Now, I totally 'get' that lots of people love snow. Simply put - I DON'T! It's pretty, but in someone else's backyard. I suppose I could move down south but I know that won't ever happen. So, I put up with the weather from November through March. That's only 5 months and usually it's only for 3 months because most of the time we can dodge the snowy weather in November and March. But, really? Snow on my birthday? The one day I take off for me? The one day I like to head to Lancaster with my BFF and stroll up and down the fabric aisles? I know, I know. They are only calling for a dusting in the morning but when you don't drive in it AT ALL and it will take you an hour and a half to get to Lancaster, well, I am not a happy camper. We'll see what the day brings tomorrow, it might not be a total wash-out after all. I will see the glass as half-full tonight and hope that it's all just a mistake on the meteorologists part. The worst case scenario - I stay home and sew all day!!
Today is Training Day 6 for Katie and she was working with the pugil sticks today. Bet she had fun whacking someone else today! She sends home letters that are funny to us. 15-20 second showers and her bunk mates are smelly? Haha! I bet she is smelly too and just doesn't know it! Almost at the end of another long day for her. Every night at 8:00 I say good-night to her in my heart.
My quilt frame is downstairs finally and I can't wait until I can get it set up. Dear husband told me that he is almost ready to put up 2 walls for me and once they go in, I can move a few things around and get started on setting up the sewing room. It's a good thing I get a long Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday - lots of time to work on that little job.
I did work on a baby quilt on Saturday and just have the binding to finish. I also got 10 sets of material cut out for 10 snap bags. I'm getting paid to make 9 of them - score!
Gotta scoot!
TaDa, Trish
Monday, November 11, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
SHE STOOD IN THE STORM . . .
. . . AND WHEN THE WIND DID NOT BLOW HER WAY,
SHE ADJUSTED HER SAILS.
I do not know who said this, but I thought of Katie when I read it. She is almost done with her first week of Marine training. She has a new title - Recruit Lapp. I am working on her first letter and I hope it's an encouraging one for her to read and wants to keep taking the next step. When I wrote to her brother when he went through his Marine training of 13 weeks, I always wrote at the end to take
'just one more step'. I lived on the letters I received when I was in the Army. It was the little things they wrote about that meant the world to me. The world didn't know about Skype or cell phones. I lived for the once a month phone calls to home to talk for 10 minutes and hear their voices. Walking to the post office once a day in the afternoon couldn't come fast enough because my mother was a letter writer and package sender. I cried because they were good cries even though my heart hurt that I was away for way too long. I was one of the lucky ones that usually found a letter or package waiting for me. I knew far too many friends that couldn't understand the closeness I had with my family. I wish that for Katie. That she knows there will probably be a letter waiting for her when she looks for one. Since I just got her address, it is important that a letter goes out tomorrow for her. And the next day and the day after that and so on. I will tell her all the unimportant little things that goes on here at home and they will mean the world to her.
November is here! I like getting through the month with no snow and if that happens, I know the winter can't be a long one. It's also my birthday month. I have this rule for myself that I don't ever work on my birthday. I have only ever worked twice on my birthday. Once was because I had an annual training for 3 weeks that month and the other was because I had taken off time with Katie problems and couldn't ask for another day that time of year. This year - I'm not sure what I am going to do. She is set to graduate on January 24th if all goes as planned and I will need a few days off to get to South Carolina and back. So, I'm thinking I will save my birthday day for one of those days, but not sure just yet. Maybe if I take off in two weeks - it will be forgotten by the time the end of January comes and I won't feel as guilty taking a few days off then too.
Tomorrow I must (I MUST!) get downstairs to my sewing room or at least put the sewing machine on the table and sew. I haven't touched a thing since the 2nd Saturday of last month when I finished quilting a quilt for my BFF. I won't get through my projects if that becomes a habit of not working on them. I do have 6 Snap Bags to make and the nice thing is that I am going to sell 5 of them. I even offered for her to come and look through my stash so she can pick out fabrics of what she thinks they will like. I am also trying to come up with an idea of what to make for Christmas gifts for the co-workers and friends I give to. I have a few ideas up my sleeve but of course can't reveal it here in case any of them read this blog.
Some more remodeling got finished here in the past month for the house. The girls helped DH fix the posts on the front porch and boy, do they ever look nice. They are repainted white and they now have new bottoms on them. The old wood got taken off and new covers were made out of a plastic PVC material. Also, the front door was painted all dark maroon and now the shutters all match the door. The sun seems to fade the maroon and some of them were looking a little too pinky for me. The garage door in the basement came off and in went a set of French Doors and 2 new windows. No cold air coming in there anymore!! Now, if I can just get him to build some walls for my sewing area, I can go in and close the door and not have to put everything away all the time. He says when it's all said and done, my area will be larger - well, a girl can only wait so long. I even saw some really cool carpet mats I can get in colors and that will be nice on the tootsies instead of the cold, concrete floor. The piano, a sofa, and a huge tv has to be removed also. All in time, I suppose. I think I will move the quilt frame down there too. Right now it's sitting in the girls room with stuff all over it. That's just wrong. I want to put my machine on it and see how that works even though I know I need a higher speed machine. I am hoping the one I have will work for now though. Oooh! Oooh! I got a free Singer machine from an estate auction a few weeks ago. It looks clean but I'm not sure there is a foot pedal with it. Someday I need to see what's going on with that little beauty. It's not a featherweight, but it's another machine.
Oh boy, my eyes are closing again. Time to get the dog inside and get some zzzzzzz's. I hope to come back here tomorrow night and report what I've finished. It seems a month goes by before I remember to post again, let's see if I can change that.
TaDa, Trish
SHE ADJUSTED HER SAILS.
I do not know who said this, but I thought of Katie when I read it. She is almost done with her first week of Marine training. She has a new title - Recruit Lapp. I am working on her first letter and I hope it's an encouraging one for her to read and wants to keep taking the next step. When I wrote to her brother when he went through his Marine training of 13 weeks, I always wrote at the end to take
'just one more step'. I lived on the letters I received when I was in the Army. It was the little things they wrote about that meant the world to me. The world didn't know about Skype or cell phones. I lived for the once a month phone calls to home to talk for 10 minutes and hear their voices. Walking to the post office once a day in the afternoon couldn't come fast enough because my mother was a letter writer and package sender. I cried because they were good cries even though my heart hurt that I was away for way too long. I was one of the lucky ones that usually found a letter or package waiting for me. I knew far too many friends that couldn't understand the closeness I had with my family. I wish that for Katie. That she knows there will probably be a letter waiting for her when she looks for one. Since I just got her address, it is important that a letter goes out tomorrow for her. And the next day and the day after that and so on. I will tell her all the unimportant little things that goes on here at home and they will mean the world to her.
November is here! I like getting through the month with no snow and if that happens, I know the winter can't be a long one. It's also my birthday month. I have this rule for myself that I don't ever work on my birthday. I have only ever worked twice on my birthday. Once was because I had an annual training for 3 weeks that month and the other was because I had taken off time with Katie problems and couldn't ask for another day that time of year. This year - I'm not sure what I am going to do. She is set to graduate on January 24th if all goes as planned and I will need a few days off to get to South Carolina and back. So, I'm thinking I will save my birthday day for one of those days, but not sure just yet. Maybe if I take off in two weeks - it will be forgotten by the time the end of January comes and I won't feel as guilty taking a few days off then too.
Tomorrow I must (I MUST!) get downstairs to my sewing room or at least put the sewing machine on the table and sew. I haven't touched a thing since the 2nd Saturday of last month when I finished quilting a quilt for my BFF. I won't get through my projects if that becomes a habit of not working on them. I do have 6 Snap Bags to make and the nice thing is that I am going to sell 5 of them. I even offered for her to come and look through my stash so she can pick out fabrics of what she thinks they will like. I am also trying to come up with an idea of what to make for Christmas gifts for the co-workers and friends I give to. I have a few ideas up my sleeve but of course can't reveal it here in case any of them read this blog.
Some more remodeling got finished here in the past month for the house. The girls helped DH fix the posts on the front porch and boy, do they ever look nice. They are repainted white and they now have new bottoms on them. The old wood got taken off and new covers were made out of a plastic PVC material. Also, the front door was painted all dark maroon and now the shutters all match the door. The sun seems to fade the maroon and some of them were looking a little too pinky for me. The garage door in the basement came off and in went a set of French Doors and 2 new windows. No cold air coming in there anymore!! Now, if I can just get him to build some walls for my sewing area, I can go in and close the door and not have to put everything away all the time. He says when it's all said and done, my area will be larger - well, a girl can only wait so long. I even saw some really cool carpet mats I can get in colors and that will be nice on the tootsies instead of the cold, concrete floor. The piano, a sofa, and a huge tv has to be removed also. All in time, I suppose. I think I will move the quilt frame down there too. Right now it's sitting in the girls room with stuff all over it. That's just wrong. I want to put my machine on it and see how that works even though I know I need a higher speed machine. I am hoping the one I have will work for now though. Oooh! Oooh! I got a free Singer machine from an estate auction a few weeks ago. It looks clean but I'm not sure there is a foot pedal with it. Someday I need to see what's going on with that little beauty. It's not a featherweight, but it's another machine.
