bitnbyaquiltingbug

Sad day

2011-10-26T10:55:00.001-04:00

My friend, Val, has been called home. I am sure she is planning some sort of event and you can all rest easy that she'll have Heaven whipped into shape by the time we get there. I miss her already.

Prayers please....

2011-09-14T13:14:00.002-04:00

I know it's been a long, long time since I've posted on here. If any of you remember, my friend, Val, has been fighting cancer for a long time. The cancer has now been found in her brain and liver. Hospice has been called in and they don't expect her to survive more than a couple of months. Also, they expect the cancer to cause her cognitive skills to be gone within two or three weeks. This was told to us last week. I would appreciate prayers for her to be at peace. If you could throw one in for me to say the right things to her, I could use that. Thanks in advance.

On the good side, if there is one, we took our Sunday night church service to her house last Sunday. It was one of the most healing and wonderful moments I have ever been a part of. We sang songs of praise and Val was able to have the Lords' supper. It was a very moving time with some laughing, crying and every emotion in between. I think many of us needed us and it helped make a lot of things clearer.

Hugs to you all!
Regina

Pssst.....

2011-03-29T09:38:00.003-04:00

Don't spread it around, but I'll be leaving for a quilt retreat...TOMORROW! Can't wait to see the Jens! After all....it has been a whole year! Wisconsin, get ready....here I come!

Current project....

2011-03-21T17:16:00.002-04:00

It's been a busy, busy winter. Blogging took a back seat to everything else that I wanted to do. I thought I would miss it more, but the time I had to spend blogging, I used to sew instead. I still read others blogs and enjoyed them with my morning coffee. Heading out to WI for our yearly quilt retreat on the 30th. I can't decide what to take as usual, but I have 10 days to decide or to buy more. Can't wait to see the Jens and the rest of the gang. Looking forward to some fun!

Vote!

2010-11-02T11:56:00.003-04:00

I know life is busy for everyone, but RUN to the voting booth and VOTE! Get out there! Vote! Be a part of your own future! And...the other benefit? I'm hoping this end the mailers, commercials, recorded phone messages, etc.! Yay!

On the quilty front....making bags. And more bags. And a few more bags. My friend Vals' Mother is not well and needs some crafty person to take one of her tables at an upcoming craft show. Sew...I'm making bags of all sizes, shapes and colors. Hope I have enough to fill a table. I still have about 10 days to make more, but I am going to the cabin this weekend. With my husband. Just the two of us. I wonder if we still have anything to talk about. Or anything in common. We don't spend time alone together anymore. Looking forward to it. Wooohooooo!

And...I'm gone. Groomer coming today to make the babies look all pretty for winter. Happy Voting Day!

Cellar Dweller.....

2010-10-14T09:40:00.007-04:00

That's me. Back in the sewing room, downstairs. I love my sewing room. The entire basement. 1500 square feet of stuff. MY stuff. Sew, I've been sewing the last couple of days. Last week was a busy week! Senior pics for Cindy, helped Val with a Breast Cancer event at the Township Hall. Made quilt blocks, to sell, for a Memorial Quilt and a Survivor Quilt. Craft Day at our church was Saturday and we tested some quiche recipes for our annual Ladies Day at church on the 23rd. Val and I are cooking brunch this year. Should be fun! I love cooking with Val and I think we've found the perfect recipe made in a Pampered Chef Muffin stone. They looked so nice and tasted great! Yay! And now....here's pics...cause isn't that really what it's all about!

Stitchin' Away.....

2010-09-24T11:55:00.004-04:00

Sewing is happening here in Casa One I! Working on these....
I decided to try something new! Quilting using one of those plastic design template things. I have no idea of the actual name for them, so that's what I call 'em. It's time consuming, but I'm enjoying the process. I have a lot of flowers to go though.
I've had these blocks made for a couple of years now and since seeing Patti's completed quilt in the same fabrics and pattern, I've been inspired to get mine put together! Thanks for the inspiration, Patti!

And now....back to the flowers!

GO! Giveaway!

2010-09-23T10:08:00.003-04:00

Now...who wouldn't want one of these AND three dies? Well....I do! GO! here and enter for a chance to win! Wooohooooo! By they way, this blogger has some great fabrics in her store and great prices to match! Check that out, too, as long as you're there. I mean, don't we all NEED more fabric?

Still no clever title......but pics!

2010-09-08T19:05:00.005-04:00

Working on this project today......
Bought a little fabric last week while at the cabin......the bottom fabrics are Garry's dirtbike fabric that HE picked out himself (can you hear me giggling?)
Hand quilting this smaller pinwheel top. Very relaxing.....
Picked up this UBER CUTE pattern....
That's all the news, that is the news...... Anyone remember where that line came from????

Insert Clever Title Here

2010-09-07T20:48:00.002-04:00

because I don't have one. I've been at the cabin for the past week, doing....uhmmm...nothing! Yep, nothing at all. Wandering about the woods, down to the river, went to a couple of quilt shops and to the movies. Funny story, Garry actually found some more of the dirt bike fabric that I got one panel of last year. He bought several yards and some matching border print. It was entertaining watching him search for fabric. Wonder if he'll catch the bug now....ha! Cooked some, slept a lot, ate too much. Garrys' buddies came up Friday night, so they went dirtbiking on Saturday and Sunday. It was a great week except that it ended too soon.

And...here's a great idea! Stop by this blog where there is a great giveaway going on. It's a great blog without the giveaway, but as long as you're there, do ahead and enter! But....I'm hoping to win that fabric!

Maybe there will be some sewing at some point this week. Lot's of laundry to catch up on, lunch with a friend on Thursday....you know....stuff! And...the kid....started her senior year today. This is it! Last year of High School! Wooohoooo! Hope I can survive it....LOL!

There is another Go! Giveaway....

2010-08-28T15:24:00.001-04:00

You probably don't want to enter this, because I really want to win it, but if you must....GO! see Sherri! Ok...you getter GO! GO! GO! Now! It's GO!ing to be cool to own one of these cool fabric cutters and dies! Wooohoooo!!!!

I got a box in the mail.....

2010-08-26T12:51:00.006-04:00

from the talented Brenda! I won her giveaway a while back and I feel like I struck gold! Thank you so much, Brenda! I'm beyond thrilled with this fabric and the books rock!
Just because everyone likes pics...I'll add a few more!

Not really that exciting. Got all the units made for the pattern on Amy's page that I told you about last time. Big stack of hexies for my Grandmothers' Flower Garden. And on it goes! I'm off to the sewing room and laundry is calling my name! Later ya'll!

The last month...in pictures

2010-08-24T12:46:00.008-04:00

My last month in pictures....
Mio, MI Amish Relief Auction, field of sunflowers, Amish woman who was working on this loom......you get the picture (pun intended) and working on a few projects, one is just cleaning out my scraps and the other is a pattern posted by Amy called Steppin Out. The pattern is in her sidebar! Thanks, Amy! Well, well, well....blogger has decided I have enough pics in this post and won't let me post any more. I guess you'll have to wait to see any projects.....am I building suspense for my scrap usage? LOL! Don't get too excited...they are just scrap squares after all!

Still around...

2010-08-23T06:44:00.002-04:00

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Enjoying the summer. A lot. We've been spending a lot of time at the cabin. I'm still sewing. Still reading all your blogs. I'll have pics at some point. Hope you are all enjoying your summer, too!

Just a quick one....

2010-07-27T17:59:00.008-04:00

Mostly pics! What I did on my summer vacation! Ha!

Hope you are all enjoying your summer, too! And now....back to the sewing!

New Bags....

2010-07-14T09:56:00.003-04:00

Sew....Moneik posted a new bag on her blog last Saturday and, of course, I just had to have this pattern. I made two so far, but I love this one! Lots of pockets and it zips closed. I liked some other bag patterns, but none of them actually closed. I don't like my purse left hanging open, so having one with a zipper ... well....it just rocks! The second one I made, I finished in under three hours and that's while I was watching General Hospital....giggle! Actually, I don't watch them, but I turn the tv on just for the noise when I'm sewing. Anywho, thanks Moneik for letting me know about this pattern. I love, love, love it! I'm making a trip for more zippers tomorrow! Wooohooo!

Oh! I suppose I should mention that it's a Lazy Girl pattern, Margo! I love Margo! Heheheheee

Hey...YOU! Could you do me a favor?

2010-07-09T13:35:00.002-04:00

Cre8tive friend, Jen, has a quilt in a contest. It's a bomb-diggity quilt, too! Go to her blog HERE and check it out. I'd appreciate it! She's kinda like a cool person and all. I sorta think she's ... you know...."special". Ok...seriously, this Chickie has done a whole lot for me in the quilty world of it all and I'd love to be able to help her out with this. It's a very cool quilt. Just go look...and vote! (pweeze?)

P.S. Jen doesn't know I'm posting this, so don't tell her, k? (giggle)

Cell phone pic....best I've got right now....

2010-07-06T15:34:00.002-04:00

Nice, huh? Ok...I'm talking about that wonderful pic. Didn't crop it. Just posted it like it was. I'm lazy. It's hot. Heat makes me even lazier! But I love making these blocks!
Due to high temps and the fact that I own a Heating and Cooling Company, no cabin for us this week. We'll survive....and perhaps even be able to put a dollar in the bank! Wooohoooo! That means no complaining about being home this week. Like most of us, if we don't work, we don't get to play, so I'm just choosing to be thrilled that the phone is ringing!
Stay cool, Ya'll.....

A no pic post...ughhhh

2010-07-04T19:38:00.002-04:00

Happy 4th of July!

Got home from the cabin a bit later than planned last week. The plan was to come home on Monday night, but I ended up staying until Friday night. Garry and some of his friends came up while Patti and I were there, so Patti rode home with one of them and Garry, Cindy and I just stayed the rest of the week. Got some flood lights up that have been sitting up there forever. I found an Amish/Menonite bulk food store and bought too much there. They had fresh butter and it was good. I hear other women complain about "retaining water" but....I am retaining butter! Found some really really good corn on the cob, cantelope, and a few other goodies. I ate corn and cantelope for four days straight. I just couldn't get enough. Patti and I worked on some disappearing 9 patch blocks. Patti and I also found an amish footwear and fabric store. I didn't buy anything because most of it was at least 65% polyester. They did have some other notions at great prices so I got a few of those. It really was a great week. Relaxed beyond all belief at this point.

I spent yesterday with Val. Our hubbys went to an outdoor Motocross race. Yay! We met at Curves, worked out, went to Joann's, out to Applebees for lunch and then we sewed until about 5:30. I was on a mission at Joann's. I've been seeing Eleanor Burns' new pattern, Day and Night, everywhere I looked. I bought the book/pattern/template a week or so ago and wanted to pick up fabric to make one. I stuck with the color scheme she has on the front of the book, red, black, white. I only got two blocks made yesterday, but I'm in love! What a great pattern! I would post a pic, but I left my camera on the table at the cabin. Oops!

Plan to head back up to the cabin again this week. We were going to head back up tonight, but it's hot as blazes outside. No air conditioning in the cabin and it would be miserable. So....holding plans loosely...as they say. We'll go when we think it's a good time to go. Maybe Wednesday.....we'll see. In the meantime, I'll be making Day and Night blocks. Woooohooooo!

Summertime ...Yay!

2010-06-21T09:30:00.002-04:00

Not much sewing going on this past week, but the garden is in! Maters, 42 plants, which means lots of canning later on. A few green beans, green pepper and cucumber plants. My garden is inside the fenced in dogs area. Four dogs and the rabbits are still managing to eat some plants. They chewed my green beans down to nubs. Last night we decided to use some chicken wire and add another fence around the garden. Those darn bunnies! So cute, but...I am not planting for them!

