Irene's Quilting Corner

HELP!!!!!!! STOLEN QUILT

2012-02-16T23:10:00.001-05:00

Please pass the word around..

details here: http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2012/02/help-get-word-outanother-stolen-quilt.html

More BOM blocks

2012-02-15T18:26:00.003-05:00

More blocks have been posted for us to do....so here we go:

Block 9:

Block 10:

POP POP FIZZ FIZZ

2012-02-12T18:01:00.003-05:00

Oh what a relief it is!!!!

* Feel almost 100%!!

* Michelle's taxes are done!!

* Studio is 98% clean!!

* Caught up on all BOM's!!!

* Our taxes are done!!!

* Semi packed for upcoming retreat!!

--Now this week I have to:

--work

--finish cleaning up the house

--finish retreat packing

--get those tests done Friday morning

--travel
--meet friends for lunch

--retreat

Is it FRIDAY yet?????????

Irene

BOM Block 8

2012-02-08T11:29:00.002-05:00

OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They have thrown in a Dresden Plate!! I love this block, but you are asking me to make one??????

ok...so maybe IF I take it slow and easy???

Accomplished it last night (I NEEDED to play with fabric!!), I am not thrilled with my center so will probably replace that later when I am feeling better.

Mr. Crud

2012-02-08T11:23:00.003-05:00

is visiting our home and I wish someone would take him away! The Hubby was sick a few weeks ago and I escaped, or so I thought! Got up Saturday morning and went back to bed! I at least am feeling better, but oh the stuffy nose, achy bones feeling is still with me. An COLD!! I am never cold, but for the last few days, I've been freezing! This to shall pass, I'm sure.

A lot of the kids on my bus route have the same thing...some worse! I haven't had a "full" route in over a week! Am praying this all leaves soon and SPRING comes!! We are getting snow right now and cold weekend temps predicted--of course, a weekend when I have to work all day Saturday---

Been lazy, playing computer games and reading-----

Irene

Another BOM?????

2012-02-03T12:27:00.004-05:00

Yep, started doing another BOM for this year.....I know, I'm supposed to be finishing projects! Well, I am!! I'm using up stash fabrics, right???

Some of the gals over at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OhioQuilters/ are taking the free BOM class at http://www.craftsy.com/ taught by Amy Gibson. I decided to join in and am using my Oriental fabrics. Yep, I actually cut into them and I think these will work out great! (crossing fingers!!)

Block 1: Block 2:

Block 3: Block 4:

Now, waiting--impatiently--for March 1st!!

Irene

BOM Blocks 6 and 7

2012-01-31T12:15:00.004-05:00

are made and waiting on their "friends."

I haven't been sewing/quilting much this week---just needed some down-time. I've been working a 1000 piece puzzle that's been in the cupboard for awhile. It's ok, I'll get back to sewing again shortly!

BOM 5

2012-01-24T12:17:00.001-05:00

is done and on the design wall with the others.

"At Home" Retreat

2012-01-23T10:22:00.006-05:00

was held this past weekend for the "Ohio Quilters." I didn't know how much time I could spend in the studio since I was scheduled to work on Saturday. Well, due to the snow/ice, I got the day off on Friday and got rescheduled for Saturday, but..that also meant Hubby was home and...... (won't go there!!)

Friends, Pat and Becky, were in town so met up with them on Friday after the roads cleared. We headed to a neat quilt store, http://www.somewheresewing.com/. Didn't buy a lot--a backing, a spool of thread, and a WOW to add to the stash. Ann met us here too.

After lunch, we did a little local shopping and browsing...basically relaxed and enjoyed our time together. Dinner was a fun time with Debi and Dennis!!

I did manage to get the "Sand and Surf" top sewn together after making it home in another snow storm Friday evening~

Saturday I was so bummed after my trip was rescheduled--I couldn't contact the gals since my phone just wouldn't work....grrrrrrr (it did reset itself late Saturday afternoon, was it due to the weather?????)and meet up with them. So, I decided it was a good time to work on binding a quilt. I could easily do this while the laundry was being done:

Didn't accomplish all I had wanted to in the studio but I am pretty happy with this much done! It seems I never get much done during "home retreats!)"

Irene

BOM #4

2012-01-18T10:37:00.004-05:00

is finished! I am rethinking the color placement on this one.....not sure I want the bright yellow in the center again? Think I will wait and see what the other 8 blocks are then if I want to change it I can......

Irene

Circles

2012-01-12T18:25:00.004-05:00

of fabric the size of a computer disk.......100 of them!!! Now, what am I going to do with them????

One gal made this:

(but, I'm not going to applique!!!!!)

I have thought about cutting 7 inch background blocks and just sewing the circles on top and letting them ravel:

Need you thoughts and suggestions please.....

Irene

BOM Block #3

2012-01-11T10:25:00.004-05:00

is now joining the others on the design wall. Finished it late last night when I couldn't sleep.

And here are blocks 1-3,

Ohio Star, Friend's Coming Together, Dutchman's Puzzle

I also got all those batik's cut and into "kits" to take to retreat with me! Now, I have to decide what I am going to work on??? Know Michelle would love it if I paper-pieced some more of the blocks for her quilt...huuummmmmm

Irene

Cutting~

2012-01-09T12:34:00.006-05:00

Spending sometime doing cutting and prep work today. Have an on-line retreat coming up later this month and another "live" retreat in February. If I don't do some prep work now, I'll be rushing again at the last minute.

On the cutting table are batiks:

Am planning on these becoming quilt using a pattern by Debby Maddy, called"Star Gazing." http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=2253191245102253&Store_id=529&page_id=23&Item_ID=1212

More batiks coming out of the bins:

The plans for this group of fabrics is to make a "Quick Trip" quilt using one of Eleanor Burns' patterns. http://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponline/books_display.asp?i=5137

Not sure what else I'll get into but am sure there is NO shortage of fabrics to use!!

