Bah....humbug.....

I'm seeing stars.....

Christmas stars that is.....

I'm using Bonnie Hunters pattern found on her Quiltville site. All reds and greens and so festive. It's making me smile and goes together so quickly. Yep, just me and my Ethel all day today. Life just don't get any better that this...... I'm heading back to it. I'll post a pic when the top is all together.....

Check out my CURVES!

Over a year ago I bought a foot just for piecing curves. I can't remember the name, but I got it at the Novi Fabric Expo in Sept of '07. I also bought some curved templates. I ran across them in the disaster I call my sewing room the other day. I found a set of fq's I don't remember buying from Connecting Threads and decided to go for it.





I did try doing this with my regular 1/4" foot and it didn't go so well, but with this foot made for curved pieces it's a lot easier and looks much better. The foot came with a pair of tweezers so you can hold the fabric through the foot. It might be a curve master, or something like that. So far, these are fun. Not my favorite colors in the fabrics, but I'll just give it to someone who's as Jen says "quilt worthy". Well, back to it! I'm going to have Garry check out my curves when he gets home. Get your minds out of the gutters!

Breaking News!

Husband in Michigan washes dishes and lives to tell about it!

It's all true! Cut finger half off = husband has to do dishes! It's the only upside to the finger slicing I did this past week! I got the pics to prove he actually washed dishes!

Now I'm not saying he enjoyed it, but he didn't even complain. I've only seen this happen a handfull of times in over 20 years. It's quite a big deal here in ReginaLand. It's definately blog worthy. He also had to shower me and wash my hair. TMI? I don't get this kind of treatment often. Gotta enjoy it while I can. On the flip side, Cindy is really sick. She's been in bed for two days. Sore throat, ear ache, stuffy nose, cough. Sound like a cold? Well, hmmmm...could it be that a 15 year old girl doesn't dress for the weather? Yep...it could be. It's all about looking cool, of course. Gotta wear the tank tops under the hoodies to get outta the house in the morning and freeze all day at school. But...it's all good if she looks "in style". I remember those days.......

I'm feelin' as stuffed as the turkey

Yep, I'm still stuffed from yesterday. Not that I won't go in and nuke another plate of turkey and dressing tonight. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. I got out of a lot of cooking/dishes yesterday since on Tuesday I had an accident with the rotary cutter. Back in Sept of 07, I cut my finger half off with it and then Tuesday I did it again. Didn't cut it quite as bad this time. Last time, I got six or seven stitches in my finger. This time, the Dr. said I didn't have enough skin on one side of the cut to sew it up. So....it's bandaged and nasty. I have a pic at the end of this post, so if you're squeemish....don't look!

Been working on my half framed four patches.

These are so simple and mindless. Just what I currently need...
After I put those together, I decided to use up some more scraps and make more with a smaller frame.


So....here's the finger....I highly suggest everyone be very careful with those cutters.... It really makes my so angry at myself when I do something like this. If I could just turn back time for 30 seconds, I know I would slow down and think before I do stupid stuff like this. The tendonitis is on the mend and I can use my right arm again. Turn 50 and look what happens! Oh well, I'm still above ground!

50 arrived...I survived.....

See that pic? Pretty cool, huh? Do you see a young girl or the old woman. I can see both. And, I still see some of the young girl I used to be when I look in the mirrow. On the other hand, I can see the old woman emerging. Yep, I turned 50 today. Survived without incident. Garry bought me a new set of beautiful diamond earrings. The three circles representing past, present and future. They are very nice. Cindy got me a whole bag of Dove Chocolates. Does she know me, or what? I've slobbed around the house all day. We are going out for seafood after church services tomorrow. My pick of the restaurant. Should be fun. I want to thank my friend Patti again for the wonderful sewing machine caddy/suitcase/rolling tote she got me for my birthday, too. Now, we match when we arrive at craft day! I love it! Oh and I highly recommend Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Not something I needed, but it sure is good!
Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I am!

Want an evil giggle?

Listen to this.....
Giggle
Tis funny.....

I got to sew!

My machine has missed me. And....I've missed my "Ethel", too. I got to sew a bit yesterday! Yippeeeeee! I wanted something simple that required little thought. I came up with this block and I love it. I'm sure someone else out there has done this, but I'm tickled that I thought of it all by myself. Cindy helped me decide how to set the blocks and I like that, too. So....without futher adooooooooo.....


