Quilting and Stuff

Construction

2010-12-07T16:03:00.001-06:00

My blog site is under construction please bear with me while I finish it.

Family update and frustrations

2010-04-08T21:12:00.003-05:00

Well mom was released from the hospital on April 2. She has been recovering remarkablly quick considering how bad she had been. The frustration comes in that she still needs some help and unfortunatly my own health has been compromised because of having to take care of her for the last couple of months. Boy when life gives a person hurdles, I sure seem to get them. But I have to remember that God will not give me more than I can handle. I just wish some days it was a little less, so I had a chance to rest. Anyway hopefully I will get back to my passion of quilting.

Mom update

2010-03-21T09:09:00.002-05:00

Yesterday mom was taken off the ventilator and is breathing on her own. God did a miracle and I am so greatful and happy to hear my mom's voice again. She has a long ways to go and is not completely out of the woods, but everyday she is getting stronger.

Update on Mom

2010-03-13T19:08:00.002-06:00

As of this afternoon the doctors were trying to get mom to start breathing with less assistance from the ventilator. Unfortunatly she is unable to do this yet. Over the next several days the doctors will keep running this test in hopes that she will be able to breath with out the machine. My prayers are that she is not suffering for this is a long process and unfortunatly the days that she is able to be on the ventilator are counting down we have 8 days left before a major decision is made. Nothing like putting mom on a time table to get something done, she is stubborn and will do things when she wants too, but right now she's got to start trying.

Unknown

2010-03-09T22:41:00.002-06:00

I just realized that it has been a while since I posted. But have been so busy taking care of my mom. Unfortunatly she was admitted into the hospital on Sunday and just today was taken into the ICU and put on a ventilator to help her breathing. It is tough not knowing what is happening or if she is going to get better at the moment. So for those of you who do occasionally stop by to check I ask you to pray for her (Beth) and that God's will be done.

Out with the old in with the new

2010-01-29T21:41:00.010-06:00

I have been thinking for awhile know that this ironing board cover needed replaced. Then one day was blog hopping and landing at Moda BakeShop and found the perfect way to recover my ironing board. So yesterday I spent making this bright and fun new cover. It sure looks better than that scorched and ripped cover. I had to look back in my blog to see how long it lasted, almost two years I got out of that cover. Maybe this quilted one will last longer (fingers crossed).

So tonight after work I got right to work and ironed the fabric that I picked up for my SBS block. I have never tried y-seams before and this proved to not be the easiest thing I have tackled. I know that with practice this will be easier, but hopefully (if I'm lucky) I won't have to do many of these y-seams. This is one of them blocks that if I do get better at y-seams I may remake the block. This block is called Love in the Mist and is just a beautiful block.

Last Weeks Accomplishes

2010-01-27T21:17:00.015-06:00

Ok so it is the middle of the week but still thought I should finishing my list of accomplishments that I got accomplished and what I hope to get accomplished this week or whats left of it anyway. I did manage to finish the January and February Tiskat a Tasket blocks and start on May's block. Last year I did the March and April. So this leaves me 8 blocks to finish. I am hand appliquing these blocks and so enjoy this hand work while watching T.V. with my husband in the evening.

During the week I also managed to find time to make 3 more FWS blocks, but only got 1 SBS block done. Giving me a grand total for the week of 5 SBS blocks and 4 FWS. I realized that I did not have as much 30's fabrics left from my other projects so had to wait till I went to the quilt store to enhance my stash. Good to go for awhile. This weekend I started sorting the fabrics in my scrap tote. Oh boy did not get vary far but did manage to find some great pieces to use in my FWS. Sunday Sam and I got all her HST finished and trimmed and she learned how to iron towards the dark fabric.

My hopes for this week of course is to finish my May Tisket a Tasket and start on June's block. Of course work on more SBS and FWS blocks. I did stop by the quilt store on my lunch break to pick up the neccessary supplies to continue with my SBS. Other quilting plans finish the "Nutcracker" top I made for my husband for Christmas. I also have a project that I have been working on that needs the blocks arranged on the wall so I can finally sew them together. And of course last but not least help Sam sew her HST into a completed block. I am finding that writing my plans for the week and then posting my accomplishments is keeping me focused and getting somewhere on my WIP's.

Today's accomplishment

2010-01-18T20:15:00.012-06:00

I have managed to catch a cold, so instead of making my mom (boss) sick I stayed home from work. Granted I wanted to sleep the day away, but figured then I would be up all night. So instead I did some sewing. I managed to put together 4 blocks for my SBS and the snowball block for FWS.

Accomplishments and next weeks plans

2010-01-17T18:10:00.011-06:00

I just finished my first block from Sylvia's Bridal Sampler (SBS) called Lady of the Lake. It was paper pieced and came out really good. I love paper piecing but hate having to take of the paper off once the block is done. I joined a couple groups that are working on this book, in hopes to keep myself on track and get many of these blocks done, if I'm really ambitious I might finish the whole book and have an awesome quilt in oh a few years.

My plans for this week are to finish a couple more of my Tisket a Tasket blocks. Make another SBS block and start working on my Farmers Wife Sampler (FWS) block.

Oh and help Sam (10)get her first Saturday Sampler block done. She decided this year to join me in this once a month project. The first month we get our block then on the second Saturday of the month if we have our block made we get that months block for free, if not then we pay $5.00 for the block. She has been sewing for awhile now, but now we are learning the techniques required to actual cut, piece, and assemble the blocks. I find it fun to be teaching her, something I love and hope one day she will continue. The picture above is my finished Saturday Sampler.

What I have been working on lately

2010-01-16T09:27:00.002-06:00

I joined a group at my LQS to do some of the quilts in Remembering Adelia by Kathleen Tracy . We meet once a month on Wednesday. This month we did Turkey Tracks, I got all my blocks cut that night and yesterday I spent hours sewing these little pieces together. I am not real happy with the lighter purple sections because the white tracks are not seen easily. But was not going to redo two blocks over due to this small problem especially since everything lined up so well and I managed to not cut off any points. Of course I am having so much fun with this book I picked up another of her books "Prairie Children and Their Quilts."

Last week I prepped 8 Tisket a Tasket blocks so that I can sit and stitch in the evenings.

Snowbound

2010-01-07T19:39:00.007-06:00

Snowbound is the newst Free BOM from Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs. I think this pattern explains my weather here so will. We have had snow after snow and blizzards followed by more snow and now we have an artic freeze. Our temperatures are below zero with windchills around -37 degrees. To top this off my husbands truck battery decided to not start making me have to drive 45 minutes in blowing and drifting snow in these subzero degree weather. My little car could not get through parts of the highway forcing me to have to drive on the wrong side of the road. If I met oncoming coming traffic I would duck into my lane and wait for the vehicle to pass then I'd go back to driving on the wrong side of the road. Finally an hour and half later I arrived at Dennis work and he could drive us back home. As far as the little one she went back to school on Tuesday after Christmas break and has had the last two days off due to weather and classes have been cancelled tomorrow also due to the harsh cold and blowing and drifting snow. I normally love the snow but am ready fro Spring and temperatures over 30 degrees.

I hopy everyone is staying warm and maybe a few of you actually have nice warm weather that maybe could be sent my way.

Christmas Catch-up

2010-01-02T17:43:00.010-06:00

Oops forgot to get pictures taken off Christmas decorations before everything was taken done. Guess I'll have to try next year to get pictures. Christmas was great had all of the kids at home. Kelsie managed to get to our house safely with our grandson (Zane). Zane was born 11-25-09 and I have just been in Grandma heaven, he is such a good baby. I still can't believe she is a mom and we are now grandparents. It was such a blessing to have everyone here. On top of this we had the worst storm or should I say blizzard of all time. Got close to 14 inchs in a 24 hour period. Past the best gift of having my whole family home for Christms I got two of Jennifer Chiaverini books "Quilters Holiday" and "The Lost Quilter" also received a couple new quilt books "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler" and "The Farmer's Wife Sampler" by Laurie Aaron Hird. The blocks in these books are 6 inchs and each quilt has over 100 blocks. I'm going to be busy for a long time make small blocks. I finally finished the stitcheries from Crabapple Hill I started in June for my Sister-in-law and have gotten back to working on my "Tiskat a Tasket" that I started a year ago that Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs was so generous to give out the free patterns for. There are several projects that I would like to actually finish up and many of these are tops that need quilted. I really should make a list of my projects and their status of needs quilted, borders added, needs pieces sewn together, etc. maybe this would help me get a handle on these WIP's.

Remembering the Reason

2009-12-24T09:46:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas from mine to yours.

Christmas decorating in a new home

2009-12-16T22:19:00.002-06:00

The house is finally unpacked and I managed to figure out how to get it decorated for Christmas. It is funny how so many years one just unpacks the decorations and puts them in their homes, but when you move the normal spots are no longer there. I wasn't sure if there was going to be enough places to put up everything, I did manage to get it figured out. A home really truly does not feel like a home until one puts up Christmas. This year I will be fortunate to have all of my family home to see what awaits them under the tree. It has been years since the all the kids have spent Christmas Eve night at our house and this year it will be better because we actually have our own HOME!!!! Hopefully I can come back soon and show pictures of what I have been working on for Christmas presents this year. And maybe even have some pictures of the house all decked out for the holidays.

How to unpack

2009-06-07T16:43:00.002-05:00

I have finally started to get things organized and unpacked. And am ready to start unpacking my sewing room. I am stumped about where to even start unpacking the many boxes of stuff. How does one try to organize everything. I was smart and packed everything logically. What was previously spread throughout 4 rooms of the house was methodically packed. But now I am overwhelmed with how to organize it all into one space. The other problem is the family computer is taking up precious space I really wanted to have for a cutting table. Any ideas would be helpful. After 2 months without being able to do any type of quilt activity makes me wish to have things done and useable.

