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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Let There Be Light? Nope.

Something all of us quilters wish we had more of?  Time, right? I just received an advertisement for a book I just might invest in. It is "Twice as Much in Half the Time - Secrets to Simplifying Your Life," by Amy Jones. Sounds good to me!

I flipped on the light switch here in my computer/sewing room this morning, bight flash then darkness. Both the light bulbs in the fixture I switched on went out, POOF!, just like that. I thought I had some spare bulbs but haven't been able to locate them if I do. Rats! Today was going to be a sewing day. So, I am trying to wait patiently for the new bulbs to arrive with my husband.

Since we all decided that the family was too large to buy gifts for everyone, Christmas isn't nearly as exciting.  Writing checks to the grandchildren that live far away just isn't as much fun!  My mother did get me a gift though, 25 fat quarters and two more books on quilting for my library. She picked up the FQs at a thrift shop but I don't care.  After I got them home though and was removing the labels to wash them, oh my! I'm a non-smoker so the smoke scent really hit me.  I was very disappointed thinking I'd probably end up having to toss them. I took a chance and Googled "How to remove cigarette smoke from fabric."  One suggestion was to use your normal detergent plus Oxy-Clean. We have yellow-ish water so I always use Oxy-Clean.  I did what the site suggested and my fabric came out of the wash just fine.  So there's your handy dandy tip for the day!

We had a white Christmas but then the rain started and most of the snow is gone.  No white New Year!  It's clear and chilly.  11* is the forecast for tonight.

Today I'm Thankful For

My electric furnace
That I have no place else to be
The sunshine earlier this afternoon
That there is a little bit of hauling for my husband
The Internet!

Have a great day!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Long Time MIA

More computer problems have plagued me. This time of my own doing as much as I hate to admit it. I inadvertently turned off a button that allowed my computer to connect to the internet. Hopefully, everything is running ok now.

Then I had some dental work done and was sick for nearly a week. I had flu-like symptoms and was basically camped out on the couch. You know, the kind of sickness where you're afraid you're going to die and afraid you won't! You know I've got to be sick when I don't even feel up to playing on the computer. My head felt better in a prone position! It didn't hurt, just dizziness.

If you are into BOMs the is a neat on here at So Scrappy . It looks like it will be fun and I'm planning to do it with her. And Fat Cat Patterns has a beautiful new BOM starting in January, called Fiesta. I'm hoping that this year I can keep up and actually get them done.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. We spent the day with friends and our daughter. Tomorrow we will go through the woods and over the river to her house to open gifts. I still have a few gifts to wrap and ought to be doing that. Or I could go clean up my messy kitchen! Nah!

Christmas Thankfulnesses

That Christ came to this earth just for ME
For the beauty around me
For my Little Princess and Little Prince

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Winter Is Here !!

I have three months of this to look forward to!  Oh yea ! This is what it looked like here the Tuesday BEFORE Thanksgiving, in other words a week ago.


And it's snowing right now with freezing rain predicted for later today.


It seems that mug rugs, coasters large enough for your mug and goodies, are all the rage in the quilt groups. So I took an orphan block I had,found a piece of fabric for the other side, added an applique, and this is what I have. Oh yes, and a scrap of batting in the center.



I should have made the coffee cup smaller so it only was in the area for the cup but...this was my first one LOL These are fun and fast, hence they meet the requirement for gifts.

I'm still pondering what my daily topics will be in the new year.Maybe one day will be nifty eco-friendly cleaning tips I've learned. Of course at least one day should be devoted to quilty things. One can be miscellaneous musings. Now, what about the other days? I'm thinking!

Hope your Thanksgiving was a wonderful time with loved ones and friends and that your didn't spend too much money during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday madness. I did break down and buy one thing, a new Bobo for Daisy. Bobos are loofah chew toys for dogs. The brand I get just happened to be named Bobo! She's demolished the statue of liberty,and a snowman, so now she's getting a reindeer. Shipping and all it was still less than if I went to the local pet store.

Tuesday Thankfuls

I'm thankful I can stay home today and hibernate
I'm thankful for lights and heat
I'm thankful for the emergency babysitter
I'm thankful for Daisy
I'm thankful for the little birds (and the big ones) that come to my feeder

My spell checker didn't like some of MY words! Oh well, I can make up words if I want to LOL


Saturday, November 20, 2010

Miscelleany

It seems I've been gone so long and actually got used to be computerless that it's hard to get back 'in the groove."

It's a chilly day here in Eastern Washington and the forecast calls for colder yet. I'm trying really hard NOT to turn up the thermostat but put on more layers. In fact, they are saying it could snow any time until Tuesday. Oh joy!  I'm trying really hard to be ready for winter. My hoses have been drained and coiled back up, I have my Winter tires on my car. I think the main thing yet to do is wrap the a/cs so the cold doesn't come in around them.

I won't get this new plan into effect until the first of next year I'm sure but my plan calls for blogging more often and having a different topic each day of the week.

Are you a counter? I am, and I am noticing my Little Princess is becoming a counter too. Is that something genetic? If I'm reading her a Bearnstain Book she insists on counting the bears on each and every page! In the process she's actually teaching the Little Prince to count!

