Easy Street-Part 7 Final Construction begins

I had great plans for today.  I figured a few hours to do this part of the mystery.  I have been working on it most of the day and finally finished it at 9PM.  Good thing I did not have any big party plans for tonight!  I am really happy with the way it is coming together. 

I have not figured  out how the rest of the top is going to be constructed.  I do know that I have LOTS of pieces left to sew together.  The top is going to be constructed on point, I do know that.  The thing is I won't have to wait long as the reveal will be tomorrow.

But for now, Spooky, Wild Willie and I wish all my friends and family HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

Happy Stars and Aurafil thread

`I have pretty much spent the weekend playing!!  I have been working on pieces of Comfort and Joy.  After finishing the snowman yesterday, I decided that I would tackle the stars.  Pat's templates are WONDERFUL and these babies went together without difficulty.  I decided not to paper piece them.  Once I did the 2 little ones for the next section I am working on, I decided to go ahead and do them all.   Now they are done!  Next on tap is the angel.  My handout called her Miss It.  I think I will call her (you guessed it)  PAT!!

And on the other note....I love aurafil thread-it is all that I use.  And I use the BIG spool at home.  I finished a spool today. I think this is the third spool that I have finished.  Lots of sewing going on here. 

Block of the Week:Cheyenne

 Wyoming was ahead of the times in womens' rights.  Sure like easy blocks.  Willie is once again, checking out my work.  I think he gave it 2 paws up.

 I am getting a head start on 2013.  Snowman is part of section 2 in Comfort and Joy.  I see he has a Pinocchio nose.  Today I need to give him his arms and scarf.  He also has a little tree and a broom.  This is going to be a week long project, at least.  Pat, have another drink!!!

Wild Willie is resting in preparation for the new year.

Easy Street- Part 6

The mystery is racing along and Bonnie notes the next part will be published on New Years eve.  I love the mystery and am a little sad because I know that the mystery will soon be revealed. 

I had a couple of interesting comments from friends regarding my 2013 quilt plans.  Bad Melisa (Sweet Home Quilt Co.) mentioned accountability.  And that is what I need.  My friend Pat (Queen of the Silver Thimble Quilt Co.) reports that I will be responsible for her taking up drinking as I plan on completing Comfort and Joy.  Sarah is going to join me in working on her Comfort and Joy and Gretch says she is also going to encourage completion.

So last night, in prep for 2013, I opened up the box and pulled out the next section to be done.  I will be working first on the snowman.  I have to admit, i did not get that far...but at least it is a start.  I'll keep you posted.

UFO's- WILL be completed in 2013

#1 COMFORT AND JOY-  This baby has been boxed for 2 years.  If Judy Laquidara can make 2 of these next year, I should be able to complete one!  Now there is all the applique left but must maybe I can surprise Pat and DO IT!!

#2 EASY STREET-  I am up to date and waiting for the next step on this year's Bonnie Hunter mystery

#3GRANDMOTHER'S CHOICE- the block of the week.  So far 17 blocks completed. 

#4PATTERN TO BE DETERMINED- I luv, luv, luv Audra's Iris Garden.  I have a fat quarter bundle of this line  Still searching for the right pattern

#5PINEAPPLE QUILT IN 3 COLORS-most of the blocks made for this one.  Not sure how the finish will go.

#6 TIED UP IN BOWS-the top is done but it needs a back and binding before it goes off to be quilted

 #7QUILT CAMP 2012 SWAP-red, blue and gold.  Swap date is Feb.

#8MIXED BERRIES- top is all cut out and ready for construction.  This is a variation of Pat Wys's Blueberry Pie

#9 DEBONAIR-top also cut out and ready to go

#10 POPSICLE STICKS-yet another top cut out and ready for construction.   I am sensing a pattern here!

#11-JUST FOR YOU quilt- top is made-Needs backing, binding and quilting

#12-SILVER THIMBLE MYSTERY QUILT (not pictured-it's a mystery!)  Top is done-it needs a backing, binding and quilting

I am tired just listing these!  But since work won't get in the way and there is a retreat coming up,  I think I can manage this for 2013.

