Quilting

I have finally gotten back to doing a little quilting. These are six of the twelve blocks that I'll use to make a charity quilt per request from one of the ladies on QOR. Hopefully, I'll get it done right after the new year begins. Yes, 2007! LOL This one will be assembled with the quilt-as-you-go method that I've become so fond of. Thanks to the ladies of QOR for the beautiful blocks! I hope I can do them justice with the quilting and assembling.

I have NOT even begun to clean my sewing room. I just can't seem to get in the mood. I'd rather quilt! LOL Imagine that... Oh well. I like to think of it as "organized chaos". I know where everything is. Well, almost everything. But, if I don't know exactly where something is, I know where to look for it.

It's been steady at work the last few days. I'm feeling much more rested since my son has taken over the task of driving Dad to his wound therapy sessions every morning. Thank you, Rob! If we can just get that leg of Dad's to heal, I think he would really feel almost normal. He's doing well otherwise.

Not a whole lot going on around here, and, quite frankly, I like it that way. Cleaning ladies came this week so my house is relatively clean. Except for the sewing room. :-)

It's getting late and I've got a busy day at work tomorrow, thank Goodness! Thank you, Lord, for faithful clients!

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas!

Can you see the Santas on my socks? Judy took this picture of my ankles at the gym last night. I thought I was looking very festive as I was working out! LOL

I can finally show ya'll a picture of the Sister Quilt I made for Judy. I used pictures of just the two of us. I had a time finding pics with just us two in them! This pattern is one I found in Houston this year. It was actually a kit so I knew I'd be able to make it up pretty quick. She loved it. :-) Oh, and my brother and sis-in-law loved their respective quilts, too! His the Brother Quilt and her's the "Birds in the Windows".

Wow! So many wonderful things did Santa bring me! I know, it's just Christmas Eve, but that's when we exchange the gifts. My brother and sis-in-law sent me a Rowenta Professional iron! How great is that! I love it! Dad gave me a gift certificate to Dillards (yayyy!). Robert gave me a great NMSU sweatshirt with hood and some wonderful silk lotion. Jim gave me the handiest gift, a new laser mouse for my laptop! Judy gave me a new pair of jeans that zip (she and Rob decided I needed to quit wearing elastic-top pants, lol), Prescriptive face make-up (eyes and cheeks), cute ornaments, Starbuck's coffee and chocolates, and a new calendar for work. Thank you, all! Hope I didn't miss anything.

I woke up early this morning and decided to get to Wal Mart before everyone else did. Not a bad idea..I got there around 7:30 and there were some folks shopping. You could tell they all had the same idea I did. Everyone was rushing around trying to get out of there before the rush hit! LOL Could hardly concentrate on what I was needing for wanting to hurry up and get done. Well, I didn't have enough. I went back around noon with Judy. Finally got it all done and came home to wrap gifts. Oh, had to run to Hancock's to pick up a Rowenta iron for Judy for Dad to give her as a gift.

Jim and I came home around 9:30. It had started raining and looked like it might ice up if it gets much colder. Hope not since Robert is taking Dad to the hospital in the morning for them to dress his incision. That Robert has been an angel! He is living with Dad now and has taken it upon himself to help his grampo with anything he might need. I offered to take Dad for his dressing change and Rob said, "I've got it under control!" lol I'm grateful to him. How did I rate such a dependable child?

No quilting in the last few days. My sewing room looks like a tornado and an earthquake have hit it! I'll try to organize a little before I start working on some charity blocks that need quilting. I'm falling behind on the Midget blocks so I need to work on them. But, it's getting late and I think I'll go read for a bit.

Merry Christmas!

Last Minute Santa

I finally got about 4 hours of uninterrupted sewing last night and I was able to put these blocks together. I won't say who this is for, in case he sees this, but if you look real close I bet you can figure it out. I am not crazy about the whole design. I was going for a different effect but when you don't sit down and work things out on paper, sometimes it just doesn't work. But, it's finished with hanging sleeve and all.

Now I only have two more tops to finish quilting before Christmas. I'll keep you informed.

