Alice in Quilterland

Christmas in July--Who'd a Thunk it Would Actually Happen???

2012-01-27T16:39:00.000-08:00

There has been some serious elf activity going on around here.

Thanks to Di's Christmas Club I managed to get started on Christmas presents and decorations long before (really long before) I usually get around to it.

Promising that maybe when December rolls around I can sit with my feet up and drink a cup of eggnog. Wouldn't that be a hoot!!!!

So what did I do???

Two tops that will be tablerunners

and those colors led to starting a couple of mug rugs

...obviously not completed either, but there is hope.

Then there is this tablerunner from Jenny of ELEFANTZ, love all her patterns.

This is one from quite a while ago

I am making it out of PomPom de Paris from Moda.

So, I have made some progress. I have a ton of non-Christmas going as well and found several BOMs that I like, so not sure if I will keep going with these or wait until next month when we do Christmas Club again.

For now--I am going to go encourage my DH, who is making chili for the Humane Society Chili Cook-off tomorrow. This is his first try at competition--personally I think he makes some darned good chili.

So, it will be a busy weekend because I may be volunteering on Saturday and at the adoption event on Sunday. We shall see--definitely tomorrow.

Must find time to finish one project before the end of the month.

MUST and what happened to my organization??

Breathe in--Breathe out!!!

Until next time!!

L,A-

Happy New -Habits- Year!!!!

2012-01-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has had a great holiday season.

It seems like such a long time ago already.

Is everyone stuck into their resolutions, going full bore into something new and exciting????

I am moving slowly, but moving.

As those of you who read Joy's blog already know that my word for the year is ORGANIZE.

A word that in years past has been spoken but forgotten in the chaos that is usually me.

Here are two embarrassing pictures:

the before

and after several hours of shuffling

Hmmmmmm???????

Really I did get stuff put away, found a few things that I was looking for and tossed out stuff and added to the Goodwill pile and it is still awful.

So I will be continuing for quite awhile.

It is the year of Organization, not first 5 minutes, so I must hold out for hope.

I am planning on joining Di's Christmas Club so that I will not be insane at the end of the year.

I obviously have lots and lots of fabric and patterns and and and...

Don't need to buy anything for a very long time.

Remind that I said that!!!!!

So, I hope you will all encourage me from time to time.

I am off to pick a corner to work in.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

Quilt Show, Sew-A-Long and A Winner!!!

2011-03-06T15:38:00.000-08:00

WOW! I can not believe how fast February vanished. Time to get busy on this month.

It certainly has come in like a lion around here with lots of wind and rain.

So let us announce the Finishing Stitches winner for February!

Once again it is Bonnie at Bonnie & the Sister's Lair.

She has won a Fresh Flowers charm pack.

Perfect spring fabric for us here in the US and hopefully it will brighten up a chilly day as you cruise into fall over there in Australia.

Go check out Joy's blog to sign up for March finishes and see if you can win next month's charm pack. GO!!!

So a little over a week ago I had a day off with Lola of ...and Sew On and we headed off to the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival.

Good times were had that is for sure.

Gorgeous quilts:

This last photo is a small piece of the most precious quilt. Naturally my large photo is a giant blur!! The detail on it is just amazing.

And of course there was lots of buying.

I had originally planned on buying some yellow for the black and white blocks I am working on, but I just could not pick a shade so:

So I bought lots of yellow and I will decide later. I did have a serious shortage in my stash, so this was actually a good thing.

Course there were these lovely Stonehenge ones that I have been staring at since I saw them awhile back:

Love, love, love them!!!

Then patterns--who can go without getting patterns???
Anyone?????

So here are a few that came home with me:

There are more, but they seem to be hiding. Possibly because I am supposed to be finishing things???

And then there is this Sew A Long:

I am not a red person, so it is going to be purple work. It is time to make some goodies to match my tree that is decorated all in purple--well purple and cats--purple, cats and cows...

It suits me perfectly anyway.

OK, that is enough for now. I need to get busy sewing don't I???

I really do!

Hope you all had a awesome weekend!

L,A-

Real Live Sewing Accomplished

2011-02-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

I have finishes!!!!

My sewing kit is complete and mailed off to help the folks in Queensland and other parts of Australia that were affected by all of the horrible floods.

Hope it helps bring a little happiness.

So much is happening lately, now there has been a terrible earthquake in New Zealand.

Not to mention all of the extreme cold weather we are having here.

Prayers go out to everyone.

So I have also done some other sewing.

I have finished the first three blocks from the Florida Cabin Fever BOM.

And I may be a little late, but I am almost finished this heart wallhanging that I started for Valentine's Day. So I will be early for next year.

Hopefully I will have lots ready for next year. Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday I do think.

How could it not be when I have a dear sweet hubby who sends singing Valentine's.

Yep he did!!!

So here are my hearts:

It is on the machine waiting for me to come back and finish quilting it.

I am working on a few dozen other things as well, but I think I better save some for later.

Hope you are all staying warm and safe.

L,A-

We Have A Winner!

2011-02-05T22:20:00.000-08:00

Well, Joy is busy settling herself into her new palace in Saudi Arabia, so I will announce the January Finishing Stitches winner.

Drum roll please...

The winner is Yvonne of Bonnie & the Sisters Lair.

You really have to go check out her blog--she does some of the most gorgeous things.

Not really sure how many things she finished--I believe on Joy's sidebar it says lots.

She did more than anyone else.

And for her efforts she has won a Sherbet Pips ~~jelly roll~~ oops my bad, that would be charm pack.

Very cute!!!

I am sure that we will see something sherbet-y coming from Yvonne real soon.

Also wanted to make sure that everyone is still sending out prayers and/or sewing kits to help the many people affected by the horrible flooding in Australia.

So many have lost everything.

If you have not read the post from Among The Gum Trees go here.

Now everyone get back to work on those blocks and UFOs. Joy will inform us of the February challenge as soon as she has a free moment.

L,A-

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOY!!!!!

2011-01-28T18:53:00.000-08:00

We have started a tradition. Some people go out for a nice dinner for their birthday--Joy and I sew together whenever possible. Well, this year it was not possible because of a giant ocean in between us.

But sew we must!!!

So, Lola of ...and Sew On came over and we ate cake, and pizza.

Not a healthy thing in sight!!! Wasn't on the resolution list!

And yes--we sewed!!

And sewed and sewed some more.

Lola actually finished getting all her blocks sewed together.

Looking good!

I finally finished all my blocks a few minutes ago, so picture will be coming to a post real soon.

Really!!!

So Happy Birthday Joy!!!

Wish you were here!!!

And for a party giggle.

Murphy is the special of the day!

He is special!!!

L,A-

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

I know I am a little late, but it is the thought that counts right?
The holidays are gone and almost seem like a pleasant if not somewhat hectic dream.
I am sitting down doing my blog--must be the new year since that is one of my many resolutions.
Sadly the reason I am sitting down is because I have a horrid achy coldy thing and I don't feel like moving at all.
My darling hubby is so good at sharing!!!!

So, while I am immobile it is a good time to tell everyone about the continuation of Finishing Stitches started by Joy back in July. I think we all managed to get something done and what better way to clean up the sewing room than join in the fun and get those UFOs complete and hung nicely on a wall or better still--a few presents done long before the holidays.
Wouldn't that be cool!!! So all the tiny fine print is over on Joy's blog--not much of it--mostly finish projects or blocks and get your name in the hat to win charm packs. What could be simpler.
So grab the new and improved button:

And lets start finishing. And yes I am talking to myself very loudly because I spent the last few days trying to sort out the mess that is my sewing room. And I have come to the conclusion that there is no hope for it unless I start sewing. I thought I should finish 3 things for every one new thing I started???? That didn't sound fun at all--after all my DS definitely inherited his short attention span from me. So I will try very hard to keep it one to one!!!!

This is my year for less stressing and more sewing. And more posting about my more sewing!!!!

So what are your New Year's resolutions?

And have you made any progress on your New Year's Resolution?

Well, good luck to all.

I am going to take some cold medicine and a nap so hopefully I will feel more like tackling the world tomorrow.

L,A-

Yep, I'm Still Here

2010-10-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

My New Year's resolution is going to be to be a better blogger!!

Promise!

I have to show you all my goodies I got from Stacy at Pinkberry Sprinkles.

She asked us our thoughts on Halloween and I got this great package from her:

Isn't it Spooktacular. Thanks Stacy.
I think Halloween is a fun time. I am not very organized this year with moving and all, but I do have pumpkins and a few bits and pieces scattered about.
And lots of candy!!!!!!
I also need to show off my finish from September--Yes, shame on me for being so slow.
I really did finish on time for Sept.
My fall turkey runner is done!!!

I have not been totally unproductive this month. Really! I took a class from Bonnie Hunter a couple of weeks ago. I went with Lola from ...And Sew On, which is good cause she brought the camera. So troodle on over there and look at some of the amazing quilts that were done.
Here is my progress so far:

I am quite pleased with it so far. I just need to make 12 more blocks because I want it to be a wee bit bigger. Hopefully I will have enough of these bits that I chopped off the corners:

to make a border out of. This is a really fun scrappy quilt. If you are into the scrappy craze, you need to go visit Bonnie's site called Quiltville. If you scroll down a bit and look at the list on the right hand side, you will find a ton of free scrappy quilt patterns. Fun stuff!! Then go to her blog and check out the most amazing hexagon star quilt she is doing.
OH
Before I go, I need to tell you to zip over to Joy's blog and sign up for her cute little Hot Potato giveaway. Or just tell her to be good and stay in bed like the doctor has told her to do, so that she will heal faster!!!
I will try to get pictures of the return of Alice's Zoo soon. The furry ones are trying very hard to make photography impossible.
Hope you are all having a marvelous Wednesday!!!
L,A-

Pies, blocks and Angels...

2010-09-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy, busy and all of it fun!!!

First I had to do a bit of baking to satisfy the bug.

So I made this:

I also made a cherry/peach pie, but I forgot to take a picture. AND by the time I remembered it had a few pieces missing.

This one is on the way to gone now too.

Then it was on to the air show at the Oceana Naval Air Base.

We had a great time--I can be such a boy at times.

Here is my boy showing his respect:

I think the Blue Angels are amazing. I could watch them for hours.

