UFO's New Plans for 2013

Judy L over at Patchworktimes is re-vamping the way we do our UFO's in 2013.  It will be more of a Goal setting at the end of each month.  Sounds good to me.  The UFO for November #9 went with me to the last Sew-in...that's about it.  I cut some fabric to use and still need to sew it together.
For the December UFO #4  I'm happy to say it got finished in AUGUST!  I'm sleeping under it already and will through the Christmastime.

Lynn had her machine empty and said bring one over and quilt it, it was an offer I couldn't refuse!  THANKS, Lynn!!!  It's been on the blog several times.  It was the quilt I chose for the Blogger's Quilt Festival HERE.  It won a Big Ribbon at the Fair too HERE.

 I have a little Table Topper Lone Star that I could substitute and finish this month, I can't find it to take a picture. I'll be a little busy with the Easy Street Mystery, and enjoying family times.  Part 2 was posted today HERE .  That means I get to use my all the shades of my Purple fabrics and some "Fairy Frost" fabrics. Bonnie even has a Video to show how to cut the 2" strips to make the parts for this week using the Easy Angle and Companion Angle rulers.

I finally got my Feathered Star rulers that I saw Demonstrated at Trends in September. I also got a BIG spool of the Parchment colored Signature thread I like to use for Quilting and the patterns for the Block of the Month from Quilter's Quarters called "The General's Wives"  and the Go Die for Feathers.  These are things I want to use in the next year.  In other words more new projects on my list of to do's someday.

Easy Street Mystery...etc

I'm almost ready for the 2nd part of the Mystery to be revealed tomorrow.  I needed to go and find some Black on white fabrics. Look what fun fabrics I found. I'm amazed at how many are linking up and how many are looking at my link from there and Judy L's DWM this week, 367 so far! WOW!!! Thanks for all the kind comments. I saw at least 5-6 others on Design Wall Monday working on the MYSTERY.

I took a picture if my Jack of Hearts Mystery fabrics outside so the colors are more true. The purple on the left looks like tumbleweed stickers to me.

This quilt is still waiting to be sewn together.  I had an important event to attend this week...

 
 #1 Grandson is playing Basketball for his school team at Park Middle School.  The came to Walla Walla for a game at Garrison MS.  It was his first game that he got to play in!  Just like old times... These pictures were taken from my phone.

On another note... thank heaven for "color catchers"!

This is my Red and White Disappearing 4 patch from the Block Lotto Blog last year.  I washed it once before and the Batiks bled into the background fabric. I washed it this week and used a 'color catcher'.

Saying Farewell to a Gentle Giant

A life cut short, but lived to it's fullest!  

Vaughn Jay Squires we will miss you!!!

His family at the Cemetery.  It's not goodbye, just farewell for now. 

The view from his grave site in Melba. Idaho, Beautiful!

 I give the camera to my husband and this is what I get... Not my best side. I see how gray my hair is getting though :/ time to go see my Niece.
 

Just a few of the Waite cousins who came back to the church for the Family Dinner.

 I'm so glad we made the trip, quick and a long drive, but I had to go.  One of my Cousins, not pictured, that saw me said, "I knew you would be here."  Another told me I'm looking more like my Grandma Waite.  Is that good or bad?  I don't know. I learned that my Cousin, Vaughn received the Silver Beaver Award from Scouting.  What a Guy.  He devoted his life to service and I know as for me I will never forget his kindnesses or his Pancakes! The two on the right are his Brothers and the one on my left is one of his two sisters.  I had to take a lot of mental pictures of the cousins that came.  All but one of the 7 Waite families were represented.

