us

Praise the Lord for families

Praise the Lord for Seasons, even if I don't care for certain one's

Praise the Lord for beauty

Sunny Day and Cool Tip

It's promising to be a sunny day...and warmer also! (I really need to live in the South Seas somewhere!)

I just read an email with the neatest trick, not quilt related but still awesome if it really works. It said to fill a sandwich baggie half full of water, add four pennies, and hang it up where flies are a problem. They won't hang around. If it works that's a pretty cheap fix, and no toxic things messing with the environment.

I'm making a quilt block for a list buddy that's been ill. At this point I don't want to say anything more publicly but the name of the block is Contrary Wife. Hubby probably would say I should have an entire quilt of THAT block!!

Oh, here's a pic of the little pincushion I made. I had some issues with the pattern pieces not being quite right but did the necessary adjustments.



My sister-in-law that owns a quilt shop was telling me how the fabric companies are going back to the 70s prints and colors. After looking at the fabrics I chose for the pincushion I would have to agree.

Just WHY isn't sewing taught in high school any longer? Now dear daughter has me making a cover for her coffee table to protect it from her two young children. I tried to tell her that when you have kids, that's ALL you have. You can have nicer furniture after they leave home.

We had another bad experience at the local big-chain fabric store. We needed 1.5 yards of fabric and it was supposed to be 30% off. I even asked at the cutting table to make certain that particular fabric was included. Yes, it was. We get to the register and were charged regular price. I complained so the lady checked and made the adjustment for us. Fine. I bring the fabric home, and when I'm ready to sew it up, oops, there's only 48" not 54". So I have to wait until my next trip to that town, take it back, ask them to remeasure it, sure enough, even their yardstick said 48". So they cut me another piece. Don't they realize that in the long run they are only hurting themselves? They have always made things right but it's the aggravation factor for me and the fact it means ANOTHER trip to the fabric store. I don't life close enough that I can just jump in the car and buzz down there. I plan my trips to coincide with the days I work.

That Contrary Wife is being just that! I re-did two of the half square triangles because they were crooked. Second time around? They are supposed to be 4 1/2". One was only 4". So I've given up for today. She wants to be that way, she can just sit in the corner for a day or two. You know, time out!

I did this silly thing on Facebook this morning. I'm not going to die until I'm 87, and that will be by mauling from a cougar. There are cougars around here so that could be a possibility! Can't you just see me tottering down the road for my morning walk and get ambushed by a cougar!

I got a little sample can of Beher's new Primer Plus Paint. Wow, that goes a long way. And it does a really nice cover also. I'm painting light blue over lavender. That little 1 cup sample can probably has done a fourth of the kitchen. The easy places where I don't have to remove very much stuff !!

Thankfulness's

It's FRIDAY !!!

It's warmer today than yesterday

No cougars out today LOL

Ya'll have a great weekend! Enjoy the last days of summer weather!

A Reason to Save Things

Not a very warm holiday here! The last time I checked it was 55* at 11 a.m. That's just plain old chilly. Plus we have a nice breeze close to 20 mph. The sun was shinning and i thought I'd go clean up the remnants of my little garden. Nope. Too breezy.

I'm stuffing a little pincushion and thought it would be nice to include a tiny bit of sand or silica in the center to sharpen pins and needles. All I need is something tiny to keep the sand in place. But since I don't save EVERYTHING I'm on a search. I know my children would dispute that last fact!! Something the size of a small medicine cup would work. Hmm...I wonder if I threw out all those little plastic cups that I used for lotion samples way back when? Hopefully I'll have a picture to share later.

Today I'm really trying to stick with the eating plan my doctor gave me. I'm starving and I've already gone over my carb allowance for the day. Sigh. Someday I'll find just the right combination of foods. I hope.

Have a GREAT day!

Monday Musings

I LIKE the peace and quiet of living in the country

I LIKE my wonderful sewing machine

I LIKE being healthy enough to do things on my own

I LIKE watching the cloud formations as they scurry by

I LIKE having a nice space between me and the neighbors. (or would that be the neighbors and myself?)

Summer Is Over

Can we paraphrase that oldie, "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?" to Where Has All My Summer Gone? It is extremely chilly here tonight. OK, so extremely is a tad of an exaggeration, but you get the idea. Even my little Daisy is complaining of it being too cold.



I took this picture late this afternoon just up the road from our place. It doesn't really do justice to the contrast of the stormy clouds and the stark white of the wind turbines. Maybe someday I'll make a wallhanging of the way it REALLY appeared. If you look REALLY hard you can see the little town we live near. The light spot in the midst of the further trees is the grain elevator about 8 miles away.

I'm in the process of making a little Dresden Plate pincushion. I'm using mainly chocolate and blue. I really like that color combination. i should have it done in the morning. I'll post a pic when it's ready.

Daisy is insistently telling me SHE thinks we should go to bed. Silly dog! So in order to quite her down I will do her bidding! Now the young cyotes are out learning to howl at the full moon. Wish they'd go somewhere else! Maybe they like listening to Daisy bark at them!


