Life in the Slow Lane

Dysfunctional winter?

2012-01-28T21:30:00.001-05:00

This morning I saw 2 robins and the birds were chirping. Since it was in the 80's last week in Fla, I guess they are thinking it is time to head north. Note to birds: the week after next is the retreat up in Ellijay and it has snowed on that weekend for the last 2 years. Hunkerdown birds!

Yes that is a new use for the otherwise infrequently used appliance. I have been lusting after this fabric since I first saw it on the Little Quilts blog. It is Battle Hymn. I even found a pattern while thumbing through old magazines. Actually I was looking for something else. Cindi and I were planning a trip over there during the week and planned it for next Saturday. Change of plans...we went today..road trip with Marti and Marie. such fun. Since were all the way over in Marietta (the other side of the world) it made sense to check out Tiny Stitches as well.

Then after all that serious fabric fondling, a need for reenergizing. And although we passed The Big Chicken, we went to the Marietta Diner. I haven't found many diners down here-not like up in NY. Oh my was it good. Sovlakyi yum!!!- I wonder how the rice pudding is? But I was way to full for dessert. And speaking of desserts...OMG the cakes in the counter were to die for. I think the calories migrated through the glass while I was waiting to pay.

Home again and nothing to do but rest up for awhile!!! I really MUST get started on preparing my projects for Ellijay as I don't want to have to cut anything up there but just sew.

Weekend af Meena's

2012-01-14T13:12:00.000-05:00

The Polly Pocket girls are out to play. Moda Man and Bolt are also enjoying the day. Moda Man is in the castle resting. Rough night?

One of Sarah's dolls is practciing her violin and Willie is observing. House well on the way to being trashed and it is only Saturday!

Emma the cook is busy making cookies.....

..while Sarah works on decorating the red wagon

And Willie is being just plain cute. Second cutest...Remy Brock is #1 cute (but he is just baby cute).

We had a busy morning. Breakfast at Waffle House. Quite the experience for me. I think it is my second time in 12 years. And I am good for another 12 years. Then a stop at the J store for some crafting supplies for the afternoon and Publix for cookies (and milk).

R.I.P. my sweet Henry

2012-01-12T13:12:00.001-05:00

It was so fast. One day he was fine and the next....
Last evening, he had a syncopal attack. I took him to an emergency vet who did xrays and ekg. 2 hours later, he seemed fine and I took him home. This morning i took him to the regular vet. Long story short, heart, kidneys okay but blood work showed severe problems in his liver. He was definitely suffering.
My heart is breaking. I know I did the right thing. At least he was not sick long.

I got Henry as s kitten. He has always been my sweet boy. Even last night, he came to bed and slept on the pillow. There is a hollow spot in my heart. I told him to wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge.

Orca Bay ...completed top

2012-01-08T12:50:00.000-05:00

The top is done!! I really love the way this mystery turned out. Now I have to get a backing for it. My plan is to piece a back in shades of blue just like the ocean!

In the meantime, I guess the top will go live with Roll. roll. Also in need of a backing. BUT I have one for it-just needs to be pieced together.
Yesterday, while I was out and about (in Marietta-at Tiny Stitches...busted) O got to see another Orca Bay completed. It was done in the same colors. My reason for the trip, was to see if they had Reenuzit 2 in. I want to see what the line looks like. I guess I will have to wait.

Some of my quilting buds have made lists of projects for 2012 completion. I am only listing 7 because that was all I could think of and probably won't get them done anyway. So here they are:

1. Dark and Creepy-Havenstone
2. Roll, Roll cotton Boll
3. Orca Bay
4. Go Tell it on the Mountain (blueberry crumb line)
5. 2011 quilt camp project
6. 2001 blue and tan swap
7. Comfort and Joy-this one falls into the highly unlikely to ever be completed list. And I am going to hear about this from Pat.

so that is my list-there are lots more projects but I am being realistic

Orca Bay revealed

2012-01-01T22:05:00.001-05:00

Up early this morning to view part 8. Bonnie has not disappointed! I wanted to do some since tomorrow I have to work. I have all the rows sewed together and have connected six of the rows. I think there are 11 more rows to go. I will do the inner border in a tone on tone neutral. And then construct the outer border.
I love the way there are secondary patterns that pop as you look at it.

Orca Bay-7 and Henry

2011-12-31T16:54:00.000-05:00

Henry is a happy boy. He went to the vet this morning. That was not the happy part. There was a lot of meowing going on on the ride back and forth. But the good news is that his back is healed and he no longer needs to wear the cone. I actually took it off last night to see what he would do. The area is completely healed but the vet says that the fur may not grow back. (not the worst thing in the world).

Bonnie put up part 7 yesterday. We are in the home stretch and final construction. I started working on it last night and finished it up today. I am still in the dark as to how it will finally go together. I,m thinking that the red string pieces will somehow surround the Ohio stars. But what's with the 2 quarter square triangles and what about those blue blocks? Part 8 goes live tomorrow and then we'll know!

Henry, Willie, Spooky and I are planning a quiet evening watching tv and waiting for the new year.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T10:59:00.001-05:00

I have been fooling around with blog all morning. And I am frustrated. Must get my tech support to help me. If this goes, I will be very surprised!

Working on Orca Bay Part 6 Half done. The meatballs were made yesterday and the coffeecake is on it's rise. And I seem to be a head of schdedule.

Here goes.....did it work?

I luv this face

2011-12-21T05:57:00.000-05:00

I luv this little girl too! Alice is all set for Santa to come down the chimney. Sure hope he knows about Ayla and brings a dog cookie

Silver Thimbles-Part Deux

2011-12-17T19:33:00.002-05:00

Thimbles is responsible for any weight gain. Man more food today! I don't want to think about all the carbs and fat that were on the counter. It was awesome! I forgot to take my camera today. Sarah no blog continued working on pg 71 of THE BOOK. She is doing Pat's creation in color as opposed to neutrals. I can't wait to see it finished. Kristie is also doing Orca Bay and spent a good portion of the time cutting the 700 triangles needed for part 5. Cindi was cutting-working on Christmas presents.

I continued working on part 5 as well. I think I have about 100 more to go. I ran out of triangles and need to cut some more.

After Thimbles some of us went over to Patchwork Cottage. I am sad that Mita is closing. This is the closest shop to me. I did pick up a couple of pieces of fabric.
Now I am home...and guess who is sitting on my lap. (clue: he is sweet and orange).

Thimbles Weekend Part 1, Orca Bay Part 5

2011-12-17T07:21:00.003-05:00

I LOVE my thimbles peeps! Since I was on vacation this week, I am doing a double Thimble. I decided to work on little projects to start. The December meeting brings lots of food (an understatement). What a spread yesterday! So much that my 10 minute table runner took an hour and a half! Time out for eating and sampling AND doing a little jigsaw puzzle that Marti was giving away. Cute little quilt puzzle.
Downloaded Orca part 5 before I went over to Grayson. Cut 700 little triangles to add on to Part 3. This is going to take awhile. I am cutting and sewing batches. Today I also need to cut some pieces for Havenstone Dark and Creepy.

Henry update: He is still suffering thru his cone but doing better. He is not walking into things anymore and last night he even got under the covers in bed. The sore on his back is nice and dry but I can still feel some cellulitis under it. I think he has enjoyed having me home and every time I sit down, he is on my lap. Spooky is no longer growling and also on the bed at night. Things are almost back to normal here!

And today THIMBLES-PART DEUX!

Henry's not so excellent adventure

2011-12-13T13:11:00.003-05:00

How pitiful is this precious face? My poor boy had to visit the vet this morning. He developed a sore on his back and has licked the fur off of it. It looked clean but I knew that we needed a cone to keep the pesky tongue away. The sore is about quarter size. There is some underlying cellulitis as well. He got an antibiotic shot (cha-ching). I feel so bad as he keeps walking into things. It is going to be a long few days. He has to wear the cone. I'm not sure about how we are going to sleep tonight. i will worry about that later.

Orca Bay-Part 4

2011-12-11T14:26:00.002-05:00

Finally some red in the directions. More paper piecing. Back to the yellow pages-64 pieces 5.5 inch squares. Makes me laugh-cut up the phone book, cut up fabric into assorted size strips. Then sew the strips together. Then after squaring the block, cut it in half, remove the yellow pages now in itty pieces. Quilters (piecers are a funny bunch!

Now that I have finished this step, I guess I really should start thinking about Christmas (2 weeks from today). I guess I will start tomorrow. Because today I am not getting dressed! I am still eating on the stew I made last weekend. And there is cookies from the girls cookie bake yesterday. I am good to go!

Care Package from Mahopac

2011-12-08T17:14:00.002-05:00

Some things you just can't get in Georgia. Drake's cakes and chocolate pudding are the two things I miss. I've lived here almost 12 years. My import source is Kathy. Drake's cakes are available on Amazon (who knew) but who knows how old they are either. As for the chocolate pudding, Jello just doesn't cut it. It leaves an after taste. And I have been eating My-T-Fine since I was a little girl.
The presents are sitting on the stove. Yes, I have one. No, I don't use it (except to make chocolate pudding).

And here is the proof. I bought this stove in 2008. It does not have a self-cleaning oven. I have yet to need to clean it. the aluminum foil- sometimes I change it, if it gets yucky. Can't remember the last time. This baby does not have much mileage on her!

I am now going to make myself a cup of coffee and enjoy a crumb cake.

The Bad Boy

2011-12-05T18:21:00.002-05:00

I don't think I am a bad boy. I think I am just a quite handsome feline with lots of imagination. I used to like to play in the bathroom with this funny roll. I could unroll lots of paper and it was fun to shred. My person was not happy when I did it and THEN she stopped putting it on the roller thing. No more fun. I had to chase Spooky or Henry for some entertainment.

Then lately, I noticed the paper was back. Take a break guys, I found a new toy to play with. Boy was she mad when she got up this morning and found the mountain! She told me I was a very bad boy. I still don't think it is a big deal. What do you think?