Dad's doing well. Hopefully, the infection in the incision is being beaten down by all the antibiotics. I think he's going to have to start seeing the wound care specialist right after Christmas if it doesn't begin to really get better soon. If it's not one thing....

Snowy morning so I'm not headed to work until a little later. Guess I'll work on one of those tops.

Rob, the graduate

We're back from Las Cruces and my son is now an official Aggie Alumni! He also has a job interview with a local communications company on Tuesday. We are so excited. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers during this exciting, yet stressful time, for him. He's pretty anxious.

No quilting for me this past weekend. Not sure I'll do much this week with Christmas coming up. I'd like to finish at least one quilt for a gift, but we'll see.

Today is Dad's follow-up in Lubbock. He's doing very well. Robert and I spent the night with him and I only heard him get up once. He says he was up 3 or 4 times but that is significantly better that every 30 minutes! One of the incisions on his leg, near the groin where they took part of the vein, is infected now but they've been working on it with antibiotics. He thinks it feels better today.

Just a little sum'n, sum'n...

This is a little paper-pieced Santa I put together one night at Dad's. It's a potholder that may or may not get finished in time for Christmas.

What a week. I'm home tonight to get ready to leave for Las Cruces in the morning. I need to do some laundry, pack, pay bills and sleep. I am so tired I hardly know where to start. I know the first thing I need to do is take care of my Internet obligations before I leave town. The birthday blocks will be in the mail tomorrow as well as blocks for a certain lonely mom in Wyoming. :-) Lotto block draw will be in the morning before we leave.

Dad is home for a bit by himself. Judy will stay with him tonight. He's doing well, but not sleeping as well as I think he should. He is up every 30 minutes to go potty and, even though I don't get up with him, I still hear him. So, every 4th or 5th trip, I'll holler at him and he says, "I'm ok!". LOL He says we're a team. His leg incisions are still draining. We go to Lubbock on Monday for staple removal. All the nurses that have seen him this week say he's doing exceptionally well. I think he may be experiencing the typical depression. We'll get some meds for that soon, I hope.

Ok, enough. I've lots to do. See you on the other side of Las Cruces, or maybe, I'll post a picture of my graduate son! 

Dad sitting, under the weather..

Oh, boy. This is going to be a long week. I have been staying with Dad at night and running over during the day. He's doing very well and has a homemaker with him during the day. One of us needs to stay with him at night. We've all picked up a bug. I went in to work for about an hour this morning and had to go home. I then proceeded to spend time in the bathroom and took a nap. I'm still a little queasy tonight. Sure hope this passes before we head off to Las Cruces this weekend.

I did finish the birthday blocks due this month. I'll try to get them mailed off before the weekend. I've also been working on the binding for a Christmas quilt. Don't know if I'll get to the others waiting to be quilted before the 25th.

I hope to be well enough to go in to work in the morning. I've got a busy day planned tomorrow and Thursday.

Dad

Now I know why I've never been able to keep a diary or journal. I forget to sit down to write something!

It's been a long week with Dad in the hospital. Judy and I got home early Tuesday morning. She went back Wednesday and I stayed in Clovis to work. Hopefully, Dad will be coming home today, Friday, a mere week since his open heart surgery. He's doing well, except for the expected depression that sets in after this type of ordeal. Our brother Henry has been with him since Tuesday. Good thing he is here! He's been a big help in helping Dad to the bathroom and such. I know he's tired and he still plans on staying with Dad once he gets home, at least until Sunday. I'm so thankful he has a job that allows him to work from his laptop and cell phone while being away from the office.

I took this picture of Dad the day after surgery when they'd moved him to his room. He had some delusionary moments but everything he's experiencing is normal, they say.

Since I've been home, I've been working on a Christmas gift quilt for a family member. I have several more I want to get quilted before Christmas but we'll have to see how that goes. They may get a note in a card or just the completed top.

We're still planning on going to Robert's graduation next weekend. Jim and I, that is. I know that child can't wait to get home and help with his grampa! He's a great kid.