Moving

2009-04-27T09:49:00.002-05:00

After spending the last 15 years in the same house my landlords have decided to be really big pains. So we have decided to purchase our 1st house. The house payment will be about the same as what the landlords are wanting for rent every month. Now is the fun part cleaning, packing, and then there is my husbands shop. Who could ever imagine how much stuff and junk a family could accumulate over all these years. It is sad and happy occasion for us. Definetly been walking down memory lane especially when the race car was leaving for a new home. Or realizing that we have raised all of our kids in this one house. My husband says that the memories will stay in our head, yet it is tough. I do have to say the toughest decision is keep the fabric or the piano. I only have enough room for one. Of course the fabric stash will be useful over the next years when our cash is tighter, but the piano that I barely play, I bought because I really wanted to have one again. I am sure the fabric will be kept and the piano hopefully will find a good home. The house we are moving into is only 10 years old and needs no major repairs and sits on a bit of property. The good thing is Sam will not have to change schools nor will we have to relicense all of our vehicles for we will be staying in the same county. There seems to be so much to do to be ready to move it at times seems overwhelming, yet I know we will get it all done. One piece at a time.

Yesterdays Nightmare

2009-04-10T09:09:00.002-05:00

Some how I managed to shut my cat Smokie's tail in my bedroom door. He Meowed and ran away I thought nothing of it. Later I was telling him, he shouldn't put his tail in water and realized it was not water but blood. I inspected his tail and called the vet immediately. I waited on pins and needles for him to come back home. Smokie spent 9 1/2 hours with the vet has a newley shaved tail and received 4 stitches. Now we hope Smokie's tail heals properly and that he does not try to remove those new stitches. My plans for yesterday was to watch a couple of class lectures to prepare for my mid-term exam. Needless to say I could not concentrate with wondering about Smokie. So I prepared the April A Tisket A Tasket and sewed another row on a quilt I started before Christmas. The plans for today are watch class lectures, add borders to the quilt, and give Smokie lots of love and attention.

Graduation

2009-04-08T21:53:00.003-05:00

I finally did it, I got my Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. I just finished my last class on Monday. My diploma will be here before I actually get to go through graduation ceremonies in June. Even though I will already have my diploma I still am going to go through with the actual graduation ceremonies for I will be graduating with honors unsure if it will be Magna Cum Laude or Cum Laude. No matter what the honor is I never dreamed I would ever get my bachelors let alone be able to get such Great grades. Now I hope that I can continue my high standards of learning in my masters program.

A Tisket A Tasket

2009-03-05T11:39:00.012-06:00

Hey it has been a short time in between posts for me, must mean a.) I have free time b.) I am avoiding homework c.) I just had to show what I was doing with my limited free time. The answer is b. and c.

I have prepped the first two blocks in the block of the month offered by Anne of Bunny Hill Design. I am just loving having these simple hand projects too work on. Of course today was the release of block three which with any luck will be prepped by this evening.

Block one and two are too cute but block three is so typical of Anne. I cannot wait to get stitching.

But first I must go read a text book so I can take my last quiz for my first class in my Master's program.

Back for a Moment or longer hopefully

2009-01-08T22:11:00.004-06:00

I am currently finishing up a class, when this class is over I will only have 2 more classes left till I receive my Bachelors. So I finish one class on Monday January 12; starting my second to last class on Tuesday. If that was not enough Monday I start my Masters in Theology at Liberty University. I currently do not know how long it will take me to receive my masters, nor do I know what my future plans are at this moment. All I know is that I was called to the Seminary and I plan on obeying my calling, no matter where God takes me. I may not know everything now but I am sure there is a bigger plan than I can comprehend.

I have been doing some quilting over the last several months but need to take pictures. It seems that time is always running out before I get everything accomplished that needs to be done.

Where have I gone

2008-06-01T11:27:00.007-05:00

I wished I had some great adventures or travels around the world to explain my absence, but in truth I just have been so busy I have not had time to blog. I have felt like the candle being burned on both ends, with a few other wicks burning too. I have managed to make it through a daughters graduation, my husbands graduation, I am so very proud of him exactly 20 years after his highschool graduation he gets his Associates in Computer Science with an emphasis on setting up networks. It has not been an easy road to his graduation, but one that has fulfilled his dream of college.

now school is out for everyone but me. Now the fun of full-time summer job for the son and softball, swimming, vacation Bible School, and summer dance for the little one. We have found if there are a few structered activities during the summer we do not here "I'm bored." During all of this business I have found some time to do a little sewing. I try to spend about 20 minutes a day sewing something and I always have a project next to my chair requiring hand work of some sorts.

I was going to post this last night but wanted to add some quilty pictures, but could not find any one to hold the quilts. So I'll just have to wrangle some help and post later.

Quilty dreams to all who visit
~Tamara~

Shop hop

2008-04-20T20:58:00.015-05:00

I have managed to successfully stimulate the economy on the days I had free to go shop hopping. I was able to find the perfect fabric to make plant stakes for my Farmer’s Market block. I even found a great fabric for corner squares on the outside border. There are only three more months left to go and then this quilt will be ready to quilt.

Then I ran across the cutest kitty fabric and wouldn't you know it I was shown a great pattern and Sam feel in love with it. I decided with all of my quilt tops that need quilting that a few stencils may help me get them finished. I even picked up one for Kitty Cucumber.

My charm addiction seems to be getting worse but there are just way to many gorgous new lines to leave them on the shelfs.

The great thing is I brought everything home and it is now neatly organized.

Over the next week I'll share pictures of my other three neatly organized tots that have all of my great finds from various Nebraska quilt stores.

Time in a bottle

2008-04-16T21:29:00.009-05:00

Before and After
Boy I sure wished I could have extra time. This last five weeks I have found myself coming and going. I have been so busy that this is how my sewing room became to look like.

Before and After

I spent hours yesterday just cleaning and organizing everything into neat storage areas. Then I went shop hopping with a friend today and of course now I have even more that needs organized and neatly put away. Once I got it straightened up I was able to finish the round-robin blocks and some other blocks do for my guild that we have been making for months now. I had volunteered to sew this batch together.

With working 3 part-time, to part-part-time jobs and full-time school I have managed to get so far behind. I just finished my class on Monday and have decided to take a full month off from school to allow myself a chance to catch up and have time to do some very much needed sewing (stress therapy).

This break from school will allow me to concentate on my family, and allow my husband the extra time while finishing his last semester of school. After his graduation in May we will have another change in life, him back to work for the first time since his back injury, making him disabled. So life agian is going to take another turn and we are worried what it might be but for now we concentrate on the immediate and know that it will work out.

I secretly hope that he finds a job and then I can take over being the parent at home.

Anyway I'll post soon some of my great shop hop purchases. And maybe with any luck I'll be able to spend more time blogging.

Thanks for stopping and have Quilty Dreams
~Tamara~

Class with Mark

2008-04-06T20:46:00.004-05:00

First let me say that even though I had to get up by 6 in the morning (yeah I know it's not that early, I just don't do mornings) it was well worth it. To meet Mark Lipinksi in all his true colors just made my year. Mark has such a wonderful way of making everybody feel like somebody. So saturday morning I'm sitting in the class were we will be making a Katmandu bag using why of course Katmandu fabric. Of course I have nothing to show for the whole time I was there because embellishment takes time and we had more fun learning than actually working. Well there were a few ladies who got somewhere, but these bags will take a while to complete. This first picture is of Mark talking. As you can tell we were all paying attention. This next picture is of course me with Mark and his funny idea of hiding behind our pattern for the bag. I have several pictures of the class but they really are of a boring nature. And yes I have pictures of the embelleshed items, and the bag, but feel those really are not me to share because they belong to Mark. But I will post pictures of my Katmandu bag as it transforms throughout I hope the next few months and not years.

I still am feeling quite star struck, just like my little girl did when she got to see Jackson off of Hanna Montana last weekend. Her jaw dropped and she just starred with stars in her eyes.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T19:20:00.003-05:00

And the tomb was found empty for He was no longer there. Hallelujah
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" John 20:1-2 NIV

Life update

2008-03-13T20:56:00.008-05:00

Were does one even begin to start. Hum I just finished a class on Monday, then started the next class on Tuesday. It has been tough trying to juggle everything at the same time keeping up with my studies so my GPA does not suffer. And as my blog is evidence of I am human and cannot do everything. Other than sewing at work the only personal sewing I have done lately is the March block for Farmer's Market. I have managed though to pick up all the kits for "Let there be Chocolate." This was done as a block of the month at the shop, but I had decided to pass, but with working there I just could not pass it up any longer.

On the family front my son is starting to settle into life being back at home Finally. I have also taken on hopefully a life changing adventure that hopefully will secure my families finances for the long haul instead of just living pay check to pay check. The great thing about this new adventure is I get to help other families find their way out of debt and provide stability for their futures too. This adventure though requires taking and Passing the states life insurance test. So yep I am burning the candel at more than two ends. But I do know that the rewards later will be well worth the lack of sleep. My main concern is making sure that my families needs are still being meet no matter how busy I am.

What can get all five cats in one place at the same time with out a fight? The tuna juice that was drained when I made Tuna casserole the other night. Clockwise from the top right the cats are Reese, Smokie, Sadie, Nelly, and Butterscotch. Butterscotch turns 16 this year, talk about an old cat.

You Make My Day Award!

2008-02-20T19:10:00.010-06:00

I received this award yesterday from Rhonda. Thanks Rhonda for Making my Day by giving me this award.

The rules for the "You Make My Day" award, are to re-present it to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know through an email or posting to their blog so they can pass it on. You may get the award more than once, so if you do, consider yourself very loved! So pass it on!!! In no particular order is my list of ten Who Make my Day!!!

Winners and everything else

2008-02-18T20:32:00.011-06:00

Sorry for the delay in announcing the winners. School has taken a toll on me this last week. But then Senior classes are to be tough. Yes I'm finally on my last year, Yeah!!!!!

Ok. I had rounded up the drawing committee, put the names in for the cats (Spread out on table). Ok the picture the names are under him, but he was faster then my camera or finger could take the picture.

The Frida won a special surprise, and from reading May Britt’s blog lately she could use a little pampering.

Then Smokie picked from the humans papers and the winner is Rhonda. I know it was not extremely scientific, but hey what ever works right. Luckily I got the paper away before he ate it and then I'd not know who won.

So if the lucky winners will email me their address I will try to get things mailed off soon.

Yesterday after I got my assignment turned in a finished a quilt top that was started in September 2004 from the Thimbleberries club. I had decided I best get this all put together before I accidently use the fabric on some other project.