Now to something quilt related. Have I mentioned that I found my quilt blocks that have been missing nearly twenty years? I am really excited about that. They are Dresden Plates, enough for a king size quilt, that my grandfather did shortly before he became sick and passed away. In fact, I found one block that doesn't have the center circle done. I was thinking of finding a  scrap that would work, but the more I think about it I think I'll just tidy up the edges and leave it that way. Kind of a tribute to him. Maybe put a few together in a long wall hanging or frame that one. Something so it's not getting washed very often.

I enjoy getting comments, it lets me know someone is actually reading my posts. So please drop me a comment and let me know what is going on in your corner of the world.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Mistletoe Blog Hop

Just a quick note to let you know of a Blog Hop starting today. Stop by Hen and Chicks for all the details. It looks like it will be a fun festive Hop. Lots of recipes and projects to get those creative juices going.

Gotta run. It's a work day.

Have an awesome day!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

As Arnold would say, I'm Baaack!

After various computer issues I now have a new computer with Windows 7. So far I would highly reccommend Windows 7. I've found several features that are "Oh, WOW!" I downloaded an accessory pack because it didn't come with Windows Mail and discovered that I can get mail from my different email accounts delivered to one mailbox for instance.

The downside to my newer faster computer? I have discovered that I need to update some of my software. That's a bummer, not to mention added expense. So, for the time-being I can use the internet, send/receive email, and play games!

But I can still quilt LOL. One thing I discovered during this no computer time is that I did get more  sewing and quilting done. I've even rearranged my sewing/computer room and it feels much more spacious now. As much as a 10x14 room can be anyway.

Anyway. I'm glad to be back in cyberland.

Oh, one more thing. The november/December issue of Quiltmaker magazine has an awesome Treasure Hunt. The grand prize is a $2600 Bernina sewing machine! I love my Janome but another machine would be awesome. Who knows, maybe it does machine embroidery! And, of course, there are oodles more prize packages also.

Today I'm thankful for

A warm house (baby it's cold out there!)

My wonderful bed

My sassy little Doxie

Computers and the Internet

Friends and family

Have a GREAT day!

Friday, October 15, 2010

  This site has tons of great info and will be having a grand opening on October 31. With some very nice prizes to be given away!   Learn to Quilt Online

Have a great day everyone!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

AND YET ANOTHER LINK TO VISIT !!

Check out this link and join in on the Fall into Fall Giveaway while yet there! sweet-quilt-n-bee-shoppe
.
Have a good time! She made the cutest snowman wall hanging but is giving way a Christmas tablerummer. So hop on over and enter to win it!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

CHECK OUT THIS BLOG

I'm trying to finish the Fall into Fall Bloghop. It does take awhile LOL.  Anyway, I'd like you to take a look at this blog Cheaper Than Therapy Quilting , if you decide to jbecome a follower, mention that Grandma Shell sent you over and I will get another 'ticket' for her drawing.

Have a Great Day!

I have three blocks finished for my Maple Leaf- Log Cabin throw. I need to go stash hunting for a larger variety of colors thought. So far they all have the same fabrics in the logs, just different positions. I don't want too scrappy but more than just 6 different fabrics!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

IRISH MUSES

I just discovered a new blog! It's   Irish Muses . Since I have a Celtic ancestry I love anything to do with Ireland and Scotland. Celtic Woman is one of my favorite groups.

I've had a nasty bout with allergies or whatever for nearly a week now. It's really wearing me out! It started when the weather changed and I keep the windows closed more now. If I didn't have the proverbial Scotsman so ingrained in me I'd say, To heck with it! And leave the windows open.

Have a great day!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

A Humongus Giveaway!

Hop over to Patches and Pieces and check out the Fall into Fall Quilters Giveaway. There are over 150 bloggers that have joined in on this giveaway! And each of them is giving away a great prize. Click on the link and get in on the fun. You know you want to. It will continue until 10/15/10 so you have time to get them all visited. A fun way to discover new-to-you blogs and revisit those you know.

I just noticed that I'm past the 100th post. That means I need to do my own giveaway. Hmm. I'll need to ponder this for a while to come up with something creative.

The leaves are dropping but we haven't had any frosts yet so no pretty fall colors. Sniff, sniff.

I joined in on a challenge on one of my Yahoo lists to finish at least two UFOs during September. I just barely squeaked in under the deadline. I finished putting the binding on a lap quilt that I just do not like and a Christmas card holder.  I posted a photo of that UGLY quilt earlier but here's the card holder.



 The snowman really isn't pink. I put irridescent glitter in places and it's reflecting the red borders!



I found these two little items while sorting through nearly 50 years of accumulations. Above is a little Avon lamb from the days when I had sheep.  It still has perfume in it too!
This is my sewing basket from high school home ec. I used a Wet One on it and it's as sparkly as new! I'm storing some of my speciality threads in it now.

After watching some tv shows about hoarders I decided it was time to go through things and get rid of the stuff I didn't think my children would want. Like business papers from 25 years ago! I certainly do not want to end up looking like a hoarder!

Saturday Thanks

I'm thankful that God set apart one day a week that He wants us to spend with Him. (see Exodus 20:8) Otherwise we'd work ourselves to death. I can forgot housework, yardwork, and even sewing today.

I'm thankful for a warm house to live in. It's tiny, but warm.

I'm thankful for friends, both on the internet and real-life friends.

I'm thankful for my three children and six grandchildren.  They give meaning to my life.

I'm thankful for discovering places to donate quilts to sick children.  Check out Quilts For Kids and AZ Preemie Blankets 4 Kids. Sorry I don't have the URLs for either one but I'm sure a Google search will find them if you are interested.