Sincerely, Wild Willie

Weekend Finish

2011-12-05T05:32:00.003-05:00

Kris needed a mantle cover for her living room. Yesterday was the day. I asked her if she wanted "traditional" fabric or fun. She chose fun. I had pattern that I liked so much that I bought it twice. It is called Candied Tile Runner and Mantle Scarf. I did not read the table runner directions )and maybe I should have) but the mantle scarf directions were not great. But it is done and ready to be delivered.

Henry is not happy with me this morning.. I disturbed him by getting out of bed and then insisted on taking his picture while he was sitting on my lap. Sorry, Henry

Orca Bay-Part 3

2011-12-04T08:09:00.002-05:00

Bag o' half square triangles completed. Yes, Gretch I have finished it. But in my defense, I have to work it on the weekend because by the time I get home from that awful place where I spend my weekdays, I am so tired all I can do is vegg on the couch.

Being the Bonnie Hunter groupie, I looked in my notebook and last year's mystery required 600 of these little HSQs. This step only required 350! But it does go quickly using the Easy Angle ruler.

Princess Alice

2011-12-01T05:47:00.002-05:00

don't you just want to gobble this one up? I was talking to her mommy last night and she wanted to see me. It was all I could do not to get in the car and go there. But it was her bedtime anyway. Soon my sweet Alice, soon. And Meena's got something to give you too!

Orca Bay-Part 2

2011-11-27T13:50:00.002-05:00

72 string pieced squares completed. These guys are small-only 3.5 inches square. It is nice that I was able to complete this this weekend. I also completed the 20 blocks of Dark and Creepy. I need to take a picture of that as well. I guess that just leaves getting dressed for today.....or maybe why bother as it is already 2 PM.

Good day..sewing and playing in fabric and NCIS marathon on.. Life is good. Also Henry close by. He is sitting on my lap every chance he gets.

Gobblle Jog-2011

2011-11-25T06:19:00.004-05:00

Here is Sweet Sarah. Sarah coordinates. Notice the braces?-match the jacket. Sarah got her ears pierced this week and the earrings match as well. Sarah got her ears pierced now because her Mom got hers pierced when she was two months short of 10 as well.

Here we are waiting at the start of the race. Laurie was acting as the photographer. I look a whole lot better than I did at the end of the race. Note to self: probably not a good idea to try to walk when your back is already stiff and hurting. But I made the whole race!

Mass of humanity. I think someone said there were about ten thousand walkers/runners. Also lots of dogs.

Back to Alpharetta after the race. Lots of good food and family. It was a good Thanksgiving

Orca Bay Part 1

2011-11-23T23:31:00.002-05:00

Bonnie's directions: make 244 quarter square triangles. Done! I think I have a few extra to boot.
Ready for next step-due Friday .......and I am off..no work for 4 days.

Second half of my Thimbles Weekend

2011-11-19T18:18:00.002-05:00

I went back today to play some more. And I took my camera to capture our red wagons. Sarah has decorated her with garlands. She really has a great horn! Henry and Alice were visiting as you can see in Sarah's wagon. If you look REALLY close, you can spot Moda Man in the basket!

I worked some on Dark and Creepy HavenStone. I finished one block but forgot some of the pieces at home, so did not get much done. also worked on the binding for Emily Jane.

Yipee skippy!!!!

2011-11-19T07:08:00.002-05:00

I have to say that I checked Bonnie's site before I left for work yesterday to see if clue #1 was up and it was. No need to go to work before I download it! I am ready to get started on all those quarter square triangles...448? I will try to get a few done this weekend.

Last night I went to Thimbles just because I could! I didn't really intend to sew much or stay that long but I did not get home until after ten. (Elizabeth, it's the big one!). I worked on the binding for Emily Jane. I am doing the two color binding and had to have Grandma Pat show me what to do to connect them. I will be going back today for another session. this time GRANDMA PAT will be helping me with Dark and Creepy. (I am so happy for Pat and of course Andy that they will have a grandbaby to spoil come the spring.) Emily and Russ must know that there is going to be no living with GRANDMA PAT. Can't wait to see the designs for quilts for this little bundle.

Sarah (no blog) brought her red wagon decorated with garland and Alice and Henry inside. We parked our wagons together for a photo. Moda Man and Fat Quarter (the S. H.) were in their compartment (the basket). I need to replace my horn and get one like Sarah has. Mine is just too wimpy! I will take my camera today for a picture.

As for Thimbles...it matters not whether I sew there. I so enjoy being with some of the nicest ladies in Atlanta. We used to be called Stitchin Sisters before the advent of Silver Thimbles and we truly are. We share our sewing and our fabbies but we share in so many other ways. I love you all!

In search of The Big Chicken

2011-11-12T13:27:00.002-05:00

I needed to go to Little Quilts. I NEEDED to!! I have misplaced (lost seems so harsh) my big scissors. I have searched high and low for it and all I found was dust bunnies. I knew Mary Ellen had the scissor I wanted so I set out for Little Quilts bright and early this morning. I don't go there much as it is on the other side of the world. But every time I do go, I manage to get myself lost. I am okay if I go to tiny Stitches first but otherwise.....
And sure enough I took the wrong turn off of I75 and ended up heading toward beautiful downtown Marietta. So I took a right turn and then another right turn and I finally spotted The Big Chicken. I don't know the address of Little Quilts but I do know that it is down the road from said Chicken. And every direction in Marietta is related to where it is in relations to the Big Chicken.

Mission accomplished-I got my scissors. Place was hopping as it was a pick up day for a block of the month. Thought I was going to have to park in Smyrna! Brenda was there and we chatted and checked out some fat quarters that will be used in the next Bonnie Hunter mystery (coming this Friday). I needed some blacks to perk up my stash. Also ran into another Thimble there-Danita.

I was good and did not detour to Tiny Stitches but headed over to Alpharetta to drop off my Thksg dinner contribution-turkey gravy base from Wm Sonoma.

As for the rest of the weekend?........who knows. I need to get back to Dark and Creepy

HavenStone AKA Dark and Creepy

2011-11-08T05:30:00.003-05:00

I first saw Pat's pattern when she brought it to a Thimbles meeting back when. I knew I had to make this one. It is the first one in her book that I want to make. I will not be making the one on pg 71! I have been collecting my neutrals. Would you believe shortage of white fabric?

At any rate, this past weekend, I started wacking up fabric. I have learned a couple of things. This block really does need good contrast and quarter inch seams are important in this block. that is not new, but I have had to start over because my blocks just don't come out at the proper size or my points don't match. I might have to wait for a tutorial on this one from the Head Thimble.

I will be keeping her busy as I need help on the binding construction for Emily Jane as well. At least I won't be whining about heinous applique. She should be happy about that!

Crazy thing happened yesterday at work. A new employee came up to me and asked me if I was from NY. Long story short-we worked in the same nursing home in NY 13 years ago! And she remembered me. Unfortunately I drew a blank.

I met with Sir Quilt Dude after work yesterday to discuss when I will be able to retire. He will be working on the numbers. Stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed!

At last...Friday

2011-11-04T22:46:00.003-04:00

There were times this week, that I thought it would never come. I am really tired of this whining. I don't want to whine I would really like to go back to when I enjoyed my job. It was not that long ago. It is a combination of new owners of the facility and the government who controls Medicare/Medicaid funding. An 11% cut across the board Oct 1 has caused companies nationwide to scramble and attempt to be able to care for our frail elderly. As a result, those of us in the "industry" are caught between a rock and a hard place. I am drowning in paperwork and jumping through hoops. But I am fortunate to still have a job. I know of people whose jobs have been eliminated. I know of employees who are told to do the job in less hours. I am too old for this garbage. But the sad thing is that we are aging rapidly in this country and things are going to get much worse. Who is going to take care of you when you are unable to do so?

Enough of feeling sorry for myself.....don't have any cheese to go with the whine anyway. I did make a list one night this week of works in progress or projects high up on my to do list:
1- Roll roll Cotton Boll-needs a backing and then quilting
1-Emily Jane-needs binding-only I can't figure out how to do the 2 color binding. Thimbles project-Pat will help with that
3-HavenStone-have started cutting the pieces for it
4-Quilt Camp Swap-need to continue making blocks. Swap blocks are done and ready for exchange after the holidays
5-quilt Camp project-working on the border for this one. I am over this quilt-just want it done. I would donate this top except I promised it to Laurie
6-comfort and Joy AKA Pain and Suffering-a moment of weakness. I love this pattern but I wish an applique fairy would appear and do it for me. Maybe I should put it under my pillow when I go to sleep and see if she comes
7-Scrappy Hunter's Star-the fabbie is in a container waiting to go
8-Perfect 10 ditto
9-Kris need a mantel cover
9- I think I signed up for the Nov project at Thimbles it is a beauty
10- Bonnie Hunter mystery starts Nov 18. I am on board for this one-pulling together my colors

But for now....I am going to bed. I will worry about it tomorrow.
Love,
Scarlett

It's coming.....

2011-11-02T19:27:00.003-04:00

It is official...it is almost time.....

I am not quite sure when I became a Bonnie Hunter groupie. I so love playing with little pieces. at any rate, her next mystery quilt will debut in a couple of weeks. Must get my fabbies together. I am going to use the same colors she used.
The first Bonnie Hunter quilt I made was called Orange Crush. she likes orange, me not so much. I did finish the top but I really did not like my color selection once the whole thing was together. I have collected all of her mysteries in the book.
I have made Double Delight and Carolina Christmas. I have Bonnie's autograph on the quilt label for Double Delight. Roll, Roll is done but needs to be quilted. I don't think the fabric I bought last week is enough. I will have to go to option next!

Not much sewing going on here. I have mostly done the preliminary cutting for Havenstone AKA Dark and Creepy. I am ready to start but just too darn tired to play at the end of the day. Maybe this weekend.

How many days until then? 2......16 scheduled work hours....that is 960 minutes.......I love my job...NOT

Had to get new toner for my printer. It only took me 20 minutes to figure out where the cartridges were and how to get them out.