Oh boy, my eyes are closing again. Time to get the dog inside and get some zzzzzzz's. I hope to come back here tomorrow night and report what I've finished. It seems a month goes by before I remember to post again, let's see if I can change that.
TaDa, Trish
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
OCTOBER AND 18 DAYS
It seems like yesterday that I was so joyous it was Springtime! Enjoying the new buds popping out on the red bud tree and the fresh sprouts coming up out of the ground with new growth and here I am sitting thinking about switching the clothes over for the warm days to come to warm clothes to keep me warm. I've started putting away my little pretties that I scatter throughout the flower beds. An angel here (from DH) and a turtle there (my Odie collected turtles when he was little). There is the little duck with her bonnet (made from a neighbor lady I grew up with). A wooden bridge that the cat sometimes walks across and the little wooden bench that another cat likes to sit on that is nestled in the taller flower stalks of course, thinking that no one can see her. The bird baths are put away and all the flower pots so they can be repotted next Spring with new seeds. I hear it could be a winter like we haven't had for awhile. They say it's time. Well, we will see about that. Of course the wooly caterpillars are all black - maybe I could find some brown paint and put a few stripes on them and trick them into telling Old Man Winter to leave us alone. Nah. I suppose that wouldn't work too well. Winter is beautiful but only because I have the option of not having to drive in it. Walking to work suits me well. It is great though that there is a friend who works with me that only lives about 2 houses away from me and I can catch a ride with her.
I need to sit and sew - have the baby quilt to FMQ, those little 10 Minute Squares, some Cathedral Window backgrounds, the list goes on. But as I sit here and dream of getting more seams sewn, my eyes are drooping. It was a long day and I better head in for the night.
TaDa,
Trish
I need to sit and sew - have the baby quilt to FMQ, those little 10 Minute Squares, some Cathedral Window backgrounds, the list goes on. But as I sit here and dream of getting more seams sewn, my eyes are drooping. It was a long day and I better head in for the night.
TaDa,
Trish
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
26 DAYS
26 days will go very fast. It will be gone in the blink of an eye and so will Katie. She is looking forward to leaving for the Marines and we all hope it takes her on a life's journey for the better. If I didn't have my mom concerns, I wouldn't be a very good mom. I know it will be good for her to get away from here - friends that she seems to find that turn out to not be good friends, a job she can't just simply walk away from, a future that will hopefully hold dreams come true. I will be scared and yet happy for her. I've had my ups and downs in my Army career but do believe it was good for me.
She has to get through 13 weeks of training to be a Marine, then does another month for basic training, then goes to school for whatever job she chooses. She is talking intelligence and already passed the test for that, now we just have to wait and see what the openings are when she is done with the month of basic training to submit her 3 choices. We really have no idea of what she will go with.
I was hoping to quilt some on that baby quilt tonight, but forgot how much gets taken out of me when I work until 6 at night. After dinner preparation, clean-up, and washing/hanging out 2 loads of clothes for God to dry tomorrow, I am whooped. Tomorrow is another long day until 6 and Friday I am off to attend my sisters retirement party. Whoot! Whoot! It looks like I will be sewing on Saturday. I did lay out the rest of the blocks for sewing together the 10 minute blocks using the True Blue line from Eleanor Burns so once I watch the U-Tube video on how to do that block, I'll get to putting them together. I don't remember buying them, but I have 7 charm packs of that line and it looks like I will get about 60 blocks from it. I haven't figured out how large the quilt will be but should be a good size at 9 1/2" blocks. Hope I can get 63 blocks then I could make it 7 x 9 blocks - don't think 6 x 10 would look too right - or I suppose I could use 56 blocks and end up with 7 x 8 blocks. That size seems to be about the largest I can work with on the regular home sewing machine without the shoulders hurting for the next few days.
No scrumptious photos for you to enjoy tonight. I should take some of the huge pumpkins Michael grew this year in the garden. Ooooh! They will be coming soon.
Tada, Trish
She has to get through 13 weeks of training to be a Marine, then does another month for basic training, then goes to school for whatever job she chooses. She is talking intelligence and already passed the test for that, now we just have to wait and see what the openings are when she is done with the month of basic training to submit her 3 choices. We really have no idea of what she will go with.
I was hoping to quilt some on that baby quilt tonight, but forgot how much gets taken out of me when I work until 6 at night. After dinner preparation, clean-up, and washing/hanging out 2 loads of clothes for God to dry tomorrow, I am whooped. Tomorrow is another long day until 6 and Friday I am off to attend my sisters retirement party. Whoot! Whoot! It looks like I will be sewing on Saturday. I did lay out the rest of the blocks for sewing together the 10 minute blocks using the True Blue line from Eleanor Burns so once I watch the U-Tube video on how to do that block, I'll get to putting them together. I don't remember buying them, but I have 7 charm packs of that line and it looks like I will get about 60 blocks from it. I haven't figured out how large the quilt will be but should be a good size at 9 1/2" blocks. Hope I can get 63 blocks then I could make it 7 x 9 blocks - don't think 6 x 10 would look too right - or I suppose I could use 56 blocks and end up with 7 x 8 blocks. That size seems to be about the largest I can work with on the regular home sewing machine without the shoulders hurting for the next few days.
No scrumptious photos for you to enjoy tonight. I should take some of the huge pumpkins Michael grew this year in the garden. Ooooh! They will be coming soon.
Tada, Trish
Saturday, September 21, 2013
RAINY DAYS
are made for quilting! I laid out some cute Boyd's Bear flannel fabric for a baby girl quilt. It's an all over print so I am just going to do a free motion all over it and get it finished. The baby is already a month old so I'm not in a big hurry. That takes all the joy out of quilting for me - being in too much of a rush.
I had a great time with my sister last night at a small quilters get together in Ephrata, PA. It's always nice to see friends you haven't seen in a year. And, now, I can reveal my quilt for the Star Challenge!!
These blocks were from a Squishy Swap I participated in back in 2002 and they are finally all together and finished! The blocks come from Michigan, Pennsylvania, Maine, Indiana, Florida, Iowa, California, Canada, Louisiana, and several others that I've lost track of. See? It's not good to let precious blocks sit for too long. The 2nd photo shows the decorative stitch I used on the binding and think it adds to the overall prettiness of the quilt.
I will have you know, neither my sister or I bought a thing at the quilt shop! I think that is telling us we have enough.
Tada, Trish
I had a great time with my sister last night at a small quilters get together in Ephrata, PA. It's always nice to see friends you haven't seen in a year. And, now, I can reveal my quilt for the Star Challenge!!
These blocks were from a Squishy Swap I participated in back in 2002 and they are finally all together and finished! The blocks come from Michigan, Pennsylvania, Maine, Indiana, Florida, Iowa, California, Canada, Louisiana, and several others that I've lost track of. See? It's not good to let precious blocks sit for too long. The 2nd photo shows the decorative stitch I used on the binding and think it adds to the overall prettiness of the quilt.
I will have you know, neither my sister or I bought a thing at the quilt shop! I think that is telling us we have enough.
Tada, Trish
Thursday, September 19, 2013
MAKING CHANGES TO BE DEBT FREE
Here is my new slogan to try to remind myself of making changes for the better.
WHAT YOU ALLOW
IS WHAT YOU CONTINUE
Now, to me that means that if I allow certain things to be bought, then the home equity and the visa will NEVER go down. I am trying to change that.
I am not a big spender. I can't tell you the last time I bought a piece of clothing at a regular store for those prices they want. I did buy 5 tops and a pair of pants for under $10 at a Salvation Army store. What a score!! And, I can wear all those items for my job. I have so much fabric that I do not need to buy any more of that. Of course I am going to look at the quilt shop tomorrow night, but I know I do NOT NEED any more right now. I am working on what I have in my stash.
Let's see what I have done so far to try and cut back within the past year.
- I make our own laundry detergent.
- I hang all the clothes out on the line to dry
- All the dishes get washed by hand
- Cut the cable tv back to the very basic
- Cut the local long distance and long distance off the home phone line
- Make the kids pay for their part of their cell phones (DH and I still don't even own a smart phone)
It looks like the project with the garage door in the basement will get taken out and get replaced with French doors just might happen before winter this year. That means, hopefully, that it won't be as cold downstairs which will help on the heat bills this winter. We got the extra siding for free and got the French doors for a very good price off of Craigs List. Hopefully we will be able to sell the garage door at some point. Michael has been working very hard every day with my brother in law in a lawn maintenance business and buying what he can for this project when he can.