Design Wall Monday November 26, 2012

 Now that the family has all left, I had time to sew between the batches of laundry on Saturday.  Dinner was  Leftover Turkey, stuffing, potato, veggie and gravy casserole that can only be made this time of year. YUMM, Sunday Dinner was already to eat after Church For my Design wall I have 68 of the 192 4-patches made for Bonnie Hunter's "Easy Street"  Mystery. Part 1 posted on Friday HERE.  Only 124 left to make. Gotta find some more B/W fabrics that are more white than black.  I have a 4 yd bolt of the gray (dated 2006) so I won't run out of the background this time. Waiting for Friday to see what we get to make next. Bonnie promised "No Strings" in this Mystery, doing the Happy Dance!  Bonnie has a link-up, starting this Monday  HERE.

And my 2nd Version of the Mystery by E-mail "Jack of Hearts" is ready to be sewn into rows.  This version will have the 2.5" squares pieced border all around and one more 3"-4" border to complete it. The background fabric was one I ran out of so it has two backgrounds. It doesn't' show much I think this setting shows the "hearts" more.  The main fabric is from "In the Beginning"   by Jason Yenter. The dark is a purple print.  Colors aren't true here.

Judy L is Hosting the Design Wall Monday HERE.
It's the Last Monday in November in Blogland!

36 years for US!

 We celebrate 36 years today.  Four of our married Children made a plan to attend the temple with us on Friday night after Thanksgiving. It was so nice to be together in the Columbia River Temple. It's been a while since we were together there.  Thanks to Brant and Tina for the suggestion and to the others for making time to come.  It was dark and raining when we got out.  Reminded me of the Blizzard we found when we left the Cardston Temple on the Thanksgiving day in 1976.   Tina wanted to take a picture, Joe and Kori didn't stick around for a group shot. But they beat us to the Frozen Yogurt shop. Tiny place with not much room to sit as a group.  I wasn't driving so I didn't think to go to Albertson's for Ice Cream to take back to NaDell's. Sorry!  I didn't know what kind of yogurt you would want and didn't think she'd want to share a small bowl with everyone that was there and all the kids still awake! These photos aren't very good of Andy & NaDell or Brant & Tina because of the darkness.  Maybe Tina got better ones.     .

 I had Milton and Christen stand near the light like we did.  The Picture that turned out without adjusting it.

Here are a few more pictures from our Thanksgiving dinner. The plan cam together and there was plenty of food and lots of choices.   NaDell Blogged about it HERE and HERE.

 The big kids sat together, they were the first in line too.

  I had a good idea to seat the younger children in the middle at a kid-sized table. Great-grandpa and Great Grandma could watch them from where they were seated and the little ones liked it too.

Brant and Tina's boys set up a snack at home afterward.

  I asked Caleb and Christopher to hold the "C' for me so I could take their picture Saturday morning.

  Brant and Tina left Saturday morning to head Home. They stopped for the night in Pocatello to break up the trip. Only 2.5 hours to get to Wyoming from there. I posted Saturday on Facebook "Love to see our family come- Hate to see them all go :/". It's been a great Thanksgiving holiday.  We won't all be together at Christmas time.

2012 Christmas Quilt Show

This is my Quilt that I chose to Highlight for the 2012 Christmas Quilt Show.  It's a Christmas Tree skirt in my favorite fabrics (Fairy Frost )and color ( Purple). The top was paper pieced by my Quilt Buddy, Lynn for a Mini Tree display and was too large for the tree so I was the lucky recipient!

It has been missing for a few years and I just recently found it amongst some other Christmas things, (not in their normal place).  They say you find things when you stop looking for them.  The pattern was one Lynn found online back in 2009.  


Pictured on the right is my Tree that year with all of my Swapped, homemade Ornaments. On the left is the Tree that was auctioned off.  It is the tree skirt  I made to fit without the last round of spiky points, Donated from our Quilt Guild and decorated with Donated home made ornaments from the Guild ladies for the Junior Club here in WW. The Decorated Mini trees will be on display again this year at the Marcus Whitman the first week of December.  I wish we could find the pattern again and give the designer credit too. When you Paper-piece, the pattern gets torn off and can't be re-used.  This Tree skirt will grace my Tree again this year, now that I've found it.  This will be a Christmas to Remember with my Army son Home for the Holidays too!!!

