What to do, what to do...

I made an attempt, to update my blog today and created a BIG MESS.  I was able to retrieve part of my old info and get a somewhat normal look, so that will have to do for now.  I had other things on my mind today!

I dug into my WIP pile and came out with this...

This quilt goes back to my quilt beginnings.  I think, it was my first attempt at picking out fabric, without guidance, yikes....  I  did manage to get it pieced and then it was set aside, for quilting.  WELL, what am I waiting for?  This little quilt needs to be finished in time for use in February. 
It's pinned and ready, just not sure I am!!!

ohhhh, DEAR....

UPDATE... I am halfway back to my original template/layout. I have no idea how I got here but, I am leaving it for now. I don't have time to mess with it now, so will have to leave it, in this "UGLY" stage.




I totally messed up trying to update my blog.  I  lost my old format, which I was quite happy with and lost my list of blogs I follow.  I am trying to get back to where I was.  If  anyone, can help it would be appreciated!

HELP!!! FABRIC SEARCH...

UPDATE: " I FOUND IT!"... or should I say... "IT FOUND ME"  I did a fabric search.  Could not have been simpler, I found the search info on a "quilt store site."   It simply gave me an email address to write too and give as much info as possible and that the search would go to 100's of stores..  I was lucky to actually have a fabric number.  I sent my email over the Christmas holiday and by Tuesday night I had more than half a dozen responses from quilt stores.    I have place my order and as the say "it's in the mail!"

Thank you to all who responded with their offerings and suggestions, quilt bloggers are a great bunch!!!

I started a project, after the Christmas season last year and put it to rest.   I came across it again and

wondered why did I not finish this?  It's far to cute, not to have finished!  As, I  looked through the cut pieces it all came back to me...  I was short fabric, this fabric...

It is moda, Glacier Red #30187 from last years "Figgy Pudding" line by basic grey.   Yardage would be ideal but, will take anything, including FQs and scraps!!  I will be cutting strips of  2.25" by 8".   If you, or someone you know who might collect reds have this in your stash and are willing to part with it PLEASE, leave me a comment.  I am willing to BEG,  buy, and/or trade!!!  Thanks so much for your help!

Just in time...

I am happy to say I have a finish, just in time to get into the mail and off to my youngest grandson, Lane who is 18 months old.  I had this pieced last year and when I went to quilt it, my machine copped an attitude and it did not get finished so, it was put away in a drawer and almost forgotten. 

 I am pleased with this happy little quilt. It is bright and cheery and full of texture. I used flannel, minke, velveteen, and a very soft fuzzy white. I experimented with the backing... I bought a micro fleece blanket at a discount store and did not use batting. This blanket is soft and flimsie and sure to be a petting delight!

There is only one thing wrong...  I won't be able to snuggle and rock with him. 

I think this blanket will do a good job keeping him warm, he lives in Minnesota.

A gift from my Secret Santa...

 This lovely table runner arrived in my mailbox last week, it is from my Secret Santa.  My secret Santa was Sunny, her blog is Quilting Dreams.  It is a nice big size that fits my table(which is currently hidden under a pile of packages, getting ready to ship!).  I love the rich colors of cream, green, and red she used.   Her quilting was just right to compliment the piece!  I took a couple pictures to show more detail.

I love the striped binding!!!

 and this little diddy was also in the box! Aren't those snowmen faces adorable. 
I scored big when it came to getting a great Secret Santa!!!  Thank you so much Sunny, for the special gifts you made me.   I will treasure them for years to come! To my fellow Charming Girls... I hope your Secret Santa was as good to you as mine was to me!!!

Secret Santa Project...FINISHED!!!

For my Secret Santa...

 The Snowman Trio...

I am, done with my Secret Santa project.  It seems like ages, since I have had a "good finish" and this was no exception.  Perhaps that is because I have been working on three of them at the same time.  The other two need buttons and the binding tacked down and they will be done.  One for me, one for my DD, and of course the other is for my Secret Santa.