Irene

Ack.....

2012-01-08T12:38:00.004-05:00

no more sewing done this past week! "Sally," the favorite sewing machine took a slide off the table so had to go to the repair shop--thanks to Dennis at www.somewheresewing.com, Sally is not back in working order!! Of course, I couldn't walk out without first roaming the aisles of the shop...and yep, you guessed it, I didn't come out empty-handed! My purchase was a jelly roll in batiks with two border and binding fabrics. This will be a "group project" at retreat in February.

I am still working on the restoration of Jan's quilt (a few before shots)

--getting closer but still so far away to arriving at the finish point! I think I'll work on this again today as I do laundry for the Hubby. He came home after ten last night and leaves out again tomorrow, so I have no choice. I have to do do his laundry so he can repack.

Irene

Mystery BOM

2012-01-04T21:06:00.004-05:00

OK...just what I don't need...but it will use up some of my stash!

The gals over at www.quiltingaroundtheworld.com are doing a Mystery BOM this year. I really want to use up some of my stash, so decided today I was going to really try and keep up with them! I've done "sew-alongs" with some of these gals before and they keep you on your toes!

Anyway, I got the first two blocks done today~

I am hoping to keep the dark blue a constant throughout the quilt....the background is a cream that I have around 4 yards of so am almost sure that will be used in each block too --if I run short--another cream can be used as this will be a scrappy quit)

Starting out

2012-01-03T19:38:00.003-05:00

the new year by cleaning up the studio and rearranging! I know, I've moved "stuff" around to many time to count since we've moved, but I just can't seem to find the "perfect" layout that I'm pleased with!!!

Today I found a "kit" that had three rows done...have no idea why I put it back and didn't finish the top. Maybe it was an "Ann package?" (projects I kept to take to Ann's to work on)

The beginnings of:

Sand & Surf
Quilts and More, Winter 2009

Finishing another year and on to 2012!

2011-12-30T08:20:00.001-05:00

Decorating...

2011-12-30T08:12:00.004-05:00

I am slowly decorating the new place. Definitely taking my time doing a little at a time. I have become "hooked" on www.pinterest.com and see so many neat ideas!!

My bathroom candle design:

To my friends and family far and near~

2011-12-24T22:27:00.001-05:00

Goodie Bags~

2011-12-19T13:04:00.006-05:00

This year I wanted to do something a little different for "My Kids." Ideas were thrown around, but with the "time factor," I couldn't get done what I wanted so maybe that will work for next year if I start now????

I stole this idea from Stacy:

BUT! a lot of my candy canes were broken, so she suggested I make some Peppermint Bark:

Also found a great deal on a huge bag of assorted candy, so made "candy bags" for all the kids: "hearts" for the gals and "bark" for the guys.

My baskets are ready to go:

Flannel Quilt

2011-12-19T12:57:00.003-05:00

is finished!
Pattern: One Block Quilt

I changed the borders on this quilt as I didn't have enough of the creams and greens to make the HST's the pattern called for.

Weekend Adventure~

2011-11-15T19:42:00.004-05:00

This past weekend I had a chance to "go west." I took some of my quilt tops/backing/batting to my friend Kris in Sprinfield, OH, and she will quilt them for me. I am just not getting them done! She then traveled with me south to Lesa's house in Bellbrook. Lesa took us the http://www.fabricshack.com/. UT-OH!!!!! But I was good and only bought a few fabrics that I knew I needed to finish projects and two fabrics for one new project! This shop is dangerous!!! From here we went on a hunt for food!!! The joy having a good meal with great friends is priceless!!

I spent the night at Lesa's and on Saturday, we were honored to take a class taught by Teri Tope, http://www.materialgirldesigns.com/, on reverse applique. Yet, you read right, this chick, who DOESN'T applique took an applique class!!! I am SOLD on this method! If all applique could be done using this methos, I'd sure do more of it! I didn't get very far on my projects, but, that's ok, winter's coming!

sample 1 my block started

I am also making a tree:

I definately wasn't ready to head back home on Sunday, but.......

Flannel anyone?

2011-11-15T19:13:00.002-05:00

Going through some older magazines, I found a pattern called "One Block Quilt" in the Spring 2008 issue of Easy Quilts. When we changed out the summer quilts to the fall/winter ones, we discovered that we were one flannel quilt short! Don't know how that happened as I've been making flannel quilts for what seems forever!

Anyway, this week we have the beginnings of another flannel quilt on the design wall. I know I don't have enough of the greens to do the border shown in the pattern so will keep digging in the totes for something--or use the piece I found while shopping a the Fabric Shack this past weekend with Lesa and Kris!

Awwww...a finish!

2011-11-04T11:32:00.003-04:00

When stressed, I piece/quilt! So since this past month has been a HIGH stress level time for me, I have used up 5 1/2 yards of stash fabric, a backing, and some batting. I only purchaed 2 1/2 yards of fabric at 25% off for this quilt. If I remember corectly, I started the cutting of this quilt Oct. 1st.......Now it's in the dryer and ready to be mailed out as a gift to~~~~~~~~~

Inventory

2011-10-24T11:27:00.002-04:00

of quilt tops that are stored and need quilting is in progress....

So far I have seven tops hanging here with the backings that need to be quilted. I am at the point of hiring someone to machine quilt them for me--nothing fancy, just get them done! Any suggestions?

I have also found three that I need to buy/make backings for. I am sure there are more since I haven't opened some totes yet! I won't even start with the half done/started tops as of yet! For some reason I am finding that I have become a "topper!" Is there a cure????????