Had dinner at Val's house Friday night. Great dinner. Had lunch at Val's house after church yesterday. Great lunch. She loves to feed people! I'm so glad...giggle! Went shopping with Patti and Cindy on Saturday. Had to get the perfect gift for Garry. Yep...Home Depot gift card. Hadn't been to church in a while with all the going up north and stuff, so it was great to go yesterday.

Heading downstairs to attack Mt. Laundry today. Feels like a Beatles day, so maybe that will keep me moving! Plan to do some sewing between loads. Patti and I are heading to the cabin on Thursday when she gets out of work and coming back Monday evening. I need to get those curtains done for the cabin! Also, want to work on my paper pieced log cabin blocks. Looking forward to Thursday! wooohooo!

Hope you all have a wonderful week! Special hugs to the wonderful Jen!

It's officially a top!

2010-06-13T15:08:00.005-04:00

Yep. It's a quilt top. Hope to pick up a backing this week and get 'er quilted.
Fair warning. The pic below is not a pretty picture. It shows the side effects of double hour glass fever. Passing out under a chair is to be expected at some point. Have a friend handy to help ya up! Giggle!

The Madness Continues.....

2010-06-11T16:41:00.003-04:00

Patti is copying me! LOL! She's got "double hour glass fever", too!

And mine....sew it grows..... and now...back to it!

I'm begging....

2010-06-10T20:57:00.005-04:00

This is for all you wonderfully talented, creative, inspiring blogging quilters out there in Blog Land! I'm begging you to stop posting tutorials, cute patterns, cute quilts, and all the other wonderful crafty stuff you do. I'm drowning in all of it. Now, I only want you to stop for a short time. Just until I try every one of those cute patterns, tutorials, etc. I'm doing my absolute best to start each and every one of them I find! I don't seem to be able to finish any, due to finding another one and immediately starting another one. Ok. I'm re-thinking this. Go ahead. I've got stash. I can do them all. Sure I can. Post away! heheheheeee!

So. Here's today newest one. Allison at Cluck Cluck Sew has this great tutorial on double hour glass blocks. I love it! I did want to use a specific size strip for mine so some math was required. It came out great though. Here's how far I've gotten on this adventure.
Craft day at church is this Saturday, and I'm going to try to go this time. I missed the last couple and I really miss those women. I want to work on my paper pieced log cabin blocks, but I didn't have an acrylic table for my smaller machine. I was talking to a friend about getting some foam and making a portable table to use. My dear husband decided he could make me one. Off to the plastic place he flew! And now, for a really cheap price, I have a portable table. Wanna see?

I love love love love the fact that my husband is handy. There's nothing he won't attack and figure out and then make. I love lighthouses and several years ago he built me a 6 foot wind chime light house for outside. He used copper pipe of different sizes for the chimes. Unfortunately, it weighted a ton and finally, after several years, it broke. But, it's repairable and boy was it cool. So...I am heading back to the many projects I have started......oh man.....

Same pattern....different fabric

2010-06-09T13:39:00.004-04:00

I did the same thing when I found the Bento Box pattern. Made it over and over and over and over again. Now, it's the pattern from my last post. I'm in love with this pattern. The most lovely young lady from church and her adorable hubby are expecting a baby in August and the shower is the end of July. She's doing her nursery in blue and brown. I hope this will be the perfect gift for the new baby boy! And now...back to the sewing...

Moda Bake Shop Pattern

2010-06-06T15:04:00.003-04:00

I saw this pattern on the Moda Bake Shop site and just fell in love with it. I've been hording some fabrics forever and decided....what the heck! Let's cut those up now! So..cut them up I did. I really like this pattern...sew easy! Lousy pic since I used my phone! It looks so much better in person!

Also, the Cre8tive Jen is hosting a HST swap. Stop by and look it over. It might be something that would interest YOU! I'm in and plan to start making mine tomorrow! Should be fun!

Snow? Michigan? In June?

2010-06-05T13:07:00.003-04:00

Ok...not real snow, but there are snowballs everywhere! When Garry had the cabin full of stuff last week and I couldn't make curtains, I HAD to do something and I didn't have a lot of fabric with me. This is what I came up with to pass the time. I made a lot of snowballs. A LOT! Now, to get them all put together. I kinda like it! Garry is working today. Cindy is going to the opera with Val. I'd sooner eat a bug as to go to the opera, but to each his own. They are seeing Phantom of the Opera. I think it's at MSU. I'm going to do some laundry and keep thowing snowballs at my machine. Sounds like a perfect Saturday to me! Hope you all are staying cool and enjoying a great weekend, too!

Home again....

2010-06-02T22:40:00.008-04:00

Yep. Home, again. I really didn't want to leave the cabin yesterday, but the real world was calling and I had to come home. Garry got the shower installed. It's only been sitting there in the cabin for about 8 years. That's right, I said 8 years. It may be 10 years, but I'm giving him that one. I mean, after that long, what's two more years? Ha! When I say we have a cabin, I do mean cabin. We have 10 acres and it sits on the AuSable River. Garry's Grandparents bought it before he was born. They paid 10 bucks an acre back then. It's only two rooms and the bath. The main cabin area, the larger room, has two beds, the kitchen, and old fuel oil heater, a kitchen table. The front room is mostly windows and although it's not a porch, we refer to it as the porch. There is another bed in there, couch, tv, wardrobe. I love it up there. It's in the middle of nowhere, on a dead end two track road. It's not that far from the town, but it feels like it is. I sewed while Garry worked on the shower. My plan was to make some new curtains for the cabin, but he had all that area full of tools, the toilet, the sink, the door....you know. Stuff! I figured it best for me to just stay out of the way if I actually wanted it finished. On Sunday night a couple of guy friends showed up. Ben, from church, and Pat, who I refer to as my Husband # 2. He and Garry have been friends forever and he's one of the best people I have ever known. They rode dirtbikes Monday and Tuesday, so I had peace and quiet for two days. I cleaned. And cleaned some more. I stopped going to the cabin about 5 or 6 years ago, so it hadn't been really cleaned in a long time. It's much better now. So..I took some pics.....My weekend in photos.....
My sewing area!

The cabin....

1 and 2 cut down a tree that was half dead. It was close to the cabin and in the fenced in area we have for the dogs.

Twas a great weekend. I can't wait to get rid of those green curtains. Next trip up there....

Taking off again......

2010-05-27T15:17:00.003-04:00

I'm off to the cabin, where there is no internet access, so I thought I'd drop a line and wish you all a safe and happy holiday weekend.

It's a great time to remember those who have given so much for our freedoms. We should remember them every day.

Weekends end just too fast!

2010-05-24T11:39:00.008-04:00

Patti and I went to the cabin this past weekend. Just a little three day trip to sew! We did pretty good on getting things accomplished and had a lot of fun! Too bad it all ends too soon. We drove up on Thursday night and back on Sunday evening. Here are some pics from the trip....
We had great weather.....

Patti worked hard on a "kit" we both made up for retreat and didn't get to then. I worked on mine, too!

This is mine...all laid out

A couple of weeks ago my friend, Sharon, came over because I have a frame and machine on it, but I just couldn't get it to work right. I finally got frustrated and gave up, so it's been sitting there for two years ... doing nuttin! Now, it's working great! I finished this quilt on it and had no problems at all. Maybe, she fixed me and not the machine...but "whatever"! I'm just happy that I can use it now!

Heading back up to the cabin for a long holiday weekend. I'm going to make some new curtains for the cabin while I'm there. Garry will be doing some riding and working on hooking the new shower up there. That's all the news... Hope you all had as good a weekend as I did.

Laptop returns home.....

2010-05-18T20:36:00.008-04:00

after a very long absence. I did have a battle with the company that had my laptop, but it's a long unhappy story. Suffice it, to say, I have it back and it's working and I didn't let them keep adding more to my bill. So...how about we start with pics from retreat last month? Okies....here ya go....

Someone (Jen) loves pears. I didn't know this before, but I mean she LOVES pears a lot!

Patti learns to paper piece log cabins....and they are adorable.

Cindy and I taking pics of each other! And...all the busy beavers working away....

Oh yeah! Jen V. (the world's worst stalker) finishes a quilt top and wraps in it to celebrate! Loved it too! Also, this is a good time to say that she is one of the nicest people I have ever met. She was kind enough to invite Patti and I to stay with her the night prior to the retreat we both appreciated it so much. Thanks again, Jen. You're a wonderful young woman and made us both feel so comfortable and welcome in your home.

This pic of Jen just makes me giggle. I don't know what was said or done that made her lose it, but have you ever seen anyone look that tickled over anything? Just love this one!

Jen also showed me how to paper piece log cabin blocks. I knew it must be late when I kept putting piece number 13 prior to piece 12. She thought numbers, in order, taped to my machine might be a help to me. What a dork! Hahahaha! They are still taped to it....makes me giggle every day!

Well! That's enough for today. I'm off to my sewing room now! More to come, including prom pics! Happy Sewing, Ya'll!

Been sewing up a storm.....

2010-05-08T23:47:00.005-04:00

I started these six inch log cabin blocks at retreat and I'm addicted to the little rascals! I could make these forever, except that my fabric is going to run out before I'm ready for it to, I'm afraid. I love how these are turning out and I can see more paper piecing in my future.

I started this one yesterday and finished up the top today. I saw a video of this one and just wanted to see if it was as easy as it looked. It is and it went together fast. I may start quilting it on Monday.

Finally got word on my laptop repairs. It couldn't just be the $35 part, it's the lcd or something like that. Yep, the $170 part. Should have it back in 7 to 10 days. Ughhhhh! This desktop I'm using now has a virus in it and sometimes it works and sometimes....it don't! I can only get pics in this one using my cell phone since the card reader no longer works either. It goes in for repairs as soon as I get the laptop back.

Happy Mothers Day to all of you! Hope you all have a great day! Garry and his dirtbike buddies are all at Ben's house watching the race. Ahhhh...it's been quiet around here tonight. Could that be why I got so much done? Perhaps.....

Slowing down....

2010-05-06T07:39:00.003-04:00

Life is getting back to "normal" around here, which means a little time to sew! I finally finished my "Tossed Irish Hearts" quilt and just in time too! The little girl it's for was born this past week. Nothing like cutting it close. That quilt has been laying around here waiting for binding for a few months.

I couldn't make a decision last night on what to work on, so, of course, start a new project. It's interesting! Not sure I like this because you don't make blocks but line up all the units. Not really my cup of tea, but I do think I like the outcome. Today, I think I'll work on it some more.

In other new, one of my dogs is getting old. He's having some hard days and it breaks my heart. Mugsy sleeps about 20 hours a day. He's got arthritis and can no longer get onto the couch. Garry and I just put him up there and take him down throughout the day. He's the best boy. Great temperment and has always been such a sweetie. Yesterday was his birthday. Unconditional love every day is quite a gift. If you're not a dog person, you probably don't get this. If you are, you know how it feels to know that sooner, rather than later, you will lose a great friend. Here's to hoping today is a great day for Mugs.

Patti and I are taking time for a mini-retreat. I've got a cabin in Northern Michigan and she and I are heading up there the weekend of the 21st. Three days of sewing time. Oh yeah, Baby! Sounds like a great plan to me. We decided to spend that time doing Jen's Barn Blocks. There's a link to them on my sidebar. I hope to be all caught up by the end of that weekend. Yay! I finally found some fabric that I think will work for that project.

And that's all the news that is the news from here. Hope you all get the time to sit and sew a spell today!

Life is just too busy sometimes.....

2010-05-04T08:19:00.005-04:00

This is one of the tops I made at the retreat. The most CRE8TIVE person I know offered to quilt it for me. She sent me this tease pic yesterday via the cell phones. I LOVE this quilt and it's even more special because Jen quilted it for me. Thanks, Jen! I can't wait to see it in real life. Quilters are the best people in the world.