My Secret Santa turned out to be a "real secret" for me.  A couple months ago, I received the blog address of my Secret Santa (who I have been spying on).  A couple weeks later I received their mailing address.  Well, last night as I was preparing my package I noticed the name on the address and the name of the persons blog were two totally different names, different states, etc.  I sent off an email to Joan and this afternoon she confirmed,  I had two different people!   My Secret Santa was the person who's address I had.  Not, the blog address person,  I had thought.  So, my gift will be going to someone  I didn't "know of"  until today.  The surprise was on me!!!  I think my Secret Santa gift is neutral enough that any quilter would enjoy it... so I am hoping!

If feels good to have a finish and perhaps it will keep me motivate to keep on, keeping on!

Umm... I would like to buy a vowel, please!!!

Perhaps, it would help me with the puzzle of life.  There are times in my life, when I feel in control and on top of things.  Right now, not so much.  I feel, as though I am spinning my wheels and getting no where.  In other words, I have too many irons in the fire!!!

I have LOTS to do and can't seem to get things finished!  I am on the verge of finishing a few projects and working on prioritizing.  Soon, I will have things to share.  Here is a sneak peek!

If your still there... thanks!!!

THE MIGRATION...

Okay... I feel my attempts at sewing and blogging have been meek lately.  I am working on yet, another NEW project!!! I am looking for quick gratification and I do believe this project fulfills that need.   This one is quick and fun and I am in LOVE with the rich fall colors.  You, ask what does MIGRATION have to do with this??? 

 Well, my flying geese are preparing for their migration south and here is a teaser of what is to come!  I use to live in the "migration flyway" while raising my children in North Dakota and every year I was in awe of this flight of nature.  How hundreds of thousands of water fowl birds would make the trip (actually twice a year).  On their way to nesting grounds up North in Canada and then make the same trip to winter down south.  It was truly a sign that the seasons were changing and an awesome sight.

 I still stop in my tracks when I see a flock of geese move across the sky.

So here, I share with you my migration of geese...

Stay tuned to see the formation these flying geese make...

SLOW...progress

DD and I started this project last fall when she came to visit.  Keep in mind this is our first applique project.  Well, here we are a year later and just now, putting it together.  I am happy to say everything is in it's place!  NOW...it needs to be finished, quilted, etc.   We took it to a local long-arm "custom quilter" for her thoughts.  She, is truly an artist and her recommendations were: to use metallic threads, and add some other bling, etc.  I could see on my DD face this was not what she wanted, so we thanked her for her time and took the piece with us.  My DD had a great analogy:  "you don't hire an artist to paint your room red!"  WOW...  she nailed that one right on the head!!!   So, with that being said I am giving thought to finishing the piece myself.  I am petrified, to say the least!  Does anyone have advice for tackling this project?  We feel the piece needs to be kept somewhat simple.  It has a LOT of color and want to do it justice.  I would appreciate any input, advice, or recommendations you have.  Ohhh, by the way we also have another one in the making.  We each wanted one! 

Come & Gone... but, not without REGRETS!!!

The AQS show in Des Moines has come and gone...  It was a good time had by all!  Pictures you say, well I did not take my camera into the show as I was told pictures were not allowed by most vendors, etc and I figured it was just another thing to carry.  I can respect that, so no camera in hand (regret that now!).  More often then not the vendors asked that you not take pictures but, some exceptions were made, for instance if you were buying the pattern/kit.   I did take a few pictures of us "hanging out" in the hotel in the evenings, more often than not with a project in hand.  Those pictures are on my DD camera, including the picture of me and the girls from Idaho.  These girls know how to turn out the projects, their combined knowledge is deep and I LOVED playing 20 questions with them!!!  We shopped , ate, and roamed the show for 3 days.  It was great;  lots of quilts admired,  many ideas gathered, and plenty of future projects bought.  Thank you to Lynn, Marilyn, & Julie for coming all that way and especially for sharing your expertise with DD, who started her first wool project with their guidance.  She has finished it and looks forward to another!!!

Shop Hop...

