This and That

Old Ornaments

2011-12-21T19:09:00.000-08:00

This is an old ornament that hung on our tree when I was a child. Bringing back many memories.

Smoky Mountain Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving in the Smoky Mountains with my 2 daughters and their families. We stayed in this lovely cabin. The weather was great. Warm days and cool nights. Campfires and smores, a little hiking and some shopping. Of course we had a great turkey dinner on Thursday, my son in law made the turkey and the rest of us pitched in for the rest of the dinner and clean up. Then on Friday we visited Paula Deen's Kitchen in Cherokee. Two big dinners in a row, I'm afraid to even step on the scale!Gatlinburg was all decked out for Christmas.The kids got in some fishing.The Polar Express to the North Pole was a hit.
Very nice get-away. Missed Neal and his family. Hoping they can join us next year.

Frustrated

2011-11-09T05:25:00.000-08:00

I did manage to get Grady and Kendall's costumes done for Halloween. Here are Woody and Jessie. They were so cute!!

I'm on a cleaning out the closets jag. Such a frustrating job. When you live in a small house all you do is move stuff from one room to another. My guest room closet is stashed to the brim with scrap booking supplies, Christmas decorations and lots and lots of photos. It is looking better, I am throwing away a lot of junk that I have been holding onto for one reason or another but it is a time consuming proces

It Has Been Awhile

2011-10-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

Wow, how time flies. Just finished the costumes for two of the grand kids. They will be Jessie and Woodie from Toy Story this year. Cute, cute. Trying to finish up Happy hauntings quilt before I start anything else and then onto finishing a couple of Christmas quilts.

A Finish and More to Quilt

2011-08-06T11:45:00.001-07:00

Eventide is finished. Did a little continuous curve and some feathers. I am happy with the results and very happy that it is finished!

Red Velvet made with Bliss. Another top added to the needs to be quilted pile.

And Goosetracks in the Pumpkins. I started this one at retreat last fall and just finished it up this month. Also going into the to be quilted pile. I need to order a roll of batting and get busy!

Arlena - Dancer

2011-07-11T04:57:00.000-07:00

Arlena is my grand daughter that lives in Indiana. Arlena and Kendall are 2 months apart, I posted Kendall's dance picture earlier. Kendall loved the recital -

from what I understand Arlena would rather be doing this.Such a cutie!

Beautiful Grayson

2011-07-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

June 2000-July 2011 Rest in peace my frined. I will miss you always.

Homecoming

2011-06-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

The grand kids were glad to see their Daddy again, even if they don't look all that happy in the picture. He was just gone for a month this time but I am sure it felt like forever to them. Grady is a real Daddy's boy so he was quite unhappy the first week or so without his Daddy around.

Change of plans for today. The smoke from a couple wild fires several miles away is very heavy this morning. This past week the winds have carried the smoke in this direction, today it looks like a slight fog outside. Not going to work outside in that.

Maybe I will load a quilt.

Where Does the Time Go

2011-06-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

Looking at my list of finished quilts for 2011 I am realizing that I haven't done very much! I was moving right along getting ufo's put together but it seems the quilting process has stopped the progress. The machine is free for the moment. I have 3 small customer quilts to do but my customer doesn't want them until Nov so I could be doing something of my own, but no, it is just sitting there idle. I must do something about that but I have a full day of yard work ahead of me tomorrow. I received a couple of plants as gifts so that has put in motion a whole little landscaping adventure. I need to put down some landscaping web, get some dirt, buy a couple of shepherds hooks and some mulch as well as some bricks. I have a couple of outdoor flame less candle lanterns to put on the shepherds hooks among the plants, place the bricks in the ground and put the swing on them. Should be pretty and doable in one day. We shall see. I guess it kind of depends on how hot and humid it is tomorrow.

I did have a wonderful week with my brother and his family. Mike and I got a lot of bike riding in. We did a little over 60 miles for the week. I will add a picture of the point on Emerald Isle. One of the spots we rode to, one of my favorite places to be. It is where the ocean meets the sound, a beautiful beach. It's usually not very crowded on this part of the beach, I guess because the parking is very limited. There were a handful of people on the beach but as you can see, plenty of space to relax and reflect.

Off to do some sewing, have to add to the pile of unquilted tops!!

Finally Here

2011-06-05T05:33:00.000-07:00

They are here!! This is an especially happy reunion this year. Wendy spent the bulk of this past year fighting breast cancer. She went through surgery, chemo and radiation and has another surgery ahead of her in a couple weeks, not cancer related but still another surgery. She is feeling and looking great! It is so good to be together again!! My southern pork bbq was a hit, we all ate too much. Some serious bike riding and beach walking are going to have to take place this week!

Almost Here

2011-06-04T05:07:00.000-07:00

My brother and his family will be here late this afternoon. Can't wait!! They are looking forward to this hot weather we are having, they say it has been cold in Indiana this Spring. It is going to be a great week!!

Dancer

2011-05-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

K had her first dance recital today.

Buddies

2011-05-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

Grand son Grady and Grand dog Mickey.

A Picture

2011-05-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

Finally, a picture of my lovely prize from Carrie. Such beautiful fabric and such a generous gift!! I love the schnibbles patterns, hope to get them all made! There are six schnibbles patterns (the new ones), 2 charm packs of Maison de Garance, a project bag, a fat eighth bundle of Pom Pom de Paris and a fat quarter bundle of Charlevox!!! I haven't opened any of the fabric packages yet. I had hoped to make the April Le Petite project but I just didn't get it done. I have been very busy with customer quilting and lots of yard work, with lots more yard work still to do. I cheated a little this year. I bought the planter refills instead of individual plants, that was a time saver. So the planters are filled, flower boxes on the porch rail are filled and I added 3 new rose bushes, some ornamental grass, hung a fern at the side of the walk and added some ornamental grass, hosta and a few more iris. I think I am done, just have to do a little weeding and trimming. The yard is fertilized, now for some rain!

I took a break from everything today and went out to Emerald Isle and did a little shopping for beach wear. My brother and his family will be at the beach for the first week of June. I am really looking forward to their visit. We just hang out at the beach for the entire week so I had to have some appropriate beach wear!! My brother and I will be doing some major bike riding too - he is the only person I know that likes to ride as much as I do. I usually ride alone, not nearly as much fun!

I am off to load a quilt of my own now. It is one that I finished last summer, about time to get it quilted!