The preemie blankets are only 18x18 and they want them done envelope style. How simple can that be? Half a yard of fabric will make two of them. Oh, and they want flannel backs and no quilting in the center 12". So basically a 12" square with 6" blocks around it. I'm really anxious to get started on these.

Have an awesome fall weekend!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Is this the season for giveaways or what? I just found another one. Some adorable hand crafted things here:
Sugar, Spice and Southern Life . Well, not everything is hand crafted, there is a cute spatula shaped like a leaf. Some really awesome things to add to your fall decor.

May your weekend be as great as mine is so far.

Friday, September 24, 2010

AND YET ANOTHER GIVEAWAY !!

You need to hurry, hurry. hurry, like the mad hatter to get in on this one. It ends at 7:00 pm CT.  Too late for some of you but it's for a one year subscription to McCall's Quilting. Here's the link Tamera Quilts.  Even if you are too late it's a nice site to explore.

Happy Weekend!!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

A GIVE AWAY OR TWO OR THREE OR MORE!!

Over at DIY Dish.com they are hosting a give away by one of their sponsors, Janome. I have a Janome 6600 and just love it, by the way. Anyway, you can register to win a 300E machine embroidery machine, a 634d serger, or a couple of $100 gift certificates.  Not shabby prizes, eh? I'd be thrilled to have both of those machines! There is a button on the left if you scroll down a little, that links to the DIY site. So hustle your bustle on over there and get entered to win one of those fabulous prizes.

Wednesday was the last day of summer. It is now officially fall/autumn. The sun is halfway to the bottom of its path. This winter I am going to try very very hard NOT to let SADDS get me. Think of it this way, it's only twelve weeks until the December Hump Day and the days will start getting longer again! Let's be positive!

I think I have all the fabric I need to finish a UFO Challenge in one of my quilt groups.  Now I can't put my fingers on that magazine with the instructions! I know it's here...somewhere.  Where was I when I looked at it yesterday?  I only have a week to get it finished!  Eeeks!!!  AHA! I just was looking around on my cutting table, and there it was, right where I needed it!  Hooray!

I just found another giveaway. This one is for a darling little doll quilt. It's at sewshesews.wordpress.com  if you are interested.

This must be the time of year for giveaways! I was just at Pat Sloan's site, patsloan.typepad.com , and she is hosting a Double Blog Hop starting this coming Monday. One lucky person will win ALL 10 of the new Sullivan's Edge Rulers. That;s worth taking the time to hop around!

One last one! Gundrun, http://gudrun.typepad.com/ is hosting a Designers Blog Hop. I haven't been to her blog yet to see what it's about.

Sounds like lots of fun hopping around the internet!

Thursday Thanks

That "God's on His Throne, and all's right with the world!"


The rain. (Never thought I'd say that one LOL!)
The Internet. Living out here in the sticks, it's a marvelous way to connect with others.
The Princess-In-Training and the Young Prince. I just wish it didn't take me a hour to get to their house.
That my family is healthy.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

I DID IT !

I finished a UFO! I'm proud of myself for actually getting it done. It only needed the rest of the binding sewn down but I had a mental block...I just don't like the quilt. Here is a photo of it.


It's purposely not a close-up! It was one of my first attempts at free motion quilting, and I did the motif SIDEWAYS. I just couldn't believe it when I realized what I had done. It was a learning experience!

I'm in a challenge group and this month's challenge is to finish two UFOs. So I'm halfway there!

Chuckle for the day:  My daughter was relaxing on the couch after work and needed to use the phone so she asked her four year old to please get Mommy the phone. The four year old walks over and picks up the phone, that was right beside Mom, and said, "Good grief! Can't you get it yourself?  It's right here!" To her credit, my daughter thought it was the remote that was beside her.

Grammie's Little Princess started pre-school this past week. So begins her school career.

Oh, I finally got brave and started a paper piecing block.  It is so cute that I made another one. They are only 3" finished size and there are 20 pieces. Laborious but fun! I'm an addict! Here they are





But I WILL finish UFO #2 before I do more tiny blocks, I WILL I WILL!



This afternoon it's warm, well warmer than it WAS!  And that beautiful blue sky of autumn. It all makes for a wonderful day.

Sunday Simmerings

Why is summer so short and winter so long?
Why don't more people migrate?
Where, oh where, is that book I've been searching for?
Why can't we store the warmth from these beautiful days to get us through winter?


Friday, September 3, 2010

Add Joy to your Life

I came across this while straightening up all the accumulated paper on my fridge and thought I'd share it with you.

1.  Pay as much attention to the things that are working positively in your life as you do to those that are giving you trouble.

2.  Rake a big pile of leaves every fall and jump in it with someone you love. (Remember doing this when you were a kid?!)

3.  Memorize your favorite love poem.

4. Learn three knock-knock jokes so you will always be ready to entertain children.

5. Don't let weeds grow around your dreams.

6.  Remember that everyone you leet is afraid of something, loves something, and has lost something.

7.  Regardless of the situation, react with class.

8.  Let some things remain mysterious.

Isn't this list just amazing? And such words of wisdom to live by.

My oldest daughter gave me a book called "The Four Agreements." The principles of the book are:

1. Be impeccable with your word. (can you imagine what a better place this world would be if everyone practiced just this one?)