Then today I decided to take my whole lunch hour and go to the quilt store. The top left coffee fabric I think will be a throw pillow, the upper right is for a late valentine swap with my local quilt guilds and the center fabric is for this pattern.

It is so nice to hear from everyone! Comments always welcome!

A week in review

2008-02-11T21:48:00.000-06:00

I am finally starting to feel better. So have really been taking it easy the last week. Luckily for me there was another snow storm so got to spend extra time at home to rest.

Did have some time to do some sewing. I created and made the block for the round robin I was to work on this month. I saw a woven heart at Kim's she sent me a link to a different block. I altered the block from the woven nine patch to have 25 little woven pieces. The 4th of July has several different special meanings to me. But the one that is the most important is my freedom. With wars upon wars fought to continue to have this freedom it takes a heart of a nation. Thus I always feel that hearts belong with the 4th.

Farmer's Market for February was donuts. I still am debating if I want to add some beads to make sprinkles or just leave it.

I will be drawing for my 100th post giveaway on Valentines Day and have decided to extend the entry time until Thursday noon. Too let you in on a bit of the surprise there is a least one pattern and fabric involved. And for the cat who is the lucky winner kitty heaven.

Health and G!veway

2008-02-04T19:58:00.000-06:00

Thanks for the get well comments. Unfortunatly, I had to go to the doctor today and I have Bronchitis. No wonder why it felt like an Elephant was sitting on my chest.

Like I mentioned in my previous post I am giving away something special for those of you who read my blog. Not only one giveway but two. One for the humans and one for the cats. It seems that a majority of quilters own cats. So I wanted to give something special to my blogger friends cats. If you want a special kitty treat just leave me a comment about your feline friend along with their name or names. All cat names will be placed into drawing.

For example I have 5 cats I could enter once then name all the cats.

For the human giveway I something special too, just behind in getting it made because of my health. Sorry no pictures at this moment, so it's a surprise. So tell me about your best surprise when you leave your comments. All surprise comments will be put into the drawing.

As of this moment I will leave the comments open till next Monday February 11 and will hopefully draw on Valentines day for both drawings.

Second day at quilt store

2008-02-02T23:40:00.000-06:00

A quick recap from Thursday I only was at the quilt store for 2 1/2 hours. So today I was to run the shop all by myself for 4 hours. Talk about scary. Luckily, the other gal (Sue) who has had to cut back on hours showed me how to open up and various other things before she left, she got back in the nick of time to help me with probably the most unusual day I'll ever have.

I am sure the nicer weather brought out everybody, or my morning would have been extremely boring. Which would have made my second day easier, but not as much fun.

Skipping forward an hour or so. Sue decided that I had things under control so she left, because she and I were splitting the day. I am still waiting on costumers, when the boss (Cheryl) calls Sue at home needing fabric cut. Back to work Sue comes.

So far I have not messed anything up yet. Ok Sue leaves but will be back in a little over an hour and 20 minutes I'll be fine. No problem. I had another customer, still doing great; folding fabric that I had cut and realized I messed up. I had forgotten to charge two panels on the last ticket. I'm going to surely get fired now. Sue shows up I tell her my fear. Luckily, we knew the gal, and her phone number was on the check. But I still thought Cheryl was going to fire me on the spot when she found out. Sue simply said it will be fine just wait till shop hop then you'll be forgetting more than that.

So my four hours at work was luckily not all by myself because there were way to many unusual things that I would have bothered Sue at home so it worked out she was there in person to explain how do handle it. The costumers were extremely understand, one of them used to be the shop owner. Talk about weird her and I swapped sides of the counter. It was really a good day except I thought Cheryl should fire me.

Now hours later I've talked with Cheryl; I still have my job YEAH!!!! But was warned (jokingly) if it happens 20 times or more in a row there may be problems. It is great working with these gals; it is even better that they were friends before I started working there. But still you hate to let friends down especially when you are trying to help them out. I was informed though that I have about 2 months till shop hop starts to learn the ropes, so I am ready for all the fun.

Quick note: As of this post I have official hit my 100th post. Stop by tomorrow evening to see what I have cooked up for this special occasion. Thanks for stopping.

Update 2/3/08: Spent today sick so things are on stand still. Until I feel better.

Is it Spring yet?

2008-02-01T22:16:00.001-06:00

I don't know about the rest of everyone but I am ready for warmer weather. So when I saw this Bunny Hill Designs pattern by Anne Sutton at the LQS I stopped at on my lunch break. It just spoke warmer days and sunshine. I just loved the different bunnies and that chocolate bunny looks scrumptious. Tomorrow I'll have several hours at work to maybe come up with the perfect fabrics to make a couple of these pillows. I know first I should check the stash, but it doesn't hurt to look.

First day at quilt store.

2008-01-31T20:41:00.001-06:00

I went to my new job today. Oh what fun. I just loved being in the shop and starting to learn the basics. I even saw a great new pattern for my bags/purses. But want to see how things go before I spend my earnings on something that won't sell.

That job is great. Now for the not so nice parts of the day. I am trying hard to not use curse words but my day had tons of bad parts. I pull into the town I work in 18 miles from home and hear from the engine compartment KNOCK, KNOCK. I speed up the noise gets louder I slow down the noise gets quiter. NOT good at all. I ask my new boss if I can make a personal phone call with in minutes of getting to work. Of course my husband is in class and I had to leave a voice message, oops forgot to see if it is ok to take personal phone calls on the job. Great I'm going to get fired before I ever start. Skipping ahead. Hubby shows up at 12:30 listens to the car, does something and then comes back into the store and says he's going to try to drive it home. My boss asks if this is a good idea,then she says I can leave so I can follow him home. So it was 30 minutes early I left work. As it turns out the car made it five blocks, we parked it. Went home and got the truck to tow it the 18 miles home, in attempts to save what is left of the motor.

Some where in all this confusion I did manage to learn how to run the cash register, the credit card machine and minor other things in the 2 1/2 hours I was at work. Then was asked if I could work Saturday by myself for 5 hours. Yeah I did not get fired, but I still haven't cut any fabric, or learned whats what really. Cheryl is so easy going that is the main reason I decided to help her out when she gets into tight jams. I help her and get to play with all the new fabrics and see the patterns. So I am not sure who is getting the better deal. I get paid to enjoy my passion.

Now the car is sitting in the shop and hubby is really wishing our weather would warm up so that he can see what is wrong with it. I just hope and pray it is an easy fix and that maybe by April/May I can drive my car again. I just cannot at this moment really afford to replace the whole engine, and maybe it just needs some internal parts replaced. But the sounds it was making led me to believe it is done for.

If this was not bad enough, today was parent-teacher day. Of course the 3rd grader is not doing to bad, still needs to work on learning her spelling words. But the teen son is not doing good at all. I had one teacher tell me that she was really upset with him because he lied to her today. Of course we were not shocked at all. So we came up with a game plan to get his grades up. On to the next teacher; where I had to tell her that my son lied to her on Tuesday and that he was there early, and then about the other lie he told her. Boy this kid is just not learning. The sad thing was having to A.) be told he was lying, B.) tell someone he was lying C.) then try to figure out how to get his grades above failing. Then we had to come home and talk with him and see what we can agree to not agree on. We have been working on the lying issues for years and it seems we are fighting a losing battle. And since he found out that his bio-dad wants to never-ever see him again it has been almost unbearable to live with him, deal with homework, and such.

So needless to say this has been a day of ups, downs and all arounds. I have run the emotional guantlet and now I have to try to concentrate on homework. I usually try to keep my blog upbeat, sorry if I bummed everyone out.

What I've been up too

2008-01-30T18:58:00.000-06:00

I have taken everybody's advice and have made two charm bags, not for myself but to sale. I do have one already listed on Ebay. I am so scared that it will not sale. I hope to have the second bag finished yet tonight to get it posted quickly.

I finally got the new ironing board cover made. I am so happy to have a new cover that is not scorched, ripped and burnt. I will miss my kitties but do like the flowers on the new cover.

Now for the really big news. I just was hired at the local quilt store called the Picket Fence to work part-part-time. The owner is very understanding that my first job has set days I work and that I am only available to work the other days at the store. She just needs some one to help out because one workers husband is seriously sick, and shop hop starts soon. So she figures if I am trained to help out at least there is someone to call.

Update: If my bags sell then my next bags will be more of a springtime nature, followed of course by RED White and Bold which of course is Sandy Gervais fabric lines. I just love having a bag/purse for the different holidays/seasons. These bags easily hold the current book I am reading along with the rest of my essentials. At this moment though it is looking like my current adventure has hit a dead end. Who knows though I did land a job in a quilt store, maybe she will let me sell the bags there.

Lakeside

2008-01-26T23:51:00.000-06:00

Oh I am in pattern Heaven and fabric Heaven. I just picked up my first qurater of Lynette Jensens Lakeside. I hope to get to cut the fabric yet tonight. I just love the pattern and the fabric is just cool great. The biggest problem I had was which way Lakeside or Lodge if that wasn't enough then the big quilt, little small quilts, or both. Wow, such choices and I had to decided, this decision has taken me over a month to figure out. Well I decided to do the big quilt, this way I will have another full size quilt

Sent a quilt out

2008-01-25T10:15:00.000-06:00

Well I have broken down and sent another quilt out to be quilted. This quilt is a Thimbelberries pattern created by Lynette Jensen called "Campfire." I decided to also use flannel on the back too. I'm not scarred of quilting flannel, but this throw is just a little more than I want to tackle right now. So I just decided to let someone else have the pleasure of quilting it; and this way it will get quilted and I can finally use it, instead of just hanging on a wall. You can see a glimpse of the quilt behind the cats in this post. Or from this site.

Death in the family

2008-01-24T14:45:00.000-06:00

Today was a very sad day. I had to remove Yellow Head from the pond. I'm not exactly sure of the COD (Cause of Death). I do how ever have two strong suspicions. First off we got to -12 degrees last night and there was 4 inches of ice on top of the pond. And somehow the water pump spit gallons of water out onto the ground leaving only about 3 inches of water at the bottom of the pond. There was a very big gap of air between the layer of ice and water which is really good.

