Christmas Wall Hanging

Since I don't have photos of the finished quilt I thought I'd post a picture of a wall hanging I made last year in honor of my two Chihuahuas, Minnie and Chiquita. Is it any wonder why I haven't finished the quilt I'm suppose to give to my son who will make his way to Texas tomorrow from California. I'm ready to pull my hair out. I probably won't sleep at all tonight so I can do as much as possbile before he gets here. I am being kicked over to the dining room so my boys can put up the tree in the living room. Heck at this point we might as well have a decorating tree party when all my boys are together.

Look What I Bought

I went shopping Wednesday and stopped at my LQS. I hadn't stopped in a while so I stayed for about 2 hours. I bought the quilt book, Frills, after seeing a display quilt made with the pattern in the book. I just fell in love with the quilt. It's very feminine and very fast to make, which is the main reason I liked it so much. I also bought some more southwest fabric for the quilt I want to make for Chris who is in Arizona. I just need a good pattern. I always shop without any pattern in mind. I know I shouldn't do that but it's not often I find nice southwest fabric. I'm thinking more of a lap quilt than a full size. I'm still working on the folk star quilt and sometimes I get over whelmed and think maybe I won't be able to finish it by Christmas. Now that I'm on a dead line I have to be careful I don't chew my nails more than I quilt. LOL! Today we had temps in the 70's but will experience 30's temps by Thursday. I know some of you living up north are probably laughing but to us Texans living in the Southeast, 30's weather is way too cold. Now that I know my son's are coming for two weeks, I'm considering planning out menu's while they are here so I won't go crazy trying to figure out what to feed them. I just know they want homecooked meals. Chris' ex boss is giving him a chance to work at the Space Center while he's here for the two weeks so he can have extra money when he goes to Mexico. I'm glad I'll be off for the two weeks they will be here. By the way, I went to sub at another cafeteria and almost choked. I now have a cough due to the cold I had last week and for some reason my throat got so dry I started coughing and then couldn't catch my breath. I had all them ladies asking if i was alright and one wanted to hit me on the back and another asked if I wanted the nurse. I just stayed calmed and kept coughing till I was O.K. That was so not cool. Hopefully, I won't have to go sub there again even though compared to my school, the work was a piece of cake, but way to far.

Retired Husband

I got this e-mail from a friend and thought it was so funny that I just had to share. I can't imagine this being true. Dear Mrs. Abel, Over the past six months, your husband has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and may ban both of you from our stores. We have documented all incidents on our video surveillance equipment. All complaints against Mr. Abel are listed below. Things Mr. Abel has done while his spouse was shopping in Wally World: 1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking. 2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals. 3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the restrooms. 4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official tone, 'Code 3' in housewares..... and watched what happened. 5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and asked to put a bag of M&M's on layaway. 6. September 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area. 7. September 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they'll bring pillows from the bedding department. 8. September 23: When a clerk asks if they can help him, he begins to cry and asks, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?' 9. October 4: Looked right into the security camera; used it as a mirror, and picked his nose. 10. November 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, asked the clerk if he knows where the antidepressants are. 11. December 3: Darted around the store suspiciously loudly humming the "Mission Impossible" theme. 12. December 6: In the auto department, practiced his "Madonna look" using different size funnels. 13. December 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browse through, yelled "PICK ME!" "PICK ME!" 14. December 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumes the fetal position and screams "NO ! NO! It's those voices again!!!!" And last, but not least .... 15. December 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, "There is no toilet paper in here!" Sincerely, Wally World

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Happy Halloween, everyone. I have the Halloween lights, lighted pumpkin and candy ready for any trick-or-treaters that might show up. I think I'll give out handfuls of candy just so there won't be any left in the house. I'm not crazy about having so much sugar around. I've been thinking about when I use to make my kids there costumes and how excited we all use to get. The picture you see above is of my two older ones back in the 80's when Yoda was popular and there was an Ernie wearing pajamas. I made the clown outfit and boy did I have a time making that wig.My son still has that Ernie and is in a safe place in his room. Yesterday, I was sent to another school to sub for a server who didn't show up and I hated that school. The lights were dim, the lay out was weird and none of the workers were talking to one another. I was actually bored without Crazy and Slacker around. LOL! The school serves 300 kids and the one I work in serves 550. One of the entrees was Popcorn Chicken and oh my gosh most of those kids wanted double servings. You teachers out there, be nice to your cafeteria workers .Yesterday I was talking to a worker at the school where I subed and she said she worked there because her husband had passed away and she had to provide insurance for her son who was 21 and already an amputee due to diabetes. She liked the fact that she was able to get out early and go check on him. Made me count my blessings that's for sure. I will now go sit and watch all of the Halloween movies.