Carol

Promises, Promises

2011-04-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't lost my enthusiasm for my wonderful gift, promise to share pictures soon. I need to get a new SD card for my camera. I have so many pictures on the current one, computer is full, so it takes forever and a day to get to the new pictures. I keep forgetting to buy a new card when I am in town but have it on the list now.

Lots of customer quilting going on here plus it is time to really get serious about the yard work. Have to get my flowers to plant today and also remember to get batteries for the underground fence so the dogs don't tramp all over the flowers. I don't know why they like to do that so much.

Dodged storms here this week. My heart goes out to all those in the tornado's path! I think our next chance for rain is Tuesday so I have to remember to get the yard fertilized Mon evening. I always forget until it is raining.

Off to Lowes for flowers, I bet there will be lots of shoppers today, such a beautiful day we are having!

Carol

OH MY GOSH

2011-04-14T19:23:00.001-07:00

I am the extremely lucky winner of a gift box from Carrie Nelson, Miss Rosie's Quilt Co, as part of the recent Eventide sew along. I can't tell you how excited I was to find this huge box of goodies on my front porch this evening. I will post pictures of all the goodness I found inside this weekend. Carrie was much more than generous, I just kept repeating oh my gosh, oh my gosh as I looked at all the wonderful gifts inside!! Carrie, if you are reading - Thank You So Much!!! I love everything in the box and I am just awed by your generosity! Eventide is a great quilt and the sew along made it even more fun to put together. Carol

A Better Picture?

2011-04-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, don't know if this one is any better but another picture of Eventide. I decided to hang around the house and wait for the downpour to let up before heading out today. Lots of rain, we needed it!

Eventide

2011-04-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

One last post on Eventide, at least until it is quilted. I love it. It was fun to work on, those little Ohio Star blocks were so much fun to make. Couldn't wait to move on to the next one to see what it would look like! Thank you Thelma for hosting the sew along. I enjoyed it so much. I am going to the parade now, can't wait to see them all together. Just checked out Thelma's blog. Great quilts everyone. They are beautiful!!! Sorry for the cell phone picture. When I get home tonight I will post a picture from my "real" camera. We are just beginning to get that storm that went through Tn and Georgia yesterday, it could be a nasty one!

Eventide done!

2011-03-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

Getting There

2011-03-22T05:12:00.001-07:00

It's too big for my design wall! The body is together, on to the borders! Carol

Not Much to Busy, Busy

2011-03-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

Seems like it is feast or famine around here. Received 2 customer quilts that needed to be done right away, no problem - until I saw all the pictures. Needless to say I have been working very hard to get this one out on time. Custom work is not my thing so this was a struggle for me. I am happy with the results. I mixed some loops with cross hatching and outline quilting around the pictures with the popcorn panto for the siggie blocks. I hope my customer likes it as much as I do. Really, I need to stop being so lazy and use the real camera to take some better pictures instead of the cell phone.

The other one that needed to be done right away was a t-shirt quilt. I usually do a meander on t-shirt quilts to avoid the problems caused by the heavy rubber on some of the shirts. This customer wanted a panto. I ended up basting down the shirts with the rubber on them and it helped a lot with shifting.

I have been so busy quilting, babysitting the grand kids and working that I have only passed through the living room on the way out the door. I hadn't noticed until today that my plant was blooming. This is really a miracle! This plant belonged to my Grandmother, I remember her caring for it when I was a kid. It passed down to my Mom and then to me. I was so happy that it is still alive, I am not the best plant custodian, but a little dismayed that it never bloomed. This is the first year since my Mom passed away that this plant has bloomed. I was so amazed and thrilled to see these blooms! It is just beautiful and brings back so many memories.

I can get back to Eventide now, I have a few more customer quilts to do but I am taking a day and evening off!

Carol

Not Much

2011-03-14T06:09:00.000-07:00

Just not much going on here. I have been working on Eventide Ohio stars, eight more to go and then on to the border!

This is a beautiful time of year in NC. The trees are in bloom, spring flowers are blooming, just lovely. We still are having some chilly nights but the day temps are just about perfect! Time to get out there and get some yard work done!

Carol

Stuck on Red, White and Blue

2011-03-01T17:48:00.000-08:00

This quilt has been pieced and hanging in the closet with its backing waiting to be quilted for quite some time. It is finally done! I started the year with one red, white and blue quilt, added the Pd quilt to the collection and hopefully by the end of March Eventide will be finished also. I think that will complete the collection.

Eventide Progress

2011-03-01T17:24:00.000-08:00

I have been having fun making the little Ohio Star blocks for Eventide. Most of them have blue points but I have tossed in a few gold and red. My version is not that beautiful flowing of colors but more bold and red! I knew that by using the left over fabric from the PD quilt I would have more of a bold red, white and blue look. I have so few quilts in this colorway so this is a welcome addition. I would still like to make this quilt in some soft florals.

My pictures are from my cell phone again so not the best but faster!

Carol

Pennsylvania Dutch and Eventide

2011-02-23T06:03:00.001-08:00

Pennsylvania Dutch was my Feb goal. I am pleased to say that it is finished. I did change it a little. I left off the pieced border that was to go between the two borders and pieced a scrappy binding instead. I did notice a mistake after it was all finished and I had hung it on the wall. Too late now! This quilt was a BOM from the FQS. The fabric is Wiscasset by Minick and Simpson. It is quilted with a very simple panto, Ebb and Flow. The thread I used is red, white and blue from YLI. I am very thrilled to have it finished.These are the left over fabrics from PD. Lots of them! I decided to use them on another project I started this month. I have joined Thelma of Cupcakes N Daisies blog for the Eventide sew in. This is my first block. I am not thrilled with my colors but I think once it gets in the mix it will be okay. I usually cut everything before I start a quilt but even though I have the majority cut out I will be cutting as I go for the star centers and the "something else" pieces in this block. Most of the background is from stash and I can see that I will have to add a few other pieces but it will still be mostly Wiscasset. I am excited to get more blocks done, hopefully tonight!Poor Lucky. He has his ball and is ready to go. This picture was taken on Sunday when our temps were in the 70's. I think he is wondering how I could stay inside and sew on such a beautiful day! I did give in to that sad face and together with Grayson enjoyed some beautiful sunshine!