So some how Yellow Head was up on a plant shelf out of water. If he was not already a fishcicle than the fact that the floating de-icer short circuited and barbecued him finished the job off. There was so much smoke billowing out of the pond and the smell of burning plastic oh my. But the de-icer got hung up on the plant shelf in the air part between the ice and water or it could have been worse like boiling water worse.

OK. the true horrors of the matter are in the bottom of the pond should have been 7 fish and so far I have only found Yellow Head. So I am literally breaking the ice off the top of the pond with my garden hoe so I can check on the other fish. Because truth be told if they were pondbefore the day got above zero. I think at this point there are six still alive so I lugged 8 gallons of water to tied everything over for a few hours.

Now the fun begins the de-icer manged to melt a hole in the pond liner so I could not completely fill it with water until that is patched and we are going to have another cold night. Luckily honey is home now and can deal with everything patching the liner, trying somehow removing the now permanently melted de-icer from its new home attached to the liner, and buying a new de-icer. I am just glad that my Koi did not die with Yellow Head. Yes, I saw their tails moving when I poked at them with the hoe.

Done and Started

2008-01-20T21:08:00.001-06:00

I just got the last stitch put into my 4th of July small wall hanging. I cannot believe it has taken me this long to finish something so small. It is only 18"x 20" but years have passed since I created the design and pieced the top. This heart flag came about because I wanted something patriotic to hang on the wall. Now this year it will hang with pride being completely finished.

Now the new project is a BOM from a LQS and we call it Saturday Sampler. We pay for the first block and we have a month to get it done. Then we take the finished block back on the second saturday the next month and show that the block is done and we get the new block FREE. Now if we cannot go ourselves or our block did not get done we have to pay $ for the months block. This years colorways were flannel or black Amish. I had taken a couple years off to catch up on my saturday samplers. But decided this was the year to go back so guess which color way I choose.

With the temps at 19 degrees farenheit and the winds blowing 90 miles per hour (honestly, ok maybe 15 MPH) and right through the house the cats sure had the right idea. Loung right by the heat vent. Talk about lazy and loving it. The lowest perch is right above the vent. Of course there's not enough room here so the 3rd Maine coon found a sunnier spot. As you can tell I got quite the look when I disturbed Sadie for a picture. Its like "how dare you wake me, I was sleeping."

Post 92

2008-01-16T22:30:00.000-06:00

I just did a recap of my posts and this one makes #92. Another thing I have been reviewing is whether I will be continuing on with blogging. If I do continuing blogging, I have come up with an ingenious idea for my 100 posting. But at this moment am unsure what I am doing. It seems that life has zapped me of thoughts and fun and thus I wonder if I have words to continue writing about boring me.

Questions and Decisions to be made and answered.

On another Note I found a neat stitchery I think on it was through Bren's site. The first block is called Quilter's Blessings designed by Bea. I decided to do mine on tan muslin using pink, yellow, purple and blue floss to do the embroidery work.

Here is a picture of the quilt I am starting at the LQS. We were going to get our first pattern on Friday but the fabric has not shown up yet. Not like I have anything else to do, that I will just be sitting here twiddling my thumbs from boredom.

I finished a quilt

2008-01-15T22:29:00.000-06:00

I took May Britt’s challenge and here is the finished small wall hanging or pillow star quilt. This is probably the third quilted item I made and there is a second one somewhere. I made the first one for my grandma and never got around to finishing the match for myself. When my grandma passed away I gave the pillow to one of my aunts who spent a lot of time taking care of my grandma and really understood what the pillow meant to my grandma.

I decided to keep the quilting simple and just decided to stitch in the ditch around the stars. Until this challenge I had never tried to machine stitch in the ditch. I do not saw I have mastered it, nor will it be my favorite stitch, but it was interesting trying it.

I finished the first two blocks that Pat has given us for the Good Book Cafe.

Recent Project

2008-01-13T12:46:00.000-06:00

Back in December Pat posted the quilt layout for Farmers Market. I decided to go ahead and put the whole top together that way when the blocks come out I just have to applique them onto thier respective locations. Hopefully this works out alright seeing as I don't know what is coming up and unsure if the background colors work.

What I've been up too

2008-01-09T23:32:00.000-06:00

Not as much as I wanted. I did get my block created for the Round Robin. I think the new block fits the required autumn subject that Kathleen had picked for her quilt.

Yesterday I did manage to get the next block (strawberry's) done for Farmer's Market. I still do not know if I should have used the yellow butterfly fabric, but just thought it would fit nicely. I did also start to play with the setting that Pat gave us in December. I still am undecided on a few color choices so may wait to see what the other blocks will be before I sew everything together. I have been working to at getting everything organized so that I can take breaks from school work to do some sewing. Because I can not study all the time without some sort of escape/vacation from brain drain.

The year to finish up

2008-01-02T20:11:00.000-06:00

Between Kim and May Britt it seems that this is the year to finish up all WIP (works in Progress) or WISP (works in SLOW progress). Which ever name you choose it still is getting the quilts done. I have started a list in my side bar of quilts I'd like to finish this year and there will be a list of completed WIP's. The fabric stash badge is from Hanne such great creative way to show our support for stash busting in '08.

Now for the before pictures for the January challenge at May Britt's. The first picture has a scrappy star pillow top that needs quilted and finished (I think I started it in 2001); along with the small 4th of July wall hanging I designed in 2002. The next picture was a kit for Tenderberry Stitches called "Christmas at Our House." The books publishing date is 2002 so it was either that year or 2003 that I started this quilt. Somewhere I have tea towels that I was making to go along with the quilt. I figure these three small projects are a great start for January. Everything is ready to quilt and finish.

I enjoy making the tops or blocks but the machine quilting takes a toll on my arm because of the bulging disc in my neck so I have tons of quilts in this stage. But if I slowly make progress it will not be so overwhelming the number of tops on the bookshelf that need quilted.
I hope this year is the year for finishing lots of quilts and getting all my quilting organized.

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T20:55:00.000-06:00

I have been so busy taking care of things that I have had little time to even read my emails. So here is what I have been up to this holiday season. Christmas day was spent at home with the four of us. Sam loved her quilt but I was so stunned when she asked if it "was a store bought quilt" I guess she forgot about helping me with the block setting we did a year ago. Maybe I should work faster at finishing quilts.

I managed to get tickets to Mannheim Steamrollers Christmas concert in Omaha for the 26th. While we were there the record company and other ranking member's presented the group with their platinum records. Mannheim's new album went platinum within 9 days of release, so it was a memorable moment for hubby and I. Then on Friday the 28th I got the letter stating the judge granted me full legal and physical custody of my Son. So one more hurdle jumped over. So that brings me to the weekend. Hum grocery shopping on Saturday boy that teenager eats a lot ;-)

Sunday Sam had a gymnastics clinic. Then my husband surprised me and had the Son babysit so we could go out for our 12 year anniversary. It still seems unbelievable that it was 12 years ago yet some how it seems like forever. It was a really nice time to talk and make future plans for the family.

Yesterday what a busy day laying down what is expected like rules and responsibilities for the teenager, on top of that I cleaned 2 bathroom cupboards. Of course we decided that it was time to take down all the holiday decorations. The kids were rewarded with all nighters, son was allowed according to our rules to spend the night with a friend. Sam had been signed up for a sleepover at the gymnastics complex. What a extremely quit way to bring in the New year.

I did manage to sneak in some sewing. The snowman pillow I started in November and finished right before Christmas and had started the Santa pillow in hopes to have it done before Christmas. Both pillow patterns are from Bloomin Minds. I realized on Sunday when I was leaving for our anniversary dinner that my holiday bag needed replaced. So started a new charm bag and finished it today. I decided to use the last charm pack I had from the Victorian Decadent quilt. I revamped the design from the holiday bag to be a bit smaller with the pocket on front sewn down the middle so a cell phone would fit in either side snugly.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T22:10:00.000-06:00

It seems to get tougher every year to remember to slow down and truly remember the real meaning of Christmas.

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." NIV Luke 2:11

My prayer for today is too keep Christ in Christmas. So from my family to your have a Merry Christmas and celebrate the reason.

Bren's challenge

2007-12-19T21:46:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Bren posted this on her blog and asked the quilters to take it and post it on our blogs. So I had to prove also that quilters can step up and be noticed without being named. ;-)

I consider myself a quilter with oh so many UFO's of tops needing the finishing touches. Maybe now that my life is coming has all its pieces back under one roof maybe I will be able to find more time to work on those UFO's or WIP whatever they are called I plan on making 2008 the year for catch-up on them.

So I extend the invitation to other quilters to take and post the picture on their blogs.

Christmas wish already come true

2007-12-17T20:16:00.000-06:00

My son had decided last year he wanted to live with his biological dad. So in April I decided to not give-up but to let my little guy fly. Well, it has been a struggle having my 17 year old live somewhere else and only seeing him every other weekend. But I knew that he had to live with what he wanted, and that I could not bail him out; how else would he learn. Anyway after months of watching his needs both emotionally and pyshically not being meet I started to ask him little things like why they had not bought him jeans, or taking him for a hair trim at least. It got so bad that I noticed when he was here he had a ravenous hunger, and this weekend he had no deodorant or shampoo. Come on this is basics that a child needs. So as of today he is back at home with his mom and my only Christmas wish has come true. I'm jumping for joy, now to get everything legally finalized again. So prayers would be nice that we have a smooth transition to a new family normal. He has not been here since end of April/May. So there are going to be ups and downs, especially since he now knows that his bio-dad has basically washed his hands of him and does not want visits. Makes me want to cry about the new hurt.

Busy, Busy

2007-12-13T21:25:00.000-06:00

Been so busy with this kid functions, or school assignments that I was two days late getting my block for the round robin done. So I was happy when it snowed Tuesday, giving me a little more time to get it finished. The block was done late lastnight and I had to take a picture for the journal; decided to wait till morning when I was more awake.

This is Diann's starter block. And here is the grid with my wreath block added. I sure enjoy being creative.

I have one assignment left in this class then I start my next class on Tuesday but for all practiacal purposes I will be on Christmas break until January 8th Yeah! I plan on sewing and reading, maybe organize some more of my house since I will have more time free at home. I am done shopping, all presents are bought or made; now they just need wrapped.