I have no desire to be up there doing however many G's they pull, but I love watching.

18 inches apart!!!!!!

Yep, half of them are upside down and still way too close together!!!

Awesome!!!!

Back on the home front, I have gotten some more blocks finished.

Three to be exact, with one more in the works.

one

two

and three.

The colors seem a little strange--bad light I guess.

I also got my table runner basted, so fingers crossed that it will get quilted very soon!!!

I want to get on to some of the Christmas presents that I need to make.

It is coming too soon!!!!!

I need to enjoy the fall first.

Hope everyone is having a great week--getting lots done!!

L,A-

I Have Been a Naughty, Naughty Blogger

2010-09-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

...but I have not been idle. I have been quite busy getting ready for a new year of homeschooling and lots of house remodeling and getting ready for visits from family members.
And I have even been able to get a little bit of sewing done. Mandatory for sanity!!!!

These are several of the things that we have been getting ready for:

OK, so they don't look all that exciting at the moment, but they will be soon. The fridge and the range are installed. The dishwasher is waiting for a new door. Shipping is a dangerous sport. It has a big boo boo at the bottom.

In between all the remodeling I have accomplished this top for my fall challenge from Di:

and these two blocks are for Joy's finish challenge:

They are part of this pinwheel quilt that I have been working on:

and I have not showed you all of my Jelly Roll blocks. They are all finished; I just need to put them all together.

And I had a really nice surprise in the mail the other day. Di had us all guess what number post she was coming up to and I guessed 500. And I was right!!!!

She also gave me a goodie for finishing a fall project.

Look at all these yummy things:

They are hard to see, but up there on the top right are the cutest little buttons. Look at these precious flip flops:

Thank you Di!!!!

Well, that is enough catching up for now. I need to do some more sewing and finishing and keep up with my blogging like a good little quilter.

Hope you are all having a great week.

Two more days until the weekend.

L,A-

Made It!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

I was beginning to wonder, but I got a finish.

It will serve as a Di's Fall Sew-in Club and Joy's Finishing Stitches.
Cause you both love me right?????
So here is my Fall UFO table runner.

I had to find new backing for it and I had accidentally used up all of the fabric that I needed for the binding, so it became extra colorful. I like the finished product and it is one less thing in my UFO pile. Yippee!!!!
It has not been a stellar month of finishes, but we have been doing a wee bit of home improvements.
August will be better.
!!!!!!!!!!
L,A

Happy Chocolate Day!!!

2010-07-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

I didn't make that up honest!!!

So everyone indulge--it's a celebration. Just don't take it outside because this is what it is doing out there:

For those of you who deal in Celsius, that's around 41. Yucky!!!

I am behind in my blogging, naughty me!

My birthday got stretched out a lot. I have gotten more packages from everywhere.

Joy sent me these little goodies:

which of course will lead to needing matching bits. Fun stuff!!!!

And Di sent me a package full of goodies.

These pretty vintage aprons:

and nice sharp scissors and lots of patterns to keep me very, very busy!!!!

and Mom gave me these nice bright fat quarters:

and of course I treated myself to a few more:

and more tomorrow. I need to prove that I have actually done something besides get more fabric.

I am caught up on my jelly roll blocks:

Block#9

and Block#10

and I have been busy unpicking a fall table runner for Di's fall finish challenge. This is the one I hope to finish this month at least.

I didn't like the way I started quilting it, so I threw it in a pile. Now I am going to get it finished!!!!
And pop over and join Joy's challenge to finish stuff that has been sitting around awhile.
I have a huge pile to work on for this one.
And I still have to start making Christmas decorations--oh my--I think I am challenge challenged!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stay cool everyone.
L,A-

Short Attention Span

2010-06-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

I have been a really good girl, working on all of my challenge projects--BUT--sometimes you just have to start something new. I really did just reach into my "to do" pile and pull out a project. I pulled out a pinwheel sampler that Rachel from p.s. i quilt did as a quilt-along awhile ago. Then I grabbed a pile of fat quarters and ta da...

Block 1

and Block 2

Very natural--not my normal colors, but I guess it goes with the rest of my short attention span. Then of course I went back to work on this for awhile...

which is very bright. A little more rearranging and I will start sewing it all together.

I also said that I would show you why Joy and Di should be getting commission checks from Charm Cotton Quilts. They told me all about their good deals and they got me in trouble. I got these...

and then I got this...

so then I had to go back to CCQ because I didn't get enough charm packs to do them. So then, I added these...

...so now I have to start something else!!!!! Good thing I am finishing all of those Christmas mini's or I would have a serious problem. Shhhh!!! I know I probably already do, but for now we will just blame it on the heat!

Sadly there is more, but I forgot to take a photo of the rest. Or maybe that is a good thing--we wouldn't want anyone to think I am totally insane now would we.

For now I must go sew!!!!

L,A-

It's My Birthday And I'll Sew If I Want To

2010-06-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

Or blog since I need to catch up. This may turn into two if I ever want to get to the sewing room today!

First of all--Mini Christmas! I have been working--really I have. I am creating an army of cookbook chooks.

all ready to stamp out the frustration of losing your place when you are whipping up your favorite recipes.

Most of my family are non-sewers so I needed some goodies to please them. Most everyone I know cooks. These are so easy, so go check out the tutorial here at JJ's.
I have also been plugging along with my coffee sleeves and I have started stitching on my towels and I bought this for inspiration:

There are some really, really cute things in here. Hopefully I will show you some all finished very soon. Well soon--I think I am the world's slowest at stitching, but I will get there.
I have also finished the latest jelly roll block.

and the tote bag in the {make} sew along

I really love the colors. I am going to go find one of those magnets that Joy used to keep hers closed and then I need to fill it full.
And just because--views from my kitchen window:

and

OK, the last one is a little blurry--could it be a dirty window????? These little guys have a bad habit of running away when I try to go outside and take a picture.
And on that note I am going to quit now and go hide in my sewing room.
Tomorrow I will show pictures of why Joy and Di should become sales reps for Charm Cotton Quilts.
L,A-

Me Again!!

2010-06-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

I know--twice in one week--what has come over me??? I have been sewing--I have things to show. I really need to do this more often anyway. My brain is getting old, so it helps me remember what I have been up to.
So, just in time for new installments, I have finished part 1 of my {MAKE} tote bag and I have finished jelly roll block number 7.

and

and a picture of the Block of the Month that I signed up for at Bella's. I told you it was a dangerous store. Like I need to start anymore projects.

I have to catch up on May and June, but that shouldn't be so bad right???

I have been working on my Christmas projects and picking out new ones that I want to start, so I will have plenty to show you right??? Yes!!! I will sew lots. I will finish projects!! I think I can!!!

And one more picture just because Tonya sits under my feet and never complains when I take pictures of everything but her. Poor baby!!!

She is very happy to have her family back from traveling all over the world. She doesn't get impressed with pictures of the Pyramids or the Sydney Opera House. Go figure!!

OK, I will be back soon with more pictures since I am going to be sewing lots and lots.

Really I am!!!

L,A-

Early Bird Christmas Crafting

2010-06-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

I have the air conditioner going and the fan running in my sewing room and I am merrily working away at Christmas presents. I can pretend I am back in Australia!!! My newly organized sewing room is a mess and I couldn't be happier. That means I am sewing!!!

Here is my notebook all Christmas-y:

My list is rather long so I need to get busy.

I have started making some re-usable coffee sleeves for everyone. Save a tree and don't burn your fingers all at the same time. I have a feeling everyone will be finished a little differently until I get the perfect one down, but I think you will get the idea so far.

I will hopefully have more finished soon and I will also have pix of my jelly roll block and part 1 of my {Make} sew along totebag and and and and...but for now I need to get ready to go to the Post Market Preview Party at Bella's. Yes, I know I was just there, but now we get to see what all the lucky people who went to the Market got to see. Can't miss that!!! Oh and must use the 25% off coupon that is only good for tonight. Right???? Probably have more purchase pix tomorrow. Naughty me!!! Until then...keep on sewing!!! L,A-

Looking Back on the Journey

2010-05-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

Moving back to the states, unpacking, sorting, and rearranging has led me back to this quilt.

This is my very first quilt and I finished it 5 years ago today. It seems like I have been at it forever, how quickly I have become addicted to this sport. It got me to thinking about all I have done, all the places I have traveled and all the great friends I have made along the way. It all started in Saudi Arabia where my husband was working. I was busy minding my own business making chocolate and fabric boxes and who should be there but the one and only Joy. Yep--that is where we met and she started me on a serious love of all things quilt!!!

This is our little group:

Notice those nice quilts down there on the floor?? The one at the top was project number two--that is not mine. I think I was still taking mine apart and putting it back together again at that time. A paper pieced stained glass--how nice is that for your second quilt. They obviously had been learning lots of things before I dropped in. I did finish the top, but it is still in a drawer waiting to be pinned and quilted. Strangely enough I did not give up after that one.
Shortly after learning we headed back to Florida for a little while. I joined Florida Cabin Fever Quilt Guild while I was there and bought my first Husqvarna. I still have Hannah, she just has a big sister now.
Soon after that we moved to Puckapunyal, Victoria is Australia. And then guess who returned to live there too---Yep--Joy. And she only lived a couple of hours away. So we had some sew-ins there too.

This was my birthday sew-in. And all of those little squares at the end of the table are bits of my birthday quilt that Joy got for me. Guess what--it is still in pieces. I wasn't so good at half square triangles back then, so I kinda need to redo so of those. But strangely enough I still didn't quit.
One thing that I did finish quite appropriately while living in Australia was my son's that was covered in Frilled Neck Lizards and Tree Frogs.

Then we headed back to Florida and that was kind of a blur. I know I did some sewing, but there was also a new roof, and carpet and this and that and then it was off again to Perth, Western Australia. Yep we stopped in Victoria on the way. Not too much time for sewing though.
In Perth I totally got carried away. Darling Hubby bought me Hillary Husqvarna Designer Diamond at Handcrafter's House. A naughty little shop run by Michelle. I took a bunch of classes and learned lots of new things. This one is called Snake Trails. It is also finished.

And yep--Joy came to visit and we did a Mystery Quilt Marathon by Helen Stubbings.

