February UFO # 1- report

The Month of February had an extra day.  We all know this happens every 4 years.  I had all Month to work on my #1 UFO for February and waited until the very last moment- but I got it to the Flimsy Stage and I'm going to put it away and move it to the "To Be Quilted"  list until I can get to it.  I had one more block and from the suggestions to my posting of this UFO HERE earlier this month. I didn't use the white one and will  probably just put it in the Treasure sale this Summer at Guild as an Orphan block.  I could use it as part of the backing too.  We will see how it works out.  For now I'm happy, because it isn't just a stack of Blocks waiting like last Month's UFO that didn't get finished. I may even add another 3"- 3-1/2" border to add to the size.  For now it measures 37"x 55"

The UFO for March is #8. Mine looks like this, from when I got the Blocks in the mail last year.  These Civil War fabrics in the ALBUM pattern are from FriendshipBlock Swap (a Yahoo Group I'm no longer a member of).  I did receive one late block from one participant in the SWAP so I don't have to make the one that is missing in the corner of the photo. The pattern is one of the many fun ones by Jennifer Chiaverini's Pattern books.  You can see the full version HERE. We swapped the strips for the 'Borders' to go with each Block in the center so I have them to use. 

More UFO Reports can be seen on Judy L's Blog HERE.

LEAP Day Giveaway

I have finished reading my newest copy of "Sonoma Rose".  Jennifer Chaiverini's 19th Elm Creek Novel. You can read the 1st Chapter HERE. I won't bother to give you any spoilers.  It took me a week to read it, the 8 chapters were long.  Anyway I'm offering it for my "Leap Day" Giveaway. I have a signed book plate to put in it that Jennifer personally sent to me. Her next book is called "The Giving Quilt".

 Since I just purchased a new Mega Quilter machine to go on my Quilting Table I need help choosing a name.  It was Blogged about HERE.   Put your suggestions in the comments and I'll randomly draw a name out to receive the book.  Sorry, no International shipping this time. If you are a Loyal Blog follower or subscribe by RSS or E-mail let me know to get an extra chance.  You don't have to make a separate comment to tell me though. The Google Friend Connect will go away soon (except for Blogspot Bloggers) and I hope you will subscribe or be a Network Blogger to keep on reading my Blog.  The Contest only runs through "LEAP YEAR DAY" so no Comments after Midnight  PST. Winner Announced on March 2nd.  There is NO Word Verification on my Blog.

HAPPY LEAP YEAR DAY

Edit: COMMENTS ARE CLOSED- Watch for announcement on Friday, March 2, 2012

I'm joining the linky party so I am including Elizabeth's instructions...

1.  Choose something to give away on Leap Day.  Keep it simple.  You can make something, give away a bit of your stash, offer a service, buy your favorite gadget to give away or offer something completely non-crafty.  Your blog, you choose.

2.  To participate in the blog hop, your giveaway must start and end on Leap Day (February 29, 2012).  You can open it at 10:00 am and close it at 10:00 pm, or go midnight to midnight, or anything in between.  Your blog, your rules.

3.  Post your giveaway and then link up at Such a Sew and Sew.  Please include the Leap Day Giveaway button (code found on the Leap Day Giveaway post) somewhere in your post.  The linky will open at noon MST on February 28th and close at 10:00 am MST on March 1st, to allow for people in different time zones to participate.

4.  If you want to include the linky on your giveaway post so that others can link up from your blog the code in available here.   If you choose to add the linky to your post, you MUST include the above rules so that it is fair play for all.

Yep, I did it!

Today I got the machine I've been dreaming of to use on my quilting table... It only does a straight stitch and has a bigger throat space to quilt within.  I've increased my quilting space and that makes me a HAPPY Quilter. It is not quite ready to go. I need a adapter cord to take the place of the foot pedal to work on the table like my Bernina does.  Plus, it is so heavy I'll need help lifting and getting it into position.  I hope to get more quilting done with the "Viking Mega Quilter". I'm thinking I have a Sewing machine from almost every maker now. I've never used or owned a Viking. DH asked me how many machines I had... I'm reading the manual and finding that it has other fun features like- a needle threader, continuous bobbin winder, bigger bobbins and 1600 stitches per minute.  If I get tired of using it for quilting it came with a knee lift.