Daughter, Cindy and date at her Junior Prom. Val made it her dress and it is beautiful. Thanks, Val! You're an awesome friend to do that for Cindy!

Could this be why she's failing half her classes? Does she spend the day in her locker? Amazing that she fits inside her locker with room to spare!

I am hoping life slows down a bit, but I don't see that happening any time soon. My friend, Val, is having a "Girls Night Out" event at our Township Hall on Friday night. Vendors, dinner, fashion show.....and I don't know what else will be happening. I'm really looking forward to it and a lot of friends will be there. Some are even modeling. Yay! I have been going to Curves and working out. Val and I went fabric shopping on Saturday and Sunday. Ughhh! The damage that did! Oh well, I love everything I bought. Now, to get it all used! I'm spending the day in my sewing room today. Taking the day, just for myself. Yep...that's the plan. Hope you all have a quilty plan today, too!

Home....

2010-04-27T18:19:00.002-04:00

at last. Patti and I put 1050 miles on my van and it was worth every one of them. We had a great time. More about that later since I'm beat now. Off to try to put some of the sewing room stuff away. Ughhh! Did I mention that we had a really really really great time? I'm gonna have to put another counter up for next year. Hope we made the list to be invited back next year, but I'd probably just show up anyway.....hahahahhaaa!

My bags are packed....

2010-04-21T16:27:00.001-04:00

and I'm ready to go.....

Patti and I are going to....the Wisconsin Dells for a quilt retreat with some of my favorite quilters! I just want morning to get here fast so I can head out! Wooohooooo! I see a great time in my immediate future! Be back on Monday or Tuesday as we haven't quite decided about that yet. Keep us in your prayers because I'm driving! And this year, unlike last year, I even have a license to drive....giggle......

I'm still here.....sorta....

2010-04-06T22:33:00.002-04:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted, but lots going on. Some good ... some bad. Family stuff, you all know how that goes! Then, I got a virus in my desktop and the screen went out in my laptop. I've been working right along on our rotating snowballs. How are you all doing on them? Heading out for retreat on the 23rd. Will it ever get here? Patti and I will be getting fabrics and projects ready for the trip this Saturday. Hope you all had a great Easter. Ours was good. We've been having some really nice weather here in Michigan. Until last night. Thunderstorms! So...I haven't run off and joined the circus...yet! Still alive and kicking! And...sewing!
Happy quilting!

Spring

2010-03-12T07:52:00.002-05:00

has sprung at my house. No matter what the calendar says, it's officially spring here when the guys all load up and head for Toronto for the Supercross Dirtbike races. This morning at 6:00 a.m., the guys pulled out of my driveway. They'll be back on Sunday. That's three days! Three days of no man in the house. Now, I love my husband. No questions about that, but on the other hand, absence makes the heart grow fonder. LOL! Garry and I work together, live together, eat together. It's a lot of "together". I have lots of plans for the weekend. Shopping with Val today, movie night at her house tonight. Chick flicks! Craft Day at the church building tomorrow. Going to the movies tomorrow night, Dear John. Complete girls weekend. Lots of chocolate will be eaten. And....no cooking! Church on Sunday and afterwards a birthday party for Kaden. Kaden is the little boy I asked you all to pray for a while back. There is a link to a blog created by his Mom in my sidebar. He continues to need prayers, but I also thank God that Tiff and Brandon are his parents. He couldn't have better.

So....let's get the party started, shall we! Wooohoooooo!

Time for some.....

2010-03-04T19:26:00.004-05:00

finishing up! I know I'm the ONLY one who piles up blocks and tops and just leaves them there in order to move on to a new project. I can't imagine that any of you would do such a thing. (insert sarcasm here)

Retreat is coming up soon. Not soon enough, but it's getting closer! I thought it might be a good idea to clean up some stuff that's been hangin' 'round for a long while. I was doing Amanda Jean's nine patch quilt. I found them today while I was digging through stuff. So, I put them together. Woohoooo! Then I found some Jewel Box blocks I made last year at retreat and I've got them ready to sew together now. I'd forgotten all about these blocks. I'll see how many of them I can get sewn together before bed tonight while I see who gets the boot on Idol. Yep, you read that right. I watch Idol. There! My dirty little secret is out now.

Here are a couple of pics and then I back to the machine. Oh, I started the plan to find my quilt frame and machine today. I had buried it under projects. That's how I found these and a few others.

Hey!

2010-03-02T09:49:00.006-05:00

How are you all out in Blogland? Things are great here. This past weekend was our 18th anniversary, so we ran away from home for a couple of days. We had a great time and even got to spend some time with my SIL and BIL. More than anything, I ate too much. It was great to get away though and have some "just the two of us" time. We should do it more often!

The wonderful Jen made us a badge for our Rotating Snowballs. I don't have a clue how to do all that link back to the post stuff, so she emailed it to me, I saved the pic and just added it to my blog. Feel free to add it to yours if you're playing along! Thanks so much, Jen!

Now, since I'm well enough now to be downstairs (where it's colder), I'm back to sewing. I made some pillowcases the other day, worked on quilting several quilts and then I decided to make a bow tie quilt top. Feels so good to be back in my sewing room!

Here's a few pics....and now....back to the machine!

Rotating Snowballs!

Pillowcases

Bow Tie Blocks

Snowballs in Florida?

2010-02-20T15:28:00.002-05:00

Yep, it's true. Angela has decided she'd like to throw some snowballs with us, too! It's not too late to join in! Stop by see all she's been up too. She's got some great stuff on her blog!

Happy Sewing!

2010-02-16T11:29:00.003-05:00

After 22 days of being sick, I'm sewing today. Not sure how long I'll be able to hang downstairbut to get some sewing time in is awesome! I'm working on my Rotating Snowball blocks today. I'm hoping use these blocks for a signature quilt for my upcoming Piece and Moan Quilt Retreat! April will be here soon, I hope. It's not to late to join in on our Snowball Quilt Along! Just drop me an email or comment here that you'd like to throw some snowballs!

Yippeeeeee!

2010-02-09T20:59:00.002-05:00

Still haven't been able to sew. Pretty sure I had pneumonia. Antibiotics have taken care of it, but I still haven't been downstairs. I get pretty winded and start coughing when I do the stairs. But, as of yesterday, I feel good again. I feel like myself. And....I'm just chomping at the bit to be sewing. I'm very close to being able to sew again, but I'm scared to push it and end up in the hospital. So....slow it goes.

Next up...I'm going to a retreat! In April! Yep, that's right. We've had some chatter today about it and it's got me all hopped up for April to hurry up and get here. Another reason I need to be healthy and well. It's in Wisconsin. I lived in Wisconsin during some of my high school years when I attended a private Episcopal boarding school. This retreat is in the Wisconsin Dells, a place I've never been to. Oh yeah, I'm excited! I'd invite you all, but it's full. Some of my favorite people will be there....Jen, Cindy, Jen V., and several other blog buddies. We're the official Piece and Moan Quilt Group. Don't ya love that name? LOL! Makes me giggle every time I hear it. But there will be no moaning at the retreat. Of course, Patti is going, too! Can't wait! Will April ever get here?

Not much else new. I have only been out of the house once in 16 days. Garry and I went to our annual Valentines Dinner with our friends from church. I didn't do as well as I thought I would. It was just too soon for me to be out and my strength has been nil. But...I think it's coming back now. I know you're all tired of hearing how sick I am/was, but it's all I've got right now. I think I may venture down and sew a while tomorrow, that means I might finally have some pics for my blog.

Just want to say that I'm still missing (Amanda Jean) Crazy Mom's blog. It's like losing a very creative friend. I hope her life is everything she wants it to be and that she is happy. I also, am learning to hate Facebook. For all this time I've been sick, I've farmed, cooked, fed fish, and let me just say....ughhhh! So tired of all of that!

So....look for pics soon! Hope you are all healthy and sewing your brains out!

Still alive...but not kicking much

2010-01-30T17:16:00.005-05:00

I'm still sick. Coughing and wheezing. Hoping at this point that I don't have bronchitis or pneumonia. I could use spell check to see how I did with my spelling of those horrible words, but it's too much trouble. Anyway, I'm sure I'll live, but I'll just be miserable for a while. So, enough about ME....let's talk about snowballs.....

Linda is my partner in this adventure. She and I had decided to do a pattern together. When we decided on this one, we thought it would be fun to get others to do it with us. So, we've got quite a group of great women doing it now. Have a look at her blocks. They are great and I love that her dark fabric is in the center of the snowballs. http://piwacketquilts.blogspot.com/2010/01/goal-met-plus-one.html

Andee has come up with some great snowballs! Orange! I love orange! I love this one. What do you think? http://moderndiary.blogspot.com/2010/01/little-quilt-along.html

Barb is participating in our snowball quilt and I just got a peek at her blocks and let me just say "WOW". Very nice. Wanna peek for yourself? It's right here: http://bejeweledquilts.blogspot.com/2010/01/is-it-possible-to-have-snow-in-amerika.html

Becky has been hard at this project, too. She's using Christmas fabrics and it's looking great! Here's a link to look at hers: http://auntbekky.blogspot.com/2010/01/design-wall.html

My friend, Cindy has been throwing some snowballs, too. She's using my current favorite color combo, aqua and brown! Wanna see her blocks too? Ok.... http://snippysewssometimes.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-first-snowballs-have-been-thrown.html

And then, there's Jen. What can I say? She is the most Cre8tive person I know. She outdone herself on this design and I'm so tickled that she's joining in on this project. You really need to see her blocks. Have a look: http://cre8tivequilter.blogspot.com/2010/01/januarys-rotating-snowball-quiltalong.html If you haven't visited her blog before, be prepared for some serious inspiration. Jen's one of the first people, online, who really helped me when I decided I was going to learn to quilt. You'll need a big cuppa coffee when you visit her blog, and don't plan to do anything else for the rest of the day!

Lori has done something I've been wanting to do for quite some time. She's using black in her snowball blocks. I love a black background on a quilt! Here's the link, you'll love this one! http://oodlesofnoodles-lori.blogspot.com/2010/01/rotating-snowball-quilt-along.html

Lori R. has jumped right in with a quilt that is right up my alley! Scrappy! And from her stash! Love it! Lori R. is a new blogger person to me, so I'm thrilled to get a new quilty friend from this. Have a look at what she's come up with so far.... http://projectsandsuch.blogspot.com/2010/01/january-snowballs.html

Michele has chosen to go with black and white fabrics....so far! I love a black and white quilt too! Of course, don't take my word for it....have a look! http://barrels-of-monkeys.blogspot.com/2010/01/some-sewing-with-pictures.html
Update: Michele emailed me with a link to her blocks! She's added red and you can't go wrong with black/white/red! Here's the link: http://barrels-of-monkeys.blogspot.com/2010/01/shoulda-been-snow-day.html

Moneiks' thrown a few snowballs, too! She's another one of my first online quilting friends. She's always got a million things going and gets so much done! Have a look at her snowballs here: http://moneik.blogspot.com/2010/01/snowball-quilt-along.html Take a few and look at some of her other projects. Amazing!

Now, let's talk about Patti! Just in case you don't know this, Patti is one of my BFFL's in real life! That's right. She lives on the same road I do, on the other side of my tiny town. She's playing along with us, throwing some snowballs of her own! Here they are: http://piecesofpatti.blogspot.com/2010/01/productive-day.html Now, I could tell lots of stuff to you all about Patti. I have all kinds of gossip about her, but ... I won't. Ha! Ha! Ok, I don't have any good gossip on her, but we do tend to get into a few things now and then. She is my sewing buddy and comes over regularly to sew with me. We also go to church together and talk on the phone a lot! In fact, Garry, the man here, only refers to her as Tina....."Talking Tina"! Cute, huh? We usually have so much to talk about! We've solved all the problems of the world numerous times on the phone, but no one with any power would listen to us anyway!