We traded colors for this one. I did blue and she did purple.
I must also give a shout out to Di of Quilting is Blissful. It was in Perth that I finally got a little more into the high tech world and started this blog. Shortly after that I met Di who sews so fast you just have to try to keep up--no matter how impossible that is. I even won a giveaway from her. I gorgeous Christmas apron that she made. I will hang it in the kitchen--it is too pretty to actually use. She always makes you laugh with her silly jokes.
And yes, time flew by and two years were over and we had to return to the states. No not to Florida. This time we will be living in Virginia and this will probably be permanent---at least for awhile. I am back to my roots. I was born in Virginia and my mom lives 2 hours from here, so she is quite happy that we are back.
I already have a fun place to go fabric shopping called Bella's. I am sure they are quite happy to see me coming. Way, way, way too much pretty fabric in there.
Well, thank you all for listening. I do not want you to fall asleep reading.
I have enjoyed my quilting journey so far--can't wait to see what I learn next or who I will meet.
L,A-

Go Visit Jenny!!!!

2010-05-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

You all must go look at Jenny of ELEFANTZ' blog.

Jenny's daughter Blossom is turning 16 and we get the gifts. So go here:

Jenny of ELEFANTZ

Check out all of her other yummy patterns while you are there and tell her Alice in Quilterland sent you.

L,A-

Where Is This Month Going?

2010-05-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know?

I had plans to finish so many things this month, but I am far from there.

Of course in the midst of trying to get organized and back to a normal routine we decided (the good motherly side of me) that my son's room was way too small for him and his 8 billion Lego, video game bits, several thousand books, etc, etc, etc. So I am giving up my nice, giant sewing room to him--so do I win the Mother of the Year Award? Right now Hubby is busy painting the small room all pretty for me and putting up new blinds and stuff, so we are a bit in limbo. Nothing is where it will eventually end up.

Fortunately Hillary Husqvarna is still plugged in upstairs away from all this.

Remember the pile of strips I cut? Well, they are now a giant pile of blocks that need to be pressed.

That is going to take at least the length of a good movie. A good chick flick I think.
And I finally finished the last Jelly Roll block.

Never has such a simple block caused me such annoyance. Everything from sewing things together wrong, cutting pieces too short and of course the non-stop rain so that I couldn't take a really good picture. It looks a bit washed out. I will have to get them all together and take a pic when (if) the sun ever comes back out.

At least my garden is happy! And my giant herb pot is over flowing. And for once I am actually using them and not letting them just look pretty.

On that note I should get busy doing something.

Cross your fingers that part of it can be sewing or at least ironing the sewing.

Have a happy Wednesday--it's all down hill from here!!

L,A-

LOTS AND LOTS OF PIECES...

2010-05-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

Now--to put them all together. I have spent the last few days cutting an unknown number of 10 1/2 x 2 1/2 in pieces. Some with my wrist band off, some with my wrist band on. Gee blogging and rotary cutting--what is a poor wrist to do. Well anyway, I have finished the cutting portion and it looks like this:

Now I can give my wrist a break and start sewing it all together. It is a very simple design that I saved from a quilt along hosted by Old Red Barn Co.. At the time I was doing seven other things (well I am now too), but the bright colors that I picked out were just screaming spring project--so I begin.

I have also completed Block 5 of the Jelly Roll BOM.

I am really enjoying this. Using the jelly roll has forced me to use colors that I might normally ignore, such as orange!!! I think it looks nice--so I guess you can teach an old dog something.

And I also forgot to show you my latest purchases. Like I need more! I think I need therapy. But anyway--after many purchases I had earned a $25 gift card and we couldn't have it eating a hole in my pocket, now could we?????

So I also broke out of my purple zone and purchased these little lovelies:

OK, so I went over my $25 card just a wee little bit....

At least things are settling down here a little bit, so I should be able to get busy using up my stash--ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha !!!!!!

So, back to the pile of pieces.

Hope everyone is being crafty!!!!!!

L,A-

Back from packing!!!

2010-04-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely, all of our worldly possessions are getting gathered into one location. Yippee!! We even have our dog. All that is left are the kitties and we will get them soon.
Of course now we have to figure out where to put it all. Hubby would love to be able to use the garage one of these days.
We planned our trip to Florida to collect our belongings so that it would correspond to the awards banquet that hubby was being honored at. Also in Orlando. Getting all decked out and being waited on was a nice break from packing, lifting and sweating. And I just had to show you all a picture of our menu. Now a menu does not sound very interesting does it--but when was the last time you had a menu carved into a giant block of chocolate??????????????????

Is that not the coolest thing you have ever seen?

And we each got one--lots and lots of chocolate.

It really has been terribly disorganized around here, but I am trying to get some sewing done. I am at least keeping up with my Jelly Roll blocks. Four is done:

and 5 is all cut out and ready to get put together.

I have also been working on turning Joy's border design for the round robin into a small wallhanging. I have accomplished a bit more than this picture shows, but I haven't gotten a new picture yet. Soon!!!!

Now that I am getting organized (ooh I said a naughty word) I should have no more excuses for not blogging on time or not getting lots of sewing done.

How bout that both my child and my dog are on antibiotics??

OK--that is true, but no excuses right. And no they don't both have the same ailment--just the same bad timing. And please all--cross your fingers that neither hubby nor myself gets DS's strep throat.

On that note--I am sure someone needs a pill.

Until next time.

L,A-

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE

2010-04-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hope you are have a wonderful day spent with friends and family.

Don't eat too much chocolate!!!

And here is the table topper that I am working on that I forgot to take a picture of yesterday.

I am determined to have it finished soon!!!

And forget what I said--eat all the chocolate you want!!!

L,A-

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

I have internet back. YAY!!!!!!!! We have been in our new home for a month and although we had the installers out the first day we moved in, it has been one obstacle after another that they said they had to deal with. Turns out the first guy was wrong and the last guy was smart!!! Oh well, we are all set up now and I can get back to seeing what everyone has been up too and finding many, many, many more fun things to sew, quilt and stitch.
I did try before using my phone, but somehow a 2"x3" screen does not do justice to all of your lovely handy work.
I have not had too much time to be creative--unpacking and trying to fit your stuff into a new space is somewhat challenging. The scary part is -- the house is not that small and we only have the stuff that we brought back from Australia. We did finally buy some furniture while we were there, so that explains most of it. BUT next week we are driving down to Florida to get everything we own--a lot of stuff from our travels that we have never unpacked. OH DEAR!!! I see a giant garage sale in the future.
We will also be bringing our sweet puppy dog with us so we will be getting our family back together. Our three kitties are with my mom not too far from us here in Virginia, so we will go bring them home soon after we get back. Then I will be a proper quilter and I can get the kitties to test for softness and all.
I also have another stash down there. Can't remember how much or what colors, there was a bunch and then the bunch got bigger because my suitcase was way, way, way too heavy. So at least that part will be fun!!
I have not been totally uncreative while I was quiet. I did start the jelly roll quilt-along and I am caught up on that. May not last long because Joy has been helping me catch up on all the boms out there and Di has been tempting with those gorgeous Schnibbles she's doing and I must catch up on our Fruit of the Spirit and there is more over at JJ's as well. Go check out Betty and Billy Bunny in three different sizes to stitch or applique or any combination you can think of.
So here are my photos of my quilt-along. I have used the Spring Fever collection. Quite fitting for my mood and I don't think these pictures really show how bright it is, but I will try again when I finish the next one.

number 1

number 2

and number 3.

I also have a question for all of you flower lovers out there. We have this gorgeous bush in our backyard that I have never seen before and I haven't seen one at any of the shops I have been in. So does anyone know what this pretty pink bush is:

The flowers are very small, about the size of a dime. Much smaller than a peony or a camelia.

It is just as pretty without a name, but it would be nice to know.

Well, I suppose I really need to get busy on all these projects I can see now. I also must take a picture of the Debbie Mumm table topper I have been working. I knew I forgot something. I have finished the top so I will iron it all pretty and get my quilt holder to hold it up for me.

Hope everyone is having a lovely spring or fall day no matter where you are!!

L, A-

Ready for...

2010-02-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

...the quilt along. I went from no jelly rolls to two.

and

Hmmmm--now I just need to decide which one I am going to use. I think I am leaning toward Spring Fever this time, mostly because I have the exact amounts of all the other pieces.

My machine is all packed up and ready to go to the new house.

Count down to closing--2 days!!!!!!

I've done a bit of work on my Verandah Views, but mostly I have been packing and cleaning.

I did take a bit of a break on Friday and went to Movie Night at Bella's Fabric. It was a fun crazy night. People brought all kinds of work including their machines. I didn't get much work done--too busy talking, looking at other peoples' work and watching the movie. Secondhand Lions is a very cute movie. It was nice to spend a couple hours away from the pile of boxes.

Now I must return to the pile of boxes.

Please everyone, do some sewing for me!!

L, A-

Getting There!!!!!

2010-02-15T11:46:00.000-08:00

Just call me turtle. Eventually I will get to the finish line.

I have finally finished all the stitching on the Gail Pan Christmas Wish BOM from last year. I think it might be my favorite for now.

Sorry it is a little crooked. I am a little short and I was hanging over the bed with my camera. I promise a better shot soon when I get the sashing done. Then I can get my two legged quilt holder to help me.

I will mostly be working on embroidery blocks for the next few days because I need to start packing things up. I do have quite a few to do, so that will not be a problem.

Count down to new house--8 days!!!!!

YAY!!!!!!!!

Hope you are all getting lots done!

L, A-

Purple Stuff--My Favorite

2010-02-12T12:32:00.000-08:00

First of all, I finished Love and of course the words had to be purple.

And then my dear sweet hubby bought me this, which arrived at the door this morning...

Isn't it pretty? Now lucky DS will get my old one to use. That should make him very happy. And me too, since he can leave mine alone.

And then came another knock upon my door and these little lovelies arrived.

Such a sweet man I have!!!!!!! He really does spoil me terribly.

Excuse all the mess behind them; school is still in session for another hour or so.

OK, this next picture is not purple, but I just thought it was nice. Our neighborhood deer don't usually come out in the daytime. They usually don't peak out until just after the sun goes down. They are a cute little family.

