Wednesday- Show and Tell

My sewing machine has been BUZZING!  Both the Bernina at home and the Janome at Thread and Bolts. I know it isn't a RACE ti finish my Block of the Month but if you click the link, you'll see I'm far from winning.  I'm loving the "U-Taupia" Quilt in these Purple colors. Lynn almost has me talked into making it too.  Maybe just the sashing idea on some of my sets of orphan blocks, lol

Here's some Progress Pictures for my Wednesday posting. First my "The Romance Continues" BOM-

"Engagement Party"

 On Tuesday I made the Block (above) and a few of the Alternate full and half-Blocks.  I'm ready to sew on the sashings and cornerstones onto each block and watch this quilt grow. I'm really loving making 12" Blocks this year! I'm half done with the main blocks, not counting the one with pink that is in process of being sewn again with the correct fabrics.

Next up- EASY STREET aka: "Busy Street"

The center of this quilt is finally together. I saw that one of my Blogging WASIQ buddies- Judy D was sewing on her Easy Street yesterday.  I had to take some time-out to watch Bonnie Hunter on Quilt Cam.  Not to be outdone, I sewed until mine was together (into the weee hours). Now I get to choose some border fabrics and I'm thinking I'll use up some of the 'spare' parts for a pieced border too.

Last but not least my SAL from Temecula Quilt Co.

This one needs one more fabric for the top and bottom borders.  I like the stripe that I fussy-cut for the side borders.  WHEW and this is just Wednesday...

Design Wall Monday/Weekend events- February 25, 2013

On the Design Wall today- my auditions for the sashing/borders on my Temecula row quilt.

 I have 3 fabric selections to choose from under the blocks.  This is the best way for me to 'see' which one I like best.  I'm leaning towards the striped fabric at the bottom. I could fussy cut the light stripe for the sashing and use the rest as part of the border, HUMMMM... what do you think??

Click HERE for Designs galore at Patchworktimes.

Shameless plug-but it IS Quilt-related (sort of)

Saturday was a special day for visiting family.  I made the rounds and saw 9 of the 11 Grandchildren in Tri-cities, but didn't take ANY pictures.  I borrowed this one from NaDell's Blog HERE. 

The BYU Ambassadors came to Richland HS to perform their "Harmony- The Music of Life" program twice and asked for some 'local' children to join them on-stage.  My DGD was chosen to be on stage for not just one song, but TWO.  It was a time for one of those Mental KODAK moments because NO PHOTOGRAPHY was allowed.  My favorite part was when they put the Princess tiara on her.  Her mom says she is all Girly girl!  I was watching the many costume changes they made too. And the dancing and acrobatic flips, WOW!  The BEST Costume for me though was when they came out with "Pioneer" type dressed with Quilt blocks above a scalloped hemline.    I'm sad there wasn't a picture of it on the program. I want one like it and NaDell wouldn't mind me making her one to wear on her TREK this Summer.  I could use some orphan blocks, right? YA, Sure, in my spare time...

 Speaking of Costumes.  I had to borrow the Season 1 DVD from Kori while I was in Tri-cities.  I watched 4 episodes of Season 2 with friends on Friday night.  I thought I'd see the end of Season two, but after watching all of Season 1 I see that it was that Season that I had already seen. It was fun to get-together and watch it with my friends.  We forgot to take a pictures there. :( maybe next time.  Gotta love all of Maggie Smith's one-liners... How will I be able to wait until next January for Season 4?? Sunday nights just aren't the same.

It's FRIDAY- I'm so Ready for the Weekend

I am getting my stuff together for the 3 NEW quilts I'll be starting at the Quiltmaker Block Party in March.  I'm taking classes from Bonnie Hunter, Debbie Caffery and Jo Morton.  I found a bunch of Jo Morton fabrics in my Civil War stash.  They are in the 2nd picture. In the first picture are just part of the strips I need for Bonnie Hunter's class. I need more neutrals and have yet to cut the other two colors I want in this quilt.  She suggests Cheddar and RED, I'm thinking Yellow and Pink.  She uses the Easy Angle and Companion Rulers so they are on top ready to use.  I'm getting so excited to go and meet these 'famous' quilters plus the other Quilters who will be there.  These 3 will also be our Guest speakers.

 Temecula Quilt Co  Judie Rothermel 25th Anniversary SAL final row was posted this morning and the Finishing directions this afternoon. I got the last 5 blocks cut out and sewn. They were simple 9-Patch Blocks. Here are all my blocks.  I get to decide on sashing and borders next.

 I found this BIG box on my porch when I went to check the mail this afternoon.  It's the box to put Grandpa's Flag in.  The bronze Army emblem came ahead of the Box, I'll wait and let Paul open it.  Thanks to our Army Son for ordering it for us. When he comes home to visit he will re-folded the flag for us.

