Sit and Sew Snowman

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

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

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

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

The quilt Jane Austen made

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

Fall Is

My Anniversary Waltz Sampler

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

Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer.

Quilts and a Quote

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

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

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

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!!!!!

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

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

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.

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

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?

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"

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

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"

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

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

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.

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

"TWO BUCKS A BLOCK"

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.