Sorry it is sort of small, but I can't seem to find the good camera.

As you can see, all of our snow has gone away, but they are predicting a bit more for tomorrow.

We shall see.

In the meantime I hope you are all getting lots of sewing done.

Almost time for the weekend.

Yay!!! Yippee!!!!

L, A-

Love is Here!!!

2010-02-09T16:45:00.000-08:00

The second block in our Fruit of the Spirit BOM is available here. The February block is Love of course!!!

Here is Joy's.

I think it came out really pretty.

I will as usual be catching up soon. Really I will.

So I should get busy.

Happy stitching everyone!

L, A-

Fear the Green Bag!!!!

2010-02-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

Or at least I believe my sweet hubby in starting to anyway. Anytime he sees one of these additions to the household...

he knows there will be a subtraction from the bank account. But they were having a pre-Super Bowl party yesterday and it would be rude not to attend right? And party is a synonym for SALE so it is even more fun.

So I did my part and came out with a full bag. Starting with these...

and then I found these on the super sale rack. They will tucked away for some fall projects.

and is it even possible to leave a fabric store without at least one or two or three or UMMM fat quarters?

I don't think so!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really should not be buying any fabric at all since I have not gotten very much sewing done lately, but I am getting prepared.

For what you ask???

In two weeks and one day we take possession of our new house. And that means (drum roll please) I have a sewing room once again. Where I can shut the door and leave my mess and not have to remember where I tucked my ruler or clean off the tiny dining table/homework table/everything else table to get something done.

Yippee!!! Yahoo!!!!

So I have convinced myself (sort of) to stop stressing about my lack of productivity and work on organizing and planning my all out sewing assault that will happen soon!!

Or at least I can dream right???

Hope you are all getting lots done and I will try to catch up soon!!!

L, A-

Block Update

2010-02-01T18:44:00.000-08:00

It is time to get back to all those BOMs I have got going.

I have finished block 8 of Gail Pan's Christmas Wish. Woo Hoo--only one more to go and I can put it together.

and of course I could get a lot more BOMs finished if I quit starting new ones. But hey--I have to do this one--Joy and I created it. It is called Fruit of the Spirit and it is free each month on JJ's .

I finished the first one. Yippee!!! Yahoo!!!!

Now on to the next. It is February already. More blocks!!!

Back to work!!

L, A-

MADE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-31T18:40:00.000-08:00

With 3 hours to spare!!!! My Valentine sewing party project is complete. I still want to make some stuffed hearts to go with it. February finishes???

While I was busy finishing this--this was going on outside.

It was so pretty!! I just love holly trees in the snow with their gorgeous red berries.

And my Florida born DS was busy making up for lost time.

I am still deciding on a name for this guy. The one on the left that is. Love the hair!!

What fun!!

Not sure of the final count, but apparently this was one of the largest storms in these parts in 20 years.

That is all for now folks.

I am almost done with a couple more blocks that I will share tomorrow. I must do a bit of other silly housecleaning things first. Sadly these things must be done.

Hope everyone has had a great weekend and lots of finishes happened.

Later, A-

How is Everybody Doing?

2010-01-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

Is everyone getting lots of stuff accomplished. Is love in the air? After a couple of cutting boo boos I have managed to finish the top of my table runner. Because of one of the cutting boo boos, it isn't quite like the original pattern. That is OK right? Creative license right??? Not having to go back to the store for another piece of fabric is even better.

I guess one nice thing about making boo boos is that I already have some 2 1/2" strips to make a little matching basket. Always look on the bright side!!!!

Hope you all are having a great day!

I am off to see what you guys have been up to and then I need to start putting this runner together.

L, A-

Coffee Break

2010-01-23T09:08:00.000-08:00

My hearts are done, so it is time for a break.

After some snacks and a some peeking at what everyone else is doing, I will attempt to turn my hearts into a table runner. It will be nice to have some Valentine decorations since it is my favorite holiday!

More Later, A-

Valentine Sewing Party

2010-01-23T06:22:00.000-08:00

I am ready to go!! It is Saturday!! Time to start The Valentine Sewing Party. I have added chocolate and caffeine to my other snacks so I think I am set. Can't wait to see what everyone is doing. Let the party begin.

I'm Ready...

2010-01-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

...for the Valentine Sewing Party

I have my snacks

and

I have real pink Valentine's colors

Bring on the morning!!!!!!

I Am Slow With My New Year, But It Is All New

2010-01-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

First off my new year started with a country change. Many of you know that I have spent the last two years living in Perth in Western Australia. We had a great time, especially me as I was spoiled with not having to work and I still got my new Designer Diamond and I got to sew with Joy in Melbourne and my friends at Handcrafters House in Midland. Now we are back home in the USA--literally for me since I was born here in the state of Virginia.
I have scouted out a very nice fabric store called Bella's RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM WHERE WE ARE LIVING!! Walking distance to a fabric store--is that dangerous or what?

It is a bit of a shock to the system though. After living in Florida, Saudi Arabia and Australia for the last 20 something years it is quite chilly! I believe when we left Perth it was 100 F / 38 C and today here in Virginia it is 38 F/ 3 C. Needless to say I have had to buy a few long sleeved shirts.
We have spent the last three weeks hunting for other new things as well. My sweet hubby is still spoiling me--he bought me a pretty blue Mustang to drive to the fabric stores. Vroom, vroom! Too bad you can't sew very well in it. Hmm-we also bought a van that has real live outlets in it...
Actually that won't be necessary for too much longer. We have found a very nice slightly used house to buy and it has a brand new sewing room just for me. Used to be the empty space above the garage. And there is a huge back yard so hubby can build a really nice room for himself, so he can build more gorgeous furniture. I do recall he has also located the R/C model store so he can play there too. It is time he spoiled himself a bit.
The closing date is set for Feb 23rd, so keep all your fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly please.
In the mean time I have decided I needed to take a sanity break. I have not gotten very much sewing done since we have been here since, I really don't have room and have very little time with all the running around. That really hasn't changed much, but I have decided to join in the Valentine Sewing Party on Saturday started by Kelly at Cotton Charm Quilts
I have been tearing through what little stash I have here, determined not to have to buy anything since I have chosen a small table runner pattern and being on a fabric diet and all. Purple can be a Valentine's color can't it??? At least I will be sewing and that is a good thing. Now lets just hope no papers show up that need signing!!!!!!

Well, I have do believe I have taken up enough of your time for now. I promise to try not to take so long in between posts and I do need to get lots of pictures of new things to share with you.
I hope everyone is sewing lots and lots. L, A-

So Much To Tell....

2009-12-22T20:33:00.000-08:00

I will start with the most important bit I suppose. We are moving back to the states. Yes it is very sad. I will miss all my new friends I have made here. Especially those I have gotten to know at Handcrafters House. We will be moving to Virginia this time, hopefully to stay for quite awhile. I do love travelling and meeting new people; it is the moving part that makes me insane. Here is a very sad picture of my sewing room:

The gorgeous piece of furniture on the left is the bottom of our new quilt box. MADE by my talented hubby. Hopefully when we find our new home (hopefully soon) it will have rooms for both of us to indulge in our favorite past times. Here is a better picture of it. I just love it!

I didn't have time to put anything in it before it was packed up. Bummer!

I did have a chance to do a bit of shopping before the packers got here. So many sales--so little time--or place to pack them. I originally went on a mission to find some more of this:

but they were out, so I came home with this:

and these:

It took a little sadness out of the move--hee hee!!! I also brought these home with me:

Of course they all got packed away very quickly, so I worked on this:

Chocolate is good for fixing everything right? And I had to use up stuff in the pantry right?

Oh I almost forgot the cutest part--my sweet hubby gave me my Christmas present early so it could get packed away. Is this not just the cutest little thing?

I love all the details; especially the little pincushion. Good thing I have pictures--at least I can look at it until I get it back in a couple months.

Fortunately I threw some of my projects into the airshipment so I will have stuff to do. Unfortunately they accidentally put half of those projects into the sea shipment, along with all of my rulers and cutting mats. Ahhhhhha! At least I have a pile of stitching in my suitcase. That should keep me busy along with house hunting right??

For now I will sit quietly in my hotel room reading a good book, maybe tracing some stitchery that need doing and hoping the shipment is safe and happily moving its way along to Virginia.

I am so glad I will still have all my blogging friends so far away.

And that each and everyone of you have a safe and happy holiday!!

L, A-

Hope Everyone Has a Happy Thanksgiving Wherever You Are!

2009-11-25T02:01:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is first and foremost about being thankful for what we have. It is time for friends and family to get together

AND

Secondly it is for eating until you can't move!!!!!

So count your blessings everyone and not the calories.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

Finally a Finish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-20T02:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, I have finished something. My carolers can finally sing.

And I am continuing on my merry way, working on my BOMs. I have finished Delight on my Gail Pan Christmas Wishes:

This maybe my most favorite quilt when I am done. Now if I ever get done....

Because I keep starting new things like this...

I would have gotten farther on this one, but naturally the piece of fabric I was going to use for the sashing was theeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssss much too short to do the vertical piece. So now I am in hunt and decide mode.

I will probably not get much sewing done this weekend because we have tickets to the V8 Supercar race (Australia's version of NASCAR for my American friends) on Sunday and I want to try to go see New Moon sometime on Saturday. Go Team Edward!!!

Maybe I will get more done on Monday after a break. Fresh view and all that. We can only hope!!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend whatever you get up to!!!

Ripping and Tearing

2009-11-16T01:39:00.001-08:00

I think I have been doing more seam ripping than I have sewing this week. That and tearing my hair out!! As long as I only get the gray ones, I guess it is OK.
I have been working on trying to catch up on my Calico Cut-Ups BOM . I am threatening to turn it into a six or nine month quilt. Some of the instructions are not real clear and some of the blocks are a wee bit daunting. I am also about to run out of one of the colors I am using, so that may sway my decision even more. We shall see--here is what I have done so far:

I also started to quilt my carolers wallhanging. UGH!!! I just got through unpicking all that I did. With all the little seams, it is very hard to do a nice smooth curve. I am thinking I may have to break down and see if I can do a little hand quilting. OH DEAR!!! And can I finish by the end of the month if I do. Maybe a combination. We shall see.