SewCalGal is playing along with us, too! I haven't seen her blocks yet, but I have peeked at her fabrics. She's a busy, busy lady from looking at her blog. I'm already jealous of her because she's got one of those fancy fabric cutters. Yeah, I admit it! I want one :) I can't have one. :) Oh well, I digress....this part is not suppose to be all about ME again....lol Here her link: http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2010/01/snowball-quilt-long.html

Now Trish, who I got to meet last year, has no blocks posted. I know this because that woman is in Jamaica! That's right! She's off sunning herself on the beach! The nerve of her. Trish drove to my house last April and then rode to a retreat some of us attended with Patti and I. She's funny! Here's a good story. I tend to drive a bit over the speed limit. After riding to Ohio with me, she told her husband that speed limit signs in the US are merely a suggestion. Ha! Love it! Some day I'll tell you all the story of driving for 13 months with no license! It could only happen to me! Oh....this isn't about me now, is it? So, we'll have to push Trish to throw some snowballs when she gets back from her vacation!

And finally, Val. Val has created a blog. That alone shocked me. Val is my other real life BFFL. I'm sure if you've read my blog long, you'll remember I asked for prayers for her a while back. I'm happy to say, she's doing well. She was gone all week to a convention somewhere, but she's always got her calendar full. I don't mean a little full, I mean she never has a free day! She and I do have a girls weekend planned in April though. Our husbands are going away, with some other men, to see some dirtbike races in Toronto. Wooohoooo! I'll be after her soon to get some snowballs made though. Fair warning Val! Pick some fabrics Woman!

So, If I didn't list you, I couldn't find your snowball blocks. Remember that I'm on cold meds and my head is full of yucky stuff. Actually my entire body feels full of yucky stuff, but...whatever! My sewing room is downstairs in our finished basement. It's cold down there. I don't think it's a good thing for me to be down there while I'm sick, but do you have any idea how much I could have accomplished this week? Oh well. It'll be there when I'm well and it'll be like all new fabrics to me after all this time apart. Have yourselves a great weekend! Happy quilting!

2010-01-27T16:55:00.000-05:00

If I survive, I'll be back.....

Cold, runny nose, fever, chest hurts....tis the season.

Stash Report Week 4

2010-01-24T17:49:00.002-05:00

Does the word "ditto" work? Because nuttins' changed. Not much sewing this week.

So.....ditto last week! But look out next week. I have a week of sewing planned! Quite of bit of it won't affect my Stash Report for next week...because of all the UFO's. But...done will be good!

Used this week: 0.00
Used year to date: 16.5 yards
Added this week: 0.00 yards
Added year to date: 6.00 yards
Net Used 2010: 10.5 yards

Val creates blog! Woooooohooooo

2010-01-23T16:20:00.002-05:00

So...you all know my friend, Val, that I have mentioned in the past? Well, she's done it. We went to her house for breakfast this fine Saturday morning and I was telling her about our Snowballs. I showed her several of our blocks on our blogs and then next thing I know.....she actually made herself a blog. http://loftyintentions.blogspot.com/ There is nothing this woman can't do...and do very well by the way. Now, all of you need to stop over there and welcome her to the Land O'Blog! She's joining us in the Snowballs quilt along! Let's all encourage her to actually sew the mountains and mountains of stash fabric she has in her sewing room. I'll have to take some pics....or teach her to do that!

No other progress here on anything. I'm not sleeping and I am a cranky mess. I'm even starting to get all weepy from not sleeping. I do not like being weepy. I managed to sleep one whole night in the past week. I did go to Curves and work out after breakfast this morning. Easy to do, since Val owns the joint! Ha! I would say that she needs to push me harder to go there, but I won't say that...because I know she would! Val, and her hubby, Terry, and Garry and I are going to dinner and a movie tonight. Going to see the new Harrison Ford movie. Hope I don't sleep thru it!

Happy weekend, Ya'll.....

No time.....

2010-01-22T10:18:00.002-05:00

to sew this week. Business is booming, so that means I'm pulling permits, invoicing, answering phones, keeping the guys moving. I'm not complaining because more business equals more fabric!

A few new people hav joined in the Rotating Snowballs Quilt-Along. It's not too late. In fact, with the "no pressure" status of this quilt along, it may never be too late to join in. Just drop me an line and I'll add you. The more the merrier! I'm so glad we are doing this. I'm "meeting" new quilters online and that's always a great thing.

Well, off to the post office, grocery store....errands. Ughhhhh....but as soon as I get 'er done, I can sew today. I'm off......

Stash Report Week 3

2010-01-17T18:39:00.002-05:00

Still not too bad....

Used this week: 1.5
Used year to date: 16.5 yards
Added this week: 6.00 yards
Added year to date: 6.00 yards
Net Used 2010: 10.5 yards

I'm just trying to stay ahead of the game. I'm working on several UFO's currently. That means I'm not cutting into my stash. But ... I'll get there! Hope everyone else is sewing away!

Rotating Snowballs....update!

2010-01-15T03:19:00.003-05:00

Well .. well....it's certainly winter here in Michigan. Just makes it the perfect time for our snowballs quilts. I love the group that is participating and I think it's interesting to see all the different fabric and setting choices. My mentor, Jen, has exceeded my expectations with her Cre8tivity, as usual. Hop on over and have a look at her plan. There are links to all the participants in the sidebar. Jen may not do scrappy, but she makes up for it! Ha! Well, ladies the hard part for me is not going nuts and making all the blocks in one month. But, I can hold out. I really want this to be something we can do together and it will be interesting along the way.

There's still plenty of time to join in, so grab your fabrics, send me an email and let's throw some snowballs at each other. I'll be in the sewing cellar, sewing my brains out on Friday. Well, it is Friday now, but I can't sleep, so I'm blogging. And now....I'm off to try for some more zzzzzz's.

Some interest in a quilt along?

2010-01-12T08:56:00.005-05:00

I put this pic up yesterday. My friend, Linda, and I are doing this together. It's a very simple pattern. Nine patches made from 2.5" squares and Snowball blocks at 6.5". Just rotate. Linda is making hers a bit different. She's rotating the snowball block with the shoo fly block. That would work the same. You would need 2.5" half square triangles to make the shoe fly block and the snowball would remain the same.

Linda and I have both had interest from some of you who would like to join in. Sounds great! If you'd like to join in, we'd love it! This is going to be a rather long term project for Linda and I. We're in no hurry to finish, and just thought we'd do a few blocks a month. Planned fabrics or scrappy works for this. What a great way to use up some scraps. Leave me a comment to this post and I'll add you to list on my sidebar. Then we can oooooohhhhhh and ahhhhh over each others blocks! I love to "ooooohhhhh" and "ahhhhhhh"! This is a seriously "no pressure" project. Work at your own pace. No size restrictions. Easy and just fun!

Design wall.....

2010-01-11T14:09:00.001-05:00

That's it!

Stash Report. Week 2

2010-01-10T16:33:00.002-05:00

Used this week: 2.0
Used year to date: 15.0 yards
Added this week: 0.00 yards
Added year to date: 0.00 yards
Net Used 2010: 15.0 yards

I can live with this one! I have pulled six yards worth of fat quarters out for a project and started cutting them, but I'm not going to count those until I actually start sewing them. I think it's going to be a good project, but a long one. Just a few blocks each month. I'm doing this one with a friend, so that's our plan. I'm still in the black! Wooohooo!

Rambling on....and on....and on......

2010-01-04T19:58:00.005-05:00

Got all 24 of these blocks finished today. I need to get them together before Saturday, as it's our monthly church group craft day. I can do that! Easy!

After I finished those, I put these together.

Couple of things I've been meaning to mention....
AmandaJean of Crazy Mom has decided to quit her current blog. I will miss her blog more that I can say. She's inspired me and thanks to her video tutorial, I can stipple. All the credit goes to her for that. She's also the reason I am totally addicted to bright white background fabric. I just love how the fabrics pop out from the background when it's white. So, I wanted to publicly "Thank You, Amanda Jean". I wish you much happiness and creativity in your future! You'll surely be missed.

Next up....I'm just itching to make a Shoo Fly quilt. Such a simple and traditional pattern. I just don't really know why I'm so taken with it, but I am. I've made a deal with myself (yeah, I do that) that I have to finish a couple of quilts before I can start it. I did finish several in the past few weeks, so ... any time now I may start the new one.

Now...I'm off to decide on borders on my boxes top (pic above).....hmmmmmm

Stash Report? Me? Why not?

2010-01-03T15:33:00.002-05:00

I'm jumping on this bandwagon. I have bought and bought and bought fabric. Now, I need to use it. I need to hold myself more accountable for all the fabric I'm bringing into this house. So...here we go.....

Used this week: 13.0 yards
Used year to date: 13.0 yards
Added this week: 0.00 yards
Added year to date: 0.00 yards
Net Used 2010: 13.0 yards.

Ok...well....that was easy. ONLY because I didn't buy any fabric this week, cause I went insane prior to Christmas and bought a boatload. Ok...only about 50 or 60 yards. (hanging head)...and some thread. I stocked up on thread for the next six-twelve months. I had to have it since I have all this fabric, right? Ok....I know it's a no-guilt kinda stash reporting thing...but I've been very very bad about how much fabric I buy. 2010 is the year of using, not buying every thing I see. I feel good about this. Really, I do.

Happy Quilting Ya'll!

Day 2 of 2010 ... and the sewing continues....

2010-01-02T22:34:00.004-05:00

Still sewing along. Working on these blocks.....
I'm liking it so far. This was one of my "it's too good to cut" fabrics. I've decided to turn over a new leaf and use it....there's more where it came from!

A couple of days ago, I started these blocks. They are addictive and so easy....

Patti and I met up at the church building and did a bit of cleaning. We've had a lot of stuff going on there lately so the kitchen really needed some scrubbing. Felt good to do it. We're so blessed to have such a great space to use for crafting and events. We had out New Years Eve party there, too. We've got another get together after services tomorrow and then pot luck on Sunday night. The space is large and gets used a lot. Well, I think it's about time to call it a day....a great day even! Loving the new year so far.

The perfect way to start a new year.....

2010-01-01T23:27:00.002-05:00

No pics. Sorry! I was having way too much fun to remember to take pics. A bunch of us got together at the church building, and sewed all day today! We arrived about 10:30, set up and got busy. The "men folk" all headed to my friend Val's and watched football with her husband. They did manage to come and have pot luck with us about 2 this afternoon. We finally headed for home about 9 tonight. I'm tired, but it was an awesome way to start a new year.

I hope your first day of 2010 was everything you'd hoped for. We had a party at the church last night and since I knew I was going to be busy today, Garry and I came home about 10:30 last night. We did manage to stay up until 12:05. We are a wild couple! Ok....not so much. I'm beat and going to head for bed now. Tomorrow could be another sewing marathon! Wanna be ready!

2009-12-31T10:25:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! Let's make 2010 the best year yet! I wish each of you health, happiness, and peace! Now lets get piecing! I am gonna amaze myself with the amount of quilting I get done this year. I've got my mind right and I'm ready to rock! Anyone with me on this? Be safe and see ya soon!

Get 'er done time!

2009-12-28T14:51:00.007-05:00

Yep, I'm on a finish it up mission. I didn't go to any trouble to take these pics, so they look kinda .... uhmmm.....at best, unprofessional. But, here they are anyway. I have a stack of four quilts on the table, all finished. Bindings done, washed and fresh out of the dryer....
Here's a couple of them.....

And finally....I have finished piecing Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville, Double Delight!
I've been working on this one for a long long time. Too long really. All the blocks have just sat in a project box aging. But now, they are all put together. I have no idea how or what I'm going to do about borders, but....I'm thrilled that this is another UFO that's made progress.....

