Son Getting Married

I got good news a few weeks ago and it's that my middle son got engaged to his girlfriend from New York. The wedding will be next year but ever since the news I haven't thought of anything else but the wedding. I can't really concentrate on quilting or jewelry making now. I'm very happy for both of them and for me because I finally get to have another girl in the family. I have a feeling the next 11 months will go by very fast.
 The latest update on my Chiquita is that she is still holding on one month after getting her diagnosis. She is losing weight but her appetite is still very good. She still barks at strangers and still defends her cat Cotton. Cotton is our two year old cat whom she bonded with as soon as she saw him when he was just a tiny 5 week old kitten. She will go after anybody who she feels is threatening him. It's very cute to watch. I'm just loving her to bits and lightly rubbing her tummy every night. That's something she loves and helps to totally relax her. I will keep you posted on her health and the wedding plans.

Little Bird Necklace

Ever since my little Chiquita has been sick I have been really up and when I do go out I feel guilty leaving her behind. I'm happy some days and then Im crying when I see her and know her end is coming soon. My very sweet hubby surprised me with this very nice bird necklace. He was trying to cheer me up. Well it did. It's a very cheerful bird necklace.

Getting Hot In Texas

Man, is it getting hot in the Texas East Gulf Coast! We haven't had any rain so it looks very dry which we rarely see here. We usually have lot's of rain and everything is always very lush and green, but not this year. My husband ended up putting in an irrigation system for the roses and other plants we have around the house. I pray for rain!
My little Chiquita is still losing weight but still has a very good appetite. She is not moving as fast as she use to and it breaks my hearts seeing that. But she still has her doberman attitude. I'm giving her lot's of love and kisses which makes her very happy. The only problem is her sister is getting jealous. She actually turned her face at me the other day. When I'm loving on Chiquita, Minnie runs and gets right in front of her. Just like human kids.Aye, Aye, Aye!
I haven't even been inside my work room because as soon as I open the door I feel the heat in the room so I just shut the door closed again. I think I'm getting my Sunbonnet Sue applique blocks out to work on them tomorrow. Maybe I can finish them this summer.

Taking My Chi To The Vet

I took my Chi to the Vet this morning because she has gotten bloated. She still eats normal, plays normal and poops and pees normal. She is 9 years old and I know that's many years for a pooch but I'm trying not to think the worst. Well, we got to the Vet's parking lot at 8 this morning and it was packed and a long line of people with their pets waiting outside the building door. I didn't want her to get too upset and nervous so we just turned right back and came home. That's the second time that happens because I also took her on Friday and the Vet was doing a long surgery and wasn't taking anymore patients. Of course they said, "If it's an emergency take her to the animal hospital." I'm going back at 10, 30 minutes from now. Anyway, my Chiquita loves being in the van with me strapped in the little doggy car seat. The seat can be set high enough for her to look outside so she loves looking at the other cars, and when we stop at a light next to other cars she does her barking thing. Her sister Minnie has to stay home by herself and she hates it. I hate leaving a crying pup behind. Just like kids I tell ya. I'll give you and update on Chiquita later.

GENTLE GIANT Rose

This rose is huge! The scent is very sweet.

Bad Case Of Spring Fever

Have had a bad case of Spring Fever. Visited MAAS , my favorite nursery. It smells heavenly in that rose section.

Tennis Elbow So No Quiting

 I haven't posted because I haven't been quilting due to very bad tennis elbow. But since I can't keep my hands still for long I tried jewelry making and I liked it. I have done a couple of things since I can't do a lot for a long period of time due to the pain in my forearm and elbow.

