The Quilt Journey

Fabric Bowls

2011-11-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

I have seen these bowls on several blogs and searches. I was anxious to try creating one; but did not have the rope and kept forgetting to get some. Well dear hubby, after purchasing some lumber discovered his rope was beyond hope and stopped at a local dollar store to purchase some. All they had was clothsline...lucky for me.

I cut some strips of fabric at about 1 and a half inches wide....do not know where that came from. But discovered that it was awkward to wind. So cut each strip in half. Much easier to manage. I took me a couple days; off and on; wrapping the rope. Decided it was enough at some point and took it to the sewing machine.

Just a short while later....here is the finished bowl.

I really had a fun relaxing time making this. Still had rope left over. This time, however, I am wrapping it with yarn. Just experimenting and seeing what the yarn will look like. I really hope that it goes together as smoothly as the fabric. I have tons of yarn that needs a good project. I enjoy crocheting, but with corporal tunnel...it really hurts within a short period of time.

If you are looking for a fun project. Search for examples and instructions and make one.

Completed Projects

2011-10-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

While getting the sewing room organized; I ran across this lonely applique block. Not sure if I would ever make another one, I decided to do some free motion quilting practice and bind it. I really enjoyed doing the bubbles. To me it makes it look as if the flowers were arranged and placed on top of gravel as a special tribute. After completing the quilting, I did a simple binding and decided to give it to my sister in law for her birthday. She was tickled pink and could not show it off enough.

This is a folded star block that I made and put a border around. Again not sure what my original project was....I decided to practice free motion quilting and bind it. It now sits on top of a end table and makes a wonderful coaster/decoration piece.

ORGANIZED SEWING ROOM COMPLETE!!!!

2011-09-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

This area is now organized by color and all the fabric is Ruler Folded .....I think it looks Beeeuuutiful...........

I have emptied over 7 totes and three of these totes hold nothing but blankets and batting for quilting...I admit that I still have one of these totes to go through.

I realize that the angle of this picture makes it look messy, but it is a dream come true. Each one of the containers contain specific sized fabric squares...seperated into lights and darks.

This is a before shot....such a disaster. Now my Metal bakers rack is totally free of fabrics and can be used for current projects and quilting tools.

This is a shot of the closet, missing many of the totes (stored in another area of the house).

I apologize for not being on my blog for so long. But, I have devoted the last few months to nothing but getting my sewing room organized. It has taken me many months and tons of hours. So often I wanted to just stop and begin working on another project. But, I refused to let myself.

I admit that I still have one tote to go through and ruler fold the material and cut any odds and ends pieces of scraps. But, I wanted to share my excitement after I got everything put where I wanted it to go. I even broke my rule of no quilting of any kind last night and did a free motion quiltnig practice on one of the unfinished projects.

Now, I have to work really hard at keeping it organized!

CURRENT PROJECTS I AM WORKING ON

2011-07-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

I just finished posting on my blog SCRAPS WITH ATTITUDE about getting my sewing room and fabrics organized. It is a long term project. Actually, in reality, it probablly will never end. LOL. But that is alright, even though it can get tedious and boring at times, other times it is fun and exciting. But, I have promised myself not to begin any new projects until this segment of the organizing is completed.

No problem, I have a couple of long term projects started. Let me share them with you.

This is a big piece of material that after numerous hours of searching, I just could not find the right block/project to actually cut it up. So, I decided to try the Trapunto technique along with free motion embroidery stitches. I am really having such fun with this, I could easily sit at my machine for hours and hours doing it. But, after doing that one day and discovering the pain it caused with my hip bursitis and the lower back pain from getting up close and personal with the stitches ( I really need bi focals and maybe even a magnifying glass). I would not do that again. So, it has become a long as it takes quilt.

I am really disappointed in the picture. It just does not show any of the effects created. I apologize.....but take my word...it is really wonderful.

The second project really is not long term, just one of those I have to do this projects. Sewing patches on jeans. It seems almost overnight, every one of hubbys jeans have shredded sections or have completely torn. So, I must take the time and effort needed and repair them. Why not just go and buy new ones...well money for one, the second there is nothing wrong with them aside from these annoying areas. So why not save money and use up some of my jean scraps that I just finished cutting a few days ago!

The third project is a scrappy pinwheel project. I am not sure when I began making these, but slowly the pile is growing. I know I wanted to use up some precut 5 inch squares my mother in law had given me that were not perfectly sized. Perfect for practicing half square triangles! So I just pull out some light squares, spend an evening drawing the center line and the 1/4 inch line on both sides of that ...another time sewing as many together as I am inclined to do. Another time spent cutting them apart, pressing them, sizing them and then assembling then into pinwheels.

I know that at some point, they will be made into a quilt. But, I have no definite project in mind. Oh, I almost forgot....they also make wonderful practice pieces for FMQ that become pot holders.

Well thanks for letting me share once again. I hope that you are having as much fun as I am in all of my quilting adventures!

SUNDAY/SUNDAY....

2011-07-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

Kevin and his daughter Savannah are off doing a few errands in town. Dodger, Colby and Tigger are taking their afternoon naps. Tigger is visiting while Jimmy is off at a barbeque with his family. So that leaves me....I have been doing sewing off and on all day. I tried to get some pictures of my newest projects, but the lighting was off and the pictures kept coming up white.

One of the projects is a Trapunto/ free motion embroidery piece. A special friend loves fish and her mother gave me a variety of fabrics with bright wonderful fish scenes. I struggled with deciding what quilt block to do. I just could not come up with a solution without having to cut all of the fish into sections. So, I decided to go ahead and have my go at the Trapunto. So far it is going smoothly and looking great. I have a lot of stitching to do.....I have a vision of a sort of 3-D effect with the first layer being really puffy, the second dimension a tad bit less and the final layer only have a very low loft. I am in no hurry, so who knows where this project will lead.

The above mentioned will be the backing fabric for the other project. I have chosen a paper pieced pattern of the Drunkards Path. It has a look of a Mariners Compass arch in it. I have read that coffee filters work well for paper piecing projects and thought ok, lets give this a try. It really works quite well....the paper tears away easily without loosing the stitch or leaving little flakes of paper. After doing a couple samples, I decided to go for it. Next step, is making 192 patterns of the paper pieced section. Using the printer....noooo takes way to much ink and thinking on my part LOL. Tracing each individual piece...not much fun in that. So went to the sewing machine and am doing the punch trace method.

I am off to do some more work on one or the other projects. I hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!

FABULOUS HUSBAND

2011-06-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

After I had bought my new sewing machine, Kevins mom gave me her sewing table that she was no longer using. I thought that was wonderful of her and right away tried to put the machine into the section. Well, the machine did not fit.....plus, the table itself was about 6 inches to high for me. So it became a perfect cutting table, until Kevin got up the courage to work on it. He enjoys working with wood , but does not have much experience. I told him not to worry....when he got to it I would be happy. No pressures!

As he began the project, he discovered that two of the main boards were actually split and pondered over replacing or trying to repair with wood glue. He tried to save them, but they just continued to split. So he salvaged some other old furniture pieces, stripped all of the wood down, sanded all the pieces, drilled the necessary holes and enlarged the sewing machine space and finished by staining....putting it all back together to fit wonderful.

I have spent the last two days assembling binding and attaching them around flour sack fabric to make simple kitchen towels. It is so great not having to move the machine from sewing room to kitchen table. It has a wonderful amount of space in front of and on both sides for projects and necessary tools. Plus, having the built on shelves is a real bonus.

I am so thankful to have such a wonderful man in my life. I will definetely have to finish making the copier cover he has been asking me to make. LOL.

LEARNING TURN UNDER APPLIQUE

2011-05-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

First off, let me apologize about the quality of pictures. Either my poor photo skills is the full reason or the camera is near the end of life. Take your pick. At some point, I need to let Savannah video or just take the pictures and we would have good pictures. LOL. Onwards....

For quite awhile, I have admired....ooohhhed and aaawwwed over so many glorious applique quilts. So many are really absolutely breathtaking. Even if I do not hold my breath for a moment, I have to stop and admire all of the detail involved. I myself have done a few applique quilts. For me, I have chosen the fusible method for each and every one. I have always enjoyed it...it is fairly easy and uncomplicated. No regrets what so ever!

But, I always search for applique methods....reading and trying to gain the courage to try the turn under method. My few attempts in the past have really resulted in a mess. Total frustration and give up quickly approach. Recently I have seen a number of quilts that were so amazing....I just had to give it another try.

Knowing how likely I was to give up if it did not go according to my plan. I decided to take a different approach. I traced the design (one that does not have a lot of points and soft gentle curves, onto cardboard...cut it out and then traced each and every piece that the pattern said was needed. In this way, I know that I can not and/or will not want to waste all of this fabric. I also chose fabric that in my opinion had to be used for something special.

Next, after tracing each piece, I went straight to cutting out each piece. No way to back out without having to really use brain power and come up with a technique to use all of these pieces. Now, I have tried needleturn and am really rotten at it and get bored very quickly. So, my next choice was the starch method or the glue method. I gathered up the supplies that I thought were necessary, from other tutorials and articles found on the web and some books....which included Elmers Washable School glue, a can of Starch (sprayed into container...to be used as a liquid), not having any special tools I chose Q-tips and my seam ripper, scissors, iron and ironing board and my pressing sheet.

Both the Glue and Starch have seperate pros and cons. After several attempts at both, I really prefer the starch. It is (in my opinion) easier and less messy. I came to the conclusion that dabbing the starch on with the Q-tip along the outside edge works nicely. Another option appeared before me....trying to turn the edges under with just the seam ripper NO WAY for me, just did not work. Next option, freezer paper. That worked, but I was still having issues with getting the edges to look per say "professional" and not just wonky. So, I am pondering over what another solution could be for ME.

Looking around and starting to feel frustrated; almost go ahead and throw in the towel ..... the cardboard (tea bag box) shape was sitting next to the starch can. Well it sure is not going to hurt anything, might get to wet, well how wet can it get with a little bit of starch....OK lets see if this will work. I am thrilled with the outcome. Such nice sharp edges and aside from being time consuming, it is really easy to do this. At this point, I know I will do another applique project using this method.

Again, I apologize for the blurry picture....but is it not just very neat and tidy! I have no clue how long this procedure will take me LOL. But, I do like the outcome of turn under applique pieces. I am hoping to use embroidery stitches to attach it to the quilt....but that is another blog. I love the fact that quilting is such a learning process and there really is no right or wrong way to do any part....just enjoy, play, learn and reap the benifits by snuggling with a special quilt each and every day!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by....I love to read your comments.

MY FOLDED STAR

2011-04-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

I have been looking at various tutorials and pictures of Folded Star blocks. Thinking they were so pretty and someday I just had to try and make one.

Well today was that day. I chose 5 inch fabric scrap squares ....since I really did not believe I could make one, my fabric squares were not actually squared (thought if I really messed up, I was not going to ruin fabric of extra special importance).    But aside from making a tad bit out of whack in the ironing and folding, having them not perfect did not effect the outcome by much.

Their are however some sections that did not lay down nice and flat when actually arranging the sections into the pattern. I am hoping though with a little finangling and fidgeting, I can get each piece to lay down nicely. I was so thrilled that I actually got it to look like an actual star....I just had to post and tell.

I am so totally hooked!!! Already planning my next one and have not even began to finish this one.   LOL. So many are made into pot holders, place mats and pillows...I am really contemplating making a quilt top. I wonder how many squares it would take to do a King sized quilt with just one star?

Plus just imagine all of the fabric combinations....two or a new fabric for each row....what about nothing but scraps. My mind is just reeling the possabilities. Here is the link to the site I found this on    http://keepitthimble.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/folded-patchwork-star.pdf

I have not actually loaded it into one of my subsections (pages) yet, but will as soon as I am finished posting. I have some other links to sites on this Folded Star method. Each one is slightly different, but they all produce the same result. Have a great day....I am off to sew...sew...sew.

YEAH!!!!!

2011-04-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

This is my step daughter, Savannah. Isn't she lovely!

Well, I have been struggling for such a long time to figure out how to change my blog. You know make it more upbeat and have some of the cool subsections like so many of you have. Only my brain just could not get it....try after try. I finally asked Savannah for her input. Just click, click this and that and wallah.....that is how you do it.

Fabulous! Now, I get to start playing and setting up and improving. This is going to be fun. I have so many links to patterns, tutorials and information that will be so easily available on my blog for myself and others to investigate.

Have a great day!

STILL ORGANIZING

2011-04-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

I began the quest of organizing after finishing a quilt top and searching for fabrics to make the backing. Off and on throughout my quilting I have attempted to organize; only to find myself involved in another project.

I have also tried various methods of dealing with this issue; mainly topics found on other blogs and how they accomplish this task. Some people are wonderful at organizing and keeping everything neat and tidy. Some are far worse than I am. But, I just am not happy with my method.

So began the process of pressing, cutting off odd ends, folding and placing neatly. Believe me, it was working fabulous....except for one tiny detail. Well actually it became a BIG detail within a short time. My scrap basket was overflowing. So, I took the time and effort to organize this. I decided to actually cut each and every piece of scrap into a specific sized square. Eleven days later, my scrap basket is totally empty and all pieces are placed in marked ziplock baggies in a box. Until completely finished, I am not sure where they will be placed.

It is thrilling to have accomplished this step. But by all means, I have not even began to begin in all reality. LOL. You see, I merely seperated my scrap bin into 4 sections....the first being small to odd shaped fabrics (anything less than a four inch square (now completely cut and bagged)....the second being left over strips, mainly 2 and a half and smaller (now completely cut and bagged)....next is a box of larger odd scrap pieces sorted into two boxes one for lights one for darks.....today I will begin this process.

I am really missing the creativity and all other levels of sewing two pieces of material together to create a final quilt. But, I know if I stop my process of organizing now, I will just end up with more of the same. I am sort of going through withdrawls....LOL. Who ever thought that would be possible! I may just have to sew a tad bit, to ease the nerves (no shaking yet, but I feel it will come soon).

I hope you all have a great day quilting!!!

STOPPING TO ORGANIZE

2011-04-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

BASICALLY I AM TIRED OF ALL OF MY DISORGANIZED SCRAPS.....TIME TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT...EVEN IF IT TAKES ALL YEAR.

Organizing is not a real fun activity; yet it is a very necessary one. I went to start another project and soon realized, going through a bin filled with scraps of every shape and size was not going to work. So I began seperating into sections. This red one was left holding only the smaller pieces of scraps. I also filled 3 boxes...one with dark material scraps, one with light material scraps and one with nothing but strips (you can see some of the strips just hanging over the sides). The green tote underneath is filled with various scrap materials also (have not gone through that one).

It did not take me much time to lower the ironing board to a correct sitting where I can cut and iron at a comfortable position. I actually was using the kitchen cutting board under the blue mat for the extra strength needed....but hubby kept coming and getting it. So I chose a hard cover book, it works well.

So, I grab a handful of small scraps. Sort through, making a pile for cutting and one of those itty pieces that are smaller than a postage stamp. Those pieces get tossed into the pillow case hanging behind me (a future doggie bed).

This is the results so far. Does not appear to be much, but wow is it ever. It is going to be so wonderful to find the size I am searching for. Of course, I have not actually found the storage containers that will work the best yet, But I will. So after these small pieces are cut, then it will be onto the strips....onto the bigger pieces....onto the Organizing the fabrics on shelves (back to cutting them even, ironing and folding into neat stacks).

I keep asking myself how long I will be able to keep at this, before I have to start sewing a quilt once again. I really have set a goal of getting this all organized proficiently before the end of the year. I hope this brings a little inspiration to someone else...various other bloggers are what got me motivated.

Have a great day!

A LITTLE OF THIS AND THAT

2011-03-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

I did not realize how long it has been since last post. A friend sent an email and inquired as to what was happening. I have been doing quite a bit of various activities. One of which is taking a lot of time....ironing each piece of fabric and folding it nicely to fit on my storage shelves. Anyone who has taken on this challenge knows it is not so much hard just very time consuming. While doing this, I am also trimming each piece. My scrap bin is overflowing with new pieces....so I am going to have to figure out a way to manage all of my scraps also.

This quilt has been great fun to work on. I have completed the top and picked out fabrics for the backing, but it is sitting idly aside while I am doing some spring cleaning.

Just a closer look at the individual blocks and the appliqued border.

Since moving into the 3 bedroom apartment, I have complained about the mini blinds and the dust they collect. Kevin and I began the process of washing the outside and inside windows, taking each blind down and hosing, scrubbing and rinsing outside. I decided it was time to add some color and actually make the curtains. I chose this fabric mainly because it was very close to being the perfect size. I free motion quilted it to an old bedspread .... that way it would not be overly heavy, but keep people from being able to see in. I have another completely seperate piece of fabric with red flowers and white background to make for the other window. Plus, I have chosen some pretty sheets for the dining room and the living room. I want to get the curtains all finished and put up before I finish the quilt.

Forewarning....I may take awhile to post again. Hee, Hee, Hee....I get involved and forget about other things.

APPLIQUE TIPS

2011-02-19T12:40:00.000-08:00

GOOD DAY TO EVERYONE!

I have not been in blog land for awhile....I get caught up in other faucets of life and forget to keep track of what I am experiencing through quilting and what my friends are doing.

Right now, I am working on a quilt for my daughters Godmother. I am having a grand time and have the feeling that this is going to be a beautiful quilt with a touch of playfulness. I chose to do a quilt as you go method with the 12 blocks and borders. At first, I was really stuck on how to do the borders. I chose applique because I enjoy the process and a plain white border just did not hit the spot.

I am hooked on fusibles and using the satin stitch. I continually try various other methods of applique, but come to this method more often than any other. But, while sewing this morning....blogging has been coming into my thoughts....it is now afternoon and I had to take a break and thought I would share some of my tips and remind myself of them also.

APPLIQUE TIPS FROM BRENDA......

1. Chose a pattern that you know you will enjoy and have fun with.
           Simple shapes are easy to work with and arrange in so many designs....let your imagination run wild
           and move them around until you find a design to your liking.

2. Take the time to play with your scrap fabrics and mix and match until you feel wonderful with what you
     have chosen. I love to look at what other quilters do with their applique ....such beauty and styles. But, I
     have to continually remind myself that I am different... I continually work towards having a Super Blue
     Ribbon winner....but my goal is to have fun and enjoy what I am doing before worrying about the
     perfection that goes into having the perfect winning quilt.

3.   Once you have chose the shapes, designs and fabrics.....it is time to chose threads. I myself am on a
      tight income, therefore, I do not have experience with many various types of threads. My thread choices
      are what I can get for the least amount. One of the types of threads that I have has a tendency to leave
      a lot of lint and every so often it knots up between the threading sections and the needle and breaks.
               Just a hassle, no big deal.....but pay attention to your thread choices and per say learn from them.
               Do not let them distract you from what you are doing. It is kind of an all around mission at this
               point!
                                  A. Is the thread breaking because of tension.
                                  B. Is the thread breaking because of a needle issue.
                                  C. Is the thread breaking because of the speed you are trying to go at.
                                  D. Is the thread breaking because your sewing machine flat out does not like it.
                                              I know that one seems like a very odd statement, but I know my
                                              machine does not like metallic thread..........it just wants to eat it and spit it
                                              out.
                                  E. Is the thread breaking because lint is interfering with the bobbin, feed dogs and its
                                       all around working process.