"I Have A Notion"

2011-10-13T22:18:00.002-04:00

is the first quilt I finished for me here at the new home! It hangs in my studio! Years ago I swapped "notion jar"blocks with some friends and now I have a nice wallhanging for my room!

On the Wall

2011-10-13T22:04:00.002-04:00

right now is the beginnings of a very scrappy blues/tans/creams quilt. This so out of my element!!! I am trying really hard to stay true scrappy, but......

So far I have used 5 1/2 yards of fabric pieces for the blocks all from stash! Not sure what will be used for the borders, just may have to have some fabric retail theraphy for those!

Andy's Quilt

2011-10-13T21:51:00.001-04:00

Mr. Miller's grandmother hand-pieced this quilt top for him but didn't get it quilted before she passed. I was asked to sandwich it and quilt it......Beautiful Trip-Around-The-World!

ummmm

2011-10-13T21:40:00.002-04:00

time has gotten away from me! Not sure where the time has gone but I know I am behind in almost everything!! Work has been a challenge but slowly getting into the routine......But it's sad that we count the days from one break to another! This to shall pass! (at least I hope so or it's going to be a loooong year!)

Am loving the wonderful fall weather between the rain! But, let it rain because then it's not that white stuff!!! Slowly getting everything setup in my studio and the new home. Taking my time and still changing my mind alot! Also still sorting and purging all the "stuff!"

More in a bit......

School is in session

2011-08-26T10:26:00.002-04:00

for the 2011-2012 year. Am having trouble readjusting to going to bed at 9:30 and getting up at 4:30! Would much rather stay up late (yes, I've always been a night owl) and then sleep in. It's hard when hubby stays up until 1-2 AM then sleeps until 9-10 AM, but that's been his sleep routine for about forty years!

Kids so far are wonderful. It's not always easy adjusting to new a new bus driver, getting up earlier, and a new school routine for the NINETEEN seventh graders I have! But they/we are working it out. New kindergardeners have been dry-eyed so far-pray it stays that way!

I have been slowing setting up my studio. Not everything is moved in yet, but come on, I HAVE to be able to sew/quilt between routes or I'll totally go insane! It's far from being the way I am envisioning it, but at least I can cut and sew!! Maybe over the holiday weekend i can get some of the kids to help finish the moving? Will see........

WHY?????

2011-08-19T16:04:00.002-04:00

is it that almost everything is moved from the house BUT my sewing studio????? All I need help with is moving the cabinets and tables.....the rest I can do myself. BUT for some strange reason, I can't get the guys to help get this moved. Look out--if THIS Momma can't sew between bus routes, she's NOT gonna be very happy and then you won't be happy either--this I promise!!!

OK..now I have vented so I'll go play with the little bit of fabric I have here!

OH WOW!!!!!

2011-08-19T14:10:00.003-04:00

I am so humbled by the generosity of my friend Elizabeth!!!! "Liz" and I met on-line a few years ago though an on-line quilting group. We met in person in 1998 and have stayed friends. Last week she told me she was getting rid of a "bunch" of her stash and wanted me to have it! Ok, what's the catch??? I had to travel to the Pittsburg, PA area to get it....... ummmmm...now, when????

After talking to Michelle, we decided we would do a "road trip" yet this week before I returned to work and she started fall classes--it worked out that she had yesterday off, so away we went!

I went to Canton on Wednesday night and stayed with Michelle overnight--we both got much needed hair cuts and had dinner at Ruby Tuesday's.....(and of course, Handel's ice cream for dessert!!!)

Thursday morning we hit the road around 8:00. Our first stop was at IKEA!!! Spent a few hours here then off to Golden Corral for some food! Stop number two was in Moon, PA--my friend's house. It was sooooooo wonderful seeing her again after thirteen years!!!! So, ok, we don't live THAT far apart, but both work and are/were involved in kids/family stuff, but I'm hoping now that our kids are older and mostly on thier own, we can connect more often??? Anyway, here are pictures of what she gave me! (and no the fabric won't stay on there sheveles, only there to air out the mothball smells)

I am still in awe! There just simply aren't words to describe my thanks!!!

From there we traveled to Grove City and hit the outlet shops--ummmm, no further comments needed on this stop!! lol Grabbed dinner at a drive-tho on the way home. Met up with some rain showers and construction, but made good time..

Has a wonderful and fun day, altho, me thinks me is getting to old for this much in one day!!!! I was sooooo tired!!

Thanks again Liz for your generosity and thanks Michelle for a fun day shopping!!

Cosmic Jewels

2011-08-19T13:12:00.003-04:00

August 10, 2011 I was privilaged to travel to Fairborn, Ohio and take workshop by Debbie Maddy (http://www.calicocarriage.com/). Oh how wonderful! Had a great time! My top isn't finished as I need to add the borders, but this was so much fun!!!

Moving Days

2011-08-05T09:53:00.001-04:00

have arrived! Will be so happy to be able to walk without dodging boxes!

See you next week!

Retreat time:

2011-08-02T00:11:00.003-04:00

Once again I was able to attena a quilting retreat this past weekend in Torch, Ohio. (hey, didn't wash all those busses for nothing!) Was winderful to get away from all the "mess" at home for a few days!

Sure didn't get everything accomplished I wanted to, but enjoyed myself--

New SCRAPY (gasp!!) project started:

And I made another purse/bag (not that I needed one!)

Also made a block to add to the "comfort quilt" that is being made for a fellow quilter diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Thoughts and prayers go with Sherry.

Not what I had planned

2011-07-09T23:47:00.002-04:00

on doing today!!