So, thats a few more off my list and less on my 2010 list. I've got loads of patterns I'm dying to start, but I'm fighting the urge until 2010 rings itself in. That just leaves the rest of this week to ... GET 'ER DONE!

Happy quilting....

Guess What.....

2009-12-25T09:14:00.003-05:00

The Blind Side

2009-12-21T13:07:00.002-05:00

This movie may be the most uplifting, moving movie I have ever seen.

I do not do enough for others.

I can do more.

I will do more.

I started crying about four minutes into the movie. I stopped about twenty minutes after it ended. I hope that I never stop feeling like I did while watching it.

Not all of the tears were sad. Many of them were happy tears.

If you haven't seen it, run to the theater as fast as you can.

Amazing!

I saw it on Friday with two girlfriends. For those of you who have seen it, you'll understand the next part here. After it was over, I said to one of my friends that if each of us saved one person in need, the world would be a really different place. My friend looked at me and said "But, you've saved two". I was floored by that statement. I have two adopted kids. I had never thought of it like that. And, it really took me by suprise that someone viewed me that way. It may have been the nicest compliment I've ever gotten. But I still say.....I don't do enough. I can and will do more. 2010 needs to be a year of giving, helping, and praying more. I'm not one to make resolutions, but I wanted to be able to look back at this post and remind myself to do more for those who are in need. Even if all they need is a phone call, a hug, or if they're need is bigger, a meal, clothes....I am going to do more. Period!

Say a prayer please.....

2009-12-15T17:42:00.003-05:00

Edit: We heard in church yesterday, that while Kaden is having some side effect issues, he did have one day with NO seizures! God is Great! Thank you all for the prayers on his behalf. He's a gift from God and I feel sure that we will learn a lot from Kaden.

So, we have this adorable new addition to our church family. His name is Kaden. He's so beautiful! Kaden's mom, Tiffany, posted on facebook the following. "Say an extra prayer today for little Kaden. We are being admitted to Hurley Hospital tonight to start ACTH therapy. Hopefully this will get those darn seizures to stop! Check out kadens website/blog. Made it to keep friends and family up to date on the latest. http://kadensjourney-tiffany.blogspot.com/.

This baby has been through so much in his life already. Any time of year, this situation would be tough, but it's got to be even harder while we celebrate Christmas. Brandon and Tiffany's FAITH has inspired me. So if you wouldn't mind including him and his family in your prayers, I'd really appreciate it. I put a link in my sidebar to the blog they have created. It explains his condition way better than I ever could. And there's pics of Kaden! Oh man...I could just squeeze him up. Their family sits ahead of me a couple of rows in church every Sunday morning. Since Kadens' birth, I haven't heard a word our preacher has said because I'm just oogling Kaden the whole time. Of course, I think there's a lot he can teach me too! Thanks Everyone!

Forgotten UFO's

2009-12-14T18:38:00.004-05:00

Do any of the rest of you do this? Get all the blocks made for a quilt, stow 'em away somewhere, and then forget all about 'em? I do it all the time. I happened on my Double Delight blocks today. I'd forgotten I had made them. So, out they came. I finished up the ten blocks I needed and started sewing them together. I love this pattern. One of Bonnie Hunters' previous mystery patterns. LOVE IT! How could I forget one that I knew I loved? Not a clue. It should be put together by end of tomorrow. Then ... borders...ughhh! So here it is as of now.....

A little something quilty.....

2009-12-10T10:24:00.004-05:00

Thought I'd post something quilty that I've been working on.....here ya go......
Irish chain with some rough applique hearts...I think I'll call it Tossed Irish Hearts!

My scrappy nine patch....Still needs sashing....maybe this week?

And the hexagons continue......

That's it for now....back to the sewing cellar!

Tis the Season....

2009-12-09T09:16:00.003-05:00

So much going on here. Just like with everyone else this time of year. I have most of my shopping finished, with the exception of the husband. What to get him? We had a deal that we were not buying for each other, since we both just had birthdays, but he cheated and I know he blew it! So...what does he want? Not a clue here. When asked, he tells me socks and underwear. It's just a joke with us that when a kid gets that soft squishy package from under the tree, they just know it's socks and underwear. Not a clue! I think the best plan is to call Pat, his BFF, and see if he has any wonderful ideas.

We all went to the Chamber of Commerce dinner last night. We have a member who is the nicest guy and runs a Christian Campground. He decorates like crazy for Christmas and after we had dinner there were horse drawn carriage rides thru the campground to see all the lights. It was so nice of him to do all this for us and dinner was lovely. Sorry about the pic quality, but I took it with my cell phone.

And! It's Jen's birthday! Click on her name, and drop by her blog to wish her Happy Birthday. Jen has been a great friend. When I first started quilting, she was so kind and understanding with me when I had a million "stupid" questions. She's shared tricks and tips with me for a couple of years now and has been a constant inspiration. Jen's been touring barns in her home state and posting pics of them. Go look...they are amazing. And of course, she's making the blocks too! I was fortunate to get attend a retreat with her last year and I'm hoping it happens again, maybe with a smaller, more intimate setting, so we can actually get to hang out more! Whatcha think, Jen?

Well, I'm off to the sewing room. I've got lots of projects going on and need to finish some! That's the plan for today. Merry Christmas to all of you! I hope this season brings each of you Joy, Peace, and Love!

Friends.....

2009-11-22T07:59:00.003-05:00

Today is my birthday. Yep, 51! Can you believe I'm that old? I can't either. My husband and some friends threw me a suprise birthday party last night. I got some lovely gifts and the company rocked! But...I just wanted to tell everyone how blessed I am with friends. I have had great friends my whole life. Friends that stick by me no matter what. Blogland recently reminded me that not every one has that gift. Not everyone knows what being a real friend even means. I am one lucky woman to know the joy of having great friends and I just wanted to thank those of you who I count amoung that group! I was lucky enough to meet some blog friends earlier this year, (Jen, Moneik, Cindy..that's you) and got to add to that number some more great friends. Life is good and God has blessed me in so many ways....how could I not share that?

On the quilty side of life, Garry got me a one of those new Simplicity fabric strip cutters and three...yep, count 'em....three new feet for my Sapphire. One is the walking foot I really wanted! Friends got me gifts ranging from jewelry to a lovely sweater. Another friend is really good at woodwork and he made me a lighthouse. Patti even got me Pioneer Woman's new cookbook! I'll take pics of all the loot and post them tomorrow.

I just want to say again that the best gift in life truly is friendship! Nothing compares. I'm even friends with my husband! Amazing, huh? So...as a birthday gift to me...hug a friend today!

Aprons and Child Embarrassement!

2009-11-16T22:12:00.004-05:00

I've been busy making aprons. Lots of aprons.

And then...because I'm the parent and can....here's a pic of my daughter, Cindy, hard at work at McDonalds.
I'm hoping that this will make her realize she needs a lot more education in order for this to not be her future. She has a free ride to college if she can get her high school grades up and keep them there. It's all up to her now...

In other news, here at Casa One I, I screwed up my arm and had to stop sewing for a bit. I also, joined Curves and discovered that I need to lose a full person. I don't care for her anyway since she's a fatty, so I'm going to be working hard to leave her behind. Wish me luck! I joined a sewing group at the Senior Center here in town, too. I'm not a senior yet, but I qualify since my husband is. I knew his age would come in handy one day. I'm sure there's more that has been going on, but can't think of what it is. Cindy has recovered from the flu, but she missed a full week of school. And now....back to the sewing machine!

When pigs fly.....

2009-11-01T14:39:00.002-05:00

While I don't officially know if it's the swine flu, I do know that I have a really sick kid. The call came about noon on Thursday, from school. Fever...bad fever. Tylenol gets rid of it and then ... a few hours later, it's right back. If she's not better considerably, tomorrow she goes to the doctor. Her friend from church/school has the same thing and has seen the doctor. They have both been ill the same length of time, with the same symptoms. This has not been a good time around here. I'll be back when the pigs fly away.....

Northern Michigan

2009-10-19T12:50:00.008-04:00

A weekend away! Oh yeah! We headed up to our cabin in Mio, Michigan on Saturday morning. Not much else to say. Fall is here.... Pics say it all, I suppose!

Garry and Cindy had fun, too! I did manage to work on some hexagons for my Grandmother's Flower Garden. It's moving along. I read, walked, sewed, cooked...it was just nice to be somewhere quiet for a change. We did get the cabin winterized, but we're hoping we can go up there for Thanksgiving. I can't think of a better spot for it! Later....

I suck at bloggin' lately!

2009-10-14T19:36:00.007-04:00

There! I've said it! Now on to the good stuff. Had the flu. Had a cold. Didn't enjoy either of them. Survived both and feel groovy now! Took a while to get my mojo back, but it's back in full swing now. Been working on this.....

Really happy with this one. Cindy, my teen daughter, loves it and for that reason...she may end up with it for Christmas.

Went on my first shop hop! Spent way too much, but loved every minute of it. My friend, Val, set it up. She has connections, so we ended up with the Senior Center Bus for the trip. So cool! Left at 8 am. Got home at about 8 pm. I have a list of the shops somewhere, because of course, Val printed an itinerary for everyone. She's so on top of everything. When I grow up, I wanna be just like her. Giggle! The first shop served us breakfast while we shopped. Egg casseroles, cinnamon roles, coffee...it rocked! The last shop, we had pizza and hung out a while. I have several pics, but since I don't know all the women very well, they may not like it if I put them on here. So....here's Patti and Sharon in front of Ann Quilt Shop. This shop is in the middle of nowhere, Brown City, Michigan. I loved it. It's owner, a 96 year old woman, was a hoot. Her son and daughter both work there, too. The shop itself is in an old milk house and has been in business for 41 years. They were having an anniversary sale...40% off! Did I mention I spent too much? Hmmmmm....

And here's Val! I love this woman so much. I wish you could all have her for a friend. Not that I'm really willing to share her. Many of you took the time to pray for her and again, Thank you all. She's doing great lately. Power of prayer!

Oh! I almost forgot to tell you about this! No! I didn't make this one, but I'm gonna make one just like it because I bought the kit. Patti bought it too. Another friend I wish you could all have, but I'm not really willing to share her either! We thought we'd work on this one next spring/summer at Craft Day. No way could I get it done in time for fall of this year, since it's here now.

Well, I suppose that's all the news that is the news as they used to say on "Laugh In". You young 'uns won't remember that show but it was cutting edge back in the day.... Happy quilting and maybe I'll be able to post more regularly.

Still alive and kicking....

2009-09-19T10:01:00.004-04:00

And I've been doing some sewing. I finally remembered to grab the camera from my glove box. So...here's what I've been up to! I finished the king size four inch squares quilt for my bed. The back is pieced with 10 inch squares. Done and on my bed! Love it!

I found this in Eleanor Burns book, Egg Money Quilts and tried my hand at applique...AGAIN! This one went really well and I have to admit that I loved making it. Needs binding and it's done!

I've been wanting to make a black and white quilt with one other color, but couldn't decide on a pattern. I saw a strip/string quilt on someone's blog recently and loved it. So, why not!

I have one other quilt I just finished quilting, but I forgot to take a pic. I'll save that for the next post. It's another Bento Box. I love that pattern.

Patti was here sewing with me lately and she has made a Bento Box quilt top, too! Here's hers! It rocks! That's it for now! I'm off to a Pampered Chef Party....and I'm broke! Ughhhhh.....

Uh huh.....

2009-09-16T10:11:00.001-04:00

This is my life lately....I can't remember squat!

I left the house and......

2009-09-12T21:42:00.002-04:00

WENT GOLFING! Uh huh....Tiger Woods? I ain't! But, I did have fun. Garry and I haven't done this in years. Well, he has, but not me.

