Sunday, December 27, 2009
Happy Holidays !
This morning Chet and I went out to Mark's for breakfast and a visit with Darcy, Tori and Tia. Tia will be living with Mark and going back to school here - to be with friends. Jack, a friend of Mark's stopped in this morning, too. Pictures are of Mark, Chet and Jack.
We had Tori, Darcy and Tia pose for a picture, too. They are well; Tori is a full time college student as of Jan.
We have fresh snow - it began snowing early afternoon but it seems to have stopped now. Just a nice white look, so pretty with C'mas lights glowing on them. I tried to take a picture but it didn't turn out well enough to show here.
Sewing - I finished the 30 Log Cabin blocks and have to sew them together now. I'd hoped to finish them quickly but my heart just wasn't in it. It's not going to be a pretty quilt! But, it will keep someone warm! I have a quilt ready to be picked up from the longarm gal - perhaps tomorrow - if the roads are cleared and not slick. The shop is also having a sale and I just might find something I really need.!
Have a good week, stay well and warm.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
We Have Snow!
Yes, we had a 'measurable' snowfall' but it's barely an inch deep. More is predicted starting later this afternoon and into the night. No complaints after all, 'tis the season!' We are watching Park Road through the patio doors and there doesn't seem to be alot going on our there - streets out front look slippery. No need to go out for a couple of days so am content to stay in. We don't C'mas shop at our house - write checks! Only Nate, JD, Mark and Chet and I will be having dinner on C'mas here. Deanie will be working that day and we'll fix a plate to send to her.
Mitch called while on his way to Milwaukee where he was catching a train to Chicago. He has an office there and goes a couple of times a month (I think). Green Bay has a lot of snow but they love outdoor activities. Haven't checked in with Tracy this week and plan to call both local sons sometime today.
My quilt guild got together on Monday for a C'mas party. We had a pitch-in lunch and oh, so much food! Played a game and swapped FQ's. I didn't get to go last year because of icy streets. Tuesday a friend and I went to Rushville to the quilt shop. We signed up to take a class - name of it escapes me right now. It's a block a month and we go to a lecture and demo. I have my fabrics selected, laundered and ready to go. We are also having a gal come in to the next guild meeting and do a class on the North Carolina Lily block - fabrics also ready to go for that. Several of the gals in the Fabric Stash room are having a green strip swap; I have them ready to go into envelopes and be mailed by mid January.
While rummaging for class fabrics I took note of my container of C'mas fabrics and thought I really ought to do something with them - either use them or donate them. Photo below is an assortment of fabrics I had.
I decided to do the Pineapple Blossom, a pattern from Quiltville.com. I made one block and decided the fabrics I had wouldn't work. It's a lovely block - photo below.
I then decided to do the good old Log Cabin blocks. Photo below! Not sure this is going to be a neat quilt but it will keep someone, somewhere warm! I'm working on a total of 29 blocks now and I know that's an odd number - am thinking perhaps I'll add plain strips around the Pineapple block and make it the same size as the others - - it can be the 'maverick' block! The blocks will finish at about 14" and will set them 5 x 6 and should have a nice size lap quilt.
Hoping everyone is well and enjoying the Holiday Season. Thanks for stopping by. Stay well and warm. Till next week ~~~~~~
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Holiday Mood
Not much of a holiday mood at our house yet - hope to get fired up one of these days! I did dig out the fireplace mantle cover and put two candelabra in the bay windows. Neighbors houses are 'gaily lit' and I even tried taking a picture of them but it was too dark standing in the garage and it was too cold to step out of the garage! Chet stayed home from church this week - Advent services have begun and they have a soup and sandwich supper before services. It was bitter cold and he's moving slow so inside was the best place for him. He loves football games and I don't - so I do TV watching in my bedroom. Among my favorites are Dog, the Bounty Hunter, Operation Repo and Curb Your Enthusiasm (when it's on.) Odd choices! Am also keeping tabs on Tru TV - Casey Anthony case should be coming up soon.
We chatted with Tracy and Anna Grace and they were complaining about the cold, too. Both were in pajamas and ready for bed. Then they decided it would be too cold for the dog to stay outside overnight and they got dressed and went and bought a 'doggy dome' for him, put that in the garage and threw towels in it. I've not heard how he did but am sure he survived!