Katie is leaving for the Marines in 31 days. Less hot showers and less food. whoot! whoot! Of course that also means a hotel bill since I have to travel to Pittsburgh to see her off and then another hotel bill for a night or two in January for her graduation. Ugh! I truly want to go to that so let's all pray for a mild winter between Pennsylvania and South Carolina.
I was going to not work at the after school program this year but decided to work the 2 days a week. I want to try very hard to put that money first towards a emergency savings account before I put it towards the visa so I can fall back on that instead of using the visa for large purchases in case anything breaks down. The only problem with that is they say you should have at least 3 months of living expenses in an emergency account. That could take awhile to build that up. So, I think I will put half towards the emergency account and the other half towards the visa. Right now, the visa is the thing with the highest interest charged. As one is building up, the other one is going down. Yup, that's what I will do with it.
More on this later. Gotta scoot to bed for tonight. Tomorrow will be a very long day.
Make sure you look up at the moon tonight. It is beautiful.
Tada, Trish
WHAT YOU ALLOW
IS WHAT YOU CONTINUE
Now, to me that means that if I allow certain things to be bought, then the home equity and the visa will NEVER go down. I am trying to change that.
I am not a big spender. I can't tell you the last time I bought a piece of clothing at a regular store for those prices they want. I did buy 5 tops and a pair of pants for under $10 at a Salvation Army store. What a score!! And, I can wear all those items for my job. I have so much fabric that I do not need to buy any more of that. Of course I am going to look at the quilt shop tomorrow night, but I know I do NOT NEED any more right now. I am working on what I have in my stash.
Let's see what I have done so far to try and cut back within the past year.
- I make our own laundry detergent.
- I hang all the clothes out on the line to dry
- All the dishes get washed by hand
- Cut the cable tv back to the very basic
- Cut the local long distance and long distance off the home phone line
- Make the kids pay for their part of their cell phones (DH and I still don't even own a smart phone)
It looks like the project with the garage door in the basement will get taken out and get replaced with French doors just might happen before winter this year. That means, hopefully, that it won't be as cold downstairs which will help on the heat bills this winter. We got the extra siding for free and got the French doors for a very good price off of Craigs List. Hopefully we will be able to sell the garage door at some point. Michael has been working very hard every day with my brother in law in a lawn maintenance business and buying what he can for this project when he can.
Katie is leaving for the Marines in 31 days. Less hot showers and less food. whoot! whoot! Of course that also means a hotel bill since I have to travel to Pittsburgh to see her off and then another hotel bill for a night or two in January for her graduation. Ugh! I truly want to go to that so let's all pray for a mild winter between Pennsylvania and South Carolina.
I was going to not work at the after school program this year but decided to work the 2 days a week. I want to try very hard to put that money first towards a emergency savings account before I put it towards the visa so I can fall back on that instead of using the visa for large purchases in case anything breaks down. The only problem with that is they say you should have at least 3 months of living expenses in an emergency account. That could take awhile to build that up. So, I think I will put half towards the emergency account and the other half towards the visa. Right now, the visa is the thing with the highest interest charged. As one is building up, the other one is going down. Yup, that's what I will do with it.
More on this later. Gotta scoot to bed for tonight. Tomorrow will be a very long day.
Make sure you look up at the moon tonight. It is beautiful.
Tada, Trish
RETHINKING WHAT'S NEXT ...
... after looking at the Mariners Compass, I think I will put that on the back burner for now. It is paper piecing and I just want to work on something without too much thinking right now.
I pulled out some flannel that has really cute bears with pinks and yellows on it for a brand spanking new baby!! I don't think I even need to cut it into blocks because it is an all over design. I have 2 different flannels but since they go together, I think I will use one on the front and the other on the back. I just need to layer it with a piece of batting inside and free motion it all together.
Then I found the 10 minute blocks that I started and brought them upstairs. I have 4 or 5 charm packs to use and I think it will be one of my favorites when it's finished. I started the blocks and have about 6 or 7 finished. (They take me longer than 10 minutes for 1 block, by the way. Turning that little square in the middle is a booger when working with 5" blocks.)
I looked for the material for the blue and cream 4 Patch Posey but not sure where I put that project. I can't even 'see' the fabric in my mind so I will have to figure out what the heck that project is. OH! I remember!! Where oh where did that fabric go? Hmmmmmm.......
Off to a get together tomorrow night right after work. I will go pick up my sister to take along. It will be nice to spend the evening with her. I have several Show and Tell's to take along and even my Star Challenge quilt. IF I win something, I will cash it in right away! Last year I won a small gift certificate to the quilt shop we are meeting in and there are so many goodies to choose from there.
Gotta scoot!
Tada, Trish
I pulled out some flannel that has really cute bears with pinks and yellows on it for a brand spanking new baby!! I don't think I even need to cut it into blocks because it is an all over design. I have 2 different flannels but since they go together, I think I will use one on the front and the other on the back. I just need to layer it with a piece of batting inside and free motion it all together.
Then I found the 10 minute blocks that I started and brought them upstairs. I have 4 or 5 charm packs to use and I think it will be one of my favorites when it's finished. I started the blocks and have about 6 or 7 finished. (They take me longer than 10 minutes for 1 block, by the way. Turning that little square in the middle is a booger when working with 5" blocks.)
I looked for the material for the blue and cream 4 Patch Posey but not sure where I put that project. I can't even 'see' the fabric in my mind so I will have to figure out what the heck that project is. OH! I remember!! Where oh where did that fabric go? Hmmmmmm.......
Off to a get together tomorrow night right after work. I will go pick up my sister to take along. It will be nice to spend the evening with her. I have several Show and Tell's to take along and even my Star Challenge quilt. IF I win something, I will cash it in right away! Last year I won a small gift certificate to the quilt shop we are meeting in and there are so many goodies to choose from there.
Gotta scoot!
Tada, Trish
Sunday, September 15, 2013
AS WE MOVE ALONG IN LIFE . . .
the memory DOES go somewhere else! Wish I could find it!
Since I posted last night that I am ready to move on to my next project, I spent some time in my sewing area (notice I did not say 'ROOM" because it still is not enclosed with walls and a door! AHEM - dear husband!!) Anyways, back to my thought for the day. I thought I would work on the Mariners Compass done in beautiful blues/white/blacks. My memory told me that the inner compass was completed. So the decision I had to make was should I just turn it in to a wall hanging and call it done or perhaps put some lovely blocks around it. Sooooooo - there it is where I left it, in a plastic zip lock bag - all the pieces are fine but most of them are not sewn together. The part that is sewn together doesn't look too complicated and seems to have turned out pretty good. So I think I will try to finish it and put it into a small wall hanging. This will be my project for this week.
In the meantime, the washer seems to be having a mind of its own the past few days. It wouldn't drain completely which left the clothes needing another spin. So my husband and daughter came to the rescue. It seemed to work just great until I hear dripping this morning. It must have dripped all night because there is a few inches of water in the bottom of the drum. Suppose I need to ask him to look at it again. I don't want a disaster of water everywhere some morning that we don't have time to deal with it.
My weeks will get busy soon starting next week. I agreed to work evenings at the after school program for the little kiddos which means on Wednesdays and Thursdays I won't get home until
6:15 PM. Those will be long days. And then, I am also a substitute for Mondays and Tuesdays if someone can't come in those evenings. Once a month they have a free dinner for the families of the kids in the program and those evenings we don't get home until 8'ish PM. Is it May yet?
TaDa,
Trish
Since I posted last night that I am ready to move on to my next project, I spent some time in my sewing area (notice I did not say 'ROOM" because it still is not enclosed with walls and a door! AHEM - dear husband!!) Anyways, back to my thought for the day. I thought I would work on the Mariners Compass done in beautiful blues/white/blacks. My memory told me that the inner compass was completed. So the decision I had to make was should I just turn it in to a wall hanging and call it done or perhaps put some lovely blocks around it. Sooooooo - there it is where I left it, in a plastic zip lock bag - all the pieces are fine but most of them are not sewn together. The part that is sewn together doesn't look too complicated and seems to have turned out pretty good. So I think I will try to finish it and put it into a small wall hanging. This will be my project for this week.
In the meantime, the washer seems to be having a mind of its own the past few days. It wouldn't drain completely which left the clothes needing another spin. So my husband and daughter came to the rescue. It seemed to work just great until I hear dripping this morning. It must have dripped all night because there is a few inches of water in the bottom of the drum. Suppose I need to ask him to look at it again. I don't want a disaster of water everywhere some morning that we don't have time to deal with it.
My weeks will get busy soon starting next week. I agreed to work evenings at the after school program for the little kiddos which means on Wednesdays and Thursdays I won't get home until
6:15 PM. Those will be long days. And then, I am also a substitute for Mondays and Tuesdays if someone can't come in those evenings. Once a month they have a free dinner for the families of the kids in the program and those evenings we don't get home until 8'ish PM. Is it May yet?