The teen has not been very friendly lately, so she spent the weekend with a friend of the family. Garry and I had planned to go to northern Michigan where we have a cabin in the woods, on the AuSable River. At the last minute, we decided to just stay home. Just the two of us. We went out to dinner last night, saw a movie, did some shopping. For him, some work shoes and me, some jeans. We got up this morning, went out for brunch, and headed for the golf course. I actually survived 18 holes. Jen and I were doing some texting today and when I sent her a pic of what I was up to, she sent back this reply...." O m g...r u on crack?" Well, no, I'm not yet. I can see why she would be concerned though. This is not something I normally do. But...it was fun and we are planning to go again tomorrow. After golfing, we went to another movie. It's almost been like dating! Woohooo! Maybe the teen will come home with a better attitude. I know it's just growing up, but some days it's harder to deal with than others. Maybe the break did us both some good!

On the quilty front: I finished a king size quilt for my bed. My camera is in the car, and I'm too lazy to go get it right now. I'm working on another bento box now.

Well...I'm off to check on all my farms on FaceBook. If you don't know about those, save yourself...avoid farming! Giggle!
Later....

9-11

2009-09-11T08:39:00.001-04:00

Serious post.

My moment of silence to remember......

Thought I died ...

2009-08-30T07:56:00.004-04:00

and the hogs ate me? Nope! I'm still here. I have been busy. Patti came over the last couple of days and sewed with me. I went up to northern MI last weekend to our cabin. Just Garry and I. The county fair was going on, so we went to that. Spend one day in Alpena, MI, just wandering and looking at lighthouses. The pic is an old one that I took many years ago, and one that we stopped at last Sunday. I've got lots of projects going on, but I haven't taken the time to take any pics of them. It's been very cold here in Michigan. Isn't August suppose to be miserably hot? I turned the heat last night. Could not get warm. Weird weather this year. It's not helping my tomatoes get ripe either. I think there will be a lot less tomato canning getting done here unless I go and buy them by the bushel. Oh well....there's always next year. The ones I have picked and we've eaten have been very good, just not getting ripe very fast.

Time to get ready for church. I'll try to take some pics and get them posted soon. My friends Val and Patti are thinking of going up to the cabin when the leaves start changing and having a mini-retreat of our own. I don't go up there often. I used to go a lot, but Garry and the guys use it for a lot more than I do and you know a man's idea of "clean" just isn't the same as a woman's in most cases. I got a lot done last weekend up there and I'd like to use it before they do much damage again. I'm off to the showers.....I know you all needed to know that......giggle!

Am I.....

2009-08-02T21:16:00.006-04:00

a bag lady? Yep, I am! I've been busy making bags.

I have more cut out and ready to whip up. I'm on a bag binge! Other quilting has been going on, but just working on more ufo's that seem to never hit the finish line. One day.....

In other new, I spent yesterday at the Blueberry Festival. It was a perfect day, with good friends and wonderful weather. I've been pretty busy, but I can't think of busy with what? So....I'm off to the sweat shop now and back to the bags......

Have a great week!

Note to self: C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\My Documents\TUTORIAL Straight Sided Triangular Cosmetic Bag - PURSES, BAGS, WALLETS.htm

Thank YOU

2009-07-17T12:05:00.004-04:00

to all who prayed, sent well wishes, and groovy vibes on behalf of my friend Val. She went to the surgeon yesterday and he believes it may be only a 1% chance that it is a cancer. He will be doing a biopsy, but he thinks it is not cancer. He's also decided to stop the MRIs every three months. Amen for that. They have been doing them due to the nonhodgkins leukemia that she has, but the surgeon seems to feel that they will always find something questionable and to put her thru this every three months is not a good thing. I agree with that. They will wait until there is a problem and then do the MRI. I can't imagine the stress that she must feel when she's told every three months that she has another lump. Then the waiting to see the surgeon has to just be devastating. She's the strongest person I have ever known, but how much can one woman take? So....I do believe in the power of prayer and again, thank you all for sending those to God. I hope He knows how much I need her in my life.

I haven't got much of anything done since my last post. I have one of those families that puts the "fun in dysfunctional". One phone call, and I've been a wreck for two days. All the reasons don't really matter, but suffice it to say that I have for several years refused to participate in the nonsense. Well, I blew that and unloaded on someone. The someone being my Mother. Yep, years of sucking it all up came pouring out. And her response? "Well, why don't you and Garry and Cindy come out for dinner?" Huh? My husband won't even speak to you. He's the most passive man on the face of the earth and you've even alienated him. Oh well....time to put it all away and live my life the way my Bible tells me too. I struggling with the forgivness part. I feel that I have to find a way to do that, in order to not lose my relationship with God. Man.....He sure knows how to make it hard to be a good Christian. For all my faults, that's my biggest worry. I'm sure at some point, I'll find a way to forgive, but any words of wisdom about how to forgive would be appreciated. So....on to something else more fun.

I got so many responses to my last post. So....yes, I must be insane to do 1/4" quilting. I'm hoping that when it's finished, it will be worth all the time and thread it's taking to do it. The last picture I posted with the blues, tans, and reds are from a pattern Amy posted back in March, I believe. I made the kit up for retreat and couldn't for the life of me remember where I got it from. Then Amy was so tickled with the pattern and it hit me that it was from her. She's too funny! And...if you haven't visited her blog, run there now. She puts me to shame with how much she manages to accomplish. She just finished a Double Wedding Ring, king size I think, and WOW!

Tomorrow is craft day at our church building so I need to be there by 9:30 to unlock the building. Val is having a euchre (it's a card game) party tonight, so I'll be there trying to smoke the rest of them. It's a lot of fun and Val is the hostess extroidenaire! There is nothing that woman can't do and do better than most.

I want to publicly thank my friend, Patti. During my meltdown, she's been there, calling me, stopping by and even brought me chocolate and fat quarters. Now who doesn't need an amazing friend like that? It'll help to me that I get to spend the day with Patti and Val tomorrow....and we'll be sewing at the church building. If that doesn't heal my spirit, I must be a lost cause!

Sew....I'm off....I think I'll go put some blocks together, or do some quarter inch quilting.....

Here's hoping to a great weekend for one and all! Thanks again to all of you .......

What's been keepin' me busy....

2009-07-15T09:45:00.007-04:00

Well, the insanity continues. Here's what I've been doing .... a lot!

Quarter inch quilting. Some will ask "why?" I don't know. I saw a quilt that was quilted sort of like this and thought "hmmmm...I think I'll quilt lines 1/4 inch apart on this one. I was doing pretty good until I started to get so much bulk. I'm using my quarter inch foot and the little flange thing "rides" in the line of stitching. That only worked for so long, and now, I'm using a different foot that marks the 1/4 on both sides of the foot. It's a lot of stitching, but I keep thinking how cool it will look when it's finished and washed.
And then yesterday, Patti came over for the day. We sewed! ALL DAY LONG! It was fun. We're working on a quilt and you can find Judy's free pattern for it here Great pattern and a big "Thank YOU, Judy" for being so kind to share it with all of us...and for free! My friend and mentor, the Scraptastic Jen is working on one along with Patti and I. Jen is sooo not a scrappy quilter, but she's steppin' outside the box and doing one in yellows. It's going to be beautiful and I'm so proud of her for getting scrappy with us! So...here's how far I've gotten on mine....

And last but not least, I've been working on these blocks. I put together these blocks as a kit for the retreat I went to in April. They had just been sitting around screaming for me to put them together. The blocks are all made and now they are aging a bit before I put the blocks together into a top. Don't wanna rush that! So, I have been sewing. I have been quilting. But ... nothing that will be a "finish" any time soon, I suppose.

Ya'll have a wonderful day....Wednesday...hmmmm.....hump day? Yeppers....

Gimme my badge.....Hahahahaa

2009-07-13T14:40:00.003-04:00

Ok...so a group of us are suppose to be on a mission to finish/make some stuff. I have failed miserably. But ... no more! I have a start to finish completed project. That's right! And you all thought it couldn't happen! Ha! And not just one ... but a matching pair! So....gimme my badge ... whoever is in charge of badges.....pweeeeze?

The Proposal

2009-07-11T00:06:00.003-04:00

Oh yeah! It's a great movie. I had the pleasure of a girls night out. Patti, Val and I went to the movies tonight, and while I readily admit I'll sit through almost any movie for buttered popcorn, this one was great! I had no idea Betty White was even it it and she's such a hoot! After the movie, it was french silk pie and coffee before heading home. It's so great to have good friends!

I'd really appreciate any and all prayers for my friend Val, as her latest MRI shows a new lump at the base of her tongue. This is her third round of being told she has cancer and I think as tough as she is, it's starting to wear on her. I just hope she knows how much she is loved and I'm sure she knows she can count on me! Her hubby along with mine and a couple of other guys have gone to our cabin for a weekend of dirtbiking. Woohoo! She'll be here tomorrow night, and we'll be sewing together. Patti has to work, or she'd be here too! So...send out some good wishes, groovy vibes or hit your knees like I'm doing that I'll have my friend around for a good long time to come. I'm planning on us growing old and senile together. I'd hate to have to do that alone!

Regarding my last post..... I hope you'll all forgive my rant. I try not to do that on here, but I felt it was time to make a stand and hopefully end the drama. Funny thing about that post....I got more comments on my rant than I ever get on my quilty posts..... What up with that? You'd rather hear me rant? Cause I can watch CNN for about an hour and rant for days about that....Giggle!

Hope you all have a great weekend.....that's my plan!

Welcome to sixth grade!

2009-07-10T09:06:00.004-04:00

So ... here is a story....
I have two online friends. Actually, I have more than two, but this is about two. They had a disagreement. Fine. We're all suppose to be adults. One of them, let's call her #1, didn't say a word about it to me. The other, #2, texted me and was immediately going to end all connections with 1. We have all been in an online group for quite some time. Now....I, being an adult and no longer in sixth grade, simply told 2, that I thought it was a bad choice. I suggested she take some time and let it all pass and basically get over it. Now a couple of weeks have gone by. I, minding my own business, get a text a couple of mornings ago stating that she had a "tally" going and was I not speaking to her either? HUH? Again, I'm no longer in Junior High. My response? "Excuse me? what did I do?" Emails went back and forth, and I was informed that she could no longer continue this discussion and if all I wanted to do was that, then ...blah blah blah...... I do not want to discuss some ridiculous, childish imagined slight with this woman any longer. I didn't even bring it up. She did. I think it's sad that she can't see past her own selfishness. I wouldn't have even known about a problem had she not told me....over and over.

So....the point of all this? To all my online friends: I think the world of each of you! Some of you, I have gotten to meet in person and I'm so grateful for that. But...here's the deal. I'm an adult. I don't have time or the energy for the she said this or that, she defriended me, she didn't agree with me crap. I think those of us with families, husbands, children, have a clearer idea of where this blogging part of our lives goes. It's not foremost in my life, but I do enjoy it. I'm never going to be the person who will just agree with someone to keep them as my friend. Friends disagree, argue, and it's ok. We are inconsiderate with one another sometimes, knowing full well, that a true friendship will survive that and more.

That's my take on all this nonsense. I think it was blown way out of proportion and I hope since 2 has decided to sever ties with our group that this will be the end of it. Live and learn.......

Cute or what?

2009-06-27T15:57:00.003-04:00

This was just too cute not to share. Garry's best friend, Pat. (Commonly referred to around here as Hubby Number 2, cause if Garry dies on me, Pat inherits me) Yep...Popcorn lives for the belly rub. She's all about that! Pat came out today to work on the pontoon. Does this look like he's working? Nope. Garry (#1), Pat (#2), and Cindy are watching Transformers. Not my cup of tea.

Sewing and Riding!

2009-06-27T08:32:00.008-04:00

Patti and I spent the day sewing yesterday. We've decided to do the free BOM offered by Harmony Quilts. We worked on the first three months of blocks yesterday. Here's how far I got....I'm loving this, by the way!