So how did I talk the Hubby into it??? Well, Monday- early in the morning I woke up, looked outside my window and saw SNOW.  With my trip to fly across the state and attend the Sewing and Stitchery EXPO in Puyallup pending and weighing on my mind, I had to consider  the weather. I had the feeling that it wasn't as important to go this year with all the troubles that arose with my plans. I was able to get the Hotel re-funded and that was a big relief.  I hope to get part of my tickets that I pre-purchased re-funded also.  It just wasn't in the cards for me to go again this year.   Last year I ended up in the Hospital and didn't' get to go. The flight $$$ will have to be applied to a future flight  via Alaska Air.  With the refund and the amount of $$$ I would NOT be spending, plus all the Money I wanted to spend to go on the Quiltmaker Retreat later this year.  I have been hoping to get a bigger machine as long as I have had the Quilting Table.  The Bernina model that would work was just too cost prohibitive.   It took me two years to pay off my Table and I didn't want to finance an expensive machine that had all the bells and whistles on it.  They don't make this machine anymore.  Teri at our LQS and I have talked while I was in the McCall's Contest last year and I've told her what I was looking for.  I told her if I didn't WIN, I would be 'in the market' for sure. She was in LaGrande last week-end and up on a high shelf she spotted this machine with a good price on it. I called the dealer  there and asked about it.  The owner met me near Pendleton today and delivered it to me.  Thanks to my Friend, Wendy who rode along and made sure I went the right way.  I would have taken the wrong road.
I still feel bad about not getting to go, but I'm ok with it and will not have to miss the events happening in my home town this week-end now.

Design Wall Monday- February 27, 2012

My "Just Takes 2" Blocks

I am Loving this combination of fabrics and the Blocks I am making with the Dear Jane and Sentimental Stitches group of Just Takes 2 group.  I see them in many different colors, from Blue, turquoise and of course the RED- in honor of the collection that was shared last year in New York City.  HERE is a Link to read more about the "Infinite Variety Exhibit".

A couple of the blocks shown are not completed, I have a bit of hand work left to do on them.  I put a box around the duplicate block I made.  How did that happen?  I was having too much fun using the Marti Michell templates that night and hadn't put a check mark on the page for this BLOCK and made it again, I guess.

Click HERE to go see more Design Wall postings this Last Monday in February...

Oh, What a Saturday!

 Our Stake Relief Society had a gathering today here in Walla Walla.  I was invited to share some Quilts in the Foyer for the ladies to view as they arrived.  Paul helped me get everything there and put together with a little help from another brother. The PVC stand that Paul made for Brant and Tina's Wedding Quilt is nice to have but we forget how to assemble it becomes a puzzle every time we get it out. I didn't take a picture of that Quilt, DUH me... You can see it HERE and HERE, I think it is my most photographed quilt.. A few ladies were early and I asked Alma to put the quilts around after all the racks and ladders were set.


  I had envisioned putting smaller quilts up the stairway. It took a bit but I liked how the quilts and table runners looked up there. The Cowgirl Quilt in the Hoop is my Quilt Guild friend, Marilee's work in progress.  She is hand quilting it. The afghan on the far left is Jane's. She hesitated to share, but I told her it was fine to mix in an afghan or two with the quilts.

 A fellow Guild member and friend in our Ward said she had a screen that we could use to display a few quilts.  She put her quilts on it using push pins..  So it is easy to see all of her quilts in one area.  There are so many things you can use to display quilts. I use an old Video rack to display/store some here at home.

My Roses quilt and Marilee's Bookcase Wall Hanging.  Marilee built the stand to display the Bookcase quilt at a Quilt show it hangs on a wall in her home now.  The quilt shows a few of the things she Loves.  I want to make a quilt like this one someday and asked if we could share hers today. She wasn't able to come and be there, but I heard many comments on it.

I hung the No-Mail Round Robin Quilt I made with Skirt hangers to cover the glass display case.  The clothes dryer works to show a Drunkards path quilt from the Stake RS Pres and my Quilt Guild 1/2 Yard Challenge "Roses Provincial". On the right is another of Jane's Mile a minute afghans.

