FABRIC AND YARN STASHER

More Thimbleberries "3s Company" Blocks

2009-08-01T09:48:00.005-05:00

Well, I've finished a total of 7 monthly blocks for this years Thimbleberries Quilt. These are the latest from the past 4 months. I really am loving the colors. Not traditional Thimbleberries colors at all.

2009-07-25T13:50:00.002-05:00

I love movies!!!!!!! This one is one of my all time favorites--and I can watch it over and over. I happened to come upon it again on WE so that what I will watch right now while I sew. The music is wonderful--I have the soundtrack. And I purchase the book soon after I saw the first run at the theater. I have yet to read it but know I will get to it some day.

2009-07-10T11:35:00.000-05:00

Two more quick projects done. The table runner was made from half square triangle cuts left over from another project. Two absolutely beautiful batiks. Never want to waste any of that fabric. The pattern was not mine but when I saw it I knew it was perfect for these scraps.

The little sewing kit is a Thimbleberries Club pattern and I did use Thimbleberries fabrics.

For Missouri Girls Town

2009-06-27T13:19:00.006-05:00

Have been making pillow cases and small ditty bags to donate to Girls Town. Pam Oliver-owner of Miss Millie's Quilt Shop-was always a big supporter. Each year the Thimbleberries Club members would make a particular item to donate. After Pam's death from cancer in 2008 we decided to carry on this project in her memory, at our new Thimbleberries Club. There have been more pillowcases made than ditty bags so I have taken it upon myself to make as many bags as I can.

I haven't spoken much about Pam since we found out last year that she was terminally ill. After she passed and the shop was gone so many of the Thimbleberries members wanted to continue with the club and carry forward the wonderful camaraderie that Pam started. Luckily we found another quilt shop owner who was willing to take on the task. A major one, as she had not carried the Thimbleberries fabric line at all. Linda at Specialty Quilts in Jefferson City stepped up and I think she was well rewarded. So many of the existing members came back (so far, about 60) and Thimbleberries 2009 is going strong.

We will all never forget Pam and the legacy of kindness and helpfulness she left with us. Her shop was like home. You can't say that about many of the quilt shops out there. Through past experience I have met some of those shop owners. Needless to say I don't patronise those shops. Pam had a way of making you feel welcome whether you were there to buy or not. Her sit and sews were great fun. She was a friend to everyone. Linda is much like Pam. She is kind, friendly and helpful. The perfect fit to follow in Pam's footsteps.

Words to live by from Bonnie Hunter

2009-06-26T17:23:00.003-05:00

Found this posted at "Quiltville's Quips & Snips." What a wonderful thought. This is courtesy of Bonnie Hunter at the above blog. I always enjoy visiting to see what she has been up to. Also she has a wonderful book out called "Scraps and Shirttails" which I did purchase. It's full of great scrap quilt patterns.

Thimbleberries monthly bonus project

2009-06-14T14:44:00.002-05:00

This is one of the bonus projects given to thimbleberries members at the month club meeting.

The big flower fabric is border fabric from 2007 club quilt. I don't have a true quilting machine , but I can do medium size items on my sewing machine. I'm going to quilt more in the cream fabric and find a continuous line pattern that I can just go from top to bottom without having to move it around in different directions. All I'll have to do is roll it in from the sides and work on one strip at a time. I think it will turn out and make a nice lap quilt.

Thimbleberries "Hearth and Home" Quilt

2009-06-10T17:31:00.002-05:00

I finally finished the 2007 Club Quilt. I liked the quilt but did cheat a little and didn't add all of the borders which would have made it a full size quilt. There is a brick wall in my front hall that makes a wonderful place for hanging wall quilts from large to small. All the blocks were done but I just stalled big time and never got them assembled--working on too many other projects. Anyhow, one of the monthly bonus patterns seemed perfect for that big flower print in the outer border. So I had two incentives-- (1) have a new quilt for summer in my hallway and (2) make it just the right size to fit the wall and have lots of fabric leftover for another project. So both are done. I'll post a pic of number two another day.

Thimbleberries "3s Company BOM

2009-06-05T17:54:00.004-05:00

First 3 monthly block sets finished. I chose the brites color way and I just love them. Totally different from Thimbleberries colors I have been used to working with.

PUDDIN' AND COTTON

2009-04-04T10:36:00.000-05:00

We got a brand new kitty about a month ago. Finally decided she looked like a Puddin' so that's

her name. She was born in our warehouse behind our store and I thought was destined to live among the others that we care for. She was such a sweetie from day one and actually let us hold her, unlike most out there--they can be really wild. When it was time for her to be spayed, I took her to the vet and I really wanted to take her home if she was healthy. All the tests came back negative, so that was it. I did take her home and she's happy and we're happy. She is a little love. Cotton isn't very thrilled when she gets playful(he is 17 and gets cranky)but they do Ok. I wish I could do more for the others that are living out there, but I guess the are happy in their own way. They have shelter, food, and can't make babies. Somehow over time new cats continue to show up. Maybe they know it's a good place to come. We have adopted 5 into our store over the years, so we can't bring in anymore. I wish I had a big farm where I could take care of the stray and unwanted pets. Oh well, we've been able to help one more stray and in return we get lots of love.

new pin cushion

2009-03-27T17:33:00.003-05:00

Found this pattern at the Thimbleberries website and had to make it. I have more pin cushions than I can use but I keep right on making then. Can't pas up a cute idea for one. I'm making the 2009 Thimbleberries quilt but that will take all year to complete. We get a new part of the quilt every month for 12 months, so it will be the end of the year before it's done. Sitting down and sewing this in a few hours gives me the sense of finishing something. We all need that once in a while. There are more free patterns and ideas for quick projects every month which I am looking forward to.

Christmas Cactus

2009-02-17T15:23:00.007-06:00

It's the middle of February and my Christmas cactus' continue to bloom. They started before Christmas and have just continued on. Most years each gets a few blooms between Thanksgiving and Christmas and once they flower that's it. So for whatever reasons this year is something special. Right now there are about 10 new blooms, so they are still going strong. Oh well, I won't question why, I'll just continue to enjoy them.

Sit and Sew Snowman

2009-01-10T11:44:00.000-06:00

Finished my snowman from the sit n' sew. Did make a few changes. There was a kind of Christmassy tree beside him but I wanted something different. Have a pattern for some winter birds in tree branches so I appliqued some of the branches and used a couple of cardinals. I like it.

Been gone a while

2009-01-02T10:34:00.002-06:00

I always think I have time to blog every day, or once a week even, but forget that. Guess, really, life can become so complicated that blogging just doesn't seem very important. There have been lots of good things along with some tough things to deal with these past months. I wasn't even visiting any of my favorite blogs to see what was going on with everyone. Maybe getting back to blogging will act as some welcome therapy for me. I use therapy in the broadest way. There was nothing earth shattering, just so much to contend with.

What brought me back today was something that was small but very welcome. I have to say I love doing things for others and donating to all of my local worthy causes. It just makes me feel all warm inside. We'll this morning I pulled in to the local Aldi Grocery Store Parking lot and was on my way to get a cart. I don't know if any will even read this post or if they don't know what Aldi's is like so I'll explain. The shopping carts are outside and they are locked together. There is a little quarter slot on each cart handle. You put a quarter in the slot and it pushes a little tab that is attached to a chain out in front of the slot, releasing the cart. When you are done with the cart you push it back in the the row of carts, push the tab in and it pushes the quarter back out to you. I think Aldi has some great ideas to keep costs down. With this system, carts are not left all over the lot and no one is needed to go outside and gather them. Saves money and manpower.

Anyhow, I was on my way across the lot and met a lady returning a cart. Sometimes people just trade a quarter for a cart. She offered it to me and I held out my quarter to her. She said "no, that's OK" and I offered again and she still said no. So I said thanks and I'd pass her thought on, which I did. It's not a big deal and as the day goes by someone will get that extra quarter and maybe they will need it. It's such a small thing, but it felt good to smile and be smiled at by total strangers.

Wonkey Houses

2008-10-27T12:08:00.001-05:00

About two weeks ago I took a very unconventional quilt class and I loved it. I signed up when I read the class description. I learned how to make these house blocks that I guess look like a child made, but it was a very enjoyable day. The quilt pictured belongs to the teacher and the loose blocks are mine. They look like pieces just thrown together but there was a method to this madness. There were ways of deciding the sizes we wanted to make and getting all the pieces fit by just cutting pieces and trimming and making them go together.

The class description was a follows: "Learn improvisational cutting and piecing techniques as you build these fun and wacky houses.Each house is different and there are no seam rippers allowed. Check you OCD at the door and prepare to have some fun."

It was everything described. The whole class had a great time. Now we can even design our our houses. It's a lot of hit or miss till you get what you want and no pressure.

More on my favorite season

2008-10-24T10:33:00.006-05:00

First of all, credit to Molly at Dark Oak Woman, whose blog I check out regularly for the great little poem I found there. Had to borrow it. Hope she doesn't mind.

Thought I would post it here where I can remember where it is. I save more things on paper and try to put them where I can find them later. Forget that!

I have been working a putting things I find or print from the Internet into notebooks in clear pages by categories. For example, knitting, quilting, crochet, Christmas, recipes, amigurumi, sock and scarf patterns, kitchen patterns and lots more. I also have started one for saying, pictures and all the miscellaneous neat things I find. This little poem will go in there and I'll always know where I put it. I even invent new notebooks as I am filing. So I do know where somethings are. Trouble is I have stacks and stacks still to file and I know I need something from that stack soon enough. Got to get it all sorted.

I made the Maple leaf block(I think 6)to go in a quilt I made last fall(pic posted earlier)but then decided not to put them in. I was making the blocks from Moda Marbles in fall style colors and thought these prints might ad a little pop in a few places. Didn't like it so these have become orphan blocks for something later on.

The quilt Jane Austen made

2008-10-21T20:53:00.003-05:00

The quilt Jane Austen made

Finally a pattern. I have been wanting to make this quit for so long.

Fall Is

2008-10-07T11:33:00.001-05:00

My Anniversary Waltz Sampler

2008-09-29T10:45:00.008-05:00

I've finished more blocks for my Block of the Month Quilt Class. Also I've unfinished one of the 3. When I made block #1 (top) it really just didn't do anything for me. The center just didn't look good. I think my main problem was I had to pick 9 new batiks pretty quick to get started. I had planned on using some older Jinny Beyer fabrics from my stash but I was talked out of that. So I started new and I think my heart wasn't in it. I took the suggestions for the batiks.

After that first block I knew I had to at least change out the middle which I think helped. I did make a couple of other changes and I am starting to like the colors now in the 2 newest blocks.

Going back to the first block--I may disassemble it even more and make some color changes. I'll make one or two of the upcoming months and then revisit #1 and put it together. I think I will be happy with the quilt when it's done.

For anyone who has been touched by cancer

2008-09-25T10:13:00.003-05:00

Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer.

Quilts and a Quote

2008-09-15T13:47:00.007-05:00

These are all quilts that were made from either block or fabric trades back in the early '90s.