I also started another project--YES I AM CRAZY!!!! Well, I went to the grocery store and I saw some really yummy looking cherries--BUT--they were $30 a kilogram (2.2 pounds)--SO--I left them there. Then I came home and made this pie instead:

It will last a lot longer and won't stick to my hips, so it is probably a better pie to make anyway. I am going to make a few more different varieties and then decide what they will become.

So hopefully I have done enough boo boos and finished unpicking for the rest of the week (hee hee hee hee) and I will be able to get something accomplished!!!!!!

And Joy is back from vacation!!!! Yay!!! Well, I am glad anyway--she may still want to be on vacation. Instant whine feedback is very helpful when you are making boo boos. So it is going to be a great week!!!

For everyone out there!!! Have a good one, A-

Happy Monday!!!!

2009-11-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

Is that some kind of oxymoron or something? Not sure, but (knock on wood) my Monday is going pretty good. I hope everyone had a nice weekend. Mine was a peaceful, stay at home one. Good for getting some sewing done. I managed to get three of my November blocks done. It is scary--only one more month to go. I am going to have a lot of quilts to quilt at the beginning of the year. Should I start new BOMs next year? Probably shouldn't, but probably will.

Natural Wonders

Harmony Village

Sundrop Critters

And I finished the top of my caroler wallhanging.

I didn't stop there, but those are all the photos for now. I have started working on catching up on some of my other BOMs and I am trying to decide which Among the Gum Trees designs to start and, and, and... I think I should remove the word start from my vocabulary.

Oh well, it is all fun--and it if isn't it goes in the UFO pile for awhile.

Have a great week everyone!!!!!

Back to Normal--Whatever That Is?

2009-11-04T22:07:00.000-08:00

The evil inspection lady is gone!!!! YaY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Actually she is not evil, I just get all stressed before she gets here, so now I can chill. Maybe a nap is in order??????????

And the Retreat is over. It was fun, but a bit frustrating at times. I learned my lesson about "inexpensive" thread quite awhile ago, but since I have had my supplies packed since the June retreat I was still in possession of quite a few of them. I got the flu right before the last one so I couldn't go. Needless to say--thread painting was interrupted quite frequently by broken thread, broken needles, wadded up thread, cursing, etc. At one point the knob came off the side and almost an entire spool of thread started spilling out the side of my machine. I almost had a nervous breakdown. Fortunately our fearless leader operated on her and all was well. Finally I gave up and decided to work on my alternate project. That didn't work well either. I was not happy with one of the fabrics after I started putting things together. Ugh!!! So I spent quite a bit of time watching other people sew and deciding that there were quite a few new patterns that I was going to have to buy.
So, speaking of our fearless leader and very able assistant:

Michelle and Nikki from Handcrafters House

Landscapes were being created

New machines were being broken in

Tote bags were being whipped up

And hopefully--this is what my frog will look like when I get new thread and muster up the courage to keep going. This is the one that Michelle did. It is one of her original patterns from Raggedy Stitches.

That is all for now. I did manage to find some fabric that I think will work well as a background for my last couple of Harmony BOM blocks. I am going to fiddle and see how I can make it not so obvious. That I think will be todays trial. And then on to my carolers. I really need to finish them. Really I do!!! Hope you are all having a great week. Til later, A-

Must pack-----------

2009-10-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

I should not be sitting here--I should be packing for retreat---but I had to say "Have a Great Weekend!" I am not taking the laptop--I will probably have withdrawals, but I will get a lot more sewing done if I leave it at home. I will survive right? Right!!!

So on that note--I hope everyone gets lots of sewing done and many other fun things too!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

ps-i finished my nametag--YAY!!!!!

pps-I really am going to go pack now!!!

This Month is Flying by

2009-10-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

Well I have managed to get caught up on 4 of my many BOMs that I have started. It is only a small dent in the list, but I will not stress. It is supposed to be fun right? I should not stress right??? I still have two months left to get there right???
I will concentrate on the positive. Four is good. Here is my Harmony Village BOM: Silly me picked up all the pieces before I finished the October blocks, but I really did do them. Really--see--here they are:I have a serious background fabric issue. I don't have enough for Nov and Oct blocks and a search online reveals that is discontinued. I have found every other color available but naturally not the one I need. I will have to figure out something. But for now I am caught up. Yippee!!!!

And I finished the October block for Come Over to My House. My neighborhood has some trees.

So these two, plus the Sundrop Critters kitties and Debbie Mumm's Natural Wonders makes four. I am caught up on four!!!!!! And I must be happy with that because now I have to finish getting this pile of pieces ready to go on RETREAT this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hopefully it will become a cute little thread painted tree frog before the weekend is over. Or at least well on the way to becoming a cute little thread painted tree frog. I am pretty sure it will take longer than a weekend. Especially since it is chock full of techniques that I have never attempted before. It will be fun right???? Of course it will!!!!! I am so excited. I missed the one that I signed up for in June because I had the flu, so I was happy when a spot opened up in this one. It is supposed to be the most fun anyway. Halloween theme, etc. I must hurry up and make a nametag for the contest. Nothing like waiting til the last minute.

Just one thing that casts an icky shadow over it all. It is rental inspection time again. Three days after I return from a relaxing retreat. Three days after I leave the house to DH and DS for a weekend. Ugh!!! Has it been three months already. It is not fair--how is a creative soul supposed to create if they have to do housework all the time? I will do my best to put it out of my mind until Monday. I will try anyway. Very very hard!!!

Later all, A-

Check Out This Awesome Giveaway..

2009-10-21T23:27:00.000-07:00

...at Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe.

27 beautiful fat quarters. I want to win.

Sunflowers and kitties and pumpkins and and and...

You must all go look!

Flowers, More Flowers and Some Trees...

2009-10-20T23:43:00.001-07:00

The sun has finally come out here in Perth and so we headed out to enjoy it over the weekend. I love all the wildflowers that just pop up everywhere.

Must be some quilt inspiration in there somewhere, I am sure. And so on to the sewing, there are also patches of flowers. I had a machine embroidery class yesterday morning and of course threads were breaking and needles were not cooperating, so I got very little accomplished. Lots of chatting naturally, but very little embroidery. So I came straight home and set things back up and things went much better. One day soon it will be a table runner I hope. I still have to make another one for the other end. And I was being good and multi-tasking. On the other side of the table I was busily growing trees for Harmony Village. I will get busy on the kitties after that. I have my fingers crossed and my prayers said that I will have enough background fabric to finish it. I measured when I started, but it seems to be shrinking very quickly. We shall see.

And now the oven is beeping and that means that my peanut butter cookies are ready to eat. Warm with a chunk of chocolate sticking out the top. YUM!!! Can't find Hershey's Kisses here, but I have made do with a giant block of milk chocolate. I don't think anyone will complain too much.

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!! Two more days until the weekend is here again!!!!

Falling Off the Ketchup Wagon

2009-10-17T04:43:00.000-07:00

I have been naughty and started another little wallhanging and I haven't caught up on all my BOMs yet. But I seem to have caught the paper piecing bug. I found this little turkey buried in a pile of patterns that really, really, really need to be organized somehow. He is very tiny, so I am hunting for a 6 inch pumpkin block to combine him with to make a little wallhanging . At least that is my thought at the moment. It may change if I can't find one that will work.

I also have been busy cathcing up on my BOMs--with a few obvious breaks in between. I am totally caught up on my Debbie Mumm Natural Wonders BOM. Here is October...

And I have pulled out Harmony Village and I am not putting it away until I am caught up. Hopefully I can do that soon.

I need to figure out something to finish before the end of the month. Maybe carolers and/or turkeys--we shall see. I have another quilt basted, but am not sure how to quilt it yet. Oh well--I won't get bored. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. A-

Silent Night, Holy Night...

2009-10-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

OK, they can't really sing yet because I haven't given them any mouths --but they will have them soon.

I need to stitch their faces and I think the man needs a nice warm scarf to protect his voice and then I just need to put it all together. I was really trying to ignore this computer until I finished it but I couldn't resist giving a little peek. Wouldn't want you all to think I wasn't doing anything. Hopefully this will be one of my finishes for October.

I also forgot to put up a picture of my October Sundrop Critters. So here kitty, kitty.

Hopefully I will have some more ketchup photos soon. I don't seem to be getting very far. Strangely I seem to be starting more things instead of ketchupping. Hmmm, I suppose I should stop stressing about it and have fun??????????????????????? But BOMs are fun. They will be even more fun when I ketchup up right??? So many projects--too much housework!!!!!!

Whales Do Not Like Their Pictures Taken

2009-10-06T00:41:00.000-07:00

We spent an incredible Sunday afternoon whale watching off the the coast of Western Australia, but everytime the camera would flash away they would go...

...they would swim far away and then jump up and say "nyaa nyaa you can't catch me."Hopefully you will believe me when I say it was amazing, even with the overactive sea and the quick downpour. We saw quite a few swimming fairly close to the boat. They are apparently curious creatures. It is mind boggling to watch these huge creatures moving so gracefully. Do I want to go again my husband asks--ANYTIME!!!!

AND I am caught up on my Sundrop Designs kitty cat bom. Including October!!!! Yippee!!! Now on to the rest. The month is young.

Right now I am busy picking out colors for a certain Christmas caroler wallhanging pattern. I need a BOM break right. It is too cute to ignore and I love paper piecing. I am busy messing up all the work I did to organize. OH WELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy sewing --hope you are all having a WHALE of a day!!!!!! A-

Goodies and more ketchup...

2009-10-03T04:55:00.000-07:00

So many things to catch up on. Where to begin...

The mailbox is a really good place.

First I got this new backing material from Joy with the quilting lines already stamped onto it. Must find something to use it on soon. I have quite a few tops to choose from. I will also have to muster up a little braverery--look at all those swirly lines.

And then two days later I got all this goodies from Di. she motivated us to get some Christmas projects done and then she had a giveaway. It is the first time I have ever won. I was very excited.

Isn't the pattern cute. I am going to have to dig into my scraps and get busy on this:

Even more motivation to get some more Christmas projects done ahead of time.

And I have not just been running back and forth from the mailbox. I have been working on my ketchuping. I have completed up through September on my Sundrop Critters kitties. Naturally I don't get a moment to enjoy because now the October block is here, BUT it is still October so I am OK.

