Dakota City Quilter

Design Wall and Monday Goals

2012-01-30T05:00:00.001-06:00

The Diamond 4 Patches are all pieced and the setting diamonds cut. My design wall is the bed---

Night picture--bad color again. Here's a scan from the book--

I need to find fabric for the half diamonds. They used a brown plaid--I would like a brown of some sort. The blocks are fairly large--7" across and about 11" long.

Weekly Goals--

Trim half the Arrowhead blocks
Quilt on "Chains of Lurve"
Plaid 4 Patch
Scrappy Bargello

That's enough to keep me busy. January is almost over and I need to review my 2012 guidelines.

How are you doing?

Sunday Stash Report

2012-01-29T06:13:00.000-06:00

I made some purchases this week. 2 yards of Kona black to finish a sashing. 2 yards of COC backgrounds. 1/2 yard cuts of 4 prints--another 2 yards.

This week---6 yards In

YTD--37 yards In

Used this week--0

Used YTD--12.5 yards

Stash is leading--24.5 yards

There are finishes planned in the next few weeks--so the numbers will head the other way!~

Weekly Goal Check In

2012-01-28T14:56:00.000-06:00

I'm there! I have 121 Arrowhead blocks!

Some need trimming--but they are pieced and pressed! Woohoo!

Last night I was thinking about the projects I am working on. And an old one that needs finishing. They are---

Diamond Four Patches

Plaid Four Patch

Four Patch Posey

Do you see a pattern here? Four patches! And the middle of the Arrowhead blocks have a four patch in them.

Heading for the sewing room. I'm back in South Dakota and its too quiet--no Mason or Asher. Grandma is lonely!

Monday Goals

2012-01-23T16:52:00.000-06:00

Time for goals! Last week my only goal was to finish 10 more Anita's Arrowhead blocks. It was a good week--I finished 29. A queen size is 121 blocks, and I now have more than 100. Marilyn, Liz, and I are each making a quilt called Four-Patch Plaid from the book Nickel Quilts. It's a project using our stash. I have half the 4 patches made, and about half the long 2 patches. No more can be done on that until I get back to my stash. Found a huge wadge of noodles sewn together in pairs in my sewing room--and I couldn't remember what I had been making. I packed them thinking I would unpick them and use them in the Four-Patch Plaid. I laid them out---hmm--each pair of noodles has a matching pair. And then I remembered! I was making a Scrappy Bargello!

Scrappy Bargello Strips, 4 patches, Arrowhead blocks

This week I will--

Make 10 more Arrowhead blocks
Work on Scrappy Bargello strips

I'm heading back to South Dakota in a few days. Just watching the weather and checking road conditions. We're had snow, rain, ice and wind the last few days.

Motivation Friday

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

How has your week been? The weather has been bitterly cold, I haven't ventured out in a few days. Mason has pulled his lego table into my bedroom. He's great at pretend--a small yellow flashlight from my purse became a school bus to play trucks with. We've made cookies and done all sorts of fun things. Tonight he and his mother did "arts and crafts" and I have new wall art.

I've worked on my Anita's Arrowhead blocks, two more seams and these will be complete. 20+ in this pile. 10 blocks were my goal this week. There should be 90 blocks with these--only 31 more! They are addicting.

Sometimes Asher sleeps on my bed, I've been reading books to him. I don't think he's interested yet--see the little hand--he's snoozing underneath his blanket.

Design Wall Monday and Weekly Goals

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

I've started piecing a new quilt. It's called Diamond Four Patch from an older book "Quilts from America's Heartland". I have 64 diamond 4 patches made.

These were strip pieced and cut on the 60 degree angle. Easy! They are 7" on a side--so not that small. I love antique/vintage quilt patterns.

Goals for the week--

10 Anita's Arrowhead blocks

That is my only goal for this week. I'm in Mankato with Mason and Asher, that's going to keep me busy. Trucks and cookies, crafts and reading books, lots of rocking. Yup--looks like a good week!

Sunday Stash Report

2012-01-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

No fabric bought this week. I finished the Garden Bargello--I estimate that used 10 yards. I made 4 blocks for a donation project and mailed them off. We were asked to make them in the color we don't use/don't like. Mine is lavenders and purples. Since I was making blocks, I also made the same blocks for my "Jay's blocks sampler".

The top left block is done in a teal green. I love teal green, it just happened to be on top the scrap box! 4 blocks--1/2 yard? Close enough!

Used this week--10.5 yards

Used year to date--12.5 yards

Bought year to date--31 yards

Stash ahead--18.50 yards

How was your week?

Weekly Goal Check

2012-01-14T16:56:00.000-06:00

I've made more Arrowhead blocks. Finished binding Henrietta's leaves.

A binding finished on the Garden Bargello, its a Bonnie Hunter pattern--Scrappy Trips Around the World. A good way to use noodles.

I have another quilt loaded on the Princess. Lots of sewing this week, it's been too cold for anything else!

Design Wall Monday and Weekly Goals

2012-01-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

I have 70 Anita's Arrowhead blocks completed---

Night pictures have cruddy color. Try to overlook that! I'm enjoying making these blocks, only 51 more for a queen size top.

Goals for the week---

Load a quilt on the Princess
Complete 10 more Arrowhead blocks
Finishing binding Henrietta's Leaf quilt

I'm way ahead on my monthly stash organizing goal. Tonight I did my sewing room closet--there were 8 "cubes" of fabric plus what was stored on top of the cubes. The results--one box of batiks, one box of 30's, one box of civil war repros. A cube each of solids, hand dyes, fossils ferns and moda marbles, and one of indigo's. If I'm very brave I'll look UNDER my sewing table later this week. I've found a few unexpected things. Why do I have at least 10 yards of solid red? I don't remember buying it. Maybe someone gave it to me?? I found one UFO--the blocks are pieced and sashed and the magazine with the pattern is there too. I was looking for my 30's and the solids that matched--I found them. Now I have to remember why I was looking for them!

The weather has been unusually warm--but colder weather will be here in a few days. I found a ham bone with some ham on it in the freezer--ham and bean soup is planned. The "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day" book is out--maybe some really good Peasant bread with the soup. YUM!!

Sunday Stash Report

2012-01-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

A good week for stash enhancement. My numbers? 31 yards in--2 yards out. A 50% off coupon on ALL my fabric--so I didn't pay more than $3.00 yd. 11 yards for a backing/binding. Some cream, tans, yellows and golds for my stash.

Stash in---31 yards
Stash out--2 yards

Stash is ahead--29 yards!

So how was your week??

Motivation Friday

2012-01-07T02:06:00.000-06:00

Oops--I realized on Thursday I forgot to post any goals. 25 Anita's Arrowhead blocks completed this week.

One of my 2012 guidelines was to sort/clean one spot in my stash each month---today I did my cutting table. Okay--you say that's not much?? My table is 9 foot long and 30 inches wide--that can hold a LOT of stash when you pile it two foot deep! Fabric was refolded and sorted by color. I cut a noodle from each piece for the noodle basket. Bricks for the brick stash. And a 8.5" strip for my Arrowhead stash. Some went directly into my scrap box, I am pleased to report I have a full box again.

Did you see the heat wave we are having? South Dakota was warmer than MIAMI!!! Yes--parts of South Dakota saw 70F. The high at our house was 68F. Although its good to be home--I miss Mason and Asher.

Design Wall Monday and Weekly Goals

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

First week of the new year! I've picked my game plan for 2012 and I'm comfortable with most of it.

Last week I wanted to complete 10 more Anita's Arrowhead blocks. I'm not there, but I'm half way through 25. No design wall--but I do have a table.

25 Anita's Arrowhead blocks

Yesterday I made an quick trip to JoAnn's to buy fabric for bassinet sheets--Mason and I sewed them up tonight. Its been a long time since I sewed with a wiggly child on my lap. We used my machine that does zig zag and other stitches--Mason ran the forward and reverse--we practiced numbers by finding the right ones (lucky I picked ones like "4" and "1" and not "37"). So those numbers will be on next week's stash report--2 yards in, 2 yards out!

2012 is going to be all about enjoying life. Time for a new cutting blade, oiling the machine, and a new needle. Pull out your patterns, pour your coffee, find your chocolate--we're off!

2012 Guildelines

2012-01-02T01:20:00.000-06:00

I've been reading everyone else's 2012 goals. Thank you to everyone who gave me ideas. I choose these for me--

Refold/organize ONE cube/spot in my stash per month

Judy's color challenge--make ONE block for my sample block stash

Work on ONE ufo per month and move it one more step to completion. (add borders, set blocks into a top, etc)

Any piece of stash less than 9" wide goes into the scrap box to be recut into usable units--noodles, 3.5" x 6.5" bricks, 5" charms.

Buy a tool/gadget box. I need to keep them together and on a shelf.

Finish a UFO before starting a new project

I made a list of 10 UFOs I want to finish in 2012-

Sunny Lanes
4 Patch Posey
Raggy Edge Flowers
"Two Lips"
Sister's Choice
Scrappy 9 patch
Navy blue Irish chain
Anita's Arrowhead
Kids quilt kits (2)
Blue/white Jacob's ladder

I plan to participate in Design Wall Mondays, Stashbuster's UFO Challenge, and other internet fun. Even Stash reports! I may not post to each one every week--but I enjoy them.

I plan to make quilts for donation and some for family. I realized its been a long time since we've had a new quilt on our bed.

I will participate in internet fun.

I will remind myself its the PROCESS I love the most!

Motivation Friday

2011-12-30T07:00:00.001-06:00

Its the last Friday of the year and I've been thinking about 2012. Writing down ideas and establishing priorities. Nothing concrete yet--have you been thinking about 2012?

I didn't do much sewing--but I have pressed and pinned 25 Anita's arrowhead blocks. When Mason has time we will sew them together--I promised I wouldn't do any sewing until he could help me. I would pin a few more--but I'm out of pins!

Have you seen the soap dispensers that automatically squirt out a dab of liquid soap when you wave your hand beneath the spigot? Laura Beth and Nick have one on the kitchen sink ledge and I LOVE it! Nick brought me one in my favorite color---

a green one. Thank you Nick! I stuck the arrowhead blocks underneath so I can say it was a quilty picture.

Remember the Vines quilt I made Mason? He's been using it--

The rick rack vines make great roads, and you can drive on the narrow yellow road or the wide blue road on the edges. We park on the grass (green blocks) or in the flowers (yellow flower block) and sometimes on the water (blue blocks). Grandma drives the red pickup and is chased by Mason's police truck A LOT!

Design Wall Monday and Weekly Goals

2011-12-26T05:00:00.000-06:00

It's a design floor here in Minnesota. I've been working on Anita's Arrowhead blocks.