I better get my hair dry and makeup on and head off to work. Massage day today!

Dad's hospital stay

In case you haven't noticed, I haven't posted for quite a few days. Here's why...Thursday morning, my dad had a heart attack. Guess what he was doing? Shoveling snow!! He tells us he wasn't shoveling it, he was "pushing" it! LOL All the doctors that have reviewed his case tell us that he is indeed, a very lucky man. Most people that have this type of episode do not survive. After an angiogram on Friday morning, he had a double bypass that was finished at midnight. He is now in his own room and slowly coming out of the anesthesia. It has made him flat "loopy"! He is so funny and everyone has been entertained by him, including many of the folks in ICU! I'd rather have him this way, though, than to have him crying or feeling sorry for himself. They will have him up walking tomorrow.

My brother, Henry, will be on his way in the morning. This will give Judy and me (I)? a chance to go home to get fresh clothes and pay bills. I hope to get back to work at least by Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Hopefully, Dad will be home late next week. They get people up and running so quickly these days!

I hope to get some quilting done when I get home. But, I am so tired right now that even making a block seems like a mountain.

Thanks to all of you that have been keeping us in your prayers. Please don't stop!

Are you tired of these yet?

I only ask if you're tired of seeing pictures of the tablerunners because I'm gettin' there! lol If you're saying, "She's posted a picture of this one before!" Not true...this one is a little different. The first Santa and Snowmen has cornerstones and the two figures are in the middle with a santa and snowman at either end. The first one was bought yesterday by my massage therapist and she already has it hanging in her office! I told you these are bigger than the other runners.

I have done other things between these runners. No, I haven't quilted those Christmas gifts. But, I have made another pretty for my sister for Christmas. Can't show you that one yet 'cause Judy reads this periodically. You'll have to wait to see that one after Christmas. Or, if you come to the shop, I might have it there. I've also made another Midget block. Ten of them made, so far. I've got this week's block to work on.

I would really like to do a gingerbread man runner. I even have an applique pattern for one, but I haven't decided on the overall placement. That may be one for next year.

Time for me to get going. The cleaning ladies will be here this morning and I still have to pick up a few things around here. Jim is off today and since it's supposed to be rainy and/or snowy, I guess he'll not play any golf. But, he was wondering what he's going to do while the ladies are here. Of course, he runs out to the base and goes to the commissary on his days off. That's one good thing about the fact that he smokes! He buys his cigarettes at the base so, while he's there, he picks up groceries! I don't like to go out there, so I started making him a list, "since you're going to be there, anyway!" Right? Although, the commissary doesn't always carry the brands I want.

Whew! It's hot in here. I've got the door closed to the sewing room so I don't wake Jim and the heater is working very well. Maybe it's MY heater adding to it! lol

Oh, I've also got another little project going on the side. I decided I needed another knitted dishrag. Someone gave me several a while back and I really enjoy them. I found a pattern called "Can it get any easier than this?" so I thought I'd give it a try. I worked on one last night for about 30 minutes and I can see where it will go quickly once I get my rhythm down.

That reminds me..I need to go clean up my mess in the den...

Sunday Santas and Snowmen

One more "quick" lol tablerunner. This one's a little wider than the others. Only because the panels are bigger. I have a feeling I'm going to have make at least one more of these. The runners with pictures have been the most popular. Since this is all I've done today, and the gym -finally- I'm a little tired. I think I'll try to get the sewing room a little cleaned up so I can see what's next.

We'll see in the morning if I have to take Dad to Lubbock. He's been feeling so much better since the last shot that we're thinking we can get away without having to make a physical appearance in the doc's office just so they can tell us "see you next time!" I'll call early and let them know his pain levels are almost nothing, except for mornings. By the time he goes to work, he's pain-free.

Robert went back to Las Cruces today and we will be heading that way in about 2 weeks to attend Rob's graduation. Can't believe that child is about to graduate!

Think I'll watch a movie and grab a snack.