I'm excited for the week-end since the week has been non-stop for me.  I'm still working on the parts for the Block of the Month Alternate Blocks so I can put my quilt together once I finish all the Blocks.  I need to unsew or re-make one of mine already.  The pink I put in one of my Blocks screamed at us on the wall. Lynn's block is shown in the picture.

The LUS Book is coming this Summer!

It's been a while since I tested 5 different Blocks for this book.  Finally the release date has been announced.  It was first proposed to be in October, then September, now it's AUGUST!  Sew Cool!!!  I can't wait to get my hands on it.  I have a bunch of fabrics saved to make it.  In August I'll show you my "tested" blocks.

I had a FREE day on Monday so I took advantage to cut and sew up the blocks for the Judie Rothermel 25th Anniversary SAL Row Quilt at Temecula Co.Quilts.  This Friday the 5th row will be shown.  I'm all caught up and loving the little 5.5" blocks made with my Civil War fabrics. Thought I would NEVER say that. 20 made in one day- WOW. Janet O. showed her blocks HERE.  I had to make them, too.  Can I say Janet made me do it?? Yes, those are my toes sticking up there...

 In my mail yesterday was an envelope with these cute cut-out hands of my Colorado grandsons.

 A belated, but welcome Valentine's Wish!  Aren't they just adorable?? 

Today is Day 2 of the M & M Quilting Group out at Thread and Bolts Quilting. They liked the name I suggested so we are officially the "M & M Quilting Group". The M & M stands for Marti Michell, of course. Since I'm the picture taker I get to go both days that there is a class.  Julie H. from Mesa will be there.  I can't wait for her to see her newest Quilt that Lynn finished for her.  They will be posted on the Thread and Bolts Blog later today.

Happy Wednesday, fellow BLOGGERS!  I hope you can spend a little time with your Rotary Cutters, Fabrics, and Sewing Machines today!

Design Wall Monday - February 18, 2013

Saturday was a busy day but I ended it with some Sewing!  I feel much better now that I am caught up with my Block of the Month Blocks for February's Small Group Meeting this week.

The Marti Michell Block of the Month is coming right along. February blocks are l-r: "Moonlight Reflection" and "Fantasticks".  We get to start making the Alternate chain blocks for this quilt in March. It helps to take the time to sit and cut out a few of the Blocks so when I have time I can just assemble them.  Marti's instructions make it EASY.  These two blocks didn't go together as I would have done them.  It's always great to follow the directions.

 I've got the 1st border almost ready to attach to the Mariner's Compass.  I'm liking this better now that there is more to it.  Next is a the setting triangles to turn the whole center on-point- then it's Pinwheels in the varied colors.  So it's nearly done since I'm making it lap sized. The pinwheels are 4".

Check out more Design Wall Monday postings HERE

The Saturday FUN included a trip to Tri-Cities to watch Grandchild #5 play Basketball.  His father has been telling me how well he is playing.  It was nice to go see a game with Grandpa before the end of the season.  I took this action shot photo and got the ball in mid air above the basket. Do you think it went in?  Since they didn't keep score it didn't really matter.

We were out past where Paul's Mother is so a quick visit before Lunchtime was in order.  Lunch for us was a Sonic Burger and some Onion Rings with a Chocolate Cherry Milkshake.  We had to stop at Costco and get fuel. It is right by the Wool shop "Sheep's Clothing so I got 3 skeins of Wool Yarn for my next Knitting project. Lace Guild also meets this week.

Valentine Dinner- Happy Birthday to the DH!

It was fun to spend yesterday preparing dinner for my DH for Valentine's Day.  I wasn't expecting him home at a certain time so I just kept lowering the temperature on stuff when 5 pm came and passed.  It's his Birthday the day after so I usually do his dinner one of those days. 

  I posted my Inspiration Picture on FB of course and asked what everyone was having for their dinner???

No reflection on the DH, he's FAR from a Tramp...  I put the Jello in the blender to make it frothy on top.  Remember that school lunches used to pair green beans with spaghetti and garlic bread?? Mr Albertson's made the French Bread and I added Squirt to the Tropical Punch.  He walked home from work and left his pick-up to be worked on so I didn't hear him coming up the driveway. He came bearing CHOCOLATES from "Bright's" Candy store downtown. Chocolate with Cashews, he knows what I like... 

 And for DESSERT we got to finally eat the cake delivered on the day before Valentine's.  Our Young Women leaders helped make them for the girls to deliver for a Girl's Camp fun-raiser.  There were Chocolate Kiss Rose bouquets to order too.  I'm happy with the cake.  It is so pretty and YUMMY too.

Today, I was awakened way too early by his one of his Brothers calling to wish him a Happy 59th Birthday.