Candy Shopping

I finally went shopping for some Halloween candy and decorations on Friday. I don't usually decorate but there are so many kids living on this street that go to the school where I work that my hubby convinced me to decorate the front porch. I just moved the patio bench to the front porch and sat two scare crows on each side then sat a huge plastic pumpkin next to the bench. I know it's not much but believe me that's more than what I do on any Halloween. I did decorate when my boys were young but now that there are no more kiddos in the house I no longer do. When the neighborhood kids get off the bus they actually stop in front of my house in the middle of the street, and call out for me. Those crazy kids. They're stalking me. LOL! I didn't do much quilting at all yesterday but will today for sure. I'm beginning to get impatient with my quilting. My son, Chris, just informed me that he will be done with studying on the 18th of December and will be coming home for the holidays on the 19th, his birthday. He will be home for 3 weeks and I'm so happy. I'm glad he'll be home for his BD and Christmas. My son in CA isn't sure if he'll be able to get away from work. I really miss that boy. He hasn't been home for Christmas in two years.

YouTube Video

Campaign for Real Beauty Every woman should see this, but especially every young girl.

Quilted Block

This is how I'm quilting the Star quilt. I am quilting 1/2 inch away from every seam. Some of you are probably wondering why I am quilting such a small space in the small triangles, and the reason is that's just how it came out when I was measuring 1/2 inch from the seams. I know it looks a little weird especially to a quilter but that's just the way it is. I was thinking about quilting around every star but if I did that there is no way I can be finished by Christmas and besides I think it looks OK. The reason I went with the 1/2 inch instead of the 1/4 is that not all the seams go in the same direction and I didn't want to have trouble quilting through those bumpy seams. I am on my fourth row right now so I have six more to go. I think I'll be done for Christmas. The job is going well, I am actually gaining strength in my arms. HA! Thursday we served Pizza, Sloppy Joes and Steak Fingers. Well, when I was getting ready to serve I asked where the buns for the Joes were and the 25 year old, assistant manager in training, freaked out screaming, "The buns, where are the freakin buns, oh my gosh, we have no freakin buns, oh man, I'm dead meat!" She had to call the manager who was at another school to bring some buns, so the manager drives back like a lunatic to deliver the buns. I tell you it gets hectic in that cafeteria. What can you do when the delivery truck doesn't deliver the buns. Friday, this crazy girl fell over the big box of styrofoam trays in front of all the kids. One kid told her, "There, that's what you get." It took everything in me not to laugh. Another thing, every time a teacher places an order for tuna salad I have open up a big can of tuna, which makes a lot of tuna. Well, yesterday, the teacher who ordered it decided she didn't want to eat at school and didn't even pick it up. Augh!!!!!!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

It's been raining for two days straight. I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow morning because I hate to drive when it rains. My two Chi's were in their beds all day. I wonder if they think they will get wet if they get out of bed. My backyard is flooded,so, hopefully my roses will get a boost. HA! I am still working on the star quilt but not as fast as I should be if I want to finish it by Christmas. Augh!! I can only quilt as fast as my fingers and time allow me. I'm feeling the pressure of the holidays. My son, Chris, just informed me he will be coming home for three weeks before he goes to the Yucatan. I am so happy! I can't wait to see him again. He enjoyed his visit with his brother in LA. My oldest took him to a media party and meeting, and thought that was pretty cool. Oh, I think everyone in my neighborhood knows where I work now. I pass the bus stop on my way to work and there are always a bunch of kids there. They all go to the school where I work, so, every time I stop at the stop sign they all yell,"Hi, lunch lady, see you at school, bye lunch lady." That puts a smile on my face everyday. It's pretty funny .