Quick visit to Bad Melisa's (Sweet Home)

2011-10-30T07:16:00.003-04:00

Gretchen and I decided to meet at Sweet Home yesterday morning. I have not seen her in (would you believe) 3 months since both of us missed Thimbles-me in Aug and Gretch in Sept and Oct. This is unacceptable!!!! At any rate, we have decided play dates are in order. I picked up that pink/green fabric in the tub room and it will become the backing for roll, roll. Gotta get that done and done. Bonnie's new mystery is starting in Nov. I needed the new Schnibbles book. The little purple fat quarters I did not need but I liked them. (They came from another shop)

I was on a hunt for white fabric. All that mess in the sewing room and could not find any white fabric. I have had that pile of tan/brown on my coffee table for some time. Since I am a lover of scrap quilts, I decided that I will do the planned quilt in Pat's new book scrappy. I needed white and may add some of the gray that I picked up. And look who has surfaced after the summer! Mum is the word as to where he has been but he seems to be in the thick of it! Sure hope he hasn't been fooling around with the Polly Pockets again!

I had such good intention for yesterday. BUT.....it did not happen. I ended up napping on the couch with the boys. Could be because the house is a bit chilly. At least it is not snowing

I am attempting to be a bit more productive today

Just Alice

2011-10-26T05:03:00.002-04:00

Yesterday baby Alice turned two years old. Won't be able to call her Baby Alice much longer. She had her paraty on Sunday. Shr really liked being in the jumpy. (Meena not so much)

Half way thru the work week. There is a God! I want to play with fabric but am just too tired-will have to wait until Saturday.

Alice's birthday

2011-10-23T18:53:00.005-04:00

Today was the first chance I got to see the quilt on her big girl bed. I had some anxious moments about it but it seems to fit. It ended up being long as you can see.
Kris and Tyler got a bouncy house for her birthday. She really enjoyed it. I couldn't snap fast enough to get her laughing!
Birthday cupcake was enjoyed as well. And there is Miss Emma helping. What a good daisy girl scout she is.

My 3 little girls at the photo shoot last month.

postscript from yesterday's blog: I did ask Rich if he has turned the heat on and he replied he has! But I'm not sure if it is at his house or Laurie's house as he is taking care of Lily while Laur is in Vegas. the times they are a changin'

Baby, it's brisk inside

2011-10-22T07:59:00.005-04:00

So it is getting cooler out....I whine (and have no cheese)! Way too early to turn the heat on.. My remedy.....quilts......I have a few! Here is my Scrappy Nine quilt on my bed. This quilt is featured in Pat's book. I wasn't collecting neutrals when I made this quilt. and by the way, there is one quilt in the book that I won't be making....because it involves heinous applique. It is beautiful and I would love to have one but...........NOT IN THIS LIFETIME. Besides Comfort and Joy is hanging over me...haunting me....staplique just won't cut it.

My other remedy for the chill-the flannel sheets are on the bed. My bed making assistant seems to be happy about this. Wild Willie never lets me make the bed alone. I can't figure out why he feels he needs to help me every day! And won't my new quilt look wonderful when covering these cozy sheets. Gotta go gather my neutrals.

see below for book and check out page 71. I am heading for pg 22. Tempted???? You need this book-get it now

The book is in the house!

2011-10-22T06:41:00.004-04:00

I got my copy of Queen Thimble's first book. Pat shared some of the process in the past months with us at Silver Thimbles. We even got to see some preliminary ideas. I anxiously waited for my very own copy as there is one quilt that I absolutely fell in love with when I saw it. I HAVE TO MAKE THIS ONE. I have made the one on the cover. It was an independent pattern and I made mine scrappy. I call it Scrappy scrappy nines as it is all different colors. It is currently residing on my bed as it is cold in the house and I WILL NOT turn on the heat. (as my ex would say, " save it until you really need it".) I'll ask him if he has turned on the heat yet tomorrow when we are at Alice's birthday party.

A quilt for Baby

2011-10-18T17:53:00.004-04:00

Alice has a "baby" that she carries around (along with Elmo and something else). Baby is well traveled as he/she (?) went to the Caribbean back in May. Anyway, since Alice is going to be the big 2 next week, I made baby a quilt to go with Alice's big girl quilt.

Do you think that Henry is registering a complaint since he does not have his own quilt? But then again he claims all of them as his own!!

An excellent Adventure

2011-10-16T06:42:00.005-04:00

My life lately has been rather vanilla. Work has consumed my days and sleep my evenings and nights. Not complaining (much). I have a job! Work has involved cleaning up after a former coworker who really didn't do his job. And then all the new stuff that has come down from the govt for medicare/medicaid. When I get home after work, all I can do is sit on the couch and fall asleep. Not much sewing going on but I did finish Alice's big girl quilt. I delivered it yesterday and hopefully will get a pix on her bed next week. Her birthday party is next Sunday.

So to make a long story, longer....yesterday I decided I needed an outing. Actually I made that decision, Friday night. Friends of mine (above) were vending at a quilt show in Blairsville, Ga. I headed up there to check them out bright and early. The Garmen sent me on Ga 129. There is no way to get to Blairsville except over the mountains. It was a beautiful Fall day thankfully because that rode on a wet day would not be fun. A friend from NY asked me if the road was like a road there that is called "the goat path". It is route 6 going from Peekskill to the Bear Mt. Bridge. It is a 2 lane road that winds up this mountain-no guard rails to speak of except some large boulders and a sheer drop to the Hudson River. Another not so much fun road. But 129 is oh so much worse. Hairpin turns, squiggly turns, squeeze the steering wheel and pray.

But I got to Blairsville and had a good time. Nice quilts but I really went to see the girls at P. S. Goin' Sewin'. Peggy (on the right) is the designer of the quilt I made at quilt camp in Aug. And that is Marti on the left- one of my Thimble buddies. (Shannon was off at a wedding.)
I took no pix of the fall foliage but it was beautiful-probably will peak next week. And then I headed home, determined NOT to go 129. The trip back was not as bad, but not great either!

I meant to post this picture a couple of weeks ago. Laurie's friend Walter took some beautiful pictures of the family. I have to figure out how to get a few more over so I can show off my little girls.

Alzheimer Walk 2011

2011-10-08T20:30:00.002-04:00

Got up bright and early this morning and headed off to Atlantic Station to do the memory walk. I must admit I had second thoughts this morning...what was I thinking??? It was a beautiful day this morning..in fact it was a little chilly. We had a group from work and I walked with one gal...we kept each other going. By mile 2 I was really thinking I needed my head examined but that was at the top of an incline. But I did it. And took to advil at the finish line. The rest of the day was a wash...spent on the couch.

Absent...yet again

2011-10-01T05:38:00.002-04:00

..and no good excuses.

well, there is work. The job has gone from good to I can't wait to retire in 2011. The company was purchased by another and it has not been fun. The government implemented a new tool for medicare/medicaid payments in 2010 and the learning curve has been a little slow and now we have revisions starting Oct. 1 I have been working with a person who got on my very last nerve just about every day. I knew there was issues with his work but no one listened when I dropped hints. It all came crashing down this week and now he is gone and it is left to the rest of us. to fix the mess. And it is a royal mess. The only good thing is that I am no longer salaried but hourly, so at least I will get paid to get it cleaned up. Enough from the cranky old woman! Nancy Near Philadelphia calls them C.O.W. S. so moo!

I have been working on my friend Pat's (Her royal highness the Head Thimble) pattern Emily Jane. Little log cabins set between blocks and set on the diagonal. All the cabins are complete and now I am just sewing the streets together. It is slow going since I am so tired. I have done a lot of unsewing but I really need the fabric fondling for my mental health~

Speaking on mental health. I am doing an Alzheimer walk next weekend (if I remember) at Atlantic Station with the work group. Getting a tee shirt and everything!
Also have been reading a series of books that my friend Kathy told me about. I am up to # 5. The main character is a female Episcopal priest in a small town in upstate NY. She gets into lots of problems when she is not in the pulpit!

Now I am caught up....the COW is signing off

A is for Alice quilt

2011-09-10T20:03:00.003-04:00

I finished the half square triangles during the week and started cutting out the sashing. That is when I realized that my half square triangles were not the same size as the pattern since I used the easy angle thingy but made my strips 3 inches instead of 2.5. I needed to adjust the rest of the pattern. That seemed easier than trimming 396 blocks! Today I started putting the rows together. I have to construct one row at a time so the pinwheels are right. I have 4 rows made. Three rows (above) are together. It is going to be one happy quilt. Maybe tomorrow I can get some more rows done. I need 10 rows all together.

Labor Day..end of summer

2011-09-05T05:31:00.002-04:00

and hopefully some cool weather will be here soon. I am kind of glad to see the end of a beastly hot summer. (I hope someone will remind me of this when I start whining that I cam cold!)
Going to go to work today because it is going to rain and if I stay home, I probably would end up sleeping on the couch. I will make it a short day.

I started on the quilt for Alice's big girl bed yesterday. I finally decided that I would not change the size of the blocks in the pattern after I got some graph paper and sketched it out. I just need to double the size of the pattern. I think I need to make 394 half square triangles to start. I made about half of that number yesterday. They work up fast using the easy angle ruler. I delivered the reworked curtains yesterday. Kris posted a picture of them on her facebook page.

Laurie decided we needed family pictures and yesterday we all got together in a park in Norcross and had pictures taken. We are a funny bunch when all together. Laurie's friend Walter was the picture taker. He also did Kris and Tyler's wedding.

On a sadder note, my friend Gretchen lost one of her beloved cats this weekend. I only met Morph once but he was one special cat. Then again, all of our four-footers are special. I am sad that he is gone and sad for my friend

Party on the Porch and other stuff

2011-08-27T23:24:00.003-04:00

Last night was the annual Party on the Porch at Sweet Home. Since this summer has been SO HOT, Bad Melisa moved the party indoors. We played games, munched on goodies and fondled fabric! I participated in yoyo making...it's right up there with heinous applique(staplique). I should have picked up the last block for Comfort and Joy. The last month is still sitting on the table unopened. I will get around to it someday! I could not resist those pretty Christmas ornaments and the fabric that went with it. So it came home with me.
After Party on the Porch, Cindi, Sarah-no blog, and I went to Brewster's for ice cream. We did this last year as well. Sarah has pictures to prove it!