TaDa,
Trish
Saturday, September 14, 2013
MILLIONS OF STARS
The Squishie Swap/Star Challenge is finished!! I was able to cross an item off of 2 lists here since I didn't know at the time I made the lists that I would use the blocks from the Squishie Swap for the Star Challenge. It is due for a Show and Tell on the 20th and I find it hard to believe it is finished 6 days ahead of time. Whoot! Whoot!
Sure wish I could post a photo but that has to wait until next weekend.
Next task is to look at the list and see what's next!
TaDa,
Trish
Sure wish I could post a photo but that has to wait until next weekend.
Next task is to look at the list and see what's next!
TaDa,
Trish
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
WAYWARD STARS/MISFIT STARS/WONKY STARS . . .
Not sure what to call the new Star Quilt. I started with 35 blocks. I ended up with 27 that I could get to 8 1/2" give or take an eighth of an inch or so. The rest are either way too small or don't even come close to resembling a star shape.
Now, to lay them out. Probably the best shape will be 5 blocks x 5 blocks or 40" x 40" - which will be a small lap quilt. I might try to incorporate the left over blocks onto the back of the quilt. I'd hate to not use them, but then again - they are not even a star shape. Sometimes I suppose one just has to let a few blocks go and just never use. Or perhaps they can be put into my 'strange pile' which has wayward blocks from other projects that didn't make the cut on previous quilts.
Tomorrow is to cut the sashing.
TaDa, Trish
Now, to lay them out. Probably the best shape will be 5 blocks x 5 blocks or 40" x 40" - which will be a small lap quilt. I might try to incorporate the left over blocks onto the back of the quilt. I'd hate to not use them, but then again - they are not even a star shape. Sometimes I suppose one just has to let a few blocks go and just never use. Or perhaps they can be put into my 'strange pile' which has wayward blocks from other projects that didn't make the cut on previous quilts.
Tomorrow is to cut the sashing.
TaDa, Trish
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
ONTO THE NEXT PROJECT - STARS!!
I am going to work on the list of projects that I've started but not finished. I have a 'star challenge' due the weekend of September - oh dear, I thought it was the 17th but as I check the calendar, the 17th is on a Tuesday. So, it's either the weekend of the 14th or the 21st. I hope it's the latter. I have 35 star blocks already made from a swap from year 2002, so all the stars are different. Some don't even look like a star but if I can remember back that far I believe I asked for a star block that was 10". Everyone in the swap got the same piece of fabric from me so there is a common material in each block. The center star fabric in the photo below is the fabric I chose. It's a really pretty blue with small flowers. I think most of the blocks I received back are about 8 1/2" but a few are smaller and a few are larger so I will have to try to get them all the same size. I will probably end up cutting off some points here and there, but unless you lay it all out and scrutinize it, it's not usually noticeable. If it is, then people are too picky. I say - get it done and enjoy it. Ten years ago? Yup! So, I will put them together and I am excited now since I found the perfect sashing material in my stash! It's a light gold/cream with tiny stars all over it. My goal is to get it completely quilted and bound for the challenge date. I don't think that will be a problem and I can finally cross that one off my list.
Here is a preview on one of the blocks.
Stay tuned.
TaDa, Trish
Here is a preview on one of the blocks.
Stay tuned.
TaDa, Trish
Monday, September 2, 2013
BIRDS
Another small project done. I didn't even list it on the to be done list. It was quick and easy and so cute.
They put a smile on my face and what better place to hang it right by the front door before I walk outside every morning.
How could I forget? I worked in the basement for about 6 hours yesterday and got more trash, found 3 boxes of things I had for my sister, rearranged all I wanted to rearrange, got 2 boxes for Goodwill, and now I enjoy my trips through there to the outside.
I took the boxes over to my sisters house today and had a great visit with her. I also stopped at the Salvation Army store and saw a 50% off on everything in the store today. WhoHoo! I got a pair of pants and 5 shirts for under $10. 4 of the shirts still have the store tags on them.
Great weekend, I sure enjoyed it!
Tada,
Trish
They put a smile on my face and what better place to hang it right by the front door before I walk outside every morning.
How could I forget? I worked in the basement for about 6 hours yesterday and got more trash, found 3 boxes of things I had for my sister, rearranged all I wanted to rearrange, got 2 boxes for Goodwill, and now I enjoy my trips through there to the outside.
I took the boxes over to my sisters house today and had a great visit with her. I also stopped at the Salvation Army store and saw a 50% off on everything in the store today. WhoHoo! I got a pair of pants and 5 shirts for under $10. 4 of the shirts still have the store tags on them.
Great weekend, I sure enjoyed it!
Tada,
Trish
Saturday, August 31, 2013
WORKING IN THE BASEMENT
Just trying to rearrange some things and as I go, I am finding things to throw out, give away, or sweep up. Can't do it all in one day anymore, so - slow and steady will get it done. Some of it - just don't know what to do with it. I suppose I need an area labeled just that and look at it again next year.
No sewing today. I did get a wall hanging layered and started quilting it earlier in the week and the thread just didn't want to cooperate on the back. I seem to think the odd looking birds and applique designs are fun to do and this one is a huge yellow bird and a smaller red bird. Thought I'd quilt it up and hang it for inspiration. I'll work on it tomorrow and try to post it later this week. Even though I have ideas already for what I'll call 'patterned projects', I think I want to start doing some free design applique. The kind you make up as you go. I hope I have the creativity to think up some designs. Sometimes I wonder because there seems to be a connectivity problem with what I SEE I want to create and then have it actually come out that way. It's kind of like my singing. I THINK I can sing good but when it comes out - well, let's just say you should be glad you can't actually hear me. HaHa! That doesn't stop me when I'm alone or in the car. I just sing away.
51 days until Katie leaves. I wish she kept her job until just a week or two before she goes but she didn't so it is what it is. I was just thinking that I wish I had that luxury of deciding to not to want to work and not worry about where my money will come from. In fact I am just the opposite. I am looking at another 7 years working at the school and am thinking if I can get 2 of our largest bills paid down in the next 5 years, I would like to retire in 5 years. That's my money goal.
Another day over. It was hot and muggy but it was still a great day that the good Lord has given me.
TaDa, Trish
No sewing today. I did get a wall hanging layered and started quilting it earlier in the week and the thread just didn't want to cooperate on the back. I seem to think the odd looking birds and applique designs are fun to do and this one is a huge yellow bird and a smaller red bird. Thought I'd quilt it up and hang it for inspiration. I'll work on it tomorrow and try to post it later this week. Even though I have ideas already for what I'll call 'patterned projects', I think I want to start doing some free design applique. The kind you make up as you go. I hope I have the creativity to think up some designs. Sometimes I wonder because there seems to be a connectivity problem with what I SEE I want to create and then have it actually come out that way. It's kind of like my singing. I THINK I can sing good but when it comes out - well, let's just say you should be glad you can't actually hear me. HaHa! That doesn't stop me when I'm alone or in the car. I just sing away.
51 days until Katie leaves. I wish she kept her job until just a week or two before she goes but she didn't so it is what it is. I was just thinking that I wish I had that luxury of deciding to not to want to work and not worry about where my money will come from. In fact I am just the opposite. I am looking at another 7 years working at the school and am thinking if I can get 2 of our largest bills paid down in the next 5 years, I would like to retire in 5 years. That's my money goal.
Another day over. It was hot and muggy but it was still a great day that the good Lord has given me.
TaDa, Trish
Saturday, August 24, 2013
A FREE DAY!
Isn't it great to go to bed thinking the next day is a Sunday and then you find out when you wake up that it's Saturday!!! WHOOT!! WHOOT!! And while I plan on working on some of my quilting today, I also have other small chores that I really want to finish first. Those chores could wait but it is the last day free before school starts on Monday and since I am a list maker and love to cross items off my lists - I will forge ahead and get them accomplished.
Just to get some quilty fix in before I start on those though, I'll post some quilty finishes for your enjoyment.
First is the Red and White Quilt with the Black and White backing I made for my neighbor. I made the top last summer and all year I heard from her "did you quilt it yet?" I didn't plan on giving it to her, but when it came time to quilt it I thought that when I finished it, the quilt would sit folded up in my stack of quilts and I'd walk by and ooh and ahh about it and there it would sit. So I decided to take off the bottom row and turn that into a table runner for myself and keep the rest for her. I surprised her with it for her birthday and even got a huge hug from her - a non-huggy person. I know it has a good home and it helps that she is a quilter herself. The fabrics are from Mary Koval and I used one layer cake and one jelly roll with a few strips thrown in from my stash. The inspiration for the design came from my good friend from a forum in which she made a much smaller scale of the design in reds and whites.
