Design Wall Monday and Weekly Goals

I've been working on my Super Star blocks--

Lots of trimming and pressing.  This is a sew-a-long with Wedding Dress Blue--I'm really enjoying making these blocks.   I need 20 blocks and I have 7(??) finished.  Lots of "parts" made, all I have to do is trim and sew them together.  Please see everyone's design wall at Patchwork Times.

Weekly Goals--

1. Finish one yoyo block
2. 6 Super Stars
3. Scrappy Rainbow Challenge blocks
4. Bind a quilt

That's more than I'll get done this week.  I did work on my Scrappy Trips quilt while doing laundry, its now in two pieces--just one more seam and its a finished top.  

Remember the pink quilt?  My volunteer neighbors Sandy and John held it up so I could take a picture.  Its made with "Lover's Knot" blocks I won several years ago and a few more pink blocks from my block stash. 

Sandy and John holding the Pink Beauty

Yesterday morning I had the camper windows open and I could hear lots of giggling and laughing and running footsteps next door.  What could John and Sandy be doing??  Trying to take a photo of themselves outside their camper for their daughter!  John would set the timer on the camera and run back and fling himself in the lawn chair while Sandy laughed.  I have the best neighbors during the summer.

On Summer Solstice I usually sit outside my camper and see how long I can read before it gets too dark, but this year it was starting to rain so I read inside instead  We're having some rainy nights/early mornings and I hope it continues to rain all summer.  Everything is green and lush it keeps the lawn mowing people busy.  

Design Wall Monday and Weekly Goals

Last night I played with the green Rainbow Scrappy blocks.  These are double nine patch blocks using my 30's stash.  I saw the vintage quilt in a magazine from 2004.  

I can't remember which month was green--but now mine are done!  The Rainbow Scrappy challenge is a perfect way to use my 30's stash.  I'm not "in love" with 30's anymore--but by year end there will be enough blocks for two quilts.  Please see everyone's design wall at Patchwork Times.

A few weeks ago Pat and I visited a small quilt show.  Here are a few pictures from that day---

Deep colors and a simple pattern

I think this was a free pattern maybe at AllPeopleQuilt??

 

Small but adorable!

Olivia the Pig Panel

Olivia the Pig Panel was my favorite!  A simple panel but the quilting was perfect.  McTavishing, echo quilting, outlining--lots of work on this piece. 

Last week a "mystery man" drilled holes in my picnic tables by my camper so I could put up my umbrellas.   He wouldn't let me show his face--he's worried that the government will be unhappy that he "defaced federal property".   Thank you Mystery Man--the umbrellas really shade the table and won't fall over now.

Mystery Man Drilling Holes

We had another snake at the Visitor Center.  This one was found by the employee lockers--LOL!!  

Karla and Baby Bull snake

After showing him to everyone--Karla released him in the woods outside.  Bull snakes are non-venomous--their defense is to vibrate their tail imitating a rattlesnake.   We wanted to keep him in our empty aquarium but he was able to climb out of a tall bucket--so maybe not!  

While at a birthday party someone folded their used napkin neatly to throw it away.  

OCD Perhaps??

I think we ALL have OCD tendencies--mine is just not neatness!

Friday was Flag Day.  Jeff put in posts by all the volunteers campers so we could display our flags.

I love being able to put my flag out.  Thank you Ranger Jeff and the Corps! 

And my next door neighbors had grandchildren visiting them.  What is it with little boys and big sticks?

Watching them was the best entertainment.  

Yesterday Toni, Eddie, Ken and I went to an auction.  An elderly lady's auction, I think she had moved to an assisted living facility.  We had no plans to buy anything--but there are always some "treasures" to be found.  We bought some Fire King and some Pyrex, a few pots and pans, and enamelware.  But I had my eye on something else I had seen.  

Meet Irene the 401a!!!  She needed dusting and oiling--but she sews perfectly!  Her cabinet is worn--she's probably worked hard all her life.  She came with all her bits and her original manual.  Best of all--she only cost $5!! 

Weekly Goals

1. One yoyo block
2. more Rainbow Scrappy blocks
3. Super Star blocks sewn into sections
4. Bind one quilt

Those goals will keep me busy.  Its beautiful weather today--I think I will bake something.  How was your week??

Design Wall Monday and Weekly Goals

This is what's hanging on my wall--

Isn't it beautiful??!!  Its Henrietta's Pink Posey.  We made 4 Patch Posey quilts using the same fabric.   The flower print was perfect for this pattern.  Would you like to see mine??

My blocks are made and that's it!  I'm determined to finish mine after seeing how wonderful Henrietta's turned out.  And--I wasn't the only one who liked that quilt.

Ruby was determined to lay on it while I was sewing the binding.  If I left it on the chair with a corner hanging off--she would paw at it until she had it on the floor and then she'd curl up on it.   Best of all, next week I can count some of that fabric out on my stash report!  Please see everyone's design walls at Patchwork Times.

My neighbor Leona has a green thumb.  Maybe several!  Her Iris were blooming.  A lavender and purple--

And my favorite--a lavender with ruffled edges that had DOTS on them!
 