Getting Tooth Pulled

I went through the holidays chewing only on one side which I had been doing for about a month . Yes, I know it's crazy but I really do have a fear of dentist. It's a fear that developed about 12 years ago when I was getting a root canal and the dentist accidentally cut my tongue  and had to give me three stitches. Well, I had a filling put in back when I was in junior high and a tiny piece of it broke off which left the roots exposed to any air that went through a straw. You know what that means. PAIN! I went to the dentist and she told me I would eventually lose the tooth so I decided to just have her pull it with a local pain killer. Big mistake! The minute I smelled the dentist office medicine smell I knew I was in trouble. I became a bundle of nerves and I could feel my blood pressure going up. I told the Dr. I didn't want to feel a thing so to inject as much pain killer as possible.  I thought I was doing great when I felt the whole right side of my face go numb so the Dr. starts pulling and pulling and yanking and the molar wouldn't budge. Every time she asked if it hurt I said it did hurt  so she injected me with medicine three more times. She had to yank and pull and change instruments for about 15 minutes for the tooth to come out. She also had to give me two stitches. She said I had very strong bone and wide roots. I wish I had been totally put under for that extraction. I left the office with  the whole right side of my head very numb and when that wore off the pain in my jaw lasted a week and a half. The last time I had an extraction was when I had my Wisdoms pulled and that was a piece of cake. Having the I V sedation was AWESOME!  I woke up and it was all over. At least I am no longer having severe pain I was comparing to labor and I am able to use a straw with my tea again.

Good Holiday Memories

 The holidays are over and I'm left with a full heart and a smile on my face. My three sons and a girlfriend were home for Christmas, and what a Christmas it was. Lot's of laughter, food, great conversations, and great movies.
I am left with a lot of motivation to finish many UFO's. One of them is to start another Christmas quilt as soon as possible. I was very pleased with the first machine quilted quilt I made in the beginning of December. I knew that if I was to finish a Christmas quilt I had to do something very simple, which actually turned out very nice. Now, that I know I can machine quilt I'm pretty sure I can finish many of my UFO's.  I still can't believe it took me so long to try machine quilting. I will still hand quilt but only the quilts I give to very special people who will appreciate my work.

Christmas Quilt Progress In Videos

I am filming my progress on the 2010 Christmas quilt I started a few weeks ago if anyone wants to see it. I have posted 3 videos on my Youtube channel if anybody is interested. I'll be doing that with every quilt I make from now. It does take time and it can be difficult doing it by myself but it has also been fun. You can also fine the first video on the left of this blog. You really can't miss it. This is the first quilt I machine quilt using the meandering quilting design and I am totally hooked on it. I'm already 2/3's finished with the quilt and that's because I have only quilted about two hours a day due to a bad back. I used the 505 spray and that stuff really really works! It worked so well I accidentally sprayed some on my flip flop and my foot got stuck to it. I love not messing with pins of any kind but I think I will still thread baste the quilts I hand quilt. I enjoy hand quilting too much to stop doing it completely.
2010 Christmas Quilt-Video 1


2010 Christmas Quilt-Video 2

2010 Christmas Quilt-Video 3

2010 Christmas Quilt-Video 4

2010 Christmas Quilt-Video 5
Notice how the quilt top is getting bigger.

Meandering Machine Quilting

I am am machine quilting a queen size quilt and I love it! I used the 505 basting spray and let me tell you that stuff really works.

Two Months Worth Of Posting

I have been so busy since my last post in August. I am happy to have been struck with an endless supply of creative energy. I have also been gallivanting all over the place with my good friend Lila. We have  both been shopping, she, for  her trip to Colorado later this month, which is the time her first grandson will be born. I am so happy and excited for her. I have been shopping for my  Thanksgiving and Christmas projects.
The following are pictures of some of the things I have done in the last two months.

This is a Christmas  quilt top I will be machine quilting with a meandering design. I was going to make an applique Christmas quilt but then realize I wouldn't finish it for Christmas. This was so easy making with 14" blocks. I'm using a red flannel for the backing and using basting spray for the first time so wish me luck. I'm now looking for a red bed skirt that I can't seem to find in any store.

 This was a quick Christmas blanket I made last week. I just had to buy the fabric when I saw the characters from the classic movie Rudolph Red Nose Raindeer.  I just put some sateen bias tape on the edge to give it a more traditional blanket look. I though about being under this blanket while watching the movie :)

.