Saturday Somethings

Why must summer end with such a vengance?

I'm thankful for good friends.
I'm thankful for warm weather, while it lasts.
I'm thankful for family.
I'm thankful for my computer and the internet.
I'm thankful for a furnace!

Have a great weekend!!

Slow Down Mode

All the grandchildren are back at their homes, getting ready for the start of school I'm sure. Now Grandma gets to do some seewing for herself. Maybe.

I was just looking through my stash picking out fabrics for a table quilt. I'm in the process of changing my kitchen from lavender/green to blues/pale yellow/white with a touch of red thrown in. Mainly because I have one of those repro red step stools. It looks really out of place against those walls!

I found some 30s print at my sister-in-law's fabric shop to make curtains from. It has three shades of blue with tiny yellow flowers. I'm making tabs to lift the curtains up and down. Somehow I managed to "break" the roman shades! I thought, well, the worst I can do with these is break a button!

So other than my weekly babysitting, that's what I've been doing. And making the hornets angry! A word of advice. DON'T mow close to their nests. Not even accidentally. It hurts really bad! They even stung both dogs.



Have an absolutely wonderful day!

Saturday Musings

Just what are hornets good for?
Why don't we get thunderstorms here?
Why can't I read a book without feeling like I'm wasting time?

I Did IT !!!

I got the three cart covers finished and sent them home with Julianne. Yay!! Now it's on to dolly clothes for Aspen's birthday, which is next Sunday. I must worked well under pressure or something. Not.

Did I say something about the man that said he wasn't going to cater for the fire crews this summer? Guess where he is !! Yep! Somewhere in California.

After having grandkids nearly all summer, the break from EVERYONE is sorely needed and appreciated.

Here are pics of the shopping cart covers and one dolly dress, modeled by Aspen's Mommies very old CP Doll.



Saturday Thankfullnesses

That I can rest today

That I have peace and quiet for a change

That when I clean the house, it stays that way (for a bit, anyway)

That my family is healthy

That The Lord watches over us

Long Time No See Me

Due to having various bored granddaughters over the past several weeks my computer time has been limited. I only have one here now and she's sleeping so I'm sneaking in here.

I almost have the first of the shopping cart cover finished. I'm putting a quilt type binding around the top, then the elastic in to hold it on to the cart, and it will be done, done, done. Yea!!!

It's hard to believe it is already August. Where has the summer gone? We are just now getting nice warm weather. The next few days will bring a slight cooling, so the weatherman says.

I had a bad experience at a fabric store, which will remain nameless for the time being. I bought the other two pieces of fabric for the cart covers. I'm happily cutting away yesterday morning...and,come up about 1 1/2 yards short. Of course, I immediately called the store and told the young girl that answered my problem. Her reply was, and I quote: "Bring all your scraps and your receipt in and we'll figure out where YOU cut wrong." Before I called I sat down and added up how much fabric I have left and the length of the pieces I'd already cut. Let's do the math; 2 pieces at 24" equals 48" or 1 1/3 yards. 4 pieces at 18" equals 72", or 2 yards, for a total of 3 1/3 yards. Plus 12" left over. Grand total of 3 2/3 yards. I paid for 4 yards. I feel that since they shorted me they should GIVE me 1/2 yard. I don't want to have to piece the fabric. That would be ugly on something that is being purchased. How tacky! It may be Friday before I can get back over to the store. I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

On another blog I saw the cutest little pincushion. One of the chat lists I'm on is having a pincushion swap and I want to make one for the swap. It's at Boutique NutMeg Designs if you want to see it.

I'm not sure just when I'll ever get to start quilting again. One of my daughters has requested some dolly dresses for her daughter's birthday which is in a few weeks. I'm ruing the fact I didn't make her learn to sew!!!



Wednesday Wonderings

WHY is summer so short?
WHY are yellowjackets EVERYWHERE?
WHY are there snakes?
WHY are there rude drivers
WHY does time go so fact the older you get?

Have A Great Day !!!

Alone Again...Sorta

This is the little lap quilt I made my Mom. I know all kinds of things NOT to do to a quilt now!

Granddaughter #2 went home yesterday. She'd been here three weeks and was missing her Mom, so they came and got her a week early. So I actually have a few moments on the computer!

I'm in the midst of trying to better organize my sewing/computer room. Hopeless, I know, but still... I was counseled to remove the closet doors, and one thing for certain, you WILL keep the closet less cluttered. Before it was a handy hiding place if someone was coming over! Stuff whatever in the closet and shut the door. I'm sure you know the routine!

I put a low, wide dresser that was my grandparents in the closet with a plastic storage unit on either side. Also many storage crates of various sizes. That side of the room is beginning to take shape. Now I need to take a trip to a "Mart" store and get more bins.

I'm also putting up some extra wallpaper that I had in the closet where the computer is. I'm tired of looking at chipboard, wafer-wood, or whatever it is, it's unappealing.

I also went out and mowed the yard around the hosue early this morning before it got too warm to do it. (I have a riding mower! Don't think I'm THAT ambitious!) I like it so much better when it's been trimmed. Which reminds me, it's time to go change the sprinkler.