I wanted to keep working on my snowball blocks between loads of laundry, etc. But, while runnning a few errands this morning, Hubby and I decided to stop at the local produce stand. Seeing all the green beans she had, reminded me that I needed to order some to can and stock the shelves for winter......was very surprised to find out she had extra today and I came home with a bushel of green beans! Hubby helped clean and snap them or I'd still be at it! So, three families will have beans to eat this winter if nothing else!

Now, next week I can sew?????

Snowball Blocks...........

2011-07-08T18:51:00.002-04:00

is what I worked on today....didn't feel like packing/sorting so I got a start on my swap blocks.

Stash Enhancement

2011-07-06T18:45:00.003-04:00

was on the agenda yesterday and today!!! It felt soooooo good to be able to add to the collection!

Quilt shops visited were: Mrs. Miller's in Charm, Pine Tree in Kidron, Somewheresewing west of Millersburg, and Lone Star in Mt. Hope. Also made a stop at Pat Catan's! Had so much fun with Pat and Becky!!

Jars

2011-07-06T01:04:00.001-04:00

Finally I have put my "Sewing Jars" into a top!! I am hoping to use this as a wall hanging in my studio after we move......

Fun Times

2011-07-06T00:52:00.003-04:00

with an unplanned visit from friends! Got a phone call asking if they could visit for a few days??? DUH!! My house is a mess with packing boxes/newspapers/stacked boxes/etc.....but if you can deal with it, come on!!!

Today we visited two quilt shops and a craft store--lunch on the go and then pizza/salads for dinner.

Due to Amber having a flat tire, we got to see the son, Ryan, DIL, Amber and MS. Rylee to! I think this is the first Rylee actually saw me sewing. I walked away to press my project and this is what I found when I returned: (thankfully I had turn the machine off!!)

Moving.................

2011-07-04T23:52:00.002-04:00

is what we will be doing Aug. 6th so my time has been spent sorting though our "stuff." What to keep? discard? Where did all this stuff come from????

Did a little sewing with friends last week, but not near enough!! Have a few new ideas just waiting to be started, but until I am in the new studio, it's just not gonna happen.

So, until I have something exciting to update---I'll just take breaks and read your blogs.........

Spinning Black and White

2011-06-13T16:42:00.002-04:00

Altho I still don't remember who all swapped with me in this swap, the top is done. Another one added to the "to be quilted" pile. Would be nice if these tops just magically quilted themselves!!!

Looking for

2011-06-09T22:57:00.004-04:00

the ladies that swapped in this Pinwheel swap with me? Were you one of them??? Please contact me if you were! The blocks are all done in black/white/wob/bow.

Using scraps......

2011-06-09T07:56:00.005-04:00

So many scraps! Time to "get-a-grip" on them! I was intrigued with Bonnie Hunter's pattern (http://quiltville.com/outonastring.shtml) Out on a String. Pat had two 6' diamond rulers so I changed my stars from 3" to 6". I am also using one fabric as the center for each star--I know, controlled scrappy again, but it's a start!!! Not sure how many stars I will make yet....

"My Time"

2011-06-08T21:23:00.004-04:00

.....was spent at a friend's house for a few days. I left Monday forenoon and will travel back home tomorrow morning. We spent time sewing/quilting, chatting and having lunch with more friends. Also did a little shopping.

Progress: Disappearing 9-Patch top is completed-

A "Shelley" bag was made:

I continued working on my "Sewing Jar" blocks and my black-n-white Pinwheel blocks. My string blocks have been started, and I tested a "scrappy Majestic Mountains" pattern. All in all, a great feeling of accomplishment and a time of relaxlation!!!!!

A day of stash management

2011-06-04T22:04:00.005-04:00

was on the agenda for today. I have so many pieces of fabric I'll never use in a current/future project. Often have to ask myself WHY did I buy that????? Spending a lot of time sewing/quilting with Ann has opened my eyes to the "Scrappy World." No, I still can't make a totally scrappy quilt by just picking up strips/etc., but I am working on it. I can do "controlled" scrappy...guess that's a start?

Anyway, today I decided I needed to actually DO something with some of these fabrics instead of moving them from place to place! At Ann's on Thursday, I remarked there's a pattern I'd like to make but don't know what colorway--yet you guessed it, her remark was "well, scrappy, of course!" All day yesterday I thought about this. Can I really do it with some of these no-longer-wanted fabrics?

I started by pulling out the bins and started by cutting 8.5 inch squares...I needed 66 of them. Ummmm I've cut them with no repeats--ut-oh!!!!! The unused pieces went into an empty bin. I did use all one fabric for the co-ordinating fabric, so once again I have a "controlled scrappy" kit cut out.

I started with 5 bins full this size: (they were full!)

now all fabrics are in bins this size and I can actually find something!

well, all but this:

Now I need to figure out HOW to cut these into useable scraps??????

T-Shirt Quilt

2011-06-04T21:32:00.005-04:00

A while back I was asked to make a t-shirt quilt for a friend's daughter:

School's Out!!!!!

2011-06-04T21:25:00.002-04:00

And I think I am once agian "amoung the living!" Every year the last month of school seems to get busier and busier! In the mist of all this Michelle finished up her Jr. year of college and had to be moved. I sadly missed the Ohio Quilter's Retreat because of this move. Unless something drastic happens, so won't have to move now until the end of her college life and depending on the job, she will stay where she's at.

Again, I helped out at the bus garage after school ended washing buses inside getitng them ready for State Inspection. Started with a list of 8, which grew to 15 then 16! Finished that up on Thursday morning then quickly headed to visit Ann before they found more! My arms and back are still achy, but it paid good and that's fabric money!!! :)

Now I intend to enjoy my summer off--at least for awhile!

More Practice Needed!