Since I will be attending the AQS show in Des Moines in just a couple of weeks, I can not justify any current fabric purchases, unless it is to finish something or...(exceptions, can always be made! after all, I consider myself to be a flexible gal). Anyhow, I thought to get the creative juices flowing without putting on too many extra miles and hours. 

 I will be lurking here... (hope I linked this correctly!)

Friday Night Sew In Results!

Well, prince charming did show up and swept me away...
 But, not before I was able to get some sewing time in. 

The project that was begging to be picked up was the "Charm Pack Quilt Along" that was hosted by Kerrie Lynn over @ Freckled Whimsy.  Some quick details of the quilt along; were that it took 3 of the same charm packs and yardage.  We would make the same block using just half square triangles and four patches.  She offered 6 different possible layouts, using the finished blocks or of course you could create your own.  The  actual quilt along is done(however, directions are still on her sight with a link to a "flicker show & tell").  Many are still working to finish, which includes me!  The little time I did spend last night was productive.             

             I was able to finish the 175 HST and 75 four patches.

Now for the fun part... start laying out the blocks.  I have been accused of being a control freak so I decided in order to get a "true scrappy" look I would separate both block types and remix them in bags...
reach in and layout the block with whatever I drew out of the bags...

See...  I can be random

 I mentioned, earlier my production would be determined by when prince charming arrived home.  Well, I am happy to say I was able to get a few blocks done.  Now I can get a feel for how this is going to come together.

Ohhh, by the way... prince charming whisked me off to "MY BIG FAT GREEK FESTIVAL."  Where we enjoyed a beautiful evening outside under the stars feasting on Greek food and enjoying the people watching, which involved lots of children and adults taking part in the evening activities, including traditional Greek dancing.

Woke up to rain this morning so my plans for Farmer's Market are out...guess, I will have to sew!!!

HOME ALONE!!!

I am "HOME ALONE" early on a Friday... What's a girl to do???
I have no idea when SO will be home.  So, or is that sew, I am off to my sewing room to play!  The projects in progress are plentiful.  I will have to see which one tickles my fancy first.  I will do my best to keep you posted and if I don't return, you will know prince charming came home early!

Dual post... GOALS... left behind & going forward...

I have not been looking forward to this post.  You see, I did not succeed in the goal department.  I set goals for July/August and with disgust I can say I didn't do well completing them.  Partly due to me and partly due to life interrupts!  I DID complete my entry into the Schnibble Times Two Contest.  I DID get two small quilt tops for charity made, however they still need to be quilted.  I also, started another project: charm pack quilt along, this was not on my goals list. Like I need to add to my projects list!

Sooo, now I need to set my September/October goals and it is the middle of September!  SO, wants to get in some more motorcycle riding while the weather is good and this really cuts into my sewing time.  I will also be going to the AQS show in Des Moines the first week of October AND if that wasn't exciting enough, my DD is going to also meet up with us later in the week and then return back home with me for an extended visit!  Accompanying her will be my grandson, Logan who turns 2 in November.  She and I do have a couple things we would like to work on but when little ones are involved it takes a back seat and besides he and I have some major playing to catch up on!

Here are my "SOFT GOALS" **meaning I am going to remain flexible and nothing is set in stone.**

     -     Make "match game" for Logan.

     -     Finish the two charity quilts.

     -     Quilt Halloween Table topper.

     -     Work on the "charm pack quilt along."

     -     Work on "fall projects" with DD.

     -     Enjoy fall and the time that will be spent with friends at the AQS show!!!

      

   

Looks around...Where did it go???

Is it just me, or did summer just slip away???  I could of swore it was just the 4th of July.  The end of July/August brought lots of family time!!!  Which we truly love since we no longer live close to any of them.  Late July we joined the members of SO's family in Minnesota to celebrate his parents 50th Anniversary. A good time was had by all!
                                      

             (cute picture of SO with his parents and siblings)

   Then came August and SO attended his youngest sons  Advance Individual Training, Army graduation in San Antonio.  We now have a paramedic in the family!  The good part of this, was SO brought Army son home for a brief visit before his next assignment in Fairbanks, Alaska.  This meant the world to his dad too have more time with him.