Carol

Roll, roll cotton boll

2011-02-02T17:04:00.001-08:00

It's done!! Seems like it took forever but only since November. It did turn out much nicer than I imagined. I didn't get a picture of the border but that is what pulls it altogether. The great thing about this quilt is that it is all scraps and stash! You would think that it would have put a dent in all those neutral scraps but really, not so much. It was a wonderful 70 degrees here today. Of course that is not lasting long, back down in the 50's tomorrow but oh so much better than a lot of other places. This is more like NC kind of winter weather.

Next project is Pennsylvania Dutch BOM from the fqs. Starting tomorrow evening!

Carol

And Again

2011-01-22T09:46:00.000-08:00

It is snowing AGAIN this weekend. I am beginning to think I am in a bad dream. Not only is it snowing this weekend but the rumor is that next weekend we will get major snow. Unbelievable!!!

I'm still working on the RRCB mystery. Down to the last borders. I hope to get this finished today. It is very unlikely that I will venture into town to get any batting, it's crazy down here when it snows.

A friend recommended I watch The Expendables this weekend. I did, last night, against my better judgement. What a bloody movie. I should have known better!!

I have a pork roast in the crock pot and I am about to make some of Judy L's donut muffins. Then I will settle down at the machine and hopefully get my borders on while watching it snow.

Carol

It's Snowing AGAIN!!!

2011-01-10T05:43:00.000-08:00

I think this is the third snowfall this year. I have to admit it is very pretty but that is as far as it goes. It can stop any time!!

Kendall was at my house for the weekend. We watched movies, read books, played games and she played with the dogs. I did get a little sewing in while she watched one of her movies for the third or fourth time. Roll, Roll Cotton Boll is coming along - Bonnie Hunter's mystery.

Kendall gave each of the dogs bows around their necks. Lucky even got one on his leg.

We had fun putting together her princess puzzle. With the snow comes a day at home. I usually go to K's house to babysit on Monday but when it snows in the South we pretty much close up shop and stay home. So - off to the sewing machine!

Destructo Dog

2010-12-31T10:24:00.000-08:00

He looks harmless.

Another Christmas quilt from a Thimbleberries pattern. This one has also been in the works for a long time. Again, 2004 maybe. It goes in the waiting to be quilted stack.

Not What I Expected

2010-12-31T10:13:00.000-08:00

The last couple of years there has been way too much snow for North Carolina. I don't like it a bit, not one bit!

Holiday Lights by Alex Anderson, a retreat project from 2009. My version is minus the lights but I added some crystals. I still have to put more on but it did have enough to hang. It sparkles in the sun, love it!

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T09:12:00.001-08:00

I have been busy, enjoying the season, working on projects. I finally finished Hometown Christmas. I think I started this one in 2004 or 5, can't remember when it came out. It is finished and on the guest bed. These pics are all from my cell phone - so not the best but quick and fun.

Little Kendall all snuggled in under the new quilt. She was over for a baking weekend. We had a great time. I wish the other grand kids lived closer but Noelle and her family were here for the week of Thanksgiving. It was so nice to have 4 of the grand kids together. Lucky was busy. He must have seen a cat in the backyard. He is a rescued dog, I am beginning to understand why he was homeless. This is the second set of blinds for the bedroom, each set gets cheaper. Think I am going to vinyl this time.

Some of the string blocks for Bonnie Hunter's current mystery.

A customer's t-shirt quilt. I didn't just quilt this one but made it start to finish.

Just some of the things keeping me busy. I hope everyone has a fantastic New Year holiday! Stay safe and keep stitching!!

Carol

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-24T05:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!! I am getting ready to go to town and pick up those last minute items. Have to get some fresh shrimp and some of the local winery's holiday wine, then it's off to visit with family. Four of the grand kids are together this week, having a great time playing together. There are two 3 year olds, one 5 and baby Grady.

I have been able to sneak in a little sewing and knitting this week. Eighty of the scrappy stars are done and ready to be pressed, Hometown Christmas is loaded on the quilting machine and progress continues on my socks. I think I am the world's slowest knitter!

He's Just Too Cute!!

2010-11-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

A couple of pictures that the photographer posted of Grady's last session.

Grady's quilt

2010-10-31T10:18:00.001-07:00

Grady, my youngest grand child was born the end of Jan of this year. I just got his quilt finished. The nursery is decorated in orange and black hence the orange and black flames. On the back are motorcycles with another piece of the flame material down the center.

Carol

Le Petite

2010-10-31T10:04:00.000-07:00

Paganini, the first project for La Petite. I think it took me longer to do the scalloped border than the entire rest of the quilt. I used Three Sisters Chocolate and a little Wuthering Heights. I enjoyed making my first Schnibbles. It looks cute hanging in my bedroom right now but will make a nice table topper or little splash of color across the back of the couch too.

Carol

All is Well

2010-09-03T05:05:00.000-07:00

Thank you Faye. My area came through without a scratch. A little breezy and few sprinkles is all we saw of Earl.

The last I heard the storm was on its way to Cape Cod. I hope it fizzles out before it gets there!

Carol

Earl

2010-09-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

Depending on which weather channel you listen to, some form of Earl will be arriving tonight. The latest I have heard is that the area I live in will experience more of a tropical storm, good news us. Emerald Isle, about a 20 minute drive from here, was evacuated early this morning. It is a very narrow strip of land with the sound on one side and ocean on the other. I'm usually wishing I could live out there but times like these I am glad I am a little inland.

The sky is dark and the wind is picking up. I have most of the outdoor furniture and hanging plants and the grill tucked away. Now just to wait. I think it will be a long night!

Carol

Emmett

2010-08-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

My Emmett. 11-11-2000 to 8-12-10 Nothing is as silent as the absence of a loved one.

One More Quilted

2010-07-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

Starry, Starry Night has been in the to be quilted pile for many years. I picked up this pattern when I went to the Sisters Quilt Show in 2005 and made it right away. The backing and the top have just been waiting. I think one reason I didn't get it done before now was that I couldn't decide how to quilt it. Finally I just did a free hand. The quilt is so busy it hardly shows anyway.

Glad I can cross this one off the list. I'm putting the machine part of the binding on this evening and then it will be next after the Chelsea Cottage binding.

Summer Breeze is Quilted

2010-07-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

I really like the batik that I found for the back. Perfect colors. I will be binding tomorrow and plan to mail this off to my SIL Monday.

Carol

Chelsea Cottage

2010-07-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

Chelsea Cottage is finally quilted. I don't do custom quilting very often so it is far from perfect. It is mine though and I can live with it. I need to trim a lot of threads yet and get it squared up but since I am running about a week behind I will set it aside until Summer Breezes is quilted.