That was back in the dark ages before so much casual computer contact. Some how there became a very large network of quilters trading through the mail. Most quilt magazines had a column for requests but the many different trades that were invented circulated everywhere. I would get lists with lots of names for either blocks , charm squares, fabric shape cuts to make a block(less the background). The star quilt above was a fabric trade-four triangles and a square- and we supply our own background. There were about 30 or more of those trades circulating. What was so cool was I always received trades back from whoever I sent a request to, be it blocks or fabric. I think the greatest thing was the quality of the fabrics and the blocks. Always 100% cottons and the blocks were very well constructed in the correct size asked for. It was really amazing and fun to get what we called "fat envelopes." I met people from all over the world-almost every state, South Africa, Denmark, Japan, Canada, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, England-to name a few. But over time, just like anything else it wound down and was no more. I think the computer age had something to do with it.

I'm having kind of a day so taking a few minutes out to remember the fun time I had maybe can give me a break from my stressful day.

Also an Inspirational Quote I received by e-mail. Maybe this will help.

"Love, laugh, sing , play.

If you want to heal your mind,

do these thing every day,

and there will be little left to heal."

Memories

2008-09-12T16:14:00.002-05:00

I was visiting my regular favorite blogs today and had a memory jog at Blackberry Creek Summer. She was remembering a local kids TV host that had passed away but left wonderful memories. She put me in mind of my favorite--Texas Bruce and the Wrangler Club in St. Louis, Missouri. Boy, did I rush home from school every day to tune in. It had cartoons, cowboys, and of course kids. I loved it. I always wished I could go on the show and I'd think of the list of people I'd say Hi! to when I did. Never made it, but spent a lot of fun times watching it.

I haven't lived in St. Louis for many years so am not up on the news there. I knew with my wonderful computer, if I typed in his name I'd find him. I did but sadly the site I found was on his passing, back on July 18th of this year. Happily, he was a ripe old 91 years so had a long productive life. I didn't realize it but the show was on for 13 years, a few of which I got to enjoy.

I commented to Susan about it being too bad we don't still have more shows like that today. And then there was Captain Kangaroo, Howdy Doody, and Kukla, Fran, and Ollie. Does everyone remember these?

Very Sad News

2008-09-10T11:35:00.002-05:00

Well, I got the worst news on Monday at Quilt Guild. Of course we are all talking about Pam's sad news and that's when I heard that she is very ill. The cancer has spread to other organs and is most probably terminal. How I hate that word. We always wonder why things like this happen to such good people, so I guess we must just have faith. Miracles do happen, so all of us will say our prayers for her.

Miss Millie's is Closing

2008-09-06T11:24:00.005-05:00

How very sad I have been. Last week something came in the mail from Miss Millie's. I knew it was too early for my monthly Thimbleberries newsletter so I thought maybe it was a new class schedule or something else. It was something else alright. Pam was very sorry to announce the closing of the shop. I had wondered if this might ever happen but have been hoping it wouldn't. It has been, as far as I am concerned, one of the best quilt shops. Just a homey place to be with all the beautiful fabrics and great people in the shop. Of course there is Pam(the owner), Marilyn(her sister), their mom( who we call mom) and Aunt Betty. What a very nice family they are.

Over the past months Pam has been very ill. Choosing not to talk about the situation in depth, her illness was just being described as serious. I think we all knew in our hearts that it probably was cancer, and we do know now. She hasn't been able to work much at all since January. That was when Marilyn announced at the Thimbleberries meeting that Pam wouldn't be in the shop very much for a long while due to a serious illness. I think we all guessed then with that description that it wouldn't be good. Different people ran the shop when Pam wasn't there(Mom, Aunt Betty, Pat Brenda, and even Marilyn who has a full time job elsewhere) and Marilyn has been presiding over the monthly Thimbleberries meetings. It must have been too much for all and Pam is still fighting the cancer. We do now know as Marilyn said Pam would be starting kemo therapy soon. When we first learned of Pam's illness Marilyn said there was a good prognosis, it would just be a long road.

When the letter came in the mail a closing sale was announced also. The weekend before Labor Day was a special sale for Thimbleberries, all fabric and quilting items at 35% off. Of course I had to go and get some of my favorite fabric, Thimbleberries, so I could make some of the quilts, etc on my future to do list. No other shop in town stocks very much of it so I really wanted to add to my stash. It was very sad to be there. Mom was cutting fabric and she cried at first. There were a lot if Thimbleberries members shopping and we all just felt so sad for Pam and here family. We also felt sad that we were losing such a great place to gather and share our love of quilting. Pam has always made it so easy to enjoy here shop. No pressure, always helpful and a real friend to all of us. And then there is also Miss Millie ,the shops namesake. She is the most darling little dog, friendly and wanting to love everyone.

All the samples were being sold during the week after the announcement, when the sale was open to the public at 25% everything. I went back on Tuesday hoping to get one of the samples that Pam had made along with her mother, more for sentimental reasons than anything It was from Simple Seasons-an Easter Wall hanging- and it was lovely. With folk art bunnies and handmade yoyos all over as flowers. Wasn't able to get it because Mom decided to keep it which was fine with me. I did get the two above, though. The snowman one was from the same book which I had also fallen in love with, and I was lucky enough to get it. The other one is a thimbleberries sample which I had also been admiring for a while. So I have two very nice pieces that I really love and as mementos of some wonderful years at thimbleberries club.

Oh well, it seems like things must change either for good or bad reasons. This change is definitely not for the better. All of us who love Pam and her shop will be missing it for a long time.

My Favorite Season is Here!!!!!

2008-09-05T11:57:00.004-05:00

It's getting to be fall and I am so happy. The cooler tempratures are so revitalizing. Now I wait for the beautiful fall foliage.

I was visiting my favorite blogs this morning and found a wonderful poem(one of a few) at Dark Oak Woman and just had to borrow it. I credit Molly with finding it and say thanks for introducing me to the author.

"By all these lovely tokens

September days are here,

With Summer's best of weather

And Autumn's best of cheer."

-Helen Hunt Jackson, September

Lucky Dog Quilt

2008-08-17T14:52:00.001-05:00

Short post. Busy working on quilt blocks. I won these block in a drawing at Miss Millie's. Every month she had a drawing and the winner won blocks. Pam would furnish the pattern and one of the fabrics. We put the block together and turned it in at the shop. Each month a winner was drawn from all the people who made blocks. It's quilted just need to get it bound. Mom and Aunt Betty at Miss Millie's will bind any size quilt for $10.00-we supply the binding. I still think they ought to charge more than that.

Quick post

2008-08-16T11:48:00.005-05:00

Just a quick post for anyone interested. I got the booklet from Herrschner's but I'm not finding it in their catalog right now. Went to the web and typed in Paton's Yarns and got a website for the company. The booklet shows there but I'm not sure how you go about purchasing it. I'm glad I found the site because there are free patterns and a newsletter and lots of information.

2008-08-13T11:44:00.002-05:00

Another super movie I've seen. It was every bit as good as the first.

I wondered if there would be a sequel getting all the same characters back together. I'm really glad it happened.

I went with my mom on Saturday afternoon and it was perfect. Just sitting in the dark show with my popcorn and soda, totally relaxed. The scenery was beautiful(much like Mama Mia) and the music really set the story. I'm a big fan of soundtracks which I think add so much to any movie.

I have all four of the Sisterhood books in my library-books are another one of my passions-but have only read the first two. I'd better pull them down down and get reading. Maybe they'll make those into movies also. I'll keep my fingers crossed. If nothing else though, I know the books will be good reads.

Finally Finished

2008-08-12T00:22:00.002-05:00

Here are pics of my most recently quilted quilt. I had Marilyn at Miss Milles machine quilt it and it turned out gorgeous. She has two of the computerized Statler Stitchers which do beautiful work.

Now about the quilt. It's a stamp cross stitch quilt kit which I stated more than 30 years ago. I had finished the center medallion but not the border. Then I started doing patchwork quilting and never got back to this one. Recently I decided I would never get it done so I asked my mom if she would finish the border flowers. She got them done and I got it quilted. Back when I was a stay at home mom I made a few of this type quilt and my mom and gram made some too. That was our needlework past time.

I've Been Tagged, Now What Do I Do?

2008-08-11T19:45:00.012-05:00

I've been tagged by Kathy Ann at "Be-Stitched, Artfully." My first time, so of course the big question is "How do I do this?" Kathy Ann has walked me through the art of tagging and I think I finally got it. So, here goes.

Here are the rules

1 Link back to the person who tagged you
2 Mention the rules on your blog
3 Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
4 Tag 6 following bloggers by linking to them
5 Leave a comment on each of the tagged bloggers blogs letting them know they've been
tagged

Six unspectacular quirks about me.

1. When I hand piece quilt blocks, I use tons of pins, at least ever 1/4 inch. I get very accurate seams, the same as using less pins, but no matter. I need lots of pins.

2. I collect McDonald's Happy meal Toys and with the help of some very nice Micky-Ds employees, I'm able to complete sets many times.

3. I absolutely love rainy days and snowy days, more than the opposites. I know I need the sunshine but those rainy or snowy days could go on and on for me.

4. I have this need to protect all things living. I stop my car whenever I can to move a turtle to the side of the road. I don't squish bugs, spiders, etc. but catch them in a glass or with a paper towel and put them outside. I pick up worms that have crawled on to my porch or drive and throw them into the grass.

5. I love movies and classic TV shows and watch them over and over and over and over again.

6. I talk to my self (out loud) especially when I'm crocheting or quilting instead of thinking
quietly.

I tag the following people whose blogs I have been enjoying.

Susan at Blackberry Creek Home Arts

Molly at Dark Oak Woman

Mary at Across the Pond

Pheeyla at Ramblings of a Crafter

Snapdragons

Cindy at Chronicles of Yarnia

Today it was "The Dark Knight"

2008-08-02T22:58:00.002-05:00

What a great action film-my mom thought it was a very noisy film but she liked it. She's 85 and loves the movies so we go to a bargain matinee just about every Saturday. I know when mom likes a film-she doesn't leave her seat and she doesn't fall asleep. We were 2 for 2 today. Kraig, Jess, and Robby went, too. We all enjoyed it. I have to say I think about a movie a lot and try to see into it rather than just face value. When I read bad revues both by critics and ordinary people, I think they just don't get it and maybe they aren't trying. I'm surely no expert but I do love movies and really enjoy them. I like the movies I see and I am particular about one thing, I hardly ever see movies that are rated R. I see so many previews so I do get a good idea of whether I want to see it or not. There are plenty of movies to see. While watching I couldn't help but think about Heath Ledger and his short life. I think he was a good actor and was becoming more versatile with every part he played. I first saw him in A Knights Tale, then The Brothers Grimm, and recently 10 Things I Hate About You. I liked him in all. But this I think was an Academy Award performance. He was another actor playing The Joker but his portrayal was something else. All his mannerisms, facial features, the voice. He wasn't Heat Ledger, but the Joker. And I don't think that just because he is gone. There have been a lot of actors and actresses who have won for their portrayals. They became their characters. I knew I would think about him as I watched. I think Christian Bale is a fabulous actor. Saw him as a young actor in Little Women(not knowing who he would become), As twin brothers in The Prestige, and of course Batman in Batman Begins. He's been in lots more movies than I've seen but in looking at his filmography there are those I don't care to see. Oh well, I' ll be waiting to see what his next movie will be.