Anita's Arrowhead Blocks

I like this method/pattern the more blocks I make. 26 blocks in Minnesota, and there are 10 in South Dakota. 121 blocks needed for a queen size quilt. That's a start!

Weekly Goals--

10 more Arrowhead blocks
Think about the next year's goals

Well, I don't like yearly goals--but a general plan--that's okay. I'll let you know what I've thought about next week. Here's a few options. Do I want to participate more with my favorite on-line groups/blogs? Work on hand applique? More donation quilts? Perhaps a few quilts for family? A new quilt or two for our bed? Stash reports? UFO challenges? More swaps? Use more of my precut stash---noodles and 5" charms? There are lots of possibilities out there. Maybe push myself into using colors I'm not real comfortable with? How about use more stash than I buy--that would be good! What have you thought about for the next year? I'd love to hear--someone else may have a great idea that's never crossed my pea brain!

Christmas has come and gone. Mason thought we were NEVER going to open presents! Grandma--can you do this??

Life got better--

Mason wanted a Dr. kit. Rest assured--by this evening we've all had "check ups"!

How was your Christmas? Did you receive a special present? Are you thinking of next year?

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T02:00:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas!

May all your presents be wrapped, your sewing room dark, and cookies ready for Santa!

Motivation Friday

2011-12-23T06:30:00.001-06:00

Has everyone been busy? Me too! But I did work on my goals. 15 more Anita's Arrowhead blocks are done--just need trimming. I worked on them late at night when I was on "Asher duty".

I think I need a few "murky" colors--maybe closer values of the two colors. What do you think?

Christmas is almost here. Ken's coming tomorrow and Mason keeps asking "when". "When I get up?" "Before my nap?" Grandpa---you better not waste any time!

Holiday goodies continue to be made. Tonight Mason and I mixed up a batch of cookies. Mason is very good at cracking eggs and quality testing the M&M's and chocolate chips. And he got to lick the beaters!

Monday Goals

2011-12-19T15:29:00.000-06:00

Time for goals. Yes, its Christmas week but I'll still try to sew.

Finish 6 Anita's Arrowhead blocks
Sew on a UFO

That's about all I can do, no stash here to tickle my brain.

I did go to the quilt shop. Since shops are feeling the recession too--I did my bit to stimulate the economy!

A lot of variety there! Henrietta has already claimed this piece--

Beautiful bright chickens! Henrietta has a weakness for chicken fabric--I wanted enough for a backing--but there was less than 2 yds. Oh well, we'll just be frugal with it and bits and pieces will be tucked into projects.

And then I saw this fabric----

So many different colors--do you think that is why I like it? Hmmm--probably--a scrappy fabric!

Tonight Mason and I will make cookies. Yesterday we dipped peanut butter balls--Mason was all excited until he found out he could only eat ONE--not all of them as he dipped them! I've decided to stay in Minnesota until after Christmas, I had planned to go home in between--now I'm not sure when "in between" was!

I doubt Ken has gotten the Christmas quilt out and put it on the bed. I made it several years ago--yes, its hand pieced---and is made out of all Christmas fabrics.

Grandmothers Flower Garden

A king size Grandmother's Flower Garden. I had a lot of Christmas fabrics, and inherited some from my mother and grandmother's stashes. Friends gave me some leftovers from their projects. That Christmas stash was pretty large, I made two king size quilts and a queen size---pieced one backing--and the box still has quite a bit in it.

Christmas Log Cabin

The log cabin quilt is on the wall--it doesn't look very big--but that wall is 8 foot from floor to ceiling--it covers from top to bottom. The 3rd quilt is on a bed, its a Chinese coins quilt and its the smallest--a queen size. I put the box of Christmas fabrics away, I'm not sure what to do with the rest.

A week until Christmas, I have completed all my sewing gifts. Are your Christmas projects finished? Or will Santa find you sewing the last bit in place when he's delivering presents?

Motivation Friday

2011-12-16T07:00:00.001-06:00

Friday has rolled around too soon. How did I do on my goals?

I did make a few Arrowhead blocks---Mason helped--I finished 4 but have another 10 "in the process". Mason and I sew together--I run the "gas" and he does the "forward" and "reverse".

Anita's Arrowhead blocks

No sewing on any of the UFO's--I've managed to keep busy somehow!

Wednesday night Mason and I went shopping. We were looking for Christmas ornaments and some crafts supplies for his "arts and crafts" box. We were in Hobby Lobby--and passed the fabric on the way to the bathrooms. (3 yo boys can't hold it very long Grandma!) So--we went back to the fabric because EVERYONE KNOWS YOU GOTTA LOOK!! Mason saw--bug fabric! Lady bug fabric! Mason loves bugs. (Laura Beth says all little boys love bugs.) We bought enough for a sheet and a pillowcase for his bed.

Mason and bug bedding!

Mason and Grandma are having lots of fun. He helped grandma make an apple pie and cook french toast. He helps Grandma sew---he removes the pins and puts them on the magnetic pincushion for. He's found the long tape measure and measured the wall--"it's 8 pounds Grandma!" He keeps asking when Grandpa will be here.

I'm glad I can spend time with my grandchildren now---I can sew later!!

Monday Goals

2011-12-12T21:31:00.000-06:00

My goals this week will be small, I'm still in Mankato being Grandma.

Make 6 Anita's Arrowhead Blocks
Sew on a UFO

Can I put "visit a quilt store on my list"? I just want to look. I haven't stopped at the one downtown for at least a year! Speak up--what was that?? I heard all those YESES!! I agree--I will stop--after all, its the Christmas season--maybe I can ~~spread~~ purchase some joy? It would make ME joyful!!

Would you like to see my sewing room away from home??

I have a sewing machine, a cutting table, an iron and a lamp. Underneath the table are the UFO's I packed. Those EZ Stor bags are wonderful--you can carry them by the handles and are see-through heavy duty plastic.

It has warmed up a bit here in Minnesota, I was able to run errands today and pick up a few groceries. How can one such small bundle of joy make 3 adults so tired??!!

Checking In

2011-12-10T13:28:00.001-06:00

We've had a busy week. New baby on Wednesday---

Asher John -- 7 lbs 13 oz. Everyone is home and we're keeping busy.

Grandpa arrived on Thursday---

Ken hasn't forgot how to hold babies--he'll do fine! Mason likes his new baby brother--

Look Mom--no hands!!

There won't be much sewing, I brought some binding projects--Mason REALLY wants to help Grandma sew!

Tuesday Goals

2011-12-07T00:10:00.001-06:00

I managed all my goals last week. This week, well this week will be slower. Monday I drove to Mankato to wait for the new baby. My car was stuffed--I brought plenty of projects to work on "in between". Today I ran errands so I can stay in out of the cold. The temp tonight is 11°F. I brought my warm jammies and my electric blanket is plugged in.

Goals---

work on 3 binding projects
make more Anita's Arrowhead blocks

That's enough, I'm sure there will be lots of other duties this week.

Anita's Arrowhead blocks--these are blocks made using Anita Grossman Solomon's cutting method. The blocks are complex to look at--but easy to make. One cutting step, and you do all your trimming at the end when you square up the block. I love it! The book Rotary Cutting Revolution
has 8 different quilt blocks made with her one step cutting method. It's a nice way to relax--I cut a stack of 8" squares so I could piece them while in Mankato.

A few days of relaxing, sipping hot apple cider while admiring the decorated tree, cookies on a holiday tray.......! Not here! Life is Lucky Charms under the couch, Mason wanting Grandma to "play trucks", and Nick dashing out to fetch Laura Beth a sweet treat. Life is good!!

I've Been Sewing

2011-12-01T13:34:00.000-06:00

Lots of sewing so far this week. I finished binding the Yin Yang quilt for Henrietta. The picture doesn't do it justice, it looks very yellowed and its not. Rusts and browns and golds for the darks, and creamy background strips. I know part of the background came from a Tonga Treat strip packet called "meringues". Henrietta made this king size quilt out of batiks--and its gorgeous! Its already in the mail to her son.

Adam's Yin Yang

It was too big to photograph the whole thing on my hanging rod--there is a lot not showing! Henrietta doesn't usually make a king size--she was pooped when this one was done.

Also finished was this QOV "Not So Top Secret 2" from Alycia. I called this "the quilt that never ends". Yeah--brain block and lots of frogging. Henrietta finished piecing it--otherwise it would still be a UFO. Thank you Henrietta!

QOV That Never Ends

I would like one more quilt for that box before it goes to Alycia--so far it has the above quilt and the Double Slice Homespun. I washed the Homespun--the dark tea dyed border didn't fade. If it fades with time--that's okay--my hope is that the whole quilt fades and wears and sees lots of use!

I finished the binding on "Petey's" quilt and washed it--the leaves frayed nicely and I love the quilt.

Petey Quilt "Garden Lattice"

The backing is a soft blue flannel--snuggly and cozy.

I know a lot of people wonder about quilting and fleece. I do it--to get around the stretching and possible tucks is to mount the fleece on TOP. Your pieced top goes on the BOTTOM. You don't want to quilt fleece too densely, it gets stiff and hard--so a simple pantograph is all you need. This is what it looks like when you quilt it----

Fleece being quilted--pantograph is Fantasia

Your thread will disappear down into the fleece when its washed--and the pieced top will look like any regular quilt. I use a poly batting in these--I don't want to use a batting with lots of cotton that shrinks--the fleece back won't shrink, and with the fleece there is plenty of weight to the quilt without adding cotton batting.

Last night I just "played" in the sewing room. I needed a break--nose to the grindstone is wearing!

Monday Goals

2011-11-28T07:00:00.002-06:00

Today Ken and I are driving home to South Dakota. We're taking the scenic route--Ken is looking at farm machinery, and I'm on the lookout for quilt shops.

Goals for the week---

quilt another top
finishing the binding on Henrietta's two quilts
finish binding on Petey's quilt
Play with a sample block
Work on a piecing project

I'm going to get as much done as I can before I come back to Minnesota. Laura Beth is due December 10th, and that's pretty close. I need to start making a list of what to pack. So far the list is-

sewing machine

cutting mat

sewing table

sewing case

lamp

Maybe socks and underwear should be on that list! I did a little Black Friday shopping--I went to JoAnn's, Hancock's, and Hobby Lobby! In the AFTERNOON--I knew they would still have plenty of fabric! Nothing too exciting, fleece for backing a quilt, and flannel for burp clothes and other baby needs.

I do have new pictures--these were taken in October at Minneopa State Park near Mankato.

Mason, Laura Beth, and Nick

Mason

I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. We ate too much turkey (of course)!