Lottery block quilt

This quilt is made with blocks donated from members of Quilts on Review (QOR). We have a monthly block lottery where those who want to play send in two blocks, a set, and one goes into the charity pile and the other becomes part of the lottery pot. A name is then drawn once a month from the participants and they win the pot. The charity pile blocks are sewn into a quilt to go to a deserving person. I'm not quite sure yet where this one will go, but I have an idea. The back fabric and front border are dinosaurs. Actually, I had first anticipated that it would go to a little boy for Christmas, but I had a thought that maybe it should go to a little girl I know. The quilting is kinda girly...lol

That's what I've been doing this Saturday night. Judy and I are taking a break from the gym. Hopefully, we'll get back to the routine starting tomorrow.

The sale of the tablerunners has been excellent! So much so that I picked up a bit more fabric today to make a few more. I'll try to work on one tomorrow and Monday. I need to get some exchange blocks done as well as a Christmas block for the party on the 11th. Still have a while for that one.

It's nearing midnight so I better close. No more sewing tonight 'cause I'll make more mistakes than I care to rip out.

Thanksgiving 2006

Well, well, well! Look who's quilting now! Deborah, I hope you're sitting down when you read this! LOL Yes, Judy decided to try her hand at this quilting stuff. And, she did a pretty decent job, I might add. She cut out all the squares then it took her about 2 1/2 hours to sew them into rows. She'll be back to sew the rows together and add borders. This was a little quick kit she bought at Hancock's the other day. The intructions would have her arrange the blocks randomly, but she decided she wanted a more controlled design. The accountant - go figure. Judy didn't even want to quit to eat! But, she did and we ate - a lot! Back to the gym tomorrow night with a vengeance. I don't even want to weigh myself for a week, at least. The puppy she's holding is her silky terrier, Sunshine.

We had a nice day. Dad, Jim and Rob watched football after Jim and Rob played a few hands of poker. It's the first time in a long time that they didn't play golf on Thanksgiving Day. Don't really know why they didn't because it was a really pretty day.

I've been working on the charity blocks made by QOR members. This should make up into a really nice little quilt for a boy for Christmas. So, I'd better get back to them. It's another busy day at work tomorrow and Jim has to get up early.

Hope all had a great Thanksgiving Day!

Tablerunner fatigue

Oh boy...I'm thinkin' it's time to close up shop on the tablerunner business. lol After making this last one, I told my sister I am "runner-ed out"! I really enjoy making these but, after a while, I get to where I can't seem to put the colors together. Now, with this one, I'm having trouble deciding how to quilt it. I think I'll end up doing an all-over, big stipple on the Santas since I've already quilted several lines of stitching around the piece just to stabilize it. Then again, I may just outline the figures and leave it at that.

Here we have the little Janome Sew Mini I bought at Hancock's the other day. They had a little sale going and with proceeds from my runners, I thought I'd just buy me another sewing machine. Since I can't afford, right now, a brand new, full-size Janome this will have to do for now. I haven't even plugged it in to try it. I think it will work well to carry to club and classes. (As if I didn't have 2 or 3 to take!)

I have been spending money this weekend as though I have it! LOL I had my nails done yesterday AND a deluxe pedicure. Boy, did that ever feel good. No more deluxe,though. Not much different than a regular except for the price.

Today is a work day and I bet it gets busy. People will realize that they need a haircut before all the relatives arrive for Thanksgiving so I'll have some last minute hairdos to take care of.

Robert is home for the holidays so he and his dad, who is off today, will probably spend the day on the golf course. Must be nice...:-) I'm glad they have something in common. It's time to shower and get ready for the day. Get that turkey out of the freezer!

Good Monday morning

I thought I had already posted a picture of this runner. Someone wanted one with a Southwest theme and I thought this fabric was a little different and could be made up with some Christmas colors. This one I worked up Saturday night.
Here is my weekend project. This one has been a pain. The panels were not easy to square up since it seems to me they were printed on a little bit crooked. Maybe if I'd taken the time to block each square before sewing, but I didn't realize it until after I'd sewn the border on. There again, it's done and maybe someone will take it home and love it. lol

This is a picture of an interlaced block I was telling Linda about. I made this block for a pillow about 10 years ago. Like I told her, everytime I see it, I want to make more! So, when she showed us her quilt with this block, I just had to pull up this picture.