I finally finished the little "what-in-the-world-am-I-doing?" quilt for my Mom. Now I just need to catch her at home. She's always going on one jaunt or another.

My back has quit aching so it must be time to get back to the task at hand.

Quick Note

Just a quick note to let anyone who reads this know I haven't given up. I've just been really, really busy.

I have a granddaughter here for two more weeks who is one the computer most of the time. I know, Bad Grammy! But she's so bored here.

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. Now it's back to the whirl of real life.

I've been commissioned to make three more shopping cart covers. Not my favorite things to do but maybe they will go faster this time. I hope so.

Back to the task (?) of babysitting two of the grandkids. They are fun but when I think of all I need to be doing at home...well, you know. Wish I lived where they could come to my house!

My mother's quilt is all but done. I found a place where the scissors nipped it so I'm putting some appliques over each corner to cover it up! And, yesterday morning I made a little tote bag for my daughter. She wants it for the stroller when she goes walking. I'd post a picture but it's just black cotton duck, nothing exciting there!

If I'm going to get any breakfast before I need to leave I better get it.

Have an AWESOME day !!

Monday Musings

Why is Summer so short? and cold.
What happened to Global Warming? It sure isn't here !!
What am I going to do with this batch of wet clothes that are draped all over my COLD house?

Sharon Shamber Videos

If you are a beginning quilter, or even experienced, watch the two videos on You Tube about Hand Basting a Quilt without Pins. It's a fantastic method.

I'm trying to get a quilt basted and I'm going to try this method. Since I have such a small space to work in, I think this will be a big benefit.

I tried to embed the videos but I must be doing something incorrect because it didn't work for me. So you will just have to go to the site. Hmmm. I'll try copying the URL for you and see what happens. It won't even do a copy/paste. Gremlins must have been playing with my computer during the night !! Well, go to Sharonshambernetwork.com you should be able to find it there. There are two videos dealing with this topic.

Happy Quilting!

Monday Musings

Why is the first full day of summer so cold here?
Why are the days already getting shorter when summer hasn't really started yet?
Why aren't there more hours in a day?
Why do quack grass and weeds grow so fast?
Why is it, the older you get the faster the days go by?

Time Does Fly

I've discovered a new (to me) blog. It's called The Life and Times of Not Quite June Cleaver. Any of you who are as old as me will know who June Cleaver was. And those of you who aren't....well, look her up on the Web! She is having a contest of sorts every Friday she will post two recipes, we make them and post pictures on our blog, plus mention her blog. She has a 'drawing' every Friday for those who have entered.

So, I've mentioned her now all I have to do is get busy and cook. (what's that?) The first recipes are for a berry cobbler and quiche. So that shouldn't be too difficult. She's breaking us in easy, I guess!

One of the quilt groups that I belong to is doing a pincushion swap. I have the one I'm doing all cut out, just need to finish it so I can get it in the mail.

Mom's quilt is coming along....slowly. Somewhere I think something got stretched because to my eye it looks like the front and back don't quite fit. We'll see. I just want to get it done. I pledged to myself that I wouldn't start another quilt until this one was all done.

We had 40 mph winds yesterday and part of my clothesline fell down. My dryer has a problem also. Somewhere somebody needs to do some fixing!! Oh well, such is life in the country.

Now I need to get busy.

Have an awesome day!

Sunday Ponderings

Why is summer on the decline before it get warm weather?
Why does the wind have to blow SO hard?
Why is it so much hard work to keep a house clean and tidy?
Why can't I find the things I put in safe places!?
Why is it more fun to start something than finish it?

Thankfulnesses

That the horrific thunderstorm that hit parts of the Northwest didn't hit here.
That our more than usual rainy weather has made my yard nice and green
That my little garden is doing nicely
That my husband has a good job when so many don't.
That right at this moment there is NO wind!

Perfect Day

You couldn't ask for a more beautiful day! It's in the mid-70s with a very thin cloud cover. I ought to be outside enjoying it. Why is Winter 9 months long and Summer only a few short weeks? Very unfair!

One of my quilt groups is doing a pincushion swap. I've finally decided on a pattern. Now the job of finding the perfect fabric. I want it to turn out "just right"! I need to quit being so indecisive and get with it because it needs to be to the recipient by the 15th. I'll post a picture after that date so I'm not giving anything away. Just incase she reads this!

Time to go do something more constructive. Even if it's wrong, at least I tried.

Tuesday Thankfulls

For Summer
For my Children
For my dogs
For A quiet, safe place to live in the country
For Freedom to live the way I want (this should have been #1. Eh?)

Quiet Weekend

Friday evening I set out two more tomato plants along with two zucchini and a cucumber. I also have two good sized rhubarb plants. That's the start of my kitchen garden. Keith finally got the bed finished and filled for me. It looks so nice!

You've got to wander over to Kalama Quilts and watch the video of Sharyn hooping! Fantastic! You'll see what I mean!

Being diabetic is quite a challenge for me but I came across this recipe for rhubarb crisp that I could easily modify to my requirements. Not Keith's Mom's rhubarb pie but under the circumstances I guess it'll do!