Yard Work Today

I am quilting every chance I get. I am able to complete one row of stars per week, so, I figured I should be able to finish it for Christmas to give to my son in CA. I am happy to report the waves you see on each block in the picture are coming out as I quilt. Today, I was going to get my hair cut but the lady who cuts my hair was doing a perm and I didn't stick around till she finished. I just came back home and attacked the back yard, it was like a jungle out there. No kidding! I trimmed my rose bushes, bouganvilla, everything that has thorns, and boy do I have evidence of that on my body. I was so tired afterwards. Hubby did the picking up of the branches and throwing them away. I fed my roses, so, hopefully they will bloom again at least two more times before any freezing weather. They are really enjoying this cooler weather right now. Hubby and I just sat on the couch and every time either of us got up my son could hear us. We hurt everywhere. I told our 18 year old he would have to help us get up when we got older and he said he would attach ropes in front of the couch so we could grab and get up. That stinker. My husband wants a fanny lifter type of chair. Heck, I don't have to get up. HA! Chris, my son who is going to school in Arizona is visiting with his brother in CA, he took his roommate who is from France with him. I'm so glad my boys are spending time together since they probably won't see each other again till after Chris is done with college. I sure do miss my big boys. My oldest in CA lives with his girlfriend and she decided to stay with friends so the guys could have the apartment to themselves. I think that was very thoughtful.

Quilt On Frame

The Folk Star quilt is finally on the quilting frame. The frame is one that my hubby built for me many, many years ago, and I love it. It has crayon marks from my kids when they were young and dog teeth marks on the lower legs from when my doggies were teething. It actually looks funny with so much history on it, but it's still very sturdy. I will start the quilting process today as yesterday I was pretty wiped out from the basting. I do all my quilting in the living room since it's the room with the most light and I like looking outside towards the street. Some blocks have some waves that bother the heck out of me but I was in no frame of mind to do them over, I know I will manage to quilt them out. Hubby and son had to roll it on to the frame three times before I was certain it was straight. Yesterday, hubby and I did go into Houston to one of my favorite little shops, Lucia's Garden, she has the best stuff, stuff you can't find at the mall or anywhere else. I bought a CD, wind chime, patchouli plant, and some herbs. Will have to go back for the Christmas open house in November. Oh, I temporarily covered the cushion to the bench/chest my hubby made for me, that will have to do until I make a cover for it. Now, to my quilting.

Star Quilt Basted

I am happy to report that I finally basted the Folk Star quilt top. I am so happy that I actually accomplished what I said I would do, but boy, oh boy, am I totally beat. I do all my basting on the living room floor. First I tape the backing, set the batting, then set the top. I then pin and baste with thread. That took me most of the day. I had to take three breaks in order to keep going. I have got to find an easier way. I find that it's the only way to baste when I'm working with a flannel backing if I don't want it to get wrinkles. Thank goodness I have wooden floors or else I'd really be in trouble. I will be getting my hubby to help me roll it onto the frame. That's the thing about quilts with flannel backings, you have to be really careful how you roll them onto the frame. It was a very nice day and not too hot so that didn't make it too bad on me. I went to JoAnne's and used a 50% off coupon on the Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Road book that I had been eyeing for a while. I love the quilts in that book. I will post pictures of the Star quilt once it's on the frame. Cafeteria news, slacker girl left home at 8:30 on Thursday so it was just five of us working and boy was it hectic. There were times when I had to do the serving by myself, and thank goodness it was pizza day, which makes it easier for me to just slap the pizza slice onto the trays. I was so into the serving that I kept on serving trays even after there were no more kids coming. The other server looked at me and asked why I was still serving. I stopped and then realized there were no more kids. LOL! I served 350 slices of pizza, not to mention the fish and BBQ sandwiches. I'm beginning to despise pizza now. HA!

My Pin Cushions

I never gave much thought to the pin cushions I actually own but after seeing the pin cushion pictures of other bloggers I thought I'd join in. I can't do without the magnetic round one. I have to have that one close by just in case I drop some pins on the floor or something. I have all my pins in small different containers so they won't get mixed up because I use different pins for different tasks. I use to velcro the yellow square pin cushion to my old machine but that isn't possible with my current machine, but as you can see that pin cushion still holds a lot of pins. I made the Bunny pin cushion many years ago when I was bored and was in the mood to make something different. After I made it I didn't have the heart to stick pins in it, I know I'm crazy. I use the wrist flower pin cushion when I applique using the very small pins. I like being able to quickly stick them to something close by. The big green tomato is one I made also many years ago from a pattern. I do like it a lot, but just find it too big to really use so it just sits in the sewing room for show. I know I have others but they are probably in boxes or bags lost among the tons of fabric in my sewing room closets. I have actually looked for other pin cushion patterns but haven't really found any. I would like to make old fashion pin cushions to display in a shelve. Anybody out there who can lead me in the right direction?