I normally have everything done in October but am finding school and work play havoc on my schedules. So have been stressing a little about being behind schedule. We are so busy with family Christmas that I like to have things done early to give us a chance just to enjoy instead of rushing around.

More snow

2007-12-09T22:25:00.000-06:00

We have had snow since Thursday. According to the weatherman we should have hopefully 24 hours before the start of the next front that will dump snow on us. So basically I get tomorrow to get out and take care of work and things before the weather turns tomorrow night. Been trying to catch up on homework, yet still doing the holiday stuff.

My daughter and I made Cookie gift jars yesterday from a book I received in a drawing from Mary Anne. Then I made the instruction labels. So tonight when I was taking a break from homework I covered the lids with a nice Christmas fabric and attached the instructions with Christmas ribbon. These jars look so festive.

Next challenge is to actually make some cookies that stay here. I have Christmas this up coming weekend and need to try to get a good majority of my cooking done. Not to mention final class team assignment. So I actually am praying for more snow so that I can stay home from work. Because when the roads are bad I will not even attempt to drive that hour to work slipping and sliding.

Snow has arrived

2007-12-06T19:31:00.000-06:00

We finally have gotten our first snow fall. It was not alot but it still was more than a skif. I really hope this year we actually have some snow for Christmas. I so miss having a white Christmas. One year the kids and I made paper snowflakes and hung them throughout the house just to have a bit of white. Then we made paper snowballs and had a snowball fight in the house. We had so much fun. Granted it was paper, but it made memories for a life time.

Icy weather

2007-12-03T22:40:00.000-06:00

We had an icy storm over the weekend. We did not lose power with this storm; my husband was a little bummed wanted to have a reason to turn on the generator. We did have a nice sheet at least 1/4 inch thick of ice on everything. I know have gorgouse ice bushes. Luckily with there being so much ice I was able to see how the car I got in July handles the yucky stuff. Wowser I have anti-lock brakes and traction control. That makes me feel a little safer, but even if my car and I can handle it there still are others out there that do not use their head and they are the ones that crash me.

We have another wonderful storm coming in Thursday the weatherman says; so maybe hubby will get a chance then to play with his toy. I hope everyone stays safe and warm with the storms that have been hitting us lately.

P.S. to see the icy just click on the picture it should enlarge making it easier to see. I took the picture through the screen door which made all the lines.

Christmas is Up

2007-12-02T21:54:00.000-06:00

First things first. I finally finished a quilt for my daughter. I started it in 2003 as a block a month. And just got the binding stitched down the other night. But had to wait until she was in bed so I could get a picture. Oh and I got this great package in the mail from Mary Anne it sure brightened my day.
Well here's my cutting table. Right next to were my ironing board would be and here is the corner my sewing machine sits. In May we got Dennis Mom's china hutch and I have not been able to put anything in to it until now. It was still tough, but now my Nativity Scene has a safe place were the cats will not break it. Yesterday was very tearful there were so many great little trinkets and memories of Mom.

I was extremely blessed to have had her in my life and to know that she had gotten to know me like she did. I know as each Christmas passes that I will cry for the loss, but knowning full well she is better off. I will always have my memories and I will help keep her alive through the trinkets of love for my kids.

My husband has started to collect Nut crackers and it has managed to take over the top of another shelf. Oh well as long as I get it and my sewing room back after the holidays.

Getting ready for Christmas

2007-11-25T19:17:00.000-06:00

I had to move my sewing machine today. Which is the start of putting up Christmas. My whole sewing room is actually just a spot at the end of my living room right in front of the picture window. Of course we put the tree right in front of that big picture window every year since we moved here 15 years ago. I do not mind moving my sewing machine and ironing board to make room, but then my poor dinning room gets really crowded. So the shifting of furniture and rearranging has started and with any luck I will have everything unpacked and in place by the weekend to come.

With my class starting last week I have had hardly anytime to sew. I did go to a quilt store yesterday though and of course picked up a couple cool quilt kits. One is a table runner by Sandra G. and the other one is a small Santa. I hope to have time just to think and maybe make some cookies. Then if there was extra time sew something together. It is always tough having classes go right up to Christmas, there is so much that just does not get done because of the studying but I know that when I'm done it will be worth the inconvenience.

Quilt top done

2007-11-18T21:05:00.001-06:00

I finished piecing the monkey quilt top today. I have been fighting a neck ache that has been causing me a very painful migraine. I hope everything straightens up so I can get my monkeys quilted.

I have managed to also get a few small Christmas presents made this week. I still have a ways to go but its a start. I have been struggling to get in the holiday spirit. With so many changes in the house it really is tough to put on a smile and act like nothing has happened. But as my husband says we need to still continue on because we do still have someone who relys on us to provide her a great holiday. Memories are made by family activities, so I will try my best to get over my bahumbug mood.

Hi ho Hi ho its back to school I go

2007-11-15T09:33:00.000-06:00

After taking a much needed month off of school I had to go back on Tuesday. I came to find out that I was not the only person who struggled with their last class and also needed the extra time off. There was two previous classmates that I had in my class on Tuesday, along with a few classmates from the class before. The consensus was that Programming II was the toughest class we have had to date in attempts to get our bachelor's. Thus all of us took two to four weeks off to recover and recuperate; so our brains had a chance to find a new normal instead of stressing over Java language. It was good to find I was not alone in the brain dead frustration of that last class.

So its back to school, to learn and in attempts to make something of myself.

My starter block

2007-11-13T22:21:00.000-06:00

A group of quilters from my local quilt guild decided to start a round robin. One of our members then moved to Wisconsin; so it will now be a traveling robin; then her daughter wanted to join in on the fun. We bounced around ideas and decided to go with the grid idea from Pat’s Book “It’s Your Turn!”. I like birdhouses and just love butterflies. Butterflies I learned from my mother-in-laws funeral are a symbol of eternal life. I never knew that before the funeral; but now the awe and love of butterflies is even stronger. My grandma also loved butterflies which is what started to appreciate them when I would go hunting for a butterfly for a present.

Back to the grid. The only request for my quilt is that there is a butterfly or butterflies somewhere on the block added to the grid. I managed to finish the block shortly before guild tonight so that I could give it to the next person on the list. I have never been involved in a round robin before so I hope this one goes good.

Weekend in Review

2007-11-12T21:14:00.001-06:00

I got a chance to make the charm bag using Sandy Garvis line called Holly Jolly. I started it lastnight and finished it this morning. It did not take long at all to make. I used the pattern from McCalls Quilting August 2007 issue and tweeked it by adding an inside pocket and putting a snap on the outside pocket so my cell phone will not fall out of it.

I mentioned a pattern that uses charm squares and a Jelly roll its called Butter charms and Jelly. I used the MonekyNRound that I got when I took my birthday quilting shopping trip to Lincoln. I started the quilt on Saturday morning and have just a little more to go and the top is done. Here is the start of the quilt making four patches. Then I had to trim them down. There was only 12 blocks so did not take long. Then added strips around the four patches and sewed them together. Then added the inside border. I have the top and bottom outside border ready to sew on then that just leaves the other two side borders. I hope to get this all finished tomorrow.

Oh lastweek Pat Sloan posted the new farmers Market block and I whipped it out using the extra large yo-yo maker. This block was so much fun and easy to do.

Sewing Sunday

2007-11-04T20:52:00.000-06:00

I managed to get two quilt tops finished today. I got the Scaredy Cat charms on the Oct. 25 and decided to just sew it together. Then on Tuesday Oct. 3o I found the blue border I needed to pull every thing together. This other quilt top is from April Cornell's line called Decadent Victorian. I used a cool idea that I got from Wendy’s blog. Of course right after the picture was taken Sadie attacked the little pink foot that was hiding behind the quilt.

I have decided that I need to find the local Charms anonymous group. I really seem to have an addiction to these little 5" cuties. But they are so much fun to play with and yet make something usable for the family. Before I give up this addiction I better put together the other 12 charm packs I have left. Some of the charms I plan on making some bags with.

Sewing Saturday

2007-11-03T22:17:00.000-05:00

I only got to fix the crooked lines and cut the next pieces for the quilt top. I decided it was time to start teaching Samantha how a quilt goes together. She is so proud of her master piece and I am too. The only fixing I did though was when the seem allowance was to narrow and I was afraid it would fall apart. There was one spot whe had that was so wonky that she begged me to help her frog stitch it, so she could restitch it. What a trooper we started at 9 this morning and by 4 this afternoon it was completed. I thought she would get tired or bored after a couple of hours, but no she needed to get this one done so she could start on the charity dolly quilt for my guild who donates them for Christmas of sharing. She is a true gem of a kid.

This started out a misc. blocks that we cut to the same size. She laid them out just like she wanted.We were ready to put on the last border. Then decided to add the red candy cane print all the way around the top. It was a great Idea to use the red all around the quilt. It sure made the blocks stand out better.

As you can tell she is very proud of her hard work for the day. Now I have to find time to quilt this so she can use it. So I was not allowed to do my personal sewing but her smile and attitude sure was worth the time given to help her learn the beginnings of quilting.

Under the weather

2007-11-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

I seem to have managed to catch a cold, sinus gunk. Not sure which but it sure has put my head in a fog. So decided to take a longer break from school to give myself longer to get things done and now to get feeling better.

Happy Birthday!!!

2007-10-29T21:55:00.000-05:00

Well today is the day another year older and non the wiser. I had lunch with my mom and husband then went and had my hair cut and highlighted in hopes to hide the few gray hairs that seem to be showing up. 35 what a very scary number, but it does not mean I'm over the hill or close to death.

I got a Ott-light for the dark corner of my sewing area, quilt kit, and a new Teflon pressing sheet. The most awesome pumpkin pie body lotion and sugar & spice from Bath and body works. All in all it was a good day. But really looking forward to my annual trip to Lincoln to spend my birthday money at the quilt stores there. My husband and I have been doing this trip for several years. It is great to get to the big city.

On the quilty front. I managed to finish my corn for the Farmers Market quilt. I found Angelina hair the fuses to itself then can be stitched down it made excellent silk for the corn. I also put together the bumble bee block for Times Remembered.