Local sons must be busy - they've not reported in this week. Mark's teenage step daughter will be moving in with him on the 26th of the month. She's been very unhappy in Michigan and grades have suffered. Hopefully being here will help her; they were very close!
To get into the holiday mood I thought perhaps making a few more C'mas wall hangings would perk me up. I pulled out the tub of C'mas fabrics and searched for enough to do three more small ones. I put them in the mail yesterday to Tracy & Anna Grace - they may be teacher gifts!
Close up shot to see the embroidery.
These pictures were taken laying down, on my chenille bedspread - that's why they look a tad odd.
Off to make myself something to eat - have a good week and stay warm. Thanks for stopping in!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Why Are Computers Giving Me A Hard Time Today?
I've attempted to update this darn blog for the past half an hour - and it's not working well at all. I won't even attempt to explain what's happening. So - here's what I'll do - - - I'll just describe the pictures from down here!
The two small quilts were both finished this week. The patterns are from Prairie Children & Their Quilts, by Kathleen Tracy. It's a treat to be able to finish a piece between working on bigger ones. Both are machine pieced and quilted. Broken Dishes and African American Sampler are the names.
The next two pictures are from a shopping spree I went on Saturday. Nearby quilt shop had a 30% off sale and I just had to take advantage - I've not bought new fabric in a while and just felt a treat was in order! The gold and the red/white check were found in the "bargain bin" and the other is a kit I'd seen made up and loved it.
Cold and wintery here - snow showers were predicted a couple of times but so far nothing - and that's fine with me. I really must go buy a snow shovel this year, believe it was four years ago that our shovel broke!
Nothing else new here - guess the kids and g'kids are fine or we'd have heard from them. So I'll sign off for today. Want an early lunch so I don't have to be out here when the football games begin! Have a safe week.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Latest Photos and Good News
The next two photos are of the Stained Glass quilt recently finished. It measures about 60" square. Love how it's quilted with variegated roses/reds thread.
And this is the back of the quilt. I couldn't find anything so asked my long arm quilter's advice and she suggested this - I love it! I think the stars with stained glass has a "theme" going!
The good news is that I finally found the missing wall hanging! This morning I was looking for quilts to donate to the local Cheer Fund and found it - hiding in the stack of smaller quilts! Ah - I feel good!
Yesterday was such a lovely day - friend called and thought we should take advantage of it and visit an out of town quilt shop. Of course I was ready to go in a few minutes. I did find some fabrics but controlled myself! And I will use them soon.
Must run and do a few errands - stay well and warm.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Cooking - Sewing - Missing Wall Quilt
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving Wishes
This morning I had brunch with a friend and a trip to the grocery store - oh, I do hate that shopping. Just picked up necessities and will do the big shopping on Wednesday.
I tried again to upload a couple of pictures but no such luck. So perhaps I'll sneak in later and give it a try.
Friday Chet and I ran up to Rushville and picked up a quilt from my longarmer gal. It is the Stained Glass quilt, she did a super job on it and the binding is stitched to the front, waiting for someone to hand stitch it to the back side! Last evening I spent some time finishing up C'mas pieces to take up to my little boutique at the beauty salon. Also finished a purse but haven't taken a picture of it yet.
Will check in with the "out-of-state" children on Thanksgiving Day. And hopefully pictures I take will be good enough to post next week.
The neighborhood is slowly beginning to look like the Holiday Season is on it's way. We don't do a lot of decorating here - just on the fireplace mantle.
Till next week - take care.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Redwork Embroidery in Aqua
This and That
Last week was boring but this week has kept me on the run. Everyday but Friday had me going somewhere. All the places I went were enjoyable but oh, this little old lady tires too easily! Monday my quilt guild met and we had such nice "drag & brag" (aka: show & tell). Tuesday I visited my hair dresser and Wednesday attended a 'ladies luncheon' with a friend at her church. Thursday this friend and I drove to Richmond, IN - about an hour and a half from here - to have our sewing machines cleaned and adjusted. This was a long past due chore that we kept putting off!
We've been enjoying nice weather; the corn has been picked and it's looking kind of bare in fields and woods now. Chet's been scooting around the yard chopping the fallen leaves!
Checked in with the children and all's going well for them. All of them are working and some of them are putting in long hours due to cut backs in the factories.