It's Monday again, and my day off. Since I've finished the snowmen I think I'll go pay some bills, change the sheets on the beds and do some laundry before I leave the house. My youngest son, Robert, is coming home today for Thanksgiving so I'd like to be back home by the time he gets here.

I bought more Christmas fabric yesterday at Hancock's. Hopefully, I can make up a few more runners. They seem to be a big hit with the ladies at work. Oh, I also bought a Janome Mini sewing machine. Don't really know why, except that maybe it's one I can carry to classes. As if I didn't already have one, or two...

Off to do Monday chores.

One more runner, but not the last....

The first one I did like this, the picture is in a previous post, was such a big hit at the shop that I had to make another one. In fact, I have two more orders! I could've sold those crooked snowmen 3 times over today! Everyone likes the smaller runners, but the snowmen got the rave reviews.


When am I going to get to my big stuff?! Soon, I think. I'll make two more runners then I'll start the big projects. Oh, I did use a navy print around the second runner. I think it "finishes" the pattern better than the red I used in the first one. But, the first one looks pretty good in person.

Okay, enough for tonight. I'm tired. It was a busy day at work and will be busy again tomorrow, thank you, Lord! and customers... lol

Tablerunner Frenzy

Alright. I know you're probably saying, "Does this girl not have anything better to do than tablerunners?". Well, of course I do, but these things are so fast and easy that that I just can't NOT make them! These two I made yesterday afternoon and last night. The pattern is courtesy of another seamstress friend. I say "seamstress" because she is a fledgling quilter but an accomplished clothing maker.

I've got some quilt tops to finish for WTIL and those Christmas gifts so, you see, I do have lots to do. But, I really need some "instant gratification" at times and these seem to fit the bill. Athough, my sewing room is a total disaster this time of year.

Won't get home from work as early today so I may only get one of these done tonight. I bought more Christmas fabric at Ben Franklin's yesterday. Couldn't help myself...it's at 60% off. Also bought another bag of batting since all items are at 50%.

Maybe I'll cut the pieces for another runner before I go to work this morning. This techique is a "sew-as-you-go" but you have to assemble the pieces before placing on the batting and backing. The most time consuming is attaching the binding so I think I'll just use the sewing machine for the entire process. I like the way it leaves the binding looking a little wider on the front since I bring it from back to front (as in the first runner) rather than front to back (the second runner) and then attached to the back by hand. Too much work. LOL

Time to get James out of the house. Enjoy your Thursday!

Tuesday project

I got off early today, around 12 noon, so I came home and decided to make this tablerunner. A client at work is wanting a Christmas runner. I hope she likes it.

I used blocks from a panel that someone gave me in a stash they shared with me. I decided to surround them with a log cabin pattern and then thought they needed to be tilted a bit for some interest. Now that I look at the picture, I wish I had used a navy blue fabric for the bindinig. That's what happens when I get in a hurry. Oh well..it's done and if she doesn't like it, I guess I have another runner. lol

I really need to start quilting some of the tops I have finished. They will be Christmas gifts, I hope. That's my next project for the weekend.

Weekend project

I love reversible quilts! This one I started on Friday night. I finished the border this morning, Monday, and need to do the binding. It's a gift for my secret pal at work, so if someone is reading this - and you know who you are - don't tell her! lol


The Indian motif fabric I used on the front of this quilt was from a stash that was given to me several years ago. The fabric had been cut into, but I was able to fussy cut 10 of the motifs in their entirety. I think I'll use the other two and make matching pillows..maybe.

The back of the quilt is made with more donated fabric. There was so much of this fabric that I've used it in a few other projects. I quilted each square individually then put them together with the reversible quilt method I've grown so fond of. I put the borders on before quilting them because I find that if I quilt them separately, they're not as easy to work with as when they're already on the quilt.