One of my summer projects was to figure out how to use the embroidery portion of a sewing machine I purchased off of Craigs List 2 summers ago. Yes, sadly - 2 summers ago and I didn't take the time to figure it out. I looked at the directions and embroidery machine parts and I suppose I thought it was too time consuming and overwhelming so it kept getting put off for another day. After a day and a half of fussing with it, I finally made the letter T!! Now it would have gone so much faster if I had the right bobbin in the machine but until I figured out that that was the problem, I did get new embroidery needles and took out the bobbin case and thoroughly cleaned that area so it was a plus, plus all around in the end. I still have a lot to learn - like how to use more than 1 color and how to use the PED Basic downloaded program that came with the machine but I think at this point I could do an entire name. I used a variegated thread and love it!
Don't ya just love flowers? Here are some beautiful Black Eyed Susan's my sister gave me many years ago and every year they never fail to bloom beautifully. A few more flower bed photos to toss in too.
Those are all just in the front yard! And now here is 1 fella you don't want to mess with. Dear husband was just walking around a corner when his leg brushed by some foliage from a bleeding heart plant. They say it is some sort of spiked caterpillar and it's sting is worse than a hornet sting. We put a mixture of baking soda and water on it and that seemed to help. Did I mention they say it is rare to see these creatures? Well, turns out it must not be that rare since he found a baby one up in another flower bed that brushed his arm. The one pictured here was only about an inch long and I have a feeling they don't get much bigger than that. Cleaning out the flower beds this year will be a challenge since I will feel the need to wear long pants, long sleeves, and gloves. Yikes, don't want one of those buggers to sting me!
Sorry for the fuzzy photo but I think you get the idea. All those brown things are the spikes. Ouch!
Have a great day everyone! The sooner I get my small chores finished, the sooner I can sit at the sewing machine.
TaDa, Trish
Just to get some quilty fix in before I start on those though, I'll post some quilty finishes for your enjoyment.
First is the Red and White Quilt with the Black and White backing I made for my neighbor. I made the top last summer and all year I heard from her "did you quilt it yet?" I didn't plan on giving it to her, but when it came time to quilt it I thought that when I finished it, the quilt would sit folded up in my stack of quilts and I'd walk by and ooh and ahh about it and there it would sit. So I decided to take off the bottom row and turn that into a table runner for myself and keep the rest for her. I surprised her with it for her birthday and even got a huge hug from her - a non-huggy person. I know it has a good home and it helps that she is a quilter herself. The fabrics are from Mary Koval and I used one layer cake and one jelly roll with a few strips thrown in from my stash. The inspiration for the design came from my good friend from a forum in which she made a much smaller scale of the design in reds and whites.
One of my summer projects was to figure out how to use the embroidery portion of a sewing machine I purchased off of Craigs List 2 summers ago. Yes, sadly - 2 summers ago and I didn't take the time to figure it out. I looked at the directions and embroidery machine parts and I suppose I thought it was too time consuming and overwhelming so it kept getting put off for another day. After a day and a half of fussing with it, I finally made the letter T!! Now it would have gone so much faster if I had the right bobbin in the machine but until I figured out that that was the problem, I did get new embroidery needles and took out the bobbin case and thoroughly cleaned that area so it was a plus, plus all around in the end. I still have a lot to learn - like how to use more than 1 color and how to use the PED Basic downloaded program that came with the machine but I think at this point I could do an entire name. I used a variegated thread and love it!
Don't ya just love flowers? Here are some beautiful Black Eyed Susan's my sister gave me many years ago and every year they never fail to bloom beautifully. A few more flower bed photos to toss in too.
Those are all just in the front yard! And now here is 1 fella you don't want to mess with. Dear husband was just walking around a corner when his leg brushed by some foliage from a bleeding heart plant. They say it is some sort of spiked caterpillar and it's sting is worse than a hornet sting. We put a mixture of baking soda and water on it and that seemed to help. Did I mention they say it is rare to see these creatures? Well, turns out it must not be that rare since he found a baby one up in another flower bed that brushed his arm. The one pictured here was only about an inch long and I have a feeling they don't get much bigger than that. Cleaning out the flower beds this year will be a challenge since I will feel the need to wear long pants, long sleeves, and gloves. Yikes, don't want one of those buggers to sting me!
Sorry for the fuzzy photo but I think you get the idea. All those brown things are the spikes. Ouch!
Have a great day everyone! The sooner I get my small chores finished, the sooner I can sit at the sewing machine.
TaDa, Trish
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
ONE SEAM
That's what I finished today in the quilting world. I first thought that was really not good and as I mentioned on my previous post, there is only so much time before school starts so I must keep on moving to get some projects finished. As I was getting ready for bed, I wondered how much I accomplished this summer so far.
3 - free motion quilting done for friends
2 - wall hangings
1 - table runner
3 - quilts finished
3 - snap bags for gifts
So now I head to bed feeling better than I did 15 minutes ago.
Tada,
Trish
3 - free motion quilting done for friends
2 - wall hangings
1 - table runner
3 - quilts finished
3 - snap bags for gifts
So now I head to bed feeling better than I did 15 minutes ago.
Tada,
Trish
Thursday, August 1, 2013
FINISHED PROJECTS AND LOTS TO DO THIS MONTH
Finished the chenille quilt! Don't know if I mentioned the story of wanting to make it. Dear husband purchased a VW Bug about 10 years ago. A little white one. Well, since it came with no heat, I decided the passengers needed some warmth while enjoying some running around in it. So, since at that same time, someone came up with a pattern for a chenille quilt, I decided that would be perfect. About 230 seams later which meant sewing all those, then cutting between each one, and vowing to never do another one - here it is ~~~~
I used 4 layers of thin homespun and even though it doesn't feel very thick, it is very warm.
Unfortunately, the big white Bug no longer is in running condition, the quilt is finished! I'm sure it will come in handy on cold evenings in the winters to come.
I also finished a table runner which was really ONE project that turned in to TWO projects. Here is part 1 finished. My red and white table runner ~~~~
Today I am working on part 2 which will be posted later.
Last night I free motion quilted a small quilt for my BFF. I was surprised that the machine cooperated! That's always a YAHOO in my book.
What else did I finish in July? If you know me, you know I work at the local middle school as an Aide in the classrooms. I also work 3 days a week at the after school program for elementary age children. Needless to say, by the time I get home and make dinner, I am tired! Usually too tired to drag everything out and sit down to sew. This is usually the time of year I get handwork projects finished. The project is all together in one fabric bag and ready to pick up and sew. I also get lots of my home projects finished - like paperwork filed, go through cabinets and drawers, organize the quilting area a little more, finally get my car vacuumed and washed, extra visits with family and friends, get my medical appointments in, get all the vehicles in the household inspected, ALL DONE!
August is here!! How can that be? The older I get, the more time flies. I have 3 1/2 weeks left before another school year so I need to really keep on moving and not have any evenings where at the end of the day - I say to myself 'self, UGH! You didn't do anything special today!'
Did I mention I have added 8 (yes, 8) projects to my 'didn't even start list'? UGH! I went to the quilt show in Hershey, PA. What else do I need to say about that! Fortunately, they are all small projects.
81 days until Katie leaves for the Marines! More huggins to come.
TaDa! ~~~
Trish
I used 4 layers of thin homespun and even though it doesn't feel very thick, it is very warm.
Unfortunately, the big white Bug no longer is in running condition, the quilt is finished! I'm sure it will come in handy on cold evenings in the winters to come.
I also finished a table runner which was really ONE project that turned in to TWO projects. Here is part 1 finished. My red and white table runner ~~~~
Today I am working on part 2 which will be posted later.
Last night I free motion quilted a small quilt for my BFF. I was surprised that the machine cooperated! That's always a YAHOO in my book.
What else did I finish in July? If you know me, you know I work at the local middle school as an Aide in the classrooms. I also work 3 days a week at the after school program for elementary age children. Needless to say, by the time I get home and make dinner, I am tired! Usually too tired to drag everything out and sit down to sew. This is usually the time of year I get handwork projects finished. The project is all together in one fabric bag and ready to pick up and sew. I also get lots of my home projects finished - like paperwork filed, go through cabinets and drawers, organize the quilting area a little more, finally get my car vacuumed and washed, extra visits with family and friends, get my medical appointments in, get all the vehicles in the household inspected, ALL DONE!
August is here!! How can that be? The older I get, the more time flies. I have 3 1/2 weeks left before another school year so I need to really keep on moving and not have any evenings where at the end of the day - I say to myself 'self, UGH! You didn't do anything special today!'
Did I mention I have added 8 (yes, 8) projects to my 'didn't even start list'? UGH! I went to the quilt show in Hershey, PA. What else do I need to say about that! Fortunately, they are all small projects.
81 days until Katie leaves for the Marines! More huggins to come.
TaDa! ~~~
Trish
Friday, July 12, 2013
A CHENNILE QUILT? NEVER AGAIN.
Simple, once this is done, I will NOT make another one. I think I could get at least 2 quilt tops put together in the time it is taking me to finish this one. Today is the binding, washing, and drying and add it to my finished list, which will include a photo!