I did finish a couple of sewing projects this week. The 2nd donation quilt I was doing for the Downy Quilts for Kids is now ready to be mailed (along with the 1st one). Hopefully I'll make it up to the post office tomorrow. Just had to do another redwork embroidery but used a variegated aqua/blues thread. I did try to upload the picture of it but blogger isn't cooperating with me this afternoon.
I'll try again later this evening.
Hope you all are well - thanks for stopping by and catching up with us. Bye for this week.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Ho Hum Week
It's been a boring week, nothing exciting going on here. Typical fall weather and leaves flying all over the place - but Chet gets on the riding mower and chops them up. He even goes across the street and does two yards there! The corn is still standing in the field and the guys from the electric company haven't come back to take the old pole out, imagine they'll be back after the corn is picked.
I went to my eye doctor and got a good report and new glasses are on order. They should be in by mid week. Tomorrow our local quilt guild meets - we have such a good time - a lot of "drag and brag" every month. I've been invited to attend a luncheon on Wednesday and on Thursday a friend and I are taking our sewing machines in for service. My cleaning/service is long overdue.
I think this blue one is special with the snowflake borders and the Ho Ho Ho! It doesn't look straight, but it is!
This one took more planning because of the different size blocks but I whipped out my graph paper pad and arranged it that way. I am happy to report the red/cream check fabric is now down to just a few small strips and squares! (I am still in stash busting mode!)
Thanks for stopping by - have a good week!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Happy Birthday Sister Ellen
Home is the place to be this morning - it was only 33 when I got up. Yes, I remembered the time change and reset all the blocks in the house. I must replace my alarm clock - it is too difficult to reset!
I did replace my keyboard and mouse but haven't installed them yet. I have a bad habit of eating at the computer and have been debating changing my habit!I don't do well when change of habit is required!
Today is a special day for my sister Ellen - it's her birthday. Ellen is the oldest in our family of 7 kids, and she often tended us when we were toddlers! Thanks for putting up with all of us! Ellen is an avid seamstress but these days she's making donation quilts, working with a group of Senior Citizens in Bloomington, MN. Hope your day is special!
We had about 50 Trick or Treaters last night. We'd have had more but I forgot to turn the front porch light on so ran an hour late. We do have leftovers and someone in this house is delighted!
Chatted with Tracy one night this week - all's well there. We are waiting for a photo of Anna Grace in her Trick or Treat outfit! The 'boys' are busy and okay, I guess! Chet's perking here, too. . . need to pick up gas for the riding mower so he can do his thing outside! All the leaves aren't down yet and he's been mulching a couple of times now.
From the sewing room - - - I completely finished the Downy Quilts for Kids kit they sent. Then I decided to make another and send it, too. I have finished piecing the top and need to find batting and backing for it now. I've gone through my stash but not enough of anything there so I guess I have to go shopping! This second quilt is called Disappearing Nine Patch - have photos to show how it's done. There are better tutorials online, just "google" if you are interested. This first picture shows a completed 9 patch block. (I started with 6" squares and made 5 blocks.)
This photo shows the block cut horizontally and vertically in the center of the block.
A possible layout.
Another possible layout - there are many - you will have fun rearranging the smaller blocks to find your favorite design.
This is what I ended up with. My next one will in the first layout shown. And I do have fabric to make another - fabric has construction vehicles on it.
Have a good week!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009
This is the completed quilt, except for the binding. - not laying flat but you get the idea.
This picture shows the binding (polka dot fabirc) pinned in place - I brought the back to the front and will stitch it down after lunch today. They'd like for people who get a quilt kit to make one from their stash and send it to them, too.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
October 18, 2009
I am planning to piece the backing for this quilt so dug out my 10 gallon Rubbermaid container of solid fabrics - and will also use the block shown below - even if it's got a goof on it!
Pictures below are some of the solid fabrics that will be used for the backing! (I will use it up - I will use it up - really, I will!)
The knitting bug attacked a couple of weeks ago - so into the bag I grabbed and out came a skein of baby yarn - blues and greens - isn't it pretty? Have about four done using this yarn and started another this morning while watching/listening to quilt and sewing TV shows!
My quilt guild is doing a swap next year. We are exchanging two half-square triangles, 3 1/2" unfinished. We will use designated colors each month, so an inventory of colors was done and decided to stitch a few. About 16 of us have signed up to do the swap. Glad I got a head start as they do take a bit of time!
Swaps can be fun!