The Quilt Show started yesterday and I am Linking up HERE.  Be sure to go and see all the pretty entries and leave your comments.  The Button is on my Sidebar as well.  There are nice Prizes from the Sponsors too. You can enter your favorite Christmas quilt until November 30th. It's time to get everyone in the Christmas Mood!

Gratitude Postings

November 1- I'm so grateful for New Books to read from two of my Favorite Authors.

Grateful day 2- I'm grateful for loving parents, brothers and sisters who are also Friends. ♥

Day 3- I'm grateful for my God-given talents, and the freedom to use them.

Day 4 of Thankfulness- I am Grateful for PRAYER & Fasting. Prayer is like a Telephone- Our Loving Heavenly Father is waiting for you to pick your end of the line and talk to him. Just like your Earthly Parents love to hear from you!

Day 5- I'm grateful for my Husband of nearly 36 years. ♥ We were married on Thanksgiving day - a great day to remember how Thankful we are!

Day 6- I'm Thankful to live in a land that has Freedom of Religion and the FREEDOM to Vote for our Chosen Candidate to LEAD our Nation.

Day 7- I am grateful for all of my Children and Grandchildren. They make me Happy to be their MOM. Love and Pray for you!

Day 8- I'm thankful for Technology that keeps me in touch with Family and Friends. Almost like 'Being' there. How did we do without it?

Day 9- I'm thankful for MY many Quilts and a Furnace that works. Prayers for those still without power from the storms in the East.

Day 10- Today I'm thankful for the USA FLAG and those who have fought for Freedom and gave their all. Proud to see the colors wave.

Day 11- I'm grateful for Men and Women who Are or Have served in the Military. THANKS to ALL of you and your families.

Day 12- I'm grateful to share my "Tester" Quilt today on my Blog. Quiltmaker 100 Blocks, Volume 6 goes on news stands tomorrow, see Pg 88

Day 13-I'm grateful for EVERY Quilt-y Day I have! Quilt Guild Tonight!

Day 14-I am grateful for a quiet day in my busy week!

Day 15- I'm grateful I can get up and have my Hot cocoa and toast. Drippy outside again...

Day 16- I'm grateful for Technicians who make service calls, even if it's early in morning.

Day 17- I'm glad I took the time to go and sew with our Guild ladies. It was fun and I even got to teach a couple of things. I was really missing my Hancock job today...

Day 18-Grateful for the Primary, going to see more of our Grandchildren sing and talk today!

Day 19- I'm grateful for the Priesthood and Blessings that are given...

Day 20- Today I'm Grateful for my Cousins. Praying for one especially today!

Day 21- I'm grateful my husband was taught to work. He set a great example for our children. I wish he didn't have to work quite so long some days. I know he deserves a short vacation...

Day 22- I am grateful to be part of this Big Family! Thank you to all who came to share Thanksgiving with us in Walla Walla.

 Extended  Crowther Family

 Our Veggie Turkey 

 Great-Grandchildren of Gordon and Zora who sang for their supper.

Quiltsgiving- Thanksgiving time

Jennifer Chiaverini's Newest Book "The Giving Quilt" tells of a fictional gathering of Quilters on the week-end after Thanksgiving.  She has put the Pattern shown on the front of the Book on her website HERE.
 With all the storms of life that come, a quick and easy quilt pattern is always welcome.  If you are so inclined to Quilt this week-end, instead of shopping, go and see the pattern, it's a FREE download.

I had plans to get one made up to tie for Hurricane Sandy at our gathering of family this Thanksgiving. A lot of cleaning and re-arranging took precedence.  And installation of a new window... Here are my fabrics for it. On the Left the main fabric and on the right the pieces ready to sub cut and sew.