A New Favorite Tool

2011-11-26T13:59:00.000-06:00

Do you look at all the quilting tools out there? I do! I saw a "Bias Tape Maker Machine". Whoa!~! Almost $100--no way!! But then I saw the "tip"--you buy that separately. I use tips to make different size bias for applique. Now, why couldn't you use the 2.5" tip to make quilt binding, without the expensive machine? So--I bought one.

ITS THE NEXT BEST THING TO A ROTARY CUTTER!! Seriously--I like bias binding. I don't mind MAKING the bias binding. I HATED the pressing of the binding. I was always burning my fingers on the iron. Had a zillion pins stuck to hold the binding while I ironed it. It took forever!

I made binding for a king size quilt. Pressed it using the new tool. Took me 15 minutes--maybe. I never burned my fingers.

I took a few pictures of how I use that tip.

First--you make your binding--and press all the seams the same way--AWAY from the tip.

Then--you thread one end of the binding through the tip and pin it at one end of your ironing board. See the stick pin on the right?

I pull the binding tool with my left hand--ironing it flat as it comes out the tip. When you get to a seam--you hold the pressed binding down with your right hand--and tug gently to pull the seam through. You can pull/iron the entire length of your ironing board if you like. Then--you reposition the binding back to the right (if you iron from right to left) and stick a pin in. And press another ironing board length. You only need the ONE pin, and the iron stays away from your fingers.

Using that tool makes pressing binding a breeze. I make binding 2.5" wide and then its folded in half--I sew a generous seam when I apply binding--easier to do, wears longer, and fills the binding on the inside.

Want one? Buy it here for $12 with free shipping.

And that's why I have so many quilts ready to hand sew the binding!

Double Slice Quilt is Finished

2011-11-22T14:24:00.001-06:00

Last week I saw a quilt on Doni's blog. What caught my eye was the homespuns. If you've ever worked with homespuns you understand. The plaids and stripes are wonky. It ravels and stretches and generally just doesn't behave! I had a small stash of homespuns---mostly given to me from my favorite BIL--they had been his mother's. I starched those homespuns into submission and started cutting. Ummm--let's just say they weren't eye catching blocks. More like "butt ugly". I sent Henrietta a picture of the blocks sew together. First there was silence---long silence--and then she said they were "Fnugly". And she laughed hysterically. Next I asked Ken to look at them hanging on my design wall. He stared intently for a minute, then turned and said "this is one of those trick questions, isn't it??!!" Well, THAT was no help!. Next I asked Elaine. Elaine had several suggestions and I used them. Her suggestions helped turn the ugly duckling into a swan.

Elaine's Double Slice

Elaine suggested a slubby muslin inner border. Then--a narrow green TOT border. Last--a brown border. She said "simple quilting". I used a cream thread and an allover pantograph. It turned out exactly like I was hoping---a masculine quilt--there is not one floral fabric--the backing is pieced with more TOT green from the border, and a pretty cream print with pine cones. The binding was on my cardboard roll--a homespun stripe and a navaho print in earthy colors. And the best part--it was all from stash! I almost threw the blocks out, but Elaine saw past them to a finished quilt. Elaine---its all due to you!! I'm very tempted to keep this quilt--but its going to be a QOV--I'll send it to Alycia later.

Have you ever had a quilt that "almost" threw out before it was finished---and then loved how it turned out??

Monday Goals--Thanksgiving Week

2011-11-21T14:11:00.003-06:00

My only goal this week is hand sewing of bindings. I now have a small pile of quilts to that point.

I haven't started hand sewing on these yet

7 quilts are waiting or in the process of hand sewing the binding. Whew!

With Thanksgiving this week, there won't be much time to sew. I plan to play with Mason and cook the turkey. Maybe Mason and I will have time to make cookies. I miss my cooking buddy.

I wish you all a Peaceful and Happy Thanksgiving.

Motivation Friday

2011-11-19T14:54:00.000-06:00

Friday was very busy--just imagine it's Friday! Check on those goals---I did finish quilting the QOV and loaded another top on the long arm. I haven't worked on Petey quilt--but I have a good excuse! My right index finger has a cut right across the pad on the end--ouch! I was cutting up chicken breasts--and from the repeated pushing down on the blade of the knife with my index finger (the back side of the blade must have sharp corners) I have a nice bruised cut. Since I couldn't hand sew, I kept busy quilting and working on machine sewing projects.

I haven't any quilty pictures--but remember I said I was working with chicken breasts? I was canning them--I had bought almost TWO coolers full. Probably at least 50-55 pounds. Why--they were on sale for $.88 @ lb (whole with bone and skin). In the fall I usually can three large turkeys. But these breasts were quite cheap so I canned them. How much did I get?

Canned Chicken Breasts

35 packed pint jars. I quickly pressure cooked the breasts one evening---then I set them outside in big pots on my deck--in a wooden box with a lid. The box kept all the varmints away that might want to investigate the wonderful smells in those pots! The next day I removed the fat (its cold here--the fat rose to the top overnight on the broth and solidified), cut the breasts up removing the skin and bones. Packed my jars fairly tight and boiled the broth down to pour over the meat in jars. I had added lots of chunked onion, carrots and celery with the leaves when I cooked the chicken. No salt, no other seasoning. I strained the broth--throwing away the veggies, they were pretty pathetic by then!

Why do I can meat?? Its easy. It won't take up freezer space. Laura Beth and Nick find it handy for those days when they come home from work, nothing is thawed out, and Mason is ready to chew on your leg--he's a 3 yo and he's hungry NOW! Several casserole recipes on hand, and if all else fails--make chicken salad sandwiches! Its one of those "emergency" foods we have on hand for when you get company unexpectedly and need to cook FAST!

We finished emptying the camper, had the dealer winterize it, and took it to storage late yesterday afternoon. I'm always sad when I park it--but snow, freezing rain, and high winds were predicted--so its good its put away. We missed most the storm--but its cold and I see tiny skiffs of snow outside.

Tonight we have Thanksgiving at a nephew's--all I had to make was a salad. Next week I am cooking Thanksgiving at Laura Beth and Nick's. Tomorrow I have nothing planned, I'm going to spend it sewing!

Design Wall and Monday Goals

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

I have this Scrappy Blue Bargello on the wall. So far border fabric hasn't jumped out and screamed "USE ME USE ME".

Scrappy Blue Bargello

There isn't any of that blue left. I'm sure I'll find something.

All the blue "25 in 25" blocks are done. Next is to do math for the sashing and borders. I did a little quilting, a QOV is on the long arm. Not much to see, but I was playing with the camera trying to take pictures of the quilting.

Waterworld on QOV

Its a simple pantograph---Waterworld by Jodi Beamish using tan thread.

Goals for this week---

Finish Petey quilt binding
Finish quilting QOV
Load another top

I still have a crick in my neck, and added one in my left arm and shoulder. Nothing new--I've had it before. Yesterday we carried most the camper "stuff" in and I've been sorting and putting away. Found two more cake mixes!

Lots of errands this week, won't be much time for sewing.

Veterans Day, Motivation Friday

2011-11-11T19:22:00.004-06:00

Today is Veteran's Day. Remember to thank those who served.

Time to check on my goals. There's been a lot of sewing here!

Quilted Petey top, made binding, sewed it on. Now its ready for the hand stitching

Work on a UFO--pulled out Sunny Lanes flimsey and put on the borders. Whew--its a king size, was a bit awkward.

Found a quilted scrappy bargello and applied a scrappy binding--two sections I'd saved on my cardboard tube

Trimmed a kids brite quilt, now its ready for binding

Loaded a QOV

Hmmm--I've done my goals from Monday--except a fun block.

My progress

I decided to start a new project---I love the pattern "25 in 25" and decided to make it in blues. 2" strips---so I pulled out blues. I cut 50 different blue fabrics. While I had the fabric out and flat, I also cut 2.5" strips, and if the piece had a chunk cut out somewhere--I evened it out and put those cuts in the scrap box. I have all the strip sets sewn and pressed, ready for cutting.

Blue 2.5" strips and Extra 2" strips

Here's my extra strips, all tied up nicely with a selvage. There are probably enough 2" strips for another project. Unless I miscalculated--which I often do! And a whole bunch of 2.5" strips---good prospect for a quilt that uses jelly rolls.

The camper is being emptied. I've had a bad crick in my neck--just a muscle spasm--but it sure incapacitates me. Ken brought in the canned goods. Why did I have 6 regular cans of tuna--and one MONGO size can? I've not that fond of tuna! Five cake mixes. Still more to be unloaded, but I like to put away the stuff as it comes in, lots of sorting. There are items that will be stored in boxes in the basement until next year.

Monday Goals

2011-11-07T13:28:00.000-06:00

New week--time for new goals.

Quilt Petey's top
Hand sew one binding
Make a backing or binding for a waiting top--or both
Sew on a UFO
Play with a block

Have to schedule some play time---its part of the fun process. The camper is now parked in front of our house, we will be unloading it and getting it ready for storage. Always a sad time for me--I do love camping and volunteering.

I finished binding a UFO--Henrietta's American Pie Quilt.

I think she finished the top in March of 2010. Henrietta loves chickens, the backing is green with tiny yellow chicks. I still have two more quilts ready for the hand sewing, one of my favorite parts of quilting.

Do you plan your time? I cannot plan any longer than a week, it becomes too overwhelming. But weekly goals--and they are only goals--works for me. I'm off to the sewing room and a bit of laundry!

Motivation Friday

2011-11-04T20:23:00.000-05:00

Time to check on my goals. Its been a busy week!

The backing is ready for Petey's quilt. I've worked on my Secret Santa project. And, I made a backing for a top. I even quilted that backing onto one of Henrietta's quilts! I made a binding for another of Henrietta's quilts. And machine stitched them on--I just have to hand sew them down. I was on a roll!

Mason needed some new sheets. His crib is now a toddler bed, and I forgot how long its been since I made any sheets. Now he sleeps with a pillow---and of course a pillowcase or two from Grandma would be nice. Ken and I squished this all in a priority box.

5 sheets, 2 pillowcases. 4 sheets are flannel, and they just didn't squish real well! I did find some Beatrix Potter fabric in my stash, but the Dr. Suess I had to buy. And the yellow and red flannels I bought--I just don't have a flannel stash.

I finished the baby blue 4 patches. Having binding ready to go really sped it along. This finish will keep me from being the UFO Queen--this time.

If you ever have the chance to meet a fellow blogger/internet friend--DO NOT PASS IT UP! This week I met Susan--and we didn't get to talk near long enough. Susan--I have lots of questions I forgot to ask while we talked--expect a LONG email!

Susan's route took her close to me, she was moving some stash. Take a peak in her car--

Yup, that SUV is full of stash and things. There is a sewing machine riding shotgun on the passenger side floor. This was a solo run--no room for passengers! But Susan did find room for a bit more stash from the local quilt shop.