Several of the Alex Anderson retreat group purchased this kit from In Between Stitches at sew night. In Between Stitches, in Livermore CA, has opened their sewing room for pre-retreaters the last couple of years. It is a nice little get together for those of us who arrive early.

This quilt is from the book You're Invited by Barb Adams and Alma Allen, Blackbird designs. I love their books!

Off to quilt Summer Breezes and then I have one customer quilt that has to be finished by Sunday evening.

Carol

Summer Breeze

2010-07-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

Summer Breeze from Scrap Basket Surprises by Kim Brackett is the quilt I chose to make for my Sister-in-Law, Wendy. Wendy was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will have her second chemo treatment next week. I hope to be able to find backing and get it quilted over the weekend and off in the mail Tuesday. That may be a lot to hope for but I am going to try. Seems like I always forget to buy the backing. I wanted to use the same fabric collection, Fresh Cotton, but I don't want to have to wait on an order. I need to get in the habit of getting everything I need at one time.

Also a picture of my nine patch mess. This quilt is taking forever to put together. I need to get back to it, I'm tired of looking at it!

Carol

Thursday

2010-06-11T06:32:00.000-07:00

More family fun

2010-06-10T06:29:00.001-07:00

Pool Day

2010-06-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

Pool Day Cont.

2010-06-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

Busy Week

2010-06-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

Each of the kids got a crayon roll.

Natalie, 1yr.

Natalie and Grady 4 mo.

My three kids are all together this week. The grand kids are having fun playing together enjoying the ocean and the pool. A couple of pics from yesterday.

Some Planting

2010-05-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

I am off to Lowes this morning to finish getting the plants for the porch planters and some fresh dirt. Since we have had such early summer weather it seems everything is pretty picked over. I don't need a lot so maybe I will get lucky. I also need to replace the watering hose and get a new sprinkler. Seems sprinklers have a very short life around here.

I haven't done much in the way of sewing since my big finish of the DWR. Guess I needed a little break. Maybe today I can make some progress on the planting and spring cleaning and settle down to some sewing. I still have the nine patch out to work on, all the blocks are ready so I just have to get it together. The quilting machine is open for one of my quilts right now also. No customer quilts waiting at the moment. How odd. I guess the 5 new machine quilters in the area are making an impact on my workload. Sometimes it is nice to have a break!

I did have a moment of insanity and went Harley shopping last week. Thank goodness I came to my senses and didn't buy one. Sales people have been calling me all week. Yikes, I have to stay strong. Too many other things to spend the $ on!

Carol

Finally, Finally, Finally!!!

2010-04-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

The DWR is finished, well except for the label. It's been a long process but I am happy with it and so happy that it is finished!!!

Snow

2010-03-05T19:19:00.000-08:00

Not a normal sight here in coastal North Carolina. My backyard and view from the living room windowl

Nothing much

2010-03-05T19:12:00.000-08:00

Not much of anything going here. I finally got some pictures loaded to the computer so I have some snow pics from a few weeks ago. Also the second vintage charm block is finished and a picture of paddlewheels and pinwheels.

My oldest daughter was here a couple weeks ago to visit Sherry and new baby Graydn so I am adding a couple pics from their visit. Kendall was enjoying her chocolate fondue. The top pic is Arlena, she is two months older than Kendall. The last picture is Mason, the oldest of my grand children.

Soup's on

2010-02-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

The soup is cooking, the potato soup from the Loopy Ewe blog, the bread is rising, from Paula Reid's blog and the mini poppy seed cakes are baking, from S Living. Thank you bloggers for sharing!

I must get busy in the quilt room now, have 2 customer quilts that need to be delivered on Tues.

I did finish the binding on the Lovers Knot. The Olympics gave me a great opportunity to sit and stitch. I will miss the games!

Off to quilt!

Carol

More UFO's Completed

2010-02-12T19:34:00.000-08:00

The swap quilt in civil war fabrics made in Marlene's memory is all together. I love this block. Bonnie Hunter's Orange Crush. I packed this one to CA 2 years in a row to work on while at retreat, glad to get it done. I like how it turned out. Nice and bright. All the fabrics came from my scraps and stash. I am going to have to make more scrap quilts because the scraps are taking up too much space.

And finally Thimbleberries Hometown Christmas. I can hardly believe it is finally put together. I think I started it in 2004. It will be fun to quilt but it is rather big and will take me forever.

The next project is Paddle wheels and Pinwheels, another Thimbleberry pattern but I am doing it in Sentimental Journey fabric.

Progress on the piecing feels good but I sure am getting behind on the quilting!

Carol

Movin' On Up

2010-02-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

A couple of finishes, at least in the construction process. The Chelsea Garden and the DWR are ready to quilt. I hope this is just laying wonky because I didn't straighten it out or it will be a bear to quilt!

I will be so glad when this one is finished and on its way to CA.

Carol

Gradyn Nicolas

2010-01-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

Gradyn Nicolas arrived on Monday, weighing 9 lbs and 8 oz. Gradyn and his Mom are doing fine and should be home today. We are having a winter storm this weekend, the roads aren't bad yet so I hope they get out of the hospital before things go down hill.

On the quilting front the DWR is finally ready to be quilted. After getting a couple of customer quilts done this weekend hopefully I can get it finished this week!

It Was Pretty

2010-01-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

My first finish of 2010. This poor quilt, I think I started it in 99, it was one of the first to be quilted on my quilting machine. I didn't like the way it turned out so it got tossed in a closet for a long time. I would take it out from time to time and pull out stitches. It made the move to NC from Indiana and then last Christmas it went back to In for something for me to work on for the long drive home. Finally got quilted last fall and I just finished binding it last night. It was a pretty red, green and white. Then I washed it... it is now red, green and pink. Guess this quilt was just not meant to be.

Still Here

2009-12-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Still here, still plugging away at the usual. Doesn't seem like there is ever any extra time to blog. If I could only teach the dogs to help me with the housework...

I have been doing a little Christmas sewing. Dylan's I Spy quilt is made and has arrived in CA. I am now working on Kendall's. I should be able to put the rows together tonight and get it quilted sometime this week. My goal was to have it done by Sunday but that didn't work out.

I installed new blinds in my bedroom on Sunday, which took most of the day. It shouldn't have, but it did. Lucky stays in my room when I am gone. One day I forgot to pull up one of the blinds so he could see out. There are windows on both sides of my bed. My house is on a little hill so he has a birds eye view of the back yard and the neighbors back yard. Apparently he likes both blinds open so he just ripped the one I left down in half. So I hope to remember to pull both of them up before leaving. I also installed the one remaining intact blind in the guest room where he had eaten a little hole in the that blind. He sure has cost me a lot of $ over the years!