Have to stay tuned ...
tada ~~ Trish
Have to stay tuned ...
tada ~~ Trish
Sunday, July 7, 2013
MORE PROJECTS DONE!
The 2 Heart Girl quilts are done. They are both the same so I'll only post one of them. I am keeping one and the other is going to my cousin. She likes pinks, reds, and hearts so the minute my sister and I saw it, we knew we had to make one for each of us and her. She should get it in person maybe in September.
And here is a detail of it.
I also finished 2 more snap bags. One for a friend in Ohio and one in New York. They should be getting them tomorrow in the mail. I hope they make them smile.
On to the next projects! I am working on the Projects Started List so next up is the Chennile quilt I started quite a number of years ago. The one after that is a red/white quilt. You will have to tune in to see the story on those 2 quilts.
Tada! Trish
And here is a detail of it.
I also finished 2 more snap bags. One for a friend in Ohio and one in New York. They should be getting them tomorrow in the mail. I hope they make them smile.
On to the next projects! I am working on the Projects Started List so next up is the Chennile quilt I started quite a number of years ago. The one after that is a red/white quilt. You will have to tune in to see the story on those 2 quilts.
Tada! Trish
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
CATHEDRAL WINDOWS FINISHED!
This was started a few years ago. I finally concentrated on getting all the windows sewed, I think, back in the summer last year. Then it was just a matter of getting the windows sewed in. I love it!
Now, to start on a much larger one using scrappy fabrics.
I also want to post a photo I took of a small fabric shop near Lancaster, PA. It is called Obie's and is one of our favorites. A trip to Lancaster is not complete without going there. Here is an outside photo and an inside. I haven't figured out how to rotate the inside one, so just tip your head to the left to see how the fabric is piled from floor to ceiling. The really neat thing is you can ask her if she has some specific fabric and she knows and even finds it for you! Or, if you are stuck finding fabrics that need to go with a project and just can't decide or find the right ones, just take in what you need to match up and she comes out with so many choices. Also, her fabrics are fabulous. So, if you are in the area, be sure to look up where she is located (in Goodville, PA) and do make sure to check her hours and what days she is open. You won't regret going there, unless you are claustrophobic.
Now off to dreamland to see what project I am working on next. Of course I could look at my list and see what's next, but dreaming of quilts is much more fun!
Tada, Trish
Monday, June 10, 2013
SUMMER VACATION HAS BEGUN!
. . . . and the projects are just rolling along! I updated the sidebars too. I finished the snap bag for a friend and 2 baby quilts that I ended up not doing the free motion quilting, but straight lines. I had trouble with the free motion part so I just sewed normal. At least they are done and they turned out pretty good. One thing I found out when sewing - if you are having trouble with the threads on the back, check to make sure you are using the correct size bobbins for your machine. A friend of mine gave me some clear plastic bobbins because she bought them in error and thought I could use them. I noticed that when I put that bobbin in, there was a little play with it when I put my finger on top of it while it was inside the bobbin casing. I checked another bobbin that was made for Brother machines, and there was NO play when I put my finger on top of it. Problem solved. The threads on the back didn't bunch up anymore or get knotted up. Sewed like a dream.
Here is the bag for Lexie. She is a little girl that is going into surgery in 2 days for her tonsils removal. I put an activity book with markers inside to give her something to do while she is recouperating. The princess fabric was all flannel which was a little hard to work with since putting 4 layers together to sew was quite thick, but I think it turned out perfectly.
The Cathedral Windows wall hanging is coming along nicely too. I finished half of the outside triangles and plan on finishing it up at the beach this coming weekend. I just love the ocean and seem to have the need to want to get out there at least once during the year. Last year we didn't make it - just got too humid and rainy. This weekend is to beautiful and I am going with 2 girlfriends. I am so ready to be away for a few days. Of course we are going to hit a quilt shop while we are there.
My desire of trying to figure out how the quilt frame works will have to wait just a bit for now. :((( The girls have moved back into the room where the frame is. I am glad they are here, but they are cramping my style! - LOL! OH! and great news! They are both working a full time job! They need something to hold them over until they leave for the Marines. Katie decided she wants to get into Intelligence. I think that would be a cool job. They went to a Chinese restaurant for lunch today and met up with a gal that is a Marine and she gave them some good tips on getting through the first 13 weeks of boot camp. Plus, Odie finally gave her some tips too.
Dads garden is completely rototilled and is half planted. I think this should be the last year that I do the rototilling - especially since I found muscles I didn't know I even owned! That pain lasted about 4 days. We also have a garden here but husband thought he could plant seeds and they will just come up. Well, they will come up but will be a tad late in the season, so now is thinking we best buy some plants already established.
Another beautiful day gone by - until next time~~
Tada! Trish
Here is the bag for Lexie. She is a little girl that is going into surgery in 2 days for her tonsils removal. I put an activity book with markers inside to give her something to do while she is recouperating. The princess fabric was all flannel which was a little hard to work with since putting 4 layers together to sew was quite thick, but I think it turned out perfectly.
The Cathedral Windows wall hanging is coming along nicely too. I finished half of the outside triangles and plan on finishing it up at the beach this coming weekend. I just love the ocean and seem to have the need to want to get out there at least once during the year. Last year we didn't make it - just got too humid and rainy. This weekend is to beautiful and I am going with 2 girlfriends. I am so ready to be away for a few days. Of course we are going to hit a quilt shop while we are there.
My desire of trying to figure out how the quilt frame works will have to wait just a bit for now. :((( The girls have moved back into the room where the frame is. I am glad they are here, but they are cramping my style! - LOL! OH! and great news! They are both working a full time job! They need something to hold them over until they leave for the Marines. Katie decided she wants to get into Intelligence. I think that would be a cool job. They went to a Chinese restaurant for lunch today and met up with a gal that is a Marine and she gave them some good tips on getting through the first 13 weeks of boot camp. Plus, Odie finally gave her some tips too.
Dads garden is completely rototilled and is half planted. I think this should be the last year that I do the rototilling - especially since I found muscles I didn't know I even owned! That pain lasted about 4 days. We also have a garden here but husband thought he could plant seeds and they will just come up. Well, they will come up but will be a tad late in the season, so now is thinking we best buy some plants already established.
Another beautiful day gone by - until next time~~
Tada! Trish
Saturday, May 25, 2013
A MINUTE OR MORE TO HONOR OUR FALLEN MILITARY
If you are enjoying a 3 day holiday or even if you are not, take a moment or two to remember our fallen military heroes. If not for them, we wouldn't have the freedoms we all enjoy today and everyday.
I finished all the square windows on my teal and cream Cathedral Windows wall hanging. I still can't post a photo yet, I have to finish 24 more little triangle windows. That will be soon, very soon!
Odie moved his things to the basement bedroom which means I will be able to get the Grace Frame set up and ready to quilt on this summer! Of course his bed is covered with all his clothing and such so I don't have a clue on how he is going to sleep tonight, perhaps he will throw down a sheet and blankets up here for tonight and deal with it all tomorrow. Sounds like something I would do.
Have to add another baby quilt to free motion quilt for another friend. They need done as soon as summer vacation starts. This is a long weekend for me but keeping busy tidying up the house and yard for a large family and friend picnic on Monday. So the quilts must wait another week or so.
The weather was so beautiful and windy today that I hung out a few loads of towels, didn't take long at all for them to dry. Anytime I can dry clothes for free, I'll take it. I should be more viligant through the school year but it's really hard to get them outside in the morning before I leave for work. I suppose the trick is to do it the night before.
Church comes early tomorrow morning at 8:15 so I suppose I should turn in. Can't keep staying gorgeous if I don't get enough beauty sleep!
Tada,
Trish
I finished all the square windows on my teal and cream Cathedral Windows wall hanging. I still can't post a photo yet, I have to finish 24 more little triangle windows. That will be soon, very soon!
Odie moved his things to the basement bedroom which means I will be able to get the Grace Frame set up and ready to quilt on this summer! Of course his bed is covered with all his clothing and such so I don't have a clue on how he is going to sleep tonight, perhaps he will throw down a sheet and blankets up here for tonight and deal with it all tomorrow. Sounds like something I would do.
Have to add another baby quilt to free motion quilt for another friend. They need done as soon as summer vacation starts. This is a long weekend for me but keeping busy tidying up the house and yard for a large family and friend picnic on Monday. So the quilts must wait another week or so.
The weather was so beautiful and windy today that I hung out a few loads of towels, didn't take long at all for them to dry. Anytime I can dry clothes for free, I'll take it. I should be more viligant through the school year but it's really hard to get them outside in the morning before I leave for work. I suppose the trick is to do it the night before.
Church comes early tomorrow morning at 8:15 so I suppose I should turn in. Can't keep staying gorgeous if I don't get enough beauty sleep!