I took time out this morning to go out and use the big cutting table at Thread and Bolts to cut it out this far.  I'm home now.  Very sad about the e-mail that waited for me here.  My Cousin who is a year younger than me lost his battle with Renal Cancer today.  He was a Giant of a man in many ways.  He will be missed by his wife and 4 children. There is a New Grandbaby coming in the Spring.  They find out the gender next week.
We never know God's timing.  I think Pancakes are on the menu for supper in his honor...


Anxiously awaiting my Family to come to the Crowther Family Thanksgiving 2012.

A Little Progress Report

I added another one to the TBQ  list this week.  A few of these got DONE.  Not as many as I'd hoped though.  I am "glad" it isn't being added to the 2013 UFO list!  Gotta play the Glad game, right. There was just enough fabrics to make the pieced border after I removed the Light border and then added it back on after the pieced one. It measures 63" square.

 Here is my "Jack of Hearts"'Mystery by E-mail Quilt for Charity.

Star and Crown 30's (needs Quilting)
Big Star- Judy L (needs Final borders- Quilting)
Spiderman Zig Zag D9P (needs 1 more border, quilting)
Christmas Lone Star (needs final border, Quilting)  DONE
30's Diamond Links - Dorothy Young APOM Mystery from 2007
Lone Star Table Topper (needs Quilting)
Pineapple Charity (needs Quilting)
12 Days of Christmas CW Mini quilt DONE
Blue Raspberry Punch (aka: Pink Lemonade) (needs Quilting)
2 Heart Table Runner- (Pink) DONE
Pam A's 2012 Spring Mystery DONE
Crayon's - Charity (Guild LOTTO) (needs Quilting)
Sarah's Choice SBS 2009 Swap " International Stars" (1 border, quilting)
BRRR Hearts- Bargello with a Twist  DONE
Farmer's Wife Sampler- (needs Quilting)
Mystery by E-mail Quilt for Charity "Jack of Hearts" (needs Quilting)

It's November and My UFO for the Month looks like it won't get any time under the needle.  One month and a week between 2012 and 2013.  Soon I'll be making the new UFO list.  Only 1 from the UFO List was totally finished this year. 2 from that list are now on this one.  That means my Finished Quilts TOTAL is  8 this year. That counts my Tester quilt and Quilt I made for Stitchin' Heaven (haven't seen it on the Blog).

Design Wall Monday November 19, 2012

On Saturday I woke up and it was raining.  It was a good day to go and sew with the ladies from my Guild who were having a Sew-in.  I didn't really sew as much as I'd planned.  I got to help one lady start learning how to Machine Quilt on her machine and I showed one how to make the Pillowcases with the "Hot Dog Method".   When I was explaining how to bring the bobbin thread up to the top to Machine Quilt, another lady came over to watch. The way I explained it, she said it was easy to understand. She said I was her hero and asked me why I wasn't teaching. I told them I used to at the Hancock Fabrics store. I really was missing it today and I'm so glad I got to help these ladies who needed me. I took several different things to work on, even my November UFO.  I barely touched that project but I did choose the cornerstones and a possible sashing fabric.  That is progress.  I didn't take any pictures there because most of them were working on Christmas gifts.

Before I left home I was looking for my tote of SBS (Sylvia's Bridal Sampler) Blocks so that I could send the picture for the BOW ( Block of the Week) to Lynda. I finally found it after I got home and got it sent in.
N-3 Clay's Choice, sewn on my Featherweight.

I was looking at my totes and found a stack of pre-cut block parts from when I swapped with the SBS.  I just grabbed the pieces and though I could stitch up a few to add to my SBS Swap Stars Quilt (last month's UFO).

 Here is the Pieced border I stitched together for the Mystery by Email and the 3 new stars.  Do you ever make Friendship stars that go different ways?    Looks like it really doesn't matter to me...

 I get to make 12" Friendship stars for the Guild Block Lotto next month.  My Blocks won't start until January. Talking with the ladies more at the Saturday Sew-in, the thought came to me that I could do a short Demo on the Lotto Block for the Newbies at Guild and again at one of the Monthly Sew-ins.  Now to start finding the Blocks to make in 2013.