I have been working on a 5" charm quilt using the Scardy Cat line from Moda. I hope to find tomorrow what I want to use for the borders, then I will be able to finish the top.

Tomorrow also starts another class. Tough to believe that the two weeks I took off from class is already gone and I seemed to not get everything done that I wanted to do. But at least I had a chance to recoup and am now ready to study some more. Not really I could use a couple more weeks vacation, but then I would probably decide a permanent vacation from school was in order so I'll just go to class in the morning or evening (whenever I have time to get to class). Got to love class online, can go when you feel like it and is convenient for you.

Inspiration from Music

2007-10-24T10:34:00.000-05:00

From the new album Point of Grace How You Live the song is How You Live . It seems to reflect on its not what we do but its how we live. This is how the chorus goes.

"Turn up the music

Turn it up loud

Take a few chances and let it all out

'Cause you won't regret it

Looking back from where you have been

'Cause it's not who you knew

And it's not what you did

It's how you live."

In my last class I had a classmate make this statement "As always, thank you for your patience, support, and everything. You are the best team member i have ever worked with and I am sure it reflects in everything you do in life." Now keep in mind we only communicate through an online class room. I feel that he truly got to see the real me, the one full of the Holy Spirit. Others have commented on things also; how do you seem so happy through lifes ups and downs. I have to remember its not what I do but "How I Live." This means not just our actions but the words we speak. This song reminds me that we need to live not sit inside our houses and hide, but spread the music in our souls to others which can be done online, over the phone or in person. But it says " This little light of mine I'm going to let it shine. Hide it under a bushel NO, I'm going to let it shine." Let's let our lights shine bright and turn up the music.

Quilt show pictures

2007-10-22T19:11:00.000-05:00

I love it when a quilt show actually gives a person a book that has all the names of the quilts and creators along with important information. It helps when looking back to recall what a person liked.

As many already know I like fall. So it will not come of any surprise that I picked this one as my favorite in the applique division. This quilt is called "Fall Friends" by Connie Olson and is machine pieced, hand appliqued and is hand quilted by another guild member.

This other fall quilts use of batik in the border really made the design. This quilt is called "Autumn Glory" by Jean Mohanna and was hand appliqued and quilted.

Oh butterfly's they were my grandma's favorite. There were two great butterfly quilts and of course I forgot to take a picture of the other one. Linda Ebel made "Butterfly Dance" that measured 36"X45.

This next quilt is made by Cleo Skinner. It is the "Underground Railroad" made using Elanoer Burns book. Cleo has a small group in Hordville, that meets once a month and our challenge was to make two blocks for two quilts. One was auctioned for the Hordville's 100 year celebration and the other quilt was auctioned in Polk for their 100 year celebration. Of course we were also to make our own "Underground Railroad" quilts but so far I think Cleo is the only one to do this.

I found this Peacock to be extremely interesting, especially using really feathers. In my house the cats would be in trouble all the time trying to play with those feathers. I did not write down the number/nor did the camera catch it but I do believe this is by Debbie Krugman "Island Peacock."

The last quilt for the day is by Stella Schaffer and is a mini Lone Star measuring 15"X15".

I have to show you my Super Sadie.

Then the other night I was looking for Smokie and found him trapped by a little girls feet unable to move. This picture was taken in the dark using just the flash from the camera. I was so shocked that it came out so bright.

Finally pictures

2007-10-20T21:42:00.000-05:00

The sunflower is by Debbie Beavers

I also have the witchy woman all ready to stitch down on a t-shirt. Both patterns came from the same lady in Iowa Bloomin’ Minds. I did manage to get my small quilt for guild quilted today and the binding stitched on I just need to do the hand work on the binding. So it for sure will be ready by Tuesday.

Ok enough pictures for today it has taken almost 2 hours to upload these two. Very frustrating.

I got through all 16 bags of fabric today. I have neatly sorted and filled 10 boxes that I did not want to keep and are ready for my friends to go through. Once they go through the fabric the I will start making cuddle quilts. I did keep roughly 3 to 4 large rubbermaid tots of fabric for myself and it is all in the laundry room to wash away all the cat smells from the previous owners home. Luckly it is just smells and nothing more. Then comes the fun of washing and sorting all of the fabric and trying to neatly organize it the newly purchased (garage sale) cabinets.

Progress pictures

2007-10-20T21:21:00.001-05:00

I finally got the pictures taken of what I have been working on. And wouldn't you know I cannot get my pictures to upload.

Today I went to another local quilt show, Yes I took pictures, and picked up the perfect embelishment for the silt on my corn block from Farmers Market quilt. While at the quilt show I was asked if I wanted to join their guild. I politely declined because I already am in 3 local and 1 state guild. I do not want to stretch myself to thin. Of course had to do the grocery shopping while in town. Then finished piecing and stitching down the pieces on a small quilt for a guild auction being held next Saturday.

Tomorrow I have to get the small quilt, quilted and the binding on so that I can deliver to the guild meeting on Tuesday. Luckily it is a very small quilt 13X13. So it should not take very long to finish it.

I do plan on starting to go through the bags of fabric I received to get that done, and the extra fabric ready to give to the guilds for cuddle quilts. We make quilts and give them to Health and Human services for the kids when they are taken from their homes. It is a great cause and I know that there is no way I need all of that fabric given to me. I do want to get started on this huge task tomorrow.

Also I hope I can get those pictures posted.

Hope everyone is having a happy quilty weekend. ;-)

Thanks everyone

2007-10-18T22:38:00.000-05:00

I know that I am tough on myself, but I have this silly perfectionist problem (which occasionally strikes me). I have been working on it especially with my quilting. I am no longer as picky if my corners do not align perfect, I will not rip and rerip. It is progress. Thanks everyone for the comments I do appreciate all the support. Now if I can slow down long enough to take the pictures of my accomplishments from the last couple of days. Instead I'll post some more of the quilts that were displayed at Threads across Nebraska.

I am still alive

2007-10-17T09:03:00.000-05:00

I just finished my programming class, which took a lot to do especially this last week. I am still recouping, feeling like a semitruck ran me over and left me for dead. The instructor already has graded the our final programs (that were turned in Monday) and my great GPA will drop. I managed to get an A- for the class. My husband says that is a great grade considering 22 people started the class and by the end of the class 9 were left in the class and only 4 (including me) turned in the final program. It was a tough class and I should be happy with the grade, but I cannot get past the fact I was only 3.5pts from an A; which would have kept my GPA 3.96. I wonder if this is the correct path for me, I love computers and programming. Ok. I get stop the pity party I'm having. I did manage to see some yesterday as a reward for just getting the program written and turned in.

Check back later for pictures of what I got accomplished.

Farmers Market

2007-10-13T11:50:00.000-05:00

I could not resist getting this Cherished Teddies Lila: Sweet & Colorful Just Like You to go along with the farmers market quilt that I am working on with Pat’s group. I have been collecting special Cherished Teddies for years and figured this one would commenurate the fun I am having and what got me quilting again after the loss of my mother-in-law.

New Iron

2007-10-11T21:27:00.000-05:00

My darling husband told me to finally get a new iron. As the picture shows one of my naughty kitties has riddled the cord with their teeth. He orginally was going to get me one for my birthday, but realized I had two weeks off from school were I would appreciate having the iron before my birthday. Yeah me.

I really liked my old iron; but found one that has the retractable cord to prevent my new iron from having the same dismiss happen to it like my old one.

To find out a little more about the pumpkin swap thoughts visit http://groups.google.com/group/bloggerland-swappers?hl=en

Pumpkin swap

2007-10-10T14:36:00.000-05:00

There seems to be a blogger land interest in doing a pumpkin swap. How many of us would want to do something like that? Just leave a comment or drop me an email so we can count the interest level. If there is enough interest I will get another blog/site dedicated just for the pumpkins and future swaps. Yes we would not have a long time to actually do this, but it still would be fun.

New Guild/pumpkin blocks

2007-10-09T23:00:00.000-05:00

Well I choose today to finishing stitching down the pumpkin blocks that I am doing for a swap. I actually did get them done and ready to go in the mail tomorrow. I did take some pictures before they went into the envelope. As one can see Reese wanted to help me get the blocks arranged for pictures. I managed to get her to move briefly so I could get the picture taken. Below is the pumpkins being sent into the swap.I went to check out a new quilt guild that is starting in my home town. Not only do I think I am going to join but I plan on doing the Christmas fabric challenge. There was a raffle for an item and I managed to pull my own name out of the basket.

Threads across Nebraksa

2007-10-07T21:53:00.000-05:00

This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life!

Here is my list for this week. I got 3 of 6 done last week.

1. Quilt the wall hanging for the office "Pat's Butterfly Garden."

2. Stain quilt rack.

3. Finishing stitching the rest of the pumpkins for the pumpkin swap.

4. Do my tackle it Tuesday spot.

5. Get the small quilt for auction finished and quilted.

If you want to participate in A Commitment To Loveliness, just stop by Emma's blog and join in. It is a great way to set weekly goals for yourself.

Below are a few of the pictures I took at the quilt show. I will post some more in the next couple of days. Sorry about the clarity of these pictures. I am a short person and all the quilts were hung well over my head.

This quilts flowers were completley paper pieced. If I remeber correctly. This one is called purple pansies
This quilt was one passed from one state guild memeber to another getting another piece of the picture placed onto it. I like elephants and this one was so well designed and put together. It truly was traffic stopping detailed.

Quilt Show Saturday

2007-10-06T21:28:00.000-05:00

I went to Threads across Nebraska state guild quilt show. There were a lot of great vendors there today, and some truly inspiring quilts. I was so busy I forgot to each lunch, I did not realize this until 5 tonight, boy was I one hungry person. But I was quilt and fabric satisfied.
I managed to keep up Pat Sloans Machine quilting book, and did see a vendors rendition of her Bluebirds of Happiness quilt.

One great new find and company is Fig Tree Quilts. I just could not resist this pattern. I left the fabric kit there, but made sure to get a phone number in case I changed my mind later.

Stay tuned till tomorrow for pictures of quilts from the show and some of my other great finds.