Rhubarb Crisp (adapted from Mindy Breckenridge's cookbook)

Filling

12 cups chopped rhubarb
1 1/2 cups water
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 1/4 cups fructose
1 1/2 Tbs vanilla

Combine rhubarb, water and salt in a large heavy pot. Bring to a boil and simmer with the lid on until tender. Mix cornstarch with sweetener. Pour gradually into boiling rhubarb while stirring quickly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into ad 13x9 glass baking dish and set aside.

Filling

1 1/2 cups flour (I'm allergic to wheat so I used millet flour)
1 1/2 cups quick oats
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (opt)
1 cup sucanat OR brown sugar
1/2 cup fructose
1 cup butter OR margarine

Combine four, oats, sucanat and fructose in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Cut in margarine until crumbly. Crumble over rhubarb filling. Bake at 350* for 25-30 minutes.

It was so GOOD to find something that satisfied my sweet craving without raising my blood sugar through the roof! I still practice portion control, but just the fact that I'm not totally deprived is a treat. The millet flour had a texture somewhere between cornmeal and regular flour. Not objectionable in this particular recipe.

I haven't been doing much on the quilting lately. I did actually get out a quilt I need to get sandwiched, looked at it and then at the beautiful day outdoors and thought, Nah! I want to get that quilt all done so I can do something else. I found the cutest purse pattern and want to make it. (I have a purse fetish!) I change purses like...well, you know.

Sunday Greatful's

For a beautiful day
For a long weekend
For my family
For a quiet place in the country
For the Internet

Ya'll have a GREAT holiday!

Peaceful Saturday

It was a glorious morning and afternoon. Nearly perfect weather. And so quiet! It was awesome. I spent a great deal of time out in the lawn swing reading.

Heidi called me specially to say that Owie Boy is walking now! His sister took her time. I think she's going to be a little perfectionist. She waited until she KNEW she could do it RIGHT! Little does Heidi realize what lies ahead! We won't tell her either will we? No one warned us!!

If you have cats you will just love this easy to make kitty bed. Here's a link--
http://network.bestfriends.org/crafts

When you get to it click on resources. The very first one is a document link that says Sweatshirt Cat Bed. All it takes is an old sweatshirt (small is best unless you have a VERY large cat) and some poly stuffing.

Here it is Monday and I still haven't posted this,. Better get busy!

I'm working on an applique wall hanging right now. It's called Spring Basket. I don't remember just where I found it. It's a basket with daffodils and petunias. LOTS of pieces I'm discovering LOL I'll post a photo when it's done! I've got the fabric picked out and am in the process of cutting the pieces. Goes much faster after I heard the tip about using spray startch to stiffen the fabric. I have a small table that I put in the living room so while I'm watching my favorite tv show I can mark and cut pieces.

You all have a GREAT Monday!

Monday Musings

I know the wind cleans the air but does it HAVE to cleanse so vigorously?

It's nice weather. Why can't the mice move outdoors? I'm TIRED of being their cleaning maid. And I don't WANT a house cat, but the dog doesn't seem to be doing the job.

How do clothes get dirty so fast?

Sunny Days Are here Again!

We received 1/5" of rain yesterday afternoon and evening. And of course, I'd chosen yesterday morning, which was sunny, to put the cushions on the lawn chairs. When Keith came home and broght them in they were soggy with water. I didn't bring them in when it started to rain because we were scheduled for rain SHOWERS, not DOWNPOURS!! I'm not putting the cushions back out yet because I heard today will be a repeat of yesterday and tomorrow will be worse. So, might as well wait.

I have the Mosaic Tiles all quilted. I was ready to put the binding on--couldn't find the fabric. I did a serpentine stitch over the seams and in the snowball blocks I did a free motion heart. Some of them certainly LOOK free! But by the time I was getting to the end they looked better. I toyed with the idea of taking the errant stitching out and redoing it. But this is a practice quilt, not one to be judged by anyone. And, if the 'quilt police' don't like it...be my guest LOL

In crusing around the internet one day, I saw the most amazing Storm At Sea quilt. The way it was quilted, and the color combinations really made it look like storm tossed waves. I didn't bookmark it, and do you think I can find it again? Not a chance! Barbara Wynne has done one call After the Storm At Sea, which is awesome. She added three small sailboats and an object that is supposed to be a compass i assume. In the center of the quilt she put red, pinks, orages to represent the sunrise. Needless to say, it won a ribbon at a show!

My two year old granddaughter, the one I babysit, has a cold. I think it's her first real cold. Mom stayed home from work yesterday because they were both sick.

They say only newcomers and fools try to predict the weather around here. I guess so. Just while I've been writing this it has clouded up, the wind is about 20 mph, and it's RAINING. So much for sunny days.

Time to go change the tv channel. The View is on. I don't mind their subject matter, but eventually the squabbling, however friendly, wears on these old ears.

Have an AWESOME day!