Next week we see The X Files and the next week, The Mummy. Both are favorite movie series and I've seen all the previous ones.

LAPS FROM FATS

2008-08-01T11:55:00.000-05:00

Here's number 3 from the "Laps From Fats" sit n' sew. It's called Cake Walk. I had some fabric that came in 18 colorways of the same print and that I did get on sale. It seemed perfect for this pattern. I had a yard of each and just cut what I needed-mostly 1 1/2 strips-the equivalent of fat quarters. And was very easy once I made a few blocks. This is the last Fat Quarter Quilt we are doing, for now. We're doing a Snow Man Wall Quilt and the who knows what, next.

My unfinished ripple and "Mama Mia"

2008-07-28T22:00:00.008-05:00

An unlikely combination but "oh well!" First, my work in progress. The current theme at the crochet along is WIP's which I have plenty of. This is my post for today over there. I love this afghan. My problem is , I start too many things. Guess I just can't have just one thing to work on. I need variety so I switch from one thing to another. Loving both crochet and quilting doesn't help either. I'll get back to work on this one, though, probably this fall. When the cooler days and evenings come, I can work on it and warm my lap with it at the same time.

My mom and I went to see "Mama Mia" on Saturday and it was great.The theater was pretty full and everyone was really enjoying it. I Had never seen most of the stars sing but they did pretty good. I think that was part of the charm of the movies. Everyone was perfect in their role and it was just an all around fun movie. I'll be at the store to buy it the day it comes out and get home to watch it.

Really Good Books

2008-07-24T11:18:00.005-05:00

I was visiting Junie Moon's blog yesterday and found that her book club was reading Ann Lindbergh's "Gift From the Sea" which is a wonderful book. It's a very gentle book and uses ocean life in comparisons to our own lives. It's written beautifully and is very thought provoking. I first read it back in the late 60's/early 70's along with books by Kahlil Gibran and many others.I worked part time in a book store along with many college kids. I had always been a reader but I was introduced to books I had not known about. Beside these there were many others some of which I will talk about another time. Oh well, back to these. If anyone hasn't read these I highly recommend them. When you need to step away from your regular reading and just take a time out, these are what you want. I have gone back and read bits and pieces over the years, but I thing I will actually read them completely through again. I definitely will be following Junie Moons blog to get her feelings on each chapter. Maybe my perspective will be broadened.

Another "Laps From Fats" Quilt

2008-07-23T11:52:00.004-05:00

Here's another of my "Laps From Fats". I cheated on this one ,though. I didn't exactly follow the directions and make the blocks required. There should have been more stars in the middle blocks instead of the stripes. I had been sick with flu, cold, crud--whatever you want to call it-- for about 2 weeks in February when this was the quilt we were working on. Being sick really got me behind and I wanted to hurry up and get done and over with this one. There were rectangles, squares and triangles in it. I had already cut lots of strips to make the rectangles and squares, but not the triangles. So I just started putting strips together and trimmed the blocks the same size as the star blocks. In the middle block I used more rectangles and 4 of the squares that would have been star centers. It was a square lap quilt and I wanted it to be a rectangle I added and extra row of pieced rectangles and another row of black boarder at the top and bottom. Then I liked it fine and I liked it better because it was done.

2008-07-21T13:34:00.001-05:00

"IT IS NEITHER WEALTH NOR SPLENDOR
BUT TRANQUILITY
THAT GIVES US HAPPINESS."
---Thomas Jefferson

"TWO BUCKS A BLOCK"

2008-07-20T14:47:00.000-05:00

Pictures of my first 6 blocks-Jan/June- from Miss Millie's monthly sampler quilt. We pay 2 bucks and get the pattern and all fabric for the block. Pretty good deal. I think Pam is choosing some nice fabrics-all from the Thimleberries line-and the quilt is going to be nice. We will provide our own sashing, border, etc. and that will make each quilt more personal and different.

ANNIVERSARY WALTZ SAMPLER

2008-07-17T20:20:00.000-05:00

Same day, much lighter post. It's a block of the month I just started doing at Appletree Quilting Center, my other favorite shop besides Miss Millie's. This is my first months block and I think it turned out quite nice. We're all using Batiks but everyone has made some different color choices. This is going to be really interesting and creative.

PikensPlan

2008-07-17T17:24:00.005-05:00

Visit PickensPlan

PIKENSPLAN

2008-07-17T16:40:00.008-05:00

Boy, I'm just veering away from my main thought for having a blog to talk about all of my handcrafts but I am really passionate about this. I don't use the word lightly so I really don't use it much at all. I guess there would be levels of passion and this is at the top. I'm not a fanatic "Tree Hugger" but I do care deeply about how humans take care of this earth. There are lots of things that could have been done years ago but I don't think any one ever realized what things could come to now. I'm old enough to remember the Mideast oil embargo of the 70's and you would have thought we had learned our lesson but nooooo the gasoline kept flowing. Oh well, maybe we've still got a chance with somebody like T. Boone Pikens speaking up. At least if we recycle, drive our vehicles smarter, use our home appliances wisely, use flouescents but remember to turn them out when leaving a room(I'd been guilty of that in past years but cleaned up my act a while back) we are trying. I feel good doing the things that I am but still want to do more. I've wanted solar panels on our home for years, so maybe the time will finally come, and maybe a small wind turban, too. We just started getting Planet Green on cable and it's full of shows with great ideas-from the big things people with lots of money can do to the little things we all can do. Oh my, I've got to get down off of this soapbox and relax with some quilting or crochet.
Visit PickensPlan

A Picture of Food?

2008-07-16T14:11:00.006-05:00

"You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces-just good food from fresh ingredients" - JULIA CHILD

I never thought I would take a photo of food, let alone be posting it on my blog, let alone be blogging. So there. Here's one of my dinner from the other evening. We were just having salad, but when I got done fixing my plate, it seemed to look so pretty. I decided to take a picture of it. My husband thought it quite funny, me photographing food, but I've become more daring with my new camera. I find it easier to take pictures of just about anything since I have the Kodak camera and printer system, and my first digital experience. Since I can avoid printing on paper, and just put it on my computer, no waste. Now I take pictures of things I never thought I would. Some I print, some I don't. I am really not an artistic photographer but that simple salad said something to me. I thank Jane at Yarnstorm for much inspiration. She is really good at what she does and all her photographs are just gorgeous. Right now I'm waiting for her new book "The Gentle Art of Domesticity" to come out here in America. I've got it on order and am looking forward to seeing many more photos and lots of ideas.

"Laps from Fats" Sit n' Sew

2008-06-16T20:23:00.006-05:00

This quilt is called "Cinnamon and Nutmeg" and is from the book "More Laps From Fats." Miss Millies Quilt Shop started another Sit n' Sew on another Friday nite and we used patterns from that book to make a couple of quilts during the past months. This one was the first of three. It doesn't look much like the one in the book which had very earthy colors. I decided to go for something different and go brite. There were (and still are )about ten in the group and every lap quilt has a totally different look. It was a fun and an easy pattern to use. And I have to say it was a good time for all getting together at the Sit n' Sews.

Catching up

2008-06-15T16:28:00.006-05:00

Well, it's been a month and a half since I last posted. Seems like there was just no spare time for it. I was really busy as far a work trying to manage everything that was needing to be done. When I get home I just want to try and crochet or quilt or read, so I put my blogging aside. I was still lurking around seeing what everyone was doing and "finishing" and enjoying seeing all of the wonderful creations.

Since I haven't been blogging long , I've still got so much to learn. Today I finally figured out how I can use my laptop (which is at home) for all of my blogging. Up until now I've only been using my desktop at our business since I had learned how to scan my photos on to it. Problem has been I really shouldn't use any of my time at our business doing this. Takes away from what I should be doing. Today I learned all by myself to download all my photos into my laptop from my cameras memory card. I've spent the last year learning about my new Kodak digital camera/printer dock and this laptop. Kraig(my middle adult child) has been guiding me and let me know that I have the photo disk in my camera that will load right into my laptop instead of having to print every picture and then and then scan it in. So now I can add pics to my blog at home. These things are so simple once they are learned. I'm really surprised at what I am able to do even if it is what a grade schooler can do. I never thought I would have a laptop computer at home let alone be learning what I am. Oh well, hopefully I'll be able to post more regularly.

I have been working on some different projects, so I'll start playing catch up and get photos posted at least. June and Eve at the Crochet Along are going to have July as WIP month.

Both WIPs and unfinished item will be invited. I have lots of WIPs and lots of unfinished things( called UFOs in the quilting community), so I can show everyone what I'm working on, finished or not. So here goes.

I wanted to try the Inga Bag and did finish one. I don't know why I picked those darker colors. So I'll wait till fall or winter to use it. I did start another using a different granny block pattern and much lighter colors. Think I can finish it soon. Hope so. Would like to use it this Summer.

I seem to drop out of sight

2008-05-01T13:37:00.002-05:00

Well, it's been over 2 months since I last posted. Seems there just aren't enough hours in the day to do all I need or want to do. Too much business work, even to bring home and a minimum of time for my quilt making and crochet. I may have some things to show some but it's slow going. I tend to feel that I must do my business work and my house work before I can sit down with my handwork. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fanatic nor perfect in what I do. It's just easier for me to relax and do what I want if I've at least done some of what I need to do. It's hard for me to feel relaxed if there is mess around me when I get a day off. Probably what I do best is straighten and wipe up rather than deep clean every time. Then I'm able to take a break. Maybe I'll be rewarded as time goes by. I saw this saying in Jimmy John's when we went for lunch--words to live by?

IF YOU DO THE THINGS YOU NEED TO DO

WHEN YOU NEED TO DO THEM,

-----THEN SOMEDAY-----

YOU CAN DO THE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO

WHEN YOU WANT TO DO THEM.

2008-02-10T10:15:00.000-06:00

THEY THAT ENJOY MUCH ARE THANKFUL FOR A LITTLE.

My finished ripple and it's new owner

2008-02-09T13:11:00.000-06:00

Trying out some new crochet

2008-02-04T11:32:00.000-06:00

Pics of what I'm trying now. I tried a 1/4 square granny log cabin(the square in red) but that is not a go right now. I need to go back and choose different and more dominant single colors. It looks better in person but just all ran together in the photo. So back to the drawing board on this one.

The multi color log cabin above worked out well and I am continuing on with more of those squares for a lapghan.

The triangles I love and will be making those for a afghan.

And of course plain ol granny squares.

These will be my big projects for this year(and next, probably) If I get board with one thing, I'll pick up another project. I've got a basket for each one. Of coures there will still be the quick scarves, Amigurumi, and other small quick items to do. Even a 6 hour quick stick afghan or two.