Mary, I know I told you I was going to post this yesterday, but I wanted to get it done before I took another picture. I wanted to get the quilt finished so I can take it to the club meeting today. I can't decide if I want to load up my sewing machine for the project we'll be doing today. I haven't been to a meeting since the last time Judy and I stopped by for a minute. Last month I was sick and was at the doctor's during the meeting. So, I am making every effort to get there today. Time to pay my dues, too, so I need to go.

Better get going. Need to pay some bills and, if I have time, I'll put the binding on the quilt. I think I'll do a reversible binding since the colors are so different on both sides.

Round Robin

Finally finished the last round robin to come to me. Christine, it's on it's way home! This is a lousy picture since you can't see the corners, which are just navy blue squares, and the bottom border is another set of flying geese. I was trying to get it done as quickly as possible since Christine was wanting it for Christmas and it got held up for a little bit, so I figured I was in the flying geese mode so that's what was needed for speed.

We're back to normal here after my Houston trip. Work is busy and now I'm trying to catch up on birthday blocks for November. Only need one more then I want to start on my secret pal's Christmas gift. That's my pal at work.. I have a vague idea of what I want to do, so I hope to get started this weekend.

Not much else other than working out at night. I gained 5 lbs. in Houston! But, as of this morning, I've lost 2. Probably more water weight than anything. It's massage day today, so I've got that to look forward to. I'm off to work...

Compass with Geese

  

Okay, so my geese aren't perfect, but I got 'em done! Woohoo!! I can't wait to start another Mariner's compass with really bright colors.

I'll write more later...

It's early Wednesday morning now and a couple of you asked if the Mariner's Compass was paper-pieced and the answer is "yes". But, it wasn't the traditional method. Judy Mathieson's method involves freezer paper that has the pattern on it and ironed onto the wrong side of the fabric. You then fold back the paper along the pattern line, add your next fabric -right sides together- then sew on the fabric only right next to the folded freezer paper. It's hard to describe in print but the method is very easy.

I have to tell you about my WalMart trip yesterday. I think they're closing out their fabric (I've heard rumors that WalMart is doing away with the fabric department) and they had a bin marked down to $1 a yard. I haven't seen $1 a yard fabric since 1975! LOL I used to shop at Surplus City back then... Anyway, I came away with ten pieces, 3 yards each, of nice 100% cotton (some were even labeled "Quilter's Collection"). It will make good charity quilts.

While looking through the fabrics, a little lady struck up a conversation with me. She looked at me and said, "I'm a quilter!" I chuckled and looked at her and said, "Me too!" She was ecstatic! Such a sweet little lady. I helped her choose fabrics, told her about reversible quilting and the quick Log Cabin method. She gave me her name and phone number and insisted that I call her next time I do a class. And, when she found out I do hair, she said she would definitely come see me next time since her last haircut was horrible. All this happened after I'd paid for and packed my groceries in the car. I had gone back in to pick up the pictures I'd left to develop and decided to pick up a few more $1 a yard fabric.

I spent the night working on a round robin that needs to be done before the end of the week. In the interest of time, I'm adding flying geese all around. I thought I had the numbers all figured out and when I measured again, well, let's just say I'm going to have to re-work the numbers. I hate this part.

Off to get ready for work.

Home from Houston II

 
This is a picture of a quilt that Deborah made as a gift for her cousin, Peggy. Peggy is the kind person who puts up with us while we attend the quilt show. Peggy's the blonde and Deborah is the one hiding. Deborah is also the one who's feet are showing out from under the card tricks quilt that she also made. She's been a very prolific quilter of late!


  

Home from Houston

And, boy, am I tired! I cannot remember when I've been this tired. We did so much while we were in Houston. In addition to the classes we attended, we also toured Galveston and were lucky enough to attend a Houston Rockets basketball game on Saturday night. Courtside seats, no less! What excitement! And, I'm not even a basketball fan but it was fantastic!