Click HERE to check out more Design Wall Monday Postings.

AHHHH, The Memories

I never would have survived High School without my Ding Dongs and Ho- Hos. The Hostess Bread store was just up the road from our School and I would buy a box and keep them in my Glove Compartment.  I shared with my Boyfriend, of course.  My sons and daughters should remember our trips to Tri-cities and stopping at the Bread store on the way home.  These are to be shared with my grandchildren when they come sometime.  I doubt they are Colby-Safe.  Poor Colby!
 With the demise of the Hostess Twinkie and Ding Dong in our future, I went to the Local Bread store tonight and this is what I found.  No Boxes, but a little variety.  5 for $5.49.  I passed on the Zingers, they weren't a real memory for me. At Thanksgiving time it's a time to remember the Traditions and serve some Family Favorite foods.

I visited my In-laws and asked what food they were most looking forward to having at our Thanksgiving Dinner.  Grandma said " Just a small piece of the dark meat".  Grandpa said he wanted a little bit of everything.
For me Thanksgiving Dinner must have the Stuffing, and Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows browned on top.  DH reminds me of the years I forgot I'd turned on the broiler and burned them on top.  The Grandchildren have to put the Olives on their Fingers.  My Children will remember Aunt Penney's Rolls.
Gotta have Homemade rolls for the Leftover Turkey Sandwiches later in the day.
 And for Dessert- Pumpkin pie with real Whipped Cream.  I found out just a few years ago when Brant didn't come home that not all my children like Pumpkin pie. Funny Kids, all the more leftovers for breakfast. Joe and Brant used to eat a whole pie by themselves. I even took a Pumpkin pie to the Airport when Joe returned from his mission.

This showed up on Facebook today...Have to share. HERE is the Link.  Anybody think this would be a Guilty Pleasure??? I wonder if My DH would  like it.  He's my Turkey Baker!  He will be up way before I am once again this Thanksgiving Morning to get it in the oven.  The Boys and him will attend the Annual Turkey Bowl while I finish making stuff to eat.  I'll be making some of it the day before too.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Grateful for My Quilty/ Blogg-y Friends

I am so grateful for my Blessings and not just this month.  I have some GREAT Quilt-y Friends. I have to Shout out to a few today. I LOVE going to Quiltville.com and getting my copy of QM in the mail every 2 months.  This issue is from November last year.  Bonnie is stitching these "moth in the Window" blocks up for an upcoming book.  After watching her on Quiltcam a few times, I had to get some Shirtings (aka: recycled fabrics)  and cut them up to make some too.  You see --- Blogg-y  Friends are "enablers".

I mentioned to Janet O that I was making these and asked if she wanted to SWAP some Shirtings.  Next thing I know I have a package in my mail with these beauties in it.  Love the variety of colors, even a Purple one in there. I am so Happy I asked. Blogg-y Friends like to Share.

These are the Batiks I got from Heather- the Mystery by Email Designer.  I won't use them so whoever comments first gets them.  How about that??!  Should I place bets on WHO that will be?  

EDIT: Congrats to JANET O, one of my ever-faithful comment-ers!

Nope, I'm not a gambler. 

PROOF: I mailed out my 100 Blocks Magazines and then saw that one of my Winners (aka: Lucky Denise) also won a copy from two more of the Blogs she visited on the Real Blog Tour.

Blogg-y Friends like GIVEAWAYS.   

Here is my Lotto Block for Guild after I un-sewed it.  Much Better.

 Below are the Lotto Blocks that I WON at the Guild Meeting.  There were 17 made this month. I only made 1, thinking, I won't win... :)

I even had to call DH at home to bring it to me, I left it up on the Design wall. 

Blogg-y Friends and I have great Husbands.