Tuesday Thankfulnesses

Sunshine
Green grass
Birds Singing
Friends
Grandchildren

It's Monday morning!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. It was actually somwhat pleasant here (the wind wasn't blowing a gale!). I managed to get outside and scrub up a Little Tikes desk so one of the granddaughters could use it.

I also got the blocks done for a Turning Twenty block exchange I'm in. The last one we did was black/red/white. This one is any floral. Anything goes as long as you can find a flower in it. Mine will be in today's mail to their new owners. It's fun to see what design others send you. You send for blocks to each of the others in the group and they add two strips and send them back. When you get them all you decide on the layout, sew the blocks together, and...you have a quilt top all done.

Monday Thanks

That I don't have a mortgage
That my husband has a good job
That my car is paid for
That my family is healthy
That I live in the country

Have I mentioned Fat Cat Patterns before? If so, disregard. I'm really enjoying applique and am itching to get started on some of her patterns. If you like applique, go on over to her site. Sindy has a special for the months of April and May. Believe me, you won't want to miss it.

I promised my Mom that I'd get her quilt quilted before Mother's Day. It's creeping up fast! I have another one that I want to 'practice' on before I make a mess out of hers. I'm not planning on anything too ambitious, I've only machine quilted one other quilt and that was a disaster 30 years ago! Hopefully I've learned a few things in the meantime.

Have you heard Susan Boyle sing? If not, go to Google Videos. There is one of her singing Cry Me a River that is just beautiful. You really need to experience her singing.

I'm STILL working on my April bunny basket. I just have the eggs and a little chickie to do. All the thread changes take up so much time! It's not perfect but I hope with each one I do I get a little better at it.

I also have Esther Aliiu's Mystery BOM called Red Delicious, which has absolutely NOTHING to do with apples, by the way. She only leaves the pattern up for a month. If you miss it, there is a charge. So I'll have to buy the first three. Believe me, they are worth it!

I got a phone call from my granddaughter Aspen a bit ago. What's unusual about that, you ask? This is the very first time she has called Grandma, 'Ma' to her, and actually TALKED to me, rather than it being a one-sided conversation. Those are the kind of things that are precious to Grandmas.

Off to enjoy a teensy-weensy bowl of ice cream. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Saturday Blessings

A day of rest
A beautiful Spring day
Bird songs
Grandchildren
Computers

Rainy Days and Sundays

Drip, drip, drip! Not complaining in the least. I was about to drag out the sprinklers, my flowers were getting very thirsty. The grass is getting very tall though, I need a day that's dry and warm enough to mow before I have to call a friend with a swather and baler!!

It would be a good day to sew but it's so gloomy I just haven't been in the mood. So I've been browsing online, looking at all the free patterns and quilting sites.

I saw the neatest idea...somewhere. They had mounted photos, all the same size, on cardstock and then clipped them to a wire mounted on the wall. I want to do it a little differently and clip the photos to a piece of clothesline. Hmm, maybe even cut the cardstock in the shape of various clothes and use clothespins. Wish I still had all those cute little plastic ones from when I was a kid! Remember them? Back in the 50s, if I remember correctly.

I did work on one of my blocks-of-the-month, A Tisket, A Tasklet. The April one is a basket with a chocolate bunny, colored eggs and baby chick. I cut my chick facing the wrong direction so need to cut another chick. I have discovered I have a real passion for applique, much more so than piecing actually. above is a picture of my block so far. As you can see nothing is stitched yet, it's just in the arranging stage. Now I need to splurge and buy some of those really nice threads I've heard about. I love the way the egg that I used the batik fabric for turned out.

Hope you all enjoy what's left of the weekend!

Sunday Smilies

The rain
Daffodils
A roof that doesn't leak
Greenery Outdoors
Baby Animals (as long as they belong to someone else!)

Spring is getting closer

It's a beautiful morning. The sun is shining. Unfortunately, the wind is blowing also so it's not very warm.

Mercy me! I just heard this terrible racket and looked out to see what Keith is doing now. You know men, sometimes they can do the crazest things! Well, he's off the hook. It was like an old DC-3 flying very very low a few hundred feet from my house. I never heard a crash so I gather the pilot knew where he was going. Certainly not to our local airport, much too big to land there. That was enough excitement for one day, for sure.

My crocus are blooming and the daffodills aren't far behind. Now, if it would just warm up so I can get out there and clean out the flower beds. WHY do weeds grow so well over the cold, cold winter anyway?

I'm moving the computer into a closet that was just full of 'stuff'. A lot of it was clothes that realistically I know I will never fit into again. And, if I did they'd be the wrong color or whatever. So huge gulp, I'm cutting up some of my favorite shirts for quilt scraps. The rest are going to SA (Salvation Army).