2.  Don't take anything personally. (a difficult one.)

3.  Don't make assumptions.  (don't we all tend to do this one?)

4.  Always do your best. (notice it doesn't say, 'Be perfect."  It says do your best. As long as we do our best we have nothing to be ashamed of.)

OK philosophy class is over!  On to sewing.

I won a contest from patsloan.com the other day.  My prize came today. A charm pack, two of her quilt patterns, sample spools of Aurifil thread, and the cutest little jar of buttons.  Now how did she ever know I collect buttons? Just any old buttons, they don't have to meet any criteria other than being a button.

Since starting this I also won a prize from Sandi at Seasons BOM. I got an embroidery pattern and some floss. Awesome!  The ladies in one groups I belong to thought I should buy some lottery tickets LOL

You all have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend and most of all, Be Safe!

Awesome Flower

Here is a link to a tutorial to make a cute flower.  She has many uses for them, anything from a flower pillow cover to a do-dad on your purse, to a broach. Scrappy Strip Rose

Hope you've had a good week. It certainly has gone by quickly! I'm joining a Challenge to finish one or two UFOs this month.  I've chosen to finish a Christmas Card Holder I started for Christmas 2009, it's about half done. And then a chicken pot grabber that's not that far along in its incubation!

Have a great weekend!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Quilt A Long

Pat Sloan is hosting a quilt a long on her blog, http://www.patsloan.typepad.com/ . It sounds like fun. I just love her patterns. The first thing you need is a charm pack and some companion fabrics. I'm going to try and do some stash busting. There are a few other things you need to gather also but you can read about it on her blog.  So come and join the fun!

Se ya there !

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Lost in Cyberspace !!

I was writing a post, wanted to add a photo, and my post disappeared.

This week I won a contest at patsloan.com ! Here's a pic of the goodies that were in today's mail.



Plus this little treasure




It's a vintage restaurant style salt shaker filled with little buttons, I just love it!

Sunday my Princess-in-Training turned four. She made quite a haul with nifty new things to play with but I think there's only one that will stick out in her mind... She got a Princess two-seated convertible! Now you need to understand that at her house there is only a narrow strip that is usable. But they certainly had a great time with it at the park.

I finally have my first Annie doll finished, along with a dolly-size tote bag.

Ok, so her mouth is a little crooked, she's having a bad day LOL I plan to stitch her hands together like she is praying.  She is from ohsewdollin.com .  Her name is It's Me Again, Jesus, Terry Ann. She looks MUCH better than the Cabbage Patch style doll I tried to make my younger daughter. Just ask her if you don't believe me!!  I used some of the decorative stitches on my Janome 6600 to pretty up her dress.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Great Site

I just discovered a new (to me) blog called Molly's Place with a wealth of information. I could probably spend most of the day there browsing around and get nothing else accomplished! Great tutorials and many links to other sites. Take some time, get something to drink, and sit down for awhile to have some fun.

Have an absolutely awesome day!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

An OLD Photo and a Trip Down Memory Lane

While rearranging some photo albums I came across this one of my Father's family taken in 1927. It was their Christmas card that year. Since all but one of those pictured are passed away I thought it would be ok to share it.

My Father is 7 years old in this photo. One of the very few childhood pictures of him. The 24th of August would have been his birthday. I love black/white photography. Can any of you remember when you could get either black/white or color film for you camera? Or even "before color"? This generation can't even remember when cameras had FILM, I'm sure!

My 15 yr old granddaughter has been visiting me the past week. She lives in California so we don't get to see her as often as we'd like. Even though we are so much alike (Neither of us is very conversational!) I've really enjoyed having her here.

Last Saturday we took a little ride up to Mt Adams. We intended to park and hike in to one of our favorite spots after a picnic lunch. The road was unbelievably awful! It took us twice as long to get there as it used to. So we just ate our picnic and headed home. The mosquitoes were very healthy and active anyway! OFF to the rescue!

Sunday Simmerings

I'm LOVIN' this warm weather we've been having.

I almost have a little Annie doll from OhSewDollin done.

At 83 my Mother is off on another jaunt to Europe for a month.

Our old kitty (16 at least) is showing his age and probably won't be with us much longer.

I love, love, love my Janome 6600. It's the greatest!

Have A Great Week Everyone !!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Curtains

Here are s couple photos of my new kitchen curtains. There is some of this fabric in my placemats and table topper also.  I keep coming back to this fabric. I think it cheers me!





There is also a white band at the bottom but my kitchen isn't large enough for me to get the entire curtain. Sorry.

I'm getting to be such an I-can-do-it Jane!  I managed to get my new weed eater put together all by myself! I tried ot out and didn't lose any body parts so I must have done it right! Bow I'm wishing I didn't need to babysit tomorrow so I could cut more grass. Oh, well. There's always more grass and another day.

Tuesday Thanks

For a day off.
Have I said for warm weather and long days LOL
That my oldest Granddaughter is coming for a visit.
For washing machines and dryers.
Electricity !!

Have a Great Day!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Busy, Not Lazy, Days Are Here!

Yesterday the weather was perfect and I thought I'd just take a day off and enjoy my lawn swing. WRONG!! There was a mini reunion at my sister-in-law's. She will be 80 on Wednesday (Aug 4) and all of her children but one were there. I should mention that she has 10, yes 10, children. So children and spouses made quite a gathering! It was enjoyable to see the nieces and their families again, some had to come from OK and CO so we don't see them often.