A nap was needed so I can go to the Sweethearts Dance later.  It took a while to decide what to make for the finger foods we are supposed to take with us.  All I could think of was sweet stuff and I'm sure there will be plenty of that.  I chose to make mini Pizza rolls with the tube biscuits.  I think they will be tasty. Since there will be childcare and I have some grandchildren coming I made "Jigglers" to take for them.
Time to polish my fingernails and put on my RED dress baby!  They are taking pictures and I'll need something to distract from my eye... [edited to add pictures from the dance]

Ransoms and Crowther's

Great News - Wednesday!!!

It's been my day to receive good news!  I'm a happy, relieved, lady today- the pathology reports are all clear and the surgery was a success.  The Dr took out the single stitch he'd placed in my eyelid this morning.  I have a few dissolvable stitches in there too. I had to text and post it to my Facebook, I was so excited.  I'm still not quite ready for a close-up picture. Only Janessa and Paul have seen the worst of it.  There's a "Sweetheart's Dance" on Friday that our Ward is putting on and there will be pictures taken, but I'll try and not show that eye, this time...

More good news was to be had when I drove out to visit with Lynn at Thread and Bolts.  Click on the link for that good news... Since I most likely won't be going to TRENDS with her in Mid March, it was nice to be there when her Schencks Rep was there to see some of the new Fabrics and stuff and be in on the ordering part.

Last evening was a Quilter's Symposium at Quilt Guild.  I'm glad I felt good to go and was happy to see so many there, sharing and learning from each other.  Here is my friends tying a quilt that was made  of blocks from a member who isn't here to see it.  I was told she is smiling down on us from Heaven to see her quilt being finished.

I showed the reason why I PRE-SHRINK and Pre-wash almost ALL of my fabrics. Below is a picture of the Color Catcher after I washed this BLOCK LOTTO Red and White Quilt. I won the Blocks and who knows if any of the fabrics were pre-washed.  the Color catcher shows me that a few were NOT!

Next are 2 pictures so I remember how to add "fringe" to the outer edge of a quilt.  

It was also the Great Reveal of our next Guild Raffle Quilt.   We, as members of the guild, made hst's in shades of "BLUE" to go into the quilt.  Terri H, the Guild President from last year and her quilting buddy Donna put it together and Eddie W. quilted it.  It looks great to me.  I had to take a close-up. Ticket's are $1 and can be purchased from any Guild Member.  The Drawing will be at our 2013 December Mtg.

This is a pattern on my "bucket List" too.  I have an ancestor- 3rd Great Grandma Ann Maria Bowen Call Loyd who made several quilts with this pattern.  I have a book called "Quilts & Women of the Mormon Migrations by Mary Bywater Cross that tells about her and her Ocean Waves quilts. "In the few months she lived in her ninety-first year, she pieced eight ocean wave quilts, each containing 2381 pieces." She embroidered in the white space of  the one shown in the book. It is displayed in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum in Salt Lake City.
In my MAIL today I got my Fons and Porter Magazine. Any day I get a Quilting Magazine is a GOOD day!

AND the Good news keeps on a-coming...I got a phone call out of the blue from a HS friend telling me that one of our mutual friends is going to the Temple in April. I called to make an appointment to join her there and the session is already FULL.  I'm so happy for her!  I will try to go and be there for when she comes out. This is a friend I've known since Kindergarten.  Pretty Good News to hear!

Design Wall Monday- February 11, 2013

I survived the surgery and have removed the patch...right now it just looks I have a black eye.  Waiting was the worst part. The Stitches come out on Thursday.  Since post-op instructions included the warning to NOT operate machinery, I haven't sewn.  I decided I could cut things out so I tested my skill with one eye and got the square in a square pieces cut for the 1st border of the Mariner's compass quilt.  They will go together like the 2nd photo.
  

While resting with the patch on my eye I tried a bit of knitting and crochet.  Bonnie Hunter shared the directions to make a Spool Doily for our Vintage machines. Thanks to Shelvy for the directions, they are found HERE.  I had noticed them on her machine when I watched QuiltCam a few times before and tried to make them.  The first ones I tried to make are the yellow ones.

 I did a little different edge than the directions and made the lavender one for my Featherweight.
 My other machines have a side spool post so I can't use them there.  I can put one under my cone thread spool holder though. Aren't they cute??  Bonnie H. says she has some Tatted ones too that she has been given.  Another soon to be long lost craft to learn. It's on my list, now I have something else to make.

Linking up to more DWM postings HERE.

Finally Friday- New Hair, & Off my Needles

 Today is the day!  No sewing is planned. No eating until after the procedure... so I have to BLOG!  I am singing the Beatles song- "I Get By with a Little Help from My Friends" in my head. I'm not getting too HIGH though... I'm overwhelmed with gratitude by the phone calls and kind comments I've received in anticipation for this day. Even my Grandchildren are praying for me.  It is so comforting.  I have great faith that all will go as planned.  THANK YOU for all your prayers!  My Heavenly Father, Family and Friends are on my side.