Today was a day to rid myself of the green tootsies. The toes are now a more traditional red. Then it was over to see Miss Alice. Kris wanted to see the fabric I picked up for her new quilt. Alice got her big girl bed this week, so I need to get busy making the quilt. Kris was doing artwork on her wall. Lots of owls and birds...so cute!! We decided that one of the fabrics we had picked up several months ago would look great bordering the curtains. The curtains came home with me and I did some unsewing on the fabric I had added to them for the nursery.

Now about that second picture.......the car made a wrong turn and somehow I ended up at Patchwork Cottage! Look at what Moda did! 1-800-GOTTA HAVE. Don't often see gray and this is a good one. Mita has this line right as you walk in-just grab the bolts and have her cut it. She even has that great pattern. Instant project....another one. Still haven't figured out the border for last week's project-work got in the way

I am hoping I can do Alice's curtain tomorrow

Quilt Camp-2011 now only a memory

2011-08-21T13:14:00.006-04:00

I was here by 7:30 in the morning. I figured by the time I would be on unfamiliar roads, it would be light. I left home at 6AM. This is a new place for us and I LOVE it. A cabin in the woods-outside of Dahlonaga, Ga in the middle of nowhere! Well actually we were not too far from the Kangaroo rescue place-didn't see it-too busy sewing and laughing. 14 gals all together-how fun is that???

Here is Peggy talking about our project. We had to name this bad boy...some of the names can not be published. It was not an easy quilt top to master. Some of the star points are "lost in space". I am having a problem with the border as I made mine larger. I have to rethink how I will finish it off.

Here is our workspace. It was a little small but I loved the natural light and the fact that you can eat when you are hungry and do not have to get dressed unless you feel the need.

The living room/kitchen area. The food was wonderful. Sharon and Shannon are not to be believed. They deserve a long vacation with people waiting on them hand and foot. OMG I ate too much! The bedrooms all on one level made for a fun bed tour of quilts.. Hot tub outside your door!

Here is precious Louise. I love this woman. She is just the funniest person. She came to quilt camp for the first time several years ago, not knowing a soul. She was so quiet. And there is Becky pressing stars.

We laughed so hard all weekend long-that is until today when we had to come back to the real world. BLEAH!!!!!

Went to a new quilt shop up in Dahlonaga. Sure hope I can find this one again. It is worth the trip. It is not the too much fabric, poor lighting, can't see a thing shop there that is not worth the time or gas to travel to.

I was missed by the guys. They ate the food that I had put in the CASSEROLE dish and felt the need to chew through a bagof food. My boys know self service. They are glad I am home and have not left my side.

Quilt camp

2011-08-18T04:43:00.003-04:00

I am off to quilt camp in a little while. have to wait for it to get light out! Don't like to drive in the dark anymore. This year is a new adventure as the location and date were changed. This is year 8 or 9 of this annual event. It is August this year instead of Sept and an emergency change of location as well.
So it is somewhere outside of Dahlonaga. I just need to load the car with my stuff and I am good to go. I have not packed any clothes yet...who needs clothes...when I get out s suitcase, the guys get "funny". I wonder if others' four-footers act the same? Don't need more than a couple of outfits and clean undies...not much to pack.

doubt that much will be accomplished in the next couple of days but I know that I will have a good time.

Camera is packed..pictures to follow

Quilt Inspectors at work..

2011-08-11T05:56:00.002-04:00

Last evening I finished sewing the last rows together of Long Road Home. It is our latest Thimble friends swap. Lots and lots of little pieces. After I finished it, the boys had to check it out. Spooky takes his job a little more seriously than Wild Willie, as you can see! Now I have to make a decision about the back...piece it or get a wide back fabric. What do you think?

After I finished the top, I finished the book "The Help". I want to see the movie but I wanted to finish the book first. I really enjoyed the book. I am glad times have changed in the South from the sixties.

One more week until quilt camp..woot woot!!

Summer lethargy

2011-08-07T13:14:00.002-04:00

I have not done much lately except eat, work and sleep. It has been just too hot to do much else. While vegging on the couch, I have been reading a bit. Right now I am about half way through "The Help"......read a little, nap a little.

I decided perhaps today I should do a little sewing. I am working on our latest Thimbles swap. Kristie has finished hers. It is a good thing since I had to go to Pat's blog to look at the picture for the construction. Sew a little, nap a little.....

Then I decided I should figure out just what projects I have started and not yet finished. Preliminary list includes:
Roll, roll cotton boll-I need to make a back for it
Emily Jane-the Silver Thimbles project......luv,luv luv it...it is not really started yet
and the Thimble swap #4 ..pieces for the top all done just needs to be put together
I know there are lots more but I think I will concentrate on these....
BUT quilt camp is the 18th and I have fabric ready for that one as well

The Henry Report

2011-07-27T05:06:00.002-04:00

H e was not a happy camper yesterday! But the saga goes back to the weekend. He was unable to sleep in his usual place (on his pillow, on the bed) as it was too warm. The ac people came out and fixed the unit temporarily. Monday the new furnace/ac was installed. Ah the house is comfortable again. But by Monday evening, I noticed the thermostat would not go below 80 and i heard the fan running all night.
I had to wait until Tues evening for the guys to come back-had to go to work to pay for the new furnace/ac! The temp in the house at 5PM-91 degrees. The repair guys came when they said they would -coo dos to Ace and A. It seems a weld did not hold. It took several hours for the temp and humidity in the house to drop but by bedtime, we were all comfortable and Henry did indeed sleep in his usual spot!

Don't you love surprises?

2011-07-24T03:58:00.002-04:00

I surprised my BFF Kathy yesterday and it makes my heart sing. When the Morning Star quilt top was finished (ages ago) I knew I wanted to give it was going to be for her. That was back in late winter (I think). I finally finished it and sent it off this week. It arrived yesterday. Of course, the temp in Mahopac has been just like here-high 90's and humid. And no central air. Only one as special as my girl would be so excited about receiving a quilt when it is so darn hot out!
Kathy and I have been friends for more than thirty years. We have been together through thick and thin. Remember she was the one I dragged to Alaska last year. I just wish I was not so far away from her now.

And now for another surprise (this one for me)-my air conditioning unit decided that it would give up the ghost day before yesterday. I woke up during the night and knew that there was something wrong. It was so uncomfortable in the house that the guys took to sleeping on the floor. No pillow in bed for Sir Henry. When it got light out I checked outside and the lines were iced over. The air conditioning guy came yesterday morning and added some freon but the unit has outlived it's days. The replacement will be installed tomorrow $$$$$$$$$$$$ But at least it is now comfortable in the house!

90 little blocks completed on the new swap. Need to get some red fabric.

Big Brown stopped here...

2011-07-22T20:21:00.003-04:00

I think it was Monday when I saw this at the Fat Quarter Shop. Oh so yummy, 1-800-GOTTA HAVE! I didn't order the darkest set. It is called Primitive Gatherings by Moda. The darker pieces are a really rich brown.

I have been working on the latest Thimbles Friends Swap. I have 60 blocks made. 30 more to go ( before beginning to put it together.) I need to get a turkey red fabric for the setting triangles. Lots of teeny squares to make this block.

Hot steamin' Thimble Weekend

2011-07-17T08:40:00.004-04:00

These are the backs of my latest quilt finishes. Above is Lilac Hill. I love this fabric sooooo much! I had lots of it. I made a schnibble and deliberately made it off center. I think it made it a bit wacky interesting.

This is the back of our last Thimbles Friends Swap. I think we did this swap last fall. The pattern on the front is Morning Star from Nickel Quilts. I started the back with orphan quilt blocks ala Bonnie Hunter. These were from an online pattern thing-I think from Moose on the Porch. When I finished the blocks, I did not like my color selection for a whole quilt. I think it is kind of fun in the back. Vicki did the quilting which really shows well on the back.

Yesterday was Thimbles. I spent the time cutting one and half inch squares for our next Thimble Friends Swap. Also visited with Miss Alice and Ayla and their mom.

Holiday weekend

2011-07-03T20:51:00.004-04:00

The only activity happening in the sewing room is Henry sleeping on his window quilt. His friend Morph over at Stella Bella is doing the same thing...catching some zzzz's.

Not to be left out of any attention , Wild Willie arrived. I have not done much this weekend...but I have one more day. It is just too hot outside. I don't even want to get in the car and go any place.

vanilla life=infrequent blogging

2011-07-01T06:23:00.003-04:00

How long has it been hot here? I think summer began back in April-at least that is how it feels. But I am not having to shovel snow or look for a scarf and gloves so I will not complain. Wild Willie has the right idea-get as much of your body on a cool surface, Spooky is not able to get that loose.

Not much going on here except vegging. Not much sewing going on. I did work on the swap from quilt camp last year. Picture to follow but just say I copied Beck's idea. Too hot for original thoughts!

Thimble weekend

2011-06-19T08:43:00.002-04:00

I had to do Thimbles on Friday as I had to work yesterday and could not go to my usual time. I did get to see most of my buds as they were there on Friday too.

I picked up my exchange squares but they came home in the bag. i am not starting yet another project until I finish some of the ones in progress now! Also picked up swap # 4 and that also came home to be started at a later date.

I made that cute little lavender block. I found it in a plastic bag when I was cleaning the sewing room. The directions stated it was a $5.00 Saturday block from Sweet Home. Don't remember the year it was offered. Melissa??? Also did a stand and stow for Kris. I have one more of those to finish.

Need to get back to the sewing room clean up but the house is clean right now and I hate to mess it up!

Henry and Spooky chillaxing

2011-06-12T13:26:00.002-04:00

at least the boys have selected the right pile of fabric on which to rest-the cat fabric! Why they feel the need to jump up on the this shelf is beyond me!

Decisions, decisions....

2011-06-11T14:18:00.003-04:00

I made a "to do" list for today. The emission check for the car, so I can get the tag renewed before my birthday, a pedi for feet that need attention and cleaning (the cleaning lady comes on Monday.) I don't clean before she comes but with the fabric explosion in the living room, I need to get a handle on it. so I got up early and knocked off the usual stuff-laundry, etc. I was at the emission station at 8AM. Since the nail salon did not open until 9:30, I headed out to Sweet Home. I had some quilt tops to donate.