Well, I think that is all for now. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend sewing or whatever else they happen to be up to. A-

Progress Report...

2009-09-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

I am plugging along..
I have caught up on my Debbie Mumm Natural Wonders BOM: And I have all of the houses done for Come Over to My House:There are only trees and bushes left so that should be easy right??? Right!!!!

I also got busy organizing my fabric because it was getting out of control. This is not all of it--I ran out of tubs. I seriously have an addiction. I need to do a lot more sewing and a lot less buying, but it is all so pretty!!!!!!

I even took a stab at embroidering my jeans...Now I just have to sew them back together and lose 20 pounds so that I can get into them. A bit of motivation going.

OK-so that was two BOMs caught up. How many to go!!! Not telling!! Too many to count. Almost embarrassing. I will not be bored.

Hope everyone is having a great week!!! A-

Ketchup September???

2009-09-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

That was my plan anyway and I am trying really hard, but I think it is going to have to be continued into Finish Ketchupping October. And yes, Joy said that "ketchupping" is now a word. I am up to date on my Debbie Mumm Natural Wonders bom. One out of umm??? Not quite sure how many BOMs I have going right now.

Anyway here is my September block:

Next on my list is the Come Over to my House bom. I am working on June right now, so hopefully (wishful thinking) I can catch up on this one before the weekend is up. I have done the house, but this one has a tiny little dog house to go with it.I need to finish the dog house and then spend some time picking out all the colors for the rest of the blocks. That always takes me the longest.

Of course if I would stop starting new things I could probably catch up. That is no fun though. In between the BOMs I made this cute little tote that I found in a very old Quilter's World magazine:

I have tried for two days to get a good picture of it, but the sun refuses to shine. It does make really good sewing weather though.

And to add even more to my pile of unfinished things. I started machine embroidering a pair of my jeans this morning in my class at Handcrafter's House. I picked a rather large design so it will take awhile to complete them. It is really good to two sewing machines.

And signing up for chances to win all the giveaways from all the members of Among the Gum Tree. That takes quite awhile too, but make sure you do because they have some really yummy goodies.

OK, I am sure I have forgotten something, but I must get to work if I am going to ketchup. I will not take so long to post next time. The old brain needs to type when things are fresh. Hope you are all having a great weekend involving lots of sewing. A-

Busy Busy Busy

2009-09-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

Joy and I have been very productive these last couple of days. We both have the borders on our Mystery Marathon quilt. Here is mine:

And here is Joy's:

Hopefully they both will be quilted real soon.

I have also been busy with my Nirvana quilt. Here it is with the first two borders on. I have about 3 more to go. We shall see how it looks after the next two.

And I pulled my "birthday quilt" from two birthdays ago out of the UFO drawer and started working on it as well. I am making this quilt:

From this book:

Using these colors:

These yummy fabrics were a gift from Joy when we visited them. We had a good time sewing then as well. It would be nice if I could get it finished before my next birthday. If I could keep plodding along I should be able to complete it by June. Hmmm--what to start playing with tomorrow. Another border on Nirvana--probably. A tote bag pattern is staring at me and I still have to catch up on all my other BOMs. This week is flying by. It will be Sunday soon and I will be very sad when Joy goes home. Hopefully our flow of motivation will continue after she returns home. I won't think of that now. Must enjoy the time we have left. And don't forget to go visit Joy's and guess how much money was in Perth the purple pig. A-

A Marathon Within A Marothon

2009-09-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

My how time is flying around here. Joy and I have been very busy, but there is still so much stuff we want to accomplish. On Saturday we did the Mystery Marathon hosted by Helen. We did the online version so we started at 9 am Perth time--two hours later than the real marathon. We continued on Sunday and are almost finished with the top.

We had a great time!

We made a really big mess:

I used quite a few Bandaids:And now it looks like this:And hopefully before the end of the day it will have borders. Determination! We have been doing lots of other things as well. I pulled the borders off Helen's last mystery quilt and put the right ones on. I made a boo boo and didn't like it, so that is fixed and it is pinned ready to quilt.

Before the day is over I also hope to have pictures of all of my Nirvana blocks. I have half of the last one left to finish and then I will take a photo. After that I must get busy and catch up on all of my other BOMs. I dub this Ketchup September!!!!!! Now I am going to take a quick NASCAR break and then get back to the Joy and Alice Sew-a-thon. Happy stitching everybody! A-

ACCOMPLISHED!!! 3 Christmas in August!!!!

2009-08-31T00:44:00.000-07:00

Nothing like going down to the wire. BUT I am done. Thank you Di for the motivating challenge. Now I must keep it up and try to get more things done--and not wait until December!!!! Don't I have the cutest little quilt holder?

Now it is time to get back to Joy and Alice's 2-Week Sew-a-thon!!!

We should have many, many, many more pictures of our projects to post soon.

Hope everyone is having a great Monday!!!!

A-

NO MORE SLEEPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-28T23:41:00.001-07:00

Joy's plane lands in 2 1/2 hours. WOO HOO!!!!!!!!

Let the sew-a-thon begin!!!!

It is going to be a fun two weeks.

Even better because the binding is on my Christmas quilt, so I am on the final lap of the challenge.

Happy, Happy, Happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Just Might Finish

2009-08-25T23:13:00.000-07:00

This is the part that my knees absolutely hate but it must be done. Then on to the quilting. Nothing too exciting--a little stippling in the middle and in the ditch for the blocks. I am not great at stippling yet but I know I must practice to improve.

I have 6 days including today. Aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! The good news is Joy will be here on Saturday and she will motivate me. We will not move out of the sewing room for two days. Well maybe long enough for the season finale of Bones, but I will be stitching down the binding by then right? Right!!! Strangely enough I still like challenges. OK back to work, A-

I Believe...

2009-08-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

.....I am getting somewhere. I fiinished the sixth block in Gail Pan's - A Christmas Wish

AND.......................................

I finished the center piece for Debbie Mumm Christmas Wishes. Hmmm I see a wish theme happening. I wish I could get finished????

Now it is time for sleeping. I am really, really, really going to try to get the top all put together tomorrow. Really, really!!!!

One Milestone Complete!!!!!

2009-08-18T00:37:00.000-07:00

Now I just have to make the centerpiece and put it all together. I can do this right???? Right!!!!

And I will get back to it just as soon as I reward myself with some chocolate!!!

Hope everyone is having a great day!!!!

A-

Sweets and Wishes

2009-08-14T03:22:00.000-07:00

I had to take a little time out from sewing and turn into the other mother. The one that bakes goodies and makes tummies happy. I got a wee bit carried away, but it was fun. I tried out a new muffin recipe that called for raspberries and white chocolate, but I didn't have raspberries so I used blueberries. Then I made my favorite--Mountain Dew cake. Sounds weird but oh so yummy. Any kind of lemony soda will do. And then I made chocolate chip cookie bars just because who doesn't like chocolate chip cookie bars????And then I whipped up several chicken recipes to rewarm as the week goes on so everyone should be happy. And then...I got back to the business of sewing. I decided I would be ambitious and try to complete Debbie Mumm Christmas Wishes before the end of the month. I wasn't going to...not sure if I can...but I am going to try. I need to figure out another simple Christmas project to do in case I don't get done, but it will be something easy so I can do it in a flash if things are not going well with the Wishes. Here is what I have done so far...

I still have to put these cute little heart buttons on the basket...

and do the stitching around the leaves, but I have decided to leave that for TV time and start working on the gazillion half square triangles in the next block. I have four blocks left to do and the large Christmas flower in the center. I can do this!!! As long as I don't get distracted by the other gazillion projects I have going. Must put my blinders on. And on that note I should get back to work. Hope everyone has had a great day!! A-

Two Down--One To Go!

2009-08-11T05:18:00.000-07:00

Two posts in one day. I was just so happy that I finished my second Christmas project; I had to post a picture.

Making my sewing room bigger!

2009-08-10T23:35:00.000-07:00

I seem to have spent a lot of time the last couple of days sorting through fabric-Christmas especially-and it has migrated to many parts of the house. The lounge has become my audition room. There is stuff everywhere. At least I believe I have accomplished a few things, decision wise anyway.
I have lots of little two inch squares cut out for baskets. It was easier to decide which ones looked good when I had lots to choose from. Besides they will all get used eventually. This batch will soon be a simple version of the basket from Pink Penquin. I am still playing at this point, but I will stop thinking and start sewing soon.
And this one will have the cute little stithery patterns that Cheryl from Willowberry Designs created. It will take me a bit longer to finish with all those cute little designs but I will get there.
Since I was at one with the rotary cutter, I also cut out the next four blocks in the Debbie Mumm Christmas Wishes from 2008. I really do have far too many things going at the same time, but at least I won't get bored! I hope!! I have finished sewing blocks 1-5 and 6-9 are ready to go. No excuses!! This not one of the projects I plan on finishing for Di's challenge. It would be a nice thought, but I am not that fast and obviously I get distracted. I am going to set my own challenge and try to get it done by Christmas. Should be doable. On that note I suppose I should start turning all these little pieces into finished projects. It is cloudy and rainy outside--the perfect day for hiding and sewing. Hopefully I can get lots done. Hopefully everyone else out there will too. A-

1 Christmas Project Complete

2009-08-08T04:21:00.000-07:00

I am so impressed with myself. I have finished a Christmas project and it is only the 8th of August. Hopefully this is a good sign and I will get at least two more done this month and successfully complete Di's challenge.

Here is my set of coasters:

I made two each of three different designs.

Not sure what I will do next. Possibly a little basket like the one Cheryl at Willowberry Designs made. I have made the basket before in purple, but it is really cute with her little stitchery designs incorporated into it. We shall see how quick I am at stitching. In the meantime I must work on some of my BOMs. Must catch up!!! So back to work! Hope everyone is having a great weekend and getting lots of sewing done. A-

Motivation

2009-08-03T23:38:00.001-07:00

I think I have finally recovered my rhythm around here. Vacation is over and everyone has finally recovered from the flu for the second or third time. Now--Inspection is Thursday and the place is relatively neat and tidy. Not that I won't stress anyway, but I have made my way to the doc this morning to refill my blood pressure medicine so I should be right! I think it is definitely time to start sewing. I have joined Di's Christmas in August challenge just to get me even more motivated. Or insane--not sure which??? And I have actually started my first project.