Today I'm putting the final touches on a new kitchen curtain. After my machine decided to have a little hissy-fit. Tip:  If the bottom thread garbles (tech term), it's an issue with the top thread. After I totally unthread the top and rethreaded it's working fine. Whew!

As soon as I'm finished with the curtain I'll get a photo and post it. I saw a retro curtain on a website and this is my interpretation of that curtain.

I must be having low blood sugar! I had the next-to-last seam all pinned on and something just told me to check it.. It would have been upside down!  Much easier to unpin than frog a long seam!

The curtain is done, Done, DONE!! And hung. Love them!

Sunday Loves

The LONG days of Summer (sad the days are getting shorter)
Weed Eaters
Hot Summer days (85 is just right for me)
Instant coffee when I'm in a hurry
Warm oatmeal on a cool morning

Have an absolutely awesome week!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Grass, and more Grass

Not much happening on the farm except the grass is growing faster than I can keep it cut. There hasn't been much time for sewing as I have developed an obsession to get all the grass cut that's around the house. Our area experiences grave fire danger so I'm trying to get it cut before it's too dry. Hopefully it will stop growing at that point.

I will be fitting the chair cover on for a "final fitting" tomorrow. I'm getting to the point of wanting to be done with it. I want to do something more fun! Like getting back to quilting! Or Annie dolls, or...anything.

Since I haven't been doing much at my sewing machine I don't have any photos to share...unless you would like to see "grass that's as high as an elephant's eye" really is. Can anyone tell me what song that line is from?

I was totally lazy today. I just couldn't make myself go out and start the weed eater or lawnmower. So I didn't. What a luxurious feeling! Totally decadent! I could get used to it very easily.

A friend is blogging how many miles she walks each week so i thought I'd start too. Nothing today, I'm afraid. She's aiming for 18 miles each week. I think I'll start with 1 mile each day, or maybe a little more, but I know it won't be 18!! We'll see.

Sunday Thanks

That I live where it's peaceful
For the birds that share my part of the world
For a/c
For my soft cozy bed when night falls
For long summer days

Have an Awesome week everyone!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Summer Is Here! Finally.

We are finally catching up with the rest of the country temperature-wise. It's 103* in The Dalles. Seriously glad I'm NOT there but I DO enjoy the warm weather.

How times does go by! Between the grandchildren being sick and my mother's illness (and then, of course, I just COULDN'T be left out!) I've been very busy. Usually my yard is very colorful with pots of flowers but not this year. Too busy with other things.  So I need to get busy and make some colorful quilt tops for QFK to fill my need for color.

We ended up having an Un-Fourth of July. We all got together along the river where the fireworks were supposed to be. But...alas! We were experiencing very high winds and they cancelled the show. We live in a very arid area (usually) and fire danger is an ever-present threat once the rains stop.  We still had a great (chilly) time picnicing and visiting with friends and family. I'm sure it will be remembered for many years as "Remember the year it was so cold and windy and they cancelled the fireworks." How the temps change is just a few days!

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel getting that now hated chair cover finished. If I'm diligent it could be finished this weekend. What a burden off my shoulders that will be!

I did a first this week. My daughter bought a cute little fabric purse that only had a snap closure. Of course, she wanted a zipper. I found a matching zipper in my stash, and by hand basting it in first, I was actually able to insert it, and it came out looking ok. I was pleased with myself.

I have a friend who is a avid greeting card maker who just started her own blog. It is:
               katsretirementjourney.blogspot.com

I think she will be posting regarding herStampingUp group, card making and other things.

I came across this remark by Jerry Seinfield the other day and thought it was worth repeating.
                       "Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason."
.The poem by Robert Frost has long been one of my favorites so I got a chuckle and a few thought-provoking moments from that line of Jerry's.

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY

Why does the real summer weather come after the day's start getting shorter?
Why do hair and grass always need cutting?
Why when I try so hard to be neat does my house still get messy?
Why do days go by faster the older you get?
Why does the wind quit blowing when it gets hot?

MY THURSDAY THANKFULNESSES

I'm thankful I had the money to pay the tire company when they came out along the freeway and changed a flat for me.

I'm thankful for warmer weather.

I'm thankful for the unexpected money that came today.

I'm thankful that my husband still has a job when so many are unemployed.

I'm thankful for my family.

HAVE AN AWESOME DAY!

Friday, June 4, 2010

I really DO know how to spell

Sometimes my fingers aren't as fast as my brain though!  Or is it the other way around? The word is DIVERGED not DEVULGED !! Sometimes I hit the wrong key and publish a post before I intend to also LOL

I finally figured out a way to do continuous bias, yippee! The placemats are all done. After I mend a small tear in a pair of pants for DD I'm going to finish a cute little pot grabber I saw on another bog and she was kind enough to mail me the pattern. It's a little chicken. It's been so long since I started it I will need to read the directions again to see what needs to be done next.

I found the cutest flannel at Jo-Ann's earlier this spring. It's bright green with red plaid ladybugs. There was only enough to make boxer-style jammies with it. Oh, well. Then, if I get left alone for awhile I will work on whittling down the fabric stash. It does no one good just sitting here.

I want to start doing Quilts for Kids and Newborns in Need. Small quilts that I can easily do the machine quilting in my tiny space. How I envy those with sewing STUDIOS !!