4. Remember that each choice you make in applique does have an impact on the project and it is important
     to work with each individual piece as if it were the only piece. The thickness of the interfacing plays a
     role, the fabrics thread count, bias cut, straight cut, weight, type and so on plays a role in how it will all
     work. The thread, plus the stitch that we chose to use. The tension adjustments. Plus, our attitude will
     make the biggest impact of all.

                        I truly believe that our individual attitude have a huge impact on our applique styles and effect
                        our stitches and the final outcome. Which leads me to a strong belief in a couple of tips....

                        Make sure you are having fun! Applique takes time and effort, just like with any part of
                        quilting. It requires practice, patience and time.

5. Posture is a major role in applique...especially if like me, you have to get up close and personal in order
     to see what you are doing and to feel the fabric and machine working together.

            Sitting with your lower back right against the chair back and then bending over at the shoulders to
            have your face/eyes within veiwing distance is quite straining.  I can not stress enough that you have
            to be in a great comfort zone that is right for you. Every part of you becomes involved and you have
            to pay attention to what your body is telling you.

             Make sure that you take plenty of breaks. Limit yourself to say 15 minutes to at the most a half hour; then get up totally walk away from the project and stretch. Lift your arms above your head, flap them up and down a few times. Reach over and try and touch your toes a few times (my arms are not long enough to do that....I only manage to get a tad below knee level   LOL). Lift your legs up off the ground and stretch on your tip toes. Really anything that makes you release the tension of your muscles. Plus, do not forget to stretch each of your fingers and your wrists. They are just as important as your back....remember they are also in a position that causes tension and it is easy to forget that they need stretching also.

I have quite a few other tips....but I believe I have touched on enough for the moment. I hope that these are helpful to you as they are to me. It is time for me to get back to my applique project. Have a great day!

I GOT A BOO BOO

2011-02-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

Dodger is so worried and watching over me with her wonderful so sad eyes and droopy ears.

Oh we have all heard the story and reminded ourselves thousands of times, ROTARY BLADES ARE DANGEROUS, but yes I got the edge of my thumb and cut off a good couple layers of skin. Thankfully I had a fairly long nail that took the majority of the injury.

I am not exactly sure how it happened....either the ruler slipped or the mat slipped and my thumb got in the way. Thankfully no stains got on the quilt block I was attempting to square up. The camera batteries are dead or I would post a picture of the hand embroidered blocks that my daughters Godmothers Mother made. I need to square them all up (12 blocks) add border strips to make them 16 and a half square and join them with some applique blocks I am making....then assemble and hopefully create a wonderful quilt for Godma Connie.

But, I do believe I will hold off for a couple days before attempting to accomplish any more of this project. I am discovering very quickly that with a thumb bandaged the size of Wyoming (LOL) it is actually quite difficult to do things. Great time to get out the cross stitch piece I am working on and see if I can manaveur a needle in and out.

I hope that your day quilting is far less "exotic" and no boo boo's of any kind!

QUILTING ISSUES I AM EXPERIENCING....

2011-01-26T09:58:00.000-08:00

This is not the quilt I am working on at this time.....but.....CHICCA is one of the issues that I face every step but especially when I lay it out to pin it. She comes from wherever and has to lay this way and that way, meowing in annoyance when I make her move. Literally at times, I have to just roll her off in order to reposisition the quilt.

I did learn one important tidbit this morning on a site; the method I am doing for this super king sized quilt is called "Birthing". You basically quilt the top with the batting then lay the backing on top (right sides facing one another) and then sew them together along the edges. So far I am glad that I chose this method, but I will not know for absolute until I reach the very last stitch. Whenever that may be....LOL.

Working in sections, per say, has been helpful , but boy does it take time. With having a small throat area to work in, I have to start and stop a whole bunch, reroll either side or both sides, take it out and spread it out then roll from the opposite directions. One thing that has not happened, but keep waiting for it to...is breaking the needle. The weight of the quilt is outrageous and changing even the slightest direction, I feel like the needle is going to giveway and not hold it. I am really thankful that I bought a walking foot when I bought the machine. It has made this so much easier. So far, not once, have I got puckers...again I am only half way through.

The last thing is the amount of thread that is being used. Which is more my doing than anything. I chose to do a specialty stretch stitch (it does automatic backstitching every so often). Plus, there are so many arcs and that is my main area of quilting. I have tried to take close up pictures, but our camera does not take these type all are blurred.

The last problem I will talk about is lack of space. Trying to lay out, pin, lay out and roll in a small area is a task all on its own. Even with all the minor/major issues I am enjoying this quilting process!

Anyone have issues with quilting that I did not mention? I would love to hear about them and how you deal with them! Have a great day!

HAPPY....

2011-01-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

To be making a couple baby bibs for my neice....I am so excited for them. Looking forward to making various items through the years!

HAVING A BLAST!

2011-01-20T14:09:00.000-08:00

The Double Wedding Ring Quilt Top has been in the works for quite awhile. When I finally finished sewing all of the arcs and rows together....it was set aside once again; while I created the back.

Creating the back has been somewhat of a challenge and wonderful experience. As you can see on SCRAPS WITH ATTITUDE, I basically created a pattern from scraps, the layout (to a degree...LoneStar) but with no pattern and my brain waves LOL...it has its own uniqueness. But I really like it.

Now, I kept trying to fiqure out if the back and top were of compatable size relationships. But only having a small section of floor available...laying them out was going to be a great monster of a disaster. I finally decided that quilting the top first (giving it stablization) and then laying the back down would work best.

I took the necessary steps to pin the top to the batting (which is a blanket) . Wow what a lot of work for just a small portion ....oh by the way...I only pinned half of the top because I ran out of floor. Another good reason for doing this off beat way. Once finished pinning, I realized very quickly that my sewing table was not a good idea. Good thing I can move my sewing machine into the dining room with the big table to drape the quilt upon.

I was overwhelmed for a short time, just kind of starring at the task before me....but pulled up my sleeves and said "I CAN DO THIS" chose a stitch and the walking foot and began; not really with any idea of where I was actually going to quilt. I just went where it felt good and in about 8 hours time, I have half of the half done. Tomorrow I will begin finishing the other half of the first half. Does that not sound so grand and pathetic at the same time? My arms are a tad bit tired....it is a heavy quilt already. Have a grand day!

Added Blog Site

2011-01-07T15:30:00.000-08:00

I have been trying for a couple days to add a "sub catagory" section on my blog. Disappointed and frustrated, I could not figure out how to do it. So, I thought....I will just create another blog site. Easy enough....not really. For some reason, I kept getting these messages that would not allow it. I am the first to admit that I am not a computer person and do very little to learn all that can be done. I like things simple and uncomplicated. Well my attempt today was successful.

Chicca has been waiting patiently for me in her new box for me to get back to sewing....then she can stretch out on the fabric pieces on the sewing machine and give me her opinion on if they work together the way she likes.

Back to the subject. I really enjoy scrap quilts and wanted a way to share ideas and experiments with others. I have to take the time and get the new blog set up completely....but, I hope that you will stop by now and then and give me some imput. Sharing ideas and inspiration is great fun and a wonderful way to make new friendships and strengthen older friendships.

CHOOSING A PATTERN

2010-12-28T09:55:00.000-08:00

The three quilts pictured are a couple of my favorites. But the list grows all of the time. With the completion of a quilt; the really hard part comes next.

Choosing a new quilt pattern or quilt block pattern. I really do believe that is the hardest part of quilting. Not only do we have books and magazines, friends that have patterns to share, we have our own creativity (mine is not a treasured one...so used seldom on its own) and we have MILLIONS of websites. Each showing a various color scheme, settings and various methods of assembling and quilting.

I spend many hours going through each book and magazine I have time and again. Thinking and dreaming, at other times I spend hours on the computer browsing here and there and always finding things of interest and printing and/or saving patterns galore. We do not have cable, but I have discovered all of the videos online about quilting. Some just a minute or so and some that reveal the whole show! I enjoy it all.

But boy do I per say "waste" a lot of time spent looking and not doing. LOL. I did decide, after searching through all of my books....to do an all half square quilt back for the Double Wedding Ring Quilt. Making the half squares is the easiest part .........I discovered through shuffling all of the ways to change the look and appearance. Oh such fun!!!

How do you find the pattern you want to do next?

QUILT TOP COMPLETE

2010-12-22T14:07:00.001-08:00

DOUBLE WEDDING RING
KING SIZE QUILT TOP COMPLETE

I have been working on this for almost a year now.

Friends of ours are going to be getting married in November of 2011; I wanted to make sure it was done in plenty of time. But in all honesty, I really did not expect the top alone to take an entire year.

I realize it is not a great picture and does not show the entire quilt; but it is cold here today and I did not want to fiddle with the clothesline, wind and cold. So the bed had to suffice.

I really learned a lot doing this pattern. The first and foremost important is that with this type of pattern.....YOU MUST cut each and every single piece precisely. It just does not go together (at least for me) properly with one edge a little longer and the other side not quite wide enough. Hee-Hee, I thought in the cutting out stage.....take a tad bit of a piece short to ensure their was enough. I managed to get the problems solved to a degree, but with a lot of extra work and far to many puckers or stretching.

Another great lesson I learned with this pattern....is not all patterns work wonderfully with scraps unless it is totally prepared step by step. It turned out fine, but there are numerous areas where the same pieces are used together and it really takes away from the focus of the rings themselves. At least my eyes, go instantly to those sections and I instantly ask myself what I was thinking. So, lesson learned....I like the scrap look....but next time it will be done one step at a time from cutting , laying it out, pinning it and sewing it one circle at a time per say.

This learning issue is one I will have to really consider before starting a huge project like this is that it is time consuming and has a grand tendency towards becoming depressing. I know I was thrilled with anticipation at trying my hand at this project. But each step just seemed to take up more and more time, pulling me away from the joy that I usually get with each step of a project. A good example, as I was thrilled to have it completely sewn together and laying it across the bed to photo; the thought of NOW I HAVE TO MAKE A BACK FOR THIS AND QUILT IT AND BIND IT...

Will have to continue another time....company just showed up. Have a great day!

Blog Appreciation

2010-12-05T07:36:00.000-08:00

I do not spend much time on the computer, due to numerous reasons that no one is really curious about (so will not go there). LOL. But one of the things I do enjoy doing when I get my turn at the computer........is read blogs about quilting.

Quilting blogs are so fabulous! For me they serve numerous purposes....the best of which is relaxation! For some reason, reading about the events in the quilters lives really touches a special place in my being and helps me see things a bit clearer.

I oooh and aaahhh a whole bunch........the quilters I have read about are truly unique individuals that have so much talent; adding so much to the world. Which leads me to dream and imagine some day to achieve a fraction of what they accomplish. Plus, I am continually learning new approaches to problems, techniques, tools and so forth.

If you do not already search out new blogs, click on someones favorite blogs and visit a new blog. It is a great way to make new friends and see a little more of the quilting world.

OPEN EYES OPEN MIND

2010-11-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to expand myself with quilting; trying the Double Wedding Ring quilt with all of its curves...it is going along rather well I try and sew together at least two complete circles each day. For some reason, I need a break after that. I do believe it is all the pinning.

My daughters Godmother, gave me a bunch of fabrics while we were visiting this summer. Among them were 12 hand embroidery blocks that her mother had done and given to her. She does not like quilting or sewing; so she asked if I would put them together in a quilt for her.

The embroidery pattern is a circle of flowers and leaves. I have been searching for a pattern that would go well with this. I came across this pattern on a very interesting site of stained glass patterns.

http://free-stainedglasspatterns.com/ is a great site for applique patterns. There are hundreds of various designs and possabilities.

Since everything I am working on seems to be centered around a circle at this time, I chose to give this pattern a try. I am very happy with the results. Although I am not sure it will benifit the embroidery block.......putting together many blocks like this one in several different color combinations will in my minds eye, make a beautiful quilt. Opening the Eyes to the world around us helps open our Minds! Learning is such a wonderful thing,

BEAMING WITH EXCITEMENT

2010-11-07T05:42:00.000-08:00

LOOKIE AT WHAT I HAVE DONE!!!!

I feel like a toddler right at this moment......so, I just had to post and share.

This is the first whole block and everything went together with such ease. I was totally shocked! This whole feeling is the best reason to quilt.............the feelings of satisfaction, complete amazement to rediscover (over and over) that I can actually do something well and continue learning and sharing a part of myself with whoever ends up with a quilt ..............

I did however encounter one huge problem. Before starting this scrap quilt, I had it all planned out and wrote it all down. With the move and setting aside for lengths at a time, I have lost my original plan. With my memory I have no clues as to where each scrap piece is suppossed to go. LOL. After trying several different layouts throughout the evening............I have decided to just totally wing it and go entirely with my flow for the moment. I sure hope this plan works....no way to loose that plan.

So off to the sewing room I go and hope and pray that the remainder of pieces go together so wonderfully!!!

Progress....

2010-11-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

The picture above is pieces of the Double Wedding Ring quilt that I began quite some time ago. I have always ooohhhed and aaawwwed over the quilts of this design; finally gathering the courage to make one myself.

I chose fabrics that I had on hand, plus purchased some of the greens and began the process. It has been a challenge at every level. Choosing the fabrics, tracing each peice, using scissors to cut each piece and pinning, pinning and more pinning, with sewing only taking a small portion of the time. I am actually going to finish all of the arches today. I was really excited about that accomplishment, when I realized that the next step is actually going to require even more pinning LOL over and over again at myself................but keep my laughter going and not giving up, just doing as I do and when it is complete be it next week or next year, being proud of myself for taking the challenge and learning that much more about quilting and myself!

Post more as the process continues..............let me know about challenges that you face while taking on a new quilt process; I would love to hear about it!!

This picture lets you see what Tigger and Dodger think about all of my time sitting at the table, drawing, cutting and pinning. Can you not see it in their eyes.....................

ARE YOU NOT FINISHED YET......................YOU HAVE BEEN NEGLECTING US!!!!

Visions of Peacocks.....

2010-11-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

This is Shirley, Kevins youngest daughter (17) who recently came to live with us. It is a big adjustment for all of us, but we are all doing just fine. Both of his daughters have wonderful artistic abilities and when I began dabbling in a new hand embroidery project; she did all the tracing. Although, I really do believe she could have drawn it free hand.

This picture was found at http://sites.google.com/site/maureensdownloads/

(I do not know if this will give a direct link or not....but this site has loads of printable motifs that could be used in embroidery-quilting)

Using a queen sized sheet, TRACER PROJECTOR JR , a very dark room and Shirleys artistic abilities......it was traced wonderfully.

I began dabbling in hand embroidery again after moving to Texas and not having space to quilt. But not wanting to just do outline embroidery, which is what I was taught and have always done...I did some searching and opened up a whole new world. Mary Corbet's site http://www.needlenthread.com/

is a great source of information, patterns and videos that demonstrate various stitches that I love to watch and learn from.

MANAGING FABRIC SCRAPS

2010-10-28T11:13:00.001-07:00

Recently, three seperate friends (who have given up sewing ) each gave me all of their scraps. Outrageously exciting!! I went through and folded the bigger sections and placed them on the shelves. The smaller sections were placed in two totes to go through later. I began a SunBonnet Sue project and as you can see the fabrics became quickly disorganized and became a jumbled disaster.

I decided that since I do love scrap quilting and do not like to get rid of any piece of fabric that could eventually be used......LOL I had to come up with a system and get this organized. I take each section to the ironing board and spritz it with some water and get all the wrinkles out first of all.

Take it over to the cutting board. Easy ......... ok, but now do I just trim it up and fold it or what? There are so many options, I got frustrated and sat down to think about what choices would be right, per say, for me. I decided to cut three different sizes at the same time.

I chose to cut 5 inch squares....the size used in charm packs.

Two and half inch strips, which I use quite often. The pile of strips was becoming messed up and I stopped to figure out what could be done to keep them neat and organized. I do not have a lot of space, actually there is no space left on my shelves, so where could they be stored without getting crumpled and wrinkled. I was looking at the closet when it came to me. Use safety pins and hang them on a hanger. They are easily kept out of "harms" way, easily looked through and very easy to access. It will not take much more and it will be filled and placed in the closet and I will start another hanger. I will most likely go to 3 inch strips also.

This tote will continue to hold the small bits of scraps that have a future place in a quilt project.

Like pieces for applique..........

or wonderful pieces for crazy quilt blocks.

I am far from being a great organized quilter. But, I do like it when it is all organized. I hope that I will continue to come up with ideas that will make that effort easier for me and hope that by sharing, maybe it is something you can use also. Have a great day playing in your fabrics!!!

CAN YOU SEE ME SMILING!!!!!

2010-10-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

As you can see, I am getting my new sewing room all set up and in working order. It is so incredible to have such a bright, wonderfully spacious area to work in. I decided to hang up items that are used frequently.....it works great, no searching to see where I placed them.

Even with the essential items hanging on the walls, they are still bare and need some pictures and items to make it even more personal and homey. That will come in time.

I can not explain the satisfaction and relief that came over me as I unpacked all of my fabrics that have been stashed away in plastic storage bins (pretty much since the move from Oregon). I had to take a lot of time with this area. Right now, I am still deciding where and how to arrange this section.

As soon as I could, I had to start a new project and break in the new room with flying colors. I chose a Sun Bonnet Sue applique project. It was great fun choosing fabrics. Once all of the 16 blocks were cut out and ironed on, I realized that I had the perfect opportunity to play and have fun with my new sewing machine.

So, I decided to explore the free motion machine embroidery. I drew these basic flowers onto the fabric with a wash away marking pen. Believe me I am no artist....I know I should stick to tracing patterns.

I chose these threads, hoping they would stand out and blend with the white bug fabric. Boy was I correct. They go fabulous, but I drew way to many flowers and now the whole block just yells at you....CAN YOU SEE ME....

oh well, I had a great time experimenting and improving. Looking forward to doing various stitches and who knows with the other blocks. Back to the sewing room I go.................................

SURPRISES IN LIFE

2010-09-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

A very unwelcome surprise awaited us a few nights ago......... These two baby rattlesnakes were parked outside our front doorway. Kevin quickly got the shovel and cut off their heads and we have not seen any others so far. But boy do the goosebumps pop into play at the sight of the picture again. Recently there have been quite a few neighbors that have encountered these reptiles. I hope that this is the last encounter I ever have!!!

Dodger is posing dilegently with her ball and orange decoration. I do not think she was real impressed, just waiting long enough to get back to throwing the ball. She is such a character.

We are still waiting for the painters to finish the new apartment. I really believed by now we would be all settled in, but hopefully (no I will not say, because I do not have a clue when they will be done). I really think I should have painted myself, I know I would be done by now. Buy hey, hire professionals that cost a lot of money (glad the landlady is paying) and wait two weeks.

Now, I am off to play online and then work on a cross stitch pattern.

DEEP CLEANING MOOD

2010-09-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

From Left to Right: My mother Jerry, my neice Andrea, my daughter Dawn holding Chompers, my sister in law Bobbie and me holding the leash which you can just catch the tip of Frankies head. This was taken while Kevin and I were visiting in Oregon. I just felt like sharing it.

