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!!!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
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.
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?
(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?
Saturday, July 31, 2010
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, July 27, 2010
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!!!)
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!!!)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
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!!!"
***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,
- 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...
I don't have a "set plan" and will admit I am struggling. I shall continue to plug away, if all else fails...PUNT!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
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 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!!!
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