Friday Ponders

I love it when it rains HARD during the night and then dries out so I can do yard work later

I love trying to figure out how to do things on my own, and do them RIGHT

I love watching the deer browse in our fields

I love the scent of the air after a good rain

I love watching the little finches at the feeding station

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

BEJEWELLED QUILTS BY BARB: ACCU-GO GIVE AWAY!

Enter now until June 12 for a chance to win one of these fantastic little machines. Go to her blog for complete details on how to qualify for entries.  And be sure to tell her Grandma Shell sent you. Once again it is
http://bejeweledquilts.blogspot.com/

Have we ever had rain the last few days!  And this is only round one the weatherman says. Oh, my!! But everything around here is still so green and beautiful. I just hope it dries out enough so I can get the mowing done.

I don't know where the little quote came from but thought it was worth sharing.  I found it in a journal book that I keep interesting qoutes in.

    "Giving is Living

    Each day, ask God to show you little ways you can be a giver, even if it's simply holding the door for      another person or assisting someone with his or her struggles.  Once you catch this whole attitude of giving, confrontations on the freeway cease to be confrontational, irritating sales clerks don't seem so obnoxious anymore. and daily chores like laundry and carpooling take on a different meaning."

One of my online quilt grous is doing a challenge this month. The challenge is to do a quilt or wallhanging of something you're a fan of.  I'm still at the deciding point of choosing between Robert Browning and Robert Frost. I love the following lines that Browning wrote.

The year's at the spring
And day's at the morn;
Morning's at seven;
The hillside's dew-pearled;
The lark's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn;
God's in His heaven--
All's right with the world!

Or this portion that Robert Frost wrote:

Two woods devulged in a yellow wood,

Thursday, May 27, 2010

What I've Been Doing

In between rearranging and trying to declutter my home I have actually managed to sew a little. Two more pillowcases for my main little man. One is scraps of a jungle print that I'd made a shopping cart cover from and the other is very bright tropical fish. Who knows just why I bought that fabric but it's going to a good use now.



I haven't been able to mow the grass for going on three weeks. I know, if it gets much taller they're going to designate it wildlife habitat! This morning it was dry, not windy and not too cold so yippee-skippy I got the lawn mowed, most of it. I was in the process of trying to put up a couple of hose hangers and a hanger for a new wind chime when the rain came. With a vengeance!

If you would care to read a first-hand experience of a rattlesnake bite victim visit My Romantic Home . It's interesting to me since rattlers are common in this area.

I have ONE place mat all done, done, done that coordinates with the blue and yellow table topper. All I need to do to the other three is put the bias binding on. The genetics from my left-handed mother are showing through. I have several tutorials on making continuous bias, and if you think I can begin to figure them out !! When I read them it all makes perfect sense, it's when I try to do the actual sewing that I run into problems. I have my square of fabric, have cut it and sewn it into a parellogram, marked the cutting lines, but i just don't seem to be able to line up that last seam. So I'm letting it 'cook' for a bit.



This weekend I MUST do some sewing on that chair cover. I have cut it in two and fitted it on the chair to see what the next step needs to be, so I'm making progress. S-L-O-W-L-Y.

Can I share a Grammie story? Like you have a choice LOL My daughter called me on the cell phone while I was on my way home wanting to know what I'd done to Little Man. It seems he was lying on the floor crying his heart out because he wanted to go home with Grammie. is that sweet, or what?


Thursday Thankfullnesses


That God takes care of us

That I got most of my lawn mowed before the rain came

That I wasn't the one bitten by a snake

That everything is so green and beautiful after a good rain

That the birds music is so enjoyable

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Where'd April Go? And other thoughts.

Did I miss April?  Must have, it still feels like March.

I finally got my round table topper all finished and on the table! YAY!! Now I'm finishing 4 coordinating placemats.I'm making bias binding right now.. I have a square of fabric cut and I'm going to try the continuous bias method. Well, I will if I can find the notebook that I wrote the instructions in. That's what happens when I tidy up my desk...I can't find a thing !! I found a good video tutorial at Erin Compton Designs blog if you are interested.

Here's a photo of the entire topper.




Oh, I get so tired of this! I keep telling it to left justify and it insists upon center justification. GRRR!!

The placemats have some of the same fabrics in them. When i get one finished I'll post a photo. I'm rather excited about getting to finish something for ME for a change.

I got brave one day and cut into that scary project. The recliner cover. I've even taken it over and put it on the chair so I could see how much needs to be removed. Now she wants elastic all around the bottom to keep the cat from going up under it to scratch. And a separate cover, all elasticized for the foot rest. Remind me, if I have another set of children in a future life, to teach them to sew LOL

I have a smallish bedroom so an entire bed frame is out of the question but I bought a headboard at an estate sale yesterday. It needs some repair work but I'm going to sand it down and paint it white. I've developed quite a liking for white painted furniture lately. I've also thought of doing my entire house blue and white with other accent colors but since my HUGE couch that takes up most of the living room is dark turquoise that probably won't work! I AM getting rid of those hideous green cupboards that you catch a glimpse of the the above photo. They are changing to white. I lived through those colors once, not doing it again!

Finally. I got the formatting to change to left justify.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! If it's nice I'm going to give my sewing machine a rest and go do yard work. There are so many weeds that are begging to be pulled and grass that needs mowing. I'm not sure how many flower pots I'm planting this year. It gets to be such a chore keeping them all watered and fertilized. We'll see. I love color in my yard, so...