Since being approved for the three bedroom apartment, I have been scrubbing relentlessly. Blame it on my mother or even my grand mother and so forth and so on......they were/are cleaning fanatics. I am far more slack than my mother by big quotations. But, I am not filthy or anything. I do daily cleaning, weekly cleaning and every so often dig in and do the really big deep cleaning job that I was taught was necessary.

The apartment we are going to get to move into was left in a pretty bad state. I will put it bluntly, I really do not think anyone ever did more than a brief surface clean. Therefore, my family traditions are kicking big time and I am getting down to the nitty gritty with the toothbrush and bleach. I have to say at this moment my baseboards are covered in dust....but not the kind that destroys two toothbrushes to remove the grim. Which is what has occured at the new place. Another thing that makes me really upset is that the people who lived there prior had toddlers. The apartment is entirely tiled, it was a dark grey in most areas. After using a mop with straight bleach, then rinsing and rinsing...it was almost white, but a lot of areas with so much buildup.....I had to get down on hands and knees and scrub, scrub, scrub. Now it is clean enough for my approval.

Next, which is going to wait until tomorrow (Iam exhausted after today), I get to tackle the refrigerator and oven.....then the cupboards. I am in all honestly, rather looking forward to this part....it in the long run makes you feel really good when you look at the finished results and know that it was worth the effort!!! After that will come the inside/outside windows....they are covered with all those wonderful little smudged fingerprints. LOL. Plus, let me not forget to mention all of the dust just from this wonderful part of the country. It really does not need a bit of wind to find its way inside all the vents and crevaces that exist in an apartment. Another thing that makes me laugh and want to cry at the same time.

We will not be able to move into the apartment until it is painted and the bathroom is recocked. Which probablly will not happen until next week sometime with this being a holiday weekend. Sorry I got carried away and vented.....I hope that you all have a wonderful, SAFE weekend!

STAYING FOCUSED

2010-09-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

These are some buffola we saw driving through Wyoming.

With all of the events that have occurred and upcoming events, I am having a hard time staying focused on even one little thing. With my brain not working correctly to begin with, throwing in mixed emotions and planning upcoming events it is total chaos in my brain waves. Hee, Hee, Hee.

Kevin is doing fairly well, but even he is having some difficulty with everything going on; only he handles things quite wonderfully. Guess that is one of the reasons we work well together! Hopefully, sometime this morning, we will hear from the landlady that we can begin moving into the 3 bedroom.

I know, as soon as I hear the O.K., everything will get turned upside down and inside out. But until then, I will continue to slowly accomplish sewing together pieces of the double wedding ring quilt. I do not have any pictures at this time, but will try and get some posted.

BACK IN ACTION

2010-08-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I have been on the internet, let alone posted. But we are back online and I am ready to go......so hope to hear from all of my friends once again!!!

Many things have happened ...... but most recently to begin

Kevin and I took a six week vacation and traveled to Grants Pass Oregon where we spent almost a month at my parents. They recently bought a new home and were just getting everything moved in. My daughter is staying with them while she attends college. We had such a grand time. From there we traveled to Colorado and spent time visiting family and friends and then went to Wyoming were we spent time with family and attended a family reunion. It was wonderful seeing everyone again. It was a great trip, but boy was it grand to be home once again.

Kevin and I went into Odessa one day to do a little shopping and pick up a freezer we had purchased. But while we were at our first stop, Kevin began complaining about not feeling right and having pain in his chest and arm. We went on to the second store and on the way out he informed me we needed to go to the hospital because something was not right....

I tried to kid myself on the way there that it was just heart burn, but in reality I knew it was a heart attack. Sure enough, he had to be rushed into surgery and had two stints placed. The real shocker came when the doctor informed us that his heart attack was extremely mild, what had caused it to occur is the fact that he has Artery Disease and all of his arteries are in terrible shape. Right now the doctors decided to let his stints heal and in six weeks decide what the next step will be. Medications will keep everything working smoothly until then. A total "WHAM" slam me in the face reality check!!!!

So we are waking up and facing realities, changing what we eat and living healthier. I am also Thanking God Almighty everyday and becoming a stronger Christian.

On a lighter note, we received wonderful news....a three bedroom apartment will soon be available (we are now very cramped in a one bedroom) and it has our name on it!! It is going to be so fabulous to have room to move around once again and actually unpack belongings we have not seen since leaving Oregon what a year and a half ago. Hee, Hee I am so excited and am really looking forward to all of the before, during and after WORK WORK WORK involved with it. I will once again have a sewing room and will be able to see what I actually have to make quilts with.

I am currently working on a Double Wedding Ring quilt. It is a slow, slow process. But I am enjoying it. I have rambled on enough....look forward to hearing from any and all of you

EVERYTHING IS SO DIFFERENT........

2009-06-30T19:49:00.001-07:00

here in GrandFalls Texas that I am really overwhelmed with everything. Kevin has finally gotten around to downloading more pictures and I will begin sharing with you all of my experiences. Forgive me though when I do not post for a few days or a week at a time, I am doing so many things and then again at the same time doing nothing that I forget things like blogging.

As you can see above, my organized sewing room was totally left in Grants Pass Oregon. Only a few boxes are available in our room and I can not tell you what is in any one box without opening each one until I find what I am looking for. LOL. I will not complain though, at least I have it available and can use it when I can!

Sorry that you can not see the quilt block center that I am slowly embroidering. I have received several wonderful comments on it from onlookers at the local cafe. That is where Kevin and I go and hang out for hours at a time to escape the heat. Yeah, it is air conditinioned!! But, I am finding I really do enjoy embroidery and am having a fun time with this project. No time lines, no expectations, just a hobby to pass time and enjoy.

If you look closely you will see the horned toad that Dodger has discovered while we were leaving for one of our walks. She just could not figure out this creature that would not move for her.

Dodger and I have seen so many forms of wild life; a red tailed fox, a Coach Whip snake (which was very long and green....scared the dickens out of me) a small two foot rattlesnake, which scared more than the dickens out of me!!! We caught a huge Black Tarantula and brought it back to the house in a cup with a lid I found laying beside the road. I wanted to get a picture and send to my daughter and mom and dad. I teased Kevin and said I had brought him a wonderful gift. He did not appreciate the thought and action behind it and I barely convinced him to snap the photo. I will have to post that later, I forgot. The variety of song birds and other birds is fascinating. I am currently working on making fabric postcards with an applique of a bird. I used various colors of fabrics to point out the variety of colors in these birds. They sing from dawn until after dusk. I am really curious what encounters I will have this month in July!

So, although, we have not found our own house, we are very happy and seeking new adventures everyday.

New Friends

2009-06-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

Dodger, Mighty Dog and I take a walk every morning and we keep adding time and distance. This morning we went pretty much all the way around town. Every street we walk down we encounter dogs, they bark, growl and some even come up and introduce themselves. Dodger would love to play with each and every single one, Mighty Dog could care less he just wants to mark new territory. So we stop and go often. LOL.

Well in behind the aparment complex that we are residing in with Shirley, there is a beautiful horse that the owner usually has confined in an area, but now and then he lets the horse graze in the area behind us. Dodger has seen this horse several times from a distance, she shows off for Kevin once in a while and the hair on the back of her neck raises and she growls real big and tough like. This morning though, Dodger finally had the courage to go up close and actually see what this huge monster was.

It was so incredibly funny watching the two of them. The horse would move around and keep eye contact with Dodger, Dodger would crouch down, leap a few inches closer and closer (she really was bouncing and crouching) until finally she was close enough and they got nose to nose. Dodger was so excited then, she just knew she could play with this horse and rough house like her and Frankie used to do (believe me Dodger misses Frankie tremendously). The horse just kept looking at Dodger like she was insane and moved constantly to keep Dodger in eye view. After a short while, I decided to go and introduce myself to the horse also. The horse was very eager to let me pet and talk to it. Dodger on the other hand was not so sure I should be that close and she came charging in........the horse turned sideways and kicked outward. I called Dodger right away and ended our new friendship until next time. LOL.

Aside from our walks, I continue to go swimming whenever possible. Glenda, her grandson Collin and I all went for about 2 and a half hours. We had a great time; the water is so refreshing. A couple of other kids in the pool have decided it is really neat to have us there. I got to have a stand on your hands as long as you can contest, who can swim the longest underwater contest, who can be thrown the farthest by me contest, and lots and lots of chatter...........we all know how energetic children are, well by the time we left I was exhausted. I hope that this all really does help get me in better shape and shed a lot of excess weight, but no matter it is great fun!

Kevin and I went to the storage unit last week also. We dug out a bunch of sewing/quilting items. But somehow, I did not find the box that contains the bobbins to the Singer machine and missed the quilting rulers also. So until we go and search again, I will have to get by with what I have. Searching through the magazines and books that I have, I found a perfect project for Glenda and I to make for the bizarre. They are fabric gift card holders. Since Glenda has only done a small amount of sewing and she really wanted something easier than easier to get her feet wet with on the first project. This afternoon we are going to go to the Community Center and begin cutting them out.....will depend on time wise if we begin sewing or not today.

Best news of all though..........is we discovered a house that MIGHT be available after the first of the month. We have to get in touch with the man and see if they are still considering renting after the current tennant moves out. So please say a prayer that it will be available and within our price range.

Thank YOu and have a great day!

CHANGES

2009-06-10T13:53:00.001-07:00

Slowly, but surely, things are changing! This picture shows one small glimpse at what magical things shine down upon us. Almost every evening clouds gather and change from moment to moment, in every direction you look. The weather here in Texas is dramatically different from Oregon, but each offers a wonderful tranquility.

Aside from viewing the sky changing, several other things are taking place. This is a small community that we have chose to make our new home in; we are still searching for a house, but have made the decision to go ahead and become involved in the community. Last night we attended a City Council Meeting. Even though I had trouble following all of the discussions and agendas (you know my brain, it does not like to have new information to begin with and when you add several things basically all at once, it slows way down); I found it fascinating and discovered I want to be a part of this.

One thing that was mentioned was the need for citizens to be on a committee for Economic Developement. I want to try and make some sort of input........that will be decided after I attend the meeting and find out more information. Kevin wants to make an input also, his is more politically focused, but we are both excited to learn and do what we can.

My second agenda, began before we moved actually, I decided then that once we got settled I wanted to join or start some quilting club. The "library lady" as Kevin calls her, her name is Kelly and we stopped by the library this morning to get information on the Economic Commity....well she asked me if I would be interested in forming just such a group or doing something with teaching and sharing my skills. I was thrilled and started putting together a list of sorts to get a direction and ideas.

I went back to the library this afternoon and talked with Kelly some more, who called a woman that does some stuff at one of the local churches and set up a time for us to meet. Then another woman came in and when we were introduced, she informed me that my mother in law showed off each and everyone of the fabric postcards that I made for her and sent. This woman (I am sorry, I can not remember her name already....see to much new information for my brain to handle) really pushed for me to come tomorrow and said that they really needed someone who could organize and direct the activities. I am really excited about going tomorrow and meeting more people and seeing what we can all come up with and go from there.

I tried to find more of our pictures, but I evidentally opened the wrong folders and only got ones of the various cloud formations. Do not give up on me yet, I will figure out all of this stuff eventually and a day (of course).

Few Things Going On......

2009-06-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

Things here are just settling into a routine. No luck in finding a house/apartment to rent, so we are still with Shirley. Kevins mom is such a neat lady, but I have to laugh at her also. All her life she has struggled with money and they way that she deals with things show it. One thing that I am having trouble adjusting to, is the dry heat here and she has air conditioning, but refuses to use it. It is such a terrible waste of money! I just laugh at the situation and Kevin and I go to the Library and/or the Cafe and spend the majority of our afternoons! The people in those establishments welcome us with open hearts.

I have also decided, out of pure respect for Shirley, not to set up my sewing machine. Although I am missing it terribly at times; Kevins mom would have a heart attack at the number of hours I can easily spend each day on the machine. I think she would have a very difficult time accepting the waste of electricity. LOL. So, out of respect, I will not bring on a heart attack the first time she would get her bill. HEE-HEE! Even though we would pay for it.

I am learning new embroidery stitches and techniques in place of that. Eventually they will become quilt blocks. I have looked up several books, in the library, for instructions and various patterns. There are several instruction sections but very few patterns. So, I have been searching on line. Again there are many sites with both, plus I have found several books that are on my wish list. But, I went ahead and bought a kit with 4 quilt blocks, stamped and ready to embroidery. Then all I will have to do, in who knows when, put it all together into a quilt.

I also have been taking Dodger and Mighty Dog for walks throughout the day. The morning is our longest walk, several short strides throught out the afternoon and another walk in the evening. I have lost several pounds, yippeee.........well yesterday, we discovered that they have opened the public pool. So as soon as I buy a swimming suit, I will start going and exercising and enjoying the cool refreshing water as often as I want. Boy though, I have not been in a swim suit since before Dawn was born, over 23 years. I am going to have to really muster strength to show off my pure white, fat body parts, just to loose weight. Most likely, I will scare the dickens out of everyone and they will flee the continent!

Sorry I have no pictures to post..........Kevin does not have our computer set up and his moms does not take our picture cards. But hope that you enjoy a tad bit of my events and new experiences! Have a great day!

WATCH OUT.........

2009-05-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

Dodger, Mighty Dog, Kevin and I took a stroll in the park this morning around 11:00. Since these duplexes do not have areas big enough for Dodger to run and play and get good exercise, we have been taking her to the park and playing ball. It was a little to warm for ball, but we thought the dogs would enjoy just walking around the park and have a little fun. Very few people go to this park, for some unknown reason.

I should give an introduction to Mighty Dog; he is Kevins mothers dog. He weighs about 7 pounds and is about half the size of Frankie in Oregon. Mighty Dog is also 17 years old and although he loves to go for walks and explore, he does not like to play with our 80 lb Dodger. LOL. Also Mighty Dog is almost completely blind from cataracts in both eyes.

Since not many individuals use this park, it is great to let Dodger run and explore with us close by. Mighty Dog really does believe he is a Mighty Dog and does not bother to listen to the word stop or sit or come back; therefore, he must be kept on a leash. While we were walking around, letting the dogs go and have their space............I looked at Mighty Dog just in time to jerk the poor little guy about 10 feet..........a small (about 2 foot) RATTLESNAKE was coiled up and getting ready to strike.

I have never been so glad of my reflex timing, my heart stopped beating for several moments and then it was beating beyond control as I realized not only did I just save Mighty Dog, only moments before we were all just walking around in that area with not a clue in the world...any one of us could easily have stepped on it or been bitten. Since Dodger was not on a leash, Kevin told me to get the dogs away as quickly as possible and back in the car. He walked carefully around to the picknick table we had been sitting on (only about 7 feet away from the snake) and gathered up our stuff. He then informed me that very often if there is one, especially being small, they tend to follow one anothers trails and there could easily have been more.

I just do not know if I will care to walk casually in the park anymore! The thing is though, living in a community with only 391 people, snakes could care less that they are moving through a park or lawn. It is their territory we are invading, they protect their space just like we do ours.

I just thought I would share my First Rattlesnake adventure (SCARED SILLY)!

A NEW BEGINNING IN GRANDFALLS TEXAS

2009-05-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

We arrived here two weeks ago. The trip itself, aside from being long, went rather smoothly. We arrived at about 2 am, slept for a few hours and then headed for Fort Stockton (about 32 miles away) to rent a storage unit and unload the truck.

Kevins Uncle Tex, a true Texan, rounded up a couple of kids and they helped unload. I can not thank them or Tex enough for all the help they were. It would have taken Kevin and I 10 hours or more to get it unloaded, being as tired and out of physical shape to do it. I gave them a couple of my quilts on top of some $$ because of how grateful we were.

After that we really just lazed around, taking naps off and on, for about 4 days. The first couple of days were hot and not being used to this kind of heat, we felt the difference. Then we began looking for a place to rent (preferably a house) only to discover that Grand Falls, Fort Stockton and Monahans do not have any available housing for anyone at this point and time. Evidently because of the way oil prices have been going, every oil rig worker in America are in Texas. Which means for the time being we will be living with his mother until something opens up.

Kevins mother, Shirley is a wonderful person of 80 and is so thrilled that Kevin and I are here, I really do not think she wants us to move out. LOL. I quickly learned where Kevin picked up his talent for being a pack rat. He is so mild compared to her, I have already began teasing her. She just laughs and says, but you would not believe the amount of things I have thrown away in the past year. She is also a very independent woman; she does not want me to wash the dishes because that is a job that she can still do and she does not want me to take it away from her. She says she will ask me to do something when she needs it............I have sneakely succeeded in taking out the trash and hanging up some of her clothes out on the clothes line.

My biggest sorrow so far has been that I do not have any of my sewing/quilting available. We talked about it last night and I asked her if it would be alright to bring in my stuff. She said she had already thought of it and we will just have to rearrange the living room area and make room for whatever I need! I really thought that was special of her. So the next time we go to Fort Stockton I will be raring to go. Rediscovering all of my stuff all over again. Yipee........Yipee......!!

I hope you all have not given up on me and will stop by again and leave a comment; I sure have missed blogging and communication with everyone!

DESIGN STITCHES IN QUILTING

2009-04-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

While Kevin has been looking for jobs and we are anxiously awaiting the decision of unemployment; I have been busy creating.

The picture above is of a reversible tote bag I decided to make. The blocks are paper pieced (pattern from Quilt Blocks Galore called Paper Stars) and were so fun to make. I chose these blues and the following tote bag.............pieced the blocks all together, assembled them and quickly discovered that these fabric colors looked hidious together.

Therefore, the tote bags were assembled. I really had fun making these and learned some new techniques. I did my very first zipper and created a pocket. It turned out fairly decent. I also learned how to sew in cording. It really adds character to the bags. Eventually, I would like to try and make my own cording.

In the photos above, (I can not figure out how to get them all seperated........Sorry) you can see that I have actually managed to put a whole quilt together. I found this pattern in a book that was given to me and after many days of looking the directions over and deciding which fabrics to use. I began assembling. It went together fairly easily, but I did have to make some adjustments to the borders.

I then had to decide how to place the applique pieces, this took a lot of time. There are so many possabilities to chose, rearrange, chose again. LOL. You can tell that Chicca has given it her approval, I have had some horrific pushing matches with Chicca with this quilt.......she just could not leave her paws off of it for any length of time.

After assembling it, I had to decide on a backing; well the person it is being made for is a cat fanatic (good thing she will understand the cat hairs mixed in with the stitches) I really wanted to try some applique cat shapes. After several attempts, I gladly gave up and decided to chose a fabric with cats on it.

Next, it was time to quilt it. On the tote bags I had decided to use a decorative stitch to add a little extra pizzaz. I dedided to go ahead and give them a go on this quilt. WOW! I am so astonished at the effect that they added. They are far from being perfect (some are tight and look great, some are spaced out and out of sinc) but hey for me that is pretty normal. Hee, Hee. But I really did enjoy and suggest to those of us that love to try new things, give some of your decorative stitches a fling and discover how wonderful and useful they really are!

Quilting Salvation

2009-03-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

When I began quilting a few years ago, I would never have thought how benificial it is. It was just something to pass the time.

