Wow-Wednesday -May UFO Finish

It's a Wednesday,  a new month, 

& I am tired!

Late posting this morning. 

I have finished my May UFO!

I had fun taking it outside for pictures. 

It was a little, sunny and there was a breeze.

6 years+ in the making.

More pictures on the newly mowed grass.

Just a few days late.

Still need to find my tote of Marti Mitchell's fabrics for the binding.

Last night was Sweets Opening day! 

10th year of Walla Walla Baseball.

We had premium seats behind the backstop.

We had to leave early and 

missed the Fireworks.

Had to get hubby home, he wakes up early.

Next time we'll be back in the bleachers. 

I missed my view from the 'C' Section.

More Baseball in the coming weeks.  

No Jury calls yet!

My calendar is full.

We watched our Goodson grandson pitch in his final Little League game. 

Happy to be there for a few innings.

Happy Wednesday!

Friday- LUS Block of the Week

I got my Blue and White Loyal Union Sampler Block done just in time to post to my Yahoo group.

This weeks block was a tricky one.

Many THANKS to Connie who gives us hints for using our Marti Michell Templates.

G-3 Maryland

 This should be my 55th block for this quilt.

"The Loyal Union Sampler"
Quilt pattern by Jennifer Chiaverini
Click HERE for the Link to the pattern book

66 blocks left to have my Total of 121

I'm a little behind the LUS-BOW  Yahoo group.

The have been given 59 blocks since starting this Block of the Week in 2013.

Connie will be announcing the block due January 23 later tonight.

Linking up to QuiltshopGal's Blog for Blue and White #Creative Goodness this week HERE.

Design Wall Monday - November 18, 2013

It' s Monday, a New Part to the Quilty Fun Blog Tour is up this AM. 

 It's time to try and make something close to a Log Cabin blocks.  

I know they are supposed to be easy, but they are NOT easy for me.

Courthouse Steps.

 Lucky I only have to make 2 Blocks for this part.

All cut out and ready to stitch.  Hope I don't mess them up!

I got one of the Blocks of the Week Done for my Blue and White LUS (Loyal Union Sampler) 

Janet O asked how do I keep track of all my SAL and QAL's  

1-2 Blocks  per SAL or QAL -One week at a time 
G-4 Massachusetts

 It took 2 tries to get the right size with the Marti Michell Templates. 

Note to self: RE-Read Block instructions before cutting out the BOW.

The two on the left were cut using the smaller Square in Set A.

See they can go with my extra Orphan Blocks using the Bonus triangle Squares. 

OR... I can UN-sew the outside Triangles and re-cut the center squares the right size and then my 

LAST block for the ALOHA LUS will be done!

I played with the Black and neutral HST's.

They made 5.5" Blocks like the ones in the 

Nabby's Dowry Quilt that just needs the final border and quilting and made a couple blocks.

 This NEW Marti Michell Book #5 has the quilt that is on my Bucket List! 

"Ocean Waves"

This is one of the two versions shown in the book.

I really want to make this quilt with my Purple Bonus Triangle Squares left over from the Midnight Flight!

Linking up with Patchworktimes HERE for Monday fun!

Design Wall Monday- July 1, 2013

Hurray for a NEW Month!  How much will I get DONE?  

It's HOT, HOT, HOT outside, but in my Quilt  Zone- it is COOL!

I'm working with "Blues" and that is a COOL Color.

Here are the Star Points I sewed together at Retreat. 

I used Marti Michell's Perfect Patchwork Templates Set D 

Next up are the 4- patches with these two fabrics.

I have the Alternate Blocks all done.  

This Pattern is from Stitchin' Heaven, it's called "Somewhere in Time".

I 'tested' and made this quilt last year around this time but have been waiting to show it on my Blog. 

That Quilt was sent to TEXAS after Lynn Quilted it for me.
  I wanted to use Wild Roses II fabrics by Marti Michell  to re-make it. 

I chose the fabrics for this one before I decided to make my 2013 Block of the Month with the same line.

I'm linking up with Judy L HERE.

There are a LOT of QAL's, BOM's and SAL's that I'm resisting the urge to make right now.  

I'm determined to get more UFO's and Flimsy's off the lists that are in my TABS at the top of my BLOG!

Stitching the Blues Away...