Tada,
Trish
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
ANOTHER NEW AND UPCOMING MARINE!
Where did THOSE 8 days go to? Well, I'll tell ya where they went to around here. My daughter was accepted by the Marines and swore in on Monday, May 20th! She has a leave date of October 21st but of course that could change. She will start a whole new direction in her life at the ripe young age of 19. If you've read down the blog, you will see that our second son also served in the Marines. He served for a little over 2 years and was discharged because of medical problems incured with duties he performed.
Still sewing away on the Cathedral Windows here and there as I find time. I also got some gardening in the past few days. Along with the sunshine and Spring rains, the beautiful flowers and weeds come through too. The weeds come out on a regular basis. There are some we keep if they give us some beautiful little blossoms. My favorites are the little tiny sunflowery looking ones, little purple star flowers, and there is another one that is a yellow buttercup shape. The pinks that are peeking out over the top of the hanging pot, the tiny blue forget-me-knots planted right beside my front door, goodness - I suppose I love all the flowers. The iris', tulips, day lillies, a broom bush, bleeding hearts, our red bud tree, and our son's favorite - queen anne's lace. Now, that one is actually a weed but from 1 stalk alone, I counted over 60 flower heads! They grow all through our gardens and we let them all grow. Their white beauty shows off nicely in the greens that are showcased. It never ceases to amaze me how the flowers are formed with all the intricate stems inside, the colors, and the shapes. Of course, we all know WHO made them. Thank you Lord for the beauty you give us everyday.
Tomorrow is another day and as I write this the time is getting later. I suppose I should turn in and get my beauty sleep.
Tada,
Trish
Still sewing away on the Cathedral Windows here and there as I find time. I also got some gardening in the past few days. Along with the sunshine and Spring rains, the beautiful flowers and weeds come through too. The weeds come out on a regular basis. There are some we keep if they give us some beautiful little blossoms. My favorites are the little tiny sunflowery looking ones, little purple star flowers, and there is another one that is a yellow buttercup shape. The pinks that are peeking out over the top of the hanging pot, the tiny blue forget-me-knots planted right beside my front door, goodness - I suppose I love all the flowers. The iris', tulips, day lillies, a broom bush, bleeding hearts, our red bud tree, and our son's favorite - queen anne's lace. Now, that one is actually a weed but from 1 stalk alone, I counted over 60 flower heads! They grow all through our gardens and we let them all grow. Their white beauty shows off nicely in the greens that are showcased. It never ceases to amaze me how the flowers are formed with all the intricate stems inside, the colors, and the shapes. Of course, we all know WHO made them. Thank you Lord for the beauty you give us everyday.
Tomorrow is another day and as I write this the time is getting later. I suppose I should turn in and get my beauty sleep.
Tada,
Trish
Monday, May 13, 2013
JUST A LITTLE SEWING ...
I did get 2 more windows in the Cathedral Windows wall hanging on Sunday and I did some tying on a quilt for the after school program today. So, it's not much but it's something. I think that if I can do a little everyday, I'll get there.
Gotta scoot!
Tada, Trish
Gotta scoot!
Tada, Trish
Sunday, May 12, 2013
NEW LISTS UP AND AM READY TO SEW!
All right people - I suppose I need some encouragement. I shouldn't need that because I love to sew and once I start I find it hard to stop. I stop because I get tired or my back hurts. It's the getting started that is the problem! Why - I DON'T KNOW! I have the beautiful fabrics and all the projects as you can see, but I seem to write my lists everyday of what I need to get accomplished and at the END of every list I write "sew". Do I get to sew? Of course not because I am too busy getting the other stuff done. Other stuff - the wash, the cleaning, the cooking, the gardening. You'd think I love to do all that other stuff but the only thing on that list I enjoy is the gardening.
SO! I am turning my lists around. SEW will be at the top. I know I will find more projects to add to the list titled QUILT PROJECTS I DIDN'T START YET because I need to do a run through of the sewing area in the basement and see what I have that isn't on the list yet.
My goal is to add items to the QUILT PROJECTS DONE! list and post photos here.
OK - off I go. I am starting tomorrow. I am also putting a sticky note to remind me to post what I get done each day.
Tada, Trish
SO! I am turning my lists around. SEW will be at the top. I know I will find more projects to add to the list titled QUILT PROJECTS I DIDN'T START YET because I need to do a run through of the sewing area in the basement and see what I have that isn't on the list yet.
My goal is to add items to the QUILT PROJECTS DONE! list and post photos here.
OK - off I go. I am starting tomorrow. I am also putting a sticky note to remind me to post what I get done each day.
Tada, Trish
Friday, May 10, 2013
THE LITTLE DRESDEN WALL HANGING
As promised, here is the little wall hanging. I thought I would get 12 little dresden blocks but ended up with only 4. What to do? I sewed them together before I appliqued them onto the background. Then I used the scraps for the binding. A little bit of free motion quilting around the dresdens, and VOILA! I love it! I also love the little mistakes here and there - that sure speaks HANDMADE to me.
A little wonky, but there it is!
Tada, Trish
Tada, Trish
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
MAY? HOW CAN IT BE MAY?
What the heck happened to April? Did we even do April? Of course we did! And, there are only less than 3 weeks left of school so that only means one thing - SUMMER VACATION AND I GET TO QUILT MORE! I have all my projects lined up, lists ready, and swear that I will spend days doing nothing but sewing - no housework, no cooking, no mom-taxis, fend for yourselves people type days. Of course, that just means that by the end of summer I am wishing that I followed through on those thoughts. I'm glad I'm not the only one.
So what did I do in the month of April? Certainly not enough sewing but I did get those 2 Heart Girls tops layered and pinned. I also got the little Dresdens made up into a 4 patch wall hanging and a few more windows were put into my Cathedral Windows wall hanging This Saturday is once again our quilting Saturday and I have a large Snap Bag to make plus do some free motion quilting on a baby quilt for a friend.
I'd post a photo of the little wall hanging but am too tired to post it tonight. I really ought to be in bed so I suppose I should head there. There is a nice steady rain outside tonight and with the windows open, I am sure I will fall right into dreamland. The husband, 2 cats, and dog are all into their deep sleep, it's my turn.
Stay tuned tomorrow. I will post a few photos for you.
Tada,
Trish
So what did I do in the month of April? Certainly not enough sewing but I did get those 2 Heart Girls tops layered and pinned. I also got the little Dresdens made up into a 4 patch wall hanging and a few more windows were put into my Cathedral Windows wall hanging This Saturday is once again our quilting Saturday and I have a large Snap Bag to make plus do some free motion quilting on a baby quilt for a friend.
I'd post a photo of the little wall hanging but am too tired to post it tonight. I really ought to be in bed so I suppose I should head there. There is a nice steady rain outside tonight and with the windows open, I am sure I will fall right into dreamland. The husband, 2 cats, and dog are all into their deep sleep, it's my turn.
Stay tuned tomorrow. I will post a few photos for you.
Tada,
Trish
Friday, March 29, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
OVER A MONTH AGO - NOT ACCEPTABLE!
...... that was my last post - over a month ago. In other words, I haven't gotten much done since then. Too many work hours at school and too many computer hours here at home. I need to get busy as I surely have plenty of projects to be worked on. I'll never see my goal lists dwindle by the end of the year if I keep procrastinating. I should layer and quilt one of those Heart Girl quilts but now I have more new fabrics and new projects to try out - how does one decide? I can't help there was a fabric sale (that I went to twice!) and a APQS quilt show that was thrown in to my past month's schedule. I had to indulge! Ok, Ok, I will check the 'list' and see if there is anything I can finish quickly that I can cross off before I start any new projects - but no guarantees on that thought!
Spring is just about here. The calendar says it is but Mother Nature says it isn't. We just need to wait until She is good and ready.
Off to check my lists ...
TaDa!
Trish
Spring is just about here. The calendar says it is but Mother Nature says it isn't. We just need to wait until She is good and ready.
Off to check my lists ...
TaDa!
Trish
Saturday, February 16, 2013
TWO MORE TOPS DONE
As the month goes by, so does more sewing. Here are the two tops I completed today. Now all there is left to do is to layer, quilt, and bind them. Here are my Heart Girls.
One is for me and probably, eventually, a baby girl quilt for someone in the family whenever that day may come. And the other - a surprise for someone.
For quilt lovers out there that also own a cat, it only took about 10 seconds for the kitten to jump on the quilt top to show her approval. Her name is Jilly Bean.
Tada! Trish
One is for me and probably, eventually, a baby girl quilt for someone in the family whenever that day may come. And the other - a surprise for someone.
For quilt lovers out there that also own a cat, it only took about 10 seconds for the kitten to jump on the quilt top to show her approval. Her name is Jilly Bean.
Tada! Trish
Saturday, February 2, 2013
IT'S FEBRUARY-A WONDERFUL MONTH!