My Fence!

My Sun!
House #1

House #2

My big giant enormous tree!

We had a good time making these blocks. There are already six months of blocks up on the site, so this will move along quickly, I think.

I'm also giving up an old hobby. Since Garry has found guys to ride with, I don't have to go ride anymore. I just would not let him ride in the woods on the trails alone and the older he got, the more all his riding buddies from their younger days, quit riding. So, being the awesome wife that I am, I took up riding. I rode a dirt bike for a year, hated it! Then bought a quad and rode it for a couple of years. It was not fast enough to suit me, so I bought this!

So, I'm selling this. Yep, it's fast. It's a Raptor. 660cc's. I have mixed emotions about selling it, but it's just been sitting in the barn for five years. It's in awesome condition and just think of the fabric I could buy with the money! Yep....that's where my head is!

It's a beautiful day here in Michigan today. Not too hot and not too cold. Just right! Think I'll just have myself a great day today! Why don't you have one, too!

Play date, anyone?

2009-06-23T07:31:00.004-04:00

Edit: No pics from today, but we had a blast! I love a day with my friend, Patti! Yay! Yippee! We were too busy sewing to take pics! Well, that and giggling!

I woke up this morning with a song in my heart....if you've heard me sing....it ain't necessarily a good thing! Ha! I love days when you're feet hit the floor and you just feel happy! I've been a big blue blah for a couple of weeks. Some family stuff that just irritates me from time to time. For the most part, I just don't have anything to do with any of my immediate family. I know it sounds mean, but it just works best for me to stay on my own side of the world and they can stay on theirs. So....back to the happy day part. Wanna know what I think caused the happy stuff today? It's a play date! Yep, my friend Patti and Sharon (no blog) are coming over on a Tuesday to sew today! Yep....a play date in the middle of the week. Can life get any better than that? Well....I suppose it could if YOU could all come and play with us. I'll try to take some pics today and have something to post about. Wouldn't that be nice?

Have a great Tuesday! It's the only one you'll have for a whole week! (This post is the result of being manic. So begins the roller coaster ride of the week. I do enjoy the upsides...giggle!)

Ethel lives!

2009-06-18T20:04:00.002-04:00

That's right! Ethel .. home...safe and sound. Repaired and running like a champ! I'm so happy. No time to blog. Must go bond with my BFFL Ethel! Ha!

Seinfeld...and I won!

2009-06-16T21:10:00.003-04:00

First ...
This is for a friend....she'll know who/what/why/when/where....or at least she better! We've both needed some laugh time. Maybe this will help......

Cosmo Kramer: You're wasting your life.
George Costanza: I am not. What you call wasting, I call living. I'm living my life.
Cosmo Kramer: OK, like what? No, tell me. Do you have a job?
George Costanza: No.
Cosmo Kramer: You got money?
George Costanza: No.
Cosmo Kramer: Do you have a woman?
George Costanza: No.
Cosmo Kramer: Do you have any prospects?
George Costanza: No.
Cosmo Kramer: You got anything on the horizon?
George Costanza: Uh, no.
Cosmo Kramer: Do you have any action at all?
George Costanza: No.
Cosmo Kramer: Do you have any conceivable reason for even getting up in the morning?
George Costanza: I like to get the Daily News.

In our case...we like to read blogs?

Second....I won a give away! Barb had a give away a short time ago and I'll be darned if she didn't pick my name! It was so sweet of her and just in time for the July 4th! Thanks Barb!

I borrowed the pic from her blog, cause her pics look better than mine do....giggle.....

My Sapphire should have a clean bill of health on Thursday and I can go get her. Ethel has been greatly missed for the past week. I am so bored I even cooked and baked bread today. Still not smoking, but ... I don't think it's getting any easier yet. I'm hangin' in there, but I'm not all that happy about it. Garry's doing better most of the time than I am....go figure. That's all my news. Think I'll go call Patti and see how her day was. Later ya'll!

Ending the day on a positive note......

2009-06-11T20:47:00.008-04:00

Hey Ya'll! I'm some better now...didn't want to end the day on such a sour note. Jen's been putting some of her photography on her blog so I thought maybe I'd post a pic or two of mine that I took a few years ago..... Here ya go.....

I'm far from good at it, but I used to like to take pics and play with 'em. I'm also a lighthouse freak in case you couldn't tell. I love lighthouses!

More on smoking.....

2009-06-11T17:19:00.003-04:00

Life without cigarettes is not worth living.

There. I. said. it. I still haven't smoked. Garry's friend Pat, commonly known as husband number two, asked Garry why he quit smoking today. Garry could not think of one reason. Number Two called me to let me know this. We've laughed quite a bit about that. We know there are good reasons, but they seem to have escaped us during our withdrawl period. Garry got home, we discussed it, and we're not going to smoke for now. We've decided to give it two months. August first, we'll talk about it again. Actually, I think if we just keep setting dates down the line to discuss it, eventually we won't need them. I think it's the mental part that's getting us. The finality of it all...

Yeah...I've been sewing some. I can't finish anything though. Can't wait to get my Sapphire back.

Mojo returns for short visit.....

2009-06-09T11:14:00.009-04:00

I hooked up Lucy (my cheapie spare sewing machine) yesterday. I bought this machine as a "just in case something happens to the good machine". She's not half bad. She sews a nice 1/4" seam and for piecing ... I'm ok with her while Ethel gets some needed attention and repairs.

Anyone who know me at all, knows I have to have my nose in everything. Since Amanda Jean over at Crazy Mom Quilts decided to do a nine patch quilt along, I had to join in. I think I'm a few behind, but I'm not sure how many I'm suppose to have at this point. I, also, don't have a clue how many I have finished so far. I just do a few at a time, whenever I feel like it. As the kids say....that's how I roll......ha!

There's also a quilt along going on over at Old Red Barn Co. Yep...of course I needed to do that too! I thought it would be a great way to use up some of the boatloads of fabric I thought I needed to buy when I first started quilting. Good plan and I'm glad to be using some of it up! Making room for more/new? Hehehehe....always good to have a plan. I'm trying to stay busy with the "not smoking plan". Today is day nine and so far...I haven't killed anyone or filed for divorce. All good things. I am eating way too much. Garry, on the other hand, just sleeps all the time. Anytime he's not working, he's nappin'! I guess we just deal with stuff in different ways. I'll deal with the eating later, right now I just need to distract myself from wanting to smoke.

I'm working on a scrappy Bento Box, too. Just mindless sewing right now. I love making these blocks. I think I could just do these for a very long time, but then I'd learn to hate 'em and who wants that?

Have a great week! I should be getting Ethel back in the next week or so, but Lucy is doing fine for piecing, so I'll just keep at it......

Ethel admitted to Sewing Machine Hospital....

2009-06-08T14:21:00.003-04:00

Yes, it's true. I was sewing along the other night and she just up and roared at me and the needle stopped. Won't go up, won't go down. It moves fine with the hand thingie, but not with the foot pedal. So, for several days now, I've been without my beloved Ethel. I'm using Lucy, the Brother I bought for "just in case". I dropped Ethel off this morning. I found a Viking Dealer in another town not too far and I've decided to use them instead of the place where I bought it. Several reasons for this are..... I don't care for most of the employees at the dealer I bought it from. It was one of the dealers located inside the Joann's store. The new place I found is called Lapeer Sewing Center. I like these ladies. The owner is the one who actually works on them. I don't like the idea that the one where I bought it, has a guy that comes and gets them once a week and then brings them back the next week. I can't even discuss the machine with the guy who is actually working on it. That just doesn't work for me. So, they have Ethel and said they hoped to call me by 5:30 today and let me know what they think the problem is. I did go ahead and pay them to do a full tune up on her. She's been thru a lot with me for the past couple of years. I do love her sew.......

Keep Ethel in your prayers. I don't know how long I can go on without her. It struck me when I left her, that I'd rather have her back running smoothly than all the cigarettes in the world. Wooohoooooooo!
Later Ladies!
Edit: Just got a call from Sewing Repair Woman.....minor repair really....motor pulley? ....maybe a week to a week and a halp to get her back...good news....about 30 dollar repair bill. I did pay them to do a "tune up" and clean her already this morning. They seemed quite amazed at the amount of junk inside her. I use her a lot!

UFO List

2009-06-02T16:43:00.006-04:00

I was told by my friend, Jill, to get this done. So, I'm gonna get 'er done! Concentrating on anything is not good right now, so I may have to revise it later.

1) Blue Ridge Beauty...king size top done, needs to get quilted and might need borders?
2) Blocks....quilt for me ... king size top done, needs borders and quilting
3) Happy Hour....blocks done for a couple of quilts.
4) Bento Box Quilts.....bought fabric and cut it for 3 tops. That's as far as I got on that.
5) Boxy Stars....got a bunch of blocks done. Hate them. Need to just throw them together and gift to a child or two from church.
6) Jake's Quilt....needed by end of month! quilting half done, and bind!
7) March Quilt....blocks cut out and started piecing
8) Jewel Box...blocks cut out and started piecing
9) old red barn co. quilt along. Have to do this one as steps are posted.
10) Crazy Mom 9 patch quilt along.
11) Bag for Sam (female Sam)
12) Bags for Craft Show
* Havest Spice....needs border when it arrives!

Ok...I'll add more later...I know there are more, but that's all I can think of right now.

About the smoking thing.....

2009-06-01T15:07:00.003-04:00

My friends are like a big giant bra! They lift and support me in the hardest times.

Just wanted you to all know that I appreciate the words of wisdom from you all. I may be posting several times a day for the next few days as I ramble from room to room trying to figure out what I'm doing. Several people have suggested the Chantix medication to help with the smoking but it requires dr. visit and some testing. I'm self employed and my deductible on my heath insurance is 5k. I just can't afford to do it. if I hadn't smoked all these years, I'd probably be rolling in money now. Ha! Garry cheated and went outside to smoke. I let him go the first time. After that I told him he could do it. Gave him a hug. You know....I was like a bra for him. Lifting and supporting! He has not wanted to no smoke the way that I have, but I'll help him!

Thanks again everyone.......

Smokin in the boys room......

2009-06-01T11:40:00.002-04:00

Here's the deal. I am not smoking. I'm also not using the word "quitting". It hurts too much. I really don't want to smoke anymore. I've smoked since I was about 13. That's 37 years of it. I'm an addict. I can't believe I am. I need all the encouragment and prayers I can get. I know my Prolific people will hang with me during this. I know my friends from church will do anything to help me with it. That really helps to know people give a crap about ya. So....here's a question for anyone smarter than me out there....why can I not stop crying? Yesterday was easier, but not easy. Today is knocking me down. And you know...in my head I keep thinking "if I could just lite one and then put it right back out". But that won't work. I either smoke...or I don't smoke. For the moment, I am not smoking. I can get thru today. I did manage to get my hands on some Valium and that seems to be helping a bit. And now...I'm off to the sewing room. Maybe that will be a great distraction. Any suggestions? And please don't tell me to drink lots of water. I hate drinking water and can only deal with one problem at a time! I may be posting a lot until this gets easier....I may lose my followers.....hang in there with me....

Anyone else out there who smokes and has wanted to quit....email me, leave a comment. We could do this together. I am a mess, but I do know that I am strong and can get thru it......

Later ya'll!

Yay! A Sew Day with Patti!