 Pollyanna where were you yesterday?
It seems like every Mother's Day - I get the Blues.  Partly because my kids are scattered across the West, and can't all come and be with me. And partly because I miss my Mother every year.  It's been a very long time since she hasn't been around to Celebrate any Holiday with.   I know I'm not alone on this. Last year at this time I was at a Quilt Show in Idaho and spending time with my Son and his family.  I blogged about it HERE. I've had to have the same conversation with two of my children this week.  I really feel like I am a broken record and I'm sorry.  I just don't feel too special, when it's so hard to get the family together. I try to be flexible and not demanding, but sometimes it's hurts when I do try to plan and my plans never come off without so much grief! So it will be one family on Saturday and two on Sunday for Dinner time.  I had a friend who used to say, "You take what you get, and don't throw a fit".  I'll try and be happy even though I will still be ALONE most of the day.

So, to TRY and keep from crying, I had to get stitching, in spite of my hand.  I have to do my own type of THERAPY!  Playing with my Purple Roses Fabrics from Jackie Robinson and the quilt pattern I started at the Block Party with Debbie Caffery. I got the Blocks all made for the "Thank Your Lucky Stars" center. Using strip piecing, the Tri-Recs ruler and Marti Michell's "C" Templates. I did all of the un-sewing earlier this week so I was ready to sew them the right way.  Rotary Cutting still hurts but I got it done. 

Here they are arranged on my Living room floor.

Next I get to sew the Blocks together and add the borders.  I like how the secondary STAR shows up.

I have a leftover trial block with a cream star and dark background.  This one will go on the back, I guess.

I used my Midnight Flight 4-patches as leader/enders while I sewed on Thursday. I'm getting quite a pile of them. Parts and pieces of the 4-patches. Hot Pink Swirls and Shadow play Blue with a variety of 'neutrals'. Pressed ready to CUT, finger-pressed- centers spun, and ready to stitch. 

I am glad I finally learned to spin those centers. THANKS to Bonnie Hunter.

                                    
Did anyone notice I didn't BLOG on WEDNESDAY??? That's just how my week has gone.

 Happy Mother's Day to all my Bloggy Friends and Family!  

I hope you all have a family filled day, if that is your wish.

What to do...

What do I do when I can't stand to Rotary Cut because it hurts my Hand?  I Blog Hop, go out and shop, LOL,  and dream of new projects.  I tried to put away chairs after Church on Sunday and my wrist is hurting pretty bad again.  I can use the sewing machine, but Cutting with the rotary cutter HURTS!

When I took my Pink project out to show Lynn on Wednesday, we decided that I would need to basically take it all apart and re-sew it.  She said she couldn't Quilt That much wrinkling Out. 

Have you heard that song?

 Cathy Miller's Song "You Can Quilt that Out" It's pretty funny!

So, it's back to the drawing board with it and I'll have to just put it on the back burner again. 

I did get the Miters cut for the border on my BOM "The Romance Continues" quilt.  Thanks to the new Ruler from Marti Michell. It's called her favorite Mitering Ruler  for good reason!

Lynn got this Accuquilt Die (on the left)by mistake and asked if I wanted it. If my hand keeps hurting, my Baby Go might be my best way to cut. While I was out at Thread and Bolts, I broke her 6.5" ruler.  

I went to JoAnn's to get a replacement and they don't carry the 6.5" Omnigrid anymore. I found this BIG numbered one by EZ quilting. Lynn found them on her EESchencks website so she will order one. 

 

I guess I have a new ruler...

I also picked up a copy of the 'Quilts and more' magazine and went to a thrift store and found the remnants of fabric that is rolled up there. I keep adding to my neutral stash, the green called to me, the price was right.

 In my Mailbox this week I got the items pictured below.  My autographed copy of El's Kitchen Book that just came out in April.  My "BLUE" charms by Jo Morton and a Jelly Roll from Missouri Star Quilt Co.

Saturday I have a SEW-In with my Quilt Guild and will be trying to cut out and sew some "House Blocks" for our Local "Habitat for Humanity" quilts. Wish me luck!

We make and present a quilt to the new homeowners for the houses built in our area.

My Daughter by Love's Cousin has a Webstore and is re-launching it. HERE is the Link. Go check it out.

WELCOME to all the NEW Followers, GFC is going away in July so you can go and follow me with Bloglovin' by clicking on the ICON in the sidebar or HERE.

Design Wall Monday- March 4th

It's March 4th as in "March Forth" as my MIL would say.  My Block of the Month is Marching on my Living room floor this week. The sashing chains 'march' up and down diagonally just like they are supposed to.  These are the blocks for the first 3 months, 2 per month.  I could put the lower corner together if I had the last of the Half solid blocks cut and sashed.

I haven't added any blocks to my 30's SBS for a long time. It was in October 2012, that I laid them all out on the living room floor to take a picture, the last count is recorded HERE.