My ripple is about 3 rows short of being done. I'll post a pic of that in the next day or so and say "Hooray, It's finished."

I don't know what I'll finish or how fast but the main thing is having something in our hands, right? It's therapy and peace after a tedious day or calm on an afternoon off from work.

Crazy Kitty

2008-01-29T11:41:00.001-06:00

Cotton just loves drinking from my plant rooting vase.

Sit and Sew Mystery #4

2008-01-25T11:28:00.000-06:00

Here's my most recent Sit and Sew project. I started it the end of November so decided I would use Christmas colors. It turned out pretty well considering the Mystery pattern was a Star. For now there aren't any new Mystery Quilts coming. That Friday night Sit and Sew has been turned in to a UFO get togeather. Thats great for me! I have more UFOS than I can think of.

A Little Feel Good Inspiration

2008-01-24T16:18:00.000-06:00

DO IT AFRAID!

When God tells you he will be with you, that means no matter what the circumstances, everything will work out all right. That's a good reason to do whatever you are afraid of even though you are afraid --do it afraid!

"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. --Joshua 1: 5

I was at the Dr's office the other day for a check up and saw this on a daily desk calender at the secretaries desk. How uplifting. So I asked her for a copy. It's always nice to find some little piece of inspiration to have handy on one of those crazy days. I have been collecting all kinds of wonderful quotes or thoughts and have them posted all around my desk at work.

Haven't been posting very much lately and started to wonder if blogging was for me. But I've been getting back to reading other's blogs and I see I'm not the only one that has been skipping days posting. I guess all the holiday hustle and bustle got to a lot of us. I was also very busy with all the year end bookkeeping for our business and the business my son just opened a few months ago. He has a restaurant-pool hall and it's doing pretty good. Just a down home place for people to relax. Except for me, another business to keep books for. Oh well, I'm happy to see it doing well.

I got to take a day off today. Yea!!!!!!! I did all the basic cleaning I always do and really rushed so I'd have time for myself this afternoon. Made chili in the crock pot so dinner's taken care of.
Got my blocks together from another sit and sew and now just have to put on the border. Then I'll be ready to post a photo. Now I'm gonna relax for about an hour till supper and do some crochet. I' m working on some log cabin squares(joined Log Cabin Fever) and some new and different granny's(so I'll have squares to post at the Granny Along). I've been wanting to try some different styles rather than just the basics like I've done in the past. I'm still working on my ripple-at least 2/3 done -- but I just don't want to work on it all the time. Got to have something new so I can go back and forth between projects. I'm sure I'm not the only one that does that.

Gonna go a crochet for a little while on some squares for new afghans.

Thinbleberries gift exchange

2007-12-07T13:39:00.000-06:00

I belong to Thimbleberries quilt club and we're doing a gift
exchange at out December meeting. I made a needle case

a pin cushion, and a jar of Snowman Soup( a wonderful
homemade hot chocolate mix). The Christmas meeting is

always so much fun and I really look forward to it. It's a

great group of fun quilters.

Knitting and Crocheting

2007-11-17T16:33:00.000-06:00

Starting a big needle quick knit Christmas afghan just for fun. Finishing up a crochet scarf for our guild Christmas party and auction.

Sit and sew number 3

2007-11-15T16:36:00.001-06:00

Finished my project started at the Oct. 19 Sit n' Sew. I chose colors for fall since it was October. It was a mystery quilt as usual, so I was pleasantly surprised with my fabric choices. The Maple Leaf block was really easy to make so I decided to do a king size quilt this time. Finished the top in the months time on the sewing machine, of course, and had it ready to show at the next meeting. Got a free fat quarter for having it done. Now it's waiting in line at Miss Millie's to be machine quilted.

Jessica's first rag quilt

2007-11-12T16:46:00.000-06:00

This is a quick quilt made by my daughter for her grandma-in-law who is a NASCAR fan. After I made my Tiger Quilt(posted earlier), I thought the same idea would be good for a first quilt for her to try. Now she is making them for lots of family members and enjoying giving hand made gifts.

Getting Ready to Drop Her Leaves

2007-11-11T14:09:00.000-06:00

Just posting another photo of beautiful colors of our Cypress tree. Another week or so and the leaves will begin to fall.

I have been so busy with no time to post. The normal work days taking a lot of time. And also mom broke her collar bone which is taking a lot of time and energy but that's how it goes when you care about someone. I have had a little time to continue working on quilt and gift projects late at night in the quiet time. But not much time for blogging. Just got to get myself together. To much to do, too little time.

Fall Colors

2007-11-05T10:21:00.000-06:00

My Cypress is still changing her fall colors. I'd say one more week and she'll be a totally beautiful rust color. Then she'll start dropping all her leaves and my yard will turn from green to rust until I rake then all up. The yard becomes a sight to see also.

I have been working feverishly at a number of projects and am really making headway. A crochet scarf for my Quilt Guild Christmas Auction in December is done except for the fringe. I'm close to finishing a queen size quilt top from the last Friday Nite Sit N' Sew--a Maple leaf block pattern. Still working on my Second Saturday Applique Blocks. Started a new Fall block of the month from Miss Millies. And am working on some small crocheting, craft, and sewing items for gifts. I think finally I started early enough that I won't be going crazy trying to get things done. One thing I should start right now is wrapping Christmas presents so I'm not doing that on Christmas Eve. I've shopped all year and already have most everything. Since non of my kids live at home anymore I have a room downstairs where I can store all my special Christmas stuff--fabric, crafts, etc. along with all my wrapping paper, boxes and presents I accumulate over the year. Luckily i know everything is in that one room, but sometimes still have to search. It does pile up.

I' ve been really busy with work , to so propbaly won't post again till next week. Hopefully there will be photos of finished projects.

Fall colors and a thought provoking quote

2007-10-28T17:32:00.000-05:00

Our cypress has finally started to turn to it's fall colors of rust and gold. Two weeks ago she was all green , but now the weather is beginning to turn cooler and so all the trees are beginning to turn beautifully. Another week or so and there will be more color change and then all the strange little leaves (I guess that's what they are) will fall and cover my front yard. And my last lawn care job of the season will take place. I'll rake every thing up and use it like mulch around shrubs, etc. Those little leaves are a little prickly which causes them to stick together. I've been doing this for about 3 years and I have no weeds or anything grow up through these layers.
I reuse whatever I can in my yard. It seems a waste of time and energy to rake and bag and dispose of when it can be used right in my yard.

Now the quote. When I am at my bank in the drive thru I can see through the window to an inside wall where there's a chalk board. I guess there's a different quote each day. Even though I don't go every day there is always a new one to see when I am there. This one especially caught my eye. It's something to think about something to think about.

"WE ARE NOT PRIMARILY PUT ON THIS EARTH TO SEE THROUGH PEOPLE, BUT TO SEE PEOPLE THROUGH."

Peter De Vries

My Little Monster

2007-10-14T00:07:00.000-05:00

Here's my last Halloween project. Hooray! He's done. I didn't really have a lot of things going but what I started I finished. So that feels good. Many times I add more items to my stash of UFOs. I have a little bit of Christmas started so now I can go at those full out. I'm afraid when it comes to Christmas I always overdo in what I start to make. This year I'm going to try to work harder at finishing as best I can. I really love all my quilting, crochet, and crafting so much that I'm sure if I could I would spend all my days just doing hand work. Fat Chance! Before I forget this was a ghost pattern that came from Emily Millers Emporium on Etsy. She suggested getting creative and turning the ghost body into a monster.

Watching for a beautiful fall

2007-10-13T12:11:00.000-05:00

This is the beautiful 30 year old Cypress tree in our front yard. It's a pretty tree during the summer but as fall comes the color change is gorgeous. I have always wanted to photograph it but never have until now. So for the next few weeks I've decided to photograph it as the colors change and then of course post them here. This is of course photo #1 taken October 11, 2007. In past years I believe it had begun to turn sooner, but we had a Hellishly hot summer this year. I'm definitely glad fall is here. Today it's rainy and cool. Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!

Candy Corn Man

2007-10-12T11:59:00.000-05:00

Here's my little Amigurumi Candy Corn Man. I think he's really cute and have to give credit to Stormycrochet at Etsy. I ordered the pattern from her. Each one of my kids is getting one for their home adding to their Halloween decorations. I've got a little monster I'm finishing up so will
get that posted next. Then it's full speed on to Christmas with so many things I want to do. The question is how many of those wants will I get done.

Muffins

2007-10-07T11:03:00.000-05:00

Well, no pictures today one of my favorite recipes along with some thoughts. Blogging is still relatively new to me as far as finding out how many great ideas there are for posting. Whether they might not seem very interesting to each of us or maybe very exciting we never know what others might think or enjoy. Maybe enjoy is to broad a word. When someone has poured there heart over something sad in their life and their heart is aching we don't enjoy reading but we care and feel for them..When someone is excited or happy about something in their life we feel that too. And then there are all of the fabulous photos of pets crafts kids homes food art and so many other thing. Bloggers open their world to all of us other bloggers and vice versa.
This started out to be a very simple post of a recipe, but then I started thinking about what encouraged me to begin to post some of my recipes and I came up with the above thoughts. I saw a very nice simple muffin recipe posted by KathyAnn at be-stitched artfully, which I will definitely be baking, This made me think of one of my favorite muffin recipe and decided maybe those visiting my blog would enjoy it. I have found some other great recipes that I have or will be trying at these blogs-- Oiyi's Crafts, Dark Oak Woman, and Bumpy Doink--to name just a few. And there are many more at other great blogs. Now I guess I better get this recipe posted.

SIMPLE AND PLAIN OATMEAL MUFFINS FROM ELDA KURZEJESKI

Sift 1 cup of all purpose flour with 1/4 cup sugar, 3 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. salt.

Add 1 cup quick cooking oats, one slightly beaten egg, 1 cup milk, and 3 tbsp. salad oil.

Stir just to moisten. ( optionally, sometimes we add some chopped golden raisins along with some chopped dried or fresh cranberries. I especially like adding these extras in the fall)

Fill 12 greases muffin cups 2/3 full.

Bake at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes.

These are great for breakfast or even on a chilly fall or winter afternoon with a nice hot cup of tea.

Sit and Sew #2 Tiger Quilt

2007-10-06T11:39:00.000-05:00

Another Sit and Sew project done. And actually I was able t0 sew this in one evening. Now, all the flannel squares were pre-cut beforehand, but still I was very excited at the minimum of time it took--about 3 1/2 hours. There was more time involved in finishing but that I could do sitting in front of the TV. The quilt is sewn together with a half inch seam leaving the raw edges. After it's all put together those edges have to be snipped into fringe about 1/4 inch apart. Then all I had to do was wash it to make it fringe more. It's a real no brainer and thing don't have to be perfect. the other neat thing I learned is that this can be done with other shapes and lengths of fabrics. It's just the technique of sewing. I think I'll have to try a few more of this type of quilt. This one goes to my son, a BIG Mizzou Tiger football and basketball fan.