This wallhanging was the product of my Sunday morning mystery Christmas wallhanging class with teacher, Jenny Raymond. It was a fast and furious class but since we had all the pieces cut beforehand, things just rolled along smoothly. It's an easy pattern and was not hard at all. It's pretty wrinkled from being in the suitcase.


This compass is what I completed during the first class I took on Friday. The instructor was Judy Mathieson. It's her paper-piecing method where you don't sew on the paper but rather, beside the paper. It's a neat technique and I can't wait to finish the flying geese that will circle the compass.


Here's Yvonne, me and Suzy at the Convention Center in Houston. Notice my fat face? I think this prednisone has done it's thing. Now that I've tapered off of them, I think my face has already begun to de-swell. Is that a word? lol Anyway, these are the tablerunners I made for them as a housewarming gift and new kitchen gift. These are the sweetest girls you'll ever meet. So glad I got to see you!

I'm off to get ready for bed. So glad to be home!

Round Robin Flamingo comes home

 
 
It's been since April, I think, that this little pink flamingo Santa Claus left my house in need of some borders. The last lady had some major surgery and slowed it's journey home a bit, but she, in true quilter form, mustered up the energy to finish her round. I appreciate you, Terry! As with all these pictures, the "real thing" looks so much better than what I show you here. I sent them the flamingo with the santa hat and lots of tropical fabric. The ladies did a wonderful job.


   Someone wanted to see the midget blocks I've done so far. Here they are. I've been having some trouble getting the paperpieced blocks to come out the five inches the instructions say they should be. I am enjoying this process. I especially like having another block to look forward to every week.

One more sleep and it's off to Houston! I packed all my class stuff last night and finished the laundry. Tonight I'll pack my clothes, finish paying bills, and get the house ready for the cleaning ladies. I will probably not post again until I'm in Houston. I've decided to take my laptop. What good is it if I don't take it with me? And, that's why I wanted it, right?

Time to get ready for work. Have a wonderful day. It's cold outside! 30 degrees, wind chill 19 at 6 a.m.

Sunday pumpkins

  

Okay, so I should've gotten up, since I was up early with the time change, and gone to church. But, I didn't. Instead, I worked on this little tabletopper that I've been wanting to do for a while. Never mind that I have TONS of stuff left to do before I leave for Houston on Wednesday! Let's see...need to finish gathering fabric and tools for the classes, laundry, shopping, bill paying, finishing little gifties for the trip, getting the house ready for the cleaning ladies on Wed. morning, laundry (I know, I said that twice, and it will take all 3 days to do laundry!) Whew! I'm tired just thinking of it. Plus, gotta get to the gym in order to find all the energy needed for the aforementioned chores!

Saturday was a busy day since a lot of my customers needed major jobs done before I left town. I love my customers...thank you!! I had a couple of requests from the other side of the building for seasonal tablerunners. Guess I'll load up on fabric for those while in Houston.

Time to quit procrastinating. What to do first? Oh yes, I want to get the binding on a runner so I can hand finish it while "talking" on the 'puter with friends and family. It's hard to quilt with quilting gloves and then turn to type. So, I find myself doing hand work while visiting online. You'd be surprised how much gets done!

One final tidbit...looks like we're actively looking for a new vehicle for me. Son Joe in OKC is selling cars these days and is helping us look for something new and wonderful. Maybe a jeep something or other...? We'll see if they (Jim, Rob and Joe) have something for me when I get back from Houston.

A different view..

  

A different colorway for the flying geese. The center panel fabric is titled "Watch Over Me". Just playing here...lol I never did get the penguins sandwiched so I want to do that tonight before I go to bed. Maybe I can stipple it really quick, too. Wonder how many of these I can whip up before Christmas? Would make nice wallhangings, too. Sure wish I didn't have to work all day tomorrow. No, wait, because I DO work, I can buy more fabric! Wonderfully vicious cycle...

Had a very nice massage today. Thanks, Liz! Am feeling very relaxed. So much so that I nearly fell asleep at dinner tonight when Judy and I went out for Chinese. I seem to have gotten a second wind now, though. So, it's back to the flying geese.