I picked up the new issue of the Fons & Porter quilting magazine and there is the cutest round table topper in it. They did it in reds/yellows with chicken fabric and chickens appliqued around it. Since those aren't my colors, I decided to do blues/whites and applique teapots and cups/saucers where the chickens are. It may be a bit before I can start it though. I PROMISED my granddaughter that I wouldn't start anything else until I finished the three quilts that need quilting and then did her quilt. Well, perhaps I can sneak it in-between somewhere along there. LOL

Friday Finds

Best Friends
Blue Sky
Too much stuff (some people don't have enough, let alone too much)
Oldest daughter's birthday today
My fun, fun, fun Janome 6600P

Getting Older...and Older...and

Does anyone out there remember the song, I think it was by Tennessee Ernie Ford (I can hear you saying WHO?) "Another day older and deeper in debt. St. Peter don't you call me 'cuz I can't go" The name of the song is 16 Tons.

I'm not deeper in debt, but I am another YEAR older !! Birthdays quit bothering me after I was 45. I had breast cancer and was told I had probably 2-2 1/2 years. So, now when I have a birthday I just look at it as a laugh at the doctors. That was back in '93 and other than being diabetic now, I'm healthy as can be. Don't even 'catch' a cold!

Have you ever thought about that? Do we catch a cold, or does it catch us? Or is that like the question, how far West do you have to go before you're East? My guess is the Date Line. What's your idea?

I'm doing the A Tisket, A Tasket block-of-the-month and am learning about applique, for sure.
I have the pieces all cut and in position and I'm stitching around them now. Since I absolutely detest hand sewing anything, I'm learning to do it on the machine. So, it's not quite perfect. I've made a few boo-boos. Are there REALLY quilt police that will come and get ya if you mess up? Get real. I have February all done and am working on January. They really are kinda fun! I'll post some pictures when I have them finished.

Other than that, I've been trying to organize all the patterns I download. So far, I've filled a 3" binder! And that doesn't count, of course, all the ones waiting to be printed out.

Our Granddaughter was here for a few days. She went to the quilt shop with me. Now SHE has the quilting bug. I thought I'd start her out on something easy like maybe a turning twenty pattern. They go together quickly, before she gets borned with it, I hope.


Saturday Thankfulnesses

• Rain, but not TOO much
• Little Lambs
• More Birthdays
• Crocus
• Spring

Getting Older

Saturday Morning

Not a very promising day, weatherwise. Not cold, but high overcast clouds. No sunshine. I LIVE for sunshine !!

I'm rather disappointed. I joined this online food journal site and have been trying faithfully to enter EVERYTHING I eat. It's a pretty cool site because it gives you all the nutritional information besides keeping track of your calories. According to everything I've read I should be eating a MINIMUM of 1200 calories per day. Right. Let's see, since I started I've GAINED way-to-how-many pounds! It's very difficult for me because being diabetic I REALLY need to keep the carbs down. I'm thinking this next week I'm going to try forgetting to worry about the calories and just eat to keep from getting too many carbs. Probably be better for my sugar levels also !!

I made the cutest little blocks the other day. I'm doing several online BOMs. Seriously behind on a couple (like, haven't even started) These blocks are your basic nine patch in a square, but I did them with some strawberry print fabrics from my stash. I used dotted swiss type fabric for the background. Here's some pictures. Very spring like, I think.

Oh, bother. Now I can't get the cursor down below the pictures.

Keith came home with three little baby banty chicks. Well, actually, he started out with four, but lost one. So I think that's a pretty good sign that spring is really on its way. My hobby is quilting, his is chickens. I'll see if I have time to go up to the shop and snap a few pics to share.

Why is it when a person starts out to clean, it ends up being a bigger mess than they started with? All I was going to do was try and organize all my assorted quilt patterns that I've collected over the years. Now I have piles of patterns all over my workspace! I got started and then life interfered. Maybe this evening...

Have a GREAT day everyone.

Saturday Thankfulnesses

• That it's family day (the day we spend together and don't let life intrude)
• That one of our granddaughter's is here for a few days
• For God's watchcare over us
• That SPRING is finally coming

DONE, DONE, DONE !!!

Woo-hoo!!! The blocks for Austrailia are DONE, boxed and ready to go. I actually got enough for an entire quilt. What an accomplishment! Now just what did I do with the papers the Post Office gave me to fill out for it. I know they are here on the desk SOMEWHERE Guess it's time now to clean off the desk.

Now to finish Mom's quilt so I can really give it to her to keep.

I'm making realy progress this year. A matter of putting one's mind to it I guess.

Wednesday Thanks

Thankful for SUNSHINE (even if it's still cold)
Thankful for my family
Thankful for friends

Why Prewash Fabrics

I have become the new owner of a quilt my Grandpa did many, many years ago. It had a musty smell so I washed it. I was assured it had been washed upteen times. Well.... to make a long story short and obvious here's a picture of what happened.

It's made a believer out of me. I'm not going to all the work involved in making a quilt to have this happen.

I was given two of his quilts. Same pattern, but the other one has been, shall we say, well used. Another comment on why use the best quality fabrics. I know he just used whatever was given to him as mostly he made quilts for needy people.

I only have five more blocks to do and I will have enough for an entire quilt to send to Austrailia. They really go fairly fast. Especially now that I'm getting a system figured out. My goal for today it to get those last few done and get the box ready to mail.