Sandy G brought a couple of ladders and I put the Double Wedding Ring, (my Wedding Quilt) on one and saved the other for another old quilt we thought was coming.  The empty Quilt rack was for other quits if anyone brought some as they arrived.  I ended up putting my Quilted Sweatshirt on it. Then I wished I had it on in the Chapel.  I got cold after sitting down to listen to our Guest Speaker. I was plenty warm running around setting up... The speaker was great and then we got to choose from several breakout sessions.  I went to the Cupcake Creation one and the Using Technology at Church. Then we had our Lunch - a choice of 3 yummy soups with Salads, homemade rolls and bar cookies.  I took a cup of the Chicken Noodle soup out to Paul who was kind and sat with the Quilts.  I wanted to make sure nobody's quilts walked away today.  I forgot to bring the one they used in the Chapel home.  Opps.  I'm glad I got to share and am thankful a few of my friends shared too.

To Thimble or NOT!

Bonnie is Linking Thimbles on her Blog and I have to put in my two-cents worth.  I have not learned to use a "Thimble".  My Grandma tried to help me, to no avail.  I have tried all shapes and kinds of them.  The Dots have worked, but I lost the metal part now.  The leather one with the ribbing is the most comfortable.  as you see I haven't even taken the Amy's Thimble out of the package yet. It was a gift, I think.

 Here are my Thimbles I found this morning.  I know I have MORE. Plastic and antique ones.The ring-looking thing in the center is a Thread cutter I just got for my birthday, with yet another 'thimble'.

  I even have a Pencil Sharpener 'Thimble'. 

I have a permanent callous on my 'under-finger'.

I'm not sure I ever will 'learn' to use a Thimble right.  I seem to put one on and use a different finger to poke. Hand Quilting , English Paper-piecing and hand-stitching of binding are all times when a Thimble would be helpful.

Click over to Quiltville and see who has linked up.

Making more 6.5" Blocks

 

Tuesday was the Farmer's Wife Small Group Gathering at Thread and Bolts Quiltshop. We had four of us there working on the February blocks.  Since I had mine all cut out I got to sew the last 5 of my February Blocks.  We had 11 to make in this short month. (The last 3 are duplicate blocks)

Tuesday night I made 2 more of the Just Takes 2 Blocks.  I used the Marti Michell Templates rather than the PP method to make these 2 blocks. 10 of the 18 are made.

 While I had the Templates out I thought I could make a couple of the 30's SBS Blocks to go with the 2nd Sylvia's Bridal Sampler Quilt I am making.  The Sister's Choice is the BOW this week and I didn't have it made in the 30s' fabrics yet. The first block is another one I needed to make 'Duck and Ducklings'. 45 of the 140 are done as of this week.  I don't plan to make ALL of them.  I have about 22 more that are definitely on my list to be made.

I think if there is a Block that is common to the Farmer's Wife Just Takes 2 and my 30's SBS- I can just make extras for each of those quilts and get more done.
My copy of Jennifer's newest Book has arrived-  "Sonoma Rose" was released on Tuesday, Feb 21st. Keep reading the BLOG for a Giveaway -coming soon.

Design Wall Monday- February 20, 2012

This is my UFO for February.  I cleared off the other blocks on the wall and put these up with some sashing.  I'm debating whether to trade the white crayons for the extra block that I have.   There were 7 blocks in the Lotto- I don't want to make an 8th or 9th one to make this more square.  I plan to at least get this to the flimsy so it can be quilted before Guild next Month.  The crayon fabric wasn't enough for the sashing and the backing.  I will have to find a different backing.

This week is the Farmer's wife group so I will work on my February blocks for that.  

Click HERE to go over to Judy L's Blog and see what everyone else is posting this President's day week-end. 

WW 3rd Ward Valentine Dance

It's Saturday--- the day after...the big Valentine Dance.  Both of us slept in.  That's is so unusual for Paul!  We danced more last night than I think we have ever at one dance.  My left hip hurts today from too much dancing. It's heck getting old.
Our Ward Council planned this Dance and invited the other Walla Walla Wards.  I invited our married children from the Tri-cities.  Sorry they couldn't all come. Christen and Milton came so we both got to have pictures taken by Keith Crain. Should have done a group shot...