Things I'm thankful for:

My almost blooming lilac bush
That the wind has died down. I was SO tired of the 'breezes'
For the peace and quiet of country living
That I don't have to put up with some people on a 24/7 basis
That I'm really not as old as I feel sometimes LOL
That it's finally warming up, some. I had to scrape ice from my windshield yesterday morning !!

Ta-ta 'till next time!


Saturday, April 10, 2010

It almost seems strange to be here it's been so long. What a month March was! Many, many birthdays, a granddaughter and her friend visited for a few days, plus the usual babysitting duties.

I almost have the kitchen painted. Now it's on to getting rid of those UG-G-LY 1970s green cabinet doors. I'm painting them white! Orange would even be a better color!! My granddaughter with the immpecable taste approved of the shade of blue I chose. Whew! It's Behr Russian Blue if you're interested and the white is Behr Frost semi gloss. An acquaintance gave me a fantastic idea to do the walls in flat paint and then choose a width of "board" in the paneling and do just those boards in the same color but semi-gloss. When the light hits it just right it gives a tone-on-tone stripe effect. Love it!

I finished the Downey Quilts for Kids quilt and it's on it's way to Pennsylvania. When I started the quilting it was going to be Rings Around the Rosies but as things often do it evolved into Flight of the Honeybee. I was running out of patience going around all the flowers!


This is the back of the quilt


The front


And a close up of the front, sorry it turned out so blurry


And here is the birthday boy's cute cake. he's really into the Thomas & Friends!



My next project is to remake a sofa cover to fit DD's recliner. We just happened to find a cover that's the exact match to the one on her sofa. How fortunate was that, eh?! I know what I want to do but how to achieve it is another thing alltogether. I want to take the excess out of the center and have two seams that are hidden in the part that gets tucked in on the inside of the arms.  That way I don't have to mess with trying to redo the arms and ties. She keeps asking if it's done yet. Can you tell I'm reluctant to start? Any advice would be most gratefully accepted!

I wish I could get this thing to align LEFT like I tell it to. GRRR!! It will NOT change from Align Center.

SATURDAY THANKFULLS

For a day of R&R

For Spring at last!!!

For my sweet little Daisy

For living in the country

For flowers



Saturday, March 20, 2010

New Show! Great Giveaways!!

Check out this new show at http://www.thediydish.com/ The is a drawing for TWO Janome machines, a sewing machine and an embroidery machine. (I have a Janome and just love it. I always tell my family, If my house catches fire, get my dog and my sewing machine and let the rest go.) I'll get their button on here once I figure out how to do it correctly.

These two ladies are so enthusiastic they are contagious! In this first episode they demonstrate making cake pincushions. So easy and so much fun. You can let your creativity run wild! Next time they will show how to make those little pin heads that are just too cute!

There is also a giveaway for a pincushion kit by Heather Bailey. 10 lucky people will each win one.

Happy first day of Spring!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Maybe Spring is Springing, Maybe

I see the very tippy top of my poplar tree is sporting tiny leaves and the lilac buds are bursting.  Yay!! We made it through another icky winter. The "breeze" is about 20 mph and it's not very warm outside but the sun is trying hard to peep through the scurrying clouds.

I entered a Go Green Challenge with a sewing group. I intended to do a green wallhanging dipicting March with some green in it. It took on a life of its own and I ended up with Little Man's man bag and from the scraps (back of the legs) I made a pair of jeans for an 18" doll. You're saying,"what's green about those?". It didn't have to be the color green, it could  also be green as in recycling. For instance on lady did one of those Capri Sun purses. It was really cute.




This is a close up of "Grammie's Car" No, I don't drive a Bug but it was the closest I could find at the time. A friend from a quilting group sent me the silver fabric. I think it was perfect.


This is the bag and the jeans. The doll now has a turquoise t-shirt so she's not topless!!

I'm doing a Downey Quilts For Kids project.  They send you the kit with all the fabric you need already cut. All you need to supply is the batting. They are for hospitalizedchildren. The link is http://www.quiltforkids.org/  if you are interested in helping. I've also heard of an organization that makes things for newborns. I haven't checked into that one yet.  I believe it's called Newborns In Need.

Keith is in Texas visiting our family there and also helping rebuild their house after a house fire destroyed part of the roof. They are taking advantage of having to do some repairs to also remodel in places. Someone has to stay home and tend to the farm, guess who.  I don't even LIKE his creatures. Ugh. I quit the "Farmer Jane" thing nearly thirty years ago, I'm not sure why I keep getting drafted back into it.

Things I'm Thankful for Today

Spring is chasing Old Man Winter back to the North Pole

Friends

My fantastic sewing machine that will do nearly anything

The hope of better things to come

The ability to do something to help others

Most of all that, if we choose, we can have a home in heaven. Thank you, Jesus.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Yesterday's Journal Game

Outside my window I see dawn's early light and a gray drippy day.
I am thinking I need to get much done on my "slave's day off" as my daughter calls it.
I am thankful that this moisture is falling as rain, not snow.
From the kitchen wafts the faint aroma of the coffee I brewed earlier.
I am wearing my jammies at this point...they are warmer!
I am creating a man-bag for Little Man's birthday.
I am going to make breakfast soom. As Winnie would say, "I have a rumbly in my tumbly."
I am reading and studying Galatians 5, the Fruits of the Spirit.
I am hoping to have a pleasant day.
I am hearing nothing but the quilt purr of the fan on the pellet stove.
Around the house are unfinished projects (UFOs) waiting for attention.
One of my favorite things is the pre-dawn quietness.