And then I'm afraid it's tax time. Sigh. Time away from my machine, I don't know how I'll survive!! This time every year I promise myself I'm going to be more organized and have all the numbers in a spreadsheet file so it's easy. Umm-hmm. What's that about the best of intentions?

Wednesday Wonders

Why does Winter have to last SO LONG?

Why is Summer SO SHORT?

Why do the days go faster the older you get?

Strippy Quilt As You Go

I managed to get 20 blocks done for Jan Mac this week. Originally, I was thinking I'd see how many I could do the rest of February, which is today. I'm taking a break today, but will probably give it another shot later on. I did do one with other fabrics just to see what it would look like. They get to be addicting after awhile LOL

I smell lunch cooking! We're just having corn chowder and pumpkin pie. I love pumpkin pie and have never understood just why it can 'only' be eaten on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

I had a surprise visit from one of my very close cousins on Thursday (we grew up practically as sisters) I have only seen her a few times in the last ten years so that was a good thing (toquote Martha S.) If nothing more to their liking turns up they may actually be moving here. Since my closest non-relative friend has moved away, that would be very nice. I've even found them a house already!

I better go tend to lunch before it burns.

Saturday Simples

I'm thankful it's the weekend and I don't HAVE to do anything I don't really want to today

I'm thankful I got 20 blocks done to send 'Down Under'

I'm thankful the snow is melting, REALLY thankful

Got It Fixed

Thanks to Tracy for alerting me to where the problem was. Looks much better now.

Very rainy day today just right for staying in and sewing. I now have 12 blocks all done, ready to send to The Land Down Under. (Hmm. Seems like when my kids were teenagers that was a song on the radio. By Men At Work, if I'm not mistaken. Strange the odd things your mind can remember !! Now if I could just remember the things I NEED to LOL) Making these quilt blocks is really doing some serious stashbusting. I love it. Then I'll have to shop to replenish it, right?

My cousin that I haven't seen very often since we've all grown up and gone our seperate ways is going to be over here to visit tomorrow. Her husband is actually applying for a job in our town. That would be fun if they actually got to move here. My really, really, close friend has moved away so it would be nice to have someone to do things with again. I wonder if I could get her interested in quilting?!!

I put a shelf up in my quilting area this afternoon. And already have it full of things that were on my work tables in the way. How nice. Are those little jar toppers still in style or not? I've used various old canning jars to store things in. Easy to see what's where and gives a nice ambiance to the room. Anyway it does in my mind. And that's the one that counts LOL.

Wednesday Thanks

My family is all alive and well

That I actually got the shelf up --by myself

The much needed rain

See It's Still Doing It!! GRR

When I preview my blog it looks just fine. But then when I view it, nothing is in order like I did it. What do I need to do differently? This is SO discouraging. I've looked through the Help section but didn't find anything that really addressed my problem.

Thanks.

Finally Have a VERY few moments !!

Would someone please tell me just WHY my list from the last post is NOT in order? That is SO irritating!

Any of you quilters out there, they are having a fantastic sale over at Superior Threads. Here is the link to the sale page. They are really cleaning house!!
http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/category/specials/products/


Also, if you'd like to help out those unfortunate people "Down Under", the lady at Sew Many Quilts blog site is requesting anyone who would like to help to send just the quilt blocks to them. However many you have time, or stash, to make. They are very simple, you can use strips from 3/4" up to 3". You just cut 11.5" squares of your backing + batting and sew the strips on the diagonal beginning with the crosswise center. They go real quickly. I have no idea what it costs to mail something down there, and her address is on her blog site. She said that what they REALLY need badly is blocks suitable for teenage boys, ya know, no flowery prints or pink! The one other caveat is don't duplicate the same print in the same block. Other than that, she doesn't really care what you do. I highly recommend going to her blog and checking it out. Great way to stashbust and help others at the same time.

I'm in the midst of doing a Turning Twenty red/black/white quilt top. What fun! One of the quilt groups I belong to has divided up into groups of four to do this. We sent five blocks to each of the other three in our group, and, of course, kept a set for ourselves. It is almost like Christmas when a package arrives that you know has blocks in it. Then we are waiting (oh so hard) until the last person has all their blocks and then sew like mad as the first person totally done,done,done, gets a prize.

To quote Bugs Bunny (wasn't it?)

That's All Folks!

Tuesday Blessings

The beautiful rainbow I saw earlier this morning
Hazelnut Coffee
And, last but certainly not least, my faithful little Mini Doxie who is never very far away

Have Some Fun !!

Saw this at Sarah Ann Smith's blog today, and thought I’d play along too!!! I also think this means I am hereby opting out of the getting tagged thing on blogs… this’ll have to do it!
Here are the rules: Bold the things you’ve done and post on your blog!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (in my car)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (no, but I'd like to)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (snorkling is awesome!)
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia (my son has)
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (bought them LOL)
62. Gone whale watching (didn't see any though)
63. Got flowers for no reason
4. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving (ABOSLUTELY NOT)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car (twice)
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating -
88.Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life (my little dog's, soes she count?)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (LBJ)
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

I've done more things than I thought! Enjoy!

Correction!