The sit and sew was fun as usual. I've met some new quilting friends. And all of us keep signing up for every month so we're becoming a nice little group. Also the food we have is always great. This time it was snacks and appetizers-little hot dogs in BBQ sauce, cheeses, crackers, fruits and veggies with dip and more. We had plenty to eat. In October they're having Chile( one of my favorite foods) and we'll be using fall fabrics for a quilt-pattern still a secret at this time. As usual I'm looking forward to it.

More Fall/Halloween Decor

2007-09-25T14:42:00.000-05:00

I have to add this photo of my last decorating job. I had almost forgotten this wonderful wreath as I purchased it from a fellow garage sale friend this summer. That's the funny thing about having those sales with a friend. You start buying each other stuff.

I just couldn't resist this wreath when I saw it at our garage sale. My friend Jackie was tired of it and put it in for only $2.00. What really drew me to it was this black crows. They look so real. Jackie just did a really nice job making it and a was the lucky one to get it. I'll have this forever. I have been adding to my Halloween decorations for years and never tire of any of them.

Another Friday nite sew in is coming up this week, so I'll have something new to show here soon. And I'm crocheting some more Halloween amigurumi guys to go with my little punkin.

Halloween-One of my most favorite hollidays

2007-09-17T21:08:00.000-05:00

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and I love putting a little of it in my house. For a number of years I collected Boyd's Bears (and cats, too) and I accumulated lots of holiday bears and cats. I finally gave up collecting as I just had too many of these little stuffed guys and no where to go with them. Every year they get to come out of their storage boxes and spend September, October, and November sitting around my house. I made the quilt in the early 90's. It's cheater fabric, and I quilted it on my sewing machine. Also I made the 2 large punkins and the fall leaves wall hanging in the upper photo back in the 80's. This year I crocheted the tiny little jack-o-lantern amigurumi which is down in the very front. Hope I'll be able to make a few more little amigurumi characters this year.

August Sit N' Sew

2007-09-16T21:44:00.000-05:00

I finished the project from the August Sit n' Sew. As I sewed on this project I started wondering if I wanted it to be some type of quilt or wall hanging. I had used most of the fabric strips that I had cut but had some of the rust and green strips left over. If I wanted to make something larger I was going to have to cut more of most everything. I looked at it for a while and then decided it would make a nice fall tablecloth. Really, it would look nice in my kitchen. I wouldn't be doing that except I've been using other nice tablecloths (mostly from my mom and gram- they are old enough to be vintage now) I've wanted to use all these wonderful linens, but never did. Always was worried that something would happen with a spill or something. Got a brite idea one day and went to Joann Fabrics and bought some nice clear vinyl and put it on the table over the cloth. Now I can use any of my special linens and even a quilt tablecloth without fear of them being ruined. All I had to do was add borders which I already had with the leftovers and my tablecloth was ready.

3rd Second Saturday Block

2007-09-12T10:53:00.000-05:00

Photo of my most recent second Saturday block. 3 down, 3 to go.

A Finished Project

2007-09-10T10:19:00.000-05:00

Ha! a finished project! Not a big one but its done. I can look at this little guy while I'm rippling, grannying, quilting, on all my big unfinished projects. To clarify, its the punkin only, not the sweater on the little kitty. The punkin instructions came with some other more difficult Halloween patterns that I purchase last Fall. I also had purchase Gourmet Crochets little book with Santa And Mrs Santa etc. Of course I had to start with something harder. I tried Santa and Mrs which was stupid. I did make the little bodies arms and legs but I struggled and didn't like how they looked so gave up and went back to work on Christmas ornaments, my quilting, etc.I hadn't done much crochet at all except granny squares. Now thanks to the granny and ripple alongs I am really branching out and trying to learn all I can. What made me decide to try amigurumi again was a new crochet along where amigurumi is the chosen topic right now. I got out my box with the amigurumi and looked at those little body parts and left them alone. But I found my Halloween pattern with all the harder characters but knew that little punkin pattern was in there too. Hooray! I tried it and was able to round crochet. Nothing like a little confidence building. I'm gonna get out Santa and Mrs. and frog those poor little bodies, arms, and legs apart and redo them. Also maybe I can do a witch or something from the other patterns. Now I'm getting brave.

Just a note. If your wondering about the kitties. They're from Boyd's Bears. Of which I was a collector. I have so many that I made myself stop buying them except for the Fall, Halloween and Christmas ones. I cant resist. Fall through Christmas Is my favorite time of year and I love decorating with my little stuffed guys. Now that its September I can get all of them out. Then the day after Thanksgiving they go away and All the Christmas guys come out. I wish they could all stay out all year with my regular bears but there are just too many.

Friendship Basket Quilt

2007-09-08T11:21:00.000-05:00

Here are photos of a quilt that is very special to me. The basket blocks were made for me by many of my quilting friends in 1981. Our quilt guild decided to start a monthly friendship block drawing and I won on the fourth month. All that was required for us was to make a block every month for whoever's name was chosen-they picked the pattern-and for each block we made we got a ticket into the drawing. The winner could supply fabric or request certain colors or styles. For mine I asked all my friends to pick whatever fabric they wanted as I wanted it to be scrappy. And ask then for an extra strip of fabric which I used in the border. I really love this quilt for a number of reasons. The fabrics themselves are over 25 years old which is a nice piece of history. How the fabrics have evolved since then. I live in a town with a large state university and many large companies so people come and go all the time. So many of those friends I made moved away and sadly a number of them have passed away over the years. I know who made each block and I've been meaning to make a label but just keep putting it off. I better get going and do it. Things change with time but not this. I'll always have the memories of the fun times I had with everyone when I was just starting out at quilting. The friendship block drawing has continued and I have won 3 more times over the years. But this quilt just means the most to me.

The Kittens -- Still growning

2007-09-06T15:42:00.000-05:00

The babies are still growing and getting feistier every day. What's amazing is they still don't even weight 2 pounds. My daughter has been caring for them so well. She treats her animals as if they were human beings so they are getting the best care. The good news is she will probably keep them. As the days go by she and her husband fall more in love with them. She wasn't sure about keeping them because she does have a dog, Teva. We think Teva is feeling a mothering instinct but those babies are just so small. She does let Teva near and she licks and nuzzles them. But she does get a little excited, too. And she's so big compared to them. They just have to grow some. That will take time but ther's plenty of that.

My Friend Cotton

2007-09-05T14:58:00.001-05:00

Just some pics of Cotton doing what he does best. Always getting in the middle of things to be close to me. Whenever I'm at my machine sewing, he's got to be right there. Or taking a rest on or anything else he can find, my container of strips for a crocheted rag rug I'm making. I love having him close, though. He's my only pet right now and is always there to take care of, and if I need it, comfort me.

I've got new books --- and CHEAP!

2007-09-04T14:28:00.000-05:00

Just got a nice box full of books today. They came from Edward R. Hamilton, a giant overstock bookseller. The pricing varies but these books all only cost $4.95 each. Most retail for over $20.00, so it was a deal. Books are another one of my passions. I love reading and just love books in general. I guess I'm what would be called a Bibliophile. And I know this word because I actually have book about book fanatics and collectors. There are bookshelves all over my house. Between books, fabric and quilting supplies, and my crochet and knit supplies, I've got stuff everywhere.

Thimbleberries quilts 2006

2007-09-04T11:31:00.000-05:00

Here are photos of my first Thimbleberries Quilt. I joined the club at my local quilt shop, Miss Millies,in 2006 and this was the club quilt. It was block of the month for the year. So each month we purchased a block kit with pattern and fabric.This particular quilt had center squares with a stamped design in black for each month of the year. They could be used as is , colored with crayola and heat set, hand embroidered (as I did) or any other idea we could think of . It was really a great project for a novice sewing machine piecer. I've mentioned before that I started out as a hand piecer(I seemed to have more time years ago) but I'm finding that I really can't produce at all, not even one quilt per year. To hand piece a large quilt like this would take forever. When I say hand piece, I mean completely. All the blocks, borders, setting strips, no machine work at all. Having done some other quilts by hand I've not been able to do many other things I'd like. Now because of machine piecing I can have a variety of projects going that can be finished on a quicker timetable. That leaves more time for my crochet and all my other sewing and craft projects. I don't miss the feeling of having something in my hands. Plenty crochet just for starters. If I ever get to retire, I'll be able to do some hand piecing again and do everything else, too.

This has already been quilted and just needs binding and it's done. I actually have three more quilts that I made during 2006. I'll post photos of them separately and tell their stories also.

Another Quilt From the Archives

2007-08-31T12:35:00.000-05:00

Here's a pic of a quilt I made during 1980-81. It's a standard pattern that can be found in most quilt block encyclopedias called "Jewel Box." I saw an Amish quilt in a show that I simply fell in love with. It was a completely different pattern but I loved it-the colors more than anything. If some one is not familiar with Amish quilts, they are made from solid color fabrics. Even though the fabrics can be bright, as long as they are solid color fabric it's OK. Prints are considered too worldly, thus they use none of those. To the right are some examples of Amish quilts. They are all done in the solid colors I mentioned. I found the photos at The Amish Quilt Connection on the internet.

These are just a few of many that are pictured for sale. I could never afford the prices they are asking, so since I could I make my own, I did. I've done about 8 different size and pattern wall hangings from small to large. Working with the solid colors is fun and challenging.

The quilt I had seen used a dark purple grape fabric for the background and then lots 0f the lighter softer colored fabrics for the rest, so I replicated the colors in my quilt. It's all pieced by hand. I had always wanted to quilt it by hand but that is too time consuming since I work. I actually didn't have the top quilted until 2006 and then I had a professional machine quilter do it for me. She did quilting patterns in the Amish style and it did turn out beautifully. I have given up any hope of hand quilting any of my quilt tops that I have made over the year so am having them done one by one. As I've mentioned in previous posts in learning how to do all aspects of quilt making by machine. As the saying goes "So many quilts, so little time!" And now I've thrown Crocheting into the mix. The one thing better about crochet is when you're done, you're done. All that needs to be done is bury the loose ends. With a quilt you just have the top, and a lot more work to go. Even though I am lovin' crochet my quilting will always get equal time.

Mile-A-Minute Quilting

2007-08-27T12:25:00.001-05:00

Here's my quilt from the July Sit & Sew at Miss Millie's, the Quarter Square Log Cabin Block. We had the choice of making anything from a table topper to a king size quilt. This time I decided on a lap size so maybe I could get it done faster. I also decided to try the Mile-A -Minute technique to machine quilt it. I've had this book for a couple of years and just didn't get my nerve up to try it. It's like quilt as you go but in long strip sections instead of just single blocks. I've tried to do some regular quilting on my sewing machine and it was just so hard to manipulate. I gave up. Then I found this book and knew I had to try quilting on my sewing machine once more.