 SO's parents, also came for a short visit.  We always enjoy their company which includes a lot of visiting and card playing.

 In August I was also, treated to a visit from my oldest son who delivered the "entertainment package!"  My youngest grandson, Lane. I totally applaud him for making that long drive with his little man, I know people who think driving across town with toddlers is too much, yet a lone an 11+ hour drive, one way!!!   Lane is 16 months old and full of energy.  I had not seen him since May and at that time he was still getting his land legs beneath him(very wobbly).  This visit was much busier.  We had a great time playing and getting to know each other, what a sweetheart and he likes to cuddle with his grama!.  He was very amusing and gave Anna a run for her money, she loved all the attention. 

When all is said, and done...

(great gift, huh!)

                                         

   Then with company gone and summer slipping away.  We took a bike trip over Labor Day weekend.  SO  had upgraded our ride this spring and we had only taken it out on short day trips...so, it was time to see just how the new bike traveled.  We left on Friday evening and when all was said and done... we traveled through 5 states (IA, IL, KY,TN, and MO.  We arrived home Monday evening with 1350+ miles under our bums.  SO, had gone above and beyond to make it comfortable for me.  He invested(I could have bought lots of fabric with what, he paid for them!) in "air cushions" which were amazing, and really did make all the difference for being able to sit for long hours at a time on the bike.  I would say they were worth every penny!   We saw some beautiful countryside. 

We had his and her shopping trips!!!

HIS was here...
                                        

HERS was here...
                                     

It was one of those places I have always wanted to go too!  Well, I was not prepared...  It was not quit as I had envisioned it!  Honestly, I was hoping it would have been more inspirational, more samples and ideas,  The store is VERY large with row upon row of fabric, warehouse style.  There were some great remnant binds with good prices.  I did not buy anything off the bolt and when all was said and done I had a Kona jelly roll and a few remnants, spent less than $50!!!  AND, SO was buying!!!  They were more than willing to ship my purchases home... WHAT THE HECK YOU SAY???

Well, in October I will be attending the fall AQS show in Des Moines, IA with 3 friends from Idaho and would rather have EXTRA $$$ for that trip as I have heard the shopping is abundant!!!  IF...I still have your attention at this point has anyone ever been to the Des Moines AQS show, what can a girl expect???  Is anyone going to the Des Moines, AQS show?

Schnibbles Times Two Contest Entry...

Here is my contest entry... via, Kelly over at Cotton Charm Quilts.

 My version of Hot Cross, using Fruitcake by basicgrey. This was another live and learn lesson, not smart to wait until the last minute (not enough time for a fix/redo!), lets just say she has some "character" but, I still wanted to show her off.  She is sweet, fun, and charming and will be a cozy addition to the holidays! I met a goal and have a July finish!  This was my first Schnibble and I will definitely be Schnibbling again!!!

Tuesday Teasers...

If you were to "peek in" the window of my sewing room here is what you would see...

Charm Pack Quilt Along... I haven't convinced myself that this is the right choice. Using yellow for the background is both crazy and bold.  I love color but this is a stretch ,even for me!




The start of a "FUN" summer bag! (yikes, summer is slipping away!)

My entry into the Schnibbles Times Two Contest, it's growing on me and I can't wait to share it with you...Stay tuned!!!

AND...

When I "peek out" of my sewing room window this is what I see... (picture was taken early spring, it's even better now!!!)

To Join or not to join...

"Charming Girls Quilt Club"  Do I join...or don't I?  I have been pondering this question for a couple weeks now.

***Prepare yourselves, this a lengthy post without pictures!
 BUT...this is something I am doing for myself!!!***

 Why join?

      -  To belong to a group of gals that share a common interest and passion, with whom you can share thoughts and ideas.

      -  Because I have been a secret admirer of this group since I discovered them earlier this year watching quietly, stalking (nah, that's a bit creepy), lurking in the shadows, eewing and ahhing,  and reading (thinking they have a lot of fun).

      -  I feel the need to be "accountable"... BUT!!!