Of course, I needed to check out to see what I needed. (That would be nothing but that is beside the point)! I found this book: 10 Minute Blocks. I thought it was interesting and would make for some neat looking blocks for a scrappy back. The block is made with 5 ten inch squares. After a false start, I did this:

But now I need to get back to that messy picture on the top of this entry. I think some of this stuff is going to be donated because I just don't feel like dealing with it. I still have a mountain in the sewing room as well.

Where are the fabric fairies when you need them??

The bad grandmother redeemed herself

2011-06-05T08:04:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was Emma's dance recital. Did I remember? Of course not-I really need to write things down and paste them up on the refrig. Fortuantely, Sue called in time for me to drive over to Roswell. So much for the pedi today. I love the tiny dancers-they are so cute. Emma had her routine down pat and did well.
I brought the girls back here so Mom and Dad could go out for the evening. We stopped at Mickey Dee's and got our picnic food. Willie has not had any french fries in a very long time! Despite the mountains of fabric being sorted and cut up, Emma found room for the Polly's and Moda Man arrived for some fun times. He has not had any time with the girls in a long time either.
Thank goodness for Disney tv. I really need to figure out how to make the DVD work so we can watch movies. Sarah and Emma managed to make some crafts and pick out fabric for laundry bags.
They are still sleeping this morning.
I got to see Alice for a few minutes yesterday as well. I needed to make a delivery at her house of a little umbrella table and chairs for her outdoor entertaining. Only problem is that it is too hot to be outside right now...the heatwave goes on....

Catastrophes and people who care

2011-06-03T22:40:00.002-04:00

We all know that this Spring has been a pretty nasty one weather wise. Personally, I have a love/hate relationship with the season. I long for Spring all winter long (I really hate the cold). But then it arrives in all it's glory, new greens, vibrant flowers, pollen and tornadoes. Tornadoes were pretty much foreign to me until 1998. I only remember one when I loved in NY and was not affected by that one. And now, here I am living in the south. Not quite tornado alley but...

At any rate, the past few weeks have caused much devastation and many deaths. Joplin, Mo was hit as was Tuscaloosa and Reingold. Judy Laquidara of Patchwork Times blog lives close to Joplin and several days ago proposed a way to help those devastated by the tornado. If you sent her a check for the red cross, you would be entered in a drawing for a quilt. I have watched her blog. And the checks have rolled in. The total collected is up to $9520. Quilters responding to others in need. Hat off to all who have participated. We open our hearts and pocketbooks and respond to the needs of people we will never know. Charity quilts, quilts of valor, quilts for Japan all those who sew for hospitalized children or people with cancer.

Who says the world is a terrible place-there are many of us who really care about others.

Slow progress

2011-05-29T14:59:00.004-04:00

I will not be showing what the rest of the living room and sewing room like like..it is that bad! I continue to work on the organization. This is going to be a really long process. Gretch and I started sorting fabrics by color. These piles are going back on the shelves with the odd and smaller pieces being set aside to cut up! Above in the large green bin is the 2 1/2 inch strips as well as three inch strips (got tired of whacking the others!) The little shopping bag is destined for Becky for pet bed stuffing.

other containers have other strips, squares, finished four patches and orphan blocks. Bucket o' binding, charm packs, fat quarters and jelly rolls are also being containerized.

I am still seeking the floor in the sewing room and also hoping to soon be able to open the closet in there. More fabric awaits. This may take me all summer!

so why can't I stay motivated?

2011-05-28T07:32:00.002-04:00

I am struggling with the process of straightening the sewing room. It is sooo slow (mainly because I have accumulated so much fabric). Gretchen helped me sort on Wednesday evening and we did get quite a bit done. Have I done anything since then? that would be a big no.
This morning I decided I needed to tackle my dresser drawers as it seems there has been an interior tornado in my closet and dresser. I sorted, discarded and fixed 7 of the drawers so far...2 to go-sock drawer and undies..time to get rid of aged stuff. I need to tackle that closet as well. will it happen? Probably not! I need to finish the chaos in the living room first.

Sewing Room Organization

2011-05-21T08:53:00.002-04:00

It is hard to believe that almost 2 weeks have passes since vacation. It seems like so long ago. But I will just save my pennies and think about the next time I can sail away.

Since coming home, routine as usual. Not much sewing going on. But I have been inspired once again by Gretchen. Unfortunately she had a catastrophe but things are in progress. All the guys are okay, her fabric is safe and she and S are fine, even while living in a primitive state without electricity. She took a break yesterday and attended Thimbles. I think she is going back today. I have to work today, so I will miss it. Anyway, long story short, she has inspired me to attack the disaster in the sewing room. I NEED A FABRIC FAIRY BADLY TO FIX THIS MESS!!

I am sorting and sorting and cutting ala Bonnie Hunter. I have a container with lots of 2 1/2 strips. I am still working on the organization process and figuring out what to cut, other than squares, strips, etc.
I am making piles to donate and I need to find a source to donate finished tops that I no longer want. What was I thinking at some point in time?

I really want to do some sewing but am afraid if I start that, this cleaning process will stall. Well, maybe a little bit of sewing can be done tomorrow. I want to finish the backing for Lilac Hill. I need to make binding for it too. Also need to make binding for quilt that I made at Ellijay but I can't remember what the binding looked like!

2011-05-10T18:18:00.002-04:00

I have the post vacation blahs now. Months of looking forward to the cruise and now it is over. But it was wonderful. I will put more pictures up later on. The ship is outrageous. So many things to do..so many places to imbibe!

Alice had a good time as well even though she needed to visit the ship's doctor (respiratory infection). But with neb treatments and antibiotics. she recovered quickly.

Wonderful time visiting with next door neighbors that I have not seen in years. I am ready to go again (but I need to save my pennies first)!

Bags are packed, I'm ready to go...

2011-04-30T18:18:00.002-04:00

made the lists, checked them twice. Carry on is half empty to carry Reynold's overflow!

Flying off tomorrow morning to meet up with the Cirigs, et.al. And then on to the Caribbean. On vacation with Laurie, Kris, Tyler and Alice. The child is 17 months old and has a passport!

It has been a rough week here in the South with all the horrific devastation. And as what seems is always the case, the days following the disaster have been beautiful. We were spared in the ATL area-the tornadoes were all around us. I have to admit, I need to do a little better with disaster planning. I had no flashlight. If the power had failed, I would have had a problem.

2011-04-24T07:33:00.003-04:00

Lilac Hill-the backing. I finished the Schnibble that will be the center back for my Lilac Hill quilt. The pattern is Novantique. According to the pattern "novantique" means new but old. Now I have to do some math to figure out how to piece the rest of the back. I will be using leftovers from some of the fabric I have.

Comfort and Joy-first applique block-picked it up last month. It is still in the bag.....

So now I have my next block. I am still working out the details on this project. STAPLIQUE... a new technique I will be perfecting to get this darn thing made. I am also considering crazy glue, duct tape, double-sided tape......I really love this pattern. I just don't want to do the heinous applique. So this little bag will join the other one in the project box for now.

One week until vacation!!!!! I guess I need to get serious about preparing. I think I have the clothes I need but it is the other stuff I have yet to do. I am really ready to sail away. Not too sure about swimming with the dolphins. I hope they are in a good mood.

My lawn guy...

2011-04-16T07:38:00.002-04:00

When I moved to Ga, I gave up yard work. Too many years in NY doing that and it just is not my thing anymore. Jair has been cutting the grass and doing the weed maintenance for several years. He lives in my neighborhood. He calls me Miss Karin. At any rate, I no longer need or want a lawnmower and all the other "stuff". Last year I had him remove some bushes in my backyard that were leggy and too close to the house. Afterward he told me that some in the front were dying. They went away as well. I had good intention about replacing them... and we all know where good intentions lead...(the road to h--- is paved with good intentions-words echoed by my mother! ) Yesterday I knew he had been doing some lawn work-even I can tell when the grass has been cut! But I went right out after getting home and did not return until after dark. This morning I happened to look out the window. My naked area in the front has plants! I guess he decided that the area had no curb appeal. He took some plants that were in my backyard and replanted them in front! It looks quite nice. I need to get some pine straw and a few annuals and the area will be done. I wonder if he has anything in mind-marigolds...?

Stash Busting Class

2011-04-03T08:02:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I went to Patchwork Cottage for the first session of the Stash Busting program. I located a couple of pieces of fabric (on the floor) to take with me. Did not know what the project was to be. This month is a table runner. It will end up with one of the girls. Take a look at the notebook..."Let's Bake". How funny is that...Baking is not happening in this house!

So I stash busted for awhile and then as I was exiting the shop.....this lovely line called to me. Summer Breeze by Moda. It is so pretty. (Maybe I should not have allowed Moda Man to come with me this morning). These lovelies will be made into a Sassy 16 sometime in the future....

When I returned home, I continued on construction of Lilac Hill. The pattern does not call for a border but I think it needs one. So does Wild Willie. I had already enlarged the top from 20 to 30 blocks. I think a border will just make it perfect! And now I can start working on the backing-Schnibble pattern as yet to be determined.

After 2 more terrible weeks at work, I have decided that being a light in the darkness may work for a short period of time (and I will continue to do so) but it is time to investigate other options. I can no longer work in a place where there is no way to do the job the way I want to do it with the limitations being imposed. And so today Laurie and I will be polishing the resume. It is time to move on...

Greater Atlanta Shop Hop

2011-03-27T08:52:00.005-04:00

I think this is year 12 of Shop Hop. I have done part or all of most of them. Cindi and I headed out bright and early yesterday morning. first stop (of course) was Sweet Home. I picked up my Atlanta fabric. I am thinking of a just can't cut it quilt in the future. I also will be making one of my new fabric bags. That cute bundle just jumped into my hand, so I needed to take that home as well. Becky and Kristie were already there shopping when we arrived. Also met friend Louise and her hubby Mike. Cindi and I had only planned on 2 shops but since Becky and Kristie were heading south to Scarlet Thread, we decided to follow.

Note-also picked up month 3 of Comfort and Joy. And so beginneth the applique. Support group should be on standby. I looked at it when I got home. WHAT WAS I THINKING!! This month is house construction.