The Sit & Sew was a lot of fun. Because of space there is a limit of 10. There were quilters I knew and some I didn't so I made some new friends. We all had such a good time. We paid 5.00 for supper. This time pizza, snacks, and ice cream. And we sewed for about 4 hours straight. It's amazing what you can get done with no interruptions except talking. Since the Sit & Sew was so popular it is continuing. I, along with most of the other Friday Nighters signed up again for the August Sit &Sew which was this past Friday. And we signed up again for September. Because of the response there's a Saturday one and a Sunday one will probably start. It's really nice to be using our stashes and not have to buy fabric for the project. Of course there always seems to be some little thing that we need. Luckily we're in a quilt shop where we can find every thing.

Oh, and as usual someone was in the middle of my quilt while I took it's picture.Good ole Cotton had to walk all over it . The kitty stamp of approval.

Another Daisy Square

2007-08-26T23:30:00.000-05:00

Just a quick pic of my second Daisy Square.
Actually the first one I did seemed to turn out good. I can see I'm still learning and made some small errors on this one. It just will take practice and making a few more, which I am. The more I make the better they will get and I'll learn from my mistakes. I want my squares to be nice before I send any to KrochetKrystal. As they say "Maybe the third time will be the charm."

Kittens

2007-08-22T18:10:00.000-05:00

Well, we've got more kittens. My son lives out in the country and about 2 weeks ago found these little guys on the side of the gravel road leading to his house. He's an animal lover like the rest of our family so of course took them home. He has had lots of pets so knows how to care for animals. The problem was he just didn't realize how young they were. My daughter lives the closest to him and on Sunday got a phone call from him saying the little yellow one was limp and very sick and maybe dying and the grey one wouldn't stop crying. My daughter rushed to his house and then called me. We decided to call our veterinarian and she said to bring them to the office, so my daughter did. There was nothing wrong with them except they were hungry and cold(even in this hot weather we're having) The shocker was they were only 4 weeks old right now. They needed more than kitten food and regular milk. My daughter decided to care for them at her home. The vet said to be sure and keep them warm holding them as much as possible and get as much as the special mothers milk formula into them feeding every couple of hours. By the afternoon it was like a miracle. Their bellies were bulging and they were both active and playful. They just needed lots more care and a surrogate mother which my daughter became. They are really cute little guys-both boys. Now we've just got to decide where they will make their home. Where ever it will be a good one.

KROCHET KRYSTAL'S DAISY SQUARE

2007-08-21T22:35:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally finished a Daisy Square. This one will stay with me as a sample that I can use for a guide in making my next ones. I was a little bit of a trial but I finally got it after crocheting and ripping and crocheting and ripping, etc. It becomes very rewarding for me to learn something new and complete it. I've thought about making one each of the of the patterns in the 200 granny squares book but wondered if I could understand all of the instructions. Making this pattern has given me some confidence. And it's really a neat square.

If you'd like to make some squares for Krystal Krochet for charity, check out her blog.(http://krochetkrystal.blogspot.com/2006/09/daisy-flower-crochet-charity-square.html) She very generously will get a copy of the pattern to you and-you may use it for some of your own purposes- which is very unusual She just would like you to make some squares for her ongoing charity project.

Still Rippleing Along

2007-08-20T14:41:00.000-05:00

I'm still working on my first ripple. I really like crocheting on it the most late at night while just watching TV. It's my quiet time when still up by myself. I've been working on my different quilt projects and some small crochet projects and granny's, so have limited my ripple time right now. I am looking forward to finishing it and starting another (or maybe starting another before I finish this one). I really think I am totally hooked on crochet and will give up trying to knit except for sox. There are enough mistakes in this afghan where I forgot to increase or decrease but they aren't visible. When I reach the next row I just do some correction there. I'm sure not all crochet is as forgiving but this ripple is. Even though I have made mistakes I'm going to finish something and will have built up some confidence. This was a learning process for me, anyhow. Now that I've learned the technique I can pay more attention to what I am doing(and do it and not have to worry so much about the learning part). When I first started it I didn't understand the rhythm of a pattern row. Then all of a sudden everything makes sense. For years I've wanted to crochet, not just grannys. I'm finally there!!!!

My Medallion Wallhanging

2007-08-18T11:28:00.000-05:00

This wall hanging was made in 1980 when Jessica was about 1 1/2. We've always had cats helping me quilt by laying in the middle of whatever I was working on, but I also had Jessica always helping in her own way. I mentioned in a previous post that I was taking my first quilting classes when I found out I was pregnant. As time has passed I can equate quilts I've made to her age.

I took a class on medallion quilts. We had to plan out the quilt and do some drafting to make our different borders fit as the quilt grew. I decided on stars as the main blocks for it and then had to size them so each row would fit. Whoever may have been quilting and taking classes in the 80's can remember that they were a lot longer. I think this one was 6-8 weeks, meeting once a week and doing homework the rest of the time. This quilt is all hand pieced and hand quilted.
There are about 860 pieces in the stars. I am amazed at what I could do back then. I didn't have to work outside our home, just did the bookkeeping for our business, so had quite a bit of time. And then there was nap time. Pure quilting joy.

Now that my kids are all grown I work full time at our business so not as much quilting time. I'm going more to machine work learning to do all the techniques that way. I've already posted some of my first time tries at applique. I made 3 quilts pieced by machine in 2006. I joined the Thimbleberries Club at Miss Millie's quilt shop and there are always different club quilts being offered. I'm getting a lot of machine sewing experience with them. I'll be posting Pics of those later on.

Blue and Lilac Granny

2007-08-15T15:31:00.000-05:00

Does anyone else have so many projects, both finished and unfinished, that you forget you have something. The granny above is one of those items for me. I think I didn't like it a whole lot while crocheting it thus the forgetfulness about it. I was looking for one of my quilts in my Steralite clear plastic container jungle in my basement. (Over the last few years I have been buying so many of the large ones and organizing all of my belongings in them, from my china and crystal to my kids special keepsakes, just everything. Then I realized how nice they would be for storing-but better for organizing- all of my quilting, crochet, and craft supplies along with finished quilts, etc. that I don't use all of the time. )I have stacked them about 4 high and put them in rows so I can see what's in them. Any how I was looking through my containers with quilts in them and found this at the bottom of one. I made it about 15 years ago when I was tired of making little granny squares with all those yarn ends to weave in. I thought one big rectangle granny square would be nice to try, and a lot less yarn ends. Then what really inspired me was the closeout baskets at Wal- Mart. Mind you this is 15 years ago. They had 4 oz skeins of a soft knitting worsted weight yarn for 25 cents each but of course limited colors. They had the dark blue, lilac, brite rose, light orange, light green and dark green. There were a few other colors but not enough to make an afghan with. Since there were lots of each if these colors I bought, I think,8 skeins of each of the 5 colors. 40-4oz skeins for only $10.00. I had a pile of yarn. I used the blue and lilac for this project and the other 3 colors were used in an Annie's attic mile a minute afghan. (It's not done yet- I'll have to find it and get it finished. That will be a post for another time) I think I ramble on too much, sometimes. Anyway back to the big granny. It was fun for a while but then just the two colors got really boring. I eventually finished it but it got to be a struggle. When it was done I put it away without even weaving in the ends. But it only cost me $4.00 for the 16 skeins of yarn. Now I think I might want to love it a little and want to cozy under it on some cold winter days that I'm really looking forward to. It's 104 degrees today. The thermometer has been hovering around 100 degrees for almost 2 weeks. I've had enough!

Subcouciously in a purple mood?

2007-08-13T21:15:00.000-05:00

In the last two months I have chosen purples (and greens, too) for three projects and didn't realize what I had done until this morning. I was laying my blocks out for my 1/4 square log cabin from the sit and sew, getting ready to assemble the quilt top. For my setting strips I'm using a dark purple and green batik fabric which I used the class on Saturday to make the fabric bowl pictured. When I picked the fabric for the bowl, I thought the batik would be pretty and did want something more subtle than print fabric for my first try, didn't think about it being purple. While cutting the strips for the bowl I thought it would be nice for quilt setting strips. I had been struggling a little trying to figure out how I wanted to put the quilt top together. So now I'm almost done assembling the top and the bowl was finished at the class on Saturday. Lastly the Sunbonnet Sue wall hanging( about 18" square) is for Missouri Girls Town. I needed to put a sleeve on the back and add a decorative rod. When I took it to where I was sewing and laid it down I saw purple again. Pam at Miss Millie's had asked anyone who would like, to make a wall hanging. I chose the purples when I started it two months ago. They will be donated in October and hung throughout the rooms, just to do something nice for the kids( last year we made Christmas stockings and the year before cute pillow cases for everyone.) Miss Millie's does something for Girls Town every year and lots of us participate. It really surprised me to see how similar all three of these items are in coloring.

What I'm Reading

2007-08-13T13:29:00.000-05:00

I had never hear of this book until a few months ago. I was in Joann's having some fabric cut and visiting with some of the employees, whom I know on a first name basis. What else can I say besides what is the name of my blog. Anyhow, we got to talking and got on the subject of books especially fantasy like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, etc., and started making recommendations to each other. The store manager said she had read a book called "Wicked" and loved it. I had never heard of it. I love books and read as much as I can between working, Quilting and Crocheting.I did go right out and buy it but just now got around to starting it this weekend. I sat down and read about 50 pages so far and I enjoyed what I read. I took a 5 hour class at Miss Millie's Quilt Shop on Saturday, read Saturday nite, and then spent time Sunday trying to get close to finishing my quilt from the Friday nite sit and sew. Then there's the normal minimum of cooking and straightening. Not a lot of time to read right now. I'll just have to read in spurts I guess. Too much quilting and crocheting I both want and need to do.

2nd Second Saturday Block

2007-08-10T13:38:00.000-05:00

Another block finished for the Second Saturday Sampler. This one was more difficult with all the layering, but I got it done. Actually the picture looks pretty good. I would say "don't look too close" because there are some sewing errors."

Thank Heaven for invisible thread. I've decided not to worry so much about perfection of the quilt this time around but concentrate on perfecting my machine applique skills. I've been hand appliqueing for many years and there is much more room for working out the errors or just redoing my work. The one thing bad about machine applique is once you start on a shape you really don't want to stop till done. And machine applique has very tight stitching which I don't even want to try to pick out. Oh well, I'm satisfied enough with it.