Christmas Eve-2012

Glad to say it is Christmas Eve.  Glad because i don't do Christmas well anymore.  It is not that I am a Grinch (or maybe I am) or Scrooge.  Don't know why-just the way it is.  \

Yesterday I did my Christmas cooking traditions that are usually done Christmas Eve.  I didn't want to get up that early to get them done today.  So the Swedish meatballs are made and just need to be heated up.  And I finally got around to starting the Swedish coffee bread about 3 yesterday afternoon.  Finally out of the oven about 7 last night.

I am looking forward to spending Christmas Eve and Christmas day with Sarah and Emma (and Sue and Rob).  Sarah is Mary in the Christmas pageant this afternoon and Emma and angel.  I wonder if the other angels are vegetarians?  Then again Emma's version does allow bacon and fast foods!!

Before heading out today, I am working on s "just for you" quilt top.  I hope somewhere out there there is someone who likes frogs.  Picture will follow.

Merry Christmas to all!!!!!

Mother's Delight-Christabel Pankhurst

Block of the week.  Christabel is of English descent.  I decided to do this block in Christmas colors instead of the colors I have used in the majority of the blocks so far.  It reminds me of the star that hangs over the altar at Christmastime up in Mohegan Lake.  I wish I could be there at this time of the year but it is way too cold.  Actually, it is too cold here right now!  This is #17 of the 49 planned for this quilt.  I used the templates from Blockbase for this block.

I guess I need to wrap a few presents today.  Then tie up a few more things for Christmas.  First, though, is coffee!

Squatting Turkeys?

Easy Street-Part 5.     I read on the Quiltville blog this morning that one follower had named these blocks Squatting Turkeys.    I like that!  Still no green in this mystery other than the squares cut last week.  i am guessing that this mystery will have 7 or 8 parts so things should begin to gel with the next block.  That kind of makes me sad since I really love doing Bonnie's mysteries.

I downloaded the block of the week for Grandmother's Choice this morning.  And I have only one thing to say, "Yikes!" 

I finally finished Christmas shopping yesterday since the Mayans were wrong.  I had a good time with Sue, Sarah and Emma.Today is a trip to Publix for Christmas cooking. 

block of the Week-Capitol T-Sarah Pellet

I'm on a roll this morning!  Block of the week is completed.  I love the info that comes with the block directions.  Sarah Pellet was a campaigner for temperance.  And the "T" stands for tee-totallers.  Well you learn something EVERY day.

Now i will think about all those things that I need to do today.

December Thimbles

 This is, of course, my favorite weekend of the month.  I love my Thimble buddies!!  I got up early to cook!!!  Our December meeting is always a sewing/eating time with lots of goodies. 
I downloaded Part 4 of Easy Street before entering the kitchen.  I even was able to get all of the cutting done before heading over to Thimbles.

More flying geese!!  Also cut some green finally.  Little green squares.  Maybe next week they will be worked in to the process.  I am loving this mystery.

After completing the goose construction, I put the borders on the winter quilt.  I don't have a backing and think I will probably piece a backing for this one.

The otherwise great day was marred by the tragic news from Connecticut.  Newtown was not that far from where I used to live.  Such beautiful country.  There are no words to fully describe the horror.  Just so sad.

Centennial-New Zealand Victory

This is block #15 of Grandmother's Choice block of the week.  I really like it when the block goes together the first time!  I got this one made yesterday afternoon.

And on another note.....celebrated Pat Wys's birthday yesterday with some of her posse.  It was quite an enjoyable afternoon.  I wish I had a picture of herself in  her head gear.  So funny!  Andy (Sir Quilt Dude)  was in formal attire.  I think he was just back from his photo shoot for Awesome Men of Gwinnett County!
And I would be negligent if I did not also congratulate their lovely daughters on hosting the event.  Love that crazy Pat!!!  Seriously though she has taught me so much.  And she continues to push me toward heinous applique. 

Did the Marietta Diner yesterday as well.  Oh that food!  Forgot to save room for rice pudding.  Just another excuse to go back.

Fridays are so good..

 Look what the UPS man left at my door!!  It's from that place in Texas...  See there is even a little bit of decorating done..