We drove down and found the new location for Scarlet without a problem. The new shop is a wow! And right at the door as I walked in, what did I spy? A whole display of Lilac Hill. I did need another charm pack for my schnibble that will be part of the backing. And then I decided that I am going to make the quilt bigger than originally planned, so I need more yardage and another jelly roll. Cindi also needed some Lilac Hill and when Louise got there, she did too! Karmen-let Mom know just how much we love this line.

I also saw a cute bag pattern, so I got that and the handles as well.

We also visited Patchwork Cottage. Also featured at the entrance....yup-Lilac Hill. Could it be that it is a fav since lilacs don't grow in this area. But you can almost smell them as you look at the fabric. I miss lilacs in the Spring.

I headed home as I had an urgent appointment with the couch. It has been another awful week at work and I am exhausted. I am rapidly reaching the breaking point now. If there is no improvement, I will need to make some choices but I will wait until after the cruise to decide.

Thimbles Weekend

2011-03-20T08:47:00.003-04:00

It was so good to see all of the gals at Thimbles although Saturday group was a bit scimpy this month. I dropped in on Friday night for a little while to visit there as well. Gretch was working on a schnibble since she had to be in Decatur on Saturday for work (bummer). Also got to visit with Brenda as she was being a sharecropper on Saturday! On Saturday Kristie continued with her project -cutting almost 3000 one inch squares. Can you say she needs her head examined? But she will create a beauty I am sure. Cindi came late as she had a gardening workshop in the AM. It was a glorious day weather wise.
Took care of the feet with a pedi. They were in bad shape. Then had dinner with Laurie. Nice way to end up the day.

I am continuing to work on my project (above). I have 10 blocks completed. The picture does not do the fabric justice. Lilac Hill is beautiful. I just might have to enlarge this quilt!

I had to disturb Henry this morning so that I could check my email and blogs. He was NOT happy. Here he is being regal.

Not to be outdone by Gretch...

2011-03-17T05:05:00.004-04:00

..I got "Happy Mail" yesterday as well. I had started working on my Lilac Hill jelly roll on Sunday. I will take a picture when I have made a couple of more blocks. This line is sooooo yummy. I had an idea in the back of my mind, so I hopped on over to Fat Quarter Shop. My rationale was that gas prices are so high......Of course I would have spent less (probably) if I drove back over to Tiny Stitches..but Mr. Computer is just so easy. At any rate I came home yesterday to a loaded mailbox. Oh Happy Day!!! The charm pack will become a Schnibble for the back of the quilt..pattern yet to be determined. So Happy Mail was abundant yesterday in the ATL!!

Wild Willie was looking pensive yesterday..or maybe he was just being regal. He likes to sit on the back of my chair when I am on the computer.

Work update...be a light in the darkness....keep repeating over and over again. I am presenting a happy face at work but deep down inside....not so much

2011-03-13T09:34:00.003-04:00

Sarah, Emma and Wild Willie. Ahh...the Disney Channel

Emma, Wild Willie, Moda Man and the Polly Pockets

2011-03-13T08:58:00.002-04:00

We had a sleepover last night.. Sorry-no pictures...living room is currently disaster central!
The girls arrived and Emma headed for the toys in record time. She began her usual set up of castle, Pollys and rolling stock. "Where's Moda Man?" I am not sure as I haven't seen him in awhile-probably since last Thimbles. He evidently has abandoned Fat Quarter as she was in her usual spot on her bed! After a short search, he was located in the sewing room on the floor. (He could have been lost forever!)

I think Wild Willie thinks he is a dog. He has followed Emma around since she got here. Could it be that he knows she will feed him french fries? He is one happy pussycat even without the food. I think he likes the people closer to the ground. Henry was on the sidelines and Spooky decided being scarce was his best option. He did come out after dark.

I really enjoy having the girls come visit. We got the Janome out and both of them did a little sewing. I think there is hope that there will be s sewer in the bunch.

I finished month two of Comfort yesterday morning, And now it is on to heinous applique...remind me again why I signed up for this project...

Lilac Hill

2011-03-06T10:50:00.003-05:00

As I am a purple person, I have been waiting for this line to be released. When I saw it noted on Tiny Stitches web site, I had to go see it in person. 1-800-GOTTA HAVE. I rewarded myself for my new attitude! Home my lovely jelly roll came. (With no idea for pattern). I have spent the time just fondling the fabric. IT IS DELICIOUS!!!!! I need to get four fat quarters. Hope I don't need another Marietta trip.

This morning, I found a pattern in the first jelly roll book from the girls in England. It is called Damask Rose. It is now officially on the to do list. (Not much on the to done list lately).

I need to work on month 2 of Comfort and Joy. Next month starts heinous applique.

Being a light in the dark..

2011-03-03T18:10:00.002-05:00

I have not blogged in over a week. I had nothing to say. Had not done any sewing. Big event...went to the dentist..had a crown replaced.

I have been in a funk lately. Maybe it is seasonal affective disorder...maybe not. At any rate, I sat myself down the other evening and had a chat with me about attitude. The job has been a challenge to say the least since the rainbow people took it over. We had to live through the annual survey. There has been a lot of discontent throughout the facility. My 2 coworkers have resigned and I toyed with the idea as well. But actually, all SNF's are basically the same. The grass is not usually greener. So I will stay put.

So I have decided that I will go into work everyday and smile and acknowledge the poor CNA's who work hard for not enough money. I know I would not be able to do all that they have to do on a daily basis. I am going to try to be a light in the darkness that the workplace has become.

So my dear friends, please remind me of this blog when I start bitching again!

BTW-I did complete the Morris Brandon raffle quilt. Check one thing off the list!

And I have the cruise to look forward to as well! AND the Bradford Pear trees are in full bloom..so pretty to look at as long as you don't have to smell them...forsythia,daffies,,,,Spring is coming. (of course that means pollen but I can deal).

Sarah's Birthday???

2011-02-20T07:07:00.005-05:00

Laurie is the official party planner (or party natzi). We know where Sarah gets the gene from). Actually when I checked my camera, there are no party pictures. Could be that 16 nine year old girls are just too much for this old girl. The party team was scrap booking and each little girl made a little photo book with their own pictures. Cute idea. It always amazes me when I watch Sue with children. She is a natural teacher. Since Sarah and Emma now go to the school where she teaches, these kids knew that she was that Ms. Friedrichs.

Kris and Alice watching the party. Alice is a definite- I love those pants!

Mommy is inside and Alice is just checking to make sure she can see her!

Apology to the birthday girl but she was very busy entertaining. I will try again next week as Emma has her party. I just am too old to get in the thick of it. I did my time!

Yesterday was also Thimbles. I made binding for the Brandon quilt and layered it. I have to re do that part since I have a ginourmous wrinkle. I hope to get it done this week. It was fun being with the Thimbles as usual. I had some applique tutoring with Sarah no blog. She is doing Comfort and Joy in needle turn (and doing a beautiful job). While I would love to do that, I have to acknowledge that at my age, I would never finish this baby. I am still telling Pat that my method of choice will be "mechanical applique" otherwise known as staples! I think it is a novel solution (just kidding). The applique does not start until month three. Month two is this week.

Cleaning lady is coming tomorrow...gotta go clean the house!

Such the week...

2011-02-18T18:30:00.002-05:00

I had great intentions of sewing and blogging this week. It just didn't happen. Bright and early Monday morning "the state" came in on annual survey. They were overdue and I had been having anxiety that they would blow in last week. Thankfully they waited. So just what makes for a happy week...8 people running around with their laptops asking questions!
Then Wednesday morning I was struck with the bug..started out with chills and then (there is no way to say it other than Laurie's way...the doodies. A nasty little bug. Thursday morning I stepped on my glasses that some how ended up on the floor and popped one of the lens.
The good thing is now it is Friday evening. TGIF ..

Tomorrow is Thimbles and a birthday party for Sarah cakes...good times

The Second Annual Elijay Quilting Retreat

2011-02-13T17:43:00.002-05:00

with apologies...I took my camera and never took any pictures. I know that the Head Thimble-Crown Princess Pat will post some and hopefully I won't look too ridiculous but no guarantees! After a snow delay we made it up to the No Ga mountains. The roads were clear except for one icy spot on the mountain.
Some extraordinary quilts were produced this weekend. I was in the presence of some very talented women. I did finish my quilt top and will get a picture of it soon. The only problem with the weekend was that it was too short!
More later on....after I have a nap!

"I've been away from you along time"...

2011-02-05T06:36:00.004-05:00

My recent blogging has been like my life...not much going on (except work)! My first finish for 2011 is "My Maison". I just love this fabric line by French General. I scooped up a layer cake after Melisa returned from market last Spring. The pattern uses the Twister tools-large and small. As usual, Wild Willie is doing the inspection..although he has already been sleeping on it as I did the binding.

The back is from a charm pack of the earlier French General line. Nancy of Blogging Near Philadelphia gifted me some pieces in a giveaway she had on her blog. Again, thank you Nancy. I did a Schnibble pattern for the center and surrounded it with some yardage.

I need to pull myself up by my boot straps and get going. I need to make the quilt for the Morris Brandon raffle next month. Sue reminded me that it is that time again. Oops...I have the fabric and I even know exactly where it is...so that's a start.

What was I thinking?

2011-01-30T00:08:00.002-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I thought about doing the Civil War block thing by Barbara Brackman. I actually completed 2 blocks. Block #3 involved applique. All my friends know how I feel about applique. It didn't happen. I think #5 block is published now...

Then there is the Layer Cake BOM...I am behind on that as well. But the problem with that one is that I really don't like the way the blocks have come out....

I did finish the Jelly Roll BOM but when I look at the blocks together, I don't like that either....

So here are my solutions:
1- I'll just read the Barbara Brackman blog. It really is interesting. But I am going to pass on making more blocks.
2-Those blocks I have completed..I am sending them to the Carisbrook Flood Quilt Project that I read about on the Moose on the Porch blog. Someone can stitch them into a quilt for a needy person.

I have so many UFO's around here, I should not start anything else. So where was I today?
That would be out at Sweet Home doing the 5th Saturday Challenge! And I haven't a clue what I will make out of the contents of the little brown bag.