This picture of Lucky makes me laugh every time I look at it. This is probably how he feels when I tell people about the bad things he does.

I am off to tidy up the kitchen and head over to Kendall's to babysit today. Looks like a nice day - no rain so maybe we get a little walk in today.

Carol

Another one of my own

2009-09-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

The pumpkin quilt is hanging in my kitchen. It looks very nice there. I see it from my front door when I walk in the house. Very nice greeting.

The Lovers Knot is now just waiting for binding. It is big enough for my bed and then some. I worked on this one a few years ago while caring for my Mom. I took my machine to her house and whenever she napped I would sew. I finally finished it last fall or sometime last year. It has just been waiting for an open space in the quilting schedule.

Today I need to load a customer quilt and also hope to prep some more flowers for the DWR.

My friend Sylvia and I are working on our own little BOM also. I need to finish block 1 today. I can't believe Oct is just right around the corner.

Carol

Pics

2009-09-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

I figured out why I couldn't upload any pictures. Forgot to check the agreement to terms box.

Getting Things Done

2009-09-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that the few people that read my blog have seen these pictures from the message board but I am going to put them here also. I can move some things around on my lists too!!

Labor day weekend and this weekend have been mostly sewing for myself!! A couple of customer quilts thrown in. It feels good to get some quilts on to their next respective stages.

I have to take some time out today for household chores but hope to get back to sewing this afternoon.

Guess I will have to add pics later, can't seem to do it now.

Carol

DWR

2009-08-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

I am finally getting back to the DWR. I need to cut the setting triangles and start putting it together.

Carol

Natalie's Baby 9

2009-08-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

This is my new grand daughter's quilt that I delivered to CA in July. I love this pattern. This is the second one I have made for grand daughters. My next baby quilt needs to be done by Feb., Sherry and Brandon are expecting a baby boy. I don't have a favorite boy quilt pattern, will have to start looking.

Carol

Ice Cream Ride

2009-08-09T16:13:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a motorcycle ride with friends. I went as a passenger since I haven't really shopped for a bike yet. We went 77 miles for ice cream and the shop was closed!! We were told they were open on Sundays - ? That is the farthest I have ever gone just for ice cream! It was 100 degrees today so we were pretty happy when we found a Dairy Queen. It was a fun day even with all that heat.

Not much sewing going on this weekend. I did do a little garage organizing, hung some shelves, and found some long lost needlework. I also found a sack of acorn squash that my brother brought to me last Nov. It was not a pretty sight.

Off for a cool shower and then a little sewing. I'm back to the DWR. I have 9 more sections to put together and then I can start putting it into rows.

Carol

Mission Accomplished

2009-08-02T14:46:00.000-07:00

This is what I did the whole weekend. Motorcycle classes started on Friday evening, continued all day Saturday and we finished up today. I passed both the skills and the written test. Now all I have to do is go to the DMV and take another written test and I'm good to go. I never thought I would be riding a motorcycle at my age. Just goes to prove you can still teach an old lady new tricks. I have enjoyed the class and am looking forward to getting my own bike.

Carol

Finally

2009-07-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

This is not a good picture but I am finally finished with the t-shirt quilt I have been making for a customer. I have been working on it off and on of since Feb., I think. I finally got it all together last week, put it on the machine on Sunday and just finished quilting it tonight. What a nightmare!! Even though I used interfacing on every shirt there was a lot of shifting. Seems I had to tweak every row. I think I should have used a large meander instead of trying to use a pattern and quilting it from the back of the machine. It is really big. 99x96. Now to get the binding done. I will never do this again!!!

Home Again

2009-07-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

I'm back from CA. I had a wonderful time meeting my new grand daughter and catching up with Dylan.

Neal, Monika and the kids just moved into their first house. They have remodeled the kitchen - it's almost done - very pretty. I think the yard will be there next project. Dylan is loving his yard. They had lived in an apartment so Dylan hadn't had a yard before now.

Did a lot of shopping, got to visit with Sylvia and visited a nature park with Monika and Dylan.

Of course I have tons of stuff to catch up on here. Customer quilts are waiting and then there is always the yard. My flowers on my front porch got toasted while I was away so they have to be re planted.

I will post pictures of my grand kids as well as the finished baby quilt later.

Carol

Melting

2009-06-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

I was doing some shopping on Sat for my upcoming trip to CA when my daughter called to tell me that she had just gotten her AC fixed, it went out Fri. night. The tech told her that the part he replaced typically only lasted 5 years. So she says, you are next. Sure enough when I got home in the afternoon my AC was out!!! I am waiting for the repair guy now and hoping that I got home in time to shut off the unit before it burned up. Hopefully some of it will be covered by the warranty. My poor dogs are suffering, they are so used to being comfy cool.

I will be finishing the hand sewing on Natalie's baby quilt this morning while waiting. Hopefully I will get a picture posted when it is all finished. Another baby 9's. I used some of the Moda Clementine collection for it. Best of all I get to deliver it in person. I arrive in San Francisco late Tues. Not only do I get to spend time with the kids - I get to have a day with my friend Sylvia. Should be a great trip - hope the AC issues are fixed today so my dog sitter doesn't melt while I'm gone. She may not ever want to come back!!

Carol

Sand Sharks

2009-06-12T04:08:00.000-07:00

Kendall and her cousin John look over the sand shark that John caught. He caught 4 sand sharks and one flounder.

Week at the Beach

2009-06-11T13:46:00.001-07:00

I have been enjoying this week at the beach with my family. My brother and I have taken a bike ride each morning, some long, some not. We have done a lot of shopping and tried out a couple of new restaurants along the bike trail. The grand kids are enjoying playing together, playing in the pool and the ocean. The week is speeding by, only one more bike ride. They will be packing up on Sat and heading home.

Busy Weekend

2009-05-31T16:41:00.000-07:00

Another weekend has flown by. I finally got my porch flower boxes planted but have a lot of attending to the landscaping to be done yet. I have never been this late planting and getting things shaped up in the yard before. I guess there has just been too much going on.

My daughter's dog Derby seems to be failing. He has been on medication to give him a little more time before the cancer takes him from us. He doesn't act sick, he still plays and does everything he always did except eat. His medication did help him to eat but he is beginning to slack off again. Such a hard time. This isn't the best picture of him, he is such a cutie. He knows what days I come to take care of Kendall and sits on the couch and watches out the window for me.