Now, I can not count the number of ways it has impacted my life. First and foremost it has opened the door for making some incredible friends. I will always treasure this above all other aspects of the hobby. Quilting has also helped my memory in many ways, it is rather hard to explain, but I do not think I am loosing as much information as I did a few years ago. It has increased my outlook about myself tremendously, giving me confidence and a desire to keep trying and taking another step forward. When stress is high it is a way to relax and forget troubles for a short time, think things through while sewing instead of jumping ahead without thinking is another example of its benefit. These are just a few....... I hope that I can quilt for the remainder of my life and that it continues to benefit my life.

There is one other major benefit that must be mentioned. I believe that every person who quilts experiences this one at some point (if not all of the time). It is the joy of giving and sharing the warmth and love that each stitch produces. Whether we give our quilts to family, friends or charities. I know I am a better person because of quilting each time I give a quilt away. It is such a great and inspirational feeling that it inspires me to get started right away on the next quilt that will bring warmth and happiness to someone else.

I am proud to be among the many people who quilt and share their work with the world! In these hard times we are facing it is grand knowing people still care and support and share everyday!

CATCHING UP!

2009-03-04T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! I am missing the "routine" of blogging and communicating with everyone so much.

Things remain the same here, we are still fighting for unemployment. Terrible how the working people have to pay into unemployment and then have to fight tooth and nail to get it. But that is the way things work.

A few positive things are happening....Kevin got the ok from his doctor to go to this spinal clinic and see if they can help in any way with his back. It is a few weeks away, but will sure make a difference; we hope.

I am working on this scrap bargello pattern from Bonnie Hunters "Scraps and Shirtails" book. It is fairly easy and fun. Her directions asked for 240 2.5 inch by 18 inch strips. Wow, did that take some time to get them all cut. I just reached into my scraps, began pulling and cutting. Not thinking things through properly (one of my best traits in quilting....LOL) I had many strips that went throughout the process. Others I only had one or two strips. It took me ages to count out the correct number of strips and then to arrange them in sequence. Bit by bit, I am assembling each section and it is coming together nicely.

I ran across a pile of green triangles (my father had pre-cut them ages ago for use in one of his quilts....I received all the extras). Realizing that for a couple years, I have held onto these pieces knowing sometime I would come up with a great use for them. It was time to come up with something.

Since, I really enjoy looking at the various varieties of star quilts that come in every shape, size and color. Plus, the fact that I have been brave enough to learn the half square triangle methods and use of the easy angle ruler. I figured out the correct cutting measurements and followed along with one of Bonnie Hunters examples.

I decided to use up some of my brown fabrics to go with the green....there are four different browns and one fabric used for the centers. This ended up being a fun quilt to make and with the scrappy effect it adds character to the design.

I finished this quilt as a backing for the star quilt above.

I saw some directions for making your own fabric using scraps, crazy quilting and strips. No worries about fabric selections or matching seams.

It was simple and easy and makes for a great quilt backing. The directions said after you sew all your fabric together to pick a pattern and use this as you would any other piece of fabric. But, I felt it looked great this way and chose to use it as a backing. But I think it would be interesting to cut it up and have fun putting a pattern together using this also.

After I finish the Bargello quilt, I plan on trying a scrap method called Stack and Slash. I have several 6 inch blocks and many other selections available to make a 6 inch block. From my understanding you stack your blocks on top of each other chose a spot to begin and end cutting and slash away. Then you add a strip of 1 1/2 inch fabric to each section. Pile the blocks back on top and slash again. Then add the strip. Well it looks like fun and a great way to use up larger pieces of stash fabric.

I am now off to check in on blogs and then head back to the garage sale preperations. Have a great day. Will post again when I can.

STARS

2009-02-22T17:12:00.000-08:00

I am missing everyone terribly! Keeping myself busy with working on a star quilt project. I have the back all finished, it is a scrap design. Kevin and I are also working on organizing the garage for a garage sale in the beginning of March. It is amazing how much work you have to put into a garage sale. But, slowly but surely it is all coming together.

It is raining here once again, just starting the serious tease of spring approaching. Some of the flower bulbs are showing their first signs of life.

Thank you to everyone for commenting and lifting my spirits. It really does help. I hope you all have a great day!

I WILL NOT BE BLOGGING MUCH AT ALL

2009-02-18T16:56:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let you all know that we have lost internet access. Financial troubles, which I will not go into.....has made us chose to disconnect. I will check off and on, post a blog, and check my email from my parents computer off and on.

I will miss all of you terribly. I really enjoy checking on blogs and getting to know everyone. Thank you all for understanding.

Your Friend and fellow quilter..........Brenda

HAVE YOU EVER....

2009-02-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

heard the saying,

"GOD GAVE YOU A BRAIN, SO USE IT!"

I am positive most of us have in one way or another.

Recently I was searching for something in the sewing room and ran across these fabric pieces and blocks. I did not put them in with the other fabrics so I must have had a plan at some point. Who knows what!

After working with the half squares in the last quilt; when I saw the floral pink with the white on white, I just knew it was a wonderful match. Problem number one: these blocks were cut close to being 3 inch blocks but not perfect (hee,hee,hee....must have been my earlier days).

I told myself at this point, "God gave you a brain, so use it!" I pulled out a ruler and proceeded to draw the diagonal line down the middle and 1/4 on each side. Sewed the pieces together and cut them in half. I knew they were not going to be perfect; so I made a template square that measured 2 1/4 ....it fit the individual blocks the best. Next, I trimmed each square to the 2 1/4 inch squares.

Problem number 2: Browsing magazines, books and the internet I had seen many patterns that I wanted to try and would look nice with these colors. I only had so many squares which eliminated many patterns. I decided to look on Bonnie Hunters site @ http://quiltville.com/ and see if she would have any patterns that would work.

http://quiltville.com/playjacks.shtml Playing with Jacks caught my full attention and the choice was made. Now my blocks did not measure to her measurements, but I should be able to do the same thing with a little use of my brain.

Problem number 3: I had to choose one other fabric that would make a bold statement and go with the half squares. I have always loved purples and that is where I headed and found a wonderful deep purple with pink flowers. I loved the match.

Alright, this fabric would have to make squares the same size as my half squares. That should not be that big of an issue. Just cut 2 1/4 inch squares. Off to the cutting board and done in a short time. Hey this is going to look awesome.

Problem number 4: Time to lay out the positions of the pattern pieces. Now things are going to get complicated and make my brain work overtime. Which believe me it does not like to do at all!

The dark squares and light squares are not the same size at all, just a tad off... but creates a huge error if sewn incorrectly. My brain and I finally found the solution that would work. Line up one side even steven and then the other side would be the seam with enough to make a quarter inch seam.

Problem number 5: My brain is extremely tired of all this thinking, calculating and planning. But darn it, I am going to get this to work today! Remember, I tell myself, the hard part is over....this is a fairly easy block and should go together pretty nice from here on out.

NO WAY! Because of the way the seams had to be sewn together, mixed with the fact that the half squares had to go in certain directions.......oh my poor brain........it just had a heck of a time remembering the directions this one went and then had to change and go in another direction. My seam ripper was getting very tired also.

Many hours later, it was accomplished. Now just sewing the nine patch together into one block. That was not to difficult, except every now and then when my brain turned it all upside down...trying to remember which piece went where.

Problem number 5: I was so determined at this point to get all these blocks done that I sewed until 9 pm last night. My brain was exhausted.

Yet, I was really excited. I had managed to make these nine patch blocks that could be arranged numerous ways for a variety of patterns.

I had to lay them all out and play, deciding which route to go. I really wanted to go another direction, but with only a limited number of blocks it just did not look complete. The thought entered my brain for a half second (if that) that I could easily make more blocks with different fabrics. Boy did my brain reject that process quickly!

So this is the style that I chose; which I really do like.

I took this photo to show the fabrics a tad bit better.

I really am pleased with the outcome of this journey. But, in all reality....I hope the next time my thoughts bring up the saying....

"GOD GAVE YOU A BRAIN, USE IT!"

I forget it quickly and stick with the directions skilled and brilliant quilters have written and tried; instead of my trying to fit this into that solution. LOL

Remember everyone, the only reason I had a hard time with this pattern is because of my brain injury ............not because the pattern is hard from Bonnies site. Her directions are clear and precise and wonderful.

Now off I go to sew the these blocks into the center of a quilt. Now that should be a very easy task for my brain today....only match up seams and sew. LOL. I will let you know how it goes.

COMPLETED

2009-02-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

This is the crazy quilt backing of the quilt pictured below.

I had so much fun playing and creating each block. I chose the light grayish blue border to calm down the effect a little and seperate the braided border.

I will definetely be doing this style again.

I was very leery of quilting this quilt. I have a history of creating large puckers!

My father was using the PFAFF, therefore the free motion foot was not available.

I gathered up my courage and my quilt, laid it all out nice and flat on the floor and began pinning.

I definetely have 42 year old knees! LOL.

I did not create any large puckers and actually only a few small ones. I just did a simple outline around the inner squares and the middle of each block. Nothing fancy or lavish, but it turned out great.

My family said it looked like a 3D effect.

Each time I make a quilt it brings such delight, I can hardly wait to start on a new one.

Plus, each time I quilt a quilt....the courage to quilt gets stronger and surer.

I also quilted another quilt that has been lying idle for quite sometime. I still need to add the binding. Will show it in another post.

SORRY I AM NOT POSTING VERY OFTEN

2009-02-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

But with hubby not working, it is totally different schedule. He gets the computer the majority of the time, I get to sew the majority of the time. LOL. Of course there are job searches and what not for him and housework and whatnot for me also. Do we not lead the most exciting life! Really though, aside from Kevin not working, we like our laid back, unbusy, uncomplicated lifestyle.

Recently, I received a package from my friend Karol-Ann (I forgot to take a picture, so sorry). The package was filled with scraps of material. I was inspired to use them in a new scrappy method I discovered while looking at an old quilting book.

(Not the one pictured). You take all of your scraps sew them together in any method you chose. I chose crazy blocks and strips. Then you select a width and begin cutting strips. You basically are creating your own material strips to do with as you please. You can continue to sew them into long strips and make a quilt or do like I am going to do. Which is cut them into squares and use them in a selected pattern. I have not gotten to that point....just finished trimming them into 3 inch strips last night.

Chicca has been most helpful with this project. She makes sure the fabric is soft enough to take a nap on, that she is in a position that requires me to stop and pet her as often as possible and I know she secretly is laughing because I have to reach under her now and then to pull out the fabric pieces. I thought using a small plastic (its actually a santa claus cookie server) bowl would make it easier to reach and sort than in my big storage unit. What was I thinking!

Well off I go to begin cutting and sewing another quilt!

A GREAT WAY TO USE SCRAPS

2009-02-02T23:22:00.000-08:00

I received these wonderful postcards all in the last few days.

The fireworks is from Vicki, the map is from Karen, the flying cat is from Carol and the pine tree is from Marie.

Are they not fabulous! Thank you ladies; they are now hanging on my sewing room wall.

Post Cards are one way to use up scrap pieces of material. I recently began a project that is a tremendous way to use the odd ball scraps.

I have seen many variations of Crazy Quilt blocks and decided to give it a try. It was very simple, for the most part, this week I was able to put together 40 of them.

This evening I assembled 36 of them into this. I am going to use it as the quilt block for quilt top I finished a few days ago (last blog).

It is far from being the correct size so am going to either make more of this type or another type of crazy quilt block....will decide on that tomorrow.

Kevin, Dad and I are going to get up early tomorrow and go to breakfast at Dennys restraurant. They are giving everyone a Grand Slam breakfast for free from 6 am to 2 pm. It is some type of promo for the Super Bowl. I really did not believe my father when he mentioned it, it seemed so out of whack. So I called and verified and yes across the United States, every Dennys is giving away this free breakfast. So off to bed I go.

Have a grand day! Thanks for stopping by......leave a comment or just browse.........I love hearing from all of you.

DELIGHTED....

2009-02-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

Last night, I was up until 3, which is very unusual for me. I responded to a few emails and sent out a few extra, played SLINGO (a game on yahoo) and thought about various things. One being what to do with the borders on this quilt.

When I awoke this morning, I gathered up the remaining sections of fabric used in the blocks and began figuring measurements. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I had more than I realized. I chose the brown/gold as the first border, made sure there was enough to make a border with the light brown/gold. I laid it out on the floor and debated for a short while if I should even add the green. Went back to the calculator and cutting mat, and proceeded to cut the green border.

As ususual, my photos do not due the fabric colors justice.

But this is my finished quilt top. I am so thrilled with the layout and fabric choices for this quilt. I must admit, I am very proud of myself.

Now I set aside one of the fabrics used in the centers of the blocks and will use it for the binding....once I decide what the quilt backing will be.

My mind is already playing with how to machine quilt it. But I look at the quilt and a fear comes over me. Since my machine quilting is far from being good, I am petrified I am going to foul up. So for a short time, it is going to sit aside again and let me get my bearings. LOL.

After finishing the quilt top and stopped glowing (hee,hee,hee) I went back to working on the crazy blocks I am assembling.

With all the movement from sewing machine to ironing board and back to machine. I was getting a terrible ache in my back from pushing hard against the carpeting to get the chair to manuever.

The thought occured to me that there might be a solid object out in the garage that could be used as a flat surface over the carpet.

Low and behold, there it was this big piece of plyboard leaned against a shelf. I found the tape measure and made sure it would fit. Then came inside and asked Kevin if it would work. He came out to the garage and made sure what I was talking about, I do not always describe things correctly or use the right terms. Thats my brain for you! He agreed that it would work and we slowly moved it up to the porch. I hated to have him lift anything, but I needed his assistance.

After I moved furniture around, vacuumed the carpet extra well, I drug the piece the few feet into the dining room and plopped it down. Of course I had to move the furniture back and give it a go. Zoom..................Zooom...................the chair slides wonderfully! Now I have to get used to gently sliding, instead of pushing with all my might. LOL.

I hope that all of you are having a most DELIGHTING day! I am headed back to the sewing room.

WORKING ON CRAZY BLOCKS

2009-01-30T12:49:00.000-08:00

I am still at a stand still as to what fabrics to use for borders on the other quilt top (photo last blog). So I decided to work on dwindling down my bucket of scraps. I found this crazy block among my numerous patterns copied from the web (I do not know where this one came from).

These crazy blocks are a lot of fun to put together. I traced the pattern onto 20 sheets of copy paper and pulled out the scrap bucket and began sewing the pieces together. When a certain fabric does not actually fit the space, it is an easy remedy; you just add another scrap. So even though I am following the pattern, each block is slightly different and uses every sort of fabric. Lights, darks, small print, large print, bold and boring it all looks great.

As you can see, Chicca has made herself quite comfortable on a pile of blocks already made. She snuck up onto the ironing board while I was in the kitchen getting a refill of coffee. The little beast; she knows I do not like her to lie on the ironing board unless it is covered. But she looks so cozy, I just could not push her away. I think that these blocks, when assembled, will make a very nice backing for a quilt.

STUMPED

2009-01-29T07:49:00.000-08:00

I managed to finish the blocks late yesterday afternoon. While doing a few other household chores, Chicca of course had to take a nap on top of the stacked blocks.

After dinner was finished and dishes done, I began playing with the layout. This is what I decided I liked best. Then they were set aside until tomorrow.

But later on, the urge to assemble these blocks and truly see how they would look as a quilt took control. I could not resist and had to assemble them. This picture does not do the fabrics any justice, they look dull and lifeless; but they really are wonderful fabrics. Hopefully after I add the borders, the next picture will show the fabrics.

I am stumped at this time as to what I am going to do to finish off this quilt top. I began browsing some magazines and books for inspiration, but nothing really stood out. I will have to play with some ideas today and figure out exact remaining fabric is available and then go from there.

To all of you who are facing these freezing temperatures without power, my thoughts and prayers go out to you. I realize you will not be able to read this, but just wanted to mention that we are thinking of you!

GOT ME TO THINKING...

2009-01-24T14:51:00.001-08:00

While I was assembling these nine quilt blocks last night for some reason thoughts of my Grandma came rolling in. Because of my memory problems I do not remember but a few items. One of them is that she loved to bake and made some of the most scrumptous goodies. The other is that she could crochet doilies by only looking at the picture and have them match each stitch without another glance at the pattern. She actually could not read the patterns and somehow managed to make those small intricate stitches. Aside from the ones she made me while she was alive, I also have several she made right before she passed away.

I seldom put them out, I want them to last forever and pass them onto my daughter. Also, my grandmother at some point in my life had made me a beautiful quilt from scraps, all sorts of fabrics and tied together with yarn. It had a red and white backing; well from being used frequently through the years it was in absolute shreds by the time my mother convinced me to get rid of it.

I know many of you are shivering with dread! I at that time had not discovered quilting and no one else I knew did any quilting either. I had a very hard time parting with it then and now that I know how to quilt and know I could have "saved" it, I cringe when it comes to mind. While looking at these blocks, I just know my grandmother would be thrilled and proud that I have learned to make quilts. I think she would really like this one.

The block pattern for these were found at http://www.bearpawproductions.com/QuiltingBasics.htm . I truly enjoyed making the half square triangles and quarter square triangles using her paper piecing method. Every piece is the same size and went together easily and quickly.

While browsing someones blog recently ( I made the note to press open the seams, but did not think to write down the information from the blog that recommended it....I am sorry I can not give credit where it is due) they recommended pressing the seams open. So I finger pressed each seam and then pressed each seam open. It really helped to make each block lay flat and undistorted in any way. This will definetely be a step I have tacked to my bulletin board, for in the future I remember to do this.

I only made nine of the blocks with the fabric I chose. Well after making these nine, I want the quilt to be larger. But do not have enough of the original fabric to make any more. Now, I must play the fabric shuffle and chose fabrics that will contrast and go together with the fabric blocks already.

The rain is pouring down buckets today, so it is another perfect day for sewing. So off I go. Have a great day!

QUILT JUST FINISHED

2009-01-22T11:52:00.000-08:00

The pattern VIRGINIA BOUND found in Bonnie Hunters book Scraps and Shirtails was put together using nothing but scrap pieces of fabrics. I really loved the look of her quilt and enjoy paper piecing so it was an easy choice to make. As I was joining all of the strips into blocks, a thought kept coming into play.....boy this looks nothing like her pattern.

As the blocks were joined together to make the 16 inch star block, I eased up a tad bit, but still was thinking to myself that this is just not going to be very pretty or even appealing. That is really when the decision to make a two sided quilt came into play.

I was having a very difficult time choosing the other side. My friend Maureen stopped by and was discussing projects and various quilts we were doing and wanted to try. Sun Bonnet Sue was mentioned by Maureen because she is expecting a new grandbaby and was trying to decide if she wanted to give applique a try and thought that Sun Bonnet Sue would be an easy and cute pattern to experiment with.

My father, who is no longer quilting due to his eyesight, had always wanted to do a Sun Bonnet Sue quilt but his eyes gave out before he could. Both of these factors hit the mark and I made my choice to do a Sun Bonnet Sue.

Choosing the fabrics was actually very easy. I chose the yellow background, but did not have quite enough so the white corners came into play. I went to my scrap bucket and began choosing any and all fabric pieces that would be large enough to do the applique. Since Sun Bonnet Sue is a "girly" type of quilt, I went with softer pastels and intermatched this way and that and they came together very nicely.