 This is Sam Moon, a store in Houston with nothing but purses, totes, wallets, and carry on bags. It's huge and you need money and time when you go there because you're gonna want more than 

 one purse and you'll spend more than two hours seeing all the purses. My friend Lila and I spent 3 hours in that store. I bought a purse, carry on bag and a beautiful wrap.

 This is an Herb bread that my family and I love. It is so good I can't even tell you. There's only one rising to this bread and that's what I like about it. It's even better toasted.  I add rosemary, tarragon, and sweet basil. The aroma while the bread is baking is heavenly.

 I was shopping at the bookstore in October and saw this book and my first reaction was,"What the hell have they done to Dick and Jane."  I was disgusted!  Why couldn't they leave this little characters alone?!

 Apple Dumplings. These babies are so good and so easy to make. I really mean super easy. Here link from where I got the recipe. Just click on the highlighted link and it will take you to the recipe.   I didn't use the whole can of Sprite I only used half and I only used on stick of butter.

A Creed concert I went to with my son in late August. I loved it!!!!! My son knows I like Creed and I was so surprised when he invited me to go along.

Finished Bench Cushion Cover

One expensive piece of foam!

Cut foam with electric knife.

I love this fabric.

Had to pin zipper to get it straight.

I like how the zipper turned out.

Pinning is a must.

I like the zipper this long.

Finished Finally

Looks Good To Me

This is the the new bench cushion with a new cover and I'm very happy with how it turned out. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I think the hardest part was actually all the pinning I had to do to make sure everything was even and all corners met perfect. I cut the fabric 1/2 inch bigger all the way around the foam and I thought it was going to be pretty snug but it's actually about 1 inch bigger but that's o.k because at least I can always wash it to shrink it up and that sure beats having it be too small , or I may wrap the foam with some quilt polyester batting so the cover can have a tighter fit.  Now that I have the measurements I want to make a cover for Christmas. The most expansive part of this project was the foam. I had to buy the 5 inch thick because JoAnn's didn't have the 4 inch which is the one I wanted. I don't think I'll have to replace it any time soon because it's pretty firm. That bench may be firmer than my mattress  LOL.

Sewing Project For The Week

I am working on a cushion cover for a bench chest that my hubby made for me about two years ago. I had bought some 3 inch foam for it when hubby first made it for me but I was never happy with it. I always thought the foam was too soft. A few days ago I went to JoAnn's and bought some new 5 inch foam for it. I payed a pretty penny for it too but the foam is suppose to hold it's shape and it's actually very comfy. I had to cut the foam with an electric knife which felt as if I was cutting butter. No joke! I measured every side of the foam and cut the fabric out for the cover. Tuesday I will be sewing it together and hopefully it will turn out nice. I was going to add pipping but I just want to get this over with. I'll do it with another cover. I will post some pictures tomorrow.

My Little Visitors Are Gone

Brother and sister at Herman Park

Herman Park Train

Texas Armadillo

Remember the Topsy Tail

Galveston Beach

Trying to be creative

 I am finally free to post again after having company for over a month. My niece's son 14 and daughter 7 came to spend time with me for the first time ever. We were busy everyday doing crafts, reading, watching movies or going places. My youngest is 22 so I  had forgotten what it was like having little kids in my house. I had a blast combing Sonya's hair many different ways. Raising three boys I also forgot  all the drama that comes with little girls. I enjoyed having them but next time I think I'll have one at a time. LOL

The other thing that happened was that two days before the kids went back home I had such a  bad case of vertigo that I landed in the hospital for two days. I thought I was having a stroke or something else just as bad. I had a CT scan and MRI of my brain and blood work to no end. I was given a clean bill of health except for inflammation in the ears which was the cause of the vertigo. After a week of being home I am feeling much better and barely have any remnants of the vertigo. Poor kids had to pack all their clothes by themselves.My niece thought it was the kids who had sent me to the hospital and made the dad pick them up one day earlier. They were on their way out to go back home with their dad when I was getting home from the hospital. What a way to say goodbye. I now have to have vertigo medicine with me all the time since it might hit again unexpectedly. At least I know my brain and heart are fine.