2009-05-30T22:25:00.012-04:00

Yep, Patti makes large rectangle! I'm sure it will be on MSNBC or CNN as soon as word gets out. Patti came over this morning and sewed all day. She's been working on bag organizers but her giant rectangles have become quite the joke between us. I sewed, but it doesn't seem like I accomplished a thing. I have a quilt I'm working on and I got about a third of it quilted. Garry was kind enough to make us lunch and deliver it to the sewing room. Oh...the sewing room is coming along. I'm sure I'll move things around several more times before I'm done, but it's working out well. Garry got my shelves put up while I was helping with a funeral dinner at church on Thursday. He's been scoring a lot of points lately. Wooohoooo! My custom made cutting table arrived a week or so ago. Corian top, custom drawers/baskets that lift out. Some shelves. I'm extremely happy with it and it was worth the wait. OHOHOH! I almost forgot ... I have been having a hard time wrapping my head around the whole applique thing. I wanted to do it, but when I tried it a while back, I had the biggest mess you ever saw. I had heat and bond, freezer paper stuck to everything I owned. It didn't go well at all. Then my friend, Sharon, was here last week and gave me a mini lesson and some tips. So...here's what I made tonight!

Uh huh...I made a flower! I've got a long way to go, but I'm working on it!
I guess that's all I've got so I'll leave ya with some sewing room pics.....

This is my spot for a friend to come sew! I wanted to make sure there was always room for Patti, Val or Sharon to come sew with me. (Jen or Jill...maybe one day you can use that spot!)
This is the new cutting table. I had them build it with pull out drawers that hold these baskets. The baskets lift right out. I really love it!

Thanks for all the well wishes for Tator. He's doing better every day. Still on the steroids, but healing. He's going crazy itching right now. It does appear that a hawk attacked him in the back yard. The hawk was circling the yard yesterday and if I get the chance, I'm gonna shoot him with my bb gun. It will shoot 22's but I'm not sure it's safe for me to have real ammo. You all know I'm sorta nuts, right?
Well, later gators. Bed time, church in the morning.

Gone to the dogs!

2009-05-20T09:04:00.007-04:00

Happy Wednesday! Even though I have my office in my house, I still get excited about "hump" day. It's been an eventful last couple of days around here. For several years, I was a dog breeder. Maltese. I still have the Mom, Popcorn, the Dad, Tator and one of the pups Q-Tip. Don't point and laugh at them about their names,now. Garry named each one of them and they have learned to live with the indignity. My groomer left her job after the birth of her second child. She was in my vets office, so it's pretty easy to get every thing they need done in one shot. But, then they started a new policy where if I just took them to be groomed, the vet looked at them anyway and charged me and additional 33 bucks per dog. I was pretty put out about it. 33 times 4 is ... too much money! So, I had been trying a couple of new groomers, but not happy with any of them. Now, my vet assistant is a sweetie! She sent me a letter and mentioned that she had clippers now. Yesterday was dog grooming day here at Casa One I. Wanna see?

Last Friday, Tator started acting odd. Like he just didn't feel good. Remember these are long haired dogs. Lots of long hair. We just kept trying to figure out what was wrong with him. Then on Monday night, he started smelling gross. Really gross. And then he was sleeping and wouldn't wake up. So, a little after midnight, I insisted we take him to the Emergency Animal Hospital. A person knows when something is just not right. Ended up, he had two bad wounds under his fur and they were badly infected. You couldn't see them though. They kept him overnight, put him out and shaved him to his neck. He was on an IV for about 24 hours. He's a very sick baby right now. We got to pick him up last night and he's on steroids now. The pics are scary, so if your squemish....don't look.
I'm so glad I took him in. We might have lost him otherwise. I still can't figure out how he got these wounds. The dogs yard is completely fenced in. They have about an acre to run in. The only thing I can possibly think of, is that when I got my tomato cages out a few weeks ago, maybe he got poked on one while running around. They are rusty on the ends, so that might have caused this. The vet thought that might me reasonable, too. Poor little guy.
Then, I have one more dog, Mugsy. Mugsy is odd man out. He's a shitzu. A guy I used to work with bought him as a pup. Said he couldn't do a thing with him and named him Stupid. When he asked me if I would take him, I had to do a lot of talking with Garry. Garry told me when we got married, "No animals". Ha! So, about a year after I brought him home to see how it went, Garry asked me if we were keeping him...ha again! Of course we're keeping him. He's getting old now, but he's the best dog. And...he got a day of beauty too! I just can't thank Jennifer enough for coming over and doing all of this. I asked her if she wanted me to keep looking for a new groomer and she no, she'd just come over and take care of them. She is a real animal lover. I guess she sorta owes me though, because she's the one who stuck me with The Parrot. She's coming over on Tuesday to trim up Tator's head and do the parrots beak and nails. She'll also help me keep an eye on Tators wounds. I'm just sick about him getting hurt. I'm really a great pet owner and I love them all. I would never let anything happen to them. Poor little guy. They all seem much happier when they are shaved though, and after this fiasco, I'm going to keep their hair shaved in the summer and short in the winter.
No quilty stuff going on here, just gone to the dogs this week....

I'm a Yakadoodle tonight with lots to say....

2009-05-14T23:48:00.012-04:00

Yep...moving a sewing room can be a dangerous thing. I have found stuff that I had forgotten I had. And the orphan blocks? Oops! They have filled their own drawer. Now, my living room that I am moving out of looks like this....sorry...it ain't pretty..... The furniture that goes in that room is downstairs. One of "the boys" (that means he rides dirt bikes with Garry) came over yesterday to help him move it all back to the living room, but Garry has a cold and it was sprinkling rain outside, so I told them to wait and do it another day. I really don't understand where my laid back attitude is coming from. It's not like me at all. For example, my oven broke right after Christmas. I still haven't replaced it. I should have by now, but it just hasn't seemed very important. I keep telling everyone "It's not like Picasso lost his brush", but that's not really true. I even own another oven that I love. It's in my other house about 20 minutes from here. Still....just not worried about it.

So...back to the room.....here's what the sewing room is now looking like.... I thought I would be able to leave the treadmill in that corner, but once the other furniture leaves the downstairs, I think the treadmill will go to the back of the downstairs. I need more sewing room already.

Next up....We had Craft Day at the church building last Saturday. Anyone recognize this happy face? Yep...it's Patttttiiiii! She's busy sorting Happy Hour blocks. Sharon is right there, too...working on a GMFG. She's a very talented woman!

Here are couple of other friends!
We're a lucky bunch of women to be able to use this building whenever we'd like. I even melted a big fat iron mark in the middle of the floor last year and no one even seemed to care. I just knew someone would be mad at me, but they just said that I had left my mark!

I finished a Bento Box Quilt. Don't tell Val because I've owed her a quilt for two years and she is getting this one..... I got the quilting and binding all finished yesterday. Washed and dried it last night and it's all wrapped up now. She's suppose to be coming over tomorrow to sew with me, so I'll give it to her then. Patti is suppose to come over tomorrow night and/or Saturday and sew with me too. Garry was suppose to go up north to the cabin, dirtbiking, but he's been very sick with a cold this week. He's still worked all week, but he's loopy at this point. I think he had a fever tonight because he was kinda weird. Making strange jokes and sweating. We had Cindy's choir concert tonight at school and he didn't look too good there either. So...I'm thinking I'm going to have to cancel his weekend. I can't have him sick all next week. He's not gonna be happy about it, but one of us must be the adult here. It must be my turn this week. I did start a couple of more quilts this week because it seemed more fun that moving the rest of the crap all over the living room ... here they are.... More Bento Box blocks..and
99 happy hour blocks. I absolutely love making the Bento Box quilts. I can see a lot of these getting done around here.
So....that's my week in a nutshell. A big darn nutshell, but I had a lot to say today. And...now....I'll take my leave and hit the hay.....
Later!

I'm moving....

2009-05-05T15:41:00.005-04:00

out of my current sewing room and into the downstairs. I have a finished basement with a lot of space, but I hated it down there when I first started quilting. But....look at this mess.....

I have no room to even think about using my quilt frame. It's just sat there and I've piled crap all over it. It's turned into expensive storage. I need a large space to use it and my downstairs is just sitting there full of other crap we don't need. A lot of stuff went to a yardsale pile and the garbage today. The whole area down there is the same as my whole upstairs, so it's about 1100 square feet of junk area. So, I sweet talked Garry into helping me start cleaning it out today. We didn't even have a fight! Amazing! I will still need a large part of it for storage and stuff, but half of it will be my sewing area now. I'm going to just hang curtains or something to partition half of it off. Here's what the end I got cleaned out looks like now
I don't have a clue where that ratty old sofa sleeper couch came from, but it's leaving. I can't even lift one end of it or would already be outta there. I did get my fabric and moved down there today. When my son moved out (ok, I forced him to move out, but that's another story) he left piles and piles of stuff down there. It's all leaving too. Look at how much room I'll have when I'm done though!
Yep, that's a big fancy treadmill that I don't use. I couldn't get to it before, but I think I'll be able to use it when this mess is all cleaned up. I'm very excited. And yep again, that's a big pile of play station steering wheels. Garry picked out the ones he's keeping and called his buddies to see if they wanted any of the ones he isn't keeping. They want them....when do boys grow up? Garry said he can put some of those daylight lighting fixtures in down there and that will take care of why I hated it down there before. I guess that's all I've got for now. I'll be sore tomorrow, so maybe I'll go start moving smaller things down there now......or not!

Insert imaginative title here

2009-05-04T14:39:00.007-04:00

My brain barely works most of the time, so I can't think a good title. Retreat was so inspiring for me. I got almost nothing done, but I have been a busy little beaver since I got home. And...I'm happier lately. Going away for a few days did me a world of good. Yay! So...I'll just post some pics of what I've been up to since I came home and again thank you to all the wonderful women at retreat that have given me back my mojo....

This is my version of Amanda Jean's pattern found here

This last one, a Bento Box, is almost finished being quilted. I'm stippling it, of course. My new fancy special ordered cutting table should be ready to pick up this week. I'll be posting lots of pics of that when I get it. My plan is to move my frame and machine to the downstairs so that I'll have some room to actually use it. I'm just stacking up quilt tops until that happens. I have three guys who are going to come and move it all for me....it pays to feed single men occasionally....they'll do almost anything you need done then. I really can't use my frame at all in the space it's currently in and I'd like to start quilting on it instead of my Sapphire. I have several things to get done this week. A member of our congregation passed away over the weekend so I'm going to help with the funeral dinner on Thursday and another friend's divorce will be final on Friday, so I thought a distraction would be good for her and lunch is always a good distraction. I've also got my Thimbleberries meeting on Thursday morning and I'm a month behind now, so I need to get last months blocks done.
Thanks again to the Prolific Online Quilters! What a wonderful group of crazy women!

Things I learned at retreat!

2009-04-30T08:45:00.002-04:00

It takes all night to make a pie....(it was a pie pincushion)
I get really stupid about 4 a.m. and it doesn't get better between 4 and 7 a.m.
There is really no reason for me to take projects to retreat because I got nothing accomplished, but had a lot of fun.
When Jill says "No Snack Table" she does not mean it.
I should expect to gain at least 10 pounds at retreat because they feed you a lot and often.
I will never get a quilt for just cutting my finger half off with a rotary cutter. I'll need to cut off an entire limb apparently.
Harvest Spice is mine...all mine...

And finally....
There are no better people in the world than quilters. What a wonderful bunch of women. I'm a very lucky woman to be a part of the Prolific Online Quilters Group. Everyone I met in person, from online, was exactly who I thought they were. No suprises there.

I'll have some pics soon. I didn't take that many. I was busy...visiting with everyone for the most part.
Later....

Home Sweet Home

2009-04-27T15:09:00.003-04:00

I'm home! Pictures of retreat to come, but I'm too tired to mess with it now! I had a super fantastic time! The weather was awesome. Getting to meet all the "Peeps" was amazing and I think a great time was had by all!

The Race to Retreat

2009-04-22T23:57:00.002-04:00

Yep...and we're off! Several of the Prolific Quilters group members and their friends are headed off to Ohio this weekend! My friend, Trish, will be here tomorrow and as soon as she arrives, she, Patti and I are off and heading to the retreat! All I wanna know is.....
ARE WE THERE YET?