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?