 Many Thanks to all those who planned, decorated, played music, made goodies, took pictures and made the evening a success.  I had to go see my niece; Danette, who gave me the new hairdo for the occasion. Wearing my Red Dress that I made a few years ago, along with the new and old 'bling' from Paul. I wore this same red dress when I saw Donny and Marie in Las Vegas.

I made the tarts above the cupcakes.

Fun to see the lights and pillars used in a new way...

I also have to remember watching my parents do the two-step at the Gold and Green Ball's that were held Church wide each year when I was growing up. The last we attended I think was in 1980. They always had a 'Floorshow' in the middle with dancers who really knew how to Dance.  Kind of like the "Dancing with the Stars" Troupe dancers- only better, more modest costumes.

2 Heart Table Runner- PINK

This is my second Table Runner that I made using my own pattern back in 2005 (I think).  It's been ready to be quilted for quite a while.  Valentine's Day was the perfect day to get it done.  I needed something to show at Guild so it went under the needle of the Janome it was created on.  I tried to Free-Motion some feathered hearts in the "hearts" and did strings of hearts in the checkerboard.  YEA, one of the many UFO's Checked off that long list I made!

Note: This picture taken with Paul's new camera. I had to get him one for his Birthday so I could Blog my picture better...

Happy Birthday to the DH

DH stand for Dear Hubby, most days.  Today he's hard at work even though it is his Birthday.   For his Birthday I made his favorite Cheesecake.  He asked if he could eat it for breakfast...I slept in and didn't get to call his Birthday in to the radio station to get him a FREE cake and Balloons. I had to buy him a new and better camera...LOL.

 Have you ever done that?  Bought what you really wanted and given it to your DH?  I bought him a Jig Saw way back when we were in Umatilla or maybe Mesa and I wanted to cut Wood stuff.









The Birthday card and Applebee's card arrived yesterday from our Arizona (soon to be Colorado) Family.  The kids know he likes to EAT!

The family will Celebrate more on Friday...

I'm off to take some more pictures with HIS new toy.

Happy Birthday to the hardest working Husband I know!!!

Happy Hearts Day!!!

"Happy Hearts Day"

This morning my "Sweetheart" left this card and box on the kitchen table for me. 

Our 36th Valentine's Day. We will Celebrate -this Friday at the "Ward Valentine's Dance"

Listen to the Song that came to my mind today. I had to find it on U-Tube. Sung by my favorite two siblings who entertain us in the way back machine from the Donny and Marie Show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylqSJ0CGlR4

I had my Monthly Daughters of Utah Pioneer's  meeting at my house on Monday and shared my Sugar Cookies along with yummy  Broccoli and cheese soup with hot rolls. My Sunday School class got some on Sunday also.  Here's the recipe: This dough doesn't have to chill before you roll and bake them even.


Sugar Cookies
1 cup Butter or Margarine
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
Beat together until creamy
add:
1 Teas each Vanilla, Salt and Soda (I use Almond Flavoring instead of Vanilla)
4 1/2 cups Flour
Mix in order, roll out and bake 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool and frost!


This is my Valentine's Table runner that I designed as a Sample for a Class at Hancock Fabrics. I have a pink version that I made during the class that just needs to be quilted.  That is on the agenda today, so I can show it at Quilt Guild tonight.  I want to try some of the FREE MOTION hearts like they have been doing on the Free Motion Challenge over at SewCal Gal's Blog.  I haven't joined it officially...there are over 300 already linked up.

In honor of the day I finished the Heart block for It Takes 2.  No wonder that song came to mind...

My 8th Block of the set done with English Paper Piecing.  More blocks will be ready to download online tomorrow. 

I had to show a little "LOVE" to my machine today, too.  Took off the throat plate and the bobbin holder to get all the 'dust bunnies' out of there.  Time for a New needle and some oil. 

I've been informed that it is not good to use the canned air anymore.

Today is Paul's Aunt Valeea's Birthday.  When the children were younger, she would send them Valentine's.  I miss those little cards coming every year.  

Award from a fellow Quilter

Imagine my surprise late Saturday night to open my e-mail and find that I'd been awarded the "Versatile Blogger" Award from Marlene of Kissed Quilts. THANKS, Marlene!  I'm in great company receiving this award with the other 14 she awarded it to.  Now it's my turn to Pass it on...