For those of you who like to do donation quilts you may be interested in this project. Downy Touch of Comfort is a group that prepares kits and mails to people to complete and send back to them. Kits have patterns, pieces are cut, backing and binding fabrics are provided. They request that you do a quilt from your stash to send to them, too. The site with full instructions is at:
The kits arrive in a few days, fabrics are novelty and juvenile - for children! So if you are bored using your own stash fabrics - give this a try!
Till next time - take care - and thanks for visiting.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Brisk Sunday Morning
Tuesday I had my second eye surgery and all is going well. Not too keen on all the drops and ointments but that's only for another three weeks! I can't believe how my vision has improved. Best thing is never had a bit of pain.
Checked in with the family - everyone is keeping busy and that's a good thing! Tracy called with a sewing question - how do you hem up velour bell bottoms - I suggested she contact a tailor! She said the pants were 6" too long and she didn't want to cut them off. Anna Grace is in Color Guard at her school! Most oddly is that the pants are velour - in Mississippi ? ? ? Just doesn't get cold enough for velour there!
Last week I mentioned the Split 9 Patch blocks I'd been working on. This week I'm sewing the blocks into rows. Five rows finished but not yet sewn together and seven more rows to go. Then I'll join all the rows and will have another top finished. Pictures belows. Now bear in mind, if the points are lost or something doesn't match up - I've just had eye surgery. OK?
Back to the sewing machine - after some lunch. Stay well and warm.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
My 101st Blog Post
We ventured out to pick up a quilt from the Longarm Quilter Gal in Rushville - it was my first time to drive following the surgery. All went well with the trip. Caroline, the LA Quilter Gal did a splendid job again - she used a pastel variegated thread in an all over meander or stipple. Photo below - the block pattern is sometimes called Sweet Sixteen (I have no idea why)! It was fun to make and sewed up quickly! Very good stashbuster pattern.
Several weeks ago I made a stack of Split Nine Patch blocks and then put them aside of 'age' properly! Yesterday morning they came out of hiding and I laid them out on my bed (my design wall). My to my chagrin, I was about ten blocks short so that was taken care of on the spot. Time for away from me and it was nap time so I had to stack the blocks by rows and pin them - hopefully I can get back to sewing them up into a top and head off to see Caroline again!
Suddenly my game show channel has been switched to a football channel - how did that happen ? ? ?
Thanks for stopping by and till next time - be well and keep in tough.
P.S. I guess this isn't my 101st post - I know I saw that number somewhere tho - actually it's my 84th post. Oh well - in the scheme of things - it just doesn't matter!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Purse and Tablerunner
The weather here is cool and soon the lawn swings and lawn furniture can be stowed for the winter. We had a strong wind but only two branches are down and they're not big. Chet will enjoy hooking his little trailer to the mower and go pick them up
Amy - here's your new Gracie purse (Lazy Girl Designs pattern). The button is antique - so yes, it does show "wear." If you don't want the "shabby chic" look just snip the threads off! I need to pick up a sturdy base to slip into the bottom of it and then I'll get it in the mail!
This afternoon will be my first time to drive in a week. Having my hair done and then have to hit the grocery store. Still have plenty of food in the house but Chet keeps checking the "goodies" drawer and sighing quite a bit!
Saturday I sat down at the machine and whipped up this table runner. . . used up all but a 4" x 8" strip of the fallish fabric. I did manage to embroidery more snowman blocks to do winter wall hangings with. While embroidery was stitching out, I knitted a washcloth and after finishing it I dug out the baby yarn - finished one newborn size hat and started another. Have to keep the fingers busy, you know.
Time to make out the grocery list and then it's quilt show time and lunch. Take care and thanks for stopping by to visit.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Fall Mantle Decor
It has been raining all day and it's just not been a nice day - weather wise. I sewed on two buttons this morning - Chet's slacks and a purse tab. Tried to take a nap this afternoon and the doctors office called again to check on me and then some idiot called and asked for Chet - told him he wasn't here so then he "settled" with me! Asked if either of us had diabetis - IDIOT! Couldn't understand him and tried to find out what company he was with. We are on the NO-CALL list and I always threated to report sales people! Moral of this is: don't mess with me when I'm napping!
I guess I'd best cook something tonight - I plan to cook some ham steaks, mashed potatoes and a veggie. . . so off to the kitchen.
Thanks for stopping by.
P.S. I changed settings so it is possible again to leave a comment.