February is known for Valentines Day, Groundhog Day, a winter day, and a shortened month. Valentines Day when love is in the air. Groundhog Day where everyone hopes that the old groundhog will predict an early Spring of which our Punxatauney Phil did just that! It is a month where I think I will be walking in to my job a lot with snowy or icy mornings, but also knowing that Spring can arrive in March. A shortened month means that Spring will get here faster!
I hope to make February a productive month quilting wise. Here is the current project I am working on.
Since I am still cutting fabrics, the goal is to finish cutting them today and start sewing the quilt top together next weekend. I am not a big fan of pinks, but this fabric has so many reds in it that I can overlook the pink here and there. It's about time I get it done since I bought the kit about 3 years ago.
If I would stay off the computer (blogs, Facebook, Pinterest, email, etc) I would probably get a lot more finished.
Ta Da! Trish
I hope to make February a productive month quilting wise. Here is the current project I am working on.
Since I am still cutting fabrics, the goal is to finish cutting them today and start sewing the quilt top together next weekend. I am not a big fan of pinks, but this fabric has so many reds in it that I can overlook the pink here and there. It's about time I get it done since I bought the kit about 3 years ago.
If I would stay off the computer (blogs, Facebook, Pinterest, email, etc) I would probably get a lot more finished.
Ta Da! Trish
Monday, January 14, 2013
PHOTOS!
Goodness gracious!! I think I figured out that to post a photo, I needed to change the little box thing to HTML. Now, I don't understand why because I don't think I did that before but when I clicked on the image box, there was no choice for me to use to upload from my thumbdrive. Anyways ... enough of the boring stuff.
Here are some photos of past quilts.
The first one is blocks from an internet swap from 2003. I sent the blue/white flower design to everyone and they all made me a block. It's one of my favorites.
The 2nd photo is daisy material where I made 4 patch posey blocks. You stack the material - 4 deep - and cut the squares at one time. You turn the blocks to get your design. It is so much fun to see what you can come up with. I have at least 2 more in the works with different materials. It's the same technique I used on the quilt on the cover of my blog.
3rd photo - My Blue Heart Quilt. The hearts are all hand appliqued. It's a very warm quilt in the winter.
4th photo - Here is my Cathedral Windows wall hanging that is half done. I have the rest of the backgrounds cut but need to sew those squares together to get the windows in. It's one of my favorites.
5th photo - This is a challenge quilt I made for a friend of mine. To be honest, I didn't really care too much for the fabrics she sent me. I received 10 fabrics from her and I had to add 10 of my own and create a quilt for her. By the time I was finished, I wanted to keep it! This was all hand quilted.
Now, go check out the first photo posted up above. This was a wall hanging I made for myself from the leftovers from the challenge quilt. While reading the directions, there was a small tip offered on how to cut your blocks that would give you small tiny 3-piece squares you could use in some other project. I'm glad I read that tip! Always make sure you read ALL the directions before starting a quilt pattern.
6th photo - A challenge quilt made for me. I received it back as a top. I put a piece of very soft flannel on the back and quilted it. This quilt is used over and over again in this family.
7th quilt - This is a flannel quilt I made for my Dad. He is from Maine and we are always teasing him about the moose that supposedly live up there (we have never seen one in all the years we have gone since we were little - just saying).
8th, 9th, 10th photo - These are the I Spy quilts I made for my kids. The materials were from their clothes since the day they were born. They each got a t'shirt from the hospital - have to be careful when pressing t'shirts. If you don't cover them with a pressing cloth, you could lose some of your designs! Go ahead, ask me how I know - haha.
The first one is blocks from an internet swap from 2003. I sent the blue/white flower design to everyone and they all made me a block. It's one of my favorites.
The 2nd photo is daisy material where I made 4 patch posey blocks. You stack the material - 4 deep - and cut the squares at one time. You turn the blocks to get your design. It is so much fun to see what you can come up with. I have at least 2 more in the works with different materials. It's the same technique I used on the quilt on the cover of my blog.
3rd photo - My Blue Heart Quilt. The hearts are all hand appliqued. It's a very warm quilt in the winter.
4th photo - Here is my Cathedral Windows wall hanging that is half done. I have the rest of the backgrounds cut but need to sew those squares together to get the windows in. It's one of my favorites.
5th photo - This is a challenge quilt I made for a friend of mine. To be honest, I didn't really care too much for the fabrics she sent me. I received 10 fabrics from her and I had to add 10 of my own and create a quilt for her. By the time I was finished, I wanted to keep it! This was all hand quilted.
Now, go check out the first photo posted up above. This was a wall hanging I made for myself from the leftovers from the challenge quilt. While reading the directions, there was a small tip offered on how to cut your blocks that would give you small tiny 3-piece squares you could use in some other project. I'm glad I read that tip! Always make sure you read ALL the directions before starting a quilt pattern.
6th photo - A challenge quilt made for me. I received it back as a top. I put a piece of very soft flannel on the back and quilted it. This quilt is used over and over again in this family.
7th quilt - This is a flannel quilt I made for my Dad. He is from Maine and we are always teasing him about the moose that supposedly live up there (we have never seen one in all the years we have gone since we were little - just saying).
8th, 9th, 10th photo - These are the I Spy quilts I made for my kids. The materials were from their clothes since the day they were born. They each got a t'shirt from the hospital - have to be careful when pressing t'shirts. If you don't cover them with a pressing cloth, you could lose some of your designs! Go ahead, ask me how I know - haha.
I suppose that's it for today's post. I hope you enjoy the photos.
Tada! Trish
Saturday, January 12, 2013
QUILTY FRIENDS
What a wonderful day spent with my friend and sister while we cut fabrics and sewed pieces together. Sometimes it seems that it takes as long to cut the pieces out for the quilt as it does to put it together. I suppose that the cutting is not my favorite part, but it does all come together and looks beautiful in the end. The Valentine(s) quilts are started! There are 3 to make - one for our cousin, one for my sister, and one for me. Our goal is to get the rest of the fabrics cut and try to do as much as we can to get them finished by the end of the month - or maybe by Valentines Day. It's good to have a goal.
I have a finish that was on my list for 2012. I finally got my quilty photos together - not only got all of them on my thumbdrive, but also on my Flickr album, and got my hard copies made for my show and tell album. Since they are on my thumbdrive, that means I should be able to post some of them here, but for some reason the link is just not coming up. So frustrating. Thought I would have a quilty goodness post but I suppose you will just have to tune in another day.
Tada,
Trish
I have a finish that was on my list for 2012. I finally got my quilty photos together - not only got all of them on my thumbdrive, but also on my Flickr album, and got my hard copies made for my show and tell album. Since they are on my thumbdrive, that means I should be able to post some of them here, but for some reason the link is just not coming up. So frustrating. Thought I would have a quilty goodness post but I suppose you will just have to tune in another day.
Tada,
Trish
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
JANUARY 1, 2013 - NEW OPPORTUNITIES!
That's it! New opportunities and new chances - what most of us are striving for. To leave the old year behind with forgetting those things we wish to forget and remember all the good that came in the past 12 months. New goals, new friendships, a fresh new day to start over x 365 and trying to reach those dreams of what we want to accomplish.
No boring day to day rituals here - just quilty goodness. Perhaps a few blessings thrown in here and there - I hope to find a blessing given to me every day before I lay down for the night.
Only 21 blog posts last year with a few quilty photos thrown in. I hope to do better than that this year. Of all the projects I posted for 2012, quite a few were finished and more than that were not. So, the rollover happens again where I need to post what I want to do for this year and get them photo-posted and write DONE after them.
Come back, relax and enjoy - it can only get better! I hope to get a playlist up and lots more photos.
Here is to the New Year - comment if you can (if you can't let me know and I will fix that), it will encourage me to keep posting! I am still working on how to work the different areas on what I am able to do on here, so bear with me.
Here is a Winter Garden wall hanging I've got hanging in the living room. Me and Winter don't get along too well, so as I do enjoy looking at the tiny details in it, I also look forward to Spring when I can change it to a more cherry look.
Tada for now, Trish
No boring day to day rituals here - just quilty goodness. Perhaps a few blessings thrown in here and there - I hope to find a blessing given to me every day before I lay down for the night.
Only 21 blog posts last year with a few quilty photos thrown in. I hope to do better than that this year. Of all the projects I posted for 2012, quite a few were finished and more than that were not. So, the rollover happens again where I need to post what I want to do for this year and get them photo-posted and write DONE after them.
Come back, relax and enjoy - it can only get better! I hope to get a playlist up and lots more photos.
Here is to the New Year - comment if you can (if you can't let me know and I will fix that), it will encourage me to keep posting! I am still working on how to work the different areas on what I am able to do on here, so bear with me.
Here is a Winter Garden wall hanging I've got hanging in the living room. Me and Winter don't get along too well, so as I do enjoy looking at the tiny details in it, I also look forward to Spring when I can change it to a more cherry look.
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