I want to thank each of you for all the encouragement, well wishes and prayers, regarding my son. I still haven't heard a word from him or his biological mother. Due to privacy laws and the fact that he is legally an adult, I can't find out anything. He was not thrilled with our conversation at the hospital, mostly because my husband and I don't coddle him or agree with him. I'm just praying he makes changes and has a better life than he currently has. It's pretty much up to himself how his life goes. Cindy, my daughter, on the other hand, ended up with all A's and B's on her report card. Yay! Hurray! She's a good kid and I'm lucky to have her.

Well....I'm off to make more blocks. These probably already have a name...I just don't know what it is so I'm calling them Half Framed Four Patches. I'm so imaginative....HA!

Bloggin Obligations.....

Sorry, no pics today. I've been a bad bad blogger, and I feel bad about it. I know it's suppose to be a "no obligation" thing, but it's embedded in my genes to feel guilty about everything in the world. Can't help it. September and October were such busy months. I'm glad to see them come to an end.
On a sad note, my 18 year old son is up to no good again. My husband and I adopted him when he was 10 and he's always had a lot of problems. He no longer lives with us due to safety issues. I won't go into all the history, but it's been a long haul with him. He pulled a doozie this time and ended up on a ventilator for two days in ICU. He's ok now, physically, and has been moved to the mental patient floor. He's decided not to contact me since they moved him, so I have no other information and due to the privacy laws, I can't get any information. I'm thinking I'll just continue to pray for him and remember that with God all things are possible.

So, on to the fun stuff. Our church had the annual Ladies Day last month and I actually got up in front of all those people and spoke. I heard from lots of the women that I did very well, however, for me, it's all just a blurr. I really have no idea what I said. My daughter was very proud of me and wanted to know how I could do that and not even be scared. I told her I was terrified and she said it sure didn't show. I guess that's a good thing. Maybe it will teach her to try to overcome her fears. I have been asked to give a speech next year for the event, so I guess I did ok and didn't have any drool on my chin.

I went to a craft show yesterday. I sold several quilts, afgahns, quilted notebook covers, coasters, and bags. It was a great day. My friend, Val sold homemade fruit cakes (ewwwwww) and fudge. I never heard of sour cream fudge til she made it, but it's wonderful. It was a great day and I needed the distraction.

Now, I'm off to get ready for church and next time I post, there should be pictures.

What a give away!

I found the coolest giveaway going on. Go to http://indiefixx.com/2008/10/13/indie-fixx-autumn-cornucopia-giveaway-2-ways-to-win-2-prizes/#comment-19120 and check it out!

Beam me up, Scotty.....

Not a political post. Not making any profound statements here.....but.......

Am I the only one that notices a how much they look alike? I've thought this since the first time I saw Barak. I can't look at him without thinking "These are the voyages....."

Is it just me?

Shopping....aka Therapy......

I'm making a log cabin quilt. It's currently in two pieces and then it will officially be a flimsy! I can't decide on a border. I've "auditioned" several fabrics, but...none seem to work. Blue or white or cream all just wash out the blocks. I've almost decided on a burgandy. It's the best choice so far.

It makes the blocks stand out. I tried a dark gray and a light gray. It didn't work at all. Well, this decided it for me. Burgandy it is. I should be able to finish this and add border tomorrow. I'd like to start quilting it tomorrow, too, but I doubt I'll manage that.

Connecting Threads had a sale, so. Here comes therapy part. In the basket are 99 coordinating fat quarters. Yep, blues and creams and some wine colored fat quarters. I don't have a plan for them yet, but they are just so pretty and I love their fabrics.

Then there was the clearance fabrics, so....why not? Several yards of each. Sure, I'll take it. I also got some fusible 1/4" green quick bias. Just in case I ever learn to applique. You never can be too prepared, I hear.

More fat quarters from Connecting threads.

And then we get to the real therapy/shopping part. One of our local Wallyworld's is getting rid of their fabric department. Yep, it's all half off. How could I say no to that? Garry, of course, is still trying to get back on my good side, as if I have a good side, so HE thought it might be a good idea if I went over there and stocked up.