2011-04-08T18:26:00.002-04:00

I've been working on perfecting my machine quilting on my domestic machine. Truely believe I need to keep practicing!!!! Used a different batting and I'm not thrilled with the result. Rylee likes it though--butterflies and purple!

Churn Dash in 30's forals

2011-04-07T12:31:00.002-04:00

Still working on using up my "stash," I made twelve Churn Dash blocks using my 30's florals. I strip bordered them at retreat last weekend and made the top---now to get it quilted!!!

Disappearing Nine-Patch

2011-04-07T12:11:00.004-04:00

Had a chance to escape last weekend!! Went to a small retreat down in Torch, OH. Had a wonderful time with some pretty awesome quilting friends!!! Wasn't sure what I wanted to take to work on? I wanted "mindless" sewing! I needed to regroup and refresh, not only my body, but mind also! The BOW/WOB/brights 9-patches have been sitting here. I had started cutting and resewing them but just didn't have the stick-to-itness I needed to finish, so to retreat they went! I've also added a solid black border and and trying to decide what to do for the last border(s)????? Got a few great suggestions from the other quilters at retreat, now have to decide! What do you suggest?????? (from 9-patch to a disappearing 9-patch)

Celebrating a birthday

2011-04-05T12:16:00.003-04:00

Hubby had a birthday a few weeks ago....the girls joined in on a "birthday dinner" affair!

oh boy......

2011-04-05T12:09:00.004-04:00

...I have NO idea where the last month went!!!??!!! A lot of time was spent at my parents....My Dad is home and doing really well. Still have some problems regulating his morning sugar count, but that's something we are dealing with. And, the weather played some surprises on us...rain...hail...snow.... UCK!!!!! The other afternoon it was just snowing a few flakes at 2 when I went to work by 4 I could hardly see a quarter mile ahead! Then the next day it was sunny and 50!!! Awwww the joys of living in Ohio! :) As for sewing/quilting.....will catch up on that in a few.......

Just an update:

2011-02-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

NO sewing
NO warm weather
NO school--again

It's been a wild ride this month! Due to this crazy Ohio weather, we have missed a lot of school or had delayed starts. Thus, my schedules are all messed up!! ggggrrrrrrr Today we are having another ice storm followed with snow. Kids have to move into their new home this weekend--not going to be a fun move! (huuummmm......maybe I could stay at home and watch Ms. Rylee instead of helping move???)

Dad is still in rehab---not progressing very fast, but making some progress.so we are taking it one-day-at-a-time. He wants to go home, but........

I think a nice hot cup of tea is in order so catch up with you later!

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T12:02:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!

My Dad.....

2011-02-14T11:50:00.003-05:00

...fell last Tuesday and hasn't recovered very well so am asking for your thoughts and prayers.
He didn't break anything, but really bruised his back. Being a heart and diabetic patient on top of this, leaves to a very slow recovery!

From Tuesday-Friday early afternoon he was in the hospital. We then had him moved to Walnut Hills Rehab Center. All has NOT gone so well there either! He is confused at times and just seems to have given up. ACK!!!! We are praying that everything starts in an up-swing this week!

Needless to say, I haven't touched my sewing machine lately! Nor have I been able to consentrate on hand stitching. Maybe if I cleaned up the studio, I'd be able to steal a few minutes here and there? So, I'm off to see what can be accomplished before heading back to work. Will stop and see my Dad on the way home this evening...this will become a daily thing for now.

Have a great week!

My Find.....

2011-02-10T09:58:00.003-05:00

Went to an auction with Ryan and Amber on Monday evening. Lots of crafts and fabrics but they went for outragious prices so I left them there except......

I just couldn't turn these Grandmother's Flower Garden blocks down! Have no idea if/when I will ever get them into a quilt, but for now these 80 blocks are ALL MINE!!!!!

Wanna an icicle?

2011-02-04T12:44:00.003-05:00

Lots of them on my bus even after sitting in the sun all day yesterday! Felt good getting out and about this morning even if it was to go to work!

Black and White con't:

2011-02-02T22:13:00.006-05:00

Another snow (ice) day and I spent more time sewing! T wenty-seven blocks made to swap--all pressed and ready to go into the envelopes as soon as I make the trip to the store to get them!

Made a few extra blocks for myself so I played a little with the layout that is in my head:

From this:

To This:

Another day off work....

2011-02-01T16:48:00.005-05:00

...due to the ice storm that came through overnight and they are calling for more ice and snow plus it's windy and cold!! Not very thrilled about it! Staying home and inside as long as the power doesn't go off.

I did get Michelle's taxes filed and ours started.....will finish later as the numbers were getting blurry! Needed a break so headed to the sewing studio..

Have 30 9-patch blocks made. Need to finish pressing them. Think tonight I'll sit and do some hand-work while watching TV......

Sure hope we can go to school tomorrow--I need people!!

Black and White

2011-01-30T11:01:00.003-05:00

I am working on some black and white 9-patch blocks. Each fabric must be a white-on-black or a black-on-white and all will have a touch of bright in them--the center square to be exact. Fabrics may be repeated. (another way to use up stash!!) I am swapping some of these so will have a variety. Once I have all the 9-patches, I have another plan in mind so stay tuned!

More Snow!

2011-01-30T10:59:00.002-05:00

Am about tired of the cold and snow!! But this morning we got up to more snow! I admit, it looks beautiful, but am so ready for spring!

Cold! Snow! Flannel!!

2011-01-12T08:56:00.003-05:00

It's been cold and snowy here in Ohio, so what a better time than this to work with flannel??? A top gets made into a quilt and it keeps me warm while working on it! I've had a slow start since I had the flu then the Holidays, but decided this week I absolutely have to get motivated!