Over the weekend Ken and I plan to pack the camper up and move it home. No sewing until next week.

Monday Goals

2011-10-31T17:46:00.000-05:00

I'm still a bit off track here, but I am sewing! I've had a bad cough/cold and sometimes I was just too miserable to concentrate. I didn't sew Henrietta's binding down, still saving it. (I enjoy the hand sewing of bindings.) Petey's blocks are all sewn together and waiting for the backing. I haven't worked on my Secret Santa things--but I have time.

So my goals for next week are--

Make backing for Petey's quilt
Work on Secret Santa project
Make a backing for a finished top

Last night I was digging in my finished tops, and I know that having a backing ready with the top makes it easy to pull one out and quilt it. Seamed a backing and set aside binding fabric with it. That way anything extra can go back into the stash and be used.

I was looking for a baby top. It would go quickly and I wanted to try a different pantograph on a small project. When I found the top, it needed borders. Okay--borders will go fast! Half way through the borders my foot pedal quit. What?? Just find a different foot pedal. No foot pedal exactly like I needed. Got the tools out--a nut had come off a short bolt inside. Put it back together and sewed the borders.

Backing--I had a piece of blue flannel the right size--threw it in the washer/dryer--and loaded the long arm. The quilting was quick--the panto is nice--now I need binding. I save all my extra binding on a cardboard roll. And--I had enough of a plain blue. Woohoo!!

I'm off to sew some more!

Motivation Friday

2011-10-28T13:28:00.000-05:00

Its been a busy week. Harvest, errands, sewing, meals and lunches--very busy!! But "Petey's" top is finished!

Petey's Quilt

I learned that sewing rick rack on a curve is much harder than a straight line. I used some fancy tools--a plate to mark the vine curves. A washable glue stick to glue/iron the leaves on--then I sewed them down by machine. The edges stay stuck down and the glue will wash out. Its ready for quilting. The baby is due December 10th.

This afternoon I plan to quilt on Henrietta's top that is already loaded. The afternoon sun just makes it easier on my eyes. (My quilting room has a large west window) And I will work on my Secret Santa gift this weekend. The binding I'm saving for when I want to sit in my chair and just enjoy the hand sewing. I love that part--its relaxing.

Liz reminded me today that I'm now a "lady in waiting" on the UFO Queen's list. I've made the top 10!

Have you been sewing?

Design Wall and Goals

2011-10-24T14:45:00.000-05:00

Last night I played with Petey's blocks and I think this is the final layout.

The white diagonals look rather bare, but they will be filled in with leaves and rick rack vines.

Last weeks goals--I did make more Petey blocks. I didn't sew Henrietta's binding down. I worked a bit on the 4 patches. Next week's goals will be--

sew the binding down
set Petey blocks into a top
work on Secret Santa gift

Yes, its already time to be thinking of Christmas.   I love Secret Santa swaps. I love the planning and picking a gift for someone else--especially another quilter! How could I go wrong????!!!!

I loaded another quilt on the long arm (one of Henrietta's).   I like having a top ready to go for when I've got the time.

Harvest is moving along, hopefully we will be done by the end of the week. I still plan to volunteer this week. The weather was beautiful yesterday--70F--and although it is cooler today--its still very pleasant. I know cooler weather is coming--but I'm soaking up all this I can.

Harvest is moving along--we don't have that much left--if we don't have more flat tires or broken chains.   Those endless fix-it instances that occur during harvest.

Staying Focused and a Thank You

2011-10-18T20:00:00.013-05:00

I have trouble staying focused. Goal setting helps. Vicki said she's going to limit her internet on weekends. Good idea. On Sunday I didn't use the internet. Went to brunch with friends. Did some necessary shopping. Sewed for at least 3 hours. Read. Did I miss the internet? Yes, but I got lots done!

This weekend I sewed with a "buddy". I received this email when I was lamenting I was #13 on the Queen's list to finish a UFO.

"Get out the smallest quilt and work on it for just 15 minutes a day...it adds up quickly to a finished project. And, once you are at number 1, should you reach it, that spot does have a week to finish something.
So, decide on a quilt and start cutting binding. I'll be sewing along with you on finishing a quilt." Liz

Liz--you don't know how much I appreciated your emails. Liz laughed with me and encouraged me, and a binding was made and sewn to a top. Only the hand stitching is left.

Remember to say kind words and encourage someone. It took only 4 sentences to change my day.

Monday Goals

2011-10-18T09:46:00.000-05:00

3 goals last week. I completed one! The blue/white swap blocks have been mailed. I did want to work on Petey's blocks. But--I FORGOT THE BACKGROUND fabric at home. Oh well! I didn't load Henrietta's quilt--I had less time than I had planned. But I did pull out a quilt of Henrietta's that needed binding--the binding is made and on--I just need to hand stitch it now.

So my goals for next week will be---

Make more Petey blocks
Sew binding on Henrietta's 30's quilt
Make more 4 patches

4 patches? Where did the 4 patches sneak in??? I'm all about the process of quilting. That's my favorite part. So when I saw a Billie Lauder video on scrappy 4 patches--I couldn't resist.

Billie Lauder ULtimate Scrap 4 Patch

I have a heaping box of 5" scrap squares. I pulled assorted colors in lights and dark. And, one night when I couldn't sleep I got out of bed and matched them into light/dark pairs. Yes--at 2 AM!

charms paired up and ready to sew

And here are some of the finished 4 patches.

4 patches made with Billie Lauder method

I'm not sure how these will turn out--but if you watch the video about 10-11 minutes along she shows a quilt on the wall made with 4 patches--and that's what caught my eye! Simple, soft--and scrappy! She used a charm pack--good way to use charm packs--but I was thinking of that huge box of charms I have.

Camping season/voluteering is almost over. Last week I saw the Morning Glory's I planted by my camper were finally blooming.


Blooming at last!

Lattice Garden

2011-10-10T20:01:00.000-05:00

The picture yesterday of "Petey's" blocks was so awful I scanned the pattern. A few people wondered what the rick rack would look like as vines.

I am making Petey's quilt rectangular instead of square. The cheery primary colors and bright rick rack bring back childhood memories. Instead of turned edge leaves I am considering making them with raggy edges. What do you think??

Design Wall Monday and I Need Some Goals

2011-10-10T00:46:00.003-05:00

These are the blocks currently on my wall. The start of a baby blanket for "Petey". I know Laura Beth is rolling her eyes--the baby expected in December hasn't a name (okay--his parents may have picked out a name) and somewhere I heard the name "Petey" mentioned. So for now his name is "Petey".

Design Wall 10-9-2011

Taking pictures at night yields awful color! But I'm not a morning person so....! I still need about a dozen more blocks--I'm making two sets--one will be an extra quilt. On those white diagonal rows bright rick rack is sewn like a winding vine--and appliqued leaves from the block fabrics are sewn along it.

I need to start setting goals every week. This week they will be small.

Make more Petey blocks
Load quilt for Henrietta
Finish blue/white swap blocks

Its been very dry and harvest everywhere has had field fires. The dry grain dust + hot machinery + dry crop leaves/stalks has been very dangerous.

Field Fire South of the Campground

About 1200 acres burned less than two miles from my camper. This picture shows what looks like smoke--but is really blowing sand. This picture was taken the day after the fire, see the sand dunes already on the road?? The fire burned all the crop residue from the field and the high winds made a dust storm. Crop residue (what's left after you remove the corn, soybeans etc) is normally left in the field and you won't have the blowing soil--but the fire burned all of it. Luckily we've had some good rains over the weekend. Slows harvest but a fire is worse. The weather the last month has been both "unseasonably cold" and "unseasonably warm". This afternoon I had the central air on--in October!

Here is a picture of my boss at the Visitor Center-Karla-with Toni and Eddie and I. Toni and Eddie have left heading for winter in Texas.

Me, Karla, Toni, and Eddie

It will be lonely at the campground the next few weeks. Soon I will be done for the year. But we'll be back next year!

And a few random pictures---

Katie and Award

Katie received an award. Congratulations Katie!

Spillway Gates Closed

There are still some spillway gates open. They closed them while they were putting a buoy line across with a boat. Doesn't it look peaceful?

I'm Holding a Bat

Yes, my hands are inside those gloves. We have "bat gear"--a long handled net and heavy leather gloves to catch the bats. We take them outside and transfer them to a tree.


Bat in Tree

He quickly crawled about 10 feet up the tree after I released him.

I'm not a squeamish person. The Visitor Center has three story glass windows. Birds bounce off them all the time. Once in a while we have a casualty. This bird was unusual. Yes, I took the corpse and measured it with lots of photos. A bird we usually don't see--a Merlin. This was either a female or an juvenile. The pictures went to professor in MN who could identify it.


Merlin

And if you are wondering what happened to the bird, it went in the freezer! Since it is a somewhat rare sighting for that area, it may go to the taxidermist and be mounted for one of the displays.

Relaxing Sunday

2011-10-02T13:37:00.000-05:00

Another beautiful day. 75F with a breeze. Ken came down to the camper because he had a combine part ordered and you KNOW what happened. Half the parts aren't here. He wanted to go home, but now is waiting until tomorrow since the other part should arrive then.

Last week we had a few days that looked like this---


photo from internet

Very windy!! We were "unseasonably cold" and now we are "unseasonably warm". I LIKE it!!

I have a whine. If you don't want to hear it--that's ok!! Skip this part! We have a few apple trees on our farm. (We live in town now--but still have the farm) Tuesday Ken said my little apple tree had lots of nice apples on it--should he pick them for me? Yes! Two days later Ken went back with boxes and buckets. Someone stole EVERY LAST APPLE! This is the 2nd time--last time they cleaned off my big Granny Smith tree. There were plenty of apples--if someone had asked I know we would have shared them. I just don't understand the greediness.

Warm Weather and Cookie Baking

2011-09-28T12:00:00.002-05:00

Its a beautiful sunny day--highs should be in the 80's. I'm going to enjoy it!

Laura Beth, Nick and Mason arrived Friday night. Family visiting and we went to the local steakhouse Saturday night. Ken ordered the "Tyler Burger".

Tyler Burger

Ken loves burgers. He was in 7th heaven--but said it was a family meal! Three 1/2# patties.

Remember--I promised Mason we would make cookies? Sunday morning BEFORE I HAD MY COFFEE Mason was asking "we gonna make cookies Grandma??"

Mason waiting for Grandma

Yes, we made cookies in our PJ's. Mason sifted the flour.

Packing brown sugar

Packed the brown sugar. Cracked the eggs.

cracking eggs--no shells Mom!

We made M&M with chocolate chips cookies. Mason liked measuring the M&M's--a few were eaten!