Now, of course, I couldn't say no. So all this fabric stack up in these pics are what I bought there. Some of it are 10 yard cuts and some are 2. Ok...most are 3 or 5 yards. I have no idea how much I bought. But...I bought a lot.

Now where am I going to put it? The shelves have very little space left on them. Maybe I'll have to go get some more shelves tomorrow.

Can you see my evil grin?

Sunday Giggle....

I needed a giggle today. Really really badly. Thought I'd share with you...

Ok...I'll tell ya, it's very very rare that my hubby and I argue about anything. And, I'll also admit, I'm really mad at him right now. It will pass, but WOW, he is gonna have to suffer for this one. Can you hear the wheels turning?

9-11

It's 9-11 again. I tried to find a pic to commemorate this date, but I dare say they are just too sad to post. I'm sure each of you remember where you were and what your were doing and who you were with, when this terrible attack happened. I was at my cabin in Northern Michigan. I was with my husband, Garry and a friend/employee, Mike. It was a beautiful up north weekend. We were having coffee and watching The Today Show. And then it happened. I kept thinking "The pilot must have had a heart attack or something." Mike said "No way! That's intentional." I argued that no one in his/her right mind could do that intentionally. Then the second one hit. And at that moment I knew Mike was right. I still can't wrap my mind around it. It's beyond me. It seems that through our lives certain events remain embedded into our memories. The day Kennedy was shot, The Challenger, and for me the day John Lennon was killed.....and this tragedy. My heart still aches for the loved ones, lost. I can not imagine being there. I guess I'm actually glad that I don't understand this whole mind set of anyone who could do this, as I think it would make me insane.

So, to all my online friends ... know today that I am thinking of each of you. I appreciate all of you more than I can say and even if we never meet, I am proud to call you friends. Hug someone you love today. I know I will.

Canning Tomatoes

My current life in pictures......

Yep, maters are coming in here in Michigan. I love them. I have about 50 plants and it won't be near enough for canning. I can about 180 quarts each year. Why, you ask? I have no idea. I love the home canned tomatoes more than the store bought ones. I'm OCD, so ... I like the idea of it. The system to it, I guess. I also like the idea that I grew them and then in the dead of winter, I can open something grown myself and make a great pot of chilli. Also, You Know Who, thinks it's amazing. He thinks it's some kind of magical powers that I possess that I can do this. It's the least I can do for him since I spend all the money he earns on fabric. Yes, I earn it too, but he's the one who is out at 3 a.m. all winter fixing furnaces. So....that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I'll be back when I run out of tomatoes or my back gives out.

Oh....and ... that poor sad large canning pot....I have a big fancy pressure cooker for canning. I don't care for it. Four of my wonderful Aunts in Tennesse went together to buy it for me and I love them so much for doing it, but I love this poor rusty old pathetic pot. Something to be said for keeping with traditions maybe. I've used this one for years. I should throw it out, but I never will. The bottom will have to rust away before I give it up. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Need to get healthier....

Yep, I've gained another 12 pounds this year. Every year, it seems as if I gain 10 pounds. I'm tired of it. I think it's why I feel so crappy so often. So, I'm leaving in 25 minutes and heading for the gym. I bought a lifetime membership about 15 years ago and used it for about a year. Then, like most people, I quit going. In my defense, the one closest to me burnt down about 10 years ago, and I hate driving to the other one. It's in front of the biggest mall in our town. The traffic there is horrible. But, I paid for it, so I might as well use it. I'll be moaning and groaning tomorrow, I'm already preparing for it. I think I'll try to go three times a week. Wish me luck.

Life sure can get in the way.....

When you're trying to craft! I've been too busy. Too much going on after the elections. Lots of Chamber of Commerce stuff to do. I actually had to do some bring home the bacon work since I took almost a month off during the little mini-competition with Kristie. I have tried to climb Mt. Laundry, but failed to reach the summit. Oh well....on to the pics.....

Really simple little pinwheel quilt and I stippled it a lot smaller than I've ever done. I have to say, I love this one. All that's left is binding and it's a finish.

Locker hooking. Yep, tried it. Like it lots. This is about 36x24 or so. It used a lot of fabric, but was great for in the evenings with the family. I may do some more of these!