 This morning I hear a commotion at the door and go to find a package has been slipped through the mail slot.  One of the Guild ladies also forgot her Lotto blocks at home and offered to bring them to me.  NICE!
Since hers are all the same I put them in the corners of the 2nd picture. I guess I am making a FALL colored Monkey Wrench Quilt now.

And the news to top it all- I was asked to take over the Block Lotto at Quilt Guild last night.  I'll be SEWING a New Block at least once a Month next year.

Sometimes  Blogg-y people like me just can't say NO!

In my Mail today- & On News stands!

 I had to go to a store and see if the Volume 6 Magazine was on the News stands as Promised.  YEP, There they are at one of our local Grocery stores.  I came home from Quilting at Lynn's and on my front step was this pkg and a square box! I knew what was in the box and the package is from finishing the Mystery Quilt by E-mail.  It was two Batik Fat Quarters.  I will have to re-gift them since I DON'T use BATIKS! I have a few friends that do like them so that is easy.

WHOO HOO!  My 2nd Mug from the 100 Blocks Testing!

I'm so glad I got one.

 This is tonight's Block Lotto. I hurried to get it made and now it doesn't look right.  I think some un-sewing is in order.  It's called "Monkey Wrench". Haste makes big Mistakes...

This is the Basket I'm taking back to guild tonight. I think it might make some extra $$$ for the Guild Education Fund.  SEE, I put a copy of the 100 Blocks Magazine in there.

Design Wall Monday- November 12, 2012

Today I get to show off the "Tester" Quilt that is in this Magazine.

 It shows up on News Stands Tuesday November 13th- or you can buy it HERE.

I waited until I had the last Block to test, and ended up choosing the first one.  Funny how that happened.
Choosing the fabric before the pattern isn't easy! The other blocks just didn't talk to me for this fabric by Kathy Brown designer of the Teacher's Pet fabrics, "Abigail" line for Red Rooster.  It wasn't my 1st choice. It's ironic that my maiden name is Brown and I have a DGD named 'Abigail'.  This quilt was meant to be made by me. 

 I made as many blocks as the fabric would allow and tried to think of an alternate Block to add more blocks to the quilt and use more of the fabrics.  9-12 Blocks were needed to submit it for the magazine. I tested a couple of alternate blocks- A double nine patch was my first choice- easy.

Then, I went to my Book collection and found the book "My Stars- quilt patterns from the Kansas City Star"  This block is called 'Friendship Quilt' and was published in the Kansas City Star August 17, 1938.  The book tells of this block being used with a Name written in pencil in the center, then embroidered by the ladies who made quilts with it back then. 

Here it is on- point with the Friendship Block in the center.  Still not sure but I made the Blocks to fill in for the 9 patch layout.  It was tricky using the directional Stripe and deciding how to orient them for the quilt.

I had to turn it for a straight setting and add borders.  I used the fabrics as miserly as I could.  To make it bigger I added the green border then the border (same as the background), ending with a random squares border.

I finished the top August 24th.  A little past the Deadline of Mid July, early August. :/  I took it out to be quilted and found that the Backing fabric I'd chosen didn't quite match the look of the finished top.  It would have been ok, but not want I'd be happy with had I used more of the stripe or mossy green fabric.  Lynn's Shop to the rescue- she had a bolt of the 'ABIGAIL' fabric line that matched perfectly. It was quilted with "Swirls" pattern by One song needle arts.  It measure 50"x 50" square. The editors gave it the name "Friendship Chain". It is the #3 quilt on pg 88 of Volume 6.

 I took pictures as usual as I was making it to be ready for this posting.  Keeping it a secret is the hardest part of Testing. The DH saw it in progress and offered a few opinions.  Quilt Buddy; Lynn got to see it once I had it to the Flimsy, because it was quilted on her Long Arm. THANKS- Thread and Bolts! This photo was taken at the shipping place.  Id' forgotten to get a picture of it with ME.  I'll get a better one in Colorado when I go to see it hanging in the offices at Quiltmaker.




Click HERE to see more Design Wall Monday Postings. Gotta love MONDAY!