Soon we had them mixed and were ready to bake.

Mason with cookies ready to go on pan

We used a small scooper to form the cookies. See???

Hey Dad--see my scooper?

See Dad??? (Nick kept busy taking pictures for me.) Thanks Nick!

Soon we had a pan out of the oven ready to eat.

Mason with first pan done

The cookies came out pretty perfect! Yes, a few bits of dough fell on the floor. Mason had two casualties (two cookies flew off the plate as he was running to share them with Dad). But there were plenty of cookies. Mason took some to Great Grandpa John, and we packed a large container for Mason to take home.

Mason--are the cookies all gone? Grandma is ready to bake some more!!

Another Beautiful Monday

2011-09-19T11:27:00.001-05:00

The sun is shining and the temp to be in the 70's today. Another beautiful Monday.

I remembered to take pictures of the most recent "auction treasures" Ken bought. I love old enamelware, and he bought a whole box full a few weeks ago.

A covered deep square pan (reminds me of a refrigerator drawer) a larger rectangular pan, an 8x11 baking pan, a covered pot with lid. A large mixing bowl. My favorites--a pitcher, a covered pan with fruit decals, a colander and a drinking ladle. One stray lid.

This pan is a favorite-the colorful decals are so cheery. Some of these will go on my "treasures" shelf, and I know I will use all of them.

And I have been sewing. Last week I worked on the blue Jacob's ladder blocks. The Sister's Choice blocks. A blue/white Irish Chain. "Mason's brother" quilt. That means I worked on three UFO's. None are close to a finish--but they are getting there!

I have another round of the blue/white swap in a few weeks. I made this sample block--do you like it??

I like that the outer tips of the pinwheels point into the white hourglass portion of the block--they look like they're floating. Most blocks made in this pattern are turned 45° and there are flying geese instead of the hour glass blocks. Its a rather bright blue with white polka dots--I may try making another one in a softer blue. I not sure everyone shares my love of bright "poke your eye out" colors.

This weekend Laura Beth, Nick, and Mason are coming to visit. I promised Mason we'd make cookies together.

Beautiful Monday

2011-09-12T19:09:00.000-05:00

Today is a beautiful day, the door is open on my camper and a slight breeze is blowing in. I can hear the roar of water going over the spillway on the dam and the crickets are busy singing. The weather is going to change and become cool with perhaps some rain in a few days. I hate to think that its fall already.

A few weeks ago a fellow quilter from Yankton called and invited me to a trunk show--I think the local guild in Yankton sponsored it. Pat Nagle--Eleanor Burns's sister was the speaker. Lots of quilts and patterns and tools from Quilt in a Day. But my favorite moment was this---

Pat is talking about this quilt and FORGOT that the gentleman behind the quilt was holding it. Yes, those are Van's(??) Merrill's(??) legs! It wasn't quite caught on the top and he's standing behind it with aching arms! Thank you Jeanette for inviting me!

Lest you think I am slacking off in my quilting--here it the picture of my table today.

I started a baby quilt for "Mason's brother". Most of the blocks for it are pieced. Next I worked on the last of my nine patches, I'm sewing them together in pairs. It was a block a day quilt-a-long from Crazy Mom Quilts. I had a lot of fun making them--enough for 3 large tops! These are the last ones. These all have brown points turning them into Sister's Choice blocks.

I pulled out a UFO stored in the closet in the camper, I thought it needed more sewing, but it's to the pressing stage and needs some background fabric. None here, it will have to wait.

On Mason's birthday he baked and decorated a cake with me. He's good at cracking eggs, loves to run the mixer (grandma helping!) and scraping the bowl. He picked out some "sprinkles" when we were at the store to put on top the cake.

Mason sprinkled enthusiastically and dug into the frosting with the jar--then licked the frosting off! A small hole in the cake--we just added a LOT of sprinkles in that spot! You can see some of our mess in the background.

And then a picture of Mason being hugged by grandpa---

Life is good!

I Had A Coupon.......

2011-09-05T21:05:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love having a coupon?? Me too!! On the way to Mankato to visit Laura Beth and family, Ken obliged by stopping at my favorite fabric store. And---it was 50% off everything that wasn't already on sale--with a coupon! I thought I had read about Judy suggesting stash enhancement but I was wrong and Katie said it was using stash and setting goals. Oh drat---too late!! I didn't dig out the slip to add the totals, but its a "fair dab" of fabric. I need more blues for a project.

A "fair dab" of fabric

We're in Minnesota for Mason's 3rd birthday.

Mason blowing out candles

Mason with punked up hair and Laura Beth.

Next Mason showed me a new game at their house--

Yes, Mason is getting a baby brother in December! New quilts are needed. The only sewing I've done this weekend is hem five pair of pants for Laura Beth. But, I did buy a new book--

Tomorrow we'd heading home. I'll read the book and plan on the way.

It's Rarely Work at the Visitor Center

2011-08-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

John works for the National Park Service and often does Interperative Programs at the Visitor Center. This is one I particularly enjoy--he dresses in costume and plays the part of a Purser on an 1880's steamboat telling stories.

John particularly enjoys puns, he waited all summer to say "well, that's all water over the dam now". The generation gap showed, as a young college student didn't "get" the pun, even when we tried the one "water under the bridge". Which made us laugh harder! We thought of several alternative roles for John's costume. Undertaker. Minister. Saloon keeper. John's personal favorite--"Manager at a Residence of Paid Affections".

Monday Thoughts

2011-08-29T11:51:00.000-05:00

Are you a people watcher? I am! What do you look at?? Me, my favorites are shoes and t-shirts. I asked a visitor if I could take a picture of her t-shirt --

Often Henrietta and I have the same idea at the same time, so maybe we have great minds. Nah!! And then I had this in my fortune cookie --

Guess someone knew I was about to poke some buttons! And it rained the other night. I noticed this in the afternoon --

Its hard to see, but the seat is full of water! Glad I looked before I sat down.

My windows and doors are open, there's a nice breeze. Its a beautiful day, I'm going to work on my Jacob's ladder blocks.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

2011-08-29T11:28:00.000-05:00

Today is Ken's birthday! He's at home and I'm at the camper (sniffle sniffle) so I called him and sang Happy Birthday over the phone. He was slightly underwhelmed by my performance--but its the thought that counts! Later this week we're visiting Laura Beth, Nick, and Mason and we'll celebrate.

Relaxing Friday

2011-08-26T16:04:00.002-05:00

Last week a storm front came in from the west.

And then another storm front moved in from the east.

A warm front and a cold front.

It was not directly over the Visitor Center--but it did pass over the North and East side of Yankton. Whew! It was NASTY! Winds and some large hail---half the skylights were broke on the roof of WalMart. Only some wind gusts and a short downpour at the Visitor Center.

There are lots of "summer people" that work or volunteer here. Its hard to get together since we all have different schedules. But Sunday evening was beautiful weather and we met at my campsite.

Ahhh!!

Remember I said I had 64 Jacob's Ladder blocks?

I was sewing the blocks into pairs and I only had 63. Luckily I had enough pieces left over I was able to make one more. Today I'll work on them some more. Slowly they're turning from a UFO to a finished quilt.

Last week I made a cake for a potluck. Well, I was a week early. It didn't last long!

Jacob's Ladder Blocks

2011-08-17T20:47:00.000-05:00

Today I didn't volunteer so I sewed. Remember--sewing machine and fabric type activity?? I finished enough blue/white Jacob's ladder blocks for a top--64.

I tried laying them out on the grass but a slight breeze had them flipping around.

Tomorrow there is a potluck at noon and I'll be volunteering at the Visitor Center. I used the oven in Admin building tonight--I wanted to make a Peanut Butter cake in a sheet cake pan, and my camper oven is too small. This recipe is a tried and true favorite. Its sitting on the counter in the lunch room--I hope Ryan doesn't eat it before the potluck!

This weekend is Riverboat Days and I'm sure it will be busy. The weather has been cooler and a few nights its supposed to be in the 50's. Good sleeping weather!

Blue White Swap Blocks

2011-08-12T09:00:00.003-05:00

I sometimes participate in block swaps. I needed to finish a set while Henrietta was here. They were to be blue/white and a "star". Remember I said I was tired and making many mistakes? First I tried a sample block.

Next--I tried to repeat it----

Okay--try it with different fabrics. Hmmmmm---

This effort definitely had problems!!!

Okay--thery were all supposed to look like this----

They're not hard to make--but you do have to follow directions exactly. They are from a Book called "Stars by Magic". No set-in seams, and all the blocks come in multiple sizes. I'm planning to use the same book for the next round but different fabrics/different star. Wish me luck!!

A Visitor to the VC

2011-08-11T08:45:00.000-05:00

I enjoy watching the visitors at the Visitor Center. Here is a set of grandparents trying on the 1800's period clothes with a grandson---

Dress up is fun at any age!

But some of our visitors do not come in through the door. We have several of these during the summer---

He's not very good at hiding--a brown bat on a white wall really shows up! He's small--maybe 3-4 inches long.

There is "bat catching gear" at the VC. A net on a very long pole, and leather gloves. Bats are protected species--we catch them and release them outside. Did you know that bats cannot fly when they are on the ground? They need to "drop" from a height to fly. This one was only about knee height on the wall, I just used the gloves to pick him off the wall and hung him on an oak tree outside. These bats eat insects--so I hope he's busy eating mosquitos at night.

I'm Back!!

2011-08-09T12:35:00.004-05:00

I been having "blogging blues" but I HAVE been sewing! My long arm is running smoothly--thanks Kevin--and she and I are friends again. All I can say is DO NOT sew over a industrial strength T-pin! Pure operator error. I've quilted two tops and its so much fun.

Scrappy Bargello (Bonnie Hunter pattern)

American Pie (Miss Rosie pattern)

I pieced the Scrappy Bargello and Henrietta the American Pie. They're ready for binding.

Last year Henrietta and I started a 4 patch Posey quilt. If you've ever made one--you know your fabric choice is critical. (the border is the fabric we used) Variation in colors. Large and small patterns. A consistent background color. Whew! I picked the fabric and it was so NOT ME!! Large pink flowers. Rather tropical looking. (I can hear Henrietta laughing--she always tells me she is a "delicate tropical blossom") She worked hard on hers and it is now a top. A very beautiful top!

Henrietta 4 Patch Posey

I've been working on a set of blue Jacob's ladder blocks. (no pictures--I forgot my camera at the camper). I received a bunch in a block lotto (I think--it was a LONG time ago!) I didn't have enough to make a quilt--so I've been piecing more. I need 64 to set it 8x8, I have 50+ done. And I've been working on my Swoon blocks. Bad mental block when I started these. I think mostly I was very tired (Henrietta and I keep VERY BUSY while she's here) and I made many mistakes. #1 mistake--read the pattern and lay your FQ the same way as the picture--it works much better that way! Maybe my problems were compounded by this--

I spent at least 1/2 hour (this time!) looking for my glasses only to find them hanging on my shirt. I have several pairs simply because I lose them so much! And I can't see close up without them. Its best if I prop them on top my head!