Weekly Goals--

1. Work with Rainbow Scrappy blocks
2. Trim Super Star bits
3. One more YoYo block

Not much sewing this week.  Lots of volunteering and errands and visiting.  Ken is done planting (YES!!) and its been raining.  Almost 2" here at the camper and the weatherman said we had at least 2" on our corn and soybeans fields.  I'm happy--last year was depressing with all the dried up crops.   Everything is lush and green right now. 

Tomorrow I plan to plant my flowers.   Right now they are underneath the camper--we were supposed to get rain, wind, and possible hail so I didn't plant them on Saturday.  Tomorrow--weatherman said its going to be sunny and warm. 

I think summer might almost be here.  Can you believe I still have the heat on in the camper?  Yes--its COLD here, especially at night.  What's happening at your house??

Design Wall Monday and Weekly Goals

I have a wonderful friend named Henrietta.  She saw this fabric and knew I would LOVE it.  

Lots of blues and greens and teals and animals.   Happy people!  I'm not sure what I'll make with it, but I know I have to preserve the people--so maybe use it as a focus fabric in a border??  What do you think?  Any ideas?   Maybe some stars like on DeeDee's star quilt--using colors I pulled from this fabric?  (colored stars--white background)  So one of my goals this week is to think about how to use this fabric.  See everyones design walls at Patchwork Times.

Weekly Goals--

1. Finish one yoyo block
2. Trim Super Star bits
3. Work with Rainbow Scrappy blocks (blue, green and yellow)
4. Bind Henrietta's Posey quilt

Okay--I'll never get all that done.  Looking to be a busy week.  Lots of piddly rain off and on, but today its dry enough Ken is planting soybeans.  

Yesterday Henrietta and I did a nursery run for a few plants (I was looking for Lantana, Scaevola, and Torenia)   Add some petunias and a few other plants and I think I am set.  Henrietta found me some red/white striped petunias--I hadn't been able to find any of those either. 

Since spring was so delayed here (last night temp dipped into the 40's) I've decided not to plant a garden.  Some tomatoes in pots at the camper. 

Its a beautiful sunny day with a strong wind.  My dad would have called it a "rocks in your pockets" sort of day.  

I'm Still Here!!

Life is busy and my computer is on its last legs.  Not a virus, looks like a hardware issue, so I will have to shop for a replacement.  Drat--I LOVE my computer.  Took me 1.5 HOURS to open my email program today.  I will quickly post while I can.  

Lots of rain here in Yankton the last week.  4+ inches.  Last night it poured but the rain was short only .30".  Everything is washed clean and a nice breeze and sunshine.  Not hot enough I have to turn on the air--the windows are open and I'm am DISGUSTINGLY CHEERFUL!!!  Very little sewing done--I have been working on my YoYos in between other tasks.  

Over the weekend was "Honey Do" things.  Poor Ken--he had the weekend off and instead helped me.  We fixed a leaky water hose, sprayed my camper for bugs (the spray that lasts 12 months as I HATE spiders and this keeps them out), checked mouse traps and reset them, put the gas grill together again. Tulle cover over the air conditioner to keep it clean.   Organized and then the final vacuum.  DONE for now!!  Oh, there are things I've forgotten but I'm making my list.  A bucket--how could I forget a bucket?  

Pictures--the rangers are good about sending me pictures.  First I have Jeff catching his FIRST Paddlefish--

Jeff with 60# Paddlefish he released

Jeff and David had to go upriver a long ways (200) miles to another lake on the Missouri--not Paddlefish season here.  You apply for a Paddlefish tag just like you do a deer tag.  Jeff was really excited and having David to be his guide was great.  David loves the outdoors and knows all about hunting and fishing.  Jeff caught another one but it was the size you have to release.  It was getting late in the evening and they were about ready to quit for the day when WHAM--he snagged one!!  He said it was just like on TV when you can see the fish in the water as it got closer to the surface.  

See the big grin??  This one was 65# and when he got it in the boat he said "I'm done!!"  When Paddlefish snagging you can catch and release until you fill your tag.  They did some more regular fishing for Walleye.  

Paddlefish fillet vrs Walleye fillet!

David sent me a picture of a 30# carp he shot down below the Visitor Center--carp are an invasive species so you can fish or bow hunt them with no limit.   David recycles them in his garden as fertilizer.

We have four new seasonal rangers at the Visitor Center.  The Visitor Center has huge glass windows--birds often fly into them.  Here is Sarah with one she found--he was knocked silly but but recovered and flew away--probably with a very bad headache!

Tuesday was a special day--a blogging friend stopped while on vacation with her family.  

Katie and family from Zana's Ninis.  The day was extra special because it was Katie and James anniversary.  Happy Anniversary Katie and James!!  

Saturday Pat (she and her husband Randy are roving gate attendants) and I checked out a small quilt show downtown.  Not a large show--but some beautiful quilts in a lovely restored building.  GAR Hall (Grand Army of the Republic) built in 1887 and now used as a local art gallery. 

I can't remember his name--but he had some good looking legs!  He told me he lives down the block from this building and remembers pushing their baby stroller past it innumerable times.  He's now retired and volunteers.  He was knowledgeable and friendly and we very much enjoyed our visit.  Hopefully I can edit some of my photos (if my computer cooperates) and post pictures of the quilts (and Pat). 