This is the last SBS (Sylvia's Bridal Sampler) block for this round of the SBS list.  It's called New Mexico and has 72 pieces in it.  Some are so itty tiny that I had to remake them.  I mis-cut the a and b strips for the 9-patches too narrow the first time. The 9-patches are just 1-1/4"  finished! I fussy cut the center and made the tan HST's from a print that has cattle on it.  My total 30's SBS blocks= 80.

March over and see more Design Walls this Monday at Judy L's Blog HERE.

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 - 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.

Design Wall Monday- January 28, 2013

I got out my Leader/Ender Bow ties from last year on Quiltville to add the sashings to the 9-1/2" blocks.  I dutifully cut the sashings at 9"- so I guess it's back to finding another sashing that I can cut to the correct size.  
I can't put my hands on the fabric I chose to use HERE, oh well...

There's always my Block of the Month that I need to sew on. You can see the first blocks from our class at Thread and Bolts HERE.

The 1st block is called "Champagne Toast".

I have my second Block ready to sew.  It's called "Waltzing Together".

I like that the blocks are named for events in a wedding.  Remember these are 12" blocks and I have Alternate Blocks to create the chain in the pattern. Lynn decided to give us the instructions for 2 Blocks a Month. I could have this one done before the end of the Year...at least to Flimsy, right?

DH brought home the Grandchildren sign I ordered at the Ransom-Made December event. I need to find a place to hang this and the "Crowther" Picture too.

Today is the 4th Birthday for my Grandson who celebrated on Saturday.  DS #2 did send home the black eye patch for me. Here I am wearing it- trying to be a good sport. It's really not as bad as it looks.  I'm not wearing the patch anymore.

I have another BIG Birthday party this week for 3 of the DD#1 Children.  There's a 10 yr, 5 yr and 2 yr old at their house celebrating together.

Click over to Judy L's HERE

Design Wall Monday- January 14, 2013

It's a MONDAY at my house.  I didn't pre-write and schedule my DWM post like usual.  I was busy watching my DVR-ed  "Downton Abbey".  And any other sappy show that I have DVR-ed from the Hallmark and ABC Family channel.  It's my Birthday week and I am doing things a bit differently...
On my Wall per se is a lonely Block Lotto Block from last week. The Friendship Scrap Block.

In my plan for the week is the beginning of this quilt.  The Romance Continues...a Block of the Month by Marti Michell that we are making with the former Farmer's wife group out at Thread and Bolts.  

 I know I have said I wasn't planning on starting anything else new this year, but remember it's my Birthday week and I can do whatever pleases me--- and this quilt pleases me.  I have the fabrics all chosen and taped to the fabric key and the first Block is even made.  The Big reveal of that block will be at the class in the morning. (it's the block in the lower right of the picture).  Here are my fabrics in A-J order for the Blocks.  I took a little licence and used fabric from my STASH for the fabric I didn't have from the Wild Roses Line. The J fabric is a Pink one and it didn't show up in the picture. I have to throw that one in for fun!

The Farmer's Wife Group is making another BOM along with this one but I'm only making this one.  To see the other one click HERE.

I ordered this book for myself. written by Natalia Bonner. 

(her mother won the McCall's Quilt Design Star way back in 2010).  

And on Sunday I baked this...

My favorite Birthday cake- German Chocolate.  I used a Book pan that I have and just drew the numbers in the frosting.  It's my Birthday tomorrow and I am the baby of the family so I'm entitled to be SPOILED! (even if I have to do it myself.) My schedule Tuesday won't include Birthday Dinner so I made it on Sunday.


Click over to see the many Quilting Bloggers who were up early posting and linking up HERE.

Design Wall Monday- September 24, 2012

It's almost Celebration time!  I have sewn my LAST Pieced Farmer's Wife Block.  That mean's all of my September and October Blocks are DONE!

 It wasn't easy but I had a lot of alone time this week-end. I had finished sewing with one more blocks to make at the stroke of Midnight Saturday night.  I had the strips sewn for #83 but needed to cut them with my Kaleido-Ruler and finish that block this morning.

This is how the ruler looks, placed on the strip set.  The ruler even has the Corner Triangles marked on the opposite corner.  No extra template/ruler needed.  THANKS MARTI! It is well-marked and easy to use.

I sewed a couple more Paper-pieced blocks this week, too.  Lynn would be proud. My #94 Tall Pine Tree Block gave me a bit of extra trouble. See the photo to the left. A bit of un-sewing, removing the center strip (trunk) and stitching it onto the correct side and Voila' It's Done!

 Only 4 more of the dreaded PP blocks and I'll be completely finished with my Farmer's Wife Blocks.  It's the last week of September and I could have it to Flimsy before the end making my journey a full 9 months of sewing the Farmer's Wife Quilt.

Click over HERE and look for more Design Wall Monday Postings of my Bloggy friends.