Henrietta and I spent some time doing this----

Mimosa's on the deck! Ahhh! And we drank them from Goodwill treasure glasses. Henrietta--its not the same drinking them without you!! (But I'll keep trying!)

I hope you're having nice weather wherever you are. Later this week I volunteer so I'm heading back to the camper.

Motivation Friday

2011-08-05T12:02:00.000-05:00

Motivation Friday--can you send me some motivation??

Henrietta and I took a quick trip to Wichita a few weeks ago--and we stopped to see a quilting internet friend--Katie. That visit was much too short.

Assistant

Screamer

Baby Q

Katie and her husband were so busy. Their house is for sale, everything is kept neat for showings. That's WORK with three small children. And the next day they were leaving for an out of town visit. I'm sorry we stopped when it was so hectic--but I wouldn't have missed meeting them! I laughed at Baby Q--he is so like my grandson--playing pretend with a cell phone! And I wanted to spend more time playing with the girls. Next time!! And look what Katie gave me---

Hand crocheted pot holders in GREEN and an angel pin made with pine cone seeds. All in the cute bag. Katie remembered I love green and collect angels. The pot holders are on my table (I've used them already) and the pin is on my wall with my other angels. Thank you Katie--they are now part of my treasures!

I've been dabbling in my sewing--but everything goes wrong. I can't count or keep my pieces in the right places! I will blame it on the heat and humidity--for a few weeks the weather was unbearable. But I did take a few shots of my sewing area in the camper---

My featherweight on the table in front of the TV.

My cutting mat/ironing mat on the counter with my iron.

There's plenty of room to sew. A queen size bed to use as a design wall. Now if I can just find my brain......

I'm Never Going To Be Martha Stewart

2011-07-27T05:13:00.000-05:00

This is all my sister's fault! In December we were baking cookies and she said "how can anyone who sews so much have such worn out potholders??!" So I cut out some potholders. Of course I never got them made before Christmas! I pulled them out and thought it wouldn't take long to whip them together. Wrong WRONG WRONG!! BUY THEM!! Here they are--crooked thumbs, lumpy top stitching, uneven ends.

Ric Next Door

2011-07-17T10:53:00.000-05:00

Ric is my next door neighbor while I'm volunteering. Here are a few pictures of Ric---

Ric Fixing Sign

Ric with "Popemobile"

Ric In Texas

Ric Relaxing Outside

Ric Using Phone While Standing On His Camper

Ric volunteers in Maintenance. If it requires fixing, building, or painting--Ric does it. Trees planted. Grass seed spread. You will see him driving the electric "popemobile" around the project. Last night Ric's air conditioner wasn't keeping up, and I snapped a pic of him standing on his roof talking on his phone. (air conditioner problem resolved!) I've lucky to have Ric as a neighbor, coming back each year to volunteer is even better when I know Ric will be there.

Exploring New Tastes

2011-07-16T10:22:00.000-05:00

No, I don't mean new tastes in fabric! Henrietta encourages me to try new-to-me cuisine. While on the road trip we ate at a Thai Restraurant.

Henrietta said the food was very authentic. We ordered Chicken Satay---

I forgot to take the picture until it was almost all eaten. Peanut sauce and fresh cucumbers in a rice vinegar on the side.

I ordered chicken, broccoli, and noodles with sweet black bean sauce. Henrietta had a seafood Thai salad.

They were both excellent. We left full and happy! I've made Green Curry (used the curry paste we bought in Sioux City) and Chicken Satay at home and they've both turned out well. Ken, well Ken TRIES the food, but the Green Curry was a bit hot. I ate my serving carefully--with lots of rice, bread and water! I did better with the Satay. Henrietta happily munches away--she likes her food spicy.

A friend said we HAD to stop and get ice cream at Braum's as we went through Salina KS. We didn't stop there--but look what was two businesses from our motel----

It was raining so we used the drive through--Henrietta had Peach Amaretto and I tried the Chocolate Almond. YUM! There are many Braum's located throughout Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Very hot while on the trip, we're glad the air conditioner worked well in the car! Its very hot here now (at the Visitor Center and at home)--humid humid HUMID with temps at +100F! I encourage everyone to stay cool! Sewing in the air conditioning would be nice, or maybe a nap.......! What is your favorite thing to do when its hot??

Road Trip

2011-07-15T11:09:00.000-05:00

Henrietta and I hit the road Monday. Along the way we stopped at our favorite store.

Lots of treasures at this stop. I'm always on the lookout for pyrex and corningware.

Three casserole dishes, four plates, and two small Fire King dishes. For now these will go in the camper.

Its been very hot and humid and I thought Shamus would enjoy a bath.

He's shy when he bathes, when the camera comes out he quits splashing!

Sunny Sunday

2011-07-11T00:23:00.002-05:00

Last night I worked on a Swoon block. I did a lot of frog stitching. Why? Mostly because I was tired. Switching the placement of the dominant color SEEMED like a good idea.

The light floral was the center fabric, and the darker blue the surrounding "crown". Several times I had the colors switched. But, look closer. See the plain squares laying on the right side? Yes, that is what the background was SUPPOSED to be. Sigh I accidentally picked up the Kona Snow I had cut for another project and used it instead of the Kona Bone. I've left it for the moment, I just make too many mistakes when I'm tired.

Today I did a bit of baking. Henrietta keeps looking in my fridge at all the heavy whipping cream. (insert Henrietta frowning, 3 quarts??!!) Kuchen uses whipping cream! I made the pudding filling, set it aside to cool and made the dough. I use my bread machine do the mixing, kneading, and raising of the dough. Much easier.

My kitchen is small and cluttered, I rolled the dough out on a cutting board balanced over my sink.

The dough goes into the pie pan--you don't have to be neat. Not thin like pie crust---not quite 1/2" thick. I usually let it rest 5-10 minutes and raise a little. Spread the fruit filling over the dough, then the pudding filling, and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Bake!

Voila! My recipe makes 4 pans. For filling I used one can of cherry pie filling (enough for 3 pans) and the 4th has cut up prunes. Prunes?? Yes--I love prune kuchen! We had one for dessert tonight, and put 3 in the freezer. Henrietta and I are heading on a road trip tomorrow and I'm not sure leaving the kuchen unguarded in the freezer with Ken is a good idea. Maybe a padlock for the freezer......

Henrietta has LOTS of blocks on the design wall. I think she has 200 to lay out. She's asleep, I went in there and stared at them for a while. Hmmm--only found one block to relocate. She has about half of them up, she said she needs more pins. She needs me to hand them to her while she's standing on the step stool!

Having Henrietta here is wonderful. I hope you have a friend like Henrietta. Drat, it makes me a bit weepy thinking about her leaving.

Henrietta Organizes

2011-07-08T15:54:00.002-05:00

Henrietta organizes while she's here. She spied my ZipLock bags with handles that projects should be stored in.

She folds stash as she uses it.

She keeps a box beside her sewing machine and neatly stacks blocks in it.

I'm not so neat. I needed a laundry basket for the bagged projects. This is more my style---

I dumped the laundry on the couch to use the basket!

And this photo is for Fred. I made 4 loaves of bread yesterday. Henrietta loves the homemade English Muffin bread toasted.

One of our stops on Tuesday was a couple of Asian markets. We were looking for Aloha Shoyu soy sauce. And I've always wanted to try curry after reading about it on Tanya's blog. Tanya--do either of these look familiar??

Friday Check In

2011-07-08T14:46:00.000-05:00

A beautiful day in South Dakota. 85F, blue sunny skies with a soft breeze. Henrietta and I have been sewing on various things.

The Swoon blocks are addicting.

Henrietta's Swoon blocks

Lori's Swoon blocks

Henrietta carefully chooses her fabrics for each block. She may decide she doesn't like the block when its made and not use it. I pick fabrics I like--make the block--and it better decide to "play well with others"!! When we were road tripping on Tuesday, we did a bit of stash enhancement.

Purchases on Tuesday

Henrietta has a joint project planned for the bundle of FQ's. It was a free pattern received in the mail called "Summer At Mom's" Soft pastels with lots of delicate flowers.

I picked FQ's for more Swoon blocks--here they are paired up.

Swoon FQ's paired up

No rhyme or reason to the group--I just paired up fabrics I liked.

We're running errands today and plan to sew more later. Tomorrow we're heading to an auction, you never know what you might find.

Volunteering, Sewing, and Just Having Fun

2011-07-05T11:35:00.000-05:00

Henrietta and I are relaxing. I've been volunteering, and she's been sewing. Ken is here now too, but has declined our offer of a road trip. I think the mention of quilt shops maybe put him off!

I made another Swoon block before I left home---

I really like this block, the colors are more intense. 9 Swoon blocks make an 80x80 top. I like the 24" blocks, and the directions are very clear on how to make a block using 2 FQs (and a bit of background--I have used Kona bone). Very efficient use of a FQ. Maybe I will look for a couple of FQ's today just to play with.

And here are a few random pictures---

View across the river

Lots of water

Henrietta's robin--He was shy and kept a close eye on her.

We hope to take more pictures today, Henrietta has been practicing with a new camera.

Eat My Words

2011-06-28T16:32:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have to eat my words and publicly apologize to Henrietta. Last night while she was asleep I finished my first Swoon block. Henrietta's were hanging right in front of me as I sat at my machine and pieced.

Henrietta's are a bit smaller than mine. But the colors and prints are very similar. I never noticed that while I was piecing mine. Subliminal suggestion??

I'm heading to my sewing room to search for some "poke your eye out" fabrics!

Perfect End to the Day

2011-06-27T21:30:00.000-05:00

We didn't have fancy glasses (notice the South Dakota Pheasants?) but the weather was perfect, the strawberries fresh, the company the best. What more could you ask for??!!

Monday

2011-06-27T18:15:00.001-05:00

We're very busy here in South Dakota. Henrietta flew in Saturday and we did some serious damage with coupons at the fabric store. No stash report as I haven't figured up the total. Maybe its best I don't.

We are testing a new product--a Salem cutting mat. I like the color (white translucent with red markings). I trim two sides, pick up the piece with my left hand while sweeping the trimmings with my right hand holding the ruler (I use a 6.5" square usually) off the table into the trash box. This mat is smoother and bits and threads slide off easily. The white color defines fabric edges for cutting better than previous mats (various brands and colors). The red marking lines are legible without being distracting.