And here is what was in that box.  It is Brannock & Patek's new line Audra's Iris Garden.  I first saw part of this on Karmen's blog (Linda Brannock is her Mom)  And I knew it was a 1-800-GOTTA HAVE.  When I saw it on the coming soon site at Fat Quarter Shop, I put my name in.  I had a gift certificate from Sue and the little girls and I have now put it to good use.  I am not sure what pattern I am going to use.  I have to check out some of my books.

Easy Street -Part 3 was up when I got up this morning.  I printed it out and cut most of the pieces before I went to the pool.  I say most because I guess I was having trouble counting to 64.  When I went to press, I had 63 blocks.  I love the purple and turquoise in this block.  I had some cute snowman fabric and some of the blocks have all of him!

Yesterday I finally got the place mat done for the guild meeting  I also finished a gift that I can't show 'cause it's a surprise.

BOW-Bride's Knot

Yeah-this week's block was not too hard to do.This is #14 of the blocks.  There are 49 blocks planned.
Weekly assignment now completed!

I am ready to lay out and stack "Tied Up in Bows".  I bought this cute pattern when we had our last fun/food/fabric road trip up to Franklin, No Carolina.  I had a bunch of Winter Elegance by Moda.

I am also playing with the pineapple block using black, gray and white/black print.  I cut a bunch of strips last night.

And I found my fabric advent calendar in the garage and hung it up.  After all, it is December 1.

Gaggle of geese on Easy Street

I love it!  I got up this morning and hit the computer and voila..Part 2 was already up on the Quiltville site.  And it helps that going to work does not get in the way.  So after the pool, I came back home and started working.  And now I have got Part 2 done!!

Tomorrow is the BOW!

Saturday sewing..

 Easy Street Part 1 was completed yesterday.  I love the little neutral four patches!  And now I have to wait until next Friday for Part 2!

 This week's Block of the Week.  I actually made this block twice.  The first one I made did not have enough contrast.  I also had some difficulty with those little triangles.  I decided to add some more colors to my blocks after seeing Sarah's blocks last week.  I had been using the purple, green and white with all of the previous blocks.

And now this...Another pineapple block.  This morning I confused myself and made the second block with the gray and white strips reversed.  Now I am not sure which one I like better.

Cindi and I went out to Sweet Home for small business Saturday and visited with Melisa. (We left with some "stuff" as well).  I asked Melisa about the quilts sent up to NY for the storm victims.  She said they were overwhelmed with quilts and blankets donated. 

I am over on Easy Street

I lingered in bed for awhile this morning and once out of bed checked Quiltville to see if clue was up.  Yeah-it was there.  So after making coffee, I started step one.I need to make 192 four patches.  I have 30 done so far....it is going to be a busy weekend
I am so psyched to do this mystery!!  Good thing I finished the Silver Thimble mystery last week!!!  AND I AM LOVING THAT ONE!

Okay-now I am back to my four patches...later for you!

BOW #12-Little Boy's Breeches

This was not my favorite block to construct.   There was lots of unsewing in this baby!!  And I have pressed the dickens out of it as well.  Hopefully it will "quilt out".
It is sitting on top of Emily Jane-a lovely quilt designed by my friend Pat Wys.  Sure hope she is not mean tomorrow when she attempts to teach me heinous applique.  She just does not  think "staplaque" is the way to go.  I'm scared!!!!!!!

I had a great time at Thimbles this weekend.  But I always have a great time with these wonderful ladies.  The mystery quilt was revealed and I was able to make progress on final construction.  Since this is a mystery quilt, there will be no pictures of it.  Don't want to spoil any one's surprise if they choose to do it.  Just say you won't be disappointed with the outcome.

We had a discussion on storing quilts.  Folding them is not a good idea as it creates permanent creases and breakdown the batting at the fold.  They need to be stored flat.  Now comes the problem.  The bed in the guestroom looks like the princess in the peas bed as it is piled with quilts currently not in use.  I folded some of them on the bias as Pat suggested.  The bed still looks crazy but Spooky is a happy camper as he can find a warm spot.

Sleeping with the enemy..

This morning I discovered that one of the boys had brought a toy to bed last night.  I did not know that catnip mice disliked the cold!  My beloved Henry always slept under the covers.  I miss that loving lump of orange that kept me company.  Hard to believe that he has been gone almost a year now.  At any rate, Spooky and Wild Willie prefer to be on top of the quilts or in Willie's case-on the pillow next to my head.
Just realized that the sheets are my cat sheets.  I wonder if the mouse knows!