The Rules:

1. Add the award to your blog.
2. Thank the blogger who gave it to you.
3. Mention seven random things about yourself. (see below)
4. List the rules.
5. Award to 15 bloggers.
6. Inform each of those 15 by leaving a comment on their blog.

7 Random Things about ME...


I'm the baby of my family
I like my own cooking better than a Restaurant
I like MUSIC, but never really learned to play the Piano
I like to watch Beauty and Scholarship Pageants 
I would love to have a working Featherweight 
I don't eat Seafood
There are no BATIKS in my Stash

Many of the Blogs I'm choosing are on my Blog Roll and I read their Blogs every day they post, some are frequent posters like me and others only when they have something special to show and tell about.

I hereby AWARD this special honor to the following, in no particular order:

1- Knitoid- Pam

2- Rogue Quilter- Janet

3-Gramma's Quilting Room- Judy

4- Daisy Days - Cindy

5- Connie's Crafts- Connie

6- Inspired by Antique quilts- Kathie L

7. Mamacjt- Carol

8- Kathy's Quilts- Kathy

9- Making Scrap Quilts from Stash- Mary

10- Humble Quilts- Lori

11- Count it All Joy- Denise 

12- Piece N Quilt- Natalia

13-  L'Fair Quilts -Jamie

14- Rainy Day Doller - Barb

15- Only Doll Quilts - Monique

That is my list. The first four- I have met 'in Person'. Among the many reasons they were chosen... because they inspire me to make better Quilts and finish all those UFO's that I seem to accumulate. Go read a few and you'll see why they are on my list.  

Design Wall Monday -February 12, 2012

I have to apologize for the blurry photos.  Crazy New camera isn't doing what I'd hoped.  With a higher megapizels and all the new gadgets, like redeye and face focus, I expect better pictures.  They need to have a Quilt Focus gadget... Anyway!

Here are the latest 2 Grandchildren Birthday Pillowcases.

 Vincent and Elizabeth had a Combined Party on Friday night.  First is Vincent being cheesy and posing for the crazy Grandma.  Dinosaurs for the BOY in the family!

Because they opened their gifts simultaneously, I had to borrow the picture of Elizabeth from NaDell's Blog.  Do you think they like them?

I did make a few more blocks this week for my Farmer's wife and for the Test of the 100 Blocks 2012 Summer Edition of Quiltmaker.  This week is Guild and I hope to get something done, so I have a UFO for the Challenge that was issued last month.  It might have to be something 'small'.

 Meanwhile go on over to the Patchworktimes Blog HERE and see what the quilters are showing on their Design Walls.

Google Friend Connect- changes :(

I see that My Followers numbers keep changing.  I hope that with all the changes with GFC coming March 1st that you will continue to follow me by E-mail, RSS feed or Networked Blogs.  I've added some Buttons to give you choices to Follow my Blog on the sidebar.  I don't like losing my Followers. It's like losing a Good Friend. I try not to take it personally...
Thanks to all those who continue to Comment and encourage me each time I post something new on the Quiltingrandma Blog!!   When all the changes are over, I'll do another "Give-Away".  I'll have to think of something fun to use for it, maybe a new Quilting Book that I find.

On a Positive Note:  Jennifer Chiaverini's new Book "Sonoma Rose" is coming out February 21st.  I didn't get to send out Postcards this time so I don't get the pin that goes with it. I did get a Stick-on Bookplate that Jennifer Signed for me. Anyone can Pre-order a book from Next Chapter Bookshop and get the book Autographed and a Pin is included when they ship it to you.  Jennifer will be there February 27th, 2012 so the pre-order has to be before that date.

I hope that this TGIF is a good one for all my Followers. Check back for more fun coming in the next month or two. I have been busy (Pulled another all-nighter) with projects I can't show.  Just yesterday I finished the TESTER  Mystery Project for my Kansas City Blogging Friend. I used the fabric I've been waiting to use from Nancy Halvorsen, it is called "Bittersweet".  It's Purple--- I LOVE IT!!!  Not quilted YET, but I will show it as soon as the Retreat it was designed for is over.

Sewing for fun!

I've had to work on "Tester Blocks" all week so making these blocks was for FUN.  First up are 3 of the February Blocks for "The Farmer's Wife".  It is so easy to make these blocks when I take the time to cut out a few and they are ready to sew in a few moments of time.  These were cut from Lynn's Scrap Basket using the Marti Michell Templates.