I found the Sun Bonnet Sue block in a book QUICK QUILTS given to me by Marie @ http://mariequilts.blogspot.com/ . I really enjoy this book and plan on making several of the quilt patterns in it. In order to make these blocks the same size as the Virginia Bound blocks, I had to add sashing. The picture above does not really do the fabric colors any justice. It is very bright and cheerful.

Once both sides were assembled, I chose to quilt each block seperately and really practice my free motion quilting. I did a fair job on quilting. I am getting my machine speed and hand speed closer to the same time. When you look closely you can really see how different the back stitches and front stitches are out of whack. But it was such a fun experience mixed with a few unspeakable phrases off and on. LOL. My quilting friend Maureeen called me a little showoff when she saw my blocks. We laughed (she is a beautiful quiltmaker) and giggled that I was actually accomplishing something she has not yet tried in this manner. But I bet it will not be long before she is playing and experiencing free motion quilting herself.

I was shocked and surprised at both sides of the quilt. Especially the Virginia Bound side, when it all comes together as a whole quilt....it is beautiful. My first thought when seeing it laying was oh I must try this again with nothing but green strips in the center and light browns on the outer sides. I am thrilled with this quilt and hope it makes someone very happy.

AS THE DAYS GO BY.....

2009-01-17T13:01:00.000-08:00

I have been working on my free motion quilting. It is a slow process when mixed in with all the other little "chores" that are needing to be dealt with.

I still have 5 blocks remaining. Next, comes the trimming each block and then adding sashing pieces, which leads to assembling and then the final step of binding.

I managed to sneak a start on a new quilt (I mentioned the site in my last blog). After seeing the pattern and method, I could not resist. LOL. After I printed the necessary pages, I had to proceed....so the fabric was selected and then cut into the pieces necessary. Oh this had to be continued....I sewed all of the necessary half square triangles and quarter square triangles. Then I spent time tearing away the paper pieces and gently put them in a container (in eyes view) to begin assembling when I finish the Sun Bonnet Sue Quilt.

The urge to create and explore got the better of me! But, my will to complete each quilt before starting a new one took over and it shall happen. I hope you get a chuckle out of this, how often do you do this?

Well, off to check on the roast and potatoes for dinner; my parents are coming over for the afternoon. We always have a good time. Have a great day!

FINISHES AND NEW IDEAS

2009-01-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

This is the first UFO quilt from 2008, I finished the border yesterday. Yipee another UFO done. I had a lot of fun embroidering each block with different colored threads and going around various parts of the preprinted blocks. I then added sashing and it is finished. I only showed a small part of the quilt (it was laying like this and I just snapped the photo). Last year I did not show many, if any, of the charity quilts I made. This year, I plan on including more of these. It feels wonderful knowing I am giving a little something to someone who needs a tad bit of hope and comfort in their lives.

For some reason I could not get to sleep last night. After tossing and turning for over an hour, I got up and browsed around on the computer. I went to

http://www.quilterstv.com/?bcpid=1312399157&title=applique_projects

Quilters TV site, which I discovered a short time ago. I really enjoy watching the videos from the series and if you like watching videos about quilting, check out this site. It has many that are informative and interesting. Decided to click on the section Quilters Cafe and found a video featuring Brenda Henning demonstrating half square triangles and quarter square triangles. It was an interesting video and I decided to check out her personal site.
http://www.bearpawproductions.com/QuiltingBasics.htm

I was delighted to find this section with free patterns. I love patterns, can never have enough...LOL. Her free pattern page is where I chose to have the link. But I found the rest of her site very interesting, so do not hesitate and check it out. She makes some beautiful quilts. Plus offers all of her books on this site; now that my interest is sparked....eventually will have to buy some of her books.

Under TRIANGULATIONS, I found Godey's Table Runner and printed it out. I enjoy paper piecing, but have only done a few projects. On the other hand I have tried half square triangles only a couple of times also and these two combine in this block. I printed out the copy and even though I should work on finishing 2 of my 4 UFOs, I have got to give this one a try.

I also learned a trick (sorry, I honestly can not remember where I read it on the web....so can not give credit where it is due) on a site earlier today. Copying the pattern pages/pieces for paper piecing can become expensive and this suggestion was to use several blank pages of paper and use the sewing machine (without thread) and sew through the pages. I have not tried this yet, but plan on it as soon as I finish playing on the computer.

So now I have two new techniques to try quilting. Will let you know later how both worked.

OUT OF TOUCH....

2009-01-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

I have been unable to access the computer for far to long! The monitor on our computer went blank. This past week has been awful in so many ways. Kevin hurt his back terribly and has not been able to work. Not a great way to start off on a new job. Thankfully the doctor gave him a written notice of not being able to work. He has been in bed the majority of the time, getting up and walking short distances (with the aid of a cane) and for short periods sitting up in the living room. He has an appointment Tuesday to see a specialist and we will go from there.

Aside from helping Kevin in every way I can, I have been doing several things. One day I tore apart the sewing room and thoroughly cleaned. I then rearranged everything. I am very satisified with the way I moved things around, all much easier to get to. I then refolded and organized the fabric section, which is so wonderful when you can actually see each wonderful color. I was very pleased with myself though, the fabrics were not in total caos, so it was a fairly easy task.

I finished up all the Sun Bonnet Sue blocks and have been slowly practicing my free motion quilting. I really need to watch myself, I have a GREAT tendency to overdo! LOL. Instead of looking pretty, they look like a wild bunch of toddlers with their first crayons, scribbles everywhere. I just laugh and keep stitching, I will calm down eventually (maybe). I will show pictures at a later time.

I have also added sashing to a set of blocks that have been sitting idle for quite some time. I am in the process of hand stitching the one side. I attempted the first one with machine stitching and it looked horrid. I give a standing ovation to those of you who can match the seams so beautifully with using the machine.

This morning, I felt the urge to sew up a storm. I dug around in my "scrap" bucket and assembled 150 4 patch units. I have no clue what will become of them at this point, but it seems like so many quilt patterns call for them and it is a great way to use up those small pieces that you keep on hand, just in case they will work in somewhere. I do believe I could easily do up another 150 tomorrow. LOL.

But for now, I am going to go and take a hot bath and then crawl into bed for the night. All the running back and forth, helping hubby, really takes a toll and tires one out. LOL. I do not mind a bit, I just hope that he stops being in so much pain soon. I hate seeing him suffer this way.

CHANGED MY MIND....

2009-01-01T22:39:00.000-08:00

After completing all 80 paper pieced blocks for the Virginia Bound quilt from Bonnie Hunters new book and joining 4blocks to make one block; I now have 20 wonderful blocks. After quite a few hours of searching for a block pattern to use as a backing block and debating with myself over what colors to use should I ever actually reach a decision on the pattern. LOL. I was at a stand still.

My friend, Maureen, stopped in for a visit yesterday and of course we got started talking about our quilting projects.

She has never done applique, but is expecting a new grandbaby soon and her daughter is totally convinced it is going to be a girl! She had downloaded several different versions of the Sun Bonnet Sue pattern from on line and it got me to thinking about how soft and quiet a Sun Bonnet Sue would look on the back compared to the bold and loud the Virginia Bound Star is .... such a thought.

And before I could change my mind, I found the pattern in a book Quick Quilts (that Marie had kindly sent me earlier....well last year) and I traced out 20 pieces. Then had to decide on fabrics, it really came rather quickly and easily....don't you just love it when wham bam....everything just comes together fabulously.

Last night was spent tracing and cutting out each pattern piece and this morning I ironed on each piece to the fabric. Then of course, cut them out precisely. Began playing with what should go with what and soon it was time to cut out the backing fabric squares to applique on.

I really amazed myself with how quickly and easily this is going. I even managed to satin stitch two complete blocks. By this time it is time for hubby to get to bed, he has to work tomorrow morning, and time to give my sewing machine and iron a long break. LOL.

Each of these blocks will have to have sashing put around to make them the same size as the VB blocks. I have not chosen that fabric yet....I have to think about that one a tad bit. Plus, I am contemplating putting either small flowers or hearts around the edges of each block. It needs a little bit of something extra to complete the block.

Sorry when I get this excited about a project, I just ramble on and on. LOL. Of course, many of you are used to my extensive blogs. Hee, hee, hee. Plus, since hubby is back working I HAVE FREE HOURS TO POST once again. So expect to see my posts and comments more on a daily basis once again. Well except on his days off.....makes it sound like I do not enjoy his being home; which is so far from the truth. All right I will hush up and say good night to you all. Have sweet dreams and a great day tomorrow!

REJOICING FOR A NEW YEAR

2008-12-31T14:03:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of 2008. Boy did we get a grand surprise! Kevin was hired at a full time postition and we are just beaming with joy! Thankfully our unemployment time did not last very long, but it still takes double the time to get all caught up and moving along smoothly again. I wish to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers....they really help deal with everything knowing others are supporting and caring.

I do not really "celebrate" new years eve, but I think that tonight I will at least make a special dinner and welcome in the new year with a fun movie. I rarely manage to stay awake that late and I am pretty positive that Kevin will not last since his day began at 4 am. But I wish you all a marvelous and happy new year.

After glancing over some of my finished quilts this year, I believe this one is my favorite. I chose wonderful fabrics that worked together and did not make very many mistakes in the construction.

PAPER PIECING PROJECT

2008-12-28T16:29:00.000-08:00

Greeting to everyone! I have not posted in awhile, between Christmas and Kevin being laid off, I just have not had much computer time. I totally chased him away for awhile and said I needed time to post and play. He just laughed and told me to take my time.

We had a very nice Christmas. Spent many enjoyable hours with family and friends and of course consumed way to much food and goodies. Time to go back on the balanced diet and exercise once again on a daily basis. LOL.

I spent the majority of the day yesterday taking down Christmas decorations and cleaning the living room from top to bottom. I love decorating, but since Dawn is all grown up, the decorations go up later every year and come down sooner also. I then spent the evening sitting in my comfy chair watching movies and tearing off the paper from the blocks that I have finished.

This morning I trimmed all the seams to the 1/4 inch and double checked each seam to insure I had not missed any. Out of the 60 I only had to fix three small seams. It is always a good idea to check after removing the paper, you just never know if you loosened seams or missed sewing it by a fraction. From there I have been finishing piecing the remaining 20 blocks and will repeat the tearing away of paper tonight. Tomorrow I will actually begin sewing the 4 blocks into the 1 star block.

I finally finished basting all of my hexagon pieces and can now begin sewing them together (by hand). My father just shakes his head in astonishment that I am going to do this by hand. I showed him a few quilts that others have done by hand and he thinks they are great, but says there is no way he would ever have the patience for any project that could take years. I laughed at him and reminded him of his Dragster race car that he, my brother and uncle worked on from piece number one to the last race he ever entered. A good 20 year project. LOL.

I wish you all a great day!

The True Meaning of Christmas

2008-12-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

GOOD TIDINGS TO ALL.....

2008-12-17T21:37:00.000-08:00

As so many are experiencing this time of year, the brrrr...........it is cold here. Well here in Southern Oregon it is so much colder than we are used to. We took this photo of how ice has made this beautiful amazing display. You may have to click and enlarge the picture to get the full spectrum.

This is on the ground by the way, which makes it so amazing.

Mom and I decided to head downtown, despite the cold, and face the antique stores. We had a splendid afternoon together. My daughter, has surprised us once again....she has displayed a great interest in antiques. She said that she would really like a cake plate. After oohing and awwing over so many beautiful and breathtaking items ( along with a WOW, did you see the price on that item) we finally decided upon one. Sorry, I forgot to take a picture and it is wrapped. Will have to get one after she opens it. Plus, she loves the color pink and orange; we found several glass dishes in these colors that she can use as displays or for special occasions. All for a lot less than imaginable. I will definetely begin browsing these types of stores far more often.

Kevin had stopped at the post office on his way home from job searching and I opened this wonderful card from Holly. It is so adorable. Thank you Holly.

Also this wonderful card from Karen, she photographed one of her quilts; plus she made this great fabric envelope. I would never have thought of doing something like this, it adds so much to receiving a card. Thank you Karen.

I just finished the last of the binding on the quilt I showed the other day. It was a queen sized quilt, the Dresden Plate quilt for my daughter. It feels great to have it completed and ready for a Christmas gift. Now just to wrap it up.

I have been working on and off on this quilt for awhile. I am undecided if I want to add more applique designs or just add an outside border. What are your thoughts?

I was able to steal some time on the computer while Kevin is doing some work out in the garage. But he will be in soon.

I wish to thank each and everyone one of you for all your thoughts and prayers during these times. They really mean so much and help in so many ways. It saddens me to know that so many other people in this great country of ours are facing the same things. But with the help of friends, family and the Lord...we will be fine!

BINDING

2008-12-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

Chicca has made herself comfy cozy and is taking a nap on top of the quilting books she plopped down one by one until she was satisified.

I am sewing on this binding, a great way to practice invisible stitches and small stitches. I just love the backing fabric I used for this quilt.

Kevin is out putting in applications. Dodger is going outside every few minutes to check when he returns, but running inside to check on me. The life of a devoted dog.

We have the tree up and decorated and the living room decorated. But I must admit I am not really excited about Christmas this year. The true reason for celebrating is the birth of Jesus. I also know that the Lord has a meaning for the job change, but it would be easier if we knew exactly what it was. We will stand strong and patient while the change happens and pray for his guidance and directions. In the end the binding will hold us strong together.

THE HUNT BEGINS.....

2008-12-12T12:32:00.000-08:00

While decorating the Christmas tree, a few days ago, we had to let Dodger try out the reindeer role. She was not a happy camper, but finally got her to keep them on long enough to push the photo button.

Kevin is out collecting applications and beginning the job hunt. Hunting for a job is not a pleasant task. It can get very depressing and stressful. But it is a part of the process. I have no doubts about Kevin only the job market in our area....not many opportunities.

We have already began to cut back on everything. My major goal in the cutting back is of course my sewing, no new items for awhile..........and the hardest part is not to sew on the machines for hours on end. It does use electricity and that costs money; so am limiting my time. I will mainly be working on my hand quilting and hexagon quilt. Still basting away at all the pieces. Have over 200 basted and many more to go. So for awhile I may not really have many projects completed or to show.

Spent the day with my parents yesterday. Mom and I put up the tree lights, garland and bulbs. Dad and Kevin sat and supervised. Then we played a marble game for hours and hours....mom and I won once out of who knows. Dad and Kevin thought they were KINGS. Yeah right. LOL. Have a great day.

TOUGH TIMES AHEAD

2008-12-10T15:47:00.001-08:00

We just found out that Kevin has been laid off like so many other people in our country. We are really in a state of shock right at this moment. I have no idea what will happen in the next few weeks....

So forgive me if I do not post a whole bunch or respond to emails right away. Hope all is well with you.

JUST SHARING

2008-12-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

Debb @ http://pbdesigns.blogspot.com/ sent me this wonderfully embellished post card. The fall colors and leaves look brilliant with the buttons and other embellishments.

Carol@ http://www.whatshappeningwithcarol.blogspot.com/ seent me this awesome postcard using various cuts of fabrics. The border stitch she used adds such charm to this one.

They have both been added to my sewing room wall. All of my postcards add so much charm and personality to my room. They are all treasures!

Today I am baking minature loaves of banana bread. Kevin brought home 8 bananas that had not sold, my friend next door bought me a month or so ago 10 minature loaf pans. Since it is just the two of us normal bread pans yield way to much, these will work wonderfully. I will leave a couple out and freeze the rest. The house smells so delicious while baking.

For the past couple days, I have been hand appliqueing stars on a baby quilt back. There is nothing hard about it, just takes time and manuevering. The more hand work I do the better I like it. I applaud everyone who does hand work, it may not be hard but learning to take small invisible stitches is an art that takes a ton of practice. My invisible stitches are fairly close to actually being invisible, but getting them closer together and smaller is another matter. LOL.

Kevin and I had to run to Wal Mart last night for some screws and hanging screws for a project he is working on. While we were there, he reaches over gives me a hug and says I just want to buy you something.....What do you want?

It was quite cute and charming, especially since he waited until we were next to the sewing sections and supplies. LOL. I sure do love my man!

I chose a package of sewing needles (all sorts of sizes) and this square ruler. The inside is 4 and a half, the outside is 8 and a half. A blogger friend sent me a 6 and a half inch ruler that works great. The only other size I have seen is a 2 and a half; do they come in all sizes or just half sizes? I would really like to have one for each size square block. They work fabulously with squaring up and cutting out blocks.

After Frankie left on Monday evening, I retrieved Dodgers stuffed kitty from on top of the fridge. Dodger has had this kitty since she came to live with us almost two years ago. It really no longer looks like a kitty; no eyes, nose, whiskers and most of the tail is gone. LOL.

It has been stitched together a few times, Dodger really takes special care of her friend....but when Frankie and Dodger are together a tug of war event happens and therefore the damages. Now the kitty is put up out of sight and remains until Frankie goes home.

Dodger really missed her friend this time and since she has it back in possession, it is not far from her at all; especially rest times.

She looks so adorale sleeping with her kitty. I am down to baking the last three mini loaves of banana bread, then I am going to make some oatmeal cookies.

Have a great day!

TWO SIDED FUSIBLE INTERFACING FOR TURN UNDER APPLIQUE TUTORIAL

2008-12-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

Hello to all! First off, I want to thank everyone for their comments on my free motion quilting blog yesterday. Such wonderful supportive friends you all are. Second, we are still not able to get into our emails. Interesting how we have access to the internet and all other aspects of our computer....it just will not let us into the email section. Hopefully in the next couple of days, Kevins days off, he can contact someone and figure it out. Will keep you posted.

After my wonderful experience with quilting, by the way we did go out for coffee...I won 10 dollars on a scratch ticket and the two of us had a wonderful time scratching tickets and playing a few machines and having fun.

This morning I was looking over the quilt and felt the backing fabric I used was a tad bit to bold for a baby quilt, it needs some softening. Decided upon applique stars. They need to be done in the turn under fashion, only they are just a tad to big for the regular paper size and I do not have any freezer paper.

Solution: use the Wonder Under two sided interfacing I do have on hand. Then I decided I would do a sort of tutorial and share my "efforts" with all of you. So here goes.

First off is tracing the pattern onto the paper side of the interfacing. Then cut out each piece right along the drawn lines.

First piece all cut out.

Take the shape and iron it onto the wrong side of the fabric.

Now add 1/4 inch turn under allowance to the shape. I chose to use a blue pen, you can use whatever you feel comfortable with for this step....or you may be able to trim without marking (I am not comfortable enough yet to cut without a marking line.

This is what my piece looks like after cutting the seam allowance all the way around the shape.

Next step is to cut a slit at the inside point, just to the tip of the interfacing.

Now the tip of each star point needs to be ironed back, I used a pressing sheet as a boundary ....that way it will not be ironed to far back and you lesson the chance of burning fingers. DO NOT REMOVE THE INTERFACING AT THIS POINT.

This is a picture of it after the piece has been ironed back.

Using the pressing sheet and my fingers, I then ironed each section of the star fabric edges.

I then laid the pressing sheet over the entire star piece and pressed for a few seconds to help the edges lay flat.