The design wall shows our current project, a pattern called "Swoon". Here are Henrietta's blocks---

The blocks finish at 24"--a nice size. Although we will use the same pattern, I'm sure our tops will look very different. Henrietta has a more blended traditional style, and mine is "poke your eye out" contrasts/colors. Here are my blocks--

Yes, I'm busy ripping. The pattern directions are great. Following them while tired and on a sugar high--well, I'm still ripping and piecing! Using my favorite seam ripper--its one of those "ergonomic" shaped rippers. I use a ripper a LOT, and its much easier on my hands.

Still raining here, but warmer weather forecast for the end of the week. I volunteer all weekend, so Henrietta will get time to sew and nap while I'm at the Visitor Center. Henrietta has not visited at this time of the year, so the vibrant lush green of the grass, trees, and fields is a surprise. She's always said South Dakota has the bluest skies, today they are absolutely brilliant with picture perfect fluffy white clouds. 76F and a gentle breeze.

Saturday Snooze

2011-06-18T16:24:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I planted my tomato plants. All six of them. I think they look lonely.

Will I harvest any tomatoes before it freezes? I hope so! I'm hungry for a tomato sandwich. Ken is spending time camping doing what he really enjoys---

Napping! There's a husband under that blanket somewhere. Tonight we'll grill burgers--Ken LOVES burgers. Baked a hot milk sponge cake and the grocery store had wonderful strawberries on special. A quiet weekend camping for Father's Day. I wanted to sew, but I might wake him, so I'll read blogs instead. I'm almost caught up with my google reader!

Do you have plans for Father's Day??

Auction Treasures

2011-06-17T13:06:00.000-05:00

Ken and I met at an auction earlier this week. There was a lot of "stuff". Ken scored a $2 wooden stepladder. Several tables with household items. I love old dishes. Pie pans. Bowls. I waited 3 hours for these--

A Pyrex nesting bowl set in primary colors. Of course, several other bidders had waited along with me! This set was in very good condition, no scratches and the color hadn't worn anywhere. You often find individual bowls, in the years of use one or more of the set gets broken. Yes, I had the last bid and they will go on my shelf of "precious treasures". Sometimes its not the value of the item, but the memory that makes these things precious. My mother and grandmother never had a set of these--but I know they would have loved them.

Do you collect anything??

Where's Mr. Rogers??

2011-06-13T13:03:00.001-05:00

Its a beautiful day and the ditty "its a beautiful day in the neighborhood" is running through my head. Sunshine, a breeze and about 75F. The windows are open and the birds are singing.

The extra water here on the Missouri River keeps everyone busy. A short conference over a water problem was held in the office.

Blake, Diane and Katie studying the problem

Can you guess what the topic was? Maybe another pic---

Katie chasing Thelma with Diane supervising

Cleaning the fish tank! Thelma, Louise, and Tetsu haven't been put in the pond yet, they spent the winter in a tank in the office.

Blake--isn't he cute???!!

Blake did the heavy lifting!

The day was very busy after that--but I did catch a photo of Kristie from the National Park Service doing a program on Invasive Plants.

Yesterday while I was sitting at the table on the phone with Henrietta, I saw this out my window---

Sorry the picture isn't very clear, I shot it between the window blinds through the window. Must have been some tasty leaves--A whitetail doe stood on her hind legs munching away for quite a while.

And Linda asked for a new Dam picture.

I shot this while walking across the parking lot. It may not look it--but that's a lot of water. 145,000 cfs (cubic feet per second). I looked up a few figures yesterday--Hoover Dam was releasing 18,000 cfs. Niagara Falls averages 100,000 cfs.

Today I will run into town and see if I can find some tomato plants and maybe a few flowers for the volunteers campground. I know the nurseries are picked over, but the weather hasn't been cooperating. It rained early this morning a bit, and in watching the weather over noon I see Ken at home may get 2 inches today! I know the lawn will be getting very green and growing, and Ken will be cussing the fertilizer we applied a few weeks ago.

I am thinking of sewing this afternoon--but the weather is SO BEAUTIFUL I may just play in the dirt and read a book. What do you have planned?

Strange Weather

2011-06-09T14:56:00.000-05:00

Strange weather for South Dakota (or Nebraska). Its raining and chilly enough at the camper I have the heat on. 56F outside. Last year I missed the peonies blooming, so I picked a bouquet and took them along. They smell heavenly and brighten my mood.

Ken said the local garden man came and tilled my garden. I will pick up some tomato plants and plant them the next time I go home, with a little luck (and no hail) we will have tomatoes to eat fresh. Will plant a few cucumbers for eating, and maybe a hill or two of pumpkins. It may be too late for the pumpkins--not enough growing season left--but I will try.

No sewing at the moment, those totes are still in the car and I don't feel like getting wet! What's happening at your house??

Garden/Flowers

2011-06-08T18:50:00.000-05:00

This has NOT been the year for a garden or flowers. After two very hot windy days, it is cool enough you need a jacket. My garden isn't tilled. I've planted no flowers. Today I will put in a few flower seeds--some Morning Glories and Moonflowers to climb the deck. I might plant a few tomatoes in my the garden. It will be "survival of the fittest" sort of garden! The perennials around my house were dry and I spent yesterday giving them a soaking. Sounds strange with how wet its been, but there are large overhangs from my roof, and the gutters direct the water away from the house. But one clematis is blooming--its a hardy one that must like where it's planted--

I think this is a Nelly Moser--the blossoms are as big as my hand. The peonies and columbines are blooming--but are pretty ragged after two days of wind/heat.

Busy Weekend

2011-06-07T17:08:00.000-05:00

Its been a busy weekend. Laura Beth was here to attend a baby shower, and Mason and Nick came along. Mason is still fascinated by a camera--he took pictures with grandma's help.

Laura Beth wearing a Target sack

Nick covering up with blanket

I don't think his parents were quite ready for portraits!

And then grandma showed him how to take a self portrait---

Mason took LOTS of pictures--of the ceiling, the floor--I think the phrase--"point and shoot" describes his style.

I did manage a few shots--

The weekend went by too quickly.

I planned to work on my blue/white blocks after they left. But the new blue and white fabrics were left in the camper--again! I decided to make sample blocks with some scraps---

The blocks are to be blue and white--and a star pattern. The first one is okay, I think the color values are not like the pattern. And the second block is nice--but there are a gadzillion pieces. 59? 60? Whew! They both squared up nicely--perfect 12.5".

Today Ken is planting beans. This picture is for Lee---

I head back to Yankton tomorrow. If anyone has seen South Dakota in the news--I volunteer above a Corps of Engineers dam.   The dams will not "break". I personally am high above the river.

No goals--its going to be busy. I hope for odd bits of time to sew.

What's it like at your house?? Are you sewing? Vacationing?

I've Tried!

2011-05-31T14:08:00.000-05:00

I've always said Ruby is "my" dog. I picked her out as a puppy. I fill the food dish, talk to her, and pet her lovingly. But she's not "my" dog. Traitor! Ruby came with Ken to the camper on Friday. Oh, she loves to travel! The vehicles have hair and "Ruby Snoozles" on the passenger windows. She's eager to come inside and immediately stakes out a spot under the table. Until she sees Ken packing his bag. Then she does this----

She finds Ken's shoes and lays on them. She knows he has to put them on to leave, and she doesn't want him to leave without her. Does she ever guard my shoes? Never! And she does this if she thinks he's going to leave---

She sits with her nose under his elbow. Does she even like me? Oh yes, I'm second best, but she's well mannered and good natured. When Ken left she begged him with her eyes, (all you border collie people know exactly what I mean) she didn't bark or fuss when he left. She just laid down and stared at the door for a while. Hoping he was just running errrands and was coming back. She stayed with me because she has an appointment at the groomer today--she'll be all "frou-frou" pretty this afternoon.

Thursday--Beautiful Weather

2011-05-26T20:43:00.001-05:00

The weather was absolutely perfect today. Mid 70's, sunshine and gentle breezes. I had the camper door and windows open and I actually SEWED a little. Here is my progress.

One block. Quit laughing!! Well, I said it was a beautiful day!! I spent a lot of time organizing and enjoying the weather. I had forgotten all my new blue fabrics and the white and WOW backgrounds at the camper when I went home last week. No sewing at home! Today I sorted thru them and made this block. Among my UFO's I counted 21 blue/white Jacob's ladder blocks from either a swap or I won them in a block lotto A LONG time ago. 30 will make a nice setting, so I will make 9 more.

Yesterday I ran errands in Yankton. Now this is in my camper----

There isn't a good, reliable option for internet at my camper so I decided to try MiFi. Setup was fairly simple, although I did have to call customer service for help. Honest, I didn't know most "Key" numbers are all capital letters! But it's up and running, and I'm curious how it will perform.

How did I spend last week? I took my dad shopping for new shoes. I caught up on some cooking---putting some small meals in the freezer for "later". Ken and I made a platform for below my camper steps. And, we survived one of those times guaranteed to test a marriage. We put together a treadmill. Ken supplied the muscle, I read the directions. I must have looked terrible by the end, Ken hugged me and gave me a kiss. Yeah, I needed it. I just wish the pictures looked like the parts that came out of the box.   We saved $150 doing it ourselves. $1,000 would have made me feel better!   Sorry honey--I should have hugged and kissed you too, you were trying to follow my directions all the while. I tried the treadmill and everything seems to work. Amazing.

Tomorrow should be another nice day, but then its going to cool off for almost a week. I've had the heat on every night, and most days at the camper. Unseasonably cold weather for South Dakota. While home I did catch up on my Google Reader. Next weekend Laura Beth, Nick, and Mason will be at our house. I don't think much sewing will happen, I volunteer a lot before that.   That's OK, summer is short!

I Used the Oven

2011-05-18T13:57:00.000-05:00

Baked a casserole. Do you know how loud a smoke alarm can be? Luckily it was nice weather and I could open the windows.

Monday Check In

2011-05-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Summer is slowly arriving. It has rained off and on--but now the weather is clearing. Hopefully I will be able to turn my heat off in the camper.

Sewing--well, I've thought about it! Moved my totes around. Used my seam ripper to remove the hem on a pair of pants. Does that count??

I volunteer early in the week, and then will head home to help Ken with farming. He SAYS he just needs help moving equipment from field to field. And lunch.

Weekly Goals--

Applique on Cherry Tree blocks
Plan Blue/White swap blocks
Sew on a UFO

Yes, the same goals as last week.

I have been experimenting with my gas oven at the camper. Last night made a small pan of peanut butter bars. A bit overdone, I need to bring my oven thermometer to check the temperature. Tonight I will try baking a casserole.