Michelle was home a few days over the Holidays and she and Hubby were fighting over the one flannel quilt in the house! Ok, now why do we only have one flannel quilt if I've been doing flannel block swaps since 1998?????? (didn't swap in 2010). Eleven years of blocks have added up to six quilts. Had to combine some years to get enough to make the quilt big enough.

Anyway, this week has been "flannel" week so far. The blocks were set and borders added...digging in the flannel tub, I found a piece big enough for the backing. Now, do I have a batting? Can I possibly quilt this on my machine???? Found a bat that was earmarked for another quilt--but decided to borrow it for the flannel quilt. Thread? O NO!! I don't have yellow thread???? Wait, there's that box of thread Jan gave me---so off to the garage I go. YIPPEEEE found a "yellow" that will work. Took me three days but the quilt is DONE!!!!!!

Good-bye 2010, Hello 2011!

2010-12-30T22:36:00.004-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2010-12-26T00:13:00.001-05:00

From Our House to Yours!

Busy Friday!

2010-12-18T05:24:00.007-05:00

Michelle was home a few days, which I really enjoyed, and needed a few gifts for friends. She had ideas of what she wanted, but we kinda kept putting off making them! Finally Friday we knew we had to get busy!

First, she assembled a few gift baskets for gift exchanges:

Next she pulled two quilts from the "finished" cupboard to give to her break "hosts" as thank you gifts.

She also wanted to make some bulliten boards for her roommates:

We also made a "body pillow" but I forgot to take a picture--will get one on Christmas.

Busy but productive 2.5 hours!!! (and it was FUN!!)

OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-14T20:47:00.003-05:00

Finished another quilt!!! Another UFO bites the dust! Snow day and 2 hour delay motivated me to actually "do" something!

I will have to find the pattern again so I can tell you the name of it.....came from a magazine..but best of all it's made from my stash and it's done!

Rhapsody in Blue

2010-12-13T13:30:00.004-05:00

Awhile back I was looking through some of my saved quilt magazines and I found this pattern. What a great way to use up some of my blues in that tub on the shelf!! Finished the top today since we have a "Snow Day" and are off of work.

Simple 9-patches and squares make up a neat Single Irish Chain!

(Quilts and More Winter 2009)

Happier with the added borders!

2010-11-29T10:02:00.006-05:00

Back in October, I finished, or so I thought, a Civil War fabric top. I wasn't very happy with it as I felt it wasn't complete. It needed "something." After looking at different websites and pictures, pulling and discarding fabrics, I was pretty sure I'd found a solution. Took the top and fabrics and went to Ann's ( http://granfrysquiltingchaos.blogspot.com/ ). We "played" with a few ideas and finally came up with a solution--it definately needed borders!!!

before: no borders

after: added dk blue/cream/dk green

Now the next challege is to get it quilted!

A New Project.........

2010-11-22T22:33:00.002-05:00

.............is on the design wall! Finishing three quilts last month that have been in the UFO bin,I allowed myself to start a new one. This time I'm working out of the "blue" bin.....I did buy two yards of fabric to be used as setting blocks and a possible border. If all works out, this quilt will become a gift for a "special" friend.

Thanks for a great Sunday!

2010-11-08T19:13:00.007-05:00

Hubby has been gone for nine days now......I've tried to keep busy and the kids have been a great help! After the fun Saturday Stacy and I had, I was sure Sunday would be a loooong day for me? NOT!

Amber (DIL) and Rylee (GD) came and got me and off we went! Headed to Canton. Met up with Michelle and Coty for lunch at . All the soup/salad/bread sticks you can eat just can't be beat, especially since it was still chilly outside!

After lunch we all headed over to Sam's Club---stocked up on some essentials then we were off for some dessert! Yummy ice cream at (Michelle works here).

All to soon it was time to head south again towards home :( but wait, the day isn't over yet! Stopped in at Amber's grandmother's--Ryan met us there--more relatives were gathered around so we started playing games...sure made time go fast! Had fun and a lot of laughs especially when Ryan decided we needed to play CandyLand!

THANKS to my awesome kids for keeping me company, especially when the days seem so long!

Saturday's fun in the Studio!

2010-11-08T19:07:00.003-05:00

Altho the snow prevented us from doing the (hopefully) final leaf/lawn clean-up on Saturday, the day was successful!

Not often does Stacy get to come and just sew, so we took advantage of her free time! Went to town taking care of my errands, then back to the studio!
She worked on her Pineapple blocks.....................

I worked on a binding then paper-pieced ..

I love spending time with my kids! This was a real treat for me and helped the time pass more quickly! THANKS Stacy!!!!

OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! SNOW!

2010-11-06T22:09:00.002-04:00

Woke up to a dusting of snow on the ground this morning--UCK!!! It's not that I don't like snow, it's just I'm never ready for it to come! With my job, I'd love for someone to invent "road heaters" to keep the snow off the roads! But, not having to work today, it was ok! Even got me out of raking the leaves in the front yard!

Mall Trick-or-Treat

2010-10-29T10:17:00.002-04:00

Went to the mall last night with Amber and Rylee.....of course Rylee was a "ham"
as always!

Bustin' UFO's!!!

2010-10-27T18:34:00.002-04:00

Decided this week I have to start getting some of my tops quilted! I am not the best quilter using my sewing machine, but I am learning!!!

Today I busted this Holiday String Quilt. Instead of buying a jelly roll, I made my own strings from my and Lesa's stash...

Third Week In October.......

2010-10-23T14:29:00.008-04:00

............I started this quilt in 2007 as a "sew-a-long" with some gals over at http://www.quiltingaroundtheworld.com/ ...shame on me for letting this one sit for so long!!!! I finally got the binding on this week and it's done! Washed and dried, ready to be used or gifted! It's far from perfect, but I learned so much making this quilt! Definately need to work on color/fabric selection when attempting a pattern this involved! But, I do have a great feeling of accomplishment!

