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!