Yesterday, I went to see my Niece with my friend Wendy to get our hair done.  I have to share the in-process picture and the TA-DA!  I am so glad I could spend the day with Wendy and relax. She called and asked how much my niece would charge to dye and cut her hair.  The cost she was quoted in town was way more than she wanted to pay.
 Thanks to my niece who is always willing and ready to help when Aunt Mary is needing her hair fixed.  She gave us the royal treatment.  It cost us a little time to be beautiful some times but we are Worth it!

Here's the Ta-Da!  

After a quick stop at the Burger King we were on our way home.  On the way my Cell Phone rang and the Hospital was asking if I could come in earlier for the surgery.  YES!  That means a little less time to 'fast'.

At the Lacy Lacers group on Tuesday,  I asked if there was another pattern for me to make these fun dishcloths. Here is the 5 different patterns, 4 Lessons in Green yarn.  I had a big skein and wanted to see how many it would make. I still have more of this yarn and have memorized the first two designs so I can knit without a diagram in front of me.  It's been fun to give these to my friends for their Birthdays.  I joined the group to learn how to read a pattern and learn to knit better.  I want to try Cables, but they aren't really considered "lace". It's a good feeling to know I've graduated and can now try something new.

Next to make "On my Needles" is a Scarf. I was told to try some Wool yarn to make it. Next time I'm near a store that has it I will pick some up.  I heard there is a new Yarn shop in Tri-cities called Sheep's Clothing.  DH is allergic to Wool so it won't work to make him a scarf for his upcoming Birthday. I have plenty of time to find the perfect yarn.  I dare not go ONLINE, like my fellow knitters who link up with Judy L on Fridays HERE. I want to feel it in my hands for this first Big Project.  I will Link up on another Friday when I have something different to show.  You can go and see what my fellow knitters are making at the Link above.

Wednesday - What was forgotten??

I'm getting old, I know!  Can I blame it on my Eye?  I forgot to post my Birthday gifts from my Quilt Buddy, Lynn.  I am so blessed that she looks all-over for just the right things to gift me with. I even told her I really don't NEED anymore, I have over 100 Nativities. The Olive wood Nativity set is made in Bethlehem! It's stamped on the bottom.  I love the Nativity Frame too.  I need to find a family photo to put in there. Below is a close up of the ornament she found.  I think it would make a Pretty necklace to wear for the holidays next year. I will get a nice cording or chain to put it on.

Last night was a Lacy Lacers Meeting and Marilee showed us how to make Battenburg lace,  I got the tape basted down and tacked, now I just need to do the spider web between inside the loops. That is my homework until the next meeting. It's fun to learn a new skill, these are going to be a lost art if we don't pass them on.  Most of the Lace Group joined in on the class.  Thanks, Marilee for making up the kits & teaching.

When I got up this morning, I decided I've put off finishing this center of the RR that I'm making for a lady at Church. I hadn't really forgotten it... It's just my Quilter's ADD, lol.  After a bit of "frogging" the center Mariner's Compass is finished.  I can make the Square in a Square and Pinwheel borders pretty fast so the rest of  this quilt won't take too much longer. I was very surprised when I opened my E-mail this week and saw that my Round Robin Quilt is featured on the Home page of the SBS and other Elm Creek Quilts Yahoo group.  It's an honor to have it posted. Click the link to see it there. They are talking in the group about starting another Round Robin.  I had to post that I might be interested IF there is NO Paper-piecing.  I just get so frustrated by it, it's just not fun for me!  I love the precision, but I just have to save my sanity and avoid doing it as much as I can.

Design Wall Monday/NewFO February 4, 2013

 Remember these books?  I showed them to tease the other day.   Nancy Johnson-Srebro has a LOT of cute blocks in here that work up quick.  Some blocks have many pieces, 16 or so in the one I chose.

                                 I chose this block from the Block Magic, Too! Book, pg 12

 I had a bit of trouble trying to get the clouds in the right position, below. 

Had to get out the un-sewing tool to "frog" this one and make it right.  OPPS!

          Here's one made right.  Lining up the stripe across the ship mast meant extra pinning. I liked the Blue fabric that looks like water swirling.

I made four Blocks to start and am playing with ideas for final the layout.  There is a quilt in the back of the book that has a Lighthouse, Turtle and 3 Fish on it.  The possibilities are whirling in my head.  There is another sailboat in the other Book.  This Quilt is for the Quilt Challenge @ Trends in the Spring. It could be a Baby Quilt size or a Wall hanging.  The wait until Trends isn't long so I'll be playing with Sailboats for just a little while.  My 2nd oldest Son turns 34 today so playing with sailboats sounds fun to me.

I'm linking up to the NewFO HERE.

Click HERE for more Design Walls in Blogland!