And on another sad note...no more Drake's cakes.  I never liked Twinkies but oh those crumb cakes.  So sad.

Pineapple Polkadots..Done

This is a happy quilt top!  This pattern was the project from last summer's quilt camp.  It is based on the book Trash to Treasures.  The center is made with 1 1/2 inch strips and uses a specialty ruler to create the block.  The first couple of blocks were tough but with repetition it became easier.  We came to camp with strips and swapped so there is quite a variety of polka dots.  I have to admit-mine are not all traditional polka dots.  I even have some happy fabric for the backing!
This is done just in time.  Bonnie Hunter's mystery starts the day after Thanksgiving.  I am ready!!!

Block of the Week-Little Red Schoolhouse

Since my quilt is planned in the colors of green, purple and white, the red schoolhouse got changed to purple.  The directions for this block were easily followed and I used Blockbase to get the odd shapes.  This was first on the agenda for today.  Done!!

Yesterday I put another inner border on pineapple polka dots-one more border to go!  And then decided the disaster area that used to be called a living room needed some attention.  It is a bit better today.  I need to do a bit more work on it today.

Progress toward Easy Street

I have started pulling together fabric from my stash for the next Bonnie Hunter mystery.  I confess...the gray fabric that will be my constant does not come from fabric previously acquired.  It is an import from No. Carolina.  Last Saturday was our "food, fun and fabric" adventure.  Marty took the wheel, Becky rode "shotgun" with Cindi and me being pretty much passengers.  We set off for Franklin and 2 lovely quilts shops.  After some fabric fondling, a little shopping and a yummy lunch, we headed back south.  While in the car, we attempted to solve the world's problems and just how we planned to use all the fabric that collectively lives in our houses!

Today I think I need to return to pineapple polka dots.  I have some serious cutting to do for my planned border.

BOW-Susan B. Anthony votes and goes to jail

Two easy blocks in a row to complete.  Does not bode well for next week!

Yesterday we did a "3 F" event (fabric, food and fun).  Marty, Cindi, Becky and I drove to Franklin, No Carolina.  we checked on 2 quilt shops.  We walked into one-Cats and Quilts (I think) and there hanging right before our eyes 3 Silver Thimble quilts from Spotlight on Neutrals.  Havenstone (Dark and Creepy), Scrappy Nines and Sunnyside.  Of course we had to let the owner know that we were personal friends!!!
We had a lovely lunch.  It was a beautiful day for a drive.

I was good.  I only bought one piece of fabric-a yummy gray for the next Bonnie Hunter mystery.  I have started gathering fabric from my stash for the quilt.  First clue is not until the end of November-I have plenty of time.  I also bought a pattern to add to the someday I will make this pile.

I have made all the polka dot pineapples I am going to do-36.  They are sewn together and a narrow black border is on.  I am not sure how I am going to complete the outer border.  I am playing with a few ideas/

Today is pretty much a blank slate.  I know what I should do but whether that happens is questionable!

What?

I've been waiting......and today is the day!  Bonnie Hunter publishing yardage requirements for the new mystery quilt.  I did not even bother reading it on the computer.  Just hit the print friendly button and turned on the printer.  And this is what I got...directions in code.  AND I printed it twice since in my eagerness I hit the button twice.
Do over....and now I have the directions in readable form.  I will soon be off to begin gathering fabric.  The first clue is not until the end of November-so I have time.  That being said, I will soon begin anyway.

Now my friends know the condition of my living room at the current time and now I will be adding to the chaos/piles of fabric.  I have been working steadily on pineapple polka dots so there is a pile of polka dot pieces.  And then there is the Silver Thimble mystery-a pile of lime green pieces.  I've been cutting for the blue/red/gold swap.......get my drift.   Did I mention the bag of teeny trimmings to give to Becky for pet beds?    Can you say OUT OF CONTROL?

BUT I am a happy quilter and that's the truth!!!!

Just Playin'

 Little table topper for the upcoming holiday.  It will be leaving here-I am not a big fan of Halloween (but I liked the fabric.  It is a quickie-3 fat quarters and a focus fabric for the center.