I then removed the interfacing from the fabric............and VERY CAREFULLY ironed the fabric onto the fabric to make an edge.

This took me some time and can be a tad frustrating trying to keep the iron from going to far inward to the sticky interfacing (even with the pressing sheet).

But it is now ready to be ironed onto the fabric. Next step is attaching it with thread using a blind stitch or buttonhole stitch.

It was not a difficutl task but it does take time. I do not know if this method will work for all shapes as this is my first attempt. I was mainly curious to see if it would work and how well. I had fun sharing it, sorry it is so long! If you should try it or already use this method let me in on your thoughts and ideas also.

I most likely will not post anything for the next few days as hubby has the following two days off and will most likely be trying to get the computer emails in operating condition. Have a great couple of days.

FREE MOTION QUILTING IS AMAZING!!!

2008-11-30T19:45:00.000-08:00

I just finished quilting this ..............

granted I have a long way to go to be even "good" at it. I made loads of errors..................

but it was so much fun! I had trouble keeping my speed, the machine speed and my hand speed at a constant speed, laughed at myself many times.............

then I kept changing what "style" (if it can even be called that at this time) LOL of design I was doing. So it changes from loops to squares to whatever and again I had to laugh at myself.

I will definetely be doing this method of quilting from now on. With time and practice, it will hopefully become better, even if it does not, I will do this just for the fun!

This is the front, could not wait to share, without being squared or anything. The colors did not show up clear at all. The materials are all a light shade of blue, except for the bear and book....now I need to square it up and I may add some extra applique shapes and of course the binding.

Sorry to say we still can not get into our emails. Sometimes computers are not much fun. Know that I appreciate and enjoy all comments and emails and am so grateful to have all of you as friends. Have a great day!

I am so excited about this, I feel like celebrating.........if hubby is up to it after work, we just may have to go out for coffee and play a couple scratch tickets!

GADGETS ARE FABULOUS

2008-11-29T16:10:00.000-08:00

First off, I have to offer anyone who has sent me an email in the past two days an apology; for some reason our computer will not give us access to our email pages. Kevin is trying to figure it out, but it may take some time. Therefore, I have not been able to read any messages (which is driving me crazy) and can not send any emails. I will keep you posted on what happens. Again I am sorry!

For my birthday, Kevin paid for a machine to be serviced and took me out for dinner. My parents gave me money to go and buy the Free Motion Quilting feet for the PFAFF and Singer. Sadly the Singer foot does not fit, I need to take it back and see if the owner has a solution or a different foot.

AWFUL PHOTO.......................................................................................................................................

but here is the PFAFF foot. I had to try it out right away.

It is so fun. I played and played and played some more. LOL.

I tried a few different directions, and a found it just invigerating.

I have a long way to go before looking like a real pro.........

but through some research on line, both reading and videos, I believe I may have found my "true" calling in the quilting process. Those of you who have tried this method are going to be giggling at my enthusiasm, that is great, I enjoy making people smile and laugh. Truly though, it is awesome to just go this way and that way, in and out, over stitches, close to stitches and make cool, fun, interesting designs.

For anyone who has not tried this method, I HIGHLY recommend it. One of the videos I viewed recommended just jumping right in and doing the practice on a quilt. After sewing numerous scrap pieces of fabric together ( you know how much I love my scraps.....wasting them on stitches practice was really bothering me....hee, hee, hee) I quickly decided to take up her advice. But, I do not have a quilt laying on the sidelines to be quilted; which means either waiting to finish my VIRGINIA BOUND quilt (at least a week away from even finishing the paper piecing sections) or making up a quilt.

I found an easy simple strip quilt and put it together this morning. But it really needed something extra, applique is the best solution, besides I have been itching to applique....so it will be tomorrow or the following day before I actually get to use the Free Motion Quitling foot. I am so stoked about this project. I had to make my favorite Carmel Truffle coffee, put on one of my Star Trek movies and now I am ready to satin stitch the applique on.

SO AWAY I GO............................... post pictures when it is all completed. Have a great day!

PROJECTS PROGRESSING SLOWLY BUT SURELY

2008-11-28T15:36:00.000-08:00

Finding this pattern in Bonnie Hunters book, SCRAPS AND SHIRTAILS has turned out to be fabulous. It uses paper piecing scrap strips into an 8 inch block that when sewn together will make a 15 inch block and look like this.....

Paper Piecing this block is exremelly simple, the only problem I face is choosing which strip to use and if the material overlaps the outer line by at least 1/4 inch.

I traced 80 blocks onto paper, but am not positive if I wish to make it that large. I am just going to play it by eye (hee, hee, that sounds whacko) and chose when to put them all together. Although it is simple it, each block takes time...so it will be awhile before this quilt is ready.

I finished the prep work, cutting out all of the paper pieces and fabric pieces, yesterday afternoon. After the great turkey dinner, a quiet sit down time was necessary....know what I mean! LOL. Later on that evening, I began basting, but the urge to find out if I could actually hand sew these pieces together was overwhelming. I had to put together this first section....

Not bad, not great but I will be able to improve with each piece I attach. The process of assembly is going to be enjoyable.

I have discovered, through my stitching, that I desperately need bifocals! LOL. With glasses on, my hands move inward and outward trying to find the right focus (but not a lot of success). Glasses off, whew, I can see the hole to the needle and see quite clearly (up close) the stitches and make progress. Only problem with having glasses off to sew, I can not see anything else at all. LOL. Which double confirms my assessment that this is going to be a long and slow quilt project. Oh well, the year (years maybe) will be well spent enjoying this.

Kevin left the poor puppies at home while he went to run a few errands. They just kept looking towards the road waiting for him to come home.

Frankie has been with us since my parents left for their trip to Washington to see their grandkids. I talked to everyone yesterday and they are having a great time, so great in fact that they have decided to stay until Monday.

Thankfully Frankie is not feeling to homesick for them. Dodger keeps him quite busy, Chicca teases him every now and then, Kevin plays "tough" dog with him and I get the part of being his tummy rubber. Plus, my mom made sure and buy all kinds of treats for the two of them to keep them happy.

After Kevin got home and they still did not get to go for a car ride, I took them out to the field and played ball with them for an hour. They now are curled up taking their afternoon naps. Oh how fabulous the life of a dog must be. LOL.

The clothes in the dryer are done and need putting away, my clue I have chatted enough and need to get going on my duties. Have a great day!

Just a Quick Post

2008-11-25T12:09:00.000-08:00

Kevin has left for the lumber yard; he is going to build some storage units for work. I grabbed the opportunity to post and check blogs and emails. Seems like everyone is getting ready for Thanksgiving. Since it is only going to be Kevin and I and Kevin has to work, we are not going to do anything for turkey day.

I have found that with my projects that I do sitting in front of the television I get bored doing the same thing all of the time. So, I usually have at least two projects in the works. I spent the majority of yesterday (off and on) drawing/tracing hexagons onto paper. Now, I am cutting them each out. Then, I will cut out each fabric piece and then begin basting each piece before the actual joining pieces begins. This project will definetely be a long term project. I am really getting excited about this project. My first attempt at a whole hand sewn quilt.

Right now, I have two and half blocks being embroidered with a quick design; it will only take a few hours to complete the embroidery work then on to adding sashing or maybe a rag quilt design.... but the hand stitching will be done. So that leaves my other project.

Next, I will be working on the hand quilting the Dresden Plate quilt. This will be a long project also. Will post photos now and then of my progress on all three projects.

Later on today, I get to go and purchase the Darning Foot for the PFAFF and one for the Singer 301, the man did not have them in stock and had to order them, they should be in today. I am really excited about trying this free motion quilting technique that so many of you are doing. You all make it sound fun and intriguing, I just have to give it a go and see what I can accomplish. Will keep you up to date on my attempts.

I wish you all the happiest and most thankful Thanksgiving filled with love, friendship and delightful times.

STARTING NEW QUILT

2008-11-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

This is just a picture I enjoy and thought I would share. The colors are so peaceful and it brings thoughts of warmth.

Since I am starting a new quilt today, I took the time to oil and clean the machine thoroughly. I was surprised it was not filled with fabric dust. Only a small amount, which means I am doing a pretty good job at in between cleanings. So just a reminder to clean and oil your machines.

I can not post any pictures, hubby took the camera with him to work for some reason; but I am going to make the VIRGINIA BOUND quilt found in Bonnie Hunters new book called Scraps and Shirttails. I highly recommend checking in on her site and trying any one of her patterns. She provides many patterns for free, based on using scraps. But one could easily use select fabrics also. Her book has some great patterns in it. My friend Maureen made a Bargello in Plaid quilt from her book that is wonderful.

The Virginia Bound uses paper piecing for the blocks. I have not used paper piecing in quite some time; am looking forward to using up many scraps that seem to accumulate by a magic spell or something. I tend to think that I have an fairy watching and she panics when my scrap bucket begins to dwindle, therefore she casts a spell and fills it back up. Any of you have a fairy? LOL.

By the way, I forgot to tell everyone that my "picky" daughter absolutely loves the Dresden Plate quilt and can not wait to get it. I really was surprised, do not get me wrong: my daughter is a sweetheart and will cherish any quilt she receives, but she has particular likes and dislikes and I am always afraid of not finding/making something she will really appreciate. My mother is the same way....no flower prints or designs for her and she is very picky about colors. They do say that genes skip a generation. LOL.

Since she really liked the quilt, I am going to go ahead and hand quilt it. I forewarned her that she will not receive it for awhile. I am going to take my time and not rush. Off I go to check on blogs and then sewing. Have a great day!

THE POST OFFICE HAS BEEN BUSY THIS WEEK

2008-11-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, the 15th, was hubbies birthday. We went to Roseburg to spend the day with his two daughters. We had a great day filled with laughter, food and shopping. His oldest daughter came home with us and spent the entire week. It was filled with laughter, food, movies and shopping. Today is my birthday and the two of them left for Roseburg just a short while ago. Today will be spent with Dodger with a lot of rest, quiet and a small amount of cleaning and sewing.

I have not posted or even been on the computer much at all; between Kevin and Savannah taking turns....it just did not leave much chance for me to check in on everyone and tell everyone thank you for the gifts this week.

Marie @ http://mariequilts.blogspot.com/
had a giveaway and everyone won. I received the cutest buttons, ribbon and fabrics. Plus the chocolate and magazine. I will definetely be using all of these (except the chocolate, already eaten) items in a quilt. Thank you for everything Marie. Stop by and visit her blog!

My next gift was from Vicki @

http://quilting-and-other-stuff.blogspot.com/

she made the greatest fabric turkey postcard. It is so adorable. Plus, I had inquired as to where she bought or how she made the plastic covers for her postcards. Such a surprise and wonderful delight when I discovered she sent me a whole bunch of the plastic wraps. She buys them at Micheals Craft store. I will start sending my postcards in this manner from now on. Thanks for everything. Stop by her blog and discover what beautiful work she does.

Next, I opened this great postcard from Rhonda @

http://ravelly1-quiltzblog.blogspot.com/

animals of all kinds always make me smile. She did a great job of chosing these animal prints, they look real. Rhonda does some amazing things with fabric and is such a funny blogger.

I also received this postcard from Holly @

http://www.fabricmom.com/ she colored in her bird and it looks wonderful. She is always coming up with new ideas to try, stop by her blog and see all the projects she comes up with.

Today my mom and dad are leaving for Washington, they are spending Thanksgiving with their 4 grandkids. I am glad that my parents are able to do this it means so much to all of them. Frankie on the other hand will not be so delighted....he gets to spend the week with Dodger! LOL. No don't get me wrong, Frankie loves to visit us for short periods of time, but he gets frustrated with Dodger playing all the time and they can not share affection, oh no, if one is being petted the other needs to be petted....by the same person at the same time! They love to squabble over each and every toy as to who gets to play with it and so on. So after a few hours Frankie is wore out and Dodger is just getting started. After a few days of this, tempers flair off and on and Frankie really misses Grandpa and Grandma.

Well I am off to check in on all the blogs I have missed, start in on the cleaning and then the sewing! Yipee....Yahoo...time to have some quilting fun!

QUILTING IS AN ONGOING PROCESS ALWAYS

2008-11-13T16:49:00.000-08:00

Oh drats, this is not a very good picture....but that is me for you!

My friend, Maureen, has an embroidery machine and I got to use it. It really is amazing how it quickly stitches out these letters. I tried different styles, sizes and threads....but since it was her machine I did not get carried away and try all the things I would love to have a go at. While I was watching the machine do its magic, she ran a few errands and came home with some new threads to experiment with a dragonfly design she wants to try on a t-shirt for one of her daughters. I know I am going to have to go and play a little every now and then. LOL.

TA-DA.....here is the top of the Dresden Plate quilt I have been working on on and off all year. I was very disappointed with it while assembling the sections together. But after encouraging words from friends....I once again fell in love with it. I have the intentions of making this for my daughter, but am waiting on her decision as to if she wants it or not. If not I may easily keep it for myself or know a few other people who would like it. I am also contemplating attempting to hand quilt it. I can not make up my mind, so it is waiting for my decision. I know I will make another one of these quilts in the future.

I want to share with you a site I found about Embroidery Stitches. I am slowly developing my embroidery "skills" again after seeing so many wonderful beauty it can add to quilting. My grandmothers taught me to embroidery many years ago, before my daughter was born. After doing some blocks and seeing others projects, I began searching to see if there were any other types of stitches that I did not know.

This is a wonderful site for anyone who is interested in learning embroidery stitches or who wants to learn a new stitch. The woman has the stitches on video and goes through step by step with clear precise directions.

http://www.needlenthread.com/2006/10/video-library-of-hand-embroidery.html

Check it out. I found it fascinating.............there are a lot more stitches than I even imagined!

STITCHING AWAY ON MY SEWING MACHINE....

2008-11-10T17:26:00.000-08:00

There is a song that has the lyricks....driving along in my automobile, baby beside me at the wheel...

Well I changed it to STITCHING AWAY ON MY SEWING MACHINE, BABIES BESIDE ME AT THE SEAM.

LOL. Of course, my babies are Dodger, Chicca and Frankie (when he visits). Chicca is my most devoted helper, she has to test all the fabrics for softness and durability. Dodger and Frankie just mainly lay underfoot or walk all over the quilt when laid out on the floor. But I love them all!

I finished my postcards for November and got a picture in my head about Decembers. So, I went searching for the "correct" pattern and shazaam....I am working on next months postcards. My friend, Maureen has an embroidery machine and I asked her today if I could use it to do some lettering. She has not played with it much herself, just a few little practice pieces.

After the two of us discussed the quilts she is working on and the quilting she is doing on her new machine, plus the new fabrics she had to buy today at JoAnn's for a future quilt. We began playing on the embroidery machine. She has given me free rain for experimenting when I try it out. I am so excited, this is going to be great fun! But, since there is a football game on tonight that her and her hubby want to watch and tomorrow is Kevins day off ; we decided on Wensday to be my official play day.

I know secretly she is tempting me to buy one also! But, she will be quite thrilled and happy that I will be using hers. Will have to show you some pictures while playing, until then I am appliqueing.

BAKING IS GREAT

2008-11-08T15:12:00.001-08:00

This is going to be my first project attempt at freezer paper applique. I am now going to attempt to hand sew it....so far not to bad. I will post pictures when it is complete.

Baking seemed to be a great choice to go along with this project, since each step in the baking process took me through a step in the applique process.

I made from scratch, Lemon Merangue (spelling) Pie (without the crust) and gently scooped them into my neat serving dishes Kevins mother bought for us.

I then sprinkled the chicken with various herbs and places the chicken over Habenaro Peppers and baked until golden brown.

Anyone have great ideas on how to remove the brown baked on splotches from baking dishes? I have not found any solutions for this problem, so would love to hear your ideas!

On Rhondas (Ravelly1) blog the other day she mentioned cornbread. Sounded so yummy and had not fixed for quite awhile....so it was my final baking project.

Kevin loved every item, especially the chicken which he finished off today before going to work! The Lemon M. was my favorite, but the cornbread is almost gone also.

Have a great day!

IT MAY BE RAINING OUTSIDE BUT IT IS BRIGHT AND CHEERFUL QUILTING

2008-11-05T17:55:00.000-08:00

My Dresden Plate quilt has spent several days hidden in the spare bedroom. The out of sight, out of mind syndrome....it may have actually been out of sight, but I could still picture it very clearly and it definetely was not out of mind!

Off and on the past few days, I have been working on this months postcards for my swap. I always enjoy making them. But, as stated above, the quilt just will not leave me alone. So, out it came today. I have decided that it is going to have to live with its unscrupulous MISTAKES. I thought about ripping it out and trying to fix those mistakes...but because it was a sizing mistake (made by me with poor thoughts on the outcome) it would require basically remaking each piece. The problem that arises with that is not having enough of the original fabrics to fix those mistakes. So I will strike this up as another "learning" experience quilt. LOL. I have a lot of those.

The second problem was actually not a big problem. I was so upset at myself with the first assembling portion that I kept missing the key factor in the second factor. I thought the borders were to small to fit the four corner blocks (pictured above) and was so at a loss as to what to do to fix it....and how could I have been such a fool to make that large of a cutting size?

TADA, answer solved...right in the directions that I read over and over it states plainly that you have to add a strip of fabric. My friend, Maureen, helped me figure out the exact amount of fabric needed for this strip (my mind was still in to much of panic mode to figure it out) and I do have enough! Yipee. So, once again I will go back to assembling the quilt and accept it as is.

When I get it all together I will share a photo. All in all it is pretty, I just see every mistake BOLDLY laughing at me! But I really have learned a lesson in that I get so excited with the process I downsize problems and do not deal with them correctly. I am going to begin subdoing my excitement to a degree and focus on "REAL" solutions that do not cause more damage in the long run.

Thanks to all of you who gave me a vote of confidence and great support!

Hope all of you have a great day!

BOO-RADILLY MOMENT

2008-11-02T14:48:00.001-08:00

I have been working on a Dresden Plate quilt off and on all summer.

This is the picture in the book.

Nothing has gone right it seems since I began.

First off the machine breaks down and is not fixed for several months.

Finally have it up and running and applique all the blocks. They looked really nice.

Yesterday, I began putting all the sections together. Proplem after problem; seams not matching up correctly and it will not press down nice and flat....I am not real happy with the outcome.

But, alright we still have the border to put all around and it should look fine. Waited until this morning to get started on that. I pull out the pieces and guess what?

They do not fit properlly. What the ****did I do wrong. After looking and not making any sound guesses, I folded it all up and placed it in the unused bedroom. But, it is driving me crazy, I want to finish it. I will have to get it out and see what solutions I can come up with.

Eventually I will get it all figured out in my brain and the layout and the pieces! But, am going to take the remainder of the day off from quilting.

FUN, FUN, FUN

2008-11-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU JOIN US IN OUR POSTCARD SWAP!

Just email me and I will send you the information on our group.

During the holidays it is difficult to take on any new projects and I understand this, but it is a wonderful way to get to know fellow bloggers and make new friends.

These are just two of the postcards that I have made. There are so many possabilities it is challenging only in deciding what to do.

The rules are very basic and you decide who to send postcards to each month. Some people send to only one or two members, while others chose to make one for each member.