I finally got the block done for "you know who's" quilt. I know, it took me a while and while it's not anything like the masterpieces done by some very talented Prolific Quilters, I'm finally satisfied with it. Lots of love went into it, and what talent I have is there, too.

So, here's the kicker. Garry is up north dirtbiking this weekend. My daughter, Cindy has company staying with us while her family is away on a trip. That leaves me all alone. Naturally, to fill the empty void (giggle), I went to Joann's. About 40 yards of fabric followed me out to my car. I loaded it up and brought it home and folded it up nice and neat and inserted it into the already "found a home" fabric I had. Yes, I did say about 40 yards. It was on sale! Well, some of it was on sale. Some of it wasn't. And, I rearranged my sewing (living room) to include a chest of drawers. Yep, there is fabric stashed in it too. No one (you know who that is) would have been the wiser, except he called while I was in Joann's and said.... ready.... "Where are ya?" I might hide fabric, but I wouldn't outright lie to him. So I told him. He didn't say a word. Of course, he was up north.....DIRTBIKING! I'm sure I spent less than he did this weekend. Hehehehehheeeeehhheheheeee!

So, I'm off to see if I can finish something tonight. I do have to get to bed at a decent time for church service in the morning, but I don't have my usual 10:00 class, so I don't have to be there til 11. Ahhhhhhhhh......I'll sleep in an extra hour tomorrow......

Have a great weekend!

Primary Elections......

I'm a nervous wreck. Today was election day. I'm fairly sure I got at least two votes. Mine and my husbands. Other than those...I don't have a clue. I didn't think I'd be this ... uhmmmm....nervous about it. It's scary putting myself out there this way. I have never "run" for anything. Nothing in my school years. I am the Treasurer of our Chamber of Commerce, but I didn't run for that position. It was hoisted upon me....giggle! Ok....When I hear the results, I'll just edit this post.
Edit: I did not win the election. I'm ok with it. I did get enough votes to hold my head up high, so that's cool. It was a great learning experience for me. I'll have a run at it again in four years, if I'm not ruling some country, starring on broadway, or having found fame in some other venue.....hehehehheheee..... I thought I would feel a lot worse about it, but I don't. I guess each day is just an adventure and I tried something I never thought I would try. Life is still good and I'm still a happy woman. Vacation Bible School is going on at my church all this week. Maybe that's why I have the outlook I have. Some good lessons are learned from watching children.....

I'm in trouble.....

I'm in trouble already. My fabra-holic friend, Val, is having a yard sale. Her entire basement is nothing but tubs and shelves and more tubs of fabric. I get first shot at all of it. Fortunately, for me, it's not all cotton. A lot of it is dress fabrics. That means my daughter is in trouble too. I may have to take out a mortgage on my house to buy all her cottons. I might as well suck it up and admit that I'm excited about it. I'm gonna buy buy buy. I was only there for an hour tonight and spent fifty bucks. And the cotton fabric's not even out yet. She had an over the door ironing board that folds up. It will be such a space saver in my sewing room. And, of course there was fabric my kid wanted. Val and I went shopping last spring and she bought a bed ensemble and then a week later found one she liked better. I had been kicking myself for not getting the same one. Now....I own it. It's never been taken out of the package. And, the color matches my bedroom. This is gonna get ugly. (Just trying to sneak it all in the house?) Giggle! Actually, Garry would never say a word. I just like to pick on him. I'm going to have to put all Connecting Thread orders on hold. Well, I'm off to make room on some shelves. I may need to go buy another set of those shelves......hmmmmmmmm.....there's an idea!

A Finish!

Finished! Done! Yippeeee! One down, not counting how many to go. It would just make me feel defeated before the day starts. I'm on a "finish it up" binge. It actually feels pretty good. This is the Bricks andStepping Stones pattern from Bonnie at Quiltville.com I quilted this one yesterday and finished the binding about midnight last night. I don't know what I've done, but my right shoulder is seriously sore. I think I've got a "catch in my get-along". That's pretty much what I call anything that causes me to move slowly. And, I don't like this. In bed at 1 a.m. and up at 5 a.m. cause it hurts to even lay on my shoulder. It started a couple of days ago and with my sorry memory, I can't remember what I could have done to make it hurt. The only things that last in my memory are things Garry does wrong. Those I can remember for years. I mentioned that at dinner on Sunday to some friends. The women all giggled and the men just shook their head and said "I know", in chorus. It was pretty funny.