      -  I enjoy a sense of "belonging."

     -  It is a way to expand my creativity.

     -  I do like to have a good time!!!

Why Not?

            -  Because I have a fear of commitment, especially when I have put myself out there but, yet I know I need to!  I hate letting others down!

      -  I procrastinate... I think, umm... because, I can???

      -  I am a terrible decision maker (But, this would be a step in the right direction, right?).  This has been a real challenge when it comes to fabric choices, I like it all!!! (just some more than others!)

      -  Do I have the personal time to do this "right?"

      -  I am slow, at sewing.  I like to take my time, I like to understand and follow directions (this can be a hang up!). I consider myself a "copy cat artist" (I try to be original but, when I see something I like, I know it.  So please don't be insulted but,  take it as a compliment if someone likes what you do and wants to know how you did that!!)  I do better when I can "see" what I am doing, and where I am going.   I have been told I am a perfectionist and can be my own worst enemy.

      -  Ohhh.... gosh, I read this and start to sound like a "nut case."   Honest, I am not.  I probably over analyze things too much...sometimes.(right honey?)  Will they like me, will I let them down?  Will I have anything to offer?

Well...Do I or Don't I????

YES...I DO!!!

I want to join, I want to expand my horizons and grow as a woman and as a quilter!  I want to be a BETTER person!!!

The theme for July/August is SELF/CARE!

So here are the personal priorities I will strive for:

1.  Start eating SMART & get  my SO to eat SMART with me.  Something fellow bloggers don't know... ( I lost 50 lbs last year and now I am struggling...I have started to put the weight back on and I am embarrassed and ashamed to admit that!)  I know what it takes but, currently I can't get myself there...ugh!!!)

2.  Exercise...something, anything!  Walk, ride bicycle, run, just get moving!  Something is better than nothing!!!

3.  quilt - MORE,   browse - LESS... ideas are great, inspiring, and stimulating but, it comes to a point when it then becomes an excuse not to get myself in gear and CREATE!!!  Always, afraid I am going to miss something!

4.  Make the time to be a passenger on the back of the Harley with my SO (this is his passion and he has gone out of his way to make it comfortable for me, so I will share in this adventure with him!).  AND , he even stops at quilt stores along our way...however, 10 minutes before they close is not enough time to "take it all in"... a hum!!!

AND

Here is my list of sewing goals for July/August... (gulp...am I really, doing this???)

1.  Schinibble Times Two Contest.

2.  Bag I

3  Bag II

4.  Donation quilt + 1

HOW, am I going to get this all done if I am on the back of a motorcycle?  Cutting and piecing are definitely out! 
Binding...perhaps!

Sooo.... with all that said     "Count me IN!!!"

Work In Progress...

Progress is slow on my project for the Schnibble Along over at Charming Chatter
I don't have a "set plan"  and will admit I am struggling.  I shall continue to plug away, if all else fails...PUNT!

The BIG...Red, White, & Blue!!!

                              Happy 4th of July to my fellow Americans!
 I am celebrating in style this year. I actually finished my BIG Red, White, & Blue quilt and she has been on my bed for a few weeks now. I experienced some emotions with this big quilt. This was my first attempt at multiple stars and I was so fixated with the points that I over steamed and stretched my blocks. Resulting in having to cut a few points on the outer edge to keep the quilt square...needless to say it was a sad day and I contemplated wither I should even have it quilted. On the good advise of others (thanks Kim :) and my SO, who reminded me not all is perfect in the world! I proceeded and I am tickled with it, LOVE it as a matter of fact.  I have Mary over @ Quilt Hollow to thank for the quilting, she did a great job!

SO...with all that being said, I hope you enjoy the holiday, however you should choose to celebrate...
I know, I will be sleeping under the stars!!!

I think this picture is cool...waving in the wind just like a flag!

Of course Anna had to sneak into the picture, she is such a ham.  Since we are empty nesters I refer to her as the "love child" she is so spoiled!

LOVE the stripes cut on the bias!  (click to get a close up of the feathers Mary quilted)

Enjoy the day!!!