That was my world yesterday. Today it's much warmer, the sun made a glorious appearance, promising a nicer day today. I did get most of the man bag done, just waiting on some silver fabric for the windshield and headlight on the car. I am actually dressed! Since I'm a dedicated jammie lover that IS a feat for me! I've been wading through some old papers, not literally, shredding most of them. That's a boring job, but I do like to see the stack growing smaller.

I wish I had an embroidery machine so I could dress up the man bag a little more. Oh, well. Here's what it looks like at this point.




















I'm hoping that the car will look better once I add the window and lights. I think a 2 year old will love it anyway!

Next on the list is a little 10" Annie doll and tote bag. OhSewDollin' has the cutest Annies if you are interested in them. I bought several patterns. The one I want to make for one of the grand-daughters is called, "It's me again, Jesus". She's praying, and oh so cute! The first one just might end up in Grammie's collection as it has been many years since I attempted to make a doll!

Clotilde has an embroidery pattern for No More Monkeys Jumping on The Bed. It arrived yesterday. I would love to get it done in time for the upcoming birthday, but since I haven't even made the pillowcase yet, that one is doubtful! I found  fabric with numbers up to 5 and red sock monkeys. I thought that would be good. I have a pattern to make a sock money also.  Plans, plans, plans, and here I sit playing on the computer!!!

Have an awesomely great day everyone!!!


Friday, February 12, 2010

My Senior Citizen Toni doll has an outfit at last! I found her when rummaging through a box of things, butt nekked.  So I had to drop everything else and make her an outfit. I don't know where her clothes are. Today I was looking for some of my other dolls and found a pair of shoes.  And they fit her as long as she doesn't go on any long hikes! Stitch her up some socks and she'll be good to go.



She still needs a visit to her hairdresser but in amazingly good shape for as old as she is.  I got her in 1952!

I also found a little doll quilt that my grandmother made for my oldest daughter.  It's not very big but she was nearly blind when she made it and it is entirely stitched by hand.



Sorry it's not a better photo. I really need to get something set up so they come out better. It's about 19.5"x15" and was tied with embroidery floss. I think my daughter received it in 1972 or so. Maybe even before that. We won't tell my daughter that I came across this!  She'd want it! I've been its caretaker for nearly 40 years doesn't that give me some sort of ownership rights? He-he!

Now if I could just find the quilt blocks that my Grandfather had made just before his death! Yeah, right, and someone is going to flat out GIVE me a Featherweight 222 in perfect condition too !! And I'm going to win the HGTV Dream Home in New Mexico so daughter #2 can have a larger home.

That's what's been happening on the farm other than spending several days with The Princess (who FINALLY got her Princess Castle so now she's a REAL Princess) and Little Man.

Friday Thankfulls

That it's the end of another week

For the rain I hear dripping from the eaves

For a day to rest from all the busyness of life

For good friends who will take time to listen

That no matter how humble it may be there's still no place like HOME!

Have a Great Weekend Everyone!



Saturday, January 30, 2010

This Will Make You Think

I visited a fellow blogger's website and she had this list of things to journal about.  I'm trying to do better at journaling this year so here are the questions. I thought perhaps you'd like them also.

Outside my window -- I see gray skies, but NO wind. That in itself is noteworthy around here!
I am thinking -- What a peaceful Saturday afternoon
I am thankful for -- a cozy spot to sit and journal
From the kitchen -- silence. No sound of mice!!
I am wearing -- A white longsleeved T and fleece pants
I am creating -- A chicken self-portrait, that's hilairious!
I am going -- no where this afternoon
I am reading -- My Bible every morning
I am hoping -- That life will get better and better
I am hearing -- The quiet hum of my computer
Around the house -- blessed silence
One of my favorite things -- Something HOT in the mornings to warm my insides (not plain water, please)

I think it will be interesting to try and come up with something different each day.  I'm going to give it a try anyway.

On the quilty side of life. Here's what I've been doing. The first one is Lonely Heart and was done as a challenge on one of my sewing groups.





I'm not really sure just why this chicken insists on being sideways.  Maybe that's to signify I'm climmbing the walls !! Every piece has signifince as to who I am or what I like. The background is calico because I'm a country chick. Her body is blue check and her wing is eyelet because I love that combination. Again, a country thing. The red eye and green wattle are because I love little red-eyed tree frogs. The tail is patriotic because I am and also because I am a loyal friend.  You have to be real blunt and say "Go Away!". Her feet are 1930s print because I love those prints and of course she wouldn't be caught dead with naked toenails! The beak is just a beak. And lastely her hair is various shades, just like mine. Oh, and she's chubby with short legs. (So am I).
Oh grrr! This seems to be stuck on Align Center. I can not get it to change to Align Left. So bear with me, please.
That's the little bits of nonsense I've been up to lately. Under the needle is a Christmas Card Holder that didn't get finished on time.

Saturday Simmerings

Why are there mean spirited people?

What is there to gain by lying about someone?

Why do grown people whine?

Why are some people so interferring?

And no, I'm not talking about any situation in my own life, just wondering.