Almost Normal

After being sick for almost two weeks I am finally beginning to feel better. I was feeling so tired at work Friday I can't even describe it. It must've been all the sleepless nights due to the coughing. I go into my sewing room and mark about six rows of stars for quilting and then I just have to stop. I will try again today so I can put the quilt on the frame and do some serious quilting on the four day weekend I will be having at the end of the month. I can't wait. My son Chris is enjoying his college and just informed me that the country he might have to go to to study abroad will be either Jordan or Costa Rica. The minute he said Jordan I felt panic go through my body. He is young and adventureous would love to go to Jordan. He was chosen to sit at a round table discussion with the President of Costa Rica next week so he is excited about that. He told me about all the school/community clubs he has joined and all the studing he has to do and I am convinced all that is for the young. I can't even remember everything we talked about. My youngest who is a very calm music loving 18 year old just thinks his brother has some weird plan to conquer the world. My son is California is still working at a T.V station and still in no hurry to marry or have kids. He doesn't have time for a family, so he says. Slacker girl, at work, didn't go to work for four days. She said it was due to having some kind of sore on her stomach and the doctor told her not to get near anything hot, so she was again at the register when she was suppose to serve this week. She sure didn't act like someone who was in pain since she even danced to a song on the radio. I have to say I out smarted all of the younger workers Friday. We are all suppose to throw out a bag or two of trash and while they were all chatting by the register I quickly got two of the lightest almost empty bags of trash and threw them away. By the time they got back to throwing their share they got stuck with the heavy bags. I wanted to laughed so bad. I just told them I've done all I have to do so I'm clocking out. Bye. You should've seen their faces. LOL! I was ready to quit Friday with my being sick and feeling tired. I hope next week is better for me. I am having a hard time coping with my going to work now that I'm almost 50. I'm still trying to figure out where would be the best place to work. If I last all year in that cafeteria it'll be a miracle. I have lost 5 pounds since I started working there.

Backing Finished

I was able to finish the backing for the Folk Art Star quilt top. It took a lot longer than I thought since I had to add to the width and length. I used another color flannel and am very happy with the results. Couldn't get another backing done due to it just getting too hot in the sewing room for me even with central air. I just realized I still have to draw the quilt design on the star top. Darn! Oh well, I'm just going 1/2 inch around every piece. My son Chris had a very busy week at his school. Got me tired just thinking about all he mentioned in his email. I guess it'll be non-stop work for the next two years for him. He seems very happy. In the picture he is with a team mate at a Flag ceremony. My 18 year old said,"Mom you know those long emails will stop once he starts meeting people and going out, right." Yes, I know kid. Well, Firday at the cafeteria wasn't bad at all. I actually had enough strength to want to go out somewhere. Slacker girl almost cried after having to scrub 125 potatoes that were to be baked, and then sat down for a break afterwards. I over heard her ask the manager if I could do some of it but the manager told her she had me busy doing something else. I made 245 salads for the kids then served tacos, chicken tetrazinni(sp?), and the baked potatoes. Big deal, you do what you gotta do. When I saw her sitting down I felt like throwing her one of the potatoes, but off course didn't. I tell you some of these young people don't want to work. They want money without earning it.

Girly Girl Swap Goodies

I thought I'd post a picture of the goodies I received about a week ago from an internet quilt group I belong to. It was a Girly Girl swap. I really look forward to that kind of swap. LOL! My swap partner was so generous, I loved the one yard of girly fabric she sent me and the other pinks are a perfect match for it. I liked everything. I did find the three extra yards of flannel I needed to make the backing for the star quilt. I want to start that this long three day weekend. I really miss my daily quilting now that I started working. I haven't looked this forward to Friday's since I was in school.