Invisible Applque class

2007-10-04T20:32:00.001-05:00

I signed up today to take an invisible applique class that is being taught by Sandi McMillan. Sandi and her friend Laura Franchini made the Nebraska Rising Sun that was pictured on the cover of Quilters newletter July/Aug 2006 issue. This quilt was made as a raffle quilt for the Nebraska State Guild. So I jumped all over the chance to learn this technique from such a gifted woman. This class is being held October 27 in Fullerton, NE. I think this is a great way to celebrate getting older by taking a whole saturday away from my family to enhance my quilting database (brain).

I spent part of today trying to get a room cleaned out so that I can bring in two cabinets to help organize all the black garbage bags I aquired from a friend before she moves.

Tackle it Tuesday Sewing

2007-10-02T21:33:00.000-05:00

My tackle it tuesday item was to make 33 blocks before guild meeting. 3 blocks per guild member. The picture is off the colors I took to guild. Then we did an exchange and I got 33 different blocks back. We will continue to do this for several more meetings, because the pattern we are making calls for 440 of these blocks. This is what the setting will look like when all the blocks are made. The pattern we are using came from McCall's quilting August 2007 called Trading Patches.

Pat Sloan posted the new Farmer's Market block for October and I got it also done in time to take to guild meeting.
Sew I decided that my Project for Tuesday was actually to reward myself at the same time of getting guild sewing done. And that is one more project done.

Count down to being older

2007-10-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the first of October and my daughter has started the monthly countdown for birthdays. Her daddy's birthday is the 11th and her mommy's is the 29th. When did the feeling of excitement to have your birthday to hurry up and get here turn into almost dread for turning another year older. 35 seems like such a foreign number. I can distinctly remember when I was 20 that 35 was ancient now that I am approaching this milestone I wonder what ancient is. My grandma who's birthday was 3 days after mine lived to be 96 and you never could tell her age because she never slowed down. What a woman of faith and it never fails this time of year that her passing still leaves me missing my best friend. My mentor and the woman who inspired my love of quilting and creativity. So I guess with age comes the ability to understand ones connection to their past and have a sense of how to continue on putting your faith in the Almighty, because you witnessed first hand His hand in your grandma's life and without it life becomes a number that we dread. But if we look ahead we can see the future we have in store.

TR block and Commitment to Loveliness

2007-09-30T20:04:00.000-05:00

I wonder if I should cut down on my list of things to try to accomplish. Seeing as I got only one thing accomplished. It seems homework takes up more of my time. I know that working and taking a Senior level programming class is hetic, but I so want to be able to find time to do other things.

This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life! Here is my list for this week.

1. Quilt the wall hanging for the office "Pat's Butterfly Garden." Seeing as my husband got the quilt rack made for this to hang on my wall at the office.
1 1/2. Stain quilt rack.
2. Get the pumpkins stitched done for the pumpkin swap.
3. Do my tackle it Tuesday spot. Done 10/2/07
4. Pick a design and start it for guild small quilt auction next month. Done 10/6/07
5. Paint my fingernails and toenails. Done 10/4/07

If you want to participate in A Commitment To Loveliness, just stop by Emma's blog and join in. It is a great way to set weekly goals for yourself.

I did manage to get my TR block put together before the end of the month and posted to Pat's group to be in the monthly drawing. The hand dye eggs are from a Fat quarter I purchased from Kim at the Weevillage get together. I have been holding on till I found the perfect use. My daughter was helping me pick out fabrics for this block and found the hand dye it was so perfect.
I bought this sewing machine last week. I have wanted one that did the blanket stitch for a really long time. And my wonderful husband said I could go ahead and get it. Now to get my homework done so I can play with it. I tell my kids homework first before play so I too have to abide by the rules. So my machine is awaiting me.

Blue Valley Quilt Guild Show

2007-09-29T22:05:00.000-05:00

Well I played hooky for a few hours today and headed to Seward, NE for the Quilt show. It was said that there were 300 quilts on display and they were truly inspiring. Of course I forgot my camera at home some 80 miles away. But luckily for me a LQS owner/friend had her's so she took a picture of the most amazing hand appliqued quilt. I will post a picture when I get it from her.

I entered the raffle drawing for this quilt and received these cute little bags with the pig coming on one side and going on the other side. Inside the bag was scraps of fabric.

I made several small purchases which sure brightened up my day, at the same time lightening my wallet. It was fun to go to this show, but going by myself I had no one to make oh's and ah's comments to and I did not want to start talking to myself. ;-) Below is a picture of my purchases. There is even a Fat Quarter of Hand dyed fabric. The lady is from the Omaha area. So now I have a source to get some pretty's.

Homework

2007-09-27T23:08:00.001-05:00

I spent most of this day reading my Java book and answering discussion questions. I did get some down time and was able to pull fabrics for my Time Remembered block. It is all ready to be fused down onto the background. So with any luck I can get this weeks program written like yesterday and have my entire weekend free to sew. I just remembered that I did make an apron today, I found the tea towel and fat quarter when I did my tackle it tuesday. The halloween fabric actually is stitched in the middle turning it into two pockets great for holding miscellanous items while cooking up those gouley treats.

I have a question if a person starts stitching down their applique using a machine zigzag stitch would it be horrably wrong to switch in the middle of the blocks to a different stitch. Seriously I know there is no set standard, but honestly would it look alright or tacky?

My Tuesday Continued

2007-09-26T22:23:00.000-05:00

I did not get near as far as I wanted on my tackle it tuesday. Here is my cutting table area of my sewing section, it had gotton rather buried. I managed to find a bag that had all the fabric and instructions shredded by a kitty. What a mess I plan on later using tape to put the directions back together so I can finish the quilt. I managed to get things neatly organized into totes to later be moved to a more permenant home.

Ok now for the reason my cutting table is in totes and my tackle for the day was delayed.

I had started sorting and organizing my table when I received a phone call from a quilt guild memeber. She asked what I was doing? and then asked if I could take some time before guild meeting to stop by her place. She then informed me she was moving to Wisconsin and could not take all of her fabric stash and was I interested. What quilting women in her right mind would turn down free fabric. So I left 3 hours early and almost did not make guild. I had to go home unload the car and go back to her house to pick up the rest of the fabric. The first trip I brought home 9 bags of fabric, the second trip I had 7 bags. Thats a total of 16 lawn and leaf bags of fabric. Boy did she downsize. Before this I had two totes of fabric, now I have more fabric then I will know what to do with.

I did tell this friend that I would donate what I did not keep to our local quilt guild to make cuddle quilts for the local Health and Human services for the kids to have when they are removed from their homes. She was ok with that but very empathic that I took what I wanted before giving it to the guild.

Here is my big revelation from yesterdays events. I received some fabric, decided to pay it forward. It says we reap what we sow. Well I sure had a fabric harvest. My husband said no more giving away of fabric, we have no more room. But I plan on giving away most of what I was giving, because there are others who would also enjoy a fabric harvest, and children who feel comforted by the quilts they are given in their time of turmoil.

I will never forget this friend said. "I felt with everything you had been through with losing your mother-in-law and such that you would appreciate this more than anyone else I know." She herself was struggling with lifes struggles so she was reaching out to me. So this gift will be used and payed forward time and time again. It will also be a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that we have friends and the best friend of all watching over us and guiding us; we have acces to Him when ever we need

Tackle it Tuesday continued to Wednesday

2007-09-26T00:21:00.000-05:00

I decided to tackle the other corner of my sewing room. I got started and received a phone call from a quilt guild memeber. So my tackle it tuesday will have to continue through Wednesday. Which technically is today. But I'm just getting home for the night. So tomorrow's post should show all of tuesday's work and more. Oh I mean today's post I guess.

Drum Roll Please !

2007-09-24T20:14:00.000-05:00

And the winner is.

Wait pictures first. Here is all the names of those who left comments.Ok. Now the names are in the bag. I had my helper Samantha draw out the name, that way I cannot be blamed for being biased. Now for the winner's name. Ok, her Daddy was behind her saying she was picking out her chores for the week. I did not bother to say anything different until the name was picked. So if you cannot read my writting the name drawn out was Bren. So if the winner would email me her snail mail information I will drop the beautiful Fat Quarter into the mail.

Thanks everyone who played along for your chance to win.

My weekend

2007-09-23T21:53:00.000-05:00

I spent almost the whole weekend working on an homework assignment for my Java class. Talk about frustrating trying to track down one little error and having your eyes go buggy from reading lines of code. So never got as far as I wanted too.

Oh tomorrow I will be drawing the winners name for the fat quarter. Thanks to everyone who has posted their comments this week. At least now I know someone in blogger land actually reads my blog.

There were somethings I did not get done lastweek that I'm leaving on for this week.

1. Quilt the wall hanging for the office "Pat's Butterfly Garden."
2. Get the pumpkins stitched done for the pumpkin swap.
3. Do my tackle it Tuesday spot. Done 9/26/07
4. Pick a design and start it for guild small quilt auction next month.
5. Continue working on my Home management binder. I had this one worded wrong lastweek.

If you want to participate in A Commitment To Loveliness, just stop by Emma's blog and join in. It is a great way to set weekly goals for yourself, quilt related or other wise.

My pumpkins

2007-09-21T22:54:00.000-05:00

I have my pumpkins fused and cut out ready to be ironed onto their backgrounds then just need to stitich them down. Once that is done I can put these blocks into the mail and on their way to being swapped. I hope to get these all stitched down this weekend. I found the cutest little stuffed pumpkin the other day while at Hobby Lobby and thought it might look good in my office at work. But right now it is sitting on my cutting table next to my unfinished pumpkin blocks.

My husband did a house chore today. As you can tell by the picture he had the kitten chasing dust bunnies under the sofa. She was taking a break when he snapped the picture.

Gratitude Wednesday

2007-09-19T15:25:00.001-05:00

I have found that in the middle of the week we need to take a moment to be thankful for what we have and to express it. Thus it is once again Gratitude Wednesday for me.

This picture express the freedom we can have by not holding grudges and being content with what we have.

So today I am greatful for

#1. My husband taking our daughter to church tonight.

#2. Piece and quit to read my homework.

#3. My cats not hissing every time they see each other.

I am sure there is more that I am greatful for, but am having problems thinking of them.