Jessica's Baby Quilts

2007-08-08T15:01:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot about these quilts. I made the pink one for Jessica right after she was born. Back in 1978 (the dark ages?) it wasn't the norm to find out what gender your baby would be. We all just waited for the birth. I got the girl after two boys. I wanted something quick that could be thrown on the floor, dragged around, etc. so I came up with this. Made it in a few days. The binding by hand took a little while. I had just machine pieced the squares. A friend was having a baby and of course we didn't know what it would be so I made both a pink and blue quilt. That way I'd be ready. It too was a girl so she got the pink one. No little boys came along so Jessica got the blue one, too. Those 2 quilts were dragged from pillar to post. My boys-Troy and Kraig-liked going to the movies and I realized I could buy a whole lot of popcorn and a snacks for what a baby sitter would cost. I decided to pack up a bag with everything Jessica would need along with one of her quilts and tried taking her to the show with us. And it worked . She was always so good. I'd just wrap her up and she'd take a nap all cozy in her quilt. At that time kids under 5 got in free so it worked out great. As she became a toddler she liked going to see the movies and having popcorn and she'd drag that blankie along. There were always lots of good movies for kids. As Troy got older, it was just me, Kraig and Jessica. Then when Kraig got to old to go with mom, It was just me and Jess. The kids and I enjoyed many a matinee. At home she always used a quilt when napping, sometimes on the floor while I sewed, rather than in bed. When it was nap time she'd say "make me a mess(meaning nest)" and I'd wrap her up in the quilt. Both quilts are still in good shape after many many washings. Now they're packed away safely for when Jessica wants them.

MOM'S TABLECLOTHS AND LINENS

2007-08-02T17:54:00.000-05:00

Today I feel the need to go back in time to when life was simpler and not so busy. I was reading someones blog a day or so ago but I can't remember whose it was. She was wishing for the time when thing went a little bit slower. I find myself wishing that more and more. There just seems to be so much pressure. A lot of different things are dependant on me in our business and lately it's been wearing on me. It's not a hard job, it's just hard keeping track of everything for ourselves. I can remember working at regular jobs- just put in your hours and go home. Being self-employed, work goes home with you and that gets tough, sometimes.

When I have a day off I try to cram so much into it. Of course there is always some house cleaning and straightening but I keep that at a minimum. Every night I do a few jobs so there are not as many left for my off day. Then I have more time for my quilting, crochet, reading, etc. I try to do a little of each or dedicate myself to one project that I really want to get finished. And just try to enjoy the day and the little things like hearing the birds singing outside, watching a squirrel play in the yard or seeing the wind blowing through the trees.Today I was off and planned ahead so didn't have much housework at all. I've been straightening my linen closet for a few days now. I didn't want to do it all in one day. It's a large closet about 3 feet deep and 6 feet wide and tall with lots of shelves and it's full. Lately I've just been shoving stuff wherever and not worrying about it, and it has gotten messy. So the other day I just started emptying the shelves and putting things on the double bed in an extra bedroom. I filled it with stacks of sheets and blankets, all kinds of towels, tablecloths and miscellaneous linens. And there were still more shelves to empty. I've been re stacking everything and and getting all the similar items together. It's all going to go back in and a lot neater. Today I did put quite a bit back and was emptying the last shelf when I found one thing I had been looking for and a bunch of thing I forgot were there. First was a beautiful hand crocheted tablecloth that a neighbor's mother had made for me about 30 years ago . I'm going to post photos of it on the crochet along. But what I was also very happy to find were my moms tablecloths and linens that I had put there a few years ago. She did a lot of embroidery as a young wife. When she moved here she decided to give them to me since she doesn't use them. She has a nice little condo but also is not a pack rat like her daughter. She keeps what she needs to use and that's all. I am the queen of pack rats. If it has a memory or is something belonging to some one I love I save it.

I haven't wanted to use any of the tablecloths for fear of damaging or staining them, but now i can. At Christmas i had a nice holiday cloth on my kitchen table and was worried about something happening to it. So I got a brite idea and went to Joann fabrics and got some clear vinyl by the yard. Enough to cover the table a protect the cloth. Today I took my plain cloth of and put one of my mom's on the table, then put on the vinyl. Now I will be able to use then all the time. Some I remember being on the table when I was a child. Others I remember stored in the china cabinet drawers. There are some that are just old timey prints from the 30s and 40s and some that were also hand embroidered by my mom. It will give me a special feeling when I look at them(all warm inside). I decided to photograph them all before putting them back on the shelf. so here are those photos. I've decided to keep an album of everything I post as a history That we can pull out and look at anytime. I will always want a paper trail. Don't like to think of everything just stored in a computer.

Anyhow, I have lots of great memories growing up. Not quite "Leave it to beaver" but close. Weren't those the good ole days. The little corner grocery, the five and dime, neighborhood bakeries-everything within walking distance. Times now are good but there's something special about those times. Things just did move more slowly and there was time to, as Mac Davis sings ,"Stop and smell the roses." I was able to be a stay at home mom for all 3 of my kids. I either worked part time evenings in retail stores or did day care when our two boys were young and before we had our business. After that I did the bookkeeping at home while my daughter was young . I worked off and on at the store as the kids could take care of themselves and now that they're not at home anymore I work full time again. I guess it sounds silly but I miss those simple times. Both when I was a care free kid running an errand to the grocery or going to get some penny candy for myself, and then when I grew up and was able to be with my little kids and take care of my home. I always had some time for my sewing , needlework, and crafts and reading. All 3 of the kids were good afternoon nappers so there was always time for me. We'd have lunch, crawl in bed and read a book or play a quick game, and fall asleep. Then I usually had a couple of hours for myself.

Enough of my whining. I think I'm very lucky to have such fond memories. Here are the pretty linens of my moms.

MR.CHEEKS

2007-07-25T17:32:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of our stray, Mr Cheeks. He was a real sweetheart- gone but never forgotten.

A Sad Day For Me

2007-07-25T15:29:00.000-05:00

Today is a whole different type of post for me. I had to do something this morning that I really hated. I am a big(and I mean big!!!) animal lover. From all the little bittie ones all the way up to those that are so endangered by our uncaring ways as human beings. Boy, am I on my soap box.

I had to have a little girl kitty about 7 months old put to sleep this morning. She was a stray but that didn't make it any easier. She was just a skinny little thing but a lover. Not like so many of the feral cats we've had around. She's been out behind our store for about a month or so. We have some other cats that live out there ad we take care of them. We have a warehouse and they have ways of getting in and out so they have shelter. We also make sure they have food and water all the time. I guess she was just drawn there noticing the other cats. anyhow we've been planning to take her to the vet for spaying (we don't want lots of babies out there) and I decided today was a good day. Always when I take a stray we test them for kitty HIV and feline leukemia. Since those diseases are unmanageable in strays you really can't put then back into the feral cat population. Most of the cats we've helped over the years have not been ill at all. But we begin to forget that things can be wrong. I was thinking about taking her home myself since I only have one cat indoors right now. My cat died in February of this year and my dog died last year. I haven't been able to want to have a new pets yet. I just wasn't thinking and forgot she could be sick. The vet ran the tests and she was positive for the leukemia, so I really couldn't take her home with my cat. I wouldn't even think of putting her back outside because of other cats and because she would eventually get sicker and then suffer. I did the only thing I could and had her put down. We wrapped her in a towel and I held her and rubbed her head till she fell asleep from the over dose injection of anesthetic. She died in peace. This is the second time this year that I've had to do this. In April I took another cat to the vet to get a checkup and neuter. He was a male that had lived out back for about a year. He was showing up some mornings with his face and ears scratched up and we knew he'd been fighting. Thought neutering might help stop that. We hated seeing him beat up. He was sweet and would let us hold him. Never did I think there was anything wrong, but he turned out to have kitty HIV so I went through the same thing with him. His name was Cheeks. I held him in my arms while the vet put him to sleep. It's really hard to make these decisions but it's got to be done and the vet won't tell you what to do. They are very caring and sympathetic. After it's all done they've told me I did the right thing and consoled me. I hurt so badly for them but know their better off.

It's very upsetting to me that there are so many laws governing dogs which make people have to care for them in the best way. In our city the leash laws keep owners from letting their dogs run free. I understand cats are different but they still need love and care. This crap that people think their cats need to be outside to be natural in their life is ridiculous. they don't even take the responsibility of spaying or neutering. Then the females are having kittens everywhere and the males are fighting and getting injured. They deserve a better life. And then there are all the birds that are killed. This garbage about needing to hunt is just crazy. Cats need to stay inside and be protected.

In the last 5-6 years we have had over 30 cats living behind our store at different times. We did our best by trapping them and getting the to our vet for checkups and spaying or neutering and then returning them back outside. Most have been sweet but they are so wild and just afraid to get too close to people. When we get to work in the morning they've always been waiting for us-hungry. Putting them down just because they were strays just wasn't an option for us. We even enticed a mama cat into our store before she had her litter(8) and we were able to find homes for all but 2 so mama and the babies got a home in our store. Then a tiny girl kitten showed up injured. We got her to the vet and taken care of and we kept her. Two more cats adopted us and they moved in. So with 6 cats inside we're at our limit. And everyone has dogs or cats so we can't take any more home.

Oh well, we wish we could do more. But we'll continue to take care of any kittys that come around and get attached to them to.

Time to catch up

2007-07-23T11:26:00.000-05:00

Well, here is my dining room table, looking pretty messy. No it's not messy. It's full of WIPs. I learned a new phrase from a fellow blogger. I have so many things going on that I want to do and there just doesn't seem to be enough time . G coaches girls 18 & under fast pitch softball and the national tournament is out of town, all week. So I'm home alone and alone will be OK this time. I've decided to finish or catch up on things I've got going. before I came to work this morning I grabbed everything I could think of and set it all out on the table.

I had done a good house cleaning Friday a straightened up. So when I get home from work, no cleaning, no cooking-only something quick. Just sewing, crocheting, and reading and watching my favorite TV programs or a movie.

MY WIP LIST

1. finish applique Sunbonnet Sue wall hanging for Girls Town
2. work on the next applique block for 2nd Saturday at Miss Millie's
3. make one of the blocks for the 30s series quilt I'm doing
4. work on my ripple afghan
5. make a few squares for my "Babette" blanket
6. cut my 3 1/2 strips of purples and greens for for this weeks
Friday Nite Sew In at Miss Millie's
7. make the "Lucky Dog" contest drawing block for Miss Millie's Quilt Shop
8. work on the current block for my Thimbleberries Club Quilt
9. finish the fringe on the crocheted rage rug I made for my daughter, then it's hers
10. sew the leg on my moms sweater bear
11. Make tags and attach to each granny square and mail to "Share a Square" project
12. Get some of the patterns for crochet want-to-dos in plastic sleeves and in a notebook so I can find them when I' m ready the start a project
13. read some chapters in my current book "Drop Dead Beautiful" by Jackie Collins. A no
brainer of a summer read and a lot of fun
14. friendship block for quilt guild
15. make daisy squares for Krochet Krystals Charity Blog

Oh my! The list really looks daunting. Everything didn't seem to look to bad on the dining table but that list is something. It's OK, though, everything doesn't have to be done this week but some of it will go quickly. I'll complete some projects and lessen what I have to do on others.
But it's a enjoyable and relaxing. Good therapy after a day at work.