Lone Star Top:

2010-10-17T17:38:00.004-04:00

This weekend at retreat I decided to work on my Lone Star quilt top---

the center

the top

So peaceful...........

2010-10-17T17:31:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I was privilaged enough to attend a "multi-arts" retreat in beautiful southeastern Ohio! Altho it was raining as I drove into the drive, a feeling of peace just enveloped me after the fairly stressful week I had....I love this place and can't wait to go back in the spring!

Busting Stash!

2010-10-17T16:44:00.004-04:00

Another quilt from the "stash" bin! Hopefully I'll get it quilted soon!

The "Civil War" bin is now empty except for some shirtings and fabrics kept for bindings! :)

Michelle Update:

2010-10-17T16:42:00.001-04:00

Michelle had her surgery Oct. 12th. All went well and on the follow up appt. she could actually read the eye chart with her right eye!! So happy for her! Another appt. this week but so far so good!

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!

Medallion-Border 3

2010-09-28T18:58:00.004-04:00

Today I felt better than I have for a week so actually sewed!! I had the blocks for the next border made but not attacked. They were set and attached today between bus routes!

Gma has been "ucky!"

2010-09-28T18:51:00.002-04:00

As Ms. Rylee says: "Gma has ucky!" The yearly fall allergies have hit me! Been dragging around with the "gunkies" now for two weeks! Hopefully on the mend if only the nasty "Yoder" after-illness-cough would go away! My Dad's family almost all have a cough for a week after being sick, and yep, I follow the trend! Have coughed so much my ribs hurt! Each day seems to be better so hopefully by the time the Swiss Festival rolls around this weekend I'll be able to join some of the festivities! So have been going to work then back on the recliner for downtime....time to kick this and get back on track!

Here's hoping you all are healthy and enjoying the early fall weather!

Cateract update:

2010-09-20T19:34:00.004-04:00

After spending a looooooong time with the Doctor today, Michelle is scheduled to have a physical to make sure she's in good health (shouldn't have a problem there), and an appoitment with a doctor who will check out her Retina, etc. If all these tests come back clear, she will then have her cateract removed on October 12th. It was also discovered today that she can see almost nothing clearly with her right eye--totally bombed the eye chart test and that really scared me!

Everyone seems puzzled why a 20 year old developed a cateract????? No one seems to be able to explain this....

Continued prayers for her as this is all happening during mid-terms at school....She only has one professor that is giving her some grief over this, but hey, my kids' eyesight comes first!!!! We are tired! Need rest, sleep but don't rest..............

Am I sewing/quilting? Trying but not going so great....."Jack" has been very busy the last days so have walked away from the machine for now. Maybe in a day or so.........

A Cateract? At 20?????

2010-09-18T22:34:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's possible! We found out Tuesday afternoon that Shellz has a cateract in her right eye. She went to get her eye exam thinking contacts were in order, but was told after the exam that the doc can't help her as she has a cateract. :( Phone calls were made, ideas/suggestions were given, professional advise was given, and prayers were said.......and off to work I went.

Late Tuesday evening we decided to have Dr. Clemmens office notified and by noon on Wednesday were given an appointment. Monday, we will go see what he has to say and what our next steps are.......We truely would appreciate your prayers!!

Baked Potato Bags

2010-09-14T12:03:00.004-04:00

A change of pace for a day. I've been making Baked Potato Bags. Here are a few of them.

So......

2010-09-11T10:56:00.003-04:00

I started a new quilt top! I know, I'm bad! But, as you know, I have been working on using up my stash...I think this is the last kit I cut using my Civil War fabric! The blocks are make--used them as L&E's--so now I can start sewing the rows together.......

Back in the "swing" of things

2010-09-08T10:53:00.002-04:00

I think! Nothing has been normal for a few weeks so we shall see! Had a fairly rough start to the new school year but hopefully we are all back in the groove by now! I actually got three new students added to my bus list yesterday, so maybe I can finalize my paperwork and turn it in???

roster #1--done
am & pm directions #1--done
seating chart #1--done
roster #2--done
am & pm directions #2--done
seating chart #2--done
milage & time chart--done

Wahoo, they are all printed so will be turned in this afternoon! This is a huge weight off my shoulders!

Quilting wise--anything accomplished?????

Puzzle Play--working on the borders (my project I have been taking to Ann's)
Medallion--working on the 36 three inch blocks for the next border
Celtic--still hand stitching the bias strips

I also need to sort through the batting closet and see what I have in there! I would like to get a top into the hand-quilting frame and also need to send a few out to be quilted and maybe machine quilt a few of the smaller ones myself............Yep, I have enough to keep me busy, but.....

It's Growing--the Medallion Quilt that is.......

2010-09-02T13:07:00.003-04:00

It's too HOT outside to do anything (and the school bus is REALLY HOT in the afternoons) so I have been inside as much as possible!

I finally caved and cut the pieces for the next border of the Medallion Quilt. I actually had to force myself to start sewing again! Being in this slump just isn't going to accomplish anything! It has pretty much taken me all week but the next border is attached!

Long weekend coming up and not sure what I'm going to do. Shellz has to work so won't be coming home. Hubby on a two week run that MIGHT bring him home on Monday....Maybe I'll go play in a Rook tournament one day? or just hide out at home alone? or..............

Stuck!

2010-08-29T00:22:00.003-04:00

Yep, I'm stuck! No desire to sew/quilt,nor do I want to do any housework, laundry, etc.! HELP!!!! I'm pretty sure this all came about with the starting of school and returning to work, but come on, I can usually at least sew! But this past week--nada,nothing! Well, I did hem a pair of work pants for Shellz, but that really doesn't count! Took all of maybe 2 minutes!