I found these cute little coasters in a copy of Handmade and thought they would make great use of these little trees. So I have them all cut out and will get busy on them soon. I have also started on my list of BOMs that I am behind on. I am working on Debbie Mumm's Natural Wonders right at the moment. June is done and July is cut out. I would love to get caught up on all of them. So here is June and all the rest. Hopefully I will be able to pop up July and August soon.

These have taken me out of my comfort zone sometimes. All the little triangles and matching bits and tiny applique, but it has been fun. I still have most of my hair, even if it is a little grayer. That could just be from the inspector lady!!!!! OK, a little more scrubbing and a whole bunch more sewing!! Later, A-

Sort of Busy--Just Not Much Sewing

2009-07-28T00:25:00.001-07:00

I have been busy creating a lesson plan for homeschooling 9th grade. It is a little daunting. How to turn on the magic button that makes your child love to write essays and become good at it at the same time. I must just start with doing I suppose. My son loves reading and science, but strongly dislikes anything that involves putting word to paper. The most I can hope for is that he still loves me at the end of the year.

I also have to deal with inspection again in another week and a half, so my thoughts keep wondering to the cobwebs in the corner. That is one stressful thing that I will not miss when we return to our house that we own in Florida. Quilters should not have to interrupt their flow for super scrubbing every three months. It is just not right!! My huge sewing room ,however, with the nice tile floor will be sorely missed!!! And being able to call Joy to complain about inspection for only $1 will be missed even more!!!!

I have done a little bit of sewing. A very little bit. This is the May block from my Now and Forever quilt. I am getting there slowly.

And here is my pillow I am working on in my embroidery class at Handcrafter's House:

And my brain is about 10 projects away from what is already in the wispy pile. Here is my next project--now if only I can remember which pile the instructions are in.

Very different from my normal colore choice of purple, but I quite like them. Also, Joy sent me this "oh so fun" book of paper piecing patterns. I love to paper piece!!! So I am sure that I will have to begin at least one of the 50 projects inside real soon.

She also sent me these nice healthy recipe books that I have been staring at for quite sometime. Now no excuses for not cooking healthy. Can't wait to try some of these--they look yummy!!!

Now, I must get busy and do something. I still have to finish one more green block. And Garion and I must take our walk before the sun vanishes from the sky. And then I should finish my pillow and work on some of my other BOM blocks. So many things to catch up on. And so many new things to start. And so many dust bunnies to trap. Hope everyone is sewing up a storm. Later, A-

Home Again Home Again

2009-07-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

My holiday seemed to woosh by. Of course when you are driving from Florida to Indiana to Virginia and then back to Florida in two weeks it does have a tendency to woosh.

I had fun stopping at all the quilt shops that I could find along the way. Maybe a little too much fun. I haven't even found homes for all the goodies Joy gave me and the last batch of must have sale items I purchased before I went on vacation. Now I have more.

It is time to break down and do some serious tidying. Joy and I have decided to go on a fabric diet. When was that official start date? Hmmmmm!!! I should not need anything for awhile. I think. This could be harder than giving up chocolate. I am really excited because Joy will be coming in 5 1/2 weeks and we will have two happy weeks of sewing. I have recorded uncountable episodes of Simply Quilts to watch and we probably have far too many projects planned, but we will have a really good time trying to accomplish all of them. Is sleep necessary??? As long as we have coffee, tea and chocolate to keep us going????? In the mean time I suppose I had better get busy and find room for all the fabric or we won't have any room to sew. I have lots of catching up to do on BOMs as well. At least I think my jetlag has subsided somewhat. So I will get started. Happy sewing everyone!!!

Made My Goal and Away We Go!

2009-06-28T23:47:00.001-07:00

I finished all three quilts for the family and my flu seems to have finally gone away. Yippee!!!!
It would be bad to go home one short or sick. I am sure they would still love me, but I would not be happy.
I have also traced all my stitcheries that I am behind on, so that I can stitch and chat with the relatives. Hopefully I can peacefully catch up on all them.
It will be fun to sew whatever I want for awhile.
I will hopefully learn not to wait until the last minute to get things done.
Maybe...
Anyway I must finish packing and put the laptop away for the time being. I will hunt down wifi as much as I can. I hate missing all my favorite blogs.
Joy better be sewing. Hee hee!!!!
I will check in when I can.
Ta for now!!
A-

Final Countdown

2009-06-26T02:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you for that Joy!
I am busy scurrying around getting ready for our holiday to the U.S. Two quilts down--one to go. I have finished quilting purple squares and am busy handstitching the binding down. The problem now is having time to sit down long enough to do it. I will get there. I can say that now with a little more confidence than I had a week ago. It would be nice to have this in the finished column for June. It would slightly make up for not having any in May. A little anyway.

I should introduce my two other children. This is Hillary. She is almost a year old and I am still getting to know all of her talents. I am new to machine embroidery, etc., so everyday is a new adventure.

And we cannot forgot her faithful older sister:

This is Hannah. She is a little over two. It is quite nice having two machines. Especially when you are busy quilting and still wanting to do a million other things at the same time. Am I spoilt? Yes, my hubby does a wonderful job of spoiling me. One of these days soon, I really need to make him a quilt of his very own.
Now, if I want to finish I must get started. I still want to trace a bunch of stitcheries to take along with me as well. I am so behind.
OK--hi ho hi ho--off to sew I go.

Bad Me

2009-06-04T01:52:00.000-07:00

I was a bad girl in May and did not complete any projects. I am sad about that because I was on a roll. I was not idle though. I have been busily working on two quilts that have to go with me on my visit to the U.S. at the end of the month. That means that I will have at least two completed projects for this month. If I hurry and get them done that is. The first one is created using some of the blocks from the one block a day from Crazy Mom Quilts that I am doing. I have lots left so I will start one for myself when I get back. I will also be catching up on all the BOMs that are going to go undone this month unless I turn into super quilter.

The second one is my own creation. It is the first one I have done without some kind of pattern or instructions. I purchased a bunch of charm packs on ebay which were not anything like what I thought they would be. I wanted bright and they ended up being pastel colors. Not normally my style. But--I found lots of pink scattered through them and thought of my mom. I quite like it after all that--hope she does.
So on that note, I must go put borders on the purple one so that I can put the walking foot on and quilt up a storm. Hopefully I can get one of them done before the weekend it up.

Hopefully!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Later, A-

Progress Report

2009-05-20T04:01:00.000-07:00

It is time to post an update before I forget what I have done and what I haven't. I have been trying to hurry and get all my numerous BOMs completed so that I can go full speed ahead on the quilts for the family. We are heading back to the US for a visit in July and I must have all the presents complete.

I have been having a lot of fun with my new project from crazy mom quilts. I am trying very hard to use mostly scraps. Even with that, the pile refuses to shrink. I guess that is good I can keep making more stuff.

You will notice my May block from Sundrop Critters. I have caught up on those as well. I don't think I posted a picture of April yet, so here it is:

I have also finished my April block for Verandah Views. I am not a fast stitcher, but I do enjoy it. I need to hurry up and trace Fowl Play for May and I might even be able to catch up on that.

My other accomplishments are my Nirvana block and the May block for Come Over to My House. I still need to get busy on something that I can actually finish before the end of the month. Hmmmm????? I must get busy. I know I need to quit everything else and get busy on the quilts for the relatives. I must--I must--I must!!!!! Borders are not as much fun.OK, I think that is all for now. I have a couple more block a days done but I don't have pictures yet. Hopefully I will finish my Now and Forever Block and I can show them off at the same time. Sew, sew, sew!!!!!

Happy Thursday

2009-05-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

This week is flying by as usual. It needs to slow down and let me sew. I have accomplished a couple of things this week, though I am still unsure if there will be a finished project for May. We shall cross our fingers and see.

I am doing well on my One a Day Quilt Along. I have been doing it for 3 days and have 3 blocks. This is a very good start for me. Plus I have the fabric all ready to do today's. It is going to be very bright with (hopefully) purple in each one. Now if only all my projects were this easy to accomplish!!

I have also finished my 5th block for both of my Debbie Mumm BOM's: Natural Things and Christmas Wishes. I am going to have way too many things to quilt at the end of the year. Oh well I am keeping my New Year's resolution--I am sewing lots!!

Hope everyone else is too. I must get busy.

I have started a new project!

2009-05-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, one more thing to make me crazy. It is a "one a day quilt along" started by Amanda Jean at (love the name) Crazy Mom Quilts. It is a simple nine patch, so it should be very doable. I have chosen to go rather bright and purple of course. I completed my first one last night.

I have the colors picked out for the next two, so hopefully I can keep up and still get a million other things done.

I have also finished block number 5 of A Christmas Wish from Gail Pan Designs . I am over half way done. I love the blocks and should have plenty of time to finish before Christmas. She says with a little too much confidence. Well at least all gifts that need to go with me on our visit to the relatives in July will be completed by then, so my chances will increase.

Anyway, I really like her designs. I have a pile of magazines with her various projects marked with post-its and one of them is even traced. I just need to be a little happier with my fabric choices.

For now I must turn into super homeschool mom and the white tornado at the same time so that I can get busy on all these uncountable projects later this afternoon. Hopefully I will have more pictures later. Think positive right? Right!!!!!

I have caught up on Harmony Village!!

2009-05-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am up to date on one of my many BOMs. One down --I have lost count on however many to go. So, here are my windmills, falling leaves and tulips.

Now I must get busy on all the others. Block 5 of Gail Pan's Christmas Wish is traced and ready to stitch, so hopefully I will have that done shortly. Must finish Moms this month too. OK, my goals are set. I must sew up a storm. A-

Where did April go?

2009-05-06T01:06:00.000-07:00

Wow! It is May, so I guess I had better get busy and update all my April blocks. I still have not finished them all but, I am a lot closer than I was. The month just flew by.

My baby turned 14 on Monday, so I had to take time out for birthday cake making and present buying. And I am now done with the rental inspection cleanup for another 3 months so now maybe I can settle down and get some serious sewing done.

For now let me show what I have finished.