The plastic shoeboxes were $8.88 at Bi-Mart, not $4.99. I can't even type anymore LOL





I have a Group Buddy that lives in Tampa and he said their heading for 19*. I'm not sure if he meant the high tomorrow or low tonight. Either way, that's pretty chilly for Florida!





Need to get busy and get things finished up for the evening. Just a few more things to do. It sure is easier to accomplish something when the sun is shining.





When I was folding fabric I found a piece with this tag stapled to it. Think the fabric qualifies as vintage? The fabric in the background is NOT the fabric this tag was attached to !!

It came out a little blurry but the tag says 2 1/4 yds, price $1.79, JC Penney. How long has it been since Penney;s even carried fabric? It's been awhile!

Have a good evening, or whatever time it is where you are.

Been AWOL

I've been organizing all my fabrics. Whew! More than I thought! I'm using a method someone posted on one of my quilt groups. Everything is looking so nice and neat now because all of the fabrics are folded the same. If you'd like to see what I'm referring to mosey on over to TheHappyZombie.com . Scroll down the page and on the right side you will find a sink to Fabric Folding.

My shelves are now sorted accoring to colors and all the bitty scraps and orphan blocks are house in plastic shoesboxes I got at the local Bi-Mart Store. $4.99/8. Can't beat a deal like that these days.

Ok so my stash isn't as big as The Happy Zombie's or her sister's but it will grow. It still took HOURS and HOURS.

I still have some fabrics that I want to cut into strips. That was my project for today but instead i took the car in town and had the oil changed. (oh, yay!) I went to our tire shop to get it done and they even vacuumed the car for me. It was a horrible mess after all winter and it was way too cold to even think about doing the job here at home. Now I suppose I should stop by the car wash and give the poor thing a bath.

There is laundry calling to be folded. Sigh. Why can't dogs be trained to do housework? Sounds good to me LOL Just think how much more time we'd have for quilting!

I DID get a little practice in on the free motion quilting before I managed to break the needle. Another job waiting to be done.

It's an absolutely beautiful day here in South Central Washington. And WARM even! Not really the kind of day to waste indoors. Especially after the weather we've had all across the country this winter. But, it's still too muddy to do any kind of yard work.

Well, those lazy dogs are just napping rather than getting the chores done so I suppose I will have to do them!

My Wednesday Gratefuls

I'm grateful the sun is shining

I'm grateful for our local tire shop guys cleaning the interior of my car

I'm grateful that the week is nearly over

OOPS!

Well, I THOUGHT I had written a post and saved it. So much for THINKING!

Saturday night I decided I was going to work on the Double Delight. I got everything out and noticed quite a few pieces that weren't sewed together. So I finished them. When there were only about three sets to go I realized just WHY they hadn't be sewn.... I had sewn the wrong center square to the little triangles. Faced with the task of taking them all apart, I came up wtih an alternative solution, and you and I are the only ones to know. I going to do 60 of them one color combination and 60 the 'new' one. I'm sure I can put it together in such a way that she will think I planned it that way. Here is a picture of what I did wrong. The block on the left is what I had planned. The block on the right is what I did by mistake.

I got so entranced watching the Inaugruation today that I didn't get much sewing done. Or anything else but vegge in front of the TV. But I was watching history being made, right? Just as much as not having school so we could watch Kennedy's Funeral. I've seen other inaugruations but I don't think I really listened to the President's speech or swearing-in before. I sincerely hopoe we are in for better times.

Today's Thankful List

Thankful for Freedom

Thankful for the fact Spring will soon be here

Thankful that my dogs love to be where I am

Thankful for LOTS of fabric I can make quilts from

Thankful for the Internet

Sometimes we get TOO Busy

I've done two mystery quilts so far this year. Well, really only one and a half, the second one is not finished yet. I think I can sew little squares and triangles in my sleep! I've really gotten hooked on it. Am I too into sewing and quilting when I begrudge time spent away from the sewing machine? I'm learning so many tips and tricks doing these. Now when I go on to do something else it will be much easier.




These are some of the patches I'm making for the Double Delight mystery quilt. I've got to do 120 each of the green centers and purple centers. I'm still working on the purple centered patches.

I discovered a new magazine. Well, it's not new, but new to me. It's called, "Machine Quilting Unlimited." The most informative magazine I've seen. I highly reccommend it.


Our snow is all but gone. Hooray! Even the resulting flooding over on the west side of the state is subsiding. I hear the freeway from Portland to Seattle is open again. What a relief. My heart really goes out to those affected by the flood waters. All this really makes me thankful for where I live. It's about a mile to a creek, we're out in an open field so no close trees to fall on us. We might end up without power for awhile, but that's nothing new.

Keith said he saw some robins yesterday. Yahoo!! Spring can't be too very far away if the robins are coming back.

It is warming up a tad bit. The dogs don't have to be forced out the door in the mornings. That's a good way to tell the temperature! If the dogs don't want to go out, probably I don't either!!

Have a great day!

I'm thankful for:

Warmer weather
The lack of snowy roads
It can't be too many weeks until Spring