I did have a highlight this past week! My friend,Pat, and her sister-in-law were passing through the area so they stayed with me one night. (happy to have the rooms now to host overnight guests! Altho, I miss my kids!) Park Street pizza was requested for dinner Tuesday evening--so yummy! Wednesday we did some "cheese" shopping followed by lunch at Mrs.Yoder's where Ann joined us. All to soon it was time for them to continue on to PA. :(

So, here's to hoping I can get back into the 4:30am wake up call, work 6-9 and 2:30-5 routine real quickly! If not, it's gonna be a loooooong winter!

ACK!!! To much to do,to little time!

2010-08-23T07:13:00.005-04:00

So, school starts tomorrow and there are alot of "things" not done that I wanted to do this summer!! Have no idea how it got to be August 23rd already!!!

Since we attended an in-service on Friday, we don't have our ususal "day-before-school-starts" one. Not sure I like this since there are usually last minute changes, but will just gowiththeflow tomorrow morning! A nice quiet smooth start would be great!!!

I finally got my border on my Medallion Quit on this morning--now to get the next one cut, which again consists of "geese."

Also need to keep working on a few other UFO's but as you know--staring new projects is soooo much fun!

Visitor

2010-08-21T17:10:00.002-04:00

This morning we had a visitor on our back deck. Very friendly and wants to be in the house with us. Don't know where he came from, but he's beautiful and friendly. Only problem is, his long hair is causing the girls' allergies to flair up. So, do I keep him in or make him stay outside? Also, so far my other kitty hasn't accepted him........

Coasters--

2010-08-20T23:01:00.003-04:00

are on the agenda for a few days! I would like to have ten sets (4 per set) made by the first of October. Have most of them cut, just need to buckle down and get them finished.

Went to the

2010-08-20T22:41:00.003-04:00

Holmes County fair this evening. Michelle came home late afternoon and brought her friend, Mandi, along. Hubby is home for a three day weekend (gasp!) and we also had Ms.Rylee for the afternoon so"things" were hopin' around here. It's been a loooong time since we did anything together, so we decided to go to the fair! Altho it was kinda hot and humid, we had fun! Ate food we probably shouldn't of, looked at the animals, and caught up with what's happening in the lives of a lot of friend's we hadn't seen in a while! But, I am sooooo glad my kids are out of 4-H, etc. Just don't think I could still do the "all week camp out" at the fair anymore!

Flying Geese

2010-08-18T01:01:00.007-04:00

....OH how I dislike making them!!!! The Medallion Quilt takes 72 of them! Today I got them all make and one border added:

Also made seven blocks to help out a friend-

AND.............did a little shopping!!! Only bought a few yards of WOW since it was on sale...always seem to need white-on-white!

Now, my sewing machine and projects bags are all packed and ready to load....hate the drive home but summer vacations are over and I have to be at work around 3:45.....so need to get an early start in the morning.

Progress-

2010-08-16T23:45:00.004-04:00

on my new medallion quilt.The center is done!!! It measure 24" x 24". Tomorrow I will be deciding on the "geese" fabrics that create the first border.

Reminisee: A Medallion Sampler Quilt

2010-08-12T15:33:00.005-04:00

ok....I know I have quilts to quilt and quite a few to finish...but.............

A small group of friends have decided to do a challenge but it involves A LOT of applique! Don't get me wrong, I love seeing applique and would love an appliqued quilt, but I just don't enjoy the handwork! I do some embroidery/counted cross-stitch and am working on a Celtic but to do a WHOLE BIG quilt--not gonna happen for now!

Anyway, another gal doesn't "do" applique either so while out shop-hopping a few weeks ago, we came across a pattern that would challenge us. The two of us will be working on this:

I am not using KT/CW fabrics...just whatever "speaks" to me! My center is made of batik fabrics (yes, I actually cut them--hear me crying??)

I hope to get Pat to "blog" her progress too! I'll post a link to her blog if she agrees!

Update on Crossing Ohio

2010-08-05T21:39:00.002-04:00

I have finished the Crossing Ohio top! Actually thought I'd add another border, but just can't find a fabric to add that pleases me so am letting this stay a "sofa"quilt......now to get it quilted! Am sure it will be on the "to quilt" pile for awhile!

Lone Star.........

2010-08-01T21:18:00.003-04:00

I've wanted a "Lone Star" quilt for a loooong time but was scared-to-death of the pattern! A few years ago I purchased a foundation pattern from QuiltSmart thinking I could "do" this! I auditioned a lot of fabrics and color palettes before I found the "perfect" one for me!

Finally, a few weeks ago, I got brave enough to cut the fabrics into the triangles I needed! Ok...now what? I went to a mini-retreat this past weekend and took this project with me...knowing that if I got brave enough to attempt starting and got "stuck" I'd have plenty of help! Yep, I was right! Not only did I get the encouragement I needed to start, they were right by my side until I totally understood the pattern and process! I am sooooo thankful for my quilting friends!!!!

I'm also loving what's one my design wall!

Mini-Retreat

2010-07-28T21:09:00.001-04:00

Leaving for a mini-retreat tomorrow.....hope to get something done! If not,it's ok--the fellowship with fellow quilters will be reward enough!

See ya in a few days!

Green beans, beans, and more beans!

2010-07-26T19:36:00.002-04:00

Yep, got my bushel of green beans this afternoon...love eating them in the winter but absolutely hate the canning process! My dear Mother helped me clean and snap them. Have two canners full going and another two ready to go as soon the first one is done....but oh no, there's more! Me is thinking those will wait until morning! A lot of green beans, but for three families it's not to bad...but where's the help?