Oh, the backing on this one is a sheet I found at Goodwill. I've heard a lot of discussions about using/not using sheets as backings. I like them. This one is fun, bright and sewed up great. I even used the left overs for the binding. This is the first binding in my one year (I know, a quilting babe) that I'm very happy with. I have read lots about thread count in sheets being too high and all that, but I make quilts to use, so ... we'll see how it wears. And, for $1.99 for the sheet, I had to try it.

I'm off to pick another UFO and finish it today! I hope I don't lose my resolve.........

No one saw it arrive....

And we all know who I mean by "no one"!

Yep, big box came today from Connecting Threads. Again, I am not disappointed. I love this fabric. So...my day in pictures so far..... I was happily working on this....

when, out of nowhere, this arrived

Giddy-ness and grinning ensued

( no pic of my giddy-ness or grinning. You can thank me later for that)

Oh oh oh...I am a happy woman.

It was all on clearance. On sale. Now, what will I do with the money I saved. That's Girl Math, ya know. If I saved say, 50 bucks buying this on clearance, I figure I can go spend the saved 50 bucks on something else. It's a great thing that Girl Math. I have explained that to Garry, and I think he understands it, but his eyes do glaze over a bit. When in doubt, I mention his new dirtbike I got him for his birthday last year and then his giddy-ness and grinning ensues too. Life is just great!

So, first is the Connecting Threads sewing kit. Now that I'm hand quilting, I really NEEDED that. Came with the fabric and pattern, in the closeout section. Bargain!

Next is the yardage. Some pink and gray. Three yards of each. If there is no plan and I just like it, I buy 3 to 5 yards and in the stash it goes. It was also on Connecting Threads closeout section and under 4 bucks a yard. I wish you could all feel this fabric....yummy! Bargain!

And then ... the fat quarters. Oh yeah, baby! Three sets, cause they to were on sale and I think it ended up being under $1.00 per fq. I think there is like 30 or so fq's per package for under 30 bucks. So....I bought three sets.

I also saved money on shipping because orders over 50 bucks are free shipping. Bargain!

More Girl Math. Add another 10 to my 50 dollar savings from earlier and now, I have 60 bucks to shop with next week. Ahhh....don't you love it when a plan comes together?

And ... the rest of this post is not quilty....is garden-y. I have tomato plants that are taller than I am. I am only 5', but sheesh....I have tomato trees now.

Pics of the garden and then I'm back to YBR blocks.

Camera Found....Yay!

Yep, there it was. Under a pile of stuff I took to craft day. Of course. So, here's what I've been doing. I have 100 blocks made for the YBR. I'll only use 90, so I'll have some leftovers for something. This is that Connecting Threads Fabric. Yummy stuff!

This is a top I made when I first started last year for my friend Val. I'm finally quilting it. Finally. It was for her birthday last Sept. Maybe it will be finished for this birthday? Let's hope so. Nope, no hoping, it's going to be finished for this birthday! Yep!

This is the cheater quilt I've been hand quilting. It's almost done. Some of the edges left to quilt and then the border and binding. Not sure what to border it with or if I even have any fabric that will work, but this has taught me that I love hand quilting. Yippeee...


You know the best part of having these shelves to store fabric? No one (and by no one I mean Garry) can tell when there has been more added. Nope, it just looks the same to everyone (and by everyone I mean Garry). Giggle! Yep, more has been added recently.








I have been seeing lots about Locker Hooking lately, so I picked up a kit to start with and we'll see. My friend Patti and I are going to do this one together. Yep, Patti and I made a shopping trip a couple of days ago. She's quite crafty. Her hubby, Ted, is very crafty too. He does woodworking. Don't hold it against him, but he's a math teacher at our local Christian School. Here's a link to his website. I've seen a lot of his work in person and it's awesome. He's having a show this weekend that I'm planning to go to. I have just gotta have some of his art! Check it out.

Well, that's it for me here. Gotta make a quick run to the grocery store for milk and then, back to the sewing room for me. Have a wonderful Thursday!