This week's BOW did not require an engineering degree.  It also went together quickly.  This is block #9 in the series.  I think I need to go back and redo week #2.  I did not have Blockbase at that time.  I have printed off the template for that one and while my pieces were right, the size was off.

I have 20 blocks made for polka dot pineapples.  I am not sure how many blocks I will end up with-it depends on how far I can stretch the black Kona.  It will be 25, 30 or 36 blocks.  In the meantime I have one big mess from all the cutting and trimming.

Little Projects

The BOW for this week has been hanging over my head.  But it is Thursday and the day after tomorrow, there will be another one!  This block is similar to week 2 and I struggled with that one.  But I didn't have Blockbase then.  Maybe I will go back and redo that one...maybe not!  At any rate cross one project off the list.

I told Kathy that I would make her a quilted container for her Kindle.  That was back in June.  Then I forgot.  But now that is done as well.  It does need a snap.  I made use of some of the extra flying geese I made for "Turkey".  Don't think this will get lost if put in a bag!

I also got the tea cozy made but it is already on it's way to NY.  Good progress this week

The Pineapple quilt and other stuff

I am continuing to work these blocks two at a time.  12 blocks done.  This project is probably the reason the living room looks the way it does.  Piles of polka dot fabric in strips and pieces.  And then there are the other projects currently being worked on.  I have the little spool blocks.  I cut more pieces for that one this morning.  I finished month seven of the mystery quilt but that is a secret that can not be shared. 

I printed off this week's pattern for the BOW on Blockbase.  This is going to take awhile to do and since it is like the other block.......

Kathy sent me a request for a tea cozy and Becky hooked me up with a site.  Now that is on the to do list when I find the perfect fabric in the stash (and I think I know just what I will do with it).

I guess I should do a little picking up before I start.

Thimbles-sewing or visiting?

I so look forward to the monthly Thimbles meeting.  And I headed over yesterday right after the pool.  (I also love the time in the cocoon pool).
So what got accomplished yesterday?  I needed to work on the BOW from last Saturday-the womens' rights on line quilt.  Must get it done before next block published.  I decided that since I managed to needle turn that one block, I would do it again.  After all, it is just one block and not a Baltimore Album!  I had a little trouble with the star points but otherwise, it went together.  

After completing that block, I started working on this month's installment of the mystery quilt.  It is almost done but can't be shown.  Pat is taking this program to Houston next week.  Don't want to spoil the surprise. 

So I do not have a lot to show for the eight or so hours I was there but I did have a great time visiting with the quilting buds.  And that is what Thimbles is all about-sharing!   Quilters are the best!!

Kykuit

 This is the home built by John D Rockefeller.  It is in Pocantico Hills, north of NYC.  It was home to the Rockefeller's until Nelson died and it was given to the National Trust.  Look at Kathy concentrating!

 Statue imported fro Italy.  View looking down county toward White Plains

 Golf course with Hudson River in the distance

Phillipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hallow, NY.  Up the road is the church and graveyard.  We be in Headless Horseman country.

Escape to Mahopac

 I took a quick trip up to NY to visit with old friends.  I love Georgia don't get me wrong but there is nothing prettier than the Hudson Valley for me.  Saturday morning it was 29 degrees (that is why I live in Ga now).  Kathy and I went out to see some sights.  By the afternoon it had warmed up and was beautiful.  This is the overlook on Storm King Mt/  Across the river is Cold Spring.  The leaves aren't at peak yet but it was so clear and crisp.

 Looking down at West Point.  Did not realize how big it is.  The buildings that you see in pix are on the other side of that slope.  That is the soccer field.

 Bear Mt. Bridge from Fort Montgomery. Looking down the river toward Peekskill

 This is the "goat path".  This road wides up the mountain from the river level to the bridge across the Hudson.  That brick wall is all that separates you from a long way down.  It is a really pretty road but not constructed for today's speeds. 

Overlook on the "goat path" looking down river toward Croton and Indian Point.


I had such a wonderful time. I so wish it was not so far away.  i visited with former co-workers that I had not seen in 14 years.  Also my old boss.  He was the most wonderful man to work for-fair, honest and funny.

I have more pix from our trip to Kykuit.  I have to resize them first.