My major "specific" rules are that you have fun with making them and getting to know others. NO STRESS or NO PRESSURE is my other rule!

E mail me at brend_ack@yahoo.com if you are interested in joining the postcard swap. I would be delighted to add you to our group and get to know you!

SHARING THIS AND THAT

2008-10-29T14:27:00.001-07:00

I am having a laid back day. Yesterday, I spent the better of 6 hours with my father doing yard work! We had a great time visiting with each other, watching Dodger and Frankie play themselves into total exhaustion and accomplished a ton of work. My arms are pretty sore and quite tired today after weed eating for two hours, raking leaves for two hours and hauling them into the back yard, then mowing the front and back yard. Then we loaded up a small pick up of odds and ends that my parents are slowly going through and getting rid of.

I am lounging around in my sweats and old tshirt; made myself (after Kevin left for work) my favorite coffee and am sipping it down as I write this in my favorite coffee cup.

My brother is going to come over sometime this afternoon and weed eat my yard for me! YIPEE! I really do not enjoy weed eating, so I bribed him with some good food to do it for me. LOL. Actually, my brother is a very easy person to please when it comes to food.....he just inhales it like air and then comes back for more! At 40, he is beginning to show the pop gut as a result. Yet, he loves to eat, and eat, and eat!

Just one of the beautiful trees on our property that has a brilliant look for every season! I love the deep burgandy leaves the best of all the seasons.

I am a devoted fan of most Science Fiction characters, movies and series. Hubby, Kevin, gave these three pictures of Zena for a Birthday present a few years ago. A member of his family personally knows the actress and she sent them autographed. I really need to put them in frames.

I very often watch Star Trek movies, Harry Potter, The Mummy movies or Indiana Jones movies over and over! It is easy for me to do this, because I enjoy them, with my memory problems no matter how often I see a movie, it is like the first time every time! hee,hee.

I just completed all 24 applique blocks for my Dresden Plate quilt. Now it is time to square each of these blocks up then assemble all the sections together. I will be doing this step in between playing on the computer, laundry and a few other household chores throughout the remainder of today. I am really pleased with the way this quilt is turning out.

Rather a blurry sort of picture, I am definetly not a photographer, but it is enjoyable. But this is my evening project, watching the movies and embroidering; they go together wonderfully. I am working on making my stitches tinier and uniform. It is a wonderful way to quilt small blocks.

Thanks to everyone for stopping by and leaving comments; plus to everyone who shares a blog. It is great stopping by and seeing all the creative styles of each person! Have a great day!

STEPPED AWAY FROM QUILTING FOR A COUPLE DAYS TO SEW THESE

2008-10-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, my mother asked me to make her some door stopper "worms" to keep out the cold air drafts from her doorways. Mom and Dad live in an old home that when built back in the 50s did not have insulation and poor windows. This year with the cost of heating going up through the roof (electric company rumors are another big increase in prices). So they sealed up all the windows with plastic (Kevin and I did this last year in our Mobile Home and boy did it help) and they are going to basically shut up the two mainly unused bedrooms.

My friend Maureen and I were talking about our next projects (get this hers is a new Brother sewing machine...her old one of 25 years is having major problems and they do not make the parts anymore) I was telling her about the worms; she said she had a pattern from years ago that she had never used. So down we went to her house to search her old patterns.

I made one elephant. Is it not so cute with the floppy ears and the big button eyes?

Next, I made these two cats. I liked putting these together the best. It is recommended that you use sand to fill in the tails, but mom just wanted me to use polyester fiberfill.

I also made these two worms. I adore the bow ties. I may have to make bow ties for the cats as well.

I had material left over from my draperies and thought it would work nicely since it is heavy and helps to keep out drafts.

Dodger is eyeing them off and on; I think she thinks they are new play toys for her. LOL. So, I have to remind her she can only look, no teeth can be involved! She just does not get it though.

The box that Chicca is in was used to store my threads in until I bought the thread rack. I just tossed it on the floor until later when I went out to the garage. OH NO, Chicca claimed it right then and there. She has a box under the table in the sewing room, one on the washing machine (her favorite spot when Frankie and Dodger are running rampid and trying to annoy her, she can reach out and paw them as they run through the doggie door) she also has one in the spare bedroom and one in our bedroom, now she has one in the living room to watch us as she sleeps. Kevin teases her that she does not fit properly. She just overflows a tad bit. Can you see that annoying look in her eyes at him for teasing her and bothering her nap to take a photo! LOL.

Dodger was feeling sad and ignored while I was finishing up the door stops last night, Kevin was on the computer and no one was wanting to snuggle or play. So she crawled up in my chair (don't you just hate the color, but it is comfy...someday we will have to replace it the seams are coming apart....well fix it Brenda you know how to sew...but that is not as important as my quilting; oh sorry started a conversation with myself). So anyhows, Kevin got up and took her picture and then we played with her and her kitty.

She has had this stuffed kitty from day one of her arrival over a year and a half ago. It was adorable then with ears, eyes and a nose and long tail. Since then, like so many childrens baby blankets/quilts, it has been sewn and resewn and washed many times. But, if I put it up high (like when Frankie comes...they play tug of war like a pack of wolves over dinner as to who get to have the kitty, so I always put it up) but Dodger looks up and you swear she has tears coming out and the way those ears droop. Any of you familiar with what I am talking about?

Well, I just felt like sharing today before I begin working on my Dresden Plate quilt blocks once again. A tad bit closer, but so far away, to being completed. LOL. Have a great day!

I AM HAVING A GREAT DAY!

2008-10-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I went to Roseburg on Monday. We had such a wonderful visit with his two daughters. The youngest is 15 and the oldest is 22. The youngest was just picked for a part in one of the school plays. She enjoys acting and filming and would love to one day be a film maker. The oldest wants to go abroad and attend her final two years of college in England. But, she just moved in with her boyfriend (who we got to meet also) and so who knows where her plans will go from here.

I was thrilled that Kevin and I did get the opportunity to stop in JoAnn Fabrics and browse all the fabulous sales they were having. At 50% off, I bought 10 yards of Wonder Under for future uses in applique. I never seem to have enough. LOL.

I have been wanting one of these thread holders for quite awhile, well again at 50% off, I just could not pass this up. I already hung it up on the wall above the sewing machine and stocked it completely with threads. It is so handy and looks awesome!

Being one who does not indulge, very often, in new tools for quilting. I was reluctant to buy this cutting mat. It was also 50% off, but I had to really think hard. The one I had was still in working order even with the super grooves in specific lines. Kevin finally gave me the final push of making it perfectly fine to buy this Self Healing Mat.

I had to try it out that evening when we got home. It works like a dream. It amazed me at the difference the pressure makes in your wrist movements, like walking on clouds in comparison. I will choose this type over the other type from now on. I recommend these items to everyone.

I received this postcard from Carol in Sweden today in the mail. I adore the shapes of the pumpkins. Thank you Carol.
I received this postcard from Marie in Florida. I find seashells fascinating and beautiful. Thanks Marie.

Plus, I received this postcard from Holly. She is doing a great job on free motion quilting. She also sent me this lovely fat quarter I won from one of her weekly drawings. It is so soft and calming. Thanks Holly.

By the time we got home from Roseburg, I was exhausted. Yesterday, I spent the day pretty much doing nothing but easing a massive headache. Tried ironing a few of my Dresden Plate blocks, but just could not deal with the headache. I gave up and watched some movie, went in took a nap. We went out for a late lunch and then came home, where I took another nap. Watched a movie until I went to sleep for the night.

Thankfully this morning, I am feeling full of life and sewing! So, I finished ironing on all the applique pieces and am now machine satin stitching them all onto the blocks. I still need to finish a binding on one quilt, but just did not feel like messing with that. LOL. Boy sometimes exuses are easy enough to come by! My unfinished projects are slowly, but surely, winding down to none! Hooray!

Have a great day! I am off to check out all the blogs and then back to the sewing machine.

THE WINNERS ARE!

2008-10-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

My hubby drew names out of a bag....and the winner of prize number 1 is Rhonda @ http://ravelly1-quiltzblog.blogspot.com/ . Congratulations Rhonda!

The winner of prize number 2 is Holly @ http://www.fabricmom.com/. Congratulations Holly!

The winner of prize number 3 is Marie @http://mariequilts.blogspot.com/. Congratulations Marie.

I wish to thank everyone for leaving a comment and reading my blog. I will get these packages out in the mail today!

ACCOMPLISHMENTS ACHIEVED

2008-10-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a front view of my latest project. Decoupaging fabric onto our mailbox; it was quite easy to do and aside from waiting long hours inbetween drying times it was enjoyable.

Kevin is not totally thrilled with the fabric I chose; it is so bold no one will miss it. I love the feel of ocean waves it gives. So it will be put back up in its correct spot outside today and the neighbors will no longer have to see the beat up rusted old mailbox. My friend and landlord Maureen just loved it!

This is the front of a lap quilt I made sometime last year and it sat forever needing to be quilted. With my goal of finishing all UFOs by the end of this month, I pulled it out some time ago and decided to hand quilt it.

This is the design I chose. I just lightly drew with the help of a plastic stencil and then randomly placed them throughtout the back of the quilt. I chose blue embroidery thread and proceeded to embroidery the design. It was a nice way to spend time watching movies in the evening; well when Dodger would allow me to do it without her being in my lap anyway. LOL.

We are going to go to Roseburg tomorrow for the day, which means a stop at Jo Ann Fabrics. I am going to check on the prices of a quilting frame and a couple of rulers I have been wanting. Who knows what I will bring home. LOL.

Today I am going to make myself a new blouse for the outing. I will be drawing the names tomorrow morning and will post the information and contact winners on Tuesday! Thanks for stopping by.

BLOG GIVEAWAYS

2008-10-15T17:21:00.000-07:00

I was not paying attention and passed my 100 blog giveaway! So, I have chosen these fabrics as my first set of prizes. The red is a type of satin, but not the real kind (sorry everyone my brain is not cooperating and actual names are not coming forward....stupid brain!) the black is the velvety type of material.

This book (used but in excellant shape with some really awesome patterns)and material ( cotton/rayon blend, works great with paper piecing) as my second set of prizes (because I have used up almost all of my scrap fabrics from my bucket)....and

This material ( 100% cotton) and new bag pattern as my third set of prizes (just an extra way of saying thank you to everyone for stopping by and visiting my blog).

I will draw three names, one for each of the above pictures. I will have the drawing on Monday the 20th.

All you have to do is leave a comment with your blog address and/or email address plus tell me about a goal you would like to achieve in quilting. Whether it be to own a embroidery machine, finish 3 UFOs this year, or something else involving quilting.

My long term goal is to own a quilting table and then a long arm machine. In the meantime, my major goal is to improve on my machine quilting technique....never fails I have major to minor puckers (LOL). It has improved from way back when.....but there is diffenetly room to improve ! I have reached one of my previous goals on improving my binding technique. Again, there is still room for improvement but my seams are fairly even and as long as I do not get in a hurry a pretty straight stitch also.

I just want to thank everyone for visiting my blog and sharing your blogs. I learn a lot from each of you through techniques, color choices and just a whole bunch of other stuff. Hee-Hee.

If you post a link to my blog (let me know) and I will enter your name a second time! Look forward to hearing from all of you!

POSTCARD SWAP

2008-10-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

I am hosting a postcard swap. It is a lot of fun and a great way to get to know fellow bloggers and quilters. If you are interested in joining just send me an email with your name, address, email address and blog site information. I will then contact you with all the information.

There are few rules. This is a no stress swap. You make as many or as few postcards as you can each month. Send one to everyone if you like or just one a month and switch to the next person the following month.

I have made great friends by doing this and am rewarded daily by emails, blog comments and postcards. The above postcard was made by me and someone will receive it this month. I feel that the hardest part about this swap is deciding what pattern, design or technique to use.

We all would love to have you join our swap!

LOOK WHAT I RECEIVED TODAY !

2008-10-10T17:22:00.001-07:00

Marie @ http://mariequilts.blogspot.com/ left a comment on my blog last month about sending me some of her fabrics since I enjoyed scrap quilting so much. I thought she was joking at first, but soon discovered that she had a package all ready to mail.

Hubby and I ran to the grocery store and on our return this 25 lb treasure box was awaiting to enter its new home! I was giddy with excitement and quickly put away the necessary items and then promptly opened the present.

I was overwhelmed with her generosity to begin with, but here is a quilt just waiting to be quilted and a binding put on. I just love it!

I also was amazed at this quilt top; it still has some pieces (all cut) to be sewn on, but what a great quilt project to complete. Marie has done a beautiful job with this project; I hope I can match her perfection on stitching it together.

I laid all the fabrics out on the living room floor; one by one, touching and feeling.

Letting my mind and eyes glow with excitement and thoughts.

Oh what projects these fabrics shall make! Can you not see this fabric with that fabric and then this fabric......

I was thrilled with the fabrics, but look what else she put in for me. Hard Cover quilting books, quilting magazines and individual quilt patterns. The hours spent gazing and searching in each of these will be delightful!

My love, thanks and gratitude travel from Oregon to Florida to Marie! Thank you so much for this delightful gift filled with treasures.

HOUSE BLOCKS

2008-10-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

After finishing these 49 house blocks with sashing, I was excited and had to see how much space would be needed for the border. I pulled out the Raiders quilt top, my father made, and measured it ( 88 width, 104 length). Then I measured the house quilt back (79 width, 81 Length). Talk about being disappointed.

Alright choices, make 21 more house blocks. Major problem, I do not have enough of the fabric I used to border the houses with. Well, I could use another fabric....but I just do not think that would look kosher. Next choice, make a large border to fill in the spaces. I think that will be the best choice; what would look nifty.

Just a closer view of the blocks and sashing.

After much thought and searching for some ideas. I have chosen to do a scrappy strippy border. The picture below is my scrap bucket filled to overflowing before doing the Old Tobacco Road quilt and the Happy Scrappy House quilt.

Today, I have spent the majority of the day cutting scraps into 12 , 5, 4 and 2 inch lengths. The widths vary from 2 to 3 inches. Being a jumbled mess, each piece has to be ironed in the process also. But look at my scrap bucket now.

HIP HIP HORRAY!!!!!! HIP HIP HORRAY!!!!!!! HIP HIP HORRAY!!!!!!

It is down to about a 1/4 and I still have to cut more pieces. I admit to being horrible and not salvaging the small bits and pieces. They will find a home elsewhere! I should have enough strips to do the border for the houses and another quilt back. I am feeling very proud of myself for taking on this challenge. I am going to have to have a give away when I complete it totally. So check back.

I am going off to check other blogs and see what everyone is accomplishing. Then onto some more strip cutting. Tomorrow will be a sewing day.

ARE YOU ALL ENJOYING YOUR WEEKEND?

2008-10-04T16:25:00.001-07:00

The rain has arrived in Grants Pass! Fall has began, so I chose this brown and white fabric to border half of my houses. I have a lighter brown and white chosen for the other half of the houses. I should get them all done by Sunday. Then onto choosing a sashing and assembling them all together.

I really recommend to anyone who wants to use up bunches of scraps to check out the Quiltville site. Bonnie has a lot of patterns and really good instructions, mixed in with humor and knowledge.

Below is a card I received from a girl who is stationed in Iraq. I mailed her several postcards to show her my support and let her know she is missed. It was so thoughtful of her to send the thank you. She should be home within the next 6 weeks if all goes well.

Carol from Sweden sent me this wonderful postcard. I like the way she enclosed it like a regular card. Visit her site @

http://www.whatshappeningwithcarol.blogspot.com/ .

Have a great weekend!

MY OH MY.....

2008-10-01T17:23:00.000-07:00

I have been rather busy doing a little of this and that and having a grand time! I hope that all of you are having the same experience with you quilting adventures!

I made a few of these postcards and a few of the next postcards for the postcard swap; then I realized that October is Halloween. I will not spoil the surprise of those 10 I made because they will be the ones I actually send this month. But, I sure had a great time using up scraps and playing with shapes and colors.

But, then again...you never know I may surprise some of you with these postcards also!

I still need to work on the binding process; but it has improved. LOL. Really it has.

This is a Decoupage project that I made. It is my first attempt at this type of craft. It was quite fun and relaxing.

I saw a picture (do not remember where) of a mailbox that had fabric glued to it. It really caught my attention and I thought what a neat idea.

Well it turns out that decoupage has been around since around the 12th century. People use all sorts of bits and pieces from paper to buttons and decorate various types of materials from cardboard, wood, glass and metal.

I chose a cardboard shoe box to practice and see if I would like it. It is far from being a work of art (hee-hee), but it will look much more attractive sitting on my stand in my sewing room than the shoe box did. An excellent way to use up odds and ends scraps! Have any of you ever tried this? Let me know what you have done and what your thoughts are? I would love to know more and see what you have done.

This is a sample of the house blocks I am making. I have been able to use nothing but my odds and ends scraps from my scrap bucket.

I found the pattern @http://quiltville.com/ and here is the http://quiltville.com/happyscrappyhouses.shtml

page where the information for making a quilt is.

I think I need to make about 60 of these blocks to fit as a back for a king size quilt top my father gave to me. I have 20 done so far using all sorts of colors; then I will make a border/sashing to go around each block using nothing but my scrap bucket fabrics.

The quilt block below is a bow tie pattern using a SERGER that my quilting neighbor/friend found and is making a birthday lap quilt for her sister. I just love the way it looks and gives such a fabulous uplift. She found her fabrics for this quilt at one of the garage sales we went to this summer.

She has decided to put a black border around it. Then she bought gold and black buttons to tie it with. Then she is going to use a gold metallic thread to quilt it with.

I just had to share this with all of you. A simple pattern with such creative thought and walla you have a masterpiece. It amazes me every time I see a quilt from anyone!

The various blocks/patterns, then the fabrics and colors, the special touches and designs.

QUILTERS ARE WONDERFUL CREATORS OF MASTERPIECES !!!

WONDERFUL THINGS ARE HAPPENING

2008-09-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have the best neighbors, their names are Bob and Sue. They are the nicest people and are fun and Sue is always buying or giving me the neatest gifts. She is getting older and has some medical problems, which are leading her to downsizing her flower gardens. Guess who she chose to receive all the flowers she does not want. Me, I am so thrilled, with so many bare spots to fill (of course there is always a new place to make for flowers anytime needed also) and such new varieties I have never tried before. I try and give back what I receive, plus it just feels great to make something/give something to someone. Well Sue is the only person I know who wears aprons and last week she mentioned that she really needed to get a couple of new aprons because hers were old and splotched with stains. I had to try my hand at making her an apron. I made it reversable. It was so fun, I am definetely going to have to make her a few others.

The postcard of the lovely butterfly is from Vicki @

http://quilting-and-other-stuff.blogspot.com/ sent me this postcard. She used a plastic to coat it and send it through the mail. What a great idea.

I think butterflies are so beautiful and unique! Plus, she used purple, my favorite color. Thank You Vicki, I really like it!

The second postcard is from Valerie @ http://ausrose.blogspot.com/ she is on vacation and sent me this from Wales. Dragons fascinate me, the stories and the way that pictures show so many different styles and beliefs. So I really got a double delight with this one; a dragon and from a place I will most likely never see in person. Thank you Valerie.