Old Manager Out

Well, the Cafeteria District Supervisor got rid of the Manager that started the year and replaced her with a nice lady, but I just realized there won't be any jello for my fruit plates this morning. The girl who made the jello yesterday used all the jello. I noticed those jello trades were really loaded yesterday. That's the reason for no left overs for my fruit plates, and I need to make 60. Things got so distracted with meeting the new Manager and the Supervisor being there and all. Oh well. I hope the watermelon and oranges are cut up this morning also. I go in at 8:30 in the morning and all that stuff has to be prepared by someone else ready for me to use. The drama queen did cry yesterday because she had to make lot's and lot's of instant mash potatoe in because she isn't use to it and didn't know if her having to do it was going to work out. All this in front of the supervisor. I have a feeling she won't last too long. I was going to cut the backing for my Folk Star quilt top, but the top turned out to be wider than the double wide flannel I'm using as the backing. I had to run to the store and they were out, so I will have to wait for Friday to go look at other stores. I hate it when that happens. I would use a cotton, but the son I'm giving the quilt to, likes all his quilts with flannel, like Grandma use to make.

My New Used Cutting Table

My hubby's friend who use to be a draftsman gave us this table. The friend was going to give it to a quilting store in New Mexico but when hubby told him I quilted he gave it to us. The top was in bed shape it had a lot of nicks and old tape all over the place. Hubby and son sanded it and cut the legs some so I could reach it. I love the way it turned out and it has the perfect drawers for my cutting matts, rotary cutters, and rulers.

Temple Flowers Finished

I have finished piecing the Temple Flowers quilt top, well, sort of. LOL! I still have to add the borders, but those will just be cut from more floral fabric. The majority of the fabrics that went into making this top were scraps from the Rose quilt I pieced about three weeks ago. Although , the Rose quilt was made from the Turning Twenty pattern, I didn't just use fat quarters, I used several pieces of fabric that were bigger than a fat quarter. I very rarely buy fat quarters. I always feel I'm getting cheated if I buy fat quarters. I really like the way this Temple Flowers top turned out. It's so girlie and happy. Too bad I don't have any granddaughters to give it to. I guess I'll just hold on to it till I do have some. If my mom were still alive I'd give it to her. I know she would've loved it. I really miss making things for her.

Temple Flowers Quilt Started

I have started the Temple Flowers quilt with my rose fabric scraps and I think it will make a cute crib size quilt. It should be about 52x52 when finished. I have to say I'm not crazy about cutting so many strips over and over again, that's why I don't make log cabins. Although, after seeing Jeanne's, I am very tempted. I suppose I could make them with wider strips so I won't get bored while cutting. It sure has been so hot here in Texas my two Chi's have decided to sleep in the living room instead of the kitchen. This is the first time ever in the six years since we've had them that they have done that. My 18 year old wondered, out loud, if it could be that they are having hot flashes like me. Maybe. I can really feel miserable with the heat, even with central air it's not cool enough for me. When I was a kid and living in South Texas we had no air conditioning and remember my poor mom sweating buckets every summer.

Bench For Quilts

Some time back my hubby and I went to a Hancocks that had everything on sale because it was closing. He spotted a fabric shelve for $10 and bought it. When I asked him what in the world he was going to do with it he said it was going to be for me. I just couldn't figure out what he was going to do. Well, this is what he came up with, a reading bench with storage for quilts. I don't have enough room for all the quilts I'm making and he's always hearing me complain about it. This little bench is big enough for me to sit on and stretch my legs, and will be even better once I make a cushion for it. It still needs some trim on the edge of the seat to help open it. He will also put safety latches in it just in case we have any grandkids some day. Leave it to my hubby to come up with something like that. GRATITUDES 1. Creative hubby. 2. Friend who makes me laugh. 3. My two cats improved health. 4. Day not being as hot as yesterday.

About Me

Now that I have finished sewing the borders to the rose quilt top, I have time to share a little about myself. It's hard to answer with just one word. One Word for - 1. Yourself: dependable 2. Your partner: friendly 3. Your hair: wild 4. Your Mother: helpful 5. Your Father: proud 6. Your favorite item: sewing machine 7. Your dream last night: none 8. Your favorite drink: cold milk 9. Your dream home: beach house 10. The room you are in: bedroom 11. Your pleasure: quilting 12. Your fear: bridges 13. Where you want to be in ten years: traveling 14. Who you hung out with last night: hubby 15. What you're not: social butterfly 16. Your best friends: laughter 17. One of your wish list items: beach house 18. Your gender: female 19. The last thing you did: sew borders on quilt top 20. What you are wearing: tank top 21. Your favorite weather: spring 22. Your favorite book: mom's scrapbook 23. Last thing you ate: chicken 24. Your life: quiet 25. Your mood: good 26. The last person you talked to on the phone: Josie 27. Who you are thinking about right now: Chris