Monday Checking In

2011-05-09T20:50:00.000-05:00

Today is more like spring. 76F, windy, and possible thunderstorms later on. It was so cold one night last week my water hose froze! Spring has been so late, we probably will jump right into summer.

There wasn't much sewing last week. A few pieces sewn on my Cherry Tree blocks.

Goals---

Applique on Cherry Tree blocks
Plan Blue/White swap blocks
Sew on a UFO

Ken is waiting for fertilizer, so farm work is the usually "hurry up and wait".

Mother's Day Ken and I drove to Sioux Falls, ate lunch, did a bit of shopping. I stash enhanced--10 yards worth.

The piece on the left is a green print. The others are blues or lights/blues. I will use them in my blue/white swap blocks. I found some blue/white Jacob's ladder UFO blocks. There aren't enough to make a quilt (I won them in a block lotto, I think) so I can use the blues to make a few more.

10 yards in this week
24.75 yards In YTD
10.25 yards Out YTD
Stash Increased by 14.5 yards

A sample block---

I'm not sure about this block. It's OK, just a bit "blah". I have a few more star patterns I can try.

Thank you Lillian!

2011-05-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

When I was starting hand applique, a lady from the UK gave me lots of hints and advice. I'll admit, if it wasn't for Lillian (and Mary Ann--another Internet friend) I probably would have given up--again! And Lillian offered to do an red/white applique block swap with me. Here is what was in Lillian's baggie to me-----

Yes Lillian--I turned over your block and admired the tiny stitches! Pomegranates--how did Lillian know I ADORE those blocks??? And, she sent me a pattern to make a quilt with them. Batik FQ's in pink, purple, and green. The magazine "Magic Patch" has so many fun small projects in it. I know I will be starting a wall hanging from it. Thank you Lillian!

Monday Goals

2011-05-02T17:13:00.000-05:00

I haven't fallen off a twig, I just haven't been near a WiFi spot. There is great WiFi at the Library, a separate room with tables and handy electric outlets--that's where I am now.

These fellows are busy staking out territories. One male is busy most days sitting on the side of Ric's or my vehicle--fighting with his reflection in the rear view mirrors.

photo from internet

Its still chilly, I have had the heat on until this afternoon. Night time temps are only in the 30's to low 40's. I'm toasty warm at night--I have an electric blanket. I volunteer T-Th-Fr this week. Then I am heading home for a few days. I HAD planned to maybe plant my garden, but we're still having rain and I doubt the tomatoes would grow much in the cold soil!

State of the Stash--I bought 4 yards of white for background this week.

4 yards in this week
14.75 yards In YTD
10.25 yards Out YTD
Stash Increased by 4.5 yards

Goals--

I did work on my Cherry Tree blocks this week, but didn't finish any.

For next week--

Work on Beyond the Cherry Tree blocks
Start the next round of Blue/White swap blocks
Work on Melissa's navy blue/white quilt

Ken is chomping at the bit getting ready to do the farmer thing. I'm not expecting too much in the next week or so--the fields are still plenty wet. "Compost" needs to be hauled on the garden, and the deck needs to be stained(?) preserved (?) this year.

I miss reading blogs, but internet at the camper is iffy at best. I just couldn't justify spending the money for something that worked once in a while.

Happy Easter---Week in Review

2011-04-24T23:00:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a great Easter. It was quiet here and we napped.

Week in Review---

3 inches of rain this week. Cold and windy. Here's the view from my camper last Tuesday.

Yes, that's snow on the ground. It was a good time to stay inside and work on my blue/white swap blocks.

The first set of blue/white blocks are done, I'm calling them "once in a blue moon". Now I can plan the second round. I did work on my Cherry Tree blocks, but didn't finish any.

This week is going to be busy. Probably no sewing time. The forecast is more rain and cold. 60F during the day. 40F at night. I volunteer Wed-Thur-Fri this week.

My Practice Block

2011-04-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

Earlier this week I was paper piecing a star block. When I was ready to put the 'parts' together, I realized I had my colors in the wrong places. And, I did a stash reduction. I was frustrated. I threw the pieces away! Next I found a different block to practice. Simple but not used very often. Its called Star and Moon. My practice block is in pink/white.

This block is very simple, but I like it for a sampler star quilt. My star swap blocks will be blue/white and I have a fussy cut fabric for the center. What do you think? The blocks finish at 12". Making a practice block is fun. What if I had made a set of swap blocks like my paper pieced one! Aaarrrggghhh! The center circle (moon) is hand appliqued. That pink block will go in the pile of blocks I have stashed for a sampler quilt. Henrietta said she is going to set them into a top when she visits me.

Weather forecast this week is for more rain/possibly snow. Spring--where are you??

New Header

2011-04-19T12:24:00.000-05:00

I LOVE yellow flowers. Especially yellow daffodils. Henrietta does all the tweaking and fixing on my blog. When she put the white snowdrops up as a header, she knew I had my heart set on daffodils. She worked and worked and WORKED to get just the right flowers. Thank you Henrietta! They have so brightened my week.

Monday Goals and more Mason

2011-04-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Mason, Laura Beth, and Nick left this afternoon. Last night we colored eggs and today had an Easter egg hunt.

Dipping an egg

Mom holding the cup--Mason dips vigorously!

Grandma and Grandpa's eggs from Mason

Empty Eggs and Wrappers

Grandma--you scared me!!

Mason took me in a dark bedroom while he played with the flashlight. I tried out the "night" setting on my camera. Yes, it worked fine but I startled poor Mason!

Weekly Goals---

Work on Beyond the Cherry Tree blocks
Make a Practice Star Block

This week I will be volunteering. Stayed overnight last week in the camper--practice run. Now I have to gathered the rest of my "stuff". I hope you have warm spring weather and sunny skies!

Stash Report Week 16

2011-04-17T17:06:00.000-05:00

I bought 4 yards this week. I joined a star block swap using blues, and my blue stash is pretty boring.

I found a polka dot, a stripe, and a TOT to use.   I think these fabrics will play well with what is in my stash.

10.75 yards In YTD
10.25 yards Out YTD
Stash Increased by .5 yards

This Is Why I Didn't Make My Goals.....

2011-04-15T23:15:00.000-05:00

Singing into the Microphone

Cleaning the Window with an Electric Toothbrush

Scooping snow 4-15-11

Bye Everyone!!

Yes, lots of snow for Mason to play in. 5-6" He's keeping Grandma and Grandpa busy. We're supposed to have an Easter egg hunt this weekend. Hmmmmm

Sunday Stash Report--Week 15

2011-04-10T13:30:00.000-05:00

A small change in my numbers, I have a finish! While searching for border fabric I saw the corner of this wall hanging peeking out high on top my stacking wire cubes. All it needed was binding. I even had some green fabric that worked for binding laying on the cutting table. She's very old--at least 10 years old--but now she's done and is destined for life on my kitchen table in the camper!

I will estimate 2 yards used. So that makes--

6.75 yards In YTD
2 yards out this week
10.25 yards Out YTD
Stash Decreased by 3.5 yards

Check on everyone's stash reports here.

I Can't Believe It

2011-04-10T03:26:00.000-05:00

Today it rained. Poured. Hailed. Poured. Hailed. Poured. And hailed again! It's suppose to be spring and getting warmer and I GET ICE CUBES OUT OF THE SKY!

Monday Goals, Catching Up

2011-04-04T17:35:00.000-05:00

Busy doing family things here. And a geek issue, my laptop didn't *see* my memory card so I could download pictures. But its working now. Maybe there is cookie crumb or something where it doesn't belong.

First--stash report. No changes. That was easy!

In between I did some sewing. I finished Block 10 of Beyond the Cherry Tree.

It was an easy block and I enjoyed it. I have two more blocks ready to work on.

I wanted to try making a Scrappy Trip Around the World with one controlled color. I had a bit of blue and used that. (Isn't blue a neutral or something??!) I took the pieces along to the hospital with me one evening while visiting my dad, I was to the 'picking the seams apart stage' and he was watching. And eagle eyes caught me. He noticed immediately when I picked the strips apart at the wrong place and asked "do you do that often?"

Random color placement except for the blue. I still have plenty of noodles!

Goals---

Borders on one Scrappy Trip Around the World
Work on Beyond the Cherry Tree blocks

My week with be busy with things other than quilting. Last night I was catching up on blogs. I'm still waiting for spring. Yesterday was overcast, windy, cold and drizzled a while. I am SO READY for spring. Reading everyone's blogs, seeing their flowers, watching them plant in their gardens is hard!

In between Ken and I took the camper to where I volunteer. Its not totally set up, but its there. Glad we took it when we did. Just like last year, I missed the start of windy weather by ONE day.

Sunday Stash Report Week 13

2011-03-27T19:24:00.002-05:00

My numbers didn't change, nothing added, nothing finished this week.

6.75 yards In YTD
8.25 yards Out YTD
Stash Decreased by 1.5 yards

Please check how everyone did this week.

On the way out the door I saw these snowflakes on my deck---

At first I thought they were bits of styrofoam, but they melted when I touched them. I don't remember seeing them as distinct as this before.

Family is keeping me busy this week, one of my sisters had a hip replaced, and my dad has an infection in his leg--he's in the hospital too. Small town hospital--they are almost across the hall from each other, so visiting is easy!

I did sew this week. Chain piecing relaxes me.

I wanted to try a Scrappy Trip Around the World, but keep one fabric controlled. I used the blue in the picture. I'll take a picture when the blocks are together. To keep my piecing easy to reach--I use a cardboard box on top of a bucket. High tech.

I just pick up the box and take it to my ironing board. My ironing board is the same height as my sewing machine, they are back to back. My rolling chair twirls around and I press my piecing.

What do you do to make sewing easy on your body?

Sunday Stash Report Week 12 and Week in Review

2011-03-20T15:08:00.001-05:00

No additions to the stash. I did mail a bit as a gift--25 noodles! About 1 3/4 yards. Its so nice to be able to send these gifts--how often were you making a project and wished for a bit of variety in one color family or type of fabric? My totals for the year are--

6.75 yards In YTD
1.75 yards Out This Week
8.25 yards Out YTD
Stash Decreased by 1.5 yards

Check everyone's numbers here.

Week in Review--

I'd had a busy week. Spring is coming (yes, finally!) and being married to a part time farmer, we've been on the road looking at planters. I rode along on Thursday and Friday, and Ken went by himself on Saturday. No planter bought, but MANY were viewed. I did make more Two Lips blocks but didn't have brain enough to handle prepping some Cherry Tree blocks. Same way with borders, I'm sure I would have cut them too short or some other error! (No brain because of head cold.)

But I have this question--since most of us are quilters--what's on YOUR bed? I have a scrappy log cabin that is several years old.

I LOVE this quilt--but maybe I should swap it out for a more spring-like quilt?