Monday Goals

Time to think about the next week.  The Two Lips blocks are waiting for some pastels Henrietta is sending.  So---

1. Finish block #5 of Beyond the Cherry Tree
2. Set the Log Cabin block together

I didn't have a stash report this week.  I haven't left the house or poked any buttons, so my numbers are still all zeros. I did finish block #4 of Beyond the Cherry Tree.

Block #4 of Beyond the Cherry Tree

There are errands to run and Les the Handyman is working on a mud room type bathroom in the basement.  South Dakota is still gripped by winter.  

A few days ago in the fridge I found this---

Mason's Bug Juice

We know Mason left it, we miss him.
 
A few pictures from today--

9:00 am, before the storm

4:30pm--Nanook blowing snow

 

Motivation Friday

Quilting is slow when you do applique.  But, I AM enjoying it!  I finished Block #3 of BTCT.  I redrew the "fingers" at the base of the pineapples.  Mine have five, the original quilt had seven.  

Block #4 is almost done, and I've started #5.  A couple more Two Lips blocks done.  Henrietta is sending me some pastel pieces for more Two Lips blocks because my stash has very little pastel fabric.  

I need to work on some UFO's.  Found a pile of OLD log cabin blocks I want to lay out and pick a setting.   There is a large pile of 9 patch blocks.  Q is for Quilter Martha added snowball blocks and the 9 patches look like stars.  The Farmer's Daughter block uses 9 patches as a center and adds the star "points".  I love my 9 patches and either of these two settings would work.  I have a soft brown for the points, my 9 patches are scrappy and one fabric/color for points would help pull them together.  Finished and done is better than a perfectly planned UFO.  This should be my mantra! 

I REALLY wanted to start a new project I saw.  I printed the pattern out and even had the color picked.  I've been thinking--do I enjoy starting projects, or do I just enjoy cutting them out?  Hmmmm........

PS--the weather is much warmer at the moment--47F--and bright sunshine.   

Still Plodding

Ken and I both have caught one of those winter bugs.  Achy, headache, no energy.  Fuzzy brain.  

I counted my Two Lips blocks--there are 42.  I have to pin a note to the stack, I never remember how many are there!

I have blocks 3 & 4 of BTCT almost done.   I prepped #5 tonight.  

Red circles.  Yes, BTCT has lot of cherries.  I practiced making circles, I am going to use them for a different block.   I know there are all sorts of methods and tools to make those pesky circles.  Can you see what I used??

Quarters and some washers.  Pennies and dimes work well too.  I have all sizes of washers.   Do you use household items for quilting??

Sunday Stash Report

Nothing in, but nothing out!  My sewing, well, I'm plodding along.   I have been baking.  Using the oven keeps the kitchen toasty.  First, I made caramel rolls.

Last night I made cookies.  Ken had talked about these cookies, but I had never made them.  

They are orange slice cookies.  Remember, the ones with orange slice jelly candies in them?   I love transfer ware dishes--these are from England.  Henrietta--can you refresh my memory?  I know they feature famous "houses" from England.  Transfer ware comes in all colors, blue is the most common.   I also have a few green pieces.  If you come for coffee, I promise to serve fresh cookies on my transfer ware!

Ken is getting on my last nerve.  And jumping up and down.  I made cookies after he went to bed.  (He went to bed about 7:30pm!)  He got up this morning and whined I hadn't made him chocolate chip cookies.  Grrrr.  Anyway.....

Today is bright and sunny.  A few pictures--

To the back yard.  You can see the snow is too deep for Ruby the quilting dog--she floundered back onto the deck--the look was "do you think I'm crazy??!!  I am NOT putting my tender parts out in that cold snow!"  And she trotted down the ramp where the snow was not so deep!  

The snow is about 8 inches deep on top the railings.   

I am going to try Judy's recipe for beans and sausage.  Bake some bread.  And sew.  Yes, definitely some sewing!

Outdoor Freezer

My sister said no more weather posts!

My "outdoor freezer".   It's even LABELED!  Yes, that's snow from the last few days. 

Keeping Warm

I'm staying inside during this cold weather.   Yesterday I made White Chili and Sweet Potato bread.   Comfort foods.  I mixed up Cherry Nut Slice cookies, but they are outside in the "freezer".  

Last night I made a "Catch Me If You Can" block from Barbara Brackman's Civil War blog.  How does it look?

The points all came out nicely.  Instead of finishing at 8 inches, my block finishes at 7 inches.   I am math challenged!  Tomorrow I will check my camera, that's brown, pink and cream fabric.  

And I made a block just because.  

A red and white honeybee block.   I'll add it to my red and white swap blocks.  How is your week??  

Monday Goals

Time for goals!

1. Make 5 more Two Lips blocks
2. Work on a UFO
3. Finish Block #4 of BTCT
4. Maybe join Barbara Brackman's Civil War Quilt a Long
5. Make a block or two for fun

I have a fair sized stash of Civil War fabrics, and making the blocks would be fun.  And I have decided this year is all about "enjoying the process".
The weather has been strange.  Last night it was 18F and RAINING!  Yes, it made ice all over everything.  Now it's 30F, but cold cold COLD weather is right behind it.  At least with the rain and ice our snow is anchored down and won't blow around.  

Did you remember to plan some "fun" into your week?  Please tell me!!