What To Do With Left Overs

This is what I'll be making with the rose quilt left over fabrics. The pattern is Temple Flowers. You can find some really nice patterns in this site. http://www.freespiritfabric.com/core-pages/patterns.php

Rose Blocks Finished

I have finished piecing the Turning Twenty rose blocks and I love the way it looks. It's very cottage looking. I will be using the left over strips for the borders. I love this pattern, so easy and fast. I will piece the rows together tonight. Gratitudes 1. The Internet. 2. Vanilla Ice cream. 3. No more rain. 4. Living on a quiet street.

Turning Twenty Blocks

Here are three of the rose fabric blocks for the Turning twenty pattern. I really like the way they are turning out. Camera is a cheapy so they look much better in real life. I think this quilt top will go fast. GRATITUDES 1. My cousin being alright after tornado hitting in Joliet today. 2. My feeling better. 3. The sound of the patio chimes. 4. A very patient husband.

Turning 20 Quilt Top Fabric

Today I will start cutting fabric for the Turning Twenty quilt top. I have so many rose fabrics that I decided to use them for this quilt pattern. GRATITUDES 1. My cat's BB shot wound looking much better. 2. My hubby moving my computer to a cooler room in the house. 3. I've said it once and I'll say it again, Central Air. 4. My good friends.

Wedding Ring Top Finished

I have finished with the Wedding Ring quilt top. I only need the borders, hopefully I will find the same light blue fabric I used for the sashing. I really like the way this turned out. It's my version of the wedding ring pattern. I had been calling it a Dresden Plate but several people say it reminds them of Wedding Ring so that's what I shall call it. GRATITUDES 1. The microwave. 2. The voices of children playing 3. A good book. 4. A very nice sister-in-law.

More Piecing

I finished piecing the sashing to all the ring blocks today so tomorrow I will add the horizontal sashing. I got so angry with myself because I didn't buy enough fabric for the borders, just two more strips needed. I will go hunt more of the same sashing fabric tomorrow. Hope I can find it. I guess I wasn't thinking when I bought it. This quilt will be for which ever of my boys gets married first, even if it does have quite a bit of pink pieces in it. Oh, well. I will soon post a picture of the whole top. This will be the third top I finish this year, I am so happy. I will work on my rose quilt top after this one.

Doing The Happy Dance

Folk Star Quilt Top Finished

I finally finished the Folk Star quilt top. I took too long to finish the top. The two extra rows of stars that I added really made a difference. I am so happy to have finally finished since it was a nine year old UFO . I will start putting together the Dresden Plate quilt top. That won't take too long since all the blocks are done. I'll just have to add the sashing. ****************** Gratitudes 1. Sound of the light rain hitting the window this morning. 2. A quiet neighborhood. 3. Digital cameras. 4. Modern conveniences.

Going Out of Business Sale

Yesterday, my husband and I went into Houston and saw a Hancocks going out of business sale,so, we go in and everything was for sale. A couple had two truck loads full of all kinds of shelves. Hubby managed to buy a fabric shelve for $10. He says he can make me a bench/trunk out of it. We'll see. There were some women looking at the %70 off patterns thinking they were getting a great bargain,until I told them they were $.99 at JoAnn's. You should have seen they eyes, talk about almost popping out. They stashed the patterns they were looking at between some fabric bolts and dashed out the door to JoAnn's. We sewers are so much alike. That was so funny. I bought two quilting books and the 18mm rotary cutter that was %50 off.

Just For Fun

I am an Echinacea What Flower Are You?

"You are a health conscious person, both your health and the health of others. You know all about the health benefits and dangers of the world around you."

I thought I'de be a rose but turns out I'm a wild little thing.LOL! Funny, my husband planted a bunch of Echinacea in the front yard.

Do Dogs Know

Not too much quilting going on today. A week ago one of our two Chi's started crying every time my son walked out the door. I'm talking howling, loud, for a good 30 minutes and waits at the window for him. He is the one she bonded with right away when we first got her as a 4 week only pup. When he goes to the restroom she waits at the door for him and follows him all around the house. Chris,my son will be leaving to Graduate school next month and I'm wondering if maybe she senses he is leaving. He told me last night she went to his room five time wanting to get in bed with him. I'm wondering if she might be having nightmares. Chiquita(the pup) has always been high strung and is always running around.She is sensitive to every sound around her, she just isn't a calm little dog, except when she is with Chris. Anybody ever experience something like this with a pet? Chris says she has severe separation anxiety. ****************** Gratitudes 1. My son, Chris, he is such a good son. 2. Chiquita, she keeps everyone on their toes. 3. All the birds in my back yard. 4. Having a husband with a green thumb.