I did manage to get a customer quilt loaded and the quilting started. Also, a few DWR blocks made and another row of the CW swap quilt together. No sewing tonight. After cleaning, shopping, quilting and planting I'm ready for a good hot shower and off to bed for a little reading.

Carol

So Many Projects

2009-05-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

I have listed the projects that I have unearthed so far. I'm afraid there are many, many more. Yikes, I need to concentrate on these!

My friend Sylvia and I are challenging each other to get some projects finished up. I think it will be fun and motivating. My challenge for June is to finish the civil war swap block quilt, completely. I will also be working on the DWR and Neal and Monika's baby quilt. So much to do!!

Taking Control of Clutter

2009-05-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

I spent last evening and this morning trying to organize my quilting. It seems to be taking over my house. I usually have someone stay at the house to care for my dogs when I go away. This always entails taking all the quilting stuff off the guest bed, moving it into the quiting room. When I return I have to move everything out of the quilting room to work. Enough. I am going to get this mess put away. I started with scraps. They seem to multiply. I have them in baskets, sacks and boxes. This morning I bought 2 big tubs and have one full, waiting by the cutting table. I still have some more to round up. The plan is to cut a little every day and get them organized. I will follow Bonnie Hunter's plan. I need to get some bins yet. Of course that means I will have to find a place to put the bins, which leads to cleaning out the closet and cabinets in the sewing room. It's just like a snowball, the job keeps getting bigger. That's what I will be doing this week and trying to squeeze in a few stitches on the never ending double wedding ring and loading and quilting a customer quilt.

Finally, computer is fixed

2009-05-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

My computer is finally fixed. How I missed it!!! I need to get some of my pics transferred to CD to clean up some space yet.

We attended Brandon's graduation ceremony in Quantico, VA this past week. He is finished with his officer training but will now have to go to Maryland for 4 more weeks of training. He leaves on Tuesday.

After the ceremony we headed into DC for the afternoon. It has been many years since I last visited here when the kids were little. It was nice to go back. This is a picture of the unknown soldier's memorial. We saw the changing of the guard and a presentation of a wreath from a local school.

These are the graves of JFK and Jackie and two of their children.

Of course we had to walk by the White House.

And the Washington monument. We also visited the Lincoln monument and the VN memorial. By the time we got to the VN memorial it was getting dark, so no pics. The memorial was very crowded, lots of people looking for the names on the wall.

It was a beautiful day, very warm with a nice breeze. I don't think I have walked that much in one day in a very long time. I walked for another hour yesterday getting the back yard mowed so today I am going to sew. Hopefully get some of the DWR blocks together!! Tomorrow morning I may get the front yard done and some schrubs trimmed. I haven't even started planting flowers yet!!

Carol

Neal and Natalie

2009-05-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hope Sherry doesn't mind, I saved this to her pics so I could post it.

Welcome Natalie Jane

2009-05-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

My son Neal and his wife Monika and little Dylan welcomed Natalie Jane into the family yesterday evening. Natalie is a month early!! Now I will have to hustle to get her quilt done. I am making a Baby Nines but don't even have it started yet.

I am waiting on pictures. They live in the Bay area so not sure when I will get to visit, thinking July, but just thinking as of now.

My computer is down so I can't post any pics of my latest projects. I finished the multi color socks and started another pair of toe up socks. I want to explore other techniques but wanted to get this one down before moving on. My next pair is in shades of blue and green. Really enjoying knitting again and getting together with other knitters on Friday evenings.

Today, before coming over to Kendall's to babysit, I worked on putting together my kitchen island. JCP had a 50% off sale plus free shipping. I had been thinking of getting an island for awhile so I ordered it. I'm glad I didn't have to pay postage since the box weighed 119#. That was a trick getting it in the door but after a little struggling I managed to get it inside. It hasn't been too hard to put together - hope to finish it tonight. Then I have to figure out where to move the computer desk that is in kitchen where I want to put the island.

On the sewing front I have gotten about 3 rows of the Civil War quilt put together. Need to order border fabrics yet. The t-shirt quilt is coming along. Ordered a bolt of backing and fill in fabric on Monday. I will be glad when that job is finished. Not much time to sew with the yard work. Sometimes I think I see a townhouse or condo in my future and other times I think I would miss the yard work.

Hope to get my computer fixed soon and get some pics posted.

Carol

Daybook

2009-04-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling...Sad
I'm seeing...Derby playing outside
I'm thinking...How can he act so happy when he is so sick (Derby is my daughter's dog)
I'm appreciating...Being here with Kendall
I'm cooking...herbed chicken, green beans and creamy rice
I'm planning...nothing
I'm reading...Diane Mott Davidson, The (something) Torte, I can't remember the name
I'm wearing...blue jeans and a plaid cotton shirt
I'm creating...knitted socks
I'm hearing...Kendall laugh at Dora
I'm enjoying...the weather, even the rain
I'm sharing...nothing today

Obsessed with Socks

2009-04-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

I seem to be obsessed with socks. I am in the home stretch on the first pair and have already cast on the second pair. This time on dp needles working top down. I haven't worked on any of my sewing projects for a couple of weeks now. I just want to knit.

These are the beautiful swap blocks that arrived a couple weeks ago. I am going to do a simple lay out of 6 x 6 with 3 small borders and one wide one. I need to order the fabric today. I want to get this quilt finished and displayed in my living room. Such a nice memory of Marlene.

I purchased a sock book this week. It is pretty fun with the flip pages. All kinds of possibilities.

I do have to get some work done today. Another customer quilt is on the agenda along with repair to a comforter. I hope to squeeze in a little time to work on the t-shirt quilt and of course I will be knitting a little this evening.

Carol

Busy, Busy

2009-04-13T17:30:00.001-07:00

I took on the task of making a t-shirt quilt for a customer. These are a few of the shirts. I think the quilt will be a queen size. I have about 1/2 of them fused, then onto finding a good lay out.

Little Kendall was intent on egg coloring. She seemed to have a good time but it was all over too soon. I still haven't figured out how to remove an extra photo so she's here twice.

Knitting is coming right along. I have finished the heels and am in the home stretch. I have cast on a second pair of socks, this time on dp needles. I think I already know that I like the toe up ones better.