One other great thing happened today. My oven, that has been broken for over a month, was completely fixed. I can start baking again. YEAH... I do enjoy baking, although I often add extra ingredients or totally forget them (hee, hee) so now and again...my masterpieces (LOL) turn out like bricks or burn like charcoal when I forget about them being in the oven at all. DH always tries whatever I make, then Dodger gets to sample whatever Kevin can not finish. My baking project for today is Acorn Squash. My landlord grew them in his garden and the plant produced enough for everyone in the neighborhood to eat all year long. I am going to bake it and then freeze it for the winter.

So many wonderful things are going on in my life, it is a great blessing. One of the best is that my younger brother is staying at a close friends and is doing good. He is an alcoholic and without going into to many details, I finally know that he is safe and getting things in his life straightened out and on the right track. For close to the last 10 years, he has disappeared for long lengths of time and we wouldn't know for many months at a time if he was even alive. I really hope and pray that this is the first step back to a life of "normal".

I am still working on reducing my scrap bucket. Right now I am making postcards for this next month and doing the house blocks on the quiltville site. Both projects are enjoyable and interesting. Yet, that bucket just does not seem to be going down any at all. But, off I go to help it shrink a tad bit more. Have a great day!

MYSTERY QUILT

2008-09-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

This is my version of the mystery quilt OLD TOBACCO ROAD from Quiltville. My layout is totally different from the pattern, but I really like the way it turned out. I also went totally scrappy in every aspect. My goal must be reached of using up tons of odd scraps. I added a red border around it (hubby took the camera with him so I can not download the picture with the border on it).

My original plan was to use this with another quilt top, but I have been out voted by my hubby, my quilting friend Maureen and my mom and dad. LOL. Which is fine, I just now have one other unfinished quilt project. One more back to make, me oh my, I had best get busy.

I started a "house" quilt block from the Quiltville site. It is another fabulous way to use up all my odd scraps. I am really enjoying these blocks, they go together so quickly and without a lot of seams to match. These blocks will make a great backing for one of the quilts. LOL. I do not believe I will show the finished back to anyone around me until it is quilted! LOL

HOWDY EVERYONE

2008-09-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

I received this post card in the mail from Rhonda @ http://ravelly1-quiltzblog.blogspot.com/
I love how the background fabric really looks like water. Thanks Rhonda.

I have been sewing on the Old Tobacco Road mystery quilt and have all the pieces cut out, sewn together and on the bed all lined up...but wait a moment; it does not look at all like Bonnies layout. What did I do wrong.

After agonizing hours of frustration and confusion, I had to admit finally that my brain would not accept (for whatever reason) the layout she has on her site. My layout is now totally different. I am very disappointed with myself, but I am also happy with the layout my brain has accomplished. No picture yet, I still have numerous amounts of sewing to do before it is completed. I will post a picture when it is completed. I hope you all have a great day!

USING UP SCRAPS

2008-09-18T16:43:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of my "other" dog Frankie.
He is a purebred Miniature Australian Shepherd.
He has had his annual hair cut in this photo, that is why he looks a little puny. When I moved out
of mom and dads, they refused to let me take him with me. But, it all worked out and I manage to go and steal him whenever I can. He usually visits once or twice a week, with an occasional sleep over. Until Dodger is finished with her female issues, Frankie has to stay away, even though he has been fixed; he still tries his best. But a tad bit annoying.

Awhile ago, I began working on OLD TOBACCO ROAD a mystery quilt @ http://quiltville.com/
it is really quite fun and challenging. I do not want to give away any of the mystery for others, so I do not want to post pictures.

It is a wonderful stash buster. I have a plastic tub filled to the brim with bits and pieces of fabrics. I am trying to use up enough of these scraps (with however many quilts it takes) to at least the half way point, before I cut up any more fabrics.

This picture really does not do the size any justice at all. Part of my plan is to make quilt tops for quilt backs for the numerous projects I have to have backs for.

Good thing I really truelly enjoy scrap quilting! I have a couple of really neat ideas.

Just looking at the picture makes me want to get back to the sewing machine; so off I go.

FUN ISSUES

2008-09-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

I have to share my frustration and laughter with you. My memory problems pop up everyday...gotta have fun with them.

Well, I try and visit blogs everyday or so and to leave comments. I know I like to receive them, they are uplifting and a delight to hear from fellow blogger friends.

So, my "fun" issue is the letter coding at the end of the comment that we must enter to have our messages published. They serve their wonderful purpose, I know.

I have to tell you though friends they like to have fun with me! Try remembering which letter you just typed, look down, back up and oh the process is so UNFUN at times.

Especially when you have to type in three different sets of letters before you get it right and publish the comment.

NO DO NOT CHANGE A THING... I am just venting a little with a TON OF LAUGHTER! I absolutely love blogging and reading everyones blogs, so the little confusion my brain must go through is really nothing at all.

JUST LAUGH WITH ME AND HAVE FUN WITH IT! I do all the time. Hope you all have a great day and until next time I stop by and start jumbling the letters up, down, sideways and reverse...enjoy a little laugh when you are doing it and think of me.

LOL HEE- HEE

BOY DO I FEEL FOOLISH

2008-09-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

I received this wonderful postcard way earlier this month from Vicki, my first blogger friend, and I forgot to send her a thank you or post a picture of it. That was not nice of me at all. So I apologize to her....sent her an email also. Of course she said not to worry about it, but I still feel very bad for not sending her a message right away.

I really enjoy receiving fabric postcards in the mail. They instantly bring a smile and uplift the whole day! Thanks for the postcard. It is great!

I recently received this postcard from Holly. Which again I forgot to post a picture. All the fabric postcards I receive are hung on my walls in my sewing room. It is amazing how much charachter and zest they add!

I need to start working on my next batch. I have a nifty idea.

SUCH A SURPRISE!

2008-09-12T18:21:00.001-07:00

Pat @ Lymryk Quilts and Portuguese Water Dogs and I have been leaving comments on one anothers blogs for awhile now. Recently we have began to email one another and get to be better friends. Pat brought to my attention the new mystery on Quiltville; I checked it out and decided to go ahead and do it since at the moment I was sewing 4 patches together (with no clue what I was going to do with them, aside from using a box of 2 inch squares) and they were one of the steps in the mystery OLD TOBACCO ROAD.

In another email, Pat and I discussed the rulers Bonnie uses. Pat kindly offered to send me hers! I was thrilled and excited. But you know me and my memory, I had spaced it entirely. Kevin and I took our trip to the post office early this afternoon and then were going on a couple other errands. At the post office we have a package to pick up. Standing in line, we are trying to think of what it was. We were really confused when the attendant comes out with this huge box (sorry I did not take a picture, thought of it to late) and then were really confused when it said it was for me. Kevin remembered first (as always) about Pat sending me the rulers. But this box was to big for rulers....we really kind of laughed and said tons of those styrofoam do dads would be fun for Chicca and Dodger to make a bed in. But, the box was so heavy.

In the car, the suspense was to much....we had to open it up and peak. What a wonderful surprise. The box was filled with fabrics and two rulers, plus a nice card. I was so overwhelmed with delight and the emotional explosion, I began to cry. I do that...my daughter thinks the accident caused more brain damage in my emotional part than anywhere. LOL.

Here are pictures of the Easy Angle ruler and the Companion Ruler. Are they not GREAT!

Here is a shot of a few of the fabrics.

Some more of the fabrics.

Yes, more fabrics.

Look there is more.

Yep, even more.

Wow, even more! Plus the wonderful card. I am still overjoyed at the extras she sent and just started crying again. Pat you are wonderful and in no way can I express how much this touched my heart and soul. She did make one request....that I pay it forward. I know just the person to pay it forward to; a lady I know sews for a wonderful project that helps underpriveldged kids. She will be the one I pay it forward to. She has no blog and likes to stay behind the scenes, so I can not post a picture or give any information. She does it all from the heart with no desires to be acknowledged. THANKS PAT FOR EVERYTHING...IT IS MUCH APPRECIATED.

Plus, on the way home from the post office we stopped by the repair shop to check on the progress of the PFAFF that has been in and out several times all summer. He had it all fixed and ready to go. Chicca, of course, had to check out the fabrics first. She gave her approval by falling asleep on the fabrics. I had to shoo her away, I had to try out the Easy Angle ruler for the next step (pinwheels) in the mystery. WoW and Double WoW. It sure made cutting the triangles a cinch. Later I will start sewing them together.

I have to add this; I have known a lot of people, most people really shy away from my disability at not remembering things...but everyone of the "bloggers" that I have met on the internet have truly turned out to be fabulous caring people who do not mind, plus they have the biggest hearts the world could have. I am so glad to have found quilting because it has led me to each of you who are my dearest friends! I am privledged to call you my friends...........

READY FOR A BREAK

2008-09-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

The last month has been filled with all kinds of "turmoil". One of the things going on was rebuilding our back deck. When we first moved in the deck was covered with the green outdoor carpet...not bad looking except it was bookooo years old and had rips, pieces missing and parts that were molding. I managed to convince the landlord to remove it. Only to discover that the wood underneath was rotting away, big holes in sections, places you were very afraid to step on in case it decided to give way. Well, it is rebuilt now. I have to repaint the guard rails and this next spring it will be sealed with a waterproof sealant (something about it has to dry out for about 6 months before the sealant can be applied). Sure looks great compared to before.

Of course there was all the garage sale activities, daily activities, we took a drive to Roseburg yesterday to see DH daughters. Today, I went with my father to Medford to check on his heart monitors ...not real encouraging to say the least. By the time we got back, I am exhausted from all this chaos of going here and there and doing all of this and that. My brain has got to stop and do nothing at all for a few days or I will be having seizures. Then, I will tackle my housecleaning.

In the mail I did receive a neat ruler from Amanda. She had an extra one and was giving this one away. It is going to be so helpful in cutting squares. Plus, I received a postcard from Holly. I just love postcards. So big THANKS to both of you for making my day brighter and easier!

Now, I am going to check in on everyones blogs and see what you have all been up to; I have not been sewing much at all and I miss it.

OUR GARAGE SALE

2008-09-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

We began organizing and setting everything up on Thursday. Not a lot of fun in that aspect of a garage sale! Friday, Saturday and today we begin opening the garage door at 8 am and close it down between 4 and 5 (depends on heat and if anyone has stopped by in over an hour.

As you can see we have a lot of stuff! Kevin has told me that when we moved into this trailor; the family did not want to do any of the sorting...so that was our job and to keep what we wanted and to sell or throw away everything else. We have been here for about 2 and a half years and still have items remaining. Plus, family and friends gladly add to our stash off and on.

I enjoy having a garage sale for two reasons. First of course is money. LOL. We have made enough to make it worthwhile. The second, is the people.

Garage sale people are a funny bunch of people. You have the drive by and look (which the way ours is set up...you really can not see much) that either stop or just go on their merry way. Kevin and I make fun remarks to this group (nothing bad just little laughter bringing comments).

You have the looking for one item specifically (fishermen and gunsmen or toolsmen) describe this group best. What makes them interesting is that they a lot of times seem very annoyed that all "people" do not have their items! So again you get a little chuckle from them.

Next you have the "snooty" people. They expect every item to be priced for a penny and basically want the item to be in the original package; very few items meet their standard. We get both chuckles and a tad bit frustrated with these people.

Kevin especially loves the "bargaining" people. They will usually offer next to nothing for an item that is definitely worth the price marked...whether it be a nickle or twenty dollars. Very often, they will make several offers below priced marked walking around holding it while taking a look in between offers. Some get pretty snickery and pushy (thats where Kevin gets to have fun and become "set" with his amount) and the game begins! Some people give in while others put it down while others stomp out. It really can be entertaining!

Less than 1% of the people are no fun and bothersome. The remaining people are just ordinary people looking for a deal and a way to spend time with someone. We end up having fun and interesting conversations.

I have taken up far to much space writing about this. So just one last little tid bit. Dodger in the picture above is pouting. Seriously, she is....she loves to meet new people and off and on meet other dogs. Once in awhile between groups we let her out to snoop around and be with us. This picture was taken after a group of people left and no one said hello. She snorted, turned around and laid down with a sigh. She is pouting.

POSTCARD SWAP

2008-09-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hello to all!

I started a postcard swap to get to know other bloggers and to have fun ! My rules are very simple....

1. Make the postcard the standard size 4 x 6.

2. Have fun.

3. No Pressure No Stress.

4. Send me your name, address, email address and blog address. I will add your information to
the list and send all information to each member.

5. Then everyone has the whole month to make as many postcards and mail them as they
desire. Example: If you only have the time to make one postcard a month, that is fine. If
you have time to make 4, that is fine.

I really enjoy making them and coming up with new ideas. My postcards to be sent this month are an embroidery design. I have to admit, I did not plan the design and layout properly and my bindings are not pretty. It was a learning experience. Knowing the other members they will accept them and enjoy them even though they are not perfect by any means.

I have made wonderful friends with this swap and found new blogs with great information, styles of quilts and other projects that often lead me to give it a try.

So, I am inviting anyone interested to email me and join our fun postcard swap! You will not regret it. The no pressures, no stress rule is my major focus. Because if it is not fun and enjoyable it becomes a torment and I for one do not need or want that. We all lead busy lives with family, work and hobbies; we do not need more stress.

The added bonuses are wonderful! Going to the mail and finding a postcard instead of a bill or junk mail is Great! I personally get a huge smile and all excited....like a child getting a surprise. Meeting people from around the world is Fabulous. You get to see and hear things about their lives, trips and pictures of things you may never see, and share quilting stories.

So what have you got to lose! Come and join the fun! We would love to have you in our swap! E Mail me and we will get every thing moving for this month!

GARAGE SALE TREASURES

2008-08-29T16:49:00.000-07:00

This morning, my friend Maureen suggested we go to a couple of garage sales. We hit three and found nothing we really wanted or needed (no quilting things) and drove to the next one. A yard filled with treasures of all sorts. We were drawn directly to the quilting table. I found these two books $2.50 each. Both have beautiful patterns and applique.

With all that I got....at a fabric store the value of my treasure would be close to $200.00 or more. The books above were both originally sold for $10.00 each.

There were no prices on the fabrics. So, I went and asked. The lady handed me two sacks and said fill them to the top and then we will discuss a price. I only had brought a minimal amount of 12 dollars and had already spent 5. I took up the two sacks and she said how about $3.00 for both. I gasped and said are you kidding? Nope, I asked for two more bags and went and filled them.

Blues, Reds, Pinks, Greys, Greens, Purples and blacks are sectioned on this table. Being mainly a scrap quilter I am just grinning from ear to ear. The picture below holds the silks, browns, small scraps, yellows, light blues and some fabric projects.

I had a whole dollar left and she handed me another sack and said fill this one about half full and we will call it even!

There were three different fabrics that at least held 5 yards.

Plus, there is a dard green silk that has 8 yards and many of the others were 1 to 3 yards.

I do believe I have totally restocked my fabrics for quite awhile. If I could have I would have done flips and gave my own cheer! Maureen of course got three bags full herself. Then she laughed and said Kevin and Ernie are going to in an uproar that we found all of this...so that is it we have to leave! It was funny. Kevin was just thrilled for me.

I had best go and get busy with a project!

A DAY IN THE WOODS

2008-08-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

Today I have been sewing two inch squares together. Eventually they will be used in a quilt. But, I wanted to share a couple photos of our outing yesterday to the woods. Dodger, Kevin, I and a friend Ashley went out in the woods. Dodger and I took all sorts of paths going off the main road and just had a great time. We saw grasshoppers, butterflies, birds and even a lizard. My favorite was when we got down by the stream.

Dodger had a great time watching the grasshoppers in this area! Pretty soon though she was jumping and chasing them. Her and I took numerous walks while Kevin and Ashley were target shooting.

I find it fascinating to walk beside a stream and admire the way nature creates such beauty. I sat on this log and just listened to the water moving and looked in every direction at all of the colors, plants, trees and spent time just feeling a total calming effect. I tried to download one of the video clips for you could enjoy the sound also...but I was not able to do it. Sorry!

This photo is one of my favorites from yesterday. While Dodger and I were walking along the stream these leaves looked to me like they were floating on top of the water. But in honest, they are not they are actually quite a bit away from the water. It sure was pretty, so wanted to share.

This caught my eye, right before heading home. A top of this huge tree a big splotch of white...my next thought was spider and what a hard working spider. So, I zoomed in and snapped the shot, still not being able to tell for sure if that is what it was. Today when I downloaded the pictures...ta da...it sure enough is a huge spider web. I am surprised it did not have birds trapped in it.

GREEN BEANS GALORE!!!!

2008-08-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

So what do green beans have to do with quilting? Well not a whole lot, except that this winter I will not have to buy any at the store, which saves money for buying quilting items! LOL.

But, I thought I would share one of the activities that I do about every two to three days during August. Ernie grows a wonderful garden (he is our landlord and his wife Maureen is a quilting buddy) and green beans are one of the items he grows. Boy oh Boy does he grow green beans!

Since Ernie is not in the best physical shape; we worked out a splendid arrangement. He plants them, waters them and watches them grow. Then one day he says its time to pick. So I begin my part of the work. I pick the green beans and snap them. He cans them. Then he shares all the green beans we want for the winter.

Here are some photos of the green bean fences. There are two of them about 5 feet high and about two pickup lengths long (I am not sure of the feet in length). It is amazing how quickly they grow.

Picking them is not a hard task; but at the same time not an easy task. Believe it or not green beans love to play hide and seek. They blend in with the leaves and vines perfectly, plus the leaves and vines love to help them hide! After picking for about 10 minutes and seeing nothing but green...it becomes an even harder game. Except for the ones that I missed on the last picking day, those green beans are now giants and they turn a lighter green. It seems like they are making fun of you at this time..."just try and miss me today", but it also gives the smaller beans a chance to blend in better because you are focusing on giant green beans. LOL.

This is a plastic grocery bag filled with green beans. There were a total of three of these bags picked today by me alone! Which took close to three hours. Next, I get to snap half of them (the other half Maureen does) which will take me about two hours. Of course, not all the green beans I pick manage to make it to the sack at all. Many of them somehow magically disappear inside my mouth hee-hee! They are so delicious fresh this way, I just can not resist a few here and there. Besides it takes a lot of energy to pick the critters, I have to keep my strength up!

Just a snap shot of two green beans.

This is a "snapped" green bean. When Ernie first asked if I would help snap the green beans; I looked at him like he was insane. Maureen and Ernie both laughed at me and gave me a bad time about never having snapped beans before. They gave a lesson and it threw me away that they really do snap when you break them into sections.

While snapping them, you actually get to create music. SNAP, SNAP, SNAP, pick up next one, SNAP, SNAP, SNAP. I gotta give you a little bit of amusement (hopefully) in my effort here. This is the one bowl of the "snapped" green beans. Now I will take them down to Ernie and he will can them.

He has already canned over 24 cases of green beans. He has decided to let neighbors, friends, anyone pick what they would like. The remainder of the beans will be left on the vines to dry up. Then I get to go and pick them and open them up and take out all the little bean seeds inside. Ernie says they make the best ham and beans!

It has been fun sharing this with you. I hope you got a little laugh and maybe learned something you did not know. Now, I am off once again to my quilting! Yippeeeee!

Have a great day and enjoy some green beans for dinner!