Quilting and Burned Rice

I started off the day working on adding the border to the Star quilt and remembered I had to make rice for one of my doggies who is on a strict diet. With my bad memory, I should know better by now. After putting the rice on the stove I went back to my sewing and then I started smelling something and then realized it was the rice, well, it burned to a crisp. Thank goodness I still had a bit more rice left. That's happened a lot to me, burning something because I go and do something else. I find it so hard to stay put in the kitchen while something is cooking though. Aren't all artist suppose to suffer some degree of ADD? That sounds so much better than ageing. My friend and I always seem to forget some word or somebody's name when we're having a conversation. We always end up saying, "Yea, you know which one I'm talking about, yea, that's the one, but darn it I can't remember the name." Yet, we always do know what the heck we're talking about. It's getting pretty pathetic.

HAPPY 4TH EVERYONE

I hope everyone has a good day today. My family won't be doing much. It's raining so everyone is staying in. Hubby had to work today due to the shuttle. I'll probably continue working on the Folk Star quilt top and look over some of my other UFO's. Not much to do but it's good to know I live in a country where I can do whatever strikes my fancy. I love you ,America. **************** Gratitudes 1. Living in a country with so much freedom. 2. My hubby helping with the dishes. 3. Having a beach so close by. 4. My who is also a quilter.

Just A Tip

I don't know about any of you, but I use this little hammer for any bulky seams in any of my piecing. It's small and it has a rubber top so it won't do any damage to the fabric. I don't really like trimming any 1/4 inch seams to lessen the bulk, and to me there is not much room for cutting error with a 1/4 inch seam. It's one of the things I have to have next to my sewing machine. I got it at JoAnn's in the scrapbooking section. Just thought I'd share a tip.

I Use To Make

I have been going through my project scrapbook and feel like I've done it all in the sewing world. About nine years ago, I use to make Inner Child dolls with a friend. These dolls were about three feet high. We bought special clothes and wigs for them, and we always worked from a person's picture. It was unbelievable how many dolls we made. We even made George and Barbra Bush. Those dolls had so much detail to them. My friend moved to another state and I got burned out. I made one for my son's elementary school nurse, who was always so good to my boys when they weren't feeling well. She was so surprised when she I gave it to her, and every time I run into her she says her doll still sits in a special chair in her living room. ****************** 1. A good sister-in-law. 2. Rain for my plants. 3. The birds that come up to my patio. 4. The freedom to come and go as I please.

Made A Cap

I took a break from blogging and quilting the last few days because I had been visiting with a friend who is alone now that her two boys have left the nest. I just felt like I had to be a good friend. I did manage to whip up a cap for though. I followed the design of an old cap I wore for the longest time. I really had to look through all my stuff to find that old thing. Making the cap took longer than I thought but I do like how it turned out. I'm thinking that would make a great Christmas gift. It looks kind of funky with the Sunbonnet Sues don't you think. Sorry for the blurry picture.

Folk Star Top

I have finished the Folk Star scrap quilt top. I am so proud of myself for finishing up the blocks. Years ago when I started I gave up because I thought there were too many pieces to each star. I guess I have grown as a quilter, then again, there are no more kiddos wanting my attention. ************** Gratitudes 1. Time to do my quilting. 2. Grocery store that's five minutes away. 3. Understanding friends 4. The Internet. I'm amazed everyday at how much info is at our fingertips.

Mom's Last Quilt

Mom was a quilter herself and only a stash quilter at that. She always hoped I would some day have a daughter so she pieced this crib sized top especially for a girl. It three years after she passed on for me to be able to quilt it. It will patiently await the arrival of any girls my sons might one day have.

So True

Sewing Area

This is my sewing area. It's a guestroom/sewing room. I really need to get another table. I'm afraid one of the ones I have in the opposite side of my sewing machine will collapse at any moment with all the quilting books and jewelry supplies I have on it. I turned a walk in closet into a fabric closet and there still wasn't enough room for all my fabric. What you see here is just a drop in the bucket. I still have another cabinet and chest full in the laundry room and thank goodness that's a big room, and that's not counting the bag fulls I have in another closet.