I haven't done much sewing since last week's quilted pencil case disaster. I guess my mind is just not in the right place at the moment. Tomorrow is another day....

Therapy required

2011-01-22T05:55:00.003-05:00

Work this week was, in a word, horrible, awful, %$^#@& Well I guess that is more than one word but you get the gist. I finally got around to calling someone to replace my garage door opener and I had that done Friday afternoon. Shut down the computer and left early! New working opener in place-no more doing the garage door dance twice a day. I'm a happy camper. Still enough time to head over to Sweet Home for some therapy.
I needed to pick up first month of Comfort and Joy block program. I happily discovered that I don't have to deal with heinous applique until month three! Oh happy day!!
That pretty little bundle of happy fabrics makes my heart sing. That fabric had just come in on my last visit and I asked them to make me a bundle and it was waiting for me yesterday.
I spotted Kim Brackett's new book and it was 1-800-GOTTA HAVE. OMG is this a great book I don't know which quilt I want to do first!

Also came home with another book by Terry Atkinson. I spotted a cute little bag and now that I have mastered(?) zippers I thought I would try another pattern. I got 2 fat quarters and a zipper for that project.

All in all it was an expensive day but this morning I feel a lot less stressed and I slept quite well last night-on the couch and later in the bed.

Today is THIMBLES!!!!!!!! I stopped by last evening to say hi to the Friday nite gang but today I will be sewing. I already have my spot!

Productive Pajama Day

2011-01-16T19:18:00.005-05:00

This month' s Groovy Girl project...not great but my first attempt. The velcro isn't exactly centered and no button. Don't know what I will do with this.

Inside-pockets, zippered section...not too shabby. Gonna be getting my punch this month!
.

Another pattern I bought. I think it is called Zippy Strippy. I did better with this zipper.

Stand and Stow that I cut out way before Christmas. So it has a Christmas pattern. I made one for Alice for her birthday last October.

I also finished a pillowcase to go with the quilt currently on my bed(Carolina Christmas). I cut out 2 in November and this one sat and sat...now it is done. I may have not gotten around to getting dressed today but I think I accomplished quite a lot!

Moda Man reports on Snow Pocolpypse 2011-Atlanta

2011-01-15T09:13:00.002-05:00

I am here to tell you that this week has been very rough. First snow, then ice and then lots of whining by the woman in the house. As for me, no problemo. Fat Quarter, Bolt and the kittens and I got comfy and watched a lot of TV and did other indoor things. My only complaint was that the food got a little monotonous toward the end of the week. I am thinking that perhaps I need to find another home where this crappy weather does not play into the overall picture.

My van stayed in the garage as I did not feel the need to venture outside. I have vacation plans upcoming. I sure hope it does not snow in Elijay again this year when I travel with the Thimble women. FYI: Fat Quarter is coming with me this year, so girls you will need to tone down the attention toward me. She gets a little jealous. We are also going on a cruise this Spring to a warmer climate.

So for now, I remain (the one and only) Moda Man

Not another snow picture..

2011-01-13T05:57:00.002-05:00

Not that I don't like looking at other people's pictures of the snow. I just wish they were in some other state-far away. I am so over this mess. Henry is bored with the whole topic too. And he just avoids looking out the window by hunkering down under a quilt. I really didn't mind being housebound earlier this week. Finally getting to work yesterday and having to play catch up for the missed days. Not to mention the state of the roads!

Ta daa.....

2011-01-11T14:39:00.003-05:00

I did it!!! I was bound and determined to get this puppy done. And it turns out to be one rather large quilt top with millions of itty bitty pieces. I finished it between ventures outside to hammer the ice off the driveway.

As usual, Wild Willie is present for the inspection.

......

Snow, sleet and freezing rain...makes ofr icy roads

2011-01-10T10:04:00.004-05:00

From my front door. The car is safely in the garage. Not quite sure how I ma going to get down the driveway. Nothing is moving in my neighborhood. Hopefully when I do need to get out, it will be better.

Here is block 2 for the Civil War quilt. It is a variable star. Barbara Brackman calls it Northern Star.

I am continuing to work on RRCB. Here is one side border. I played with the inner border options. I thought about a medium green but then I saw the red on Michelle's quilt and since I still have some of that red left, I will go with the red.

RRCB coming together

2011-01-09T15:30:00.005-05:00

While reading blogs this morning, I read Michelle of Quilts and Stuff. She has posted pictures of her RRCB which is really beautiful. She is completely done. I have finished the main body but have yet to do the borders.

So many little pieces and so many seams..

My inner border will be a medium green with little red flowers in it. But I need to take a break, as I have been at this since this morning with few time outs!

Wild Willie is again checking on the progress. Henry is on the couch waiting for a nap partner! Spooky? he's about somewhere. He really likes my closet as there are some quilts on a chest in there.

The house is getting cool early today. This morning's sun and blue sky are gone and the clouds have moved in. Must listen to the weather report to see what the forecast is now saying. Snow..sleet..ice...all of the above...just not nice!

Now I think I will make the second block for the civil war block of the week.

Snow coming?

2011-01-08T17:01:00.005-05:00

I keep plugging along on RRCB. So many pieces! I have all 50 blocks made for the center and I decided I wanted to see how they look. My brown/pink blocks are not the same in each block. I guess I missed that in the directions. But I like mine just fine..so there. Lots more to sew, figure out the inner border and then begin the outer pieced border.

Wild Willie needed to put his paw of approval on my work so far!

I have been watching the Civil War Quilts site and now that the second block is posted, I decided it was time to make the first block. Just what I need - another project. I am enjoying her commentary as well. This block is called "Catch Me If You Can". And speaking of more projects..Bonnie posted a new one on her site this morning. I luv it but I will contain myself until I finish RRCB.

The weather forecast for the next couple of days is not great. Talking about more snow. What happened to global warming? It can snow-I have cat food and spaghetti. I went out to Groovy Girls this morning. I wanted to make sure I had thread if the weather turns really bad. I never got around to last month's project-no punch for me this month! But I have been busy with RRCB and our Thimble swap. This is almost done-just an outer border. Should be able to complete this tomorrow.

Not really maudlin (sp)?

2011-01-05T17:58:00.002-05:00

January is kind of a dark period of the year-days are short and mostly it is cold. Cold for me is 30 by the way. I live in the South now! At any rate, I was reading Nancy's blog and she was talking about a death and how the family involved dealt with it. I work in a SNF (Heaven's waiting room) and we have lost 2 residents in the past two days. It is not uncommon around the holidays. Death usually comes in threes, so we have one more to go. Funny thing is that usually one of the three is unexpected. The 2 so far this week were both on hospice. And on was a long time resident who had spent a good portion of his life there. It is a loss for those he leaves behind but I can celebrate that he is now in a better place-free of pain.

On a much brighter note...all the stars are on the swap quilt. I just need to add a border and she's done! I need to get back to RRCB. I have wacked all of the string pieces in half and need to sew them together. If there is nothing on tv, I just might sew a few tonight. Still have 22 of the other blocks to finish constructing.

Spooky sat on my lap while I finished a book on my Kindle this afternoon.

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T11:07:00.002-05:00

I've been doing some serious sewing for the past two days. Working on Roll Roll. Cotton Boll as well as the Thimbles Swap. Plugging along on RRCB, so many little pieces.

The swap top is almost finished. I have decided I am not finishing it as it is in the book. I don't like that the stars are not finished around the edges. So I am thinking I am going to finish the points as part of the first border. Then I guess I will decide whether or not to put on the flying geese units. Perhaps the geese have gone South?

Feeling a little lazy. I did make the bed, showered and changed into fresh jammies. Only wish there was a sappy movie on-that would make it a perfect day!

Farewell 2010

2010-12-31T19:47:00.003-05:00

Bonnie Hunter published step 7 this morning of Roll Roll, Cotton Boll. I so wanted to work on this today but alas, I had to go to work. (And that is another story!) But I did manage to construct one block this evening. My plan is to do some serious sewing on this project as well as the Thimbles swap quilt. I have made 24 blocks on that one and need to start putting it together. I need to make progress on these two projects because soon I will be dealing with Comfort and Joy.....what was I thinking. I sure hope my support group is out there waiting for me. If it weren't so dang pretty, I would not do it it but I luv, luv, luv it.

I am not sure what Wild Willie is thinking about in this picture. He looks like he is a bit annoyed. But he has been fed and watered, his toys are all over the place.

To all my friends in blogland, I hope you have a very happy new year and all your quilty dreams come true! Looking forward to 2 quilt retreats-one in Feb and the other in August. Also pretty excited about the cruise on the big boat!

Roll Roll Cotton Boll-Part 6

2010-12-27T19:03:00.002-05:00

Cranking out the sections for the half square triangle units..ended up with 598 instead of 600.
But after a quick fix, I have completed this part of the mystery ahead of Friday!!!

And now maybe I can do a little work on our Thimble swap top-Morning Star

More pix of Christmas Eve

2010-12-27T05:28:00.005-05:00

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T12:12:00.006-05:00

Christmas Eve and the family is all together. Sarah and Emma, baby Alice getting a refill

Her is Laurie with Lainey no brainey!

Rob checking ou his Holiday Eggnog. He had a hard time selling it to the rest of us. The picture I took of Sue was not good and I value my life-(she would have killed me if I put it on the blog) Trust me..she looked cute

Tyler and Alice getting ready for presents and Santa!

Christmas Day we were back at the Frieds for more festivities and more food. Snow started in the afternoon and I headed home while it was still light.
Today it is cold and I am playing with RRCB. Lots of blocks still need to be put together in step 6.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T23:39:00.002-05:00

It is almost here...and I am just about ready! Tomorrow is the cooking-Swedish coffee cake and Swedish meatballs. Tradition for me since I was a little girl. My mother would do every Christmas Eve. She would gather the ingredients, mix and let the dough rise. She would put the bowl on top of the radiator. I haven't seen an old radiator in many a year. I have to struggle to find a warm place for my dough to rise. This year I will be baking and cooking with Laur. One of the girls better know how to do this-I won't be around forever!