Granny's for "Share A Square"

2007-07-22T20:24:00.000-05:00

I hurried up and did some granny's for Shelly at "This Eclectic Life." She wants to collect Over 6000 to make afghans for Camp Sanguinity( for children stricken with cancer) in Fort Worth, Texas. In 2008 she wants to have one for every child who'll be there. These are my first contribution but not my last. I'm sure it will take quite a while to collect the number she needs, so I'll just send her a few here and there. If we all helped a little with all the charities that needed help, wouldn't it be great. I support many local charities--Ronald McDonald House, Central Mo. Humane Society, Central Mo. Food Bank, Second Chance( a no kill animal shelter), Rainbow House( a shelter for kids at risk in life situations). And some not so local--Riddell's Elephant sanctuary in Arkansas Shambala Wildlife Preserve in California. One person can't do everything but If all of us do just a tiny bit. We can make a difference.

Jessicas Quilt

2007-07-22T16:06:00.000-05:00

Pictures of the second quilt I made during quilting lessons. This one I chose to make for my daughter Jessica-that's her in the photo along with one of her little notes she would write to me or dad or Troy or Kraig. Anyhow I started this one in in the summer of 1980 when she was only about a year and a half old. I did all the applique and construction by hand. The hand work is really time consuming but it there's nothing like it if you have the time. I really take pride in all the quilt pieces that I've done by hand. But now I find there is just not enough time to do everything I want to since I work. I'm learning all aspects of machine work for quilting and everything I've done is really turning out nice, I think. And instead of hand quilting I'm having my quilts done by professional machine quilters. They do the most beautiful work. And even though it costs, things are getting done. I've got tops that were done by hand that I'm going to have machine quilted. I guess I'm feeling my mortality since I turned 60. No sadness or anything, I'm in excellent health but time is passing. I want to finish all the things that have been lying around. And I want to start lots more new things. I still love quilting but I'm lovin' crochet and want to do lots more of it. If I do quilts by machine, I can do lots of crochet, too.

Finished a Block for 2nd Saturday

2007-07-16T16:59:00.000-05:00

Here is my first finished block for Second Saturday at Miss Millie's Quilt Shop. This is the first time I've joined one if these. It began on the second Saturday of June. On that day I went to the shop and paid $5.00 for kit 1 which contained the fabric for the leaves and stems. I supply the background. I machine appliqued it with invisible thread and it turned out pretty good for only my second try at this technique. I picked up my second block a few days ago. The rule is that we bring the finished block back to the shop on the next second Saturday and we then get the kit for the next block free. At the end I'll have 6 blocks to put into a quilt. I think I'll do a large wall hanging. Miss Millie's is a really great shop, she's always got something fun going on, and lots and lots of neat fabric.

frriday nite stash buster sew in

2007-07-15T18:56:00.000-05:00

Well I picked my fabric for the Friday Nite Sew In at my local quilt shop. We'll get to just sew and eat pizza. Sound like fun? The main idea is to pick fabrics from our stashes and use them if possible. I decided not to buy anything new this time so this is what I came up with. my daughter loves purple so this will be here quilt when done. The pattern will be a mystery until we arrive at the shop, then we'll all know what we're sewing. I think it will be lots of fun. The one hint is that we will be using only 3 1/2 strips to make the quilt but that's all we know. After I've been to the sew in I'll post a pic of what we did. The sew in is on July 27th.

It's growing

2007-07-14T10:11:00.000-05:00

Another pic of my ripple in progress. It's growing slowly by surely. I realize if I had only worked on it, I'd be finished. Since I work my time is limited, but then there's some quilting and reading to do also. So I just divide my time and it takes a while to get anything done. I have to say though, rippleing and grannying go a lot faster than many thing I've done.

Cotton and the mouse

2007-07-11T13:50:00.000-05:00

Cotton got himself a mouse this morning. I was working at my laptop and Cottie jumped up on the table and started rolling around and attacking the mouse. Look hard, though, he is on his side and that pink is his tongue, not his eye. I printed off the photo and brought it with me to work(our appliance store) and when G (my husband ) saw it he thought Cotties eye was hurt. Cottie is a funny guy and he loves being as close a possible to me when I'm sewing, computering, etc. He's always in the middle of everything. Sometimes he makes me crazy.

Charm Quilts. I Love to Make Them!

2007-07-10T22:37:00.000-05:00

Here are pictures of 3 Charm Quilts I have completed over the years. I have probably another 8 in various states of completion. I am a quilter who learned all the basics but took years to be able to choose fabrics for planned quilts. We always wanted to be sure to pick colors and patterns that went together. In the 80's I had the chance to join a group that would make Charm quilts. What was really nice was that we traded fabrics at our monthly meetings. There were 14 in our group and we traded 5--6 inch squares each month with each member of the group. I would cut 14 squares from each of 5 fabrics ( I have a stash that won't stop so I didn't have to buy any fabric) as did every one else. We would each pass our squares (a total of 70) out to the other members. When we were done passing we had 70 to take home. Multiply those months by a year and we ended up with almost a thousand different fabric squares than the ones we originally brought to trade. That first group started in 1987 and did last about one year. I made the diamond quilt above at that time. Every diamond a different fabric.
In 1993 some quilters in our guild wanted to start a charm trading group again and of course I joined again. We followed the same rules of trading and I accumulated more charm squares. I realized that I could get more than one shape out of the square. I cut a triangle, rectangle, and a square. I finished the triangle quilt below but the square and rectangle quilts are still in progress. That group lasted for 3 years.
In 2004 another Charm group formed and of course I joined it. I am working on quilts from those tradings. Haven't finished any of those yet.
I've always hand pieced my charm quilts so there is a lot of time involved.
The quilt below, I made for a millennium challenge for our quilt guild. There were many different styles of quilts, but because I liked charm quilts so much I decided on a 2000 piece quilt. I used 2" squares in the trip around the world pattern. I will never do anything like that again!

A Book For A Dollar

2007-07-09T16:47:00.000-05:00

Found another neat older book, today for only $1.00. I was at quilters guild.One of my quilting friends husband volunteers with "Friends of the Library." One of the ways they raise funds is collecting books from the library patrons. Everyone brings in books they no longer want and leaves them in collection boxes. A couple times a year they have a sale. My friends husband is the one who sorts all the books. He culls out all the quilting books and most anything that is needlework. Every month she brings whatever books he has found to our meeting and offers them for sale- $1.00 for hardbacks and .50 for softbound. Over the years she's had some really nice books for sale. Today this book was on the table, copyright 1986. I took one look at the cover picture and saw a fancy granny. Picked it right up and handed her the dollar. It does have a number of nice items including a darling baby afghan with pockets for little
crocheted animals, some nice lapghans and lots of small items. But that granny which is called a Victorian Afghan is what I've got to try. The square size is 8 1/2 and they are joined together as they are crocheted. That will be something new for me. So far I've only made single grannys and assembled them at the end.

My First Ripple

2007-07-08T16:35:00.000-05:00

Here is my progress on my first ripple. I happened upon the no-end-in-sight-ripple-along and decided I had to try rippling. All the neat things they are doing. I also asked to be invited to ripple along and I was. You can see how far I am and now I have a problem. I want to start another using a different pattern. Being a quilter also, I have more projects started than I can even count but I never get bored. Whatever mood of quilting strikes me, I have something to do. I'm afraid that between the Ripple along and the Granny Along, I'll be having a lot of projects going. If all I ever had to do in my life was read, crochet, and quilt I would be in heaven.

Since I work full time I'm limited in what time I do have but I grab every minute I can for my passions. My favorite time is probably between 10pm and midnight every evening. I'm all by myself with the TV to keep me company-hopefully with a good movie.

I'll post a pic again when more is done.

Pillows from 1978

2007-07-07T13:22:00.000-05:00

The three pillows in the old picture were made in the
first quilting class I ever took-in February of 1978.
Each week there was a different technique. We
learned cutting, template making, piecing,
applique, quilting. All the basics. When I was learning everything was mostly hand piecing. I later gave one each to my mom, gram, and aunt.
Most all of the quilt projects I did through about
2000 were all by hand. Recently sewing machine work has become very acceptable so I am learning all the aspects of quilting by machine. I have realized if I don't, all the ideas in my head will never get done. Also less hand quilting gives me more time to crochet. I get the best of both of my favorite pastimes and of course more time to read. If I ever get to retire and stay home all the time I'll be able to do more hand quilting work, again.

My first color cordinated quilt

2007-07-06T11:12:00.000-05:00

This I would consider my first planned and color coordinated quilt. I made the scrap quilt that I showed earlier having no idea what I was doing.

This is called a sampler quilt, in fact it's a "Missouri Sampler". I took a class in 1978 and learned how to make all these blocks (all were designed and named for something to do with Missouri where I've lived all of my life). I started the class in March. I had just found out I was pregnant. So my qulting classes followed my pregnancy. We did one block a week then worked on putting it togeather. I did it all by hand. That was mainly how quilts were being done. My quilt top was done befor Jessica was born, but it still needed to be quilted, another major job. I had been taught how to hand quilt but I really hadn't done it enough to be good at it. I had a friend who did quilting jobs so I hired her and she did a beautiful job. So I finally got the quilt completely done. That's Jessica in the picture. She was about 18 months old. This quilt and Jessica are pieces of history that go togeather and always remind me of a very nice time in my life.

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

My daughter Jessica was just a little girl back in the 80's when the Cabbage Patch craze started. We had to put our name on a wait list at the store to even get one. We were lucky and were able to get one in time for Santa to bring it at Christmas. That year the shortage of Cabbage Patch dolls was like a few years ago when Elmo was what everyone wanted. Jessica continued to love and collect Cabbage Patches so I took some crochet lessons and made the outfits for here at Christmas one year.

COTTON

2007-07-03T23:15:00.000-05:00

Here's a bigger picture of my kitty, Cotton. I cannot believe all the cats everyone has, let alone all the black ones. Aren't cats just the best. The photos on the right side of my blog, along with Cotton, are my babies that I've lost." Brown" was my dog and " Maizee" was my calico. Brown died about a year ago and Maizee(who I took my blog name from) died this past February. They were the most special to me, as is Cotton. As all my kids have grown up and moved out, I still had them. I see my kids most every day, since we all work togeather in our appliance store, so I don't have the empty nest sadness. But my animals have always just really been my best friends. Because I am away from home so much I haven't gotten any new pets. When Brown and Maizee died I didn't just want to go to the animal shelter and bring pets home and then leave them alone every day. When I'm working a few less days or am retired I will make a beeline for the shelter and bring home as many as I think I can love at one time. Some times I think Cotton is a little lonesome, but when I am home he gets lots of hugs and love.

I saw a really sweet ( and very true) writing when I was last at the veternarian's office with Cotton and I think I'll post it. Anyone who's an animal lover will definately appreciate it. It has no title.

If you can start the day without coffee
If you can get along without pep pills
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring your aches and pains
If you can resist boring people with your troubles
If you can eat the same food everyday and be greatful for it
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time
If you can overlook when your loved ones take it out on you, when through no fault of yours something goes wrong
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment
If you can ignore a friends limited education and never correct him
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend
If you can face the world without lies and deceit
If you can conquer your tension without medical help
If you can relax without liquor
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs
If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against anyones creed, color, religion, or politics
THEN MY FRIEND, YOU ARE ALMOST AS GOOD AS YOUR DOG!

( I think we can add cat to that description)