Thursday night

  

Nothin' doin' but I had to go to Ben Franklin's as soon as I got off work Thursday afternoon, winds gusting to 50 mph and all to find fabric for this tablerunner. They are going out of business and their Christmas fabric is 60% off. This is a border print that measured just right for this project. I am lovin' it! Notice the wings are intact on this one. lol

I started this piece last night around 8:30 after I got back from the gym. I was working on it at 11:00 when I decided I'd better stop because, yes, I'd made a huge mistake again. The top geese were flying in the opposite direction! So, this morning, while Jim was getting ready for work, I ripped out and re-sewed and got it just where I wanted it. If I have time this morning before I leave I'll sandwich it, but I think I'll wait 'til tonight to quilt. The other one quilted nicely, except that using the metallic thread was a challenge, as always. I'll tack the binding down today at work if time allows between clients.

It's massage time this afternoon and I can hardly wait. I had one two weeks ago and my hip has not hurt nearly as much as it had been. Of course, I had a little over a week off from the gym contraptions...hmmm...wonder if they might have something to do with that pain? Anyhoo, my head is much, much better and I have to thank Judy for "forcing" me to workout last night in spite of my objections, "I'm too tired, it's too cold, I want to quilt!" lol Once we were done, I felt much better.

Time to shower. Only a half day today so I'm looking forward to the day. Have a good one!

A clipped wing...

In the new Quilter's World magazine, there's a link to make this wonderfully fast and easy little runner. (I'm looking for fast and easy here to make up for sale at the shop.) However, if you go too fast, like I tend to do, you get a geese with it's wing clipped!

 

I didn't even realize it until I went to cut the corner to sew the strip on. Oh well. I'm quilting and binding this one and using it at work anyway. It'll be my prototype and maybe I can take orders for others. The center piece will work great with those fabrics that you just can't bear to cut up and the flying geese are a breeze to make. I like to use Billie Lauder's technique. I hope to get to the store today to find some really wonderful print that I just HAVE to have.

Jim is off today, so it's a slow morning around here. I've been up since 5:30 though. Can't change that internal clock. So, best get some things done and get ready for work. I'd rather be quilting!!

Friendship Stars

  

Thanks to Pam, I searched and found the stars made by online friends in 1999. I also found 4 more star blocks and had to fix one to fit and then added them. Already had the red border so, of course, didn't have enough to lengthen it, so had to use something close. I am going to finish this one and hang it up! Thanks, Pam, for the walk down memory cyberlane.

A couple of wallhangings

 

This little turkey hanging is a gift to me! One of my friends, Sherry, on QOR, included it in her Secret Pal package to me. Isn't it wonderful?! It's all hand appliqued and hand quilted. She also sent me 3 yards of different Fall fabrics and assorted notions. This swap is always so much fun.


  

And, here it is. I thought these little snowmen would work into a tablerunner, but I didn't like the way they would've lined up in a long runner, so I put them together like the instructions called for. I had a little trouble when I decided to put the snowmen on point and added corner triangles. I had them all quilted and the whole thing started waving along the edges. Too much bias... So, I laid it on the cutting table and whacked off the triangles. That's why you see a sliver of different color outside the blue border. The center snowman was made by a friend of mine a few years ago. It's a lapel pin. Can be removed and worn. At any rate, I wanted it big enough to hang in my sister's office, but I'm not sure it is (big enough). So, Judy, if you want it, holler.

I spent an hour with Gladys yesterday helping her finish her reversible quilt. Her machine started acting up, so I packed it all up and brought it home to finish. I just put her quilted blocks together and attached the binding. She turned it to the back by hand. She's happy with it and I'm happy I was able to help her do that. She's talking about starting another one now! Go, Gladys!

Another visit to the doc today. Man! Am I ever going to get rid of this? Dizzies are all but gone, but I still have a lot of "fullness" in my ears. They gave me a Kenalog shot since I guess they think I'm having a severe allergy problem. Also gave me Clarinex and I think that has helped more than anything.

Time to look over my supply list for Houston. I've GOT to get things together. Next Wednesday will be here before we know it.