Progress

2009-03-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

They don't look much like socks and they look pretty small but they do fit. That's the neat thing about the toe up socks, you can try them on as you go.

Knit Night

2009-03-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

Whew, I'm recovering from knit night. Who knew knitting could be so social. The little shop was packed last night with ladies. The wine was flowing as well as the conversation. What fun. The evening was pleasant and warm. The door to the knit shop was open and we could hear music from the Irish Pub a few doors down. There was also smoke from the cigar shop drifting our way, not so great but not so strong that it was unpleasant.

I started my socks over for the third time, on the third pair of needles. I am using a 1 now and I think I am finally pulling the ends tight enough to not leave a big hole. The socks I am making are toe up socks on circular needles, making both socks at once. I came home and worked on them until I couldn't see straight. I really want to work on them this morning but maybe I should get busy on my customer quilts!! Marlene's string quilt is ready to quilt too, just need to squeeze it in between customers. Guess I'd better get busy.

Carol

Afternoon Walk

2009-03-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Lucky and I did slip off to the beach yesterday afternoon. He is enjoying the fresh air, hearing the waves and probably dreaming of actually catching one of those birds he likes to chase. Really, I think the sun was in his eyes. It was a lovely day and we had a nice walk.

Little Kendall discovered my wind chimes this morning when she came to visit. She was here while her Daddy put dead bolt locks on my doors. With the increase in break ins I feel a little safer with the locks on.

This is the customer quilt that I finished up yesterday. I used Daisy Swirl on it. I really like the way it came out. It is a beautiful quilt, she did a nice job with the colors.

Off to load another top, then maybe a little stitching on one of my projects later this evening.

Carol

Busy Saturday

2009-03-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

I have so many things to do I don't know where to start. Guess it will be finishing up a customer quilt and load the next one. I have one HS quilt ready to quilt and another one almost together. It's a beautiful day and there is lots of yard work to do. I think that will wait until tomorrow. I did get the grass cut in the backyard this week. The weeping willow has come to life again and looks so pretty. The daffodils are in bloom although only a couple came up this year.

I'd better get busy, I know I will have to take time out to play with the dogs sometime today - maybe even sneak in a walk on the beach with Lucky, I know he wants to go!!

Carol

Yet Another Project

2009-03-14T15:04:00.001-07:00

Well I have been wishing that there was a yarn shop close by. Turns out there is. Just a few minutes from my house. It's called the Salty Sheep Yarn Shop. I visited it this morning, signed up for a sock class and was invited to the Friday night knit-in. The knitters get together every week, knit and drink wine. Sounds like a perfect evening to me.

Guess I will have some bright socks. There were so many beautiful yarns to pick from, it was a hard choice. The quilting guild raffle quilt is finished. Can't post a picture of that one. It is a new pattern that hasn't been released yet. I'm sure that will be happening soon so the ladies can begin selling tickets. I'm taking the day off from quilting to do a little cleaning.

I will do a little sewing this evening. I have received more blocks to make Marlene's HS quilts.

Carol

Jane's Booth

2009-03-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

A couple of pictures of my friend Jane's booth that I helped with at the quilt show. Jane sells Quilt in a Day products for the East coast shows. We packed up in warp speed on Sunday afternoon to beat the bad weather home. We had to drive through lots of wind and rain but no snow or ice.

Playing catch up this weekend. This is the third year that I have quilted the raffle quilt for the Relay for Life. It is lists of cancer survivors. Another very nice quilt for the raffle this year.

Back to work. I am quilting another raffle quilt, this time for the local quilt guild. I think I measured it at 92x92 - so I must keep at it.

Carol

Quilt Show

2009-02-25T20:26:00.000-08:00

I'm heading out to VA in the morning to the Mid Atlantic Quilt Show. I will be working with my friend Jane in her Quilt in a Day booth. I am looking forward to this little get away. I have made a list of things I would like to purchase so hopefully I will stick to it!!

Carol

A little stitching

2009-02-24T19:40:00.000-08:00

I put together the first 2 rows of Marlene's HS quilt. It looks so pretty!! I received more blocks in the mail yesterday. There are going to be some pretty quilts donated in her memory!!

I worked a little on N&M's DWR. It looks kind of rough right now but I think it will be okay. I wouldn't use this method of making a DWR again. I just hope it is presentable when I get done. It has been such a long process. I'm planning a backup quilt if this one doesn't look good. It will be much simpler to make.

Well I see the HS picture is on here twice. Don't know how to get it off without starting over!!

Carol

Sunday's quilting

2009-02-23T06:51:00.001-08:00

My customer quilt is finished, put in the last stitches this morning. I really like this panto, Feather Me.

This is the stack of Heartstrings waiting for me. Hopefully I can start on them tonight after getting home from watching Kendall.

I was in hopes that Kendall and I would go for a walk today but it is a bit chilly. Beautiful sunshine - so maybe.

Carol

2009

2009-02-22T18:56:00.000-08:00

So far not a good year. The loss of yet another quilting friend heightens the reality of how swiftly we can leave this earth. I have to believe that these two women are in a better place but even that thought doesn't erase the sadness.

I have finished my swap blocks for Marlene's memory quilt. It will be a beautiful quilt, I am anxious to get it put together. Memories of retreats together, sewing late into the night ,were with me last night as I finished up the blocks. I will now be working on putting together some Heartstring blocks made by Mar's friends to be donated in her memory. I am also going to start a few blocks for Mary Ann to be assembled by some of her friends in quilts to raise money for breast cancer research in her honor. These projects are helping me in a way to ease the loss. I love quilting and I love the friends that I have made over the years. It sure is hard to lose them.

On a happier note - I spent the day with Kendall and Sherry. We went out to lunch, shopping and stopped by Sherry's office. Sherry moved some things around in the office while I chased Kendall, trying to keep her out of things. I did teach her how to turn on the water fountain, she had fun playing in the water. A Grandma's gotta do what a Grandma's gotta do!! I have been quilting since getting home. Two more rows on this customer's quilt and it's done. I think I will finish it in the morning!

Carol

Swap blocks and T-shirt quilt

2009-02-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

Swap blocks are about 1/2 finished. They are pretty blocks and will make a beautiful quilt.

And - the t-shirt quilt is done. This is the back.

This is the front. Pardon the messy quilting room!! I used the popcorn panto and it turned out pretty good. There was a lot of drag on the machine, from the combination of the t-shirt fabric and the pellon and the batting.