Debbie Mumm Christmas

Nirvana block 4

Calico cutups block 4

Come over to my House block 4

I am busily working on the Harmony village blocks for April. There are 6 altogether. I will post them soon and I must busily work on my Mom's quilt since we will be going for a visit in July. That is hopefully one thing that I will complete for May.

So off I go to my room.

Hello--it's me!!!

2009-04-28T03:21:00.000-07:00

I have been a bad, bad blogger.

I will do better. I will start by posting pictures of the Verandah View stitcheries I did while visiting Joy .

Now I just have The Buffet to get caught up. I have started it.

Here is a picture of something else I learned how to do from Joy:

Yummy pavlova. The next one will look prettier. Practice, practice, practice!!!

I have a few more of my BOM blocks done and I will put them up soon. Very soon!! And I have almost finished my sister's quilt, which will remain a mystery for now.

So bye for now!!! A

Back in the West

2009-04-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

I am home again after a wonderful, but far too short visit to Joy's. I had a great time just sitting and stitching. I caught up on most of my Verandah View stitcheries. I only have a little left to do on the 3rd one and The Buffet is already traced and ready to begin. I will get pictures up soon.

We also spent a day making chocolates. There were lots of happy faces and quite a few helpers.

Joy even gave me a beginning course in crocheting so I will have even more things to amuse myself with. Hopefully I don't forget everything she taught me before I have a chance to get back to it.

My first priority when I got home was to finish the embroidery parts for my class. They are finished and all the pieces are cut out so hopefully this project will be in the complete pile after this weekend's class.

I also started to catch up on some of my BOMs. I have almost finished the April Debbie Mumm Natural Wonders block. I just have to blanket stitch around the leaf and I will be done. Hopefully I can finish that later.

Oh and speaking of Hope. I have completed my Gail Pan block for April. How could I forget it is one of my favorites.

Ok, that is all for now. I must get back to all the projects.

Finished it!!

2009-04-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

Finished the March block and of course now the April one is posted. Along with most of my other BOM projects. I must ignore them for the moment. I must finish packing. I have a whole suitcase filled with sewing stuff. Maybe a few more bits of fabric will fit so that I can cut them out? Hopefully all of our clothes will fit in the other one. We are only allowed two. Wish me luck! A-

Catch Up Time and Getting Ready for Visiting!!!

2009-04-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Let me see. What have I done since last I wrote. I have a few more things accomplished. My sewing room is back to some kind of neatness. I needed the floor so that I could pin my sister's quilt. It is now quilted and I just need to do the binding and a few other details. Yay! The hard part is done. Can't show pictures yet--she might be looking.

Also l have completed two of my Sundrop Critters blocks. I still have to finish the last March one before leaving for Joy's so that I can finish the handsewing while I am there. Can't wait! We are going to have a sew-a-thon.

I would have been finished but I was busy spinning around cleaning for rental inspection and packing and all the other things that go on in a day and trying to sew at the same time. So as is to be expected I made a boo boo and had to take part of it apart. So now I will finish a few things and set out a bit of time for me and my machine alone. We shall see.

I have also almost finished my calendar blocks. All of my strips are put together--I just need to do the stitching on them. Hmm?? One more thing to throw into the suitcase. Maybe I will have a chance to stitch the words on them. That would be nice.

My picture is upside down. January is on the bottom and March is on the top, but they are together. It is going to be a very colorful quilt.

And on that note I need to get back to work. Only two more sleeps until our plane ride. Woo Hoo!!! Well, actually it will be closer to one sleep since our plane takes off at 6:10 am. Counting back for the hour or so early we need to be at the airport and the time it takes to drive there and the leaving the house somewhat ready for inspection (no running out the door with unmade beds) it hardly seems worth sleeping. I will nap on the plane. NOT!!! Too excited.

Must finish my block!!

A-

2009-03-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

I have been busy the last few days trying to find the floor in my sewing room so that I could get busy pinning my sister's quilt. I did succeed and now I am getting it ready to quilt. Very slowly it seems. It is always a scary moment when I first start to quilt something. Once I get going it is OK. It is the getting going that takes some time. My motivation is off for the week visiting relatives and out of Messenger range. I can do it! Yes I can!! It seems like I haven't gotten anything else done in the mean time so I might take a break and do something else real quick. Even though I shouldn't. I should just quilt and then it will be done. And I will be so proud of myself. Hmmm!!?? We shall see.

I guess I really have done somethings since last I typed. I had a Embroidery Club meeting at Handcrafters House on Saturday. I do believe that is my most favorite place in all of Western Australia. I can't ever go there on Friday's because it is impossible to be frugal when you walk in. We are making an armchair caddy. This one will be for all the many remotes. It doesn't look like much yet, but the embroidery takes quite awhile. I am going to attempt to get at least one of the other designs done before next class so that there might be a chance of actually finishing the project next class.

So between quilting and embroidering my machine will be quite busy.

Fortunately I have two, so that I can do so real live sewing on the other one. If I remove the walking foot too often, I may not put it back on again.

I have also completed another block from Nice People Nice Things. I love these. Thank you Joy. I am going to save the rest of the ones that I have traced for when I go visit her.

10 1/2 days until the sew-a-thon. Yippee!!!

Meow

I have also finished my March Block from the Now an Forever BOM. The colors are so bright and cheery. I think this is going to be really nice. I hope the applique portion is not too difficult.

Nice and Bright!

and February with it...

January was just the directions and requirements.

I think that makes me caught up on all the ones I had originally intended to do. We won't count the ones that I still want to start, etc. and the ones that I have picked out colors for but are only a pile of creativity. Hopefully they will stay that way unitl I have gotten a couple of quilts completed. All the way completed.

On that note I should end this and finish the prep work on SQ so that I can get busy.

Wish me luck!!!

A-

A big tree, a medium house and a tiny basket

2009-03-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

I have been bad at my posting, but I have gotten some sewing done. I finished my purple basket and I like the way it turned out. It was really easy, so I will probably do more when I get a few other things accomplished.

I have also finished my March block from Harmony Village. It is really big!!!

And I finished my Come Over to my House March block.

Now on to borders, and Calico Cut-Ups, Willowberry Designs, More Borders, Pinning and Quilting and Now and Forever. Hmmmm??????????????????? Too many things? Never. Better get busy.

Later.

What To Do?

2009-03-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

I am spinning around the sewing room trying to decide what to do for Frugal Friday. I have lots to choose from.

Last night I started a cute little basket from scraps http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2008/05/tutorial-fabric-basket.html that has me stuck hunting a color for the bottom and a handle. Maybe it will be easier in the sunshine. I think I am aiming for a green shade but I will keep trying.

I also have the March block from Harmony village to get busy on. It is a many layered tree so I can find lots of green shades for that as well. It looks like it will be a treasure hunt day but that is OK. You never know what you will find.

I am very happy to play with lots of things now that I have finished my son's pillow. Complete with stippling which I am new too and lack any kind of confidence in doing. Practice, practice, practice!!!!! It matches his quilt that I finally finished last year after starting it 4 years ago when we lived in Saudi Arabia. Wanting to finish while we were still living in Australia I turned it over to Marlene at Redgate Quilting in Alexandria, Victoria. I was not disappointed, she did a beautiful job, but I am determined that I will do my own quilting from now on. I can do it!!! I will get confident!!!

Doesn't he look peaceful?

I must also work on my Mom's borders some more. I think that will be OK on Frugal Friday since it was super sale fabric and it has been in my stash for a very long time. This should be more than enough to keep me busy.

On that note--time to dive into the stash and hunt for some green bits.

Happy frugalness!

Scrap Heap Challenge and Changes in Matter

2009-03-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

This sounds like a pretty easy challenge: With Heart and Hands.....: Frugal Friday#links
I have already started sorting through my scrap piles so I have taken a step in the right direction. I also have an abandoned projects drawer that is just screaming to be opened. Poor babies. Also thanks to Michele's 2500 free quilt patterns (also With Heart and Hands), there are many, many, many patterns that can be scrappy. It is also a good day to work on my Come Over to My House and Harmony Village quilts which are both made from scraps (and both frugally free patterns.) Can't wait til Friday. Hope the March blocks are up by then.

The organized ones

Harmony Village scrappy blocks (Jan and Feb)

Come Over to My House (Jan)

and February

Now I think I will go put borders on my mom's quilt that I created out of cheap E-bay charm squares and $10 for 6 meters end of bolt sale fabric. Pretty frugal and it isn't even Friday.

Alice is going to wander off to Quilterland now. The child is WRITING a paper about changes in matter so I should have PLENTY of time. Maybe I should change a piece of fabric into something so he can use it as an example. HMMMMM?

Later

Working on My BOMS

2009-03-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

I have busily been turning my little fabric piles into March blocks.

Debbie Mumm Natural Wonders

Debbie Mumm Christmas Wishes (2008)

Nine Block Nirvana from Block Central

And just to catch up

January, February and March

I even took a break inbetween and did the Gail Pan stitchery. I really love her designs and plan on doing her wallhanging that is in Australian Country Threads Vol 9 No 5

I also traced quite a few blocks from Nice People Nice Things while watching Nascar, so I have a lot to keep me busy. I must also start working on pinning the great summer holiday mystery and my sister's quilt which will remind her of the Dallas Cowboys.

Now I should try to sleep. I need energy to pin. It would be nice to finish one of those before the end of March.

My First Real Post

2009-03-04T21:17:00.000-08:00

Yay! Thanks to my dear friend and my patient hubby I have a blog. I now need keep up with it.
I have wanted to do this for so long, because I have so many projects going that I needed a way to keep track. Old age is setting in and if I don't write things down they tend to be forgotten.
I have started around 13 BOMS, a mystery quilt, a quilt for my sister and another for my mom and many, many so far uncounted UFO's. Hopefully this will get me organized. I try not to use that word too often--maybe less chaotic is a better word.
I have accomplished something today--inbetween homeschooling.
I have cut all the pieces for the March blocks of Debbie Mumm 2009 and 2008 BOMS and the March block from Nirvana. Maybe as the day wears on I can get some of them put together.
For now I must finish laundry and encourage the child on how to write an excellent paragraph.

Welcome

2009-03-02T21:28:00.001-08:00

hello

Welcome

2009-03-02T21:28:00.000-08:00