Back From New York

I can't tell you how much fun I had with my hubby and son in New York. We were there for 6 days and we did something every single day. I knew I was going to walk and be on the Subway trains but my body must have gone into shock because I wanted to crawl home the first night. I was so tired from the walking, running to catch trains and climbing stairs. It's so much easier to just get in your car and go :) We met up with my son's girlfriend  at Lambardi's Pizzeria, who has excellent pizza by the way. I loved walking through Little Italy with it's outdoor cafe's and restaurants. I swear I heard the Godfather talking at a table. We went to see Wicked and it was fantastic and we loved every moment of it. We went to the Statue Of Liberty and ate hot dogs on the grounds. Those were the best hot dogs or I was just very hungry. We went to the Natural History Museum and loved seeing the big blue whale.
As a sewer though I was in heaven while walking the Garment District and seeing store after store of fabric, trims, buttons, ribbons, and jewelry supplies. I just loved being there. I wanted to go to The City Quilter quilt store but the day we chose to go it was closed. Bummer! We walked blocks and blocks to get to, Purl, another yarn/quilt store. They only had about half a wall of fabric and it was so different to the quilt fabric I'm used to seeing in TX. After all that walking in the drizzle I had to buy something so I bought some very pretty and VERY expensive ($19 a yard) two yards of fabric. I also bought a panel of some very very cute paper doll fabric that was $12 a panel. Oh yea, and today my cousin from Illinois tells me she had just found the same fabric for $6.50 a panel, but hey, I got mine in NYC. LOL. Oh, I also got to go to Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, you know, the guy with the cake reality show. Their cookies and cupcakes are so so good.

TWO MORE DAYS

Two more days and hubby and I will be in NYC. I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bought Another Camera

Remember when I told you guys about losing my camera back during the Christmas holidays? Well, I never found my beloved camera and I went 4 months without a good camera. I had to take pictures with a cheap little digital that I wasn't crazy about. I decided to just get another one exactly like the one I lost which was a Panasonic Lumix FZ18. I can't tell you how much I like that camera. It has so many features at a very reasonable price. Three years ago I got my first one and back then I paid $399 for it. It's still $399 but luckily I found it on line for $250. YAY, I'm so happy! I just got it yesterday and I'm ready to take pictures in NYC. I'm gonna have to have it strapped to my neck the whole time I go out when I go out on the town so I won't lose it. I also hope to make a trip to Carlos Bakery in Holboken, New Jersey. He's the guy who has the cake show and he's got a crazy sister who works with him. I want to make it to the garment district and check out some of the fabric stores.

Beautiful Threads

There are some beautiful threads,fabric and other goodies at http://cathyscrazybydesign.blogspot.com/2010/04/200th-post-giveaway-finally.html and I am so glad I found that blog. Love that crazy quilting but don't know which is easier hand crazy quilting or machine hand quilting.

Getting Ready For New York

I am so looking forward to going to NY to visit with my son. I'm not looking forward to all the walking he said I'm going to do though. My back is going to be crying. I have my heating pad and Aspercreme ready to go. I'm suppose to be going to the dentist to have a tooth pulled on Monday so hopefully I'll be healed and ready in two weeks. I'll have it replaced when I come back home. We'll see where my son takes hubby and I. He said he would try and get tickets for the broad way show Wicked. I sure hope he does. I am also looking up quilting stores in NYC and Jersey City, although I can't imagine the fabric prices in NY. Ouch.
Quilting is going steady with me hand sewing the binding on the small quilt. I chose a yellow fabric with little bees. I usually choose dark bindings for my quilts but this time I chose a light yellow, which to me says,"Baby Girl". I'll post pictures from NYC.