My customer made this quilt for her daughter and will be sending it to Jerusalem. I bet it costs a small fortune to mail, it's very heavy. My goal was to quilt 2 quilts this weekend and only finished the one. I will have to get up early tomorrow and get the second loaded before I go to Kendall's house to babysit.

Back to stitching.

Carol

Quilting, Quilting

2009-02-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

I have loaded a dreaded quilt on the machine. I guess I was more stressed than I thought over this one cause now that it is going along nicely I feel so relieved. It is a t-shirt quilt, top and bottom. The first block had a lot of that rubbery writing and pictures and the machine just did not want to move over it. I was concerned about stretching and puckers. It is going pretty good. The t-shirts all have the pellon on the back plus the batting so it is kind of thick. Some of the things I get myself into!!

Other than that I have been getting some string blocks done and some swap blocks finished. The swap blocks are very pretty!!

Back to work.

Carol

Productive Day

2009-02-08T20:24:00.000-08:00

Even though it was an absolutely beautiful day I spent most of it inside. I did get out a little to meet a friend for lunch and then to Lowes for a new iron. My Rowenta lasted about 10 years but finally gave up. I bought another one today, my cheap replacement for the Rowenta was smoking so I thought I'd better pitch it before I burned down the house!!

I finished 10 swap blocks today and started another 12 Heartstring blocks. I also colored some of the paper foundations for the twisted log cabin. The DWR is set aside again until I get the swap blocks done, 20 to go.

Carol

Nothing quilty here

2009-02-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of cutting Miss Kendall's hair for the first time. She was a little angel, of course. That baby fine hair is so hard to cut but I did manage to get her bangs out of her eyes. She has a little fuzz ball in the back of her head that drives her Mom crazy but that will just have to grow out.
I will be quilting a customer quilt today and hopefully getting it delivered. Then I plan to work on swap blocks and Heartstrings. N&M's double wedding ring is being pushed aside again and I was making such great progress. As soon as the swap blocks are finished it's back to the DWR.

Carol

Out and About

2009-02-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Sherry, Kendall and I attended Brandon's promotion ceremony at Quantico where Brandon is attending officer training. A very interesting place to visit.
We also got some shopping in. Visited an Ikea store. What a great store. I had never been to Ikea before so I was kind of in awe.

Now it's back to sewing and quilting again. I did get a little applique done over the weekend and just about finished my second knitted scarf. I'd better hurry and get it done, hopefully our cold weather is pretty much over for this winter.

Carol

Beautiful Pie Safe

2009-01-22T18:28:00.001-08:00

My brother made this pie safe for his daughter. I have put in my request for one also, only with glass in the doors. I think it will make a nice cabinet to display my quilts. I will have to wait awhile for it cause he has a "list". Then the next thing will be figuring out how to get it down here. Minor detail.

Carol

Snow, Snow, Go Away!!

2009-01-20T14:47:00.000-08:00

I know this doesn't look like much compared to what a lot of the country has in the way of snow but it is sure a lot for this part of NC. It is cold and windy and just plain yucky. This county is not prepared to deal with any kind of snow, the schools were closed, the Marine base was closed and as the day went on lots of businesses shut down also. There were accidents galore, mostly because people in the South are not accustomed to driving on slick snow and ice covered roads. My son-in-law was involved in one of those accidents. He was on his way to Virginia for four months of training. A small truck lost control on a patch of ice and slammed into his huge truck. Brandon hit the other truck on the passenger side, his front tire ending up in the passenger seat. Thank God there was not anyone in that seat. Brandon is fine but the other driver is not. He was able to stand when the EMS got him out of the truck but appeared to have severe injuries. The least of all of it is that Brandon's truck is most likely a total loss. I am just so thankful that he was not hurt and I hope the other person fully recovers from his injuries. What a day!!

This is where I will be tonight. Counting my blessings and hoping the snow will be gone by tomorrow.

Carol

Cleaning, cardmaking and sewing

2009-01-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

I made a couple of cards this morning. One is for a friend who's son was in a motorcycle accident and had to undergo reconstruction surgery on his face. He is doing well but sounds like a long recovery. Then I made Mason's birthday card. He will be four next week. Making his birthday card gave me a chance to play with my new Slice design cutter.

Also been working on the DWR again. I have quite a few arcs and melons together.

I heard on the news that it is supposed to snow tonight, 3 - 5 inches a couple hours North of here. I hope it misses this area. I had enough when I was home in Dec.

Carol

Top finished

2009-01-11T16:14:00.001-08:00

This is the "planned" scrappy that I started at Alex's retreat. I usually wait until about a month before the next retreat to try and finish my project to take with me. So - I'm ahead of the game for a change. I am going to get the binding ready this evening and then try and get it quilted later this week. This is a Kaye England pattern. I took one of her classes a few years ago and have been wanting to get this quilt together since the class. Most of it was from my stash with a few pieces of Prairie Paisley to tie it altogether.

Carol

I Spy

2009-01-10T12:14:00.001-08:00

This is Arlena's I Spy quilt that I made her for Christmas.

Mason's was square, I think I like the square shape better than this long and narrow one. I have two more I Spy quilts to make this year. I was discussing the I Spy quilts with a friend the other day and she gave me her whole collection of I Spy fabrics. So - I'm all set for the next two.

Carol

More Christmas Pictures

2009-01-07T15:34:00.001-08:00

After leaving Northern In we went to Southern In to visit my oldest daughter and her family. This is Mason having a good time opening Arlena's I Spy quilt. He was so excited for her to get her own IS. He really enjoys his and now he won't have to share!!

It was a little brisk, but not the take your breath away cold that we experienced up North. The kids had a good time on Mason and Arlena's swing set.

The girls played nicely together.

And although none of the kids look too thrilled, we did have fun in the tent.

Carol

Pictures from Home

2009-01-03T08:32:00.001-08:00

We went to feed the cows. They will surely need those winter coats with the cold winter they are having. That morning it was 4. The cows are in the barn at the old home place that my parents owned. It's about a 10 mile drive everyday to feed and water them.

This picture shows the barn at my brother's house with "some" of the winter wood supply. He heats his house with mainly wood, having a wood furnace, a wood cooking stove in the summer kitchen and another wood heating stove in a room he built onto the summer kitchen. This barn is used for a garage and workshop. No cows allowed.

The barn was built in 1850 and the house about 10 years later.

The snow was covered in ice so there wasn't really an opportunity to get out and play in it. There was a pond that we could have ice skated on but it was just too difficult to get to the ice.

Carol