I'm behind on my blog reading, a new computer will fix that.  Sometimes I can "read" blogs with no problems but the commenting is like pulling hen's teeth.   

I hope you're having a great start to your summer.  There are no flowers planted yet and no garden either.  Ken has suggested that I not plant a garden this year.  Maybe I will just try a few tomatoes in pots here at the camper.

Sunday Stash Report

Time to update my numbers.  This week I finished binding the Pink Beauty (sounds better than Pink Monster).  I also bought two yards of fabric.  So my new numbers are--

Stash In This Week--2 yards
Stash Out This Week--16 yards
Stash In YTD--67.5 yards
Stash Out YTD--83 yards

I'm Ahead--15.5 yards!!

Please see everyone's Stash Reports at Patchwork Times blog.

Its been windy and rainy/drizzly--the rain gauge here at the camper had 1.80" a few days ago.   Just enough rain to keep the grass wet until yesterday--the last few days have been lovely.  Cool enough at night to turn the heat on but warm and sunshine on Saturday.  Perfect camping weather, I hope it lasts all weekend--every campsite is rented in this area--and that's a LOT of campsites!  I will have to count--I know there are over 1600 campsites the last time I counted, and I think a few more might have been added.  That's Corps of Engineers, South Dakota State, Nebraska State, and Private campgrounds.  I am counting only the ones here in the Yankton area.  

Not a lot of sewing, I have worked on yoyos, and trimmed up some blocks.  I would like my yoyo quilt finished by the end of summer.  I have 22 blocks completely done, and 11 yoyo centers done.  When I have the outside row on the centers they will be done too.  Then its just setting the blocks together---I'm going with a diagonal setting--I found an antique quilts on the internet and I'm following that pattern--

A YoYo quilt is not a traditional type quilt.  There is no batting or backing.  Only the joined yoyos.  But--those yoyos use a lot of fabric--compacted into a small circle.  When mine is done--it will be king size and have used over 40 YARDS of fabric!   I love how I can pick it up and work on it--no directions to remember.  And it used a lot of my "unloved" 5" charms.  Unloved means butt ugly.  Once they are pulled up in a yoyo--you don't remember how ugly they had been!  I decided I would buy a yard of fabric to make the yoyo edge on a block (one block uses 20" of fabric for its edge).  The rest will be cut into 5" charms or whatever fits best.  A few noodle strips.  I saw a wonderful quilt to use charms and noodles  at Park Hill Farm Blog.  Vic changed the placement of lights and darks and a simple 9 patch and snowball quilt has such a new look!  I HAVE to try that! 

I've been working on cutting up small pieces of fabric that's been laying in the stash.  That's an on-going project--keeps the stash neat and the precut boxes get new life.  Rule of thumb for me is if there is less than 9" WOF it gets cut up.  I leave FQ's unless they have cuts out of them.  I only cut a few sizes--5" charms, 3.5 X 6.5" bricks (a Quiltville pattern) and 2.5" noodle strips.   There are so many patterns I can make using these sizes.  All my odd size bits get throw into my Double Wedding Ring basket.  I have about 75% of the arcs made, I'm just waiting for a new infusion of bits. 

When I'm done making Double Wedding Ring arcs I'm not sure what I'll do with the bits.  I know Liz makes MAM blocks.  I could try that.  They might end up MAM potholders!  Liz also sent me a wonderful picture taken from a plane---

A very peaceful picture.  

Here's wishing you a quiet weekend.  Maybe you're sewing or gardening or vacationing, or maybe your going to rest and soak up the sunshine.  I'm hoping for clean skies and 70F weather.  A light breeze.   And if it rains instead--I'm hoping for a steady rain--the kind to nap by! 

Weekly Goals

Its been busy here.   Over the weekend Asher was baptized.  He didn't LIKE the water on his head and glared at the minister when it was over. 

I wish I had taken a video of Asher's indignant screams and flailing feet--note Laura Beth has a good grip on him!

I don't know why my pictures of Asher are all so solemn--he laughs and giggles and is lots of fun.

 During one of the pictures Asher did manage to sneak a taste of the cake--

Big brother Mason had lots of fun playing with his many cousins.  A photo of something that rarely happens--Mason sitting quietly!

Great grand parents Marvin and Syrolla were here, a shot of them with Mason.  Ken and I gave them a quilt I'd made--"Ode to Vincent" (Swoon by Camille Roskelley).  Syrolla has the quilt folded on her lap. 

There was no special occasion for gifting the quilt.   Sometimes quilts are just for giving. 

I'm back at the VC---yesterday visitors brought a snake in--

A Plains Hognose Snake.  Its very young--they are 6-9" when they hatch.  A non-venomous snake.  It was released after photos.

Weekly Goals

1. Trim Super Star pieces
2. YoYos

That's all I brought with me in the camper.  Sandi (next door neighbor) and I need to make air conditioner covers (tulle to fit over our air conditioners) to keep the cottonwood tree fuzz and other "stuff" from plugging our roof air conditioner units.