Tackle it Tuesday

2007-09-18T21:54:00.000-05:00

Today I choose to work on a corner/top of my sewing machine cabinet.

There was a pile of 5 jeans, little girl coverall shorts, and a top all waiting to be fixed. So yep I got to sew today on the fix it pile. I just love my husband dearly and choose this section first to be tackled so that I could get his jeans stitched since he gave me so much guff over all my thread. This did take me a while today. Especially seeing as I ran out of thread and had to go to town and get more before I could finish sewing the jeans. Luckily tonight was gymnastics and I had to make the 30 minute drive anyway. Or those jeans would still be waiting to be patched. How in the world can guys rip out the behind of their jeans? My hubby says its because he uses it all the time to sit. ;-) NO really.
Actually he usually is working on one of the cars when he rips his pants.
Anyway the pile is gone and I even dusted and organized the bins. As you can see by the picture not only is it much better, but I had an helper. Everything that moves she tack's down with those little claws, trust me it's not going anywhere.

Now to determine what is store for next week's tackle it Tuesday.

Do not forget to leave your comments if you would like to be in the drawing for Fat Quarter giveway.

Monday, Monday, Monday

2007-09-17T19:47:00.000-05:00

Where to start.
My kitty Mitzy who has been at the Vet since thursday got to come home today. To bad her and Reese do not get along. Which is why she originally went to the vet Reese bit her in the foot and oh boy almost paralyzed her back paw. So now I have to keep these two seperate so Mitzy can heal and be able to stand her ground.

Then it was Dance class for Sam. Time to get the homework finished.

Another picture of my little Maine Coon Sadie. She loves to play with the mirror. I find it so delightful to watch her playing. Just a very fuzzy ball of energy, and fun rolled into baby teeth and tiny claws. Who just loves to attack feet, nose's and of course fingers. What kitty does not.

Got sidetracked and just had to purchase this great bag. This bag is so darling I just had to have it. I know I shouldn't have, but I just could not resist. And there was only one of them. Go figure I found this at Pat’s Store.

I recieved a fat quarter from Rhonda. So I want to pay it forward. So All comments starting from yesterday, Sunday Sept. 16, 2007 and going throuhg Sunday Sept. 23, 2007 will go into the hat to recieve a Fat quarter from me. I will draw out the winner on Monday. This is a great way to also get to know other bloggers.

Now I hope to find some time to work on some sewing. Lots to do little time to do it all.

Commitment to Loveliness

2007-09-16T10:42:00.000-05:00

1. Quilt the wall hanging for the office "Pat's Butterfly Garden."

2. Get my pumpkins designed and maybe fused down for the pumpkin swap. Done 9/17/07

3. Do my tackle it Tuesday spot. Done 9/18/07

4. Pick a design and start it for guild small quilt auction next month.

5. Finish my Home management binder.

If you want to participate in A Commitment To Loveliness, just stop by Emma's blog and join in. It is a great way to set weekly goals for yourself, quilt related or other wise.

Saturday's accomplishments

2007-09-15T23:02:00.000-05:00

I managed to get my pie block stitched down. I have the third TR block on fusiable webbing; so tomorrow I can pick the fabrics out and get stitching on that block. Then I'll have my blocks done for Pat’s Yahoo group. I also managed to get my awesome wall quilt "Pat's Butterfly Garden" stitched down today. I hope to be able to quickly quilt it tomorrow. I am enjoying my slow week of school, knowing that next four weeks are going to be to hectic to probably do any sewing. I managed to finished reading my last book I have by Emilie Richards called "The Parting Glass." This book took me a little longer to read, partly due to the fact I only read before bed and the fact I was so tired every night that I'd fall asleep reading. The book was really good, I just was really, really tired. Emilie has a few other books I have not read, but I am going to switch authors and read "The Suicide Club" by Gayle Wilson

I should not have watched the NE vs. USC game tonight. Talk about bumming a person to watch USC walk all over your favorite team. At least we did not lose to bad. But I was really hoping we could topple the #1 ranked team in the Nation. Oh well another year.

I am working on a new "Home Management Binder" that I found on Bren’s blog. I am hoping that this will help get me organized and at the same time allowing extra time to accomplish other tasks that I don't have time to get too.

Thread and more thread

2007-09-13T17:31:00.000-05:00

How many of us want to own every color of thread so that we do not have to run to the store everytime we turn around. Well I still do not have every color but I still am in thread heaven. I was able to use my Joanns 40% off coupon and I know have 100 spools of thread. Let me just say without that coupon I never would have thought of purchasing this great product. It is know hanging on my wall in what is known as the sewing room at the end of my living room. My hubby hung it up immediatly soon that I could start using the money I spent. I think He hopes I now will do lots of projects, maybe including one for him. Wonder if his helpfulness was a hint. ;-) Ok he says I'd only need one color of thread for him. Hum would that be black. NOPE blue so I could patch the holes in his jeans. Guess I best tackle the tower O' Jeans before he uses the sewing machine.

Life catch up

2007-09-12T21:49:00.000-05:00

I made this watermelon set as a birthday present. Just amazing how cute it turned out. I also have been working on my TR quilt along with the Farmers Market quilt both from Pat’s Yahoo group.

The Blue Ribbon Pie is darling. I cannot wait to see what other fabulous blocks are awaiting this quilt. I finally finished my Java I class on Monday; then started Tuesday Java II. So with the intensity of the class my blogging and quilting may be very sporadic.

Kitty Pictures

2007-09-06T23:44:00.000-05:00

The big Calico cat is Reese and the little one is Sadie. She is such a cutie and so full of fun.

Wednesday's Gratitude Journal

2007-09-05T13:36:00.000-05:00

Feeling like taking off a few heads today. So instead I am going to find something to be grateful for and at least one thing I will do for MYSELF tonight once home from work.

#1. Hubby- who always listens, even if I repeat myself. ;-)
#2. Sam- she always has such a positive outlook on life.
#3. Sadie- yes I know she's a kitten, but she is full of life and bounce (which I could use a little of).

For me.
#1. Take a walk- enjoy the starts of fall.
#2. Spend 30 minutes in my sewing room.
#3. Find a project that is about finished and put on top of finish list.

Whelp I sure feel better now. All heads can stay attached.

New kitty and Reese

2007-09-02T20:01:00.000-05:00

Traveled to 5 1/2 hours yesterday to Kansas and picked up my new Maine Coon Kitten. Right now we have settled on the name Sadie for her. While I was there I got Reese who was the mama to Dennis' Mom's cat Cleo. So at this moment I have 6 cats and one dog all under one roof, and oh boy the fur is flying with all the hissing and growling. They will settle down eventually but in the meantime it is kind-of loud.

Classes and office move

2007-08-28T08:06:00.000-05:00

Wosers, I truly enjoy learning new programming languages. But this Java class has truly not been a whole lot of fun. It might be better if what we were to do with our assignments were actually discussed in a book, or maybe a lecture. I spent hours trying to find a code to pause a scrolling output. It reminds me of learning to quilt but at that time it was not as popular and your local stores did not have a clue how to do such a strange hobby. That too was a lot of trial and error. I understand my program extremley will after the hours of working on it.

Which means no sewing for me. I had promised myself that every day I would find something to sew on, whether it was a big project or something small. But that promise was sidelined.

Oh yep the office has been moved 5 blocks down from where my boss/mom originally opened her business. I spent yesterday getting her computers up and functional, I managed to even get the server, DSL and computers all to work together again without to main hitches in the process.

I am hopeful that today I can spend sometime sewing as a small reward for reading the next chapter for my wonderful Java class.

Had to play along

2007-08-21T11:47:00.000-05:00

My score may not be a high as Susan’s but it came really close.

Yesterday I made the silliest thing an plastic canvas an Orange magnet. Sam just was having so much fun learning this new needle work I just could not resist playing along. She had to have a handle on her sign; already changing patterns.

Tonight Sam has her very first gymnastics class, her nerves are going already. I know that it will be fine she makes friends easily and has done well the last two years in dance class. I just know this will be another place for her to blossom and make her dancing stronger for it.

T-shirt day

2007-08-19T22:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was T-shirt workshop day for the Sloanies. I started working on mine yesterday, did not get very far on it. But did continue to work on it today and did get it finished.

Spent the first part of my day writing a program, then posted it to my class teammates for quality control review. Later I checked in an someone took my program and made it theirs. Then today another classmate took my program and did the same thing. I hope the teacher docks their grades for plagarism. It is frustrating to know that others cannot do their own homework and have to basically steal others hard work. Ok enough venting.

Today I taught Samantha my 8 year old how to plastic canvas. She made the most darling little stop sign with handle.

Finished block

2007-08-14T22:20:00.000-05:00

It's taking me awhile to get this block done. I've basically spent the last week finishing my C programming class. Now I'm trying to figure out Java. Sometimes it would be nicer if we could have more than 5 weeks to a class; that way we did not have to cram so hard to understand something that seems so Greek.

Anyway the block I got done is from the Farmer's Market series by Pat Sloan. I ran out of the thread while stitching around the letter's and of course did not manage to get the same color. But I do not think it's noticeable.

Izzy's Garden

2007-08-05T21:15:00.000-05:00

I finished Izzy not to long ago. So I decided to take her to our local county fair. She got 1st place I was kind fo shocked. The comments were all positive from the judge. So maybe next year I will enter some more of my work. The other two quilts only got 2nds. The biggest comment was to roll the quilts instead of folding them. I only took a picture of the first place quilt with the ribbon in place.

Apron Day

2007-08-04T23:49:00.000-05:00

Today on Pat Sloan yahoo group we had Apron making day. Well I got my apron done. It turned out really good. I used Rick Rack on the pockets and binding on the round bottom. I picked the pattern because it seemed easy. It wasn't too bad, did have to stitch the waist down by hand. But this waist piece covers the gathers and tie ends nicely, so the hand work was worth it. Now my daughter wants her own apron just like mommy. I actually had seen a mother/daughter pattern when I picked up the one for todays event. I'll keep her request in mind, maybe as a christmas present.

It was nice to sew something useful especially after spending hours proofreading and rewritten parts of a team paper, then having to get my presentation put together off of the paper. The Apron was the perfect getaway from school work. Thanks Pat for the project for today.