 I'm still behind on the "Just Takes 2" Blocks...but tonight I got 4 more made.  Here are 7 of the 13 that have been posted.  The Button is at the Bottom of the BLOG!

I'm still getting used to my New Camera...Not liking the fuzzy photos so much.  I guess the adage is true- "You get what you pay for". One good thing about this camera is it requires no Batteries.  It came with a charger to plug into the wall.

2012 Morning Glory Designs BOM "Vintage Sampler"

This is the First Block in the Morning Glory Designs "Vintage Sampler".  It needs the Machine Stitching around the Fused petals and leaves still.  I was able to find a new camera.  I'm just testing how the pictures look on the Blog tonight.  Our local Sears is closing this Spring and there was a good price on the Vivitar Vivicam X029. It has 10 MP so almost twice what the old camera had. It didn't hurt that it was PURPLE!  It had to come home with me, hahaha.  I already had a 1G SD memory card to use in it from the other Nikon Coolpix Digital camera that didn't survive too many years like the Olympus that our Children bought for us.  I think I'm going to miss my Olympus...  I'm sure my TECHIE sons will play with my camera and show me how to use it when I see them later this week.  I finished the "TEST" Block that was due tonight, so I have a little breathing room for a minute.

Design Wall Monday, February 6, 2012

It's  a Machine Applique day on my Design Wall.  Here are two of the three blocks from the Morning Glory Designs Block of the Month "Vintage Sampler". Top one is called "Tossed Daisies" and the bottom one is a "Morning Glory". Blocks are posted on the 1st and 15th of the Month. It is listed in my NewFO list in the 'pages' above. They are ready to go under the machine for the final stitching around the pieces.  I am using more of my favorite Blenders and Shadow Play fabrics in this BOM.  The pretty colors are close to ones that were used in the Sampler.  The Button is also on the sidebar if you want to join in the fun.  FUSIBLE is fast, the first Block is fused too, but due to a CAMERA issue beyond my Technical expertise I don't have a picture of it. I have had my "Olympus" camera for a few years now and I've had several gliches lately with the XD card. It likes to tell me to reformat and erase all my photos on the card.   Now the screen is black and the picture doesn't show up, it powers up and acts like it wants to take pictures for me. It's is a sad, sad day for this Crazy Picture taking Grandma.  I hope that it can be fixed.  If not, I'll have to go shopping for a new one. I have a "TEST" Block due today and am Testing a Mystery Quilt for my Kansas City Friend again.  I'll definitely need to send pictures via computer for that. It's another Birthday week and I have many more pictures I need to take of the cute Grandchildren...  Happy Birthday to our oldest Grand-daughter today.  She is NINE!

Hop over HERE to Judy L's and see more fun projects in Blogland today.

2012 Birthday Fat Quarter Swap

 These are the Birthday Fat Quarters I got from the WASIQ (Washington State Internet Quilters) Birthday SWAP this year.   I have had fun hosting this SWAP every year for the past 3-4.  I asked for calicos or 30's! I got some cute cards too.

YEA -- they are all here and ready to be mailed.  

Humble Quilt's 'Pink Lemonade' linkup

By popular demand my "Pink Lemonade" is now BLUE.

Thanks for all the comments and input.  I was leaning towards the blue all along, even though the blues didn't exactly match. My Daughter knows me well, the orange wasn't my favorite. This Blue Star fabric will also be the backing. The selvage says 1861 "Gloria" by Bonnie Sullivan.

Today is the day to Link up to Humble Quilts and I wanted to at least get it to the 'Flimsy' stage before now. I think the Blue matches the way January went in my sewing/quilting room.  I'm glad January is over and I have a new Month to play and make progress. I really didn't mind the Celebrating all month...just the lack of real progress on my UFO's. So I guess my Mini quilt needs a new name.

I think I'll call it "Blue Raspberry Punch".

I'll have to put this away now to wait for the Quilting. Maybe I'l try some 'Big Stitch' Quilting on it, just for fun.  My Ufo's are calling.  Judy L has chosen the UFO for February and it's already on the Design Wall.  UFO #1 is the Crayon Block I won at the Guild Lotto a few years ago.  I hope this is the month for it to be finished.