I have to wrap a couple of gifts but I need tape. Tomorrow that will happen.

Here in the Atl, there is a chance of Christmas snow. Not too exciting for me as I really HATE snow but it would be a treat for the kids. Laurie's B & B is open so I am good to go!!

I have finished Step 5 of RRCB mystery quilt. 600 half square triangles. They went together much faster than I thought they would. It took me longer to get step 3 done. Tomorrow the next step is published. I can not figure out what the pattern will be yet. Maybe tomorrow it will be a little clearer.

So to all my blogging buddies and all my friends, near and far....MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

446,447,448,449.....

2010-12-22T05:39:00.002-05:00

Roll,roll, cotton boll-step 5: make 600 half square triangle from reds and neutrals. Last Friday this sort of overwhelmed me but I decided to approach it one bite at a time. I've been working at it in the evening...go figure I'm awake! since the red fabbie I am using is trimmings from a backing, my lengths are not the same.

I've finished the step 3 blocks-the paper pieced string blocks as well. I might even be ready when the next step is published! I still can't figure out the design-where does that step one fit in? I wonder how many more steps are still ahead.

Must hit Publix today (old people discount day) to get the stuff for my next venture into the kitchen Christmas Eve. Laur says I am the only one who can make the Swedish coffeecake since I have the big bowl. This from the one who makes pots that are fabo. I gave all 3 of the girls the recipe last year. Sure hope the tradition does not die when I do! And on that thought, I will go have some coffee!

No batteries

2010-12-19T13:12:00.002-05:00

I was so excited to snap a picture of my completed step 3 on the Bonnie Hunter mystery. But the camera is out of juice. I will take a picture after I get some fresh batteries. It has been a good weekend. It always is when the Thimble gang is involved. We had our bring a thing in a thing day and ate some pretty great food. As Gretch says-no friut or veggies were present! We were all working on different projects this month. Gretch was working on Bonnie mystery. Kristi worked on our swap project and shorted herself 2 little squares..not bad because she did cut 846 of them. Cindi worked on an old project called plaid goose. As I recall-I finished one block on that and now haven't got a clue what happened to the rest of it. Somewhere in the sewing room? Becky was working on scrappy nines. We were all quite productive!

I am seeking members for my support group. Next month begins comfort and joy(?) I probably will rename this baby after it is completed I asked Pat if I could use a glue gun or maybe staples on all that durned applique.

Today I ventured into Laurie's kitchen to make her birthday breakfast..french toast and bacon. Kris and Alice joined us.

And now it is almost time to wind down the weekend....how sad

Winter-my least favorite season

2010-12-16T06:58:00.002-05:00

And it is not officially winter yet. We have been dealing with unseasonably cold weather for the ATL for many days now-seems like forever. And now we have sleet and ice. While Northerners can deal with this, here in the South not so much. Would you believe the city of Atlanta has 8 salt trucks. I have to go to work this morning but I am waiting until it is light so I can see the ice!

I have not done any sewing on the Bonnie mystery this week. All I do is come home and get under quilts and hibernate until it is time to go to bed. Hopefully the temperature will moderate soon

It's cold!!!

2010-12-13T05:05:00.002-05:00

Probably not as cold as it is in the north but way too cold for me. Flurries all day yesterday and I guess this morning and temps in the teens right now. After delivering Sarah and Emma to the Christmas pageant, meeting Laurie for breakfast and picking up my new Kindle (!!!!!!!!) I headed home to the couch and hibernated the rest of the day and evening.

My garage door opener died on Saturday so I need to get that replaced. Will have to see about that today (if the state doesn't come).

Didn't do much sewing this weekend. In fact, didn't do much of anything this weekend.

roll.roll cotton boll....part 4

2010-12-10T19:08:00.003-05:00

Bonnie published the next step today. I have not finished part 3 yet! That step is 60 of those suckers on the top. So far, I have 29. My dilemma..finish step 3 or do step 4. The committee decided that I should proceed to the next step and then work more on the strip blocks. And now I have another week to finish the other 31 blocks!

Heading out to Bad Melisa tomorrow with Cindi and Becky to check out the happenings. And then Sarah and Emma are coming over for a sleepover. I think I am in deep trouble as Christmas is approaching but there is hardly a sign of it in my house...no tree, no outside stuff, no nothing. Just not in the mood to drag all the stuff out (and then have to put it away again in a couple of weeks). I was scolded by Sue because I said I didn't think I would do Christmas cards either. Just call me Ms. Scrooge!

4 down...56 to go..

2010-12-04T20:39:00.002-05:00

I noticed on the yahoo group there are already posted pictures of this step. And m y friends Cindi and Gretch call me an overachiever? I actually now have 6 made!! My goal for this weekend is to have 15 done. Only time will tell on that one.

This morning bright and early, we headed out to Sweet Home for Groovy Girls. Yeah..no applique this month. I was bad. But it is partly Sarah-no blog's fault. She picks out things that I need to have. She did show me one item-a mini portable Ott light. Unfortunately, I need to get batteries for it but I sure could use it this evening. I also got a few zippers for the project demo today and a few pieces of fabric. Then I headed home to wait for the Direct TV man to come.

I bought myself a new tv last week because the old one was doing funky things. Turns out, it wasn't the tv but the cable box was going bad. At any rate three and a half hours later, he was on his way. He had more roof time than Santa Claus. I had planned to hit Publix when he left but by then it was late and cold and I wanted only to sit on the couch under a quilt.

Sewing binding on the retreat quilt while I watch the Hallmark channel movies.

Wild Friday night

2010-12-04T05:45:00.002-05:00

I lead quite the crazy life...not. This week at work was, in a word, horrible. It just went on and on. I felt like I was on a treadmill. All I want is to be able to keep up and it just isn't happening with the new assessment process.

But now it is the weekend and I don't plan on thinking about that place until Monday morning. Last night we won't even discuss what I ate for "supper". Let's just say....well nothing! I decided to get the laundry done last night instead of doing it today.
Bonnie's next step arrived this morning. I knew easy had to end and it did. This step is not hard but first I had to make 8.5 inch paper squares to do foundation piecing. Done. I had thought about another project some time ago and had printed on some Carol Doak paper. Reused for the squares. Also worked a little on the Thimble swap.

Today is Groovy Girls....please Melisa......NO APPLIQUE. I will report back later.

Latest Thimbles Swap

2010-12-02T05:37:00.002-05:00

I am so excited-I have finished 8 of the blocks for the swap we did earl er in the Fall. I have not finished sewing all of the teeny pieces yet-I think there are still 100+ of those bad boys. I really do love scrappy quilts and this one is no exception. I wanted to do more last night but Henry made me sit on the couch to keep him warm!

Groovy girls in 2 days...yipee. Hope there is no applique involved!

Need to make a binding for the X Block quilt and I'm not sure if I already have the fabric for it.

Thanksgiving weekend..so far

2010-11-28T00:26:00.002-05:00

I had to work yesterday, so I decided driving to Sweet Home before dawn was probably not a good idea. But I did cut work a little short and headed down there later in the afternoon. (Not that I needed anything!) But that never seems to stop me. I only bought one piece of fabric, a little kit and something that I whipped up for a Christmas present today. And then I headed home.

Today I finished Part 2 of the Bonnie Hunter mystery-120 brown/pink half square triangles. And then I went back to the 34 billion one and a half inch squares. I think those little suckers are multiplying in the bag. 848 squares=4 squares to a block=212 sections. I have made 103 so far!!
I finished the table runner for Kris at least And then I made it to the couch. THE END.
And now it is midnight and I am wide awake..well maybe not "wide" but I am awake. So I think I will move into the bed. Henry is waiting to get under the covers!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T21:12:00.002-05:00

I am one very lucky person. I got to enjoy my whole family today. We celebrated turkey day at Sue's house. Sarah, affectionately known as the Decoration Natzi has been hard at work on the decor all week. She really gets into decorating the table as you can see. Place mats, doilies, name cards, the whole nine yards.
Rob did the turkey, Sue the sides, Laurie brought her broccoli puff. (I brought the gravy). Poor Rob made traditional gravy as well. Sarah tried both but I think William Sanoma won. (love their turkey gravy base). Kris and Alice joined us for dessert. An unplanned bonus. Tyler has to work at dark thirty tomorrow morning, so he was home napping. It was a wonderful meal. I am stuffed and don't have to eat for weeks..or at least tomorrow.

November Thimbles

2010-11-21T17:32:00.002-05:00

I so look forward to getting together with the Thimbles gang. Only downside is that it only happens once a month. And now it will be almost Christmas when we meet again.

This month's project is from the book Scrap-Basket Surprises by Kim Brackett and is called Bali Sea Star. The fabric line is Whittier Crossing from our own Mary Ann at Little Quilts. It is yummy. Gretch has a picture of it on her blog. My fabric is still in the bag. This book has several other projects that are on my to do list. But first I have to finish some of the stuff I have already got in the works. So what have I accomplished this weekend?

-I completed all 172 segments for the Bonnie Hunter Mystery quilt

-did the 9 patch blocks for Cindy Lou Who-Schnibble pattern

-made some segments for our Thimbles gang exchange

I have to get busy on that one as I have heard that Gretch has picked out our next one. I also gave Thimble Queen Pat palpitations when I informed her I am signing up for Comfort and Joy her new pattern. It is being offered as a block of the month by Bad Melisa. I did warn her that she would be subject to my whining do to all of the "A-word" that this quilt involves. It is an 8 month project. And every month has a component of applique to be done. I will either survive or become a raving maniac by completion date!

Moda Man, Polly Pockets and dragons..

2010-11-21T08:35:00.003-05:00

This has been a good weekend-but Thimbles weekends always are! More about that later

Sarah and Emma came over for a sleepover and actually did! We had our picnic. Spooky and Henry don't quite know what to make of it but Wild Willie enjoys the french fries! We watched movies and I got caught up on Hannah Montana

Moda Man was in the thick of things as well-entertaining the Polly Pocket girls. He played in the castle. I wonder if Marc Dunn has a carriage? I know he does not have dragons like Moda Man.

I need to get the girls some breakfast and take them to church. Then some more sewing to do.