Land & Sea Quilt

My son Chris will be moving to Arizona this summer to go to Graduate school and I don't know if it's a good idea for him to take the quilt I made for him when he graduated from college, since he'll be living in a hotel type dorm. He really liked this quilt and would hate for it to just disappear. I remember finishing it up the day before graduation. ****************** Gratitudes 1. Take out Pizza 2. Sonic burgers 3. Hubby helping with the vacuuming while I bathed dogs 4. Central Air!

Seven Year Old UFO

I thought I'd share a picture of a quilt top I had stashed for seven years. When my mom came to live with me and my family I put all my quilting projects away, and it wasn't until a couple of years after she passed that I finally felt like quilting again. I just finished it two months ago. I started when my youngest was still young . He will be 18 next month but he dosesn't care if it has teddy bear fabric he still wants it. I used a lot of scraps for this one.

Baby Heart Top UFO

These are blocks I got from a swap. I chose a heart theme and was so pleased with what the other swappers did. I will be making a baby quilt for any grand daughter I may have in the future. I'm crazy about red hearts. I'll probably just add a couple of more heart blocks and borders.

Grape Quilt

Now that I'm done with the baby quilt, I will put the Grape quilt top on the frame and start quilting . I certainly don't look forward to basting it though. I'm begining to dread that part. I will be giving this quilt to my sister in law who has been very nice to me for the past 31 years. We get along great and I actually met her before I met my hubby, her brother. She is crazy about grapes and has the grape theme going on in every room in her house. *************** Gratitudes 1. Heavenly rain. 2. Ice Tea 3. Central Air 4. My neighbor who quilts

Baby Quilt

I'm all done and I'm very pleased with this baby quilt. Now, I'll box it up and sent it on it's way to Illinois. I'm going to have to make some baby quilts for my future grandbabies. ******************* GRATITUDES 1. Morning rain. 2. My son stopping for groceries on the way home. 3. Hubby washing dishes last night so I could finish the quilt. 4. Cooler weather due to rain especially here in Texas.

Good Karma

Believe that the best is yet to be Do the right thing even when someone else doesn't Follow your bliss Empty your mind of emotions that serve no purpose Never seek vengeance Laugh at yourself Have good manners If you love someone tell them Read everyday Live life to it's fullest Finish what you start Spread joy to others Put a windchime next to your bedroom window Donate quilts to a children's hospital Hug someone tight Life is too short take nothing for granted Learn to enjoy your own company Hug your grandparents Be a child's cheerleader Give your mate a book of love poems Avoid things that hurt your body Send someone cookies Become someone else's good memory Love with all your heart Be polite and patient with the elderly

Folk Star Blocks

When ever I have some spare time I work on some star blocks I started years ago. The only reason I can think of not finishing is because I was younger, was raising three boys, and didn't have enough patience to piece 11 piece star blocks. Now, my boys are raised, and we all know that with age comes patience,so I'm enjoying making these blocks now. This will be a quilt for my oldest son in CA.

Project Spectrum(Blue)

I just finished a domino necklace in blue. I think that will do for the June, blue project.

Baby Quilt

Today, I will finish sewing the binding on a baby quilt that will make it's way to Illinois. I have a cousin there who wanted to learn how to make quilts so I suggested I would cut the squares for her due to her disability. She pieced the top,sent it to me to quilt and now I'll sent it back finished. It turned out to be such a cute little quilt. I am now on her case about starting another one. She didn't want too much quilting on it so it was a piece of cake for me.

Trusty Iron

My friend and I were discussing irons the other day. I have had so many irons and I love my Rowenta, but when I need a steamless iron I use my mom's old iron. That iron is heavy and I love the metal stand it has. It feels great using the things my mom used,especially now that she's no longer here.

Rose Fabric

I have been collecting rose fabric for quite a while. I plan on making a rose quilt and have been searching for the perfect pattern. I have seen many that I like and the more I see the harder it is to decide. I was thinking on making the Turning 20 pattern because I wouldn't have to make many cuts in the rose designs of the fabrics. I have tons of books with great patterns. I especially like the Blended Wall Quilts from In The Beginning. I love those quilts. We will see.